Oceanography in the formal and informal classroom

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richardson, A.; Jasnow, M.; Srinivasan, M.; Rosmorduc, V.; Blanc, F.

2002-01-01

The TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason-1 ocean altimeter missions offer the educator in the middle school or informal education venue a unique opportunity for reinforcing ocean science studies. An educational poster from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and France's Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales provide teachers and students a tool to examine topics such as the dynamics of ocean circulation, ocean research, and the oceans' role in climate.

Reference Function with an On-Line Catalog

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Winik, Ruth

1972-01-01

The automated Experimental Library Management System (ELMS) in use at the IBM Los Gatos Laboratory has proved to offer unique advantages in fulfilling the reference function. All records of the library, including complete bibliographic descriptions, order information and circulation status, are available at the librarian's fingertips at the…

Commercial products that convey personal health information in emergencies.

PubMed

Potini, Vishnu C; Weerasuriya, Dilani N; Lowery-North, Douglas W; Kellermann, Arthur L

2011-12-01

Describe commercially available products and services designed to convey personal health information in emergencies. The search engine Google®, supplemented by print ads, was used to identify companies and organizations that offer relevant products and services to the general market. Disease-specific, health system, and health plan-specific offerings were excluded. Vendor web sites were the primary sources of information, supplemented by telephone and e-mail queries to sales representatives. Perfect inter-rater agreement was achieved. Thirty-nine unique vendors were identified. Eight sell engraved jewelry. Three offer an embossed card or pamphlet. Twelve supply USB drives with various features. Eleven support password-protected web sites. Five maintain national call centers. Available media differed markedly with respect to capacity and accessibility. Quoted prices ranged from a one-time expenditure of $3.50 to an annual fee of $200. Associated features and annual fees varied widely. A wide range of products and services exist to help patients convey personal health information. Health care providers should be familiar with their features, so they can access the information in a disaster or emergency.

Matching IT Jobs with IT People.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hilton, Margaret

Employers are experiencing difficulties filling vacancies for information technology (IT) positions because of rapid growth in the demand for IT workers, high turnover, and the unique characteristics of IT work. In response to the growing demand for IT workers, public and private education and training providers are expanding their offerings and…

Modeling Interdependence: Productive Parenting for Gifted Adolescents.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rhodes, Celeste

1994-01-01

This article offers a theoretical framework of the parenting role as applied to the unique needs and characteristics of gifted adolescents. In addition, a theory of parental modeling of interdependence is presented. Composite examples are made from informal observations of parents who have been successful in promoting the growth of their highly…

The Universe at Infrared and Submillimeter Wavelengths

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dwek, E.; Arendt, R. G.; Benford, D. J.; Mather, J. C.; Moseley, S. H.; Shafer, R. A.; Staguhn, J.

2004-01-01

Far infrared and submillimeter surveys offer unique information on the early stages of galaxy formation and evolution, and the cosmic history of star formation and metal enrichment. This paper presents various model results that can be used in the interpretation of far-IR and submm surveys with different diameter telescopes.

Workplace Basic Skills. A Study of 10 Canadian Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, Maurice

Presented in case study format, this report looks at different types of workplace literacy programs across Canada. It describes in some detail 10 particular work environments and the unique characteristics that have enabled each to offer quality worker education programs. Each case study provides information in these categories: profile (an…

Personal Computing and Academic Library Design.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bazillion, Richard J.

1992-01-01

Notebook computers of increasing power and portability offer unique advantages to library users. Connecting easily to a campus data network, they are small silent work stations capable of drawing information from a variety of sources. Designers of new library buildings may assume that users in growing numbers will carry these multipurpose…

Fluorescent Photo-conversion: A second chance to label unique cells

PubMed Central

Mellott, Adam J.; Shinogle, Heather E.; Moore, David S.; Detamore, Michael S.

2014-01-01

Not all cells behave uniformly after treatment in tissue engineering studies. In fact, some treated cells display no signs of treatment or show unique characteristics not consistent with other treated cells. What if the “unique” cells could be isolated from a treated population, and further studied? Photo-convertible reporter proteins, such as Dendra2, allow for the ability to selectively identify unique cells with a secondary label within a primary labeled treated population. In the current study, select cells were identified and labeled through photo-conversion of Dendra2-transfected human Wharton's Jelly cells (hWJCs) for the first time. Robust photo-conversion of green-to-red fluorescence was achieved consistently in arbitrarily selected cells, allowing for precise cell identification of select hWJCs. The current study demonstrates a method that offers investigators the opportunity to selectively label and identify unique cells within a treated population for further study or isolation from the treatment population. Photo-convertible reporter proteins, such as Dendra2, offer the ability over non-photo-convertible reporter proteins, such as green fluorescent protein, to analyze unique individual cells within a treated population, which allows investigators to gain more meaningful information on how a treatment affects all cells within a target population. PMID:25914756

Understanding new media. Trends and issues in electronic distribution of information

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

Compaine, B.M.

The authors provide an indepth look at the changes facing information businesses, which have expanded from the traditional publishing and broadcasting companies to include financial service businesses, retailers, and telecommunications carriers. Offering a unique conceptual framework - the information business map - this book stresses the political and regulatory forces that are reshaping the information industry's structure, identifies the issues that face strategic planners and policymakers, and suggests policy options and their potential consequences for the future. Each article provides a selected bibliography. 37 figures, 10 tables.

Making IT ends meet. Susquehanna Health System outsources Siemens' prized product to nearby hospitals looking for an affordable alternative.

PubMed

Becker, Cinda

2004-08-16

Susquehanna Health System has been offering small, rural hospitals a more affordable information technology system through a unique outsourcing agreement. The system's CIO, Pamela Wirth, left, has advocated the provider-to-provider arrangement, which could draw the ire of some vendors.

The Parallel Information Universe

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eisenberg, Mike

2008-01-01

The Web 2.0 "buzz" starts with new technologies such as virtual worlds, cell phones and handheld devices that offer 24/7 web access, tagging, social networks, and blogs and brings together various web capabilities in unique combinations. Web 2.0, however, is about much more than the technology--it is about a change in focus to participation, user…

"Knowing Their World": Urban Choral Music Educators' Knowledge of Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shaw, Julia T.

2015-01-01

The purpose of this collective case study was to explore how successful urban choral educators use contextual knowledge to inform pedagogical practice. With choirs in nine of a large midwestern city's demographically varied residential neighborhoods, a children's choir organization provided a research setting that offered a unique view of urban…

The Urban Primary School. Education in an Urbanised Society

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maguire, Meg; Wooldridge, Tim; Pratt-Adams, Simon

2006-01-01

This book offers an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges and contributions of urban primary schools. The authors set urban education in the wider social context of structural disadvantage, poverty, oppression and exclusion, and reassert some critical urban educational concerns. Recognizing that practice needs to be informed by theory,…

Connecting Biology to Electronics: Molecular Communication via Redox Modality.

PubMed

Liu, Yi; Li, Jinyang; Tschirhart, Tanya; Terrell, Jessica L; Kim, Eunkyoung; Tsao, Chen-Yu; Kelly, Deanna L; Bentley, William E; Payne, Gregory F

2017-12-01

Biology and electronics are both expert at for accessing, analyzing, and responding to information. Biology uses ions, small molecules, and macromolecules to receive, analyze, store, and transmit information, whereas electronic devices receive input in the form of electromagnetic radiation, process the information using electrons, and then transmit output as electromagnetic waves. Generating the capabilities to connect biology-electronic modalities offers exciting opportunities to shape the future of biosensors, point-of-care medicine, and wearable/implantable devices. Redox reactions offer unique opportunities for bio-device communication that spans the molecular modalities of biology and electrical modality of devices. Here, an approach to search for redox information through an interactive electrochemical probing that is analogous to sonar is adopted. The capabilities of this approach to access global chemical information as well as information of specific redox-active chemical entities are illustrated using recent examples. An example of the use of synthetic biology to recognize external molecular information, process this information through intracellular signal transduction pathways, and generate output responses that can be detected by electrical modalities is also provided. Finally, exciting results in the use of redox reactions to actuate biology are provided to illustrate that synthetic biology offers the potential to guide biological response through electrical cues. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

High-frequency applications of high-temperature superconductor thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klein, N.

2002-10-01

High-temperature superconducting thin films offer unique properties which can be utilized for a variety of high-frequency device applications in many areas related to the strongly progressing market of information technology. One important property is an exceptionally low level of microwave absorption at temperatures attainable with low power cryocoolers. This unique property has initiated the development of various novel type of microwave devices and commercialized subsystems with special emphasis on application in advanced microwave communication systems. The second important achievement related to efforts in oxide thin and multilayer technology was the reproducible fabrication of low-noise Josephson junctions in high-temperature superconducting thin films. As a consequence of this achievement, several novel nonlinear high-frequency devices, most of them exploiting the unique features of the ac Josephson effect, have been developed and found to exhibit challenging properties to be utilized in basic metrology and Terahertz technology. On the longer timescale, the achievements in integrated high-temperature superconductor circuit technology may offer a strong potential for the development of digital devices with possible clock frequencies in the range of 100 GHz.

Breaking down Barriers: A Case Study of Juvenile Justice Personnel Perspectives on School Reentry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cole, Heather; Cohen, Rebecca

2013-01-01

This article utilizes a qualitative case study to explore juvenile justice personnel perspectives on school reentry. Juvenile justice personnel are a little tapped into source of information on the inner workings of the school-to-prison pipeline. They provide a unique perspective as firsthand observers of the pipeline, offering a different voice…

Identifying and Enhancing the Strengths of Gifted Learners, K-8: Easy-to-Use Activities and Lessons

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maccagnano, Ann Marie

2007-01-01

Educators can identify children's strengths early on and gain insight into each student's unique abilities by using the numerous ideas and informal assessments in this exciting guide. Gifted and talented specialist Ann Maccagnano offers K-8 teachers challenging activities and engaging lessons to develop and nurture gifted learners' talents.…

Neurofeedback as a Treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review of Evidence for Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Willis, W. Grant; Weyandt, Lisa L.; Lubiner, Anna G.; Schubart, Chelsea D.

2011-01-01

Neurofeedback training is being offered with increasing frequency as a treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). School psychologists are in a unique position to educate teachers, parents, students, and others about a variety of disorders including ADHD, and it is important for them to be properly informed about the validity…

Autism spectrum disorders: information for pediatricians supporting families of young children on the spectrum.

PubMed

Patterson, Stephanie; Smith, Veronica; Jelen, Michaela

2012-01-01

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting in US 1 in 110 individuals.(1) As increasingly younger children are receiving ASD diagnoses, many pediatricians are now faced with the unique needs of parents and other caregivers of newly diagnosed toddlers and young children. This chapter provides an overview of ASD designed to offer information and resources to pediatricians that could, in turn, be provided to families of children newly diagnosed with ASD.

Helping Churches Mind the Children: A Guide for Church-Housed Child Day Care Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Council of Churches of Christ, New York, NY.

Produced for pastors, parents, and church members who consider service to families with young children a vital part of ministry, this manual presents information to stimulate enthusiasm about child day care as an important part of church mission. Its goal is to describe the church's unique opportunity to care for children and to offer guidance to…

What Science Is Telling Us: How Neurobiology and Developmental Psychology Are Changing the Way Policymakers and Communities Think about the Developing Child. Perspectives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Friedman, Dorian

2006-01-01

By bringing together neurologists, developmental psychologists, pediatricians, and economists, the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child offers a unique knowledge base from which early childhood policy and practice can be informed. By communicating how and why early experiences have a lasting impact on brain architecture--and what…

Generating unique IDs from patient identification data using security models.

PubMed

Mohammed, Emad A; Slack, Jonathan C; Naugler, Christopher T

2016-01-01

The use of electronic health records (EHRs) has continued to increase within healthcare systems in the developed and developing nations. EHRs allow for increased patient safety, grant patients easier access to their medical records, and offer a wealth of data to researchers. However, various bioethical, financial, logistical, and information security considerations must be addressed while transitioning to an EHR system. The need to encrypt private patient information for data sharing is one of the foremost challenges faced by health information technology. We describe the usage of the message digest-5 (MD5) and secure hashing algorithm (SHA) as methods for encrypting electronic medical data. In particular, we present an application of the MD5 and SHA-1 algorithms in encrypting a composite message from private patient information. The results show that the composite message can be used to create a unique one-way encrypted ID per patient record that can be used for data sharing. The described software tool can be used to share patient EMRs between practitioners without revealing patients identifiable data.

Internet research: an opportunity to revisit classic ethical problems in behavioral research.

PubMed

Pittenger, David J

2003-01-01

The Internet offers many new opportunities for behavioral researchers to conduct quantitative and qualitative research. Although the ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association generalize, in part, to research conducted through the Internet, several matters related to Internet research require further analysis. This article reviews several fundamental ethical issues related to Internet research, namely the preservation of privacy, the issuance of informed consent, the use of deception and false feedback, and research methods. In essence, the Internet offers unique challenges to behavioral researchers. Among these are the need to better define the distinction between private and public behavior performed through the Internet, ensure mechanisms for obtaining valid informed consent from participants and performing debriefing exercises, and verify the validity of data collected through the Internet.

Converting information from paper to optical media

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deaton, Timothy N.; Tiller, Bruce K.

1990-01-01

The technology of converting large amounts of paper into electronic form is described for use in information management systems based on optical disk storage. The space savings and photographic nature of microfiche are combined in these systems with the advantages of computerized data (fast and flexible retrieval of graphics and text, simultaneous instant access for multiple users, and easy manipulation of data). It is noted that electronic imaging systems offer a unique opportunity to dramatically increase the productivity and profitability of information systems. Particular attention is given to the CALS (Computer-aided Aquisition and Logistic Support) system.

Crossing the Cultural Divide in Early Childhood Teacher Education Programs: A Study of Chinese Graduate Students' Perceptions of American Early Care and Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luo, Nili; Gilliard, Jennifer L.

2006-01-01

To effectively teach young children, early childhood teachers must be prepared to collaborate with families of diverse backgrounds. Studying the unique cultural contexts of children and families in American early care and education programs and communities will offer early educators information needed to develop empathy for the families with whom…

NASA Satellite Observations: A Unique Asset for the Study of the Environment and Implications for Public

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Estes, Sue

2010-01-01

Health providers/researchers need environmental data to study and understand the geographic, environmental, and meteorological differences in disease. Satellite remote sensing of the environment offers a unique vantage point that can fill in the gaps of environmental, spatial, and temporal data for tracking disease. The field of geospatial health remains in its infancy, and this program will demonstrate the need for collaborations between multi-disciplinary research groups to develop the full potential. NASA will discuss some of their Public Health Projects and also providing the audience with information on opportunities for future collaborations with NASA for future research.

Are Comic Books Appropriate Health Education Formats to Offer Adult Patients?

PubMed

Ashwal, Gary; Thomas, Alex

2018-02-01

Physicians who recommend patient education comics should consider that some patients might question the appropriateness of this format, especially in the US, where a dominant cultural view of comics is that they are juvenile and intended to be funny. In this case, Dr. S might have approached communication with Mrs. T differently, even without knowing her attitude toward comics as a format for delivering health information. Dr. S could acknowledge that though some people might not expect useful medical information in a comic format, it has unique aspects and new research on patient education comics shows that even adults are finding this medium to be effective, educational, and engaging. Offering comics to patients, however, does potentially require patient educators to invest additional time to review and assess their accuracy and relevance. © 2018 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved.

The Differential Effect of Basic Mathematics Skills Homework via a Web-Based Intelligent Tutoring System across Achievement Subgroups and Mathematics Domains: A Randomized Field Experiment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bartelet, Dimona; Ghysels, Joris; Groot, Wim; Haelermans, Carla; van den Brink, Henriëtte Maassen

2016-01-01

This article examines an educational experiment with a unique combination of 3 elements: homework, the use of information and communication technology and a large degree of freedom of choice (student autonomy). More particularly, we study the effectiveness of a web-based intelligent tutoring system (ITS) that a school offers to its students as…

Phytoestrogens and Mycoestrogens Induce Signature Structure Dynamics Changes on Estrogen Receptor α

PubMed Central

Chen, Xueyan; Uzuner, Ugur; Li, Man; Shi, Weibing; Yuan, Joshua S.; Dai, Susie Y.

2016-01-01

Endocrine disrupters include a broad spectrum of chemicals such as industrial chemicals, natural estrogens and androgens, synthetic estrogens and androgens. Phytoestrogens are widely present in diet and food supplements; mycoestrogens are frequently found in grains. As human beings and animals are commonly exposed to phytoestrogens and mycoestrogens in diet and environment, it is important to understand the potential beneficial or hazardous effects of estrogenic compounds. Many bioassays have been established to study the binding of estrogenic compounds with estrogen receptor (ER) and provided rich data in the literature. However, limited assays can offer structure information with regard to the ligand/ER complex. Our current study surveys the global structure dynamics changes for ERα ligand binding domain (LBD) when phytoestrogens and mycoestrogens bind. The assay is based on the structure dynamics information probed by hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry and offers a unique viewpoint to elucidate the mechanism how phytoestrogens and mycoestrogens interact with estrogen receptor. The cluster analysis based on the hydrogen deuterium exchange (HDX) assay data reveals a unique pattern when phytoestrogens and mycoestrogens bind with ERα LBD compared to that of estradiol and synthetic estrogen modulators. Our study highlights that structure dynamics could play an important role in the structure function relationship when endocrine disrupters interact with estrogen receptors. PMID:27589781

Generating unique IDs from patient identification data using security models

PubMed Central

Mohammed, Emad A.; Slack, Jonathan C.; Naugler, Christopher T.

2016-01-01

Background: The use of electronic health records (EHRs) has continued to increase within healthcare systems in the developed and developing nations. EHRs allow for increased patient safety, grant patients easier access to their medical records, and offer a wealth of data to researchers. However, various bioethical, financial, logistical, and information security considerations must be addressed while transitioning to an EHR system. The need to encrypt private patient information for data sharing is one of the foremost challenges faced by health information technology. Method: We describe the usage of the message digest-5 (MD5) and secure hashing algorithm (SHA) as methods for encrypting electronic medical data. In particular, we present an application of the MD5 and SHA-1 algorithms in encrypting a composite message from private patient information. Results: The results show that the composite message can be used to create a unique one-way encrypted ID per patient record that can be used for data sharing. Conclusion: The described software tool can be used to share patient EMRs between practitioners without revealing patients identifiable data. PMID:28163977

Dynamic measures of RSA predict distress and regulation in toddlers.

PubMed

Brooker, Rebecca J; Buss, Kristin A

2010-05-01

In this study, we examined a new method for quantifying individual variability using dynamic measures of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). This method incorporated temporal variation into the measurement of RSA and provided information beyond that offered by more traditional quantifications such as difference scores. Dynamic and static measures of change in RSA were tested in relation to displays of emotion and affective behaviors during a fear-eliciting episode in a sample of 88 typically developing and high-fear toddlers during a laboratory visit at age 24 months. Dynamic measures of RSA contributed information that was unique from traditionally employed, static change scores in predicting high-fear toddlers' displays of shyness during a fear-eliciting episode. In contrast, RSA change scores offered information related to boldness in nonhigh-fear children. In addition, several associations included estimates of nonlinear change in RSA. Implications for the study of individual differences in RSA and relations with emotion and emotion regulation are discussed.

[Internet use and adolescents' sexual health].

PubMed

Tseng, Ying-Hua; Wang, Ruey-Hsia; Wang, Hsiu-Hung; Chou, Fan-Hao

2012-12-01

Internet use is an important part of the daily life of adolescents. The ease of searching the internet for information makes finding information on sex, a topic of particular interest to adolescents, easy. Although the internet is replete with sexual information, the influence of internet use on adolescents' sexual health is analogous to a double-edged sword. This article identifies the four main sexual dilemmas facing Taiwan adolescents and analyzes the pros and cons of internet use with regard to adolescents' sexual health. Cons include the predominance of internet pornography and the potential risks of making friends online. Pros include the internet's role as an optimal communications platform and tool for sex-related research. We suggest that nurses have a unique role and functions to play in promoting adolescent sexual health. We also offer recommendations for school health nursing and clinical nursing. Further internet-based quantitative and qualitative research is necessary to clarify relevant sexual health issues. Finally, we offer design suggestions for sexual education homepages.

Using High Performance Computing to Examine the Processes of Neurogenesis Underlying Pattern Separation and Completion of Episodic Information.

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

Aimone, James Bradley; Bernard, Michael Lewis; Vineyard, Craig Michael

2014-10-01

Adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus region of the brain is a neurobiological process that is believed to contribute to the brain's advanced abilities in complex pattern recognition and cognition. Here, we describe how realistic scale simulations of the neurogenesis process can offer both a unique perspective on the biological relevance of this process and confer computational insights that are suggestive of novel machine learning techniques. First, supercomputer based scaling studies of the neurogenesis process demonstrate how a small fraction of adult-born neurons have a uniquely larger impact in biologically realistic scaled networks. Second, we describe a novel technical approach bymore » which the information content of ensembles of neurons can be estimated. Finally, we illustrate several examples of broader algorithmic impact of neurogenesis, including both extending existing machine learning approaches and novel approaches for intelligent sensing.« less

[Experiencing dementia: evaluation of Into D'mentia].

PubMed

Hattink, Bart J J; Meiland, Franka J M; Campman, Carlijn A M; Rietsema, Jan; Sitskoorn, Margriet; Dröes, Rose-Marie

2015-10-01

Most persons with dementia in the Netherlands live at home, where they are cared for by informal carers such as family members or friends, who offer this care unpaid. Their care-task poses a high burden on these informal carers, increasing the risk of health problems and social isolation. Many informal carers indicate they want more information on the behaviour of those they care for. To develop and evaluate Into D'mentia, a simulation set in a living kitchen in which visitors experience a day in the life of someone with dementia. During this 'day', modern techniques such as sensors and projections, simulate the limitations of having dementia. This intervention is evaluated on usefulness and user friendliness, and on its effect on empathy, attitudes towards dementia, coping, carer burden, person-centered care capabilities and care satisfaction. Nine informal carers and 23 care professionals took part in the research into the Into D'mentia simulation. Before and after their visit, they filled in several questionnaires, with, among others, their opinion on the usefulness and user friendliness of this experience. Participants found Into D'mentia a highly useful and user friendly development. They indicated that the simulation offered good insight in the life of someone with dementia, and that they could offer better care thanks to this experience. Participants also indicated that they often thought back on their experiences in the simulation, in order to better understand the behaviour of people with dementia. Into D'mentia offers a unique, accessible way to experience the limitations dementia has on daily life. Users indicate that it is a useful and user friendly innovation. Into D'mentia appears to be a suitable method to support informal and professional caregivers.

Implementing an Electronic Medical Record in a Family Medicine Practice: Communication, Decision Making, and Conflict

PubMed Central

Crosson, Jesse C.; Stroebel, Christine; Scott, John G.; Stello, Brian; Crabtree, Benjamin F.

2005-01-01

PURPOSE Electronic medical record (EMR) systems offer substantial opportunities to organize and manage clinical data in ways that can potentially improve preventive health care, the management of chronic illness, and the financial health of primary care practices. The functionality of EMRs as implemented, however, can vary substantially from that envisaged by their designers and even from those who purchase the programs. The purpose of this study was to explore how unique aspects of a family medicine office culture affect the initial implementation of an EMR. METHODS As part of a larger study, we conducted a qualitative case study of a private family medicine practice that had recently purchased and implemented an EMR. We collected data using participant observation, in-depth interviews, and key informant interviews. After the initial data collection, we shared our observations with practice members and returned 1 year later to collect additional data. RESULTS Dysfunctional communication patterns, the distribution of formal and informal decision-making power, and internal conflicts limited the effective implementation and use of the EMR. The implementation and use of the EMR made tracking and monitoring of preventive health and chronic illness unwieldy and offered little or no improvement when compared with paper charts. CONCLUSIONS Implementing an EMR without an understanding of the systemic effects and communication and the decision-making processes within an office practice and without methods for bringing to the surface and addressing conflicts limits the opportunities for improved care offered by EMRs. Understanding how these common issues manifest within unique practice settings can enhance the effective implementation and use of EMRs. PMID:16046562

Implementing an electronic medical record in a family medicine practice: communication, decision making, and conflict.

PubMed

Crosson, Jesse C; Stroebel, Christine; Scott, John G; Stello, Brian; Crabtree, Benjamin F

2005-01-01

Electronic medical record (EMR) systems offer substantial opportunities to organize and manage clinical data in ways that can potentially improve preventive health care, the management of chronic illness, and the financial health of primary care practices. The functionality of EMRs as implemented, however, can vary substantially from that envisaged by their designers and even from those who purchase the programs. The purpose of this study was to explore how unique aspects of a family medicine office culture affect the initial implementation of an EMR. As part of a larger study, we conducted a qualitative case study of a private family medicine practice that had recently purchased and implemented an EMR. We collected data using participant observation, in-depth interviews, and key informant interviews. After the initial data collection, we shared our observations with practice members and returned 1 year later to collect additional data. Dysfunctional communication patterns, the distribution of formal and informal decision-making power, and internal conflicts limited the effective implementation and use of the EMR. The implementation and use of the EMR made tracking and monitoring of preventive health and chronic illness unwieldy and offered little or no improvement when compared with paper charts. Implementing an EMR without an understanding of the systemic effects and communication and the decision-making processes within an office practice and without methods for bringing to the surface and addressing conflicts limits the opportunities for improved care offered by EMRs. Understanding how these common issues manifest within unique practice settings can enhance the effective implementation and use of EMRs.

Observations from Space: A Unique Vantage Point for the Study of the Environment and Possible Associations with Disease Occurrence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Estes, S.; Haynes, J.; Hamdan, M. Al; Estes, M.; Sprigg, W.

2009-01-01

Health providers/researchers need environmental data to study and understand the geographic, environmental, and meteorological differences in disease. Satellite remote sensing of the environment offers a unique vantage point that can fill in the gaps of environmental, spatial, and temporal data for tracking disease. The field of geospatial health remains in its infancy, and this program will demonstrate the need for collaborations between multi-disciplinary research groups to develop the full potential. NASA will discuss the Public Health Projects developed to work with Grantees and the CDC while providing them with information on opportunities for future collaborations with NASA for future research.

Dementia Grief: A Theoretical Model of a Unique Grief Experience

PubMed Central

Blandin, Kesstan; Pepin, Renee

2016-01-01

Previous literature reveals a high prevalence of grief in dementia caregivers before physical death of the person with dementia that is associated with stress, burden, and depression. To date, theoretical models and therapeutic interventions with grief in caregivers have not adequately considered the grief process, but instead have focused on grief as a symptom that manifests within the process of caregiving. The Dementia Grief Model explicates the unique process of pre-death grief in dementia caregivers. In this paper we introduce the Dementia Grief Model, describe the unique characteristics dementia grief, and present the psychological states associated with the process of dementia grief. The model explicates an iterative grief process involving three states – separation, liminality, and re-emergence – each with a dynamic mechanism that facilitates or hinders movement through the dementia grief process. Finally, we offer potential applied research questions informed by the model. PMID:25883036

Educating adult females for leadership roles in an informal science program for girls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCreedy, Dale

The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of and an evidentiary warrant for, how a community of practice focused on informal science learning, can engage and promote active participation that offers adult female members and the community opportunities for legitimacy and transformation. This study is a qualitative, ethnographic research study that documents how adult female volunteers, historically inexperienced and/or excluded from traditional practices of science, come to engage in science activities through an informal, community-based context that helps them to appreciate science connections in their lives that are ultimately empowering and agentic. I begin to understand the ways in which such informal contexts, often thought to be marginal to dominant educational beliefs and practices, can offer adults outside of the field of science, education, or both, an entree into science learning and teaching that facilitate female's participation in legitimate and empowering ways. Using descriptive analyses, I first identify the characteristics of peripheral and active program participants. Through phenomenological analyses, I then develop an understanding of participation in an informal science program by focusing on three adult female members' unique trajectories of participation leading to core member status. Each draws on different aspects of the program that they find most salient, illustrating how different elements can serve as motivators for participation, and support continuation along the trajectory of participation reflecting personal and political agency. Through a purposeful ethnographic case-study analysis, I then explore one core member's transformation, evidenced by her developing identities as someone who enjoys science, engages in science activities, and, enacts a role as community old timer and door opener to science learning. This study: (1) contributes to the limited knowledge base in fields of informal learning, science education, and feminist research; (2) provides data that lead to assertions about the impact of NSP participation; and (3) takes advantage of a unique context in which to study adults and the interaction of gender, science, and informal learning.

Reconstruction method for data protection in telemedicine systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buldakova, T. I.; Suyatinov, S. I.

2015-03-01

In the report the approach to protection of transmitted data by creation of pair symmetric keys for the sensor and the receiver is offered. Since biosignals are unique for each person, their corresponding processing allows to receive necessary information for creation of cryptographic keys. Processing is based on reconstruction of the mathematical model generating time series that are diagnostically equivalent to initial biosignals. Information about the model is transmitted to the receiver, where the restoration of physiological time series is performed using the reconstructed model. Thus, information about structure and parameters of biosystem model received in the reconstruction process can be used not only for its diagnostics, but also for protection of transmitted data in telemedicine complexes.

Laminar fMRI and computational theories of brain function.

PubMed

Stephan, K E; Petzschner, F H; Kasper, L; Bayer, J; Wellstein, K V; Stefanics, G; Pruessmann, K P; Heinzle, J

2017-11-02

Recently developed methods for functional MRI at the resolution of cortical layers (laminar fMRI) offer a novel window into neurophysiological mechanisms of cortical activity. Beyond physiology, laminar fMRI also offers an unprecedented opportunity to test influential theories of brain function. Specifically, hierarchical Bayesian theories of brain function, such as predictive coding, assign specific computational roles to different cortical layers. Combined with computational models, laminar fMRI offers a unique opportunity to test these proposals noninvasively in humans. This review provides a brief overview of predictive coding and related hierarchical Bayesian theories, summarises their predictions with regard to layered cortical computations, examines how these predictions could be tested by laminar fMRI, and considers methodological challenges. We conclude by discussing the potential of laminar fMRI for clinically useful computational assays of layer-specific information processing. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Study of sungrazing comets with space-based coronagraphs: new possibilities offered by METIS on boar Solar Orbiter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bemporad, Alessandro

Thanks to the launch of SOHO in the end of 1995 and to the continuous monitoring of the white light (WL) corona offered by the LASCO coronagraphs, it was discovered that sungrazing comets are much more common than previously thought. More than 2500 comets have been discovered over about 17 years, hence slightly less than a comet every 2 days is observed by coronagraphs. The white light emission seen by SOHO/LASCO and more recently also by the STEREO/SECCHI instruments provides information not only on the comet orbits (hence on its origin), but also on the dust-tail formation, dust-tail disconnection, occurrence of nucleus fragmentation and nucleus disintegration processes. Very interestingly, a few sungrazing comets have been also observed in the UV spectra by the SOHO UV Coronagraph Spectrometer (UVCS) and the strong emission observed in the H I Lyman-alpha lambda 1216 Å line provided direct information also on the water outgassing rate, tail chemical composition, nucleus size and occurrence of nucleus fragmentations. Moreover, the UV cometary emission provides a new method to estimate physical parameters of the coronal plasma met by the comet (like electron density, proton temperature and solar wind velocity), in a way that these comets can be considered as “local probes” for the solar corona. Unique observations of comets will be provided in the next future by the METIS coronagraph on board the Solar Orbiter mission: METIS will contemporary observe the corona in WL and in UV (HI Lyman-alpha), hence will be a unique instrument to study at the same time the transiting comets and the solar corona being crossed by the comets. Previous results and new possibilities offered by METIS on these topics are summarized and discussed here.

Fathers' Role in Play: Enhancing Early Language and Literacy of Children with Developmental Delays

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stockall, Nancy; Dennis, Lindsay

2013-01-01

Fathers and paternal role models make a unique contribution to children's development. There is some research to suggest that the types of play males engage in with children is typically more active and thus offers unique possibilities for embedding activities for language and literacy development. In this article, we offer suggestions for how…

Computer-Based Medical System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

SYMED, Inc., developed a unique electronic medical records and information management system. The S2000 Medical Interactive Care System (MICS) incorporates both a comprehensive and interactive medical care support capability and an extensive array of digital medical reference materials in either text or high resolution graphic form. The system was designed, in cooperation with NASA, to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of physician practices. The S2000 is a MS (Microsoft) Windows based software product which combines electronic forms, medical documents, records management, and features a comprehensive medical information system for medical diagnostic support and treatment. SYMED, Inc. offers access to its medical systems to all companies seeking competitive advantages.

Information flow and protein dynamics: the interplay between nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations

PubMed Central

Pastor, Nina; Amero, Carlos

2015-01-01

Proteins participate in information pathways in cells, both as links in the chain of signals, and as the ultimate effectors. Upon ligand binding, proteins undergo conformation and motion changes, which can be sensed by the following link in the chain of information. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations represent powerful tools for examining the time-dependent function of biological molecules. The recent advances in NMR and the availability of faster computers have opened the door to more detailed analyses of structure, dynamics, and interactions. Here we briefly describe the recent applications that allow NMR spectroscopy and MD simulations to offer unique insight into the basic motions that underlie information transfer within and between cells. PMID:25999971

Asthma patient education opportunities in predominantly minority urban communities.

PubMed

Zayas, Luis E; McLean, Don

2007-12-01

Disenfranchised ethnic minority communities in the urban United States experience a high burden of asthma. Conventional office-based patient education often is insufficient to promote proper asthma management and coping practices responsive to minority patients' environments. This paper explores existing and alternative asthma information and education sources in three urban minority communities in western New York State to help design other practical educational interventions. Four focus groups (n = 59) and four town hall meetings (n = 109) were conducted in one Hispanic and two black communities. Focus groups included adult asthmatics or caretakers of asthmatics, and town meetings were open to all residents. A critical theory perspective informed the study. Asthma information and education sources, perceptions of asthma and ways of coping were elicited through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis followed a theory-driven immersion-crystallization approach. Several asthma education and information resources from the health care system, media, public institutions and communities were identified. Intervention recommendations highlighted asthma workshops that recognize participants as teachers and learners, offer social support, promote advocacy, are culturally appropriate and community-based and include health care professionals. Community-based, group health education couched on people's experiences and societal conditions offers unique opportunities for patient asthma care empowerment in minority urban communities.

Détermination assistée par ordinateur de la structure des molécules organiques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nuzillard, J.-M.

1998-02-01

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy offers the unique possibility of accessing proximity relationships between atoms by means of chemical shift correlation experiments. Structure determination of small molecules has become thus much simpler. Computer programs can use directly correlation information for structure analysis. The use and operation mechanism of such a program, LSD (Logic for Structure Determination) are presented. The example compound is gibberellic acid, a natural product. La spectroscopie de Résonance Magnétique Nucléaire offre un moyen unique de déterminer des relations de proximité entre atomes par le biais des expériences de corrélation. L'analyse structurale de petites molécules organiques s'en trouve extrêmement facilitée. Des programmes informatiques peuvent utiliser directement les informations de corrélation pour déduire des structures. Le fonctionnement et l'usage d'un tel programme, LSD (Logic for Structure Determination), sont détaillés sur un exemple, l'acide gibberellique.

Suomi satellite brings to light a unique frontier of nighttime environmental sensing capabilities

PubMed Central

Miller, Steven D.; Mills, Stephen P.; Elvidge, Christopher D.; Lindsey, Daniel T.; Lee, Thomas F.; Hawkins, Jeffrey D.

2012-01-01

Most environmental satellite radiometers use solar reflectance information when it is available during the day but must resort at night to emission signals from infrared bands, which offer poor sensitivity to low-level clouds and surface features. A few sensors can take advantage of moonlight, but the inconsistent availability of the lunar source limits measurement utility. Here we show that the Day/Night Band (DNB) low-light visible sensor on the recently launched Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (NPP) satellite has the unique ability to image cloud and surface features by way of reflected airglow, starlight, and zodiacal light illumination. Examples collected during new moon reveal not only meteorological and surface features, but also the direct emission of airglow structures in the mesosphere, including expansive regions of diffuse glow and wave patterns forced by tropospheric convection. The ability to leverage diffuse illumination sources for nocturnal environmental sensing applications extends the advantages of visible-light information to moonless nights. PMID:22984179

Nurses in need of additional support: web sites offering information in eldercare nursing environments.

PubMed

Matusitz, Jonathan; Breen, Gerald-Mark; Marathe, Shriram S; Wan, Thomas T H

2010-01-01

Studies have shown the usefulness of telemedicine and telecare in multiple settings. One form of telemedicine is e-health. Residents of nursing homes are a unique population that may significantly benefit from the e-health resources available to their caregivers. E-health Web sites appear to be viable, feasible, and timely interventional methods to provide the additional knowledge and support practitioners in these settings may need to provide preventative, reactive, and remedial care for frail residents.

Informal physics learning from video games: a case study using gameplay videos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Croxton, DeVaughn; Kortemeyer, Gerd

2018-01-01

Researching informal gameplay can be challenging, since as soon as a formal study design is imposed, it becomes neither casual nor self-motivated. As a case study of a non-invasive design, we analyze publicly posted gameplay videos to assess the effectiveness of a physics educational video game on special relativity. These videos offer unique insights into informal learning through gaming, as players do not only describe the gameplay mechanics, but also explore physics concepts in a think-aloud fashion while they ponder the experience and effects. We find that while this methodology has substantial limitations, it is complementary when it comes to assessing motivations and attitudes, as well as to gathering data on conceptual hurdles.

Novel numerical and graphical representation of DNA sequences and proteins.

PubMed

Randić, M; Novic, M; Vikić-Topić, D; Plavsić, D

2006-12-01

We have introduced novel numerical and graphical representations of DNA, which offer a simple and unique characterization of DNA sequences. The numerical representation of a DNA sequence is given as a sequence of real numbers derived from a unique graphical representation of the standard genetic code. There is no loss of information on the primary structure of a DNA sequence associated with this numerical representation. The novel representations are illustrated with the coding sequences of the first exon of beta-globin gene of half a dozen species in addition to human. The method can be extended to proteins as is exemplified by humanin, a 24-aa peptide that has recently been identified as a specific inhibitor of neuronal cell death induced by familial Alzheimer's disease mutant genes.

Building Professional and Technical Skills in the Use of Earth Observations through the NASA DEVELOP National Program: Best Practices & Lessons Learned

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crepps, G.; Ross, K. W.; Childs-Gleason, L. M.; Allsbrook, K. N.; Rogers, L.; Ruiz, M. L.; Clayton, A.

2017-12-01

The NASA DEVELOP National Program offers 10-week research opportunities to participants to work on rapid feasibility projects utilizing NASA Earth observations in a variety of applications, including ecological forecasting, water resources, disasters, and health and air quality. DEVELOP offers a unique collaborative environment in which students, recent graduates, and transitioning career professionals are placed on interdisciplinary teams to conduct projects. DEVELOP offers a variety of opportunities and resources to build participants technical skills in remote sensing and GIS, as well as interpersonal and leadership skills. As a capacity building program, DEVELOP assesses participants' growth by using entrance and exit personal growth assessments, as well as gathering general program feedback through an exit survey. All of this information is fed back into the program for continual improvement. DEVELOP also offers a progression of opportunities through which participants can advance through the program, allowing participants to build a diverse set of technical and leadership skills. This presentation will explore best practices including the use of pre- and post-growth assessments, offering advanced leadership opportunities, and overall capacity building impacts on participants.

Survey of Advanced Applications Over ACTS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauer, Robert; McMasters, Paul

2000-01-01

The Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) system provided a national testbed that enabled advanced applications to be tested and demonstrated over a live satellite link. Of the applications that used ACTS. some offered unique advantages over current methods, while others simply could not be accommodated by conventional systems. The initial technical and experiments results of the program were reported at the 1995 ACTS Results Conference. in Cleveland, Ohio. Since then, the Experiments Program has involved 45 new experiments comprising 30 application experiments and 15 technology related experiments that took advantage of the advanced technologies and unique capabilities offered by ACTS. The experiments are categorized and quantified to show the organizational mix of the experiments program and relative usage of the satellite. Since paper length guidelines preclude each experiment from being individually reported, the application experiments and significant demonstrations are surveyed to show the breadth of the activities that have been supported. Experiments in a similar application category are collectively discussed, such as. telemedicine. or networking and protocol evaluation. Where available. experiment conclusions and impact are presented and references of results and experiment information are provided. The quantity and diversity of the experiments program demonstrated a variety of service areas for the next generation of commercially available, advanced satellite communications.

Inaccuracy in health research news: a typology and predictions of scientists' perceptions of the accuracy of research news.

PubMed

Chang, Chingching

2015-01-01

This article introduces an integrated inaccuracy typology to explore the prevalence of inaccurate news coverage of health research. This typology suggests that errors, omissions, and misinterpretations are three common types of inaccuracy; errors and omissions are objective, whereas misinterpretations are subjective. Objective inaccuracy involves errors and omissions in describing the background or substantive information about the research, such as how, when, where, and on whom research was conducted. Subjective inaccuracy entails misinterpretations as a result of a lack of expertise among journalists (e.g., misstating facts, errors in inferences, offering speculations as facts) or media's interest in profits (e.g., overemphasis on unique findings, overgeneralizations of findings, shifting emphases). For this study, coders analyzed objective inaccuracy, while scientists rated subjective inaccuracy. In turn, it identifies what can account for the variance in scientists' perceptions of inaccuracy in news articles citing their research. Objective and subjective inaccuracy offer significant predictors. Of the different types of objective inaccuracy, omissions of research methods represent a significant factor, whereas of the types of subjective inaccuracy, errors in inferences, overemphasis on uniqueness, and overgeneralizations of findings are all significant predictors.

Interpreting international governance standards for health IT use within general medical practice.

PubMed

Mahncke, Rachel J; Williams, Patricia A H

2014-01-01

General practices in Australia recognise the importance of comprehensive protective security measures. Some elements of information security governance are incorporated into recommended standards, however the governance component of information security is still insufficiently addressed in practice. The International Organistion for Standardisation (ISO) released a new global standard in May 2013 entitled, ISO/IEC 27014:2013 Information technology - Security techniques - Governance of information security. This standard, applicable to organisations of all sizes, offers a framework against which to assess and implement the governance components of information security. The standard demonstrates the relationship between governance and the management of information security, provides strategic principles and processes, and forms the basis for establishing a positive information security culture. An analysis interpretation of this standard for use in Australian general practice was performed. This work is unique as such interpretation for the Australian healthcare environment has not been undertaken before. It demonstrates an application of the standard at a strategic level to inform existing development of an information security governance framework.

Impact of Hospital Information Systems on Emergency Patient Processing

PubMed Central

Rusnak, James E.

1981-01-01

The Emergency Department offers the Hospital Information System's designer some unique problems to solve in the operational areas of patient registration, order entry, charge recording, and treatment processing. In a number of instances, Hospital Information Systems implementers have encountered serious difficulties in trying to design system components to support the requirements of the Emergency Services Department's operations. Washington Hospital has developed a very effective system for Emergency Services. The system's features are designed to meet the special requirements of the department and to maximize the use of the data captured by the Hospital Information System. The system supports accurate and timely charging for services. The treatment of the patient has been dramatically improved through the use of a computerized order processing and control. The installed systems resulted in a higher quality of care and cost effective operations.

Blogging and Social Media for Mental Health Education and Advocacy: a Review for Psychiatrists.

PubMed

Peek, Holly S; Richards, Misty; Muir, Owen; Chan, Steven Richard; Caton, Michael; MacMillan, Carlene

2015-11-01

We live in a digital age where information can be found instantaneously via the Internet. Studies have shown that consumers search for much of their medical information on the Internet, particularly utilizing blogs and social media platforms. As the mental health field is riddled with misinformation and stigma, this offers a unique opportunity for psychiatrists and mental health professionals to reach a broad audience for mental health education and advocacy. In this review, we discuss the various methods and techniques for blogging and social media. We then review the current recommendations for ethics and professionalism as well as make recommendations to strengthen our guidance in this new and evolving field.

Assessing the Readability of Online Information About Hip Arthroscopy.

PubMed

Mehta, Manish P; Swindell, Hasani W; Westermann, Robert W; Rosneck, James T; Lynch, T Sean

2018-04-06

To investigate the current readability of online information pertaining to hip arthroscopy. The terms "hip arthroscopy" and "hip scope" were entered into the advanced search functions of Google, Yahoo!, and Bing on March 25, 2017, and results from the first 3 pages were analyzed. Results were required to be unique, accessible websites with information about hip arthroscopy conveyed primarily via analyzable text. Two reviewers applied inclusion criteria to the initial 97 results, discussing to reach consensus in cases of disagreement. Overall, 60 unique results were reviewed with 48 meeting inclusion criteria. Websites were categorized as physician-sponsored, academic, commercial, governmental and nonprofit organization (NPO), or unspecified. Readability was measured via 6 different indices: the Flesch-Kincaid grade level (FKGL), Flesch Reading Ease (FRE), Gunning Fog Score, SMOG Index, Coleman-Liau Index (CLI), and Automated Readability Index (ARI) along with an average grade level and readability classification score. Forty-eight unique websites were assessed for readability, with physician-sponsored webpages composing the majority (47.92%) followed by academic sources (35.42%). The webpages' average grade level, incorporating information from all 6 metrics, was 12.79 ± 1.98. The current readability of online information pertaining to hip arthroscopy is at an inappropriately high reading level compared with the sixth-grade level recommended by the American Medical Association and National Institutes of Health, thus introducing significant barriers to understanding for many patients. Online materials should be edited to reduce word and sentence length and complexity, use simpler terms, and minimize use of passive voice to facilitate patient knowledge acquisition and understanding of online information about hip arthroscopy. This study shows that the current readability of online information on hip arthroscopy exceeds the suggested sixth-grade reading level. It also emphasizes the need for simplifying written materials and offers specific suggestions on doing so to increase accessibility of information for patients. Copyright © 2018 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

101 Ways To Build Enrollment in Your Early Childhood Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Montanari, Ellen Orton

Written for administrators of early childhood program centers, this book offers tips on how to increase enrollment. The book offers suggestions rather than a theoretical overview or a comprehensive marketing strategy. Suggestions offered include: (1) Offer a quality program; (2) be aware of your target market; (3) make your program unique; (4)…

Positive and negative evaluation of relationships: Development and validation of the Positive-Negative Relationship Quality (PN-RQ) scale.

PubMed

Rogge, Ronald D; Fincham, Frank D; Crasta, Dev; Maniaci, Michael R

2017-08-01

Three studies were undertaken to develop the Positive-Negative Relationship Quality scale (PN-RQ), conceptualizing relationship quality as a bidimensional construct in which the positive qualities of a relationship are treated as distinct from its negative qualities. Analyses in emerging adults (Study 1: N = 1,814), in online respondents (Study 2: N = 787) with a 2-week follow-up, and in a single group pre-intervention-post-intervention study (Study 3: N = 54) of the Promoting Awareness, Improving Relationships (PAIR) program provided support for (a) positive and negative qualities as distinct dimensions via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), (b) the PN-RQ representing an item response theory-optimized measure of these 2 dimensions, (c) substantive differences between indifferent (low positive and negative qualities) and ambivalent (high positive and negative qualities) relationships potentially obscured by unidimensional scales, (d) high levels of responsiveness of the PN-RQ scales to change over time, (e) the unique predictive validity offered over time by the PN-RQ scores beyond that offered by scores of current unidimensional measures of relationship quality, and (f) the unique longitudinal information gained by using the PN-RQ as a bidimensional outcome measure in an intervention study. Taken together, the studies offer promising support for the PN-RQ scales suggesting that they have the potential to advance both basic and applied research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

The role of verbalization in the Rorschach response process: a review.

PubMed

Gold, J M

1987-01-01

Traditional Rorschach theory has consistently overlooked the linguistic aspect of the response process. Most conceptualizations focus on the perceptual and cognitive aspects of the process, never examining the subject's need to find a linguistic representation for the inner, perceptual process. This review examines the traditional formulations and suggests that new research from information-processing, neuropsychological, and dual-coding memory theory paradigms offer new possibilities for Rorschach research that would incorporate an appreciation of the unique cognitive demand of the test--the linking of percept with language.

PERCEPT: indoor navigation for the blind and visually impaired.

PubMed

Ganz, Aura; Gandhi, Siddhesh Rajan; Schafer, James; Singh, Tushar; Puleo, Elaine; Mullett, Gary; Wilson, Carole

2011-01-01

In order to enhance the perception of indoor and unfamiliar environments for the blind and visually-impaired, we introduce the PERCEPT system that supports a number of unique features such as: a) Low deployment and maintenance cost; b) Scalability, i.e. we can deploy the system in very large buildings; c) An on-demand system that does not overwhelm the user, as it offers small amounts of information on demand; and d) Portability and ease-of-use, i.e., the custom handheld device carried by the user is compact and instructions are received audibly.

Lessons learned for improving spacecraft ground operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bell, Michael; Stambolian, Damon; Henderson, Gena

NASA has a unique history in processing the Space Shuttle fleet for launches. Some of this experience has been captured in the NASA Lessons Learned Information System (LLIS). This tool provides a convenient way for design engineers to review lessons from the past to prevent problems from reoccurring and incorporate positive lessons in new designs. At the Kennedy Space Center, the LLIS is being used to design ground support equipment for the next generation of launch and crewed vehicles. This paper describes the LLIS process and offers some examples.

Mass sensing based on deterministic and stochastic responses of elastically coupled nanocantilevers.

PubMed

Gil-Santos, Eduardo; Ramos, Daniel; Jana, Anirban; Calleja, Montserrat; Raman, Arvind; Tamayo, Javier

2009-12-01

Coupled nanomechanical systems and their entangled eigenstates offer unique opportunities for the detection of ultrasmall masses. In this paper we show theoretically and experimentally that the stochastic and deterministic responses of a pair of coupled nanocantilevers provide different and complementary information about the added mass of an analyte and its location. This method allows the sensitive detection of minute quantities of mass even in the presence of large initial differences in the active masses of the two cantilevers. Finally, we show the fundamental limits in mass detection of this sensing paradigm.

Advanced materials for space nuclear power systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Titran, Robert H.; Grobstein, Toni L.; Ellis, David L.

1991-01-01

The overall philosophy of the research was to develop and characterize new high temperature power conversion and radiator materials and to provide spacecraft designers with material selection options and design information. Research on three candidate materials (carbide strengthened niobium alloy PWC-11 for fuel cladding, graphite fiber reinforced copper matrix composites for heat rejection fins, and tungsten fiber reinforced niobium matrix composites for fuel containment and structural supports considered for space power system applications is discussed. Each of these types of materials offers unique advantages for space power applications.

Lessons Learned for Improving Spacecraft Ground Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bell, Michael A.; Stambolian, Damon B.; Henderson, Gena M.

2012-01-01

NASA has a unique history in processing the Space Shuttle fleet for launches. Some of this experience has been captured in the NASA Lessons Learned Information System (LLIS). This tool provides a convenient way for design engineers to review lessons from the past to prevent problems from reoccurring and incorporate positive lessons in new designs. At the Kennedy Space Center, the LLIS is being used to design ground support equipment for the next generation of launch and crewed vehicles. This paper describes the LLIS process and offers some examples.

Resonant soft X-ray scattering for polymer materials

DOE PAGES

Liu, Feng; Brady, Michael A.; Wang, Cheng

2016-04-16

Resonant Soft X-ray Scattering (RSoXS) was developed within the last few years, and the first dedicated resonant soft X-ray scattering beamline for soft materials was constructed at the Advanced Light Source, LBNL. RSoXS combines soft X-ray spectroscopy with X-ray scattering and thus offers statistical information for 3D chemical morphology over a large length scale range from nanometers to micrometers. Using RSoXS to characterize multi-length scale soft materials with heterogeneous chemical structures, we have demonstrated that soft X-ray scattering is a unique complementary technique to conventional hard X-ray and neutron scattering. Its unique chemical sensitivity, large accessible size scale, molecular bondmore » orientation sensitivity with polarized X-rays, and high coherence have shown great potential for chemically specific structural characterization for many classes of materials.« less

Microwave remote sensing from space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carver, K. R.; Elachi, C.; Ulaby, F. T.

1985-01-01

Spaceborne microwave remote sensors provide perspectives of the earth surface and atmosphere which are of unique value in scientific studies of geomorphology, oceanic waves and topography, atmospheric water vapor and temperatures, vegetation classification and stress, ice types and dynamics, and hydrological characteristics. Microwave radars and radiometers offer enhanced sensitivities to the geometrical characteristics of the earth's surface and its cover, to water in all its forms - soil and vegetation moisture, ice, wetlands, oceans, and atmospheric water vapor, and can provide high-resolution imagery of the earth's surface independent of cloud cover or sun angle. A brief review of the historical development and principles of active and passive microwave remote sensing is presented, with emphasis on the unique characteristics of the information obtainable in the microwave spectrum and the value of this information to global geoscientific studies. Various spaceborne microwave remote sensors are described, with applications to geology, planetology, oceanography, glaciology, land biology, meteorology, and hydrology. A discussion of future microwave remote sensor technological developments and challenges is presented, along with a summary of future missions being planned by several countries.

