Learning New Practices in Small Business: Engagement and Localised Support

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ehrich, Lisa C.; Billett, Stephen

2004-01-01

Discusses the findings of a study that investigated how the learning of innovative practices might best proceed in small businesses. The recent implementation of the Goods and Service Tax (GST) in Australia presented an opportunity for understanding how small business operatives learned to implement a new practice. The procedures comprised…

Issues in Retrospective Conversion for a Small Special Collection: A Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hieb, Fern

1997-01-01

Small special collections present unique problems for retrospective conversion of catalogs to machine-readable form. Examines retrospective conversion using the Moravian Music Foundation as a case study. Discusses advantages to automation, options for conversion process, quantifying conversion effort, costs, in-house conversion, national standards…

Small-angle x-ray scattering in amorphous silicon: A computational study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paudel, Durga; Atta-Fynn, Raymond; Drabold, David A.; Elliott, Stephen R.; Biswas, Parthapratim

2018-05-01

We present a computational study of small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) in amorphous silicon (a -Si) with particular emphasis on the morphology and microstructure of voids. The relationship between the scattering intensity in SAXS and the three-dimensional structure of nanoscale inhomogeneities or voids is addressed by generating large high-quality a -Si networks with 0.1%-0.3% volume concentration of voids, as observed in experiments using SAXS and positron annihilation spectroscopy. A systematic study of the variation of the scattering intensity in the small-angle scattering region with the size, shape, number density, and the spatial distribution of the voids in the networks is presented. Our results suggest that the scattering intensity in the small-angle region is particularly sensitive to the size and the total volume fraction of the voids, but the effect of the geometry or shape of the voids is less pronounced in the intensity profiles. A comparison of the average size of the voids obtained from the simulated values of the intensity, using the Guinier approximation and Kratky plots, with that of the same from the spatial distribution of the atoms in the vicinity of void surfaces is presented.

Small transport aircraft technology. [STAT

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Galloway, T. L.

1981-01-01

The results of contracted studies identifying the potential benefits of advanced technology are presented. Current in house studies and research efforts are discussed. An overview of the proposed technology elements in STAT research is presented.

Occurrence of small intestinal volvulus in a terrier puppy-a case report

PubMed Central

Golshahi, Hannaneh; Tavasoly, Abbas; Namjoo, Abdolrasol; Bahmani, Mahmoud

2014-01-01

Volvulus is the torsion of an organ around its root. In dogs, volvulus of the stomach is well known, but volvulus of the small intestine is rare. A dead 3-month-old female terrier puppy was presented for postmortem examination. According to owner statements, the puppy was depressed, lethargic and had abdominal pain, abdominal distension, severe diarrhea and vomiting a few hours before death. With gross and histopathologic studies, the death of this puppy was indorsed to small intestinal volvulus, subsequent infarction, peritonitis and likely acute toxaemia and/or septicaemia. The present case is going to be the first recorded case of small intestinal volvulus in dog in Iran.

Morphological study on small molecule acceptor-based organic solar cells with efficiencies beyond 7% (Presentation Recording)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Wei; Yan, He

2015-10-01

Despite the essential role of fullerenes in achieving best-performance organic solar cells (OSCs), fullerene acceptors have several drawbacks including poor light absorption, high-cost production and purification. For this reason, small molecule acceptor (SMA)-based OSCs have attracted much attention due to the easy tunability of electronic and optical properties of SMA materials. In this study, polymers with temperature dependent aggregation behaviors are combined with various small molecule acceptor materials, which lead to impressive power conversion efficiencies of up to 7.3%. The morphological and aggregation properties of the polymer:small molecule blends are studied in details. It is found that the temperature-dependent aggregation behavior of polymers allows for the processing of the polymer solutions at moderately elevated temperature, and more importantly, controlled aggregation and strong crystallization of the polymer during the film cooling and drying process. This results in a well-controlled and near-ideal polymer:small molecule morphology that is controlled by polymer aggregation during warm casting and thus insensitive to the choice of small molecules. As a result, several cases of highly efficient (PCE between 6-7.3%) SMA OSCs are achieved. The second part of this presentation will describe the morphology of a new small molecule acceptor with a unique 3D structure. The relationship between molecular structure and morphology is revealed.

Study of research and development requirements of small gas-turbine combustors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Demetri, E. P.; Topping, R. F.; Wilson, R. P., Jr.

1980-01-01

A survey is presented of the major small-engine manufacturers and governmental users. A consensus was undertaken regarding small-combustor requirements. The results presented are based on an evaluation of the information obtained in the course of the study. The current status of small-combustor technology is reviewed. The principal problems lie in liner cooling, fuel injection, part-power performance, and ignition. Projections of future engine requirements and their effect on the combustor are discussed. The major changes anticipated are significant increases in operating pressure and temperature levels and greater capability of using heavier alternative fuels. All aspects of combustor design are affected, but the principal impact is on liner durability. An R&D plan which addresses the critical combustor needs is described. The plan consists of 15 recommended programs for achieving necessary advances in the areas of liner thermal design, primary-zone performance, fuel injection, dilution, analytical modeling, and alternative-fuel utilization.

Interim report on intrathoracic radiotherapy of human small-cell lung carcinoma in nude mice with Re-188-RC-160, a radiolabeled somatostatin analogue

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

Zamora, P.O.; Bender, H.; Biersack, H.J.

1995-07-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Re-188-RC-160 in experimental models of human small cell lung carcinomas which mimic the clinical presentation. In the experimental model, cells from the human small cell lung carcinoma cell line NCI-H69 cells were inoculated into the thoracic cavity of athymic mice and rats. Subsequently, the biodistribution of Re-188-RC-160 after injection into the pleural cavity, a radiolabeled somatostatin analogue, was monitored as was the effect on the subsequent growth of tumors. The results presented here, and which are a part of a larger series of studies, suggest that Re-188-RC-160 canmore » be effectively used in this animal model to restrict the growth of small cell lung carcinoma in the thoracic cavity.« less

Are Small Schools Better? School Size Considerations for Safety & Learning. Policy Brief.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McRobbie, Joan

New studies from the 1990s have strengthened an already notable consensus on school size: smaller is better. This policy brief outlines research findings on why size makes a difference, how small is small enough, effective approaches to downsizing, and key barriers. No agreement exists at present on optimal school size, but research suggests a…

Methodologies for Studying B. subtilis Biofilms as a Model for Characterizing Small Molecule Biofilm Inhibitors.

PubMed

Bucher, Tabitha; Kartvelishvily, Elena; Kolodkin-Gal, Ilana

2016-10-09

This work assesses different methodologies to study the impact of small molecule biofilm inhibitors, such as D-amino acids, on the development and resilience of Bacillus subtilis biofilms. First, methods are presented that select for small molecule inhibitors with biofilm-specific targets in order to separate the effect of the small molecule inhibitors on planktonic growth from their effect on biofilm formation. Next, we focus on how inoculation conditions affect the sensitivity of multicellular, floating B. subtilis cultures to small molecule inhibitors. The results suggest that discrepancies in the reported effects of such inhibitors such as D-amino acids are due to inconsistent pre-culture conditions. Furthermore, a recently developed protocol is described for evaluating the contribution of small molecule treatments towards biofilm resistance to antibacterial substances. Lastly, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques are presented to analyze the three-dimensional spatial arrangement of cells and their surrounding extracellular matrix in a B. subtilis biofilm. SEM facilitates insight into the three-dimensional biofilm architecture and the matrix texture. A combination of the methods described here can greatly assist the study of biofilm development in the presence and absence of biofilm inhibitors, and shed light on the mechanism of action of these inhibitors.

Comparison of Task Performance by Students with Autism and Moderate Intellectual Disabilities when Presenting Video Models on Large and Small Screen Sizes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mechling, Linda C.; Youhouse, Iva R.

2012-01-01

This investigation compared the ability of students with disabilities to complete fine motor tasks when presented with video models on a small personal digital assistant (PDA) screen and a traditional computer laptop screen. Two groups of elementary age students participated in the study: four with moderate intellectual disabilities (Moderate ID),…

Research Leads: Current Practice, Future Prospects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riggall, Anna; Singer, Rachel

2015-01-01

This report was conceived as one of three publications that collectively provide a commentary on research awareness and research use within schools in England. This third report in the series presents findings from a small-scale, detailed study of teachers who are operating as their school's Research Lead. The small scale of the study is…

Technology Tips: Sample Too Small? Probably Not!

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Strayer, Jeremy F.

2013-01-01

Statistical studies are referenced in the news every day, so frequently that people are sometimes skeptical of reported results. Often, no matter how large a sample size researchers use in their studies, people believe that the sample size is too small to make broad generalizations. The tasks presented in this article use simulations of repeated…

Significant Improvement in Chronic Persistent Headaches Caused by Small Rathke Cleft Cysts After Transsphenoidal Surgery.

PubMed

Fukui, Issei; Hayashi, Yasuhiko; Kita, Daisuke; Sasagawa, Yasuo; Oishi, Masahiro; Tachibana, Osamu; Nakada, Mitsutoshi

2017-03-01

Rathke cleft cysts (RCC) usually are asymptomatic and can be observed via the use of conservative methods. Some patients with RCCs, however, have severe headaches even if they are small enough to be confined to the sella, and these small RCCs seldom have been discussed. This study presents an investigation into clinical characteristics of small RCCs associated with severe headaches, demonstrating efficacy and safety of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETSS) to relieve headaches. In this study, 13 patients with small RCCs (maximum diameter <10 mm) who presented with headaches and were treated by ETSS at our institute from 2009 to 2014 were recruited. These RCCs were treated Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) score was calculated both pre- and postoperatively to evaluate headache severity. All patients complained of severe headaches, which disturbed their daily life. Most headaches were nonpulsating and localized in the frontal area. Characteristically, 6 patients (46%) experienced severe headaches with sudden onset that continued chronically. HIT-6 score was 64 on average, meaning headaches affected daily life severely. After surgical decompression of the cyst, headache in all of the patients improved dramatically and HIT-6 score decreased significantly to 37, suggesting that headaches were diminished. No newly developed deficiencies of the anterior pituitary lobe function were detected. Postoperative occurrence of diabetes insipidus was found in 2 patients, both of which were transient. No recurring cysts were found. Severe headaches can develop from small RCCs. In the present study, ETSS was performed on such patients effectively and safely to relieve their headaches. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Learning Science in Small Multi-Age Groups: The Role of Age Composition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kallery, Maria; Loupidou, Thomais

2016-01-01

The present study examines how the overall cognitive achievements in science of the younger children in a class where the students work in small multi-age groups are influenced by the number of older children in the groups. The context of the study was early-years education. The study has two parts: The first part involved classes attended by…

Leading a Small Remote School: In the Face of a Culture of Acceptance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wildy, Helen; Clarke, Simon

2012-01-01

This article presents a case study of one very small school in a remote location of Western Australia. The study is part of a larger programme, International Study of Principal Preparation, investigating the challenges facing novice principals in the first 3 years of appointment and the extent to which they felt they were adequately prepared to…

A survey of students` ethical attitudes using computer-related scenarios

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

Hanchey, C.M.; Kingsbury, J.

Many studies exist that examine ethical beliefs and attitudes of university students ascending medium or large institutions. There are also many studies which examine ethical attitudes and beliefs of computer science and computer information systems majors. None, however, examines ethical attitudes of university students (regardless of undergraduate major) at a small, Christian, liberal arts institution regarding computer-related situations. This paper will present data accumulated by an on-going study in which students are presented seven scenarios--all of which involve some aspect of computing technology. These students were randomly selected from a small, Christian, liberal-arts university.

Flyby Characterization of Lower-Degree Spherical Harmonics Around Small Bodies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Takahashi, Yu; Broschart, Stephen; Lantoine, Gregory

2014-01-01

Interest in studying small bodies has grown significantly in the last two decades, and there are a number of past, present, and future missions. These small body missions challenge navigators with significantly different kinds of problems than the planets and moons do. The small bodies' shape is often irregular and their gravitational field significantly weak, which make the designing of a stable orbit a complex dynamical problem. In the initial phase of spacecraft rendezvous with a small body, the determination of the gravitational parameter and lower-degree spherical harmonics are of crucial importance for safe navigation purposes. This motivates studying how well one can determine the total mass and lower-degree spherical harmonics in a relatively short time in the initial phase of the spacecraft rendezvous via flybys. A quick turnaround for the gravity data is of high value since it will facilitate the subsequent mission design of the main scientific observation campaign. We will present how one can approach the problem to determine a desirable flyby geometry for a general small body. We will work in the non-dimensional formulation since it will generalize our results across different size/mass bodies and the rotation rate for a specific combination of gravitational coefficients.

