Sample records for initial studies demonstrated

  1. "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…

  2. The Myth of Peer Influence in Adolescent Smoking Initiation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Arnett, Jeffrey Jensen

    2007-01-01

    The widespread belief that peer influence is the primary cause of adolescent smoking initiation is examined and called into question. Correlational and longitudinal studies purporting to demonstrate peer influence are analyzed, and their limitations described. Qualitative interview studies of adolescent smoking initiation are presented as…

  3. Demonstration of GTG as an endogenous initiation codon for a human mRNA transcript revealed by molecular cloning of the serpin endopin 2B.

    PubMed

    Hwang, Shin-Rong; Garza, Christina Z; Wegrzyn, Jill; Hook, Vivian Y H

    2004-08-16

    This study demonstrates utilization of the novel GTG initiation codon for translation of a human mRNA transcript that encodes the serpin endopin 2B, a protease inhibitor. Molecular cloning revealed the nucleotide sequence of the human endopin 2B cDNA. Its deduced primary sequence shows high homology to bovine endopin 2A that possesses cross-class protease inhibition of elastase and papain. Notably, the human endopin 2B cDNA sequence revealed GTG as the predicted translation initiation codon; the predicted translation product of 46 kDa endopin 2B was produced by in vitro translation of 35S-endopin 2B with mammalian (rabbit) protein translation components. Importantly, bioinformatic studies demonstrated the presence of the entire human endopin 2B cDNA sequence with GTG as initiation codon within the human genome on chromosome 14. Further evidence for GTG as a functional initiation codon was illustrated by GTG-mediated in vitro translation of the heterologous protein EGFP, and by GTG-mediated expression of EGFP in mammalian PC12 cells. Mutagenesis of GTG to GTC resulted in the absence of EGFP expression in PC12 cells, indicating the function of GTG as an initiation codon. In addition, it was apparent that the GTG initiation codon produces lower levels of translated protein compared to ATG as initiation codon. Significantly, GTG-mediated translation of endopin 2B demonstrates a functional human gene product not previously predicted from initial analyses of the human genome. Further analyses based on GTG as an alternative initiation codon may predict new candidate genes of the human genome.

  4. Autonomous aircraft initiative study

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hewett, Marle D.

    1991-01-01

    The results of a consulting effort to aid NASA Ames-Dryden in defining a new initiative in aircraft automation are described. The initiative described is a multi-year, multi-center technology development and flight demonstration program. The initiative features the further development of technologies in aircraft automation already being pursued at multiple NASA centers and Department of Defense (DoD) research and Development (R and D) facilities. The proposed initiative involves the development of technologies in intelligent systems, guidance, control, software development, airborne computing, navigation, communications, sensors, unmanned vehicles, and air traffic control. It involves the integration and implementation of these technologies to the extent necessary to conduct selected and incremental flight demonstrations.

  5. Demonstration of GTG as an alternative initiation codon for the serpin endopin 2B-2.

    PubMed

    Hwang, Shin-Rong; Garza, Christina Z; Wegrzyn, Jill L; Hook, Vivian Y H

    2005-02-18

    This study demonstrates GTG as a novel, alternative initiation codon for translation of bovine endopin 2B-2, a serpin protease inhibitor. Molecular cDNA cloning revealed the endopin 2B-1 and endopin 2B-2 isoforms that are predicted to inhibit papain and elastase. Notably, GTG was demonstrated as the initiation codon for endopin 2B-2, whereas endopin 2B-1 possesses ATG as its initiation codon. GTG mediated in vitro translation of 46kDa endopin 2B-2. GTG also mediated translation of EGFP by in vitro translation and by expression in mammalian cells. Notably, mutagenesis of GTG to GTC resulted in the absence of EGFP expression in cells. GTG produced a lower level of protein expression compared to ATG. The use of GTG as an initiation codon to direct translation of endopin 2B, as well as the heterologous protein EGFP, demonstrates the role of GTG in the regulation of mRNA translation in mammalian cells. Significantly, further analyses of mammalian genomes based on GTG as an alternative initiation codon may predict new candidate gene products expressed by mammalian and human genomes.

  6. Physical initialization using SSM/I rain rates

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Krishnamurti, T. N.; Bedi, H. S.; Ingles, Kevin

    1993-01-01

    Following our recent study on physical initialization for tropical prediction using rain rates based on outgoing long-wave radiation, the present study demonstrates a major improvement from the use of microwave radiance-based rain rates. A rain rate algorithm is used on the data from a special sensor microwave instrument (SSM/I). The initialization, as before, uses a reverse surface similarity theory, a reverse cumulus parameterization algorithm, and a bisection method to minimize the difference between satellite-based and the model-based outgoing long-wave radiation. These are invoked within a preforecast Newtonian relaxation phase of the initialization. These tests are carried out with a high-resolution global spectral model. The impact of the initialization on forecast is tested for a complex triple typhoon scenario over the Western Pacific Ocean during September 1987. A major impact from the inclusion of the SSM/I is demonstrated. Also addressed are the spin-up issues related to the typhoon structure and the improved water budget from the physical initialization.

  7. 40 CFR 63.7940 - By what date must I conduct performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... compliance is not demonstrated using a performance test or design evaluation, you must demonstrate initial... performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations? 63.7940 Section 63.7940 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL EMISSION STANDARDS...

  8. Characteristics of Patient-Centered Medical Home Initiatives that Generated Savings for Medicare: a Qualitative Multi-Case Analysis.

    PubMed

    Burton, Rachel A; Lallemand, Nicole M; Peters, Rebecca A; Zuckerman, Stephen

    2018-02-05

    Through the Multi-Payer Advanced Primary Care Practice (MAPCP) Demonstration, Medicare, Medicaid, and private payers offered supplemental payments to 849 primary care practices that became patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) in eight states; practices also received technical assistance and data reports. Average Medicare payments were capped at $10 per beneficiary per month in each state. Since there was variation in the eight participating states' demonstration designs, experiences, and outcomes, we conducted a qualitative multi-case analysis to identify the key factors that differentiated states that were estimated to have generated net savings for Medicare from states that did not. States' MAPCP Demonstration initiatives were comprehensively profiled in case studies based on secondary document review, three rounds of annual interviews with state staff, payers, practices, and other stakeholders, and other data sources. Case study findings were summarized in a case-ordered predictor-outcome matrix, which identified the presence or absence of key demonstration design features and experiences and arrayed states based on the amount of net savings or losses they generated for Medicare. We then used this matrix to identify initiative features that were present in at least three of the four states that generated net savings and absent from at least three of the four states that did not generate savings. A majority of the states that generated net savings: required practices to be recognized PCMHs to enter the demonstration, did not allow late entrants into the demonstration, used a consistent demonstration payment model across participating payers, and offered practices opportunities to earn performance bonuses. Practices in states that generated net savings also tended to report receiving the demonstration payments and bonuses they expected to receive, without any issues. Designers of future PCMH initiatives may increase their likelihood of generating net savings by incorporating the demonstration features we identified.

  9. The Name-Letter-Effect in Groups: Sharing Initials with Group Members Increases the Quality of Group Work

    PubMed Central

    Polman, Evan; Pollmann, Monique M. H.; Poehlman, T. Andrew

    2013-01-01

    Although the name-letter-effect has been demonstrated reliably in choice contexts, recent research has called into question the existence of the name-letter-effect–the tendency among people to make choices that bear remarkable similarity with the letters in their own name. In this paper, we propose a connection between the name-letter-effect and interpersonal, group-level behavior that has not been previously captured in the literature. Specifically, we suggest that sharing initials with other group members promotes positive feelings toward those group members that in turn affect group outcomes. Using both field and laboratory studies, we found that sharing initials with group members cause groups to perform better by demonstrating greater performance, collective efficacy, adaptive conflict, and accuracy (on a hidden-profile task). Although many studies have investigated the effects of member similarity on various outcomes, our research demonstrates how minimal a degree of similarity among members is sufficient to influence quality of group outcomes. PMID:24236087

  10. Initial Development and Pilot Study Design of Interactive Lecture Demonstrations for ASTRO 101

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schwortz, Andria C.; French, D. A; Gutierrez, Joseph V; Sanchez, Richard L; Slater, Timothy F.; Tatge, Coty

    2014-06-01

    Interactive lecture demonstrations (ILDs) have repeatedly shown to be effective tools for improving student achievement in the context of learning physics. As a first step toward systematic development of interactive lecture demonstrations in ASTRO 101, the introductory astronomy survey course, a systematic review of education research, describing educational computer simulations (ECSs) reveals that initial development requires a targeted study of how ASTRO 101 students respond to ECSs in the non-science majoring undergraduate lecture setting. In this project we have adopted the process by which ILDs were designed, pilot-tested, and successfully implemented in the context of physics teaching (Sokoloff & Thornton, 1997; Sokoloff & Thornton, 2004). We have designed the initial pilot-test set of ASTRO 101 ILD instructional materials relying heavily on ECSs. Both an instructor’s manual and a preliminary classroom-ready student workbook have been developed, and we are implementing a pilot study to explore their effectiveness in communicating scientific content, and the extent to which they might enhance students’ knowledge of and perception about astronomy and science in general. The study design uses a pre-/post-test quasi-experimental study design measuring students’ normalized gain scores, calculated as per Hake (1998) and Prather (2009), using a slightly modified version of S. Slater’s (2011) Test Of Astronomy STandards TOAST combined with other instruments. The results of this initial study will guide the iterative development of ASTRO 101 ILDs that are intended to both be effective at enhancing student achievement and easy for instructors to successfully implement.

  11. The Construction of Interculturality: A Study of Initial Encounters between Japanese and American Students.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mori, Junko

    2003-01-01

    Investigates how Japanese and American students initiate topical talk as they get acquainted with each other during their initial encounter at a student-organized conversation table. Looks at the observable and reportable ways in which the participants demonstrate the relevance, or the irrelevance, of interculturality in the development of the…

  12. A unique approach to demonstrating that apical bud temperature specifically determines leaf initiation rate in the dicot Cucumis sativus.

    PubMed

    Savvides, Andreas; Dieleman, Janneke A; van Ieperen, Wim; Marcelis, Leo F M

    2016-04-01

    Leaf initiation rate is largely determined by the apical bud temperature even when apical bud temperature largely deviates from the temperature of other plant organs. We have long known that the rate of leaf initiation (LIR) is highly sensitive to temperature, but previous studies in dicots have not rigorously demonstrated that apical bud temperature controls LIR independent of other plant organs temperature. Many models assume that apical bud and leaf temperature are the same. In some environments, the temperature of the apical bud, where leaf initiation occurs, may differ by several degrees Celsius from the temperature of other plant organs. In a 28-days study, we maintained temperature differences between the apical bud and the rest of the individual Cucumis sativus plants from -7 to +8 °C by enclosing the apical buds in transparent, temperature-controlled, flow-through, spheres. Our results demonstrate that LIR was completely determined by apical bud temperature independent of other plant organs temperature. These results emphasize the need to measure or model apical bud temperatures in dicots to improve the prediction of crop development rates in simulation models.

  13. 40 CFR 63.5722 - How do I use the performance test data to demonstrate initial compliance?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 12 2011-07-01 2009-07-01 true How do I use the performance test data... Manufacturing Demonstrating Compliance for Open Molding Operations Controlled by Add-on Control Devices § 63.5722 How do I use the performance test data to demonstrate initial compliance? Demonstrate initial...

  14. 40 CFR 63.5722 - How do I use the performance test data to demonstrate initial compliance?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 12 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true How do I use the performance test data... Manufacturing Demonstrating Compliance for Open Molding Operations Controlled by Add-on Control Devices § 63.5722 How do I use the performance test data to demonstrate initial compliance? Demonstrate initial...

  15. Study of New Youth Initiatives in Apprenticeship. Interim Report. Volume 1: Summary and Issues.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    CSR, Inc., Washington, DC.

    This first volume of the interim report on the Study of New Youth Initiatives in Apprenticeship presents a discussion of site visit findings and implementation issues related to the United States Department of Labor's Apprenticeship-School Linkage Demonstrations. (Volume 2, site visit reports, is available separately as CE 032 792.) Chapter 1…

  16. A Case Study of Team-Initiated Problem Solving Addressing Student Behavior in One Elementary School

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Todd, Anne W.; Horner, Robert H.; Berry, Dorothy; Sanders, Carol; Bugni, Michelle; Currier, Allison; Potts, Nicky; Newton, J. Stephen; Algozzine, Bob; Algozzine, Kate

    2012-01-01

    Team-Initiated Problem Solving (TIPS) is an approach for organizing school team meetings to improve identification of targeted problems, use of data in the development of solutions, and development of implemented action plans. TIPS has been demonstrated in single-case and randomized controlled trial studies to improve the effectiveness of teams to…

  17. Used Nuclear Fuel Loading and Structural Performance Under Normal Conditions of Transport- Demonstration of Approach and Results on Used Fuel Performance Characterization

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

    Adkins, Harold; Geelhood, Ken; Koeppel, Brian

    2013-09-30

    This document addresses Oak Ridge National Laboratory milestone M2FT-13OR0822015 Demonstration of Approach and Results on Used Nuclear Fuel Performance Characterization. This report provides results of the initial demonstration of the modeling capability developed to perform preliminary deterministic evaluations of moderate-to-high burnup used nuclear fuel (UNF) mechanical performance under normal conditions of storage (NCS) and normal conditions of transport (NCT) conditions. This report also provides results from the sensitivity studies that have been performed. Finally, discussion on the long-term goals and objectives of this initiative are provided.

  18. Fostering young children's interest in numeracy through demonstration of its value: the Footsteps Study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Colliver, Yeshe

    2017-07-01

    Children's early mathematical abilities are fundamental to their later academic achievement. An interest in mathematics in the early years is likely to establish a positive attitude to later mathematical learning, hopefully sustaining continued interest in mathematics and mathematical learning. Approaches to early mathematics teaching in the early years, however, are typically adult-initiated, which may fail to capture children's interest. Given the importance of children's motivation and sustained interest, the study described here strove to spark children's interests in mathematical problems in everyday life. The study sought to determine if children would incorporate more numeracy-related concepts into their free play if exposed to adult demonstrations of age-appropriate numeracy activities such as patterning. For at least 15 min three times weekly, participating children's parents and educators demonstrated numeracy problem-solving nearby, while children engaged in other activities. Demonstrations were thought to ascribe social value to the problem-solving activities. If children became interested in participating, adults told them to wait until the demonstrations finished, further indicating social value. Results show these children chose to play with numeracy-related activities in their free play time at preschool significantly more than children in a control group. These results suggest that seeking to foster children's interest in mathematics through child-initiated play, rather than prescribing adult-initiated mathematics activities, may be an important means of laying the foundation for lifelong mathematics learning. Ascribing social value to numeracy applications is proposed as a new approach to teaching mathematics in the early years.

  19. The role of prevention focus under stereotype threat: Initial cognitive mobilization is followed by depletion.

    PubMed

    Ståhl, Tomas; Van Laar, Colette; Ellemers, Naomi

    2012-06-01

    Previous research has demonstrated that stereotype threat induces a prevention focus and impairs central executive functions. The present research examines how these 2 consequences of stereotype threat are related. The authors argue that the prevention focus is responsible for the effects of stereotype threat on executive functions and cognitive performance. However, because the prevention focus is adapted to deal with threatening situations, the authors propose that it also leads to some beneficial responses to stereotype threat. Specifically, because stereotype threat signals a high risk of failure, a prevention focus initiates immediate recruitment of cognitive control resources. The authors further argue that this response initially facilitates cognitive performance but that the additional cognitive demands associated with working under threat lead to cognitive depletion over time. Study 1 demonstrates that stereotype threat (vs. control) facilitates immediate cognitive control capacity during a stereotype-relevant task. Study 2 experimentally demonstrates the process by showing that stereotype threat (vs. control) facilitates cognitive control as a default, as well as when a prevention focus has been experimentally induced, but not when a promotion focus has been induced. Study 3 shows that stereotype threat facilitates initial math performance under a prevention focus, whereas no effect is found under a promotion focus. Consistent with previous research, however, stereotype threat impaired math performance over time under a prevention focus, but not under a promotion focus. 2012 APA, all rights reserved

  20. 40 CFR 63.2261 - By what date must I conduct performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... tests upon initial startup or no later than 180 calendar days after the compliance date that is... conduct initial compliance demonstrations that do not require performance tests upon initial startup or no...

  1. Variability in University Students' Use of Technology: An "Approaches to Learning" Perspective

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mimirinis, Mike

    2016-01-01

    This study reports the results of a cross-case study analysis of how students' approaches to learning are demonstrated in blended learning environments. It was initially propositioned that approaches to learning as key determinants of the quality of student learning outcomes are demonstrated specifically in how students utilise technology in…

  2. NATURAL ATTENUATION OF FUEL HYDROCARBONS AT MULTIPLE AIR FORCE BASE DEMONSTRATION SITES

    EPA Science Inventory

    A major initiative to evaluate monitored natural attenuation(MNA) of ground water contaminated with fuel hydrocarbons began in June 1993 and continued through October 2000. During this time site characterization studies, both initial and follow-up, were conducted at 28 Air Forc...

  3. The Natural History of Neoplasia

    PubMed Central

    Pitot, Henry C.

    1977-01-01

    The stages of initiation and promotion in the natural history of epidermal carcinogenesis have been known for many years. Recently, experimental systems other than skin have been shown to exhibit similar, if not completely analogous, stages in the natural history of neoplasia. In particular, the demonstration by Peraino and his associates that phenobarbital may enhance the production of hepatomas by a relatively subcarcinogenic dose of acetylaminofluorene was one of the first demonstrations of stages occurring in an extraepidermal neoplasm. Studies reported in this paper have demonstrated that administration of phenobarbital (0.05% in the diet) for 6 months following a single dose of diethylnitrosamine (5 to 10 mg/kg) given within 24 hours after partial hepatectomy resulted in a marked increase in the number of enzyme-altered foci in the liver as well as in the production of hepatocellular carcinomas. This was compared to animals receiving only a single dose of diethylnitrosamine following partial hepatectomy with no further treatment, in which only a relatively small number of foci were evident in the absence of phenobarbital feeding. Using three different enzyme markers, a distinct degree of phenotypic heterogeneity of the enzyme-altered foci in liver was demonstrated. These studies have shown that liver carcinogensis can be readily divided into two stages: a) initiation by a single dose of diethylnitrosamine following partial hepatectomy and b) promotion by the continuous feeding of phenobarbital. Furthermore, the immediate progeny of the initiated cells, the enzyme-altered focus, may be recognized by suitable microscopic means prior to the formation of gross lesions as required in the skin system. These initiated cell populations exhibit a degree of biochemical heterogeneity which reflects that seen in fully developed hepatic neoplasms, suggesting that promotion and progression in this system does not significantly alter the basic biochemical characteristics of the initiated cell. PMID:21565

  4. Dynamics of representational change: entropy, action, and cognition.

    PubMed

    Stephen, Damian G; Dixon, James A; Isenhower, Robert W

    2009-12-01

    Explaining how the cognitive system can create new structures has been a major challenge for cognitive science. Self-organization from the theory of nonlinear dynamics offers an account of this remarkable phenomenon. Two studies provide an initial test of the hypothesis that the emergence of new cognitive structure follows the same universal principles as emergence in other domains (e.g., fluids, lasers). In both studies, participants initially solved gear-system problems by manually tracing the force across a system of gears. Subsequently, they discovered that the gears form an alternating sequence, thereby demonstrating a new cognitive structure. In both studies, dynamical analyses of action during problem solving predicted the spontaneous emergence of the new cognitive structure. Study 1 showed that a peak in entropy, followed by negentropy, key indicators of self-organization, predicted discovery of alternation. Study 2 replicated these effects, and showed that increasing environmental entropy accelerated discovery, a classic prediction from dynamics. Additional analyses based on the relationship between phase transitions and power-law behavior provide converging evidence. The studies provide an initial demonstration of the emergence of cognitive structure through self-organization.

  5. Radioscintigraphic demonstration of unsuspected urine extravasation

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

    Bocchini, T.; Williams, W.; Patton, D.

    Three cases of unsuspected urine extravasation first detected by radionuclide scintigraphy are presented with subsequent confirmation by CT and, retrograde pyelograms. A renal study done to rule out acute transplant rejection demonstrates gallbladder uptake which was initially thought to be consistent with urine extravasation.

  6. 40 CFR 63.7822 - What test methods and other procedures must I use to demonstrate initial compliance with the...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... must I use to demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limits for particulate matter? 63.7822... demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limits for particulate matter? (a) You must conduct each... applicable emission limit for particulate matter in Table 1 to this subpart, follow the test methods and...

  7. 40 CFR 63.7822 - What test methods and other procedures must I use to demonstrate initial compliance with the...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... must I use to demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limits for particulate matter? 63.7822... demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limits for particulate matter? (a) You must conduct each... applicable emission limit for particulate matter in Table 1 to this subpart, follow the test methods and...

  8. Abriendo Caminos Para La Educacion: A Case Study of a Parent Outreach Initiative Building on the Knowledge, Skills, and Resources of the Latina/o Community

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fernandez, Graciela

    2010-01-01

    Informed by research studies that demonstrate a positive relationship between parent engagement and student academic attainment, state and national parent outreach initiatives have aimed to bridge the gap between Latina/o parents and schools. Such was the case with the Latina/o Family, School and Community "Avanzando" Project, which…

  9. Effect of text message follow-up on patient's self-reported level of pain and anxiety.

    PubMed

    Keith, Daniel J; Rinchuse, Daniel J; Kennedy, Meghan; Zullo, Thomas

    2013-07-01

    To determine whether a text message reduces the severity of patient self-reported levels of pain and anxiety following initial placement of orthodontic appliances. Thirty-nine orthodontic patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups and matched for age, gender, and bracket type (self-ligating vs conventional). The subjects completed baseline questionnaires to ascertain their levels of pain and anxiety before initiating orthodontic treatment. Following the initial appointment, subjects completed the pain questionnaire and anxiety inventory at the same time daily for 1 week. One group received a structured text message showing concern and reassurance, while the second group served as a control and received no postprocedural communication. There was a statistically significant difference in pain in relation to time between the text message group and the control group as it was demonstrated that demonstrated that compared with the text message group, mean pain intensity increased and selfreported discomfort was longer in the control group. Anxiety was determined to be at its peak the day following initial orthodontic appliance placement and gradually tapered off from that time point. No intergroup difference was noted when analyzing anxiety. This study demonstrated that a text message sent from an orthodontic office following initial appliance placement resulted in a lower level of patient's self-reported pain. Additionally, patient anxiety is at its peak the day following the initial appointment and decreases from that point forward.

  10. 40 CFR 63.2166 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations if I monitor brew ethanol?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 13 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations if I monitor brew ethanol? 63.2166 Section 63.2166 Protection of... ethanol? (a) You must demonstrate initial compliance with each emission limitation that applies to you...

  11. 40 CFR 63.2166 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations if I monitor brew ethanol?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 13 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations if I monitor brew ethanol? 63.2166 Section 63.2166 Protection of... ethanol? (a) You must demonstrate initial compliance with each emission limitation that applies to you...

  12. 40 CFR 63.2166 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations if I monitor brew ethanol?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 13 2013-07-01 2012-07-01 true How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations if I monitor brew ethanol? 63.2166 Section 63.2166 Protection of... ethanol? (a) You must demonstrate initial compliance with each emission limitation that applies to you...

  13. 40 CFR 63.9915 - What test methods and other procedures must I use to demonstrate initial compliance with dioxin...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... must I use to demonstrate initial compliance with dioxin/furan emission limits? 63.9915 Section 63.9915....9915 What test methods and other procedures must I use to demonstrate initial compliance with dioxin... limit for dioxins/furans in Table 1 to this subpart, you must follow the test methods and procedures...

  14. Therapy-induced selective loss of leukemia-initiating activity in murine adult T cell leukemia

    PubMed Central

    El Hajj, Hiba; El-Sabban, Marwan; Hasegawa, Hideki; Zaatari, Ghazi; Ablain, Julien; Saab, Shahrazad T.; Janin, Anne; Mahfouz, Rami; Nasr, Rihab; Kfoury, Youmna; Nicot, Christophe; Hermine, Olivier; Hall, William

    2010-01-01

    Chronic HTLV-I (human T cell lymphotropic virus type I) infection may cause adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL), a disease with dismal long-term prognosis. The HTLV-I transactivator, Tax, initiates ATL in transgenic mice. In this study, we demonstrate that an As2O3 and IFN-α combination, known to trigger Tax proteolysis, cures Tax-driven ATL in mice. Unexpectedly, this combination therapy abrogated initial leukemia engraftment into secondary recipients, whereas the primary tumor bulk still grew in the primary hosts, only to ultimately abate later on. This loss of initial transplantability required proteasome function. A similar regimen recently yielded unprecedented disease control in human ATL. Our demonstration that this drug combination targeting Tax stability abrogates tumor cell immortality but not short-term growth may foretell a favorable long-term efficiency of this regimen in patients. PMID:21135137

  15. FAST TRACK COMMUNICATION: Soliton solutions of the KP equation with V-shape initial waves

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kodama, Y.; Oikawa, M.; Tsuji, H.

    2009-08-01

    We consider the initial value problems of the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (KP) equation for symmetric V-shape initial waves consisting of two semi-infinite line solitons with the same amplitude. Those are particularly important for studies of large amplitude waves such as tsunami in shallow water. Numerical simulations show that the solutions of the initial value problem approach asymptotically to certain exact solutions of the KP equation found recently in [1]. We then use a chord diagram to explain the asymptotic result. This provides an analytical method to study asymptotic behavior for the initial value problem of the KP equation. We also demonstrate a real experiment of shallow water waves which may represent the solution discussed in this communication.

  16. 40 CFR 63.6610 - By what date must I conduct the initial performance tests or other initial compliance...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... initial performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations if I own or operate a stationary RICE... performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations if I own or operate a stationary RICE with a site... stationary RICE with a site rating of more than 500 brake HP located at a major source of HAP emissions you...

  17. 40 CFR 63.6610 - By what date must I conduct the initial performance tests or other initial compliance...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... initial performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations if I own or operate a stationary RICE... performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations if I own or operate a stationary RICE with a site... stationary RICE with a site rating of more than 500 brake HP located at a major source of HAP emissions you...

  18. Development and Initial Validation of the Intimate Violence Responsibility Scale (IVRS)

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yun, Sung Hyun; Vonk, M. Elizabeth

    2011-01-01

    The present study demonstrates the development and initial examination of psychometric properties of the Intimate Violence Responsibility Scale (IVRS) in a community-based sample (N = 527). The underlying factor structure of the IVRS was tested by the exploratory factor analysis (Principal Axis Factoring), which identifies the four factors:…

  19. Identifying and Articulating Library Connections to Student Success

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Massengale, Lisa; Piotrowski, Pattie; Savage, Devin

    2016-01-01

    Engaging in ongoing assessment is key to libraries demonstrating their value to their institutions. This study is an initial step in a STEM library's long-term goal of measuring the library's connection to, and impact on, student academic success markers such as retention and persistence. Initial results showed that any library usage was always…

  20. One Kid at a Time: Evaluative Case Studies and Description of the Alaska Youth Initiative Demonstration Project.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Burchard, John D.; And Others

    This monograph presents an evaluative description of the Alaska Youth Initiative (AYI), a community-based interagency program serving children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavioral disorders. Principles of the program include a no reject policy and a "wraparound" service delivery approach. The monograph offers information…

  1. Development and Initial Validation of the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms-34

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Locke, Benjamin D.; McAleavey, Andrew A.; Zhao, Yu; Lei, Pui-Wa; Hayes, Jeffrey A.; Castonguay, Louis G.; Li, Hongli; Tate, Robin; Lin, Yu-Chu

    2012-01-01

    A short version of the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms-62 (CCAPS-62) was created via three studies. The final short version (CCAPS-34), which contains 34 items and 7 subscales, demonstrated good discrimination power, support for the proposed factor structure, strong initial convergent validity, and adequate test-retest…

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

    PubMed

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

    2017-09-01

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

  3. Longitudinal Assessment of Synovial, Lymph Node, and Bone Volumes in Inflammatory Arthritis in Mice using in vivo MRI and micro-CT

    PubMed Central

    Proulx, Steven T.; Kwok, Edmund; You, Zhigang; Papuga, M. Owen; Beck, Christopher A.; Shealy, David J.; Ritchlin, Christopher T.; Awad, Hani A.; Boyce, Brendan F.; Xing, Lianping; Schwarz, Edward M.

    2009-01-01

    Objective Development of longitudinal 3D outcomes of inflammation and bone erosion in murine arthritis using contrast enhanced (CE) MRI and in vivo micro-CT; and in a pilot study, to determine the value of entrance criteria by age versus synovial volume in therapeutic intervention studies. Methods CE-MRI and in vivo micro-CT was performed on TNF-Tg and WT littermates to quantify the synovial and popliteal lymph node (LN) volumes and patella and talus bone volumes, respectively, which were validated with histology. These longitudinal outcome measures were used to assess the natural history of inflammatory-erosive arthritis. We also performed anti-TNF versus placebo efficacy studies in TNF-Tg mice in which treatment was initiated either by age (4–5 months) or synovial volume (3mm3 as detected by CE-MRI). Linear regression was performed to analyze the correlation between synovitis and focal erosion. Results CE-MRI demonstrated the highly variable nature of TNF-induced joint inflammation. Initiation of treatment by synovial volume produced significantly larger treatment effects on synovial volume (p=0.04) and lymph node volume (p<0.01) than initiation by age. By correlating the MRI and microCT data we were able to demonstrate a significant relationship between changes in synovial and patellar volumes (R2 =0.75; p<0.01). Conclusion In vivo CE-MRI and micro-CT 3D outcome measures are powerful tools that accurately demonstrate the progression of inflammatory-erosive arthritis in mice. These methods can be used to identify mice with arthritis of similar severity before intervention studies are initiated and thus minimize heterogeneity in outcome studies of chronic arthritis seen between genetically identical littermates. PMID:18050199

  4. 40 CFR 63.11960 - What are my initial and continuous compliance requirements for stripped resin?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ...) Demonstration of initial compliance. You must demonstrate initial compliance for each resin stripper or for each group of resin strippers used to process the same resin type. (1) You must conduct an initial performance test for the resin stripper, measuring the concentration of vinyl chloride and total non-vinyl...

  5. 40 CFR 63.11960 - What are my initial and continuous compliance requirements for stripped resin?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ...) Demonstration of initial compliance. You must demonstrate initial compliance for each resin stripper or for each group of resin strippers used to process the same resin type. (1) You must conduct an initial performance test for the resin stripper, measuring the concentration of vinyl chloride and total non-vinyl...

  6. 40 CFR 63.11960 - What are my initial and continuous compliance requirements for stripped resin?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ...) Demonstration of initial compliance. You must demonstrate initial compliance for each resin stripper or for each group of resin strippers used to process the same resin type. (1) You must conduct an initial performance test for the resin stripper, measuring the concentration of vinyl chloride and total non-vinyl...

  7. Domestic Violence and Dependency Courts: The "Greenbook" Demonstration Experience

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Malik, Neena M.; Silverman, Jerry; Wang, Kathleen; Janczewski, Colleen

    2008-01-01

    This field study reports on a cross-site evaluation of dependency courts in communities receiving federal funding to implement the "Greenbook" initiative, a multisite demonstration for community improvement of coordinated responses to families victimized by domestic violence and child maltreatment. This article focuses on the dependency court,…

  8. ENSO Predictions in an Intermediate Coupled Model Influenced by Removing Initial Condition Errors in Sensitive Areas: A Target Observation Perspective

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tao, Ling-Jiang; Gao, Chuan; Zhang, Rong-Hua

    2018-07-01

    Previous studies indicate that ENSO predictions are particularly sensitive to the initial conditions in some key areas (socalled "sensitive areas"). And yet, few studies have quantified improvements in prediction skill in the context of an optimal observing system. In this study, the impact on prediction skill is explored using an intermediate coupled model in which errors in initial conditions formed to make ENSO predictions are removed in certain areas. Based on ideal observing system simulation experiments, the importance of various observational networks on improvement of El Niño prediction skill is examined. The results indicate that the initial states in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific are important to improve El Ni˜no prediction skill effectively. When removing the initial condition errors in the central equatorial Pacific, ENSO prediction errors can be reduced by 25%. Furthermore, combinations of various subregions are considered to demonstrate the efficiency on ENSO prediction skill. Particularly, seasonally varying observational networks are suggested to improve the prediction skill more effectively. For example, in addition to observing in the central equatorial Pacific and its north throughout the year, increasing observations in the eastern equatorial Pacific during April to October is crucially important, which can improve the prediction accuracy by 62%. These results also demonstrate the effectiveness of the conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation approach on detecting sensitive areas for target observations.

  9. Initiation of rotors by fast propagation regions in excitable media: A theoretical study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gao, Xiang; Krekhov, Alexei; Zykov, Vladimir; Bodenschatz, Eberhard

    2018-02-01

    We study the effect of geometry of a fast propagation region (FPR) in an excitable medium on the rotor initiation using a generic two-dimensional reaction-diffusion model. We find that, while the flat boundary of a rectangularly shaped FPR may block the propagation of the excitation wave, a large local curvature at the rounded corners of the FPR would prevent the blockage and thus initiate a rotor. Our simulations demonstrate that the prerequisites for the rotor initiation are the degree of the heterogeneity, its shape and size. These results may explain the incidence of arrhythmias by local heterogeneities induced, for example, by a cardiac tissue remodeling.

  10. 40 CFR 63.2261 - By what date must I conduct performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... initial startup or no later than 180 calendar days after the compliance date that is specified for your... compliance demonstrations that do not require performance tests upon initial startup or no later than 30...

  11. 40 CFR 63.2261 - By what date must I conduct performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... initial startup or no later than 180 calendar days after the compliance date that is specified for your... compliance demonstrations that do not require performance tests upon initial startup or no later than 30...

  12. Translation Sociology and Social Capital in Rural Development Initiatives. A Case Study from the Italian Alps

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Magnani, Natalia; Struffi, Lauro

    2009-01-01

    This article analyses the results of a European "research and demonstration" project promoting multifunctional and sustainable agriculture in Alpine regions through a participatory approach. It focuses in particular on initiatives undertaken by a local farmers group in the Italian Alpine area of Val di Sole, the purpose being to draw…

  13. 40 CFR 63.7530 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limits and work practice standards?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ..., Fuel Analyses, and Initial Compliance Requirements § 63.7530 How do I demonstrate initial compliance... this section, and Tables 5 and 7 to this subpart OR conducting initial fuel analyses to determine... in one of the liquid fuel subcategories that burn only fossil fuels and other gases and do not burn...

  14. Centaur operations at the space station: Cost and transportation analysis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1988-01-01

    A study was conducted to expand on the results of an initial study entitled Centaur Operations at the Space Station. The previous study developed technology demonstration missions (TDMs) that utilized the Centaur G-prime upper stage to advance OTV technologies required for accomodations and operations at the Space Station. An initial evaluation was performed of the cost to NASA for TDM implementation. Due to the potential for commercial communication satellite operation utilizing the TDM hardware, an evaluation of the Centaur's transportation potential was also performed.

  15. 76 FR 39117 - Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Transformation Initiative Rent Reform Demonstration...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-07-05

    ... Information Collection: Transformation Initiative Rent Reform Demonstration Small Grants AGENCY: Office of... information: Title of Proposal: Notice of Funding Availability for the Transformation Initiative Rent Reform...-96011. Members of the affected public: Institutions of higher education accredited by a national or...

  16. Creation of a computer self-efficacy measure: analysis of internal consistency, psychometric properties, and validity.

    PubMed

    Howard, Matt C

    2014-10-01

    Computer self-efficacy is an often studied construct that has been shown to be related to an array of important individual outcomes. Unfortunately, existing measures of computer self-efficacy suffer from several deficiencies, including criterion contamination, outdated wording, and/or inadequate psychometric properties. For this reason, the current article presents the creation of a new computer self-efficacy measure. In Study 1, an over-representative item list is created and subsequently reduced through exploratory factor analysis to create an initial measure, and the discriminant validity of this initial measure is tested. In Study 2, the unidimensional factor structure of the initial measure is supported through confirmatory factor analysis and further reduced into a final, 12-item measure. In Study 3, the convergent and criterion validity of the 12-item measure is tested. Overall, this three study process demonstrates that the new computer self-efficacy measure has superb psychometric properties and internal reliability, and demonstrates excellent evidence for several aspects of validity. It is hoped that the 12-item computer self-efficacy measure will be utilized in future research on computer self-efficacy, which is discussed in the current article.

  17. Mental Help Seeking Attitudes Scale (MHSAS): Development, reliability, validity, and comparison with the ATSPPH-SF and IASMHS-PO.

    PubMed

    Hammer, Joseph H; Parent, Mike C; Spiker, Douglas A

    2018-01-01

    Attitudes is a key help-seeking construct that influences treatment seeking behavior via intention to seek help, per the theory of planned behavior (TPB). This article presents the development and psychometric evaluation of the Mental Help Seeking Attitudes Scale (MHSAS), designed to measure respondents' overall evaluation (unfavorable vs. favorable) of their seeking help from a mental health professional. In Study 1 (N = 857 United States adults), exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and item response theory (IRT) analysis were used to identify an optimal set of 9 items that demonstrated initial evidence of internal consistency, unidimensionality, and strong measurement equivalence/invariance (ME/I) across gender, past help-seeking experience, and psychological distress. Initial convergent evidence of validity was demonstrated via theoretically anticipated relationships between the MHSAS and key variables in the help-seeking nomological network (e.g., subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, intention, public stigma, self-stigma, anticipated risks and benefits, gender, previous help seeking). Initial incremental evidence of validity was demonstrated when the MHSAS demonstrated the ability to account for unique variance in help-seeking intention, beyond that accounted for by the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help-Short Form scale (ATSPPH-SF) and the Psychological Openness subscale of the Inventory of Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services (IASMHS-PO). Study 2 (N = 207 United States adults at Times 1 and 2) provided initial evidence of test-retest reliability over a 3-week period. The MHSAS offers mental health professionals a new tool for measuring attitudes that may avoid limitations of current help seeking-attitudes measures (e.g., construct-irrelevant variance). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

  18. 40 CFR 63.5722 - How do I use the performance test data to demonstrate initial compliance?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 13 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false How do I use the performance test data... Boat Manufacturing Demonstrating Compliance for Open Molding Operations Controlled by Add-on Control Devices § 63.5722 How do I use the performance test data to demonstrate initial compliance? Demonstrate...

  19. 40 CFR 63.5722 - How do I use the performance test data to demonstrate initial compliance?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 13 2013-07-01 2012-07-01 true How do I use the performance test data... Boat Manufacturing Demonstrating Compliance for Open Molding Operations Controlled by Add-on Control Devices § 63.5722 How do I use the performance test data to demonstrate initial compliance? Demonstrate...

  20. 40 CFR 63.5722 - How do I use the performance test data to demonstrate initial compliance?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 13 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false How do I use the performance test data... Boat Manufacturing Demonstrating Compliance for Open Molding Operations Controlled by Add-on Control Devices § 63.5722 How do I use the performance test data to demonstrate initial compliance? Demonstrate...

  1. Neural Correlates of Individual Differences in Infant Visual Attention and Recognition Memory

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Reynolds, Greg D.; Guy, Maggie W.; Zhang, Dantong

    2011-01-01

    Past studies have identified individual differences in infant visual attention based upon peak look duration during initial exposure to a stimulus. Colombo and colleagues found that infants that demonstrate brief visual fixations (i.e., short lookers) during familiarization are more likely to demonstrate evidence of recognition memory during…

  2. Long-Term Maintenance of Pharmacists' Inhaler Technique Demonstration Skills

    PubMed Central

    Armour, Carol L; Reddel, Helen K; Bosnic-Anticevich, Sinthia Z

    2009-01-01

    Objective To assess the effectiveness of a single educational intervention, followed by patient education training, in pharmacists retaining their inhaler technique skills. Methods A convenience sample of 31 pharmacists attended an educational workshop and their inhaler techniques were assessed. Those randomly assigned to the active group were trained to assess and teach correct Turbuhaler and Diskus inhaler techniques to patients and provided with patient education tools to use in their pharmacies during a 6-month study. Control pharmacists delivered standard care. All pharmacists were reassessed 2 years after initial training. Results Thirty-one pharmacists participated in the study. At the initial assessment, few pharmacists demonstrated correct technique (Turbuhaler:13%, Diskus:6%). All pharmacists in the active group demonstrated correct technique following training. Two years later, pharmacists in the active group demonstrated significantly better inhaler technique than pharmacists in the control group (p < 0.05) for Turbuhaler and Diskus (83% vs.11%; 75% vs.11%, respectively). Conclusion Providing community pharmacists with effective patient education tools and encouraging their involvement in educating patients may contribute to pharmacists maintaining their competence in correct inhaler technique long-term. PMID:19513170

  3. 40 CFR 63.6630 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations and operating limitations?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 13 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false How do I demonstrate initial... Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL EMISSION STANDARDS... Hazardous Air Pollutants for Stationary Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines Testing and Initial...

  4. Integration and Validation of Avian Radars (IVAR)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-07-01

    IVAR study locations. ‘X’ indicates the specified type of demonstration was conducted at that location; ‘B’ indicates a potential Back-up locations... nation two radar with parabolic dishes tilted nsor (AR-1; specifically The initial deployment of avian radar systems at a civil airport was completed...ARTI. 45 Table 4-1. Summary of the IVAR study locations. ‘X’ indicates the specified type of demonstration was conducted at that

  5. X-43D Conceptual Design and Feasibility Study

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Johnson, Donald B.; Robinson, Jeffrey S.

    2005-01-01

    NASA s Next Generation Launch Technology (NGLT) Program, in conjunction with the office of the Director of Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&E), developed an integrated hypersonic technology demonstration roadmap. This roadmap is an integral part of the National Aerospace Initiative (NAI), a multi-year, multi-agency cooperative effort to invest in and develop, among other things, hypersonic technologies. This roadmap contains key ground and flight demonstrations required along the path to developing a reusable hypersonic space access system. One of the key flight demonstrations required for systems that will operate in the high Mach number regime is the X-43D. As currently conceived, the X-43D is a Mach 15 flight test vehicle that incorporates a hydrogen-fueled scramjet engine. The purpose of the X-43D is to gather high Mach number flight environment and engine operability information which is difficult, if not impossible, to gather on the ground. During 2003, the NGLT Future Hypersonic Flight Demonstration Office initiated a feasibility study on the X-43D. The objective of the study was to develop a baseline conceptual design, assess its performance, and identify the key technical issues. The study also produced a baseline program plan, schedule, and cost, along with a list of key programmatic risks.

  6. Quality Improvement Initiatives in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

    PubMed

    Berry, Sameer K; Siegel, Corey A; Melmed, Gil Y

    2017-08-01

    This article serves as an overview of several quality improvement initiatives in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is associated with significant variation in care, suggesting poor quality of care. There have been several efforts to improve the quality of care for patients with IBD. Quality improvement (QI) initiatives in IBD are intended to be patient-centric, improve outcomes for individuals and populations, and reduce costs-all consistent with "the triple aim" put forth by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). Current QI initiatives include the development of quality measure sets to standardize processes and outcomes, learning health systems to foster collaborative improvement, and patient-centered medical homes specific to patients with IBD in shared risk models of care. Some of these programs have demonstrated early success in improving patient outcomes, reducing costs, improving patient satisfaction, and facilitating patient engagement. However, further studies are needed to evaluate and compare the effects of these programs over time on clinical outcomes in order to demonstrate long-term value and sustainability.

  7. Exploring Models of Team Teaching in Initial Foreign/Second Language Teacher Education: A Study in Situated Collaboration

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Barahona, Malba

    2017-01-01

    The demonstrable potential of team teaching as a productive mechanism for developing collaborative teacher learning is now broadly understood in the field of teacher education. However, there is less evidence of the use of such collaborative teaching as a means of strengthening initial foreign/second language teacher education. This paper reports…

  8. In-situ observations of crack initiation and growth at notches in cast Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb

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

    Pollock, T.M.; Muraleedharan, K.; Mumm, D.R.

    1996-12-01

    Gamma titanium aluminide alloys have recently received a great deal of attention due to their demonstrated potential for application in aircraft engines. Although a number of studies have been conducted on the fracture behavior of these alloys under conditions where relatively long pre-existing cracks are present, there is little information on the early stages of crack initiation and growth. The objective of the study reported here was to observe the initial development of cracks at the scale of the microstructure. To confine the process of interest to well-defined regions, notched specimens were utilized. Observations regarding the initiation, growth and themore » influence of environment on failure are discussed.« less

  9. Restoring Function after Volumetric Muscle Loss: Extracellular Matrix Allograft or Minced Muscle Autograft

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-10-01

    at the site of the VML. Prior small and large animal studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that minced muscle autograft (MMA), by virtue of...minced and placed intramuscularly at the site of the VML. Prior small and large animal studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that minced muscle...significant delay in the project initiation. First, a large animal study at the ISR indicated some concerns with the extra cellular matrix allograft that

  10. Walking on uneven terrain with a powered ankle prosthesis: A preliminary assessment.

    PubMed

    Shultz, Amanda H; Lawson, Brian E; Goldfarb, Michael

    2015-01-01

    A successful walking gait with a powered prosthesis depends heavily on proper timing of power delivery, or push-off. This paper describes a control approach which provides improved walking on uneven terrain relative to previous work intended for use on even (level) terrain. This approach is motivated by an initial healthy subject study which demonstrated less variation in sagittal plane shank angle than sagittal plane ankle angle when walking on uneven terrain relative to even terrain. The latter therefore replaces the former as the control signal used to initiate push-off in the powered prosthesis described herein. The authors demonstrate improvement in consistency for several gait characteristics, relative to healthy, as well as controller characteristics with the new control approach, including a 50% improvement in the consistency of the percentage of stride at which push-off is initiated.

  11. Combination nicotine replacement therapy: strategies for initiation and tapering.

    PubMed

    Hsia, Stephanie L; Myers, Mark G; Chen, Timothy C

    2017-04-01

    Several studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated the efficacy of combination nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for patients who wish to quit smoking. However, there is limited guidance with respect to initiation and tapering of combination NRT. We attempt to review the evidence and rationale behind combination NRT, present the dosing used in combination NRT studies, and propose a step-down approach for tapering of combination NRT with integration of behavioral strategies. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  12. The importance of initial protection of conspicuous mutants for the coevolution of defense and aposematic signaling of the defense: a modeling study.

    PubMed

    Ruxton, Graeme D; Speed, Michael P; Broom, Mark

    2007-09-01

    Most models of the evolution of aposematic signaling assume (1) that the secondary defense being signaled is fixed, and (2) that conspicuous mutants arising in a population of defended individuals of cryptic appearance are initially protected from predation. Previous models of ours relaxed the first assumption, here we relax the second and compare with our earlier work to explore the consequences of initial protection from predation on the coevolution of secondary defense and aposematic signaling. As expected, we find that aposematic signaling evolves more easily if initial protection is available. Less obviously, the coevolved level of secondary defense should also be higher if initial protection is provided. Across species or populations, we predict that when initial protection occurs, then strength of aposematic signal should be correlated with the strength of the underlying secondary defense, whereas no such correlation should occur without initial protection. Finally, we demonstrate that species can invest heavily in a secondary defense and remain maximally cryptic (forgoing the advantages of aposematic signaling) and that within a species we should expect strong variation in appearance between populations but much less variation within populations. Hence, we demonstrate that whether conspicuous morphs receive initial protection from predation has powerful and potentially empirically detectible consequences for the coevolution of secondary defenses and aposematic signaling.

  13. 40 CFR 63.2267 - Initial compliance demonstration for a reconstituted wood product press or board cooler.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... reconstituted wood product press or board cooler. 63.2267 Section 63.2267 Protection of Environment... Pollutants: Plywood and Composite Wood Products Initial Compliance Requirements § 63.2267 Initial compliance demonstration for a reconstituted wood product press or board cooler. If you operate a reconstituted wood...

  14. 40 CFR 63.2267 - Initial compliance demonstration for a reconstituted wood product press or board cooler.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... reconstituted wood product press or board cooler. 63.2267 Section 63.2267 Protection of Environment... Pollutants: Plywood and Composite Wood Products Initial Compliance Requirements § 63.2267 Initial compliance demonstration for a reconstituted wood product press or board cooler. If you operate a reconstituted wood...

  15. 40 CFR 63.2267 - Initial compliance demonstration for a reconstituted wood product press or board cooler.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... reconstituted wood product press or board cooler. 63.2267 Section 63.2267 Protection of Environment... Pollutants: Plywood and Composite Wood Products Initial Compliance Requirements § 63.2267 Initial compliance demonstration for a reconstituted wood product press or board cooler. If you operate a reconstituted wood...

  16. 40 CFR 63.8236 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations and work practice standards?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... Hazardous Air Pollutants: Mercury Emissions From Mercury Cell Chlor-Alkali Plants Initial Compliance... standards? (a) For each mercury cell chlor-alkali production facility, you have demonstrated initial compliance with the applicable emission limit for by-product hydrogen streams and end box ventilation system...

  17. 40 CFR 63.8236 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations and work practice standards?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... Hazardous Air Pollutants: Mercury Emissions From Mercury Cell Chlor-Alkali Plants Initial Compliance... standards? (a) For each mercury cell chlor-alkali production facility, you have demonstrated initial compliance with the applicable emission limit for by-product hydrogen streams and end box ventilation system...

  18. 40 CFR 63.8236 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations and work practice standards?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... Hazardous Air Pollutants: Mercury Emissions From Mercury Cell Chlor-Alkali Plants Initial Compliance... standards? (a) For each mercury cell chlor-alkali production facility, you have demonstrated initial compliance with the applicable emission limit for by-product hydrogen streams and end box ventilation system...

  19. 40 CFR 63.8236 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations and work practice standards?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... Hazardous Air Pollutants: Mercury Emissions From Mercury Cell Chlor-Alkali Plants Initial Compliance... standards? (a) For each mercury cell chlor-alkali production facility, you have demonstrated initial compliance with the applicable emission limit for by-product hydrogen streams and end box ventilation system...