Mechanism on brain information processing: Energy coding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Rubin; Zhang, Zhikang; Jiao, Xianfa

2006-09-01

According to the experimental result of signal transmission and neuronal energetic demands being tightly coupled to information coding in the cerebral cortex, the authors present a brand new scientific theory that offers a unique mechanism for brain information processing. They demonstrate that the neural coding produced by the activity of the brain is well described by the theory of energy coding. Due to the energy coding model's ability to reveal mechanisms of brain information processing based upon known biophysical properties, they cannot only reproduce various experimental results of neuroelectrophysiology but also quantitatively explain the recent experimental results from neuroscientists at Yale University by means of the principle of energy coding. Due to the theory of energy coding to bridge the gap between functional connections within a biological neural network and energetic consumption, they estimate that the theory has very important consequences for quantitative research of cognitive function.

Breast Health Services: Accuracy of Benefit Coverage Information in the Individual Insurance Marketplace.

PubMed

Hamid, Mariam S; Kolenic, Giselle E; Dozier, Jessica; Dalton, Vanessa K; Carlos, Ruth C

2017-04-01

The aim of this study was to determine if breast health coverage information provided by customer service representatives employed by insurers offering plans in the 2015 federal and state health insurance marketplaces is consistent with Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and state-specific legislation. One hundred fifty-eight unique customer service numbers were identified for insurers offering plans through the federal marketplace, augmented with four additional numbers representing the Connecticut state-run exchange. Using a standardized patient biography and the mystery-shopper technique, a single investigator posed as a purchaser and contacted each number, requesting information on breast health services coverage. Consistency of information provided by the representative with the ACA mandates (BRCA testing in high-risk women) or state-specific legislation (screening ultrasound in women with dense breasts) was determined. Insurer representatives gave BRCA test coverage information that was not consistent with the ACA mandate in 60.8% of cases, and 22.8% could not provide any information regarding coverage. Nearly half (48.1%) of insurer representatives gave coverage information about ultrasound screening for dense breasts that was not consistent with state-specific legislation, and 18.5% could not provide any information. Insurance customer service representatives in the federal and state marketplaces frequently provide inaccurate coverage information about breast health services that should be covered under the ACA and state-specific legislation. Misinformation can inadvertently lead to the purchase of a plan that does not meet the needs of the insured. Copyright © 2016 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Flashbulb memories of Paris attacks

PubMed Central

El Haj, Mohamad; Gandolphe, Marie-Charlotte; Wawrziczny, Emilie; Antoine, Pascal

2016-01-01

Abstract Rationale: Flashbulb memories are detailed and vivid memories of attributes of the reception context of surprising and emotionally arousing public events. Patient concerns and diagnosis: This paper offers a fine-grained view of flashbulb memories in a patient with mild Alzheimer's disease (AD). Interventions: The patient underwent a directed interview about the 13 November 2015 attacks in Paris. Outcomes: Unlike her memory about the date and month of the attacks, the patient provided accurate information about the year, time and places they occurred. The patient also provided accurate information about how she first became aware of the attacks, where she was, with whom, what she was doing, and what time it was when she learned about them. As for the affective characteristics of these memories, she tended to have high ratings of vividness and rehearsal. Negative emotional states and great surprise and novelty were also reported. Lessons: By assessing the impact of flashbulb memories in this patient with AD, this paper offers a unique view into how such memories may trigger a considerable recall of context as well much subjective reliving. PMID:27861395

Flashbulb memories of Paris attacks: Recall of these events and subjective reliving of these memories in a case with Alzheimer disease.

PubMed

El Haj, Mohamad; Gandolphe, Marie-Charlotte; Wawrziczny, Emilie; Antoine, Pascal

2016-11-01

Flashbulb memories are detailed and vivid memories of attributes of the reception context of surprising and emotionally arousing public events. This paper offers a fine-grained view of flashbulb memories in a patient with mild Alzheimer's disease (AD). The patient underwent a directed interview about the 13 November 2015 attacks in Paris. Unlike her memory about the date and month of the attacks, the patient provided accurate information about the year, time and places they occurred. The patient also provided accurate information about how she first became aware of the attacks, where she was, with whom, what she was doing, and what time it was when she learned about them. As for the affective characteristics of these memories, she tended to have high ratings of vividness and rehearsal. Negative emotional states and great surprise and novelty were also reported. By assessing the impact of flashbulb memories in this patient with AD, this paper offers a unique view into how such memories may trigger a considerable recall of context as well much subjective reliving.

Quantitative proteomic analysis in breast cancer.

PubMed

Tabchy, A; Hennessy, B T; Gonzalez-Angulo, A M; Bernstam, F M; Lu, Y; Mills, G B

2011-02-01

Much progress has recently been made in the genomic and transcriptional characterization of tumors. However, historically the characterization of cells at the protein level has suffered limitations in reproducibility, scalability and robustness. Recent technological advances have made it possible to accurately and reproducibly portray the global levels and active states of cellular proteins. Protein microarrays examine the native post-translational conformations of proteins including activated phosphorylated states, in a comprehensive high-throughput mode, and can map activated pathways and networks of proteins inside the cells. The reverse-phase protein microarray (RPPA) offers a unique opportunity to study signal transduction networks in small biological samples such as human biopsy material and can provide critical information for therapeutic decision-making and the monitoring of patients for targeted molecular medicine. By providing the key missing link to the story generated from genomic and gene expression characterization efforts, functional proteomics offer the promise of a comprehensive understanding of cancer. Several initial successes in breast cancer are showing that such information is clinically relevant. Copyright 2011 Prous Science, S.A.U. or its licensors. All rights reserved.

Sub-Millimeter Heterodyne Focal-Plane Arrays for High-Resolution Astronomical Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldsmith, Paul F.

2017-09-01

Spectral lines are vital tools for astronomy, particularly for studying the interstellar medium, which is widely distributed throughout the volume of our Milky Way and of other galaxies. Broadband emissions, including synchrotron, free-free, and thermal dust emissions give astronomers important information. However, they do not give information about the motions of, for example, interstellar clouds, the filamentary structures found within them, star-forming dense cores, and photon-dominated regions energized by massive young stars. For study of the interstellar medium, spectral lines at sub-millimeter wavelengths are particularly important, for two reasons. First, they offer the unique ability to observe a variety of important molecules, atoms, and ions, which are the most important gas coolants (fine-structure lines of ionized and neutral carbon, neutral oxygen), probes of physical conditions (high-J transitions of CO, HF, fine-structure lines of ionized nitrogen), and of obvious biogenic importance (H2O). In addition, high-resolution observations of spectral lines offer the unique ability to disentangle the complex motions within these regions and, in some cases, to determine their arrangement along the line of sight. To accomplish this, spectral resolution high enough to resolve the spectral lines of interest is required. We can measure the resolution of the spectrometer in terms of its resolution, R = f/δf, where f is the rest frequency of the line, and δJ is the frequency resolution of the spectrometer. More-active sources can be advantageously studied with R = 3 × 10^5, while more quiescent sources require R as high as 10^7.

Strategies for Information Retrieval and Virtual Teaming to Mitigate Risk on NASA's Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Topousis, Daria; Williams, Gregory; Murphy, Keri

2007-01-01

Following the loss of NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003, it was determined that problems in the agency's organization created an environment that led to the accident. One component of the proposed solution resulted in the formation of the NASA Engineering Network (NEN), a suite of information retrieval and knowledge sharing tools. This paper describes the implementation of this set of search, portal, content management, and semantic technologies, including a unique meta search capability for data from distributed engineering resources. NEN's communities of practice are formed along engineering disciplines where users leverage their knowledge and best practices to collaborate and take informal learning back to their personal jobs and embed it into the procedures of the agency. These results offer insight into using traditional engineering disciplines for virtual teaming and problem solving.

Bayesian Models Leveraging Bioactivity and Cytotoxicity Information for Drug Discovery

PubMed Central

Ekins, Sean; Reynolds, Robert C.; Kim, Hiyun; Koo, Mi-Sun; Ekonomidis, Marilyn; Talaue, Meliza; Paget, Steve D.; Woolhiser, Lisa K.; Lenaerts, Anne J.; Bunin, Barry A.; Connell, Nancy; Freundlich, Joel S.

2013-01-01

SUMMARY Identification of unique leads represents a significant challenge in drug discovery. This hurdle is magnified in neglected diseases such as tuberculosis. We have leveraged public high-throughput screening (HTS) data, to experimentally validate virtual screening approach employing Bayesian models built with bioactivity information (single-event model) as well as bioactivity and cytotoxicity information (dual-event model). We virtually screen a commercial library and experimentally confirm actives with hit rates exceeding typical HTS results by 1-2 orders of magnitude. The first dual-event Bayesian model identified compounds with antitubercular whole-cell activity and low mammalian cell cytotoxicity from a published set of antimalarials. The most potent hit exhibits the in vitro activity and in vitro/in vivo safety profile of a drug lead. These Bayesian models offer significant economies in time and cost to drug discovery. PMID:23521795

Career Design Education by Cooperation and Collaboration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, Takeo; Koma, Tetsuya; Akiyama, Akira; Kihara, Hitoshi; Yamada, Hirofumi

Kanazawa Technical College (KTC) was established to train beginner engineering students in 1962. Since then, KTC offers a unique education/hands on, and has maintained a 100% employment rate upon graduation. In the fourth grade, students participate in a unique industrial internship program for two weeks during summer vacation. As a result, students’ overall satisfaction rate concerning their education is high. Therefore, instead of offering traditional courses that value the experience of the present, it is necessary to offer a new course that lets student discover for themselves what their future will be like. In this paper, an outline of the career design education executed by the students together with their parent (s) /guardian, the school and industry is described.

Sometimes You Need a Weatherman to Know Which Way the Wind Blows: The 25-Year Weather Underground Experience

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masters, J.

2014-12-01

Originally an educational project at the University of Michigan in the early 1990s, the Weather Underground transformed into the highly successful commercial Internet weather web site, wunderground.com, in 1995. I give an overview of the science communication experiences learned during my 25-year experience with the Weather Underground. Some lessons learned: Find your own unique voice. Be entertaining; don't be such a scientist. Tell stories. Earn people's trust. Use colorful graphs, images that show people, historical events, or scenes of local interest to illustrate your message. Be careful with criticism. Allow your audience to participate. Enrich people's experience by turning them on to other groups that offer unique and interesting information. Collaborate with other communicators with the goal of providing the public with simple, clear messages, repeated by a variety of trusted sources.

Patient educational technologies and their use by patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer.

PubMed

Baverstock, Richard J; Crump, R Trafford; Carlson, Kevin V

2015-09-29

Two urology practices in Calgary, Canada use patient educational technology (PET) as a core component of their clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to determine how patients interact with PET designed to inform them about their treatment options for clinically localized prostate cancer. A PET library was developed with 15 unique prostate-related educational modules relating to diagnosis, treatment options, and potential side effects. The PET collected data regarding its use, and those data were used to conduct a retrospective analysis. Descriptive analyses were conducted and comparisons made between patients' utilization of the PET library during first and subsequent access; Pearson's Chi-Square was used to test for statistical significance, where appropriate. Every patient (n = 394) diagnosed with localized prostate cancer was given access to the PET library using a unique identifier. Of those, 123 logged into the library and viewed at least one module and 94 patients logged into the library more than once. The average patient initially viewed modules pertaining to their diagnosis. Viewing behavior significantly changed in subsequent logins, moving towards modules pertaining to treatment options, decision making, and post-surgical information. As observed through the longitudinal utilization of the PET library, information technology offers clinicians an opportunity to provide an interactive platform to meet patients' dynamic educational needs. Understanding these needs will help inform the development of more useful PETs. The informational needs of patients diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer changed throughout the course of their diagnosis and treatment.

Functional Interdependence Theory: An Evolutionary Account of Social Situations.

PubMed

Balliet, Daniel; Tybur, Joshua M; Van Lange, Paul A M

2017-11-01

Social interactions are characterized by distinct forms of interdependence, each of which has unique effects on how behavior unfolds within the interaction. Despite this, little is known about the psychological mechanisms that allow people to detect and respond to the nature of interdependence in any given interaction. We propose that interdependence theory provides clues regarding the structure of interdependence in the human ancestral past. In turn, evolutionary psychology offers a framework for understanding the types of information processing mechanisms that could have been shaped under these recurring conditions. We synthesize and extend these two perspectives to introduce a new theory: functional interdependence theory (FIT). FIT can generate testable hypotheses about the function and structure of the psychological mechanisms for inferring interdependence. This new perspective offers insight into how people initiate and maintain cooperative relationships, select social partners and allies, and identify opportunities to signal social motives.

Mr. Trump: How I learned to stop worrying and love the patient-aggressor.

PubMed

Coren, Sidney

2018-05-01

This paper offers an integration of social issues, psychoanalytic theory, and analytic experience in the treatment of a patient whose political values and identifications differed significantly from my own. Our political leanings facilitated a dynamic tension of difference, power, and aggression that mirrored how each of us felt in relation to the current social-political milieu. In particular, the sadomasochistic dynamics on display in the treatment offered me a unique way of understanding my relationship with my patient and opened new ways of understanding the political present. In the end, I learned to stop worrying about getting rid of anger, aggression, and splitting, and instead to embrace what these feelings and behaviors can tell me as a therapist, and what they can inform for my patients about the nature of relationality, identity, and difference. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Towards neutron scattering experiments with sub-millisecond time resolution

DOE PAGES

Adlmann, F. A.; Gutfreund, Phillip; Ankner, John Francis; ...

2015-02-01

Neutron scattering techniques offer several unique opportunities in materials research. However, most neutron scattering experiments suffer from the limited flux available at current facilities. This limitation becomes even more severe if time-resolved or kinetic experiments are performed. A new method has been developed which overcomes these limitations when a reversible process is studied, without any compromise on resolution or beam intensity. We demonstrate that, by recording in absolute time the neutron detector events linked to an excitation, information can be resolved on sub-millisecond timescales. Specifically, the concept of the method is demonstrated by neutron reflectivity measurements in time-of-flight mode atmore » the Liquids Reflectometer located at the Spallation Neutron Source, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee, USA, combined with in situ rheometry. Finally, the opportunities and limitations of this new technique are evaluated by investigations of a micellar polymer solution offering excellent scattering contrast combined with high sensitivity to shear.« less

A survey of Canadian websites providing information about female urinary incontinence.

PubMed

Farrell, Karen D; Robinson, Lynne M; Baydock, Sandra A; Farrell, Scott A; Irving, Linda E; O'Connell, Colleen M

2006-08-01

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent health issue that has significant detrimental effects on quality of life. The Internet offers a unique vehicle for incontinent women to access information that could facilitate conservative self-help therapy. An evaluation of Canadian websites offering female UI information was conducted to determine their quality and readability. We evaluated websites using published general quality criteria for health sites and a quality assessment tool compiled by the authors for specific UI information derived from published, peer-reviewed clinical practice guidelines. Three health care professionals reviewed sites for quality, Canadian content, and interactivity. The readability of health information was also evaluated. Fifty-six Canadian sites (18 professional, 22 organizational, 16 commercial) were evaluated. Significant agreement was found among the raters' evaluations on all measures. For all sites, the mean scores were general quality, 9/14; specific UI quality, 30/122; reading ease, 37/100; grade level, 10.9. The median score for Canadian content was high, but for interactivity it was low. The only significant difference between site types was for general quality (F [2,165]=3.38, P=0.036). Post hoc Tukey's tests showed a significant difference between organizational and commercial sites, with organizational sites having higher general quality. Canadian websites providing female UI information have moderately high general quality, low specific UI information quality, minimal interactivity, and more than minimal Canadian content. The reading level of most sites is too high for average consumers. A webliography of the best sites has been developed to guide patients.

Informal STEM Education in Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chell, K.

2010-12-01

Tourism in Antarctica has increased dramatically with tens of thousands of tourists visiting the White Continent each year. Tourism cruises to Antarctica offer a unique educational experience for lay people through informal science-technology-engineering-mathematics (STEM) education. Passengers attend numerous scientific lectures that cover topics such as the geology of Antarctica, plate tectonics, glaciology, and climate change. Furthermore, tourists experience the geology and glaciology first hand during shore excursions. Currently, the grand challenges facing our global society are closely connected to the Earth sciences. Issues such as energy, climate change, water security, and natural hazards, are consistently on the legislative docket of policymakers around the world. However, the majority of the world’s population is uninformed about the role Earth sciences play in their everyday lives. Tourism in Antarctica provides opportunities for informal STEM learning and, as a result, tourists leave with a better understanding and greater appreciation for both Antarctica and Earth sciences.

A Global Geographic Information System Data Base of Storm Occurrences and Other Climatic Phenomena Affecting Coastal Zones (1991) (NDP-035)

DOE Data Explorer

Birdwell, Kevub R. [Murray State University, Kentucky; Daniels, Richard C.

2012-01-01

This NDP is unique in that it represents CDIAC's first offering of ARC/INFOTM export data files and equivalent flat ASCII data files that may be used by raster or vector geographic information systems (GISs). The data set contains 61 variables, including information on tropical storms, hurricanes, super typhoons, extratropical cyclogeneses, polar lows, cyclonicity, influence of winds in monsoon regions, and sea-ice concentrations. Increased availability of source data has made it possible to extend the area of these data variables to regional or global coverages. All data variables except five are referenced to 1° × 1° or 5° × 5° grid cells of latitude and longitude. These data help meet the demand for new and improved climatologies of storm events and may be used in climate research studies, including the verification of general circulation models and the calculation of storm-recurrence intervals.

High resolution Physio-chemical Tissue Analysis: Towards Non-invasive In Vivo Biopsy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Guan; Meng, Zhuo-Xian; Lin, Jian-Die; Deng, Cheri X.; Carson, Paul L.; Fowlkes, J. Brian; Tao, Chao; Liu, Xiaojun; Wang, Xueding

2016-02-01

Conventional gold standard histopathologic diagnosis requires information of both high resolution structural and chemical changes in tissue. Providing optical information at ultrasonic resolution, photoacoustic (PA) technique could provide highly sensitive and highly accurate tissue characterization noninvasively in the authentic in vivo environment, offering a replacement for histopathology. A two-dimensional (2D) physio-chemical spectrogram (PCS) combining micrometer to centimeter morphology and chemical composition simultaneously can be generated for each biological sample with PA measurements at multiple optical wavelengths. This spectrogram presents a unique 2D “physio-chemical signature” for any specific type of tissue. Comprehensive analysis of PCS, termed PA physio-chemical analysis (PAPCA), can lead to very rich diagnostic information, including the contents of all relevant molecular and chemical components along with their corresponding histological microfeatures, comparable to those accessible by conventional histology. PAPCA could contribute to the diagnosis of many diseases involving diffusive patterns such as fatty liver.

Promotion of meaningful use of a personal health record in second life.

PubMed

Knapfel, Sarah; Plattner, Broc; Santo, Taylor; Tyndall, Sarah

2014-01-01

Patients today are demanding greater access to and control of their health information. Personal Health Records (PHRs) are paving the way for patients to update, maintain and share their comprehensive medical information. The opportunity to develop and maintain a PHR is equally as important for those individuals in the disabled community who face many unique challenges to access health information. The project, conducted as part of our graduate course, explored the use of Second Life to educate the disabled community on Virtual Ability Island (VAI) about the importance of PHRs. The project examined the tools needed to offer such a presentation for the disabled community and identified legal, ethical, social, or public challenges for PHR use. The project outcomes indicated a desire for knowledge and genuine concerns by the attendees regarding PHRs. The authors note that more research is needed to make this technology available to all.

Energy coding in biological neural networks

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zhikang

2007-01-01

According to the experimental result of signal transmission and neuronal energetic demands being tightly coupled to information coding in the cerebral cortex, we present a brand new scientific theory that offers an unique mechanism for brain information processing. We demonstrate that the neural coding produced by the activity of the brain is well described by our theory of energy coding. Due to the energy coding model’s ability to reveal mechanisms of brain information processing based upon known biophysical properties, we can not only reproduce various experimental results of neuro-electrophysiology, but also quantitatively explain the recent experimental results from neuroscientists at Yale University by means of the principle of energy coding. Due to the theory of energy coding to bridge the gap between functional connections within a biological neural network and energetic consumption, we estimate that the theory has very important consequences for quantitative research of cognitive function. PMID:19003513

The advertising of doctors' services.

PubMed Central

Irvine, D H

1991-01-01

Medicine is unique among professions and trades, offering a 'product' which is unlike any other. The consequences for patients of being attracted by misleading information to an inappropriate doctor or service are such as to demand special restrictions on the advertising of doctors' services. Furthermore, health care in the UK is organised around the 'referral system', whereby general practitioners refer patients to specialists when necessary rather than have specialists accept patients on self-referral. But this need not inhibit the provision of helpful factual information to those who need it. Recent policy changes by the General Medical Council considerably broaden the scope for general practitioners to make factual information of their services available to local people, while safeguarding the public against promotional activities which are designed to increase demand for certain kinds of specialist service by playing upon individuals' fears and lack of medical knowledge. PMID:2033629

Review of Maintenance and Repair Times for Components in Technological Facilities

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

L. C. Cadwallader

2012-11-01

This report is a compilation of some unique component repair time data and it also presents citations of more extensive reports where lists of repair times can be found. This collection of information should support analysts who seek to quantify maintainability and availability of high technology and nuclear energy production systems. While there are newer sources of repair time information, most, if not all, of the newer sources are proprietary and cannot be shared. This report offers data that, while older, is openly accessible and can serve as reasonable estimates of repair times, at least for initial studies. Some timesmore » were found for maintenance times in radiation environments, and some guidance for multiplicative factors to use to account for work in contamination areas.« less

DCE-MRI, DW-MRI, and MRS in Cancer: Challenges and Advantages of Implementing Qualitative and Quantitative Multi-parametric Imaging in the Clinic

PubMed Central

Winfield, Jessica M.; Payne, Geoffrey S.; Weller, Alex; deSouza, Nandita M.

2016-01-01

Abstract Multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) offers a unique insight into tumor biology by combining functional MRI techniques that inform on cellularity (diffusion-weighted MRI), vascular properties (dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI), and metabolites (magnetic resonance spectroscopy) and has scope to provide valuable information for prognostication and response assessment. Challenges in the application of mpMRI in the clinic include the technical considerations in acquiring good quality functional MRI data, development of robust techniques for analysis, and clinical interpretation of the results. This article summarizes the technical challenges in acquisition and analysis of multi-parametric MRI data before reviewing the key applications of multi-parametric MRI in clinical research and practice. PMID:27748710

Measuring Memory Reactivation With Functional MRI: Implications for Psychological Theory.

PubMed

Levy, Benjamin J; Wagner, Anthony D

2013-01-01

Environmental cues often remind us of earlier experiences by triggering the reactivation of memories of events past. Recent evidence suggests that memory reactivation can be observed using functional MRI and that distributed pattern analyses can even provide evidence of reactivation on individual trials. The ability to measure memory reactivation offers unique and powerful leverage on theoretical issues of long-standing interest in cognitive psychology, providing a means to address questions that have proven difficult to answer with behavioral data alone. In this article, we consider three instances. First, reactivation measures can indicate whether memory-based inferences (i.e., generalization) arise through the encoding of integrated cross-event representations or through the flexible expression of separable event memories. Second, online measures of memory reactivation may inform theories of forgetting by providing information about when competing memories are reactivated during competitive retrieval situations. Finally, neural reactivation may provide a window onto the role of replay in memory consolidation. The ability to track memory reactivation, including at the individual trial level, provides unique leverage that is not afforded by behavioral measures and thus promises to shed light on such varied topics as generalization, integration, forgetting, and consolidation. © The Author(s) 2013.

Digital health care--the convergence of health care and the Internet.

PubMed

Frank, S R

2000-04-01

The author believes that interactive media (the Internet and the World Wide Web) and associated applications used to access those media (portals, browsers, specialized Web-based applications) will result in a substantial, positive, and measurable impact on medical care faster than any previous information technology or communications tool. Acknowledging the dynamic environment, the author classifies "pure" digital health care companies into three business service areas: content, connectivity, and commerce. Companies offering these services are attempting to tap into a host of different markets within the health care industry including providers, payers, pharmaceutical and medical products companies, employers, distributors, and consumers. As the fastest growing medium in history, and given the unique nature of health care information and the tremendous demand for content among industry professionals and consumers, the Internet offers a more robust and targeted direct marketing opportunity than traditional media. From the medical consumer's standpoint (i.e., the patient) the author sees the Internet as performing five critical functions: (1) Disseminate information, (2) Aid informed decision making, (3) Promote health, (4) Provide a means for information exchange and support--the community concept, and (5) Increase self-care and manage demand for health services, lowering direct medical costs. The author firmly submits the Web will provide overall benefits to the health care economy as health information consumers manage their own health problems that might not directly benefit from an encounter with a health professional. Marrying the Internet to other interactive technologies, including voice recognition systems and telephone-based triage lines among others, holds the promise of reducing unnecessary medical services.

Registered nurse buddies: Educators by proxy?

PubMed

Rebeiro, Geraldine; Evans, Alicia; Edward, Karen-Leigh; Chapman, Rose

2017-08-01

The informal clinical teaching role of the buddy nurse seems to be a uniquely Australian title, with little consistency in terminology for informal nurse educator roles internationally. Not all registered nurses are professionally developed for the informal role of facilitating the clinical learning of students in clinical settings, yet these roles are expected by nursing professional bodies. In Australia the registered nurses (RN) experience of being a buddy nurse has been reported as lacking clarity, being unsupported and structureless. Whist there is a plethora of literature published about formal RN educator roles, little is available on the informal buddy nurse role. A view of the buddy nurse role in reference to the limited but available literature in the Australian context is offered in this paper. International perspectives are also gathered describing informal clinical education RN's roles with similar responsibilities to the Australian buddy nurse. The significance of this dialogue is to ignite debate about the role, potentially informing policy for the improved support of the role within the Australian nursing landscape. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Summer Synthesis Institutes: A Novel Approach for Transformative Research and Student Career Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, J.; Hermans, C. M.

2010-12-01

It is believed that breakthroughs tend to occur when small groups of highly motivated scientists are driven by challenges encountered in real problem-solving situations and given the freedom to experiment with new ideas. Summer synthesis institutes provide a mechanism to facilitiate these breakthroughs and by which graduate students may engage in interdisciplinary research in a way that is not often available in their normal course of study. In this presentation we examine two complementary models of summer synthesis institutes in hydrology, how these intensive programs facilitate scientific outcomes and the impact of synthesis and the summer institute model on student perceptions of academic roles, collaboration opportunities and team science. Five summer synthesis institutes were held over three years, sharing similar duration and structure but different degrees of participant interdisciplinarity and focus questions. Through informal assessments, this presentation will demonstrate how these programs offered a unique opportunity for the development of student-student and student-mentor relationships and facilitated deeper understanding of a student’s own research as well as new techniques, perspective and disciplines. Additionally, though the summer synthesis institute model offers a unique ability to leverage limited funding (on the order of a single graduate student) to advance earth sciences, the model also presents specific challenges for research follow-through and may require specific content and interpersonal dynamics for optimum success.

Privacy-protected biometric templates: acoustic ear identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuyls, Pim T.; Verbitskiy, Evgeny; Ignatenko, Tanya; Schobben, Daniel; Akkermans, Ton H.

2004-08-01

Unique Biometric Identifiers offer a very convenient way for human identification and authentication. In contrast to passwords they have hence the advantage that they can not be forgotten or lost. In order to set-up a biometric identification/authentication system, reference data have to be stored in a central database. As biometric identifiers are unique for a human being, the derived templates comprise unique, sensitive and therefore private information about a person. This is why many people are reluctant to accept a system based on biometric identification. Consequently, the stored templates have to be handled with care and protected against misuse [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. It is clear that techniques from cryptography can be used to achieve privacy. However, as biometric data are noisy, and cryptographic functions are by construction very sensitive to small changes in their input, and hence one can not apply those crypto techniques straightforwardly. In this paper we show the feasibility of the techniques developed in [5], [6] by applying them to experimental biometric data. As biometric identifier we have choosen the shape of the inner ear-canal, which is obtained by measuring the headphone-to-ear-canal Transfer Functions (HpTFs) which are known to be person dependent [7].

Mapping Resilience Pathways of Indigenous Youth in Five Circumpolar Communities

PubMed Central

Allen, James; Hopper, Kim; Wexler, Lisa; Kral, Michael; Rasmus, Stacy; Nystad, Kristine

2014-01-01

This introduction to the special issue Indigenous Youth Resilience in the Arctic reviews relevant resilience theory and research, with particular attention to Arctic Indigenous youth. The role of social determinants and community resilience processes in Indigenous circumpolar settings are overviewed, as are emergent Indigenous resilience frameworks. The distinctive role for qualitative inquiry in understanding these frameworks is emphasized, as is the uniquely informative lens youth narratives offer in understanding Indigenous, cultural, and community resilience processes during times of social transition. We then describe key elements of the Circumpolar Indigenous Pathways to Adulthood study cross-site methods, including sampling, design, procedures, and analytic strategies. PMID:23965730

Policy Perspective: Ensuring Comprehensive Care and Support for Gender Nonconforming Children and Adolescents

PubMed Central

Dowshen, Nadia; Meadows, Rachel; Byrnes, Maureen; Hawkins, Linda; Eder, Jennifer; Noonan, Kathleen

2016-01-01

Abstract Despite recent notable advances in societal equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals, youth who identify as trans* or gender nonconforming, in particular, continue to experience significant challenges accessing the services they need to grow into healthy adults. This policy perspective first offers background information describing this population, their unique healthcare needs, and obstacles when seeking care, including case study examples. The authors then provide recommendations for medical education, health systems, and insurance payers, as well as recommendations for school systems and broader public policy changes to improve the health and well-being of gender nonconforming youth. PMID:28861528

Online Treatment and Virtual Therapists in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

PubMed

Schueller, Stephen M; Stiles-Shields, Colleen; Yarosh, Lana

2017-01-01

Online and virtual therapies are a well-studied and efficacious treatment option for various mental and behavioral health conditions among children and adolescents. However, many interventions have not considered the unique affordances offered by technologies that might align with the capacities and interests of youth users. In this article, the authors discuss learnings from child-computer interaction that can inform future generations of interventions and guide developers, practitioners, and researchers how to best use new technologies for youth populations. The article concludes with innovative examples illustrating future potentials of online and virtual therapies such as gaming and social networking. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Control Automation in Undersea Search and Manipulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weltman, Gershon; Freedy, Amos

1974-01-01

Automatic decision making and control mechanisms of the type termed "adaptive" or "intelligent" offer unique advantages for exploration and manipulation of the undersea environment, particularly at great depths. Because they are able to carry out human-like functions autonomously, such mechanisms can aid and extend the capabilities of the human operator. This paper reviews past and present work in the areas of adaptive control and robotics with the purpose of establishing logical guidelines for the application of automatic techniques underwater. Experimental research data are used to illustrate the importance of information feedback, personnel training, and methods of control allocation in the interaction between operator and intelligent machine.

Suicidal and online: how do online behaviors inform us of this high-risk population?

PubMed

Harris, Keith M; McLean, John P; Sheffield, Jeanie

2014-01-01

To assist suicide prevention we need a better understanding of how suicidal individuals act in their environment, and the online world offers an ideal opportunity to examine daily behaviors. This anonymous survey (N = 1,016) provides first-of-its-kind empirical evidence demonstrating suicide-risk people (n = 290) are unique in their online behaviors. Suicidal users reported more time online, greater likelihood of developing online personal relationships, and greater use of online forums. In addition, suicide-risk women reported more time browsing/surfing and social networking. The authors conclude that suicide prevention efforts should respond to suicide-risk users' greater demands for online interpersonal communications.

The T-100-12.8 family of cogeneration steam turbines: Yesterday, today, and tomorrow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valamin, A. E.; Kultyshev, A. Yu.; Shibaev, T. L.; Sakhnin, Yu. A.; Stepanov, M. Yu.

2013-08-01

The T-100-12.8 turbine and its versions, a type of cogeneration steam turbines that is among best known, unique, and most widely used ones in Russia and abroad, are considered. A list of turbine design versions and quantities in which they were produced, their technical and economic indicators, design features, schematic solutions used in different design versions, and a list of solutions available in a comprehensive portfolio offered for modernizing type T-100-12.8 turbines are presented. Information about amounts in which turbines of the last version are supplied currently and supposed to be supplied soon is given.

A Comprehensive Review of Existing Risk Assessment Models in Cloud Computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amini, Ahmad; Jamil, Norziana

2018-05-01

Cloud computing is a popular paradigm in information technology and computing as it offers numerous advantages in terms of economical saving and minimal management effort. Although elasticity and flexibility brings tremendous benefits, it still raises many information security issues due to its unique characteristic that allows ubiquitous computing. Therefore, the vulnerabilities and threats in cloud computing have to be identified and proper risk assessment mechanism has to be in place for better cloud computing management. Various quantitative and qualitative risk assessment models have been proposed but up to our knowledge, none of them is suitable for cloud computing environment. This paper, we compare and analyse the strengths and weaknesses of existing risk assessment models. We then propose a new risk assessment model that sufficiently address all the characteristics of cloud computing, which was not appeared in the existing models.

Videofile for Law Enforcement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

Components of a videotape storage and retrieval system originally developed for NASA have been adapted as a tool for law enforcement agencies. Ampex Corp., Redwood City, Cal., built a unique system for NASA-Marshall. The first application of professional broadcast technology to computerized record-keeping, it incorporates new equipment for transporting tapes within the system. After completing the NASA system, Ampex continued development, primarily to improve image resolution. The resulting advanced system, known as the Ampex Videofile, offers advantages over microfilm for filing, storing, retrieving, and distributing large volumes of information. The system's computer stores information in digital code rather than in pictorial form. While microfilm allows visual storage of whole documents, it requires a step before usage--developing the film. With Videofile, the actual document is recorded, complete with photos and graphic material, and a picture of the document is available instantly.

Social support in cyberspace: a content analysis of communication within a Huntington's disease online support group.

PubMed

Coulson, Neil S; Buchanan, Heather; Aubeeluck, Aimee

2007-10-01

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited disorder, characterized by a progressive degeneration of the brain. Due to the nature of the symptoms, the genetic element of the disease, and the fact that there is no cure, HD patients and those in their support network often experience considerable stress and anxiety. With an expansion in Internet access, individuals affected by HD have new opportunities for information retrieval and social support. The aim of this study is to examine the provision of social support in messages posted to a HD online support group bulletin board. In total, 1313 messages were content analyzed using a modified version of the social support behavior code developed by [Cutrona CE, Suhr J. Controllability of stressful events and satisfaction with spouse support behaviors. Commun Res 1992;19:154-74]. The analysis indicates that group members most frequently offered informational (56.2%) and emotional support (51.9%) followed by network support (48.4%) with esteem support (21.7%), and tangible assistance (9.8%) least frequently offered. This study suggests that exchanging informational and emotional support represents a key function of this online group. Online support groups provide a unique opportunity for health professionals to learn about the experiences and views of individuals affected by HD and explore where and why gaps may exist between evidence-based medicine and consumer behavior and expectations.

Sometimes you need a weatherman to tell you which way the wind blows: the Weather Underground Experience

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masters, J.

2012-12-01

The world greatly needs scientists who are brave enough to go outside their zone of comfort and spend extra time and effort engaging with the public on weather and climate change issues. I'll describe my 20-year long science communication odyssey as a co-founder of the Weather Underground. Originally an educational project at the University of Michigan, the Weather Underground transformed into the highly successful commercial Internet weather web site wunderground.com in 1995. Lessons learned: Find your own unique voice. Be entertaining; don't be such a scientist. Tell stories. Earn people's trust. Use colorful graphs, images that show people, historical events, or scenes of local interest to illustrate your message. Be careful with criticism. Allow your audience to participate. Enrich people's experience by turning them on to other groups that offer unique and interesting information. Collaborate with other communicators with the goal of providing the public with simple, clear messages, repeated by a variety of trusted sources.

Surface phononic graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Si-Yuan; Sun, Xiao-Chen; Ni, Xu; Wang, Qing; Yan, Xue-Jun; He, Cheng; Liu, Xiao-Ping; Feng, Liang; Lu, Ming-Hui; Chen, Yan-Feng

2016-12-01

Strategic manipulation of wave and particle transport in various media is the key driving force for modern information processing and communication. In a strongly scattering medium, waves and particles exhibit versatile transport characteristics such as localization, tunnelling with exponential decay, ballistic, and diffusion behaviours due to dynamical multiple scattering from strong scatters or impurities. Recent investigations of graphene have offered a unique approach, from a quantum point of view, to design the dispersion of electrons on demand, enabling relativistic massless Dirac quasiparticles, and thus inducing low-loss transport either ballistically or diffusively. Here, we report an experimental demonstration of an artificial phononic graphene tailored for surface phonons on a LiNbO3 integrated platform. The system exhibits Dirac quasiparticle-like transport, that is, pseudo-diffusion at the Dirac point, which gives rise to a thickness-independent temporal beating for transmitted pulses, an analogue of Zitterbewegung effects. The demonstrated fully integrated artificial phononic graphene platform here constitutes a step towards on-chip quantum simulators of graphene and unique monolithic electro-acoustic integrated circuits.

Drug-eluting stents. Insights from invasive imaging technologies.

PubMed

Honda, Yasuhiro

2009-08-01

Drug-eluting stents (DES) represent a revolutionary technology in their unique ability to provide both mechanical and biological solutions simultaneously to the target lesion. As a result of biological effects from the pharmacological agents and interaction of DES components with the arterial wall, considerable differences exist between DES and conventional bare metal stents (BMS), yet some of the old lessons learned in the BMS era remain clinically significant. In this context, contrast angiography provides very little information about in vivo device properties and their biomechanical effects on the arterial wall. In contrast, current catheter-based imaging tools, such as intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and intracoronary angioscopy can offer unique insights into DES through direct assessment of the device and treated vessel in the clinical setting. This article reviews these insights from current DES with particular focus on performance and safety characteristics as well as discussing an optimal deployment technique, based upon findings obtained through the use of the invasive imaging technologies.

Effects of Platform Design on the Customer Experience in an Online Solar PV Marketplace

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

OShaughnessy, Eric J.; Margolis, Robert M.; Leibowicz, Benjamin

We analyze a unique dataset of residential solar PV quotes offered in an online marketplace to understand how platform design changes affect customer outcomes. Three of the four design changes are associated with statistically significant and robust reductions in offer prices, though none of the policies were designed explicitly to reduce prices. The results suggest that even small changes in how prospective solar PV customers interact with installers can affect customer outcomes such as prices. Specifically, the four changes we evaluate are: 1) a customer map that shows potential new EnergySage registrants the locations of nearby customers; 2) a quotemore » cap that precludes more than seven installers from bidding on any one customer; 3) a price guidance feature that informs installers about competitive prices in the customer's market before they submit quotes; and 4) no pre-quote messaging to prohibit installers from contacting customers prior to offering quotes. We calculate descriptive statistics to investigate whether each design change accomplished its specific objectives. Then, we econometrically evaluate the impacts of the design changes on PV quote prices and purchase prices using a regression discontinuity approach.« less

Electronic and School-Based Victimization: Unique Contexts for Adjustment Difficulties during Adolescence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fredstrom, Bridget K.; Adams, Ryan E.; Gilman, Rich

2011-01-01

Previous research suggests that school-based and electronic victimization have similar negative consequences, yet it is unclear whether these two contexts offer overlapping or unique associations with adolescents' adjustment. 802 ninth-graders (43% male, mean age = 15.84 years), majority being Caucasian (82%), completed measures assessing the…

The neural signature of emotional memories in serial crimes.

PubMed

Chassy, Philippe

2017-10-01

Neural plasticity is the process whereby semantic information and emotional responses are stored in neural networks. It is hypothesized that the neural networks built over time to encode the sexual fantasies that motivate serial killers to act should display a unique, detectable activation pattern. The pathological neural watermark hypothesis posits that such networks comprise activation of brain sites that reflect four cognitive components: autobiographical memory, sexual arousal, aggression, and control over aggression. The neural sites performing these cognitive functions have been successfully identified by previous research. The key findings are reviewed to hypothesise the typical pattern of activity that serial killers should display. Through the integration of biological findings into one framework, the neural approach proposed in this paper is in stark contrast with the many theories accounting for serial killers that offer non-medical taxonomies. The pathological neural watermark hypothesis offers a new framework to understand and detect deviant individuals. The technical and legal issues are briefly discussed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Suggested Procedures for Installing Strain Gauges on Langley Research Center Wind Tunnel Balances, Custom Force Measuring Transducers, Metallic and Composite Structural Test Articles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, Thomas C., Sr.

2004-01-01

The character of force and strain measurement testing at LaRC is such that the types of strain gauge installations, the materials upon which the strain gauges are applied, and the test environments encountered, require many varied approaches. In 1997, a NASA Technical Memorandum (NASA TM 110327) was generated to provide the strain gauge application specialist with a listing of recommended procedures for strain gauging various transducers and test articles at LaRC. The technical memorandum offered here is an effort to keep the strain gauge user informed of new technological enhancements in strain-gauging methodology while preserving the strain-gauging guidelines set forth in the 1997 TM. This document provides detailed recommendations for strain gauging LaRC-designed balances and custom transducers, composite materials, cryogenic and high-temperature test articles, and selected non-typical or unique materials or test conditions. Additionally, one section offers details for installing Bragg-Grating type fiber-optic strain sensors for non-typical test scenarios.

Habitable Worlds: Delivering on the Promises of Online Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horodyskyj, Lev B.; Mead, Chris; Belinson, Zack; Buxner, Sanlyn; Semken, Steven; Anbar, Ariel D.

2018-01-01

Critical thinking and scientific reasoning are central to higher education in the United States, but many courses (in-person and online) teach students information about science much more than they teach the actual process of science and its associated knowledge and skills. In the online arena specifically, the tools available for course construction exacerbate this problem by making it difficult to build the types of active learning activities that research shows to be the most effective. Here, we present a report on Habitable Worlds, offered by Arizona State University for 12 semesters over the past 6 years. This is a unique online course that uses an array of novel technologies to deliver an active, inquiry-driven learning experience. Learning outcomes and quantitative data from more than 3000 students demonstrate the success of our approach but also identify several remaining challenges. The design and development of this course offers valuable lessons for instructional designers and educators who are interested in fully capitalizing on the capabilities of 21st-century technology to achieve educational goals.

Compounding Opportunities in Urology.

PubMed

Biundo, Bruce

2017-01-01

There are a lot of options that pharmacists, including compounding pharmacists, can offer urologists to assist their patients. Compounding pharmacists are in a great position to offer unique, effective preparations for many of the conditions urologists treat on a daily basis. It would be well worth the time to learn a little about the conditions these specialists treat and become familiar with what you can offer. Copyright© by International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding, Inc.

Lafora disease offers a unique window into neuronal glycogen metabolism.

PubMed

Gentry, Matthew S; Guinovart, Joan J; Minassian, Berge A; Roach, Peter J; Serratosa, Jose M

2018-05-11

Lafora disease (LD) is a fatal, autosomal recessive, glycogen-storage disorder that manifests as severe epilepsy. LD results from mutations in the gene encoding either the glycogen phosphatase laforin or the E3 ubiquitin ligase malin. Individuals with LD develop cytoplasmic, aberrant glycogen inclusions in nearly all tissues that more closely resemble plant starch than human glycogen. This Minireview discusses the unique window into glycogen metabolism that LD research offers. It also highlights recent discoveries, including that glycogen contains covalently bound phosphate and that neurons synthesize glycogen and express both glycogen synthase and glycogen phosphorylase. © 2018 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

FEL for the polymer processing industries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelley, Michael J.

1997-05-01

Polymers are everywhere in modern life because of their unique combination of end-use functionalities, ease of processing, recycling potential and modest cost. The physical and economic scope of the infrastructure committed to present polymers makes the introduction of entirely new chemistry unlikely. Rather, the breadth of commercial offerings more likely to shrink in the face of the widening mandate for recycling, especially of packaging. Improved performance and new functionality must therefore come by routes such as surface modification. However they must come with little environmental impact and at painfully low cost. Processing with strongly absorbed light offers unique advantages. The journal and patent literatures disclose a number of examples of benefits that can be achieved, principally by use of excimer lasers or special UV lamps. Examples of commercialization are few, however, because of the unit cost and maximum scale of existing light sources. A FEL, however, offers unique advantages: tunability to the optimum wavelength, potential for scale up to high average power, and a path to attractively low unit cost of light. A business analysis of prospective applications defines the technical and economic requirements a FEL for polymer surface processing must meet. These are compared to FEL technology as it now stands and as it is envisioned.

21 CFR 830.350 - Correction of information submitted to the Global Unique Device Identification Database.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... Unique Device Identification Database. 830.350 Section 830.350 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG... Global Unique Device Identification Database § 830.350 Correction of information submitted to the Global Unique Device Identification Database. (a) If FDA becomes aware that any information submitted to the...

Unique Migraine Subtypes, Rare Headache Disorders, and Other Disturbances.

PubMed

Goadsby, Peter J

2015-08-01

The medical aphorism that common things happen commonly makes unique (and less common) migraine subtypes especially appropriate to review for the general neurologist. This article also identifies some rare headache disorders and other disturbances, and offers strategies to manage them. This article discusses migraine with brainstem aura, which is troublesome clinically and has had a change in terminology in the International Classification of Headache Disorders, Third Edition, beta version (ICHD-3 beta), and hemiplegic migraine, which is also troublesome in practice. The rare headache disorder hypnic headache and the exploding head syndrome are also discussed. When hypnic headache is recognized, it is eminently treatable, while exploding head syndrome is a benign condition with no reported consequences. Unique migraine subtypes, rare headache disorders, and other disturbances present to neurologists. When recognized, they can often be managed very well, which offers significant benefits to patients and practice satisfaction to neurologists.

Religiosity as identity: toward an understanding of religion from a social identity perspective.

PubMed

Ysseldyk, Renate; Matheson, Kimberly; Anisman, Hymie

2010-02-01

As a social identity anchored in a system of guiding beliefs and symbols, religion ought to serve a uniquely powerful function in shaping psychological and social processes. Religious identification offers a distinctive "sacred" worldview and "eternal" group membership, unmatched by identification with other social groups. Thus, religiosity might be explained, at least partially, by the marked cognitive and emotional value that religious group membership provides. The uniqueness of a positive social group, grounded in a belief system that offers epistemological and ontological certainty, lends religious identity a twofold advantage for the promotion of well-being. However, that uniqueness may have equally negative impacts when religious identity itself is threatened through intergroup conflict. Such consequences are illustrated by an examination of identities ranging from religious fundamentalism to atheism. Consideration of religion's dual function as a social identity and a belief system may facilitate greater understanding of the variability in its importance across individuals and groups.

Trigger learning and ECG parameter customization for remote cardiac clinical care information system.

PubMed

Bashir, Mohamed Ezzeldin A; Lee, Dong Gyu; Li, Meijing; Bae, Jang-Whan; Shon, Ho Sun; Cho, Myung Chan; Ryu, Keun Ho

2012-07-01

Coronary heart disease is being identified as the largest single cause of death along the world. The aim of a cardiac clinical information system is to achieve the best possible diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias by electronic data processing. Cardiac information system that is designed to offer remote monitoring of patient who needed continues follow up is demanding. However, intra- and interpatient electrocardiogram (ECG) morphological descriptors are varying through the time as well as the computational limits pose significant challenges for practical implementations. The former requires that the classification model be adjusted continuously, and the latter requires a reduction in the number and types of ECG features, and thus, the computational burden, necessary to classify different arrhythmias. We propose the use of adaptive learning to automatically train the classifier on up-to-date ECG data, and employ adaptive feature selection to define unique feature subsets pertinent to different types of arrhythmia. Experimental results show that this hybrid technique outperforms conventional approaches and is, therefore, a promising new intelligent diagnostic tool.

UnitedHealthcare experience illustrates how payers can enable patient engagement.

PubMed

Sandy, Lewis G; Tuckson, Reed V; Stevens, Simon L

2013-08-01

Patient engagement is crucial to better outcomes and a high-performing health system, but efforts to support it often focus narrowly on the role of physicians and other care providers. Such efforts miss payers' unique capabilities to help patients achieve better health. Using the experience of UnitedHealthcare, a large national payer, this article demonstrates how health plans can analyze and present information to both patients and providers to help close gaps in care; share detailed quality and cost information to inform patients' choice of providers; and offer treatment decision support and value-based benefit designs to help guide choices of diagnostic tests and therapies. As an employer, UnitedHealth Group has used these strategies along with an "earn-back" program that provides positive financial incentives through reduced premiums to employees who adopt healthful habits. UnitedHealth's experience provides lessons for other payers and for Medicare and Medicaid, which have had minimal involvement with demand-side strategies and could benefit from efforts to promote activated beneficiaries.

Women's magazine coverage of heart disease risk factors: Good Housekeeping magazine, 1997 to 2007.

PubMed

Edy, Carolyn M

2010-03-01

Women, who often turn to magazines for health information, continue to underestimate their risk for heart disease, though it remains the leading cause of death among women in the United States. This textual analysis considered the portrayal of women's risk factors for heart disease as problem and remedy frames within articles published by the highest circulation women's magazine in the U.S., Good Housekeeping, from 1997 to 2007. These findings were then compared with corresponding information endorsed by the American Heart Association. Far from underestimating a woman's risk for heart disease, GH articles seemed to target women at low risk for heart disease, while emphasizing risk factors unique to women. The magazine coverage was largely consistent with American Heart Association information, yet offered a broader range of treatment and prevention strategies that were sometimes contradictory or vague. One significant risk factor, race, was not mentioned in the magazine articles. This review calls for future research to determine the pervasiveness and possible effects of such coverage.

Complex Cloud and Radiative Processes Unfolding at the Earth's Terminator: A Unique Perspective from the Proposed Deep Space Gateway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, A. B.; Marshak, A.

2018-02-01

The Deep Space Gateway offers a unique vantage for Earth observation using reflected sunlight: day/night or night/day terminators slowly marching across the disc. It's an opportunity to improve our understanding of clouds at that key moment in their daily cycle.

Medical Robotic and Tele surgical Simulation Education Research

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-05-01

training exercises, DVSS = 40, dVT = 65, and RoSS = 52 for skills development. All three offer 3D visual images but use different display technologies...capabilities with an emphasis on their educational skills. They offer unique advantages and capabilities in training robotic sur- geons. Each device has been...evaluate the transfer of training effect of each simulator. Collectively, this work will offer end users and potential buyers a comparison of the value

Eight worst advertising mistakes.

PubMed

Maley, Catherine

2010-11-01

This article presents strategies for advertising the medical practice. The emphasis is on breaking out of the old rules of how one should advertise and delves into asking questions that lead to a true strategy unique to one's medical practice and offerings. The article discusses the myriad ways to think about and create a patient-centered approach, turning from "here is what we offer" to instead "what you want we offer." Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cyanobacteria: A Precious Bio-resource in Agriculture, Ecosystem, and Environmental Sustainability.

PubMed

Singh, Jay Shankar; Kumar, Arun; Rai, Amar N; Singh, Devendra P

2016-01-01

Keeping in view, the challenges concerning agro-ecosystem and environment, the recent developments in biotechnology offers a more reliable approach to address the food security for future generations and also resolve the complex environmental problems. Several unique features of cyanobacteria such as oxygenic photosynthesis, high biomass yield, growth on non-arable lands and a wide variety of water sources (contaminated and polluted waters), generation of useful by-products and bio-fuels, enhancing the soil fertility and reducing green house gas emissions, have collectively offered these bio-agents as the precious bio-resource for sustainable development. Cyanobacterial biomass is the effective bio-fertilizer source to improve soil physico-chemical characteristics such as water-holding capacity and mineral nutrient status of the degraded lands. The unique characteristics of cyanobacteria include their ubiquity presence, short generation time and capability to fix the atmospheric N2. Similar to other prokaryotic bacteria, the cyanobacteria are increasingly applied as bio-inoculants for improving soil fertility and environmental quality. Genetically engineered cyanobacteria have been devised with the novel genes for the production of a number of bio-fuels such as bio-diesel, bio-hydrogen, bio-methane, synga, and therefore, open new avenues for the generation of bio-fuels in the economically sustainable manner. This review is an effort to enlist the valuable information about the qualities of cyanobacteria and their potential role in solving the agricultural and environmental problems for the future welfare of the planet.

Cyanobacteria: A Precious Bio-resource in Agriculture, Ecosystem, and Environmental Sustainability

PubMed Central

Singh, Jay Shankar; Kumar, Arun; Rai, Amar N.; Singh, Devendra P.