Lexical Language-Related Episodes in Pair and Small Group Work

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mayo, Maria Del Pilar Garcia; Zeitler, Nora

2017-01-01

The present study investigates whether learner set up in interaction, namely in pairs or small groups, influences the frequency and outcome of lexical language-related episodes (LREs) and L2 vocabulary learning. Thirty Spanish English as a foreign language (EFL) university learners took part in the study. They worked in four groups and seven pairs…

Feasibility study of the Boeing Small Research Module (BSRM) concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

The design, capabilities, and subsystem options are described for the Boeing Small Research Module (BSRM). Specific scientific missions are defined and the BSRM capability to support these missions is discussed. Launch vehicle integration requirements and spacecraft operational features are also presented.

Effects of aspirin on small-cell lung cancer mortality and metastatic presentation.

PubMed

Maddison, Paul

2017-04-01

Although meta-analysis data have shown that taking regular aspirin may reduce lung cancer mortality, individual trial data results are conflicting, and the data on the effects of aspirin on different histological subtypes of lung tumours, in particular small-cell lung cancer, are sparse. We conducted a prospective observational study of 313 patients with a new diagnosis of small-cell lung cancer and recorded use of aspirin before and after tumour diagnosis. Seventy-one (23%) patients were taking regular daily aspirin for more than 2 years at the time of tumour diagnosis. We found that regular use of aspirin had no effect on survival nor metastatic presentation compared to data from small-cell lung cancer patients not taking aspirin. The lack of survival benefit in patients with small-cell lung cancer taking long-term aspirin may be due to the low expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in small-cell lung cancer tissue. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An interactive online approach to small-group student presentations and discussions.

PubMed

Thor, Der; Xiao, Nan; Zheng, Meixun; Ma, Ruidan; Yu, Xiao Xi

2017-12-01

Student presentations had been widely implemented across content areas, including health sciences education. However, due to various limitations, small-group student presentations in the classroom may not reach their full potential for student learning. To address challenges with presentations in the classroom, we redesigned the assignment by having students present and discuss online using VoiceThread, a cloud-based presentation and discussion tool. First-year students pursuing a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree were assigned into small groups to present physiology content and to discuss that content online. This assignment was similar to traditional student classroom presentations, with the exception that the entire assignment was conducted online. The primary purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the impact of the online format on the discussion quality. Another purpose of the study was to examine students' perceptions of using VoiceThread for presenting and learning, as well as the online interactions between the presenter and audience. Students posted a higher number of questions and comments than required by the assignment. The questions from students were also higher level questions, and the answers to these questions were more thorough compared with what we had previously observed in classroom presentations. The survey results showed that students preferred using VoiceThread for presenting, learning from other presentations, and discussing presentation content over performing this process in the classroom. Preliminary findings suggested that having dental students make presentations and hold discussions online might help address the challenges of student presentations in the classroom. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

You can count on the motor cortex: Finger counting habits modulate motor cortex activation evoked by numbers

PubMed Central

Tschentscher, Nadja; Hauk, Olaf; Fischer, Martin H.; Pulvermüller, Friedemann

2012-01-01

The embodied cognition framework suggests that neural systems for perception and action are engaged during higher cognitive processes. In an event-related fMRI study, we tested this claim for the abstract domain of numerical symbol processing: is the human cortical motor system part of the representation of numbers, and is organization of numerical knowledge influenced by individual finger counting habits? Developmental studies suggest a link between numerals and finger counting habits due to the acquisition of numerical skills through finger counting in childhood. In the present study, digits 1 to 9 and the corresponding number words were presented visually to adults with different finger counting habits, i.e. left- and right-starters who reported that they usually start counting small numbers with their left and right hand, respectively. Despite the absence of overt hand movements, the hemisphere contralateral to the hand used for counting small numbers was activated when small numbers were presented. The correspondence between finger counting habits and hemispheric motor activation is consistent with an intrinsic functional link between finger counting and number processing. PMID:22133748

Relationship between hyperemesis gravidarum and small-for-gestational-age in the Japanese population: the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS).

PubMed

Morokuma, Seiichi; Shimokawa, Mototsugu; Kato, Kiyoko; Sanefuji, Masafumi; Shibata, Eiji; Tsuji, Mayumi; Senju, Ayako; Kawamoto, Toshihiro; Kusuhara, Koichi

2016-08-26

Small-for-gestational-age in infancy is a known risk factor not only for short-term prognosis but also for several long-term outcomes, such as neurological and metabolic disorders in adulthood. Previous research has shown that severe nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy (NVP) and hyperemesis gravidarum, which is an extreme form of NVP, represent risk factors for small-for-gestational-age birth. However, there is no clear consensus on this association. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the correlation between hyperemesis gravidarum and NVP on the one hand, and infant birth weight on the other, using data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). The data utilized in the present study were obtained from the JECS, an ongoing cohort study that began in January 2011. Our sample size was 8635 parent-child pairs. The presence or absence of severe NVP, hyperemesis gravidarum, and potential confounding factors were noted. A multivariable regression analysis was used to estimate risks for small-for-gestational-age birth, and the results were expressed as risk ratios and 95 % confidence intervals. The risk ratios of small-for-gestational-age birth (95 % confidence interval) for mothers with severe NVP and those with hyperemesis gravidarum were 0.86 (0.62-1.19) and 0.81 (0.39-1.66), respectively, which represents a non-significant result. In our analysis of JECS data, neither severe NVP nor hyperemesis gravidarum was associated with increased risk for small-for-gestational-age birth.

Diaphragm disease: the limitation of laparoscopy and assessment of the small bowel for strictures using a ball bearing.

PubMed

Moffat, C E; Khyan, M K; Davies, C G; Ghauri, A S K; Ranaboldo, C J

2006-09-07

Diaphragm disease is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction that will be seen with increasing frequency with the widespread use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). We present a case study of a patient with diaphragm disease where the diagnosis was not apparent at laparoscopy, and passage of a steel ball through the small intestine was required to identify all strictures present. A high index of suspicion, recognition of the limitations of conventional diagnostic aids, and the need to assess the full length of the small bowel are all important in the surgical management of this condition.

Teaching Play Skills to Children with Autism through Video Modeling: Small Group Arrangement and Observational Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ozen, Arzu; Batu, Sema; Birkan, Binyamin

2012-01-01

The purpose of the present study was to examine if video modeling was an effective way of teaching sociodramatic play skills to individuals with autism in a small group arrangement. Besides maintenance, observational learning and social validation data were collected. Three 9 year old boys with autism participated in the study. Multiple probe…

Study of Planck's Law with a Small USB Grating Spectrometer

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Navratil, Zdenek; Dosoudilova, Lenka; Jurmanova, Jana

2013-01-01

In this paper an experiment to study Planck's radiation law is presented. The spectra of a heated furnace and of a halogen lamp under various conditions were measured with a small USB grating spectrometer and fitted using Planck's law. The temperature determined from the fit was then compared with the results of comparative temperature…

The Two-Way Street: Interaction and Development in Small-for-Gestational-Age Infants.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Watt, Jan

Because small for gestational age (SGA) infants are a heterogeneous group known to be at increased risk of learning and behavioral disorders, a study was conducted to replicate and extend findings on developmental patterns of SGA infants in the first year. The study presented, as well, an opportunity to explore the effects, found in a previous…

Energy simulation and optimization for a small commercial building through Modelica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rivas, Bryan

Small commercial buildings make up the majority of buildings in the United States. Energy consumed by these buildings is expected to drastically increase in the next few decades, with a large percentage of the energy consumed attributed to cooling systems. This work presents the simulation and optimization of a thermostat schedule to minimize energy consumption in a small commercial building test bed during the cooling season. The simulation occurs through the use of the multi-engineering domain Dymola environment based on the Modelica open source programming language and is optimized with the Java based optimization program GenOpt. The simulation uses both physically based modeling utilizing heat transfer principles for the building and regression analysis for energy consumption. GenOpt is dynamically coupled to Dymola through various interface files. There are very few studies that have coupled GenOpt to a building simulation program and even fewer studies have used Dymola for building simulation as extensively as the work presented here. The work presented proves Dymola as a viable alternative to other building simulation programs such as EnergyPlus and MatLab. The model developed is used to simulate the energy consumption of a test bed, a commissioned real world small commercial building, while maintaining indoor thermal comfort. Potential applications include smart or intelligent building systems, predictive simulation of small commercial buildings, and building diagnostics.

Evaluation of solution stability for two-component polydisperse systems by small-angle scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kryukova, A. E.; Konarev, P. V.; Volkov, V. V.

2017-12-01

The article is devoted to the modelling of small-angle scattering data using the program MIXTURE designed for the study of polydisperse multicomponent mixtures. In this work we present the results of solution stability studies for theoretical small-angle scattering data sets from two-component models. It was demonstrated that the addition of the noise to the data influences the stability range of the restored structural parameters. The recommendations for the optimal minimization schemes that permit to restore the volume size distributions for polydisperse systems are suggested.

Message in a bottle: small signalling peptide outputs during growth and development.

PubMed

Czyzewicz, Nathan; Yue, Kun; Beeckman, Tom; De Smet, Ive

2013-12-01

Classical and recently found phytohormones play an important role in plant growth and development, but plants additionally control these processes through small signalling peptides. Over 1000 potential small signalling peptide sequences are present in the Arabidopsis genome. However, to date, a mere handful of small signalling peptides have been functionally characterized and few have been linked to a receptor. Here, we assess the potential small signalling peptide outputs, namely the molecular, biochemical, and morphological changes they trigger in Arabidopsis. However, we also include some notable studies in other plant species, in order to illustrate the varied effects that can be induced by small signalling peptides. In addition, we touch on some evolutionary aspects of small signalling peptides, as studying their signalling outputs in single-cell green algae and early land plants will assist in our understanding of more complex land plants. Our overview illustrates the growing interest in the small signalling peptide research area and its importance in deepening our understanding of plant growth and development.

Delayed presentation of prolonged hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia in a preterm small-for-gestational age neonate.

PubMed

Chong, Jin Ho; Chandran, Suresh; Agarwal, Prathibha; Rajadurai, Victor Samuel

2013-12-18

Hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia in small-for-gestational age infants usually presents in the first two postnatal days. We present a preterm, small-for-gestational age infant who had hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia on day 13 of life. A female twin infant weighing 1390 g was born at 32(+6) weeks of gestation. Her glycaemic profile was normal till day 13 of life, after which she was noted to be lethargic and hypoglycaemic and had hyperinsulinism, hypoketonaemia and hypofattyacidaemia, requiring high glucose infusion rate to maintain normoglycaemia, while negative for septic markers and metabolic screen. Initially, there was no response to diazoxide and the genetic studies for ABCC8 and KCNJ11 gene mutations were negative. Delayed response to diazoxide was followed by complete resolution of hypoglycaemia in 5 months. This case highlights the importance of glucose monitoring in small-for-date infants for hypoglycaemia till they achieve full feeds and gain weight. Early recognition and appropriate management of hypoglycaemia in this group of infants have important implications for neurodevelopmental outcome.

Peritonitis: 10 years' experience in a single surgical unit.

PubMed

Agarwal, Nitin; Saha, Sudipta; Srivastava, Anurag; Chumber, Sunil; Dhar, Anita; Garg, Sanket

2007-01-01

Peritonitis secondary to gut perforation is still one of the commonest surgical emergencies in India and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The present study examines the aetiology and outcome of peritonitis cases operated on in our surgical unit, and compares our findings with those of previous studies performed between 1981 and 1991. A retrospective study of 260 peritonitis patients operated on in a single surgical unit from 1995 to 2006 was done and data involving clinical presentation, operative findings and post-operative course were studied and analysed. Causes of peritonitis were small bowel perforation (96 ileal, 17 jejunal), peptic perforation (45 duodenal, 16 gastric), appendicular perforation (36), primary peritonitis (8), and others (42). The incidence of major complications was 25% (burst-11%, leak-5%, intraabdominal abscess-5%, multi-organ failure-6.5%). The overall mortality was 10%. High mortality was observed in jejunal, gall bladder and liver abscess perforation cases (> 20%). Histopathological evaluation (143 specimens) revealed tuberculosis in 42 (mostly small bowel), malignancy in 8, and inflammation in the rest. Comparisons with a similar study carried out in the same unit and published in 1995 revealed similar demographic features and mortality, but a change in the most common cause (peptic ulcer perforation to small bowel perforation), and an increased performance of enterostomy compared with primary repair in small bowel perforation and a decrease in the leak rate (13% to 4%). Small bowel perforation is the commonest form of perforation and the mortality rate associated with peritonitis remains unchanged.