  20. 40 CFR 63.8236 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations and work practice standards?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ...). (2) You choose the continuous cell room monitoring program option, you certify in your Notification... Hazardous Air Pollutants: Mercury Emissions From Mercury Cell Chlor-Alkali Plants Initial Compliance... standards? (a) For each mercury cell chlor-alkali production facility, you have demonstrated initial...

  1. 40 CFR 63.5996 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limits for tire production affected...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... with the emission limits for tire production affected sources? 63.5996 Section 63.5996 Protection of... Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing Testing and Initial Compliance Requirements for Tire Production Affected Sources § 63.5996 How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limits for tire...

  2. 40 CFR 63.7530 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations, fuel specifications and...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... compliance with the emission limitations, fuel specifications and work practice standards? 63.7530 Section 63... Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters Testing, Fuel Analyses, and Initial Compliance Requirements § 63.7530 How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations, fuel specifications and work...

  3. 40 CFR 63.7530 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations, fuel specifications and...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... compliance with the emission limitations, fuel specifications and work practice standards? 63.7530 Section 63... Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters Testing, Fuel Analyses, and Initial Compliance Requirements § 63.7530 How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations, fuel specifications and work...

  4. 40 CFR 63.2267 - Initial compliance demonstration for a reconstituted wood product press or board cooler.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... reconstituted wood product press or board cooler. 63.2267 Section 63.2267 Protection of Environment... and Composite Wood Products Initial Compliance Requirements § 63.2267 Initial compliance demonstration for a reconstituted wood product press or board cooler. If you operate a reconstituted wood product...

  5. 40 CFR 63.2267 - Initial compliance demonstration for a reconstituted wood product press or board cooler.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... reconstituted wood product press or board cooler. 63.2267 Section 63.2267 Protection of Environment... and Composite Wood Products Initial Compliance Requirements § 63.2267 Initial compliance demonstration for a reconstituted wood product press or board cooler. If you operate a reconstituted wood product...

  6. 40 CFR 63.5991 - By what date must I conduct an initial compliance demonstration or performance test?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... compliance demonstration or performance test? 63.5991 Section 63.5991 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... POLLUTANTS FOR SOURCE CATEGORIES National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire... initial compliance demonstration or performance test? (a) If you have a new or reconstructed affected...

  7. Phase transformation dependence on initial plastic deformation mode in Si via nanoindentation

    DOE PAGES

    Wong, Sherman; Haberl, Bianca; Williams, James S.; ...

    2016-09-30

    Silicon in its diamond-cubic phase is known to phase transform to a technologically interesting mixture of the body-centred cubic and rhombohedral phases under nanoindentation pressure. In this study, we demonstrate that during plastic deformation the sample can traverse two distinct pathways, one that initially nucleates a phase transformation while the other initially nucleates crystalline defects. These two pathways remain distinct even after sufficient pressure is applied such that both deformation mechanisms are present within the sample. Here, it is further shown that the indents that initially nucleate a phase transformation generate larger, more uniform volumes of the phase transformed materialmore » than indents that initially nucleate crystalline defects.« less

  8. Demonstration of Human-Autonomy Teaming Principles

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shively, Robert Jay

    2016-01-01

    Known problems with automation include lack of mode awareness, automation brittleness, and risk of miscalibrated trust. Human-Autonomy Teaming (HAT) is essential for improving these problems. We have identified some critical components of HAT and ran a part-task study to introduce these components to a ground station that supports flight following of multiple aircraft. Our goal was to demonstrate, evaluate, and refine HAT principles. This presentation provides a brief summary of the study and initial findings.

  9. Impact Ignition of Liquid Propellants

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-04-30

    attributed the initiation to a hydrodynamic phenomenon: the impact of a high- speed microjet formed by the collapsing cavity. and suggested that the jet was...heated by shock compression. Recent work has demonstrated hot-spots formed at absorbing centres after laser irradiation of secondary explosives (Ng...detonator containing a secondary explosive initiated by a laser pulse. CavitY collapse has been studied for many%, years to explain the cavitation

  10. 40 CFR 63.5999 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limits for tire cord production...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... with the emission limits for tire cord production affected sources? 63.5999 Section 63.5999 Protection... Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing Testing and Initial Compliance Requirements for Tire Cord Production Affected Sources § 63.5999 How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limits for tire cord...

  11. Teaching Theory Construction With Initial Grounded Theory Tools: A Reflection on Lessons and Learning.

    PubMed

    Charmaz, Kathy

    2015-12-01

    This article addresses criticisms of qualitative research for spawning studies that lack analytic development and theoretical import. It focuses on teaching initial grounded theory tools while interviewing, coding, and writing memos for the purpose of scaling up the analytic level of students' research and advancing theory construction. Adopting these tools can improve teaching qualitative methods at all levels although doctoral education is emphasized here. What teachers cover in qualitative methods courses matters. The pedagogy presented here requires a supportive environment and relies on demonstration, collective participation, measured tasks, progressive analytic complexity, and accountability. Lessons learned from using initial grounded theory tools are exemplified in a doctoral student's coding and memo-writing excerpts that demonstrate progressive analytic development. The conclusion calls for increasing the number and depth of qualitative methods courses and for creating a cadre of expert qualitative methodologists. © The Author(s) 2015.

  12. Internalizing, social competence, and substance initiation: influence of gender moderation and a preventive intervention.

    PubMed

    Lillehoj, Catherine J; Trudeau, Linda; Spoth, Richard; Wickrama, K A S

    2004-05-01

    Using latent growth curve modeling, the current study investigated gender moderation of the longitudinal pathways from internalizing to both social competency (i.e., social assertiveness) and the initiation of substance use (i.e., tobacco, alcohol, marijuana), as well as the effect of a preventive intervention on that process. Rural Midwestern adolescents who were participating in a school-based preventive intervention study were an average of 12.3 years old at the pretest assessment conducted in 1998. A latent growth curve comparison analysis found that internalizing was related inversely to initial levels of social assertiveness skill among girls; further, internalizing was related positively to substance use initiation growth trajectories among girls. Girls who participated in the preventive intervention demonstrated a slower increase over time in substance use initiation and a faster increase in social assertiveness. Gender moderation of the impact of internalizing and social assertiveness on substance use initiation and response to the intervention, as well as the utility of latent growth curve modeling in the study of longitudinal change, are discussed.

  13. Recurrence of Phaeochromocytoma and Abdominal Paraganglioma After Initial Surgical Intervention.

    PubMed

    Johnston, Philip C; Mullan, Karen R; Atkinson, A Brew; Eatock, Fiona C; Wallace, Helen; Gray, Moyra; Hunter, Steven J

    2015-05-01

    Clinical and biochemical follow up after surgery for phaeochromocytoma is essential with long term studies demonstrating recurrence frequencies between 6% and 23%. To examine the characteristics and frequency of tumour recurrence in a regional endocrine referral centre, in patients with surgical resection of phaeochromocytoma (P) and abdominal paraganglioma (AP). We identified a cohort of 52 consecutive patients who attended our Regional Endocrinology & Diabetes Centre and retrospectively reviewed their clinical, biochemical and radiological data (between 2002 and 2013). After confirmation of early post-operative remission by negative biochemical testing, tumour recurrence was defined by demonstration of catecholamine excess with confirmatory imaging. Phaeochromocytoma was confirmed histologically in all cases (43:P, 9:AP, mean-age:53 years). Open adrenalectomy was performed in 20 cases and laparoscopically in 32. Hereditary phaeochromocytoma was confirmed by genetic analysis in 12 (23%) patients. Median follow up time from initial surgery was 47 months, (range: 12 - 296 months), 49 patients had no evidence of tumour recurrence at latest follow-up. Three patients (6%) demonstrated tumour development, one in a patient with VHL which occurred in a contralateral adrenal gland, one sporadic case had local recurrence, and an adrenal tumour occurred in a patient with a SDHB gene mutation who had a previous bladder tumour. After initial surgery, the tumours occurred at 8.6, 12.0 and 17.7 years respectively. In this study tumour development occurred in 6% of patients. Although tumour rates were low, careful and sustained clinical and biochemical follow up is advocated, as new tumour development or recurrence may occur long after the initial surgery is performed.

  14. 40 CFR 63.7735 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the work practice standards that apply to me?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... Hazardous Air Pollutants for Iron and Steel Foundries Initial Compliance Requirements § 63.7735 How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the work practice standards that apply to me? (a) For each iron and steel...-consumer automotive body scrap, post-consumer engine blocks, post-consumer oil filters, oily turnings, lead...

  15. 40 CFR 63.7735 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the work practice standards that apply to me?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... Hazardous Air Pollutants for Iron and Steel Foundries Initial Compliance Requirements § 63.7735 How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the work practice standards that apply to me? (a) For each iron and steel...-consumer automotive body scrap, post-consumer engine blocks, post-consumer oil filters, oily turnings, lead...

  16. 40 CFR 63.7735 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the work practice standards that apply to me?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Hazardous Air Pollutants for Iron and Steel Foundries Initial Compliance Requirements § 63.7735 How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the work practice standards that apply to me? (a) For each iron and steel...-consumer automotive body scrap, post-consumer engine blocks, post-consumer oil filters, oily turnings, lead...

  17. 40 CFR 63.7735 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the work practice standards that apply to me?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... Pollutants for Iron and Steel Foundries Initial Compliance Requirements § 63.7735 How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the work practice standards that apply to me? (a) For each iron and steel foundry... automotive body scrap, post-consumer engine blocks, post-consumer oil filters, oily turnings, lead components...

  18. 40 CFR 63.7735 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the work practice standards that apply to me?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... Hazardous Air Pollutants for Iron and Steel Foundries Initial Compliance Requirements § 63.7735 How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the work practice standards that apply to me? (a) For each iron and steel...-consumer automotive body scrap, post-consumer engine blocks, post-consumer oil filters, oily turnings, lead...

  19. A mechanical energy analysis of gait initiation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Miller, C. A.; Verstraete, M. C.

    1999-01-01

    The analysis of gait initiation (the transient state between standing and walking) is an important diagnostic tool to study pathologic gait and to evaluate prosthetic devices. While past studies have quantified mechanical energy of the body during steady-state gait, to date no one has computed the mechanical energy of the body during gait initiation. In this study, gait initiation in seven normal male subjects was studied using a mechanical energy analysis to compute total body energy. The data showed three separate states: quiet standing, gait initiation, and steady-state gait. During gait initiation, the trends in the energy data for the individual segments were similar to those seen during steady-state gait (and in Winter DA, Quanbury AO, Reimer GD. Analysis of instantaneous energy of normal gait. J Biochem 1976;9:253-257), but diminished in amplitude. However, these amplitudes increased to those seen in steady-state during the gait initiation event (GIE), with the greatest increase occurring in the second step due to the push-off of the foundation leg. The baseline level of mechanical energy was due to the potential energy of the individual segments, while the cyclic nature of the data was indicative of the kinetic energy of the particular leg in swing phase during that step. The data presented showed differences in energy trends during gait initiation from those of steady state, thereby demonstrating the importance of this event in the study of locomotion.

  20. Numerical analysis of the chimera states in the multilayered network model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Goremyko, Mikhail V.; Maksimenko, Vladimir A.; Makarov, Vladimir V.; Ghosh, Dibakar; Bera, Bidesh K.; Dana, Syamal K.; Hramov, Alexander E.

    2017-03-01

    We numerically study the interaction between the ensembles of the Hindmarsh-Rose (HR) neuron systems, arranged in the multilayer network model. We have shown that the fully identical layers, demonstrated individually different chimera due to the initial mismatch, come to the identical chimera state with the increase of inter-layer coupling. Within the multilayer model we also consider the case, when the one layer demonstrates chimera state, while another layer exhibits coherent or incoherent dynamics. It has been shown that the interactions chimera-coherent state and chimera-incoherent state leads to the both excitation of chimera as from the ensemble of fully coherent or incoherent oscillators, and suppression of initially stable chimera state

  1. 40 CFR 63.7911 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emissions limitations and work practice...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL... Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Site Remediation Separators § 63.7911 How do I demonstrate initial...

  2. 40 CFR 63.7911 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emissions limitations and work practice...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL... Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Site Remediation Separators § 63.7911 How do I demonstrate initial...

  3. 40 CFR 63.7911 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emissions limitations and work practice...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL... Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Site Remediation Separators § 63.7911 How do I demonstrate initial...

  4. 40 CFR 63.7911 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emissions limitations and work practice...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL... Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Site Remediation Separators § 63.7911 How do I demonstrate initial...

  5. 40 CFR 63.7911 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emissions limitations and work practice...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL... Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Site Remediation Separators § 63.7911 How do I demonstrate initial...

  6. Myeloma Xenograft Destruction by a Nonviral Vector Delivering Oncolytic Infectious Nucleic Acid

    PubMed Central

    Hadac, Elizabeth M; Kelly, Elizabeth J; Russell, Stephen J

    2011-01-01

    The feasibility of using a nonviral vector formulation to initiate an oncolytic viral infection has not been previously demonstrated. We therefore sought to determine whether infectious nucleic acid (INA) could be used in place of virus particles to initiate an oncolytic picornavirus infection in vivo. Infectious RNA encoding coxsackievirus A21 (CVA21) was transcribed from plasmid DNA using T7 polymerase. Within 48 hours of injecting this RNA into KAS6/1 myeloma xenografts, high titers of infectious CVA21 virions were detected in the bloodstream. Tumors regressed rapidly thereafter and mice developed signs of myositis. At euthanasia, CVA21 was recovered from regressing tumors and from skeletal muscles. Treatment outcomes were comparable following intratumoral injection of naked RNA or fully infectious CVA21 virus. Dose–response studies showed that an effective oncolytic infection could be established by intratumoral injection of 1 µg of infectious RNA. The oncolytic infection could also be initiated by intravenous injection of infectious RNA. Our study demonstrates that INA is a highly promising alternative drug formulation for oncolytic virotherapy. PMID:21505425

  7. Working Beyond Moore’s Limit - Coherent Nonlinear Optical Control of Individual and Coupled Single Electron Doped Quantum Dots

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-07-06

    preparation for deterministic spin-photon entanglement ; (3) Demonstration of initialization of the 2 qubit states; (4) Demonstration of nonlocal nuclear...Demonstration of a flying qubit by entanglement of the quantum dot spin polarization with the polarization of a spontaneously emitted photon. Future...coherent optical control steps in preparation for deterministic spin-photon entanglement ; (3) Demonstration of initialization of the 2 qubit states in

  8. The First Slow Step: Differential Effects of Object and Word-Form Familiarization on Retention of Fast-Mapped Words

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kucker, Sarah C.; Samuelson, Larissa K.

    2012-01-01

    Recent research demonstrated that although 24-month-old infants do well on the initial pairing of a novel word and novel object in fast-mapping tasks, they are unable to retain the mapping after a 5 min delay. The current study examines the role of familiarity with the objects and words on infants' ability to bridge between the initial fast…

  9. Contribution of the Axon Initial Segment to Action Potentials Recorded Extracellularly.

    PubMed

    Teleńczuk, Maria; Brette, Romain; Destexhe, Alain; Teleńczuk, Bartosz

    2018-01-01

    Action potentials (APs) are electric phenomena that are recorded both intracellularly and extracellularly. APs are usually initiated in the short segment of the axon called the axon initial segment (AIS). It was recently proposed that at the onset of an AP the soma and the AIS form a dipole. We study the extracellular signature [the extracellular AP (EAP)] generated by such a dipole. First, we demonstrate the formation of the dipole and its extracellular signature in detailed morphological models of a reconstructed pyramidal neuron. Then, we study the EAP waveform and its spatial dependence in models with axonal AP initiation and contrast it with the EAP obtained in models with somatic AP initiation. We show that in the models with axonal AP initiation the dipole forms between somatodendritic compartments and the AIS, and not between soma and dendrites as in the classical models. The soma-dendrites dipole is present only in models with somatic AP initiation. Our study has consequences for interpreting extracellular recordings of single-neuron activity and determining electrophysiological neuron types, but also for better understanding the origins of the high-frequency macroscopic extracellular potentials recorded in the brain.

  10. Getting the big picture: the macro-politics of information system development (and failure) in a Canadian hospital.

    PubMed

    Balka, E

    2003-01-01

    While recognized that global actors influence health information system design, studies of health informatics have largely focused on micro politics of technology design and implementation. Here a problematic patient care information system (PCIS) is discussed in relation to federal and provincial policies and corporate strategies to demonstrate that our understanding of health informatics can be enhanced by linking micro studies of health informatics to larger macro contexts. Interviews and document study. Although the extent to which federal initiatives influenced (or failed to influence) provincial and hospital initiatives remains debateable, events initiated at one level (the hospital's decision to implement software, initiated at the organizational level) are influenced (perhaps indirectly) by developments in other contexts (federal/macro changes gave an initiative more weight; provincial initiatives such as the Labour Accord altered the industrial relations environment in which system development occurred). Micro-studies of work practice, invaluable in addressing interactions between technologies, users and work practices, often fail to account for the historic reach of global actors, although it is often these historic circumstances that contribute to present-day interactions between user, information system and organization, and that find expression - often indirectly - in daily work practices.

  11. Effective strategies to provide adolescent sexual and reproductive health services and to increase demand and community support.

    PubMed

    Denno, Donna M; Hoopes, Andrea J; Chandra-Mouli, Venkatraman

    2015-01-01

    Access to youth friendly health services is vital for ensuring sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and well-being of adolescents. This study is a descriptive review of the effectiveness of initiatives to improve adolescent access to and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services (SRHS) in low- and middle-income countries. We examined four SRHS intervention types: (1) facility based, (2) out-of-facility based, (3) interventions to reach marginalized or vulnerable populations, (4) interventions to generate demand and/or community acceptance. Outcomes assessed across the four questions included uptake of SRHS or sexual and reproductive health commodities and sexual and reproductive health biologic outcomes. There is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of initiatives that simply provide adolescent friendliness training for health workers. Data are most ample (10 initiatives demonstrating weak but positive effects and one randomized controlled trial demonstrating strong positive results on some outcome measures) for approaches that use a combination of health worker training, adolescent-friendly facility improvements, and broad information dissemination via the community, schools, and mass media. We found a paucity of evidence on out-of-facility-based strategies, except for those delivered through mixed-use youth centers that demonstrated that SRHS in these centers are neither well used nor effective at improving SRH outcomes. There was an absence of studies or evaluations examining outcomes among vulnerable or marginalized adolescents. Findings from 17 of 21 initiatives assessing demand-generation activities demonstrated at least some association with adolescent SRHS use. Of 15 studies on parental and other community gatekeepers' approval of SRHS for adolescents, which assessed SRHS/commodity uptake and/or biologic outcomes, 11 showed positive results. Packages of interventions that train health workers, improve facility adolescent friendliness, and endeavor to generate demand through multiple channels are ready for large-scale implementation. However, further evaluation of these initiatives is needed to clarify mechanisms and impact, especially of specific program components. Quality research is needed to determine effective means to deliver services outside the facilities, to reach marginalized or vulnerable adolescents, and to determine effective approaches to increase community acceptance of adolescent SRHS. Copyright © 2015 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Integrated corridor management initiative : demonstration phase evaluation - final national evaluation framework.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2012-05-01

    This report provides an analytical framework for evaluating the two field deployments under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative Demonstration Phase. The San Diego Interstate 15 cor...

  13. 40 CFR 60.2700 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the amended emission limitations and establish the...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) STANDARDS OF... Solid Waste Incineration Units Model Rule-Initial Compliance Requirements § 60.2700 How do I demonstrate...

  14. 40 CFR 60.2700 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the amended emission limitations and establish the...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) STANDARDS OF... Solid Waste Incineration Units Model Rule-Initial Compliance Requirements § 60.2700 How do I demonstrate...

  15. The effects of initial testing on false recall and false recognition in the social contagion of memory paradigm.

    PubMed

    Huff, Mark J; Davis, Sara D; Meade, Michelle L

    2013-08-01

    In three experiments, participants studied photographs of common household scenes. Following study, participants completed a category-cued recall test without feedback (Exps. 1 and 3), a category-cued recall test with feedback (Exp. 2), or a filler task (no-test condition). Participants then viewed recall tests from fictitious previous participants that contained erroneous items presented either one or four times, and then completed final recall and source recognition tests. The participants in all conditions reported incorrect items during final testing (a social contagion effect), and across experiments, initial testing had no impact on false recall of erroneous items. However, on the final source-monitoring recognition test, initial testing had a protective effect against false source recognition: Participants who were initially tested with and without feedback on category-cued initial tests attributed fewer incorrect items to the original event on the final source-monitoring recognition test than did participants who were not initially tested. These data demonstrate that initial testing may protect individuals' memories from erroneous suggestions.

  16. The role of social networks and media receptivity in predicting age of smoking initiation: a proportional hazards model of risk and protective factors.

    PubMed

    Unger, J B; Chen, X

    1999-01-01

    The increasing prevalence of adolescent smoking demonstrates the need to identify factors associated with early smoking initiation. Previous studies have shown that smoking by social network members and receptivity to pro-tobacco marketing are associated with smoking among adolescents. It is not clear, however, whether these variables also are associated with the age of smoking initiation. Using data from 10,030 California adolescents, this study identified significant correlates of age of smoking initiation using bivariate methods and a multivariate proportional hazards model. Age of smoking initiation was earlier among those adolescents whose friends, siblings, or parents were smokers, and among those adolescents who had a favorite tobacco advertisement, had received tobacco promotional items, or would be willing to use tobacco promotional items. Results suggest that the smoking behavior of social network members and pro-tobacco media influences are important determinants of age of smoking initiation. Because early smoking initiation is associated with higher levels of addiction in adulthood, tobacco control programs should attempt to counter these influences.

  17. Using ruthenium sawhorse based decarboxylation to produce industrial materials from oleic acid

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Ruthenium catalyzed isomerization and decarboxylation of 9-cis-octadecenoic acid are reported as part of the effort to produce valuable industrial materials from biobased sources. Initial studies have demonstrated the efficacy of ruthenium sawhorse materials and further mechanistic studies uncovered...

  18. Ecological Restoration Through Silviculture--A Savanna Management Demonstration Area, Sinkin Experimental Forest, Missouri

    Treesearch

    Edward F. Loewenstein; Kenneth R. Davidson

    2002-01-01

    In 1998, a project was initiated to demonstrate techniques and evaluate the efficacy of reducing overstory tree density and reintroducing fire in order to develop the tree composition, structure, and herbaceous complex typical of a savanna. On three study areas, two dominated by oak and one by shortleaf pine, the total basal area of all trees = 1.6 inches DBH was...

  19. A retrospective explanatory case study of the implementation of a bleeding management quality initiative, in an Australian cardiac surgery unit.

    PubMed

    Pearse, Bronwyn Louise; Rickard, Claire M; Keogh, Samantha; Lin Fung, Yoke

    2018-03-09

    Bleeding management in cardiac surgery is challenging. Many guidelines exist to support bleeding management; however, literature demonstrates wide variation in practice. In 2012, a quality initiative was undertaken at The Prince Charles Hospital, Australia to improve bleeding management for cardiac surgery patients. The implementation of the quality initiative resulted in significant reductions in the incidence of blood transfusion, re-exploration for bleeding; superficial leg and chest wound infections; length of hospital stay, and cost. Given the success of the initiative, we sought to answer the question; "How and why was the process of implementing a bleeding management quality initiative in the cardiac surgery unit successful, and sustainable?" A retrospective explanatory case study design was chosen to explore the quality initiative. Analysis of the evidence was reviewed through phases of the 'Knowledgeto Action' planned change model. Data was derived from: (1) document analysis, (2) direct observation of the local environment, (3) clinical narratives from interviews, and analysed with a triangulation approach. The study period extended from 10/2011 to 6/2013. Results demonstrated the complexity of changing practice, as well as the significant amount of dedicated time and effort required to support individual, department and system wide change. Results suggest that while many clinicians were aware of the potential to apply improved practice, numerous barriers and challenges needed to be overcome to implement change across multiple disciplines and departments. The key successful components of the QI were revealed through the case study analysis as: (1) an appropriately skilled project manager to facilitate the implementation process; (2) tools to support changes in workflow and decision making including a bleeding management treatment algorithm with POCCTs; (3) strong clinical leadership from the multidisciplinary team and; (4) the evolution of the project manager position into a perpetual clinical position to support sustainability. Copyright © 2018 Australian College of Critical Care Nurses Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Cognitive load during route selection increases reliance on spatial heuristics.

    PubMed

    Brunyé, Tad T; Martis, Shaina B; Taylor, Holly A

    2018-05-01

    Planning routes from maps involves perceiving the symbolic environment, identifying alternate routes and applying explicit strategies and implicit heuristics to select an option. Two implicit heuristics have received considerable attention, the southern route preference and initial segment strategy. This study tested a prediction from decision-making theory that increasing cognitive load during route planning will increase reliance on these heuristics. In two experiments, participants planned routes while under conditions of minimal (0-back) or high (2-back) working memory load. In Experiment 1, we examined how memory load impacts the southern route heuristic. In Experiment 2, we examined how memory load impacts the initial segment heuristic. Results replicated earlier results demonstrating a southern route preference (Experiment 1) and initial segment strategy (Experiment 2) and further demonstrated that evidence for heuristic reliance is more likely under conditions of concurrent working memory load. Furthermore, the extent to which participants maintained efficient route selection latencies in the 2-back condition predicted the magnitude of this effect. Together, results demonstrate that working memory load increases the application of heuristics during spatial decision making, particularly when participants attempt to maintain quick decisions while managing concurrent task demands.

  1. Analysis of PCR Thermocycling by Rayleigh-Bénard Convection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sharma, Ruchi; Ugaz, Victor

    2004-03-01

    In previous studies, we demonstrated a novel device employing the circulatory flow field established by Rayleigh-Bénard convection to perform amplification of a 295 base target region from a human genomic DNA template inside a 35 uL cylindrical cavity using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) [Krishnan, Ugaz & Burns, Science, Vol. 298, 2002, p. 793]. This design eliminates the need for dynamic external temperature control required in conventional thermocyclers that repeatedly heat and cool static sample volumes to denaturation, annealing, and extension temperatures. In this paper, we extend these studies by demonstrating the design and operation of a multiwell convective flow device capable of achieving amplification of a 191 base pair fragment associated with membrane channel proteins M1 and M2 of the influenza-A virus in as little as 15 minutes with performance comparable to a conventional thermocycler. We also study the effect of initial template concentration and observe no degradation in performance over four orders of magnitude of initial template loading dilution, consistent with conventional thermocycler results. These results illustrate the ability of convective flow PCR systems to achieve performance equal to or exceeding conventional thermocycling hardware, and demonstrate their suitability for use in rapid biodetection assays.

  2. Multishot Targeted PROPELLER Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Description of the Technique and Initial Applications

    PubMed Central

    Deng, Jie; Larson, Andrew C.

    2010-01-01

    Objectives To test the feasibility of combining inner-volume imaging (IVI) techniques with conventional multishot periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) techniques for targeted-PROPELLER magnetic resonance imaging. Materials and Methods Perpendicular section-selective gradients for spatially selective excitation and refocusing RF pulses were applied to limit the refocused field-of-view (FOV) along the phase-encoding direction for each rectangular blade image. We performed comparison studies in phantoms and normal volunteers by using targeted-PROPELLER methods for a wide range of imaging applications that commonly use turbo-spin-echo (TSE) approaches (brain, abdominal, vessel wall, cardiac). Results In these initial studies, we demonstrated the feasibility of using targeted-PROPELLER approaches to limit the imaging FOV thereby reducing the number of blades or permitting increased spatial resolution without commensurate increases in scan time. Both phantom and in vivo motion studies demonstrated the potential for more robust regional self-navigated motion correction compared with conventional full FOV PROPELLER methods. Conclusion We demonstrated that the reduced FOV targeted-PROPELLER technique offers the potential for reducing imaging time, increasing spatial resolution, and targeting specific areas for robust regional motion correction. PMID:19465860

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

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2012-08-01

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

  4. Advancing the use of streaming media and digital media technologies at the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2014-03-27

    This final research report culminates a decade-long initiative to demonstrate and implement streaming media technologies at CONNDOT. This effort began in 2001 during an earlier related-study (SPR-2231) that concluded in 2006. This study (SPR-2254) re...

  5. NATURAL ATTENUATION OF CHLORINATED SOLVENTS AT MULTIPLE AIR FORCE BASE DEMONSTRATION SITES

    EPA Science Inventory

    Natural attenuation treatability studies(TSs) were conducted at 14 US Air Force bases. Only sites where biodegradation of CAHs was suspected were selected for the study. The major initiative was to evaluate the effectiveness of monitored natural attenuation(MNA) at sites contam...

  6. Motor carrier case study evaluation report : appendix C, Vol. 2 : case study field notes, the Crescent Evaluation

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1994-02-01

    The Crescent Project element of the HELP Program is a bi-national multi-jurisdictional : cooperative research and demonstration initiative involving the public and private sectors in an : application of advanced technologies for the creation of an in...

  7. EPA RE-Powering Mapper Feasibility Studies

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM) Office of Communications, Partnerships and Analysis (OCPA) initiated the RE-Powering America's Land Initiative to demonstrate the enormous potential that contaminated lands, landfills, and mine sites provide for developing renewable energy in the United States. As part of the RE-Powering America's Land Initiative, the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) evaluated the feasibility of developing renewable energy production on Superfund, brownfields, and former landfill or mining sites. These reports pair EPA's expertise on contaminated sites with the renewable energy expertise of NREL.

  8. Integrated corridor management initiative : demonstration phase evaluation – Dallas corridor performance analysis test plan.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2012-08-01

    This report presents the test plan for conducting the Corridor Performance Analysis for the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) evaluation of the Dallas U.S. 75 Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative Demonstration. The ICM ...

  9. Integrated corridor management initiative : demonstration phase evaluation – San Diego corridor performance analysis test plan.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2012-08-01

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

  10. Integrated corridor management initiative : demonstration phase evaluation - Dallas decision support system analysis test plan.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2012-08-01

    This report presents the test plan for conducting the Decision Support System (DSS) Analysis for the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) evaluation of the Dallas U.S. 75 Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative Demonstration....

  11. Integrated corridor management initiative : demonstration phase evaluation – Dallas technical capability analysis test plan.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2012-08-01

    This report presents the test plan for conducting the Technical Capability Analysis for the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) evaluation of the Dallas U.S. 75 Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative Demonstration. The ICM ...

  12. Perceived Levels of Cultural Competence for School Social Workers: A Follow-up Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Teasley, Martell L.; Archuleta, Adrian; Miller, Christina

    2014-01-01

    The purpose of this article is to report on findings from a follow-up study that examined the relationship among social work education programs, postgraduate professional development, and school social workers' perceived levels of cultural competence in practice with urban minority youth. The initial study demonstrated that African Americans…

  13. Forestry timber typing. Tanana demonstration project, Alaska ASVT. [Alaska

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Morrissey, L. A.; Ambrosia, V. G.

    1982-01-01

    The feasibility of using LANDSAT digital data in conjunction with topographic data to delineate commercial forests by stand size and crown closure in the Tanana River basin of Alaska was tested. A modified clustering approach using two LANDSAT dates to generate an initial forest type classification was then refined with topographic data. To further demonstrate the ability of remotely sensed data in a fire protection planning framework, the timber type data were subsequently integrated with terrain information to generate a fire hazard map of the study area. This map provides valuable assistance in initial attack planning, determining equipment accessibility, and fire growth modeling. The resulting data sets were incorporated into the Alaska Department of Natural Resources geographic information system for subsequent utilization.

  14. Demonstrated Potential of Ion Mobility Spectrometry for Detection of Adulterated Perfumes and Plant Speciation

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

    Clark, Jared Matthew; Daum, Keith Alvin; Kalival, J. H.

    2003-01-01

    This initial study evaluates the use of ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) as a rapid test procedure for potential detection of adulterated perfumes and speciation of plant life. Sample types measured consist of five genuine perfumes, two species of sagebrush, and four species of flowers. Each sample type is treated as a separate classification problem. It is shown that discrimination using principal component analysis with K-nearest neighbors can distinguish one class from another. Discriminatory models generated using principal component regressions are not as effective. Results from this examination are encouraging and represent an initial phase demonstrating that perfumes and plants possessmore » characteristic chemical signatures that can be used for reliable identification.« less

  15. Application of visualization and simulation program to improve work zone safety and mobility.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2010-01-01

    A previous study sponsored by the Smart Work Zone Deployment Initiative, Feasibility of Visualization and Simulation Applications to Improve Work Zone Safety and Mobility, demonstrated the feasibility of combining readily available, inexpensive...

  16. Application of visualization and simulation program to improve work zone safety and mobility.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2010-01-01

    "A previous study sponsored by the Smart Work Zone Deployment Initiative, Feasibility of Visualization and Simulation Applications to Improve Work Zone Safety and Mobility, demonstrated the feasibility of combining readily available, inexpensiv...

  17. The influence of fiber orientation on the equilibrium properties of neutral and charged biphasic tissues.

    PubMed

    Nagel, Thomas; Kelly, Daniel J

    2010-11-01

    Constitutive models facilitate investigation into load bearing mechanisms of biological tissues and may aid attempts to engineer tissue replacements. In soft tissue models, a commonly made assumption is that collagen fibers can only bear tensile loads. Previous computational studies have demonstrated that radially aligned fibers stiffen a material in unconfined compression most by limiting lateral expansion while vertically aligned fibers buckle under the compressive loads. In this short communication, we show that in conjunction with swelling, these intuitive statements can be violated at small strains. Under such conditions, a tissue with fibers aligned parallel to the direction of load initially provides the greatest resistance to compression. The results are further put into the context of a Benninghoff architecture for articular cartilage. The predictions of this computational study demonstrate the effects of varying fiber orientations and an initial tare strain on the apparent material parameters obtained from unconfined compression tests of charged tissues.

  18. A review of initial investigations to utilize ERTS-1 data in determining the availability and distribution of living marine resources. [fish harvesting and management in Gulf of Mexico

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stevenson, W. H.; Kemmerer, A. J.; Atwell, B. H.; Maughan, P. M.

    1974-01-01

    This study was initiated in July 1972 to determine the reliability of satellite and high altitude sensors to provide data about oceanographic parameters in coastal waters; demonstrate the use of remotely sensed oceanographic information to predict the distribution and abundance of adult menhaden; and, demonstrate the potential of using satellite acquired information for improving the harvest and management of a fishery resource. The study focused on coastal are as in the north central portion of the Gulf of Mexico including parts of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. The area used in the final analysis was limited to the Mississippi Sound, which is approximately 145 kilometers (90 miles) long and 16 kilometers (10 miles) wide, has an average water depth of about 3.7 meters (12 feet), and in general characterizes an estuarine environment.

  19. Predictors of treatment response in Canadian combat and peacekeeping veterans with military-related posttraumatic stress disorder.

    PubMed

    Richardson, J Don; Elhai, Jon D; Sarreen, Jitender

    2011-09-01

    Military-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant psychiatric condition associated with severe psychosocial dysfunction. This study examined the predictors of treatment outcome in a group of veterans with military-related PTSD. Participants were 102 Canadian combat and peacekeeping veterans who received treatment at a specialized outpatient clinic for veterans with psychiatric disorders resulting from military operation. Analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in PTSD severity during the 1-year period (Yuan-Bentler χ [86, N = 99] = 282.45, p < 0.001). We did not find chronicity, alcohol use, and anxiety or depression severity as significant predictors for PTSD symptom decline. However, initial depression significantly predicted anxiety symptom decline, and initial anxiety predicted depression symptom decline. This study demonstrated that, despite considerable comorbidity, significant treatment gains, including remission of PTSD, can be achieved in an outpatient setting in veterans with chronic military-related PTSD.

  20. Recurrence of Phaeochromocytoma and Abdominal Paraganglioma After Initial Surgical Intervention

    PubMed Central

    Mullan, Karen R; Atkinson, A Brew; Eatock, Fiona C; Wallace, Helen; Gray, Moyra; Hunter, Steven J

    2015-01-01

    Background Clinical and biochemical follow up after surgery for phaeochromocytoma is essential with long term studies demonstrating recurrence frequencies between 6% and 23%. Aim To examine the characteristics and frequency of tumour recurrence in a regional endocrine referral centre, in patients with surgical resection of phaeochromocytoma (P) and abdominal paraganglioma (AP). Methods We identified a cohort of 52 consecutive patients who attended our Regional Endocrinology & Diabetes Centre and retrospectively reviewed their clinical, biochemical and radiological data (between 2002 and 2013). After confirmation of early post-operative remission by negative biochemical testing, tumour recurrence was defined by demonstration of catecholamine excess with confirmatory imaging. Results Phaeochromocytoma was confirmed histologically in all cases (43:P, 9:AP, mean-age:53years). Open adrenalectomy was performed in 20 cases and laparoscopically in 32. Hereditary phaeochromocytoma was confirmed by genetic analysis in 12 (23%) patients. Median follow up time from initial surgery was 47 months, (range: 12 - 296 months), 49 patients had no evidence of tumour recurrence at latest follow-up. Three patients (6%) demonstrated tumour development, one in a patient with VHL which occurred in a contralateral adrenal gland, one sporadic case had local recurrence, and an adrenal tumour occurred in a patient with a SDHB gene mutation who had a previous bladder tumour. After initial surgery, the tumours occurred at 8.6, 12.0 and 17.7 years respectively. Conclusion In this study tumour development occurred in 6% of patients. Although tumour rates were low, careful and sustained clinical and biochemical follow up is advocated, as new tumour development or recurrence may occur long after the initial surgery is performed. PMID:26170485

  1. Integrated corridor management initiative : demonstration phase evaluation – San Diego benefit-cost analysis test plan.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2012-08-01

    This report presents the test plan for conducting the Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) for the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) evaluation of the San Diego Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative Demonstration. The ICM project...

  2. The association between parental interaction style and children’s joint engagement in families with toddlers with autism

    PubMed Central

    Patterson, Stephanie Y; Elder, Lauren; Gulsrud, Amanda; Kasari, Connie

    2014-01-01

    Purpose This study examines the relationship between parental interaction style (responsive vs directive) and child-initiated joint engagement within caregiver–child interactions with toddlers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Method Videotaped interactions of 85 toddler–caregiver dyads were coded for child engagement and both parental responsiveness and directiveness. Results Altogether, children spent less than one-third of the interaction jointly engaged. After controlling for child characteristics, parental style was associated with the initiator (child or parent) of joint engagement. Specifically, responsiveness predicted total time in child-initiated joint engagement, while directiveness predicted total time in parent-initiated joint engagement. Children’s social behaviours were associated with child-initiated joint engagement. Discussion Social initiations are a key target for children with autism spectrum disorders. Results demonstrate that child initiations and global social behaviour ratings are associated with parental responsivity. Responsivity may be a critical factor to facilitate children’s initiations. PMID:24104518

  3. Impact of pediatric exclusivity on drug labeling and demonstrations of efficacy.

    PubMed

    Wharton, Gerold T; Murphy, M Dianne; Avant, Debbie; Goldsmith, John V; Chai, Grace; Rodriguez, William J; Eisenstein, Eric L

    2014-08-01

    Besides vaccines and otitis media medicines, most products prescribed for children have not been studied in the pediatric population. To remedy this, Congress enacted legislation in 1997, known as pediatric exclusivity (PE), which provides 6 months of additional market protection to drug sponsors in exchange for studying their products in children. We reviewed requests for pediatric studies and subsequent labeling for drugs granted PE from 1998 through 2012. Regression analysis estimates the probability of demonstrating efficacy in PE trials. Variables include therapeutic group, year of exclusivity, product sales, initiation process, and small disease population. From 1998 through 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration issued 401 pediatric study requests. For 189 drugs, studies were completed and granted exclusivity. A total of 173 drugs (92%) received new pediatric labeling, with 108 (57%) receiving a new or expanded pediatric indication. Three drugs had non-efficacy trials. Efficacy was not established for 78 drugs. Oncology, cardiovascular, and endocrine drugs were less likely to demonstrate efficacy (P < .01) compared with gastrointestinal and pain/anesthesia drugs. Drugs studied later in the program were less likely to demonstrate efficacy (P < .05). Sales, initiation process, and small disease population were not significant predictors. Most drugs (173; 92%) granted exclusivity added pediatric information to their labeling as a result of PE, with 108 (57%) receiving a new or expanded pediatric indication. Therapeutic area and year of exclusivity influenced the likelihood of obtaining a pediatric indication. Positive and negative outcomes continue to inform the construct of future pediatric trials. Copyright © 2014 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

  4. Thailand national programme of the Earth Resources Technology Satellite

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sabhasri, S. (Principal Investigator)

    1976-01-01

    The author has identified the following significant results. The study on locating hill tribe villages from LANDSAT imagery was successful and exceeded the initial expectations. Results of the study on land use and forest mapping using Skylab data demonstrated the capability and feasibility of large scale mapping with high accuracy.

  5. Modeling the Relationships between Subdimensions of Environmental Literacy

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Genc, Murat; Akilli, Mustafa

    2016-01-01

    The aim of this study is to demonstrate the relationships between subdimensions of environmental literacy using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The study was conducted by the analysis of students' answers to questionnaires data using SEM. Initially, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin and Bartlett's tests were done to test appropriateness of subdimensions to…

  6. Sensory Integration and Ego Development in a Schizophrenic Adolescent Male.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pettit, Karen A.

    1987-01-01

    A retrospective study compared hours spent by a schizophrenic adolescent in "time out" before and after initiation of treatment. The study evaluated the effects of sensory integrative treatment on the ability to handle anger and frustration. Results demonstrate the utility of statistical analysis versus visual comparison to validate effectiveness…

  7. QTL analysis of ferric reductase activity in the model legume lotus japonicus

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Physiological and molecular studies have demonstrated that iron accumulation from the soil into Strategy I plants can be limited by ferric reductase activity. An initial study of Lotus japonicus ecotypes Miyakojima MG-20 and Gifu B-129 identified significant leaf chlorosis and ferric reductase activ...

  8. The Caspar Creek Watershed Study Completes 40 Years of Research

    Treesearch

    California Dept. of Forestry and Fire Protection

    2003-01-01

    This is the first issue of the State Forests Research and Demonstration program's newsletter. With this initial issue we have chosen to highlight the Caspar Creek Watershed Study and the contributions it is making toward a better understanding of the impacts of forest management on the environment.

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

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

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

    2010-12-15

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

  10. Structural Basis of Mitochondrial Transcription Initiation.

    PubMed

    Hillen, Hauke S; Morozov, Yaroslav I; Sarfallah, Azadeh; Temiakov, Dmitry; Cramer, Patrick

    2017-11-16

    Transcription in human mitochondria is driven by a single-subunit, factor-dependent RNA polymerase (mtRNAP). Despite its critical role in both expression and replication of the mitochondrial genome, transcription initiation by mtRNAP remains poorly understood. Here, we report crystal structures of human mitochondrial transcription initiation complexes assembled on both light and heavy strand promoters. The structures reveal how transcription factors TFAM and TFB2M assist mtRNAP to achieve promoter-dependent initiation. TFAM tethers the N-terminal region of mtRNAP to recruit the polymerase to the promoter whereas TFB2M induces structural changes in mtRNAP to enable promoter opening and trapping of the DNA non-template strand. Structural comparisons demonstrate that the initiation mechanism in mitochondria is distinct from that in the well-studied nuclear, bacterial, or bacteriophage transcription systems but that similarities are found on the topological and conceptual level. These results provide a framework for studying the regulation of gene expression and DNA replication in mitochondria. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Evaluating the performance of vehicular platoon control under different network topologies of initial states

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Yongfu; Li, Kezhi; Zheng, Taixiong; Hu, Xiangdong; Feng, Huizong; Li, Yinguo

    2016-05-01

    This study proposes a feedback-based platoon control protocol for connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) under different network topologies of initial states. In particularly, algebraic graph theory is used to describe the network topology. Then, the leader-follower approach is used to model the interactions between CAVs. In addition, feedback-based protocol is designed to control the platoon considering the longitudinal and lateral gaps simultaneously as well as different network topologies. The stability and consensus of the vehicular platoon is analyzed using the Lyapunov technique. Effects of different network topologies of initial states on convergence time and robustness of platoon control are investigated. Results from numerical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed protocol with respect to the position and velocity consensus in terms of the convergence time and robustness. Also, the findings of this study illustrate the convergence time of the control protocol is associated with the initial states, while the robustness is not affected by the initial states significantly.

  12. Self-initiated object-location memory in young and older adults.

    PubMed

    Berger-Mandelbaum, Anat; Magen, Hagit

    2017-11-20

    The present study explored self-initiated object-location memory in ecological contexts, as aspect of memory that is largely absent from the research literature. Young and older adults memorized objects-location associations they selected themselves or object-location associations provided to them, and elaborated on the strategy they used when selecting the locations themselves. Retrieval took place 30 min and 1 month after encoding. The results showed an age-related decline in self-initiated and provided object-location memory. Older adults benefited from self-initiation more than young adults when tested after 30 min, while the benefit was equal when tested after 1 month. Furthermore, elaboration enhanced memory only in older adults, and only after 30 min. Both age groups used deep encoding strategies on the majority of the trials, but their percentage was lower in older adults. Overall, the study demonstrated the processes involved in self-initiated object-location memory, which is an essential part of everyday functioning.

  13. Educational videos for practitioners attending Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative workshops supporting breastfeeding positioning, attachment and hand expression skills: Effects on knowledge and confidence.

    PubMed

    Wallace, Louise M; Ma, Yuanying; Qiu, Li Qian; Dunn, Orla M

    2018-04-26

    UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative (BFHI) is the global standard for maternity and community services requiring all practitioners to be trained to support mothers in the essential skills of supporting positioning and attachment, and hand expression. These studies aim to rigorously assess knowledge in nurses, midwives, and doctors in these skills, tested before and after watching short videos demonstrating these skills. Practitioners were attending BFHI education, and the video study was additional. In Phase 1 clinicians in England were randomised to one of two videos (practitioner role play or clinical demonstration). The results showed improvements in knowledge and confidence, and a preference for clinical demonstration by mothers and infants. The clinical demonstration video was evaluated in China in Phase 2 where expert trainers viewed the video after completing the BHFI workshop, and in Phase 3 practitioners viewed the video before the BHFI workshop. Phase 2 with expert trainers only showed improvement in knowledge of hand expression but not positioning and attachment. In Phase 3 clinicians showed improved knowledge for both skills. In all Phases there were statistically significant improvements in confidence in practice in both skills. Viewing short videos increased knowledge, particularly about teaching hand expression, and confidence in both skills. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  14. 40 CFR 63.7114 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations standard?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL EMISSION STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS FOR SOURCE CATEGORIES (CONTINUED) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Lime Manufacturing Plants Testing and Initial Compliance Requirements § 63.7114 How do I demonstrate...

  15. Chemical Reactions Triggered Using Electrons Photodetached from "Clean" Distributions of Anions Deposited in Cryogenic Matrices via Counterion Codeposition.

    PubMed

    Ludwig, Ryan M; Moore, David T

    2014-09-04

    Application of matrix isolation spectroscopy to ionic species is typically complicated by the presence of neutral contaminants during matrix deposition. Herein we demonstrate that simultaneous deposition of balanced currents of counterions with mass-selected ions of interest generates "clean" distributions of matrix-isolated metal carbonyl anions, where the only bands appearing in the CO-stretching region of the vibrational spectrum arise from ions. (Neutrals are initially absent.) Photodetachment by mild irradiation with visible light leads to complete conversion of the anions into their corresponding neutral species. The photodetached electrons, in turn, initiate covalent chemistry, inducing C-C bond formation following electron-capture by CO van der Waals dimers to produce trans-OCCO(-). The initial clean distribution of ions enables clear connections to be drawn between the spectral changes occurring at each experimental step, thus demonstrating the potential of the counterion codeposition technique to facilitate detailed studies of chemistry involving ions and electron transfer in cryogenic matrices.

  16. Probabilistic modeling of anatomical variability using a low dimensional parameterization of diffeomorphisms.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Miaomiao; Wells, William M; Golland, Polina

    2017-10-01

    We present an efficient probabilistic model of anatomical variability in a linear space of initial velocities of diffeomorphic transformations and demonstrate its benefits in clinical studies of brain anatomy. To overcome the computational challenges of the high dimensional deformation-based descriptors, we develop a latent variable model for principal geodesic analysis (PGA) based on a low dimensional shape descriptor that effectively captures the intrinsic variability in a population. We define a novel shape prior that explicitly represents principal modes as a multivariate complex Gaussian distribution on the initial velocities in a bandlimited space. We demonstrate the performance of our model on a set of 3D brain MRI scans from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database. Our model yields a more compact representation of group variation at substantially lower computational cost than the state-of-the-art method such as tangent space PCA (TPCA) and probabilistic principal geodesic analysis (PPGA) that operate in the high dimensional image space. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Cellular Immune Mechanisms in Malaria.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1980-08-31

    The initial studies in this area demonstrated the presence of lymphocytotoxins in patients with infectious mononucleosis , rubella, and measles (14...and P.I. Terasaki. 1970. Lymphocytotoxins in Disease I. Infectious mononucleosis , rubella and measles. Lymphocytotoxins in Disease (ed. by P.I

  18. Sinuplasty (Balloon Catheter Dilation)

    MedlinePlus

    ... be done without actual tissue removal. Although this technology initially was met with criticism, clinical studies have demonstrated that it is a safe tool in the management of chronic sinusitis. The American Rhinologic Society as well as the American Academy of Otolaryngology- ...

  19. Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion in Children: A Pilot Study Validating a Protocol to Avoid Hypoglycemia at Initiation.