2016-01-01

Keeping in view, the challenges concerning agro-ecosystem and environment, the recent developments in biotechnology offers a more reliable approach to address the food security for future generations and also resolve the complex environmental problems. Several unique features of cyanobacteria such as oxygenic photosynthesis, high biomass yield, growth on non-arable lands and a wide variety of water sources (contaminated and polluted waters), generation of useful by-products and bio-fuels, enhancing the soil fertility and reducing green house gas emissions, have collectively offered these bio-agents as the precious bio-resource for sustainable development. Cyanobacterial biomass is the effective bio-fertilizer source to improve soil physico-chemical characteristics such as water-holding capacity and mineral nutrient status of the degraded lands. The unique characteristics of cyanobacteria include their ubiquity presence, short generation time and capability to fix the atmospheric N2. Similar to other prokaryotic bacteria, the cyanobacteria are increasingly applied as bio-inoculants for improving soil fertility and environmental quality. Genetically engineered cyanobacteria have been devised with the novel genes for the production of a number of bio-fuels such as bio-diesel, bio-hydrogen, bio-methane, synga, and therefore, open new avenues for the generation of bio-fuels in the economically sustainable manner. This review is an effort to enlist the valuable information about the qualities of cyanobacteria and their potential role in solving the agricultural and environmental problems for the future welfare of the planet. PMID:27148218

Epigenetics in cancer stem cells.

PubMed

Toh, Tan Boon; Lim, Jhin Jieh; Chow, Edward Kai-Hua

2017-02-01

Compelling evidence have demonstrated that bulk tumors can arise from a unique subset of cells commonly termed "cancer stem cells" that has been proposed to be a strong driving force of tumorigenesis and a key mechanism of therapeutic resistance. Recent advances in epigenomics have illuminated key mechanisms by which epigenetic regulation contribute to cancer progression. In this review, we present a discussion of how deregulation of various epigenetic pathways can contribute to cancer initiation and tumorigenesis, particularly with respect to maintenance and survival of cancer stem cells. This information, together with several promising clinical and preclinical trials of epigenetic modulating drugs, offer new possibilities for targeting cancer stem cells as well as improving cancer therapy overall.

Nanogel Carrier Design for Targeted Drug Delivery

PubMed Central

Eckmann, D. M.; Composto, R. J.; Tsourkas, A.; Muzykantov, V. R.

2014-01-01

Polymer-based nanogel formulations offer features attractive for drug delivery, including ease of synthesis, controllable swelling and viscoelasticity as well as drug loading and release characteristics, passive and active targeting, and the ability to formulate nanogel carriers that can respond to biological stimuli. These unique features and low toxicity make the nanogels a favorable option for vascular drug targeting. In this review, we address key chemical and biological aspects of nanogel drug carrier design. In particular, we highlight published studies of nanogel design, descriptions of nanogel functional characteristics and their behavior in biological models. These studies form a compendium of information that supports the scientific and clinical rationale for development of this carrier for targeted therapeutic interventions. PMID:25485112

Moving Away From Spoon-Feeding as a Teaching Style in Radiology.

PubMed

Rahim, Shiraz; Ros, Pablo

2016-12-01

Medical education has been an important topic in the literature, with many new attempts to revitalize and improve efforts to teach physicians and students. As a unique subspecialty that incorporates visual learning, knowledge of clinical management and presentation, basic science topics such as physics and mechanics, and procedural skills, radiology affords itself to new and more effective methods of teaching. Much of radiology education has currently focused on the concept of spoon-feeding information from the teacher to the learners. This article outlines the dangers of this approach in radiology and offers solutions for educators to improve their teaching skills and use the potential afforded by the diversity of the field.

Human evolutionary genomics: ethical and interpretive issues.

PubMed

Vitti, Joseph J; Cho, Mildred K; Tishkoff, Sarah A; Sabeti, Pardis C

2012-03-01

Genome-wide computational studies can now identify targets of natural selection. The unique information about humans these studies reveal, and the media attention they attract, indicate the need for caution and precision in communicating results. This need is exacerbated by ways in which evolutionary and genetic considerations have been misapplied to support discriminatory policies, by persistent misconceptions of these fields and by the social sensitivity surrounding discussions of racial ancestry. We discuss the foundations, accomplishments and future directions of human evolutionary genomics, attending to ways in which the interpretation of good science can go awry, and offer suggestions for researchers to prevent misapplication of their work. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Marshalling Social Support: A “Care-Getting” Model for Persons Living with Cancer

PubMed Central

Kahana, Eva; Kahana, Boaz; Wykle, May; Kulle, Diana

2009-01-01

This paper offers a stress theory based conceptual framework for understanding proactive options for care-getting for patients living with cancer that is also relevant to patients living with other chronic or life threatening illnesses. Barriers and facilitators to active efforts for obtaining responsive care from both informal and formal sources are discussed. This “Care-Getting” model explores benefits of proactive care-getting for diminishing physical discomfort/suffering, burden of illness and disability, and psychological distress. We highlight unique issues in care-getting that patients face at different stages of the life course. Implications of prior research related to the model for practice and intervention are discussed. PMID:20107524

Onboard Systems Record Unique Videos of Space Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2010-01-01

Ecliptic Enterprises Corporation, headquartered in Pasadena, California, provided onboard video systems for rocket and space shuttle launches before it was tasked by Ames Research Center to craft the Data Handling Unit that would control sensor instruments onboard the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) spacecraft. The technological capabilities the company acquired on this project, as well as those gained developing a high-speed video system for monitoring the parachute deployments for the Orion Pad Abort Test Program at Dryden Flight Research Center, have enabled the company to offer high-speed and high-definition video for geosynchronous satellites and commercial space missions, providing remarkable footage that both informs engineers and inspires the imagination of the general public.

High-quality macromolecular graphics on mobile devices: a quick starter's guide.

PubMed

Yiu, Chin-Pang Benny; Chen, Yu Wai

2014-01-01

With the rise of tablets, truly portable molecular graphics are now available for wide use by scientists to share structural information in real time at a reasonable cost. We have surveyed the existing software available on Apple iPads and on Android tablets in order to make a recommendation to potential users, primarily based on the product features. Among 12 apps, iMolview (available on both platforms) stands out to be our choice, with PyMOL app (iOS) a close alternative and RCSB PDB Mobile viewer/NDKmol (both platforms) offering some uniquely useful functions. Finally, we include a tutorial on how to get started using iMolview to do some simple visualization in 10 min.

From environmental to ecological ethics: toward a practical ethics for ecologists and conservationists.

PubMed

Minteer, Ben A; Collins, James P

2008-12-01

Ecological research and conservation practice frequently raise difficult and varied ethical questions for scientific investigators and managers, including duties to public welfare, nonhuman individuals (i.e., animals and plants), populations, and ecosystems. The field of environmental ethics has contributed much to the understanding of general duties and values to nature, but it has not developed the resources to address the diverse and often unique practical concerns of ecological researchers and managers in the field, lab, and conservation facility. The emerging field of "ecological ethics" is a practical or scientific ethics that offers a superior approach to the ethical dilemmas of the ecologist and conservation manager. Even though ecological ethics necessarily draws from the principles and commitments of mainstream environmental ethics, it is normatively pluralistic, including as well the frameworks of animal, research, and professional ethics. It is also methodologically pragmatic, focused on the practical problems of researchers and managers and informed by these problems in turn. The ecological ethics model offers environmental scientists and practitioners a useful analytical tool for identifying, clarifying, and harmonizing values and positions in challenging ecological research and management situations. Just as bioethics provides a critical intellectual and problem-solving service to the biomedical community, ecological ethics can help inform and improve ethical decision making in the ecology and conservation communities.

Pharmacy, social media, and health: Opportunity for impact.

PubMed

Cain, Jeff; Romanelli, Frank; Fox, Brent

2010-01-01

To discuss opportunities and challenges for pharmacists' use of social media to affect health care. Not applicable. Evolutions in social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) are beginning to alter the way society communicates. These new applications promote openness, user-generated content, social networking, and collaboration. The technologies, along with patient behaviors and desires, are stimulating a move toward more open and transparent access to health information. Although social media applications can reach large audiences, they offer message-tailoring capabilities that can effectively target specific populations. Another powerful aspect of social media is that they facilitate the organization of people and distribution of content-two necessary components of public health services. Although implementing health interventions via social media poses challenges, several examples exist that display the potential for pharmacists to use social media in health initiatives. Pharmacists have long played a role in educating patients on matters influencing health care. Social media offer several unique features that may be used to advance the role of pharmacy in health care initiatives. Public familiarity with social media, the economical nature of using social media, and the ability to disseminate information rapidly through social media make these new applications ideal for pharmacists wanting to provide innovative health care on both an individual and public level.

Biometrics for electronic health records.

PubMed

Flores Zuniga, Alejandro Enrique; Win, Khin Than; Susilo, Willy

2010-10-01

Securing electronic health records, in scenarios in which the provision of care services is share among multiple actors, could become a complex and costly activity. Correct identification of patients and physician, protection of privacy and confidentiality, assignment of access permissions for healthcare providers and resolutions of conflicts rise as main points of concern in the development of interconnected health information networks. Biometric technologies have been proposed as a possible technological solution for these issues due to its ability to provide a mechanism for unique verification of an individual identity. This paper presents an analysis of the benefit as well as disadvantages offered by biometric technology. A comparison between this technology and more traditional identification methods is used to determine the key benefits and flaws of the use biometric in health information systems. The comparison as been made considering the viability of the technologies for medical environments, global security needs, the contemplation of a share care environment and the costs involved in the implementation and maintenance of such technologies. This paper also discusses alternative uses for biometrics technologies in health care environments. The outcome of this analysis lays in the fact that even when biometric technologies offer several advantages over traditional method of identification, they are still in the early stages of providing a suitable solution for a health care environment.

'Outside the Original Remit': Co-production in UK mental health research, lessons from the field.

PubMed

Lambert, Nicky; Carr, Sarah

2018-06-19

The aim of this discursive paper was to explore the development of co-production and service user involvement in UK university-based mental health research and to offer practical recommendations for practitioners co-producing research with service users and survivors, informed by an overview of the key literature on co-production in mental health and from a critical reflection on applied research through the medium of a case study. The paper is co-written by a mental health nurse academic and a service user/survivor researcher academic. The authors argue that the implications of co-production for mental health research remain underexplored, but that both the practitioner and service user/survivor researcher experience and perspective of co-production in research can provide practical reflections to inform developing research practice. The theories and values of emancipatory research can provide a framework from which both practitioners and service users can work together on a research project, in a way that requires reflection on process and power dynamics. The authors conclude that whilst co-produced investigations can offer unique opportunities for advancing emancipatory and applied research in mental health, practitioner researchers need to be more radical in their consideration of power in the research process. © 2018 Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc.

NOVEL OBSERVATIONS AND POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS USING DIGITAL INFRARED IRIS IMAGING

PubMed Central

Roberts, Daniel K.; Lukic, Ana; Yang, Yongyi; Moroi, Sayoko E.; Wilensky, Jacob T.; Wernick, Miles N.

2017-01-01

Digital infrared (IR) iris photography using a modified digital camera system was carried out on about 300 subjects seen during routine clinical care and research at one facility. Since this image database offered opportunity to gain new insight into the potential utility of IR iris imaging, it was surveyed for unique image patterns. Then, a selection of photos was compiled that would illustrate the spectrum of this imaging experience. Potentially informative image patterns were observed in subjects with cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, Posner-Schlossman syndrome, iridociliary cysts, long anterior lens zonules, nevi, oculocutaneous albinism, pigment dispersion syndrome, pseudophakia, suspected vascular anomaly, and trauma. Image patterns were often unanticipated regardless of pre-existing information and suggest that IR iris imaging may have numerous potential clinical and research applications, some of which may still not be recognized. These observations suggest further development and study of this technology. PMID:19320317

Collaborative eHealth Meets Security: Privacy-Enhancing Patient Profile Management.

PubMed

Sanchez-Guerrero, Rosa; Mendoza, Florina Almenarez; Diaz-Sanchez, Daniel; Cabarcos, Patricia Arias; Lopez, Andres Marin

2017-11-01

Collaborative healthcare environments offer potential benefits, including enhancing the healthcare quality delivered to patients and reducing costs. As a direct consequence, sharing of electronic health records (EHRs) among healthcare providers has experienced a noteworthy growth in the last years, since it enables physicians to remotely monitor patients' health and enables individuals to manage their own health data more easily. However, these scenarios face significant challenges regarding security and privacy of the extremely sensitive information contained in EHRs. Thus, a flexible, efficient, and standards-based solution is indispensable to guarantee selective identity information disclosure and preserve patient's privacy. We propose a privacy-aware profile management approach that empowers the patient role, enabling him to bring together various healthcare providers as well as user-generated claims into an unique credential. User profiles are represented through an adaptive Merkle Tree, for which we formalize the underlying mathematical model. Furthermore, performance of the proposed solution is empirically validated through simulation experiments.

Learning cell biology as a team: a project-based approach to upper-division cell biology.

PubMed

Wright, Robin; Boggs, James

2002-01-01

To help students develop successful strategies for learning how to learn and communicate complex information in cell biology, we developed a quarter-long cell biology class based on team projects. Each team researches a particular human disease and presents information about the cellular structure or process affected by the disease, the cellular and molecular biology of the disease, and recent research focused on understanding the cellular mechanisms of the disease process. To support effective teamwork and to help students develop collaboration skills useful for their future careers, we provide training in working in small groups. A final poster presentation, held in a public forum, summarizes what students have learned throughout the quarter. Although student satisfaction with the course is similar to that of standard lecture-based classes, a project-based class offers unique benefits to both the student and the instructor.

The Influence of Climate Change Efficacy Messages and Efficacy Beliefs on Intended Political Participation.

PubMed

Hart, P Sol; Feldman, Lauren

2016-01-01

Using an online survey experiment with a national sample, this study examined how changing the type and valence of efficacy information in news stories discussing global climate change may impact intended political participation through the mediators of perceived internal, external, and response efficacy. Overall, the results revealed that after a single exposure to a news story, stories including positive internal efficacy content increased perceived internal efficacy, while stories including negative external efficacy content lowered perceived external efficacy. There were limited impacts of other types of efficacy content on perceived efficacy. Perceived internal, external, and response efficacy all offered unique, positive associations with intentions to engage in climate change-related political participation. The results suggest that news stories including positive internal efficacy information in particular have the potential to increase public engagement around climate change. The implications for science communication are discussed.

The Influence of Climate Change Efficacy Messages and Efficacy Beliefs on Intended Political Participation

PubMed Central

Hart, P. Sol; Feldman, Lauren

2016-01-01

Using an online survey experiment with a national sample, this study examined how changing the type and valence of efficacy information in news stories discussing global climate change may impact intended political participation through the mediators of perceived internal, external, and response efficacy. Overall, the results revealed that after a single exposure to a news story, stories including positive internal efficacy content increased perceived internal efficacy, while stories including negative external efficacy content lowered perceived external efficacy. There were limited impacts of other types of efficacy content on perceived efficacy. Perceived internal, external, and response efficacy all offered unique, positive associations with intentions to engage in climate change-related political participation. The results suggest that news stories including positive internal efficacy information in particular have the potential to increase public engagement around climate change. The implications for science communication are discussed. PMID:27487117

Smart cards--the key to trustworthy health information systems.

PubMed Central

Neame, R.

1997-01-01

Some 20 years after they were first developed, "smart cards" are set to play a crucial part in healthcare systems. Last year about a billion were supplied, mainly for use in the financial sector, but their special features make them of particular strategic importance for the health sector, where they offer a ready made solution to some key problems of security and confidentiality. This article outlines what smart cards are and why they are so important in managing health information. I discuss some of the unique features of smart cards that are of special importance in the development of secure and trustworthy health information systems. Smart cards would enable individuals' identities to be authenticated and communications to be secured and would provide the mechanisms for implementing strong security, differential access to data, and definitive audit trails. Patient cards can also with complete security carry personal details, data on current health problems and medications, emergency care data, and pointers to where medical records for the patient can be found. Provider cards can in addition carry authorisations and information on computer set up. PMID:9055719

2009 Legislative Session Resource Guide. Investing in North Dakota's Future

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

North Dakota University System, 2009

2009-01-01

The North Dakota University System (NDUS) is composed of two doctoral universities, two master's degree-granting universities, two universities that offer bachelor's degrees and five community colleges that offer associate and trade/technical degrees. Each institution is unique in its mission to serve the people of North Dakota. The "2009…

Three Views on Concurrent Enrollment. Feature on Research and Leadership. Vol. 1, No. 2

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scheffel, Kent

2016-01-01

In this brief, Kent Scheffel offers a unique combination of expertise on dual credit and concurrent enrollment as he reviews questions of quality, program accreditation, and education policy for concurrent enrollment offerings from a national (National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), local (Lewis and Clark Community…

Humanistic Wellness Services for Community Mental Health Providers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carney, Jolynn V.

2007-01-01

The author examines the unique ability of mental health providers to offer humanistic services in a highly competitive atmosphere by using a wellness approach. J. E. Myers and T. J. Sweeney's (2005) 5 second-order factors are offered as a conceptual model. Therapeutic techniques and humanizing benefits for individuals, families, and communities…

Making Departments Distinctive: The Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Mindset.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chambliss, Catherine

The Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach has provided many corporations with a tool for adapting to ongoing shifts in demands and resources, and it can offer academic settings similar assistance. CQI offers a mechanism for building a collaborative process that can help departments define their unique strengths and cultivate a distinctive…

Fostering Experiential Learning and Service through Client Projects in Graduate Business Courses Offered Online

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hagan, Linda M.

2012-01-01

Undergraduate marketing and public relations capstone courses utilize client projects to allow students to apply their knowledge and encourage collaboration. Yet, at the graduate level, especially with courses offered in an online modality, experiential service learning in the form of client project assignments presents unique challenges. However,…

Serving Stakeholders at a Small Regional University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burrage, Sean

2015-01-01

The Southeastern Oklahoma State University Honors Program serves a unique role in a small, rural setting such as Durant, Oklahoma. The honors program has a traditional mission in a university that offers a nontraditional setting and history within the context of higher education. The program thus offers special rewards to its students and to the…

"It's the Camaraderie": A History of Parent Cooperative Preschools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hewes, Dorothy W.

This book offers a comprehensive history of the parent cooperative preschool movement, a unique educational system that attained its peak in the 1950s and 1960s. The book uses interviews with pioneers and current members of parent cooperatives, official documents, periodicals, and scholarly publications to offer a history that weaves the…

Enhancing workplace wellness efforts to reduce obesity: a qualitative study of low-wage workers in St Louis, Missouri, 2013-2014.

PubMed

Strickland, Jaime R; Eyler, Amy A; Purnell, Jason Q; Kinghorn, Anna M; Herrick, Cynthia; Evanoff, Bradley A

2015-05-07

The objective of this study was to examine workplace determinants of obesity and participation in employer-sponsored wellness programs among low-wage workers. We conducted key informant interviews and focus groups with 2 partner organizations: a health care employer and a union representing retail workers. Interviews and focus groups discussed worksite factors that support or constrain healthy eating and physical activity and barriers that reduce participation in workplace wellness programs. Focus group discussions were transcribed and coded to identify main themes related to healthy eating, physical activity, and workplace factors that affect health. Although the union informants recognized the need for workplace wellness programs, very few programs were offered because informants did not know how to reach their widespread and diverse membership. Informants from the health care organization described various programs available to employees but noted several barriers to effective implementation. Workers discussed how their job characteristics contributed to their weight; irregular schedules, shift work, short breaks, physical job demands, and food options at work were among the most commonly discussed contributors to poor eating and exercise behaviors. Workers also described several general factors such as motivation, time, money, and conflicting responsibilities. The workplace offers unique opportunities for obesity interventions that go beyond traditional approaches. Our results suggest that modifying the physical and social work environment by using participatory or integrated health and safety approaches may improve eating and physical activity behaviors. However, more research is needed about the methods best suited to the needs of low-wage workers.

Enhancing Workplace Wellness Efforts to Reduce Obesity: A Qualitative Study of Low-Wage Workers in St Louis, Missouri, 2013–2014

PubMed Central

Eyler, Amy A.; Purnell, Jason Q.; Kinghorn, Anna M.; Herrick, Cynthia; Evanoff, Bradley A.

2015-01-01

Introduction The objective of this study was to examine workplace determinants of obesity and participation in employer-sponsored wellness programs among low-wage workers. Methods We conducted key informant interviews and focus groups with 2 partner organizations: a health care employer and a union representing retail workers. Interviews and focus groups discussed worksite factors that support or constrain healthy eating and physical activity and barriers that reduce participation in workplace wellness programs. Focus group discussions were transcribed and coded to identify main themes related to healthy eating, physical activity, and workplace factors that affect health. Results Although the union informants recognized the need for workplace wellness programs, very few programs were offered because informants did not know how to reach their widespread and diverse membership. Informants from the health care organization described various programs available to employees but noted several barriers to effective implementation. Workers discussed how their job characteristics contributed to their weight; irregular schedules, shift work, short breaks, physical job demands, and food options at work were among the most commonly discussed contributors to poor eating and exercise behaviors. Workers also described several general factors such as motivation, time, money, and conflicting responsibilities. Conclusion The workplace offers unique opportunities for obesity interventions that go beyond traditional approaches. Our results suggest that modifying the physical and social work environment by using participatory or integrated health and safety approaches may improve eating and physical activity behaviors. However, more research is needed about the methods best suited to the needs of low-wage workers. PMID:25950574

Is God Coming to Campus Too? Thoughts on the Distinctive Features of Adventist Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Andreason, Niels-Erik

2005-01-01

In this, the first of a series of short essays which explore the unique ethos embraced and advanced by different Christian denominations in their schools, Andreasen argues the necessity of Christian colleges and universities offering their students a unique, distinctive Christian perspective throughout their learning experience rather than some…

Photo-Elicitation and Visual Semiotics: A Unique Methodology for Studying Inclusion for Children with Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stockall, Nancy

2013-01-01

The methodology in this paper discusses the use of photographs as an elicitation strategy that can reveal the thinking processes of participants in a qualitatively rich manner. Photo-elicitation techniques combined with a Piercian semiotic perspective offer a unique method for creating a frame of action for later participant analysis. Illustrative…

From Dyadic Ties to Information Infrastructures: Care-Coordination between Patients, Providers, Students and Researchers

PubMed Central

Purkayastha, S.; Biswas, R.; Jai Ganesh, A.U.; Otero, P.

2015-01-01

Summary Objective To share how an effectual merging of local and online networks in low resource regions can supplement and strengthen the local practice of patient centered care through the use of an online digital infrastructure powered by all stakeholders in healthcare. User Driven Health Care offers the dynamic integration of patient values and evidence based solutions for improved medical communication in medical care. Introduction This paper conceptualizes patient care-coordination through the lens of engaged stakeholders using digital infrastructures tools to integrate information technology. We distinguish this lens from the prevalent conceptualization of dyadic ties between clinician-patient, patient-nurse, clinician-nurse, and offer the holistic integration of all stakeholder inputs, in the clinic and augmented by online communication in a multi-national setting. Methods We analyze an instance of the user-driven health care (UDHC), a network of providers, patients, students and researchers working together to help manage patient care. The network currently focuses on patients from LMICs, but the provider network is global in reach. We describe UDHC and its opportunities and challenges in care-coordination to reduce costs, bring equity, and improve care quality and share evidence. Conclusion UDHC has resulted in coordinated global based local care, affecting multiple facets of medical practice. Shared information resources between providers with disparate knowledge, results in better understanding by patients, unique and challenging cases for students, innovative community based research and discovery learning for all. PMID:26123908

From Dyadic Ties to Information Infrastructures: Care-Coordination between Patients, Providers, Students and Researchers. Contribution of the Health Informatics Education Working Group.

PubMed

Purkayastha, S; Price, A; Biswas, R; Jai Ganesh, A U; Otero, P

2015-08-13

To share how an effectual merging of local and online networks in low resource regions can supplement and strengthen the local practice of patient centered care through the use of an online digital infrastructure powered by all stakeholders in healthcare. User Driven Health Care offers the dynamic integration of patient values and evidence based solutions for improved medical communication in medical care. This paper conceptualizes patient care-coordination through the lens of engaged stakeholders using digital infrastructures tools to integrate information technology. We distinguish this lens from the prevalent conceptualization of dyadic ties between clinician-patient, patient-nurse, clinician-nurse, and offer the holistic integration of all stakeholder inputs, in the clinic and augmented by online communication in a multi-national setting. We analyze an instance of the user-driven health care (UDHC), a network of providers, patients, students and researchers working together to help manage patient care. The network currently focuses on patients from LMICs, but the provider network is global in reach. We describe UDHC and its opportunities and challenges in care-coordination to reduce costs, bring equity, and improve care quality and share evidence. UDHC has resulted in coordinated global based local care, affecting multiple facets of medical practice. Shared information resources between providers with disparate knowledge, results in better understanding by patients, unique and challenging cases for students, innovative community based research and discovery learning for all.

THE RAPID GROWTH OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND THEIR ACCESSIBILITY IN RURAL AREAS.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

ELDRIDGE, DONALD A.

THE COURSE OFFERINGS IN SOME JUNIOR COLLEGES FAIL TO MEET ADEQUATELY THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF RURAL YOUTH. A STUDY IN 1964 REVEALED THAT ONLY TWENTY OF THE SEVENTY JUNIOR COLLEGES IN CALIFORNIA OFFERED TRAINING IN AGRICULTURE, ALTHOUGH THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED "DIRECTORY OF JUNIOR COLLEGES" SHOWS AN INCREASE TO SIXTY. FURTHER STATISTICS REVEAL THAT 253…

Developing Fully Online Pre-Service Music and Arts Education Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lierse, Sharon

2015-01-01

Charles Darwin University (CDU) offers education courses for students who want to teach in Australian schools. The university is unique due to its geographic location, proximity to Asia and its high Indigenous population compared to the rest of the country. Many courses are offered fully online including music education for pre-service teachers.…

Segment-based Mass Customization: An Exploration of a New Conceptual Marketing Framework.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jiang, Pingjun

2000-01-01

Suggests that the concept of mass customization should be seen as an integral part of market segmentation theory which offers the best way to satisfy consumers' unique needs and wants while yielding profits to companies. Proposes a new concept of "segment-based based mass customization," and offers a series of propositions which are…

Minimum Competencies for Teaching Undergraduate Sport Philosophy Courses. Guidance Document

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Association for Sport and Physical Education, 2004

2004-01-01

Although sport philosophy is considered to be a sub-discipline with its own unique body of knowledge, sport philosophy is more commonly offered as a single course rather than a degree program. Therefore, these guidelines are offered specifically for the teaching of a single course at the undergraduate level. In order to be effective, the course…

Model-based learning and the contribution of the orbitofrontal cortex to the model-free world

PubMed Central

McDannald, Michael A.; Takahashi, Yuji K.; Lopatina, Nina; Pietras, Brad W.; Jones, Josh L.; Schoenbaum, Geoffrey

2012-01-01

Learning is proposed to occur when there is a discrepancy between reward prediction and reward receipt. At least two separate systems are thought to exist: one in which predictions are proposed to be based on model-free or cached values; and another in which predictions are model-based. A basic neural circuit for model-free reinforcement learning has already been described. In the model-free circuit the ventral striatum (VS) is thought to supply a common-currency reward prediction to midbrain dopamine neurons that compute prediction errors and drive learning. In a model-based system, predictions can include more information about an expected reward, such as its sensory attributes or current, unique value. This detailed prediction allows for both behavioral flexibility and learning driven by changes in sensory features of rewards alone. Recent evidence from animal learning and human imaging suggests that, in addition to model-free information, the VS also signals model-based information. Further, there is evidence that the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) signals model-based information. Here we review these data and suggest that the OFC provides model-based information to this traditional model-free circuitry and offer possibilities as to how this interaction might occur. PMID:22487030

A qualitative investigation of the nature of "informal supervision" among therapists in training.

PubMed

Coren, Sidney; Farber, Barry A

2017-11-29

This study investigated how, when, why, and with whom therapists in training utilize "informal supervision"-that is, engage individuals who are not their formally assigned supervisors in significant conversations about their clinical work. Participants were 16 doctoral trainees in clinical and counseling psychology programs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using the Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) method. Seven domains emerged from the analysis, indicating that, in general, participants believe that informal and formal supervision offer many of the same benefits, including validation, support, and reassurance; freedom and safety to discuss doubts, anxieties, strong personal reactions to patients, clinical mistakes and challenges; and alternative approaches to clinical interventions. However, several differences also emerged between these modes of learning-for example, formal supervision is seen as more focused on didactics per se ("what to do"), whereas informal supervision is seen as providing more of a "holding environment." Overall, the findings of this study suggest that informal supervision is an important and valuable adjunctive practice by which clinical trainees augment their professional competencies. Recommendations are proposed for clinical practice and training, including the need to further specify the ethical boundaries of this unique and essentially unregulated type of supervision.

Massachusetts Substance Use Disorder Treatment Organizations’ Perspectives on the Affordable Care Act: Changes in Payment, Services, and System Design

PubMed Central

Quinn, Amity E.; Stewart, Maureen T.; Brolin, Mary; Horgan, Constance; Lane, Nancy E.

2017-01-01

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded insurance benefits and coverage for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and encouraged delivery and payment reforms. Massachusetts passed a similar reform in 2006. This study aims to assess Massachusetts SUD treatment organizations’ responses to the ACA. Organizational interviews addressing challenges of and responses to the ACA were conducted in-person June–December 2014 with 31 leaders at 12 treatment organizations across Massachusetts. Many organizations were affiliated with medical or social services and offered a range of SUD services. Sampling was based on services offered (detoxification only, detoxification and outpatient, outpatient only). Framework analysis was used. Challenges identified were considered similar to ongoing challenges, not unique to the ACA. Organizations experienced insurance expansions in 2006 and faced new challenges, including insurance coverage, payment arrangements, expansion of services, and system design. System design efforts included care coordination/integration, workforce development, and health information technology. Differences in responses related to connections with medical and social service organizations. Many organizations engaged in efforts to respond to changing policies by expanding capacity and services. Offering a range of SUD treatment (e.g., detoxification and outpatient) and affiliating with a medical organization could enable organizations to respond to new insurance, delivery, and payment reforms. PMID:28350232

How to make rural jobs more attractive to health workers. Findings from a discrete choice experiment in Tanzania.

PubMed

Kolstad, Julie Riise

2011-02-01

The geographical imbalance of the health workforce in Tanzania represents a serious problem when it comes to delivering crucial health services to a large share of the population. This study provides new quantitative information about how to make jobs in rural areas more attractive to newly educated clinical officers (COs). A unique data set stemming from a discrete choice experiment with CO finalists in Tanzania is applied. The results show that offering continuing education after a certain period of service is one of the most powerful recruitment instruments the authorities have available. Increased salaries and hardship allowances will also substantially increase recruitment in rural areas. Offers of decent housing and good infrastructure, including the provision of equipment, will increase recruitment to rural remote areas but not as much as higher wages and offers of education. Women are less responsive to pecuniary incentives and are more concerned with factors that directly allow them to do a good job, while those with parents living in a remote rural area are generally less responsive to the proposed policies. When the willingness to help other people is a strong motivating force, policies that improve the conditions for helping people appear particularly effective.

EZID: Long term identifiers made easy (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Starr, J.

2013-12-01

Scholarly research is producing ever increasing amounts of digital research data, and this data should be managed throughout the research life cycle both as part of good scientific practice, but also to comply with funder mandates, such as the 2013 OSTP Public Access Memo (http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/ostp/ostp_public_access_memo_2013.pdf). By assigning unique and persistent identifiers to data objects, data managers can gain control and flexibility over what can be a daunting task. This is due to the fact that the objects can be moved to new locations without disruption to links, as long as the identifier target is maintained. EZID is a tool that makes assigning and maintaining unique, persistent identifiers easy. It was designed and built by California Digital Library (CDL) and has both a user interface and a RESTful API. EZID currently offers services for two globally unique, persistent identifier schemes: Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) and Archival Resource Keys (ARKs). DOIs are identifiers originating from the publishing world and are in widespread use for journal articles. CDL is able to offer DOIs because of being a founding member of DataCite (http://www.datacite.org/), an international consortium established to provide easier access to scientific research data on the Internet. ARKs are identifiers originating from the library, archive and museum community. Like DOIs, they become persistent when the objects and identifier forwarding information is maintained. DOIs and ARKs have a key role in data management and, therefore, in data management plans. DOIs are the recommended identifier for use in data citation, and ARKs provide the maximum flexibility needed for data documentation and management throughout the early phases of a project. The two identifier schemes are able to be used together, and EZID is made to work with both. EZID clients, coming from education, research, government, and the private sector, are utilizing the tool for these use cases and more.

21 CFR 830.310 - Information required for unique device identification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Information required for unique device identification. 830.310 Section 830.310 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND... Identification Database § 830.310 Information required for unique device identification. The contact for device...

Predicting protein crystallization propensity from protein sequence

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

The high-throughput structure determination pipelines developed by structural genomics programs offer a unique opportunity for data mining. One important question is how protein properties derived from a primary sequence correlate with the protein’s propensity to yield X-ray quality crystals (crystallizability) and 3D X-ray structures. A set of protein properties were computed for over 1,300 proteins that expressed well but were insoluble, and for ~720 unique proteins that resulted in X-ray structures. The correlation of the protein’s iso-electric point and grand average hydropathy (GRAVY) with crystallizability was analyzed for full length and domain constructs of protein targets. In a second step, several additional properties that can be calculated from the protein sequence were added and evaluated. Using statistical analyses we have identified a set of the attributes correlating with a protein’s propensity to crystallize and implemented a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier based on these. We have created applications to analyze and provide optimal boundary information for query sequences and to visualize the data. These tools are available via the web site http://bioinformatics.anl.gov/cgi-bin/tools/pdpredictor. PMID:20177794

A new look at lunar soil collected from the sea of tranquility during the Apollo 11 mission.

PubMed

Kiely, Carol; Greenberg, Gary; Kiely, Christopher J

2011-02-01

Complementary state-of-the-art optical, scanning electron, and X-ray microscopy techniques have been used to study the morphology of Apollo 11 lunar soil particles (10084-47). The combination of innovative lighting geometries with image processing of a through focal series of images has allowed us to obtain a unique collection of high-resolution light micrographs of these fascinating particles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) stereo-pair imaging has been exploited to illustrate some of the unique morphological properties of lunar regolith. In addition, for the first time, X-ray micrographs with submicron resolution have been taken of individual particles using X-ray ultramicroscopy (XuM). This SEM-based technique lends itself readily to the imaging of pores, cracks, and inclusions and allows the internal structure of an entire particle to be viewed. Rotational SEM and XuM movies have also been constructed from a series of images collected at sequential angles through 360°. These offer a new and insightful view of these complex particles providing size, shape, and spatial information on many of their internal features.

The Transition Year: A Unique Programme in Irish Education Bridging the Gap between School and the Workplace

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moynihan, Joseph A.

2015-01-01

Transition Year is a unique and exciting programme situated in the middle of the six year second level education system in Ireland. Since its introduction in 1974, the programme has experienced unprecedented growth now being offered in over 80% of schools on the island. Transition Year seeks to emphasize alternative learning methodologies…

The challenge of doing science in wilderness: historical, legal, and policy context

Treesearch

Peter Landres; Judy Alderson; David J. Parsons

2003-01-01

Lands designated by Congress under the Wilderness Act of 1964 (Public Law 88-577) offer unique opportunities for social and biophysical research in areas that are relatively unmodified by modern human actions. Wilderness designation also imposes a unique set of constraints on the methods that may be used or permitted to conduct this research. For example, legislated...

Effects of unique biomedical education programs for engineers: REDEEM and ESTEEM projects.

PubMed

Matsuki, Noriaki; Takeda, Motohiro; Yamano, Masahiro; Imai, Yohsuke; Ishikawa, Takuji; Yamaguchi, Takami

2009-06-01

Current engineering applications in the medical arena are extremely progressive. However, it is rather difficult for medical doctors and engineers to discuss issues because they do not always understand one another's jargon or ways of thinking. Ideally, medical engineers should become acquainted with medicine, and engineers should be able to understand how medical doctors think. Tohoku University in Japan has managed a number of unique reeducation programs for working engineers. Recurrent Education for the Development of Engineering Enhanced Medicine has been offered as a basic learning course since 2004, and Education through Synergetic Training for Engineering Enhanced Medicine has been offered as an advanced learning course since 2006. These programs, which were developed especially for engineers, consist of interactive, modular, and disease-based lectures (case studies) and substantial laboratory work. As a result of taking these courses, all students obtained better objective outcomes, on tests, and subjective outcomes, through student satisfaction. In this article, we report on our unique biomedical education programs for engineers and their effects on working engineers.

Pandemic influenza preparedness and response in Israel: a unique model of civilian-defense collaboration.

PubMed

Kohn, Sivan; Barnett, Daniel J; Leventhal, Alex; Reznikovich, Shmuel; Oren, Meir; Laor, Danny; Grotto, Itamar; Balicer, Ran D

2010-07-01

In April 2009, the World Health Organization announced the emergence of a novel influenza A(H1N1-09) virus and in June 2009 declared the outbreak a pandemic. The value of military structures in responding to pandemic influenza has become widely acknowledged in recent years. In 2005, the Israeli Government appointed the Ministry of Defense to be in charge of national preparedness and response for a severe pandemic influenza scenario. The Israeli case offers a unique example of civilian-defense partnership where the interface between the governmental, military and civilian spheres has formed a distinctive structure. The Israeli pandemic preparedness protocols represent an example of a collaboration in which aspects of an inherently medical problem can be managed by the defense sector. Although distinctive concepts of the model are not applicable to all countries, it offers a unique forum for governments and international agencies to evaluate this interface within the context of pandemic influenza.

A unique degree program for pre-pharmacy education: An undergraduate degree in pharmaceutical sciences.

PubMed

Jafari, Mahtab

2018-02-01

Within the coming decade, the demand for well-trained pharmacists is expected to only increase, especially with the aging of the United States (US) population. To help fill this growing demand, the University of California, Irvine (UCI) aims to offer a unique pre-pharmacy degree program and has developed a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences to help achieve this goal. In this commentary, we share our experience with our curriculum and highlight its features in an effort to encourage other institutions to enhance the learning experience of their pre-pharmacy students. The efforts of the UCI Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences has resulted in UCI being consistently ranked as one of the top feeder institutions by the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) in recent years. The UCI Pharmaceutical Sciences Bachelor of Science offers a unique pre-pharmacy educational experience in an effort to better prepare undergraduates for the rigors of the doctorate of pharmacy curriculum. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

21 CFR 830.320 - Submission of unique device identification information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... Identification Database § 830.320 Submission of unique device identification information. (a) Designation of... Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID) in a format that we can process, review, and archive...

Using HIPPO Data for Formal and Informal Science Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rockwell, A.; Hatheway, B.; Zondlo, M. A.

2012-12-01

The HIAPER Pole-to-Pole Observations (HIPPO) field project recently concluded its mission to map greenhouse gases and black carbon from the Arctic to the Antarctic using the NSF/NCAR Gulfstream V. HIPPO resulted in visually-rich and easy-to-understand altitude/latitude curtain plots of several trace gases and black carbon, from five seasons during 2009-2011. The data and curtain plots are available for both formal and informal science education to support the instruction of atmospheric science and Earth systems. Middle and high school activities have been developed using these data and curtain plots, and an undergraduate course based on HIPPO data - Global Air Pollution - is offered at Princeton University. The visually stimulating curtain plots are unique in that a wide range of people can comprehend them because they provide an easy-to-understand picture of the global distribution of chemical species for non-scientists or beginning users, while also displaying valuable detailed information for the advanced viewer. The plots are a powerful graphical tool that can be used to communicate climate science because they illustrate the concepts of how trace gas distributions are linked to the large-scale dynamics of the Earth; show seasonal changes in distribution and concentrations; and use the same display format for each tracer. In order to connect people to the data, a multi-faceted and engaging public information program and supporting educational materials for HIPPO were developed. These provided a unique look into global field research and included social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter; a range of videos from simple motion graphics to detailed narratives; both printed and online written materials; and mass-media publications.

The operation, products and promotion of waterpipe businesses in New York City, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

PubMed

Joudrey, P J; Jasie, K A; Pykalo, L; Singer, S T; Woodin, M B; Sherman, S

2016-07-10

We evaluated the customers, operations, products and advertising of these businesses to explore the unique policy challenges created by the suppliers of waterpipes. We completed a cross-sectional survey consisting of structured site observations and in-person interviews of businesses in New York City, Abu Dhabi and Dubai identified using Google, Yelp, Timeout Dubai and Timeout Abu Dhabi and neighbourhood visits in 2014. Regular customers made up 59% of customers. Franchises or chains were 28% of businesses. Waterpipes made up 39% of sales with 87% of businesses offering food within their menu. Flavoured tobacco made up 94% of sales. Discounts were offered by 47% of businesses and 94% of businesses used advertising, often through social media. The market consists of largely independent businesses, with a large regular customer base, frequently offering diversified services beyond waterpipes. These businesses advertise using both traditional and social media. The economics of waterpipe businesses is very different from the economics of cigarettes, and unique regulatory strategies are needed to control this epidemic.

Unique Offerings of the ISS as an Earth Observing Platform

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooley, Victor M.

2013-01-01

The International Space Station offers unique capabilities for earth remote sensing. An established Earth orbiting platform with abundant power, data and commanding infrastructure, the ISS has been in operation for twelve years as a crew occupied science laboratory and offers low cost and expedited concept-to-operation paths for new sensing technologies. Plug in modularity on external platforms equipped with structural, power and data interfaces standardizes and streamlines integration and minimizes risk and start up difficulties. Data dissemination is also standardized. Emerging sensor technologies and instruments tailored for sensing of regional dynamics may not be worthy of dedicated platforms and launch vehicles, but may well be worthy of ISS deployment, hitching a ride on one of a variety of government or commercial visiting vehicles. As global acceptance of the urgent need for understanding Climate Change continues to grow, the value of ISS, orbiting in Low Earth Orbit, in complementing airborne, sun synchronous polar, geosynchronous and other platform remote sensing will also grow.

Recent U.S. Geological Survey applications of Lidar

USGS Publications Warehouse

Queija, Vivian R.; Stoker, Jason M.; Kosovich, John J.

2005-01-01

As lidar (light detection and ranging) technology matures, more applications are being explored by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists throughout the Nation, both in collaboration with other Federal agencies and alone in support of USGS natural-hazards research (Crane et al., 2004). As the technology continues to improve and evolve, USGS scientists are finding new and unique methods to use and represent high-resolution lidar data, and new ways to make these data and derived information publicly available. Different lidar sensors and configurations have offered opportunities to use high-resolution elevation data for a variety of projects across all disciplines of the USGS. The following examples are just a few of the diverse projects in the USGS where lidar data is being used.

One chip at a time: using technology to enhance youth development.

PubMed

Cohall, Alwyn; Nshom, Montsine; Nye, Andrea

2007-08-01

Youth development programs have the potential to positively impact psychosocial growth and maturation in young adults. Several youth development programs are capitalizing on youths' natural gravitation toward technology as well. Research has shown that youth view technology and technologic literacy as positive and empowering, and that youth who master technology have increased self-esteem and better socioeconomic prospects than their counterparts. Technology-centered youth development programs offer a unique opportunity to engage youth, thereby extending their social networks, enhancing their access to information, building their self-esteem, and improving their self-efficacy. This article provides an overview of the intersection between youth development and technology and illustrates the ways technology can be used as a cutting-edge tool for youth development.

Online Treatment and Virtual Therapists in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

PubMed Central

Schueller, Stephen M.; Stiles-Shields, Colleen; Yarosh, Lana

2016-01-01

Summary Online and virtual therapies are a well-studied and efficacious treatment option for various mental and behavioral health conditions among children and adolescents. That said, many interventions have not concerned the unique affordances offered by technologies that might align with the capacities and interests of youth users. In this article, we discuss learnings from child-computer interaction that can inform future generations of interventions and guide developers, practitioners, and researchers how to best utilize new technologies for youth populations. We highlight issues related to usability and user experience including challenge and feedback, social interaction, and storytelling. We conclude with innovative examples illustrating future potentials of online and virtual therapies such as gaming and social networking. PMID:27837935

Plasma chemistry as a tool for green chemistry, environmental analysis and waste management.

PubMed

Mollah, M Y; Schennach, R; Patscheider, J; Promreuk, S; Cocke, D L

2000-12-15

The applications of plasma chemistry to environmental problems and to green chemistry are emerging fields that offer unique opportunities for advancement. There has been substantial progress in the application of plasmas to analytical diagnostics and to waste reduction and waste management. This review discusses the chemistry and physics necessary to a basic understanding of plasmas, something that has been missing from recent technical reviews. The current status of plasmas in environmental chemistry is summarized and emerging areas of application for plasmas are delineated. Plasmas are defined and discussed in terms of their properties that make them useful for environmental chemistry. Information is drawn from diverse fields to illustrate the potential applications of plasmas in analysis, materials modifications and hazardous waste treatments.

Quality of life impairment in generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, and panic disorder.

PubMed

Barrera, Terri L; Norton, Peter J

2009-12-01

Interest in the assessment of quality of life in the anxiety disorders is growing. The present study examined quality of life impairments in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social phobia, and panic disorder. Results showed that individuals with these disorders reported less satisfaction with their quality of life than non-anxious adults in the community. However, the degree of quality of life impairment is similar across these three disorders. Additionally, comorbid depression, but not anxiety, was found to negatively impact quality of life in these individuals. Finally, diagnostic symptom severity was not found to influence quality of life, indicating that subjective measures of quality of life offer unique information on the effects of anxiety disorders.

From idea to implementation: creation of an educational picture book for radiation therapy patients.

PubMed

Osmar, Kari; Webb, Deborah

2015-03-01

Patient education is an integral part of the cancer patient's journey. Radiation therapists strive to provide timely, effective, and evidence-based information on care processes, side effects, and side effect management treatment strategies. Patient satisfaction surveys in health-care settings can guide new interventions and strategies to provide the right education to patients at the right time. Courses offered in adult education and patient education to practicing health-care providers allow for a unique opportunity to look at the current provision of health-care education to patients. This paper explores the development and implementation of a new visual aid for radiation therapy patients in an acute health-care setting with a diversity of languages spoken using principles of adult education.

Comments on airborne ISR radar utilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doerry, A. W.

2016-05-01

A sensor/payload operator for modern multi-sensor multi-mode Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms is often confronted with a plethora of options in sensors and sensor modes. This often leads an over-worked operator to down-select to favorite sensors and modes; for example a justifiably favorite Full Motion Video (FMV) sensor at the expense of radar modes, even if radar modes can offer unique and advantageous information. At best, sensors might be used in a serial monogamous fashion with some cross-cueing. The challenge is then to increase the utilization of the radar modes in a manner attractive to the sensor/payload operator. We propose that this is best accomplished by combining sensor modes and displays into `super-modes'.

Contrast-enhanced photoacoustic tomography of human joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Chao; Keswani, Rahul K.; Gandikota, Girish; Rosania, Gus R.; Wang, Xueding

2016-03-01

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) provides a unique tool to diagnose inflammatory arthritis. However, the specificity and sensitivity of PAT based on endogenous contrasts is limited. The development of contrast enhanced PAT imaging modalities in combination with small molecule contrast agents could lead to improvements in diagnosis and treatment of joint disease. Accordingly, we adapted and tested a PAT clinical imaging system for imaging the human joints, in combination with a novel PAT contrast agent derived from an FDA-approved small molecule drug. Imaging results based on a photoacoustic and ultrasound (PA/US) dual-modality system revealed that this contrast-enhanced PAT imaging system may offer additional information beyond single-modality PA or US imaging system, for the imaging, diagnosis and assessment of inflammatory arthritis.

21 CFR 830.330 - Times for submission of unique device identification information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Times for submission of unique device identification information. 830.330 Section 830.330 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... Identification Database § 830.330 Times for submission of unique device identification information. (a) The...

A Model Vocational High Technology in Health Care Demonstration Project. Final Performance Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Valencia Community Coll., Orlando, FL.

A unique training program in high tech obstetrical, neonatal, and pediatric nursing care areas was designed to be offered on site at Orlando (Florida) Regional Medical/Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Women. The training program offered 16 different courses to 355 employees over the 18-month period of the project. A needs assessment was…

Georgia on Our Minds

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skophammer, Karen

2011-01-01

Oil pastels offer many advantages. They come in a large range of hues, intensities and values, and they lend themselves to blending and shading in a unique way that no other art medium offers. They can be worked and reworked from day to day by the students without the large mess and cleanup time that oil paints require. An artist whose works are a…

Ambient ionisation mass spectrometry for in situ analysis of intact proteins

PubMed Central

Kocurek, Klaudia I.; Griffiths, Rian L.

2018-01-01

Abstract Ambient surface mass spectrometry is an emerging field which shows great promise for the analysis of biomolecules directly from their biological substrate. In this article, we describe ambient ionisation mass spectrometry techniques for the in situ analysis of intact proteins. As a broad approach, the analysis of intact proteins offers unique advantages for the determination of primary sequence variations and posttranslational modifications, as well as interrogation of tertiary and quaternary structure and protein‐protein/ligand interactions. In situ analysis of intact proteins offers the potential to couple these advantages with information relating to their biological environment, for example, their spatial distributions within healthy and diseased tissues. Here, we describe the techniques most commonly applied to in situ protein analysis (liquid extraction surface analysis, continuous flow liquid microjunction surface sampling, nano desorption electrospray ionisation, and desorption electrospray ionisation), their advantages, and limitations and describe their applications to date. We also discuss the incorporation of ion mobility spectrometry techniques (high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry and travelling wave ion mobility spectrometry) into ambient workflows. Finally, future directions for the field are discussed. PMID:29607564

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

Chen, Jingguang; Frenkel, Anatoly; Rodriguez, Jose

Synchrotron spectroscopies offer unique advantages over conventional techniques, including higher detection sensitivity and molecular specificity, faster detection rate, and more in-depth information regarding the structural, electronic and catalytic properties under in-situ reaction conditions. Despite these advantages, synchrotron techniques are often underutilized or unexplored by the catalysis community due to various perceived and real barriers, which will be addressed in the current proposal. Since its establishment in 2005, the Synchrotron Catalysis Consortium (SCC) has coordinated significant efforts to promote the utilization of cutting-edge catalytic research under in-situ conditions. The purpose of the current renewal proposal is aimed to provide assistance, andmore » to develop new sciences/techniques, for the catalysis community through the following concerted efforts: Coordinating the implementation of a suite of beamlines for catalysis studies at the new NSLS-II synchrotron source; Providing assistance and coordination for catalysis users at an SSRL catalysis beamline during the initial period of NSLS to NSLS II transition; Designing in-situ reactors for a variety of catalytic and electrocatalytic studies; Assisting experimental set-up and data analysis by a dedicated research scientist; Offering training courses and help sessions by the PIs and co-PIs.« less

The Future of the Small Rural Grocery Store: A Qualitative Exploration.

PubMed

Pinard, Courtney A; Fricke, Hollyanne E; Smith, Teresa M; Carpenter, Leah R; Yaroch, Amy L

2016-11-01

Rural communities face unique challenges to and opportunities for offering more healthful foods and are often understudied in comparison to their urban counterparts. The purpose of this study was to conduct a qualitative assessment of rural storeowners' perceptions of their communities, their business practices, and factors that influences their viability, sustainability, and ability to support healthy food choices. We conducted interviews with storeowners (N = 15) in small stores in rural Nebraska and explored perceptions of business practices, role in the community, and consumer demand for more healthful foods. The storeowners reported strategies they employ to remain competitive, such as selling alcohol and tobacco, focusing on customer service, and ensuring quality of products. Manufacturer and distributor agreements often put constraints on their business models. Key challenges reported included a dwindling population and competition with larger chains in neighboring towns set in a sparsely populated landscape. Goals for the future included expanding equipment, largely to offer more prepared foods. This study adds to the literature around food access in rural communities, and can inform future implementation strategies to work with storeowners to improve healthy food access.

Making Sense of Plant Health

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

Ciencia, Inc. created a new device, known as a Portable Photosynthesis Analyzer, or Phase Fluorometer, that provides real-time data about the photochemical efficiency of phytoplankton and other plant forms. The commercial version of this technology is used for photosynthesis research and offers major benefits to the field of life science. This new instrument is the first portable instrument of its kind. Through a license agreement with Ciencia, Oriel Instruments, of Stratford, Connecticut, manufactures and markets the commercial version of the instrument under the name LifeSense.TMLifeSense is a 70 MHz single-frequency fluorometer that offers unrivaled capabilities for fluorescence lifetime sensing and analysis. LifeSense provides information about all varieties of photosynthetic systems. Photosynthesis research contributes important health assessments about the plant, be it phytoplankton or a higher form of plant life. With its unique sensing capabilities, LifeSense furnishes data regarding the yield of a plant's photochemistry, as well as its levels of photosynthetic activity. The user can then gain an extremely accurate estimate of the plant's chlorophyll biomass, primary production rates, and a general overview of the plant's physiological condition.