Avoiding the "It's a Small World" Effect: A Lesson Plan to Explore Diversity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Endacott, Jason L.; Bowles, Freddie A.

2013-01-01

Classroom instruction about other cultures all too often resembles the Disney version of "It's a Small World" with Fantasyland-like cultural stereotypes, ceremonial activities, and traditional dress that can lead to serious misunderstandings about the depth and complexity of global societies. Social studies instruction presents the…

Diversity Brings Noise to the "Quiet, Peaceful Village": Challenges and Small Victories.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fayne, Harriet; And Others

This presentation is a case study made up of student and faculty perspectives on bringing diversity and multicultural sensitivity to the education program at Otterbein College (Westerville, Ohio). An opening section describes Otterbein: its history; its characteristics as a small, predominantly white, coeducational, church-related liberal arts…

Small Business. Lesson Plan Three.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dicke, Thomas S.

1996-01-01

Presents a lesson plan that requires students to use their research and analytical skills in studying the social and economic importance of small business. Activities include interviewing local business owners and producing a written summary, developing a survey showing and explaining area land use, and researching opposition to Wal-Mart stores.…

The Role of Attention in Subitizing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Railo, Henry; Koivisto, Mika; Revonsuo, Antti; Hannula, Minna M.

2008-01-01

The process of rapidly and accurately enumerating small numbers of items without counting, i.e. subitizing, is often believed to rest on parallel preattentive processes. However, the possibility that enumeration of small numbers of items would also require attentional processes has remained an open question. The present study is the first that…

Exploring Small Climates--An Outdoor Science Technique.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rillo, Thomas J.

The study of climates in small areas as an outdoor science teaching technique is described in this paper. It is suggested that, while teachers are presenting a weather unit to their elementary school classes, they should not overlook the opportunity to make learning more meaningful through outdoor teaching techniques. Explorations of temperatures…

Feasibility study of the Boeing Small Research Module (BSRM) concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

The design, capabilities, and subsystem options for the Boeing Small Research Module (BSRM) are described. Specific scientific missions are defined based on NASA-Ames Research Center requirements and the BSRM capability to support these missions is discussed. Launch vehicle integration requirements and spacecraft operational features are also presented.

Training of Existing Workers: Issues, Incentives and Models

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mawer, Giselle; Jackson, Elaine

2005-01-01

This report presents issues associated with incentives for training existing workers in small to medium-sized firms, identified through a small sample of case studies from the retail, manufacturing, and building and construction industries. While the majority of employers recognise workforce skill levels are fundamental to the success of the…

Feasibility study on the ultra-small launch vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayashi, T.; Matsuo, H.; Yamamoto, H.; Orii, T.; Kimura, A.

1986-10-01

An idea for a very small satellite launcher and a very small satellite is presented. The launcher is a three staged solid rocket based on a Japanese single stage sounding rocket S-520. Its payload capability is estimated to be 17 kg into 200 x 1000 km elliptical orbit. The spin-stabilized satellite with sun-pointing capability, though small, has almost all functions necessary for usual satellites. In its design, universality is stressed to meet various kinds of mission interface requirements; it can afford 5 kg to mission instruments.

The architecture of the middle ear in the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes Javanicus).

PubMed

Kamali, Y; Gholami, S; Ahrari-Khafi, M S; Rasouli, B; Shayegh, H

The small Indian mongoose (Herpestes javanicus) is native to the Middle East, Iran and much of southern Asia. For this study the middle ears of a total of 6 adult small Indian mongooses, both fresh and museum samples were explored by using of dissection and plain radiography. On the one hand, at least in some species of the mongoose vocalisations and hearings play a critical role in coordinating behaviours. On the other hand, the ear region has provided useful character relevant for mammalian phylogeny. So, the aim of the present study is a brief discussion of the various anatomic particularities of the middle ear based on a combination of existing data and the results of the authors' study in the small Indian mongoose.

Small transport aircraft technology. A report for the committee on commerce, science, and transportation, United States Senate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

A preliminary assessment of the research and technology that NASA could undertake to improve small transport aircraft is presented. The advanced technologies currently under study for potential application to the small transport aircraft of the future are outlined. Background information on the commuter and shorthaul local service air carriers, the regulations pertaining to their aircraft and operations, and the overall airline system interface is included.

Development of aerodynamic foil journal bearings for a high speed cryogenic turboexpander

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, L.-Y.; Wu, G.; Hou, Y.; Liu, L.-Q.; Ling, M.-F.; Chen, C.-Z.

The research presented in this paper is aimed at the development of aerodynamic foil journal bearings applying to a small high speed cryogenic turboexpander. A small high speed cryogenic turboexpander is designed. Attention has been paid to the study of the effect of foil stiffness on the vibration performance of bearings. From rotation tests, it is clear that, with the proper choice of foil stiffness, the foil bearing presented here can possess sufficiently high stability. The maximum rotational speed obtained is greater than 230 000 rpm. Therefore, owing to its simplicity and high performance, this type of foil journal bearing can hopefully be applied to a small high speed cryogenic turboexpander.

The Four-Year Liberal Arts College Library: A Descriptive Profile.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buttlar, Lois; Garcha, Rajinder

1995-01-01

Presents a study of staffing, services, budgets, collections, and facilities of small academic libraries and offers a statistical and demographic profile of a four-year liberal arts college library. Results are presented in tables, and an appendix lists coding sheets used for the study. (JMV)

Broca’s aphasia due to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis following chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer: A case report and review of literature

PubMed Central

TUNCEL, TOLGA; OZGUN, ALPASLAN; EMIRZEOĞLU, LEVENT; CELİK, SERKAN; DEMİR, SERKAN; BILGI, OGUZ; KARAGOZ, BULENT

2015-01-01

Cancer is associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular incidents and treatment with chemotherapy enhances that risk further. Brocha’s aphasia is a stroke-related syndrome, the presentation of which has been rarely reported during cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The current study presents the case of a 27-year-old male with advanced-stage small cell lung cancer. The patient developed Broca’s aphasia following cisplatin-based chemotherapy. PMID:25621071

The cost of a small membrane bioreactor.

PubMed

Lo, C H; McAdam, E; Judd, S

2015-01-01

The individual cost contributions to the mechanical components of a small membrane bioreactor (MBR) (100-2,500 m3/d flow capacity) are itemised and collated to generate overall capital and operating costs (CAPEX and OPEX) as a function of size. The outcomes are compared to those from previously published detailed cost studies provided for both very small containerised plants (<40 m3/day capacity) and larger municipal plants (2,200-19,000 m3/d). Cost curves, as a function of flow capacity, determined for OPEX, CAPEX and net present value (NPV) based on the heuristic data used indicate a logarithmic function for OPEX and a power-based one for the CAPEX. OPEX correlations were in good quantitative agreement with those reported in the literature. Disparities in the calculated CAPEX trend compared with reported data were attributed to differences in assumptions concerning cost contributions. More reasonable agreement was obtained with the reported membrane separation component CAPEX data from published studies. The heuristic approach taken appears appropriate for small-scale MBRs with minimal costs associated with installation. An overall relationship of net present value=(a tb)Q(-c lnt+d) was determined for the net present value where a=1.265, b=0.44, c=0.00385 and d=0.868 according to the dataset employed for the analysis.

Kerosene-base fuels in small gasoline engines. Final report

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

Failla, C.C.; Pouring, A.A.

1991-01-01

This document presents the results of an engineering study to demonstrate the technology for converting small gasoline spark-ignited engines, to burn kerosene type fuels to power small generators (0.5 to 3.0 kw). Commercially available (plus those in the developmental stage), reciprocating, two-stroke, four stroke and rotary engines were evaluated for their conversion potential. Unique combustion systems were identified and trade-off studies conducted on engine type, combustion systems, and modification required to burn kerosene type fuels, with special emphasis given to minimizing life cycle cost. Recommendations for the most feasible system are given.

You can count on the motor cortex: finger counting habits modulate motor cortex activation evoked by numbers.

PubMed

Tschentscher, Nadja; Hauk, Olaf; Fischer, Martin H; Pulvermüller, Friedemann

2012-02-15

The embodied cognition framework suggests that neural systems for perception and action are engaged during higher cognitive processes. In an event-related fMRI study, we tested this claim for the abstract domain of numerical symbol processing: is the human cortical motor system part of the representation of numbers, and is organization of numerical knowledge influenced by individual finger counting habits? Developmental studies suggest a link between numerals and finger counting habits due to the acquisition of numerical skills through finger counting in childhood. In the present study, digits 1 to 9 and the corresponding number words were presented visually to adults with different finger counting habits, i.e. left- and right-starters who reported that they usually start counting small numbers with their left and right hand, respectively. Despite the absence of overt hand movements, the hemisphere contralateral to the hand used for counting small numbers was activated when small numbers were presented. The correspondence between finger counting habits and hemispheric motor activation is consistent with an intrinsic functional link between finger counting and number processing. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of simulated transport stress on the rat small intestine: A morphological and gene expression study.

PubMed

Wan, Changrong; Yin, Peng; Xu, Xiaolong; Liu, Mingjiang; He, Shasha; Song, Shixiu; Liu, Fenghua; Xu, Jianqin

2014-04-01

The present study investigated the effects of simulated transport stress on morphology and gene expression in the small intestine of laboratory rats. Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to 35°C and 0.1×g on a constant temperature shaker for physiological, biochemical, morphological and microarray analysis before and after treatment. The treatment induced obvious stress responses with significant decreases in body weight (P<0.01), increases in rectal temperature, serum corticosterone (CORT), serum glucose (GLU), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels (P<0.01), as well as expression of Hsp27/70/90 mRNA (P<0.05; P<0.01). The rat jejunum was severely damaged and apoptotic after mimicking transport stress, which may mainly be related to cell death, oxidation reduction and hormone imbalance determined by microarray analysis. The bioinformatics analysis from the present study would provide insight into the potential mechanisms underlying transport stress-induced injury in the rat small intestine. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Catalog of Educational Resources in Communication Arts, Cultural Ecology, and Environmental Studies for the Small High School Teacher. Curriculum Resources for the Alaskan Environment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Madsen, Eric; And Others

A catalog of semi-annotated topical listings of curriculum resources, published between 1960 and 1980, for use by educators in small Alaska high schools, contains sections on communication arts (108 items), cultural ecology (269 items), and environmental studies (363 items). Listings are presented on pages ruled into grids; for each item the…

Optimal Bowel Preparation for Video Capsule Endoscopy

PubMed Central

Song, Hyun Joo; Moon, Jeong Seop; Shim, Ki-Nam

2016-01-01

During video capsule endoscopy (VCE), several factors, such as air bubbles, food material in the small bowel, and delayed gastric and small bowel transit time, influence diagnostic yield, small bowel visualization quality, and cecal completion rate. Therefore, bowel preparation before VCE is as essential as bowel preparation before colonoscopy. To date, there have been many comparative studies, consensus, and guidelines regarding different kinds of bowel cleansing agents in bowel preparation for small bowel VCE. Presently, polyethylene glycol- (PEG-) based regimens are given primary recommendation. Sodium picosulphate-based regimens are secondarily recommended, as their cleansing efficacy is less than that of PEG-based regimens. Sodium phosphate as well as complementary simethicone and prokinetics use are considered. In this paper, we reviewed previous studies regarding bowel preparation for small bowel VCE and suggested optimal bowel preparation of VCE. PMID:26880894

An application of small-gap equations in sealing devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vionnet, Carlos A.; Heinrich, Juan C.