    PubMed

    Manousaki, Despoina; Deladoëy, Johnny; Geoffroy, Louis; Olivier, Patricia

    2017-01-01

    The occurrence of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia during the first days after transition to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in patients with type 1 diabetes has not been systematically studied in children. The aim of this prospective study was to demonstrate that the protocol applied in our diabetes clinic is safe at CSII initiation in children. We assessed 22 pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes, using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) before and after CSII initiation (±3 days). After CSII initiation, there was no difference in the rates of hypoglycemic events expressed as relative rates (RRs) per person-reading (RR = 0.85, p  = 0.52, 95% CI 0.52-1.39), as well as in the number of prolonged hypoglycemic events (>1 h) per day (RR = 1.12, p  = 0.56, 95% CI 0.75-1.68). We observed only a trend toward prolonged episodes of hyperglycemia after pump initiation (RR = 1.52, p  = 0.06, 95% CI 0.97-2.35). Our study is the first to assess, through CGM and in a prospective way, the impact of a CSII initiation protocol on glycemic values. Our protocol provides a safe model to avoid hypoglycemia at CSII initiation in children. www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT01840358.

  20. A comparison of treatment effectiveness between the CAD/CAM method and the manual method for managing adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

    PubMed

    Wong, M S; Cheng, J C Y; Lo, K H

    2005-04-01

    The treatment effectiveness of the CAD/CAM method and the manual method in managing adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) was compared. Forty subjects were recruited with twenty subjects for each method. The clinical parameters namely Cobb's angle and apical vertebral rotation were evaluated at the pre-brace and the immediate in-brace visits. The results demonstrated that orthotic treatments rendered by the CAD/CAM method and the conventional manual method were effective in providing initial control of Cobb's angle. Significant decreases (p < 0.05) were found between the pre-brace and immediate in-brace visits for both methods. The mean reductions of Cobb's angle were 12.8 degrees (41.9%) for the CAD/CAM method and 9.8 degrees (32.1%) for the manual method. An initial control of the apical vertebral rotation was not shown in this study. In the comparison between the CAD/CAM method and the manual method, no significant difference was found in the control of Cobb's angle and apical vertebral rotation. The current study demonstrated that the CAD/CAM method can provide similar result in the initial stage of treatment as compared with the manual method.

  1. Planning, Implementing, and Documenting an Innovative Statewide Occupational Initiative.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Floyd, Jerald D.

    During an 18-month demonstration period, the Illinois Occupational Program Initiative (IOPI), funded through the state's Division of Alcoholism, demonstrated the feasibility of funding individual contractors to create and market employee assistance programs (EAPs) to representatives of industry and labor. Cost estimates for the EAPs were to cover…

  2. 40 CFR 63.4741 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL EMISSION STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS FOR SOURCE CATEGORIES National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Surface Coating of... practice standards required in §§ 63.4692 and 63.4693, respectively. To demonstrate initial compliance with...

  3. Watershed management contributions to land stewardship: Case studies in the Southeast

    Treesearch

    Wayne T. Swank; David R. Tilley

    2000-01-01

    We describe three examples of watershed management studies, at different spatial scales, that provide approaches and information useful in enhancing natural resource stewardship in the southern Appalachians. A multiple use “pilot” study, initiated 35 years ago at the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, demonstrates that southern Appalachian forests can be successfully...

  4. Electrical Stimulation of Coleopteran Muscle for Initiating Flight.

    PubMed

    Choo, Hao Yu; Li, Yao; Cao, Feng; Sato, Hirotaka

    2016-01-01

    Some researchers have long been interested in reconstructing natural insects into steerable robots or vehicles. However, until recently, these so-called cyborg insects, biobots, or living machines existed only in science fiction. Owing to recent advances in nano/micro manufacturing, data processing, and anatomical and physiological biology, we can now stimulate living insects to induce user-desired motor actions and behaviors. To improve the practicality and applicability of airborne cyborg insects, a reliable and controllable flight initiation protocol is required. This study demonstrates an electrical stimulation protocol that initiates flight in a beetle (Mecynorrhina torquata, Coleoptera). A reliable stimulation protocol was determined by analyzing a pair of dorsal longitudinal muscles (DLMs), flight muscles that oscillate the wings. DLM stimulation has achieved with a high success rate (> 90%), rapid response time (< 1.0 s), and small variation (< 0.33 s; indicating little habituation). Notably, the stimulation of DLMs caused no crucial damage to the free flight ability. In contrast, stimulation of optic lobes, which was earlier demonstrated as a successful flight initiation protocol, destabilized the beetle in flight. Thus, DLM stimulation is a promising secure protocol for inducing flight in cyborg insects or biobots.

  5. Electrical Stimulation of Coleopteran Muscle for Initiating Flight

    PubMed Central

    Choo, Hao Yu; Li, Yao; Cao, Feng; Sato, Hirotaka

    2016-01-01

    Some researchers have long been interested in reconstructing natural insects into steerable robots or vehicles. However, until recently, these so-called cyborg insects, biobots, or living machines existed only in science fiction. Owing to recent advances in nano/micro manufacturing, data processing, and anatomical and physiological biology, we can now stimulate living insects to induce user-desired motor actions and behaviors. To improve the practicality and applicability of airborne cyborg insects, a reliable and controllable flight initiation protocol is required. This study demonstrates an electrical stimulation protocol that initiates flight in a beetle (Mecynorrhina torquata, Coleoptera). A reliable stimulation protocol was determined by analyzing a pair of dorsal longitudinal muscles (DLMs), flight muscles that oscillate the wings. DLM stimulation has achieved with a high success rate (> 90%), rapid response time (< 1.0 s), and small variation (< 0.33 s; indicating little habituation). Notably, the stimulation of DLMs caused no crucial damage to the free flight ability. In contrast, stimulation of optic lobes, which was earlier demonstrated as a successful flight initiation protocol, destabilized the beetle in flight. Thus, DLM stimulation is a promising secure protocol for inducing flight in cyborg insects or biobots. PMID:27050093

  6. 40 CFR 63.10400 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... CATEGORIES (CONTINUED) National Emission Standards for Hospital Ethylene Oxide Sterilizers Initial Compliance... submitting an Initial Notification of Compliance Status certifying that you are venting the ethylene oxide...

  7. British government, industry agree to fund Hotel launcher studies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brown, D. A.

    1986-02-01

    A program status assessment is presented for the horizontal takeoff and landing 'Hotol' single-stage-to-orbit space launcher, for which parallel, two-year airframe and propulsion system proof-of-concept studies have been approved. A two-year initial development program for the airframe would be followed by a four-year development and manufacturing phase that would begin upon the propulsion system concept's successful demonstration. Flight trials could begin in 1996. A number of significant modifications have already been made to the initial design concept, such as to the foreplanes, afterbody, engine intake, and orbital control system.

  8. The Forced Soft Spring Equation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fay, T. H.

    2006-01-01

    Through numerical investigations, this paper studies examples of the forced Duffing type spring equation with [epsilon] negative. By performing trial-and-error numerical experiments, the existence is demonstrated of stability boundaries in the phase plane indicating initial conditions yielding bounded solutions. Subharmonic boundaries are…

  9. Integrated corridor management transit vehicle real-time data demonstration: Dallas case study

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2014-12-01

    As part of the U.S. Department of Transportations Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) purchased new automatic passenger counter (APC) technology for its Red and Orange line light rail vehicles to provi...

  10. Picturebooks in Teacher Education: Eight Teacher Educators Share Their Practice

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Daly, Nicola; Blakeney-Williams, Marilyn M.

    2015-01-01

    There is a great deal of contemporary research demonstrating the effective use of picturebooks in the classroom; however, there are few studies recording perceptions and use of picturebooks in Initial Teacher Education [ITE]. This study explores the reported use of picturebooks within a New Zealand university-based ITE degree programme. The data…

  11. Empirical Evidence in Support of a Research-Informed Water Conservation Education Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Thompson, Ruthanne; Serna, Victoria Faubion

    2016-01-01

    Based on results from a 2008 research study of regional citizen knowledge concerning watershed issues, a water conservation education program was designed and implemented. Findings from the initial study demonstrated program success as evidenced by knowledge gain and willingness to "commit" to water saving behaviors in 94% of students. A…

  12. Effect of initial moisture content on the in-vessel composting under air pressure of organic fraction of municipal solid waste in Morocco.

    PubMed

    Makan, Abdelhadi; Assobhei, Omar; Mountadar, Mohammed

    2013-01-03

    This study aimed to evaluate the effect of initial moisture content on the in-vessel composting under air pressure of organic fraction of municipal solid waste in Morocco in terms of internal temperature, produced gases quantity, organic matter conversion rate, and the quality of the final composts.For this purpose, in-vessel bioreactor was designed and used to evaluate both appropriate initial air pressure and appropriate initial moisture content for the composting process. Moreover, 5 experiments were carried out within initial moisture content of 55%, 65%, 70%, 75% and 85%. The initial air pressure and the initial moisture content of the mixture showed a significant effect on the aerobic composting. The experimental results demonstrated that for composting organic waste, relatively high moisture contents are better at achieving higher temperatures and retaining them for longer times.This study suggested that an initial moisture content of around 75%, under 0.6 bar, can be considered as being suitable for efficient composting of organic fraction of municipal solid waste. These last conditions, allowed maximum value of temperature and final composting product with good physicochemical properties as well as higher organic matter degradation and higher gas production. Moreover, final compost obtained showed good maturity levels and can be used for agricultural applications.

  13. The Impact of Microwave-Derived Surface Soil Moisture on Watershed Hydrological Modeling

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    ONeill, P. E.; Hsu, A. Y.; Jackson, T. J.; Wood, E. F.; Zion, M.

    1997-01-01

    The usefulness of incorporating microwave-derived soil moisture information in a semi-distributed hydrological model was demonstrated for the Washita '92 experiment in the Little Washita River watershed in Oklahoma. Initializing the hydrological model with surface soil moisture fields from the ESTAR airborne L-band microwave radiometer on a single wet day at the start of the study period produced more accurate model predictions of soil moisture than a standard hydrological initialization with streamflow data over an eight-day soil moisture drydown.

  14. Initialized Fractional Calculus

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lorenzo, Carl F.; Hartley, Tom T.

    2000-01-01

    This paper demonstrates the need for a nonconstant initialization for the fractional calculus and establishes a basic definition set for the initialized fractional differintegral. This definition set allows the formalization of an initialized fractional calculus. Two basis calculi are considered; the Riemann-Liouville and the Grunwald fractional calculi. Two forms of initialization, terminal and side are developed.

  15. Engineering-Scale Demonstration of DuraLith and Ceramicrete Waste Forms

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

    Josephson, Gary B.; Westsik, Joseph H.; Pires, Richard P.

    2011-09-23

    To support the selection of a waste form for the liquid secondary wastes from the Hanford Waste Immobilization and Treatment Plant, Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) has initiated secondary waste form testing on four candidate waste forms. Two of the candidate waste forms have not been developed to scale as the more mature waste forms. This work describes engineering-scale demonstrations conducted on Ceramicrete and DuraLith candidate waste forms. Both candidate waste forms were successfully demonstrated at an engineering scale. A preliminary conceptual design could be prepared for full-scale production of the candidate waste forms. However, both waste forms are stillmore » too immature to support a detailed design. Formulations for each candidate waste form need to be developed so that the material has a longer working time after mixing the liquid and solid constituents together. Formulations optimized based on previous lab studies did not have sufficient working time to support large-scale testing. The engineering-scale testing was successfully completed using modified formulations. Further lab development and parametric studies are needed to optimize formulations with adequate working time and assess the effects of changes in raw materials and process parameters on the final product performance. Studies on effects of mixing intensity on the initial set time of the waste forms are also needed.« less

  16. 40 CFR 63.7826 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the operation and maintenance requirements that...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... preventative maintenance schedule and, as applicable, detailed descriptions of the corrective action procedures... compliance with the operation and maintenance requirements that apply to me? 63.7826 Section 63.7826... Compliance Requirements § 63.7826 How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the operation and maintenance...

  17. 40 CFR 63.7937 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the general standards?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... compliance with the general standards? 63.7937 Section 63.7937 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Remediation General Compliance Requirements § 63.7937 How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the general... remediation material treated or managed by the process vented through the affected process vents has an...

  18. 40 CFR 63.7896 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emissions limitations and work practice...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL... Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Site Remediation Tanks § 63.7896 How do I demonstrate initial...) for the tanks to be used for your site remediation. (2) You have determined, according to the...

  19. 40 CFR 63.7937 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the general standards?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... compliance with the general standards? 63.7937 Section 63.7937 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Remediation General Compliance Requirements § 63.7937 How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the general... remediation material treated or managed by the process vented through the affected process vents has an...

  20. 40 CFR 63.7896 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emissions limitations and work practice...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL... Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Site Remediation Tanks § 63.7896 How do I demonstrate initial...) for the tanks to be used for your site remediation. (2) You have determined, according to the...

  1. 40 CFR 63.7896 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emissions limitations and work practice...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL... Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Site Remediation Tanks § 63.7896 How do I demonstrate initial...) for the tanks to be used for your site remediation. (2) You have determined, according to the...

  2. 40 CFR 63.7937 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the general standards?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... compliance with the general standards? 63.7937 Section 63.7937 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Remediation General Compliance Requirements § 63.7937 How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the general... remediation material treated or managed by the process vented through the affected process vents has an...

  3. 40 CFR 63.7896 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emissions limitations and work practice...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL... Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Site Remediation Tanks § 63.7896 How do I demonstrate initial...) for the tanks to be used for your site remediation. (2) You have determined, according to the...

  4. 40 CFR 63.3961 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... and Products Compliance Requirements for the Emission Rate with Add-on Controls Option § 63.3961 How do I demonstrate initial compliance? (a) You may use the emission rate with add-on controls option... option or the emission rate without add-on controls option for any coating operation in the affected...

  5. 40 CFR 63.4561 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Compliance Requirements for the Emission Rate with Add-on Controls Option § 63.4561 How do I demonstrate initial compliance? (a) You may use the emission rate with add-on controls option for any coating... rate without add-on controls option for any coating operation in the affected source for which you do...

  6. 40 CFR 63.7937 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the general standards?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Remediation General Compliance Requirements § 63.7937 How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the general... remediation material treated or managed by the process vented through the affected process vents has an..., according to the procedures § 63.7943, and recorded the average VOHAP concentration of the remediation...

  7. Impact of Pharmacy Practice Model Expansion on Pharmacokinetic Services: Optimization of Vancomycin Dosing and Improved Patient Safety.

    PubMed

    Han, Zhe; Pettit, Natasha N; Landon, Emily M; Brielmaier, Benjamin D

    2017-04-01

    Background: The impact of pharmacy interventions on optimizing vancomycin therapy has been described, however interventions vary among studies and the most optimal pharmacy practice model (PPM) for pharmacokinetic (PK) services has not been established. Objective: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the value of 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (24/7) PK services. Methods: New PK services were implemented in 2 phases with institutional PPM expansion. Phase 1 included universal monitoring by pharmacists with recommendations made to prescribers during business hours. Phase 2 expanded clinical pharmacists' coverage to 24/7 and provided an optional 24/7 pharmacist-managed PK consult service. We compared vancomycin therapeutic trough attainment, dosing, and clinical and safety outcomes between phases 1 and 2 in adult inpatients receiving therapeutic intravenous vancomycin. Results. One hundred and fifty patients were included in each phase. Phase 2 had a greater proportion of vancomycin courses with therapeutic initial trough concentrations (27.5% vs 46.1%; p = 0.002), higher initial trough concentrations (10.9 mcg/mL vs 16.4 mcg/mL; p < 0.001), and optimized initial vancomycin dosing (13.5 mg/kg vs 16.2 mg/kg; p < 0.001). Phase 2 also saw significant reduction in the incidence of vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity (21.1% vs 11.7%; p = 0.038). Dose optimization and improvement in initial target trough attainment were most notable among intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Conclusions. Our study demonstrated that 24/7 PK services implemented with institutional PPM expansion optimized vancomycin target trough attainment and improved patient safety.

  8. Application and Removal of Strippable Coatings via Remote Platform - 13133

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

    Shoffner, P.; Lagos, L.; Maggio, S.

    2013-07-01

    Florida International University's (FIU's) Applied Research Center is currently supporting the Department of Energy (DOE) Environmental Management Office of D and D and Facility Engineering program. FIU is supporting DOE's initiative to improve safety, reduce technical risks, and limit uncertainty within D and D operations by identifying technologies suitable to meet specific facility D and D requirements, assessing the readiness of those technologies for field deployment, and conducting feasibility studies and technology demonstrations of selected technologies and working with technology vendors to optimize the design of their current technologies to accomplish dangerous and demanding tasks during D and D operations.more » To meet one identified technology gap challenge for a technology to remotely apply strippable coatings, fixatives and decontamination gels, FIU identified and performed an initial demonstration of an innovative remote fixative sprayer platform from International Climbing Machines (ICM). The selected technology was demonstrated spraying fixative products at the hot cell mockup facility at the Applied Research Center at FIU in November 2008 under cold (non-radioactive) conditions. The remotely controlled platform was remotely operated and entered the facility and sprayed a fixative onto horizontal and vertical surfaces. Based on the initial FIU demonstration and the specific technical requirements identified at the DOE facilities, a follow-up demonstration was expanded to include strippable coatings and a decontamination gel, which was demonstrated in June 2010 at the ICM facility in Ithaca, NY. This second technology evaluation documented the ability of the remote system to spray the selected products on vertical stainless steel and concrete surfaces to a height of 3 meters (10 feet) and to achieve sufficient coverage and product thickness to promote the ability to peel/remove the strippable coatings and decontamination gel. The next challenge was to determine if a remote platform could be used to remove the strippable coatings and decontamination gels. In 2012, FIU worked with the technology provider, ICM, to conduct feasibility and trade studies to identify the requirements for the remote removal of strippable coatings or decontamination gels using the existing remote controlled platform. (authors)« less

  9. Incident Management : Successful Practices : A Cross-Cutting Study : Improving Mobility And Saving Lives

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2012-08-01

    This report presents the test plan for conducting the Traveler Response Analysis for the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) evaluation of the Dallas U.S. 75 Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative Demonstration. The ICM pro...

  10. Technology Approach: DoD Versus Boeing (A Comparative Study)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-01-01

    the American public continues to demand that its gov - ernment become more efficient, prompting Vice President Al Gore to initiate a National...new world dictionary, Ohio: William Collins. Henderson, B. W. (1990, December). NASA research aircraft demonstrates solutions to powered-lift

  11. A Quadratic Spring Equation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fay, Temple H.

    2010-01-01

    Through numerical investigations, we study examples of the forced quadratic spring equation [image omitted]. By performing trial-and-error numerical experiments, we demonstrate the existence of stability boundaries in the phase plane indicating initial conditions yielding bounded solutions, investigate the resonance boundary in the [omega]…

  12. Peer Assisted Study Sessions and Student Performance: The Role of Academic Engagement, Student Identity, and Statistics Self-Efficacy

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Spedding, Jason; Hawkes, Amy J.; Burgess, Matthew

    2017-01-01

    The initial year of university is often a sensitive period for new students. Commencing students may lack the necessary skills and resources to adapt to unfamiliar learning environments. One intervention demonstrating academic benefits is Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS). PASS is a structured peer led study group where students collectively…

  13. Diagnostic colonoscopy: performance measurement study.

    PubMed

    Kuznets, Naomi

    2002-07-01

    This is the fifth of a series of best practices studies undertaken by the Performance Measurement Initiative (PMI), the centerpiece of the Institute for Quality Improvement (IQI), a not-for-profit quality improvement subsidiary of the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) (Performance Measurement Initiative, 1999a, 1999b, 2000a, 2000b). The IQI was created to offer clinical performance measurement and improvement opportunities to ambulatory health care organizations and others interested in quality patient care. The purpose of the study was to provide opportunities to initiate clinical performance measurement on key processes and outcomes for this procedure and use this information for clinical quality improvement. This article provides performance measurement information on how organizations that have demonstrated and validated differences in clinical practice can have similar outcomes, but at a dramatically lower cost. The intent of the article is to provide organizations with alternatives in practice to provide a better value to their patients.

  14. Results of Casting in Severe Curves in Infantile Scoliosis.

    PubMed

    Stasikelis, Peter J; Carpenter, Ashley M

    2018-04-01

    Previous work has demonstrated best results for casting in infantile scoliosis when the curves are small and the child begins casting under 2 years of age. This study examines if casting can delay the need for growth friendly instrumentation in severe curves (50 to 106 degrees) and how the comorbidities of syrinx or genetic syndromes affected outcomes. All children undergoing casting for scoliosis at a single institution over an 8-year period were examined. Inclusion criteria included initial curve at first casting of ≥50 degrees, age ≤3 years at the start of casting, and a minimum follow-up of 3 years. Of 148 children undergoing casting during this period, 44 met our inclusion criteria. All children underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Ten children with a syrinx were identified. Ten children had known genetic syndromes (2 who also had a syrinx). The 26 children without these comorbidities were considered idiopathic. Curve magnitude ranged from 50 to 106 degrees. Nine of the 26 (35%) children in the children with idiopathic curves demonstrated resolution of their curves, while only 3 of the remaining 18 (17%) did. Of the children that did not have resolution of their curves, 14 were maintained over the entire follow-up period to within 15 degrees of their initial curve and 13 were improved 15 degrees or more. Only 5 children had an increase of 15 degrees or more over the follow-up period and 4 of these have undergone growth friendly instrumentation after a mean delay from initial cast of 71 months (range, 18 to 100 mo). This study demonstrates that even in severe curves, casting was effective in delaying instrumentation in all cases, and led to curve resolution of the curves in 12 of 44 children. Level III-case control study.

  15. Differential tumor biology effects of double-initiation in a mouse skin chemical carcinogenesis model comparing wild type versus protein kinase Cepsilon overexpression mice.

    PubMed

    Li, Yafan; Wheeler, Deric L; Ananthaswamy, Honnavara N; Verma, Ajit K; Oberley, Terry D

    2007-12-01

    Our previous studies showed that protein kinase Cepsilon (PKCepsilon) verexpression in mouse skin resulted in metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) elicited by single 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-initiation and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-promotion in the absence of preceding papilloma formation as is typically observed in wild type mice. The present study demonstrates that double-DMBA initiation modulates tumor incidence, multiplicity, and latency period in both wild type and PKCepsilon overexpression transgenic (PKCepsilon-Tg) mice. After 17 weeks (wks) of tumor promotion, a reduction in papilloma multiplicity was observed in double- versus single-DMBA initiated wild type mice. Papilloma multiplicity was inversely correlated with cell death indices of interfollicular keratinocytes, indicating decreased papilloma formation was caused by increased cell death and suggesting the origin of papillomas is in interfollicular epidermis. Double-initiated PKCepsilon-Tg mice had accelerated carcinoma formation and cancer incidence in comparison to single-initiated PKCepsilon-Tg mice. Morphologic analysis of mouse skin following double initiation and tumor promotion showed a similar if not identical series of events to those previously observed following single initiation and tumor promotion: putative preneoplastic cells were observed arising from hyperplastic hair follicles (HFs) with subsequent cancer cell infiltration into the dermis. Single-initiated PKCepsilon-Tg mice exhibited increased mitosis in epidermal cells of HFs during tumor promotion.

  16. Changing Workplaces to Reduce Work-Family Conflict: Schedule Control in a White-Collar Organization.

    PubMed

    Kelly, Erin L; Moen, Phyllis; Tranby, Eric

    2011-04-01

    Work-family conflicts are common and consequential for employees, their families, and work organizations. Can workplaces be changed to reduce work-family conflict? Previous research has not been able to assess whether workplace policies or initiatives succeed in reducing work-family conflict or increasing work-family fit. Using longitudinal data collected from 608 employees of a white-collar organization before and after a workplace initiative was implemented, we investigate whether the initiative affects work-family conflict and fit, whether schedule control mediates these effects, and whether work demands, including long hours, moderate the initiative's effects on work-family outcomes. Analyses clearly demonstrate that the workplace initiative positively affects the work-family interface, primarily by increasing employees' schedule control. This study points to the importance of schedule control for our understanding of job quality and for management policies and practices.

  17. Inhibition of chaotic escape from a potential well by incommensurate escape-suppressing excitations.

    PubMed

    Chacón, R; Martínez, J A

    2002-03-01

    Theoretical results are presented concerning the reduction of chaotic escape from a potential well by means of a harmonic parametric excitation that satisfies an ultrasubharmonic resonance condition with the escape-inducing excitation. The possibility of incommensurate escape-suppressing excitations is demonstrated by studying rational approximations to the irrational escape-suppressing frequency. The analytical predictions for the suitable amplitudes and initial phases of the escape-suppressing excitation are tested against numerical simulations based on a high-resolution grid of initial conditions. These numerical results indicate that the reduction of escape is reliably achieved for small amplitudes and at, and only at, the predicted initial phases. For the case of irrational escape-suppressing frequencies, the effective escape-reducing initial phases are found to lie close to the accumulation points of the set of suitable initial phases that are associated with the complete series of convergents up to the convergent giving the chosen rational approximation.

  18. 40 CFR 63.10011 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emissions limits and work practice standards?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units Testing and Initial... liquid oil-fired unit, and you use quarterly stack testing for HCl and HF plus site-specific parameter monitoring to demonstrate continuous performance, you must also establish a site-specific operating limit, in...

  19. 40 CFR 63.10011 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emissions limits and work practice standards?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units Testing and Initial... liquid oil-fired unit, and you use quarterly stack testing for HCl and HF plus site-specific parameter monitoring to demonstrate continuous performance, you must also establish a site-specific operating limit, in...

  20. 40 CFR 63.4751 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... emission rate without add-on controls option for any individual coating operation, for any group of coating operations in the affected source, or for all the coating operations in the affected source. You must use... operation in the affected source for which you do not use this option. To demonstrate initial compliance...

  1. 40 CFR 63.4151 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... without add-on controls option for any individual coating operation, for any group of coating operations in the affected source, or for all of the coating operations in the affected source. You must use... operation(s) in the affected source for which you do not use this option. To demonstrate initial compliance...

  2. 40 CFR 63.7901 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emissions limitations and work practice...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL... Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Site Remediation Containers § 63.7901 How do I demonstrate initial... specified in § 63.7990 for the containers to be used for your site remediation. (2) You have determined and...

  3. 40 CFR 63.7901 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emissions limitations and work practice...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL... Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Site Remediation Containers § 63.7901 How do I demonstrate initial... specified in § 63.7990 for the containers to be used for your site remediation. (2) You have determined and...

  4. 40 CFR 63.7901 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emissions limitations and work practice...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL... Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Site Remediation Containers § 63.7901 How do I demonstrate initial... specified in § 63.7990 for the containers to be used for your site remediation. (2) You have determined and...

  5. 40 CFR 63.7901 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emissions limitations and work practice...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL... Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Site Remediation Containers § 63.7901 How do I demonstrate initial... specified in § 63.7990 for the containers to be used for your site remediation. (2) You have determined and...

  6. 40 CFR 63.9621 - What test methods and other procedures must I use to demonstrate initial compliance with the...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... must I use to demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limits for particulate matter? 63.9621... the emission limits for particulate matter? (a) You must conduct each performance test that applies to... source, you must determine compliance with the applicable emission limit for particulate matter in Table...

  7. 40 CFR 63.9621 - What test methods and other procedures must I use to demonstrate initial compliance with the...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... must I use to demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limits for particulate matter? 63.9621... the emission limits for particulate matter? (a) You must conduct each performance test that applies to... source, you must determine compliance with the applicable emission limit for particulate matter in Table...

  8. The Association of Individual and Regional Socioeconomic Status on Initial Peritonitis and Outcomes in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study.

    PubMed

    Wang, Qin; Hu, Ke-Jie; Ren, Ye-Ping; Dong, Jie; Han, Qing-Feng; Zhu, Tong-Ying; Chen, Jiang-Hua; Zhao, Hui-Ping; Chen, Meng-Hua; Xu, Rong; Wang, Yue; Hao, Chuan-Ming; Zhang, Xiao-Hui; Wang, Mei; Tian, Na; Wang, Hai-Yan

    2016-01-01

    ♦ Research indicates that the socioeconomic status (SES) of individuals and the area where they live are related to initial peritonitis and outcomes in peritoneal dialysis (PD). We conducted a retrospective, multi-center cohort study in China to examine these associations. ♦ Data on 2,171 PD patients were collected from 7 centers, including baseline demographic, socioeconomic, and laboratory data. We explored the potential risk factors for initial peritonitis and outcomes using univariate Cox regression and unadjusted binary logistic regression. Then, we used propensity score matching to balance statistically significant risk factors for initial peritonitis and outcomes, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to compare differences in peritonitis-free rates between different groups of participants after matching. ♦ A total of 563 (25.9%) initial episodes of peritonitis occurred during the study period. The Kaplan-Meier peritonitis-free rate curve showed high-income patients had a significantly lower risk than low-income patients (p = 0.007) after matching for age, hemoglobin, albumin, and regional SES and PD center. The risk of treatment failure was significantly lower in the high-income than the low-income group after matching for the organism causing peritonitis and PD center: odds ratio (OR) = 0.27 (0.09 - 0.80, p = 0.018). Regional SES and education were not associated with initial peritonitis and outcomes. ♦ Our study demonstrates low individual income is a risk factor for the initial onset of peritonitis and treatment failure after initial peritonitis. Copyright © 2016 International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis.

  9. Application of in situ thermography for evaluating the high-cycle and very high-cycle fatigue behaviour of cast aluminium alloy AlSi7Mg (T6).

    PubMed

    Krewerth, D; Weidner, A; Biermann, H

    2013-12-01

    The present paper illustrates the application of infrared thermal measurements for the investigation of crack initiation point and crack propagation in the high-cycle and the very high-cycle fatigue range of cast AlSi7Mg alloy (A356). The influence of casting defects, their location, size and amount was studied both by fractography and thermography. Besides internal and surface fatigue crack initiation as a further crack initiation type multiple fatigue crack initiation was observed via in situ thermography which can be well correlated with the results from fractography obtained by SEM investigations. In addition, crack propagation was studied by the development of the temperature measured via thermography. Moreover, the frequency influence on high-cycle fatigue behaviour was investigated. The presented results demonstrate well that the combination of fractography and thermography can give a significant contribution to the knowledge of crack initiation and propagation in the VHCF regime. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Reaction Times to Consecutive Automation Failures: A Function of Working Memory and Sustained Attention.

    PubMed

    Jipp, Meike

    2016-12-01

    This study explored whether working memory and sustained attention influence cognitive lock-up, which is a delay in the response to consecutive automation failures. Previous research has demonstrated that the information that automation provides about failures and the time pressure that is associated with a task influence cognitive lock-up. Previous research has also demonstrated considerable variability in cognitive lock-up between participants. This is why individual differences might influence cognitive lock-up. The present study tested whether working memory-including flexibility in executive functioning-and sustained attention might be crucial in this regard. Eighty-five participants were asked to monitor automated aircraft functions. The experimental manipulation consisted of whether or not an initial automation failure was followed by a consecutive failure. Reaction times to the failures were recorded. Participants' working-memory and sustained-attention abilities were assessed with standardized tests. As expected, participants' reactions to consecutive failures were slower than their reactions to initial failures. In addition, working-memory and sustained-attention abilities enhanced the speed with which participants reacted to failures, more so with regard to consecutive than to initial failures. The findings highlight that operators with better working memory and sustained attention have small advantages when initial failures occur, but their advantages increase across consecutive failures. The results stress the need to consider personnel selection strategies to mitigate cognitive lock-up in general and training procedures to enhance the performance of low ability operators. © 2016, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

  11. Motor carrier case study evaluation report : appendix C, Vol. 1 : analysis and observations, the Crescent Evaluation

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1994-02-01

    The Crescent Project element of the HELP Program is a bi-national multi-jurisdictional : cooperative research and demonstration initiative involving the public and private sectors in an : application of advanced technologies for the creation of an in...

  12. Multibar sawless lint cleaner: Field testing results

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The Multibar Sawless Lint Cleaner (MBSLC) is a prototype spiked-tooth lint cleaner initially designed to replace the first stage lint cleaning in a cotton gin. Previous studies conducted in the ginning laboratory in Lubbock, Texas, demonstrated improvements in some fiber properties, as well as minim...

  13. Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) in a Novel Molten Salt Aerosol System.

    PubMed

    Williams, Ammon N; Phongikaroon, Supathorn

    2017-04-01

    In the pyrochemical separation of used nuclear fuel (UNF), fission product, rare earth, and actinide chlorides accumulate in the molten salt electrolyte over time. Measuring this salt composition in near real-time is advantageous for operational efficiency, material accountability, and nuclear safeguards. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been proposed and demonstrated as a potential analytical approach for molten LiCl-KCl salts. However, all the studies conducted to date have used a static surface approach which can lead to issues with splashing, low repeatability, and poor sample homogeneity. In this initial study, a novel molten salt aerosol approach has been developed and explored to measure the composition of the salt via LIBS. The functionality of the system has been demonstrated as well as a basic optimization of the laser energy and nebulizer gas pressure used. Initial results have shown that this molten salt aerosol-LIBS system has a great potential as an analytical technique for measuring the molten salt electrolyte used in this UNF reprocessing technology.

  14. Ethical Principles and Character Traits in Children's Literature

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hardwick, Shirley Ann

    2017-01-01

    This study was initiated to explore the decline in the demonstration of moral and ethical behavior among young people in many public school settings. Media reports of verbal and physical aggression, bullying, and defiance of adults in authority have been reported in some of the larger urban school districts. Several research studies have provided…

  15. Development and initial test of the University of Wisconsin global isentropic-sigma model

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zapotocny, Tom H.; Johnson, Donald R.; Reames, Fred M.

    1994-01-01

    The description of a global version of the University of Wisconsin (UW) hybrid isentropic-sigma (theta-sigma) model and the results from an initial numerical weather prediction experiment are presented in this paper. The main objectives of this initial test are to (1) discuss theta-sigma model development and computer requirements, (2) demonstrate the ability of the UW theta-sigma model for global numerical weather prediction using realistic orography and parameterized physical processes, and (3) compare the transport of an inert trace constituent against a nominally 'identical' sigma coordinate model. Initial and verifying data for the 5-day simulations presented in this work were supplied by the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS-1) data assimilation system. The time period studied is 1-6 February 1985. This validation experiment demonstrates that the global UW theta-sigma model produces a realistic 5-day simulation of the mass and momentum distributions when compared to both the identical sigma model and GEOS-1 verification. Root-mean-square errors demonstrate that the theta-sigma model is slightly more accurate than the nominally identical sigma model with respect to standard synoptic variables. Of particular importance, the UW theta-sigma model displays a distinct advantage over the conventional sigma model with respect to the prognostic simulation of inert trace constituent transport in amplifying baroclinic waves of the extratropics. This is especially true in the upper troposphere and stratosphere where the spatial integrity and conservation of an inert trace constituent is severely compromised in the sigma model compared to the theta-sigma model.

  16. Influence of a counteradvertising media campaign on initiation of smoking: the Florida "truth" campaign.

    PubMed Central

    Sly, D F; Hopkins, R S; Trapido, E; Ray, S

    2001-01-01

    OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the short-term effects of television advertisements from the Florida "truth" campaign on rates of smoking initiation. METHODS: A follow-up survey of young people aged 12 to 17 years (n = 1820) interviewed during the first 6 months of the advertising campaign was conducted. Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the independent effects of the campaign on smoking initiation while other factors were controlled for. RESULTS: Youths scoring at intermediate and high levels on a media effect index were less likely to initiate smoking than youths who could not confirm awareness of television advertisements. Adjusted odds ratios between the media index and measures of initiation were similar within categories of age, sex, susceptibility, and whether a parent smoked. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to the "truth" media campaign lowered the risk of youth smoking initiation. However, the analysis did not demonstrate that all such media programs will be effective. PMID:11211631

  17. Trading Later Rewards for Current Pleasure: Pornography Consumption and Delay Discounting.

    PubMed

    Negash, Sesen; Sheppard, Nicole Van Ness; Lambert, Nathaniel M; Fincham, Frank D

    2016-01-01

    Internet pornography is a multi-billion-dollar industry that has grown increasingly accessible. Delay discounting involves devaluing larger, later rewards in favor of smaller, more immediate rewards. The constant novelty and primacy of sexual stimuli as particularly strong natural rewards make Internet pornography a unique activator of the brain's reward system, thereby having implications for decision-making processes. Based on theoretical studies of evolutionary psychology and neuroeconomics, two studies tested the hypothesis that consuming Internet pornography would relate to higher rates of delay discounting. Study 1 used a longitudinal design. Participants completed a pornography use questionnaire and a delay discounting task at Time 1 and then again four weeks later. Participants reporting higher initial pornography use demonstrated a higher delay discounting rate at Time 2, controlling for initial delay discounting. Study 2 tested for causality with an experimental design. Participants were randomly assigned to abstain from either their favorite food or pornography for three weeks. Participants who abstained from pornography use demonstrated lower delay discounting than participants who abstained from their favorite food. The finding suggests that Internet pornography is a sexual reward that contributes to delay discounting differently than other natural rewards. Theoretical and clinical implications of these studies are highlighted.

  18. Delayed Presentation of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction and Loss of Renal Function After Initially Mild (SFU Grade 1-2) Hydronephrosis.

    PubMed

    Bowen, Diana K; Yerkes, Elizabeth B; Lindgren, Bruce W; Gong, Edward M; Faasse, Mark A

    2015-07-01

    We report 4 pediatric cases of ureteropelvic junction obstruction involving delayed progression of initially mild postnatal hydronephrosis. All 4 children became symptomatic; however, 3 already had a substantial decrement of ipsilateral kidney function by the time of diagnosis. Two of these 3 patients had previous renal scintigraphy demonstrating normal differential function. We caution that counseling regarding hydronephrosis should emphasize the importance of prompt re-evaluation for any symptoms potentially referable to delayed presentation of ureteropelvic junction obstruction, irrespective of initial hydronephrosis grade. Future studies are needed to determine the optimal follow-up regimen for conservative management of hydronephrosis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. New regimens for intravenous acetylcysteine, where are we now?

    PubMed

    Bateman, D Nicholas; Dear, James W; Thomas, Simon H L

    2016-01-01

    Acetylcysteine has been used as a treatment for paracetamol overdose as a 20.25- or 21-h infusion for nearly 40 years. These regimens give 50% of the dose in the first 15 min or 1 h, and are associated with high rates of adverse reactions. A randomised controlled trial has demonstrated that a shorter (12 h) and simpler (two infusions) acetylcysteine regimen using a slower initial infusion rate produces lower rates of adverse events than the original 20.25-h regimen. However, this study was not sufficiently large to show therapeutic equivalence as a hepatoprotective therapy in paracetamol overdose. Two further studies are now reported, which also suggest lower rates of adverse reactions with lower initial rates of acetylcysteine administration. These modified regimens can now be accepted as better tolerated, but it is unlikely that a randomised study of sufficient size to demonstrate non-inferiority of any novel regimen would ever be funded. Against this background we suggest what can be done to establish the efficacy of these less toxic and potentially shorter alternative acetylcysteine regimens and to establish them into routine clinical use.

  20. Initial results from a cryogenic proton irradiation of a p-channel CCD

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gow, J. P. D.; Wood, D.; Burt, D.; Hall, D. J.; Dryer, B.; Holland, A. D.; Murray, N. J.

    2015-08-01

    The displacement damage hardness that can be achieved using p-channel charge coupled devices (CCD) was originally demonstrated in 1997 and since then a number of other studies have demonstrated an improved tolerance to radiationinduced CTI when compared to n-channel CCDs. A number of recent studies have also shown that the temperature history of the device after the irradiation impacts the performance of the detector, linked to the mobility of defects at different temperatures. This study describes the initial results from an e2v technologies p-channel CCD204 irradiated at 153 K with a 10 MeV equivalent proton fluences of 1.24×109 and 1.24×1011 protons.cm-2. The number of defects identified using trap pumping, dark current and cosmetic quality immediately after irradiation and over a period of 150 hours after the irradiation with the device held at 153 K and then after different periods of time at room temperature are described. The device also exhibited a flatband voltage shift of around 30 mV per krad, determined by the reduction in full well capacity.

  1. Success factors for strategic change initiatives: a qualitative study of healthcare administrators' perspectives.

    PubMed

    Kash, Bita Arbab; Spaulding, Aaron; Johnson, Christopher E; Gamm, Larry

    2014-01-01

    Success factors related to the implementation of change initiatives are well documented and discussed in the management literature, but they are seldom studied in healthcare organizations engaged in multiple strategic change initiatives. The purpose of this study was to identify key success factors related to implementation of change initiatives based on rich qualitative data gathered from health leader interviews at two large health systems implementing multiple change initiatives. In-depth personal interviews with 61 healthcare leaders in the two large systems were conducted and inductive qualitative analysis was employed to identify success factors associated with 13 change initiatives. Results from this analysis were compared to success factors identified in the literature, and generalizations were drawn that add significantly to the management literature, especially to that in the healthcare sector. Ten specific success factors were identified for the implementation of change initiatives. The top three success factors were (1) culture and values, (2) business processes, and (3) people and engagement. Two of the identified success factors are unique to the healthcare sector and not found in the literature on change models: service quality and client satisfaction (ranked fourth of 10) and access to information (ranked ninth). Results demonstrate the importance of human resource functions, alignment of culture and values with change, and business processes that facilitate effective communication and access to information to achieve many change initiatives. The responses also suggest opportunities for leaders of healthcare organizations to more formally recognize the degree to which various change initiatives are dependent on one another.

  2. Suicide case with multiple injuries with sharp objects.

    PubMed

    Черняк, Валентина В; Девяткин, Александр Е; Мустафина, Галия М; Никифоров, Артём Г

    The work of forensic - medical expert examination of the corpse at the place of its discovery and further research in the morgue often there are certain difficulties associated with the solution of a number of issues, including the establishment of a kind of death. Bringing the case demonstrates that, during the initial examination of the corpse to the place of its discovery the presence of multiple injuries on the body of a different nature, as a rule, initially suggest investigators to suspect that the murder occurred. But further questioning around him lately those studying survey data and scene study results allowed the corpse to make objective conclusions.

  3. Impact of 6-month earlier versus postponed initiation of rotigotine on long-term outcome: post hoc analysis of patients with early Parkinson's disease with mild symptom severity.

    PubMed

    Timmermann, Lars; Asgharnejad, Mahnaz; Boroojerdi, Babak; Dohin, Elisabeth; Woltering, Franz; Elmer, Lawrence W

    2015-01-01

    Investigate impact of 6-month earlier versus postponed initiation of rotigotine in patients with early Parkinson's disease (PD) with mild symptom severity. Long-term benefit of rotigotine in early-PD has been demonstrated: SP702 (NCT00594165) and SP716 (NCT00599196) were long-term, open-label extensions of double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of 6-month maintenance; rotigotine was well tolerated for up to 6 years, and demonstrated efficacy (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [UPDRS] II + III below baseline) for ∼ 2 years (SP702) and ∼ 4 years (SP716). Post hoc analysis of patients at Hoehn and Yahr 1-2; groups defined by treatment received in 6-month double-blind studies: 'Rotigotine-Rotigotine' received rotigotine (n = 221), 'Placebo-Rotigotine' received placebo (n = 125). At the start of open-label rotigotine maintenance, UPDRS II + III mean ± SD change from double-blind baseline was: -8.5 ± 10.6 'Rotigotine-Rotigotine', -7.7 ± 9.0 'Placebo-Rotigotine.' After this initial improvement scores gradually increased: It took ∼ 45 months for mean scores to cross baseline in 'Rotigotine-Rotigotine', and ∼ 21 months in 'Placebo-Rotigotine.' At the time mean UPDRS II + III had crossed baseline in 'Placebo-Rotigotine' (open-label week 84; ∼ 21 months), treatment difference (LS-mean) to 'Rotigotine-Rotigotine' change from baseline was -3.89 (95% CI -6.94, -0.84); p = 0.013. In this post hoc analysis, 6-month earlier initiation of rotigotine resulted in slower return to baseline mean UPDRS II + III; initiation of rotigotine in patients with minimal/no functional disability or impairment may lead to an extended benefit.

  4. A measure of smoking abstinence-related motivational engagement: Development and initial validation

    PubMed Central

    Heckman, Bryan W.; Ditre, Joseph W.; Brandon, Thomas H.

    2010-01-01

    Introduction: Although a great deal of research has focused on measuring motivation and readiness to quit smoking, little research has assessed gross motivational changes after a smoker has made an attempt to quit smoking. Unlike previous single-item global measures of motivation to remain abstinent, we developed the abstinence-related motivational engagement (ARME) scale to evaluate the degree to which abstinence motivation is reflected by an ex-smoker’s daily experience in areas that include cognitive effort, priority, vigilance, and excitement. The aim of this study was to collect reliability and initial construct validity data on this new measure. Methods: Participants were 199 ex-smokers recruited from the community and smoking cessation Web sites. Participants completed online measures including a global motivation measure, the ARME scale, demographic questionnaire, and a measure of cessation self-efficacy. Results: The 16-item ARME questionnaire demonstrated high internal consistency reliability (α = .89). Analyses provided support for convergent, discriminant, and construct validity of the scale. ARME demonstrated the predicted correlation with a traditional measure of global cessation motivation, yet, also as predicted, only the ARME was negatively associated with length of abstinence. Moreover, as hypothesized, ex-smokers engaged in the quitting process via ongoing smoking Web site participation showed higher ARME scores than a comparison community sample. A five-item short form demonstrated similar psychometric properties. Discussion: This study provided initial support for the ARME construct and offers two versions of a reliable instrument for assessing this construct. Future research will examine the ARME as a predictor of cessation outcome and a potential target for relapse prevention. PMID:20190004

  5. A measure of smoking abstinence-related motivational engagement: development and initial validation.

    PubMed

    Simmons, Vani N; Heckman, Bryan W; Ditre, Joseph W; Brandon, Thomas H

    2010-04-01

    Although a great deal of research has focused on measuring motivation and readiness to quit smoking, little research has assessed gross motivational changes after a smoker has made an attempt to quit smoking. Unlike previous single-item global measures of motivation to remain abstinent, we developed the abstinence-related motivational engagement (ARME) scale to evaluate the degree to which abstinence motivation is reflected by an ex-smoker's daily experience in areas that include cognitive effort, priority, vigilance, and excitement. The aim of this study was to collect reliability and initial construct validity data on this new measure. Participants were 199 ex-smokers recruited from the community and smoking cessation Web sites. Participants completed online measures including a global motivation measure, the ARME scale, demographic questionnaire, and a measure of cessation self-efficacy. The 16-item ARME questionnaire demonstrated high internal consistency reliability (alpha = .89). Analyses provided support for convergent, discriminant, and construct validity of the scale. ARME demonstrated the predicted correlation with a traditional measure of global cessation motivation, yet, also as predicted, only the ARME was negatively associated with length of abstinence. Moreover, as hypothesized, ex-smokers engaged in the quitting process via ongoing smoking Web site participation showed higher ARME scores than a comparison community sample. A five-item short form demonstrated similar psychometric properties. This study provided initial support for the ARME construct and offers two versions of a reliable instrument for assessing this construct. Future research will examine the ARME as a predictor of cessation outcome and a potential target for relapse prevention.

  6. Psychological factors related to nurses' intentions to initiate an antipsychotic or psychosocial intervention with nursing home residents.

    PubMed

    Ludwin, Brian M; Meeks, Suzanne

    2018-05-03

    This study examined the validity of a psychological model for understanding nursing home providers' treatment choices when managing challenging dementia-related behaviors. Ninety-nine nurses from 26 long-term care facilities responded to a case study with their intentions to initiate an antipsychotic or psychosocial intervention and completed self-report measures of their attitudes, descriptive norms, self-efficacy, and outcome expectancies. The multi-level modeling results demonstrated that nurses with more positive outcome expectancies for the effect of an antipsychotic on resident behavior, and those with more positive attitudes towards antipsychotics, had greater intentions to initiate an antipsychotic. Intentions to initiate a psychosocial intervention were greater when nurses perceived a lower prevalence of antipsychotics and in facilities with nurses who collectively had higher self-efficacy to implement such interventions. The findings offer partial support for the proposed model and possible intervention targets to improve psychosocial intervention use and antipsychotic prescribing. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  7. The potential influence of radiation-induced microenvironments in neoplastic progression

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Barcellos-Hoff, M. H.; Chatterjee, A. (Principal Investigator)

    1998-01-01

    Ionizing radiation is a complete carcinogen, able both to initiate and promote neoplastic progression and is a known carcinogen of human and murine mammary gland. Tissue response to radiation is a composite of genetic damage, cell death and induction of new gene expression patterns. Although DNA damage is believed to initiate carcinogenesis, the contribution of these other aspects of radiation response are beginning to be explored. Our studies demonstrate that radiation elicits rapid and persistent global alterations in the mammary gland microenvironment. We postulate that radiation-induced microenvironments may affect epithelial cells neoplastic transformation by altering their number or susceptibility. Alternatively, radiation induced microenvironments may exert a selective force on initiated cells and/or be conducive to progression. A key impetus for these studies is the possibility that blocking these events could be a strategy to interrupt neoplastic progression.

  8. The Robot in the Crib: A Developmental Analysis of Imitation Skills in Infants and Robots.

    PubMed

    Demiris, Yiannis; Meltzoff, Andrew

    2008-01-01

    Interesting systems, whether biological or artificial, develop. Starting from some initial conditions, they respond to environmental changes, and continuously improve their capabilities. Developmental psychologists have dedicated significant effort to studying the developmental progression of infant imitation skills, because imitation underlies the infant's ability to understand and learn from his or her social environment. In a converging intellectual endeavour, roboticists have been equipping robots with the ability to observe and imitate human actions because such abilities can lead to rapid teaching of robots to perform tasks. We provide here a comparative analysis between studies of infants imitating and learning from human demonstrators, and computational experiments aimed at equipping a robot with such abilities. We will compare the research across the following two dimensions: (a) initial conditions-what is innate in infants, and what functionality is initially given to robots, and (b) developmental mechanisms-how does the performance of infants improve over time, and what mechanisms are given to robots to achieve equivalent behaviour. Both developmental science and robotics are critically concerned with: (a) how their systems can and do go 'beyond the stimulus' given during the demonstration, and (b) how the internal models used in this process are acquired during the lifetime of the system.