Teachers guide for building and operating weather satellite ground stations for high school science

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Summers, R. J.; Gotwald, T.

1981-01-01

A number of colleges and universities are operating APT direct readout stations. However, high school science teachers have often failed to realize the potential of meteorological satellites and their products as unique instructional tools. The ability to receive daily pictures from these satellites offers exciting opportunities for secondary school teachers and students to assemble the electronic hardware and to view real time pictures of Earth from outer space. The station and pictures can be used in the classroom to develop an approach to science teaching that could span many scientific disciplines and offer many opportunities for student research and participation in scientific processes. This can be accomplished with relatively small expenditures of funds for equipment. In most schools some of the equipment may already be available. Others can be constructed by teachers and/or students. Yet another source might be the purchase of used equipment from industry or through the government surplus channels. The information necessary for individuals unfamiliar with these systems to construct a direct readout for receiving real time APT photographs on a daily basis in the classroom is presented.

Comparative Analysis of Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Methods.

PubMed

Ziegenhain, Christoph; Vieth, Beate; Parekh, Swati; Reinius, Björn; Guillaumet-Adkins, Amy; Smets, Martha; Leonhardt, Heinrich; Heyn, Holger; Hellmann, Ines; Enard, Wolfgang

2017-02-16

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) offers new possibilities to address biological and medical questions. However, systematic comparisons of the performance of diverse scRNA-seq protocols are lacking. We generated data from 583 mouse embryonic stem cells to evaluate six prominent scRNA-seq methods: CEL-seq2, Drop-seq, MARS-seq, SCRB-seq, Smart-seq, and Smart-seq2. While Smart-seq2 detected the most genes per cell and across cells, CEL-seq2, Drop-seq, MARS-seq, and SCRB-seq quantified mRNA levels with less amplification noise due to the use of unique molecular identifiers (UMIs). Power simulations at different sequencing depths showed that Drop-seq is more cost-efficient for transcriptome quantification of large numbers of cells, while MARS-seq, SCRB-seq, and Smart-seq2 are more efficient when analyzing fewer cells. Our quantitative comparison offers the basis for an informed choice among six prominent scRNA-seq methods, and it provides a framework for benchmarking further improvements of scRNA-seq protocols. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Habitable Worlds: Delivering on the Promises of Online Education.

PubMed

Horodyskyj, Lev B; Mead, Chris; Belinson, Zack; Buxner, Sanlyn; Semken, Steven; Anbar, Ariel D

2018-01-01

Critical thinking and scientific reasoning are central to higher education in the United States, but many courses (in-person and online) teach students information about science much more than they teach the actual process of science and its associated knowledge and skills. In the online arena specifically, the tools available for course construction exacerbate this problem by making it difficult to build the types of active learning activities that research shows to be the most effective. Here, we present a report on Habitable Worlds, offered by Arizona State University for 12 semesters over the past 6 years. This is a unique online course that uses an array of novel technologies to deliver an active, inquiry-driven learning experience. Learning outcomes and quantitative data from more than 3000 students demonstrate the success of our approach but also identify several remaining challenges. The design and development of this course offers valuable lessons for instructional designers and educators who are interested in fully capitalizing on the capabilities of 21 st -century technology to achieve educational goals. Key Words: Online education-Active learning-SETI-Astrobiology-Teaching. Astrobiology 17, 86-99.

Behavioral Economics: A New Lens for Understanding Genomic Decision Making.

PubMed

Moore, Scott Emory; Ulbrich, Holley H; Hepburn, Kenneth; Holaday, Bonnie; Mayo, Rachel; Sharp, Julia; Pruitt, Rosanne H

2018-05-01

This article seeks to take the next step in examining the insights that nurses and other healthcare providers can derive from applying behavioral economic concepts to support genomic decision making. As genomic science continues to permeate clinical practice, nurses must continue to adapt practice to meet new challenges. Decisions associated with genomics are often not simple and dichotomous in nature. They can be complex and challenging for all involved. This article offers an introduction to behavioral economics as a possible tool to help support patients', families', and caregivers' decision making related to genomics. Using current writings from nursing, ethics, behavioral economic, and other healthcare scholars, we review key concepts of behavioral economics and discuss their relevance to supporting genomic decision making. Behavioral economic concepts-particularly relativity, deliberation, and choice architecture-are specifically examined as new ways to view the complexities of genomic decision making. Each concept is explored through patient decision making and clinical practice examples. This article also discusses next steps and practice implications for further development of the behavioral economic lens in nursing. Behavioral economics provides valuable insight into the unique nature of genetic decision-making practices. Nurses are often a source of information and support for patients during clinical decision making. This article seeks to offer behavioral economic concepts as a framework for understanding and examining the unique nature of genomic decision making. As genetic and genomic testing become more common in practice, it will continue to grow in importance for nurses to be able to support the autonomous decision making of patients, their families, and caregivers. © 2018 Sigma Theta Tau International.

Clinical information seeking in traumatic brain injury: a survey of Veterans Health Administration polytrauma care team members.

PubMed

Hogan, Timothy; Martinez, Rachael; Evans, Charlesnika; Saban, Karen; Proescher, Eric; Steiner, Monica; Smith, Bridget

2018-03-01

The polytraumatic nature of traumatic brain injury (TBI) makes diagnosis and treatment difficult. To (1) characterise information needs among Veterans Health Administration (VHA) polytrauma care team members engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of TBI; (2) identify sources used for TBI related information; and (3) identify barriers to accessing TBI related information. Cross-sectional online survey of 236 VHA polytrauma care team members. Most respondents (95.8%) keep at least somewhat current regarding TBI, but 31.5% need more knowledge on diagnosing TBI and 51.3% need more knowledge on treating TBI. Respondents use VHA affiliated sources for information, including local colleagues (81.7%), VHA offsite conferences/meetings (78.3%) and onsite VHA educational offerings (73.6%); however, limited time due to administrative responsibilities (50.9%), limited financial resources (50.4%) and patient care (50.4%) were prominent barriers. Medical librarians are in a unique position to develop information services, resources and other electronic tools that reflect the clinical context in which polytrauma care team members practice, and the different tasks they perform. Polytrauma care team members could benefit from additional information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of TBI. Addressing their information needs and supporting their information seeking requires a mulit-pronged approach to time and financial constraints. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Get the Diagnosis: an evidence-based medicine collaborative Wiki for diagnostic test accuracy.

PubMed

Hammer, Mark M; Kohlberg, Gavriel D

2017-04-01

Despite widespread calls for its use, there are challenges to the implementation of evidence-based medicine (EBM) in clinical practice. In response to the challenges of finding timely, pertinent information on diagnostic test accuracy, we developed an online, crowd-sourced Wiki on diagnostic test accuracy called Get the Diagnosis (GTD, http://www.getthediagnosis.org). Since its launch in November 2008 till October 2015, GTD has accumulated information on 300 diagnoses, with 1617 total diagnostic entries. There are a total of 1097 unique diagnostic tests with a mean of 5.4 tests (range 0-38) per diagnosis. 73% of entries (1182 of 1617) have an associated sensitivity and specificity and 89% of entries (1432 of 1617) have associated peer-reviewed literature citations. Altogether, GTD contains 474 unique literature citations. For a sample of three diagnoses, the search precision (percentage of relevant results in the first 30 entries) in GTD was 100% as compared with a range of 13.3%-63.3% for PubMed and between 6.7% and 76.7% for Google Scholar. GTD offers a fast, precise and efficient way to look up diagnostic test accuracy. On three selected examples, GTD had a greater precision rate compared with PubMed and Google Scholar in identifying diagnostic test information. GTD is a free resource that complements other currently available resources. 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/.

'I now have a visual image in my mind and it is something I will never forget': an analysis of an arts-informed approach to health professions ethics education.

PubMed

Kinsella, Elizabeth Anne; Bidinosti, Susan

2016-05-01

This paper reports on a study of an arts informed approach to ethics education in a health professions education context. The purpose of this study was to investigate students' reported learning experiences as a result of engagement with an arts-informed project in a health professions' ethics course. A hermeneutic phenomenological methodological approach was adopted for the study. The data were collected over 5 years, and involved analysis of 234 occupational therapy students' written reflections on learning. Phenomenological methods were used. Five key themes were identified with respect to students' reported learning including: becoming aware of values, (re) discovering creativity, coming to value reflection in professional life, deepening self-awareness, and developing capacities to imagine future practices. There appear to be a number of unique ways in which arts-informed approaches can contribute to health professions education including: activating imaginative engagement, fostering interpretive capacity, inspiring transformative understandings, offering new ways of knowing, deepening reflection, and heightening consciousness, while also enriching the inner life of practitioners. Innovative approaches are being used to introduce arts-informed practices in health professions curricula programs. The findings point to the promise of arts-informed approaches for advancing health sciences education.

Neuropathology Education Using Social Media.

PubMed

Nix, James S; Gardner, Jerad M; Costa, Felipe; Soares, Alexandre L; Rodriguez, Fausto J; Moore, Brian; Martinez-Lage, Maria; Ahlawat, Sunita; Gokden, Murat; Anthony, Douglas C

2018-06-01

Social media use continues to grow among pathologists. Discussions of current topics, posts of educational information, and images of pathological entities are commonly found and distributed on popular sites such as Facebook and Twitter. However, little is known about the presence of neuropathology content in social media and the audience for such content. We designed and distributed a survey to assess the demographics of users viewing neuropathology content and their opinions about neuropathology in social media. User posts on the Facebook group, Surgical Neuropathology, were also analyzed. The results show that there is a demand for neuropathology content of high quality, curated by experts, and that this demand is present among both specialists and nonspecialists. These findings suggest that social media may be useful for rapid dissemination of information in the field of neuropathology. This format also offers a unique opportunity to extend the reach of information to nonneuropathologists who may not receive neuropathology journals or have access to specialty-level neuropathology training, to build networks between professionals, and potentially to influence public opinion of neuropathology on an international scale.

PharmDB-K: Integrated Bio-Pharmacological Network Database for Traditional Korean Medicine

PubMed Central

Lee, Ji-Hyun; Park, Kyoung Mii; Han, Dong-Jin; Bang, Nam Young; Kim, Do-Hee; Na, Hyeongjin; Lim, Semi; Kim, Tae Bum; Kim, Dae Gyu; Kim, Hyun-Jung; Chung, Yeonseok; Sung, Sang Hyun; Surh, Young-Joon; Kim, Sunghoon; Han, Byung Woo

2015-01-01

Despite the growing attention given to Traditional Medicine (TM) worldwide, there is no well-known, publicly available, integrated bio-pharmacological Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) database for researchers in drug discovery. In this study, we have constructed PharmDB-K, which offers comprehensive information relating to TKM-associated drugs (compound), disease indication, and protein relationships. To explore the underlying molecular interaction of TKM, we integrated fourteen different databases, six Pharmacopoeias, and literature, and established a massive bio-pharmacological network for TKM and experimentally validated some cases predicted from the PharmDB-K analyses. Currently, PharmDB-K contains information about 262 TKMs, 7,815 drugs, 3,721 diseases, 32,373 proteins, and 1,887 side effects. One of the unique sets of information in PharmDB-K includes 400 indicator compounds used for standardization of herbal medicine. Furthermore, we are operating PharmDB-K via phExplorer (a network visualization software) and BioMart (a data federation framework) for convenient search and analysis of the TKM network. Database URL: http://pharmdb-k.org, http://biomart.i-pharm.org. PMID:26555441

Ancient dna from pleistocene fossils: Preservation, recovery, and utility of ancient genetic information for quaternary research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Hong

Until recently, recovery and analysis of genetic information encoded in ancient DNA sequences from Pleistocene fossils were impossible. Recent advances in molecular biology offered technical tools to obtain ancient DNA sequences from well-preserved Quaternary fossils and opened the possibilities to directly study genetic changes in fossil species to address various biological and paleontological questions. Ancient DNA studies involving Pleistocene fossil material and ancient DNA degradation and preservation in Quaternary deposits are reviewed. The molecular technology applied to isolate, amplify, and sequence ancient DNA is also presented. Authentication of ancient DNA sequences and technical problems associated with modern and ancient DNA contamination are discussed. As illustrated in recent studies on ancient DNA from proboscideans, it is apparent that fossil DNA sequence data can shed light on many aspects of Quaternary research such as systematics and phylogeny. conservation biology, evolutionary theory, molecular taphonomy, and forensic sciences. Improvement of molecular techniques and a better understanding of DNA degradation during fossilization are likely to build on current strengths and to overcome existing problems, making fossil DNA data a unique source of information for Quaternary scientists.

A chip-integrated coherent photonic-phononic memory.

PubMed

Merklein, Moritz; Stiller, Birgit; Vu, Khu; Madden, Stephen J; Eggleton, Benjamin J

2017-09-18

Controlling and manipulating quanta of coherent acoustic vibrations-phonons-in integrated circuits has recently drawn a lot of attention, since phonons can function as unique links between radiofrequency and optical signals, allow access to quantum regimes and offer advanced signal processing capabilities. Recent approaches based on optomechanical resonators have achieved impressive quality factors allowing for storage of optical signals. However, so far these techniques have been limited in bandwidth and are incompatible with multi-wavelength operation. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate a coherent buffer in an integrated planar optical waveguide by transferring the optical information coherently to an acoustic hypersound wave. Optical information is extracted using the reverse process. These hypersound phonons have similar wavelengths as the optical photons but travel at five orders of magnitude lower velocity. We demonstrate the storage of phase and amplitude of optical information with gigahertz bandwidth and show operation at separate wavelengths with negligible cross-talk.Optical storage implementations based on optomechanical resonator are limited to one wavelength. Here, exploiting stimulated Brillouin scattering, the authors demonstrate a coherent optical memory based on a planar integrated waveguide, which can operate at different wavelengths without cross-talk.

Assessing Opportunities for Student Pharmacist Leadership Development at Schools of Pharmacy in the United States.

PubMed

Feller, Tara T; Doucette, William R; Witry, Matthew J

2016-06-25

Objective. To summarize student pharmacist leadership development opportunities delivered by pharmacy programs, to describe selected opportunities, and to assess how these opportunities meet leadership development competencies. Methods. A multi-method study was conducted that comprised a systematic content analysis of pharmacy education journals, pharmacy program websites, and telephone interviews with key informants, which included open-ended questions and scaled responses. Results. Review of six articles, 37 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Annual Meeting abstracts, and 138 websites resulted in the identification of 191 leadership development opportunities. These consisted of courses, projects/programs, and events/speaker series. Interviews with 12 key informants detailed unique events that developed leadership competencies. Formal assessments of student leadership development were limited and primarily focused on informal feedback and course evaluations. Conclusion. Most US pharmacy programs offer their students an array of opportunities to develop leadership abilities. Pharmacy programs should consider expanding opportunities beyond elective courses, learn from the successes of others to implement new leadership development opportunities, and bolster the assessment of student leadership competencies and outcomes.

Assessing Opportunities for Student Pharmacist Leadership Development at Schools of Pharmacy in the United States

PubMed Central

Feller, Tara T.; Witry, Matthew J.

2016-01-01

Objective. To summarize student pharmacist leadership development opportunities delivered by pharmacy programs, to describe selected opportunities, and to assess how these opportunities meet leadership development competencies. Methods. A multi-method study was conducted that comprised a systematic content analysis of pharmacy education journals, pharmacy program websites, and telephone interviews with key informants, which included open-ended questions and scaled responses. Results. Review of six articles, 37 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Annual Meeting abstracts, and 138 websites resulted in the identification of 191 leadership development opportunities. These consisted of courses, projects/programs, and events/speaker series. Interviews with 12 key informants detailed unique events that developed leadership competencies. Formal assessments of student leadership development were limited and primarily focused on informal feedback and course evaluations. Conclusion. Most US pharmacy programs offer their students an array of opportunities to develop leadership abilities. Pharmacy programs should consider expanding opportunities beyond elective courses, learn from the successes of others to implement new leadership development opportunities, and bolster the assessment of student leadership competencies and outcomes. PMID:27402982

48 CFR 12.205 - Offers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... research, review existing product literature generally available in the industry to determine its adequacy... literature from offerors of commercial items in lieu of unique technical proposals. (b) Contracting officers...

48 CFR 12.205 - Offers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... research, review existing product literature generally available in the industry to determine its adequacy... literature from offerors of commercial items in lieu of unique technical proposals. (b) Contracting officers...

48 CFR 12.205 - Offers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... research, review existing product literature generally available in the industry to determine its adequacy... literature from offerors of commercial items in lieu of unique technical proposals. (b) Contracting officers...

Understanding Spanish-Language Response in a National Health Communication Survey: Implications for Health Communication Research.

PubMed

Ramírez, A Susana; Willis, Gordon; Rutten, Lila Finney

2017-05-01

Spanish-speaking Latinos account for 13% of the U.S. population yet are chronically under-represented in national surveys; additionally, the response quality suffers from low literacy rates and translation challenges. These are the same issues that health communicators face when understanding how best to communicate important health information to Latinos. The Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) offers a unique opportunity to understand the health communication landscape and information needs of the U.S. We describe the challenges in recruiting Spanish-speaking HINTS respondents and strategies used to improve rates and quality of responses among Spanish-speaking Latinos. Cognitive interviewing techniques helped to better understand how Spanish-speaking Latinos were interpreting the survey questions, and the extent to which these interpretations matched English-speaking respondents' interpretations. Some Spanish-speaking respondents had difficulty with the questions because of a lack of access to health care. Additionally, Spanish-speaking respondents had a particularly hard time answering questions that were presented in a grid format. We describe the cognitive interview process, and consider the impact of format changes on Spanish-speaking people's responses and response quality. We discuss challenges that remain in understanding health information needs of non-English-speakers.

Understanding Spanish-language Response in a National Health Communication Survey: Implications for Health Communication Research

PubMed Central

Ramírez, A Susana; Willis, Gordon; Rutten, Lila Finney

2017-01-01

Spanish-speaking Latinos account for 13% of the US population yet are chronically under-represented in national surveys; additionally, response quality suffers from low literacy rates and translation challenges. These are the same issues that health communicators face when understanding how best to communicate important health information to Latinos. The Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) offers a unique opportunity to understand the health communication landscape and information needs of the U.S. population. We describe the challenges in recruiting Spanish-speaking HINTS respondents and strategies used to improve rates and quality of responses among Spanish-speaking Latinos. Cognitive interviewing techniques helped to better understand how Spanish-speaking Latinos were interpreting the survey questions, and the extent to which these interpretations matched English-speaking respondents’ interpretations. Some Spanish-speaking respondents had difficulty with the questions because of a lack of access to health care. Additionally, Spanish-speaking respondents had a particularly hard time answering questions that were presented in a grid format. We describe the cognitive interview process, and consider the impact of format changes on Spanish-speaking people’s responses and response quality. We discuss challenges that remain in understanding health information needs of non-English-speakers. PMID:28414618

Evidence of global demand for medication abortion information An analysis of www.medicationabortion.com

PubMed Central

Foster, Angel M.; Wynn, L. L.; Trussell, James

2013-01-01

Introduction The worldwide expansion of the Internet offers an important modality of disseminating medically accurate information about medication abortion. We chronicle the story of www.medicationabortion.com, an English-, Spanish-, Arabic-, and French-language website dedicated to three early abortion regimens. Methods We evaluated the website use patterns from 2005 through 2009. We also conducted a content and thematic analysis of 1,910 emails submitted during this period. Results The website experienced steady growth in use. In 2009, it received 35,000 visits each month from more than 20,000 unique visitors and was accessed by users in 208 countries and territories. More than half of all users accessed the website from a country in which abortion is legally restricted. Users from more than 40 countries sent emails with individual questions. Women often wrote in extraordinary detail about the circumstances of their pregnancies and attempts to obtain an abortion. These emails also reflect considerable demand for information about the use of misoprostol for self-induction. Conclusion The use patterns of www.medicationabortion.com indicate that there is significant demand for online information about abortion, and the findings suggest future priorities for research, collaboration, and educational outreach. PMID:24360644

A Real-Time and Hands-On Research Course in Protein Purification and Characterization: Purification and Crystal Growth of Human Inosine Triphosphate Pyrophosphatase

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kreiling, Jodi L.; Brader, Kerry; Kolar, Carol; Borgstahl, Gloria E. O.

2011-01-01

A new lecture/laboratory course to offer advanced biochemical training for undergraduate and early graduate students has been developed in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. This unique course offers students an opportunity to work hands-on with modern instrumentation not normally found in a predominately…

Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip

Cancer.gov

The HumanMethylation450 BeadChip offers a unique combination of comprehensive, expert-selected coverage and high throughput at a low price, making it ideal for screening large sample populations such as those used in genome-wide association study cohorts. By providing quantitative methylation measurement at the single-CpG–site level for normal and FFPE samples, this assay offers powerful resolution for understanding epigenetic changes.

Unique Challenges to Preventing Perinatal HIV Transmission among Hispanic Women in California: Results of a Needs Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kropp, Rhonda Y.; Montgomery, Elizabeth T.; Hill, David W.; Ruiz, Juan D.; Maldonado, Yvonne A.

2005-01-01

To identify rates and factors associated with timely prenatal care (PNC) initiation, HIV test counseling, test offering, and test offer acceptance, we conducted a semistructured survey of a convenience sample of pregnant/recently delivered Hispanic women (n = 453, 418 with analyzable data) in four California counties in 2000. Only 68.4% and 43.5%…

Searching the Internet for information on prostate cancer screening: an assessment of quality.

PubMed

Ilic, Dragan; Risbridger, Gail; Green, Sally

2004-07-01

To identify how on-line information relating to prostate cancer screening (PCS) is best sourced, whether through general, medical, or meta-search engines, and to assess the quality of that information. Websites providing information about PCS were searched across 15 search engines representing three distinct types: general, medical, and meta-search engines. The quality of on-line information was assessed using the DISCERN quality assessment tool. Quality performance characteristics were analyzed by performing Mann-Whitney U tests. Search engine efficiency was measured by each search query as a percentage of the relevant websites included for analysis from the total returned and analyzed by performing Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance. Of 6690 websites reviewed, 84 unique websites were identified as providing information relevant to PCS. General and meta-search engines were significantly more efficient at retrieving relevant information on PCS compared with medical search engines. The quality of information was variable, with most of a poor standard. Websites that provided referral links to other resources and a citation of evidence provided a significantly better quality of information. In contrast, websites offering a direct service were more likely to provide a significantly poorer quality of information. The current lack of a clear consensus on guidelines and recommendation in published data is also reflected by the variable quality of information found on-line. Specialized medical search engines were no more likely to retrieve relevant, high-quality information than general or meta-search engines.

Enabling Analysis of Big, Thick, Long, and Wide Data: Data Management for the Analysis of a Large Longitudinal and Cross-National Narrative Data Set.

PubMed

Winskell, Kate; Singleton, Robyn; Sabben, Gaelle

2018-03-01

Distinctive longitudinal narrative data, collected during a critical 18-year period in the history of the HIV epidemic, offer a unique opportunity to examine how young Africans are making sense of evolving developments in HIV prevention and treatment. More than 200,000 young people from across sub-Saharan Africa took part in HIV-themed scriptwriting contests held at eight discrete time points between 1997 and 2014, creating more than 75,000 narratives. This article describes the data reduction and management strategies developed for our cross-national and longitudinal study of these qualitative data. The study aims to inform HIV communication practice by identifying cultural meanings and contextual factors that inform sexual behaviors and social practices, and also to help increase understanding of processes of sociocultural change. We describe our sampling strategies and our triangulating methodologies, combining in-depth narrative analysis, thematic qualitative analysis, and quantitative analysis, which are designed to enable systematic comparison without sacrificing ethnographic richness.

BOLD magnetic resonance imaging in nephrology

PubMed Central

Hall, Michael E; Jordan, Jennifer H; Juncos, Luis A; Hundley, W Gregory; Hall, John E

2018-01-01

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, a non-invasive modality that provides anatomic and physiologic information, is increasingly used for diagnosis of pathophysiologic conditions and for understanding renal physiology in humans. Although functional MR imaging methods were pioneered to investigate the brain, they also offer powerful techniques for investigation of other organ systems such as the kidneys. However, imaging the kidneys provides unique challenges due to potential complications from contrast agents. Therefore, development of non-contrast techniques to study kidney anatomy and physiology is important. Blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) MR is a non-contrast imaging technique that provides functional information related to renal tissue oxygenation in various pathophysiologic conditions. Here we discuss technical considerations, clinical uses and future directions for use of BOLD MR as well as complementary MR techniques to better understand renal pathophysiology. Our intent is to summarize kidney BOLD MR applications for the clinician rather than focusing on the complex physical challenges that functional MR imaging encompasses; however, we briefly discuss some of those issues. PMID:29559807

How habitat affects the benefits of communication in collectively foraging honey bees.

PubMed

Donaldson-Matasci, Matina C; Dornhaus, Anna

2012-04-01

Honey bees ( Apis mellifera ) use the dance language to symbolically convey information about the location of floral resources from within the nest. To figure out why this unique ability evolved, we need to understand the benefits it offers to the colony. Previous studies have shown that, in fact, the location information in the dance is not always beneficial. We ask, in which ecological habitats do honey bee colonies actually benefit from the dance language, and what is it about those habitats that makes communication useful? In this study, we examine the effects of floral distribution patterns on the benefits of dance communication across five different habitats. In each habitat, we manipulated colonies' ability to communicate and measured their foraging success, while simultaneously characterizing the naturally occurring floral distribution. We find that communication is most beneficial when floral species richness is high and patches contain many flowers. These are ecological features that could have helped shape the evolution of the honey bee dance language.

How habitat affects the benefits of communication in collectively foraging honey bees

PubMed Central

Donaldson-Matasci, Matina C.; Dornhaus, Anna

2013-01-01

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) use the dance language to symbolically convey information about the location of floral resources from within the nest. To figure out why this unique ability evolved, we need to understand the benefits it offers to the colony. Previous studies have shown that, in fact, the location information in the dance is not always beneficial. We ask, in which ecological habitats do honey bee colonies actually benefit from the dance language, and what is it about those habitats that makes communication useful? In this study, we examine the effects of floral distribution patterns on the benefits of dance communication across five different habitats. In each habitat, we manipulated colonies’ ability to communicate and measured their foraging success, while simultaneously characterizing the naturally occurring floral distribution. We find that communication is most beneficial when floral species richness is high and patches contain many flowers. These are ecological features that could have helped shape the evolution of the honey bee dance language. PMID:26213439

Proteomic Approaches and Identification of Novel Therapeutic Targets for Alcoholism

PubMed Central

Gorini, Giorgio; Adron Harris, R; Dayne Mayfield, R

2014-01-01

Recent studies have shown that gene regulation is far more complex than previously believed and does not completely explain changes at the protein level. Therefore, the direct study of the proteome, considerably different in both complexity and dynamicity to the genome/transcriptome, has provided unique insights to an increasing number of researchers. During the past decade, extraordinary advances in proteomic techniques have changed the way we can analyze the composition, regulation, and function of protein complexes and pathways underlying altered neurobiological conditions. When combined with complementary approaches, these advances provide the contextual information for decoding large data sets into meaningful biologically adaptive processes. Neuroproteomics offers potential breakthroughs in the field of alcohol research by leading to a deeper understanding of how alcohol globally affects protein structure, function, interactions, and networks. The wealth of information gained from these advances can help pinpoint relevant biomarkers for early diagnosis and improved prognosis of alcoholism and identify future pharmacological targets for the treatment of this addiction. PMID:23900301

Five key players shape institution's ethical character.

PubMed

Craig, R P; Middleton, C J; O'Connell, L J

1986-05-01

Various individuals or groups play important roles in achieving moral insight and direction in a health care facility. The administration, medical and nursing staffs, the professional theologian, and the bishop all contribute unique perspectives to the complex process of developing an institution's ethical character. An institutional ethics committee's (IEC's) effectiveness depends largely on the administrator's ability to support educational programming in ethics for the entire staff, coordinate ethical reflection throughout the organization, and shape ethically informed policy based on an IEC's practical experience. The medical staff brings its scientific background and practical experience to ethical issues under a committee's consideration, and nurses offer valuable insights based on their close contact with patients and family. The theologian provides resources and background on Catholic tradition as well as information on current theological developments. The IEC also should maintain a relationship with the local bishop whose duty is to articulate the Church's positions in health care ethics. Forthright dialogue among all parties is central to the IEC's task.

Energy: the microfluidic frontier.

PubMed

Sinton, David

2014-09-07

Global energy is largely a fluids problem. It is also large-scale, in stark contrast to microchannels. Microfluidic energy technologies must offer either massive scalability or direct relevance to energy processes already operating at scale. We have to pick our fights. Highlighted here are the exceptional opportunities I see, including some recent successes and areas where much more attention is needed. The most promising directions are those that leverage high surface-to-volume ratios, rapid diffusive transport, capacity for high temperature and high pressure experiments, and length scales characteristic of microbes and fluids (hydrocarbons, CO2) underground. The most immediate areas of application are where information is the product; either fluid sample analysis (e.g. oil analysis); or informing operations (e.g. CO2 transport in microporous media). I'll close with aspects that differentiate energy from traditional microfluidics applications, the uniquely important role of engineering in energy, and some thoughts for the research community forming at the nexus of lab-on-a-chip and energy--a microfluidic frontier.

A guide to transportation enhancements

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-12-01

The Federal Transportation Enhancement Program offers extensive opportunities to take unique and creative actions to integrate transportation into our communities and the natural environment. Transportation enhancement activities can be stand-alone p...

Characteristics of patients seeking health information online via social health networks versus general Internet sites: a comparative study.

PubMed

Magnezi, Racheli; Grosberg, Dafna; Novikov, Ilya; Ziv, Arnona; Shani, Mordechai; Freedman, Laurence S

2015-03-01

Camoni.co.il, a Hebrew-language social health network offers advice, consultation, and connection to others with chronic illness. This study compared characteristics and objectives of Camoni.co.il users and individuals seeking medical information through general Internet sites. Similar questionnaires were sent to 1009 Internet and 900 Camoni users. Cluster analysis defined four modes of online social health network use: "acquiring information and support", "communicating", "networking" and "browsing". Six hundred and five Internet and 125 Camoni users responded. Diabetes, hypertension, obesity and lung diseases were found more often among general Internet users than Camoni users. Among Camoni users, "acquiring information and support" was the main motivation for individuals over age 55 years, women, those with lower income, chronic pain, obesity and depression. "Communicating" was the main incentive of men, those 20-34 years old, those with less education, or an eating disorder. "Networking" was the most significant motivation for those with multiple sclerosis or depression. Browsing was most frequent among individuals with multiple sclerosis. Identifying needs of social health network surfers will allow planning unique contents and enhancing social health sites. Physicians might advise patients to use them to obtain support and information regarding their conditions, possibly leading to improved compliance and self-management.

PDBe: improved accessibility of macromolecular structure data from PDB and EMDB

PubMed Central

Velankar, Sameer; van Ginkel, Glen; Alhroub, Younes; Battle, Gary M.; Berrisford, John M.; Conroy, Matthew J.; Dana, Jose M.; Gore, Swanand P.; Gutmanas, Aleksandras; Haslam, Pauline; Hendrickx, Pieter M. S.; Lagerstedt, Ingvar; Mir, Saqib; Fernandez Montecelo, Manuel A.; Mukhopadhyay, Abhik; Oldfield, Thomas J.; Patwardhan, Ardan; Sanz-García, Eduardo; Sen, Sanchayita; Slowley, Robert A.; Wainwright, Michael E.; Deshpande, Mandar S.; Iudin, Andrii; Sahni, Gaurav; Salavert Torres, Jose; Hirshberg, Miriam; Mak, Lora; Nadzirin, Nurul; Armstrong, David R.; Clark, Alice R.; Smart, Oliver S.; Korir, Paul K.; Kleywegt, Gerard J.

2016-01-01

The Protein Data Bank in Europe (http://pdbe.org) accepts and annotates depositions of macromolecular structure data in the PDB and EMDB archives and enriches, integrates and disseminates structural information in a variety of ways. The PDBe website has been redesigned based on an analysis of user requirements, and now offers intuitive access to improved and value-added macromolecular structure information. Unique value-added information includes lists of reviews and research articles that cite or mention PDB entries as well as access to figures and legends from full-text open-access publications that describe PDB entries. A powerful new query system not only shows all the PDB entries that match a given query, but also shows the ‘best structures’ for a given macromolecule, ligand complex or sequence family using data-quality information from the wwPDB validation reports. A PDBe RESTful API has been developed to provide unified access to macromolecular structure data available in the PDB and EMDB archives as well as value-added annotations, e.g. regarding structure quality and up-to-date cross-reference information from the SIFTS resource. Taken together, these new developments facilitate unified access to macromolecular structure data in an intuitive way for non-expert users and support expert users in analysing macromolecular structure data. PMID:26476444

UPMC's blueprint for BuILDing a high-value health care system.

PubMed

Keyser, Donna; Kogan, Jane; McGowan, Marion; Peele, Pamela; Holder, Diane; Shrank, William

2018-03-30

National-level demonstration projects and real-world studies continue to inform health care transformation efforts and catalyze implementation of value-based service delivery and payment models, though evidence generation and diffusion of learnings often occurs at a relatively slow pace. Rapid-cycle learning models, however, can help individual organizations to more quickly adapt health care innovations to meet the challenges and demands of a rapidly changing health care landscape. Integrated delivery and financing systems (IDFSs) offer a unique platform for rapid-cycle learning and innovation. Since both the provider and payer benefit from delivering care that enhances the patient experience, improves quality, and reduces cost, incentives are aligned to experiment with value-based models, enhance learning about what works and why, and contribute to solutions that can accelerate transformation. In this article, we describe how the UPMC Insurance Services Division, as part of a large IDFS, uses its Business, Innovation, Learning, and Dissemination (BuILD) model to prioritize, design, test, and refine health care innovations and accelerate learning. We provide examples of how the BuILD model offers an approach for quickly assessing the impact and value of health care transformation efforts. Lessons learned through the BuILD process will offer insights and guidance for a wide range of stakeholders whether an IDFS or independent payer-provider collaborators. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Medical schools viewed from a political perspective: how political skills can improve education leadership.

PubMed

Nordquist, Jonas; Grigsby, R Kevin

2011-12-01

Political science offers a unique perspective from which to inform education leadership practice. This article views leadership in the health professions through the lens of political science research and offers suggestions for how theories derived from political science can be used to develop education leadership practice. Political science is rarely used in the health professions education literature. This article illuminates how this discipline can generate a more nuanced understanding of leadership in health professions education by offering a terminology, a conceptual framework and insights derived from more than 80 years of empirical work. Previous research supports the premise that successful leaders have a good understanding of political processes. Studies show current health professional education is characterised by the influence of interest groups. At the same time, the need for urgent reform of health professional education is evident. Terminology, concepts and analytical models from political science can be used to develop the political understanding of education leaders and to ultimately support the necessary changes. The analytical concepts of interest and power are applicable to current health professional education. The model presented - analysing the policy process - provides us with a tool to fine-tune our understanding of leadership challenges and hence to communicate, analyse and create strategies that allow health professional education to better meet tomorrow's challenges. © Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2011.

Support of an Active Science Project by a Large Information System: Lessons for the EOS Era

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Angelici, Gary L.; Skiles, J. W.; Popovici, Lidia Z.

1993-01-01

The ability of large information systems to support the changing data requirements of active science projects is being tested in a NASA collaborative study. This paper briefly profiles both the active science project and the large information system involved in this effort and offers some observations about the effectiveness of the project support. This is followed by lessons that are important for those participating in large information systems that need to support active science projects or that make available the valuable data produced by these projects. We learned in this work that it is difficult for a large information system focused on long term data management to satisfy the requirements of an on-going science project. For example, in order to provide the best service, it is important for all information system staff to keep focused on the needs and constraints of the scientists in the development of appropriate services. If the lessons learned in this and other science support experiences are not applied by those involved with large information systems of the EOS (Earth Observing System) era, then the final data products produced by future science projects may not be robust or of high quality, thereby making the conduct of the project science less efficacious and reducing the value of these unique suites of data for future research.

Quantum Opportunities and Challenges for Fundamental Sciences in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yu, Nan

2012-01-01

Space platforms offer unique environment for and measurements of quantum world and fundamental physics. Quantum technology and measurements enhance measurement capabilities in space and result in greater science returns.

Consumer perceptions of prescription and over-the-counter drug advertisements with promotional offers.

PubMed

Aikin, Kathryn J; Sullivan, Helen W; O'Donoghue, Amie C; Betts, Kevin R

2016-01-01

Information on the effects of promotional offers in direct-to-consumer prescription drug ads is limited. In two studies, we examined the effect of promotional offers (e.g., money-back guarantee) and ad type (creating prescription and over-the-counter drug ads by varying the presence of benefit and risk information). We found little effect of promotional offers. Adding benefit (risk) information to the ad increased consumers' knowledge of the benefit (risk) information and their efficacy (risk) perceptions. In most cases, adding risk information to an ad with benefit information increased risk knowledge and perceptions without decreasing benefit knowledge or perceptions.

Stimuli-responsive chitosan-based nanocarriers for cancer therapy

PubMed Central

Fathi, Marziyeh; Sahandi Zangabad, Parham; Majidi, Sima; Barar, Jaleh; Erfan-Niya, Hamid

2017-01-01

Introduction: Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers offer unique advantages over the traditional drug delivery systems (DDSs) in terms of targeted drug delivery and on-demand release of cargo drug molecules. Of these, chitosan (CS)-based DDSs offer several advantages such as high compatibility with biological settings. Methods: In this study, we surveyed the literature in terms of the stimuli-responsive nanocarriers and discussed the most recent advancements in terms of CS-based nanosystems and their applications in cancer therapy and diagnosis. Results: These advanced DDSs are able to release the entrapped drugs in response to a specific endogenous stimulus (e.g., pH, glutathione concentration or certain enzymes) or exogenous stimulus (e.g., temperature, light, ultrasound, and magnetic field) at the desired time and target site. Dual-responsive nanocarriers by the combination of different stimuli have also been developed as efficient and improved DDSs. Among the stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, CS-based DDSs offer several advantages, including biocompatibility and biodegradability, antibacterial activity, ease of modification and functionalization, and non-immunogenicity. They are as one of the most ideal smart multifunction DDSs. Conclusion: The CS-based stimuli-responsive multifunctional nanosystems (NSs) offer unique potential for the targeted delivery of anticancer agents and provide great potential for on-demand and controlled-release of anticancer agents in response to diverse external/internal stimuli. PMID:29435435

Stimuli-responsive chitosan-based nanocarriers for cancer therapy.

PubMed

Fathi, Marziyeh; Sahandi Zangabad, Parham; Majidi, Sima; Barar, Jaleh; Erfan-Niya, Hamid; Omidi, Yadollah

2017-01-01

Introduction: Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers offer unique advantages over the traditional drug delivery systems (DDSs) in terms of targeted drug delivery and on-demand release of cargo drug molecules. Of these, chitosan (CS)-based DDSs offer several advantages such as high compatibility with biological settings. Methods: In this study, we surveyed the literature in terms of the stimuli-responsive nanocarriers and discussed the most recent advancements in terms of CS-based nanosystems and their applications in cancer therapy and diagnosis. Results: These advanced DDSs are able to release the entrapped drugs in response to a specific endogenous stimulus (e.g., pH, glutathione concentration or certain enzymes) or exogenous stimulus (e.g., temperature, light, ultrasound, and magnetic field) at the desired time and target site. Dual-responsive nanocarriers by the combination of different stimuli have also been developed as efficient and improved DDSs. Among the stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, CS-based DDSs offer several advantages, including biocompatibility and biodegradability, antibacterial activity, ease of modification and functionalization, and non-immunogenicity. They are as one of the most ideal smart multifunction DDSs. Conclusion: The CS-based stimuli-responsive multifunctional nanosystems (NSs) offer unique potential for the targeted delivery of anticancer agents and provide great potential for on-demand and controlled-release of anticancer agents in response to diverse external/internal stimuli.

Using Clinical Questions Asked by Primary Care Providers Through eConsults to Inform Continuing Professional Development.

PubMed

Archibald, Douglas; Liddy, Clare; Lochnan, Heather A; Hendry, Paul J; Keely, Erin J

2018-01-01

Continuing professional development (CPD) offerings should address the educational needs of health care providers. Innovative programs, such as electronic consultations (eConsults), provide unique educational opportunities for practice-based needs assessment. The purpose of this study is to assess whether CPD offerings match the needs of physicians by coding and comparing session content to clinical questions asked through eConsults. This study analyzes questions asked by primary care providers between July 2011 and January 2015 using a service that allows specialists to provide consultation over a secure web-based server. The content of these questions was compared with the CPD courses offered in the area in which these primary care providers are practicing over a similar period (2012-2014). The clinical questions were categorized by the content area. The percentage of questions asked about each content area was calculated for each of the 12 specialties consulted. CPD course offerings were categorized using the same list of content areas. Percentage of minutes dedicated to each content area was calculated for each specialty. The percentage of questions asked and the percentage of CPD course minutes for each content area were compared. There were numerous congruencies and discrepancies between the proportion of questions asked about a given content area and the CPD minutes dedicated to it. Traditional needs assessment may underestimate the need to address topics that are frequently the subject of eConsults. Planners should recognize eConsult questions as a valuable source of practice-associated challenges that can identify professional development needs of physicians.

The development of STS payload environmental engineering standards

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bangs, W. F.

1982-01-01

The presently reported effort to provide a single set of standards for the design, analysis and testing of Space Transportation System (STS) payloads throughout the NASA organization must be viewed as essentially experimental, since the concept of incorporating the diverse opinions and experiences of several separate field research centers may in retrospect be judged too ambitious or perhaps even naive. While each STS payload may have unique characteristics, and the project should formulate its own criteria for environmental design, testing and evaluation, a reference source document providing coordinated standards is expected to minimize the duplication of effort and limit random divergence of practices among the various NASA payload programs. These standards would provide useful information to all potential STS users, and offer a degree of standardization to STS users outside the NASA organization.

New capability for ozone dial profiling measurements in the troposphere and lower stratosphere from aircraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hair, Johnathan; Hostetler, Chris; Cook, Anthony; Harper, David; Notari, Anthony; Fenn, Marta; Newchurch, Mike; Wang, Lihua; Kuang, Shi; Knepp, Travis; Burton, Sharon; Ferrare, Richard; Butler, Carolyn; Collins, Jim; Nehrir, Amin

2018-04-01

Recently, we successfully demonstrated a new compact and robust ozone DIAL lidar for smaller aircraft such as the NASA B200 and the ER-2 high-altitude aircraft. This is the first NASA airborne lidar to incorporate advanced solid-state lasers to produce the required power at the required ultraviolet wavelengths, and is compact and robust enough to operate nearly autonomously on the high-altitude ER-2 aircraft. This technology development resulted in the first new NASA airborne ozone DIAL instrument in more than 15 years. The combined ozone, aerosol, and clouds measurements provide valuable information on the chemistry, radiation, and dynamics of the atmosphere. In particular, from the ER-2 it offers a unique capability to study the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere.

Adélie penguins and temperature changes in Antarctica: a long-term view.

PubMed

Millar, Craig D; Subramanian, Sankar; Heupink, Tim H; Swaminathan, Siva; Baroni, Carlo; Lambert, David M

2012-06-01

During the summer months, Adélie penguins represent the dominant biomass of terrestrial Antarctica. Literally millions of individuals nest in ice-free areas around the coast of the continent. Hence, these modern populations of Adélie penguins have often been championed as an ideal biological indicator of ecological and environmental changes that we currently face. In addition, Adélie penguins show an extraordinary record of sub-fossil remains, dating back to the late Pleistocene. At this time, temperatures were much lower than now. Hence, this species offers unique long-term information, at both the genomic and ecological levels, about how a species has responded to climate change over more than 40 000 years. © 2012 ISZS, Blackwell Publishing and IOZ/CAS.

Adaptive optics ophthalmoscopy: results and applications.

PubMed

Pallikaris, A

2005-01-01

The living human eye's optical aberrations set a limit to retinal imaging in the clinical setting. Progress in the field of adaptive optics has offered unique solutions to this problem. The purpose of this review is to summarize the most recent advances in adaptive optics ophthalmoscopy. Adaptive optics technology has been combined with flood illumination imaging, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, and optical coherence tomography for the high resolution imaging of the retina. The advent of adaptive optics technology has provided the technical platform for the compensation of the eye's aberration and made possible the observation of single cones, small capillaries, nerve fibers, and leukocyte dynamics as well as the ultrastructure of the optic nerve head lamina cribrosa in vivo. Detailed imaging of retinal infrastructure provides valuable information for the study of retinal physiology and pathology.

Standardized patient feedback: making it work across disciplines.

PubMed

Dayer Berenson, Linda; Goodill, Sharon W; Wenger, Sarah

2012-01-01

In health professions education, feedback can be defined as the sharing of information about a student's performance. The most valuable learning occurs when students receive detailed feedback delivered in a way they can utilize it. In clinical simulations, feedback from a standardized patient (SP) offers a unique perspective. This article presents some of the underlying theory and research on feedback delivery with a particular emphasis on the role of non-verbal communication. We explore what feedback students need from SPs, how to provide feedback effectively as well as common challenges to the process. The authors, working from different health care disciplines, collaborated to develop a training workshop for the college's SPs designed to ensure a consistent approach to SP feedback delivery. We describe this workshop and its outcomes.

Mapping Residency Global Health Experiences to the ACGME Family Medicine Milestones.

PubMed

Grissom, Maureen O; Iroku-Malize, Tochi; Peila, Rita; Perez, Marco; Philippe, Neubert

2017-07-01

Global health (GH) experiences are a unique part of family medicine (FM) training that offer an opportunity for residents to demonstrate development across a multitude of the milestones recently implemented by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The GH experience presents an opportunity for resident development, and including a component of written reflection can provide tangible evidence of development in areas that can be difficult to assess. A mixed methods approach was used to integrate quantitative (frequency) data with qualitative content from the written reflections of 12 of our FM residents who participated in GH experiences. Written reflections touched on each of the 22 milestones, although some milestones were noted more frequently than others. The most commonly identified milestones fell within the competency areas of systems-based practice, professionalism, and practice-based learning and improvement. Our qualitative approach allowed us to gain an appreciation of the unique experiences that demonstrated growth across the various milestones. We conclude that any program that offers GH experiences should incorporate some form of written reflection to maximize resident growth and offer evaluative faculty a window into that development.

Accessibility and quality of online information for pediatric orthopaedic surgery fellowships.

PubMed

Davidson, Austin R; Murphy, Robert F; Spence, David D; Kelly, Derek M; Warner, William C; Sawyer, Jeffrey R

2014-12-01

Pediatric orthopaedic fellowship applicants commonly use online-based resources for information on potential programs. Two primary sources are the San Francisco Match (SF Match) database and the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) database. We sought to determine the accessibility and quality of information that could be obtained by using these 2 sources. The online databases of the SF Match and POSNA were reviewed to determine the availability of embedded program links or external links for the included programs. If not available in the SF Match or POSNA data, Web sites for listed programs were located with a Google search. All identified Web sites were analyzed for accessibility, content volume, and content quality. At the time of online review, 50 programs, offering 68 positions, were listed in the SF Match database. Although 46 programs had links included with their information, 36 (72%) of them simply listed http://www.sfmatch.org as their unique Web site. Ten programs (20%) had external links listed, but only 2 (4%) linked directly to the fellowship web page. The POSNA database does not list any links to the 47 programs it lists, which offer 70 positions. On the basis of a Google search of the 50 programs listed in the SF Match database, web pages were found for 35. Of programs with independent web pages, all had a description of the program and 26 (74%) described their application process. Twenty-nine (83%) listed research requirements, 22 (63%) described the rotation schedule, and 12 (34%) discussed the on-call expectations. A contact telephone number and/or email address was provided by 97% of programs. Twenty (57%) listed both the coordinator and fellowship director, 9 (26%) listed the coordinator only, 5 (14%) listed the fellowship director only, and 1 (3%) had no contact information given. The SF Match and POSNA databases provide few direct links to fellowship Web sites, and individual program Web sites either do not exist or do not effectively convey information about the programs. Improved accessibility and accurate information online would allow potential applicants to obtain information about pediatric fellowships in a more efficient manner.

The Neuropeptide Oxytocin Enhances Information Sharing and Group Decision Making Quality.

PubMed

De Wilde, Tim R W; Ten Velden, Femke S; De Dreu, Carsten K W

2017-01-11

Groups can make better decisions than individuals when members cooperatively exchange and integrate their uniquely held information and insights. However, under conformity pressures group members are biased towards exchanging commonly known information, and away from exchanging unique information, thus undermining group decision-making quality. At the neurobiological level, conformity associates with the neuropeptide oxytocin. A double-blind placebo controlled study found no evidence for oxytocin induced conformity. Compared to placebo groups, three-person groups whose members received intranasal oxytocin, focused more on unique information (i) and repeated this information more often (ii). These findings reveal oxytocin as a neurobiological driver of group decision-making processes.

The Neuropeptide Oxytocin Enhances Information Sharing and Group Decision Making Quality

PubMed Central

De Wilde, Tim R. W.; Ten Velden, Femke S.; De Dreu, Carsten K. W.

2017-01-01

Groups can make better decisions than individuals when members cooperatively exchange and integrate their uniquely held information and insights. However, under conformity pressures group members are biased towards exchanging commonly known information, and away from exchanging unique information, thus undermining group decision-making quality. At the neurobiological level, conformity associates with the neuropeptide oxytocin. A double-blind placebo controlled study found no evidence for oxytocin induced conformity. Compared to placebo groups, three-person groups whose members received intranasal oxytocin, focused more on unique information (i) and repeated this information more often (ii). These findings reveal oxytocin as a neurobiological driver of group decision-making processes. PMID:28074896

The information-anchoring model of first offers: When moving first helps versus hurts negotiators.

PubMed

Loschelder, David D; Trötschel, Roman; Swaab, Roderick I; Friese, Malte; Galinsky, Adam D

2016-07-01

Does making the first offer increase or impair a negotiator's outcomes? Past research has found evidence supporting both claims. To reconcile these contradictory findings, we developed and tested an integrative model-the Information-Anchoring Model of First Offers. The model predicts when and why making the first offer helps versus hurts. We suggest that first offers have 2 effects. First, they serve as anchors that pull final settlements toward the initial first-offer value; this anchor function often produces a first-mover advantage. Second, first offers can convey information on the senders' priorities, which makes the sender vulnerable to exploitation and increases the risk of a first-mover disadvantage. To test this model, 3 experiments manipulated the information that senders communicated in their first offer. When senders did not reveal their priorities, the first-mover advantage was replicated. However, when first offers revealed senders' priorities explicitly, implicitly, or both, a first-mover disadvantage emerged. Negotiators' social value orientation moderated this effect: A first-mover disadvantage occurred when senders faced proself recipients who exploited priority information, but not with prosocial recipients. Moderated mediation analyses supported the model assumptions: Proself recipients used their integrative insight to feign priorities in their low-priority issues and thereby claimed more individual value than senders. The final discussion reviews theoretical and applied implications of the Information-Anchoring Model of First Offers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Growing skull hemangioma: first and unique description in a patient with Klippel-Trénaunay-Weber syndrome.

PubMed

van der Loo, Lars E; Beckervordersandforth, Jan; Colon, Albert J; Schijns, Olaf E M G

2017-02-01

We present the first and unique case of a rapid-growing skull hemangioma in a patient with Klippel-Trénaunay-Weber syndrome. This case report provides evidence that not all rapid-growing, osteolytic skull lesions need to have a malignant character but certainly need a histopathological verification. This material offers insight into the list of rare pathological diagnoses in an infrequent syndrome.

DataCite - Making data sets citable

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brase, J.

2013-12-01

The scientific and information communities have largely mastered the presentation of, and linkages between, text-based electronic information by assigning persistent identifiers to give scientific literature unique identities and accessibility. Knowledge, as published through scientific literature, is however often the last step in a process originating from scientific research data. Today scientists are using simulation, observational, and experimentation techniques that yield massive quantities of research data. These data are analysed, synthesised, interpreted, and the outcome of this process is generally published as a scientific article. Access to the original data as the foundation of knowledge has become an important issue throughout the world and different projects have started to find solutions. Global collaboration and scientific advances could be accelerated through broader access to scientific research data. In other words, data access could be revolutionized through the same technologies used to make textual literature accessible. The most obvious opportunity to broaden visibility of and access to research data is to integrate its access into the medium where it is most often cited: electronic textual information. Besides this opportunity, it is important, irrespective of where they are cited, for research data to have an internet identity. Since 2005, the German National Library of Science and Technology (TIB) has offered a successful Digital Object Identifier (DOI) registration service for persistent identification of research data. Since 2010 these services are offered by the global consortium DataCite, carried by 17 member organisations from 12 different countries: The German National Library of Science and Technology (TIB), the German National Library of Medicine (ZB MED), the German National Library of Economics (ZBW) and the German GESIS - Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences. Additional European members are: The Library of the ETH Zürich in Switzerland, the Library of TU Delft, from the Netherlands, the L'Institut de l'Information Scientifique et Technique (INIST) from France, The technical Information Center of Denmark, The British Library, the Sedish National Data Service (SND), the Conferenza dei Rettori delle Università Italiane (CRUI) from Italy. North America is represented through: the California Digital Library, the Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI), the Purdue University and the Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information (CISTI). Furthermore the Australian National Data Service (ANDS) and the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) are members. DataCite offers through its members DOI registration for data centers, currently over 2 million objects have been registered with a DOI name and are available through a central search portal at http://search.datacite.org . Based on the DOI registration DataCite offers a variety of services such as a detailed statistic portal of the number of DOI names registered and resolved (http://stats.datacite.org). In June 2012 DataCite and the STM association (http://www.stm-assoc.org) signed a joint statement to encourage publishers and data centers to link articles and underlying data (http://www.datacite.org/node/65 )

Transformation in Teaching-Learning: Emerging Possibilities with Interprofessional Education.