1993-01-01

The study of a thin, incompressible Newtonian fluid layer trapped between two almost parallel, sliding surfaces has been actively pursued in the last decades. This subject includes lubrication applications such as slider bearings or the sealing of non-pressurized fluids with rubber rotary shaft seals. In the present work we analyze numerically the flow of lubricant fluid through a micro-gap of sealing devices. The first stage of this study is carried out assuming that a 'small-gap' parameter delta attains an extreme value in the Navier-Stokes equations. The precise meaning of small-gap is achieved by the particular limit delta = 0 which, within the bounds of the hypotheses, predicts transport of lubricant through the sealed area by centrifugal instabilities. Numerical results obtained with the penalty function approximation in the finite element method are presented. In particular, the influence of inflow and outflow boundary conditions, and their impact in the simulated flow, are discussed.

Aerodynamic performance of a small vertical axis wind turbine using an overset grid method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bangga, Galih; Solichin, Mochammad; Daman, Aida; Sa'adiyah, Devy; Dessoky, Amgad; Lutz, Thorsten

2017-08-01

The present paper aims to asses the aerodynamic performance of a small vertical axis wind turbine operating at a small wind speed of 5 m/s for 6 different tip speed ratios (λ=2-7). The turbine consists of two blades constructed using the NACA 0015 airfoil. The study is carried out using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods employing an overset grid approach. The (URANS) SST k - ω is used as the turbulence model. For the preliminary study, simulations of the NACA 0015 under static conditions for a broad range of angle of attack and a rotating two-bladed VAWT are carried out. The results are compared with available measurement data and a good agreement is obtained. The simulations demonstrate that the maximum power coefficient attained is 0.45 for λ=4. The aerodynamic loads hysteresis are presented showing that the dynamic stall effect decreases with λ.

An application of small-gap equations in sealing devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vionnet, Carlos A.; Heinrich, Juan C.

1993-11-01

The study of a thin, incompressible Newtonian fluid layer trapped between two almost parallel, sliding surfaces has been actively pursued in the last decades. This subject includes lubrication applications such as slider bearings or the sealing of non-pressurized fluids with rubber rotary shaft seals. In the present work we analyze numerically the flow of lubricant fluid through a micro-gap of sealing devices. The first stage of this study is carried out assuming that a 'small-gap' parameter delta attains an extreme value in the Navier-Stokes equations. The precise meaning of small-gap is achieved by the particular limit delta = 0 which, within the bounds of the hypotheses, predicts transport of lubricant through the sealed area by centrifugal instabilities. Numerical results obtained with the penalty function approximation in the finite element method are presented. In particular, the influence of inflow and outflow boundary conditions, and their impact in the simulated flow, are discussed.

Unionism and Productivity in West Virginia Coal Mining.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boal, William M.

1990-01-01

This study presents econometric estimates of the effects of unionism on productivity in 83 West Virginia coal mines in the early 1920s. Results show that unionism significantly reduced productivity at small mines but not at large mines. The author ascribes this effect to systematic differences between small and large operations in the quality of…

Leadership and Small Firm Performance: The Moderating Effects of Demographic Characteristics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flanigan, Rod L.; Bishop, Jacob L.; Brachle, Ben J.; Winn, Bradley A.

2017-01-01

The present study builds on extant leadership literature by examining the role demographic variables (including age, tenure as a leader at the current company, experience in the industry, and level of education) play as moderating effects on the relationship between leadership style and small business financial performance in the national…

Assessing and Predicting Small-Group Literacy Instruction in Early Childhood Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farley, Kristin Sue; Piasta, Shayne; Dogucu, Mine; O'Connell, Ann

2017-01-01

Research Findings: The present study assessed the extent to which early childhood educators utilized small-group literacy instruction and explored factors potentially associated with the use of this evidence-based practice. The classroom activities of 83 early childhood educators were observed in the fall and spring, and videos were coded to…

Intrinsic Work Value-Reward Dissonance and Work Satisfaction during Young Adulthood

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Porfeli, Erik J.; Mortimer, Jeylan T.

2010-01-01

Previous research suggests that discrepancies between work values and rewards are indicators of dissonance that induce change in both to reduce such dissonance over time. The present study elaborates this model to suggest parallels with the first phase of the extension-and-strain curve. Small discrepancies or small increases in extension are…

Associations of Parenting Dimensions and Styles with Externalizing Problems of Children and Adolescents: An Updated Meta-Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pinquart, Martin

2017-01-01

The present meta-analysis integrates research from 1,435 studies on associations of parenting dimensions and styles with externalizing symptoms in children and adolescents. Parental warmth, behavioral control, autonomy granting, and an authoritative parenting style showed very small to small negative concurrent and longitudinal associations with…

The Entrance and Exit Effects in Small Electrochemical Filter-Press Reactors Used in the Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frias-Ferrer, Angel; Gonzalez-Garcia, Jose; Saez, Veronica; Exposito, Eduardo; Sanchez-Sanchez, Carlos M.; Mantiel, Vicente; Walsh, Frank C.; Aldaz, Antonio; Walsh, Frank C.

2005-01-01

A laboratory experiment designed to examine the entrance and exit effects in small electrochemical filter-press reactors used in the laboratory is presented. The single compartment of the filter-press reactor is filled with different turbulence promoters to study their influence as compared to the empty configuration.

Observational and Incidental Learning by Children with Autism during Small Group Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ledford, Jennifer R.; Gast, David L.; Luscre, Deanna; Ayres, Kevin M.

2008-01-01

This study evaluated the acquisition of incidental and observational information presented to 6 children with autism in a small group instructional arrangement using a constant time delay (CTD) procedure. A multiple probe design across behaviors, replicated across 6 participants, was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the CTD procedure and to…

Real-time 3D motion tracking for small animal brain PET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kyme, A. Z.; Zhou, V. W.; Meikle, S. R.; Fulton, R. R.

2008-05-01

High-resolution positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of conscious, unrestrained laboratory animals presents many challenges. Some form of motion correction will normally be necessary to avoid motion artefacts in the reconstruction. The aim of the current work was to develop and evaluate a motion tracking system potentially suitable for use in small animal PET. This system is based on the commercially available stereo-optical MicronTracker S60 which we have integrated with a Siemens Focus-220 microPET scanner. We present measured performance limits of the tracker and the technical details of our implementation, including calibration and synchronization of the system. A phantom study demonstrating motion tracking and correction was also performed. The system can be calibrated with sub-millimetre accuracy, and small lightweight markers can be constructed to provide accurate 3D motion data. A marked reduction in motion artefacts was demonstrated in the phantom study. The techniques and results described here represent a step towards a practical method for rigid-body motion correction in small animal PET. There is scope to achieve further improvements in the accuracy of synchronization and pose measurements in future work.

[A Feasibility Study of closing the small bowel with high-frequency welding device].

PubMed

Zhou, Huabin; Han, Shuai; Chen, Jun; Huang, Dequn; Peng, Liang; Ning, Jingxuan; Li, Zhou

2014-12-01

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of closing the small bowel in an ex vivo porcine model with high-frequency welding device. A total of 100 porcine small bowels were divided into two groups, and then were closed with two different methods. The fifty small bowels in experimental group were closed by the high-frequency welding device, and the other fifty small bowels in comparison group were hand-sutured. All the small bowels were subjected to leak pressure testing later on. The speed of closure and bursting pressure were compared. The 50 porcine small bowels closed by the high-frequency welding device showed a success rate of 100%. Compared with the hand-sutured group, the bursting pressures of the former were significantly lower (P<0.01) and the closing process was significantly shorter (P<0.01). The pathological changes of the closed ends mainly presented as acute thermal and pressure induced injury. Experimental results show that the high-frequency welding device has higher feasibility in closing the small bowel.

The effects of small-scale, homelike facilities for older people with dementia on residents, family caregivers and staff: design of a longitudinal, quasi-experimental study.

PubMed

Verbeek, Hilde; van Rossum, Erik; Zwakhalen, Sandra M G; Ambergen, Ton; Kempen, Gertrudis I J M; Hamers, Jan P H

2009-01-20

Small-scale and homelike facilities for older people with dementia are rising in current dementia care. In these facilities, a small number of residents live together and form a household with staff. Normal, daily life and social participation are emphasized. It is expected that these facilities improve residents' quality of life. Moreover, it may have a positive influence on staff's job satisfaction and families involvement and satisfaction with care. However, effects of these small-scale and homelike facilities have hardly been investigated. Since the number of people with dementia increases, and institutional long-term care is more and more organized in small-scale and homelike facilities, more research into effects is necessary. This paper presents the design of a study investigating effects of small-scale living facilities in the Netherlands on residents, family caregivers and nursing staff. A longitudinal, quasi-experimental study is carried out, in which 2 dementia care settings are compared: small-scale living facilities and regular psychogeriatric wards in traditional nursing homes. Data is collected from residents, their family caregivers and nursing staff at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of follow-up. Approximately 2 weeks prior to baseline measurement, residents are screened on cognition and activities of daily living (ADL). Based on this screening profile, residents in psychogeriatric wards are matched to residents living in small-scale living facilities. The primary outcome measure for residents is quality of life. In addition, neuropsychiatric symptoms, depressive symptoms and social engagement are assessed. Involvement with care, perceived burden and satisfaction with care provision are primary outcome variables for family caregivers. The primary outcomes for nursing staff are job satisfaction and motivation. Furthermore, job characteristics social support, autonomy and workload are measured. A process evaluation is performed to investigate to what extent small-scale living facilities and psychogeriatric wards are designed as they were intended. In addition, participants' satisfaction and experiences with small-scale living facilities are investigated. A longitudinal, quasi-experimental study is presented to investigate effects of small-scale living facilities. Although some challenges concerning this design exist, it is currently the most feasible method to assess effects of this relatively new dementia care setting.

Encouraging planetary sciences students at the Master level with observations using small telescopes that lead to their publication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanchez-Lavega, A.; Ordoñez-Etxeberria, I.; del Rio Gaztelurrutia, T.; Illarramendi, M. A.; Perez-Hoyos, S.; Hueso, R.; Rojas, J. F.

2017-12-01

We present a set of practical experiments carried out with the students of the Master in Space Science and Technology of the University of the Basque Country (A. Sanchez-Lavega et al., Eur. J. of Eng. Education. 2014) using small telescopes that have been published in refereed journals. The telescopes (from 15 to 50 cm in aperture) and instruments pertain to the Aula EspaZio Gela Observatory (http://www.ehu.eus/aula-espazio/presentacion.html). The students have participated in some cases as co-authors of the publications or in presentations at meetings which encourages them to continue their scientific career towards PhD studies. Dedicated observations with these small telescopes with the participation of the planetary amateur community have also been employed in scientific research and publications. A series of examples are presented.

Treatment of stress fracture of the olecranon in throwing athletes with internal fixation through a small incision

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

The present study is a report of retrospective case series of stress fracture of the olecranon. Six patients presented posterior elbow pain in throwing in baseball and softball, but fracture was not diagnosed in radiographs. We detected stress fracture of the olecranon using computed tomographic (CT) scan and treated the patient with internal fixation with a headless cannulated double threaded screw through a small skin incision. All patients returned to competitive level without elbow complaints after the operation. When throwing athletes present with unusual posterior elbow pain and no significant findings on radiographs, a CT scan examination should be performed. We recommend surgical treatment of internal fixation with a screw through a small skin incision, as a good option for stress fracture of the olecranon in order to allow early return to sports activity in competitive athletes. PMID:23241173

Quantitative analysis of small molecule-nucleic acid interactions with a biosensor surface and surface plasmon resonance detection.

PubMed

Liu, Yang; Wilson, W David

2010-01-01

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology with biosensor surfaces has become a widely-used tool for the study of nucleic acid interactions without any labeling requirements. The method provides simultaneous kinetic and equilibrium characterization of the interactions of biomolecules as well as small molecule-biopolymer binding. SPR monitors molecular interactions in real time and provides significant advantages over optical or calorimetic methods for systems with strong binding coupled to small spectroscopic signals and/or reaction heats. A detailed and practical guide for nucleic acid interaction analysis using SPR-biosensor methods is presented. Details of the SPR technology and basic fundamentals are described with recommendations on the preparation of the SPR instrument, sensor chips, and samples, as well as extensive information on experimental design, quantitative and qualitative data analysis and presentation. A specific example of the interaction of a minor-groove-binding agent with DNA is evaluated by both kinetic and steady-state SPR methods to illustrate the technique. Since the molecules that bind cooperatively to specific DNA sequences are attractive for many applications, a cooperative small molecule-DNA interaction is also presented.