  9. Cockroach protease allergen induces allergic airway inflammation via epithelial cell activation

    PubMed Central

    Kale, Sagar L.; Agrawal, Komal; Gaur, Shailendra Nath; Arora, Naveen

    2017-01-01

    Protease allergens are known to enhance allergic inflammation but their exact role in initiation of allergic reactions at mucosal surfaces still remains elusive. This study was aimed at deciphering the role of serine protease activity of Per a 10, a major cockroach allergen in initiation of allergic inflammation at mucosal surfaces. We demonstrate that Per a 10 increases epithelial permeability by disruption of tight junction proteins, ZO-1 and occludin, and enhances the migration of Monocyte derived dendritic cell precursors towards epithelial layer as exhibited by trans-well studies. Per a 10 exposure also leads to secretion of IL-33, TSLP and intracellular Ca2+ dependent increase in ATP levels. Further, in vivo experiments revealed that Per a 10 administration in mice elevated allergic inflammatory parameters along with high levels of IL-33, TSLP, IL-1α and uric acid in the mice lungs. We next demonstrated that Per a 10 cleaves CD23 (low affinity IgE receptor) from the surface of PBMCs and purified B cells and CD25 (IL-2 receptor) from the surface of PBMCs and purified T cells in an activity dependent manner, which might favour Th2 responses. In conclusion, protease activity of Per a 10 plays a significant role in initiation of allergic airway inflammation at the mucosal surfaces. PMID:28198394

  10. Exposure to sequestered self-antigens in vivo is not sufficient for the induction of autoimmune diabetes

    PubMed Central

    Chan, Olivia; Hall, Håkan; Elford, Alisha R.; Yen, Patty; Calzascia, Thomas; Spencer, David M.; Ohashi, Pamela S.

    2017-01-01

    Although the role of T cells in autoimmunity has been explored for many years, the mechanisms leading to the initial priming of an autoimmune T cell response remain enigmatic. The ‘hit and run’ model suggests that self-antigens released upon cell death can provide the initial signal for a self-sustaining autoimmune response. Using a novel transgenic mouse model where we could induce the release of self-antigens via caspase-dependent apoptosis. We tracked the fate of CD8+ T cells specific for the self-antigen. Our studies demonstrated that antigens released from apoptotic cells were cross-presented by CD11c+ cells in the draining lymph node. This cross-presentation led to proliferation of self-antigen specific T cells, followed by a transient ability to produce IFN-γ, but did not lead to the development of autoimmune diabetes. Using this model we examined the consequences on T cell immunity when apoptosis was combined with dendritic cell maturation signals, an autoimmune susceptible genetic background, and the deletion of Tregs. The results of our study demonstrate that autoimmune diabetes cannot be initiated by the presentation of antigens released from apoptotic cells in vivo even in the presence of factors known to promote autoimmunity. PMID:28257518

  11. The pancreatitis-associated protein VMP1, a key regulator of inducible autophagy, promotes Kras(G12D)-mediated pancreatic cancer initiation.

    PubMed

    Loncle, C; Molejon, M I; Lac, S; Tellechea, J I; Lomberk, G; Gramatica, L; Fernandez Zapico, M F; Dusetti, N; Urrutia, R; Iovanna, J L

    2016-07-14

    Both clinical and experimental evidence have firmly established that chronic pancreatitis, in particular in the context of Kras oncogenic mutations, predisposes to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the repertoire of molecular mediators of pancreatitis involved in Kras-mediated initiation of pancreatic carcinogenesis remains to be fully defined. In this study we demonstrate a novel role for vacuole membrane protein 1 (VMP1), a pancreatitis-associated protein critical for inducible autophagy, in the regulation of Kras-induced PDAC initiation. Using a newly developed genetically engineered model, we demonstrate that VMP1 increases the ability of Kras to give rise to preneoplastic lesions, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanINs). This promoting effect of VMP1 on PanIN formation is due, at least in part, by an increase in cell proliferation combined with a decrease in apoptosis. Using chloroquine, an inhibitor of autophagy, we show that this drug antagonizes the effect of VMP1 on PanIN formation. Thus, we conclude that VMP1-mediated autophagy cooperate with Kras to promote PDAC initiation. These findings are of significant medical relevance, molecules targeting autophagy are currently being tested along chemotherapeutic agents to treat PDAC and other tumors in human trials.

  12. The information gained from witnesses' responses to an initial "blank" lineup.

    PubMed

    Palmer, Matthew A; Brewer, Neil; Weber, Nathan

    2012-10-01

    Wells ("The psychology of lineup identifications," Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 1984, 14, 89-103) proposed that a blank lineup (an initial lineup of known-to-be-innocent foils) can be used to screen eyewitnesses; witnesses who chose from a blank lineup (initial choosers) were more likely to make an error on a second lineup that contained a suspect than were witnesses who rejected a blank lineup (initial nonchoosers). Recent technological advances (e.g., computer-administered lineups) may overcome many of the practical difficulties cited as a barrier to the use of blank lineups. Our research extended knowledge about the blank lineup procedure by investigating the underlying causes of the difference in identification performance between initial choosers and initial nonchoosers. Studies 1a and 1b (total, N = 303) demonstrated that initial choosers were more likely to reject a second lineup than initial nonchoosers and witnesses who did not view a blank lineup, implying that cognitive biases (e.g., confirmation bias and commitment effects) influenced initial choosers' identification decisions. In Study 2 (N = 200), responses on a forced-choice identification test provided evidence that initial choosers have, on average, poorer memories for the culprit than do initial nonchoosers. We also investigated the usefulness of blank lineups for interpreting identification evidence. Diagnosticity ratios suggested that suspect identifications made by initial nonchoosers (cf. initial choosers) should have a greater impact on estimates of the likely guilt of the suspect. Furthermore, for initial nonchoosers, higher confidence in blank lineup rejections was associated with higher diagnosticity for subsequent suspect identifications. These results have implications for policy to guide the collection and interpretation of identification evidence. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved.

  13. Mobile Health Initiatives in Vietnam: Scoping Study.

    PubMed

    Lam, Jeffrey A; Dang, Linh Thuy; Phan, Ngoc Tran; Trinh, Hue Thi; Vu, Nguyen Cong; Nguyen, Cuong Kieu

    2018-04-24

    Mobile health (mHealth) offers a promising solution to the multitude of challenges the Vietnamese health system faces, but there is a scarcity of published information on mHealth in Vietnam. The objectives of this scoping study were (1) to summarize the extent, range, and nature of mHealth initiatives in Vietnam and (2) to examine the opportunities and threats of mHealth utilization in the Vietnamese context. This scoping study systematically identified and extracted relevant information from 20 past and current mHealth initiatives in Vietnam. The study includes multimodal information sources, including published literature, gray literature (ie, government reports and unpublished literature), conference presentations, Web-based documents, and key informant interviews. We extracted information from 27 records from the electronic search and conducted 14 key informant interviews, allowing us to identify 20 mHealth initiatives in Vietnam. Most of the initiatives were primarily funded by external donors (n=15), while other initiatives were government funded (n=1) or self-funded (n=4). A majority of the initiatives targeted vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations (n=11), aimed to prevent the occurrence of disease (n=12), and used text messaging (short message service, SMS) as part of their intervention (n=14). The study revealed that Vietnamese mHealth implementation has been challenged by factors including features unique to the Vietnamese language (n=4) and sociocultural factors (n=3). The largest threats to the popularity of mHealth initiatives are the absence of government policy, lack of government interest, heavy dependence on foreign funding, and lack of technological infrastructure. Finally, while current mHealth initiatives have already demonstrated promising opportunities for alternative models of funding, such as social entrepreneurship or private business models, sustainable mHealth initiatives outside of those funded by external donors have not yet been undertaken. ©Jeffrey A Lam, Linh Thuy Dang, Ngoc Tran Phan, Hue Thi Trinh, Nguyen Cong Vu, Cuong Kieu Nguyen. Originally published in JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth (http://mhealth.jmir.org), 24.04.2018.

  14. Mobile Health Initiatives in Vietnam: Scoping Study

    PubMed Central

    Lam, Jeffrey A; Dang, Linh Thuy; Phan, Ngoc Tran; Trinh, Hue Thi; Vu, Nguyen Cong

    2018-01-01

    Background Mobile health (mHealth) offers a promising solution to the multitude of challenges the Vietnamese health system faces, but there is a scarcity of published information on mHealth in Vietnam. Objective The objectives of this scoping study were (1) to summarize the extent, range, and nature of mHealth initiatives in Vietnam and (2) to examine the opportunities and threats of mHealth utilization in the Vietnamese context. Methods This scoping study systematically identified and extracted relevant information from 20 past and current mHealth initiatives in Vietnam. The study includes multimodal information sources, including published literature, gray literature (ie, government reports and unpublished literature), conference presentations, Web-based documents, and key informant interviews. Results We extracted information from 27 records from the electronic search and conducted 14 key informant interviews, allowing us to identify 20 mHealth initiatives in Vietnam. Most of the initiatives were primarily funded by external donors (n=15), while other initiatives were government funded (n=1) or self-funded (n=4). A majority of the initiatives targeted vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations (n=11), aimed to prevent the occurrence of disease (n=12), and used text messaging (short message service, SMS) as part of their intervention (n=14). The study revealed that Vietnamese mHealth implementation has been challenged by factors including features unique to the Vietnamese language (n=4) and sociocultural factors (n=3). Conclusions The largest threats to the popularity of mHealth initiatives are the absence of government policy, lack of government interest, heavy dependence on foreign funding, and lack of technological infrastructure. Finally, while current mHealth initiatives have already demonstrated promising opportunities for alternative models of funding, such as social entrepreneurship or private business models, sustainable mHealth initiatives outside of those funded by external donors have not yet been undertaken. PMID:29691214

  15. 40 CFR 63.2165 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations if I monitor fermenter...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 12 2011-07-01 2009-07-01 true How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations if I monitor fermenter exhaust? 63.2165 Section 63.2165 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL EMISSION STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS FOR SOURCE...

  16. 40 CFR 63.2165 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations if I monitor fermenter...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 12 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations if I monitor fermenter exhaust? 63.2165 Section 63.2165 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL EMISSION STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS FOR SOURCE...

  17. 40 CFR 63.2166 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations if I monitor brew ethanol?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 12 2011-07-01 2009-07-01 true How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations if I monitor brew ethanol? 63.2166 Section 63.2166 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL EMISSION STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS FOR SOURCE...

  18. 40 CFR 63.9913 - What test methods and other procedures must I use to demonstrate initial compliance with the...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... must I use to demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limits for particulate matter and PM10... compliance with the emission limits for particulate matter and PM10? (a) You must conduct each performance... determine compliance with the applicable emission limits for particulate matter in Table 1 to this subpart...

  19. 40 CFR 63.9913 - What test methods and other procedures must I use to demonstrate initial compliance with the...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... must I use to demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limits for particulate matter and PM10... compliance with the emission limits for particulate matter and PM10? (a) You must conduct each performance... determine compliance with the applicable emission limits for particulate matter in Table 1 to this subpart...

  20. 40 CFR 63.7896 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emissions limitations and work practice...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Site Remediation Tanks § 63.7896 How do I demonstrate initial...) for the tanks to be used for your site remediation. (2) You have determined, according to the procedures in § 63.7944, and recorded the maximum HAP vapor pressure of the remediation material placed in...

  1. 40 CFR 63.7901 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emissions limitations and work practice...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Site Remediation Containers § 63.7901 How do I demonstrate initial... specified in § 63.7990 for the containers to be used for your site remediation. (2) You have determined and recorded the maximum vapor pressure or total organic concentration for the remediation material placed in...

  2. 40 CFR 63.8234 - What equations and procedures must I use for the initial compliance demonstration?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... What equations and procedures must I use for the initial compliance demonstration? (a) By-product... Megagram of chlorine production (g Hg/Mg Cl2) of chlorine produced from all by-product hydrogen streams and...) Determine the mercury emission rate for each test run in grams per day for each by-product hydrogen stream...

  3. Mathematics in Technology & Engineering Education: Judgments of Grade-Level Appropriateness

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Flowers, Jim; Rose, Mary Annette

    2014-01-01

    Technology and engineering (TE) educators have long championed the infusion of mathematics into technology curriculum, especially to enhance TE learning goals and demonstrate "connections between technology and other fields of study." There is a need for curriculum development and professional development initiatives to purposefully…

  4. EFFECTS OF A HIGHLY-CONTAMINATED URBAN HARBOR ON AN ESTUARINE FISH SPECIES: ADAPTIVE CHANGES AT SPECIFIC LOCI

    EPA Science Inventory

    Fundulus heteroclitus populations indigenous to certain highly contaminated sites demonstrate an inherited tolerance to the toxic effects of local chemical contaminants. Our initial studies examining populations of F. heterclitus indigenous to a PCB-contaminated Superfund site at...

  5. EFFECTS OF A HIGHLY-CONTAMINATED URBAN HARBOR ON AN ESTUARINE FISH SPECIES: NEUTRAL MARKERS OF POPULATION GENETIC STRUCTURE

    EPA Science Inventory

    Fundulus heteroclitus populations indigenous to certain highly contaminated sites demonstrate an inherited tolerance to the toxic effects of local chemical contaminants. Our initial studies examining populations of F. heterclitus indigenous to a PCB-contaminated Superfund site at...

  6. Networks Analysis of a Regional Ecosystem of Afterschool Programs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Russell, Martha G.; Smith, Marc A.

    2011-01-01

    Case studies have documented the impact of family-school-community collaboration in afterschool programs on increasing awareness about the problems of at-risk youth, initiating dialogue among leaders and community representatives, developing rich school-based information systems, and demonstrating how to build strong relationships between public…

  7. Adolescent Romantic Couples Influence on Substance Use in Young Adulthood

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gudonis-Miller, Lauren C.; Lewis, Lisa; Tong, Yan; Tu, Wanzhu; Aalsma, Matthew C.

    2012-01-01

    Research has demonstrated that adolescent peer group affiliations are consistent predictors of substance use initiation and maintenance; it is less clear how adolescent "romantic" relationships influence substance use behavior. Data were drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Participants in the final dataset…

  8. Aircraft accident investigation: the decision-making in initial action scenario.

    PubMed

    Barreto, Marcia M; Ribeiro, Selma L O

    2012-01-01

    In the complex aeronautical environment, the efforts in terms of operational safety involve the adoption of proactive and reactive measures. The process of investigation begins right after the occurrence of the aeronautical accident, through the initial action. Thus, it is in the crisis scenario, that the person responsible for the initial action makes decisions and gathers the necessary information for the subsequent phases of the investigation process. Within this scenario, which is a natural environment, researches have shown the fragility of rational models of decision making. The theoretical perspective of naturalistic decision making constitutes a breakthrough in the understanding of decision problems demanded by real world. The proposal of this study was to verify if the initial action, after the occurrence of an accident, and the decision-making strategies, used by the investigators responsible for this activity, are characteristic of the naturalistic decision making theoretical approach. To attend the proposed objective a descriptive research was undertaken with a sample of professionals that work in this activity. The data collected through individual interviews were analyzed and the results demonstrated that the initial action environment, which includes restricted time, dynamic conditions, the presence of multiple actors, stress and insufficient information is characteristic of the naturalistic decision making. They also demonstrated that, when the investigators make their decisions, they use their experience and the mental simulation, intuition, improvisation, metaphors and analogues cases, as strategies, all of them related to the naturalistic approach of decision making, in order to satisfy the needs of the situation and reach the objectives of the initial action in the accident scenario.

  9. Effect of initial moisture content on the in-vessel composting under air pressure of organic fraction of municipal solid waste in Morocco

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    This study aimed to evaluate the effect of initial moisture content on the in-vessel composting under air pressure of organic fraction of municipal solid waste in Morocco in terms of internal temperature, produced gases quantity, organic matter conversion rate, and the quality of the final composts. For this purpose, in-vessel bioreactor was designed and used to evaluate both appropriate initial air pressure and appropriate initial moisture content for the composting process. Moreover, 5 experiments were carried out within initial moisture content of 55%, 65%, 70%, 75% and 85%. The initial air pressure and the initial moisture content of the mixture showed a significant effect on the aerobic composting. The experimental results demonstrated that for composting organic waste, relatively high moisture contents are better at achieving higher temperatures and retaining them for longer times. This study suggested that an initial moisture content of around 75%, under 0.6 bar, can be considered as being suitable for efficient composting of organic fraction of municipal solid waste. These last conditions, allowed maximum value of temperature and final composting product with good physicochemical properties as well as higher organic matter degradation and higher gas production. Moreover, final compost obtained showed good maturity levels and can be used for agricultural applications. PMID:23369502

  10. Effect of intravenous administration of D-lysergic acid diethylamide on initiation of protein synthesis in a cell-free system derived from brain.

    PubMed

    Cosgrove, J W; Brown, I R

    1984-05-01

    An initiating cell-free protein synthesis system derived from brain was utilized to demonstrate that the intravenous injection of D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to rabbits resulted in a lesion at the initiation stage of brain protein synthesis. Three inhibitors of initiation, edeine, poly(I), and aurintricarboxylic acid were used to demonstrate a reduction in initiation-dependent amino acid incorporation in the brain cell-free system. One hour after LSD injection, there was also a measurable decrease in the formation of 40S and 80S initiation complexes in vitro, using either [35S]methionine or [35S]Met-tRNAf. Analysis of the methionine pool size after LSD administration indicated there was no change in methionine levels. Analysis of the formation of initiation complexes in the brain cell-free protein synthesis system prepared 6 h after LSD administration indicated that there was a return to control levels at this time. The effects of LSD on steps in the initiation process are thus reversible.

  11. Impact of Medical Homes on Expenditures and Utilization for Beneficiaries With Behavioral Health Conditions.

    PubMed

    Romaire, Melissa A; Keyes, Vincent; Parish, William J; Kim, Konny

    2018-05-15

    Individuals with behavioral health conditions may benefit from enhanced care management provided by a patient-centered medical home (PCMH). In late 2011 and early 2012 Medicare began participating in PCMH initiatives in eight states through the Multi-Payer Advanced Primary Care Practice (MAPCP) demonstration. This study examined how the initiatives addressed the needs of patients with behavioral health conditions and the impacts of the demonstration on expenditures and utilization for this population. Semistructured interviews provided insight into states' approaches to improving care, and multivariate difference-in-difference regressions of Medicare and Medicaid claims data were used to model changes in utilization and expenditures, comparing Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries with behavioral health conditions in MAPCP demonstration practices with similar beneficiaries in non-PCMH primary care practices. Utilization included inpatient admissions and emergency department visits for all causes and for behavioral health conditions and outpatient visits for behavioral health conditions. Expenditure outcomes included expenditures for all services and those with a principal diagnosis of a behavioral health condition. Practices reported screening more patients for behavioral health conditions, linking patients to community-based behavioral health resources, and hiring behavioral health specialists to provide care. Several states embarked on unique initiatives to improve access to behavioral health services. However, few significant associations were found between participation in the MAPCP demonstration and utilization and expenditures for behavioral health services. Even though PCMHs made concerted efforts to improve access to care for their patients with behavioral health conditions, few substantial changes in patterns of care were noted.

  12. Damage Evaluation for Ti Alloys in Creep based on Incompatibility Field Measurement via EBSD Technique and Micro-Pillar Experiments Toward Identification of Roles of Dislocation Substructures on Fatigue Crack Initiation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-02-07

    Reproduction of a slip band with a PSB -ladder-like internal structure is attempted assuming initial conditions with and without corresponding strain...into heat at the PSB region, the present study extensively examined possible transition mechanisms toward the growth of grooves thereabout and that...arrangements even with the same dislocation density. (2)A slip band-like region having a substructure mimicking PSB ladder is demonstrated to be

  13. A demonstrative model of a lunar base simulation on a personal computer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1985-01-01

    The initial demonstration model of a lunar base simulation is described. This initial model was developed on the personal computer level to demonstrate feasibility and technique before proceeding to a larger computer-based model. Lotus Symphony Version 1.1 software was used to base the demonstration model on an personal computer with an MS-DOS operating system. The personal computer-based model determined the applicability of lunar base modeling techniques developed at an LSPI/NASA workshop. In addition, the personnal computer-based demonstration model defined a modeling structure that could be employed on a larger, more comprehensive VAX-based lunar base simulation. Refinement of this personal computer model and the development of a VAX-based model is planned in the near future.

  14. United States-European Commission Urban Freight Twinning Initiative: Compendium of Project Summaries

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2017-09-01

    This compendium is comprised of 33 brief summaries of urban freight initiatives that include research projects, plans, pilot demonstrations, and other efforts. These initiatives were presented at a roundtable discussion that was part of the 2017 Annu...

  15. Genetic variations in the DNA replication origins of human papillomavirus family correlate with their oncogenic potential.

    PubMed

    Yilmaz, Gulden; Biswas-Fiss, Esther E; Biswas, Subhasis B

    2018-04-01

    Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) encompass a large family of viruses that range from benign to highly carcinogenic. The crucial differences between benign and carcinogenic types of HPV remain unknown, except that the two HPV types differ in the frequency of DNA replication. We have systematically analyzed the mechanism of HPV DNA replication initiation in low-risk and high-risk HPVs. Our results demonstrate that HPV-encoded E2 initiator protein and its four binding sites in the replication origin play pivotal roles in determining the destiny of the HPV-infected cell. We have identified strain-specific single nucleotide variations in E2 binding sites found only in the high-risk HPVs. We have demonstrated that these variations result in attenuated formation of the E2-DNA complex. E2 binding to these sites is linked to the activation of the DNA replication origin as well as initiation of DNA replication. Both electrophoretic mobility shift assay and atomic force microscopy studies demonstrated that binding of E2 from either low- or high-risk HPVs with variant binding sequences lacked multimeric E2-DNA complex formation in vitro. These results provided a molecular basis of differential DNA replication in the two types of HPVs and pointed to a correlation with the development of cancer. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  16. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Learning Demonstration | Hydrogen and

    Science.gov Websites

    Fuel Cells | NREL Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Learning Demonstration Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Learning Demonstration Initiated in 2004, DOE's Controlled Hydrogen Fleet and Infrastructure Demonstration and Validation Project-later dubbed the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Learning Demonstration

  17. Classical Demonstration of Polarization.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bauman, Robert P.; Moore, Dennis R.

    1980-01-01

    Presents a classical demonstration of polarization for high school students. The initial state of this model, which demonstrates the important concepts of the optical and quantum problems, was developed during the 1973 summer program on lecture demonstration at the U.S. Naval Academy. (HM)

  18. The successful implementation of STEM initiatives in lower income schools

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bakshi, Leena

    The purpose of this study was to examine the leadership strategies utilized by superintendents, district administrators and school principals and the impact of these identified strategies on implementing STEM initiatives specifically for lower-income students. This study set out to determine (a) What role does district leadership play in the implementation of STEM initiatives in lower income secondary schools; (b) What internal systems of accountability exist in successful lower income secondary schools' STEM programs; (c) What leadership strategies are used to implement STEM curriculum initiatives; (d) How do school and district leadership support staff in order to achieve student engagement in STEM Initiative curriculum. This study used a mixed-methods approach to determine the impact of leadership strategies utilized by superintendents, district administrators and school principals on implementing STEM initiatives. Quantitative data analyzed survey questionnaires to determine the degree of correlation between the school districts that have demonstrated the successful implementation of STEM initiatives at the school and district levels. Qualitative data was collected using highly structured participant interviews and purposeful sampling of four district superintendents, one district-level administrator and five school leaders to capture the key strategies in implementing STEM initiatives in lower income secondary schools. Through the process of triangulation, the results of the study revealed that superintendents and principals should consider the characteristics of effective STEM initiatives that have shown a considerable degree of correlation with positive outcomes for lower income students. These included the leadership strategies of personnel's making decisions about the district's and school's instructional direction and an emphasis on the conceptual development of scientific principles using the Next Generation Science Standards coupled with the Common Core State Standards across the grade levels. It also emphasized the importance of establishing community partnerships as a primary resource. This study highlighted the criteria district and school leadership should include in implementing STEM initiatives and designing professional development models that result in meaningful instructional practices of STEM curriculum for secondary lower income students. Overall, this study provides insight for superintendents, district leaders and school administrators that can play an integral role in implementing STEM initiatives with access for socioeconomically disadvantaged students.

  19. Validating a Culturally-Sensitive Social Competence Training Programme for Adolescents with ASD in a Chinese Context: An Initial Investigation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chan, Raymond Won Shing; Leung, Cecilia Nga Wing; Ng, Denise Ching Yiu; Yau, Sania Sau Wai

    2018-01-01

    Previous studies on social skills training on ASD were done almost exclusively in the West with children as the main subjects. Demonstrations of the applicability of social interventions in different cultures and age groups are warranted. The current study outlined the development and preliminary evaluation of a CBT-context-based social competence…

  20. Enhanced Flight Termination System (EFTS): Flight Demonstration and Results

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tow, David; Arce, Dennis

    2008-01-01

    The Enhanced Flight Termination System (EFTS) program was initiated and propelled due to the inadvertent terminations of Global Hawk and the Strategic Target System and the NASA Inspector General's assessment letter and recommendations regarding the exploration of low-cost, lightweight space COMSEC for FTS. Additionally, the standard analog and high alphabet systems most commonly used in FTS are secure, but not encrypted. A study group was initiated to select and document a robust, affordable, reliable technology that provides encrypted FTS capability. A flight demonstration was conducted to gain experience using EFTS in an operational environment, provide confidence in the use of the EFTS components, integrate EFTS into an existing range infrastructure to demonstrate the scalability of system components, to provide a command controller that generated the EFTS waveform using an existing range infrastructure, and to provide a report documenting the results of the demonstration. The primary goal of the demonstration was to obtain operational experience with EFTS. Areas of operational experience include: mission planning, pre-flight configuration and testing, mission monitoring and recording, vehicle termination, developing mission procedures. and post mission data reduction and other post mission activities. An Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) was selected to support the EFTS demonstration due to interest in future use of EFTS by the AMRAAM program, familiarity of EFTS by range personnel, and the availability of existing operational environment to support EFTS testing with available program funding. For demonstration purposes, the AMRAAM was successfully terminated using an EFTS receiver and successfully demonstrating EFTS. The EFTS monitoring software with spectrum analyzer and digital graphical display of aircraft, missile, and target were also demonstrated.

  1. Assimilation of water temperature and discharge data for ensemble water temperature forecasting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ouellet-Proulx, Sébastien; Chimi Chiadjeu, Olivier; Boucher, Marie-Amélie; St-Hilaire, André

    2017-11-01

    Recent work demonstrated the value of water temperature forecasts to improve water resources allocation and highlighted the importance of quantifying their uncertainty adequately. In this study, we perform a multisite cascading ensemble assimilation of discharge and water temperature on the Nechako River (Canada) using particle filters. Hydrological and thermal initial conditions were provided to a rainfall-runoff model, coupled to a thermal module, using ensemble meteorological forecasts as inputs to produce 5 day ensemble thermal forecasts. Results show good performances of the particle filters with improvements of the accuracy of initial conditions by more than 65% compared to simulations without data assimilation for both the hydrological and the thermal component. All thermal forecasts returned continuous ranked probability scores under 0.8 °C when using a set of 40 initial conditions and meteorological forecasts comprising 20 members. A greater contribution of the initial conditions to the total uncertainty of the system for 1-dayforecasts is observed (mean ensemble spread = 1.1 °C) compared to meteorological forcings (mean ensemble spread = 0.6 °C). The inclusion of meteorological uncertainty is critical to maintain reliable forecasts and proper ensemble spread for lead times of 2 days and more. This work demonstrates the ability of the particle filters to properly update the initial conditions of a coupled hydrological and thermal model and offers insights regarding the contribution of two major sources of uncertainty to the overall uncertainty in thermal forecasts.

  2. Online communication predicts Belgian adolescents' initiation of romantic and sexual activity.

    PubMed

    Vandenbosch, Laura; Beyens, Ine; Vangeel, Laurens; Eggermont, Steven

    2016-04-01

    Online communication is associated with offline romantic and sexual activity among college students. Yet, it is unknown whether online communication is associated with the initiation of romantic and sexual activity among adolescents. This two-wave panel study investigated whether chatting, visiting dating websites, and visiting erotic contact websites predicted adolescents' initiation of romantic and sexual activity. We analyzed two-wave panel data from 1163 Belgian adolescents who participated in the MORES Study. We investigated the longitudinal impact of online communication on the initiation of romantic relationships and sexual intercourse using logistic regression analyses. The odds ratios of initiating a romantic relationship among romantically inexperienced adolescents who frequently used chat rooms, dating websites, or erotic contact websites were two to three times larger than those of non-users. Among sexually inexperienced adolescents who frequently used chat rooms, dating websites, or erotic contact websites, the odds ratios of initiating sexual intercourse were two to five times larger than that among non-users, even after a number of other relevant factors were introduced. This is the first study to demonstrate that online communication predicts the initiation of offline sexual and romantic activity as early as adolescence. Practitioners and parents need to consider the role of online communication in adolescents' developing sexuality. • Adolescents increasingly communicate online with peers. • Online communication predicts romantic and sexual activity among college students. What is New: • Online communication predicts adolescents' offline romantic activity over time. • Online communication predicts adolescents' offline sexual activity over time.

  3. The Effect of Syntactic Constraints on the Processing of Backwards Anaphora

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kazanina, Nina; Lau, Ellen F.; Lieberman, Moti; Yoshida, Masaya; Phillips, Colin

    2007-01-01

    This article presents three studies that investigate when syntactic constraints become available during the processing of long-distance backwards pronominal dependencies ("backwards anaphora" or "cataphora"). Earlier work demonstrated that in such structures the parser initiates an active search for an antecedent for a pronoun, leading to gender…

  4. Perceptions of Linguistically Responsive Teaching in Teacher Candidates/Novice Teachers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tandon, Madhavi; Viesca, Kara Mitchell; Hueston, Colin; Milbourn, Tamara

    2017-01-01

    This qualitative study examined data from 36 teacher candidates and novice teachers to explore their perceptions and understandings of linguistic responsiveness. The findings illustrate the challenge of demonstrating linguistically responsive teaching practices in the early and initial stages of entering the teaching profession, and more research…

  5. Documentation of 50% water conservation in a single process at a beef abattoir

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Beef slaughter is water intensive due to stringent food safety requirements. We conducted a study at a commercial beef processor to demonstrate water conservation by modifying the mechanical head wash. We documented the initial nozzle configuration (112 nozzles), water pressure (275 kPa), and flowra...

  6. Sustaining Education for Sustainability in Turbulent Times

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smith, Gregory A.; Stevenson, Robert B.

    2017-01-01

    A study of two schools in northern Australia demonstrated the impact on Education for Sustainability (EfS) initiatives of a disruptive policy environment set in motion by neoliberal reforms focused on standards, accountability, and international competitiveness. In one of the schools, a culture characterized by trust and an emphasis on cultivating…

  7. Module for phosphorus separation and recycling from liquid manures

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    A method has been developed to extract and concentrate soluble phosphates from livestock wastewater. The research was conducted over a 10-year period and went from initial bench studies and discovery, to pilot module development, to full-scale demonstrations of the phosphorus (P) module in swine fa...

  8. Assessing Self-Control Training in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bloh, Christopher

    2009-01-01

    This study examined the use of a progressive delay procedure with and without a concurrent activity to teach self-control to children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Three participants were initially required to wait progressively longer periods of time for access to preferred edible reinforcers. After demonstrating this…

  9. The status and initial results of the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, Xiaoyu; MAJORANA Collaboration

    2017-01-01

    The MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR is an ultra-low background experiment searching for neutrinoless double-beta decay in 76Ge at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. The search for neutrinoless double-beta decay could determine the Dirac vs Majorana nature of neutrino mass and provide insight to the matter-antimatter asymmetry in the Universe. The DEMONSTRATOR is comprised of 44.8 kg (30 kg enriched in 76Ge) of high purity Ge detectors separated into two modules. Construction and commissioning of both modules completed in Summer 2016 and both modules are now acquiring physics data. In my talk, I will discuss the initial results of the first physics run utilizing both modules focusing primarily on the studies of the background and projections to a ton-scale experiment. This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Nuclear Physics, the Particle Astrophysics Program of the National Science Foundation, and the Sanford Underground Research Facility. We acknowledge the support of the U.S. Department of Energy through the LANL/LDRD Program.

  10. Integrated corridor management initiative : demonstration phase evaluation, San Diego air quality test plan.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2000-10-01

    The Phoenix, Arizona Metropolitan Model Deployment was one of four cities included in the Metropolitan Model Deployment Initiative (MMDI). The initiative was set forth in 1996 to serve as model deployments of ITS infrastructure and integration. One o...

  11. 5 CFR 470.205 - Initiation of research programs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Initiation of research programs. 470.205... PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT RESEARCH PROGRAMS AND DEMONSTRATIONS PROJECTS Regulatory Requirements Pertaining to Research Programs § 470.205 Initiation of research programs. OPM will announce opportunities for research...

  12. 5 CFR 470.205 - Initiation of research programs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Initiation of research programs. 470.205... PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT RESEARCH PROGRAMS AND DEMONSTRATIONS PROJECTS Regulatory Requirements Pertaining to Research Programs § 470.205 Initiation of research programs. OPM will announce opportunities for research...

  13. 40 CFR 63.11562 - What are my initial compliance requirements?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... CATEGORIES (CONTINUED) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Area Sources: Asphalt Processing and Asphalt Roofing Manufacturing Standards and Compliance Requirements § 63.11562 What are my initial compliance requirements? (a) For asphalt processing operations, you must: (1) Demonstrate initial...

  14. 40 CFR 63.11562 - What are my initial compliance requirements?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... CATEGORIES (CONTINUED) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Area Sources: Asphalt Processing and Asphalt Roofing Manufacturing Standards and Compliance Requirements § 63.11562 What are my initial compliance requirements? (a) For asphalt processing operations, you must: (1) Demonstrate initial...

  15. 40 CFR 63.11562 - What are my initial compliance requirements?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... CATEGORIES (CONTINUED) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Area Sources: Asphalt Processing and Asphalt Roofing Manufacturing Standards and Compliance Requirements § 63.11562 What are my initial compliance requirements? (a) For asphalt processing operations, you must: (1) Demonstrate initial...

  16. 40 CFR 63.11562 - What are my initial compliance requirements?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... CATEGORIES (CONTINUED) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Area Sources: Asphalt Processing and Asphalt Roofing Manufacturing Standards and Compliance Requirements § 63.11562 What are my initial compliance requirements? (a) For asphalt processing operations, you must: (1) Demonstrate initial...

  17. 40 CFR 63.11562 - What are my initial compliance requirements?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... CATEGORIES (CONTINUED) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Area Sources: Asphalt Processing and Asphalt Roofing Manufacturing Standards and Compliance Requirements § 63.11562 What are my initial compliance requirements? (a) For asphalt processing operations, you must: (1) Demonstrate initial...

  18. 40 CFR 63.2261 - By what date must I conduct performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... conduct performance tests upon initial startup or no later than 180 calendar days after the compliance... initial startup or no later than 30 calendar days after the compliance date that is specified for your...

  19. 40 CFR 63.2261 - By what date must I conduct performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... conduct performance tests upon initial startup or no later than 180 calendar days after the compliance... initial startup or no later than 30 calendar days after the compliance date that is specified for your...

  20. 76 FR 39115 - Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Transformation Initiative Family Self-Sufficiency...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-07-05

    ... Information Collection: Transformation Initiative Family Self-Sufficiency Demonstration Small Grants AGENCY... information: Title of Proposal: Notice of Funding Availability for the Transformation Initiative Family Self..., think tanks, consortia, Institutions of higher education accredited by a national or regional...

  1. Connecting remote systems for demonstration of automation technologies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Brown, R. M.; Yee, R.

    1988-01-01

    An initial estimate of the communications requirements of the Systems Autonomy Demonstration Project (SADP) development and demonstration environments is presented. A proposed network paradigm is developed, and options for network topologies are explored.

  2. A comparison of endoscopic localization error rate between operating surgeons and referring endoscopists in colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Azin, Arash; Saleh, Fady; Cleghorn, Michelle; Yuen, Andrew; Jackson, Timothy; Okrainec, Allan; Quereshy, Fayez A

    2017-03-01

    Colonoscopy for colorectal cancer (CRC) has a localization error rate as high as 21 %. Such errors can have substantial clinical consequences, particularly in laparoscopic surgery. The primary objective of this study was to compare accuracy of tumor localization at initial endoscopy performed by either the operating surgeon or non-operating referring endoscopist. All patients who underwent surgical resection for CRC at a large tertiary academic hospital between January 2006 and August 2014 were identified. The exposure of interest was the initial endoscopist: (1) surgeon who also performed the definitive operation (operating surgeon group); and (2) referring gastroenterologist or general surgeon (referring endoscopist group). The outcome measure was localization error, defined as a difference in at least one anatomic segment between initial endoscopy and final operative location. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the association between localization error rate and the initial endoscopist. A total of 557 patients were included in the study; 81 patients in the operating surgeon cohort and 476 patients in the referring endoscopist cohort. Initial diagnostic colonoscopy performed by the operating surgeon compared to referring endoscopist demonstrated statistically significant lower intraoperative localization error rate (1.2 vs. 9.0 %, P = 0.016); shorter mean time from endoscopy to surgery (52.3 vs. 76.4 days, P = 0.015); higher tattoo localization rate (32.1 vs. 21.0 %, P = 0.027); and lower preoperative repeat endoscopy rate (8.6 vs. 40.8 %, P < 0.001). Initial endoscopy performed by the operating surgeon was protective against localization error on both univariate analysis, OR 7.94 (95 % CI 1.08-58.52; P = 0.016), and multivariate analysis, OR 7.97 (95 % CI 1.07-59.38; P = 0.043). This study demonstrates that diagnostic colonoscopies performed by an operating surgeon are independently associated with a lower localization error rate. Further research exploring the factors influencing localization accuracy and why operating surgeons have lower error rates relative to non-operating endoscopists is necessary to understand differences in care.

  3. 40 CFR 63.7325 - What test methods and other procedures must I use to demonstrate initial compliance with the TDS...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 13 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false What test methods and other procedures must I use to demonstrate initial compliance with the TDS or constituent limits for quench water? 63.7325 Section 63.7325 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL EMISSION STANDARDS FOR...

  4. Catheter closure of patent foramen ovale in patients with cryptogenic cerebrovascular accidents: initial experiences in Japan.

    PubMed

    Kijima, Yasufumi; Akagi, Teiji; Nakagawa, Koji; Taniguchi, Manabu; Ueoka, Akira; Deguchi, Kentaro; Toh, Norihisa; Oe, Hiroki; Kusano, Kengo; Sano, Shunji; Ito, Hiroshi

    2014-01-01

    Although numerous studies have shown an association between a patent foramen ovale (PFO) and cryptogenic cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), there has been no definitive control study that demonstrated the benefit of percutaneous device closure of a PFO compared to medical therapy in patients with CVA. Additionally, few clinical data exist for Japanese patients in this field. We demonstrate the initial experiences in catheter closure of a PFO as secondary prevention of CVA in Japan. Catheter closure of a PFO was attempted in 7 patients who were diagnosed with cryptogenic CVA. Mean age at the procedure was 54 ± 19 years. The presence of spontaneous interatrial right-to-left shunts was demonstrated by transesophageal contrast echocardiography without Valsalva maneuver in all of the patients. Amplatzer Cribriform device (n = 4) or Amplatzer PFO Occluder (n = 3) was used for the procedure and was successfully deployed. Device-related complications were not observed at the time of the procedure or during the follow-up period (mean period of 16 ± 9 months). Catheter closure of a PFO could be safely performed with Amplatzer Cribriform or Amplatzer PFO Occluder. This procedure may contribute to prevention of recurrent cryptogenic CVA in Japanese patients.

  5. The status and initial results of the Majorana demonstrator experiment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guiseppe, V. E.; Abgrall, N.; Alvis, S. I.; Arnquist, I. J.; Avignone, F. T.; Barabash, A. S.; Barton, C. J.; Bertrand, F. E.; Bode, T.; Bradley, A. W.; Brudanin, V.; Busch, M.; Buuck, M.; Caldwell, T. S.; Chan, Y.-D.; Christofferson, C. D.; Chu, P.-H.; Cuesta, C.; Detwiler, J. A.; Dunagan, C.; Efremenko, Yu.; Ejiri, H.; Elliott, S. R.; Gilliss, T.; Giovanetti, G. K.; Green, M. P.; Gruszko, J.; Guinn, I. S.; Haufe, C. R.; Hehn, L.; Henning, R.; Hoppe, E. W.; Howe, M. A.; Keeter, K. J.; Kidd, M. F.; Konovalov, S. I.; Kouzes, R. T.; Lopez, A. M.; Martin, R. D.; Massarczyk, R.; Meijer, S. J.; Mertens, S.; Myslik, J.; O'Shaughnessy, C.; Othman, G.; Poon, A. W. P.; Radford, D. C.; Rager, J.; Reine, A. L.; Rielage, K.; Robertson, R. G. H.; Rouf, N. W.; Shanks, B.; Shirchenko, M.; Suriano, A. M.; Tedeschi, D.; Trimble, J. E.; Varner, R. L.; Vasilyev, S.; Vetter, K.; Vorren, K.; White, B. R.; Wilkerson, J. F.; Wiseman, C.; Xu, W.; Yakushev, E.; Yu, C.-H.; Yumatov, V.; Zhitnikov, I.; Zhu, B. X.

    2017-10-01

    Neutrinoless double-beta decay searches play a major role in determining the nature of neutrinos, the existence of a lepton violating process, and the effective Majorana neutrino mass. The Majorana Collaboration assembled an array of high purity Ge detectors to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay in 76Ge. The Majorana Demonstrator is comprised of 44.1 kg (29.7 kg enriched in 76Ge) of Ge detectors divided between two modules contained in a low-background shield at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota, USA. The initial goals of the Demonstrator are to establish the required background and scalability of a Ge-based next-generation ton-scale experiment. Following a commissioning run that started in 2015, the first detector module started low-background data production in early 2016. The second detector module was added in August 2016 to begin operation of the entire array. We discuss results of the initial physics runs, as well as the status and physics reach of the full Majorana Demonstrator experiment.

  6. Dynamics and stability of directional jumps in the desert locust.

    PubMed

    Gvirsman, Omer; Kosa, Gabor; Ayali, Amir

    2016-01-01

    Locusts are known for their ability to jump large distances to avoid predation. The jump also serves to launch the adult locust into the air in order to initiate flight. Various aspects of this important behavior have been studied extensively, from muscle physiology and biomechanics, to the energy storage systems involved in powering the jump, and more. Less well understood are the mechanisms participating in control of the jump trajectory. Here we utilise video monitoring and careful analysis of experimental directional jumps by adult desert locusts, together with dynamic computer simulation, in order to understand how the locusts control the direction and elevation of the jump, the residual angular velocities resulting from the jump and the timing of flapping-flight initiation. Our study confirms and expands early findings regarding the instrumental role of the initial body position and orientation. Both real-jump video analysis and simulations based on our expanded dynamical model demonstrate that the initial body coordinates of position (relative to the hind-legs ground-contact points) are dominant in predicting the jumps' azimuth and elevation angles. We also report a strong linear correlation between the jumps' pitch-angular-velocity and flight initiation timing, such that head downwards rotations lead to earlier wing opening. In addition to offering important insights into the bio-mechanical principles of locust jumping and flight initiation, the findings from this study will be used in designing future prototypes of a bio-inspired miniature jumping robot that will be employed in animal behaviour studies and environmental monitoring applications.

  7. The Genesis, Implementation and Impact of the Better Access Mental Health Initiative Introducing Medicare-Funded Psychology Services

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Littlefield, Lyn; Giese, Jill

    2008-01-01

    The Australian Government's Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative introduced mental health reforms that included the availability of Medicare-funded psychology services. The mental health initiative has resulted in a huge uptake of these services, demonstrating the strong community demand for psychological treatment. The initiative has…

  8. Interventions to increase initial appointment attendance in mental health services: a systematic review.

    PubMed

    Schauman, Oliver; Aschan, Lisa Ellinor; Arias, Nicole; Beards, Stephanie; Clement, Sarah

    2013-12-01

    OBJECTIVE Although nonattendance at initial appointments in mental health services is a substantial problem, the phenomenon is poorly understood. This review synthesized findings of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions to increase initial appointment attendance and determined whether theories or models contributed to intervention design. METHODS Six electronic databases were systematically searched, and reference lists of identified studies were also examined. Studies included were RCTs (including "quasi-randomized" controlled trials) that compared standard practice with an intervention to increase attendance at initial appointments in a sample of adults who had a scheduled initial appointment in a mental health or substance abuse service setting. RESULTS Of 144 potentially relevant studies, 21 met inclusion criteria. These studies were reported in 20 different research papers. Of these, 16 studies (N=3,673 participants) were included in the analyses (five were excluded because they reported only nonattendance at the initial appointment). Separate analyses were conducted for each intervention type (opt-in systems, telephone reminders and prompts, orientation and reminder letters, accelerated intake, preappointment completion of psychodynamic questionnaires, and "other"). Narrative synthesis was used for analysis because the high level of heterogeneity between studies precluded a meta-analysis. The results were mixed for all types of intervention. Some isolated high-quality studies of opt-in systems, orientation and reminder letters, and more novel interventions demonstrated a beneficial effect. CONCLUSIONS The synthesized findings indicated that orientation and reminder letters may have a small beneficial effect. Consistent evidence for the efficacy of other types of common interventions is lacking. More novel interventions, such as asking clients to formulate plans to deal with obstacles to attendance and giving clients a choice of therapist style, showed some promise, but studies require replication.

  9. Considering Students' Out-of-School Lives and Values in Designing Learning Environments for Climate Change

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Walsh, E.; Tsurusaki, B.

    2012-12-01

    What are the implications of social controversy for the teaching and learning of climate change science? How do the political dimensions of this controversy affect learners' attitudes towards and reasoning about climate change and climate science? Case studies from a pilot enactment of an ecological impacts of climate change curriculum explore these questions by describing how five high school students' understandings of climate change science developed at the intersection of political and scientific values, attitudes, and ways of knowing. Case studies combine qualitative, ethnographic methods including interviews and classroom video observations with quantitative pre/post-assessments of student conceptual understandings and weekly surveys of student engagement. Data indicate that students had initial perceptions of climate change informed by the media and their families—both supporting and rejecting the scientific consensus—that influenced how they engaged with the scientific evidence. While students who were initially antagonistic to anthropogenic climate change did develop conceptual understandings of the scientific evidence for human-influences on climate change, this work was challenging and at times frustrating for them. These case studies demonstrate the wide range of initial attitudes and understandings that students bring to the study of climate change. They also demonstrate that it is possible to make significant shifts in students' understandings of climate change science, even in students who were initially resistant to the idea of anthropogenic climate change. Finally, multiple case studies discuss ways that the learning that occurred in the classroom crossed out of the classroom into the students' homes and family talk. This work highlights how learners' pathways are shaped not only by their developing understanding of the scientific evidence but also by the political and social influences that learners navigate across the contexts of their lives. It underscores the need to understand and support students as they interact with climate change across the contexts of their lives.

  10. Rate of displacement for Jakob Type 1 lateral condyle fractures treated with a cast.

    PubMed

    Zale, C; Winthrop, Z A; Hennrikus, W

    2018-04-01

    The aim of this retrospective study is to report the rate of displacement of Jakob Type 1 lateral condyle fractures that were initially treated in a cast. We performed a retrospective review of all patients that were treated for a non-displaced (Jakob Type 1 < 2 mm) lateral condyle fracture of the humerus at our institution between 2002 and 2015. A total of 59 patients were initially treated with casting. Five fractures displaced and were converted to a closed pinning treatment plan with a conversion rate of 8.5%. There was a mean of 13.2 days (4 to 21) between treatment by initial casting and closed pinning. This study demonstrates an 8.5% displacement and conversion rate from cast treatment to closed pinning for initially non-displaced Jakob Type 1 lateral condyle fractures of the humerus. The internal oblique radiograph is most accurate to determine displacement. We recommend obtaining an internal oblique view at initial evaluation and at follow-up in the cast for lateral condyle fractures. To minimize movement at the fracture site, we recommend treating Jakob Type 1 lateral condyle fractures with a long arm cast with the elbow at 90° and the forearm in the supine position with a sling-loop design. IV - retrospective therapeutic study.

  11. Girls Just Want to Know Where to Have Fun: Preventing Substance Use Initiation in an Under-Resourced Community in South Africa Through HealthWise

    PubMed Central

    Caldwell, Linda; Wegner, Lisa; Smith, Edward; Jones, Damon

    2016-01-01

    This study examined how the perception of the availability of leisure opportunities may prevent substance use initiation through HealthWise, a school-based program focused on reducing risky behavior. In this study, we specifically focused on whether HealthWise increased student perceptions of leisure opportunities between 8th grade and 10th grade (N = 5610) in an under-resourced community in South Africa. Path analyses were used to test hypotheses. Given gender differences in substance use patterns, societal norms, and leisure opportunities in under-resourced communities, such as the townships of Cape Town, South Africa, it was especially important to examine associations within each gender. Results suggested that HealthWise directly reduced the likelihood of initiating alcohol and cigarette use and increased the amount of perceived leisure opportunities among girls but not boys. Perceived leisure opportunities mediated the effect of HealthWise on reducing the initiation of alcohol and cigarette use directly, and marijuana use indirectly, among girls but not boys. This is the first study to demonstrate how experimentally targeting leisure through an intervention can increase perceived leisure opportunities and thereby prevent early substance use initiation for a specific population. The importance of considering the context of gender, age, and location is discussed. PMID:27129478

  12. Drug Use and Sex Work Among At-risk Women: A Qualitative Study of Initial Factors.

    PubMed

    Roshanfekr, Payam; Noori, Roya; Dejman, Masoumeh; Fathi Geshnigani, Zahra; Rafiey, Hassan

    2015-06-01

    In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in performing research on drug use and sex work among at-risk women. Although there is a well-documented literature of the initial reasons associated with drug use and sex work among women, there is, however, a paucity of information in this area in Iran. This study aimed to explore the initial reasons associated with drug use and sex work in a group of female treatment seekers, who presented health-related risk behaviors, in Tehran, Iran. This qualitative study enrolled a total of 65 at-risk women, from five women-specific drug clinics, who participated in the study in 2011. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted. Focus group interviews were conducted with 10 key informants. All interviews were audio-taped and thematically written. The recorded data were analyzed using ATLASti qualitative research software version 10. The median age of the sample was 34 years. In addition, 44.6% of subjects were opiate users, and 55.4% were users of opiates and methamphetamine. Sex work was the main source of income for almost half of the sample. The most frequently reported reasons, associated with initial drug use, were extrinsic motivations, including the drug-using family, friends or social networks. Intrinsic motivations, including curiosity and individual willingness to use drugs, were other initial reasons. The most frequently reported reasons, associated with initial sex work, included the need to purchase drugs and financial problems. The study findings demonstrated a number of reasons associated with initial drug use and sex work. The role of sex work in providing drugs necessitates education and prevention. Special treatment programs should be implemented to prevent sex work among at-risk women in Iran.