PubMed

Yancey, Nan Russell; Cahill, Susan; McDowell, Michael

2018-04-01

As the global community continues to face increasing mobility, rising healthcare costs, and decreasing or inaccessible healthcare resources, healthcare providers must be able to work together effectively in addressing the needs of progressively older and diverse persons and populations. In this column, the notion of interprofessional education (IPE) is explored and a model proposed for implementation in an institution offering graduate programs in nursing and occupational therapy. While the proposed model was developed for two disciplinary programs in a specific institution, the recommendations offered may easily be adapted for use in academic institutions offering varied and unique healthcare professional programs.

Coupling control based on Adiabatic elimination for densely integrated nano-photonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mrejen, Michael; Suchowski, Haim; Hatakeyama, Taiki; Wu, Chihhui; Feng, Liang; O'Brien, Kevin; Wang, Yuan; Zhang, Xiang

2015-03-01

The ever growing need for energy-efficient and fast communications is driving the development of highly integrated photonic circuits where controlling light at the nanoscale becomes the most critical aspect of information transfer. Here we develop a unique scheme of adiabatic elimination (AE) modulation to actively control the coupling among waveguides for densely integrated photonics. Analogous to atomic systems, AE is achieved by applying a decomposition on a three waveguide coupler, where the two outer waveguides serve as an effective two-mode system with an effective coupling of Veff = [(V*13 + V*23V*12/Δβ12) (V13-V23V12/Δβ23) ]1/2,and the middle waveguide is the equivalent to the intermediate level `dark state'. We experimentally demonstrate the first all optical AE modulation and its ability to control the coupling between the two waveguides by manipulating the mode index of the decoupled middle one. In addition, we show that the strong modes interactions allowed at the nano-scale offer a unique configuration of zero-coupling between all the waveguides, a phenomena that paves the way for ultra-high density photonic integrated circuits where small footprint is of crucial importance.

Assessing physical functioning on pain management programmes: the unique contribution of directly assessed physical performance measures and their relationship to self-reports

PubMed Central

Guildford, Beth J; Jacobs, Clair M; Daly-Eichenhardt, Aisling; Scott, Whitney; McCracken, Lance M

2016-01-01

Physical functioning is a recommended outcome domain for pain management programmes. It can be assessed by self-report and by direct assessment of performance. Although physical performance measures may provide unique and useful information about patient functioning over and above self-report measures, it is not entirely clear which of the many possible performances to assess. This study investigated a battery of three directly assessed physical performance measures and their relationship to three currently used self-report measures of general health and functioning. The three performance measures were sensitive to treatment; patients performed significantly better on all three measures following completion of the pain management programme. The three performance measures were shown to represent a single underlying dimension, and there was a significant degree of overlap between them. The performance measures were shown to be relevant in explaining variation in the self-report measures, as well as to offer a clinically relevant different dimension of assessment to self-report. Future research could focus on developing performance-based measures that capture quality of movement and that are sensitive to relevant processes of therapeutic change. PMID:28386404

Provocative work experiences predict the acquired capability for suicide in physicians.

PubMed

Fink-Miller, Erin L

2015-09-30

The interpersonal psychological theory of suicidal behavior (IPTS) offers a potential means to explain suicide in physicians. The IPTS posits three necessary and sufficient precursors to death by suicide: thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and acquired capability. The present study sought to examine whether provocative work experiences unique to physicians (e.g., placing sutures, withdrawing life support) would predict levels of acquired capability, while controlling for gender and painful and provocative experiences outside the work environment. Data were obtained from 376 of 7723 recruited physicians. Study measures included the Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale, the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, the Painful and Provocative Events Scale, and the Life Events Scale-Medical Doctors Version. Painful and provocative events outside of work predicted acquired capability (β=0.23, t=3.82, p<0.001, f(2)=0.09) as did provocative work experiences (β=0.12, t=2.05, p<0.05, f(2)=0.07). This represents the first study assessing the potential impact of unique work experiences on suicidality in physicians. Limitations include over-representation of Caucasian participants, limited representation from various specialties of medicine, and lack of information regarding individual differences. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A tale of two neglected systems-structure and function of the thin- and thick-walled sieve tubes in monocotyledonous leaves.

PubMed

Botha, C E J

2013-01-01

There is a large body of information relating to the ontogeny, development and the vasculature of eudicotyledonous leaves. However, there is less information available concerning the vascular anatomy of monocotyledonous leaves. This is surprising, given that there are two uniquely different phloem systems present in large groups such as grasses and sedges. Monocotyledonous leaves contain marginal, large, intermediate, and small longitudinal veins that are interconnected by numerous transverse veins. The longitudinal veins contain two metaphloem sieve tube types, which, based upon their ontogeny and position within the phloem, are termed early (thin-walled) and late (thick-walled) sieve tubes. Early metaphloem comprises sieve tubes, companion cells and vascular parenchyma (VP) cells, whilst the late metaphloem, contains thick-walled sieve tubes (TSTs) that lack companion cells. TSTs are generally adjacent to, or no more than one cell removed from the metaxylem. Unlike thin-walled sieve tube (ST) -companion cell complexes, TSTs are connected to parenchyma by pore-plasmodesma units and are generally symplasmically isolated from the STs. This paper addresses key structural and functional differences between thin- and thick-walled sieve tubes and explores the unique advantages of alternate transport strategies that this 5-7 million years old dual system may offer. It would seem that these two systems may enhance, add to, or play a significant role in increasing the efficiency of solute retrieval as well as of assimilate transfer.

Fort Collins Science Center- Policy Analysis and Science Assistance Branch : Integrating social, behavioral, economic and biological sciences

USGS Publications Warehouse

2010-01-01

The Fort Collins Science Center's Policy Analysis and Science Assistance (PASA) Branch is a team of approximately 22 scientists, technicians, and graduate student researchers. PASA provides unique capabilities in the U.S. Geological Survey by leading projects that integrate social, behavioral, economic, and biological analyses in the context of human-natural resource interactions. Resource planners, managers, and policymakers in the U.S. Departments of the Interior (DOI) and Agriculture (USDA), State and local agencies, as well as international agencies use information from PASA studies to make informed natural resource management and policy decisions. PASA scientists' primary functions are to conduct both theoretical and applied social science research, provide technical assistance, and offer training to advance performance in policy relevant research areas. Management and research issues associated with human-resource interactions typically occur in a unique context, involve difficult to access populations, require knowledge of both natural/biological science in addition to social science, and require the skill to integrate multiple science disciplines. In response to these difficult contexts, PASA researchers apply traditional and state-of-the-art social science methods drawing from the fields of sociology, demography, economics, political science, communications, social-psychology, and applied industrial organization psychology. Social science methods work in concert with our rangeland/agricultural management, wildlife, ecology, and biology capabilities. The goal of PASA's research is to enhance natural resource management, agency functions, policies, and decision-making. Our research is organized into four broad areas of study.

A tale of two neglected systems—structure and function of the thin- and thick-walled sieve tubes in monocotyledonous leaves

PubMed Central

Botha, C. E. J.

2013-01-01

There is a large body of information relating to the ontogeny, development and the vasculature of eudicotyledonous leaves. However, there is less information available concerning the vascular anatomy of monocotyledonous leaves. This is surprising, given that there are two uniquely different phloem systems present in large groups such as grasses and sedges. Monocotyledonous leaves contain marginal, large, intermediate, and small longitudinal veins that are interconnected by numerous transverse veins. The longitudinal veins contain two metaphloem sieve tube types, which, based upon their ontogeny and position within the phloem, are termed early (thin-walled) and late (thick-walled) sieve tubes. Early metaphloem comprises sieve tubes, companion cells and vascular parenchyma (VP) cells, whilst the late metaphloem, contains thick-walled sieve tubes (TSTs) that lack companion cells. TSTs are generally adjacent to, or no more than one cell removed from the metaxylem. Unlike thin-walled sieve tube (ST) -companion cell complexes, TSTs are connected to parenchyma by pore-plasmodesma units and are generally symplasmically isolated from the STs. This paper addresses key structural and functional differences between thin- and thick-walled sieve tubes and explores the unique advantages of alternate transport strategies that this 5–7 million years old dual system may offer. It would seem that these two systems may enhance, add to, or play a significant role in increasing the efficiency of solute retrieval as well as of assimilate transfer. PMID:23964280

A College Enviro-Forum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Environmental Science and Technology, 1975

1975-01-01

Michigan State University faculty members plus an impressive roster of noted speakers are the elements of a unique environmental course offered by the chemical engineering department aimed at discussing pollution problems and solutions rationally. (Author/BT)

Enhanced mobility for aging populations using automated vehicles.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-12-01

Automated vehicles (AV) offer a unique opportunity to improve the safety and efficiency of the transportation : system and enhance the mobility of aging and transportation disadvantaged populations simultaneously. : However, before this potential can...

One Way Multimedia Broadcasting as a Tool for Education and Development in Developing Nations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandrasekhar, M. G.; Venugopal, D.; Sebastian, M.; Chari, B.

2000-07-01

An improved quality of life through education and developmental communication is an important necessity of societal up-liftment in the new millennium, especially in the developing nations. The population explosion and the associated pressure on the scarce resources to meet the basic necessities have made it more or less impossible for most of the nations to invest reasonable resources in realizing adequate channels of formal education. Thanks to the developments in satellite communication and associated technologies, new vistas are available today to provide education and developmental communication opportunities to millions of people, spread across the globe. Satellite based Digital Audio and Multimedia Broadcasting is one such new development that is being viewed as an innovative space application in the coming decades. The potential of DAB technology to reach education, information and entertainment directly to the user through a specially designed receiver could be efficiently utilized by the developing nations to overcome their difficulties in realizing formal channels of education and information dissemination. WorldSpace plans to launch three geo-stationary satellites that would cover most of the developing economies in Africa, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Apart from a variety of digital, high quality audio channels providing news, views, education and entertainment opportunities, the end users can also get a responsive multimedia. The multimedia is being planned as a specially packaged offering that can meet the demand of students, professionals as well as certain special groups who have certain specific data and information requirements. Apart from WorldSpace, renowned agencies/firms from different parts of the world shall provide the required content to meet these requirements. Though the Internet option is available, higher telephone charges and the difficulty in getting access have made this option less interesting and unpopular in most of the developing countries. The proposed digital audio and multimedia offering from WorldSpace to millions of consumers spread across more than 120 countries is considered as a unique tool for education and development, particularly in the developing nations. In this paper, an attempt is made to briefly describe the issues associated with education and development in developing countries, the WorldSpace offering and how a developing nation can benefit from this offering in the coming decades.

Duality based direct resolution of unique profiles using zero concentration region information.

PubMed

Tavakkoli, Elnaz; Rajkó, Róbert; Abdollahi, Hamid

2018-07-01

Self Modeling Curve Resolution (SMCR) is a class of techniques concerned with estimating pure profiles underlying a set of measurements on chemical systems. In general, the estimated profiles are ambiguous (non-unique) except if some special conditions fulfilled. Implementing the adequate information can reduce the so-called rotational ambiguity effectively, and in the most desirable cases lead to the unique solution. Therefore, studies on circumstances resulting in unique solution are of particular importance. The conditions of unique solution can particularly be studied based on duality principle. In bilinear chemical (e.g., spectroscopic) data matrix, there is a natural duality between its row and column vector spaces using minimal constraints (non-negativity of concentrations and absorbances). In this article, the conditions of the unique solution according to duality concept and using zero concentration region information is intended to show. A simulated dataset of three components and an experimental system with synthetic mixtures containing three amino acids tyrosine, phenylalanine and tryptophan are analyzed. It is shown that in the presence of sufficient information, the reliable unique solution is obtained that is valuable in analytical qualification and for quantitative verification analysis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

New Technologies for the Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea.

PubMed

Alshaer, Hisham

2016-01-01

Sleep Apnea is a very common condition that has serious cardiovascular sequelae such as hypertension, heart failure, and stroke. Since the advent of modern computers and digital circuits, several streams of new technologies have been introduced to enhance the traditional diagnostic method of polysomnography and offer alternatives that are more accessible, comfortable, and economic. The categories presented in this review include portable polygraphy, mattress-like devices, remote sensing, and acoustic technologies. These innovations are classified as a function of their physical structure and the capabilities of their sensing technologies, due to the importance of these factors in determining the end-user experiences (both patients and medical professionals). Each of those categories offers unique strengths, which then make them particularly suitable for specific applications and end users. To our knowledge, this is a unique approach in presenting and classifying sleep apnea diagnostic innovations.

Applications of “Tender” Energy (1-5 keV) X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy in Life Sciences

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

Northrup, Paul; Leri, Alessandra; Tappero, Ryan

The “tender” energy range of 1 to 5 keV, between the energy ranges of most “hard” (>5 keV) and “soft” (<1 keV) synchrotron X-ray facilities, offers some unique opportunities for synchrotron-based X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy in life sciences. In particular the K absorption edges of Na through Ca offer opportunities to study local structure, speciation, and chemistry of many important biological compounds, structures and processes. This is an area of largely untapped science, in part due to a scarcity of optimized facilities. Such measurements also entail unique experimental challenges. Lastly, this brief review describes the technique, its experimental challenges,more » recent progress in development of microbeam measurement capabilities, and several highlights illustrating applications in life sciences.« less

SCC500: next-generation infrared imaging camera core products with highly flexible architecture for unique camera designs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rumbaugh, Roy N.; Grealish, Kevin; Kacir, Tom; Arsenault, Barry; Murphy, Robert H.; Miller, Scott

2003-09-01

A new 4th generation MicroIR architecture is introduced as the latest in the highly successful Standard Camera Core (SCC) series by BAE SYSTEMS to offer an infrared imaging engine with greatly reduced size, weight, power, and cost. The advanced SCC500 architecture provides great flexibility in configuration to include multiple resolutions, an industry standard Real Time Operating System (RTOS) for customer specific software application plug-ins, and a highly modular construction for unique physical and interface options. These microbolometer based camera cores offer outstanding and reliable performance over an extended operating temperature range to meet the demanding requirements of real-world environments. A highly integrated lens and shutter is included in the new SCC500 product enabling easy, drop-in camera designs for quick time-to-market product introductions.

Applications of “Tender” Energy (1-5 keV) X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy in Life Sciences

DOE PAGES

Northrup, Paul; Leri, Alessandra; Tappero, Ryan

2016-02-15

The “tender” energy range of 1 to 5 keV, between the energy ranges of most “hard” (>5 keV) and “soft” (<1 keV) synchrotron X-ray facilities, offers some unique opportunities for synchrotron-based X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy in life sciences. In particular the K absorption edges of Na through Ca offer opportunities to study local structure, speciation, and chemistry of many important biological compounds, structures and processes. This is an area of largely untapped science, in part due to a scarcity of optimized facilities. Such measurements also entail unique experimental challenges. Lastly, this brief review describes the technique, its experimental challenges,more » recent progress in development of microbeam measurement capabilities, and several highlights illustrating applications in life sciences.« less

Electrochemically induced actuation of liquid metal marbles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Shi-Yang; Sivan, Vijay; Khoshmanesh, Khashayar; O'Mullane, Anthony P.; Tang, Xinke; Gol, Berrak; Eshtiaghi, Nicky; Lieder, Felix; Petersen, Phred; Mitchell, Arnan; Kalantar-Zadeh, Kourosh

2013-06-01

Controlled actuation of soft objects with functional surfaces in aqueous environments presents opportunities for liquid phase electronics, novel assembled super-structures and unusual mechanical properties. We show the extraordinary electrochemically induced actuation of liquid metal droplets coated with nanoparticles, so-called ``liquid metal marbles''. We demonstrate that nanoparticle coatings of these marbles offer an extra dimension for affecting the bipolar electrochemically induced actuation. The nanoparticles can readily migrate along the surface of liquid metals, upon the application of electric fields, altering the capacitive behaviour and surface tension in a highly asymmetric fashion. Surprising actuation behaviours are observed illustrating that nanoparticle coatings can have a strong effect on the movement of these marbles. This significant novel phenomenon, combined with unique properties of liquid metal marbles, represents an exciting platform for enabling diverse applications that cannot be achieved using rigid metal beads.Controlled actuation of soft objects with functional surfaces in aqueous environments presents opportunities for liquid phase electronics, novel assembled super-structures and unusual mechanical properties. We show the extraordinary electrochemically induced actuation of liquid metal droplets coated with nanoparticles, so-called ``liquid metal marbles''. We demonstrate that nanoparticle coatings of these marbles offer an extra dimension for affecting the bipolar electrochemically induced actuation. The nanoparticles can readily migrate along the surface of liquid metals, upon the application of electric fields, altering the capacitive behaviour and surface tension in a highly asymmetric fashion. Surprising actuation behaviours are observed illustrating that nanoparticle coatings can have a strong effect on the movement of these marbles. This significant novel phenomenon, combined with unique properties of liquid metal marbles, represents an exciting platform for enabling diverse applications that cannot be achieved using rigid metal beads. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr00185g

Col-OSSOS: Colors of the Interstellar Planetesimal 1I/‘Oumuamua

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bannister, Michele T.; Schwamb, Megan E.; Fraser, Wesley C.; Marsset, Michael; Fitzsimmons, Alan; Benecchi, Susan D.; Lacerda, Pedro; Pike, Rosemary E.; Kavelaars, J. J.; Smith, Adam B.; Stewart, Sunny O.; Wang, Shiang-Yu; Lehner, Matthew J.

2017-12-01

The recent discovery by Pan-STARRS1 of 1I/2017 U1 (‘Oumuamua), on an unbound and hyperbolic orbit, offers a rare opportunity to explore the planetary formation processes of other stars and the effect of the interstellar environment on a planetesimal surface. 1I/‘Oumuamua’s close encounter with the inner solar system in 2017 October was a unique chance to make observations matching those used to characterize the small-body populations of our own solar system. We present near-simultaneous g‧, r‧, and J photometry and colors of 1I/‘Oumuamua from the 8.1 m Frederick C. Gillett Gemini-North Telescope and gri photometry from the 4.2 m William Herschel Telescope. Our g‧r‧J observations are directly comparable to those from the high-precision Colours of the Outer Solar System Origins Survey (Col-OSSOS), which offer unique diagnostic information for distinguishing between outer solar system surfaces. The J-band data also provide the highest signal-to-noise measurements made of 1I/‘Oumuamua in the near-infrared. Substantial, correlated near-infrared and optical variability is present, with the same trend in both near-infrared and optical. Our observations are consistent with 1I/‘Oumuamua rotating with a double-peaked period of 8.10 ± 0.42 hr and being a highly elongated body with an axial ratio of at least 5.3:1, implying that it has significant internal cohesion. The color of the first interstellar planetesimal is at the neutral end of the range of solar system g ‑ r and r ‑ J solar-reflectance colors: it is like that of some dynamically excited objects in the Kuiper Belt and the less-red Jupiter Trojans.

Reconnaissance Report on San Pedro Ports, California.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-01-01

skirt completely around its periphery. More recent in technology than other types of vessels, ACV’s offer high speed at low drag. They offer a unique...concentrated on the present effect of the channel and on the communities through which it runs and on the citizens of those communities . The general...Vehicular traffic contributes significantly to the noise levels within the San Pedro Harbor area, and it is the dominating source within the area

Eco-morphological Real-time Forecasting tool to predict hydrodynamic, sediment and nutrient dynamic in Coastal Louisiana

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Messina, F.; Meselhe, E. A.; Buckman, L.; Twight, D.

2017-12-01

Louisiana coastal zone is one of the most productive and dynamic eco-geomorphic systems in the world. This unique natural environment has been alternated by human activities and natural processes such as sea level rise, subsidence, dredging of canals for oil and gas production, the Mississippi River levees which don't allow the natural river sediment. As a result of these alterations land loss, erosion and flood risk are becoming real issues for Louisiana. Costal authorities have been studying the benefits and effects of several restoration projects, e.g. freshwater and sediment diversions. The protection of communities, wildlife and of the unique environments is a high priority in this region. The Water Institute of the Gulf, together with Deltares, has developed a forecasting and information system for a pilot location in Coastal Louisiana, specifically for Barataria Bay and Breton Sound Basins in the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain. The system provides a 7-day forecast of water level, salinity, and temperature, under atmospheric and coastal forecasted conditions, such as freshwater riverine inflow, rainfall, evaporation, wind, and tide. The system also forecasts nutrient distribution (e.g., Chla and dissolved oxygen) and sediment transport. The Flood Early Warning System FEWS is used as a platform to import multivariate data from several sources, use them to monitor the pilot location and to provide boundary conditions to the model. A hindcast model is applied to compare the model results to the observed data, and to provide the initial condition to the forecast model. This system represents a unique tool which provides valuable information regarding the overall conditions of the basins. It offers the opportunity to adaptively manage existing and planned diversions to meet certain salinity and water level targets or thresholds while maximizing land-building goals. Moreover, water quality predictions provide valuable information on the current ecological conditions of the area. Real time observations and model predictions can be used as guidance to decision makers regarding the operation of control structures in response to forecasted weather or river flood events. Coastal communities can benefit from water level, salinity and water quality forecast to manage their activities.

Precise diagnosis in different scenarios using photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging with dual-modality nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Dong; Du, Yang; Shi, Yiwen; Mao, Duo; Jia, Xiaohua; Li, Hui; Zhu, Yukun; Wang, Kun; Tian, Jie

2016-07-01

Photoacoustic imaging and fluorescence molecular imaging are emerging as important research tools for biomedical studies. Photoacoustic imaging offers both strong optical absorption contrast and high ultrasonic resolution, and fluorescence molecular imaging provides excellent superficial resolution, high sensitivity, high throughput, and the ability for real-time imaging. Therefore, combining the imaging information of both modalities can provide comprehensive in vivo physiological and pathological information. However, currently there are limited probes available that can realize both fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging, and advanced biomedical applications for applying this dual-modality imaging approach remain underexplored. In this study, we developed a dual-modality photoacoustic-fluorescence imaging nanoprobe, ICG-loaded Au@SiO2, which was uniquely designed, consisting of gold nanorod cores and indocyanine green with silica shell spacer layers to overcome fluorophore quenching. This nanoprobe was examined by both PAI and FMI for in vivo imaging on tumor and ischemia mouse models. Our results demonstrated that the nanoparticles can specifically accumulate at the tumor and ischemic areas and be detected by both imaging modalities. Moreover, this dual-modality imaging strategy exhibited superior advantages for a precise diagnosis in different scenarios. The new nanoprobe with the dual-modality imaging approach holds great potential for diagnosis and stage classification of tumor and ischemia related diseases.Photoacoustic imaging and fluorescence molecular imaging are emerging as important research tools for biomedical studies. Photoacoustic imaging offers both strong optical absorption contrast and high ultrasonic resolution, and fluorescence molecular imaging provides excellent superficial resolution, high sensitivity, high throughput, and the ability for real-time imaging. Therefore, combining the imaging information of both modalities can provide comprehensive in vivo physiological and pathological information. However, currently there are limited probes available that can realize both fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging, and advanced biomedical applications for applying this dual-modality imaging approach remain underexplored. In this study, we developed a dual-modality photoacoustic-fluorescence imaging nanoprobe, ICG-loaded Au@SiO2, which was uniquely designed, consisting of gold nanorod cores and indocyanine green with silica shell spacer layers to overcome fluorophore quenching. This nanoprobe was examined by both PAI and FMI for in vivo imaging on tumor and ischemia mouse models. Our results demonstrated that the nanoparticles can specifically accumulate at the tumor and ischemic areas and be detected by both imaging modalities. Moreover, this dual-modality imaging strategy exhibited superior advantages for a precise diagnosis in different scenarios. The new nanoprobe with the dual-modality imaging approach holds great potential for diagnosis and stage classification of tumor and ischemia related diseases. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr03809c

Making it work: health care provider perspectives on strategies to increase colorectal cancer screening in federally qualified health centers.

PubMed

Gwede, Clement K; Davis, Stacy N; Quinn, Gwendolyn P; Koskan, Alexis M; Ealey, Jamila; Abdulla, Rania; Vadaparampil, Susan T; Elliott, Gloria; Lopez, Diana; Shibata, David; Roetzheim, Richard G; Meade, Cathy D

2013-12-01

Colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) rates are low among men and women who seek health care at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). This study explores health care providers' perspectives about their patient's motivators and impediments to CRCS and receptivity to preparatory education. A mixed methods design consisting of in-depth interviews, focus groups, and a short survey is used in this study. The participants of this study are 17 health care providers practicing in FQHCs in the Tampa Bay area. Test-specific patient impediments and motivations were identified including fear of abnormal findings, importance of offering less invasive fecal occult blood tests, and need for patient-centered test-specific educational materials in clinics. Opportunities to improve provider practices were identified including providers' reliance on patients' report of symptoms as a cue to recommend CRCS and overemphasis of clinic-based guaiac stool tests. This study adds to the literature on CRCS test-specific motivators and impediments. Providers offered unique approaches for motivating patients to follow through with recommended CRCS and were receptive to in-clinic patient education. Findings readily inform the design of educational materials and interventions to increase CRCS in FQHCs.

Reference librarians' perceptions of the issues they face as academic health information professionals

PubMed Central

Scherrer, Carol S.

2004-01-01

Background: Leaders in the profession encourage academic health sciences librarians to assume new roles as part of the growth process for remaining vital professionals. Have librarians embraced these new roles? Objectives: This research sought to examine from the reference librarians' viewpoints how their roles have changed over the past ten years and what the challenges these changes present as viewed by both the librarians and library directors. Method: A series of eight focus groups was conducted with reference librarians from private and public academic health sciences libraries. Directors of these libraries were interviewed separately. Results: Reference librarians' activities have largely confirmed the role changes anticipated by their leaders. They are teaching more, engaging in outreach through liaison initiatives, and designing Web pages, in addition to providing traditional reference duties. Librarians offer insights into unanticipated issues encountered in each of these areas and offer some creative solutions. Directors discuss the issues from their unique perspective. Conclusion: Librarians have identified areas for focusing efforts in lifelong learning. Adult learning theory, specialized databases and resources needed by researchers, ever-evolving technology, and promotion and evaluation of the library are areas needing attention. Implications for library education and continuing professional development are presented. PMID:15098052

Identifying spatio-temporal dynamics of Ebola in Sierra Leone using virus genomes

PubMed Central

Proctor, Joshua L.

2017-01-01

Containing the recent West African outbreak of Ebola virus (EBOV) required the deployment of substantial global resources. Despite recent progress in analysing and modelling EBOV epidemiological data, a complete characterization of the spatio-temporal spread of Ebola cases remains a challenge. In this work, we offer a novel perspective on the EBOV epidemic in Sierra Leone that uses individual virus genome sequences to inform population-level, spatial models. Calibrated to phylogenetic linkages of virus genomes, these spatial models provide unique insight into the disease mobility of EBOV in Sierra Leone without the need for human mobility data. Consistent with other investigations, our results show that the spread of EBOV during the beginning and middle portions of the epidemic strongly depended on the size of and distance between populations. Our phylodynamic analysis also revealed a change in model preference towards a spatial model with power-law characteristics in the latter portion of the epidemic, correlated with the timing of major intervention campaigns. More generally, we believe this framework, pairing molecular diagnostics with a dynamic model selection procedure, has the potential to be a powerful forecasting tool along with offering operationally relevant guidance for surveillance and sampling strategies during an epidemic. PMID:29187639

Reference librarians' perceptions of the issues they face as academic health information professionals.

PubMed

Scherrer, Carol S

2004-04-01

Leaders in the profession encourage academic health sciences librarians to assume new roles as part of the growth process for remaining vital professionals. Have librarians embraced these new roles? This research sought to examine from the reference librarians' viewpoints how their roles have changed over the past ten years and what the challenges these changes present as viewed by both the librarians and library directors. A series of eight focus groups was conducted with reference librarians from private and public academic health sciences libraries. Directors of these libraries were interviewed separately. Reference librarians' activities have largely confirmed the role changes anticipated by their leaders. They are teaching more, engaging in outreach through liaison initiatives, and designing Web pages, in addition to providing traditional reference duties. Librarians offer insights into unanticipated issues encountered in each of these areas and offer some creative solutions. Directors discuss the issues from their unique perspective. Librarians have identified areas for focusing efforts in lifelong learning. Adult learning theory, specialized databases and resources needed by researchers, ever-evolving technology, and promotion and evaluation of the library are areas needing attention. Implications for library education and continuing professional development are presented.

ReadXplorer—visualization and analysis of mapped sequences

PubMed Central

Hilker, Rolf; Stadermann, Kai Bernd; Doppmeier, Daniel; Kalinowski, Jörn; Stoye, Jens; Straube, Jasmin; Winnebald, Jörn; Goesmann, Alexander

2014-01-01

Motivation: Fast algorithms and well-arranged visualizations are required for the comprehensive analysis of the ever-growing size of genomic and transcriptomic next-generation sequencing data. Results: ReadXplorer is a software offering straightforward visualization and extensive analysis functions for genomic and transcriptomic DNA sequences mapped on a reference. A unique specialty of ReadXplorer is the quality classification of the read mappings. It is incorporated in all analysis functions and displayed in ReadXplorer's various synchronized data viewers for (i) the reference sequence, its base coverage as (ii) normalizable plot and (iii) histogram, (iv) read alignments and (v) read pairs. ReadXplorer's analysis capability covers RNA secondary structure prediction, single nucleotide polymorphism and deletion–insertion polymorphism detection, genomic feature and general coverage analysis. Especially for RNA-Seq data, it offers differential gene expression analysis, transcription start site and operon detection as well as RPKM value and read count calculations. Furthermore, ReadXplorer can combine or superimpose coverage of different datasets. Availability and implementation: ReadXplorer is available as open-source software at http://www.readxplorer.org along with a detailed manual. Contact: rhilker@mikrobio.med.uni-giessen.de Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. PMID:24790157

Probing Galaxy Formation and Evolution with Space Born Sub-Millimeter Telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dwek, Eli; Arendt, Richard G.; Moseley, Harvey; Benford, Dominic; Shafer, Richard; Mather, John; Oegerle, William (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

A major unresolved question in cosmology is how the complex system of galaxies we see in the present universe evolved from an almost perfectly smooth beginning. Multiwavelength observations of galaxies have revealed that a significant fraction of their UV-visible starlight is absorbed and reradiated by dust at infrared JR) and submillimeter wavelengths. The cumulative IR-submm. emission from galaxies since the epoch of recombination, the cosmic IR background, has recently been recorded by the COBE satellite. The COBE observations in combination with recent submm surveys conducted with the SCUBA on the 15 m JCMT have shown that most of the radiation from star formation that has taken place in the early stages of galaxy evolution is reradiated by dust at submm wavelengths. Therefore, submm telescopes offer a unique probe of the early stages of galaxy formation and evolution. This talk will: (1) consider the impact of telescope diameter on the depth of the survey (what redshift can be probed) at different wavelengths; (2) discuss the relative scientific merits of high-resolution narrow-field surveys versus lower resolution deep surveys; and (3) show how both strategies offer complementary information crucial to our understanding of the structure and evolution of galaxies in the universe.

A Bird’s Eye View: Development of an Operational ARM Unmanned Aerial Capability for Atmospheric Research in Arctic Alaska

DOE PAGES

de Boer, Gijs; Ivey, Mark; Schmid, Beat; ...

2018-03-14

Here, we present that unmanned aerial capabilities offer exciting new perspectives on the Arctic atmosphere and the US Department of Energy is working with partners to offer such perspectives to the research community. Thorough understanding of aerosols, clouds, boundary layer structure and radiation is required to improve representation of the Arctic atmosphere in weather forecasting and climate models. To develop such understanding, new perspectives are needed to provide details on the vertical structure and spatial variability of key atmospheric properties, along with information over difficult-to-reach surfaces such as newly-forming sea ice. Over the last three years, the US Department ofmore » Energy (DOE) has supported various flight campaigns using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, also known as UAVs and drones) and tethered balloon systems (TBS) at Oliktok Point, Alaska. These activities have featured in-situ measurements of thermodynamic state, turbulence, radiation, aerosol properties, cloud microphysics and turbulent fluxes to provide a detailed characterization of the lower atmosphere. Alongside a suite of active and passive ground-based sensors and radiosondes deployed by the DOE Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program through the third ARM Mobile Facility (AMF-3), these flight activities demonstrate the ability of such platforms to provide critically-needed information. In addition to providing new and unique datasets, lessons learned during initial campaigns have assisted toward the development of an exciting new community resource.« less

"Ultimately, mom has the call": Viewing clinical trial decision making among patients with ovarian cancer through the lens of relational autonomy.

PubMed

Asiedu, Gladys B; Ridgeway, Jennifer L; Carroll, Katherine; Jatoi, Aminah; Radecki Breitkopf, Carmen

2018-04-14

This study employs the concept of relational autonomy to understand how relational encounters with family members (FMs) and care providers may shape decisions around ovarian cancer patients' clinical trial (CT) participation. The study also offers unique insights into how FMs view patients' decision making. In-depth interviews were conducted with 33 patients with ovarian cancer who had been offered a CT and 39 FMs. Data were inductively analysed using a thematic approach and deductively informed by constructs derived from the theory of relational autonomy (RA). Patients' relationships, experiences and social status were significant resources that shaped their decisions. Patients did not give equal weight to all relationships and created boundaries around whom to include in decision making. Doctors' recommendations and perceived enthusiasm were described as influential in CT decisions. Both patients with ovarian cancer and their FMs maintained that patients have the "final say," indicating an individualistic autonomy. However, maintaining the "final say" in the decision-making process is constitutive of patients' relationships, emphasizing a relational approach to autonomy. FMs support patients' autonomy and they do so particularly when they believe the patient is capable of making the right choices. Although ethical principles underlying informed consent for CT participation emphasize individual autonomy, greater attention to relational autonomy is warranted for a more comprehensive understanding of CT decision making. © 2018 Mayo Clinic. Health Expectations published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A systematic review of online learning programs for nurse preceptors.

PubMed

Wu, Xi Vivien; Chan, Yah Shih; Tan, Kimberlyn Hui Shing; Wang, Wenru

2018-01-01

Nurse preceptors guide students to integrate theory into practice, teach clinical skills, assess clinical competency, and enhance problem solving skills. Managing the dual roles of a registered nurse and preceptor poses tremendous challenges to many preceptors. Online learning is recognized as an effective learning approach for enhancing nursing knowledge and skills. The systematic review aims to review and synthesise the online learning programs for preceptors. A systematic review was designed based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Programs. Articles published between January 2000 and June 2016 were sought from six electronic databases: CINAHL, Medline OVID, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science. All papers were reviewed and quality assessment was performed. Nine studies were finally selected. Data were extracted, organized and analysed using a narrative synthesis. The review identified five overarching themes: development of the online learning programs for nurse preceptors, major contents of the programs, uniqueness of each program, modes of delivery, and outcomes of the programs. The systematic review provides insightful information on educational programs for preceptors. At this information age, online learning offers accessibility, convenience, flexibility, which could of great advantage for the working adults. In addition, the online platform provides an alternative for preceptors who face challenges of workload, time, and support system. Therefore, it is paramount that continuing education courses need to be integrated with technology, increase the flexibility and responsiveness of the nursing workforce, and offer alternative means to take up courses. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Bird’s Eye View: Development of an Operational ARM Unmanned Aerial Capability for Atmospheric Research in Arctic Alaska

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

de Boer, Gijs; Ivey, Mark; Schmid, Beat

Here, we present that unmanned aerial capabilities offer exciting new perspectives on the Arctic atmosphere and the US Department of Energy is working with partners to offer such perspectives to the research community. Thorough understanding of aerosols, clouds, boundary layer structure and radiation is required to improve representation of the Arctic atmosphere in weather forecasting and climate models. To develop such understanding, new perspectives are needed to provide details on the vertical structure and spatial variability of key atmospheric properties, along with information over difficult-to-reach surfaces such as newly-forming sea ice. Over the last three years, the US Department ofmore » Energy (DOE) has supported various flight campaigns using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, also known as UAVs and drones) and tethered balloon systems (TBS) at Oliktok Point, Alaska. These activities have featured in-situ measurements of thermodynamic state, turbulence, radiation, aerosol properties, cloud microphysics and turbulent fluxes to provide a detailed characterization of the lower atmosphere. Alongside a suite of active and passive ground-based sensors and radiosondes deployed by the DOE Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program through the third ARM Mobile Facility (AMF-3), these flight activities demonstrate the ability of such platforms to provide critically-needed information. In addition to providing new and unique datasets, lessons learned during initial campaigns have assisted toward the development of an exciting new community resource.« less

New Optics See More With Less

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nabors, Sammy

2015-01-01

NASA offers companies an optical system that provides a unique panoramic perspective with a single camera. NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center has developed a technology that combines a panoramic refracting optic (PRO) lens with a unique detection system to acquire a true 360-degree field of view. Although current imaging systems can acquire panoramic images, they must use up to five cameras to obtain the full field of view. MSFC's technology obtains its panoramic images from one vantage point.

REU Programs at Field Research Stations Offer Unique Advantages that may Enhance Retention of Students in STEM Fields.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, D. Y.; Marinelli, R. L.; Heidelberg, K., IV

2014-12-01

Studies have shown that undergraduate participation in research opportunities strengthens the retention of students in STEM fields. Increasing students' confidence levels in their scientific abilities, aiding in the development of their scientific identity, and strengthening their sense of belonging to a scientific community have been cited as important contributing factors. Research field stations offer unique advantages that amplify these benefits by challenging students to plan and work in the field, enhancing networking opportunities with multi-disciplinary professionals from numerous institutions and hierarchical levels, and creating a stronger sense of belonging and comradery within a science community. The USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies' (WIES) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program is an 8-week program that begins on the main USC campus in Los Angeles and moves to a marine field station on Catalina Island during weeks 2-7, before returning to the mainland to complete the last week of the program. This unique model provides REU students with an opportunity to become integrated into faculty mentors' labs on the main campus, while exposing them to life as a researcher at a field station, both of which contribute significantly to the students' development as a scientist. Here, we present the WIES REU model and include a discussion of benefits and challenges to this unique infrastructure.

AIM satellite-based research bridges the unique scientific aspects of the mission to informal education programs globally

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robinson, D.; Maggi, B.

2003-04-01

The Education and Public Outreach (EPO) component of the satellite-based research mission "Aeronomy of Ice In the Mesosphere" (AIM) will bridge the unique scientific aspects of the mission to informal education organizations. The informal education materials developed by the EPO will utilize AIM data and educate the public about the environmental implications associated with the data. This will assist with creating a scientifically literate workforce and in developing a citizenry capable of making educated decisions related to environmental policies and laws. The objective of the AIM mission is to understand the mechanisms that cause Polar Mesospheric Clouds (PMCs) to form, how their presence affects the atmosphere, and how change in the atmosphere affects them. PMCs are sometimes known as Noctilucent Clouds (NLCs) because of their visibility during the night from appropriate locations. The phenomenon of PMCs is an observable indicator of global change, a concern to all citizens. Recent sightings of these clouds over populated regions have compelled AIM educators to expand informal education opportunities to communities worldwide. Collaborations with informal organizations include: Museums/Science Centers; NASA Sun-Earth Connection Forum; Alaska Native Ways of Knowing Project; Amateur Noctilucent Cloud Observers Organization; National Parks Education Programs; After School Science Clubs; Public Broadcasting Associations; and National Public Radio. The Native Ways of Knowing Project is an excellent example of informal collaboration with the AIM EPO. This Alaska based project will assist native peoples of the state with photographing NLCs for the EPO website. It will also aid the EPO with developing materials for informal organizations that incorporate traditional native knowledge and science, related to the sky. Another AIM collaboration that will offer citizens lasting informal education opportunities is the one established with the United States National Parks. AIM educators will work directly with the National Parks to develop education packets and web-based materials for their Junior Ranger and Parks as Classrooms programs. AIM education materials will be developed and distributed to park rangers north of 400 in an effort to include NLC observations in their night hikes. This will have a long-term impact reaching out to parents and children in an informal setting for years to come. Each of the AIM informal education collaborations will allow citizens globally an opportunity to share the excitement of the AIM mission.

Ultrasonic material property determinations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Serabian, S.

1986-01-01

The use and potential offered by ultrasonic velocity and attenuation measurements to determine and/or monitor material properties is explored. The basis for such unique measurements along with examples of materials from a variety of industries are presented.

Hypertension Detection and Results Among Young Adults

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garner, Walton R.; Gerald, Michael C.

1977-01-01

A comprehensive hypertension education and detection program, in which 2,852 students were tested and, if necessary, referred to area physicians, illustrates the unique position a university setting offers for work in this area. (MB)

A Career in Information.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Debons, Anthony; And Others

The best sources of information about educational requirements for careers in information sciences are the institutions that offer training programs in such careers. The American Society for Information Science maintains a file of information on institutions offering training programs in information science. This pamphlet is intended for general…

Use of the data system for field management of a clinical study conducted in Kolkata, India.

PubMed

Park, Ju Yeon; Kim, Deok Ryun; Haldar, Bisakha; Mallick, Aiyel Haque; Kim, Soon Ae; Dey, Ayan; Nandy, Ranjan Kumar; Paul, Dilip Kumar; Choudhury, Saugata; Sahoo, Shushama; Wierzba, Thomas F; Sur, Dipika; Kanungo, Suman; Ali, Mohammad; Manna, Byomkesh

2016-01-09

Designing an appropriate data system is important to the success of a clinical study. However, little information is available on this topic. We share our experiences on designing, developing, and implementation of a data system for management of data and field activities of a complex clinical study. The data system was implemented aiming at determining the biological basis for the underperformance of oral vaccines, such as polio and rotavirus vaccines in children at a site in Kolkata, India. The system included several functionalities to control data and field activities. It was restricted to authorized users based on their access privileges. A relational database platform was chosen, and Microsoft Visual FoxPro 7.0 (Microsoft Corporation, Seattle, WA, USA) was used to develop the system. The system was installed at the clinic and data office to facilitate both the field and data management activities. Data were doubly entered by two different data operators to identify keypunching errors in the data. Outliers, duplication, inconsistencies, missing entries, and linkage were also checked. Every modification and users log-in/log-out information was auto-recorded in an audit trail. The system offered tools for preparation of visit schedule of the participants. A visit considered as protocol deviation was documented by the system. The system alerted field staff to every upcoming visit date to organize the field activities and to inform participants which day to come. The system also produced a growth chart for evaluating nutritional status and referring the child to a specialized clinic if found to be severely malnourished. The data system offered unique features for controlling for both data and field activities, which led to minimize drop-out rates as well as protocol deviations. Such system is warranted for a successful clinical study.

The Utilization of Social Media in the Hearing Aid Community.

PubMed

Choudhury, Moumita; Dinger, Zoë; Fichera, Elena

2017-03-01

This study investigated the utilization of social media by the hearing aid (HA) community. The purpose of this survey was to analyze the participation of HA community in the social media websites. A systematic survey of online HA-related social media sources was conducted. Such sources were identified using appropriate search terms. Social media participation was quantified on the basis of posts and "likes." Five hundred fifty-seven social media sources were identified, including 174 Twitter accounts, 172 YouTube videos, 91 Facebook pages, 20 Facebook groups, 71 blogs, and 29 forums. Twitter and YouTube platforms showed the highest level of activity among social media users. The HA-related community used social media sources for advice and support, information sharing, and service-related information. HA users, other individuals, and organizations interested in HAs leave their digital footprint on a wide variety of social media sources. The community connects, offers support, and shares information on a variety of HA-related issues. The HA community is as active in social media utilization as other groups, such as the cochlear implant community, even though the patterns of their social media use are different because of their unique needs.

Chromosomes in a genome-wise order: evidence for metaphase architecture.

PubMed

Weise, Anja; Bhatt, Samarth; Piaszinski, Katja; Kosyakova, Nadezda; Fan, Xiaobo; Altendorf-Hofmann, Annelore; Tanomtong, Alongklod; Chaveerach, Arunrat; de Cioffi, Marcelo Bello; de Oliveira, Edivaldo; Walther, Joachim-U; Liehr, Thomas; Chaudhuri, Jyoti P

2016-01-01

One fundamental finding of the last decade is that, besides the primary DNA sequence information there are several epigenetic "information-layers" like DNA-and histone modifications, chromatin packaging and, last but not least, the position of genes in the nucleus. We postulate that the functional genomic architecture is not restricted to the interphase of the cell cycle but can also be observed in the metaphase stage, when chromosomes are most condensed and microscopically visible. If so, it offers the unique opportunity to directly analyze the functional aspects of genomic architecture in different cells, species and diseases. Another aspect not directly accessible by molecular techniques is the genome merged from two different haploid parental genomes represented by the homologous chromosome sets. Our results show that there is not only a well-known and defined nuclear architecture in interphase but also in metaphase leading to a bilateral organization of the two haploid sets of chromosomes. Moreover, evidence is provided for the parental origin of the haploid grouping. From our findings we postulate an additional epigenetic information layer within the genome including the organization of homologous chromosomes and their parental origin which may now substantially change the landscape of genetics.

Barriers to offering French language physician services in rural and northern Ontario.

PubMed

Timony, Patrick E; Gauthier, Alain P; Serresse, Suzanne; Goodale, Natalie; Prpic, Jason

2016-01-01

Rural and Northern Ontario francophones face many health-related challenges including poor health status, a poor supply of French-speaking physicians, and the potential for an inability or reduced ability to effectively communicate with anglophone healthcare providers. As such, it can reasonably be expected that rural and Northern Ontario francophones experience barriers when receiving care. However, the experience of physicians working in areas densely populated by francophones is largely unexplored. This paper identifies barriers experienced by French-speaking and Non-French-speaking rural and Northern Ontario physicians when serving francophone patients. A series of key informant interviews were conducted with 18 family physicians practicing in rural and urban francophone communities of Northeastern Ontario. Interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis process. Five categories of barrier were identified: (1) language discordance, (2) characteristics of francophone patients, (3) dominance of English in the medical profession, (4) lack of French-speaking medical personnel, and (5) physicians' linguistic (in)sensitivity. Some barriers identified were unique to Non-French-speaking physicians (eg language discordance, use of interpreters, feelings of inadequacy), some were unique to French-speaking physicians (eg limited French education and resources), and some were common to both groups (eg lack of French-speaking colleagues/staff, added time commitments, and the particularities of Franco-Ontarian preferences and culture). Healthcare providers and decision makers may take interest in these results. Although physicians were the focus of the present article, the barriers expressed are likely experienced by other healthcare providers, and thus the lessons learned from this article extend beyond the physician workforce. Efforts must be made to offer educational opportunities for physicians and other healthcare providers working in areas densely populated by francophones; these include linguistic and cultural sensitivity training, in addition to teaching strategies for the practice of 'active offer' of French-language services. In sum, the present study outlines the importance of linguistic concordant communication in healthcare delivery, and describes some of the challenges faced when providing French-language services in rural and Northern Ontario.

Presence of nursing information on hospital websites in five countries: a review.

PubMed

Chen, L L; Liu, Y L

2010-06-01

The aims of this study were to (1) examine the presence of nursing information on 50 hospital websites across five countries; (2) describe the accessibility, range and depth of nursing information provided; and (3) compare the characteristics of nursing web information across the countries. Providing information on hospital website is an increasingly popular strategy for marketing hospital services, and it has been playing unique and important roles for nursing. So far, the nursing information offered via hospital websites is not uncommon worldwide, but the amount, content and form of such information presented by the institutions of different countries have not been examined systematically. Objective sampling was employed to select 50 top hospital websites from five countries, with ten for each geographical region, namely, Australia (Oceania), China (Asia), South Africa (Africa), UK (Europe) and the USA (North America). A self-developed checklist was used to examine the presence of nursing information on the above-mentioned hospital websites. The most frequently presented information on the hospital websites was nursing employment (job placement), nursing education, and news and events concerning the nursing profession, but information about other aspects of nursing was relatively lacking. The hospital websites in the USA and Australia provided more information as compared with those in China and the UK. Nursing information was almost unavailable on hospital websites in South Africa. Although the accessibility of nursing-related information has been improved, the presence of nursing information was not strong on the hospital websites across the five countries. The nursing information presented on hospital websites varied with different countries. Efforts have to be made to improve the presence and accessibility of nursing information. Information about the nursing services, professional image of nurses and nursing employment should be enhanced.

Health care experiences among women diagnosed with gestational breast cancer.

PubMed

Hammarberg, K; Sullivan, E; Javid, N; Duncombe, G; Halliday, L; Boyle, F; Saunders, C; Ives, A; Dickinson, J E; Fisher, J

2018-03-01

Gestational breast cancer (GBC) presents many challenges for women and the clinicians who care for them. The aim of this study was to explore the health care experiences of women diagnosed with GBC to inform and improve clinical care of women in this predicament. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 women who had been diagnosed with GBC in the previous 5 years. The overarching themes for perceived quality of care were "communication" and "comprehensive care." "Communication" had two sub themes: "interdisciplinary communication" (the way health professionals from different disciplines communicated with each other about the management of the woman's care) and "patient communication" (how they communicated this to the woman). The "comprehensive care" theme incorporated three sub themes: "the spirit" (psychological care); "the mind" (information provision); and "the body" (management of treatment side effects). Women's own accounts of positive and negative experiences of GBC care provide unique and specific insights which improve understanding of their concerns and needs. The findings can inform advances in quality and efficacy of clinical care; offer guidance for obstetricians, oncologists and allied health professionals about the needs of women diagnosed with GBC and how care can be optimised; and inform the development of resources to assist women and their families. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

78 FR 63310 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Information Collection Renewal; Comment Request...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-23

... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Agency Information Collection Activities: Information Collection Renewal; Comment Request; Securities Offering Disclosure Rules AGENCY... comment concerning the renewal of an information collection titled, ``Securities Offering Disclosure Rules...

Patterns of Responding in the Word Associations of West African Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sharp, Donald; Cole, Michael

1972-01-01

Studies conducted among the Kpelle of north central Liberia whose present cultural milieu offers unique possibilities for studying the role of particular experiential factors, particularly education, on the development of paradigmatic response. (Authors)

Recent advances in applied nanoscience for food safety

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Ongoing developments in nanotechnology offer potential to transform agriculture in several areas, including food safety, quality, packaging, product traceability, food processing, and bioactive delivery. These nanoscience-based applications utilize the unique properties of materials with a dimension...

REGIONAL CARDIAC BLOOD FLOW WITH AIR PARTICLE EXPOSURE

EPA Science Inventory

This proposal offers the unique application of novel techniques to improve understanding of the mechanisms whereby ambient particulate exerts deleterious influences on the heart and circulation. Enhanced ischemia has broad implications for cardiac morbidity and mor...

76 FR 69311 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-08

...'') and broker-dealers increased authority and flexibility to offer new and unique market data to..., providing virtually limitless opportunities for entrepreneurs who wish to produce and distribute their own...

Developing a remote practice office.

PubMed

D'Elia, V L

1987-11-01

Remote practice offices (RPOs) offer unique opportunities for hospitals and physicians to increase market share from targeted areas where previously only limited demand existed. This article discusses the benefits and explores the fundamentals of developing a remote practice office.

How to Apply for a P3 Grant

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

EPA's P3 – People, Prosperity, and the Planet—Program is a unique college competition for designing solutions for a sustainable future. P3 offers students quality hands-on experience that brings their classroom learning to life

Category representations in the brain are both discretely localized and widely distributed.

PubMed

Shehzad, Zarrar; McCarthy, Gregory

2018-06-01

Whether category information is discretely localized or represented widely in the brain remains a contentious issue. Initial functional MRI studies supported the localizationist perspective that category information is represented in discrete brain regions. More recent fMRI studies using machine learning pattern classification techniques provide evidence for widespread distributed representations. However, these latter studies have not typically accounted for shared information. Here, we find strong support for distributed representations when brain regions are considered separately. However, localized representations are revealed by using analytical methods that separate unique from shared information among brain regions. The distributed nature of shared information and the localized nature of unique information suggest that brain connectivity may encourage spreading of information but category-specific computations are carried out in distinct domain-specific regions. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Whether visual category information is localized in unique domain-specific brain regions or distributed in many domain-general brain regions is hotly contested. We resolve this debate by using multivariate analyses to parse functional MRI signals from different brain regions into unique and shared variance. Our findings support elements of both models and show information is initially localized and then shared among other regions leading to distributed representations being observed.