Small studies may overestimate the effect sizes in critical care meta-analyses: a meta-epidemiological study

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Introduction Small-study effects refer to the fact that trials with limited sample sizes are more likely to report larger beneficial effects than large trials. However, this has never been investigated in critical care medicine. Thus, the present study aimed to examine the presence and extent of small-study effects in critical care medicine. Methods Critical care meta-analyses involving randomized controlled trials and reported mortality as an outcome measure were considered eligible for the study. Component trials were classified as large (≥100 patients per arm) and small (<100 patients per arm) according to their sample sizes. Ratio of odds ratio (ROR) was calculated for each meta-analysis and then RORs were combined using a meta-analytic approach. ROR<1 indicated larger beneficial effect in small trials. Small and large trials were compared in methodological qualities including sequence generating, blinding, allocation concealment, intention to treat and sample size calculation. Results A total of 27 critical care meta-analyses involving 317 trials were included. Of them, five meta-analyses showed statistically significant RORs <1, and other meta-analyses did not reach a statistical significance. Overall, the pooled ROR was 0.60 (95% CI: 0.53 to 0.68); the heterogeneity was moderate with an I2 of 50.3% (chi-squared = 52.30; P = 0.002). Large trials showed significantly better reporting quality than small trials in terms of sequence generating, allocation concealment, blinding, intention to treat, sample size calculation and incomplete follow-up data. Conclusions Small trials are more likely to report larger beneficial effects than large trials in critical care medicine, which could be partly explained by the lower methodological quality in small trials. Caution should be practiced in the interpretation of meta-analyses involving small trials. PMID:23302257

Statistical Analysis of Small-Scale Magnetic Flux Emergence Patterns: A Useful Subsurface Diagnostic?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamb, Derek A.

2016-10-01

While sunspots follow a well-defined pattern of emergence in space and time, small-scale flux emergence is assumed to occur randomly at all times in the quiet Sun. HMI's full-disk coverage, high cadence, spatial resolution, and duty cycle allow us to probe that basic assumption. Some case studies of emergence suggest that temporal clustering on spatial scales of 50-150 Mm may occur. If clustering is present, it could serve as a diagnostic of large-scale subsurface magnetic field structures. We present the results of a manual survey of small-scale flux emergence events over a short time period, and a statistical analysis addressing the question of whether these events show spatio-temporal behavior that is anything other than random.

Alleviative effect of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on small artery vascular remodeling in spontaneous hypertensive rats via inhibition of collagen hyperplasia.

PubMed

Liang, Ying; Gao, Haiqing; Wang, Jian; Wang, Quanzhen; Zhao, Shaohua; Zhang, Jun; Qiu, Jie

2017-05-01

Vascular remodeling is a primary contributor to the initiation and development of hypertension, which has a pathological association with subsequent multi-organ damage. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extracts (GSPE) exhibit protective cardiovascular effects, resulting from their anti‑oxidant and anti‑inflammatory properties. However, the function and mechanism underlying the effect of GSPE on small artery remodeling remain to be elucidated. The present study investigated the effect of GSPE on vascular remodeling in the mesenteric small arteries of spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR). Parameters associated with hypertension, including systolic blood pressure, oxidative stress, morphological and ultrastructural alteration of vessels, deposition of collagen and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, were analyzed. The results revealed that GSPE alleviated hypertension-induced hypertrophic vascular remodeling in the small arteries of SHR, which was independent of blood pressure. GSPE decreased oxidative stress associated with hypertension in SHR and suppressed the increased expression of TGF‑β1, which blocked the translocation and differentiation of adventitia fibroblasts and eventually inhibited collagen hyperplasia in the blood vessel. The inhibitory effect of GSPE on small artery remodeling was achieved via its suppressive effect on oxidant production and the subsequent intercellular and intracellular cascades. The findings of the present study supported the potential therapeutic value of GSPE for the treatment of hypertension.

Small-cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder: where do we stand?

PubMed

Ghervan, Liviu; Zaharie, Andreea; Ene, Bogdan; Elec, Florin I

2017-01-01

Small-cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is a very rare pathology, but with a very aggressive behavior and disappointing prognosis. The literature concerning this type of cancer is scarce and physicians may encounter difficulty trying to manage it. Most articles involve the study of case series, without definite results due to the small number of patients. The present article aims at gathering the most significant articles and results in order to offer a broad perspective on the existing literature concerning this pathology.

[Typing and Shorthand in the Small High School.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fedel, Joan; Starbuck, Ethel

Two studies conducted in the field of business education are presented in this report by the Colorado State Department of Education. In one study, individualized instruction procedures and individual work packets were developed for students in both first- and second-year typing. Descriptive statistics presented for the 2 groups over a 3-year…

Small Fish Species as Powerful Model Systems to Study Vertebrate Physiology in Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muller, M.; Aceto, J.; Dalcq, J.; Alestrom, P.; Nourizadeh-Lillabadi, R.; Goerlich, R.; Schiller, V.; Winkler, C.; Renn, J.; Eberius, M.; Slenzka, K.

2008-06-01

Small fish models, mainly zebrafish (Danio rerio) and medaka (Oryzias latipes), have been used for many years as powerful model systems for vertebrate developmental biology. Moreover, these species are increasingly recognized as valuable systems to study vertebrate physiology, pathology, pharmacology and toxicology, including in particular bone physiology. The biology of small fishes presents many advantages, such as transparency of the embryos, external and rapid development, small size and easy reproduction. Further characteristics are particularly useful for space research or for large scale screening approaches. Finally, many technologies for easily characterizing bones are available. Our objective is to investigate the changes induced by microgravity in small fish. By combining whole genome analysis (microarray, DNA methylation, chromatin modification) with live imaging of selected genes in transgenic animals, a comprehensive and integrated characterization of physiological changes in space could be gained, especially concerning bone physiology.

Infants Use Different Mechanisms to Make Small and Large Number Ordinal Judgments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

vanMarle, Kristy

2013-01-01

Previous research has shown indirectly that infants may use two different mechanisms-an object tracking system and an analog magnitude mechanism--to represent small (less than 4) and large (greater than or equal to 4) numbers of objects, respectively. The current study directly tested this hypothesis in an ordinal choice task by presenting 10- to…

A Meta-Analytic Study of Couple Interventions during the Transition to Parenthood

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pinquart, Martin; Teubert, Daniela

2010-01-01

The present meta-analysis integrates results of 21 controlled couple-focused interventions with expectant and new parents. The interventions had, on average, small effects on couple communication (d = 0.28 standard deviation units) and psychological well-being (d = 0.21), as well as very small effects on couple adjustment (d = 0.09). Stronger…

The Role of Teacher Instructional Discourse in Scaffolding Adolescent Students' Argumentation Strategy Use in Small Group Text-Based Discussions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, Alyssa T. G.

2017-01-01

The goal of this study is to investigate the role of English Language Arts (ELA) teachers' verbal discourse moves in scaffolding adolescent students' argumentative thinking in small group interpretive discussions about literature. Demands related to argumentation may present particular challenges for adolescent students (Biancarosa & Snow,…

Small-Scale Bullying Prevention Discussion Video for Classrooms: A Preliminary Evaluation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Migliaccio, Todd; Raskauskas, Juliana

2013-01-01

Bullying has been shown to be negatively related to both academic performance and attendance among students. The present study examined a small-scale bullying intervention using a video-discussion model. Eighty-one students in grades 4 through 6 completed pre- and posttests examining gains in knowledge of bullying and responses to it. Results…

Improving Executive Functions in 5- and 6-year-olds: Evaluation of a Small Group Intervention in Prekindergarten and Kindergarten Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Röthlisberger, Marianne; Neuenschwander, Regula; Cimeli, Patriza; Michel, Eva; Roebers, Claudia M.

2012-01-01

Research suggests a central role of executive functions for children's cognitive and social development during preschool years, especially in promoting school readiness. Interventions aiming to improve executive functions are therefore being called for. The present study examined the effect of a small group intervention implemented in kindergarten…

Small-Group Problem-Based Learning as a Complex Adaptive System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mennin, Stewart

2007-01-01

Small-group problem-based learning (PBL) is widely embraced as a method of study in health professions schools and at many different levels of education. Complexity science provides a different lens with which to view and understand the application of this method. It presents new concepts and vocabulary that may be unfamiliar to practitioners of…

Enactment of Teacher Identity in Resolving Student Disagreements in Small Group Peer Interactions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sharma, Bal Krishna

2013-01-01

This study presents a sequential analysis of the enactment of teacher identity in closing disagreements among students in small group peer interactions in an advanced academic writing class. In doing so, it discusses: (a) the micro-details of how oppositional stances and opinions are constructed, challenged and/or defended; (b) the sequential…

Biomedical device prototype based on small scale hydrodynamic cavitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghorbani, Morteza; Sozer, Canberk; Alcan, Gokhan; Unel, Mustafa; Ekici, Sinan; Uvet, Huseyin; Koşar, Ali

2018-03-01

This study presents a biomedical device prototype based on small scale hydrodynamic cavitation. The application of small scale hydrodynamic cavitation and its integration to a biomedical device prototype is offered as an important alternative to other techniques, such as ultrasound therapy, and thus constitutes a local, cheap, and energy-efficient solution, for urinary stone therapy and abnormal tissue ablation (e.g., benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)). The destructive nature of bubbly, cavitating, flows was exploited, and the potential of the prototype was assessed and characterized. Bubbles generated in a small flow restrictive element (micro-orifice) based on hydrodynamic cavitation were utilized for this purpose. The small bubbly, cavitating, flow generator (micro-orifice) was fitted to a small flexible probe, which was actuated with a micromanipulator using fine control. This probe also houses an imaging device for visualization so that the emerging cavitating flow could be locally targeted to the desired spot. In this study, the feasibility of this alternative treatment method and its integration to a device prototype were successfully accomplished.

[Impact of small-area context on health: proposing a conceptual model].

PubMed

Voigtländer, S; Mielck, A; Razum, O

2012-11-01

Recent empirical studies stress the impact of features related to the small-area context on individual health. However, so far there exists no standard explanatory model that integrates the different kinds of such features and that conceptualises their relation to individual characteristics of social inequality. A review of theoretical publications on the relationship between social position and health as well as existing conceptual models for the impact of features related to the small-area context on health was undertaken. In the present article we propose a conceptual model for the health impact of the small-area context. This model conceptualises the location of residence as one dimension of social inequality that affects health through the resources as well as stressors which are inherent in the small-area context. The proposed conceptual model offers an orientation for future empirical studies and can serve as a basis for further discussions concerning the health relevance of the small-area context. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Design and Manufacturing of Extremely Low Mass Flight Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Michael R.

2002-01-01

Extremely small flight systems pose some unusual design and manufacturing challenges. The small size of the components that make up the system generally must be built with extremely tight tolerances to maintain the functionality of the assembled item. Additionally, the total mass of the system is extremely sensitive to what would be considered small perturbations in a larger flight system. The MUSES C mission, designed, built, and operated by Japan, has a small rover provided by NASA that falls into this small flight system category. This NASA-provided rover is used as a case study of an extremely small flight system design. The issues that were encountered with the rover portion of the MUSES C program are discussed and conclusions about the recommended mass margins at different stages of a small flight system project are presented.

Case studies of the legal and institutional obstacles and incentives to the development of small-scale hydroelectric power: Bull Run, Portland, Oregon

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

None

1980-05-01

The National Conference of State Legislatures' Small-Scale Hydroelectric Policy Project is designed to assist selected state legislatures in looking at the benefits that a state can derive from the development of small-scale hydro, and in carrying out a review of state laws and regulations that affect the development of the state's small-scale hydro resources. The successful completion of the project should help establish state statutes and regulations that are consistent with the efficient development of small-scale hydro. As part of the project's work with state legislatures, seven case studies of small-scale hydro sites were conducted to provide a general analysismore » and overview of the significant problems and opportunities for the development of this energy resource. The case study approach was selected to expose the actual difficulties and advantages involved in developing a specific site. Such an examination of real development efforts will clearly reveal the important aspects about small-scale hydro development which could be improved by statutory or regulatory revision. Moreover, the case study format enables the formulation of generalized opportunities for promoting small-scale hydro based on specific development experiences. The case study for small-scale hydro power development at the City of Portland's water reserve in the Bull Run Forest is presented with information included on the Bull Run hydro power potential, current water usage, hydro power regulations and plant licensing, technical and economic aspects of Bull Run project, and the environmental impact. (LCL)« less

Diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of small bowel volvulus in adults: A monocentric summary of a rare small intestinal obstruction.