  13. Effects of Psychological Attention on Pronoun Comprehension

    PubMed Central

    Arnold, Jennifer E.; Lao, Shin-Yi C.

    2015-01-01

    Pronoun comprehension is facilitated for referents that are focused in the discourse context. Discourse focus has been described as a function of attention, especially shared attention, but few studies have explicitly tested this idea. Two experiments used an exogenous capture cue paradigm to demonstrate that listeners’ visual attention at the onset of a story influences their preferences during pronoun resolution later in the story. In both experiments trial-initial attention modulated listeners’ transitory biases while considering referents for the pronoun, whether it was in response to the capture cue or not. These biases even had a small influence on listeners’ final interpretation of the pronoun. These results provide independently-motivated evidence that the listener’s attention influences the on-line processes of pronoun comprehension. Trial-initial attentional shifts were made on the basis of non-shared, private information, demonstrating that attentional effects on pronoun comprehension are not restricted to shared attention among interlocutors. PMID:26191533

  14. Capillary Condensation in 8 nm Deep Channels.

    PubMed

    Zhong, Junjie; Riordon, Jason; Zandavi, Seyed Hadi; Xu, Yi; Persad, Aaron H; Mostowfi, Farshid; Sinton, David

    2018-02-01

    Condensation on the nanoscale is essential to understand many natural and synthetic systems relevant to water, air, and energy. Despite its importance, the underlying physics of condensation initiation and propagation remain largely unknown at sub-10 nm, mainly due to the challenges of controlling and probing such small systems. Here we study the condensation of n-propane down to 8 nm confinement in a nanofluidic system, distinct from previous studies at ∼100 nm. The condensation initiates significantly earlier in the 8 nm channels, and it initiates from the entrance, in contrast to channels just 10 times larger. The condensate propagation is observed to be governed by two liquid-vapor interfaces with an interplay between film and bridging effects. We model the experimental results using classical theories and find good agreement, demonstrating that this 8 nm nonpolar fluid system can be treated as a continuum from a thermodynamic perspective, despite having only 10-20 molecular layers.

  15. Relationship between Defect Size and Fatigue Life Distributions in Al-7 Pct Si-Mg Alloy Castings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tiryakioğlu, Murat

    2009-07-01

    A new method for predicting the variability in fatigue life of castings was developed by combining the size distribution for the fatigue-initiating defects and a fatigue life model based on the Paris-Erdoğan law for crack propagation. Two datasets for the fatigue-initiating defects in Al-7 pct Si-Mg alloy castings, reported previously in the literature, were used to demonstrate that (1) the size of fatigue-initiating defects follow the Gumbel distribution; (2) the crack propagation model developed previously provides respectable fits to experimental data; and (3) the method developed in the present study expresses the variability in both datasets, almost as well as the lognormal distribution and better than the Weibull distribution.

  16. Statistical optimization of process parameters for the simultaneous adsorption of Cr(VI) and phenol onto Fe-treated tea waste biomass

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gupta, Ankur; Balomajumder, Chandrajit

    2017-12-01

    In this study, simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) and phenol from binary solution was carried out using Fe-treated tea waste biomass. The effect of process parameters such as adsorbent dose, pH, initial concentration of Cr(VI) (mg/L), and initial concentration of phenol (mg/L) was optimized. The analysis of variance of the quadratic model demonstrates that the experimental results are in good agreement with the predicted values. Based on experimental design at an initial concentration of 55 mg/L of Cr(VI), 27.50 mg/L of phenol, pH 2.0, 15 g/L adsorbent dose, 99.99% removal of Cr(VI), and phenol was achieved.

  17. Systematic Review of Smoking Initiation among Asian Adolescents, 20052015: Utilizing the Frameworks of Triadic Influence and Planned Behavior.

    PubMed

    Talip, Tajidah; Murang, Zaidah; Kifli, Nurolaini; Naing, Lin

    2016-01-01

    A recent WHO data report on mortality attributable to tobacco use including cigarette smoking indicated a very high burden of deaths in Asia and that people often initiate smoking as early as young adolescents. The objectives of this study were to systematically review peerreviewed articles on cigarette smoking initiation among Asian adolescents and to develop a conceptual model of factors influencing smoking initiation by integrating all relevant factors based on existing data. Following a PRISMA guideline, a systematic review of articles published between 2005 and June 2015 was conducted using 5 databases on cigarette smoking initiation among adolescents (aged 1019 years) living in Asia. We summarized the main findings of each study according to our research questions and data that emerged during the data extraction process. Analysis and categorization were based on the TTI and TPB models and classification of factors extracted from the study, were as follows: personal factors, social factors, broader environmental factors, mediators, and intention to initiate smoking and smoking behavior. Of 1,227 identified studies, only 20 were included in this review. Our findings found that the mean age of cigarette smoking initiation ranged from 10 to 14 years and those who are more likely to initiate smoking are male, older adolescents, adolescents with low parental SES, individuals with low parental monitoring, low parental education level and having no discussion on smoking at home, those living in public housing and those exhibiting healthrisk behavior. Our study also revealed that the risk of smoking initiation increased when they are exposed to smokers, influenced by peers, exposed to tobacco advertisements, receive pocket money, have lack of knowledge about smoking, have poor school performance, have a family conflict and have psychological problems. The conceptual model developed demonstrated complex networks of factors influencing initiation. This systematic review presents various factors influencing smoking initiation of the Asian adolescents and provides a conceptual framework to further analyze factors. Future studies should have a standard measure of smoking initiation, should analyze interactions and the intensity of relationships between different factors or variables in the conceptual model. This will in turn consolidate the understanding of the different factors affecting smoking initiation and will help to improve interventions in this area.

  18. Learning novel words: detail and vulnerability of initial representations for children with specific language impairment and typically developing peers.

    PubMed

    Alt, Mary; Suddarth, Rachael

    2012-01-01

    This study examines the phonological representations that children with specific language impairment (SLI) and typically developing peers (TD) have during the initial process of word learning. The goals of this study were to determine if children with SLI attended to different components of words than peers, and whether they were more vulnerable to interference than peers. Forty 7- and 8-year-old children, half with SLI, took part in a fast mapping, word learning task. In addition to producing the word, there was a mispronunciation detection task that included mispronunciations of the target word in the initial position, final position or that modified the word's syllable structure. Children with SLI showed a different learning profile than peers, demonstrating stronger representations of the word-initial phonemes, but less information about word-final phonemes. They were more prone to interference overall, but especially from word-final foils. Children with SLI did not demonstrate less-defined phonological representations, but did attend to different features than TD children, perhaps in an attempt to compensate for problems learning longer words. The greatest weakness of children with SLI appears to be their susceptibility to interference, particularly for word-final information. Readers will be able to: (1) explain what children attend to when learning new words; (2) state the pattern of recognition and production performance for both children with SLI and their typical language peers; and (3) identify specific parts of novel words that are most susceptible to interference in children with SLI. © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. The socio-political context of migration and reproductive health disparities: The case of early sexual initiation among Mexican-origin immigrant young women

    PubMed Central

    Coleman-Minahan, Kate

    2017-01-01

    Prior research often explains the lower risk of early sexual initiation among foreign-born Mexican-origin young women by a patriarchal and sexually conservative “traditional Latino culture.” This definition overlooks structural factors such as exploitation of migrant workers, and conflates gender inequality and sexual expectations. I use an intersectional framework and the theory of gender and power to explore how gender inequality and sexual expectations are both influenced by structural factors and affect reproductive health outcomes. I integrate data from qualitative interviews with 21 first and second generation Mexican-origin women in 2013–2014 with data from discrete time hazard models with 798 Mexican-origin young women in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Qualitative results demonstrate that gender inequality and sexual expectations in Mexican-origin immigrant households are associated with structural factors. Gender inequality occurs more often in households with family instability, greater poverty, and among parents who migrated independently. Qualitative data also demonstrate that parental gendered expectations are sometimes at odds to what parents are actually doing in the household. Finally, contrary to assumptions that a patriarchal “traditional Latino culture” protects against early sexual initiation, qualitative and multivariate quantitative data suggest that household gender inequality increases risk of early sexual initiation. These findings challenge the utility of a culturalist approach that views culture as determining behavior to explain health disparities among immigrants and demonstrate the need to incorporate an intersectional framework that includes structural factors. This approach may reduce stereotypes and identify meaningful interventions to reduce reproductive health disparities. PMID:28324794

  20. Wide-scale quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis reveals that cold treatment of T cells closely mimics soluble antibody stimulation

    PubMed Central

    Ji, Qinqin; Salomon, Arthur R.

    2015-01-01

    The activation of T-lymphocytes through antigen-mediated T-cell receptor (TCR) clustering is vital in regulating the adaptive-immune response. Although T cell receptor signaling has been extensively studied, the fundamental mechanisms for signal initiation are not fully understood. Reduced temperature initiated some of the hallmarks of TCR signaling such as increased phosphorylation and activation on ERK and calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum as well as coalesce T-cell membrane microdomains. The precise mechanism of TCR signaling initiation due to temperature change remains obscure. One critical question is whether signaling initiated by cold treatment of T cells differs from signaling initiated by crosslinking of the T cell receptor. To address this uncertainty, a wide-scale, quantitative mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomic analysis was performed on T cells stimulated either by temperature shift or through crosslinking of the TCR. Careful statistical comparison between the two stimulations revealed a striking level of identity between the subset of 339 sites that changed significantly with both stimulations. This study demonstrates for the first time, at unprecedented detail, that T cell cold treatment was sufficient to initiate signaling patterns nearly identical to soluble antibody stimulation, shedding new light on the mechanism of activation of these critically important immune cells. PMID:25839225

  1. Within-Family Discussion on Harmful Effects of Smoking and Intention to Initiate Smoking Among European Adolescents.

    PubMed

    Masood, Mohd; Masood, Yaghma; Md Sabri, Budi Aslinie; Younis, Luay Thanoon; Yusof, Norashikin; Reidpath, Daniel; Petti, Stefano

    2015-01-01

    The main objective of this study was to determine the impact of discussion within family about the harmful effects of smoking on intention to initiate smoking in the long term among nonsmoking adolescents. Data from Global Youth Tobacco Survey for 25 European countries were used. The outcomes of interest were, therefore, the intention to initiate smoking 1 and 5 years after the survey. Discussion within family about harmful effect of smoking was the main predictor with age, sex, and smoking status of parents, friends, and classmates as covariates. The association between predictors and outcomes was assessed through multiple regression analysis. A total of 118,703 nonsmoking adolescents were included. Within-family discussion significantly reduced the odds of intention to initiate smoking 1 and 5 years later. Intention to initiate smoking also was significantly associated with the smoking status of friends, classmates, and parents, except for father's smoking status, which was not associated with intention to initiate 1 year later. This study demonstrated that within-family discussion about the harmful effects of smoking may contribute to reduce the intention to start smoking among adolescents in the long term. Such a discussion was associated with reduced intention to smoke even when adjusting for parent/friend and classmate smoking.

  2. Directed current in the Holstein system.

    PubMed

    Hennig, D; Burbanks, A D; Osbaldestin, A H

    2011-03-01

    We propose a mechanism to rectify charge transport in the semiclassical Holstein model. It is shown that localized initial conditions associated with a polaron solution, in conjunction with static electron on-site potential not having inversion symmetry, constitute minimal prerequisites for the emergence of a directed current in the underlying periodic lattice system. In particular, we demonstrate that for unbiased spatially localized initial conditions (constituted by kicked static polaron states), violation of parity prevents the existence of pairs of counterpropagating trajectories, thus allowing for a directed current despite the time reversibility of the equations of motion. Nevertheless, propagating polaron solutions associated with sets of unbiased localized initial conditions which eventually leave the region of localized initial conditions do not exhibit time reversibility. Since the initial conditions belonging to the corresponding counterpropagating, current-compensating polaron solutions are not contained in the set, this gives rise to the emergence of a current. Occurrence of long-range coherent charge transport is demonstrated.

  3. Initial Multidisciplinary Design and Analysis Framework

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ozoroski, L. P.; Geiselhart, K. A.; Padula, S. L.; Li, W.; Olson, E. D.; Campbell, R. L.; Shields, E. W.; Berton, J. J.; Gray, J. S.; Jones, S. M.; hide

    2010-01-01

    Within the Supersonics (SUP) Project of the Fundamental Aeronautics Program (FAP), an initial multidisciplinary design & analysis framework has been developed. A set of low- and intermediate-fidelity discipline design and analysis codes were integrated within a multidisciplinary design and analysis framework and demonstrated on two challenging test cases. The first test case demonstrates an initial capability to design for low boom and performance. The second test case demonstrates rapid assessment of a well-characterized design. The current system has been shown to greatly increase the design and analysis speed and capability, and many future areas for development were identified. This work has established a state-of-the-art capability for immediate use by supersonic concept designers and systems analysts at NASA, while also providing a strong base to build upon for future releases as more multifidelity capabilities are developed and integrated.

  4. Language development in a non-vocal child.

    PubMed

    Rogow, S M

    1994-01-01

    Many children who cannot speak, comprehend both oral and written language. Having knowledge of language is not the same as being able to use language for social transactions. Non-vocal children learn to use augmented and assisted systems, but they experience specific difficulties in initiating and maintaining conversations and making use of the pragmatic functions of language. The purpose of this study was to investigate the semantic and syntactic knowledge of a child with severe multiple disabilities who can read and write and comprehend two languages, but does not initiate conversation. The study demonstrates that high levels of language comprehension and ability to read and write do not automatically transfer to conversational competence or narrative ability.

  5. The impact of the Baby Friendly Health Initiative in the Australian health care system: a critical narrative review of the evidence.

    PubMed

    Atchan, Marjorie; Davis, Deborah; Foureur, Maralyn

    2013-07-01

    Studies have identified that the practices of maternity facilities and health professionals are crucial to women's experience of support and breastfeeding 'success'. The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was launched globally in 1991 to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. While a direct causal effect has not been established and critics suggest the rhetoric conflicts with women's lived experiences as new mothers, a positive association between the Initiative and breastfeeding prevalence is apparent. Internationally, impact studies have demonstrated that where the Initiative is well integrated, there is an increase in rates of breastfeeding initiation and, to a lesser extent, duration. In consideration of the known health risks associated with the use of artificial baby milks this would suggest that BFHI implementation and accreditation should be a desirable strategy for committed health facilities. However, a variation in both BFHI uptake and breastfeeding prevalence between nations has been reported. This narrative review critically discusses a variety of issues relevant to the uptake and support of breastfeeding and the BFHI, utilising Australia as a case study. Whilst it enjoys 'in principle' policy support, Australia also suffers from a lack of uniformity in uptake and perception of the benefits of BFHI at all levels of the health system. Australian and international studies have identified similar enablers and barriers to implementation.

  6. Management Strategies to Facilitate Optimal Outcomes for Patients Treated with Delayed-release Dimethyl Fumarate.

    PubMed

    Mayer, Lori; Fink, Mary Kay; Sammarco, Carrie; Laing, Lisa

    2018-04-01

    Delayed-release dimethyl fumarate is an oral disease-modifying therapy that has demonstrated significant efficacy in adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Incidences of flushing and gastrointestinal adverse events are common in the first month after delayed-release dimethyl fumarate initiation. Our objective was to propose mitigation strategies for adverse events related to initiation of delayed-release dimethyl fumarate in the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis. Studies of individually developed mitigation strategies and chart reviews were evaluated. Those results, as well as mitigation protocols developed at multiple sclerosis care centers, are summarized. Key steps to optimize the effectiveness of delayed-release dimethyl fumarate treatment include education prior to and at the time of delayed-release dimethyl fumarate initiation, initiation dose protocol gradually increasing to maintenance dose, dietary suggestions for co-administration with food, gastrointestinal symptom management with over-the-counter medications, flushing symptom management with aspirin, and temporary dose reduction. Using the available evidence from clinical trials and evaluations of post-marketing studies, these strategies to manage gastrointestinal and flushing symptoms can be effective and helpful to the patient when initiating delayed-release dimethyl fumarate.

  7. 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.

  8. A Comparison of the Bounded Derivative and the Normal Mode Initialization Methods Using Real Data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Semazzi, F. H. M.; Navon, I. M.

    1985-01-01

    Browning et al. (1980) proposed an initialization method called the bounded derivative method (BDI). They used analytical data to test the new method. Kasahara (1982) theoretically demonstrated the equivalence between BDI and the well known nonlinear normal mode initialization method (NMI). The purposes of this study are the extension of the application of BDI to real data and comparison with NMI. The unbalanced initial state (UBD) is data of January, 1979 OOZ which were interpolated from the adjacent sigma levels of the GLAS GCM to the 300 mb surface. The global barotropic model described by Takacs and Balgovind (1983) is used. Orographic forcing is explicitly included in the model. Many comparisons are performed between various quantities. However, we only present a comparison of the time evolution at two grid points A(50 S, 90 E) and B(10 S, 20 E) which represent low and middle latitude locations. To facilitate a more complete comparison an initialization experiment based on the classical balance equation (CBE) was also included.

  9. Decreasing initial telomere length in humans intergenerationally understates age-associated telomere shortening

    PubMed Central

    Holohan, Brody; De Meyer, Tim; Batten, Kimberly; Mangino, Massimo; Hunt, Steven C; Bekaert, Sofie; De Buyzere, Marc L; Rietzschel, Ernst R; Spector, Tim D; Wright, Woodring E; Shay, Jerry W

    2015-01-01

    Telomere length shortens with aging, and short telomeres have been linked to a wide variety of pathologies. Previous studies suggested a discrepancy in age-associated telomere shortening rate estimated by cross-sectional studies versus the rate measured in longitudinal studies, indicating a potential bias in cross-sectional estimates. Intergenerational changes in initial telomere length, such as that predicted by the previously described effect of a father’s age at birth of his offspring (FAB), could explain the discrepancy in shortening rate measurements. We evaluated whether changes occur in initial telomere length over multiple generations in three large datasets and identified paternal birth year (PBY) as a variable that reconciles the difference between longitudinal and cross-sectional measurements. We also clarify the association between FAB and offspring telomere length, demonstrating that this effect is substantially larger than reported in the past. These results indicate the presence of a downward secular trend in telomere length at birth over generational time with potential public health implications. PMID:25952108

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

    Ritter, Boyd

    Insensitive high explosives (IHEs) based on 1,3,5-triamino 2,4,6-trinitro-benzene (TATB) are the IHEs of choice for use in nuclear warheads over conventional high explosives when safety is the only consideration, because they are very insensitive to thermal or mechanical initiation stimuli. It is this inherent insensitivity to high temperatures, shock, and impact, which provides detonation design challenges when designing TATB explosive systems while at the same time providing a significant level of protection against accidental initiation. Although classified as IHE, over the past few years the focus on explosive safety has demonstrated that the shock sensitivity of TATB is influenced withmore » respect to temperature. A number of studies have been performed on TATB and TATB formulations, plastic bonded explosives (PBX) 9502, and LX-17-01 (LX-17), which demonstrates the increase in shock sensitivity of the explosive after it has been preheated or thermally cycled over various temperature ranges. Many studies suggest the change in sensitivity is partly due to the decomposition rates of the temperature elevated TATB. Others point to the coefficient of thermal expansion, the crystalline structures of TATB and/or the combination of all factors, which create voids which can become active hot spots. During thermal cycling, TATB is known to undergo an irreversible increase in specific volume called ratchet growth. This increase in specific volume correlates to a decrease in density. This decrease in density and increase in volume, demonstrate the creations of additional void spaces which could serve as potential new initiation hot spots thus, increasing the overall sensitivity of the HE. This literature review evaluates the published works to understand why the shock sensitivity of TATB-based plastic bonded explosives (PBXs) changes with temperature.« less

  11. Recruiting the Strategic Corporal in the 21st Century (Through the Year 2010)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1999-01-01

    32 at Columbine High School , he visited a Marine recruiter. During his initial interview, Harris lied about a psychiatric condition which he had...recruited were high school graduates and fewer than 25 percent tested within the upper mental categories of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery... high school diploma, which demonstrated perseverance, and initial test scores, which demonstrated aptitude and trainability. Despite the Marine Corps

  12. Synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of potent and selective 2-(3-alkoxy-1-azetidinyl) quinolines as novel PDE10A inhibitors with improved solubility.

    PubMed

    Rzasa, Robert M; Frohn, Michael J; Andrews, Kristin L; Chmait, Samer; Chen, Ning; Clarine, Jeffrey G; Davis, Carl; Eastwood, Heather A; Horne, Daniel B; Hu, Essa; Jones, Adrie D; Kaller, Matthew R; Kunz, Roxanne K; Miller, Silke; Monenschein, Holger; Nguyen, Thomas; Pickrell, Alexander J; Porter, Amy; Reichelt, Andreas; Zhao, Xiaoning; Treanor, James J S; Allen, Jennifer R

    2014-12-01

    We report the discovery of a novel series of 2-(3-alkoxy-1-azetidinyl) quinolines as potent and selective PDE10A inhibitors. Structure-activity studies improved the solubility (pH 7.4) and maintained high PDE10A activity compared to initial lead compound 3, with select compounds demonstrating good oral bioavailability. X-ray crystallographic studies revealed two distinct binding modes to the catalytic site of the PDE10A enzyme. An ex vivo receptor occupancy assay in rats demonstrated that this series of compounds covered the target within the striatum.

  13. 40 CFR 63.11970 - What are my initial compliance requirements for process wastewater?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... requirements for process wastewater? 63.11970 Section 63.11970 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... What are my initial compliance requirements for process wastewater? (a) Demonstration of initial compliance for process wastewater streams that must be treated. For each process wastewater stream that must...

  14. 40 CFR 63.11970 - What are my initial compliance requirements for process wastewater?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... requirements for process wastewater? 63.11970 Section 63.11970 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... What are my initial compliance requirements for process wastewater? (a) Demonstration of initial compliance for process wastewater streams that must be treated. For each process wastewater stream that must...

  15. 40 CFR 63.11970 - What are my initial compliance requirements for process wastewater?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... requirements for process wastewater? 63.11970 Section 63.11970 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... What are my initial compliance requirements for process wastewater? (a) Demonstration of initial compliance for process wastewater streams that must be treated. For each process wastewater stream that must...

  16. 40 CFR 63.9911 - By what date must I conduct performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... your existing affected source; (2) By April 7, 2004 for a new source that has an initial startup date before October 10, 2003; or (3) Within 180 days after initial startup for a new source that has an initial startup date after October 10, 2003. (b) For each operation and maintenance requirement that...

  17. 40 CFR 63.9911 - By what date must I conduct performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... your existing affected source; (2) By April 7, 2004 for a new source that has an initial startup date before October 10, 2003; or (3) Within 180 days after initial startup for a new source that has an initial startup date after October 10, 2003. (b) For each operation and maintenance requirement that...

  18. 40 CFR 63.9911 - By what date must I conduct performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... your existing affected source; (2) By April 7, 2004 for a new source that has an initial startup date before October 10, 2003; or (3) Within 180 days after initial startup for a new source that has an initial startup date after October 10, 2003. (b) For each operation and maintenance requirement that...

  19. 40 CFR 63.9911 - By what date must I conduct performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... your existing affected source; (2) By April 7, 2004 for a new source that has an initial startup date before October 10, 2003; or (3) Within 180 days after initial startup for a new source that has an initial startup date after October 10, 2003. (b) For each operation and maintenance requirement that...

  20. 40 CFR 63.9911 - By what date must I conduct performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... your existing affected source; (2) By April 7, 2004 for a new source that has an initial startup date before October 10, 2003; or (3) Within 180 days after initial startup for a new source that has an initial startup date after October 10, 2003. (b) For each operation and maintenance requirement that...

  1. Identification of tumor-initiating cells derived from two canine rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines

    PubMed Central

    KISHIMOTO, Takuya Evan; YASHIMA, Shoko; NAKAHIRA, Rei; ONOZAWA, Eri; AZAKAMI, Daigo; UJIKE, Makoto; OCHIAI, Kazuhiko; ISHIWATA, Toshiyuki; TAKAHASHI, Kimimasa; MICHISHITA, Masaki

    2017-01-01

    Cancer stem cells or tumor-initiating cells (TICs) are a small subpopulation of cells that have the capacity to self-renew, differentiate and initiate tumors. These cells may function in tumor initiation, aggression and recurrence. Whether spheres derived from canine rhabdomyosarcoma cells have stem cell-like properties is unclear. We induced sphere formation in the canine rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines, CMS-C and CMS-J, and characterized the spheres in vitro and in vivo. Sphere-forming cells were more resistant to vincristine, mitoxantrone and doxorubicin than adherent cells. Xenograft transplantation demonstrated that 1 × 103 sphere-forming cells derived from CMS-C were sufficient for tumor formation. The sphere assay showed that the sphere-forming cells were present in these tumors. These results suggest that the spheres derived from canine rhabdomyosarcoma cells may possess characteristics of TICs. This study provides the foundation for elucidating the contribution of TICs to rhabdomyosarcoma tumorigenesis. PMID:28529244

  2. Identification of tumor-initiating cells derived from two canine rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines.

    PubMed

    Kishimoto, Takuya Evan; Yashima, Shoko; Nakahira, Rei; Onozawa, Eri; Azakami, Daigo; Ujike, Makoto; Ochiai, Kazuhiko; Ishiwata, Toshiyuki; Takahashi, Kimimasa; Michishita, Masaki

    2017-07-07

    Cancer stem cells or tumor-initiating cells (TICs) are a small subpopulation of cells that have the capacity to self-renew, differentiate and initiate tumors. These cells may function in tumor initiation, aggression and recurrence. Whether spheres derived from canine rhabdomyosarcoma cells have stem cell-like properties is unclear. We induced sphere formation in the canine rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines, CMS-C and CMS-J, and characterized the spheres in vitro and in vivo. Sphere-forming cells were more resistant to vincristine, mitoxantrone and doxorubicin than adherent cells. Xenograft transplantation demonstrated that 1 × 10 3 sphere-forming cells derived from CMS-C were sufficient for tumor formation. The sphere assay showed that the sphere-forming cells were present in these tumors. These results suggest that the spheres derived from canine rhabdomyosarcoma cells may possess characteristics of TICs. This study provides the foundation for elucidating the contribution of TICs to rhabdomyosarcoma tumorigenesis.

  3. Changing Workplaces to Reduce Work-Family Conflict: Schedule Control in a White-Collar Organization

    PubMed Central

    Kelly, Erin L.; Moen, Phyllis; Tranby, Eric

    2011-01-01

    Work-family conflicts are common and consequential for employees, their families, and work organizations. Can workplaces be changed to reduce work-family conflict? Previous research has not been able to assess whether workplace policies or initiatives succeed in reducing work-family conflict or increasing work-family fit. Using longitudinal data collected from 608 employees of a white-collar organization before and after a workplace initiative was implemented, we investigate whether the initiative affects work-family conflict and fit, whether schedule control mediates these effects, and whether work demands, including long hours, moderate the initiative’s effects on work-family outcomes. Analyses clearly demonstrate that the workplace initiative positively affects the work-family interface, primarily by increasing employees’ schedule control. This study points to the importance of schedule control for our understanding of job quality and for management policies and practices. PMID:21580799

  4. Simultaneous effect of initial weight, initial crowding, temperature and O2 concentration on the nutritional use of food by rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

    PubMed

    Martinez, F J; Garcia, M P; Canteras, M; De Costa, J; Zamora, S

    1992-01-01

    The simultaneous effects of initial weight, initial crowding, temperature and O2 concentration on the following ratios: relative growth rate percent (RGRP), feed efficiency (FE), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and protein productive value (PPV) were studied in the rainbow trout. Multivariant equations were obtained for each of the mentioned indices. The joint effects of these factors were evidenced by means of a multiple correlation analysis. The influence of temperature and, to a lesser extent, of crowding, and O2 concentration on the nutritional use of food by the trout was demonstrated, their fundamental dependence on factors extrinsic to the animal being underlined. The non proportional changes in PER and PPV as temperature rises revealed that an increasing part of the ingested aminoacids were used for synthesis of fat, non for proteins edification.

  5. Nuclear Systems Kilopower Overview

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Palac, Don; Gibson, Marc; Mason, Lee; Houts, Michael; McClure, Patrick; Robinson, Ross

    2016-01-01

    The Nuclear Systems Kilopower Project was initiated by NASAs Space Technology Mission Directorate Game Changing Development Program in fiscal year 2015 to demonstrate subsystem-level technology readiness of small space fission power in a relevant environment (Technology Readiness Level 5) for space science and human exploration power needs. The Nuclear Systems Kilopower Project consists of two elements. The primary element is the Kilopower Prototype Test, also called the Kilopower Reactor Using Stirling Technology(KRUSTY) Test. This element consists of the development and testing of a fission ground technology demonstrator of a 1 kWe fission power system. A 1 kWe system matches requirements for some robotic precursor exploration systems and future potential deep space science missions, and also allows a nuclear ground technology demonstration in existing nuclear test facilities at low cost. The second element, the Mars Kilopower Scalability Study, consists of the analysis and design of a scaled-up version of the 1 kWe reference concept to 10 kWe for Mars surface power projected requirements, and validation of the applicability of the KRUSTY experiment to key technology challenges for a 10 kWe system. If successful, these two elements will lead to initiation of planning for a technology demonstration of a 10 kWe fission power capability for Mars surface outpost power.

  6. Evaluation Plan -- The Minneapolis Ridesharing Commuter Services Demonstration

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1978-05-01

    In April 1977, the Metropolitan Transit Commission initiated a two-year demonstration project designed to increase work trip-vehicle occupancy at selected employment sites in the Twin Cities region. Key elements of this demonstration which differenti...

  7. Demonstrator study for micro-ranging-laser device

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Henkel, Hartmut; Bernhardt, Bodo; Pereira do Carmo, J.

    2017-11-01

    Within ESA's Innovation Triangle Initiative (ITI) a demonstrator breadboard for a micro-ranging-laser device "MYLRAD" has been developed. Its working principle is the measurement of the round-trip delay time of a laser beam as a phase shift. The demonstrator consists of the laser diode (30 mW, square wave AM), optics, APD detector, narrowband preamplifier, limiter, and a phase digitiser based on a novel noise-shaping synchroniser (NSS) circuit; this works without ADCs and can be built from rad-hard components for space. The system timing and the digitiser algorithm are performed by an FPGA. The demonstrator has been tested at ranges from 1 m to 30 m. With a static non-cooperative target an RMS noise of 1 mm at a result rate of 60 Hz was reached. The demonstrator needs less than 2.5 W power.

  8. Redundant imprinting of information in nonideal environments: Objective reality via a noisy channel

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zwolak, Michael; Quan, H. T.; Zurek, Wojciech H.

    2010-06-01

    Quantum Darwinism provides an information-theoretic framework for the emergence of the objective, classical world from the quantum substrate. The key to this emergence is the proliferation of redundant information throughout the environment where observers can then intercept it. We study this process for a purely decohering interaction when the environment, E, is in a nonideal (e.g., mixed) initial state. In the case of good decoherence, that is, after the pointer states have been unambiguously selected, the mutual information between the system, S, and an environment fragment, F, is given solely by F’s entropy increase. This demonstrates that the environment’s capacity for recording the state of S is directly related to its ability to increase its entropy. Environments that remain nearly invariant under the interaction with S, either because they have a large initial entropy or a misaligned initial state, therefore have a diminished ability to acquire information. To elucidate the concept of good decoherence, we show that, when decoherence is not complete, the deviation of the mutual information from F’s entropy change is quantified by the quantum discord, i.e., the excess mutual information between S and F is information regarding the initial coherence between pointer states of S. In addition to illustrating these results with a single-qubit system interacting with a multiqubit environment, we find scaling relations for the redundancy of information acquired by the environment that display a universal behavior independent of the initial state of S. Our results demonstrate that Quantum Darwinism is robust with respect to nonideal initial states of the environment: the environment almost always acquires redundant information about the system but its rate of acquisition can be reduced.

  9. The Long-Term Benefits of Positive Self-Presentation via Profile Pictures, Number of Friends and the Initiation of Relationships on Facebook for Adolescents' Self-Esteem and the Initiation of Offline Relationships.

    PubMed

    Metzler, Anna; Scheithauer, Herbert

    2017-01-01

    Social networking sites are a substantial part of adolescents' daily lives. By using a longitudinal approach the current study examined the impact of (a) positive self-presentation, (b) number of friends, and (c) the initiation of online relationships on Facebook on adolescents' self-esteem and their initiation of offline relationships, as well as the mediating role of positive feedback. Questionnaire data were obtained from 217 adolescents (68% girls, mean age 16.7 years) in two waves. Adolescents' positive self-presentation and number of friends were found to be related to a higher frequency of receiving positive feedback, which in turn was negatively associated with self-esteem. However, the number of Facebook friends had a positive impact on self-esteem, and the initiation of online relationships positively influenced the initiation of offline relationships over time, demonstrating that Facebook may be a training ground for increasing adolescents' social skills. Implications and suggestions for future research are provided.

  10. The Long-Term Benefits of Positive Self-Presentation via Profile Pictures, Number of Friends and the Initiation of Relationships on Facebook for Adolescents’ Self-Esteem and the Initiation of Offline Relationships

    PubMed Central

    Metzler, Anna; Scheithauer, Herbert

    2017-01-01

    Social networking sites are a substantial part of adolescents’ daily lives. By using a longitudinal approach the current study examined the impact of (a) positive self-presentation, (b) number of friends, and (c) the initiation of online relationships on Facebook on adolescents’ self-esteem and their initiation of offline relationships, as well as the mediating role of positive feedback. Questionnaire data were obtained from 217 adolescents (68% girls, mean age 16.7 years) in two waves. Adolescents’ positive self-presentation and number of friends were found to be related to a higher frequency of receiving positive feedback, which in turn was negatively associated with self-esteem. However, the number of Facebook friends had a positive impact on self-esteem, and the initiation of online relationships positively influenced the initiation of offline relationships over time, demonstrating that Facebook may be a training ground for increasing adolescents’ social skills. Implications and suggestions for future research are provided. PMID:29187827

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

    Field, Scott E.; Hesthaven, Jan S.; Lau, Stephen R.

    In the context of metric perturbation theory for nonspinning black holes, extreme mass ratio binary systems are described by distributionally forced master wave equations. Numerical solution of a master wave equation as an initial boundary value problem requires initial data. However, because the correct initial data for generic-orbit systems is unknown, specification of trivial initial data is a common choice, despite being inconsistent and resulting in a solution which is initially discontinuous in time. As is well known, this choice leads to a burst of junk radiation which eventually propagates off the computational domain. We observe another potential consequence ofmore » trivial initial data: development of a persistent spurious solution, here referred to as the Jost junk solution, which contaminates the physical solution for long times. This work studies the influence of both types of junk on metric perturbations, waveforms, and self-force measurements, and it demonstrates that smooth modified source terms mollify the Jost solution and reduce junk radiation. Our concluding section discusses the applicability of these observations to other numerical schemes and techniques used to solve distributionally forced master wave equations.« less

  12. Regression Levels of Selected Affective Factors on Science Achievement: A Structural Equation Model with TIMSS 2011 Data

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Akilli, Mustafa

    2015-01-01

    The aim of this study is to demonstrate the science success regression levels of chosen emotional features of 8th grade students using Structural Equation Model. The study was conducted by the analysis of students' questionnaires and science success in TIMSS 2011 data using SEM. Initially, the factors that are thought to have an effect on science…

  13. Comparative Initial and Sustained Engagement in Web-based Training by Behavioral Healthcare Providers in New York State.

    PubMed

    Talley, Rachel; Chiang, I-Chin; Covell, Nancy H; Dixon, Lisa

    2018-06-01

    Improved dissemination is critical to implementation of evidence-based practice in community behavioral healthcare settings. Web-based training modalities are a promising strategy for dissemination of evidence-based practice in community behavioral health settings. Initial and sustained engagement of these modalities in large, multidisciplinary community provider samples is not well understood. This study evaluates comparative engagement and user preferences by provider type in a web-based training platform in a large, multidisciplinary community sample of behavioral health staff in New York State. Workforce make-up among platform registrants was compared to the general NYS behavioral health workforce. Training completion by functional job type was compared to characterize user engagement and preferences. Frequently completed modules were classified by credit and requirement incentives. High initial training engagement across professional role was demonstrated, with significant differences in initial and sustained engagement by professional role. The most frequently completed modules across functional job types contained credit or requirement incentives. The analysis demonstrated that high engagement of a web-based training in a multidisciplinary provider audience can be achieved without tailoring content to specific professional roles. Overlap between frequently completed modules and incentives suggests a role for incentives in promoting engagement of web-based training. These findings further the understanding of strategies to promote large-scale dissemination of evidence-based practice in community behavioral health settings.

  14. Lessons learned from the U.S. Geological Survey abandoned mine lands initiative: 1997-2002

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Kimball, Briant A.; Church, Stan E.; Besser, John M.

    2006-01-01

    Growth of the United States has been facilitated, in part, by hard-rock mining in the Rocky Mountains. Abandoned and inactive mines cause many significant environmental concerns in hundreds of watersheds. Those who have responsibility to address these environmental concerns must have a basic level of scientific information about mining and mine wastes in a watershed prior to initiating remediation activities. To demonstrate what information is needed and how to obtain that information, the U.S. Geological Survey implemented the Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Initiative from 1997 to 2002 with demonstration studies in the Boulder River watershed in Montana and the Animas River watershed in Colorado. The AML Initiative included collection and analysis of geologic, hydrologic, geochemical, geophysical, and biological data. The synergy of this interdisciplinary analysis produced a perspective of the environmental concerns that could not have come from a single discipline. Two examples of these perspectives include (1) the combination of hydrological tracer techniques, structural geology, and geophysics help to understand the spatial distribution of loading to the streams in a way that cannot be evaluated by monitoring at a catchment outlet, and (2) the combination of toxicology and hydrology combine to illustrate that seasonal variability of toxicity conditions occurs. Lessons have been learned by listening to and collaborating with land-management agencies to understand their needs and by applying interdisciplinary methods to answer their questions.

  15. The Rhetoric of the Internet in Higher Education Policy: A Cross-Cultural Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Starke-Meyerring, Doreen

    2004-01-01

    The importance of paying attention to the technology agenda in the educational policies of the United States was demonstrated by Cynthia Selfe (1999) in her analysis of the 1996 initiative "Getting America's Students Ready." Selfe showed how the technology literacy project enjoyed considerable public support induced by popular utopian…

  16. Intrusiveness of Behavioral Treatments for Children with Autism and Developmental Disabilities: An Initial Investigation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mayton, Michael R.; Carter, Stacy L.; Zhang, Jie; Wheeler, John J.

    2014-01-01

    The behaviors frequently displayed by students with autism can place them at risk for overly reactive behavior interventions with unwanted side effects. The current study examined the level of intrusiveness of behavioral treatments developed for 198 students with disabilities from 13 different states. Results demonstrated that students diagnosed…

  17. Using Tablet PCs and Interactive Software in IC Design Courses to Improve Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Simoni, M.

    2011-01-01

    This paper describes an initial study of using tablet PCs and interactive course software in integrated circuit (IC) design courses. A rapidly growing community is demonstrating how this technology can improve learning and retention of material by facilitating interaction between faculty and students via cognitive exercises during lectures. While…

  18. Engagement of the PFC in Consolidation and Recall of Recent Spatial Memory

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Leon, Wanda C.; Bruno, Martin A.; Allard, Simon; Nader, Karim; Cuello, A. Claudio

    2010-01-01

    The standard model of system consolidation proposes that memories are initially hippocampus dependent and become hippocampus independent over time. Previous studies have demonstrated the involvement of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in the retrieval of remote memories. The transformations required to make a memory undergo system's…

  19. Sustaining Engagement and Interest in the Classroom: Effects of the EngageALL Instructional Model

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Larson, Sue C.

    2014-01-01

    This chapter describes an empirical study that tests the motivational and learning effects of an intervention designed to initiate and sustain interest and engagement in high school biology classrooms. Positive effects were demonstrated for conceptual understanding, vocabulary acquisition, and perceptions of the learning experiences. [This article…

  20. Lean Six Sigma and Assurance of Learning: Challenges and Opportunities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rexeisen, Richard J.; Owens, Ernest L., Jr.; Garrison, Michael J.

    2018-01-01

    The importance, and associated challenges, of faculty ownership and engagement in the assurance of learning (AoL) process are well documented in the literature. The authors demonstrate how schools can further their AoL objectives by encouraging and subsequently supporting organic, faculty-led initiatives. Specifically, we present a case study of a…

  1. Opportunities and Challenges for Teacher Professional Development: A Case of Collaborative Learning Community in South Korea

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Park, Minjeong; So, Kyunghee

    2014-01-01

    This study investigates how characteristics of a collaborative professional learning activity support and hinder teacher learning and growth by examining the experiences of three Korean secondary teachers who participated in a school-initiated collaborative teacher learning project. The findings demonstrated that this learning opportunity…

  2. Coach-Initiated Motivational Climate and Cohesion in Youth Sport

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Eys, Mark A.; Jewitt, Eryn; Evans, M. Blair; Wolf, Svenja; Bruner, Mark W.; Loughead, Todd M.

    2013-01-01

    Purpose: The general purpose of the present study was to examine the link between cohesion and motivational climate in youth sport. The first specific objective was to determine if relationships demonstrated in previous research with adult basketball and handball participants would be replicated in a younger sample and with a more heterogeneous…

  3. Involvement of Phythophthora species in white oak (Quercus alba) decline in southern Ohio

    Treesearch

    Y. Balci; R.P. Long; M. Mansfield; D. Balser; W.L. MacDonald

    2010-01-01

    This study was initiated to investigate the possible role of Phytophthora species in white oak decline (Quercus alba) in southern Ohio at Scioto Trail State Forest. Surveys demonstrated the presence of four species of Phytophthora including one novel species. By far, the most common species was P....

  4. Improving Initial Session Attendance of Substance Abusing and Conduct Disordered Adolescents: A Controlled Study.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Donohue, Brad; Azrin, Nathan H.; Lawson, Heather; Friedlander, Josh; Teichner, Gordon; Rindsberg, Jeff

    1998-01-01

    Demonstrates a method of improving first session attendance in a population of conduct-disordered and substance-abusing adolescents. Results indicate that an intensive intervention involving the youth and parent was more effective in improving session attendance than a less intensive intervention that excluded the youth's involvement. Discusses…

  5. Children as an Emotional Amplifier in Northern Illinois White-Tailed Deer Interactions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hicks, Jonathan R.

    2016-01-01

    This pilot study identified and provided initial exploration into the notion that the presence of children can increase or amplify the emotional significance of encounters with white-tailed deer. Qualitative data demonstrated that Northern Illinois natural area decision makers found deer encounters to be more memorable when simultaneously sharing…

  6. Robust and efficient enzymatic saccharification of softwoods by SPORL

    Treesearch

    J.Y. Zhu; X.J. Pan; W. Zhu; G.S. Wang; R. Gleisner

    2009-01-01

    This study demonstrated Sulfite Pretreatment to Overcome Recalcitrance of Lignocellulose (SPORL) for robust conversion of softwood through enzymatic hydrolysis. At a sodium bisulfite charge around 9%, over 90% cellulose conversion could be achieved when spruce wood chips were pretreated at 180°C with pH near 2. For lodgepole pine, pretreatment liquor initial...

  7. Norepinephrine Triggers Metaplasticity of LTP by Increasing Translation of Specific mRNAs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Maity, Sabyasachi; Rah, Sean; Sonenberg, Nahum; Gkogkas, Christos G.; Nguyen, Peter V.

    2015-01-01

    Norepinephrine (NE) is a key modulator of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, a brain structure crucially involved in memory formation. NE boosts synaptic plasticity mostly through initiation of signaling cascades downstream from beta (ß)-adrenergic receptors (ß-ARs). Previous studies demonstrated that a ß-adrenergic receptor agonist,…

  8. Documentation of 50% water conservation in a single process at a beef abattoir. Meat Science

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Beef slaughter is water intensive due to stringent food safety requirements. We conducted a study at a commercial beef processor to demonstrate water conservation by modifying the mechanical head wash. We documented the initial nozzle configuration (112 nozzles), water pressure (275 kPa), and flowra...

  9. Characteristics of intraretinal deposits in acute central serous chorioretinopathy.

    PubMed

    Plateroti, Andrea M; Witmer, Matthew T; Kiss, Szilárd; D'Amico, Donald J

    2014-01-01

    To describe the temporal and spatial characteristics of intraretinal deposits in patients with acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients that presented with acute CSC to Weill Cornell Medical College from January 2012 to May 2013. Acute CSC was defined as a diagnosis of CSC within 4 months of the onset of symptoms. Only one eye per patient was included in the study. Each patient was imaged with spectral domain OCT at the initial office visit. The decision to reimage these patients was made by the treating physician. A total of 25 patients (25 eyes; 17 men and eight nonpregnant women) were included in this review. Seven of 25 patients (28%) demonstrated intraretinal deposits within the outer plexiform layer during the initial OCT, with deposits appearing as early as the same day as the onset of symptoms. A total of 25 of 25 patients (100%) demonstrated intraretinal deposits in the outer nuclear layer upon initial (76%) or follow-up OCT, as early as 2 days after the onset of symptoms. A total of 24 of 25 patients (96%) demonstrated deposits in the external limiting membrane upon a follow-up OCT, as early as 7 days from symptoms appearing. A total of 24 of 25 patients (96%) developed intraretinal deposits in the inner segment/outer segment layer upon follow-up OCT, appearing as early as 14 days after symptom onset. At the time of resolution of subretinal fluid, 20 of 25 patients (80%) demonstrated intraretinal deposits. Intraretinal deposits are present in the outer retinal layers in patients with acute CSC, with the deposits appearing progressively deeper within the retina as the condition evolves. Upon resolution of subretinal fluid, the deposits slowly resolve.

  10. Parkinson's Disease Gene Therapy: Success by Design Meets Failure by Efficacy

    PubMed Central

    Bartus, Raymond T; Weinberg, Marc S; Samulski, R. Jude

    2014-01-01

    Over the past decade, nine gene therapy clinical trials for Parkinson's disease (PD) have been initiated and completed. Starting with considerable optimism at the initiation of each trial, none of the programs has yet borne sufficiently robust clinical efficacy or found a clear path toward regulatory approval. Despite the immediately disappointing nature of the efficacy outcomes in these trials, the clinical data garnered from the individual studies nonetheless represent tangible and significant progress for the gene therapy field. Collectively, the clinical trials demonstrate that we have overcome the major safety hurdles previously suppressing central nervous system (CNS) gene therapy, for none produced any evidence of untoward risk or harm after administration of various vector-delivery systems. More importantly, these studies also demonstrated controlled, highly persistent generation of biologically active proteins targeted to structures deep in the human brain. Therefore, a renewed, focused emphasis must be placed on advancing clinical efficacy by improving clinical trial design, patient selection and outcome measures, developing more predictive animal models to support clinical testing, carefully performing retrospective analyses, and most importantly moving forward—beyond our past limits. PMID:24356252

  11. Advanced Planning and Scheduling Initiative- MrSpock Aims for Xmas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Steel, R.; Niezette, M.; Cesta, A.; Fratini, S.; Oddi, A.; Cortellessa, G.; Rasconi, R.; Verfaillie, G.; Pralet, C.; Lavagna, M.; Brambilla, A.; Castellini, F.; Donati, A.; Policella, N.

    2009-09-01

    This paper will outline the framework and tools developed under the Advanced Planning and Schedule Initiative (APSI) study performed by VEGA for the European Space Agency in collaboration with three academic institutions, ISTC-CNR, ONERA, and Politecnico di Milano. We will start by illustrating the background history to APSI and why it was needed, giving a brief summary of all the partners within the project and the roles they played within it. We will then take a closer look at what the APSI study actually consisted of, showing the techniques that were used and illustrating the framework that was developed within the scope of the project. This will be followed by an elaboration on the three demonstration test scenarios that have been developed as part of the project to validated the framework and demonstrate in an operational environment its applicability, illustrating the re-use and synergies between the three cases along the way. We will finally conclude with a brief summary and outline future directions to be further investigated and expanded on within the context of the work performed within the project.