The Use and Method of Action of Intravenous Lidocaine and Its Metabolite in Headache Disorders.

PubMed

Berk, Thomas; Silberstein, Stephen D

2018-03-14

Lidocaine, an amide anesthetic, has been used in the treatment of a wide variety of pain disorders for over 75 years. In addition to pain control, lidocaine is an anti-arrhythmic agent and has anti-inflammatory properties. Lidocaine's unique properties, including nonlinear pharmacokinetics, have limited its modern-day use. The purpose of this review is to offer a better understanding of the properties of this unique treatment, which we hope will allow more practitioners to offer this to their patients. An analysis of the history, pharmacokinetics, and relevant uses of lidocaine in headache medicine based on a synthesis of the medical literature and clinical experience. Lidocaine is an amide anesthetic that inhibits voltage gated sodium channels, and lidocaine metabolism occurs exclusively in the liver. One lidocaine metabolite has its own unique properties and may be an active form of the drug. Open label and retrospective studies have investigated the use of lidocaine in many headache disorders, primarily via injection or infusion. Further research into the active metabolite of lidocaine may allow for its use as a novel nonopiate treatment of chronic pain. © 2018 American Headache Society.

Transition Services for DHH Adolescents and Young Adults With Disabilities: Challenges and Theoretical Frameworks.

PubMed

Luft, Pamela

2015-01-01

Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) adolescents and young adults with disabilities (DWD) are a highly diverse group who may also demonstrate a range of functional limitations. These present unique challenges to professional efforts to provide high-quality transition services. Despite these issues, a majority of this population has cognitive abilities within the typical range, and therefore, their transition expectations should be commensurately high in comparison to those of their DHH peers. Research-based transition practices offer a range of interventions, and although none have been validated with DHH or DWD students, several provide important foundational learning opportunities. Yet their implementation will require modifications with programming and expertise beyond what is available in most school districts. Use of a multilevel, ecological framework and person-centered planning offers systematic strategies for increasing access to transition resources and supports to address these unique needs and lead to successful adulthood.

Cubesats: Cost-effective science and technology platforms for emerging and developing nations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woellert, Kirk; Ehrenfreund, Pascale; Ricco, Antonio J.; Hertzfeld, Henry

2011-02-01

The development, operation, and analysis of data from cubesats can promote science education and spur technology utilization in emerging and developing nations. This platform offers uniquely low construction and launch costs together with a comparative ubiquity of launch providers; factors that have led more than 80 universities and several emerging nations to develop programs in this field. Their small size and weight enables cubesats to “piggyback” on rocket launches and accompany orbiters travelling to Moon and Mars. It is envisaged that constellations of cubesats will be used for larger science missions. We present a brief history, technology overview, and summary of applications in science and industry for these small satellites. Cubesat technical success stories are offered along with a summary of pitfalls and challenges encountered in both developed and emerging nations. A discussion of economic and public policy issues aims to facilitate the decision-making process for those considering utilization of this unique technology.

Listing a Geological Rarity of ‘Stone Balls’ in Kysuce Among World Geotourism Destinations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duraj, Miloš; Niemiec, Dominik; Marschalko, Marian; Yilmaz, Işik

2016-10-01

Kysuce, situated on the border with the Czech Republic and Poland, belongs among distinctive regions in the Slovak Republic. This region offers tourism many interesting sites. Few decades ago, Kysuce offered tourists and visitors well-preserved national architecture, which is nowadays concentrated in an open-air museum Vychylovka. Thanks to the rich afforestation and a sophisticated network of signs for hikers, hiking has been very popular. The ground relief and climatic conditions also encourage winter sports. The world-wide development of geotourism has also concerned this region. Despite a low-varied geological structure, there are unique geological formations that have attracted attention for years. For example, tourists visit the interesting mineralized springs and a remarkable crude oil seep in Korna. Geologically unique are also the occurrences of ‘stone balls’ from sandstone and conglomerates. This phenomenon has attracted attention of both geologists and esotericism supporters.

Power in the hypnotic relationship: therapeutic or abusive?

PubMed

Walling, D P; Levine, R E

1997-01-01

The unique relationship between hypnotist and subject has been theorized as one explanation for the effectiveness of hypnosis. This relationship carries a power differential, present in most therapeutic relationships, but accentuated by hypnosis. The power differential is sometimes perceived as the ability of the hypnotist to control the subject. Perceptions of hypnosis offered by stage hypnotists, the popular media, and some clinicians perpetuate the notion that the hypnotist has the ability to exert undue influence upon the client. The present article examines the relationship between hypnotist and subject focusing on issues of power and control. The authors examine the unique dynamics accompanying the use of hypnosis and their impact on the therapeutic dyad. Evidence is offered demonstrating the power differential, and how this differential can serve as either a positive or negative agent of change. Therapists should be aware of the dynamics created by using hypnosis. Implications for training therapists in the use of hypnosis are suggested.

Integrating community health workers within Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act implementation.

PubMed

Islam, Nadia; Nadkarni, Smiti Kapadia; Zahn, Deborah; Skillman, Megan; Kwon, Simona C; Trinh-Shevrin, Chau

2015-01-01

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's (PPACA) emphasis on community-based initiatives affords a unique opportunity to disseminate and scale up evidence-based community health worker (CHW) models that integrate CHWs within health care delivery teams and programs. Community health workers have unique access and local knowledge that can inform program development and evaluation, improve service delivery and care coordination, and expand health care access. As a member of the PPACA-defined health care workforce, CHWs have the potential to positively impact numerous programs and reduce costs. This article discusses different strategies for integrating CHW models within PPACA implementation through facilitated enrollment strategies, patient-centered medical homes, coordination and expansion of health information technology (HIT) efforts, and also discusses payment options for such integration. Title V of the PPACA outlines a plan to improve access to and delivery of health care services for all individuals, particularly low-income, underserved, uninsured, minority, health disparity, and rural populations. Community health workers' role as trusted community leaders can facilitate accurate data collection, program enrollment, and provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate, patient- and family-centered care. Because CHWs already support disease management and care coordination services, they will be critical to delivering and expanding patient-centered medical homes and Health Home services, especially for communities that suffer disproportionately from multiple chronic diseases. Community health workers' unique expertise in conducting outreach make them well positioned to help enroll people in Medicaid or insurance offered by Health Benefit Exchanges. New payment models provide opportunities to fund and sustain CHWs. Community health workers can support the effective implementation of PPACA if the capacity and potential of CHWs to serve as cultural brokers and bridges among medically underserved communities and health care delivery systems is fully tapped. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and current payment structures provide an unprecedented and important vehicle for integrating and sustaining CHWs as part of these new delivery and enrollment models.

Integrating Community Health Workers Within Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Implementation

PubMed Central

Islam, Nadia; Nadkarni, Smiti Kapadia; Zahn, Deborah; Skillman, Megan; Kwon, Simona C.; Trinh-Shevrin, Chau

2015-01-01

Context The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s (PPACA) emphasis on community-based initiatives affords a unique opportunity to disseminate and scale up evidence-based community health worker (CHW) models that integrate CHWs within health care delivery teams and programs. Community health workers have unique access and local knowledge that can inform program development and evaluation, improve service delivery and care coordination, and expand health care access. As a member of the PPACA-defined health care workforce, CHWs have the potential to positively impact numerous programs and reduce costs. Objective This article discusses different strategies for integrating CHW models within PPACA implementation through facilitated enrollment strategies, patient-centered medical homes, coordination and expansion of health information technology (HIT) efforts, and also discusses payment options for such integration. Results Title V of the PPACA outlines a plan to improve access to and delivery of health care services for all individuals, particularly low-income, underserved, uninsured, minority, health disparity, and rural populations. Community health workers’ role as trusted community leaders can facilitate accurate data collection, program enrollment, and provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate, patient- and family-centered care. Because CHWs already support disease management and care coordination services, they will be critical to delivering and expanding patient-centered medical homes and Health Home services, especially for communities that suffer disproportionately from multiple chronic diseases. Community health workers’ unique expertise in conducting outreach make them well positioned to help enroll people in Medicaid or insurance offered by Health Benefit Exchanges. New payment models provide opportunities to fund and sustain CHWs. Conclusion Community health workers can support the effective implementation of PPACA if the capacity and potential of CHWs to serve as cultural brokers and bridges among medically underserved communities and health care delivery systems is fully tapped. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and current payment structures provide an unprecedented and important vehicle for integrating and sustaining CHWs as part of these new delivery and enrollment models. PMID:25414955

An opportune and unique research to evaluate the public health impact of electronic cigarettes.

PubMed

Besaratinia, Ahmad; Tommasi, Stella

2017-10-01

In response to the growing public health concern regarding the risks or benefits of electronic cigarettes (e-cig) use relative to smoking, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has recently introduced the first standardized- and well- characterized e-cig device to the research community (see, https://www.drugabuse.gov/funding/supplemental-information-nida-e-cig ). E-cig are promoted as safe alternatives to conventional tobacco cigarettes and/or as aides to smoking cessation. E-cig are highly popular among cigarette smokers who are unable/unwilling to quit but are willing to switch to putatively less-harmful tobacco substitutes. E-cig are also becoming increasingly popular among youth who have never experimented with combustible cigarettes. However, chemical analyses of e-cig juices (both in liquid form and after being heated into vapor) have shown that many carcinogens present in cigarette smoke are also found in a range of e-cig products. To date, the cancer-causing potential of e-cig has not been investigated in e-cig users (i.e., vapers). Use of e-cig without a prior history of smoking is currently a rare phenomenon in adults, but is increasingly common among youth. Consequently, investigating the carcinogenic potential of e-cig in nonsmoking youth provides a unique opportunity to verify the health impact of e-cig use, without the confounding effects of cigarette smoking. Within this context, the availability of the NIDA Standard Research e-cig offers a unique research opportunity with tremendous public health implications. Comparing and contrasting the cancer-causing potentials of standard vaping and smoking in youth will help determine the health risks or benefits of e-cig use relative to cigarette smoking. This information will be instrumental in making scientifically based decisions on the development and evaluation of policies and regulations on e-cig manufacture, marketing, and distribution. Ultimately, evidence-based guidelines and legislations on e-cig will help reduce the burden of tobacco-related diseases, particularly on minors and vulnerable populations.

Tracking Student Progress Through an On-Line Astro101 Module

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howard, W. H., II; Hufnagel, B.

2004-05-01

We present an on-line module that helps introductory-level, non-science undergraduates extract information about neutron star binary star systems from X-ray light curves. The students interface directly with the High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center (HEASARC) data through CollegeHera. Hera is a new service offered by HEASARC that enables complete interactive analysis of archived data products (see the separate Lochner & Pence paper this meeting). One of the innovative features of this module is that it records detailed student progress and automatically reports this to the professor. As the student moves through the module, student answers to multiple choice and free response questions are recorded in a personal file on the server. This is an authenticated process. The student must fill out a registration form that includes their name, course, email, professor, and professor's email. This creates a session cookie for the student that stores the unique ID given to the user by the server. In turn, the unique ID is linked to the one file that records the student's responses. When the module is completed, a brief confirmation email is sent to the student, excluding the student's unique answers to discourage sharing with other students. Simultaneously, the professor entered during the registration receives an email with the student responses and their time of entry. PERL is used for all server-side programming, and form validation functions were written in JavaScript. A laptop with internet access will be available at the poster for participants to explore the module. Learning goals and other education information for the module are at a related paper in this meeting, Hufnagel, Lochner & Howard. This module required extensive cooperation with the Hera team, and was based on a module developed by James Lochner. Irina Nelson, formerly of the Office of University Programs at GSFC, conceived the overall project. Support for this work was provided by the Southeast Regional Clearinghouse (SERCH) and the Maryland Space Grant Consortium.

Building and strengthening infrastructure for data exchange: lessons from the beacon communities.

PubMed

Torres, Gretchen W; Swietek, Karen; Ubri, Petry S; Singer, Rachel F; Lowell, Kristina H; Miller, Wilhelmine

2014-01-01

The Beacon Community Cooperative Agreement Program supports interventions, including care-delivery innovations, provider performance measurement and feedback initiatives, and tools for providers and consumers to enhance care. Using a learning health system framework, we examine the Beacon Communities' processes in building and strengthening health IT (HIT) infrastructures, specifically successes and challenges in sharing patient information to improve clinical care. In 2010, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) launched the three-year program, which provided $250 million to 17 Beacon Communities to invest in HIT and health information exchange (HIE) infrastructure. Beacon Communities used this funding to develop and disseminate HIT-enabled quality improvement practices found effective in particular community and practice environments. NORC conducted 7 site visits, November 2012-March 2013, selecting Communities to represent diverse program features. From August-October 2013, NORC held discussions with the remaining 10 Communities. Following each visit or discussion, NORC summarized the information gathered, including transcripts, team observations, and other documents the Community provided, to facilitate a within-Community analysis of context and stakeholders, intervention strategies, enabling factors, and challenges. Although each Community designed and implemented data-sharing strategies in a unique environment, similar challenges and enabling factors emerged across the Beacons. From a learning health system perspective, their strategies to build and strengthen data-sharing infrastructures address the following crosscutting priorities: promoting technical advances and innovations by helping providers adapt EHRs for data exchange and performance measurement with customizable IT and offering technical support to smaller, independent providers; engaging key stakeholders; and fostering transparent governance and stewardship of the infrastructure with neutral conveners. While all the Communities developed or strengthened data-exchange infrastructure, each did this in a unique environment of existing health care market and legal factors. The Communities, however, encountered similar challenges and enabling factors. Organizations undertaking collaborative data sharing, performance measurement and clinical transformation can learn from the Beacon Communities' experience.

Building and Strengthening Infrastructure for Data Exchange: Lessons from the Beacon Communities

PubMed Central

Torres, Gretchen W.; Swietek, Karen; Ubri, Petry S.; Singer, Rachel F.; Lowell, Kristina H.; Miller, Wilhelmine

2014-01-01

Introduction: The Beacon Community Cooperative Agreement Program supports interventions, including care-delivery innovations, provider performance measurement and feedback initiatives, and tools for providers and consumers to enhance care. Using a learning health system framework, we examine the Beacon Communities’ processes in building and strengthening health IT (HIT) infrastructures, specifically successes and challenges in sharing patient information to improve clinical care. Background: In 2010, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) launched the three-year program, which provided $250 million to 17 Beacon Communities to invest in HIT and health information exchange (HIE) infrastructure. Beacon Communities used this funding to develop and disseminate HIT-enabled quality improvement practices found effective in particular community and practice environments. Methods: NORC conducted 7 site visits, November 2012–March 2013, selecting Communities to represent diverse program features. From August–October 2013, NORC held discussions with the remaining 10 Communities. Following each visit or discussion, NORC summarized the information gathered, including transcripts, team observations, and other documents the Community provided, to facilitate a within-Community analysis of context and stakeholders, intervention strategies, enabling factors, and challenges. Results: Although each Community designed and implemented data-sharing strategies in a unique environment, similar challenges and enabling factors emerged across the Beacons. From a learning health system perspective, their strategies to build and strengthen data-sharing infrastructures address the following crosscutting priorities: promoting technical advances and innovations by helping providers adapt EHRs for data exchange and performance measurement with customizable IT and offering technical support to smaller, independent providers; engaging key stakeholders; and fostering transparent governance and stewardship of the infrastructure with neutral conveners. Conclusion: While all the Communities developed or strengthened data-exchange infrastructure, each did this in a unique environment of existing health care market and legal factors. The Communities, however, encountered similar challenges and enabling factors. Organizations undertaking collaborative data sharing, performance measurement and clinical transformation can learn from the Beacon Communities’ experience. PMID:25848619

[Uniqueness seeking behavior as a self-verification: an alternative approach to the study of uniqueness].

PubMed

Yamaoka, S

1995-06-01

Uniqueness theory explains that extremely high perceived similarity between self and others evokes negative emotional reactions and causes uniqueness seeking behavior. However, the theory conceptualizes similarity so ambiguously that it appears to suffer from low predictive validity. The purpose of the current article is to propose an alternative explanation of uniqueness seeking behavior. It posits that perceived uniqueness deprivation is a threat to self-concepts, and therefore causes self-verification behavior. Two levels of self verification are conceived: one based on personal categorization and the other on social categorization. The present approach regards uniqueness seeking behavior as the personal-level self verification. To test these propositions, a 2 (very high or moderate similarity information) x 2 (with or without outgroup information) x 2 (high or low need for uniqueness) between-subject factorial-design experiment was conducted with 95 university students. Results supported the self-verification approach, and were discussed in terms of effects of uniqueness deprivation, levels of self-categorization, and individual differences in need for uniqueness.

A systematic review of collaboration and network research in the public affairs literature: implications for public health practice and research.

PubMed

Varda, Danielle; Shoup, Jo Ann; Miller, Sara

2012-03-01

We explored and analyzed how findings from public affairs research can inform public health research and practice, specifically in the area of interorganizational collaboration, one of the most promising practice-based approaches in the public health field. We conducted a systematic review of the public affairs literature by following a grounded theory approach. We coded 151 articles for demographics and empirical findings (n = 258). Three primary findings stand out in the public affairs literature: network structure affects governance, management strategies exist for administrators, and collaboration can be linked to outcomes. These findings are linked to priorities in public health practice. Overall, we found that public affairs has a long and rich history of research in collaborations that offers unique organizational theory and management tools to public health practitioners.

The (old) New Realism: what Holt has to offer for ecological psychology.

PubMed

Charles, Eric P

2009-03-01

As Ecological Psychology pushes into new areas, success will be made easier by a rediscovery its theoretical history, in particular the "New Realism", lead in part by E. B. Holt. Three New Realists tenants seem particularly relevant: (1) we experience reality, (2) relations are real, and (3) things are what you see when you see those things. Though the two groups differ in terms of their conception of perception, and what can be perceived, their conceptions are related in very insightful ways. Further, the comparison reemphasizes the extent of unique empirical claims ecological psychologists make, and grounds those claims within a larger framework for psychology as a whole. This makes obvious the need for further work on the mathematics of invariants, the physiological mechanisms of information extraction, and the behaviors of perception.

Immunogenetics of pemphigus: an update.

PubMed

Tron, François; Gilbert, Danièle; Joly, Pascal; Mouquet, Hugo; Drouot, Laurent; Ayed, Mourad Ben; Sellami, Myriam; Masmoudi, Hatem; Makni, Sondès

2006-11-01

Pemphigus are rare but informative models of organ-specific autoimmune diseases, resulting from the interplay of environmental, genetic and stochastic factors. There are many arguments to consider that pemphigus have a genetic basis involving, as many other autoimmune diseases, several different genes with additive or synergistic effects. So far, the unique strategy used to identify the contributive loci has been direct analysis of candidate genes through conventional case-control association studies. The major histocompatibility complex in particular the class II locus was demonstrated to be associated with pemphigus with a high rate of replicability. The progresses in the understanding of pemphigus physiopathology and the development of new molecular tools offer new perspectives to unveiled the genetic basis of this group of autoimmune blistering diseases, as shown by recent studies of candidate genes expressed at different levels of the autoimmune process.

Community-university Research Liaisons: Translating the Languages of Research and Culture

PubMed Central

Bends, Ada; Burns, Charlene; Yellowman-Caye, Pearl; Rider, Tammy; Salois, Emily Matt; Sutherland, Annette; Todd, Mike; LaVeaux, Deb; Christopher, Suzanne

2014-01-01

This article describes the experiences of six individuals employed as community-university research liaisons in a grant-funded centre for health disparities research. The liaisons were located in Native American communities and bridged the communities and the university, providing information between these groups, expanding understanding and knowledge of how research can address health disparities, and assisting in the development and ongoing work of partnerships using CBPR approaches. While tribal communities within the state may face similar health disparities, the approach to solving these disparities must be based on an understanding of the context and environment of the specific tribal community. In this paper, the tribal liaisons share their stories of negotiating and navigating their unique positions. Suggestions for utilizing tribal community-university positions to support community and partnership development are offered. PMID:25285102

C++ and data

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

Naumann, Axel; /CERN; Canal, Philippe

2008-01-01

High performance computing with a large code base and C++ has proved to be a good combination. But when it comes to storing data, C++ is a problematic choice: it offers no support for serialization, type definitions are amazingly complex to parse, and the dependency analysis (what does object A need to be stored?) is incredibly difficult. Nevertheless, the LHC data consists of C++ objects that are serialized with help from ROOT's reflection database and interpreter CINT. The fact that we can do it on that scale, and the performance with which we do it makes this approach unique andmore » stirs interest even outside HEP. I will show how CINT collects and stores information about C++ types, what the current major challenges are (dictionary size), and what CINT and ROOT have done and plan to do about it.« less

Program Characteristics and Enrollees' Outcomes in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

PubMed Central

Mukamel, Dana B; Peterson, Derick R; Temkin-Greener, Helena; Delavan, Rachel; Gross, Diane; Kunitz, Stephen J; Williams, T Franklin

2007-01-01

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a unique program providing a full spectrum of health care services, from primary to acute to long-term care for frail elderly individuals certified to require nursing home care. The objective of this article is to identify program characteristics associated with better risk-adjusted health outcomes: mortality, functional status, and self-assessed health. The article examines statistical analyses of information combining DataPACE (individual-level clinical data), a survey of direct care staff about team performance, and interviews with management in twenty-three PACE programs. Several program characteristics were associated with better functional outcomes. Fewer were associated with long-term self-assessed health, and only one with mortality. These findings offer strategies that may lead to better care. PMID:17718666

The Total Library *

PubMed Central

Annan, Gertrude L.

1968-01-01

Changing functions and techniques of today's libraries have led to questioning the very substance of the library of the future. Ralph Shaw points out that the total library must be “a living force for the enrichment of mankind.” The Medical Research Library of Brooklyn at its very inauguration is uniquely prepared and equipped to work toward that goal. It imaginatively serves the needs of the immediate area by generous sharing of resources, use of its computerized program, and participation in a state-wide system. The large collection of the Academy of Medicine of Brooklyn offers thousands of volumes for the historian, both great works as highlights of medical achievements and more modest contributions of both early and recent date. The total library must serve as an intellectual resource, as well as a mechanism for the rapid transfer of current information. PMID:5644795

Teaching the Library at SIBL.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thornton, Ann

1999-01-01

Describes the curriculum of free training courses offered at the New York Public Library Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL) that focus on information-seeking skills and information literacy. Classes offered include basic library skills, Internet and World Wide Web, business information, government information, and science information.…

A Survey of Students from the National School on Neutron and X-ray Scattering: Communication Habits and Preferences

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

Bryant, Rebecca

2010-12-01

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) offers the scientific community unique access to two types of world-class neutron sources at a single site - the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). The 85-MW HFIR provides one of the highest steady-state neutron fluxes of any research reactor in the world. And the SNS is one of the world's most intense pulse neutron beams. Management of these resources is the responsibility of the Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD). NScD started conducting the National School on Neutron and X-ray Scattering (NXS) in conjunction with the Advanced Photon Source (APS) atmore » Argonne National Laboratory in 2007. This survey was conducted to determine the most effective ways to reach students with information about what SNS and HFIR offer the scientific community, including content and communication vehicles. The emphasis is on gaining insights into compelling messages and the most effective channels, e.g., Web sites and social media, for communicating with students about neutron science The survey was conducted in two phases using a classic qualitative investigation to confirm language and content followed by a survey designed to quantify issues, assumptions, and working hypotheses. Phase I consisted of a focus group in late June 2010 with students attending NXS. The primary intent of the group was to inform development of an online survey. Phase two consisted of an online survey that was developed and pre-tested in July 2010 and launched on August 9, 2010 and remained in the field until September 9, 2010. The survey achieved an overall response rate of 48% for a total of 157 completions. The objective of this study is to determine the most effective ways to reach students with information about what SNS and HFIR offer the scientific community, including content and communication vehicles. The emphasis is on gaining insights into compelling messages and the most effective channels, e.g., Web sites, social media, for communicating with students about neutron science.« less

MIMS - MEDICAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frankowski, J. W.

1994-01-01

MIMS, Medical Information Management System is an interactive, general purpose information storage and retrieval system. It was first designed to be used in medical data management, and can be used to handle all aspects of data related to patient care. Other areas of application for MIMS include: managing occupational safety data in the public and private sectors; handling judicial information where speed and accuracy are high priorities; systemizing purchasing and procurement systems; and analyzing organizational cost structures. Because of its free format design, MIMS can offer immediate assistance where manipulation of large data bases is required. File structures, data categories, field lengths and formats, including alphabetic and/or numeric, are all user defined. The user can quickly and efficiently extract, display, and analyze the data. Three means of extracting data are provided: certain short items of information, such as social security numbers, can be used to uniquely identify each record for quick access; records can be selected which match conditions defined by the user; and specific categories of data can be selected. Data may be displayed and analyzed in several ways which include: generating tabular information assembled from comparison of all the records on the system; generating statistical information on numeric data such as means, standard deviations and standard errors; and displaying formatted listings of output data. The MIMS program is written in Microsoft FORTRAN-77. It was designed to operate on IBM Personal Computers and compatibles running under PC or MS DOS 2.00 or higher. MIMS was developed in 1987.

Methods of measuring metabolism during surgery in humans: focus on the liver-brain relationship.

PubMed

Battezzati, Alberto; Bertoli, Simona

2004-09-01

The purpose of this work is to review recent advances in setting methods and models for measuring metabolism during surgery in humans. Surgery, especially solid organ transplantation, may offer unique experimental models in which it is ethically acceptable to gain information on difficult problems of amino acid and protein metabolism. Two areas are reviewed: the metabolic study of the anhepatic phase during liver transplantation and brain microdialysis during cerebral surgery. The first model offers an innovative approach to understand the relative role of liver and extrahepatic organs in gluconeogenesis, and to evaluate whether other organs can perform functions believed to be exclusively or almost exclusively performed by the liver. The second model offers an insight to intracerebral metabolism that is closely bound to that of the liver. The recent advances in metabolic research during surgery provide knowledge immediately useful for perioperative patient management and for a better control of surgical stress. The studies during the anhepatic phase of liver transplantation have showed that gluconeogenesis and glutamine metabolism are very active processes outside the liver. One of the critical organs for extrahepatic glutamine metabolism is the brain. Microdialysis studies helped to prove that in humans there is an intense trafficking of glutamine, glutamate and alanine among neurons and astrocytes. This delicate network is influenced by systemic amino acid metabolism. The metabolic dialogue between the liver and the brain is beginning to be understood in this light in order to explain the metabolic events of brain damage during liver failure.

Model-based learning and the contribution of the orbitofrontal cortex to the model-free world.

PubMed

McDannald, Michael A; Takahashi, Yuji K; Lopatina, Nina; Pietras, Brad W; Jones, Josh L; Schoenbaum, Geoffrey

2012-04-01

Learning is proposed to occur when there is a discrepancy between reward prediction and reward receipt. At least two separate systems are thought to exist: one in which predictions are proposed to be based on model-free or cached values; and another in which predictions are model-based. A basic neural circuit for model-free reinforcement learning has already been described. In the model-free circuit the ventral striatum (VS) is thought to supply a common-currency reward prediction to midbrain dopamine neurons that compute prediction errors and drive learning. In a model-based system, predictions can include more information about an expected reward, such as its sensory attributes or current, unique value. This detailed prediction allows for both behavioral flexibility and learning driven by changes in sensory features of rewards alone. Recent evidence from animal learning and human imaging suggests that, in addition to model-free information, the VS also signals model-based information. Further, there is evidence that the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) signals model-based information. Here we review these data and suggest that the OFC provides model-based information to this traditional model-free circuitry and offer possibilities as to how this interaction might occur. © 2012 The Authors. European Journal of Neuroscience © 2012 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

PDBe: improved accessibility of macromolecular structure data from PDB and EMDB.

PubMed

Velankar, Sameer; van Ginkel, Glen; Alhroub, Younes; Battle, Gary M; Berrisford, John M; Conroy, Matthew J; Dana, Jose M; Gore, Swanand P; Gutmanas, Aleksandras; Haslam, Pauline; Hendrickx, Pieter M S; Lagerstedt, Ingvar; Mir, Saqib; Fernandez Montecelo, Manuel A; Mukhopadhyay, Abhik; Oldfield, Thomas J; Patwardhan, Ardan; Sanz-García, Eduardo; Sen, Sanchayita; Slowley, Robert A; Wainwright, Michael E; Deshpande, Mandar S; Iudin, Andrii; Sahni, Gaurav; Salavert Torres, Jose; Hirshberg, Miriam; Mak, Lora; Nadzirin, Nurul; Armstrong, David R; Clark, Alice R; Smart, Oliver S; Korir, Paul K; Kleywegt, Gerard J

2016-01-04

The Protein Data Bank in Europe (http://pdbe.org) accepts and annotates depositions of macromolecular structure data in the PDB and EMDB archives and enriches, integrates and disseminates structural information in a variety of ways. The PDBe website has been redesigned based on an analysis of user requirements, and now offers intuitive access to improved and value-added macromolecular structure information. Unique value-added information includes lists of reviews and research articles that cite or mention PDB entries as well as access to figures and legends from full-text open-access publications that describe PDB entries. A powerful new query system not only shows all the PDB entries that match a given query, but also shows the 'best structures' for a given macromolecule, ligand complex or sequence family using data-quality information from the wwPDB validation reports. A PDBe RESTful API has been developed to provide unified access to macromolecular structure data available in the PDB and EMDB archives as well as value-added annotations, e.g. regarding structure quality and up-to-date cross-reference information from the SIFTS resource. Taken together, these new developments facilitate unified access to macromolecular structure data in an intuitive way for non-expert users and support expert users in analysing macromolecular structure data. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

78 FR 76840 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Announcement of Office of Management and Budget...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-19

...] Agency Information Collection Activities; Announcement of Office of Management and Budget Approval... ``Unique Device Identification System'' has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB... information entitled ``Unique Device Identification System'' to OMB for review and clearance under 44 U.S.C...

Analysis of Information Needs of Users of MEDLINEplus, 2002 – 2003

PubMed Central

Scott-Wright, Alicia; Crowell, Jon; Zeng, Qing; Bates, David W.; Greenes, Robert

2006-01-01

We analyzed query logs from use of MEDLINEplus to answer the questions: Are consumers’ health information needs stable over time? and To what extent do users’ queries change over time? To determine log stability, we assessed an Overlap Rate (OR) defined as the number of unique queries common to two adjacent months divided by the total number of unique queries in those months. All exactly matching queries were considered as one unique query. We measured ORs for the top 10 and 100 unique queries of a month and compared these to ORs for the following month. Over ten months, users submitted 12,234,737 queries; only 2,179,571 (17.8%) were unique and these had a mean word count of 2.73 (S.D., 0.24); 121 of 137 (88.3%) unique queries each comprised of exactly matching search term(s) used at least 5000 times were of only one word. We could predict with 95% confidence that the monthly OR for the top 100 unique queries would lie between 67% – 87% when compared with the top 100 from the previous month. The mean month-to-month OR for top 10 queries was 62% (S.D., 20%) indicating significant variability; the lowest OR of 33% between the top 10 in Mar. compared to Apr. was likely due to “new” interest in information about SARS pneumonia in Apr. 2003. Consumers’ health information needs are relatively stable and the 100 most common unique queries are about 77% the same from month to month. Website sponsors should provide a broad range of information about a relatively stable number of topics. Analyses of log similarity may identify media-induced, cyclical, or seasonal changes in areas of consumer interest. PMID:17238431

The Accounting Capstone Problem

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elrod, Henry; Norris, J. T.

2012-01-01

Capstone courses in accounting programs bring students experiences integrating across the curriculum (University of Washington, 2005) and offer unique (Sanyal, 2003) and transformative experiences (Sill, Harward, & Cooper, 2009). Students take many accounting courses without preparing complete sets of financial statements. Accountants not only…

Commuter choice managers and parking managers coordination

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-11-01

Shared use park and ride represents a unique approach for addressing parking problems, and can offer substantial savings in land and development costs. One of the fundamental factors that determines the success of this approach is the level of coordi...

Application of Chemistry in Materials Research at NASA GRC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kavandi, Janet L.

2016-01-01

Overview of NASA GRC Materials Development. New materials enabled by new chemistries offering unique properties and chemical processing techniques. Durability of materials in harsh environments requires understanding and modeling of chemical interaction of materials with the environment.

Selecting a Roof Membrane.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waldron, Larry W.

1990-01-01

Offers a brief synopsis of the unique characteristics of the following roof membranes: (1) built-up roofing; (2) elastoplastic membranes; (3) modified bitumen membranes; (4) liquid applied membranes; and (5) metal roofing. A chart compares the characteristics of the raw membranes only. (MLF)

Denali National Park: bus shuttle system analysis

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-09-01

This is the first in a series of briefs exploring best practices in the various ways to provide transit service in national parks. While Denali operates in a unique environment, the Visitor Transportation Service experience offers many lessons relate...

Proceedings of the U.S. Geological Survey Seventh Biennial Geographic Information Science Workshop, Denver, Colorado, May 12-16, 2008

USGS Publications Warehouse

Helterbrand, Wm. Steve; Sieverling, Jennifer B.

2008-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Seventh Biennial Geographic Information Science (GIS) Workshop (USGS-GIS 2008) on May 12 through 16, 2008, at the Denver Federal Center in Denver, Colorado, is unique in that it brings together GIS professionals from all of the USGS disciplines across all regions, and focuses primarily on the needs and accomplishments of the USGS. The theme for the 2008 workshop, ?GIS for Tomorrow?s Challenges,? provides an opportunity for USGS GIS professionals to demonstrate how they have responded to the challenges set forth in the USGS Science Strategy. During this workshop, attendees will have an opportunity to present or demonstrate their work; develop their knowledge by attending hands-on workshops and presentations given by professionals from the USGS and other Federal agencies, GIS-related companies, and academia; and to network with other professionals to develop collaborative opportunities. In addition to participation in numerous workshops and presentations, attendees will have opportunities to listen to top-level managers from the USGS present updates and goals concerning the future of several USGS programs. Monday evening?s Star Guest presentation by Thomas Wagner, NSF Office of Polar Programs, and Paul Morin, Antarctic Geospatial Information Center, entitled ?Mapping all that is White: Antarctic Science and Operations Viewed Though Geospatial Data,? will be one of many valuable presentations. This Proceedings volume will serve as an activity reference for workshop attendees, as well as an archive of technical abstracts presented at the workshop. Author, co-author, and presenter names, affiliations, and contact information are listed with presentation titles with the abstracts. Some hands-on sessions are offered twice; in these instances, abstracts submitted for publication are presented in the proceedings on both days on which they are offered. All acronyms used in these proceedings are explained in the text of each abstract.

Cal-Adapt: California's Climate Data Resource and Interactive Toolkit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, N.; Mukhtyar, S.; Wilhelm, S.; Galey, B.; Lehmer, E.

2016-12-01

Cal-Adapt is a web-based application that provides an interactive toolkit and information clearinghouse to help agencies, communities, local planners, resource managers, and the public understand climate change risks and impacts at the local level. The website offers interactive, visually compelling, and useful data visualization tools that show how climate change might affect California using downscaled continental climate data. Cal-Adapt is supporting California's Fourth Climate Change Assessment through providing access to the wealth of modeled and observed data and adaption-related information produced by California's scientific community. The site has been developed by UC Berkeley's Geospatial Innovation Facility (GIF) in collaboration with the California Energy Commission's (CEC) Research Program. The Cal-Adapt website allows decision makers, scientists and residents of California to turn research results and climate projections into effective adaptation decisions and policies. Since its release to the public in June 2011, Cal-Adapt has been visited by more than 94,000 unique visitors from over 180 countries, all 50 U.S. states, and 689 California localities. We will present several key visualizations that have been employed by Cal-Adapt's users to support their efforts to understand local impacts of climate change, indicate the breadth of data available, and delineate specific use cases. Recently, CEC and GIF have been developing and releasing Cal-Adapt 2.0, which includes updates and enhancements that are increasing its ease of use, information value, visualization tools, and data accessibility. We showcase how Cal-Adapt is evolving in response to feedback from a variety of sources to present finer-resolution downscaled data, and offer an open API that allows other organization to access Cal-Adapt climate data and build domain specific visualization and planning tools. Through a combination of locally relevant information, visualization tools, and access to primary data, Cal-Adapt allows users to investigate how the climate is projected to change in their areas of interest.

Bluejay 1.0: genome browsing and comparison with rich customization provision and dynamic resource linking

PubMed Central

Soh, Jung; Gordon, Paul MK; Taschuk, Morgan L; Dong, Anguo; Ah-Seng, Andrew C; Turinsky, Andrei L; Sensen, Christoph W

2008-01-01

Background The Bluejay genome browser has been developed over several years to address the challenges posed by the ever increasing number of data types as well as the increasing volume of data in genome research. Beginning with a browser capable of rendering views of XML-based genomic information and providing scalable vector graphics output, we have now completed version 1.0 of the system with many additional features. Our development efforts were guided by our observation that biologists who use both gene expression profiling and comparative genomics gain functional insights above and beyond those provided by traditional per-gene analyses. Results Bluejay 1.0 is a genome viewer integrating genome annotation with: (i) gene expression information; and (ii) comparative analysis with an unlimited number of other genomes in the same view. This allows the biologist to see a gene not just in the context of its genome, but also its regulation and its evolution. Bluejay now has rich provision for personalization by users: (i) numerous display customization features; (ii) the availability of waypoints for marking multiple points of interest on a genome and subsequently utilizing them; and (iii) the ability to take user relevance feedback of annotated genes or textual items to offer personalized recommendations. Bluejay 1.0 also embeds the Seahawk browser for the Moby protocol, enabling users to seamlessly invoke hundreds of Web Services on genomic data of interest without any hard-coding. Conclusion Bluejay offers a unique set of customizable genome-browsing features, with the goal of allowing biologists to quickly focus on, analyze, compare, and retrieve related information on the parts of the genomic data they are most interested in. We expect these capabilities of Bluejay to benefit the many biologists who want to answer complex questions using the information available from completely sequenced genomes. PMID:18940007

The Vulnerabilities of Orphaned Children Participating in Research: A Critical Review and Factors for Consideration for Participation in Biomedical and Behavioral Research

PubMed Central

Thompson, Rachel T.; Meslin, Eric M.; Braitstein, Paula K. A.; Nyandiko, Winstone M.; Ayaya, Samuel O.; Vreeman, Rachel C.

2013-01-01

Orphans are a subpopulation with a unique set of additional vulnerabilities. Increasing focus on children’s rights, pediatric global health, and pediatric research makes it imperative to recognize and address unique vulnerabilities of orphaned children. This paper describes the unique vulnerabilities of the orphaned pediatric population and offers a structured set of factors that require consideration when including orphans in biomedical research. Pediatric orphans are particularly vulnerable due to decreased economic resources, psychosocial instability, increased risk of abuse, and delayed/decreased access to healthcare. These vulnerabilities are significant. By carefully considering each issue in a population in a culturally specific and study-specific manner, researchers can make valuable contributions to the overall health and well-being of this uniquely vulnerable population. PMID:23086048

Comparison of Effectiveness of Computer Graded vs Instructor Graded Homework Assignments in an Elementary Spanish Course: A Comparative Study at Two Undergraduate Institutions

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-07

technology, that being the instructor-graded versus computer-graded activities. In essence, the study came to be about how diverse student bodies reacted...terms of student body and academic offerings, Metropolitan State College of Denver (Metro State) is a unique institution in Colorado and the United...slate of baccalaureate degree offerings. Metro State’s student body of over 24,000 is an exemplar of diversity. The institution admits students via a

Laboratory Information Systems in Molecular Diagnostics: Why Molecular Diagnostics Data are Different.

PubMed

Lee, Roy E; Henricks, Walter H; Sirintrapun, Sahussapont J

2016-03-01

Molecular diagnostic testing presents new challenges to information management that are yet to be sufficiently addressed by currently available information systems for the molecular laboratory. These challenges relate to unique aspects of molecular genetic testing: molecular test ordering, informed consent issues, diverse specimen types that encompass the full breadth of specimens handled by traditional anatomic and clinical pathology information systems, data structures and data elements specific to molecular testing, varied testing workflows and protocols, diverse instrument outputs, unique needs and requirements of molecular test reporting, and nuances related to the dissemination of molecular pathology test reports. By satisfactorily addressing these needs in molecular test data management, a laboratory information system designed for the unique needs of molecular diagnostics presents a compelling reason to migrate away from the current paper and spreadsheet information management that many molecular laboratories currently use. This paper reviews the issues and challenges of information management in the molecular diagnostics laboratory.

Face Patch Resting State Networks Link Face Processing to Social Cognition

PubMed Central

Schwiedrzik, Caspar M.; Zarco, Wilbert; Everling, Stefan; Freiwald, Winrich A.

2015-01-01

Faces transmit a wealth of social information. How this information is exchanged between face-processing centers and brain areas supporting social cognition remains largely unclear. Here we identify these routes using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging in macaque monkeys. We find that face areas functionally connect to specific regions within frontal, temporal, and parietal cortices, as well as subcortical structures supporting emotive, mnemonic, and cognitive functions. This establishes the existence of an extended face-recognition system in the macaque. Furthermore, the face patch resting state networks and the default mode network in monkeys show a pattern of overlap akin to that between the social brain and the default mode network in humans: this overlap specifically includes the posterior superior temporal sulcus, medial parietal, and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, areas supporting high-level social cognition in humans. Together, these results reveal the embedding of face areas into larger brain networks and suggest that the resting state networks of the face patch system offer a new, easily accessible venue into the functional organization of the social brain and into the evolution of possibly uniquely human social skills. PMID:26348613

Spike processing with a graphene excitable laser

PubMed Central

Shastri, Bhavin J.; Nahmias, Mitchell A.; Tait, Alexander N.; Rodriguez, Alejandro W.; Wu, Ben; Prucnal, Paul R.

2016-01-01

Novel materials and devices in photonics have the potential to revolutionize optical information processing, beyond conventional binary-logic approaches. Laser systems offer a rich repertoire of useful dynamical behaviors, including the excitable dynamics also found in the time-resolved “spiking” of neurons. Spiking reconciles the expressiveness and efficiency of analog processing with the robustness and scalability of digital processing. We demonstrate a unified platform for spike processing with a graphene-coupled laser system. We show that this platform can simultaneously exhibit logic-level restoration, cascadability and input-output isolation—fundamental challenges in optical information processing. We also implement low-level spike-processing tasks that are critical for higher level processing: temporal pattern detection and stable recurrent memory. We study these properties in the context of a fiber laser system and also propose and simulate an analogous integrated device. The addition of graphene leads to a number of advantages which stem from its unique properties, including high absorption and fast carrier relaxation. These could lead to significant speed and efficiency improvements in unconventional laser processing devices, and ongoing research on graphene microfabrication promises compatibility with integrated laser platforms. PMID:26753897

Becoming active: more to exercise than weight loss for indigenous men.

PubMed

Warbrick, Isaac; Wilson, Denise; Griffith, Derek

2018-03-27

To understand what motivates sedentary indigenous and ethnic minority men to become more physically active. We use thematic analysis to present data from a qualitative study exploring 23 sedentary indigenous Māori (New Zealand) men's experiences of completing a 12-week exercise intervention to improve their metabolic health. Four themes emerged: The Bros - having fellowship and mutual motivation; Being better informed about exercise; Impacting overall wellbeing; and Disseminating the findings beyond the study Exercise interventions informed by indigenous Māori cultural values and knowledge increased its relevance to their daily lives. The motivation for these indigenous men was more culturally-based external factors than an inherent desire to lose weight. Indigenous and minority men in many developed countries have high morbidity and premature mortality related to sedentary lifestyles. The low uptake of physical activities possibly relates to focusing more on outcomes such as weight loss which lacks cultural relevance. When offering health promotion interventions for marginalized populations these findings highlight the importance of culturally tailoring interventions to the unique sources of motivation for each group to increase activity to improve their efficacy.

Nuclear plants gain integrated information systems

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

Villavicencio-Ramirez, A.; Rodriquez-Alvarez, J.M.

1994-10-01

With the objective of simplifying the complex mesh of computing devices employed within nuclear power plants, modern technology and integration techniques are being used to form centralized (but backed up) databases and distributed processing and display networks. Benefits are immediate as a result of the integration and the use of standards. The use of a unique data acquisition and database subsystem optimizes the high costs of engineering, as this task is done only once for the life span of the system. This also contributes towards a uniform user interface and allows for graceful expansion and maintenance. This article features anmore » integrated information system, Sistema Integral de Informacion de Proceso (SIIP). The development of this system enabled the Laguna Verde Nuclear Power plant to fully use the already existing universe of signals and its related engineering during all plant conditions, namely, start up, normal operation, transient analysis, and emergency operation. Integrated systems offer many advantages over segregated systems, and this experience should benefit similar development efforts in other electric power utilities, not only for nuclear but also for other types of generating plants.« less

A powerful and flexible statistical framework for testing hypotheses of allele-specific gene expression from RNA-seq data

PubMed Central

Skelly, Daniel A.; Johansson, Marnie; Madeoy, Jennifer; Wakefield, Jon; Akey, Joshua M.

2011-01-01

Variation in gene expression is thought to make a significant contribution to phenotypic diversity among individuals within populations. Although high-throughput cDNA sequencing offers a unique opportunity to delineate the genome-wide architecture of regulatory variation, new statistical methods need to be developed to capitalize on the wealth of information contained in RNA-seq data sets. To this end, we developed a powerful and flexible hierarchical Bayesian model that combines information across loci to allow both global and locus-specific inferences about allele-specific expression (ASE). We applied our methodology to a large RNA-seq data set obtained in a diploid hybrid of two diverse Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, as well as to RNA-seq data from an individual human genome. Our statistical framework accurately quantifies levels of ASE with specified false-discovery rates, achieving high reproducibility between independent sequencing platforms. We pinpoint loci that show unusual and biologically interesting patterns of ASE, including allele-specific alternative splicing and transcription termination sites. Our methodology provides a rigorous, quantitative, and high-resolution tool for profiling ASE across whole genomes. PMID:21873452

How Do Children Share Information in Groups?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gummerum, Michaela; Leman, Patrick J.; Hollins, Tara S.

2014-01-01

Group decision making should be particularly beneficial when group members share unique information, because then a group can make a better decision than each group member alone. This study examined how elementary-school children share unique information during group decision making. Seventy-nine groups of 3 same-sex and same-age 7- and 9-year-old…

76 FR 12998 - Proposed Information Collection Renewals

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-09

... information are offering to assist, mentor or network for jobs. 3. OMB Control Number: 0420-0533. Old Title... information are offering to assist, mentor or network for jobs. Dated: March 3, 2011. Earl W. Yates, Associate...

77 FR 35661 - Federal Acquisition Regulation; Information Collection; Evaluation of Export Offers

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-14

...; Information Collection; Evaluation of Export Offers AGENCIES: Department of Defense (DOD), General Services..., 2012. ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by Information Collection 9000- 0057, Evaluation of Export... via the Federal eRulemaking portal by inputting ``Information Collection 9000-0057, Evaluation of...

So, Here's the Story

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Columba, Lynn

2013-01-01

Mathematics is about reasoning, patterns, and making sense of things. Children's literature provides a powerful opportunity to foster unique experiences in mathematics learning. Storybooks, thinking strategies, and manipulatives offer a winning combination for mastering multiplication facts based on conceptual ideas and relationships. The most…

Health monitoring of post-tension tendons in bridges.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-01-01

Post-tensioned concrete has been used in a number of bridge structures and is expected to be used more in future construction in Virginia. This type of detail offers unique advantages for improving the performance of concrete members. Recent problems...

UV lasers for drilling and marking applications.

PubMed

Hannon, T

1999-10-01

Lasers emitting ultraviolet (UV) light have unique capabilities for precision micromachining and marking plastic medical devices. This review of the benefits offered by laser technology includes a look at recently developed UV diode-pumped solid-state lasers and their key features.

Nanocrystalline cellulose from coir fiber: preparation, properties, and applications

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Nanocrystalline cellulose derived from various botanical sources offers unique and potentially useful characteristics. In principle, any cellulosic material can be considered as a potential source of a nanocrystalline material, including crops, crop residues, and agroindustrial wastes. Because of t...

Price Advice: Counseling Alumni About the Cost of an Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wynn, G. Richard; Morrell, Louis R.

1999-01-01

In excerpts from alumni magazines, the treasurers of Haverford College (Pennsylvania) and Wake Forest University (North Carolina) communicate issues involved in setting tuition and offer unique approaches to explaining the value that students receive at these private institutions. (MSE)

Gender Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Owen Blakemore, Judith E.; Berenbaum, Sheri A.; Liben, Lynn S.

2008-01-01

This new text offers a unique developmental focus on gender. Gender development is examined from infancy through adolescence, integrating biological, socialization, and cognitive perspectives. The book's current empirical focus is complemented by a lively and readable style that includes anecdotes about children's everyday experiences. The book's…

Quantum Approach to Informatics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stenholm, Stig; Suominen, Kalle-Antti

2005-08-01

An essential overview of quantum information Information, whether inscribed as a mark on a stone tablet or encoded as a magnetic domain on a hard drive, must be stored in a physical object and thus made subject to the laws of physics. Traditionally, information processing such as computation occurred in a framework governed by laws of classical physics. However, information can also be stored and processed using the states of matter described by non-classical quantum theory. Understanding this quantum information, a fundamentally different type of information, has been a major project of physicists and information theorists in recent years, and recent experimental research has started to yield promising results. Quantum Approach to Informatics fills the need for a concise introduction to this burgeoning new field, offering an intuitive approach for readers in both the physics and information science communities, as well as in related fields. Only a basic background in quantum theory is required, and the text keeps the focus on bringing this theory to bear on contemporary informatics. Instead of proofs and other highly formal structures, detailed examples present the material, making this a uniquely accessible introduction to quantum informatics. Topics covered include: * An introduction to quantum information and the qubit * Concepts and methods of quantum theory important for informatics * The application of information concepts to quantum physics * Quantum information processing and computing * Quantum gates * Error correction using quantum-based methods * Physical realizations of quantum computing circuits A helpful and economical resource for understanding this exciting new application of quantum theory to informatics, Quantum Approach to Informatics provides students and researchers in physics and information science, as well as other interested readers with some scientific background, with an essential overview of the field.

How small business health exchanges can offer value to their future customers--and why they must.

PubMed

Kingsdale, Jon

2012-02-01

The success of the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP)-health insurance exchanges targeted at the small-group market and opening for business in January 2014-will depend in large part on persuading small employers and qualified health plans to participate. The most important objective will be offering employers lower-cost health plans than they have now. Other critical objectives will be offering small firms administrative efficiencies and access to choices among high-value plans that are not offered elsewhere. This article frames the challenges that exchanges will encounter in meeting these objectives. In particular, it discusses the advisability of small-business exchanges' offering an "employee choice" model (which the article describes in detail); of combining the small-business and individual exchanges to broaden product offerings and gain operational efficiencies; and of encouraging low-cost plans to enter the exchange market, perhaps by enabling Medicaid managed care plans to offer comparable commercial products, and in turn affording health plans access to a uniquely motivated market of small firms and their workers who want affordable coverage.

Improving the Plasticity of LIMS Implementation: LIMS Extension through Microsoft Excel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Culver, Mark

2017-01-01

A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a databasing software with many built-in tools ideal for handling and documenting most laboratory processes in an accurate and consistent manner, making it an indispensable tool for the modern laboratory. However, a lot of LIMS end users will find that in the performance of analyses that have unique considerations such as standard curves, multiple stages incubations, or logical considerations, a base LIMS distribution may not ideally suit their needs. These considerations bring about the need for extension languages, which can extend the functionality of a LIMS. While these languages do provide the implementation team the functionality required to accommodate these special laboratory analyses, they are usually too complex for the end user to modify to compensate for natural changes in laboratory operations. The LIMS utilized by our laboratory offers a unique and easy-to-use choice for an extension language, one that is already heavily relied upon not only in science but also in most academic and business pursuits: Microsoft Excel. The validity of Microsoft Excel as a pseudo programming language and its usability and versatility as a LIMS extension language will be discussed. The NELAC implications and overall drawbacks of this LIMS configuration will also be discussed.

Differences in myoelectric and body-powered upper-limb prostheses: Systematic literature review.