PubMed

Li, Xiaohang; Zhang, Jialin; Li, Baifeng; Yi, Dehui; Zhang, Chengshuo; Sun, Ning; Lv, Wu; Jiao, Ao

2017-01-01

Small bowel volvulus is a rare disease, which is also challenging to diagnose. The aims of this study were to characterize the clinical and radiological features associated with small bowel volvulus and treatment and to identify risk factors for associated small bowel necrosis. Patients with small bowel volvulus who underwent operations from January 2001 to December 2015 at the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University (Shenyang, China) were reviewed. Clinical, surgical and postsurgical data were registered and analyzed. Thirty-one patients were included for analysis. Fifteen patients were female (48.4%), with an average age of 47.7 years (18-79 years). The clinical signs and symptoms were unspecific and resembled intestinal obstruction. Clinical examination revealed abdominal distension and/or diffuse tenderness with or without signs of peritonitis. The use of CT scans, X-rays or ultrasound did not differ significantly between patients. In 9 of 20 patients that received abdominal CT scans, "whirlpool sign" on the CT scan was present. Secondary small bowel volvulus was present in 58.1% of patients, and causes included bands (3), adhesion (7), congenital anomalies (7) and stromal tumor (1). Out of the 31 patients, 15 with gangrenous small bowel had to undergo intestinal resection. Intestinal gangrene was present with higher neutrophils count (p<0.0001) and the presence of bloody ascites (p = 0.004). Three patients died of septic shock (9.68%), and the recurrence rate was 3.23%. To complete an early and accurate diagnosis, a CT scan plus physical exam seems to be the best plan. After diagnosis, an urgent laparotomy must be performed to avoid intestinal necrosis and perforation. After surgery, more than 90% of the patients can expect to have a favorable prognosis.

Contribution of small and medium enterprises to economic development: Evidence from a transiting economy.

PubMed

Obi, James; Ibidunni, Ayodotun Stephen; Tolulope, Atolagbe; Olokundun, Maxwell Ayodele; Amaihian, Augusta Bosede; Borishade, Taiye Tairat; Fred, Peter

2018-06-01

The focus of this research was to present a data article on the contribution of SMEs to economic development in a transiting economy. Descriptive research design was adopted in this study. Data were obtained from 600 respondents in 60 small-scale enterprises located in different parts of the country (20 small-scale enterprises located in Lagos State, 20 in Anambra State and 20 in Kano State of Nigeria respectively). Data analysis was carried out using tables and percentages and the null hypotheses of the study was tested using chi-square ( X 2 ) inferential statistical model at 5% level of significance. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between the operation of small and medium-scale enterprises and economic growth in developing nations.

Abortion and various associated risk factors in small ruminants in Algeria.

PubMed

Kardjadj, Moustafa; Kouidri, Brahim; Metref, Djamil; Luka, Pam Dachung; Ben-Mahdi, Meriem Hind

2016-01-01

Identification of the causes of abortion among the huge population of small ruminants in Algeria (≈31 millions heads), is an important task for the control of livestock productivity and viability scourges to the small ruminants industry. Optimal production and utilization is constrained by a number of factors: disease, poor feeding and low management skills. Therefore, in the present study the prevalence of abortion in Algerian small ruminant's flocks was estimated and its possible association was correlated with infectious (PPR, BT and Brucellosis seropositivity) and managerial (flock size, grazing system, type of farming, and contact with other flocks) risk factors. The present study showed an overall flock prevalence of small ruminant's abortion as 75.33% (113/150) [95% CI 71.72-78.94%]. The risk factor analysis using multivariable logistic regression recognized the north-western and the steppe region as well as PPR positivity as a risk factor for abortion in Algerian small ruminant's flocks. The odds of flock abortion was 11.47 [95% CI 2.39-54.88; P=0.002] and 10.31 [95% CI 1.28-82.88; P=0.028] times higher in north-western and steppe regions respectively compared to other region. Also the presence of PPRV infection in small ruminant flocks amplified the odds by 6 times [95% CI 2.221-17.427; P=0.001].Surprisingly, the univariate analysis for the other risk factors associated with abortions in Algerian small ruminant flocks indicated no statistically significant links with bluetongue (P=1.000) and brucellosis seropositivity (P=0.334). Flock size (P=0.574), type of farming (P=0.443), grazing system (P=0.117) and contact with other flocks (P=0.245) was also not statistically significant. Our results revealed that abortion in small ruminants is a challenge to farmers and PPR was chiefly linked to it. Therefore an effective vaccination and control programme is advocated for small ruminants in Algeria. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Study on the Models for Corporate Social Responsibility of Small and Medium Enterprises

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Jun

The role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in corporate social responsibility (CSR) has attracted increasing attention and interest in recent years. The purpose of this study is to build some relevant models of CSR which are the foundations of empirical study later. The paper begins by an overview of the CSR literature in the context of seven step model for CSR and differences between corporate and small businesses. Noting the general lack of theoretical framework in the literature, the paper then presents relevant theoretical models of CSR that could be useful in conducting further research on CSR and SMEs. The study is qualitative in nature, capitalizing on a comparative research design to highlight differences in CSR orientations between SMEs and MNCs. The research is presented and implications are drawn regarding the peculiar relational attributes of SMEs in the context of CSR generally, and developing countries more specifically, and how this inclination can be further nurtured and leveraged. Further research can seek to highlight how to leverage this natural affinity to CSR among SMEs detected in this study in pursuit of more systematic engagement and more benefits.

Genetic diversity of small eukaryotes in lakes differing by their trophic status.

PubMed

Lefranc, Marie; Thénot, Aurélie; Lepère, Cécile; Debroas, Didier

2005-10-01

Small eukaryotes, cells with a diameter of less than 5 mum, are fundamental components of lacustrine planktonic systems. In this study, small-eukaryote diversity was determined by sequencing cloned 18S rRNA genes in three libraries from lakes of differing trophic status in the Massif Central, France: the oligotrophic Lake Godivelle, the oligomesotrophic Lake Pavin, and the eutrophic Lake Aydat. This analysis shows that the least diversified library was in the eutrophic lake (12 operational taxonomic units [OTUs]) and the most diversified was in the oligomesotrophic lake (26 OTUs). Certain groups were present in at least two ecosystems, while the others were specific to one lake on the sampling date. Cryptophyta, Chrysophyceae, and the strictly heterotrophic eukaryotes, Ciliophora and fungi, were identified in the three libraries. Among the small eukaryotes found only in two lakes, Choanoflagellida and environmental sequences (LKM11) were not detected in the eutrophic system whereas Cercozoa were confined to the oligomesotrophic and eutrophic lakes. Three OTUs, linked to the Perkinsozoa, were detected only in the Aydat library, where they represented 60% of the clones of the library. Chlorophyta and Haptophyta lineages were represented by a single clone and were present only in Godivelle and Pavin, respectively. Of the 127 clones studied, classical pigmented organisms (autotrophs and mixotrophs) represented only a low proportion regardless of the library's origin. This study shows that the small-eukaryote community composition may differ as a function of trophic status; certain lineages could be detected only in a single ecosystem.

Auditory-Visual Intermodal Matching of Small Numerosities in 6-Month-Old Infants

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kobayashi, Tessei; Hiraki, Kazuo; Hasegawa, Toshikazu

2005-01-01

Recent studies have reported that preverbal infants are able to discriminate between numerosities of sets presented within a particular modality. There is still debate, however, over whether they are able to perform intermodal numerosity matching, i.e. to relate numerosities of sets presented with different sensory modalities. The present study…

Focus-based filtering + clustering technique for power-law networks with small world phenomenon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boutin, François; Thièvre, Jérôme; Hascoët, Mountaz

2006-01-01

Realistic interaction networks usually present two main properties: a power-law degree distribution and a small world behavior. Few nodes are linked to many nodes and adjacent nodes are likely to share common neighbors. Moreover, graph structure usually presents a dense core that is difficult to explore with classical filtering and clustering techniques. In this paper, we propose a new filtering technique accounting for a user-focus. This technique extracts a tree-like graph with also power-law degree distribution and small world behavior. Resulting structure is easily drawn with classical force-directed drawing algorithms. It is also quickly clustered and displayed into a multi-level silhouette tree (MuSi-Tree) from any user-focus. We built a new graph filtering + clustering + drawing API and report a case study.

Treating advanced non-small-cell lung cancer in Chinese patients: focus on icotinib

PubMed Central

Liang, Jun-Li; Ren, Xiao-Cang; Lin, Qiang

2014-01-01

Icotinib hydrochloride is an orally administered small-molecule reversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has been independently researched and developed and has independent intellectual property rights in the People’s Republic of China. Clinical trials have demonstrated that the response to icotinib among advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who received at least one platinum-based chemotherapy regimen was not inferior to gefitinib. Since being launched August 2011 in the People’s Republic of China, icotinib has been widely used in clinics, and has become an important treatment option for Chinese patients with advanced NSCLC. The present study presents the Phase I, II, and III clinical trials of icotinib and discusses current clinical applications in the People’s Republic of China and future research directions. PMID:24876785

Why diamond dimensions and electrode geometry are crucial for small photon beam dosimetry

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

Marsolat, F.; Tromson, D.; Tranchant, N.

2015-12-21

Recent use of very small photon beams (down to 4 mm) in stereotactic radiotherapy requires new detectors to accurately determine the delivered dose. Diamond detectors have been presented in the literature as an attractive candidate for this application, due to their small detection volume and the diamond atomic number (Z = 6) which is close to water effective atomic number (Zeff ∼ 7.42). However, diamond exhibits a density 3.51 times greater than that of water and recent studies using Monte Carlo simulations have demonstrated the drawback of a high-density detector on small beam output factors. The current study focuses on geometrical parameters of diamond detector,more » namely, the diamond dimensions and the electrode geometry, in order to solve the dosimetric issues still observed in small photon beams with diamond detectors. To give better insights to these open questions, we have used both computational method and experimental analysis. This study highlighted that reducing diamond dimensions is crucial for small beam output factor measurements and to limit the influence of its high density. Furthermore, electrodes covering the whole diamond surface were essential for a dose rate independence of the diamond detector. The optimal dosimeter derived from this work presented small diamond dimensions of approximately 1 × 1 × 0.15 mm{sup 3}, with diamond-like-carbon electrodes covering the whole diamond surface. A dose rate independence of this diamond detector (better than 0.5% over a wide range of dose rates available on a stereotactic dedicated facility) was obtained due to the electrode geometry. Concerning the output factor measurements, a good agreement (better than 1.1%) was observed between this carbon material detector and two types of passive dosimeters (LiF microcubes and EBT2 radiochromic films) for all beam sizes except the smallest field of 0.6 × 0.6 cm{sup 2} with a deviation of 2.6%. This new study showed the high performance of this diamond detector in small photon beams, in comparison with various commercially available passive and active dosimeters.« less

Learning about Foodborne Pathogens: Evaluation of Student Perceptions of Group Project Work in a Food Microbiology Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turner, Mark S.

2009-01-01

This study examined the experiences of students in an active learning group work exercise in an introductory food microbiology course involving the study of foodborne pathogens. Small groups were required to access, analyze, and present information regarding a single food poisoning bacterium. The presentations contained features and…

Students as Teachers: Effectiveness of a Peer-Led STEM Learning Programme over 10 Years

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Drane, Denise; Micari, Marina; Light, Gregory

2014-01-01

Peer-led small-group learning has been used quite extensively in the US to enhance performance and retention of undergraduate students in science, math, and engineering classes. This study presents the results from an evaluation of a peer-led small-group programme at a research university in the US over a 10-year period across five disciplines…

Implementing Primary Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) Small Group Interventions: Recommendations for Practitioners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lendrum, Ann; Humphrey, Neil; Kalambouka, Afroditi; Wigelsworth, Michael

2009-01-01

This article presents an extended vignette describing a good practice model for implementing SEAL small group work at "Mellington Primary", a fictional school. The vignette/model was developed from in-depth case studies at five primary schools in the north-west of England during a national evaluation of primary SEAL by the authors. The…

House and stable fly (Diptera: Muscidae) seasonal abundance, larval development substrates, and natural parasitism on small equine farms in Florida

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This 1-year study was designed to determine adult fly population levels and development substrates on four small equine farms. Results showed that pest flies were present year-round, but differences existed in population levels among farms and seasons. Fly larvae were not found on two of the farms, ...