  12. Implementing Patient Safety Initiatives in Rural Hospitals

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Klingner, Jill; Moscovice, Ira; Tupper, Judith; Coburn, Andrew; Wakefield, Mary

    2009-01-01

    Implementation of patient safety initiatives can be costly in time and energy. Because of small volumes and limited resources, rural hospitals often are not included in nationally driven patient safety initiatives. This article describes the Tennessee Rural Hospital Patient Safety Demonstration project, whose goal was to strengthen capacity for…

  13. Functional genomics in zebrafish permits rapid characterization of novel platelet membrane proteins.

    PubMed

    O'Connor, Marie N; Salles, Isabelle I; Cvejic, Ana; Watkins, Nicholas A; Walker, Adam; Garner, Stephen F; Jones, Chris I; Macaulay, Iain C; Steward, Michael; Zwaginga, Jaap-Jan; Bray, Sarah L; Dudbridge, Frank; de Bono, Bernard; Goodall, Alison H; Deckmyn, Hans; Stemple, Derek L; Ouwehand, Willem H

    2009-05-07

    In this study, we demonstrate the suitability of the vertebrate Danio rerio (zebrafish) for functional screening of novel platelet genes in vivo by reverse genetics. Comparative transcript analysis of platelets and their precursor cell, the megakaryocyte, together with nucleated blood cell elements, endothelial cells, and erythroblasts, identified novel platelet membrane proteins with hitherto unknown roles in thrombus formation. We determined the phenotype induced by antisense morpholino oligonucleotide (MO)-based knockdown of 5 of these genes in a laser-induced arterial thrombosis model. To validate the model, the genes for platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb and the coagulation protein factor VIII were targeted. MO-injected fish showed normal thrombus initiation but severely impaired thrombus growth, consistent with the mouse knockout phenotypes, and concomitant knockdown of both resulted in spontaneous bleeding. Knockdown of 4 of the 5 novel platelet proteins altered arterial thrombosis, as demonstrated by modified kinetics of thrombus initiation and/or development. We identified a putative role for BAMBI and LRRC32 in promotion and DCBLD2 and ESAM in inhibition of thrombus formation. We conclude that phenotypic analysis of MO-injected zebrafish is a fast and powerful method for initial screening of novel platelet proteins for function in thrombosis.

  14. Functional genomics in zebrafish permits rapid characterization of novel platelet membrane proteins

    PubMed Central

    O'Connor, Marie N.; Salles, Isabelle I.; Cvejic, Ana; Watkins, Nicholas A.; Walker, Adam; Garner, Stephen F.; Jones, Chris I.; Macaulay, Iain C.; Steward, Michael; Zwaginga, Jaap-Jan; Bray, Sarah L.; Dudbridge, Frank; de Bono, Bernard; Goodall, Alison H.; Stemple, Derek L.; Ouwehand, Willem H.

    2009-01-01

    In this study, we demonstrate the suitability of the vertebrate Danio rerio (zebrafish) for functional screening of novel platelet genes in vivo by reverse genetics. Comparative transcript analysis of platelets and their precursor cell, the megakaryocyte, together with nucleated blood cell elements, endothelial cells, and erythroblasts, identified novel platelet membrane proteins with hitherto unknown roles in thrombus formation. We determined the phenotype induced by antisense morpholino oligonucleotide (MO)–based knockdown of 5 of these genes in a laser-induced arterial thrombosis model. To validate the model, the genes for platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb and the coagulation protein factor VIII were targeted. MO-injected fish showed normal thrombus initiation but severely impaired thrombus growth, consistent with the mouse knockout phenotypes, and concomitant knockdown of both resulted in spontaneous bleeding. Knockdown of 4 of the 5 novel platelet proteins altered arterial thrombosis, as demonstrated by modified kinetics of thrombus initiation and/or development. We identified a putative role for BAMBI and LRRC32 in promotion and DCBLD2 and ESAM in inhibition of thrombus formation. We conclude that phenotypic analysis of MO-injected zebrafish is a fast and powerful method for initial screening of novel platelet proteins for function in thrombosis. PMID:19109564

  15. Navigating Ethics in the Digital Age: Introducing Connected and Open Research Ethics (CORE), a Tool for Researchers and Institutional Review Boards

    PubMed Central

    Torous, John

    2017-01-01

    Research studies that leverage emerging technologies, such as passive sensing devices and mobile apps, have demonstrated encouraging potential with respect to favorably influencing the human condition. As a result, the nascent fields of mHealth and digital medicine have gained traction over the past decade as demonstrated in the United States by increased federal funding for research that cuts across a broad spectrum of health conditions. The existence of mHealth and digital medicine also introduced new ethical and regulatory challenges that both institutional review boards (IRBs) and researchers are struggling to navigate. In response, the Connected and Open Research Ethics (CORE) initiative was launched. The CORE initiative has employed a participatory research approach, whereby researchers and IRB affiliates are involved in identifying the priorities and functionality of a shared resource. The overarching goal of CORE is to develop dynamic and relevant ethical practices to guide mHealth and digital medicine research. In this Viewpoint paper, we describe the CORE initiative and call for readers to join the CORE Network and contribute to the bigger conversation on ethics in the digital age. PMID:28179216

  16. Lysophosphatidic Acid Initiates Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition and Induces β-Catenin-mediated Transcription in Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma*

    PubMed Central

    Burkhalter, Rebecca J.; Westfall, Suzanne D.; Liu, Yueying; Stack, M. Sharon

    2015-01-01

    During tumor progression, epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which influences metastatic success. Mutation-dependent activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been implicated in gain of mesenchymal phenotype and loss of differentiation in several solid tumors; however, similar mutations are rare in most EOC histotypes. Nevertheless, evidence for activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in EOC has been reported, and immunohistochemical analysis of human EOC tumors demonstrates nuclear staining in all histotypes. This study addresses the hypothesis that the bioactive lipid lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), prevalent in the EOC microenvironment, functions to regulate EMT in EOC. Our results demonstrate that LPA induces loss of junctional β-catenin, stimulates clustering of β1 integrins, and enhances the conformationally active population of surface β1 integrins. Furthermore, LPA treatment initiates nuclear translocation of β-catenin and transcriptional activation of Wnt/β-catenin target genes resulting in gain of mesenchymal marker expression. Together these data suggest that LPA initiates EMT in ovarian tumors through β1-integrin-dependent activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, providing a novel mechanism for mutation-independent activation of this pathway in EOC progression. PMID:26175151

  17. T box riboswitches in Actinobacteria: Translational regulation via novel tRNA interactions

    PubMed Central

    Sherwood, Anna V.; Grundy, Frank J.; Henkin, Tina M.

    2015-01-01

    The T box riboswitch regulates many amino acid-related genes in Gram-positive bacteria. T box riboswitch-mediated gene regulation was shown previously to occur at the level of transcription attenuation via structural rearrangements in the 5′ untranslated (leader) region of the mRNA in response to binding of a specific uncharged tRNA. In this study, a novel group of isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase gene (ileS) T box leader sequences found in organisms of the phylum Actinobacteria was investigated. The Stem I domains of these RNAs lack several highly conserved elements that are essential for interaction with the tRNA ligand in other T box RNAs. Many of these RNAs were predicted to regulate gene expression at the level of translation initiation through tRNA-dependent stabilization of a helix that sequesters a sequence complementary to the Shine–Dalgarno (SD) sequence, thus freeing the SD sequence for ribosome binding and translation initiation. We demonstrated specific binding to the cognate tRNAIle and tRNAIle-dependent structural rearrangements consistent with regulation at the level of translation initiation, providing the first biochemical demonstration, to our knowledge, of translational regulation in a T box riboswitch. PMID:25583497

  18. Degradation of oxcarbazepine by UV-activated persulfate oxidation: kinetics, mechanisms, and pathways.

    PubMed

    Bu, Lingjun; Zhou, Shiqing; Shi, Zhou; Deng, Lin; Li, Guangchao; Yi, Qihang; Gao, Naiyun

    2016-02-01

    The degradation kinetics and mechanism of the antiepileptic drug oxcarbazepine (OXC) by UV-activated persulfate oxidation were investigated in this study. Results showed that UV/persulfate (UV/PS) process appeared to be more effective in degrading OXC than UV or PS alone. The OXC degradation exhibited a pseudo-first order kinetics pattern and the degradation rate constants (k obs) were affected by initial OXC concentration, PS dosage, initial pH, and humic acid concentration to different degrees. It was found that low initial OXC concentration, high persulfate dosage, and initial pH enhanced the OXC degradation. Additionally, the presence of humic acid in the solution could greatly inhibit the degradation of OXC. Moreover, hydroxyl radical (OH•) and sulfate radical (SO4 (-)••) were identified to be responsible for OXC degradation and SO4 (-)• made the predominant contribution in this study. Finally, major intermediate products were identified and a preliminary degradation pathway was proposed. Results demonstrated that UV/PS system is a potential technology to control the water pollution caused by emerging contaminants such as OXC.

  19. Reliability-based optimization of maintenance scheduling of mechanical components under fatigue

    PubMed Central

    Beaurepaire, P.; Valdebenito, M.A.; Schuëller, G.I.; Jensen, H.A.

    2012-01-01

    This study presents the optimization of the maintenance scheduling of mechanical components under fatigue loading. The cracks of damaged structures may be detected during non-destructive inspection and subsequently repaired. Fatigue crack initiation and growth show inherent variability, and as well the outcome of inspection activities. The problem is addressed under the framework of reliability based optimization. The initiation and propagation of fatigue cracks are efficiently modeled using cohesive zone elements. The applicability of the method is demonstrated by a numerical example, which involves a plate with two holes subject to alternating stress. PMID:23564979

  20. Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells From Hypertensive Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to Advance Hypertension Pharmacogenomics.

    PubMed

    Biel, Nikolett M; Santostefano, Katherine E; DiVita, Bayli B; El Rouby, Nihal; Carrasquilla, Santiago D; Simmons, Chelsey; Nakanishi, Mahito; Cooper-DeHoff, Rhonda M; Johnson, Julie A; Terada, Naohiro

    2015-12-01

    Studies in hypertension (HTN) pharmacogenomics seek to identify genetic sources of variable antihypertensive drug response. Genetic association studies have detected single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that link to drug responses; however, to understand mechanisms underlying how genetic traits alter drug responses, a biological interface is needed. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide a potential source for studying otherwise inaccessible tissues that may be important to antihypertensive drug response. The present study established multiple iPSC lines from an HTN pharmacogenomics cohort. We demonstrated that established HTN iPSCs can robustly and reproducibly differentiate into functional vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), a cell type most relevant to vasculature tone control. Moreover, a sensitive traction force microscopy assay demonstrated that iPSC-derived VSMCs show a quantitative contractile response on physiological stimulus of endothelin-1. Furthermore, the inflammatory chemokine tumor necrosis factor α induced a typical VSMC response in iPSC-derived VSMCs. These studies pave the way for a large research initiative to decode biological significance of identified SNPs in hypertension pharmacogenomics. Treatment of hypertension remains suboptimal, and a pharmacogenomics approach seeks to identify genetic biomarkers that could be used to guide treatment decisions; however, it is important to understand the biological underpinnings of genetic associations. Mouse models do not accurately recapitulate individual patient responses based on their genetics, and hypertension-relevant cells are difficult to obtain from patients. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology provides a great interface to bring patient cells with their genomic data into the laboratory and to study hypertensive responses. As an initial step, the present study established an iPSC bank from patients with primary hypertension and demonstrated an effective and reproducible method of generating functional vascular smooth muscle cells. ©AlphaMed Press.

  1. Physical examination prior to initiating hormonal contraception: a systematic review.

    PubMed

    Tepper, Naomi K; Curtis, Kathryn M; Steenland, Maria W; Marchbanks, Polly A

    2013-05-01

    Provision of contraception is often linked with physical examination, including clinical breast examination (CBE) and pelvic examination. This review was conducted to evaluate the evidence regarding outcomes among women with and without physical examination prior to initiating hormonal contraceptives. The PubMed database was searched from database inception through March 2012 for all peer-reviewed articles in any language concerning CBE and pelvic examination prior to initiating hormonal contraceptives. The quality of each study was assessed using the United States Preventive Services Task Force grading system. The search did not identify any evidence regarding outcomes among women screened versus not screened with CBE prior to initiation of hormonal contraceptives. The search identified two case-control studies of fair quality which compared women who did or did not undergo pelvic examination prior to initiating oral contraceptives (OCs) or depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). No differences in risk factors for cervical neoplasia, incidence of sexually transmitted infections, incidence of abnormal Pap smears or incidence of abnormal wet mount findings were observed. Although women with breast cancer should not use hormonal contraceptives, there is little utility in screening prior to initiation, due to the low incidence of breast cancer and uncertain value of CBE among women of reproductive age. Two fair quality studies demonstrated no differences between women who did or did not undergo pelvic examination prior to initiating OCs or DMPA with respect to risk factors or clinical outcomes. In addition, pelvic examination is not likely to detect any conditions for which hormonal contraceptives would be unsafe. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  2. Validation of the Integrated Medical Model Using Historical Space Flight Data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kerstman, Eric L.; Minard, Charles G.; FreiredeCarvalho, Mary H.; Walton, Marlei E.; Myers, Jerry G., Jr.; Saile, Lynn G.; Lopez, Vilma; Butler, Douglas J.; Johnson-Throop, Kathy A.

    2010-01-01

    The Integrated Medical Model (IMM) utilizes Monte Carlo methodologies to predict the occurrence of medical events, utilization of resources, and clinical outcomes during space flight. Real-world data may be used to demonstrate the accuracy of the model. For this analysis, IMM predictions were compared to data from historical shuttle missions, not yet included as model source input. Initial goodness of fit test-ing on International Space Station data suggests that the IMM may overestimate the number of occurrences for three of the 83 medical conditions in the model. The IMM did not underestimate the occurrence of any medical condition. Initial comparisons with shuttle data demonstrate the importance of understanding crew preference (i.e., preferred analgesic) for accurately predicting the utilization of re-sources. The initial analysis demonstrates the validity of the IMM for its intended use and highlights areas for improvement.

  3. Transient cardio-respiratory responses to visually induced tilt illusions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wood, S. J.; Ramsdell, C. D.; Mullen, T. J.; Oman, C. M.; Harm, D. L.; Paloski, W. H.

    2000-01-01

    Although the orthostatic cardio-respiratory response is primarily mediated by the baroreflex, studies have shown that vestibular cues also contribute in both humans and animals. We have demonstrated a visually mediated response to illusory tilt in some human subjects. Blood pressure, heart and respiration rate, and lung volume were monitored in 16 supine human subjects during two types of visual stimulation, and compared with responses to real passive whole body tilt from supine to head 80 degrees upright. Visual tilt stimuli consisted of either a static scene from an overhead mirror or constant velocity scene motion along different body axes generated by an ultra-wide dome projection system. Visual vertical cues were initially aligned with the longitudinal body axis. Subjective tilt and self-motion were reported verbally. Although significant changes in cardio-respiratory parameters to illusory tilts could not be demonstrated for the entire group, several subjects showed significant transient decreases in mean blood pressure resembling their initial response to passive head-up tilt. Changes in pulse pressure and a slight elevation in heart rate were noted. These transient responses are consistent with the hypothesis that visual-vestibular input contributes to the initial cardiovascular adjustment to a change in posture in humans. On average the static scene elicited perceived tilt without rotation. Dome scene pitch and yaw elicited perceived tilt and rotation, and dome roll motion elicited perceived rotation without tilt. A significant correlation between the magnitude of physiological and subjective reports could not be demonstrated.

  4. Inter-lab proteomics: data mining in collaborative projects on the basis of the HUPO brain proteome project's pilot studies.

    PubMed

    Hamacher, Michael; Gröttrup, Bernd; Eisenacher, Martin; Marcus, Katrin; Park, Young Mok; Meyer, Helmut E; Kwon, Kyung-Hoon; Stephan, Christian

    2011-01-01

    Several projects were initiated by the Human Proteome Organisation (HUPO) focusing on the proteome analysis of distinct human organs. The initiative dedicated to the brain, its development and correlated diseases is the HUPO Brain Proteome Project (HUPO BPP). An objective data submission, storage, and reprocessing strategy have been established with the help of the results gained in a pilot study phase and within subsequent studies. The bioinformatic relevance of the data is drawn from the inter-laboratory comparisons as well as from the recalculation of all data sets submitted by the different groups. In the following, results of the single groups as well as the centralised reprocessing effort are summarised, demonstrating the added-value of this concerted work.

  5. Supervised classification in the presence of misclassified training data: a Monte Carlo simulation study in the three group case.

    PubMed

    Bolin, Jocelyn Holden; Finch, W Holmes

    2014-01-01

    Statistical classification of phenomena into observed groups is very common in the social and behavioral sciences. Statistical classification methods, however, are affected by the characteristics of the data under study. Statistical classification can be further complicated by initial misclassification of the observed groups. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of initial training data misclassification on several statistical classification and data mining techniques. Misclassification conditions in the three group case will be simulated and results will be presented in terms of overall as well as subgroup classification accuracy. Results show decreased classification accuracy as sample size, group separation and group size ratio decrease and as misclassification percentage increases with random forests demonstrating the highest accuracy across conditions.

  6. Validating a Culturally-sensitive Social Competence Training Programme for Adolescents with ASD in a Chinese Context: An Initial Investigation.

    PubMed

    Chan, Raymond Won Shing; Leung, Cecilia Nga Wing; Ng, Denise Ching Yiu; Yau, Sania Sau Wai

    2018-02-01

    Previous studies on social skills training on ASD were done almost exclusively in the West with children as the main subjects. Demonstrations of the applicability of social interventions in different cultures and age groups are warranted. The current study outlined the development and preliminary evaluation of a CBT-context-based social competence training for ASD (CBT-CSCA) developed in Hong Kong for Chinese adolescents with ASD. Twenty-five adolescents (aged 12-17 years, with a FSIQ above 80) were recruited. Significant improvements in social competence, autistic symptoms and general psychopathology at post-training and 3-month follow-up were reported by the parents. The study provided initial evidence support to the applicability of social competence training for adolescents with ASD in a different culture.

  7. Equivalence of litmus paper and intragastric pH probes for intragastric pH monitoring in the intensive care unit.

    PubMed

    Levine, R L; Fromm, R E; Mojtahedzadeh, M; Baghaie, A A; Opekun, A R

    1994-06-01

    To compare the accuracy of litmus paper-determined gastric pH to a nasogastric graphite antimony pH probe. A prospective clinical trial of gastric pH determination in patients enrolled in a study of histamine-2-receptor (H2) antagonists. The medical intensive care unit (ICU) of a 450-bed county hospital. Critically ill ICU patients requiring stress ulcer prophylaxis. Using a crossover design, the patients were randomized to initially receive an H2 antagonist by continuous infusion or intravenous bolus, and subsequently were crossed over to the other limb of the study. Gastric pH was determined using pH-sensitive litmus paper at the initiation of each limb of the study and at 1, 2, 4, and 8 hrs after the initiation of H2 receptor antagonist therapy. In addition, gastric pH was continuously determined over the same time period utilizing a graphite antimony pH probe. Gastric pH measurements determined with litmus paper and intragastric pH probes demonstrated an excellent correlation (r2 = .93, p < .001). McNemar's test of correlated proportions could not demonstrate a significant difference between the two monitoring methods (chi-square = 0.5, p > .47), and the kappa statistic (0.95, p < .001) demonstrated excellent concordance. Bias measurement was 0.01 (95% confidence interval = -0.155 to 0.176). Measurement of intragastric pH, using pH-sensitive litmus paper, is both sensitive and specific when utilizing a graphite antimony nasogastric pH probe as a reference standard. Litmus paper-determined gastric pH testing is both easy to perform and inexpensive. Therefore, based on the current data, we believe this technique (i.e., litmus paper determined gastric pH testing) to be the method of choice for determination of intragastric pH in patients at risk for stress gastric ulcers in the medical ICU.

  8. Lung-protective ventilation initiated in the emergency department (LOV-ED): a study protocol for a quasi-experimental, before-after trial aimed at reducing pulmonary complications.

    PubMed

    Fuller, Brian M; Ferguson, Ian; Mohr, Nicholas M; Stephens, Robert J; Briscoe, Cristopher C; Kolomiets, Angelina A; Hotchkiss, Richard S; Kollef, Marin H

    2016-04-11

    In critically ill patients, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and ventilator-associated conditions (VACs) are associated with increased mortality, survivor morbidity and healthcare resource utilisation. Studies conclusively demonstrate that initial ventilator settings in patients with ARDS, and at risk for it, impact outcome. No studies have been conducted in the emergency department (ED) to determine if lung-protective ventilation in patients at risk for ARDS can reduce its incidence. Since the ED is the entry point to the intensive care unit for hundreds of thousands of mechanically ventilated patients annually in the USA, this represents a knowledge gap in this arena. A lung-protective ventilation strategy was instituted in our ED in 2014. It aims to address the parameters in need of quality improvement, as demonstrated by our previous research: (1) prevention of volutrauma; (2) appropriate positive end-expiratory pressure setting; (3) prevention of hyperoxia; and (4) aspiration precautions. The lung-protective ventilation initiated in the emergency department (LOV-ED) trial is a single-centre, quasi-experimental before-after study testing the hypothesis that lung-protective ventilation, initiated in the ED, is associated with reduced pulmonary complications. An intervention cohort of 513 mechanically ventilated adult ED patients will be compared with over 1000 preintervention control patients. The primary outcome is a composite outcome of pulmonary complications after admission (ARDS and VACs). Multivariable logistic regression with propensity score adjustment will test the hypothesis that ED lung-protective ventilation decreases the incidence of pulmonary complications. Approval of the study was obtained prior to data collection on the first patient. As the study is a before-after observational study, examining the effect of treatment changes over time, it is being conducted with waiver of informed consent. This work will be disseminated by publication of full-length manuscripts, presentation in abstract form at major scientific meetings and data sharing with other investigators through academically established means. NCT02543554. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

  9. Software archeology: a case study in software quality assurance and design

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

    Macdonald, John M; Lloyd, Jane A; Turner, Cameron J

    2009-01-01

    Ideally, quality is designed into software, just as quality is designed into hardware. However, when dealing with legacy systems, demonstrating that the software meets required quality standards may be difficult to achieve. As the need to demonstrate the quality of existing software was recognized at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), an effort was initiated to uncover and demonstrate that legacy software met the required quality standards. This effort led to the development of a reverse engineering approach referred to as software archaeology. This paper documents the software archaeology approaches used at LANL to document legacy software systems. A case studymore » for the Robotic Integrated Packaging System (RIPS) software is included.« less

  10. Mixed convective/dynamic roll vortices and their effects on initial wind and temperature profiles

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Haack, Tracy; Shirer, Hampton N.

    1991-01-01

    The onset and development of both dynamically and convectively forced boundary layer rolls are studied with linear and nonlinear analyses of a truncated spectral model of shallow Boussinesq flow. Emphasis is given here on the energetics of the dominant roll modes, on the magnitudes of the roll-induced modifications of the initial basic state wind and temperature profiles, and on the sensitivity of the linear stability results to the use of modified profiles as basic states. It is demonstrated that the roll circulations can produce substantial changes to the cross-roll component of the initial wind profile and that significant changes in orientation angle estimates can result from use of a roll-modified profile in the stability analysis. These results demonstrate that roll contributions must be removed from observed background wind profiles before using them to investigate the mechanisms underlying actual secondary flows in the boundary layer. The model is developed quite generally to accept arbitrary basic state wind profiles as dynamic forcing. An Ekman profile is chosen here merely to provide a means for easy comparison with other theoretical boundary layer studies; the ultimate application of the model is to study observed boundary layer profiles. Results of the analytic stability analysis are validated by comparing them with results from a larger linear model. For an appropriate Ekman depth, a complete set of transition curves is given in forcing parameter space for roll modes driven both thermally and dynamically. Preferred orientation angles, horizontal wavelengths and propagation frequencies, as well as energetics and wind profile modifications, are all shown to agree rather well with results from studies on Ekman layers as well as with studies on near-neutral and convective atmospheric boundary layers.

  11. HPV vaccination: Population approaches for improving rates.

    PubMed

    Oliver, Kristin; Frawley, Alean; Garland, Elizabeth

    2016-06-02

    To review the literature on interventions to increase HPV vaccinations and assess whether The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommendations are supported by current evidence. We used a PubMed search to identify studies that assessed interventions that looked at provider assessment and feedback, provider reminders, client reminder and recall, and clinic based education programs. Of the 13 studies identified, 8 included client reminder and recall interventions, 4 included provider assessment and feedback and/or provider reminders and 2 included clinic based education. 11 of the 13 studies demonstrated a positive effect on HPV vaccine initiation or completion. Provider assessment and feedback studies were more likely to report a positive effect on HPV vaccine initiation than on series completion, while client reminder recall interventions more frequently produced an effect on series completion than on initiation. There is evidence to support the application of the Community Preventive Services Task Force recommendations specifically to HPV vaccination both for client reminder and recall programs and for provider assessment and feedback interventions. Multiple targeted approaches will be needed to substantially impact HPV vaccine rates.

  12. Temporal-contextual processing in working memory: evidence from delayed cued recall and delayed free recall tests.

    PubMed

    Loaiza, Vanessa M; McCabe, David P

    2012-02-01

    Three experiments are reported that addressed the nature of processing in working memory by investigating patterns of delayed cued recall and free recall of items initially studied during complex and simple span tasks. In Experiment 1, items initially studied during a complex span task (i.e., operation span) were more likely to be recalled after a delay in response to temporal-contextual cues, relative to items from subspan and supraspan list lengths in a simple span task (i.e., word span). In Experiment 2, items initially studied during operation span were more likely to be recalled from neighboring serial positions during delayed free recall than were items studied during word span trials. Experiment 3 demonstrated that the number of attentional refreshing opportunities strongly predicts episodic memory performance, regardless of whether the information is presented in a spaced or massed format in a modified operation span task. The results indicate that the content-context bindings created during complex span trials reflect attentional refreshing opportunities that are used to maintain items in working memory.

  13. Cognitive training of self-initiation of semantic encoding strategies in schizophrenia: A pilot study.

    PubMed

    Guimond, Synthia; Lepage, Martin

    2016-01-01

    Available cognitive remediation interventions have a significant but relatively small to moderate impact on episodic memory in schizophrenia. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a brief novel episodic memory training targeting the self-initiation of semantic encoding strategies. To select patients with such deficits, 28 participants with schizophrenia performed our Semantic Encoding Memory Task (SEMT) that provides a measure of self-initiated semantic encoding strategies. This task identified a deficit in 13 participants who were then offered two 60-minute training sessions one week apart. After the training, patients performed an alternate version of the SEMT. The CVLT-II (a standardised measure of semantic encoding strategies) and the BVMT-R (a control spatial memory task) were used to quantify memory pre- and post-training. After the training, participants were significantly better at self-initiating semantic encoding strategies in the SEMT (p = .004) and in the CVLT-II (p = .002). No significant differences were found in the BVMT-R. The current study demonstrates that a brief and specific training in memory strategies can help patients to improve a deficient memory process in schizophrenia. Future studies will need to test this intervention further using a randomised controlled trial, and to explore its functional impact.

  14. Initial Results from the Majorana Demonstrator

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

    Elliott, S. R.; Abgrall, N.; Arnquist, I. J.

    Neutrinoless double-beta decay searches seek to determine the nature of neutrinos, the existence of a lepton violating process, and the eective Majorana neutrino mass. The Majorana Collaboration is assembling an array of high purity Ge detectors to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay in 76Ge. The Majorana Demonstrator is composed of 44.8 kg (29.7 kg enriched in 76Ge) of Ge detectors in total, split between two modules contained in a low background shield at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota. The initial goals of the Demonstrator are to establish the required background and scalability of a Ge-based, next-generation,more » tonne-scale experiment. Following a commissioning run that began in 2015, the rst detector module started physics data production in early 2016. We will discuss initial results of the Module 1 commissioning and rst physics run, as well as the status and potential physics reach of the full Majorana Demonstrator experiment. The collaboration plans to complete the assembly of the second detector module by mid-2016 to begin full data production with the entire array.« less

  15. Initial Results from the Majorana Demonstrator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Elliott, S. R.; Abgrall, N.; Arnquist, I. J.; Avignone, F. T., III.; Barabash, A. S.; Bertrand, F. E.; Bradley, A. W.; Brudanin, V.; Busch, M.; Buuck, M.; Caldwell, T. S.; Chan, Y.-D.; Christofferson, C. D.; Chu, P.-H.; Cuesta, C.; Detwiler, J. A.; Dunagan, C.; Efremenko, Yu.; Ejiri, H.; Fullmer, A.; Galindo-Uribarri, A.; Gilliss, T.; Giovanetti, G. K.; Green, M. P.; Gruszko, J.; Guinn, I. S.; Guiseppe, V. E.; Henning, R.; Hoppe, E. W.; Howe, M. A.; Jasinski, B. R.; Keeter, K. J.; Kidd, M. F.; Konovalov, S. I.; Kouzes, R. T.; Leon, J.; Lopez, A. M.; MacMullin, J.; Martin, R. D.; Massarczyk, R.; Meijer, S. J.; Mertens, S.; Orrell, J. L.; O'Shaughnessy, C.; Poon, A. W. P.; Radford, D. C.; Rager, J.; Rielage, K.; Robertson, R. G. H.; Romero-Romero, E.; Shanks, B.; Shirchenko, M.; Suriano, A. M.; Tedeschi, D.; Trimble, J. E.; Varner, R. L.; Vasilyev, S.; Vetter, K.; Vorren, K.; White, B. R.; Wilkerson, J. F.; Wiseman, C.; Xu, W.; Yakushev, E.; Yu, C.-H.; Yumatov, V.; Zhitnikov, I.

    2017-09-01

    Neutrinoless double-beta decay searches seek to determine the nature of neutrinos, the existence of a lepton violating process, and the effective Majorana neutrino mass. The Majorana Collaboration is assembling an array of high purity Ge detectors to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay in 76Ge. The Majorana Demonstrator is composed of 44.8 kg (29.7 kg enriched in 76Ge) of Ge detectors in total, split between two modules contained in a low background shield at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota. The initial goals of the Demonstrator are to establish the required background and scalability of a Ge-based, next-generation, tonne-scale experiment. Following a commissioning run that began in 2015, the first detector module started physics data production in early 2016. We will discuss initial results of the Module 1 commissioning and first physics run, as well as the status and potential physics reach of the full Majorana Demonstrator experiment. The collaboration plans to complete the assembly of the second detector module by mid-2016 to begin full data production with the entire array.

  16. Light-induced changes in silicon nanocrystal based solar cells: Modification of silicon-hydrogen bonding on silicon nanocrystal surface under illumination

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Ka-Hyun; Johnson, Erik V.; Cabarrocas, Pere Roca i.

    2016-07-01

    Hydrogenated polymorphous silicon (pm-Si:H) is a material consisting of a small volume fraction of nanocrystals embedded in an amorphous matrix. pm-Si:H solar cells demonstrate interesting initial degradation behaviors such as rapid initial change in photovoltaic parameters and self-healing after degradation during light-soaking. The precise dynamics of the light-induced degradation was studied in a series of light-soaking experiments under various illumination conditions such as AM1.5G and filtered 570 nm yellow light. Hydrogen effusion experiment before and after light-soaking further revealed that the initial degradation of pm-Si:H solar cells originate from the modification of silicon-hydrogen bonding on the surface of silicon nanocrystals in pm-Si:H.

  17. Non-linear unsteady wing theory, part 1. Quasi two-dimensional behavior: Airfoils and slender wings

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mccune, J. E.

    1987-01-01

    The initial phases of a study of the large-amplitude unsteady aerodynamics of wings in severe maneuver are reported. The research centers on vortex flows, their initiation at wing surfaces, their subsequent convection, and interaction dynamically with wings and control surfaces. The focus is on 2D and quasi-2D aspects of the problem and features the development of an exact nonlinear unsteady airfoil theory as well as an approach to the crossflow problem for slender wing applications including leading-edge separation. The effective use of interactive on-line computing in quantifying and visualizing the nonsteady effects of severe maneuver is demonstrated. Interactive computational work is now possible, in which a maneuver can be initiated and its effects observed and analyzed immediately.

  18. Ignitability test method

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bement, Laurence J.; Schimmel, Morry L.

    1989-01-01

    To overcome serious weaknesses in determining the performance of initiating devices, a novel 'ignitability test method', representing actual design interfaces and ignition materials, has been developed. Ignition device output consists of heat, light, gas an burning particles. Past research methods have evaluated these parameters individually. This paper describes the development and demonstration of an ignitability test method combining all these parameters, and the quantitative assessment of the ignition performance of two widely used percussion primers, the M42C1-PA101 and the M42C2-793. The ignition materials used for this evaluation were several powder, granule and pellet sizes of black powder and boron-potassium nitrate. This test method should be useful for performance evaluation of all initiator types, quality assurance, evaluation of ignition interfaces, and service life studies of initiators and ignition materials.

  19. Initial Results of Illinois' Shifting Gears Pilot Demonstration Evaluation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bragg, Debra D.; Harmon, Timothy; Kirby, Catherine L.; Kim, Sujung

    2009-01-01

    This report provides initial results of Illinois' Shifting Gears Initiative that operated between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2009. This mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) evaluation sought to accomplish three goals: (1) to assess program and student outcomes for two models (adult education and developmental education) for two target groups…

  20. The Development of Accepted Performance Items to Demonstrate Braille Competence in the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smith, Derrick; Rosenblum, L. Penny

    2013-01-01

    Introduction: The purpose of the study presented here was the initial validation of a comprehensive set of competencies focused solely on the Nemeth code. Methods: Using the Delphi method, 20 expert panelists were recruited to participate in the study on the basis of their past experience in teaching a university-level course in the Nemeth code.…

  1. Studying localized corrosion using liquid cell transmission electron microscopy

    DOE PAGES

    Chee, See Wee; Pratt, Sarah H.; Hattar, Khalid; ...

    2014-11-07

    Using liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (LCTEM), localized corrosion of Cu and Al thin films immersed in aqueous NaCl solutions was studied. We demonstrate that potentiostatic control can be used to initiate pitting and that local compositional changes, due to focused ion beam implantation of Au + ions, can modify the corrosion susceptibility of Al films. Likewise, a discussion on strategies to control the onset of pitting is also presented.

  2. Soliton interactions and the formation of solitonic patterns

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sears, Suzanne M.

    From the stripes of a zebra, to the spirals of cream in a hot cup of coffee, we are surrounded by patterns in the natural world. But why are there patterns? Why drives their formation? In this thesis we study some of the diverse ways patterns can arise due to the interactions between solitary waves in nonlinear systems, sometimes starting from nothing more than random noise. What follows is a set of three studies. In the first, we show how a nonlinear system that supports solitons can be driven to generate exact (regular) Cantor set fractals. As an example, we use numerical simulations to demonstrate the formation of Cantor set fractals by temporal optical solitons. This fractal formation occurs in a cascade of nonlinear optical fibers through the dynamical evolution of a single input soliton. In the second study, we investigate pattern formation initiated by modulation instability in nonlinear partially coherent wave fronts and show that anisotropic noise and/or anisotropic correlation statistics can lead to ordered patterns such as grids and stripes. For the final study, we demonstrate the spontaneous clustering of solitons in partially coherent wavefronts during the final stages of pattern formation initiated by modulation instability and noise. Experimental observations are in agreement with theoretical predictions and are confirmed using numerical simulations.

  3. How are mood and exercise related? Results from the Finnmark study.

    PubMed

    Sexton, H; Søgaard, A J; Olstad, R

    2001-07-01

    Recreational exercise and mood have frequently been correlated in population studies. Although it is often assumed that recreational exercise improves mood, this has not been consistently demonstrated in population studies. The relationship between mood and exercise was studied prospectively in a community sample. A series of synchronous panel models was constructed in two samples (2798 paired observations; sample I = 1219, sample II = 1498) to examine this relationship in the entire population, for women and men separately, for those with sedentary occupations, for those performing physical labour, and for those who initially showed a more dysphoric mood. Although mood and exercise were correlated, the only directional relationship that could be demonstrated was that recreational exercise had an inconsistently positive effect upon mood in those with sedentary occupations. There was no such relationship between doing physical work and mood. Analyses of those who initially showed higher levels of dysphoria did not uncover any directional relationship between mood and exercise. None of the other subgroups showed any directional effects between mood and recreational exercise, nor did the population as a whole. The relationship between exercise and mood in this population sample appears to be largely correlational in nature. This result suggests the need to take a cautious view of the role played by exercise in promoting mood in the general population.

  4. Fluid Overload and Fluid Removal in Pediatric Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Requiring Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

    PubMed Central

    Selewski, David T; Cornell, Timothy T; Blatt, Neal B; Han, Yong Y; Mottes, Theresa; Kommareddi, Mallika; Gaies, Michael G; Annich, Gail M; Kershaw, David B; Shanley, Thomas P; Heung, Michael

    2012-01-01

    Objective In pediatric patients fluid overload (FO) at continuous renal replacement (CRRT) initiation is associated with increased mortality. The aim of this study was to characterize the association between fluid overload at CRRT initiation, fluid removal during CRRT, the kinetics of fluid removal and mortality in a large pediatric population receiving CRRT while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Tertiary children’s hospital Patients ECMO patients requiring CRRT from July 2006 to September 2010 Interventions None Measurements and Main Results Overall ICU survival was 34% for 53 patients that were initiated on CRRT while on ECMO during the study period. Median FO at CRRT initiation was significantly lower in survivors compared to non-survivors (24.5 vs. 38%, p=0.006). Median FO at CRRT discontinuation was significantly lower in survivors compared to non-survivors (7.1 vs. 17.5%, p=0.035). After adjusting for percent FO at CRRT initiation, age and severity of illness, the change in FO at CRRT discontinuation was not significantly associated with mortality (p=0.212). Models investigating the rates of fluid removal in different periods, age, severity of illness and fluid overload at CRRT initiation found that fluid overload at CRRT initiation was the most consistent predictor of survival. Conclusions Our data demonstrates an association between FO at CRRT initiation and mortality in pediatric patients receiving ECMO. The degree of FO at CRRT discontinuation is also associated with mortality, but appears to reflect the effect of FO at initiation. Furthermore, correction of FO to ≤ 10% was not associated with improved survival. These results suggest that intervening prior to the development of significant FO may be more clinically effective than attempting fluid removal after significant fluid overload has developed. Our findings suggest a role for earlier initiation of CRRT in this population, and warrant further clinical studies. PMID:22743776

  5. Hippocampal Context Processing during Acquisition of a Predictive Learning Task Is Associated with Renewal in Extinction Recall.

    PubMed

    Lissek, Silke; Glaubitz, Benjamin; Schmidt-Wilcke, Tobias; Tegenthoff, Martin

    2016-05-01

    Renewal is defined as the recovery of an extinguished response if extinction and retrieval contexts differ. The context dependency of extinction, as demonstrated by renewal, has important implications for extinction-based therapies. Persons showing renewal (REN) exhibit higher hippocampal activation during extinction in associative learning than those without renewal (NOREN), demonstrating hippocampal context processing, and recruit ventromedial pFC in retrieval. Apart from these findings, brain processes generating renewal remain largely unknown. Conceivably, processing differences in task-relevant brain regions that ultimately lead to renewal may occur already in initial acquisition of associations. Therefore, in two fMRI studies, we investigated overall brain activation and hippocampal activation in REN and NOREN during acquisition of an associative learning task in response to presentation of a context alone or combined with a cue. Results of two studies demonstrated significant activation differences between the groups: In Study 1, a support vector machine classifier correctly assigned participants' brain activation patterns to REN and NOREN groups, respectively. In Study 2, REN and NOREN showed similar hippocampal involvement during context-only presentation, suggesting processing of novelty, whereas overall hippocampal activation to the context-cue compound, suggesting compound encoding, was higher in REN. Positive correlations between hippocampal activation and renewal level indicated more prominent hippocampal processing in REN. Results suggest that hippocampal processing of the context-cue compound rather than of context only during initial learning is related to a subsequent renewal effect. Presumably, REN participants use distinct encoding strategies during acquisition of context-related tasks, which reflect in their brain activation patterns and contribute to a renewal effect.

  6. Ultrasonic Vocalizations as a Measure of Affect in Preclinical Models of Drug Abuse: A Review of Current Findings

    PubMed Central

    Barker, David J.; Simmons, Steven J.; West, Mark O.

    2015-01-01

    The present review describes ways in which ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) have been used in studies of substance abuse. Accordingly, studies are reviewed which demonstrate roles for affective processing in response to the presentation of drug-related cues, experimenter- and self-administered drug, drug withdrawal, and during tests of relapse/reinstatement. The review focuses on data collected from studies using cocaine and amphetamine, where a large body of evidence has been collected. Data suggest that USVs capture animals’ initial positive reactions to psychostimulant administration and are capable of identifying individual differences in affective responding. Moreover, USVs have been used to demonstrate that positive affect becomes sensitized to psychostimulants over acute exposure before eventually exhibiting signs of tolerance. In the drug-dependent animal, a mixture of USVs suggesting positive and negative affect is observed, illustrating mixed responses to psychostimulants. This mixture is predominantly characterized by an initial bout of positive affect followed by an opponent negative emotional state, mirroring affective responses observed in human addicts. During drug withdrawal, USVs demonstrate the presence of negative affective withdrawal symptoms. Finally, it has been shown that drug-paired cues produce a learned, positive anticipatory response during training, and that presentation of drug-paired cues following abstinence produces both positive affect and reinstatement behavior. Thus, USVs are a useful tool for obtaining an objective measurement of affective states in animal models of substance abuse and can increase the information extracted from drug administration studies. USVs enable detection of subtle differences in a behavioral response that might otherwise be missed using traditional measures. PMID:26411762

  7. A heuristic neural network initialization scheme for modeling nonlinear functions in engineering mechanics: continuous development

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pei, Jin-Song; Mai, Eric C.

    2007-04-01

    This paper introduces a continuous effort towards the development of a heuristic initialization methodology for constructing multilayer feedforward neural networks to model nonlinear functions. In this and previous studies that this work is built upon, including the one presented at SPIE 2006, the authors do not presume to provide a universal method to approximate arbitrary functions, rather the focus is given to the development of a rational and unambiguous initialization procedure that applies to the approximation of nonlinear functions in the specific domain of engineering mechanics. The applications of this exploratory work can be numerous including those associated with potential correlation and interpretation of the inner workings of neural networks, such as damage detection. The goal of this study is fulfilled by utilizing the governing physics and mathematics of nonlinear functions and the strength of the sigmoidal basis function. A step-by-step graphical procedure utilizing a few neural network prototypes as "templates" to approximate commonly seen memoryless nonlinear functions of one or two variables is further developed in this study. Decomposition of complex nonlinear functions into a summation of some simpler nonlinear functions is utilized to exploit this prototype-based initialization methodology. Training examples are presented to demonstrate the rationality and effciency of the proposed methodology when compared with the popular Nguyen-Widrow initialization algorithm. Future work is also identfied.

  8. Effects of polarization and absorption on laser induced optical breakdown threshold for skin rejuvenation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Varghese, Babu; Bonito, Valentina; Turco, Simona; Verhagen, Rieko

    2016-03-01

    Laser induced optical breakdown (LIOB) is a non-linear absorption process leading to plasma formation at locations where the threshold irradiance for breakdown is surpassed. In this paper we experimentally demonstrate the influence of polarization and absorption on laser induced breakdown threshold in transparent, absorbing and scattering phantoms made from water suspensions of polystyrene microspheres. We demonstrate that radially polarized light yields a lower irradiance threshold for creating optical breakdown compared to linearly polarized light. We also demonstrate that the thermal initiation pathway used for generating seed electrons results in a lower irradiance threshold compared to multiphoton initiation pathway used for optical breakdown.

  9. Characterizing Adult Age Differences in the Initiation and Organization of Retrieval: A Further Investigation of Retrieval Dynamics in Dual-List Free Recall

    PubMed Central

    Wahlheim, Christopher N.; Richmond, Lauren L.; Huff, Mark J.; Dobbins, Ian G.

    2016-01-01

    In a recent experiment using dual-list free recall of unrelated word lists, C.N. Wahlheim and M. J. Huff (2015) found that relative to younger adults, older adults showed: 1) impaired recollection of temporal context, 2) a broader pattern of retrieval initiation when recalling from two lists, and 3) more intrusions when selectively recalling from one of two lists. These findings showed older adults' impaired ability to use controlled retrieval to avoid proactive and retroactive interference. In the present investigation, three studies examined whether differences in retrieval initiation patterns were unique to aging and whether they were governed by the control mechanisms that underlie individuals' susceptibility to intrusions. In Study 1, we conducted additional analyses of Wahlheim and Huff's data and found that older adults' broader retrieval initiation when recalling two lists was a unique effect of age that was not redundant with intrusions made when recalling from individual lists. In Study 2, we replicated these age differences in a dual-list paradigm with semantically associated lists. In Study 3, we found that older adults' broader retrieval initiation generalized when they were given twice the encoding time compared to Study 2. Analyses of transitions between recalls in Studies 2 and 3 showed that older adults used temporal associations less than younger adults, but both groups made similar use of semantic associations. Overall, these findings demonstrate adult age differences in the controlled retrieval of temporal context in hierarchically structured events. PMID:27831715

  10. Screening Active Components from Yu-Ping-Feng-San for Regulating Initiative Key Factors in Allergic Sensitization

    PubMed Central

    Zhu, Zhijie; Yu, Xi; Liu, Hailiang; Wang, Huizhu; Fan, Hongwei; Wang, Dawei; Jiang, Guorong; Hong, Min

    2014-01-01

    Yu-ping-feng-san (YPFS) is a Chinese medical formula that is used clinically for allergic diseases and characterized by reducing allergy relapse. Our previous studies demonstrated that YPFS efficiently inhibited T helper 2 cytokines in allergic inflammation. The underlying mechanisms of action of YPFS and its effective components remain unclear. In this study, it was shown that YPFS significantly inhibited production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an epithelial cell-derived initiative factor in allergic inflammation, in vitro and in vivo. A method of human bronchial epithelial cell (16HBE) binding combined with HPLC-MS (named 16HBE-HPLC-MS) was established to explore potential active components of YPFS. The following five components bound to 16HBE cells: calycosin-7-glucoside, ononin, claycosin, sec-o-glucosylhamaudol and formononetin. Serum from YPFS-treated mice was analyzed and three major components were detected claycosin, formononetin and cimifugin. Among these, claycosin and formononetin were detected by 16HBE-HPLC-MS and in the serum of YPFS-treated mice. Claycosin and formononetin decreased the level of TSLP markedly at the initial stage of allergic inflammation in vivo. Nuclear factor (NF)-κB, a key transcription factor in TSLP production, was also inhibited by claycosin and formononetin, either in terms of transcriptional activation or its nuclear translocation in vitro. Allergic inflammation was reduced by claycosin and formononetin when they are administered only at the initial stage in a murine model of atopic contact dermatitis. Thus, epithelial cell binding combined with HPLC-MS is a valid method for screening active components from complex mixtures of Chinese medicine. It was demonstrated that the compounds screened from YPFS significantly attenuated allergic inflammation probably by reducing TSLP production via regulating NF-κB activation. PMID:25198676

  11. Evaluating mesenchymal stem cell therapy for sepsis with preclinical meta-analyses prior to initiating a first-in-human trial

    PubMed Central

    Lalu, Manoj M; Sullivan, Katrina J; Mei, Shirley HJ; Moher, David; Straus, Alexander; Fergusson, Dean A; Stewart, Duncan J; Jazi, Mazen; MacLeod, Malcolm; Winston, Brent; Marshall, John; Hutton, Brian; Walley, Keith R; McIntyre, Lauralyn

    2016-01-01

    Evaluation of preclinical evidence prior to initiating early-phase clinical studies has typically been performed by selecting individual studies in a non-systematic process that may introduce bias. Thus, in preparation for a first-in-human trial of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) for septic shock, we applied systematic review methodology to evaluate all published preclinical evidence. We identified 20 controlled comparison experiments (980 animals from 18 publications) of in vivo sepsis models. Meta-analysis demonstrated that MSC treatment of preclinical sepsis significantly reduced mortality over a range of experimental conditions (odds ratio 0.27, 95% confidence interval 0.18–0.40, latest timepoint reported for each study). Risk of bias was unclear as few studies described elements such as randomization and no studies included an appropriately calculated sample size. Moreover, the presence of publication bias resulted in a ~30% overestimate of effect and threats to validity limit the strength of our conclusions. This novel prospective application of systematic review methodology serves as a template to evaluate preclinical evidence prior to initiating first-in-human clinical studies. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.17850.001 PMID:27870924

  12. National epidemiology of initial and recurrent Clostridium difficile infection in the Veterans Health Administration from 2003 to 2014.

    PubMed

    Reveles, Kelly R; Lawson, Kenneth A; Mortensen, Eric M; Pugh, Mary Jo V; Koeller, Jim M; Argamany, Jacqueline R; Frei, Christopher R

    2017-01-01

    Prior studies demonstrated marked increases in Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in the United States (U.S.) in recent years. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology of initial and recurrent CDI in a national Veterans Health Administration (VHA) cohort over a 12-year period. This was a retrospective cohort study of all adult VHA beneficiaries with CDI (ICD-9-CM code 008.45) plus a positive CDI stool test between October 1, 2002 and September 30, 2014. Data were obtained from the VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure. Recurrence was defined as a second ICD-9-CM code plus a new course of CDI therapy following a minimum three-day gap after the initial therapy was completed. CDI incidence and outcomes were presented descriptively and longitudinally. Overall, 30,326 patients met study inclusion criteria. CDI incidence increased from FY 2003 (1.6 per 10,000) to FY 2013 (5.1 per 10,000). Thereafter, CDI incidence decreased through FY 2014 (4.6 per 10,000). A total of 5,011 patients (17%) experienced a first recurrence and, of those, 1,713 (34%) experienced a second recurrence. Recurrence incidence increased 10-fold over the study period, from (0.1 per 10,000) in FY 2003, to (1.0 per 10,000) in FY 2014. Overall, 30-day mortality and median hospital length of stay (LOS) decreased among initial episodes over the study period. Mortality was higher for initial episodes (21%) compared to first recurrences (11%) and second recurrences (7%). Median hospital LOS was longer for first episodes (13 days) compared to first (9 days) and second recurrences (8 days). Initial and recurrent CDI episodes increased among veterans over a 12-year period. Outcomes, such as mortality and hospital LOS improved in recent years; both of these outcomes are worse for initial CDI episodes than recurrent episodes.