PubMed

Carey, Stephanie L; Lura, Derek J; Highsmith, M Jason

2015-01-01

The choice of a myoelectric or body-powered upper-limb prosthesis can be determined using factors including control, function, feedback, cosmesis, and rejection. Although body-powered and myoelectric control strategies offer unique functions, many prosthesis users must choose one. A systematic review was conducted to determine differences between myoelectric and body-powered prostheses to inform evidence-based clinical practice regarding prescription of these devices and training of users. A search of 9 databases identified 462 unique publications. Ultimately, 31 of them were included and 11 empirical evidence statements were developed. Conflicting evidence has been found in terms of the relative functional performance of body-powered and myoelectric prostheses. Body-powered prostheses have been shown to have advantages in durability, training time, frequency of adjustment, maintenance, and feedback; however, they could still benefit from improvements of control. Myoelectric prostheses have been shown to improve cosmesis and phantom-limb pain and are more accepted for light=intensity work. Currently, evidence is insufficient to conclude that either system provides a significant general advantage. Prosthetic selection should be based on a patient's individual needs and include personal preferences, prosthetic experience, and functional needs. This work demonstrates that there is a lack of empirical evidence regarding functional differences in upper-limb prostheses.

A supermolecular building approach for the design and construction of metal-organic frameworks.

PubMed

Guillerm, Vincent; Kim, Dongwook; Eubank, Jarrod F; Luebke, Ryan; Liu, Xinfang; Adil, Karim; Lah, Myoung Soo; Eddaoudi, Mohamed

2014-08-21

In this review, we describe two recently implemented conceptual approaches facilitating the design and deliberate construction of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), namely supermolecular building block (SBB) and supermolecular building layer (SBL) approaches. Our main objective is to offer an appropriate means to assist/aid chemists and material designers alike to rationally construct desired functional MOF materials, made-to-order MOFs. We introduce the concept of net-coded building units (net-cBUs), where precise embedded geometrical information codes uniquely and matchlessly a selected net, as a compelling route for the rational design of MOFs. This concept is based on employing pre-selected 0-periodic metal–organic polyhedra or 2-periodic metal–organic layers, SBBs or SBLs respectively, as a pathway to access the requisite net-cBUs. In this review, inspired by our success with the original rht-MOF, we extrapolated our strategy to other known MOFs via their deconstruction into more elaborate building units (namely polyhedra or layers) to (i) elucidate the unique relationship between edge-transitive polyhedra or layers and minimal edge-transitive 3-periodic nets, and (ii) illustrate the potential of the SBB and SBL approaches as a rational pathway for the design and construction of 3-periodic MOFs. Using this design strategy, we have also identified several new hypothetical MOFs which are synthetically targetable.

INVITED REVIEW--IMAGE REGISTRATION IN VETERINARY RADIATION ONCOLOGY: INDICATIONS, IMPLICATIONS, AND FUTURE ADVANCES.

PubMed

Feng, Yang; Lawrence, Jessica; Cheng, Kun; Montgomery, Dean; Forrest, Lisa; Mclaren, Duncan B; McLaughlin, Stephen; Argyle, David J; Nailon, William H

2016-01-01

The field of veterinary radiation therapy (RT) has gained substantial momentum in recent decades with significant advances in conformal treatment planning, image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), and intensity-modulated (IMRT) techniques. At the root of these advancements lie improvements in tumor imaging, image alignment (registration), target volume delineation, and identification of critical structures. Image registration has been widely used to combine information from multimodality images such as computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) to improve the accuracy of radiation delivery and reliably identify tumor-bearing areas. Many different techniques have been applied in image registration. This review provides an overview of medical image registration in RT and its applications in veterinary oncology. A summary of the most commonly used approaches in human and veterinary medicine is presented along with their current use in IGRT and adaptive radiation therapy (ART). It is important to realize that registration does not guarantee that target volumes, such as the gross tumor volume (GTV), are correctly identified on the image being registered, as limitations unique to registration algorithms exist. Research involving novel registration frameworks for automatic segmentation of tumor volumes is ongoing and comparative oncology programs offer a unique opportunity to test the efficacy of proposed algorithms. © 2016 American College of Veterinary Radiology.

Trauma-informed juvenile justice systems: A systematic review of definitions and core components.

PubMed

Branson, Christopher Edward; Baetz, Carly Lyn; Horwitz, Sarah McCue; Hoagwood, Kimberly Eaton

2017-11-01

The U.S. Department of Justice has called for the creation of trauma-informed juvenile justice systems in order to combat the negative impact of trauma on youth offenders and frontline staff. Definitions of trauma-informed care have been proposed for various service systems, yet there is not currently a widely accepted definition for juvenile justice. The current systematic review examined published definitions of a trauma-informed juvenile justice system in an effort to identify the most commonly named core elements and specific interventions or policies. A systematic literature search was conducted in 10 databases to identify publications that defined trauma-informed care or recommended specific practices or policies for the juvenile justice system. We reviewed 950 unique records, of which 10 met criteria for inclusion. The 10 publications included 71 different recommended interventions or policies that reflected 10 core domains of trauma-informed practice. We found 8 specific practice or policy recommendations with relative consensus, including staff training on trauma and trauma-specific treatment, while most recommendations were included in 2 or less definitions. The extant literature offers relative consensus around the core domains of a trauma-informed juvenile justice system, but much less agreement on the specific practices and policies. A logical next step is a review of the empirical research to determine which practices or policies produce positive impacts on outcomes for youth, staff, and the broader agency environment, which will help refine the core definitional elements that comprise a unified theory of trauma-informed practice for juvenile justice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Information and Decision Superiority: Right Concept, Right Tools, Right Training

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-01

individual services, and numerous defense contractors have spoken of " information dominance " and "information superiority." Both, particularly the former...technologies will offer an unimaginable level of information to decision makers and operators. Ideas of information dominance , however, are fundamentally...other futuristic sensors will offer an unimaginable level of information to decision makers and operators. Ideas of information dominance , however

Generic pure quantum states as steady states of quasi-local dissipative dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karuvade, Salini; Johnson, Peter D.; Ticozzi, Francesco; Viola, Lorenza

2018-04-01

We investigate whether a generic pure state on a multipartite quantum system can be the unique asymptotic steady state of locality-constrained purely dissipative Markovian dynamics. In the tripartite setting, we show that the problem is equivalent to characterizing the solution space of a set of linear equations and establish that the set of pure states obeying the above property has either measure zero or measure one, solely depending on the subsystems’ dimension. A complete analytical characterization is given when the central subsystem is a qubit. In the N-partite case, we provide conditions on the subsystems’ size and the nature of the locality constraint, under which random pure states cannot be quasi-locally stabilized generically. Also, allowing for the possibility to approximately stabilize entangled pure states that cannot be exact steady states in settings where stabilizability is generic, our results offer insights into the extent to which random pure states may arise as unique ground states of frustration-free parent Hamiltonians. We further argue that, to a high probability, pure quantum states sampled from a t-design enjoy the same stabilizability properties of Haar-random ones as long as suitable dimension constraints are obeyed and t is sufficiently large. Lastly, we demonstrate a connection between the tasks of quasi-local state stabilization and unique state reconstruction from local tomographic information, and provide a constructive procedure for determining a generic N-partite pure state based only on knowledge of the support of any two of the reduced density matrices of about half the parties, improving over existing results.

Genome sequences of the human body louse and its primary endosymbiont provide insights into the permanent parasitic lifestyle.

PubMed

Kirkness, Ewen F; Haas, Brian J; Sun, Weilin; Braig, Henk R; Perotti, M Alejandra; Clark, John M; Lee, Si Hyeock; Robertson, Hugh M; Kennedy, Ryan C; Elhaik, Eran; Gerlach, Daniel; Kriventseva, Evgenia V; Elsik, Christine G; Graur, Dan; Hill, Catherine A; Veenstra, Jan A; Walenz, Brian; Tubío, José Manuel C; Ribeiro, José M C; Rozas, Julio; Johnston, J Spencer; Reese, Justin T; Popadic, Aleksandar; Tojo, Marta; Raoult, Didier; Reed, David L; Tomoyasu, Yoshinori; Kraus, Emily; Krause, Emily; Mittapalli, Omprakash; Margam, Venu M; Li, Hong-Mei; Meyer, Jason M; Johnson, Reed M; Romero-Severson, Jeanne; Vanzee, Janice Pagel; Alvarez-Ponce, David; Vieira, Filipe G; Aguadé, Montserrat; Guirao-Rico, Sara; Anzola, Juan M; Yoon, Kyong S; Strycharz, Joseph P; Unger, Maria F; Christley, Scott; Lobo, Neil F; Seufferheld, Manfredo J; Wang, Naikuan; Dasch, Gregory A; Struchiner, Claudio J; Madey, Greg; Hannick, Linda I; Bidwell, Shelby; Joardar, Vinita; Caler, Elisabet; Shao, Renfu; Barker, Stephen C; Cameron, Stephen; Bruggner, Robert V; Regier, Allison; Johnson, Justin; Viswanathan, Lakshmi; Utterback, Terry R; Sutton, Granger G; Lawson, Daniel; Waterhouse, Robert M; Venter, J Craig; Strausberg, Robert L; Berenbaum, May R; Collins, Frank H; Zdobnov, Evgeny M; Pittendrigh, Barry R

2010-07-06

As an obligatory parasite of humans, the body louse (Pediculus humanus humanus) is an important vector for human diseases, including epidemic typhus, relapsing fever, and trench fever. Here, we present genome sequences of the body louse and its primary bacterial endosymbiont Candidatus Riesia pediculicola. The body louse has the smallest known insect genome, spanning 108 Mb. Despite its status as an obligate parasite, it retains a remarkably complete basal insect repertoire of 10,773 protein-coding genes and 57 microRNAs. Representing hemimetabolous insects, the genome of the body louse thus provides a reference for studies of holometabolous insects. Compared with other insect genomes, the body louse genome contains significantly fewer genes associated with environmental sensing and response, including odorant and gustatory receptors and detoxifying enzymes. The unique architecture of the 18 minicircular mitochondrial chromosomes of the body louse may be linked to the loss of the gene encoding the mitochondrial single-stranded DNA binding protein. The genome of the obligatory louse endosymbiont Candidatus Riesia pediculicola encodes less than 600 genes on a short, linear chromosome and a circular plasmid. The plasmid harbors a unique arrangement of genes required for the synthesis of pantothenate, an essential vitamin deficient in the louse diet. The human body louse, its primary endosymbiont, and the bacterial pathogens that it vectors all possess genomes reduced in size compared with their free-living close relatives. Thus, the body louse genome project offers unique information and tools to use in advancing understanding of coevolution among vectors, symbionts, and pathogens.

Genome sequences of the human body louse and its primary endosymbiont provide insights into the permanent parasitic lifestyle

PubMed Central

Kirkness, Ewen F.; Haas, Brian J.; Sun, Weilin; Braig, Henk R.; Perotti, M. Alejandra; Clark, John M.; Lee, Si Hyeock; Robertson, Hugh M.; Kennedy, Ryan C.; Elhaik, Eran; Gerlach, Daniel; Kriventseva, Evgenia V.; Elsik, Christine G.; Graur, Dan; Hill, Catherine A.; Veenstra, Jan A.; Walenz, Brian; Tubío, José Manuel C.; Ribeiro, José M. C.; Rozas, Julio; Johnston, J. Spencer; Reese, Justin T.; Popadic, Aleksandar; Tojo, Marta; Raoult, Didier; Reed, David L.; Tomoyasu, Yoshinori; Kraus, Emily; Mittapalli, Omprakash; Margam, Venu M.; Li, Hong-Mei; Meyer, Jason M.; Johnson, Reed M.; Romero-Severson, Jeanne; VanZee, Janice Pagel; Alvarez-Ponce, David; Vieira, Filipe G.; Aguadé, Montserrat; Guirao-Rico, Sara; Anzola, Juan M.; Yoon, Kyong S.; Strycharz, Joseph P.; Unger, Maria F.; Christley, Scott; Lobo, Neil F.; Seufferheld, Manfredo J.; Wang, NaiKuan; Dasch, Gregory A.; Struchiner, Claudio J.; Madey, Greg; Hannick, Linda I.; Bidwell, Shelby; Joardar, Vinita; Caler, Elisabet; Shao, Renfu; Barker, Stephen C.; Cameron, Stephen; Bruggner, Robert V.; Regier, Allison; Johnson, Justin; Viswanathan, Lakshmi; Utterback, Terry R.; Sutton, Granger G.; Lawson, Daniel; Waterhouse, Robert M.; Venter, J. Craig; Strausberg, Robert L.; Collins, Frank H.; Zdobnov, Evgeny M.; Pittendrigh, Barry R.

2010-01-01

As an obligatory parasite of humans, the body louse (Pediculus humanus humanus) is an important vector for human diseases, including epidemic typhus, relapsing fever, and trench fever. Here, we present genome sequences of the body louse and its primary bacterial endosymbiont Candidatus Riesia pediculicola. The body louse has the smallest known insect genome, spanning 108 Mb. Despite its status as an obligate parasite, it retains a remarkably complete basal insect repertoire of 10,773 protein-coding genes and 57 microRNAs. Representing hemimetabolous insects, the genome of the body louse thus provides a reference for studies of holometabolous insects. Compared with other insect genomes, the body louse genome contains significantly fewer genes associated with environmental sensing and response, including odorant and gustatory receptors and detoxifying enzymes. The unique architecture of the 18 minicircular mitochondrial chromosomes of the body louse may be linked to the loss of the gene encoding the mitochondrial single-stranded DNA binding protein. The genome of the obligatory louse endosymbiont Candidatus Riesia pediculicola encodes less than 600 genes on a short, linear chromosome and a circular plasmid. The plasmid harbors a unique arrangement of genes required for the synthesis of pantothenate, an essential vitamin deficient in the louse diet. The human body louse, its primary endosymbiont, and the bacterial pathogens that it vectors all possess genomes reduced in size compared with their free-living close relatives. Thus, the body louse genome project offers unique information and tools to use in advancing understanding of coevolution among vectors, symbionts, and pathogens. PMID:20566863

HS3 Information System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maskey, M.; Conover, H.; Ramachandran, R.; Kulkarni, A.; Mceniry, M.; Stone, B.

2015-12-01

The Global Hydrology Resource Center (GHRC) is developing an enterprise information system to manage and better serve data for Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel (HS3), a NASA airborne field campaign. HS3 is a multiyear campaign aimed at helping scientists understand the physical processes that contribute to hurricane intensification. For in-depth analysis, HS3 encompasses not only airborne data but also variety of in-situ, satellite, simulation, and flight report data. Thus, HS3 provides a unique challenge in information system design. The GHRC team is experienced with previous airborne campaigns to handle such challenge. Many supplementary information and reports collected during the mission include information rich contents that provide mission snapshots. In particular, flight information, instrument status, weather reports, and summary statistics offer vital knowledge about the corresponding science data. Furthermore, such information help narrow the science data of interest. Therefore, the GHRC team is building HS3 information system that augments the current GHRC data management framework to support search and discover of airborne science data with interactive visual exploration. Specifically, the HS3 information system is developing a tool to visually playback mission flights along with other traditional search and discover interfaces. This playback capability allows the users to follow the flight in time and visualize collected data. The flight summary and analyzed information are also presented during the playback. If the observed data is of interest, then they can order the data from GHRC using the interface. The users will be able to order just the data for the part of the flight that they are interested in. This presentation will demonstrate use of visual exploration to data download along with other components that comprise the HS3 information system.

Magnetic microscopy/metrology potential of metamaterials using nanosized spherical particle arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eason, Kwaku; Luk'yanchuk, Boris; Zhou, Yi; Miroshnichenko, Andrey E.; Kivshar, Yuri S.

2011-12-01

Techniques for imaging and characterizing magnetic samples have been widely used in many areas of research involving magnetic materials. Nowadays, magnetic microscopy techniques play a critical role in characterizing magnetic thin film structures. In considering the various techniques, optical techniques offer some unique advantages over alternative techniques (e.g. MFM), as they are least affected by magnetic noise and, for the same underlying reasons, have also proven to be more suitable for "high speed" magnetization measurements of magnetization dynamics, which are increasingly important in many of today's research scopes. At the same time, development of metamaterials are opening the doors for newly behaving materials, such as those demonstrating negative refractive index, potentially useful in a variety of applications, such as imaging. Metamaterials deploying arrays of silicon particles, and even alternating silicon particles and split ring resonators have recently been shown to demonstrate interesting behavior, such as negative magnetic susceptibility and large resonant peaks in the Terahertz regime. Such high frequencies offer the potential bandwidth of extraordinarily fast dynamics, which are increasingly being generated in magnetic materials, for example, in optically-induced demagnetization and all-optical magnetic recording. Here, initial investigations toward ultra high-speed imaging and/or information extraction from magnetic samples is discussed considering metamaterials deploying mainly spherical particle arrays. In addition to the frequency spectrums of the system, the response of the system to external magnetic fields and background permeability changes due to external fields are investigated. Our results suggest a significant potential of metamaterials for use in probing information from magnetic materials.

Silk wrapping of nuptial gifts as visual signal for female attraction in a crepuscular spider

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trillo, Mariana C.; Melo-González, Valentina; Albo, Maria J.

2014-02-01

An extensive diversity of nuptial gifts is known in invertebrates, but prey wrapped in silk is a unique type of gift present in few insects and spiders. Females from spider species prefer males offering a gift accepting more and longer matings than when males offered no gift. Silk wrapping of the gift is not essential to obtain a mating, but appears to increase the chance of a mating evidencing a particularly intriguing function of this trait. Consequently, as other secondary sexual traits, silk wrapping may be an important trait under sexual selection, if it is used by females as a signal providing information on male quality. We aimed to understand whether the white color of wrapped gifts is used as visual signal during courtship in the spider Paratrechalea ornata. We studied if a patch of white paint on the males' chelicerae is attractive to females by exposing females to males: with their chelicerae painted white; without paint; and with the sternum painted white (paint control). Females contacted males with white chelicerae more often and those males obtained higher mating success than other males. Thereafter, we explored whether silk wrapping is a condition-dependent trait and drives female visual attraction. We exposed good and poor condition males, carrying a prey, to the female silk. Males in poor condition added less silk to the prey than males in good condition, indicating that gift wrapping is an indicator of male quality and may be used by females to acquire information of the potential mate.

Group search algorithm recovers effective connectivity maps for individuals in homogeneous and heterogeneous samples.

PubMed

Gates, Kathleen M; Molenaar, Peter C M

2012-10-15

At its best, connectivity mapping can offer researchers great insight into how spatially disparate regions of the human brain coordinate activity during brain processing. A recent investigation conducted by Smith and colleagues (2011) on methods for estimating connectivity maps suggested that those which attempt to ascertain the direction of influence among ROIs rarely provide reliable results. Another problem gaining increasing attention is heterogeneity in connectivity maps. Most group-level methods require that the data come from homogeneous samples, and misleading findings may arise from current methods if the connectivity maps for individuals vary across the sample (which is likely the case). The utility of maps resulting from effective connectivity on the individual or group levels is thus diminished because they do not accurately inform researchers. The present paper introduces a novel estimation technique for fMRI researchers, Group Iterative Multiple Model Estimation (GIMME), which demonstrates that using information across individuals assists in the recovery of the existence of connections among ROIs used by Smith and colleagues (2011) and the direction of the influence. Using heterogeneous in-house data, we demonstrate that GIMME offers a unique improvement over current approaches by arriving at reliable group and individual structures even when the data are highly heterogeneous across individuals comprising the group. An added benefit of GIMME is that it obtains reliable connectivity map estimates equally well using the data from resting state, block, or event-related designs. GIMME provides researchers with a powerful, flexible tool for identifying directed connectivity maps at the group and individual levels. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Oxford Companion to the Earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hancock, Paul L.

2001-06-01

Here is a wealth of information on planet Earth, ranging from the heights of the ionsphere down to the red-hot molten core. Written by some 200 expert contributors, and illustrated with over 600 pictures, including 16 pages of color plates, The Oxford Companion to the Earth offers 900 alphabetically arranged entries that cover everything from deserts and wetlands to mountains, caves, glaciers, and coral reefs. There are articles on natural phenomena such as tornadoes and tsunamis, volcanoes and earthquakes, jet streams and weather fronts; on the history of Earth, including the origin of life, Burgess Shale fauna, dinosaurs, and the Ice Ages; on key figures, such as Agassiz, Cuvier, Darwin, and Lamarck; and on such important ecological concerns as acid rain, the ozone layer, industrial waste disposal, and the greenhouse effect. The Companion also examines the great sources of wealth to be found in the Earth, from coal and oil to gold, silver, and diamonds, and many curious land formations, from sinkholes and fiords to yardangs and quicksand. There are brief entries on rock types, from amber to travertine, and extensive essays on cutting-edge aspects of the earth sciences, such as seismology and marine geology. The Companion includes extensive cross-references, suggested further reading, an index, and many useful appendices, with a geological timescale, facts and figures about the Earth, and a table of chemical elements. The Oxford Companion to the Earth is a unique reference work, offering unrivaled coverage of our home planet. Generously illustrated and vividly written, it is a treasure house of information for all lovers of natural history, geology, and ecology, whether professional or amateur.

Connecting the dots: Linking quantifiable environmental justice indicators to exposure assessment methodologies

EPA Science Inventory

Cumulative risk assessment (CRA) offers a unique context for addressing Environmental Justice (EJ) issues from scientific perspectives, especially when it comes to examining combined effects of multiple environmental stressors1. Not only chemical stressors (e.g. radon, toluene an...

When Worlds Collide: Witnessing Planetary-Scale Impacts in the Coming Decades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masiero, J. R.; Bauer, J. M.; Grav, T.; Mainzer, A. K.

2017-02-01

Asteroid impacts offer a unique opportunity to study the collisional processes that shape planetary systems. In the coming decades, expanded surveys may give us the chance to predict an impact with enough advance warning to observe it in situ.

Learning Disabilities: From Identification to Intervention

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fletcher, Jack M.; Lyon, G. Reid; Fuchs, Lynn S.; Barnes, Marcia A.

2006-01-01

Evidence based and comprehensive, this important work offers a new approach to understanding and intervening with students with learning disabilities. The authors--leading experts in neuropsychology and special education--present a unique model of learning disabilities that integrates the cognitive, neural, genetic, and contextual factors…

Preparing Rural Community College Professionals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Mitchell R.; Pennington, Kevin L.; Couch, Gene; Dougherty, Michael A.

2007-01-01

A limited number of universities offer graduate programs that focus specifically on preparing rural community college leaders. At the same time, community colleges are facing projections of unprecedented turnover in both administrative and instructional leadership. The rural community college is a unique educational institution which faces…

Reading, Dyslexia and the Brain

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goswami, Usha

2008-01-01

Background: Neuroimaging offers unique opportunities for understanding the acquisition of reading by children and for unravelling the mystery of developmental dyslexia. Here, I provide a selective overview of recent neuroimaging studies, drawing out implications for education and the teaching of reading. Purpose: The different neuroimaging…

Braille Goes to High School.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Amato, Sheila

2003-01-01

This brief report describes the development and implementation of a unique, full-year, credit-bearing, technology course in literary Braille transcription offered at a Long Island (New York) high school. It describes the program's goals, development, implementation, students, ongoing activities, outreach efforts, and student attitudes. Suggestions…

Mental Health: A Case for Spiritual Education in Public Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dennis, Dixie L.; Dennis, Brent G.

2002-01-01

Suggests a unique mental health prevention strategy that focuses on spiritual education in public schools, defining spirituality, describing the spirituality-mental health connection, highlighting educators' responsibility toward spiritual education, and offering specific activities and strategies for enhancing students' spirituality suitable for…

People's Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mohsini, S. R.

The "Folkehojskole," or Folk High School (more accurately translated as "People's College") which is Denmark's unique contribution to adult education, offer residential adult instruction. The aims of folk education are to help adults behave as independent and mature members of the community and think and speak freely. Emphasis…

Beam steering via resonance detuning in coherently coupled vertical cavity laser arrays

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

Johnson, Matthew T., E-mail: matthew.johnson.9@us.af.mil; Siriani, Dominic F.; Peun Tan, Meng

2013-11-11

Coherently coupled vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser arrays offer unique advantages for nonmechanical beam steering applications. We have applied dynamic coupled mode theory to show that the observed temporal phase shift between vertical-cavity surface-emitting array elements is caused by the detuning of their resonant wavelengths. Hence, a complete theoretical connection between the differential current injection into array elements and the beam steering direction has been established. It is found to be a fundamentally unique beam-steering mechanism with distinct advantages in efficiency, compactness, speed, and phase-sensitivity to current.

Space - A unique environment for process modeling R&D

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Overfelt, Tony

1991-01-01

Process modeling, the application of advanced computational techniques to simulate real processes as they occur in regular use, e.g., welding, casting and semiconductor crystal growth, is discussed. Using the low-gravity environment of space will accelerate the technical validation of the procedures and enable extremely accurate determinations of the many necessary thermophysical properties. Attention is given to NASA's centers for the commercial development of space; joint ventures of universities, industries, and goverment agencies to study the unique attributes of space that offer potential for applied R&D and eventual commercial exploitation.

CheckDen, a program to compute quantum molecular properties on spatial grids.

PubMed

Pacios, Luis F; Fernandez, Alberto

2009-09-01

CheckDen, a program to compute quantum molecular properties on a variety of spatial grids is presented. The program reads as unique input wavefunction files written by standard quantum packages and calculates the electron density rho(r), promolecule and density difference function, gradient of rho(r), Laplacian of rho(r), information entropy, electrostatic potential, kinetic energy densities G(r) and K(r), electron localization function (ELF), and localized orbital locator (LOL) function. These properties can be calculated on a wide range of one-, two-, and three-dimensional grids that can be processed by widely used graphics programs to render high-resolution images. CheckDen offers also other options as extracting separate atom contributions to the property computed, converting grid output data into CUBE and OpenDX volumetric data formats, and perform arithmetic combinations with grid files in all the recognized formats.

Amateur Astronomers as Champions of IYA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berendsen, M.; White, V.; Hawkins, I.; Mayo, L.; Pompea, S. M.; Sparks, R.; Day, B.; Mann, T.; Walker, C.; Fienberg, R. T.

2008-11-01

One of the main goals of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009) is to provide the public with opportunities to experience the universe through the eyepiece of a telescope. Amateur astronomers are uniquely equipped to fulfill this goal by offering their knowledge, time, and telescopes at public events in their communities. The NASA Night Sky Network (http://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov) will be a hub for access to programs that support amateur astronomers doing such outreach during IYA2009, including a set of monthly themes with materials and activities to complement each theme. Many of the programs will be available to amateur astronomers worldwide. Among the other programs and organizations collaborating with the ASP to provide resources to amateur astronomers in their roles as informal educators during IYA2009 are: GLOBE at Night, Dark Skies Discovery Sites, NASA's LCROSS Mission, IYA's Looking through a Telescope working group, NASA's Sun-Earth Connection, and Galileoscopes.

The XXL Survey: First Results and Future

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pierre, M.; Adami, C.; Birkinshaw, M.; Chiappetti, L.; Ettori, S.; Evrard, A.; Faccioli, L.; Gastaldello, F.; Giles, P.; Horellou, C.;

REDEFINING THE BOUNDARIES OF INTERPLANETARY CORONAL MASS EJECTIONS FROM OBSERVATIONS AT THE ECLIPTIC PLANE

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

Cid, C.; Palacios, J.; Saiz, E.

2016-09-01

On 2015 January 6–7, an interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME) was observed at L1. This event, which can be associated with a weak and slow coronal mass ejection, allows us to discuss the differences between the boundaries of the magnetic cloud and the compositional boundaries. A fast stream from a solar coronal hole surrounding this ICME offers a unique opportunity to check the boundaries’ process definition and to explain differences between them. Using Wind and ACE data, we perform a complementary analysis involving compositional, magnetic, and kinematic observations providing relevant information regarding the evolution of the ICME as travelling awaymore » from the Sun. We propose erosion, at least at the front boundary of the ICME, as the main reason for the difference between the boundaries, and compositional signatures as the most precise diagnostic tool for the boundaries of ICMEs.« less

Majorana splitting from critical currents in Josephson junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cayao, Jorge; San-Jose, Pablo; Black-Schaffer, Annica M.; Aguado, Ramón; Prada, Elsa

2017-11-01

A semiconducting nanowire with strong Rashba spin-orbit coupling and coupled to a superconductor can be tuned by an external Zeeman field into a topological phase with Majorana zero modes. Here we theoretically investigate how this exotic topological superconductor phase manifests in Josephson junctions based on such proximitized nanowires. In particular, we focus on critical currents in the short junction limit (LN≪ξ , where LN is the junction length and ξ is the superconducting coherence length) and show that they contain important information about nontrivial topology and Majoranas. This includes signatures of the gap inversion at the topological transition and a unique oscillatory pattern that originates from Majorana interference. Interestingly, this pattern can be modified by tuning the transmission across the junction, thus providing complementary evidence of Majoranas and their energy splittings beyond standard tunnel spectroscopy experiments, while offering further tunability by virtue of the Josephson effect.

Investigation of burn effect on skin using simultaneous Raman-Brillouin spectroscopy, and fluorescence microspectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coker, Zachary; Meng, Zhaokai; Troyanova-Wood, Maria; Traverso, Andrew; Ballmann, Charles; Petrov, Georgi; Ibey, Bennett L.; Yakovlev, Vladislav

2017-02-01

Burns are thermal injuries that can completely damage or at least compromise the protective function of skin, and affect the ability of tissues to manage moisture. Burn-damaged tissues exhibit lower elasticity than healthy tissues, due to significantly reduced water concentrations and plasma retention. Current methods for determining burn intensity are limited to visual inspection, and potential hospital x-ray examination. We present a unique confocal microscope capable of measuring Raman and Brillouin spectra simultaneously, with concurrent fluorescence investigation from a single spatial location, and demonstrate application by investigating and characterizing the properties of burn-afflicted tissue on chicken skin model. Raman and Brillouin scattering offer complementary information about a material's chemical and mechanical structure, while fluorescence can serve as a useful diagnostic indicator and imaging tool. The developed instrument has the potential for very diverse analytical applications in basic biomedical science and biomedical diagnostics and imaging.

Permafrost Meta-Omics and Climate Change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mackelprang, Rachel; Saleska, Scott R.; Jacobsen, Carsten Suhr; Jansson, Janet K.; Taş, Neslihan

2016-06-01

Permanently frozen soil, or permafrost, covers a large portion of the Earth's terrestrial surface and represents a unique environment for cold-adapted microorganisms. As permafrost thaws, previously protected organic matter becomes available for microbial degradation. Microbes that decompose soil carbon produce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, contributing substantially to climate change. Next-generation sequencing and other -omics technologies offer opportunities to discover the mechanisms by which microbial communities regulate the loss of carbon and the emission of greenhouse gases from thawing permafrost regions. Analysis of nucleic acids and proteins taken directly from permafrost-associated soils has provided new insights into microbial communities and their functions in Arctic environments that are increasingly impacted by climate change. In this article we review current information from various molecular -omics studies on permafrost microbial ecology and explore the relevance of these insights to our current understanding of the dynamics of permafrost loss due to climate change.

Prolonged instability prior to a regime shift

USGS Publications Warehouse

Spanbauer, Trisha; Allen, Craig R.; Angeler, David G.; Eason, Tarsha; Fritz, Sherilyn C.; Garmestani, Ahjond S.; Nash, Kirsty L.; Stone, Jeffery R.

2014-01-01

Regime shifts are generally defined as the point of ‘abrupt’ change in the state of a system. However, a seemingly abrupt transition can be the product of a system reorganization that has been ongoing much longer than is evident in statistical analysis of a single component of the system. Using both univariate and multivariate statistical methods, we tested a long-term high-resolution paleoecological dataset with a known change in species assemblage for a regime shift. Analysis of this dataset with Fisher Information and multivariate time series modeling showed that there was a∼2000 year period of instability prior to the regime shift. This period of instability and the subsequent regime shift coincide with regional climate change, indicating that the system is undergoing extrinsic forcing. Paleoecological records offer a unique opportunity to test tools for the detection of thresholds and stable-states, and thus to examine the long-term stability of ecosystems over periods of multiple millennia.

Gift-giving and network structure in rural China: utilizing long-term spontaneous gift records.

PubMed

Chen, Xi

2014-01-01

The tradition of keeping written records of gift received during household ceremonies in many countries offers researchers an underutilized means of data collection for social network analysis. This paper first summarizes unique features of the gift record data that circumvent five prevailing sampling and measurement issues in the literature, and we discuss their advantages over existing studies at both the individual level and the dyadic link level using previous data sources. We then document our research project in rural China that implements a multiple wave census-type household survey and a long-term gift record collection. The pattern of gift-giving in major household social events and its recent escalation is analyzed. There are significantly positive correlations between gift network centrality and various forms of informal insurance. Finally, economic inequality and competitive marriage market are among the main demographic and socioeconomic determinants of the observed gift network structure.

Culture or anonymity? Differences in proposer behaviour in Korea and Germany.

PubMed

Horak, Sven

2015-10-01

This study explores the proposer behaviour in an ultimatum game (UG) frame under anonymous and non-anonymous conditions among a Korean and German subject pool (n = 590) in comparison. Whereas the anonymous condition is represented by the standard UG, the non-anonymous condition integrates an aggregate of the Korean cultural context variables university affiliation, regional origin and seniority. The latter, a classic Confucian context variable, is measured by age differentials. The former two are impactful components of so-called Yongo networks, a unique Korean informal institution identical to Chinese Guanxi ties. Yongo networks, yet underrepresented in research, are said to be a central context variable to explain Korean social ties and decision-making behaviour. We observe significant differences between the offer behaviours of Korean and German subjects when exposing selected cultural variables. We argue that the behavioural differences observed are in fact due to culture not anonymity. © 2015 International Union of Psychological Science.

Ultrasound: medical imaging and beyond (an invited review).

PubMed

Azhari, Haim

2012-09-01

Medical applications of ultrasound were first investigated about seventy years ago. It has rapidly evolved since then, becoming an essential tool in medical imaging. Ultrasound ability to provide real time images with frame rates exceeding several hundred frames per second allows one to view rapid anatomical changes as well as to guide minimal invasive procedures. By, combining Doppler techniques with anatomical images ultrasound provides real time quantitative flow information as well. It is portable, versatile, cost effective and considered sufficiently hazardless to monitor pregnancy. Moreover, ultrasound has the unique capacity to offer therapeutic capabilities in addition to its outstanding imaging abilities. It can be used for physiotherapy, lithotripsy, and thermal ablation, and recent studies have demonstrated its usefulness in drug delivery, gene therapy and molecular imaging. The purpose of this article is to provide an introductory review of the field covering briefly topics from basic physics through current imaging methods to therapeutic applications.

Pulsar-black hole binaries as a window on quantum gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Estes, John; Kavic, Michael; Lippert, Matthew; Simonetti, John H.

Pulsars (PSRs) are some of the most accurate clocks found in nature, while black holes (BHs) offer a unique arena for the study of quantum gravity. As such, PSR-BH binaries provide ideal astrophysical systems for detecting effects of quantum gravity. With the success of aLIGO and the advent of instruments like the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) and Evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA), the prospects for discovery of such PSR-BH binaries are very promising. We argue that PSR-BH binaries can serve as ready-made testing grounds for proposed resolutions to the BH information paradox. We propose using timing signals from a PSR beam passing through the region near a BH event horizon as a probe of quantum gravitational effects. In particular, we demonstrate that fluctuations of the geometry outside a BH lead to an increase in the measured root-mean-square deviation of arrival times of PSR pulsar traveling near the horizon.

The search for and analysis of direct samples of early Solar System aqueous fluids.

PubMed

Zolensky, Michael E; Bodnar, Robert J; Yurimoto, Hisayoshi; Itoh, Shoichi; Fries, Marc; Steele, Andrew; Chan, Queenie H-S; Tsuchiyama, Akira; Kebukawa, Yoko; Ito, Motoo

2017-05-28

We describe the current state of the search for direct, surviving samples of early, inner Solar System fluids-fluid inclusions in meteorites. Meteoritic aqueous fluid inclusions are not rare, but they are very tiny and their characterization is at the state of the art for most analytical techniques. Meteoritic fluid inclusions offer us a unique opportunity to study early Solar System brines in the laboratory. Inclusion-by-inclusion analyses of the trapped fluids in carefully selected samples will, in the immediate future, provide us detailed information on the evolution of fluids as they interacted with anhydrous solid materials. Thus, real data can replace calculated fluid compositions in thermochemical calculations of the evolution of water and aqueous reactions in comets, asteroids, moons and the terrestrial planets.This article is part of the themed issue 'The origin, history and role of water in the evolution of the inner Solar System'. © 2017 The Author(s).

Addressing dysfunctional relations among healthcare teams: improving team cooperation through applied organizational theories.

PubMed

Horwitz, Sujin K; Horwitz, Irwin B; Barshes, Neal R

2011-01-01

Previous research has demonstrated that communication failure and interpersonal conflicts are significant impediments among health-care teams to assess complex information and engage in the meaningful collaboration necessary for optimizing patient care. Despite the prolific research on the role of effective teamwork in accomplishing complex tasks, such findings have been traditionally applied to business organizations and not medical contexts. This chapter, therefore, reviews and applies four theories from the fields of organizational behavior (OB) and organization development (OD) as potential means for improving team interaction in health-care contexts. This study is unique in its approach as it addresses the long-standing problems that exist in team communication and cooperation in health-care teams by applying well-established theories from the organizational literature. The utilization and application of the theoretical constructs discussed in this work offer valuable means by which the efficacy of team work can be greatly improved in health-care organizations.

The UARS and open data concept and analysis study. [upper atmosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mittal, M.; Nebb, J.; Woodward, H.

1983-01-01

Alternative concepts for a common design for the UARS and OPEN Central Data Handling Facility (CDHF) are offered. Costs for alternative implementations of the UARS designs are presented, showing that the system design does not restrict the implementation to a single manufacturer. Processing demands on the alternative UARS CDHF implementations are then discussed. With this information at hand together with estimates for OPEN processing demands, it is shown that any shortfall in system capability for OPEN support can be remedied by either component upgrades or array processing attachments rather than a system redesign. In addition to a common system design, it is shown that there is significant potential for common software design, especially in the areas of data management software and non-user-unique production software. Archiving the CDHF data are discussed. Following that, cost examples for several modes of communications between the CDHF and Remote User Facilities are presented. Technology application is discussed.

Maritime Archaeology and Climate Change: An Invitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wright, Jeneva

2016-12-01

Maritime archaeology has a tremendous capacity to engage with climate change science. The field is uniquely positioned to support climate change research and the understanding of past human adaptations to climate change. Maritime archaeological data can inform on environmental shifts and submerged sites can serve as an important avenue for public outreach by mobilizing public interest and action towards understanding the impacts of climate change. Despite these opportunities, maritime archaeologists have not fully developed a role within climate change science and policy. Moreover, submerged site vulnerabilities stemming from climate change impacts are not yet well understood. This article discusses potential climate change threats to maritime archaeological resources, the challenges confronting cultural resource managers, and the contributions maritime archaeology can offer to climate change science. Maritime archaeology's ability to both support and benefit from climate change science argues its relevant and valuable place in the global climate change dialogue, but also reveals the necessity for our heightened engagement.

Relative value of diverse brain MRI and blood-based biomarkers for predicting cognitive decline in the elderly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madsen, Sarah K.; Ver Steeg, Greg; Daianu, Madelaine; Mezher, Adam; Jahanshad, Neda; Nir, Talia M.; Hua, Xue; Gutman, Boris A.; Galstyan, Aram; Thompson, Paul M.

2016-03-01

Cognitive decline accompanies many debilitating illnesses, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). In old age, brain tissue loss also occurs along with cognitive decline. Although blood tests are easier to perform than brain MRI, few studies compare brain scans to standard blood tests to see which kinds of information best predict future decline. In 504 older adults from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), we first used linear regression to assess the relative value of different types of data to predict cognitive decline, including 196 blood panel biomarkers, 249 MRI biomarkers obtained from the FreeSurfer software, demographics, and the AD-risk gene APOE. A subset of MRI biomarkers was the strongest predictor. There was no specific blood marker that increased predictive accuracy on its own, we found that a novel unsupervised learning method, CorEx, captured weak correlations among blood markers, and the resulting clusters offered unique predictive power.

Using NMR chemical shifts to calculate the propensity for structural order and disorder in proteins.

PubMed

Tamiola, Kamil; Mulder, Frans A A

2012-10-01

NMR spectroscopy offers the unique possibility to relate the structural propensities of disordered proteins and loop segments of folded peptides to biological function and aggregation behaviour. Backbone chemical shifts are ideally suited for this task, provided that appropriate reference data are available and idiosyncratic sensitivity of backbone chemical shifts to structural information is treated in a sensible manner. In the present paper, we describe methods to detect structural protein changes from chemical shifts, and present an online tool [ncSPC (neighbour-corrected Structural Propensity Calculator)], which unites aspects of several current approaches. Examples of structural propensity calculations are given for two well-characterized systems, namely the binding of α-synuclein to micelles and light activation of photoactive yellow protein. These examples spotlight the great power of NMR chemical shift analysis for the quantitative assessment of protein disorder at the atomic level, and further our understanding of biologically important problems.

BSE Rap: intergenerational ties to save lives.

PubMed

Ehmann, J L

1993-09-01

This article presents an innovative public-education strategy that was created to promote breast health awareness and early breast cancer detection among minority and low-income adolescent females. Given the importance of teaching breast self-examination (BSE), program development focused on creation of the BSE Rap, a lively music-video presentation. Increasing adolescents' knowledge and awareness of BSE is viewed as a springboard for disseminating information to their mothers and grandmothers. Funding was obtained for production of a video and a breast health diary, which are the program's key components. Marketing strategies included contacts with community organizations and healthcare professionals. Program evaluations reveal that the BSE Rap serves as a positive motivator for participants to discuss BSE and mammography with their mothers and grandmothers. The BSE Rap offers oncology nurses the opportunity to save lives using a unique and creative tool that focuses on intergenerational ties.

Growth of the Asian health-care market: global implications for the pharmaceutical industry.

PubMed

Epstein, Richard J

2007-10-01

The global economy is being transformed by an explosion of information unleashed by the internet, the digital revolution, communications and increased international mobility. This transformation is manifesting in many ways, including rapid development of countries such as China, commoditization of public services, mobilization of workforces, shifting of market control from suppliers to consumers, interlinked rises in product demand and customer expectations, and problems regulating international business competition. As Asia is home to half of the world's population, and offers both a large relatively low-cost workforce in some countries and a potentially huge retail market, this region could be central to the future of the global economy. Like other industries, the pharmaceutical industry faces a new array of Asia-specific opportunities and challenges. Success in meeting these challenges will go to those pharmaceutical companies that best understand the unique strengths and constraints of Asia's diverse cultures, talents and markets.

A Systematic Review of Collaboration and Network Research in the Public Affairs Literature: Implications for Public Health Practice and Research

PubMed Central

Shoup, Jo Ann; Miller, Sara

2012-01-01

Objectives. We explored and analyzed how findings from public affairs research can inform public health research and practice, specifically in the area of interorganizational collaboration, one of the most promising practice-based approaches in the public health field. Methods. We conducted a systematic review of the public affairs literature by following a grounded theory approach. We coded 151 articles for demographics and empirical findings (n = 258). Results. Three primary findings stand out in the public affairs literature: network structure affects governance, management strategies exist for administrators, and collaboration can be linked to outcomes. These findings are linked to priorities in public health practice. Conclusions. Overall, we found that public affairs has a long and rich history of research in collaborations that offers unique organizational theory and management tools to public health practitioners. PMID:22021311

Shot noise generated by graphene p–n junctions in the quantum Hall effect regime

PubMed Central

Kumada, N.; Parmentier, F. D.; Hibino, H.; Glattli, D. C.; Roulleau, P.

2015-01-01

Graphene offers a unique system to investigate transport of Dirac Fermions at p–n junctions. In a magnetic field, combination of quantum Hall physics and the characteristic transport across p–n junctions leads to a fractionally quantized conductance associated with the mixing of electron-like and hole-like modes and their subsequent partitioning. The mixing and partitioning suggest that a p–n junction could be used as an electronic beam splitter. Here we report the shot noise study of the mode-mixing process and demonstrate the crucial role of the p–n junction length. For short p–n junctions, the amplitude of the noise is consistent with an electronic beam-splitter behaviour, whereas, for longer p–n junctions, it is reduced by the energy relaxation. Remarkably, the relaxation length is much larger than typical size of mesoscopic devices, encouraging using graphene for electron quantum optics and quantum information processing. PMID:26337067

What can we learn from noise? — Mesoscopic nonequilibrium statistical physics —

PubMed Central

KOBAYASHI, Kensuke

2016-01-01

Mesoscopic systems — small electric circuits working in quantum regime — offer us a unique experimental stage to explorer quantum transport in a tunable and precise way. The purpose of this Review is to show how they can contribute to statistical physics. We introduce the significance of fluctuation, or equivalently noise, as noise measurement enables us to address the fundamental aspects of a physical system. The significance of the fluctuation theorem (FT) in statistical physics is noted. We explain what information can be deduced from the current noise measurement in mesoscopic systems. As an important application of the noise measurement to statistical physics, we describe our experimental work on the current and current noise in an electron interferometer, which is the first experimental test of FT in quantum regime. Our attempt will shed new light in the research field of mesoscopic quantum statistical physics. PMID:27477456

The value and validation of broad spectrum biosensors for diagnosis and biodefense

PubMed Central

Metzgar, David; Sampath, Rangarajan; Rounds, Megan A; Ecker, David J

2013-01-01

Broad spectrum biosensors capable of identifying diverse organisms are transitioning from the realm of research into the clinic. These technologies simultaneously capture signals from a wide variety of biological entities using universal processes. Specific organisms are then identified through bioinformatic signature-matching processes. This is in contrast to currently accepted molecular diagnostic technologies, which utilize unique reagents and processes to detect each organism of interest. This paradigm shift greatly increases the breadth of molecular diagnostic tools with little increase in biochemical complexity, enabling simultaneous diagnostic, epidemiologic, and biothreat surveillance capabilities at the point of care. This, in turn, offers the promise of increased biosecurity and better antimicrobial stewardship. Efficient realization of these potential gains will require novel regulatory paradigms reflective of the generalized, information-based nature of these assays, allowing extension of empirical data obtained from readily available organisms to support broader reporting of rare, difficult to culture, or extremely hazardous organisms. PMID:24128433

Cytochrome P450 isozyme protein verified in the skin of southern hemisphere humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae): implications for biochemical biomarker assessment.

PubMed

Waugh, Courtney A; Huston, Wilhelmina M; Noad, Michael J; Bengtson Nash, Susan

2011-04-01

Large mysticete whales represent a unique challenge for chemical risk assessment. Few epidemiological investigations are possible due to the low incidence of adult stranding events. Similarly their often extreme life-history adaptations of prolonged migration and fasting challenge exposure assumptions. Molecular biomarkers offer the potential to complement information yielded through tissue chemical analysis, as well as providing evidence of a molecular response to chemical exposure. In this study we confirm the presence of cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) and cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 1A1 (CYP1A1) in epidermal tissue of southern hemisphere humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). The detection of CYP1A1 in the integument of the humpback whale affords the opportunity for further quantitative non-destructive investigations of enzyme activity as a function of chemical stress. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

What can atypical language hemispheric specialization tell us about cognitive functions?

PubMed

Cai, Qing; Van der Haegen, Lise

2015-04-01

Recent studies have made substantial progress in understanding the interactions between cognitive functions, from language to cognitive control, attention, and memory. However, dissociating these functions has been hampered by the close proximity of regions involved, as in the case in the prefrontal and parietal cortex. In this article, we review a series of studies that investigated the relationship between language and other cognitive functions in an alternative way - by examining their functional (co-)lateralization. We argue that research on the hemispheric lateralization of language and its link with handedness can offer an appropriate starting-point to shed light on the relationships between different functions. Besides functional interactions, anatomical asymmetries in non-human primates and those underlying language in humans can provide unique information about cortical organization. Finally, some open questions and criteria are raised for an ideal theoretical model of the cortex based on hemispheric specialization.

Gift-Giving and Network Structure in Rural China: Utilizing Long-Term Spontaneous Gift Records

PubMed Central

Chen, Xi

2014-01-01

The tradition of keeping written records of gift received during household ceremonies in many countries offers researchers an underutilized means of data collection for social network analysis. This paper first summarizes unique features of the gift record data that circumvent five prevailing sampling and measurement issues in the literature, and we discuss their advantages over existing studies at both the individual level and the dyadic link level using previous data sources. We then document our research project in rural China that implements a multiple wave census-type household survey and a long-term gift record collection. The pattern of gift-giving in major household social events and its recent escalation is analyzed. There are significantly positive correlations between gift network centrality and various forms of informal insurance. Finally, economic inequality and competitive marriage market are among the main demographic and socioeconomic determinants of the observed gift network structure. PMID:25111696

Improving GOCE cross-track gravity gradients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siemes, Christian

2018-01-01

The GOCE gravity gradiometer measured highly accurate gravity gradients along the orbit during GOCE's mission lifetime from March 17, 2009, to November 11, 2013. These measurements contain unique information on the gravity field at a spatial resolution of 80 km half wavelength, which is not provided to the same accuracy level by any other satellite mission now and in the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, the gravity gradient in cross-track direction is heavily perturbed in the regions around the geomagnetic poles. We show in this paper that the perturbing effect can be modeled accurately as a quadratic function of the non-gravitational acceleration of the satellite in cross-track direction. Most importantly, we can remove the perturbation from the cross-track gravity gradient to a great extent, which significantly improves the accuracy of the latter and offers opportunities for better scientific exploitation of the GOCE gravity gradient data set.

Quantitative multimodality imaging in cancer research and therapy.

PubMed

Yankeelov, Thomas E; Abramson, Richard G; Quarles, C Chad

2014-11-01

Advances in hardware and software have enabled the realization of clinically feasible, quantitative multimodality imaging of tissue pathophysiology. Earlier efforts relating to multimodality imaging of cancer have focused on the integration of anatomical and functional characteristics, such as PET-CT and single-photon emission CT (SPECT-CT), whereas more-recent advances and applications have involved the integration of multiple quantitative, functional measurements (for example, multiple PET tracers, varied MRI contrast mechanisms, and PET-MRI), thereby providing a more-comprehensive characterization of the tumour phenotype. The enormous amount of complementary quantitative data generated by such studies is beginning to offer unique insights into opportunities to optimize care for individual patients. Although important technical optimization and improved biological interpretation of multimodality imaging findings are needed, this approach can already be applied informatively in clinical trials of cancer therapeutics using existing tools. These concepts are discussed herein.

Achieving meaningful use: a health system perspective.

PubMed

Bero, Cynthia L; Lee, Thomas H

2010-12-01

In 2002, Partners HealthCare (Partners) launched a strategy to accelerate the use of ambulatory electronic medical records across its network of 6000 physicians. Through focus on quality software products, creation of a system of financial incentives, and active engagement of health system leadership, Partners reached high levels of physician adoption by late 2006. Partners eventually introduced a mandate that made ambulatory electronic medical record use a requirement for all of its physicians. During this multi-year initiative, Partners also focused on the effective use of electronic medical records and introduced a series of tactics designed to optimize the use of these systems. With introduction of the meaningful-use concepts in the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, Partners will transition its efforts toward this important national priority. Partners' experience offers some unique insights into the process of electronic medical record adoption across a large, diverse health system.

The HIV and Drug Abuse Prevention Research Ethics Training Institute: Training Early-Career Scientists to Conduct Research on Research Ethics.

PubMed

Fisher, Celia B; Yuko, Elizabeth

2015-12-01

The responsible conduct of HIV/drug abuse prevention research requires investigators with both the knowledge of and ability to generate empirical data that can enhance global ethical practices and policies. This article describes a multidisciplinary program offering early-career professionals a 2-year intensive summer curriculum along with funding to conduct a mentored research study on a wide variety of HIV/drug abuse research ethics topics. Now in its fifth year, the program has admitted 29 trainees who have to date demonstrated increased knowledge of research ethics, produced 17 peer-reviewed publications, 46 professional presentations, and submitted or been awarded five related federal grants. The institute also hosts a global information platform providing general and HIV/drug abuse relevant research ethics educational and research resources that have had more than 38,800 unique visitors from more than 150 countries. © The Author(s) 2015.

Fifty Years of Research in ARDS. Genomic Contributions and Opportunities.

PubMed

Reilly, John P; Christie, Jason D; Meyer, Nuala J

2017-11-01

Clinical factors alone poorly explain acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) risk and ARDS outcome. In the search for individual factors that may influence ARDS risk, the past 20 years have witnessed the identification of numerous genes and genetic variants that are associated with ARDS. The field of ARDS genomics has cycled from candidate gene association studies to bias-free approaches that identify new candidates, and increasing effort is made to understand the functional consequences that may underlie significant associations. More recently, methodologies of causal inference are being applied to maximize the information gained from genetic associations. Although challenges of sample size, both recognized and unrecognized phenotypic heterogeneity, and the paucity of early ARDS lung tissue limit some applications of the rapidly evolving field of genomic investigation, ongoing genetic research offers unique contributions to elucidating ARDS pathogenesis and the paradigm of precision ARDS medicine.