A Randomised Control Trial of a Tier-2 Small-Group Intervention ("MiniLit") for Young Struggling Readers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buckingham, Jennifer; Wheldall, Kevin; Beaman, Robyn

2012-01-01

The response-to-intervention model is predicated upon increasingly intensive tiers of instruction. The aim of the present study was to examine the efficacy of a Tier-2 small-group literacy intervention ("MiniLit") designed for young readers who are still struggling after experiencing whole-class initial instruction. A total of 22…

It's not easy being green: the tricky world of small-diameter timber.

Treesearch

Sally Duncan

1998-01-01

Big shifts have been made over the last decade in how society thinks forest lands should be managed. Forest policy has subsequently changed. Land managers now grapple with how to make society's intentions work in the forests of today.This issue of PNW Science Findings presents the Colville study's examination of the vast forests of small-diameter...

Small Next-Generation Atmospheric Probe (SNAP) Concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sayanagi, K. M.; Dillman, R. A.; Simon, A. A.; Atkinson, D. H.; Wong, M. H.; Spilker, T. R.; Saikia, S.; Li, J.; Hope, D.

2017-01-01

We present the Small Next-Generation Atmospheric Probe (SNAP) as a secondary payload concept for future missions to giant planets. As a case study, we examine the advantages, cost and risk of adding SNAP to the future Uranus Orbiter and Probe flag-ship mission; in combination with the missions main probe, SNAP would perform atmospheric in-situ measurements at a second location.

Characterization of the Pi-b Rice Blast Resistance Gene in the National Small Grains

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The Pi-b gene in rice confers resistance to a wide range of races of the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae, including race IE1k that overcomes Pi-ta. In the present study, Pi-b was identified in 164 rice germplasm accessions from the National Small Grains Collection using DNA markers and pathog...

Small Groups, Big Gains: Efficacy of a Tier 2 Phonological Awareness Intervention with Preschoolers with Early Literacy Deficits

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kruse, Lydia G.; Spencer, Trina D.; Olszewski, Arnold; Goldstein, Howard

2015-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a phonological awareness (PA) intervention, designed for Tier 2 instruction in a Response to Intervention (RTI) model, delivered to small groups of preschoolers. Method: A multiple-baseline design across participants was used to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention on…

Illusory expectations can affect retrieval-monitoring accuracy.

PubMed

McDonough, Ian M; Gallo, David A

2012-03-01

The present study investigated how expectations, even when illusory, can affect the accuracy of memory decisions. Participants studied words presented in large or small font for subsequent memory tests. Replicating prior work, judgments of learning indicated that participants expected to remember large words better than small words, even though memory for these words was equivalent on a standard test of recognition memory and subjective judgments. Critically, we also included tests that instructed participants to selectively search memory for either large or small words, thereby allowing different memorial expectations to contribute to performance. On these tests we found reduced false recognition when searching memory for large words relative to small words, such that the size illusion paradoxically affected accuracy measures (d' scores) in the absence of actual memory differences. Additional evidence for the role of illusory expectations was that (a) the accuracy effect was obtained only when participants searched memory for the aspect of the stimuli corresponding to illusory expectations (size instead of color) and (b) the accuracy effect was eliminated on a forced-choice test that prevented the influence of memorial expectations. These findings demonstrate the critical role of memorial expectations in the retrieval-monitoring process. 2012 APA, all rights reserved

Communication: Literacy and Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Literacy Work, 1971

1971-01-01

Author presents a preliminary discussion of the relationship of literacy and rural development. It presents the literacy continuum amongst the African population of Rhodesia, results of a small study of literacy retention, and a brief account of literacy effect on the development of subsistance agriculture. (Editor/LF)

Designing Leadership and Soft Skills in Educational Games: The e-Leadership and Soft Skills Educational Games Design Model (ELESS)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Freitas, Sara; Routledge, Helen

2013-01-01

While the field of leadership studies includes a large corpus of literature and studies, the literature and scientific research in the field of e-leadership and soft skills used in learning game environments are at present small in scale. Towards contributing to this newly emerging field of literature and study, this research paper presents a new…

Dynamic cardiac PET imaging: extraction of time-activity curves using ICA and a generalized Gaussian distribution model.

PubMed

Mabrouk, Rostom; Dubeau, François; Bentabet, Layachi

2013-01-01

Kinetic modeling of metabolic and physiologic cardiac processes in small animals requires an input function (IF) and a tissue time-activity curves (TACs). In this paper, we present a mathematical method based on independent component analysis (ICA) to extract the IF and the myocardium's TACs directly from dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) images. The method assumes a super-Gaussian distribution model for the blood activity, and a sub-Gaussian distribution model for the tissue activity. Our appreach was applied on 22 PET measurement sets of small animals, which were obtained from the three most frequently used cardiac radiotracers, namely: desoxy-fluoro-glucose ((18)F-FDG), [(13)N]-ammonia, and [(11)C]-acetate. Our study was extended to PET human measurements obtained with the Rubidium-82 ((82) Rb) radiotracer. The resolved mathematical IF values compare favorably to those derived from curves extracted from regions of interest (ROI), suggesting that the procedure presents a reliable alternative to serial blood sampling for small-animal cardiac PET studies.

Appropriateness of the study of iron deficiency anemia prior to referral for small bowel evaluation at a tertiary center

PubMed Central

Rodrigues, Jaime Pereira; Pinho, Rolando; Silva, Joana; Ponte, Ana; Sousa, Mafalda; Silva, João Carlos; Carvalho, João

2017-01-01

AIM To evaluate the adequacy of the study of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in real life practice prior to referral to a gastroenterology department for small bowel evaluation. METHODS All consecutive patients referred to a gastroenterology department for small bowel investigation due to iron deficiency anemia, between January 2013 and December 2015 were included. Both patients referred from general practitioners or directly from different hospital departments were selected. Relevant clinical information regarding prior anemia workup was retrospectively collected from medical records. An appropriate pre-referral study was considered the execution of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) investigation, colonoscopy with quality standards (recent, total and with adequate preparation) and celiac disease (CD) screening (through serologic testing and/or histopathological investigation). RESULTS A total of 77 patients (58.4% female, mean age 67.1 ± 16.7 years) were included. Most (53.2%) patients were referred from general practitioners, 41.6% from other hospital specialties and 5.2% directly from the emergency department. The mean pre-referral hemoglobin concentration was 8.8 ± 2.0 g/dL and the majority of anemias had microcytic (71.4%) and hypochromic (72.7%) characteristics. 77.9% of patients presented with an incomplete pre-referral study: EGD in 97.4%, with H. pylori investigation in 58.3%, colonoscopy with quality criteria in 63.6%, and CD screening in 24.7%. Patients with an appropriate study at the time of referral were younger (48.7 ± 17.7 vs 72.3 ± 12.3 years, P < 0.001). Small bowel evaluation was ultimately undertaken in 72.7% of patients, with a more frequent evaluation in patients with a quality colonoscopy at referral (78.6% vs 23.8%); P < 0.001 (OR = 11.7, 95%CI: 3.6-38.6). The most common diagnosis regarded as the likely cause of IDA was small bowel angioectasia (18.2%) but additional causes were also found in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts of near 20% of patients. Small bowel studies detected previously unknown non-small bowel findings in 7.7% of patients. CONCLUSION The study of anemia prior to referral to gastroenterology department is unsatisfactory. Only approximately a quarter of patients presented with an appropriate study. PMID:28706428

Appropriateness of the study of iron deficiency anemia prior to referral for small bowel evaluation at a tertiary center.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Jaime Pereira; Pinho, Rolando; Silva, Joana; Ponte, Ana; Sousa, Mafalda; Silva, João Carlos; Carvalho, João

2017-06-28

To evaluate the adequacy of the study of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in real life practice prior to referral to a gastroenterology department for small bowel evaluation. All consecutive patients referred to a gastroenterology department for small bowel investigation due to iron deficiency anemia, between January 2013 and December 2015 were included. Both patients referred from general practitioners or directly from different hospital departments were selected. Relevant clinical information regarding prior anemia workup was retrospectively collected from medical records. An appropriate pre-referral study was considered the execution of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) investigation, colonoscopy with quality standards (recent, total and with adequate preparation) and celiac disease (CD) screening (through serologic testing and/or histopathological investigation). A total of 77 patients (58.4% female, mean age 67.1 ± 16.7 years) were included. Most (53.2%) patients were referred from general practitioners, 41.6% from other hospital specialties and 5.2% directly from the emergency department. The mean pre-referral hemoglobin concentration was 8.8 ± 2.0 g/dL and the majority of anemias had microcytic (71.4%) and hypochromic (72.7%) characteristics. 77.9% of patients presented with an incomplete pre-referral study: EGD in 97.4%, with H. pylori investigation in 58.3%, colonoscopy with quality criteria in 63.6%, and CD screening in 24.7%. Patients with an appropriate study at the time of referral were younger (48.7 ± 17.7 vs 72.3 ± 12.3 years, P < 0.001). Small bowel evaluation was ultimately undertaken in 72.7% of patients, with a more frequent evaluation in patients with a quality colonoscopy at referral (78.6% vs 23.8%); P < 0.001 (OR = 11.7, 95%CI: 3.6-38.6). The most common diagnosis regarded as the likely cause of IDA was small bowel angioectasia (18.2%) but additional causes were also found in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts of near 20% of patients. Small bowel studies detected previously unknown non-small bowel findings in 7.7% of patients. The study of anemia prior to referral to gastroenterology department is unsatisfactory. Only approximately a quarter of patients presented with an appropriate study.

The complexity of classical music networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rolla, Vitor; Kestenberg, Juliano; Velho, Luiz

2018-02-01

Previous works suggest that musical networks often present the scale-free and the small-world properties. From a musician's perspective, the most important aspect missing in those studies was harmony. In addition to that, the previous works made use of outdated statistical methods. Traditionally, least-squares linear regression is utilised to fit a power law to a given data set. However, according to Clauset et al. such a traditional method can produce inaccurate estimates for the power law exponent. In this paper, we present an analysis of musical networks which considers the existence of chords (an essential element of harmony). Here we show that only 52.5% of music in our database presents the scale-free property, while 62.5% of those pieces present the small-world property. Previous works argue that music is highly scale-free; consequently, it sounds appealing and coherent. In contrast, our results show that not all pieces of music present the scale-free and the small-world properties. In summary, this research is focused on the relationship between musical notes (Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Si, and their sharps) and accompaniment in classical music compositions. More information about this research project is available at https://eden.dei.uc.pt/~vitorgr/MS.html.

Position paper: Management of men complaining of a small penis despite an actually normal size.

PubMed

Ghanem, Hussein; Glina, Sidney; Assalian, Pierre; Buvat, Jacques

2013-01-01

With the worldwide increase in penile augmentation procedures and claims of devices designed to elongate the penis, it becomes crucial to study the scientific basis of such procedures or devices, as well as the management of a complaint of a small penis in men with a normal penile size. The aim of this work is to study the scientific basis of opting to penile augmentation procedures and to develop guidelines based on the best available evidence for the management of men complaining of a small penis despite an actually normal size. We reviewed the literature and evaluated the evidence about what the normal penile size is, what patients complaining of a small penis usually suffer from, benefits vs. complications of surgery, penile stretching or traction devices, and outcome with patient education and counseling. Repeated presentation and detailed discussions within the Standard Committee of the International Society for Sexual Medicine were performed. Recommendations are based on the evaluation of evidence-based medical literature, widespread standards committee discussion, public presentation, and debate. We propose a practical approach for evaluating and counseling patients complaining of a small-sized penis. Based on the current status of science, penile lengthening procedure surgery is still considered experimental and should only be limited to special circumstances within research or university institutions with supervising ethics committees. © 2012 International Society for Sexual Medicine.