  13. In-hive patterns of temporal polyethism in strains of honey bees (Apis mellifera) with distinct genetic backgrounds.

    PubMed

    Siegel, Adam J; Fondrk, M Kim; Amdam, Gro V; Page, Robert E

    2013-01-01

    Honey bee workers exhibit an age-based division of labor (temporal polyethism, DOL). Younger bees transition through sets of tasks within the nest; older bees forage outside. Components of temporal polyethism remain unrevealed. Here, we investigate the timing and pattern of pre-foraging behavior in distinct strains of bees to (1) determine if a general pattern of temporal DOL exists in honey bees, (2) to demonstrate a direct genetic impact on temporal pacing, and (3) to further elucidate the mechanisms controlling foraging initiation. Honey bees selected for differences in stored pollen demonstrate consistent differences in foraging initiation age. Those selected for increased pollen storage (high pollen hoarding strain, HSBs) initiate foraging earlier in life than those selected for decreased pollen storage (low pollen hoarding strain, LSBs). We found that HSBs both initiate and terminate individual pre-foraging tasks earlier than LSBs when housed in a common hive environment. Unselected commercial bees (wild type) generally demonstrated intermediate behavioral timing. There were few differences between genotypes for the proportion of pre-foraging effort dedicated to individual tasks, though total pre-foraging effort differences differed dramatically. This demonstrates that behavioral pacing can be accelerated or slowed, but the pattern of behavior is not fundamentally altered, suggesting a general pattern of temporal behavior in honey bees. This also demonstrates direct genetic control of temporal pacing. Finally, our results suggest that earlier HSB protein (pollen) consumption termination compared to LSBs may contribute to an earlier decline in hemolymph vitellogenin protein titers, which would explain their earlier onset of foraging.

  14. Nuclear medicine and imaging research. Quantitative studies in radiopharmaceutical science. Comprehensive progress report, January 1, 1983-June 30, 1985

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

    Beck, R.N.; Cooper, M.D.

    1985-09-01

    This comprehensive report outlines the progress made during the past three years in the areas described below. In all instances, initial studies have been carried out and the technical feasibility of carrying through each study has been demonstrated. The studies described include development of cesium-130 and bromine-75 radioisotope generators, the feasibility of using rubidium-82 as a myocardial imaging agent, and radiochemical preparation of C-11 deoxyglucose. 28 refs. (DT)

  15. Principles to guide sustainable implementation of extended-scope-of-practice physiotherapy workforce redesign initiatives in Australia: stakeholder perspectives, barriers, supports, and incentives

    PubMed Central

    Morris, Joanne; Grimmer, Karen; Gilmore, Lisa; Perera, Chandima; Waddington, Gordon; Kyle, Greg; Ashman, Bryan; Murphy, Karen

    2014-01-01

    Sustainable implementation of new workforce redesign initiatives requires strategies that minimize barriers and optimize supports. Such strategies could be provided by a set of guiding principles. A broad understanding of the concerns of all the key stakeholder groups is required before effective strategies and initiatives are developed. Many new workforce redesign initiatives are not underpinned by prior planning, and this threatens their uptake and sustainability. This study reports on a cross-sectional qualitative study that sought the perspectives of representatives of key stakeholders in a new workforce redesign initiative (extended-scope-of-practice physiotherapy) in one Australian tertiary hospital. The key stakeholder groups were those that had been involved in some way in the development, management, training, funding, and/or delivery of the initiative. Data were collected using semistructured questions, answered individually by interview or in writing. Responses were themed collaboratively, using descriptive analysis. Key identified themes comprised: the importance of service marketing; proactively addressing barriers; using readily understood nomenclature; demonstrating service quality and safety, monitoring adverse events, measuring health and cost outcomes; legislative issues; registration; promoting viable career pathways; developing, accrediting, and delivering a curriculum supporting physiotherapists to work outside of the usual scope; and progression from “a good idea” to established service. Health care facilities planning to implement new workforce initiatives that extend scope of usual practice should consider these issues before instigating workforce/model of care changes. PMID:25018637

  16. Principles to guide sustainable implementation of extended-scope-of-practice physiotherapy workforce redesign initiatives in Australia: stakeholder perspectives, barriers, supports, and incentives.

    PubMed

    Morris, Joanne; Grimmer, Karen; Gilmore, Lisa; Perera, Chandima; Waddington, Gordon; Kyle, Greg; Ashman, Bryan; Murphy, Karen

    2014-01-01

    Sustainable implementation of new workforce redesign initiatives requires strategies that minimize barriers and optimize supports. Such strategies could be provided by a set of guiding principles. A broad understanding of the concerns of all the key stakeholder groups is required before effective strategies and initiatives are developed. Many new workforce redesign initiatives are not underpinned by prior planning, and this threatens their uptake and sustainability. This study reports on a cross-sectional qualitative study that sought the perspectives of representatives of key stakeholders in a new workforce redesign initiative (extended-scope-of-practice physiotherapy) in one Australian tertiary hospital. The key stakeholder groups were those that had been involved in some way in the development, management, training, funding, and/or delivery of the initiative. Data were collected using semistructured questions, answered individually by interview or in writing. Responses were themed collaboratively, using descriptive analysis. Key identified themes comprised: the importance of service marketing; proactively addressing barriers; using readily understood nomenclature; demonstrating service quality and safety, monitoring adverse events, measuring health and cost outcomes; legislative issues; registration; promoting viable career pathways; developing, accrediting, and delivering a curriculum supporting physiotherapists to work outside of the usual scope; and progression from "a good idea" to established service. Health care facilities planning to implement new workforce initiatives that extend scope of usual practice should consider these issues before instigating workforce/model of care changes.

  17. Inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi suppresses initiation of haustoria in the root hemiparasite Pedicularis tricolor.

    PubMed

    Li, Ai-Rong; Smith, Sally E; Smith, F Andrew; Guan, Kai-Yun

    2012-05-01

    Plant parasitism and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) associations have many parallels and share a number of regulatory pathways. Despite a rapid increase in investigations addressing the roles of AM fungi in regulating interactions between parasitic plants and their hosts, few studies have tested the effect of AM fungi on the initiation and differentiation of haustoria, the parasite-specific structures exclusively responsible for host attachment and nutrient transfer. In this study, we tested the influence of AM fungi on haustorium formation in a root hemiparasitic plant. Using a facultative root hemiparasitic species (Pedicularis tricolor) with the potential to form AM associations, the effects of inoculation were tested with two AM fungal species, Glomus mosseae and Glomus intraradices, on haustorium initiation in P. tricolor grown alone or with Hordeum vulgare 'Fleet' (barley) as the host plant. This study consisted of two greenhouse pot experiments. Both AM fungal species dramatically suppressed intraspecific haustorium initiation in P. tricolor at a very low colonization level. The suppression over-rode inductive effects of the parasite's host plant on haustoria production and caused significant growth depression of P. tricolor. AM fungi had strong and direct suppressive effects on haustorium formation in the root hemiparasite. The significant role of AM fungi in haustorium initiation of parasitic plants was demonstrated for the first time. This study provides new clues for the regulation of haustorium formation and a route to development of new biocontrol strategies in management of parasitic weeds.

  18. A Historical Perspective on Presentations of Hypertensive Acute Heart Failure.

    PubMed

    Darling, Chad E; Sun, Jiaoyuan Elisabeth; Goldberg, Jordan; Pang, Peter; Baugh, Christopher W; Lessard, Darleen; McManus, David D

    2017-05-01

    The initial systolic blood pressure (SBP) in patients presenting to the hospital with acute heart failure (AHF) informs prognosis, diagnosis, and guides initial treatment. However, over time AHF presentations with elevated SBP appear to have declined. The present study examined whether the frequency of AHF presentations with systolic hypertension (SBP >160 mmHg) declined over a nearly two-decade time interval. This study compares four historical, cross-sectional cohorts with AHF who were admitted to tertiary care medical centres in the North-eastern USA in 1995, 2000, 2006, and 2011-13. The main outcome was the proportion of AHF patients presenting with an initial SBP >160 mmHg. 2,366 patients comprised the study sample. The average age was 77 years, 55% were female, 94% white, and 75% had prior heart failure. In 1995, 34% of AHF patients presented with an initial SBP >160 mmHg compared to 20% in 2011-2013 (p<0.01). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated reduced odds of presenting with a SBP >160 mmHg in 2006 (0.64, 95% CI 0.42-0.96) and 2011-13 (0.46, 95% CI 0.28-0.74) compared with patients in 1995. The proportion of patients with AHF and initial SBP >160 mmHg significantly declined over the study time period. There are several potential reasons for this observation and these findings highlight the need for ongoing surveillance of patients with AHF as changing clinical characteristics can impact early treatment decisions.

  19. Antiserum Preparation For Immunodiffusion In Southern Pine Beetle Predation Studies

    Treesearch

    M.C. Miller; W. Adrian Chappell; William C. Gamble; J. Robert Bridges

    1978-01-01

    An anti-adult southern pine beetle serum was produced by subcutaneous injection of rabbits with southern pine beetle (SPB) adult antigen. Initial tests demonstrated the ability of the anti-adult SPB serum to detect adult SPB antigen in the body of the adult predator, Thanasimus dubius (F.). Cross reactivity was found between the anti-adult serum...

  20. Characterization of alpha beta and gamma delta T cell subsets expressing IL-17A in ruminants and swine

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    As part of our ongoing program to expand reagents available for research in cattle, we developed a monoclonal antibody (mAb) to bovine IL-17A, a multifunctional cytokine centrally involved in regulating innate and adaptive immune responses. Initial comparative studies demonstrated the mAb recognizes...

  1. EXCELS!--Evaluating Integrated Language Arts and Social Studies. The Jamestown Integrated Performance Assessment Unit.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fenton, Ray; Straugh, Tom; Stofflet, Fred; Shaffer, Frank

    The EXCELS! Project of the Anchorage School District (Alaska) was initiated in 1994 through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to demonstrate the development of a kindergarten through sixth grade instructional program reflecting state and national standards in History, Civics, Geography, and English. More than 1,200 Anchorage teachers…

  2. Wildfire, research, and a climate station

    Treesearch

    Ward McCaughey

    2008-01-01

    In August, the human-caused Tin Cup Fire took off a few miles to the north of where the Fire Sciences Laboratory crew was busy collecting fuels data on the Trapper Bunkhouse study site west of Darby. The fire demonstrated how quickly wildfire can escape initial attack in untreated stands, especially under extremely dry conditions, and how treated areas helped moderate...

  3. Relationship between Class Size and Students' Opportunity to Learn Writing in Middle School

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tienken, Christopher H.; Achilles, Charles M.

    2009-01-01

    Class-size reduction (CSR) initiatives have demonstrated positive short- and long-term effects in elementary grades. Less is known about CSR influence on achievement in middle grades. Thus, we conducted a non-experimental, longitudinal, explanatory study of CSR influence on writing achievement of 3 independent cohorts of students (n = 123) in…

  4. Evaluation Of The Physical Stability, Ground Water Seepage Control, And Faunal Changes Associated With An AquaBlok® Sediment Cap

    EPA Science Inventory

    Active sediment caps are being considered for addressing contaminated sediment areas in surface-water bodies. A demonstration of an active cap designed to reduce advective transport of contaminants using AquaBlok® (active cap material) was initiated in a small study a...

  5. Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform (TIGER). The Future of Interprofessional Education Is Here!

    PubMed

    Kuo, Ming-Chuan; Ball, Marion; Skiba, Diane J; Marin, Heimar; Shaw, Toria; Chang, Polun

    2018-01-01

    This session will describe the TIGER Initiative journey, its evolution and accomplishments nationally and internationally. A powerful demonstration of the TIGER Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) will be highlighted along with case studies from around the world, with emphasis on global competencies and opportunities for engagement in all current TIGER activities and future plans.

  6. Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of a National Primary School HIV Intervention in Kenya

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Maticka-Tyndale, Eleanor; Wildish, Janet; Gichuru, Mary

    2007-01-01

    This study examined the impact of a primary-school HIV education initiative on the knowledge, self-efficacy and sexual and condom use activities of upper primary-school pupils in Kenya. A quasi-experimental mixed qualitative-quantitative pre- and 18-month post-design using 40 intervention and 40 matched control schools demonstrated significant…

  7. Physical properties study on partially bio-based lubricant blends: Thermally modified soybean oil with popular commercial esters

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    An initial evaluation of several oils, including: soybean oil (SBO), high oleic SBO, and thermally modified SBO, compared their acid values and viscosities over 28 days stored at 85 deg C. As expected, the acid values and viscosities increased and the high oleic oil demonstrated a smaller effect. ...

  8. Video Self-Modeling: A Job Skills Intervention with Individuals with Intellectual Disability in Employment Settings

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Goh, Ailsa E.; Bambara, Linda M.

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of video self-modeling (VSM) to teach chained job tasks to individuals with intellectual disability in community-based employment settings. Initial empirical evaluations have demonstrated that VSM when used in combination with other instructional strategies, are effective methods to teach…

  9. Starting Again in the Middle: The Middle Start Initiative [with] Executive Summary.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Michigan League for Human Services, Detroit.

    This study sought to demonstrate that Michigan middle-grades schools can become more effective learning environments for young adolescents. A total of 224 Michigan schools participated in a teacher and administrator survey, 101 of which also conducted student surveys, reaching over 45,600 students in the fifth to ninth grades. Part 1, "Early…

  10. Closing the Loop--Improving Energy Management in Schools. Energy Research Group Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Isaacs, Nigel; Donn, Michael

    A study of the energy savings potential in New Zealand schools demonstrates that considerable reductions in energy costs can be achieved through energy management. An initial examination of available 1985 light, heat, and water expenditures for 268 secondary schools (84 percent of the secondary schools in New Zealand) is followed by the selection…

  11. Improve Your Marketing Results by Asking Peter F. Drucker's "Five Most Important Questions."

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rossum, Constance; Baum, Geoffrey

    2001-01-01

    This case study demonstrates how the Office of Marketing & Public Relations at Claremont McKenna College used five "Drucker Tool" questions to improve marketing's image on campus and awareness of the college among key constituencies. It concludes with a reevaluation of the initial marketing strategy based on the growing importance of…

  12. Dealing with Free-Riders in Assessed Group Work: Results from a Study at a UK University

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Maiden, Barbara; Perry, Bob

    2011-01-01

    Potential employers require graduates to be able to demonstrate competent teamwork skills in initiating ideas and solving problems cooperatively. Teamwork is prevalent in educational institutions and often included as a way of enriching learning and assessment. Whilst group working can provide a rich opportunity for cooperative learning, its…

  13. The Dynamic Role of Cultural Capital in the Competitive School Admission Process: A Chinese Experience

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wu, Xiaoxin

    2012-01-01

    School choice in China is a parent-initiated bottom-up movement characterised by the payment of a substantial "choice fee" to the desired school, and parents' positional competition through the use of cultural, social and economic capital, before and during the school choice process. This study demonstrates that Chinese middle class…

  14. A Visualization Case Study of Feature Vector and Stemmer Effects on TREC Topic-document Subsets.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rorvig, Mark T.; Sullivan, Terry; Oyarce, Guillermo

    1998-01-01

    Demonstrates a method of visual analysis which takes advantage of the pooling technique of topic-document set creation in the TREC collection. Describes the procedures used to create the initial visual fields, and their respective treatments as vectors without stemming and vectors with stemming; discusses results of these treatments and…

  15. On-Line Processing of English "Which"-Questions by Children and Adults: A Visual World Paradigm Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Contemori, Carla; Carlson, Matthew; Marinis, Theodoros

    2018-01-01

    Previous research has shown that children demonstrate similar sentence processing reflexes to those observed in adults, but they have difficulties revising an erroneous initial interpretation when they process garden-path sentences, passives, and "wh"-questions. We used the visual-world paradigm to examine children's use of syntactic and…

  16. Poor Fine-Motor and Visuospatial Skills Predict Persistence of Pediatric-Onset Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder into Adulthood

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bloch, Michael H.; Sukhodolsky, Denis G.; Dombrowski, Philip A.; Panza, Kaitlyn E.; Craiglow, Brittany G.; Landeros-Weisenberger, Angeli; Leckman, James F.; Peterson, Bradley S.; Schultz, Robert T.

    2011-01-01

    Background: Half of pediatric-onset OCD cases remit by adulthood. Studies have demonstrated that initial response to pharmacotherapy, age of onset, prominent hoarding symptoms, and the presence of comorbid tic disorders are associated with long-term outcome. Our goal was to examine the association between childhood performance on…

  17. The Selectivity of Aversive Memory Reconsolidation and Extinction Processes Depends on the Initial Encoding of the Pavlovian Association

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Debiec, Jacek; Diaz-Mataix, Lorenzo; Bush, David E. A.; Doyère, Valérie; LeDoux, Joseph E.

    2013-01-01

    In reconsolidation studies, memories are typically retrieved by an exposure to a single conditioned stimulus (CS). We have previously demonstrated that reconsolidation processes are CS-selective, suggesting that memories retrieved by the CS exposure are discrete and reconsolidate separately. Here, using a compound stimulus in which two distinct…

  18. Towards adjoint-based inversion of time-dependent mantle convection with nonlinear viscosity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Dunzhu; Gurnis, Michael; Stadler, Georg

    2017-04-01

    We develop and study an adjoint-based inversion method for the simultaneous recovery of initial temperature conditions and viscosity parameters in time-dependent mantle convection from the current mantle temperature and historic plate motion. Based on a realistic rheological model with temperature-dependent and strain-rate-dependent viscosity, we formulate the inversion as a PDE-constrained optimization problem. The objective functional includes the misfit of surface velocity (plate motion) history, the misfit of the current mantle temperature, and a regularization for the uncertain initial condition. The gradient of this functional with respect to the initial temperature and the uncertain viscosity parameters is computed by solving the adjoint of the mantle convection equations. This gradient is used in a pre-conditioned quasi-Newton minimization algorithm. We study the prospects and limitations of the inversion, as well as the computational performance of the method using two synthetic problems, a sinking cylinder and a realistic subduction model. The subduction model is characterized by the migration of a ridge toward a trench whereby both plate motions and subduction evolve. The results demonstrate: (1) for known viscosity parameters, the initial temperature can be well recovered, as in previous initial condition-only inversions where the effective viscosity was given; (2) for known initial temperature, viscosity parameters can be recovered accurately, despite the existence of trade-offs due to ill-conditioning; (3) for the joint inversion of initial condition and viscosity parameters, initial condition and effective viscosity can be reasonably recovered, but the high dimension of the parameter space and the resulting ill-posedness may limit recovery of viscosity parameters.

  19. Alpha Particle Induced X-ray Emission in the Classroom

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

    Lopez, Jorge A.; Borunda, Mario F.; Morales, Jaime

    2003-08-26

    We report on an experimental demonstration in an introductory modern physics course to elucidate the X-ray line spectra, and how they arise from transitions of electrons to inner shells. We seek to determine the effect of limited use of an interactive component as a supplement to a traditional lecture, and how it would improve the student achievement. In this preliminary study the students were exposed to traditional lectures on X-ray production and Bohr's model, they then were given a homework on the abc of X-ray spectra, after which they were given a pre-test on the materials, followed by an in-classmore » demonstration, and a final post-exam. The gain, as measured from pre- to post-exams appears to remark the differences in how students approached the subject before and after the use of the demonstration. This initial study shows the validity of in-class demonstrations as teaching tools and opens a wide new area of research in modern physics teaching.« less

  20. Impact of a theory-based video on initiation of long-acting reversible contraception after abortion.

    PubMed

    Davidson, AuTumn S; Whitaker, Amy K; Martins, Summer L; Hill, Brandon; Kuhn, Caroline; Hagbom-Ma, Catherine; Gilliam, Melissa

    2015-03-01

    Adoption of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) (ie, the intrauterine device or the contraceptive implant) immediately after abortion is associated with high contraceptive satisfaction and reduced rates of repeat abortion. Theory-based counseling interventions have been demonstrated to improve a variety of health behaviors; data on theory-based counseling interventions for postabortion contraception are lacking. Informed by the transtheoretical model of behavioral change, a video intervention was developed to increase awareness of, and dispel misconceptions about, LARC methods. The intervention was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial among women aged 18-29 years undergoing surgical abortion at a clinic in Chicago, IL. Participants were randomized 1:1 to watch the intervention video or to watch a stress management video (control), both 7 minutes in duration. Contraceptive methods were supplied to all participants free of charge. Rates of LARC initiation immediately after abortion were compared. Rates of LARC initiation immediately after abortion were not significantly different between the 2 study arms; 59.6% in the intervention and 51.6% in the control arm chose a LARC method (P = .27). This study resulted in an unexpectedly high rate of LARC initiation immediately after abortion. High rates of LARC initiation could not be attributed to a theory-based counseling intervention. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Self-triggered assistive stimulus training improves step initiation in persons with Parkinson’s disease

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Prior studies demonstrated that hesitation-prone persons with Parkinson’s disease (PDs) acutely improve step initiation using a novel self-triggered stimulus that enhances lateral weight shift prior to step onset. PDs showed reduced anticipatory postural adjustment (APA) durations, earlier step onsets, and faster 1st step speed immediately following stimulus exposure. Objective This study investigated the effects of long-term stimulus exposure. Methods Two groups of hesitation-prone subjects with Parkinson’s disease (PD) participated in a 6-week step-initiation training program involving one of two stimulus conditions: 1) Drop. The stance-side support surface was lowered quickly (1.5 cm); 2) Vibration. A short vibration (100 ms) was applied beneath the stance-side support surface. Stimuli were self-triggered by a 5% reduction in vertical force under the stance foot during the APA. Testing was at baseline, immediately post-training, and 6 weeks post-training. Measurements included timing and magnitude of ground reaction forces, and step speed and length. Results Both groups improved their APA force modulation after training. Contrary to previous results, neither group showed reduced APA durations or earlier step onset times. The vibration group showed 55% increase in step speed and a 39% increase in step length which were retained 6 weeks post-training. The drop group showed no stepping-performance improvements. Conclusions The acute sensitivity to the quickness-enhancing effects of stimulus exposure demonstrated in previous studies was supplanted by improved force modulation following prolonged stimulus exposure. The results suggest a potential approach to reduce the severity of start hesitation in PDs, but further study is needed to understand the relationship between short- and long-term effects of stimulus exposure. PMID:23363975

  2. Insights Into the Fractional Order Initial Value Problem via Semi-Infinite Systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hartley, Tom T.; Lorenzo, Carl F.

    1998-01-01

    This paper considers various aspects of the initial value problem for fractional order differential equations. The main contribution of this paper is to use the solutions to known spatially distributed systems to demonstrate that fractional differintegral operators require an initial condition term that is time-varying due to past distributed storage of information.

  3. 40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart Cccc of... - Initial Compliance With Emission Limitations

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... Yeast Pt. 63, Subpart CCCC, Table 3 Table 3 to Subpart CCCC of Part 63—Initial Compliance With Emission... demonstrated initial compliance if . . . 1. Each fed-batch fermenter producing yeast in a fermentation stage... yeast in a fermentation stage (last (Trade), second-to-last (First Generation), or third-to-last (Stock...

  4. 40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart Cccc of... - Initial Compliance With Emission Limitations

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... Yeast Pt. 63, Subpart CCCC, Table 3 Table 3 to Subpart CCCC of Part 63—Initial Compliance With Emission... demonstrated initial compliance if . . . 1. Each fed-batch fermenter producing yeast in a fermentation stage... yeast in a fermentation stage (last (Trade), second-to-last (First Generation), or third-to-last (Stock...

  5. 40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart Cccc of... - Initial Compliance With Emission Limitations

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... Yeast Pt. 63, Subpart CCCC, Table 3 Table 3 to Subpart CCCC of Part 63—Initial Compliance With Emission... demonstrated initial compliance if . . . 1. Each fed-batch fermenter producing yeast in a fermentation stage... yeast in a fermentation stage (last (Trade), second-to-last (First Generation), or third-to-last (Stock...

  6. 21st Century Workforce Initiatives: Implications for Information Literacy Instruction in Academic Libraries

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Leavitt, Laura L.

    2011-01-01

    This discussion is designed to expose the readers to a selection of educational reform initiatives that fall under the "21st Century Workforce" umbrella. The aims of these initiatives are quite harmonious with the overarching goals of librarianship and the opportunities for librarians to become involved and to demonstrate leadership in this arena…

  7. Human Resource Executives' Perceptions and Measurement of the Strategic Impact of Work/Life Initiatives

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Morris, Michael Lane; Heames, Joyce Thompson; McMillan, Heather S.

    2011-01-01

    Given the stresses associated with today's demanding workplaces, work/life (w/l) initiatives continue to grow in importance as an organizational development (OD) intervention. In a period of increasing accountability, it is important for scholars and practitioners to demonstrate how OD interventions, like w/l initiatives, can be used as a…

  8. Tobacco Retail Outlet Density and Young Adult Tobacco Initiation

    PubMed Central

    Pearson, Jennifer L.; Anesetti-Rothermel, Andrew; Xiao, Haijun; Kirchner, Thomas R.; Vallone, Donna

    2016-01-01

    Background: A growing body of evidence indicates that the density of tobacco retail outlets around the home residence may influence tobacco use among youth and adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of neighborhood tobacco retail outlet density on young adult initiation of different tobacco product types. Methods: Cross-sectional data from a 2013 nationally representative sample of young adults aged 18–34 was examined in relation to a 2012 geocoded listing of all outlets likely to sell tobacco in the United States. Separate multivariable logistic regression analyses examined associations between neighborhood outlet density and past 6 months first use of cigarettes, non-cigarette combustible products, and noncombustible products among adults aged 18–24 and 25–34. Results: Outlet density was significantly associated with recent initiation of cigarettes and other combustibles, but this impact varied for younger and older groups. Increased density was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of initiating cigarette use among adults aged 25–34 (OR = 3.75, 95% CI = 1.18, 11.90), and of initiating non-cigarette combustible use among 18–24 year olds (OR = 3.16, 95% CI = 1.03, 9.74). There was no impact of outlet density on recent noncombustible product initiation among either group. Conclusion: This study is the first to examine the impact of tobacco outlet density on young adult initiation of cigarettes and other tobacco products. Findings demonstrate that residential neighborhood outlet density is associated with recent initiation of combustible products and this effect varies by product type and age. The tobacco outlet environment may be a critical factor in promoting young adult tobacco use initiation. PMID:25666816

  9. ZEB2 drives immature T-cell lymphoblastic leukaemia development via enhanced tumour-initiating potential and IL-7 receptor signalling

    PubMed Central

    Goossens, Steven; Radaelli, Enrico; Blanchet, Odile; Durinck, Kaat; Van der Meulen, Joni; Peirs, Sofie; Taghon, Tom; Tremblay, Cedric S.; Costa, Magdaline; Ghahremani, Morvarid Farhang; De Medts, Jelle; Bartunkova, Sonia; Haigh, Katharina; Schwab, Claire; Farla, Natalie; Pieters, Tim; Matthijssens, Filip; Van Roy, Nadine; Best, J. Adam; Deswarte, Kim; Bogaert, Pieter; Carmichael, Catherine; Rickard, Adam; Suryani, Santi; Bracken, Lauryn S.; Alserihi, Raed; Canté-Barrett, Kirsten; Haenebalcke, Lieven; Clappier, Emmanuelle; Rondou, Pieter; Slowicka, Karolina; Huylebroeck, Danny; Goldrath, Ananda W.; Janzen, Viktor; McCormack, Matthew P.; Lock, Richard B.; Curtis, David J.; Harrison, Christine; Berx, Geert; Speleman, Frank; Meijerink, Jules P. P.; Soulier, Jean; Van Vlierberghe, Pieter; Haigh, Jody J.

    2015-01-01

    Early T-cell precursor leukaemia (ETP-ALL) is a high-risk subtype of human leukaemia that is poorly understood at the molecular level. Here we report translocations targeting the zinc finger E-box-binding transcription factor ZEB2 as a recurrent genetic lesion in immature/ETP-ALL. Using a conditional gain-of-function mouse model, we demonstrate that sustained Zeb2 expression initiates T-cell leukaemia. Moreover, Zeb2-driven mouse leukaemia exhibit some features of the human immature/ETP-ALL gene expression signature, as well as an enhanced leukaemia-initiation potential and activated Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signalling through transcriptional activation of IL7R. This study reveals ZEB2 as an oncogene in the biology of immature/ETP-ALL and paves the way towards pre-clinical studies of novel compounds for the treatment of this aggressive subtype of human T-ALL using our Zeb2-driven mouse model. PMID:25565005

  10. G4 motifs affect origin positioning and efficiency in two vertebrate replicators

    PubMed Central

    Valton, Anne-Laure; Hassan-Zadeh, Vahideh; Lema, Ingrid; Boggetto, Nicole; Alberti, Patrizia; Saintomé, Carole; Riou, Jean-François; Prioleau, Marie-Noëlle

    2014-01-01

    DNA replication ensures the accurate duplication of the genome at each cell cycle. It begins at specific sites called replication origins. Genome-wide studies in vertebrates have recently identified a consensus G-rich motif potentially able to form G-quadruplexes (G4) in most replication origins. However, there is no experimental evidence to demonstrate that G4 are actually required for replication initiation. We show here, with two model origins, that G4 motifs are required for replication initiation. Two G4 motifs cooperate in one of our model origins. The other contains only one critical G4, and its orientation determines the precise position of the replication start site. Point mutations affecting the stability of this G4 in vitro also impair origin function. Finally, this G4 is not sufficient for origin activity and must cooperate with a 200-bp cis-regulatory element. In conclusion, our study strongly supports the predicted essential role of G4 in replication initiation. PMID:24521668

  11. Narrower grid structure of artificial reef enhances initial survival of in situ settled coral.

    PubMed

    Suzuki, Go; Kai, Sayaka; Yamashita, Hiroshi; Suzuki, Kiyoshi; Iehisa, Yukihiro; Hayashibara, Takeshi

    2011-12-01

    The initial factors that cause a decline in the survival of in situ settled corals remain poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated through field experiments that the design of artificial grid plates may influence the initial survival of Acropora corals, with narrower grids being the most effective. In fact, grid plates with a 2.5-cm mesh presented the highest recorded survival rate (14%) at 6 months after settlement (representing approximately 50 corals per 0.25 m(2) of plate). This is the first study where such high survival rates, matching those of cultures under aquarium conditions, were obtained in the field without using additional protective measures, such as guard nets against fish grazing after seeding. Therefore, our results provide a foundation for establishing new and effective coral restoration techniques for larval seeding, in parallel to clarifying the details of the early life stages of reef-building corals. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. YAP forms autocrine loops with the ERBB pathway to regulate ovarian cancer initiation and progression

    PubMed Central

    He, Chunbo; Lv, Xiangmin; Hua, Guohua; Lele, Subodh M; Remmenga, Steven; Dong, Jixin; Davis, John S; Wang, Cheng

    2014-01-01

    Mechanisms underlying ovarian cancer initiation and progression are unclear. Herein, we report that the Yes-associated protein (YAP), a major effector of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway, interacts with ERBB signaling pathways to regulate the initiation and progression of ovarian cancer. Immunohistochemistry studies indicate that YAP expression is associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients. Overexpression or constitutive activation of YAP leads to transformation and tumorigenesis in human ovarian surface epithelial cells, and promotes growth of cancer cells in vivo and in vitro. YAP induces expression of EGF receptors (EGFR, ERBB3) and production of EGF-like ligands (HBEGF, NRG1 and NRG2). HBEGF or NRG1, in turn, activates YAP and stimulates cancer cell growth. Knockdown of ERBB3 or HBEGF eliminates YAP effects on cell growth and transformation, while knockdown of YAP abrogates NRG1- and HBEGF-stimulated cell proliferation. Collectively, our study demonstrates the existence of HBEGF&NRGs/ERBBs/YAP/HBEGF&NRGs autocrine loop that controls ovarian cell tumorigenesis and cancer progression. PMID:25798835

  13. Concomitant inhibition of prolyl hydroxylases and ROCK initiates differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and PC12 towards the neuronal lineage.

    PubMed

    Pacary, Emilie; Petit, Edwige; Bernaudin, Myriam

    2008-12-12

    This study demonstrates that a prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, FG-0041, is able, in combination with the ROCK inhibitor, Y-27632, to initiate differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into neuron-like cells. FG-0041/Y-27632 co-treatment provokes morphological changes into neuron-like cells, increases neuronal marker expression and provokes modifications of cell cycle-related gene expression consistent with a cell cycle arrest of MSC, three events showing the engagement of MSC towards the neuronal lineage. Moreover, as we observed in our previous studies with cobalt chloride and desferroxamine, the activation of HIF-1 by this prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor is potentiated by Y-27632 which could explain at least in part the effect of this co-treatment on MSC neuronal differentiation. In addition, we show that this co-treatment enhances neurite outgrowth and tyrosine hydroxylase expression in PC12 cells. Altogether, these results evidence that concomitant inhibition of prolyl hydroxylases and ROCK represents a relevant protocol to initiate neuronal differentiation.

  14. Hydrogen sulfide formation control and microbial competition in batch anaerobic digestion of slaughterhouse wastewater sludge: Effect of initial sludge pH.

    PubMed

    Yan, Li; Ye, Jie; Zhang, Panyue; Xu, Dong; Wu, Yan; Liu, Jianbo; Zhang, Haibo; Fang, Wei; Wang, Bei; Zeng, Guangming

    2018-07-01

    High sulfur content in excess sludge impacts the production of biomethane during anaerobic digestion, meanwhile leads to hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) formation in biogas. Effect of initial sludge pH on H 2 S formation during batch mesophilic anaerobic digestion of slaughterhouse wastewater sludge was studied in this paper. The results demonstrated that when the initial sludge pH increased from 6.5 to 8.0, the biogas production increased by 10.1%, the methane production increased by 64.1%, while the H 2 S content in biogas decreased by 44.7%. The higher initial sludge pH inhibited the competition of sulfate-reducing bacteria with methane-producing bacteria, and thus benefitted the growth of methanogens. Positive correlation was found between the relative abundance of Desulfomicrobium and H 2 S production, as well as the relative abundance of Methanosarcina and methane production. More sulfates and organic sulfur were transferred to solid and liquid rather than H 2 S formation at a high initial pH. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Microwave-induced electrostatic etching: generation of highly reactive magnesium for application in Grignard reagent formation.

    PubMed

    van de Kruijs, Bastiaan H P; Dressen, Mark H C L; Meuldijk, Jan; Vekemans, Jef A J M; Hulshof, Lumbertus A

    2010-04-07

    A detailed study regarding the influence of microwave irradiation on the formation of a series of Grignard reagents in terms of rates and selectivities has revealed that these heterogeneous reactions may display a beneficial microwave effect. The interaction between microwaves and magnesium turnings generates violent electrostatic discharges. These discharges on magnesium lead to melting of the magnesium surface, thus generating highly active magnesium particles. As compared to conventional operation the microwave-induced discharges on the magnesium surface lead to considerably shorter initiation times for the insertion of magnesium in selected substrates (i.e. halothiophenes, halopyridines, octyl halides, and halobenzenes). Thermographic imaging and surface characterization by scanning electron microscopy showed that neither selective heating nor a "specific" microwave effect was causing the reduction in initiation times. This novel and straightforward initiation method eliminates the use of toxic and environmentally adverse initiators. Thus, this initiation method limits the formation of by-products. We clearly demonstrated that microwave irradiation enables fast Grignard reagent formation. Therefore, microwave technology is promising for process intensification of Grignard based coupling reactions.

  16. Interstellar Initiative Web Page Design

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mehta, Alkesh

    1999-01-01

    This summer at NASA/MSFC, I have contributed to two projects: Interstellar Initiative Web Page Design and Lenz's Law Relative Motion Demonstration. In the Web Design Project, I worked on an Outline. The Web Design Outline was developed to provide a foundation for a Hierarchy Tree Structure. The Outline would help design a Website information base for future and near-term missions. The Website would give in-depth information on Propulsion Systems and Interstellar Travel. The Lenz's Law Relative Motion Demonstrator is discussed in this volume by Russell Lee.

  17. Controlled release drug delivery via polymeric microspheres: a neat application of the spherical diffusion equation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ormerod, C. S.; Nelson, M.

    2017-11-01

    Various applied mathematics undergraduate skills are demonstrated via an adaptation of Crank's axisymmetric spherical diffusion model. By the introduction of a one-parameter Heaviside initial condition, the pharmaceutically problematic initial mass flux is attenuated. Quantities germane to the pharmaceutical industry are examined and the model is tested with data derived from industry journals. A binomial algorithm for the acceleration of alternating sequences is demonstrated. The model is accompanied by a MAPLE worksheet for further student exploration.

  18. Initial flight qualification and operational maintenance of X-29A flight software

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Earls, Michael R.; Sitz, Joel R.

    1989-01-01

    A discussion is presented of some significant aspects of the initial flight qualification and operational maintenance of the flight control system softward for the X-29A technology demonstrator. Flight qualification and maintenance of complex, embedded flight control system software poses unique problems. The X-29A technology demonstrator aircraft has a digital flight control system which incorporates functions generally considered too complex for analog systems. Organizational responsibilities, software assurance issues, tools, and facilities are discussed.

  19. Direct questioning is more effective than patient-initiated report for the detection of sexually transmitted infections in a primary care HIV clinic in Western Kenya.

    PubMed

    Woo, Victoria Gah Hay; Cohen, Craig R; Bukusi, Elizabeth A; Huchko, Megan J

    2013-02-01

    In resource-limited settings, detection of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) often relies on self-reported symptoms to initiate management. We found self-report demonstrated poor sensitivity for STI detection. Adding clinician-initiated questions about symptoms improved detection rates. Vaginal examination further increased sensitivity. Including clinician-initiated screening in resource-limited settings would improve management of treatable STIs.

  20. Fatigue Damage Mechanisms in Advanced Hybrid Titanium Composite Laminates

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Johnson, W. Steven; Rhymer, Donald W.; St.Clair, Terry L. (Technical Monitor)

    2000-01-01

    Hybrid Titanium Composite Laminates (HTCL) are a type of hybrid composite laminate with promise for high-speed aerospace applications, specifically designed for improved damage tolerance and strength at high-temperature (350 F, 177 C). However, in previous testing, HTCL demonstrated a propensity to excessive delamination at the titanium/PMC interface following titanium cracking. An advanced HTCL has been constructed with an emphasis on strengthening this interface, combining a PETI-5/IM7 PMC with Ti-15-3 foils prepared with an alkaline-perborate surface treatment. This paper discusses how the fatigue capabilities of the "advanced" HTCL compare to the first generation HTCL which was not modified for interface optimization, in both tension-tension (R = 0.1) and tension-compression (R=-0.2). The advanced HTCL under did not demonstrate a significant improvement in fatigue life, in either tension-tension or tension-compression loading. However, the advanced HTCL proved much more damage tolerant. The R = 0.1 tests revealed the advanced HTCL to increase the fatigue life following initial titanium ply damage up to 10X that of the initial HTCL at certain stress levels. The damage progression following the initial ply damage demonstrated the effect of the strengthened PMC/titanium interface. Acetate film replication of the advanced HTCL edges showed a propensity for some fibers in the adjacent PMC layers to fail at the point of titanium crack formation, suppressing delamination at the Ti/PMC interface. The inspection of failure surfaces validated these findings, revealing PMC fibers bonded to the majority of the titanium surfaces. Tension compression fatigue (R = -0.2) demonstrated the same trends in cycles between initial damage and failure, damage progression, and failure surfaces. Moreover, in possessing a higher resistance to delamination, the advanced HTCL did not exhibit buckling following initial titanium ply cracking under compression unlike the initial HTCL.

  1. Trends in one-year cumulative incidence of death between 2005 and 2013 among patients initiating antiretroviral therapy in Uganda.

    PubMed

    Bebell, Lisa M; Siedner, Mark J; Musinguzi, Nicholas; Boum, Yap; Bwana, Bosco M; Muyindike, Winnie; Hunt, Peter W; Martin, Jeffrey N; Bangsberg, David R

    2017-07-01

    Recent ecological data demonstrate improving outcomes for HIV-infected people in sub-Saharan Africa. Recently, Uganda has experienced a resurgence in HIV incidence and prevalence, but trends in HIV-related deaths have not been well described. Data were collected through the Uganda AIDS Rural Treatment Outcomes (UARTO) Study, an observational longitudinal cohort of Ugandan adults initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) between 2005 and 2013. We calculated cumulative incidence of death within one year of ART initiation, and fit Poisson models with robust variance estimators to estimate the effect enrollment period on one-year risk of death and loss to follow-up. Of 760 persons in UARTO who started ART, 30 deaths occurred within one year of ART initiation (cumulative incidence 3.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.7-5.6%). Risk of death was highest for those starting ART in 2005 (13.0%, 95% CI 6.0-24.0%), decreased in 2006-2007 to 4% (95% CI 2.0-6.0%), and did not change thereafter ( P = 0.61). These results were robust to adjustment for age, sex, CD4 cell count, viral load, asset wealth, baseline depression, and body mass index. Here, we demonstrate that one-year cumulative incidence of death was high just after free ART rollout, decreased the following year, and remained low thereafter. Once established, ART programs in President's Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief-supported countries can maintain high quality care.

  2. Light-dependent translocation of arrestin in rod photoreceptors is signaled through a phospholipase C cascade and requires ATP.

    PubMed

    Orisme, Wilda; Li, Jian; Goldmann, Tobias; Bolch, Susan; Wolfrum, Uwe; Smith, W Clay

    2010-03-01

    Partitioning of cellular components is a critical mechanism by which cells can regulate their activity. In rod photoreceptors, light induces a large-scale translocation of arrestin from the inner segments to the outer segments. The purpose of this project is to elucidate the signaling pathway necessary to initiate arrestin translocation to the outer segments and the mechanism for arrestin translocation. Mouse retinal organotypic cultures and eyes from transgenic Xenopus tadpoles expressing a fusion of GFP and rod arrestin were treated with both activators and inhibitors of proteins in the phosphoinositide pathway. Confocal microscopy was used to image the effects of the pharmacological agents on arrestin translocation in rod photoreceptors. Retinas were also depleted of ATP using potassium cyanide to assess the requirement for ATP in arrestin translocation. In this study, we demonstrate that components of the G-protein-linked phospholipase C (PLC) pathway play a role in initiating arrestin translocation. Our results show that arrestin translocation can be stimulated by activators of PLC and protein kinase C (PKC), and by cholera toxin in the absence of light. Arrestin translocation to the outer segments is significantly reduced by inhibitors of PLC and PKC. Importantly, we find that treatment with potassium cyanide inhibits arrestin translocation in response to light. Collectively, our results suggest that arrestin translocation is initiated by a G-protein-coupled cascade through PLC and PKC signaling. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that at least the initiation of arrestin translocation requires energy input.

  3. Transient stimulation of distinct subpopulations of striatal neurons mimics changes in action value

    PubMed Central

    Tai, Lung-Hao; Lee, A. Moses; Benavidez, Nora; Bonci, Antonello; Wilbrecht, Linda

    2012-01-01

    In changing environments animals must adaptively select actions to achieve their goals. In tasks involving goal-directed action selection, striatal neural activity has been shown to represent the value of competing actions. Striatal representations of action value could potentially bias responses toward actions of higher value. However, no study to date has demonstrated the direct impact of distinct striatal pathways in goal-directed action selection. Here we show in mice that transient optogenetic stimulation of dorsal striatal dopamine D1 and D2 receptor-expressing neurons during decision-making introduces opposing biases in the distribution of choices. The effect of stimulation on choice is dependent on recent reward history and mimics an additive change in the action value. While stimulation prior to and during movement initiation produces a robust bias in choice behavior, this bias is significantly diminished when stimulation is delayed after response initiation. Together, our data demonstrate the role of striatal activity in goal-directed action selection. PMID:22902719

  4. Targeting Unique Metabolic Properties of Breast Tumor Initiating Cells

    PubMed Central

    Feng, Weiguo; Gentles, Andrew; Nair, Ramesh V.; Huang, Min; Lin, Yuan; Lee, Cleo Y.; Cai, Shang; Scheeren, Ferenc A.; Kuo, Angera H.; Diehn, Maximilian

    2014-01-01

    Normal stem cells from a variety of tissues display unique metabolic properties compared to their more differentiated progeny. However, relatively little is known about heterogeneity of metabolic properties cancer stem cells, also called tumor initiating cells (TICs). In this study we show that, analogous to some normal stem cells, breast TICs have distinct metabolic properties compared to non-tumorigenic cancer cells (NTCs). Transcriptome profiling using RNA-Seq revealed TICs under-express genes involved in mitochondrial biology and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and metabolic analyses revealed TICs preferentially perform glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation compared to NTCs. Mechanistic analyses demonstrated that decreased expression and activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase (Pdh), a key regulator of oxidative phosphorylation, play a critical role in promoting the pro-glycolytic phenotype of TICs. Metabolic reprogramming via forced activation of Pdh preferentially eliminates TICs both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings reveal unique metabolic properties of TICs and demonstrate that metabolic reprogramming represents a promising strategy for targeting these cells. PMID:24497069

  5. Preliminary Results form the Japanese Total Lightning Network

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hobara, Y.; Ishii, H.; Kumagai, Y.; Liu, C.; Heckman, S.; Price, C. G.; Williams, E. R.

    2015-12-01

    We report on the initial observational results from the first Japanese Total Lightning Detection Network (JTLN) in relation to severe weather phenomena. The University of Electro-Communications (UEC) has deployed the Earth Networks (EN) Total Lightning System over Japan to carry out research on the relationship between thunderstorm activity and severe weather phenomena since 2013. In this paper we first demonstrate the current status of our new network followed by the initial scientific results. The lightning jump algorithm was applied to our total lightning data to study the relationship between total lighting activity and hazardous weather events such as gust fronts and tornadoes over land reported by the JMA (Japanese Meteorological Agency) in 2014. As a result, a clear increase in total lighting flash rate as well as lightning jumps are observed prior to most hazardous weather events (~20 min) indicating potential usefulness for early warning in Japan. Furthermore we are going to demonstrate the relationship of total lightning activities with meteorological radar data focusing particularly on Japanese Tornadic storms.

  6. Sewage outfall plume dispersion observations with an autonomous underwater vehicle.

    PubMed

    Ramos, P; Cunha, S R; Neves, M V; Pereira, F L; Quintaneiro, I

    2005-01-01

    This work represents one of the first successful applications of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) for interdisciplinary coastal research. A monitoring mission to study the shape and estimate the initial dilution of the S. Jacinto sewage outfall plume using an AUV was performed on July 2002. An efficient sampling strategy enabling greater improvements in spatial and temporal range of detection demonstrated that the sewage effluent plume can be clearly traced using naturally occurring tracers in the wastewater. The outfall plume was found at the surface highly influenced by the weak stratification and low currents. Dilution varying with distance downstream was estimated from the plume rise over the outfall diffuser until a nearly constant value of 130:1, 60 m from the diffuser, indicating the near field end. Our results demonstrate that AUVs can provide high-quality measurements of physical properties of effluent plumes in a very effective manner and valuable considerations about the initial mixing processes under real oceanic conditions can be further investigated.

  7. Possible mechanism for preterm labor associated with bacterial infection. I. Stimulation of phosphoinositide metabolism by endotoxin in endometrial fibroblasts

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

    Khan, A.A.; Imai, A.; Tamaya, T.

    Growing evidence suggests an association between intra-amniotic infection and premature initiation of parturition. We recently demonstrated that some factor(s) including endotoxin produced by the organism stimulates endogenous phospholipase A2 resulting in liberation of arachidonic acid and prostaglandin formation. The studies presented in this report were designated to evaluate the mechanism for endotoxin to stimulate phospholipase A2 using human endometrial fibroblasts. Exposure of the fibroblasts to endotoxin from Escherichia coli in the presence of ({sup 32}P) phosphate increased {sup 32}P-labeling of phosphatidic acid (PA) and phosphatidyl-inositol (PI) in a dose-dependent and a time-dependent manners. The PA labeling occurred without a measurablemore » lag time. These findings demonstrate that the endotoxin stimulates phosphoinositide metabolism in human endometrial fibroblasts by a receptor-mediated mechanism. Membrane phosphoinositide turnover stimulated by endotoxin results in cytosolic Ca{sup 2+} increment, liberation of arachidonic acid, which may be involved in the initiation of parturition.« less

  8. TEMPO-Assisted Free Radical-Initiated Peptide Sequencing Mass Spectrometry (FRIPS MS) in Q-TOF and Orbitrap Mass Spectrometers: Single-Step Peptide Backbone Dissociations in Positive Ion Mode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jang, Inae; Lee, Sun Young; Hwangbo, Song; Kang, Dukjin; Lee, Hookeun; Kim, Hugh I.; Moon, Bongjin; Oh, Han Bin

    2017-01-01

    The present study demonstrates that one-step peptide backbone fragmentations can be achieved using the TEMPO [2-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidine-1-oxyl)]-assisted free radical-initiated peptide sequencing (FRIPS) mass spectrometry in a hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometer and a Q-Exactive Orbitrap instrument in positive ion mode, in contrast to two-step peptide fragmentation in an ion-trap mass spectrometer (reference Anal. Chem. 85, 7044-7051 (30)). In the hybrid Q-TOF and Q-Exactive instruments, higher collisional energies can be applied to the target peptides, compared with the low collisional energies applied by the ion-trap instrument. The higher energy deposition and the additional multiple collisions in the collision cell in both instruments appear to result in one-step peptide backbone dissociations in positive ion mode. This new finding clearly demonstrates that the TEMPO-assisted FRIPS approach is a very useful tool in peptide mass spectrometry research.

  9. Viewing strategies for simple and chimeric faces: an investigation of perceptual bias in normals and schizophrenic patients using visual scan paths.

    PubMed

    Phillips, M L; David, A S

    1997-11-01

    Left hemi-face (LHF) perceptual bias of chimeric faces in normal right-handers is well-documented. We investigated mechanisms underlying this by measuring visual scan paths in right-handed normal controls (n = 9) and schizophrenics (n = 8) for simple, full-face photographs and schematic, happy-sad chimeric faces over 5 s. Normals viewed the left side/ LHF first, more so than the right of all stimuli. Schizophrenics viewed the LHF first more than the right of stimuli for which there was a LHF choice of predominant affect. Neither group demonstrated an overall LHF perceptual bias for the chimeric stimuli. Readjustment of the initial LHF bias in controls was probably a result of increased attention to stimulus detail with scanning, whereas the schizophrenics demonstrated difficulty in redirection of the initial focus of attention. The study highlights the role of visual scan paths as a marker of normal and abnormal attentional processes. Copyright 1997 Academic Press.