What can we learn from noise? - Mesoscopic nonequilibrium statistical physics.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Kensuke

2016-01-01

Mesoscopic systems - small electric circuits working in quantum regime - offer us a unique experimental stage to explorer quantum transport in a tunable and precise way. The purpose of this Review is to show how they can contribute to statistical physics. We introduce the significance of fluctuation, or equivalently noise, as noise measurement enables us to address the fundamental aspects of a physical system. The significance of the fluctuation theorem (FT) in statistical physics is noted. We explain what information can be deduced from the current noise measurement in mesoscopic systems. As an important application of the noise measurement to statistical physics, we describe our experimental work on the current and current noise in an electron interferometer, which is the first experimental test of FT in quantum regime. Our attempt will shed new light in the research field of mesoscopic quantum statistical physics.

Squeezed cooling of mechanical motion beyond the resolved-sideband limit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Cheng; Zhang, Lin; Zhang, Weiping

2018-04-01

Cavity optomechanics provides a unique platform for controlling micromechanical systems by means of optical fields that cross the classical-quantum boundary to achieve solid foundations for quantum technologies. Currently, optomechanical resonators have become promising candidates for the development of precisely controlled nano-motors, ultrasensitive sensors and robust quantum information processors. For all these applications, a crucial requirement is to cool the mechanical resonators down to their quantum ground states. In this paper, we present a novel cooling scheme to further cool a micromechanical resonator via the noise squeezing effect. One quadrature in such a resonator can be squeezed to induce enhanced fluctuations in the other, “heated” quadrature, which can then be used to cool the mechanical motion via conventional optomechanical coupling. Our theoretical analysis and numerical calculations demonstrate that this squeeze-and-cool mechanism offers a quick technique for deeply cooling a macroscopic mechanical resonator to an unprecedented temperature region below the zero-point fluctuations.

The HIV and Drug Abuse Prevention Research Ethics Training Institute: Training Early-Career Scientists to Conduct Research on Research Ethics

PubMed Central

Fisher, Celia B.; Yuko, Elizabeth

2018-01-01

The responsible conduct of HIV/drug abuse prevention research requires investigators with both the knowledge of and ability to generate empirical data that can enhance global ethical practices and policies. This article describes a multidisciplinary program offering early-career professionals a 2-year intensive summer curriculum along with funding to conduct a mentored research study on a wide variety of HIV/drug abuse research ethics topics. Now in its fifth year, the program has admitted 29 trainees who have to date demonstrated increased knowledge of research ethics, produced 17 peer-reviewed publications, 46 professional presentations, and submitted or been awarded five related federal grants. The institute also hosts a global information platform providing general and HIV/drug abuse relevant research ethics educational and research resources that have had more than 38,800 unique visitors from more than 150 countries. PMID:26564944

Bringing Culture Into Parent Training With Latinos

PubMed Central

Calzada, Esther J.

2015-01-01

Traditional frameworks of parenting have failed to capture the distinctive nature of parenting in Latino families. Cultural values likely influence parenting practices. The study of cultural values may allow us to identify aspects of parenting that are unique to Latinos and which complement traditional frameworks of parenting. This paper presents qualitative work on two Latino cultural values, familismo and respeto, and examines ways in which these values may inform the provision of standard parent training programs with Latinos. The first study is an ethnography that explored the value of familismo. The second study consisted of focus groups in which Latina mothers discussed the value of respeto. Findings from these two studies are used to examine the cultural congruence of the characteristics of parent training programs and the Latino values of familismo and respeto. In light of the issues identified, clinical guidelines for working with Latino parents in parent training programs are offered. PMID:25960630

Single-image diffusion coefficient measurements of proteins in free solution.

PubMed

Zareh, Shannon Kian; DeSantis, Michael C; Kessler, Jonathan M; Li, Je-Luen; Wang, Y M

2012-04-04

Diffusion coefficient measurements are important for many biological and material investigations, such as studies of particle dynamics and kinetics, and size determinations. Among current measurement methods, single particle tracking (SPT) offers the unique ability to simultaneously obtain location and diffusion information about a molecule while using only femtomoles of sample. However, the temporal resolution of SPT is limited to seconds for single-color-labeled samples. By directly imaging three-dimensional diffusing fluorescent proteins and studying the widths of their intensity profiles, we were able to determine the proteins' diffusion coefficients using single protein images of submillisecond exposure times. This simple method improves the temporal resolution of diffusion coefficient measurements to submilliseconds, and can be readily applied to a range of particle sizes in SPT investigations and applications in which diffusion coefficient measurements are needed, such as reaction kinetics and particle size determinations. Copyright © 2012 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Consciousness: a unique way of processing information.

PubMed

Marchetti, Giorgio

2018-02-08

In this article, I argue that consciousness is a unique way of processing information, in that: it produces information, rather than purely transmitting it; the information it produces is meaningful for us; the meaning it has is always individuated. This uniqueness allows us to process information on the basis of our personal needs and ever-changing interactions with the environment, and consequently to act autonomously. Three main basic cognitive processes contribute to realize this unique way of information processing: the self, attention and working memory. The self, which is primarily expressed via the central and peripheral nervous systems, maps our body, the environment, and our relations with the environment. It is the primary means by which the complexity inherent to our composite structure is reduced into the "single voice" of a unique individual. It provides a reference system that (albeit evolving) is sufficiently stable to define the variations that will be used as the raw material for the construction of conscious information. Attention allows for the selection of those variations in the state of the self that are most relevant in the given situation. Attention originates and is deployed from a single locus inside our body, which represents the center of the self, around which all our conscious experiences are organized. Whatever is focused by attention appears in our consciousness as possessing a spatial quality defined by this center and the direction toward which attention is focused. In addition, attention determines two other features of conscious experience: periodicity and phenomenal quality. Self and attention are necessary but not sufficient for conscious information to be produced. Complex forms of conscious experiences, such as the various modes of givenness of conscious experience and the stream of consciousness, need a working memory mechanism to assemble the basic pieces of information selected by attention.

Dynamical sensitivity control of a single-spin quantum sensor.

PubMed

Lazariev, Andrii; Arroyo-Camejo, Silvia; Rahane, Ganesh; Kavatamane, Vinaya Kumar; Balasubramanian, Gopalakrishnan

2017-07-26

The Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) defect in diamond is a unique quantum system that offers precision sensing of nanoscale physical quantities at room temperature beyond the current state-of-the-art. The benchmark parameters for nanoscale magnetometry applications are sensitivity, spectral resolution, and dynamic range. Under realistic conditions the NV sensors controlled by conventional sensing schemes suffer from limitations of these parameters. Here we experimentally show a new method called dynamical sensitivity control (DYSCO) that boost the benchmark parameters and thus extends the practical applicability of the NV spin for nanoscale sensing. In contrast to conventional dynamical decoupling schemes, where π pulse trains toggle the spin precession abruptly, the DYSCO method allows for a smooth, analog modulation of the quantum probe's sensitivity. Our method decouples frequency selectivity and spectral resolution unconstrained over the bandwidth (1.85 MHz-392 Hz in our experiments). Using DYSCO we demonstrate high-accuracy NV magnetometry without |2π| ambiguities, an enhancement of the dynamic range by a factor of 4 · 10 3 , and interrogation times exceeding 2 ms in off-the-shelf diamond. In a broader perspective the DYSCO method provides a handle on the inherent dynamics of quantum systems offering decisive advantages for NV centre based applications notably in quantum information and single molecule NMR/MRI.

From chemotaxis to the cognitive map: The function of olfaction

PubMed Central

Jacobs, Lucia F.

2012-01-01

A paradox of vertebrate brain evolution is the unexplained variability in the size of the olfactory bulb (OB), in contrast to other brain regions, which scale predictably with brain size. Such variability appears to be the result of selection for olfactory function, yet there is no obvious concordance that would predict the causal relationship between OB size and behavior. This discordance may derive from assuming the primary function of olfaction is odorant discrimination and acuity. If instead the primary function of olfaction is navigation, i.e., predicting odorant distributions in time and space, variability in absolute OB size could be ascribed and explained by variability in navigational demand. This olfactory spatial hypothesis offers a single functional explanation to account for patterns of olfactory system scaling in vertebrates, the primacy of olfaction in spatial navigation, even in visual specialists, and proposes an evolutionary scenario to account for the convergence in olfactory structure and function across protostomes and deuterostomes. In addition, the unique percepts of olfaction may organize odorant information in a parallel map structure. This could have served as a scaffold for the evolution of the parallel map structure of the mammalian hippocampus, and possibly the arthropod mushroom body, and offers an explanation for similar flexible spatial navigation strategies in arthropods and vertebrates. PMID:22723365

Rural-origin health professional students’ perceptions of a support programme offered by Umthombo Youth Development Foundation

PubMed Central

Gumede, Dumisani M.; Campbell, Laura M.; MacGregor, Richard G.

2017-01-01

Background Staffing of rural healthcare facilities is a challenge, with literature supporting the selection and training of rural-origin students. The Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF) scholarship scheme supports rural students to train as healthcare professionals and offers a unique support programme. This programme has not been evaluated, and this study sought UYDF-supported students’ perceptions of the programme. Aim The aim of the study was to assess students’ perceptions of the UYDF support programme. Methods This was an observational descriptive study. Participants were students supported by UYDF and data were collected by a questionnaire with a Likert scale to assess perceptions of various aspects of the support programme. Results Students’ perceptions about the UYDF support programme were generally positive, with initial orientation and information sharing perceived as useful. Some respondents did not perceive value in holding discussions around English proficiency. The support required appeared to diminish with increasing years of study. Conclusion A comprehensive, proactive compulsory support system that provides both academic and social support was perceived as useful by the UYDF students. Further research is required around aspects such as encouraging English proficiency. In future, the support programme could prioritise students in the early years of their study. PMID:28828873

‘In the Moment’: An Analysis of Facilitator Impact During a Quality Improvement Process

PubMed Central

Shaw, Erik; Looney, Anna; Chase, Sabrina; Navalekar, Rohini; Stello, Brian; Lontok, Oliver; Crabtree, Benjamin

2010-01-01

Facilitators frequently act ‘in the moment’ – deciding if, when and how to intervene into group process discussions. This paper offers a unique look at how facilitators impacted eleven primary care teams engaged in a 12-week quality improvement (QI) process. Participating in a federally funded QI trial, primary care practices in New Jersey and Pennsylvania formed practice-based teams comprised of physicians, nurses, administrative staff, and patients. External facilitators met with each team to help them identify and implement changes aimed at improving the organization, work relationships, office functions, and patient care. Audio-recordings of the meetings and descriptive field notes were collected. These qualitative data provided information on how facilitators acted ‘in the moment’ and how their interventions impacted group processes over time. Our findings reveal that facilitators impacted groups in multiple ways throughout the QI process, rather than through a linear progression of stages or events. We present five case examples that show what acting ‘in the moment’ looked like during the QI meetings and how these facilitator actions/interventions impacted the primary care teams. These accounts provide practical lessons learned and insights into effective facilitation that may encourage others in their own facilitation work and offer beneficial strategies to facilitators in other contexts. PMID:22557936

Support for global science: Remote sensing's challenge

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Estes, J. E.; Star, J. L.

1986-01-01

Remote sensing uses a wide variety of techniques and methods. Resulting data are analyzed by man and machine, using both analog and digital technology. The newest and most important initiatives in the U. S. civilian space program currently revolve around the space station complex, which includes the core station as well as co-orbiting and polar satellite platforms. This proposed suite of platforms and support systems offers a unique potential for facilitating long term, multidisciplinary scientific investigations on a truly global scale. Unlike previous generations of satellites, designed for relatively limited constituencies, the space station offers the potential to provide an integrated source of information which recognizes the scientific interest in investigating the dynamic coupling between the oceans, land surface, and atmosphere. Earth scientist already face problems that are truly global in extent. Problems such as the global carbon balance, regional deforestation, and desertification require new approaches, which combine multidisciplinary, multinational research teams, employing advanced technologies to produce a type, quantity, and quality of data not previously available. The challenge before the international scientific community is to continue to develop both the infrastructure and expertise to, on the one hand, develop the science and technology of remote sensing, while on the other hand, develop an integrated understanding of global life support systems, and work toward a quantiative science of the biosphere.

Full-Mouth Intraoral Radiographic Survey in Rabbits.

PubMed

Regalado, Adriana; Legendre, Loïc

2017-09-01

Dental pathologies are highly prevalent in pet rabbit populations, making oral radiography an essential tool in the evaluation of lagomorph dentitions. The unique anatomy of the rabbit's mouth limits the examination of the conscious animal to the rostral portion of it's mouth. In addition, the oral examination of an aradicular hypsodont tooth is restricted to the short coronal fraction of its crown. Erstwhile images obtained by the extraoral technique were once considered the most practical and informative tool in rabbit dentistry; however, limited visualization of the key structures of individual teeth became the major drawback of this technique. As new imaging technologies are becoming widely available and affordable for veterinarians, intraoral radiography offers the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat oral pathologies in lagomorphs. This article describes a step-by-step procedure to obtain a full-mouth radiographic survey in rabbits. For this technique, a standard dental X-ray generator and intraoral storage phosphor plates are used while applying the bisecting angle technique. Among the advantages of this technique are detailed visualization of internal and external dental structures, identification of early lesions, and detection of occult pathologies. Furthermore, intraoral images offer superior resolution and higher diagnostic quality with minimal radiation exposure, making this method safer for the veterinarian, staff members, and their patients.

Software for pest-management science: computer models and databases from the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service.

PubMed

Wauchope, R Don; Ahuja, Lajpat R; Arnold, Jeffrey G; Bingner, Ron; Lowrance, Richard; van Genuchten, Martinus T; Adams, Larry D

2003-01-01

We present an overview of USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) computer models and databases related to pest-management science, emphasizing current developments in environmental risk assessment and management simulation models. The ARS has a unique national interdisciplinary team of researchers in surface and sub-surface hydrology, soil and plant science, systems analysis and pesticide science, who have networked to develop empirical and mechanistic computer models describing the behavior of pests, pest responses to controls and the environmental impact of pest-control methods. Historically, much of this work has been in support of production agriculture and in support of the conservation programs of our 'action agency' sister, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service). Because we are a public agency, our software/database products are generally offered without cost, unless they are developed in cooperation with a private-sector cooperator. Because ARS is a basic and applied research organization, with development of new science as our highest priority, these products tend to be offered on an 'as-is' basis with limited user support except for cooperating R&D relationship with other scientists. However, rapid changes in the technology for information analysis and communication continually challenge our way of doing business.

Graphical tool for navigation within the semantic network of the UMLS metathesaurus on a locally installed database.

PubMed

Frankewitsch, T; Prokosch, H U

2000-01-01

Knowledge in the environment of information technologies is bound to structured vocabularies. Medical data dictionaries are necessary for uniquely describing findings like diagnoses, procedures or functions. Therefore we decided to locally install a version of the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) of the U.S. National Library of Medicine as a repository for defining entries of a medical multimedia database. Because of the requirement to extend the vocabulary in concepts and relations between existing concepts a graphical tool for appending new items to the database has been developed: Although the database is an instance of a semantic network the focus on single entries offers the opportunity of reducing the net to a tree within this detail. Based on the graph theorem, there are definitions of nodes of concepts and nodes of knowledge. The UMLS additionally offers the specification of sub-relations, which can be represented, too. Using this view it is possible to manage these 1:n-Relations in a simple tree view. On this background an explorer like graphical user interface has been realised to add new concepts and define new relationships between those and existing entries for adapting the UMLS for specific purposes such as describing medical multimedia objects.

Temporal information partitioning: Characterizing synergy, uniqueness, and redundancy in interacting environmental variables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goodwell, Allison E.; Kumar, Praveen

2017-07-01

Information theoretic measures can be used to identify nonlinear interactions between source and target variables through reductions in uncertainty. In information partitioning, multivariate mutual information is decomposed into synergistic, unique, and redundant components. Synergy is information shared only when sources influence a target together, uniqueness is information only provided by one source, and redundancy is overlapping shared information from multiple sources. While this partitioning has been applied to provide insights into complex dependencies, several proposed partitioning methods overestimate redundant information and omit a component of unique information because they do not account for source dependencies. Additionally, information partitioning has only been applied to time-series data in a limited context, using basic pdf estimation techniques or a Gaussian assumption. We develop a Rescaled Redundancy measure (Rs) to solve the source dependency issue, and present Gaussian, autoregressive, and chaotic test cases to demonstrate its advantages over existing techniques in the presence of noise, various source correlations, and different types of interactions. This study constitutes the first rigorous application of information partitioning to environmental time-series data, and addresses how noise, pdf estimation technique, or source dependencies can influence detected measures. We illustrate how our techniques can unravel the complex nature of forcing and feedback within an ecohydrologic system with an application to 1 min environmental signals of air temperature, relative humidity, and windspeed. The methods presented here are applicable to the study of a broad range of complex systems composed of interacting variables.

Overcoming Species Boundaries in Peptide Identification with Bayesian Information Criterion-driven Error-tolerant Peptide Search (BICEPS)*

PubMed Central

Renard, Bernhard Y.; Xu, Buote; Kirchner, Marc; Zickmann, Franziska; Winter, Dominic; Korten, Simone; Brattig, Norbert W.; Tzur, Amit; Hamprecht, Fred A.; Steen, Hanno

2012-01-01

Currently, the reliable identification of peptides and proteins is only feasible when thoroughly annotated sequence databases are available. Although sequencing capacities continue to grow, many organisms remain without reliable, fully annotated reference genomes required for proteomic analyses. Standard database search algorithms fail to identify peptides that are not exactly contained in a protein database. De novo searches are generally hindered by their restricted reliability, and current error-tolerant search strategies are limited by global, heuristic tradeoffs between database and spectral information. We propose a Bayesian information criterion-driven error-tolerant peptide search (BICEPS) and offer an open source implementation based on this statistical criterion to automatically balance the information of each single spectrum and the database, while limiting the run time. We show that BICEPS performs as well as current database search algorithms when such algorithms are applied to sequenced organisms, whereas BICEPS only uses a remotely related organism database. For instance, we use a chicken instead of a human database corresponding to an evolutionary distance of more than 300 million years (International Chicken Genome Sequencing Consortium (2004) Sequence and comparative analysis of the chicken genome provide unique perspectives on vertebrate evolution. Nature 432, 695–716). We demonstrate the successful application to cross-species proteomics with a 33% increase in the number of identified proteins for a filarial nematode sample of Litomosoides sigmodontis. PMID:22493179

Jeddah Historical Building Information Modelling "JHBIM" - Object Library

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baik, A.; Alitany, A.; Boehm, J.; Robson, S.

2014-05-01

The theory of using Building Information Modelling "BIM" has been used in several Heritage places in the worldwide, in the case of conserving, documenting, managing, and creating full engineering drawings and information. However, one of the most serious issues that facing many experts in order to use the Historical Building Information Modelling "HBIM", is creating the complicated architectural elements of these Historical buildings. In fact, many of these outstanding architectural elements have been designed and created in the site to fit the exact location. Similarly, this issue has been faced the experts in Old Jeddah in order to use the BIM method for Old Jeddah historical Building. Moreover, The Saudi Arabian City has a long history as it contains large number of historic houses and buildings that were built since the 16th century. Furthermore, the BIM model of the historical building in Old Jeddah always take a lot of time, due to the unique of Hijazi architectural elements and no such elements library, which have been took a lot of time to be modelled. This paper will focus on building the Hijazi architectural elements library based on laser scanner and image survey data. This solution will reduce the time to complete the HBIM model and offering in depth and rich digital architectural elements library to be used in any heritage projects in Al-Balad district, Jeddah City.

Pleurochrysome: A Web Database of Pleurochrysis Transcripts and Orthologs Among Heterogeneous Algae

PubMed Central

Fujiwara, Shoko; Takatsuka, Yukiko; Hirokawa, Yasutaka; Tsuzuki, Mikio; Takano, Tomoyuki; Kobayashi, Masaaki; Suda, Kunihiro; Asamizu, Erika; Yokoyama, Koji; Shibata, Daisuke; Tabata, Satoshi; Yano, Kentaro

2016-01-01

Pleurochrysis is a coccolithophorid genus, which belongs to the Coccolithales in the Haptophyta. The genus has been used extensively for biological research, together with Emiliania in the Isochrysidales, to understand distinctive features between the two coccolithophorid-including orders. However, molecular biological research on Pleurochrysis such as elucidation of the molecular mechanism behind coccolith formation has not made great progress at least in part because of lack of comprehensive gene information. To provide such information to the research community, we built an open web database, the Pleurochrysome (http://bioinf.mind.meiji.ac.jp/phapt/), which currently stores 9,023 unique gene sequences (designated as UNIGENEs) assembled from expressed sequence tag sequences of P. haptonemofera as core information. The UNIGENEs were annotated with gene sequences sharing significant homology, conserved domains, Gene Ontology, KEGG Orthology, predicted subcellular localization, open reading frames and orthologous relationship with genes of 10 other algal species, a cyanobacterium and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This sequence and annotation information can be easily accessed via several search functions. Besides fundamental functions such as BLAST and keyword searches, this database also offers search functions to explore orthologous genes in the 12 organisms and to seek novel genes. The Pleurochrysome will promote molecular biological and phylogenetic research on coccolithophorids and other haptophytes by helping scientists mine data from the primary transcriptome of P. haptonemofera. PMID:26746174

Architectural approaches for HL7-based health information systems implementation.

PubMed

López, D M; Blobel, B

2010-01-01

Information systems integration is hard, especially when semantic and business process interoperability requirements need to be met. To succeed, a unified methodology, approaching different aspects of systems architecture such as business, information, computational, engineering and technology viewpoints, has to be considered. The paper contributes with an analysis and demonstration on how the HL7 standard set can support health information systems integration. Based on the Health Information Systems Development Framework (HIS-DF), common architectural models for HIS integration are analyzed. The framework is a standard-based, consistent, comprehensive, customizable, scalable methodology that supports the design of semantically interoperable health information systems and components. Three main architectural models for system integration are analyzed: the point to point interface, the messages server and the mediator models. Point to point interface and messages server models are completely supported by traditional HL7 version 2 and version 3 messaging. The HL7 v3 standard specification, combined with service-oriented, model-driven approaches provided by HIS-DF, makes the mediator model possible. The different integration scenarios are illustrated by describing a proof-of-concept implementation of an integrated public health surveillance system based on Enterprise Java Beans technology. Selecting the appropriate integration architecture is a fundamental issue of any software development project. HIS-DF provides a unique methodological approach guiding the development of healthcare integration projects. The mediator model - offered by the HIS-DF and supported in HL7 v3 artifacts - is the more promising one promoting the development of open, reusable, flexible, semantically interoperable, platform-independent, service-oriented and standard-based health information systems.

A Tribute to David Tiedeman

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jepsen, David A.

2008-01-01

This tribute to Tiedeman takes the form of an invitation to read his written work. The author concludes that Tiedeman's body of work is unique and paradoxical, abstract and challenging, and deeply practical. He offered principles intended to change the way counselors think about careers and career development.

Teaching, Connecting & Empowering Today's Learners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Virginia R.

2013-01-01

Since career and technical education (CTE) is based historically on promoting technical, hands-on, real-world applications in numerous vocations, CTE educators are uniquely poised to offer more use of instructional technology in their classrooms. Many CTE educators have remarkable connections with industry partnerships, internships and learning…

Journal Club Format Emphasizing Techniques of Critical Reading.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woods, James R., Jr.; Winkel, Craig E.

1982-01-01

The journal club format offers the resident a unique opportunity to develop specific skills in reading, comprehending, and evaluating medical literature. A course designed for residents in obstetrics and gynecology at the Letterman Army Medical Center and at the University of Cincinnati is described. (MLW)

Students participate in Congressional Night

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

Middle school students were offered a unique opportunity at Stennis Space Center to speak real-time through audio and visual means to NASA scientists in Washington D.C., about numerous research projects, such as the Martian meteorite NASA researchers claim contains fossilized proof that life existed on Mars.

76 FR 22001 - National Park Week, 2011

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-20

... Nation's collective health and spirit. These places preserve our unique history and iconic symbols. They... of our land. They offer opportunities for wholesome outdoor recreation, which can improve the health... this legacy with the America's Great Outdoors Initiative, designed to create a 21st-century...

SELECTIVE CHANGES IN BRAIN PROTEIN KINASE C ISOFORMS FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENTAL EXPOSURE TO A PCB MIXTURE.

EPA Science Inventory

Introduction
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) offer a unique model to understand the major issues related to complex environmental mixtures. These environmental pollutants are ubiquitous, persistent, bioaccumulate in human body through the food chain, and exist as mixtures of ...

Transpersonal Art Therapy Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Franklin, Michael; Farrelly-Hansen, Mimi; Marek, Bernie; Swan-Foster, Nora; Wallingford, Sue

2000-01-01

Addresses the task of training future art therapists through a unique branch of transpersonal psychology referred to as "contemplative education." Discusses contemplative practices, such as meditation, and their relationship to creating art. Offers a definition of transpersonal art therapy as well as a literature review. (Contains 80…

2008 Campus Technology Innovators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campus Technology, 2008

2008-01-01

This article features the 14 winners of the 2008 Campus Technology Innovators. This article offers an insider's view of the winners' campus technology initiatives, their project leads, and vendor partners jointly recognized for a unique ability to advance teaching, learning, administration, and operation on North American college and university…

Successful Web Learning Environments: New Design Guidelines.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martinez, Margaret

The Web offers the perfect technology and environment for precision learning because learners can be uniquely identified, relevant content can be specifically personalized, and subsequent response and progress can be monitored, supported, and assessed. Technologically, researchers are making rapid progress realizing the personalized learning dream…

Internet Business Resources.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cronin, Mary J.

1993-01-01

Review of major information providers on the Internet that offer business resources focuses on U.S. government, United Nations, and European Community information and suggests sources for keeping current with new information offerings. Electronic bulletin boards, LC MARVEL, university Gophers, and TECnet are described; and access and subscription…

A Qualitative Study to Inform the Development of a Videogame for Adolescent Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevention

PubMed Central

Rosenthal, Marjorie S.; Camenga, Deepa R.; Edelman, E. Jennifer; Fiellin, Lynn E.

2012-01-01

Abstract We used qualitative methods to inform the development of an interactive videogame focused on behavior change to reduce risk and promote human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention in young minority adolescents. Guided by community-partnered research principles, we conducted and analyzed 16 individual interviews and six focus groups with 10–15 year-old boys and girls (36 unique participants) at a neighborhood-based nonprofit organization serving youth from low-resource neighborhoods. Three recurrent themes lent themselves to translation into a videogame-based intervention. Adolescents reported protective factors and facilitators to engaging in risk behaviors, including (1) their personal ability to balance the tension between individuation and group membership, (2) the presence of stable mentor figures in their life, and (3) the neighborhood in which they live. We used these themes to inform the design of our videogame intervention with the goal that these methods may increase the intervention's efficacy at promoting HIV prevention by making them more tailored and relevant to a specific population. Our qualitative study provides a practical understanding of how important elements identified by minority youth regarding negotiating around risk behaviors can be integrated into a videogame intervention. These findings offer valuable insights to researchers whose goal is to design effective and tailored interventions to affect behavior change. PMID:24078897

Transforming Scientific Inquiry: Tapping Into Digital Data by Building a Culture of Transparency and Consent

PubMed Central

Smith, Robert J.; Grande, David; Merchant, Raina M.

2015-01-01

With over 1.7 billion individuals engaged in social media, patients and consumers share more about their lives than ever before through wearable devices, smart phone applications, and social media outlets. This cornucopia of data offers significant opportunity for health researchers and clinicians to track and explore how digital presence contributes to patients’ health outcomes and use of health care resources. While patients readily share their information with online communities, it is imperative that they maintain a sense of autonomy over who has access to such data. Recent data breaches of major insurance companies and retailers illustrate the challenges and vulnerabilities related to information safety and privacy. Many Websites and mobile apps require users to agree to data policies, but how those data are mined, protected, utilized, and externally shared is frequently non-transparent, resulting in a climate of fear and distrust around all forums of digital information sharing. While such skepticism is perhaps justified, it should not deter health researchers from attempting to collect and analyze these novel data for the purpose of designing unique health interventions. By clarifying intent around digital data acquisition, simplifying consent procedures, and affirming a commitment to privacy, the authors contend that health researchers can partner with patients to transform the boundaries of scientific inquiry. PMID:26630607

Perinatal Practices & Traditions Among Asian Indian Women.

PubMed

Goyal, Deepika

2016-01-01

As the population in the United States grows more diverse, nurses caring for childbearing women must be aware of the many cultural traditions and customs unique to their patients. This knowledge and insight supports women and their families with the appropriate care, information, and resources. A supportive relationship builds trust, offers guidance, and allows for the new family to integrate information from nurses and other healthcare providers with the practice of certain perinatal cultural traditions. The Asian Indian culture is rich in tradition, specifically during the perinatal period. To support the cultural beliefs and practices of Asian Indian women during this time, nurses need to be aware of and consider multiple factors. Many women are navigating the new role of motherhood while making sense of and incorporating important cultural rituals. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of perinatal cultural practices and traditions specific to the Asian Indian culture that perinatal nurses may observe in the clinical setting. Cultural traditions and practices specific to the pregnancy and postpartum period are described together with symbolism and implications for nursing practice. It is important to note that information regarding perinatal customs is provided in an effort to promote culturally sensitive nursing care and may not pertain to all Asian Indian women living in the United States.

Transforming Scientific Inquiry: Tapping Into Digital Data by Building a Culture of Transparency and Consent.

PubMed

Smith, Robert J; Grande, David; Merchant, Raina M

2016-04-01

With over 1.7 billion individuals engaged in social media, patients and consumers share more about their lives than ever before through wearable devices, smartphone applications, and social media outlets. This cornucopia of data offers significant opportunity for health researchers and clinicians to track and explore how digital presence contributes to patients' health outcomes and use of health care resources. While patients readily share their information with online communities, it is imperative that they maintain a sense of autonomy over who has access to such data. Recent data breaches of major insurance companies and retailers illustrate the challenges and vulnerabilities related to information safety and privacy. Many Web sites and mobile apps require users to agree to data policies, but how those data are mined, protected, used, and externally shared is frequently nontransparent, resulting in a climate of fear and distrust around all forums of digital information sharing. Although such skepticism is perhaps justified, it should not deter health researchers from attempting to collect and analyze these novel data for the purpose of designing unique health interventions. By clarifying intent around digital data acquisition, simplifying consent procedures, and affirming a commitment to privacy, the authors contend that health researchers can partner with patients to transform the boundaries of scientific inquiry.

WebVR: an interactive web browser for virtual environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barsoum, Emad; Kuester, Falko

2005-03-01

The pervasive nature of web-based content has lead to the development of applications and user interfaces that port between a broad range of operating systems and databases, while providing intuitive access to static and time-varying information. However, the integration of this vast resource into virtual environments has remained elusive. In this paper we present an implementation of a 3D Web Browser (WebVR) that enables the user to search the internet for arbitrary information and to seamlessly augment this information into virtual environments. WebVR provides access to the standard data input and query mechanisms offered by conventional web browsers, with the difference that it generates active texture-skins of the web contents that can be mapped onto arbitrary surfaces within the environment. Once mapped, the corresponding texture functions as a fully integrated web-browser that will respond to traditional events such as the selection of links or text input. As a result, any surface within the environment can be turned into a web-enabled resource that provides access to user-definable data. In order to leverage from the continuous advancement of browser technology and to support both static as well as streamed content, WebVR uses ActiveX controls to extract the desired texture skin from industry strength browsers, providing a unique mechanism for data fusion and extensibility.

Internetworking satellite and local exchange networks for personal communications applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolff, Richard S.; Pinck, Deborah

1993-01-01

The demand for personal communications services has shown unprecedented growth, and the next decade and beyond promise an era in which the needs for ubiquitous, transparent and personalized access to information will continue to expand in both scale and scope. The exchange of personalized information is growing from two-way voice to include data communications, electronic messaging and information services, image transfer, video, and interactive multimedia. The emergence of new land-based and satellite-based wireless networks illustrates the expanding scale and trend toward globalization and the need to establish new local exchange and exchange access services to meet the communications needs of people on the move. An important issue is to identify the roles that satellite networking can play in meeting these new communications needs. The unique capabilities of satellites, in providing coverage to large geographic areas, reaching widely dispersed users, for position location determination, and in offering broadcast and multicast services, can complement and extend the capabilities of terrestrial networks. As an initial step in exploring the opportunities afforded by the merger of satellite-based and land-based networks, several experiments utilizing the NASA ACTS satellite and the public switched local exchange network were undertaken to demonstrate the use of satellites in the delivery of personal communications services.

Evaluating the past to improve the future - A qualitative study of ICU patients' experiences.

PubMed

Olsen, Kristin Dahle; Nester, Marit; Hansen, Britt Sætre

2017-12-01

The recovery period for patients who have been in an intensive care unitis often prolonged and suboptimal. Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder are common psychological problems. Intensive care staff offer various types of intensive aftercare. Intensive care follow-up aftercare services are not standard clinical practice in Norway. The overall aim of this study is to investigate how adult patients experience theirintensive care stay their recovery period, and the usefulness of an information pamphlet. A qualitative, exploratory research with semi-structured interviews of 29 survivors after discharge from intensive care and three months after discharge from the hospital. Two main themes emerged: "Being on an unreal, strange journey" and "Balancing between who I was and who I am" Patients' recollection of their intensive care stay differed greatly. Continuity of care and the nurse's ability to see and value individual differences was highlighted. The information pamphlet helped intensive care survivors understand that what they went through was normal. Continuity of care and an individual approach is crucial to meet patients' uniqueness and different coping mechanisms. Intensive care survivors and their families must be included when information material and rehabilitation programs are designed and evaluated. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Self-rolling and light-trapping in flexible quantum well–embedded nanomembranes for wide-angle infrared photodetectors

PubMed Central

Wang, Han; Zhen, Honglou; Li, Shilong; Jing, Youliang; Huang, Gaoshan; Mei, Yongfeng; Lu, Wei

2016-01-01

Three-dimensional (3D) design and manufacturing enable flexible nanomembranes to deliver unique properties and applications in flexible electronics, photovoltaics, and photonics. We demonstrate that a quantum well (QW)–embedded nanomembrane in a rolled-up geometry facilitates a 3D QW infrared photodetector (QWIP) device with enhanced responsivity and detectivity. Circular geometry of nanomembrane rolls provides the light coupling route; thus, there are no external light coupling structures, which are normally necessary for QWIPs. This 3D QWIP device under tube-based light-trapping mode presents broadband enhancement of coupling efficiency and omnidirectional detection under a wide incident angle (±70°), offering a unique solution to high-performance focal plane array. The winding number of these rolled-up QWIPs provides well-tunable blackbody photocurrents and responsivity. 3D self-assembly of functional nanomembranes offers a new path for high conversion efficiency between light and electricity in photodetectors, solar cells, and light-emitting diodes. PMID:27536723

Quantum dot behavior in transition metal dichalcogenides nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Gang; Zhang, Zhuo-Zhi; Li, Hai-Ou; Song, Xiang-Xiang; Deng, Guang-Wei; Cao, Gang; Xiao, Ming; Guo, Guo-Ping

2017-08-01

Recently, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) semiconductors have been utilized for investigating quantum phenomena because of their unique band structures and novel electronic properties. In a quantum dot (QD), electrons are confined in all lateral dimensions, offering the possibility for detailed investigation and controlled manipulation of individual quantum systems. Beyond the definition of graphene QDs by opening an energy gap in nanoconstrictions, with the presence of a bandgap, gate-defined QDs can be achieved on TMDCs semiconductors. In this paper, we review the confinement and transport of QDs in TMDCs nanostructures. The fabrication techniques for demonstrating two-dimensional (2D) materials nanostructures such as field-effect transistors and QDs, mainly based on e-beam lithography and transfer assembly techniques are discussed. Subsequently, we focus on electron transport through TMDCs nanostructures and QDs. With steady improvement in nanoscale materials characterization and using graphene as a springboard, 2D materials offer a platform that allows creation of heterostructure QDs integrated with a variety of crystals, each of which has entirely unique physical properties.

Near-net-shape manufacturing: Spray-formed metal matrix composites and tooling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mchugh, Kevin M.

1994-01-01

Spray forming is a materials processing technology in which a bulk liquid metal is converted to a spray of fine droplets and deposited onto a substrate or pattern to form a near-net-shape solid. The technology offers unique opportunities for simplifying materials processing without sacrificing, and oftentimes substantially improving, product quality. Spray forming can be performed with a wide range of metals and nonmetals, and offers property improvements resulting from rapid solidification (e.g. refined microstructures, extended solid solubilities and reduced segregation). Economic benefits result from process simplification and the elimination of unit operations. The Idaho National Engineering Laboratory is developing a unique spray-forming method, the Controlled Aspiration Process (CAP), to produce near-net-shape solids and coatings of metals, polymers, and composite materials. Results from two spray-accompanying technical and economic benefits. These programs involved spray forming aluminum strip reinforced with SiC particulate, and the production of tooling, such as injection molds and dies, using low-melting-point metals.

Shifting from Production to Service to Experience-Based Operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angelis, Jannis; de Lima, Edson Pinheiro

This chapter covers the shift in focus of value added business operations from ­production to services, and in turn, to experience-based operations where customer involvement itself becomes part of the offering. The shift has significant implications for how businesses are managed. The greater service focus affects the firm's unique value proposition, which necessitates considerations on strategy, supplier relations, post-sale offerings and so on. Meanwhile, the inclusion of customer ­experiences affect the way operations are designed and employed so that these are structurally systematically captured and capitalised.

Detection of Ionospheric Alfven Resonator Signatures in the Equatorial Ionosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simoes, Fernando; Klenzing, Jeffrey; Ivanov, Stoyan; Pfaff, Robert; Freudenreich, Henry; Bilitza, Dieter; Rowland, Douglas; Bromund, Kenneth; Liebrecht, Maria Carmen; Martin, Steven;

The Basic Principles and Methods of the System Approach to Compression of Telemetry Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levenets, A. V.

2018-01-01

The task of data compressing of measurement data is still urgent for information-measurement systems. In paper the basic principles necessary for designing of highly effective systems of compression of telemetric information are offered. A basis of the offered principles is representation of a telemetric frame as whole information space where we can find of existing correlation. The methods of data transformation and compressing algorithms realizing the offered principles are described. The compression ratio for offered compression algorithm is about 1.8 times higher, than for a classic algorithm. Thus, results of a research of methods and algorithms showing their good perspectives.

Selecting the Best Mobile Information Service with Natural Language User Input

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Qiangze; Qi, Hongwei; Fukushima, Toshikazu

Information services accessed via mobile phones provide information directly relevant to subscribers’ daily lives and are an area of dynamic market growth worldwide. Although many information services are currently offered by mobile operators, many of the existing solutions require a unique gateway for each service, and it is inconvenient for users to have to remember a large number of such gateways. Furthermore, the Short Message Service (SMS) is very popular in China and Chinese users would prefer to access these services in natural language via SMS. This chapter describes a Natural Language Based Service Selection System (NL3S) for use with a large number of mobile information services. The system can accept user queries in natural language and navigate it to the required service. Since it is difficult for existing methods to achieve high accuracy and high coverage and anticipate which other services a user might want to query, the NL3S is developed based on a Multi-service Ontology (MO) and Multi-service Query Language (MQL). The MO and MQL provide semantic and linguistic knowledge, respectively, to facilitate service selection for a user query and to provide adaptive service recommendations. Experiments show that the NL3S can achieve 75-95% accuracies and 85-95% satisfactions for processing various styles of natural language queries. A trial involving navigation of 30 different mobile services shows that the NL3S can provide a viable commercial solution for mobile operators.

Secure quantum private information retrieval using phase-encoded queries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olejnik, Lukasz

2011-08-01

We propose a quantum solution to the classical private information retrieval (PIR) problem, which allows one to query a database in a private manner. The protocol offers privacy thresholds and allows the user to obtain information from a database in a way that offers the potential adversary, in this model the database owner, no possibility of deterministically establishing the query contents. This protocol may also be viewed as a solution to the symmetrically private information retrieval problem in that it can offer database security (inability for a querying user to steal its contents). Compared to classical solutions, the protocol offers substantial improvement in terms of communication complexity. In comparison with the recent quantum private queries [Phys. Rev. Lett.PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.100.230502 100, 230502 (2008)] protocol, it is more efficient in terms of communication complexity and the number of rounds, while offering a clear privacy parameter. We discuss the security of the protocol and analyze its strengths and conclude that using this technique makes it challenging to obtain the unconditional (in the information-theoretic sense) privacy degree; nevertheless, in addition to being simple, the protocol still offers a privacy level. The oracle used in the protocol is inspired both by the classical computational PIR solutions as well as the Deutsch-Jozsa oracle.

Tools to Use in an Information Technology Class--and Best of All They Are FREE!

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swanson, Dewey; Gusev, Dmitri A.

2016-01-01

Purdue Polytechnic has several locations in the state of Indiana offering students a chance to get a Purdue degree. The Computer and Information Technology (CIT) department offers the CIT degree at three sites in Indiana: Anderson, Columbus and Kokomo. CIT offers several potential majors including Cybersecurity, Network Engineering, Systems…

77 FR 2569 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request for Information Collection: Guam...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-18

... wage offer for working any overtime hours; (h) The wage offer, and the benefits, if any, offered; (i) A... not have an adverse effect on either the wages or the working conditions of U.S. construction workers... their intermediaries in One-Stop Career Centers and the employment service delivery system nationwide...

Guide to Graduate Departments of Geography in the United States and Canada 1982-1983.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Association of American Geographers, Washington, DC.

Information is presented about requirements, course offerings, financial aid, and personnel for 147 graduate departments of geography in the United States and Canada. Seventy-three offer a Ph.D. in geography, and 77 award the Master's degree. Information provided for each institution includes: date founded; degrees offered; number of degrees…

An automatic method for retrieving and indexing catalogues of biomedical courses.

PubMed

Maojo, Victor; de la Calle, Guillermo; García-Remesal, Miguel; Bankauskaite, Vaida; Crespo, Jose

2008-11-06

Although there is wide information about Biomedical Informatics education and courses in different Websites, information is usually not exhaustive and difficult to update. We propose a new methodology based on information retrieval techniques for extracting, indexing and retrieving automatically information about educational offers. A web application has been developed to make available such information in an inventory of courses and educational offers.

Zinc-oxide-silica-silver nanocomposite: Unique one-pot synthesis and enhanced catalytic and anti-bacterial performance.

PubMed

Kokate, Mangesh; Garadkar, Kalyanrao; Gole, Anand

2016-12-01

We describe herein a unique approach to synthesize zinc oxide-silica-silver (ZnO-SiO2-Ag) nanocomposite, in a simple, one-pot process. The typical process for ZnO synthesis by alkaline precipitation of zinc salts has been tweaked to replace alkali by alkaline sodium silicate. The free acid from zinc salts helps in the synthesis of silica nanoparticles, whereas the alkalinity of sodium silicate precipitates the zinc salts. Addition of silver ions into the reaction pot prior to addition of sodium silicate, and subsequent reduction by borohydride, gives additional functionality of metallic centres for catalytic applications. The synthesis strategy is based on our recent work typically involving acid-base type of cross-reactions and demonstrates a novel strategy to synthesize nanocomposites in a one-pot approach. Each component in the composite offers a unique feature. ZnO besides displaying mild catalytic and anti-bacterial behaviour is an excellent and a cheap 3-D support for heterogeneous catalysis. Silver nanoparticles enhance the catalytic & anti-bacterial properties of ZnO. Silica is an important part of the composite; which not only "glues" the two nanoparticles thereby stabilizing the nanocomposite, but also significantly enhances the surface area of the composite; which is an attractive feature of any catalyst composite. The nanocomposite is found to show excellent catalytic performance with very high turnover frequencies (TOFs) when studied for catalytic reduction of Rhodamine B (RhB) and 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP). Additionally, the composite has been tested for its anti-bacterial properties on three different bacterial strains i.e. E. coli, B. Cereus and Bacillus firmus. The mechanism for enhancement of catalytic performance has been probed by understanding the role of silica in offering accessibility to the catalyst via its porous high surface area network. The nanocomposite has been characterized by a host of different analytical techniques. The uniqueness of our product and process stems from the novel synthesis strategy, the choice and combination of the three moieties, increased surface area offered by silica, and cost effectiveness, thereby making our product and process commercially viable and sustainable for industrial applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Contemplative Administration: Transforming the Workplace Culture of Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beer, Laura E.

2010-01-01

A contemplative approach to higher education is receiving increased attention and application in the classroom. Applying contemplative practices to administration, however, has received little attention in the literature. This case study offers a unique look at Naropa University and its implementation of contemplative administration. Findings…

Reflection in Medical Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hargreaves, Ken

2016-01-01

This paper offers a medical-education perspective that I will hope complement other disciplinary perspectives in examining the value of reflection for learning in tertiary education. The paper outlines some of the theoretical strands of reflective practice facilitated in a unique course subject for professionalism and patient safety, within the…

Cluster Analysis of Adolescent Blogs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liu, Eric Zhi-Feng; Lin, Chun-Hung; Chen, Feng-Yi; Peng, Ping-Chuan

2012-01-01

Emerging web applications and networking systems such as blogs have become popular, and they offer unique opportunities and environments for learners, especially for adolescent learners. This study attempts to explore the writing styles and genres used by adolescents in their blogs by employing content, factor, and cluster analyses. Factor…

A Polarization Technique for Mitigating Low Grazing Angle Radar Sea Clutter

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-03

alarm mitigation, low grazing angles, polarimetry , radar, sea clutter. I. INTRODUCTION Sea clutter poses unique challenges for maritime radars looking...radar polarimetry offers a practical means of robustly mitigating LGA sea clutter across a range of radar and environmental parameters, we stood up a

Innovative Voices in Education: Engaging Diverse Communities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kugler, Eileen Gale, Ed.

2012-01-01

Diverse schools offer enriched academic and social environments, as students and families of different backgrounds and experiences provide a vibrant mosaic of insights, perspectives, and skills. To take advantage of the unique opportunities that diversity brings, schools must value and effectively connect with students and families of all…

Learning Emotional Understanding and Emotion Regulation through Sibling Interaction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kramer, Laurie

2014-01-01

Research Findings: Young children's relationships with their sisters and brothers offer unique and important opportunities for learning about emotions and developing emotional understanding. Through a critical analysis, this article examines sibling interaction in 3 different but normative contexts (conflict/conflict management, play, and…

If Not Us, Who? Social Media Policy and the Ischool Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nathan, Lisa P.; MacGougan, Alice; Shaffer, Elizabeth

2014-01-01

Social networking tools offer opportunities for innovative, participative pedagogical practice within traditional institutional frameworks. However, tensions continue to develop within this space: between creativity and security, personal and professional identity, privacy and openness. We argue that iSchools are uniquely positioned to create…

Indirect Cost Reimbursement: An Industrial View.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bolton, Robert

1987-01-01

The meaning of indirect costs in an industrial environment is discussed. Other factors considered are corporate policies; nature of work being supported; the uniqueness of the work; who is doing the negotiating for industry; and indirect rates. Suggestions are offered for approaches to indirect cost reimbursement. (Author/MLW)

A single amino acid substitution in an ORANGE protein promotes carotenoid overaccumulation in arabidopsis

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Carotenoids are crucial for plant growth and human health. The finding of ORANGE (OR) protein as a pivotal regulator of carotenogenesis offers a unique opportunity to comprehensively understand the regulatory mechanisms of carotenoid accumulation and develop crops with enhanced nutritional quality. ...

Suggested Perspectives in Counseling the American Indian Client.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paisano-Suazo, Aleta

The standard western theoretical approach to mental health counseling is not applicable to the views held by Native American clients. Consideration must be given to their unique differences, if the therapist is to provide maximum effectiveness. Several perspectives offer alternative counseling procedures. For instance, Indians place great…

Creating University-Community Alliances to Build Internship Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perfect, Michelle M.; Schmitt, Ara J.; Hughes, Tammy L.; Herndon-Sobalvarro, Adrianna

2015-01-01

By bringing together a community of field-based practitioners, university faculty can help school districts develop accredited school psychology internships. This article describes the rationale for an increase in university involvement in the development of internships, offers considerations unique to schools when supporting the development of an…

The Evolution of an Online Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crozier, Mary K.

2012-01-01

In the field of rehabilitation services, substance abuse counseling requires unique skills. Post-baccalaureate academic certificate programs offer professionals an opportunity to retool or expand their skills and meet licensure needs in this evolving field. East Carolina University's online Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate Program was…

Criteria for the Evaluation of Microcomputer Courseware.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cohen, Vicki Blum

1983-01-01

Discusses attributes which are offered as set of standards to judge instructional software--those unique to design of microcomputer courseware and those included in design of all instruction. Curriculum role, modes of interaction, computer managed instruction, graphics, feedback, packaging, and manuals are noted. Fourteen references are included.…

Teacher Leaders: Advancing Mathematics Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kinzer, Cathy J.; Rincón, Mari; Ward, Jana; Rincón, Ricardo; Gomez, Lesli

2014-01-01

Four elementary school instructors offer insights into their classrooms, their unique professional roles, and their leadership approaches as they reflect on their journey to advance teacher and student mathematics learning. They note a "teacher leader" serves as an example to other educators and strives to impact student learning;…

Using Distance Education To Teach Educational Leadership.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Patten, James J.; Holt, Carleton

Educational administrator preparation is facing challenges in keeping up with rapidly changing delivery systems, as well as dealing with a shortage of well-trained school principals and superintendents. Distance learning offers an opportunity to serve diverse populations with a focus on individual uniqueness, needs, and concerns. Technology can…

Reclaiming Deviance as a Unique Course from Criminology: Revisited.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kunkel, Karl R.

1999-01-01

Advocates separating the curriculum of deviance from criminological theory. Offers descriptions of a deviance course (introductory material, theories and issues in rule-making, and understanding rule-breaking behavior) and a criminological theory course (introductory discussion, theory focusing on the individual and social context, and critical…

A Course in Real-Time Embedded Software

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Archibald, J. K.; Fife, W. S.

2007-01-01

Embedded systems are increasingly pervasive, and the creation of reliable controlling software offers unique challenges. Embedded software must interact directly with hardware, it must respond to events in a time-critical fashion, and it typically employs concurrency to meet response time requirements. This paper describes an innovative course…

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER INTENSITY CALIBRATION FOR RAMAN ANALYSIS OF LOW-LEVEL ANALYTES IN WATER

EPA Science Inventory

Modern dispersive Raman spectroscopy offers unique advantages for the analysis of low-concentration analytes in aqueous solution. However, we have found that proper intensity calibration is critical for obtaining these benefits. This is true not only for producing spectra with ...

40 CFR 152.412 - Waivers and refunds.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... include, but are not limited to, pesticides offering unique advantages for reducing public health risks, those that significantly reduce a current environmental risk, or a product with extraordinary utility for use in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). [53 FR 19114, May 26, 1988, as amended at 58 FR 34203...

The Islamic psycho-social approach to alcoholism.

PubMed

Abul Azayem, G M

1979-01-01

Alcoholism in Islamic countries has such a low incidence that it is not yet considered a serious public health problem of the Moslem states. The reason is that the precepts of Islam succeeded in reducing alcoholic dependence, and offer a unique example in prohibiting this social evil.

A Scenario for the Future of Museums

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cunningham, Mary Kay

2009-01-01

More than any other staff member, museum educators' knowledge and experience working with visitors make them uniquely qualified to take on leadership roles as museums transform themselves into lifelong learning organizations. The article encourages museum educators to initiate discussions about change by offering a fictional scenario of future…

Why Demonstrations Matter

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Black, Richard

2005-01-01

With the current focus on constructivist perspectives, science demonstrations have fallen out of favor in some circles. Demonstrations are easy to do and offer many benefits and unique opportunities in the constructivist classroom. With careful use, demonstrations can be powerful teaching tools. A wonderful quality of a demonstration (or a series…

Stable Isotopes in Evaluation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Isotopes offer a unique way to have natural tracers present in the ecosystem to track produced greenhouse gases (GHG) through multiple scales. Isotopes are simply atoms of the same element (same number of protons) with differing number of neutrons. This differing number of neutrons leads to differen...

High performance optical payloads for microsatellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geyl, Roland; Rodolfo, Jacques; Girault, Jean-Philippe

2017-09-01

Safran is presenting two concepts of optical payloads for microsatellites combining high performances and extremely compact volume. The first one offer 10-m Ground Sampling Distance (GSD) over 60x40 km2 area from 600 km orbit optimized for twilight conditions. The second one is offering a much higher resolution of 1.8-m over 11x7,5 km2 area from the same 600 km orbit. The two concepts are based on advanced innovative diffraction limited optical system packaged in a unique very compact volume lower than 8U = 200x200x200 mm making them the ideal solution for 15- 100 kg microsatellites. The maximum number of pixels is served to the end-user space imagery community thanks to 35 mm Full Frame sensors offering, as of today, 6000x4000 pixels. Up to 10 spectral bands from 475 to 900 nm can be offered thanks to 2D structured filters.