  10. Integrated corridor management initiative : demonstration phase evaluation, San Diego traveler response analysis test plan.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1995-10-01

    REAL-TIME TRAFFIC INFORMATION, ROUTE GUIDANCE, ROUTE PLANNING, INTELLIGENT VEHICLE INITIATIVE OR IVI ">">KEYWORDS: OPERATIONAL TESTS, TRAVTEK, ADVANCED TRAVELER INFORMATION SYSTEMS OR ATIS, ADVANCED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS OR ATMS, INTELLI...

  11. 40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart Cccc of... - Initial Compliance With Emission Limitations

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... demonstrated initial compliance if . . . 1. Each fed-batch fermenter producing yeast in a fermentation stage... yeast in a fermentation stage (last (Trade), second-to-last (First Generation), or third-to-last (Stock...

  12. Predicting the susceptibility to gully initiation in data-poor regions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dewitte, Olivier; Daoudi, Mohamed; Bosco, Claudio; Van Den Eeckhaut, Miet

    2015-01-01

    Permanent gullies are common features in many landscapes and quite often they represent the dominant soil erosion process. Once a gully has initiated, field evidence shows that gully channel formation and headcut migration rapidly occur. In order to prevent the undesired effects of gullying, there is a need to predict the places where new gullies might initiate. From detailed field measurements, studies have demonstrated strong inverse relationships between slope gradient of the soil surface (S) and drainage area (A) at the point of channel initiation across catchments in different climatic and morphological environments. Such slope-area thresholds (S-A) can be used to predict locations in the landscape where gullies might initiate. However, acquiring S-A requires detailed field investigations and accurate high resolution digital elevation data, which are usually difficult to acquire. To circumvent this issue, we propose a two-step method that uses published S-A thresholds and a logistic regression analysis (LR). S-A thresholds from the literature are used as proxies of field measurement. The method is calibrated and validated on a watershed, close to the town of Algiers, northern Algeria, where gully erosion affects most of the slopes. The gullies extend up to several kilometres in length and cover 16% of the study area. First we reconstruct the initiation areas of the existing gullies by applying S-A thresholds for similar environments. Then, using the initiation area map as the dependent variable with combinations of topographic and lithological predictor variables, we calibrate several LR models. It provides relevant results in terms of statistical reliability, prediction performance, and geomorphological significance. This method using S-A thresholds with data-driven assessment methods like LR proves to be efficient when applied to common spatial data and establishes a methodology that will allow similar studies to be undertaken elsewhere.

  13. Lessons Learned From a Pilot RCT of Simultaneous Versus Delayed Initiation of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Starting Insulin Pump Therapy

    PubMed Central

    Olivier, Patricia; Huot, Celine; Richardson, Christine; Nakhla, Meranda; Romain, Judette

    2014-01-01

    Uncertainty remains about effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in pediatric type 1 diabetes (T1D). Success with CGM is related to CGM adherence, which may relate to readiness to make the behavior changes required for effective use. We hypothesize that readiness for change will be greater at initiation of insulin pump therapy than in established pump users, and that this will predict CGM adherence. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in children with established T1D comparing simultaneous pump and CGM initiation to standard pump therapy with delayed CGM initiation. We randomized participants to simultaneous pump and CGM initiation or to standard pump therapy with the option of adding CGM 4 months later. CGM adherence was tracked via web-based download and readiness for change assessed with the SOCRATES questionnaire. Of 41 eligible children, 20 agreed to participate; 15 subjects completed the study (7 males; baseline age 11.8 ± 4.0 years; T1D duration 2.7 ± 2.7 years; mean A1C 8.2 ± 0.8%). Six of 8 simultaneous group subjects used CGM > 60% of the time for 4 months compared to 1 of 7 delayed group subjects (P = .02). Using SOCRATES, we could assign 87-100% of subjects to a single motivation stage at baseline and 4 months. This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of randomizing pump naïve children and adolescents with established T1D to simultaneous pump and CGM initiation versus standard pump therapy with delayed CGM initiation. Lessons from this pilot study were used to inform development of a full-scale multicenter RCT. PMID:24876616

  14. Magnetohydrodynamics of atmospheric transients. IV - Nonplane two-dimensional analyses of energy conversion and magnetic field evolution. [during corona following solar flare

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wu, S. T.; Nakagawa, Y.; Han, S. M.; Dryer, M.

    1982-01-01

    The evolution of the magnetic field and the manner of conversion of thermal energy into different forms in the corona following a solar flare are investigated by means of a nonplane magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) analysis. All three components of magnetic field and velocity are treated in a physically self-consistent manner, with all physical variables as functions of time (t) and two spatial coordinates (r, theta). The difference arising from the initial magnetic field, either twisted (force-free) or non-twisted (potential), is demonstrated. Consideration is given to two initial field topologies (open vs. closed). The results demonstrate that the conversion of magnetic energy is faster for the case of the initially twisted (force-free) field than for the initially untwisted (potential) field. In addition, the twisted field is found to produce a complex structure of the density enhancements.

  15. Monitoring wetlands change using LANDSAT data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hardin, D. L.

    1981-01-01

    A wetlands monitoring study was initiated as part of Delaware's LANDSAT applications demonstration project. Classifications of digital data are conducted in an effort to determine the location and acreage of wetlands loss or gain, species conversion, and application for the inventory and typing of freshwater wetlands. A multi-seasonal approach is employed to compare data from two different years. Unsupervised classifications were conducted for two of the four dates examined. Initial results indicate the multi-seasonal approach allows much better separation of wetland types for both tidal and non-tidal wetlands than either season alone. Change detection is possible but generally misses the small acreages now impacted by man.

  16. Redundant information from thermal illumination: quantum Darwinism in scattered photons

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jess Riedel, C.; Zurek, Wojciech H.

    2011-07-01

    We study quantum Darwinism, the redundant recording of information about the preferred states of a decohering system by its environment, for an object illuminated by a blackbody. We calculate the quantum mutual information between the object and its photon environment for blackbodies that cover an arbitrary section of the sky. In particular, we demonstrate that more extended sources have a reduced ability to create redundant information about the system, in agreement with previous evidence that initial mixedness of an environment slows—but does not stop—the production of records. We also show that the qualitative results are robust for more general initial states of the system.

  17. Acute thoracolumbar pain due to cholecystitis: a case study.

    PubMed

    Carter, Chris T

    2015-01-01

    This article describes and discusses the case of an adult female with cholecystitis characterized on initial presentation as acute thoracolumbar pain. A 34-year-old female presented for care with a complaint of acute right sided lower thoracic and upper lumbar pain with associated significant hyperalgesia and muscular hypertonicity. The patient was examined, referred, and later diagnosed by use of ultrasound imaging. Despite many initial physical examination findings of musculoskeletal dysfunction, this case demonstrates the significance of visceral referred pain, viscerosomatic hyperalgesia & hypertonicity, and how these neurological processes can mimic mechanical pain syndromes. A clinical neurological discussion of cholecystitis visceral pain and referred viscerosomatic phenomena is included.

  18. Improved Fractal Space Filling Curves Hybrid Optimization Algorithm for Vehicle Routing Problem.

    PubMed

    Yue, Yi-xiang; Zhang, Tong; Yue, Qun-xing

    2015-01-01

    Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) is one of the key issues in optimization of modern logistics system. In this paper, a modified VRP model with hard time window is established and a Hybrid Optimization Algorithm (HOA) based on Fractal Space Filling Curves (SFC) method and Genetic Algorithm (GA) is introduced. By incorporating the proposed algorithm, SFC method can find an initial and feasible solution very fast; GA is used to improve the initial solution. Thereafter, experimental software was developed and a large number of experimental computations from Solomon's benchmark have been studied. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the HOA.

  19. Impact of a Brief Training on Medical Resident Screening for Alcohol Misuse and Illicit Drug Use

    PubMed Central

    Gunderson, Erik W.; Levin, Frances R.; Owen, Patricia

    2011-01-01

    Educational initiatives are needed to improve primary care substance use screening. This study assesses the impact on 24 medical residents of a 2.5-day curriculum combining experiential and manual-based training on screening for alcohol misuse and illicit drug use. A retrospective chart review of new primary care outpatients demonstrated that nearly all were asked about current alcohol use before and after curriculum participation. Adherence to national screening guidelines on quantification of alcohol consumption modestly improved (p < .05), as did inquiry about current illicit drug use (p < .05). Continued efforts are needed to enhance educational initiatives for primary care physicians. PMID:18393059

  20. Initialization of soil-water content in regional-scale atmospheric prediction models

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Smith, Christopher B.; Lakhtakia, Mercedes; Capehart, William J.; Carlson, Toby N.

    1994-01-01

    The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of determining the soil-water content fields required as initial conditions for land surface components within atmospheric prediction models. This is done using a model of the hydrologic balance and conventional meteorological observations, land cover, and soils information. A discussion is presented of the subgrid-scale effects, the integration time, and the choice of vegetation type on the soil-water content patterns. Finally, comparisons are made between two The Pennsylvania State University/National Center for Atmospheric Research mesoscale model simulations, one using climatological fields and the other one using the soil-moisture fields produced by this new method.

  1. Improved Fractal Space Filling Curves Hybrid Optimization Algorithm for Vehicle Routing Problem

    PubMed Central

    Yue, Yi-xiang; Zhang, Tong; Yue, Qun-xing

    2015-01-01

    Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) is one of the key issues in optimization of modern logistics system. In this paper, a modified VRP model with hard time window is established and a Hybrid Optimization Algorithm (HOA) based on Fractal Space Filling Curves (SFC) method and Genetic Algorithm (GA) is introduced. By incorporating the proposed algorithm, SFC method can find an initial and feasible solution very fast; GA is used to improve the initial solution. Thereafter, experimental software was developed and a large number of experimental computations from Solomon's benchmark have been studied. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the HOA. PMID:26167171

  2. Impact of a brief training on medical resident screening for alcohol misuse and illicit drug use.

    PubMed

    Gunderson, Erik W; Levin, Frances R; Owen, Patricia

    2008-01-01

    Educational initiatives are needed to improve primary care substance use screening. This study assesses the impact on 24 medical residents of a 2.5-day curriculum combining experiential and manual-based training on screening for alcohol misuse and illicit drug use. A retrospective chart review of new primary care outpatients demonstrated that nearly all were asked about current alcohol use before and after curriculum participation. Adherence to national screening guidelines on quantification of alcohol consumption modestly improved (p < .05), as did inquiry about current illicit drug use (p < .05). Continued efforts are needed to enhance educational initiatives for primary care physicians.

  3. [Counselling versus cognitive group therapy for tinnitus. A retrospective study of their efficacy].

    PubMed

    Schmidt, A; Lins, U; Wetscher, I; Welzl-Müller, K; Weichbold, V

    2004-03-01

    Both counselling and group therapy have been recommended for supporting patients with chronic tinnitus. It is unclear which of these treatments is superior. This retrospective study aimed at comparing relief from tinnitus distress following counselling with that following cognitive group therapy. Distress relief was also compared to the distress level of the waiting group patients. Tinnitus distress was assessed through the Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ, Goebel and Hiller) at three different times: before treatment (in waiting list patients: at initial contact) and at 3 and 6 months after initial assessment. Data from 21 patients per group were included in the analysis. The initial tinnitus distress scores were similar in all groups (about 48 TQ points out of a maximum of 84). After 3 months, both counselling subjects and group therapy participants exhibited a significant distress reduction of 13 TQ points, which remained stable after 6 months. Patients on the waiting list experienced no distress relief over time. Results from our data demonstrate the need for a future prospective study on the comparison of efficacy of counselling vs cognitive group therapy.

  4. Flight demonstration of flight termination system and solid rocket motor ignition using semiconductor laser initiated ordnance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schulze, Norman R.; Maxfield, B.; Boucher, C.

    1995-01-01

    Solid State Laser Initiated Ordnance (LIO) offers new technology having potential for enhanced safety, reduced costs, and improved operational efficiency. Concerns over the absence of programmatic applications of the technology, which has prevented acceptance by flight programs, should be abated since LIO has now been operationally implemented by the Laser Initiated Ordnance Sounding Rocket Demonstration (LOSRD) Program. The first launch of solid state laser diode LIO at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) occurred on March 15, 1995 with all mission objectives accomplished. This project, Phase 3 of a series of three NASA Headquarters LIO demonstration initiatives, accomplished its objective by the flight of a dedicated, all-LIO sounding rocket mission using a two-stage Nike-Orion launch vehicle. LIO flight hardware, made by The Ensign-Bickford Company under NASA's first Cooperative Agreement with Profit Making Organizations, safely initiated three demanding pyrotechnic sequence events, namely, solid rocket motor ignition from the ground and in flight, and flight termination, i.e., as a Flight Termination System (FTS). A flight LIO system was designed, built, tested, and flown to support the objectives of quickly and inexpensively putting LIO through ground and flight operational paces. The hardware was fully qualified for this mission, including component testing as well as a full-scale system test. The launch accomplished all mission objectives in less than 11 months from proposal receipt. This paper concentrates on accomplishments of the ordnance aspects of the program and on the program's implementation and results. While this program does not generically qualify LIO for all applications, it demonstrated the safety, technical, and operational feasibility of those two most demanding applications, using an all solid state safe and arm system in critical flight applications.

  5. Epistemic Beliefs and Conceptual Understanding in Biotechnology: A Case Study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rebello, Carina M.; Siegel, Marcelle A.; Witzig, Stephen B.; Freyermuth, Sharyn K.; McClure, Bruce A.

    2012-04-01

    The purpose of this investigation was to explore students' epistemic beliefs and conceptual understanding of biotechnology. Epistemic beliefs can influence reasoning, how individuals evaluate information, and informed decision making abilities. These skills are important for an informed citizenry that will participate in debates regarding areas in science such as biotechnology. We report on an in-depth case study analysis of three undergraduate, non-science majors in a biotechnology course designed for non-biochemistry majors. We selected participants who performed above average and below average on the first in-class exam. Data from multiple sources—interviews, exams, and a concept instrument—were used to construct (a) individual profiles and (b) a cross-case analysis of our participants' conceptual development and epistemic beliefs from two different theoretical perspectives—Women's Ways of Knowing and the Reflective Judgment Model. Two independent trained researchers coded all case records independently for both theoretical perspectives, with resultant initial Cohen's kappa values above .715 (substantial agreement), and then reached consensus on the codes. Results indicate that a student with more sophisticated epistemology demonstrated greater conceptual understandings at the end of the course than a student with less sophisticated epistemology, even though the latter performed higher initially. Also a student with a less sophisticated epistemology and low initial conceptual performance does not demonstrate gains in their overall conceptual understanding. Results suggest the need for instructional interventions fostering epistemological development of learners in order to facilitate their conceptual growth.

  6. Microhomology-mediated End Joining and Homologous Recombination share the initial end resection step to repair DNA double-strand breaks in mammalian cells

    PubMed Central

    Truong, Lan N.; Li, Yongjiang; Shi, Linda Z.; Hwang, Patty Yi-Hwa; He, Jing; Wang, Hailong; Razavian, Niema; Berns, Michael W.; Wu, Xiaohua

    2013-01-01

    Microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) is a major pathway for Ku-independent alternative nonhomologous end joining, which contributes to chromosomal translocations and telomere fusions, but the underlying mechanism of MMEJ in mammalian cells is not well understood. In this study, we demonstrated that, distinct from Ku-dependent classical nonhomologous end joining, MMEJ—even with very limited end resection—requires cyclin-dependent kinase activities and increases significantly when cells enter S phase. We also showed that MMEJ shares the initial end resection step with homologous recombination (HR) by requiring meiotic recombination 11 homolog A (Mre11) nuclease activity, which is needed for subsequent recruitment of Bloom syndrome protein (BLM) and exonuclease 1 (Exo1) to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) to promote extended end resection and HR. MMEJ does not require S139-phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX), suggesting that initial end resection likely occurs at DSB ends. Using a MMEJ and HR competition repair substrate, we demonstrated that MMEJ with short end resection is used in mammalian cells at the level of 10–20% of HR when both HR and nonhomologous end joining are available. Furthermore, MMEJ is used to repair DSBs generated at collapsed replication forks. These studies suggest that MMEJ not only is a backup repair pathway in mammalian cells, but also has important physiological roles in repairing DSBs to maintain cell viability, especially under genomic stress. PMID:23610439

  7. Different Movement of Hyolaryngeal Structures by Various Application of Electrical Stimulation in Normal Individuals

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Sae Hyun; Oh, Byung-Mo; Han, Tae Ryun; Jeong, Ho Joong

    2015-01-01

    Objective To identify the differences in the movement of the hyoid bone and the vocal cord with and without electrical stimulation in normal subjects. Methods Two-dimensional motion analysis using a videofluoroscopic swallowing study with and without electrical stimulation was performed. Surface electrical stimulation was applied during swallowing using electrodes placed at three different locations on each subject. All subjects were analyzed three times using the following electrode placements: with one pair of electrodes on the suprahyoid muscles and a second pair on the infrahyoid muscles (SI); with placement of the electrode pairs on only the infrahyoid muscles (IO); and with the electrode pairs placed vertically on the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles (SIV). Results The main outcomes of this study demonstrated an initial downward displacement as well as different movements of the hyoid bone with the three electrode placements used for electrical stimulation. The initial positions of the hyoid bone with the SI and IO placements resulted in an inferior and anterior displaced position. During swallowing, the hyoid bone moved in a more superior and less anterior direction, resulting in almost the same peak position compared with no electrical stimulation. Conclusion These results demonstrate that electrical stimulation caused an initial depression of the hyoid bone, which had nearly the same peak position during swallowing. Electrical stimulation during swallowing was not dependent on the position of the electrode on the neck, such as on the infrahyoid or on both the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles. PMID:26361589

  8. Cost-effectiveness of a ROPS social marketing campaign.

    PubMed

    Sorensen, J A; Jenkins, P; Bayes, B; Clark, S; May, J J

    2010-01-01

    Tractor rollovers are the most frequent cause of death in the farm community. Rollover protection structures (ROPS) can prevent the injuries and fatalities associated with these events; however, almost half of U.S. farms lack these essential devices. One promising strategy for increasing ROPS use is social marketing. The purpose of this study was to assess the costs associated with the New York ROPS Social Marketing Campaign in relation to the cost of fatalities and injuries averted as a result of the campaign to determine whether cost savings could be demonstrated in the initial years of program implementation. A total of 524 farmers who had retrofitted a tractor through the program were mailed a survey to assess the number of rollovers or close calls that occurred since ROPS installation. Responses were obtained from 382 farmers, two of whom indicated that they had a potential fatality/injury scenario since retrofitting their tractor through the program. The cost savings associated with the intervention was estimated using a decision-tree analysis adapted from Myers and Pana-Cryan with appropriate consumer price index adjustments. The data were compared to the cost of the New York ROPS Social Marketing Campaign to arrive at an associated cost-savings estimate relative to the intervention. This study indicates that a net savings will likely be demonstrated within the third year of the New York ROPS Social Marketing initiative. These data may provide evidence for researchers hoping to generate support from state and private agencies for similar initiatives.

  9. Do Children Orphaned by AIDS Experience Distress Over Time? A Latent Growth Curve Analysis of Depressive Symptoms

    PubMed Central

    Chi, Peilian; Li, Xiaoming; Barnett, Douglas; Zhao, Junfeng; Zhao, Guoxiang

    2014-01-01

    This longitudinal study aimed to examine the enduring effects of parental HIV/AIDS on children's psychological well-being in Asia. A sample of 1625 children aged from 6 to 18 years old were assessed annually for their depressive symptoms over three years. Latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) was used to examine the trajectories of depressive symptoms among AIDS orphans and vulnerable children in comparison with children from HIV-free families. AIDS orphans demonstrated the highest initial level of depressive symptoms among the three groups. On average, children's depressive symptoms scores can be expected to realize an approximate 25% decrease for AIDS orphans, 19% decrease for vulnerable children and 15% decrease for comparison children over a 3-year period. Individual differences within the groups showed that children with higher initial level of depressive symptoms can be expected to decrease slower over time. Multiple group LGCM showed that the three groups of children demonstrated significantly different trajectories of depressive symptoms. Among the key demographic factors, only age exerted an effect on the trajectory of depressive symptoms of vulnerable children, indicating that the younger children showed higher level of initial depressive symptoms and lower rate of decrease than the older children. The current study enriched our knowledge on the longitudinal effect of parental HIV/AIDS on children's emotional distress. Future psychological support might take the children's developmental stages and cultural appropriateness into consideration and deliver service for the most vulnerable group of children affected by HIV/AIDS. PMID:24090100

  10. 40 CFR 63.7891 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emissions limitations and work practice...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... § 63.7890(b)(2), you demonstrate that emissions of TOC (minus methane and ethane) from all affected... elect to meet § 63.7890(b)(4), you demonstrate that the emissions of TOC (minus methane and ethane) from...

  11. The Thermit Reaction: A Dazzling Thermochemical Demonstration.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kauffman, George B.

    1997-01-01

    Describes an outdoor scientific demonstration of metal reduction, a reaction known as the thermit process. Heat from an ignition mixture is required to initiate the reaction, which then becomes self-sustaining. The demonstration provides a dazzling introduction to such fundamental general chemistry topics as oxidation-reduction, metallurgy,…

  12. Demonstrations at School Level of the Effects of IAA

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Falk, Peter

    1973-01-01

    Describes demonstrations suitable for secondary school biology classes relating to the effects of the hormone IAA on plant growth. Demonstrations illustrate how hormone treatments affect stem elongation, callus formation, inhibition of axillary buds, stimulation of secondary growth and initiation of adventitious root development, root elongation,…

  13. Experiments in ultrasonic flaw detection using a MEMS transducer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jain, Akash; Greve, David W.; Oppenheim, Irving J.

    2003-08-01

    In earlier work we developed a MEMS phased array transducer, fabricated in the MUMPs process, and we reported on initial experimental studies in which the device was affixed into contact with solids. We demonstrated the successful detection of signals from a conventional ultrasonic source, and the successful localization of the source in an off-axis geometry using phased array signal processing. We now describe the predicted transmission and coupling characteristics for such devices in contact with solids, demonstrating reasonable agreement with experimental behavior. We then describe the results of flaw detection experiments, as well as results for fluid-coupled detectors.

  14. 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.

  15. The Iodine Satellite (iSAT) Hall Thruster Demonstration Mission Concept and Development

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dankanich, John W.; Polzin, Kurt A.; Calvert, Derek; Kamhawi, Hani

    2014-01-01

    The use of iodine propellant for Hall thrusters has been studied and proposed by multiple organizations due to the potential mission benefits over xenon. In 2013, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center competitively selected a project for the maturation of an iodine flight operational feed system through the Technology Investment Program. Multiple partnerships and collaborations have allowed the team to expand the scope to include additional mission concept development and risk reduction to support a flight system demonstration, the iodine Satellite (iSAT). The iSAT project was initiated and is progressing towards a technology demonstration mission preliminary design review. The current status of the mission concept development and risk reduction efforts in support of this project is presented.

  16. NASA's hypersonic propulsion program: History and direction

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wander, Steve

    1992-01-01

    Research into hypersonic propulsion; i.e., supersonic combustion, was seriously initiated at the Langley Research Center in the 1960's with the Hypersonic Research Engine (HRE) project. This project was designed to demonstrate supersonic combustion within the context of an engine module consisting of an inlet, combustor, and nozzle. In addition, the HRE utilized both subsonic and supersonic combustion (dual-mode) to demonstrate smooth operation over a Mach 4 to 7 speed range. The propulsion program thus concentrated on fundamental supersonic combustion studies and free jet propulsion tests for the three dimensional fixed geometry engine design to demonstrate inlet and combustor integration and installed performance potential. The developmental history of the program is presented. Additionally, the HRE program's effect on the current state of hypersonic propulsion is discussed.

  17. Clinician Descriptions of Communication Strategies to Improve Treatment Engagement by Racial/Ethnic Minorities in Mental Health Services: A Systematic Review

    PubMed Central

    Aggarwal, Neil Krishan; Pieh, Matthew C.; Dixon, Lisa; Guarnaccia, Peter; Alegría, Margarita; Lewis-Fernández, Roberto

    2015-01-01

    Objective To describe studies on clinician communication and the engagement of racial/ethnic minority patients in mental health treatment. Methods Authors conducted electronic searches of published and grey literature databases from inception to November 2014, forward citation analyses, and backward bibliographic sampling of included articles. Included studies reported original data on clinician communication strategies to improve minority treatment engagement, defined as initiating, participating, and continuing services. Results Twenty-three studies met inclusion criteria. Low treatment initiation and high treatment discontinuation were related to patient views that the mental health system did not address their understandings of illness, care or stigma. Treatment participation was based more on clinician language use, communication style, and discussions of patient-clinician differences. Conclusion Clinicians may improve treatment initiation and continuation by incorporating patient views of illness into treatment and targeting stigma. Clinicians may improve treatment participation by using simple language, tailoring communication to patient preferences, discussing differences, and demonstrating positive affect. Practice implications Lack of knowledge about the mental health system and somatic symptoms may delay treatment initiation. Discussions of clinician backgrounds, power, and communication style may improve treatment participation. Treatment continuation may improve if clinicians tailor communication and treatment plans congruent with patient expectations. PMID:26365436

  18. Multigenerational Effects of Heavy Metals on Feeding, Growth, Initial Reproduction and Antioxidants in Caenorhabditis elegans

    PubMed Central

    Yu, ZhenYang; Zhang, Jing; Yin, DaQiang

    2016-01-01

    Earlier studies showed that toxicities of excessive metals lasted over generations. Yet, these studies mainly employed one-generation exposure, and the effects of multigenerational challenges need further studies. Presently, Caenorhabditis elegans were exposed to cadmium, copper, lead and zinc for four consecutive generations (G1 to G4) at environmental concentrations. The feeding, growth, initial reproduction, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were determined. All data were represented in the percentage of that in control (POC), and POC in the control was normalized to 100%. In G1 and G2, the POC values in feeding, growth and initial reproduction were generally within 10% of the control (100%), indicating non-significant effects. The POC values in SOD and CAT were significantly higher than 100%, showing stimulatory effects. In G3 and G4, the POC values in feeding, growth and initial reproduction were significantly lower than 100%, showing inhibitory effects which were more severe in G4 than in G3. Meanwhile, SOD and CAT continuously showed stimulatory effects, and the stimulatory effects on SOD increased from G1 to G4. The effects with multigenerational challenges were different from those in one-generation exposure. The effects in later generations demonstrated the importance of multigenerational challenges in judging long-term influences of metals. PMID:27116222

  19. Clinician descriptions of communication strategies to improve treatment engagement by racial/ethnic minorities in mental health services: A systematic review.

    PubMed

    Aggarwal, Neil Krishan; Pieh, Matthew C; Dixon, Lisa; Guarnaccia, Peter; Alegría, Margarita; Lewis-Fernández, Roberto

    2016-02-01

    To describe studies on clinician communication and the engagement of racial/ethnic minority patients in mental health treatment. Authors conducted electronic searches of published and grey literature databases from inception to November 2014, forward citation analyses, and backward bibliographic sampling of included articles. Included studies reported original data on clinician communication strategies to improve minority treatment engagement, defined as initiating, participating, and continuing services. Twenty-three studies met inclusion criteria. Low treatment initiation and high treatment discontinuation were related to patient views that the mental health system did not address their understandings of illness, care or stigma. Treatment participation was based more on clinician language use, communication style, and discussions of patient-clinician differences. Clinicians may improve treatment initiation and continuation by incorporating patient views of illness into treatment and targeting stigma. Clinicians may improve treatment participation by using simple language, tailoring communication to patient preferences, discussing differences, and demonstrating positive affect. Lack of knowledge about the mental health system and somatic symptoms may delay treatment initiation. Discussions of clinician backgrounds, power, and communication style may improve treatment participation. Treatment continuation may improve if clinicians tailor communication and treatment plans congruent with patient expectations. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Do transition towns have the potential to promote health and well-being? A health impact assessment of a transition town initiative.

    PubMed

    Richardson, J; Nichols, A; Henry, T

    2012-11-01

    Climate change and energy vulnerability present significant challenges for the development and sustainability of our communities. The adverse effects will most likely impact on those already experiencing poverty, as energy and food costs will rise, thus increasing inequalities in health. Transition town initiatives seek to build cohesive sustainable communities to prepare for a future with limited oil and a changing climate. Increasingly, public health practitioners are interested in the role of transition towns as a community development initiative, and their potential to support the wider public health agenda. Health impact assessment (HIA) is an evidence-based process that aims to predict the positive and negative impacts of a strategy, proposal or development. The HIA process provides an opportunity to promote sustainable communities by ensuring that new strategies and developments are considered in the context of their contribution to the health and well-being of local populations. The aim of this study was to use an HIA to examine the potential health and well-being benefits of two related transition town initiatives. A rapid HIA to consider the potential lifestyle changes and health and well-being impacts of Transition Together/Transition Streets (TT/TS) projects. An HIA template was used to assess key documents related to the TT/TS initiatives and those related to the characteristics of the community. Additionally, meetings with 12 key informants (four involved in TT/TS and eight purposively selected for their local knowledge) were held using the HIA template to focus the discussion. The findings highlight the associated lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity and healthy eating, and possible social and well-being benefits of engagement in such an initiative. Engagement may be limited to those already concerned about environmental issues. This paper illustrates the important links between transition towns and the wider public health agenda, and demonstrates how an HIA can be applied to a community-based initiative. It provides a means by which transition town initiatives can demonstrate health and well-being benefits, whilst raising concerns about inclusivity and equity. Copyright © 2012 The Royal Society for Public Health. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Contamination control and assay results for the Majorana Demonstrator ultra clean components

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Christofferson, C. D.; Abgrall, N.; Alvis, S. I.; Arnquist, I. J.; Avignone, F. T.; Barabash, A. S.; Barton, C. J.; Bertrand, F. E.; Bode, T.; Bradley, A. W.; Brudanin, V.; Busch, M.; Buuck, M.; Caldwell, T. S.; Chan, Y.-D.; Chu, P.-H.; Cuesta, C.; Detwiler, J. A.; Dunagan, C.; Efremenko, Yu.; Ejiri, H.; Elliott, S. R.; Gilliss, T.; Giovanetti, G. K.; Green, M. P.; Gruszko, J.; Guinn, I. S.; Guiseppe, V. E.; Haufe, C. R.; Hehn, L.; Henning, R.; Hoppe, E. W.; Howe, M. A.; Keeter, K. J.; Kidd, M. F.; Konovalov, S. I.; Kouzes, R. T.; Lopez, A. M.; Martin, R. D.; Massarczyk, R.; Meijer, S. J.; Mertens, S.; Myslik, J.; O'Shaughnessy, C.; Othman, G.; Poon, A. W. P.; Radford, D. C.; Rager, J.; Reine, A. L.; Rielage, K.; Robertson, R. G. H.; Rouf, N. W.; Shanks, B.; Shirchenko, M.; Suriano, A. M.; Tedeschi, D.; Trimble, J. E.; Varner, R. L.; Vasilyev, S.; Vetter, K.; Vorren, K.; White, B. R.; Wilkerson, J. F.; Wiseman, C.; Xu, W.; Yakushev, E.; Yu, C.-H.; Yumatov, V.; Zhitnikov, I.; Zhu, B. X.

    2018-01-01

    The Majorana Demonstrator is a neutrinoless double beta decay experiment utilizing enriched Ge-76 detectors in 2 separate modules inside of a common solid shield at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. The Demonstrator has utilized world leading assay sensitivities to develop clean materials and processes for producing ultra-pure copper and plastic components. This experiment is now operating, and initial data provide new insights into the success of cleaning and processing. Post production copper assays after the completion of Module 1 showed an increase in U and Th contamination in finished parts compared to starting bulk material. A revised cleaning method and additional round of surface contamination studies prior to Module 2 construction have provided evidence that more rigorous process control can reduce surface contamination. This article describes the assay results and discuss further studies to take advantage of assay capabilities for the purpose of maintaining ultra clean fabrication and process design.

  2. Underpricing, underperformance and overreaction in initial public offerings: Evidence from investor attention using online searches.

    PubMed

    Vakrman, Tomas; Kristoufek, Ladislav

    2015-01-01

    Online activity of Internet users has proven very useful in modeling various phenomena across a wide range of scientific disciplines. In our study, we focus on two stylized facts or puzzles surrounding the initial public offerings (IPOs) - the underpricing and the long-term underperformance. Using the Internet searches on Google, we proxy the investor attention before and during the day of the offering to show that the high attention IPOs have different characteristics than the low attention ones. After controlling for various effects, we show that investor attention still remains a strong component of the high initial returns (the underpricing), primarily for the high sentiment periods. Moreover, we demonstrate that the investor attention partially explains the overoptimistic market reaction and thus also a part of the long-term underperformance.

  3. 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.

  4. What is an adequate sample size? Operationalising data saturation for theory-based interview studies.

    PubMed

    Francis, Jill J; Johnston, Marie; Robertson, Clare; Glidewell, Liz; Entwistle, Vikki; Eccles, Martin P; Grimshaw, Jeremy M

    2010-12-01

    In interview studies, sample size is often justified by interviewing participants until reaching 'data saturation'. However, there is no agreed method of establishing this. We propose principles for deciding saturation in theory-based interview studies (where conceptual categories are pre-established by existing theory). First, specify a minimum sample size for initial analysis (initial analysis sample). Second, specify how many more interviews will be conducted without new ideas emerging (stopping criterion). We demonstrate these principles in two studies, based on the theory of planned behaviour, designed to identify three belief categories (Behavioural, Normative and Control), using an initial analysis sample of 10 and stopping criterion of 3. Study 1 (retrospective analysis of existing data) identified 84 shared beliefs of 14 general medical practitioners about managing patients with sore throat without prescribing antibiotics. The criterion for saturation was achieved for Normative beliefs but not for other beliefs or studywise saturation. In Study 2 (prospective analysis), 17 relatives of people with Paget's disease of the bone reported 44 shared beliefs about taking genetic testing. Studywise data saturation was achieved at interview 17. We propose specification of these principles for reporting data saturation in theory-based interview studies. The principles may be adaptable for other types of studies.

  5. Photoactive high explosives: linear and nonlinear photochemistry of petrin tetrazine chloride.

    PubMed

    Greenfield, Margo T; McGrane, Shawn D; Bolme, Cindy A; Bjorgaard, Josiah A; Nelson, Tammie R; Tretiak, Sergei; Scharff, R Jason

    2015-05-21

    Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), a high explosive, initiates with traditional shock and thermal mechanisms. In this study, the tetrazine-substituted derivative of PETN, pentaerythritol trinitrate chlorotetrazine (PetrinTzCl), is being investigated for a photochemical initiation mechanism that could allow control over the chemistry contributing to decomposition leading to initiation. PetrinTzCl exhibits a photochemical quantum yield (QYPC) at 532 nm not evident with PETN. Using static spectroscopic methods, we observe energy absorption on the tetrazine (Tz) ring that results in photodissociation yielding N2, Cl-CN, and Petrin-CN as the major photoproducts. The QYPC was enhanced with increasing irradiation intensity. Experiment and theoretical calculations imply this excitation mechanism follows sequential photon absorption. Dynamic simulations demonstrate that the relaxation mechanism leading to the observed photochemistry in PetrinTzCl is due to vibrational excitation during internal conversion. PetrinTzCl's single photon stability and intensity dependence suggest this material could be stable in ambient lighting, yet possible to initiate with short-pulsed lasers.

  6. Improvement of cardiac function persists long term with medical therapy for left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

    PubMed

    Chen, David; Chang, Richard; Umakanthan, Branavan; Stoletniy, Liset N; Heywood, J Thomas

    2007-09-01

    In certain patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, improvements in cardiac function are seen after initiation of medical therapy; however, the long-term stability of ventricular function in such patients is not well described. We retrospectively analyzed 171 patients who had a baseline ejection fraction of 45% or less, a follow-up echocardiogram at 2 to 12 months after initiation of medical therapy, and a final echocardiogram. We found that 48.5% of the patients demonstrated initial improvements in LV function after initiation of medical therapy, and the improvements appear to be sustained (88% of patients) at 44 +/- 21 months follow-up. A nonischemic etiology and younger age were the only independent predictors of change of LV ejection fraction of 10 or more at a mean 8.4 +/- 3.4 months after optimal medical therapy. Our study revealed a trend toward improved long-term survival in individuals with an early improvement in LV ejection fraction with medical therapy, especially in those with sustained improvement.

  7. Regulation of leukemia-initiating cell activity by the ubiquitin ligase FBXW7

    PubMed Central

    King, Bryan; Trimarchi, Thomas; Reavie, Linsey; Xu, Luyao; Mullenders, Jasper; Ntziachristos, Panagiotis; Aranda-Orgilles, Beatriz; Perez-Garcia, Arianne; Shi, Junwei; Vakoc, Christopher; Sandy, Peter; Shen, Steven S.; Ferrando, Adolfo; Aifantis, Iannis

    2013-01-01

    SUMMARY Sequencing efforts led to the identification of somatic mutations that could affect self-renewal and differentiation of cancer-initiating cells. One such recurrent mutation targets the binding pocket of the ubiquitin ligase FBXW7. Missense FBXW7 mutations are prevalent in various tumors, including T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). To study the effects of such lesions, we generated animals carrying regulatable Fbxw7 mutant alleles. We show here that these mutations specifically bolster cancer-initiating cell activity in collaboration with Notch1 oncogenes, but spare normal hematopoietic stem cell function. We were also able to show that FBXW7 mutations specifically affect the ubiquitylation and half-life of c-Myc protein, a key T-ALL oncogene. Using animals carrying c-Myc fusion alleles, we connected Fbxw7 function to c-Myc abundance and correlated c-Myc expression to leukemia-initiating activity. Finally, we demonstrated that small molecule-mediated suppression of MYC activity leads to T-ALL remission, suggesting a novel effective therapeutic strategy. PMID:23791182

  8. Financial preconditions for successful community initiatives for the uninsured.

    PubMed

    Song, Paula H; Smith, Dean G

    2007-01-01

    Community-based initiatives are increasingly being implemented as a strategy to address the health needs of the community, with a growing body of evidence on successes of various initiatives. This study addresses financial status indicators (preconditions) that might predict where community-based initiatives might have a better chance for success. We evaluated five community-based initiatives funded by the Communities in Charge (CIC) program sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. These initiatives focus on increasing access by easing financial barriers to care for the uninsured. At each site, we collected information on financial status indicators and interviewed key personnel from health services delivery and financing organizations. With full acknowledgment of the caveats associated with generalizations based on a small number of observations, we suggest four financial preconditions associated with successful initiation of CIC programs: (1) uncompensated care levels that negatively affect profitability, (2) reasonable financial stability of providers, (3) stable health insurance market, and (4) the potential to create new sources of funding. In general, sites that demonstrate successful program initiation are financially stressed enough by uncompensated care to gain the attention of local healthcare providers. However, they are not so strained and so concerned about revenue sources that they cannot afford to participate in the initiative. In addition to political and managerial indicators, we suggest that planning for community-based initiatives should include financial indicators of current health services delivery and financing organizations and consideration of whether they meet preconditions for success.

  9. ACTION OF TRITIATED TETANUS TOXIN AND TOXOID UPON THE ANTIBODY FORMING MECHANISM. Period Covered: April 1, 1962 to March 31, 1963

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

    Speirs, R.

    1962-12-01

    Progress is reported in studies of hypersensitivity and antibody formation in mice in which tritiated antigens were used as tracers. Data are included from a study on the initiation of antibody production in irradiated mice and studies on hemopoiesis and antibody production as demonstrated in radioautograms of spleen, peritoneal fluid, bone marrow, and thymus from mice injected with antigen foliowed by tritiated thymidine and autopsied at specific times. (C.H.)

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

    PubMed Central

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

    2013-01-01

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

  11. Age of drinking onset as a moderator of the efficacy of parent-based, brief motivational, and combined intervention approaches to reduce drinking and consequences among college students.

    PubMed

    Mallett, Kimberly A; Ray, Anne E; Turrisi, Rob; Belden, Calum; Bachrach, Rachel L; Larimer, Mary E

    2010-07-01

    The current study tested age of onset as a moderator of intervention efficacy on drinking and consequence outcomes among a high-risk population of college students (i.e., former high school athletes). Students were randomized to one of four conditions: assessment only control, combined parent-based intervention (PBI) and brief motivational intervention (BMI), PBI alone, and BMI alone. Participants (n = 1,275) completed web-administered measures at baseline (summer before starting college) and 10-month follow-up. Overall, the combined intervention demonstrated the strongest and most consistent reductions across all outcomes, particularly with the youngest initiators. Participants who initiated drinking at the youngest ages had significantly lower peak drinking, typical weekly drinking, and reported consequences at follow-up when they received the combined intervention when compared to the control group. The BMI and PBI groups, when examined independently, demonstrated significant effects across outcomes but were inconsistent across the different age groups. Results suggest the combination of a PBI and a peer-delivered BMI is an appropriate and efficacious way to reduce drinking and related consequences among individuals who initiated drinking earlier in adolescence and are at an increased risk of experiencing alcohol problems.

  12. Navigating Ethics in the Digital Age: Introducing Connected and Open Research Ethics (CORE), a Tool for Researchers and Institutional Review Boards.

    PubMed

    Torous, John; Nebeker, Camille

    2017-02-08

    Research studies that leverage emerging technologies, such as passive sensing devices and mobile apps, have demonstrated encouraging potential with respect to favorably influencing the human condition. As a result, the nascent fields of mHealth and digital medicine have gained traction over the past decade as demonstrated in the United States by increased federal funding for research that cuts across a broad spectrum of health conditions. The existence of mHealth and digital medicine also introduced new ethical and regulatory challenges that both institutional review boards (IRBs) and researchers are struggling to navigate. In response, the Connected and Open Research Ethics (CORE) initiative was launched. The CORE initiative has employed a participatory research approach, whereby researchers and IRB affiliates are involved in identifying the priorities and functionality of a shared resource. The overarching goal of CORE is to develop dynamic and relevant ethical practices to guide mHealth and digital medicine research. In this Viewpoint paper, we describe the CORE initiative and call for readers to join the CORE Network and contribute to the bigger conversation on ethics in the digital age. ©John Torous, Camille Nebeker. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (http://www.jmir.org), 08.02.2017.

  13. A Tale of Two Trails: Exploring Different Paths to Success

    PubMed Central

    Walker, Jennifer G.; Evenson, Kelly R.; Davis, William J.; Bors, Philip; Rodríguez, Daniel A.

    2016-01-01

    Background This comparative case study investigates 2 successful community trail initiatives, using the Active Living By Design (ALBD) Community Action Model as an analytical framework. The model includes 5 strategies: preparation, promotion, programs, policy, and physical projects. Methods Key stakeholders at 2 sites participated in in-depth interviews (N = 14). Data were analyzed for content using Atlas Ti and grouped according to the 5 strategies. Results Preparation Securing trail resources was challenging, but shared responsibilities facilitated trail development. Promotions The initiatives demonstrated minimal physical activity encouragement strategies. Programs Community stakeholders did not coordinate programmatic opportunities for routine physical activity. Policy Trails’ inclusion in regional greenway master plans contributed to trail funding and development. Policies that were formally institutionalized and enforced led to more consistent trail construction and safer conditions for users. Physical Projects Consistent standards for way finding signage and design safety features enhanced trail usability and safety. Conclusions Communities with different levels of government support contributed unique lessons to inform best practices of trail initiatives. This study revealed a disparity between trail development and use-encouragement strategies, which may limit trails’ impact on physical activity. The ALBD Community Action Model provided a viable framework to structure cross-disciplinary community trail initiatives. PMID:21597125

  14. A methodological framework to support the initiation, design and institutionalization of participatory modeling processes in water resources management

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Halbe, Johannes; Pahl-Wostl, Claudia; Adamowski, Jan

    2018-01-01

    Multiple barriers constrain the widespread application of participatory methods in water management, including the more technical focus of most water agencies, additional cost and time requirements for stakeholder involvement, as well as institutional structures that impede collaborative management. This paper presents a stepwise methodological framework that addresses the challenges of context-sensitive initiation, design and institutionalization of participatory modeling processes. The methodological framework consists of five successive stages: (1) problem framing and stakeholder analysis, (2) process design, (3) individual modeling, (4) group model building, and (5) institutionalized participatory modeling. The Management and Transition Framework is used for problem diagnosis (Stage One), context-sensitive process design (Stage Two) and analysis of requirements for the institutionalization of participatory water management (Stage Five). Conceptual modeling is used to initiate participatory modeling processes (Stage Three) and ensure a high compatibility with quantitative modeling approaches (Stage Four). This paper describes the proposed participatory model building (PMB) framework and provides a case study of its application in Québec, Canada. The results of the Québec study demonstrate the applicability of the PMB framework for initiating and designing participatory model building processes and analyzing barriers towards institutionalization.

  15. Electrolysis Performance Improvement Concept Study (EPICS) Flight Experiment-Reflight

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Schubert, F. H.

    1997-01-01

    The Electrolysis Performance Improvement Concept Study (EPICS) is a flight experiment to demonstrate and validate in a microgravity environment the Static Feed Electrolyzer (SFE) concept which was selected for the use aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for oxygen (O2) generation. It also is to investigate the impact of microgravity on electrochemical cell performance. Electrochemical cells are important to the space program because they provide an efficient means of generating O2 and hydrogen (H2) in space. Oxygen and H2 are essential not only for the survival of humans in space but also for the efficient and economical operation of various space systems. Electrochemical cells can reduce the mass, volume and logistical penalties associated with resupply and storage by generating and/or consuming these gases in space. An initial flight of the EPICS was conducted aboard STS-69 from September 7 to 8, 1995. A temperature sensor characteristics shift and a missing line of software code resulted in only partial success of this initial flight. Based on the review and recommendations of a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC) review team a reflight activity was initiated to obtain the remaining desired results, not achieved during the initial flight.

  16. A Protein Aggregation Based Test for Screening of the Agents Affecting Thermostability of Proteins

    PubMed Central

    Eronina, Tatyana; Borzova, Vera; Maloletkina, Olga; Kleymenov, Sergey; Asryants, Regina; Markossian, Kira; Kurganov, Boris

    2011-01-01

    To search for agents affecting thermal stability of proteins, a test based on the registration of protein aggregation in the regime of heating with a constant rate was used. The initial parts of the dependences of the light scattering intensity (I) on temperature (T) were analyzed using the following empiric equation: I = K agg(T−T 0)2, where K agg is the parameter characterizing the initial rate of aggregation and T 0 is a temperature at which the initial increase in the light scattering intensity is registered. The aggregation data are interpreted in the frame of the model assuming the formation of the start aggregates at the initial stages of the aggregation process. Parameter T 0 corresponds to the moment of the origination of the start aggregates. The applicability of the proposed approach was demonstrated on the examples of thermal aggregation of glycogen phosphorylase b from rabbit skeletal muscles and bovine liver glutamate dehydrogenase studied in the presence of agents of different chemical nature. The elaborated approach to the study of protein aggregation may be used for rapid identification of small molecules that interact with protein targets. PMID:21760963

  17. Initial development of the endocarp in Lithraea brasiliensis Marchand (Anacardiaceae): with taxonomic notes.

    PubMed

    De Oliveira, João M S; Mariath, Jorge E A

    2015-09-01

    Investigation into the initial developmental stages of a given structure is fundamental for precise characterization as well as for comparative analysis in relation to other taxa when homologies are established. For the Anacardiaceae family, investigations of the initial development of the pericarp or its basic histological sites, the epicarp, mesocarp and endocarp, are relevant since these regions are of taxonomic and phylogenetic importance. The initial stages of endocarp development in Lithraea brasiliensis were studied using light microscopy. In L. brasiliensis, the fruits are of the drupe type. The endocarp originates exclusively in the epidermis of the locular cavity and is composed of only three strata. The crystalliferous layer, typical in fruits of the Anacardiaceae family, originates in the carpelar mesophyll and runs adjacent to the outermost layer of the endocarp. The endocarp in Lithraea brasiliensis is of the Anacardium type. The results of the present study are important for the identification of the Lithraea species that occur in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. In L. molleoides, the crystalliferous layer was shown to originate from the locular epidermis and this developmental aspect enables it to be differentiated from L. brasiliensis and demonstrates that there is variability of endocarp development in Lithraea.

  18. Initial contact guidance during cell spreading is contractility-independent.

    PubMed

    Sales, Adrià; Holle, Andrew W; Kemkemer, Ralf

    2017-08-02

    A wide variety of cell types exhibit substrate topography-based behavior, also known as contact guidance. However, the precise cellular mechanisms underlying this process are still unknown. In this study, we investigated contact guidance by studying the reaction of human endothelial cells (ECs) to well-defined microgroove topographies, both during and after initial cell spreading. As the cytoskeleton plays a major role in cellular adaptation to topographical features, two methods were used to perturb cytoskeletal structures. Inhibition of actomyosin contractility with the chemical inhibitor blebbistatatin demonstrated that initial contact guidance events are independent of traction force generation. However, cell alignment to the grooved substrate was altered at later time points, suggesting an initial 'passive' phase of contact guidance, followed by a contractility-dependent 'active' phase that relies on mechanosensitive feedback. The actin cytoskeleton was also perturbed in an indirect manner by culturing cells upside down, resulting in decreased levels of contact guidance and suggesting that a possible loss of contact between the actin cytoskeleton and the substrate could lead to cytoskeleton impairment. The process of contact guidance at the microscale was found to be primarily lamellipodia driven, as no bias in filopodia extension was observed on micron-scale grooves.

  19. 40 CFR 63.7114 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations standard?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Pollutants for Lime Manufacturing Plants Testing and Initial Compliance Requirements § 63.7114 How do I... this subpart. For existing lime kilns and their associated coolers, you may perform VE measurements in...

  20. Concept of operations : Dallas Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) demonstration project.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2010-06-01

    This concept of operations (Con Ops) for the US-75 Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Program has been developed as part of the US Department of Transportation Integrated Corridor Management Initiative, which is an innovative research initiative th...

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