Comparative evaluation of several small mammal species as monitors of heavy metals, radionuclides, and selected organic compounds in the environment

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

Talmage, S.S.; Walton, B.T.

1990-08-01

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate which small mammal species are the best monitors of specific environmental contaminants. The evaluation is based on the published literature and on an analysis of small mammals trapped at several sites on the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Reservation in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Studies on the uptake of heavy metals, radionuclides, and organic chemicals are reviewed in Chapter II to evaluate several small mammal species for their capacity to serve as sentinels for the presence, accumulation, and effects of various contaminants. Where several species were present at a site, a comparativemore » evaluation was made and species are ranked for their capacity to serve as monitors of specific contaminants. Food chain accumulation and food habits of the species are used to establish a relationship with suitability as a biomonitor. Tissue-specific concentration factors were noted in order to establish target tissues. Life histories, habitat, and food habits are reviewed in order to make generalizations concerning the ability of similar taxa to serve as biomonitor. Finally, the usefulness of several small mammal species as monitors of three contaminants -- benzo(a)pyrene, mercury, and strontium-90 -- present on or near the ORNL facilities was investigated. 133 refs., 5 figs., 20 tabs.« less

Interfacial Studies of Chemical Vapor Infiltrated (CVI) Ceramic Matrix Composites

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-10-01

carbon layer exists at the fiber/matrix interface. From Fig. 6, it can also be seen that a small amount of Cl exists at the interface and in the CVD SiC...matrix interface, most of which stayed on the fiber surface upon fracture. A small amount of oxygen (3-5 at*/) was found to be present in the CVI SiC. The... small amount of oxygen (1-2%). The results of MTS precursor coatings applied to Nextel 440 and Nicalon fibers preceded by an argon flush of the reactor

Small-cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder: where do we stand?

PubMed Central

GHERVAN, LIVIU; ZAHARIE, ANDREEA; ENE, BOGDAN; ELEC, FLORIN I.

2017-01-01

Small-cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is a very rare pathology, but with a very aggressive behavior and disappointing prognosis. The literature concerning this type of cancer is scarce and physicians may encounter difficulty trying to manage it. Most articles involve the study of case series, without definite results due to the small number of patients. The present article aims at gathering the most significant articles and results in order to offer a broad perspective on the existing literature concerning this pathology. PMID:28246491

Robotically assisted small animal MRI-guided mouse biopsy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, Emmanuel; Chiodo, Chris; Wong, Kenneth H.; Fricke, Stanley; Jung, Mira; Cleary, Kevin

2010-02-01

Small mammals, namely mice and rats, play an important role in biomedical research. Imaging, in conjunction with accurate therapeutic agent delivery, has tremendous value in small animal research since it enables serial, non-destructive testing of animals and facilitates the study of biomarkers of disease progression. The small size of organs in mice lends some difficulty to accurate biopsies and therapeutic agent delivery. Image guidance with the use of robotic devices should enable more accurate and repeatable targeting for biopsies and delivery of therapeutic agents, as well as the ability to acquire tissue from a pre-specified location based on image anatomy. This paper presents our work in integrating a robotic needle guide device, specialized stereotaxic mouse holder, and magnetic resonance imaging, with a long-term goal of performing accurate and repeatable targeting in anesthetized mice studies.

Biomechanics and load resistance of small-diameter and mini dental implants: a review of literature.

PubMed

Hasan, Istabrak; Bourauel, Christoph; Mundt, Torsten; Stark, Helmut; Heinemann, Friedhelm

2014-02-01

In recent years, the application of small-diameter and mini dental implants to support removable and fixed prosthesis has dramatically increased. However, the success of these implants under functional biting forces and the reaction of the bone around them need to be analyzed. This review was aimed to present studies that deal with the fatigue life of small-diameter and mini dental implants under normal biting force, and their survival rate. The numerical and experimental studies concluded that an increase in the risk of bone damage or implant failure may be assumed in critical clinical situations and implants with <3 mm diameter have a risk of fracture in clinical practice. The survival rate of the small-diameter and mini dental implants over 5 years was 98.3-99.4%.

Small Body Landing Accuracy Using In-Situ Navigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhaskaran, Shyam; Nandi, Sumita; Broschart, Stephen; Wallace, Mark; Olson, Corwin; Cangahuala, L. Alberto

2011-01-01

Spacecraft landings on small bodies (asteroids and comets) can require target accuracies too stringent to be met using ground-based navigation alone, especially if specific landing site requirements must be met for safety or to meet science goals. In-situ optical observations coupled with onboard navigation processing can meet the tighter accuracy requirements to enable such missions. Recent developments in deep space navigation capability include a self-contained autonomous navigation system (used in flight on three missions) and a landmark tracking system (used experimentally on the Japanese Hayabusa mission). The merging of these two technologies forms a methodology to perform autonomous onboard navigation around small bodies. This paper presents an overview of these systems, as well as the results from Monte Carlo studies to quantify the achievable landing accuracies by using these methods. Sensitivity of the results to variations in spacecraft maneuver execution error, attitude control accuracy and unmodeled forces are examined. Cases for two bodies, a small asteroid and on a mid-size comet, are presented.

The development of an autonomous gust insensitive unmanned aerial vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pisano, William James

The study of a small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that is designed towards eventual operation in harsh storm-like conditions is presented. Investigation of the aircraft equations of motion shows that the selection of certain aerodynamic derivatives has a significant effect on the gust response of a small unmanned aircraft. Analytical comparison of this newly formulated Autonomous Gust Insensitive Aircraft (AGIA) to a conventionally designed aircraft shows a significant reduction in undesirable roll motion caused by gusts. A simulation is presented showing that the AGIA is capable of operating in more extreme environments than a conventional aircraft, and puts less strain on the control system components in both extreme and calm environments. The role that aircraft size plays in gust response is also studied. Pilot instinct dictates that smaller aircraft are more difficult to fly in windy environments than larger ones. This phenomenon is investigated using an analytic approach, providing insight into why smaller aircraft are indeed more difficult to fly in more challenging environments. As an aircraft gets smaller, its natural aerodynamic modes and response get faster. In an ideal system, this does not limit small aircraft to poor performance (in fact it will be shown that idealized small aircraft theoretically perform better than their larger counterparts). A more realistic system is presented that includes not only aerodynamics, but also realistic sensor and actuator dynamics. It is shown that these additional dynamics become a limiting factor in control system performance, and thus limit the closed-loop flight performance of small aircraft in turbulent environments. It is shown that the AGIA design approach plays a more significant role the as an aircraft gets smaller. To provide experimental validation of the gust insensitive theory presented herein, a representative small conventional aircraft was built alongside a similar aircraft that incorporated the AGIA design characteristics. These two aircraft were flown simultaneously and autonomously using the autopilot developed by the Author. Data from this experiment strongly supports the hypothesis that the AGIA is less sensitive to gusts than its conventional counterpart, and that flight of the AGIA puts less strain on the control system components in flight.

The diagnostic challenge of small fibre neuropathy: clinical presentations, evaluations, and causes.

PubMed

Terkelsen, Astrid J; Karlsson, Páll; Lauria, Giuseppe; Freeman, Roy; Finnerup, Nanna B; Jensen, Troels S

2017-11-01

Small fibre neuropathies are a heterogeneous group of disorders affecting thinly myelinated Aδ-fibres and unmyelinated C-fibres. Although multiple causes of small nerve fibre degeneration have been reported, including via genetic mutations, the cause of small fibre neuropathy remains unknown in up to 50% of cases. The typical clinical presentation of small fibre neuropathy is that of a symmetrical, length-dependent polyneuropathy associated with sensory or autonomic symptoms. More rarely, the clinical presentation is characterised by non-length-dependent, focal, or multifocal symptoms. The diagnostic tests to identify small fibre neuropathy include skin biopsy, quantitative sensory, and autonomic testing. Additional tests, such as those measuring small fibre-related evoked potentials and corneal confocal microscopy, might contribute to a better understanding of these neuropathies. Biochemical markers can also help in screening patients for the presence of small fibre neuropathy and to assess disease progression. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An experimental study of potential residential and commercial applications of small-scale hybrid power systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acosta, Michael Anthony

The research presented in this thesis provides an understanding of small-scale hybrid power systems. Experiments were conducted to identify potential applications of renewable energy in residential and commercial applications in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Solar and wind energy converted into electric energy was stored in batteries and inverted to power common household and commercial appliances. Several small to medium size hybrid power systems were setup and utilized to conduct numerous tests to study renewable energy prospects and feasibility for various applications. The experimental results obtained indicate that carefully constructed solar power systems can provide people living in isolated communities with sufficient energy to consistently meet their basic power needs.

Small cell lung cancer presenting as dermatomyositis: mistaken for single connective tissue disease.

PubMed

Chao, Guanqun; Fang, Lizheng; Lu, Chongrong; Chen, Zhouwen

2012-06-01

Dermatomyositis (DM) is well-known to be associated with several types of malignancy. This case emphasizes the importance of a thorough examination for an underlying cancer, in patients with the symptoms of dermatomyositis. We report the case of a 62-year-old Chinese man who presented with a two-month history of edema of face and neck, together with erythema of the eyelids diagnosed of small cell lung cancer. Initially, it was thought to be single connective tissue disease such as DM. This study highlights the importance of a thorough physical examination when visiting a patient.

Strategic Environmental Assessment practices in European small islands: Insights from Azores and Orkney islands

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

Polido, Alexandra, E-mail: a.polido@campus.fct.unl.pt; João, Elsa, E-mail: elsa.joao@strath.ac.uk; Ramos, Tomás B., E-mail: tabr@fct.unl.pt

The literature concerning Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) often refers to the importance of context-specific approaches. However, there is a lack of systematised and consistent studies that enhance tailor-made SEA practices and procedures. Small islands are bounded units of study which may help explore SEA theory and practice in special territories. Small islands present particular features and unique values, such as, small size and population, geographic isolation, limited resources and vulnerable ecosystems. Hence, the main goal of this research was to profile SEA practices and procedures in European small islands and provide a background for future research aiming to improve context-specificmore » SEA applications. To achieve this goal, an exploratory case study was developed using Azores (Portugal) and Orkney (Scotland) archipelagos. An analysis of the corresponding mainland was also carried out to contextualise both case studies. The data collection was achieved through a qualitative content analysis of 43 Environmental Reports. The research found that there is not an SEA context-specific approach used within these European small islands, including guidelines, assessment topics, assessment techniques, follow-up and stakeholders engagement. The debate concerning specific approaches to small islands must be re-focused on the enhancement of SEA capacity-building amongst different stakeholders (including decision-makers), on the development and implementation of collaborative approaches, and on the exchange of knowledge and experiences between small islands networks. - Highlights: • Reviewed the differences between the Portuguese and Scottish SEA system • Showed a low integration of SEA specific features in reports of European small islands • Provides background for future SEA research for small islands approaches.« less

Clinical relevance of small copy-number variants in chromosomal microarray clinical testing.

PubMed

Hollenbeck, Dana; Williams, Crescenda L; Drazba, Kathryn; Descartes, Maria; Korf, Bruce R; Rutledge, S Lane; Lose, Edward J; Robin, Nathaniel H; Carroll, Andrew J; Mikhail, Fady M

2017-04-01

The 2010 consensus statement on diagnostic chromosomal microarray (CMA) testing recommended an array resolution ≥400 kb throughout the genome as a balance of analytical and clinical sensitivity. In spite of the clear evidence for pathogenicity of large copy-number variants (CNVs) in neurodevelopmental disorders and/or congenital anomalies, the significance of small, nonrecurrent CNVs (<500 kb) has not been well established in a clinical setting. We investigated the clinical significance of all nonpolymorphic small, nonrecurrent CNVs (<500 kb) in patients referred for CMA clinical testing over a period of 6 years, from 2009 to 2014 (a total of 4,417 patients). We excluded from our study patients with benign or likely benign CNVs and patients with only recurrent microdeletions/microduplications <500 kb. In total, 383 patients (8.67%) were found to carry at least one small, nonrecurrent CNV, of whom 176 patients (3.98%) had one small CNV classified as a variant of uncertain significance (VUS), 45 (1.02%) had two or more small VUS CNVs, 20 (0.45%) had one small VUS CNV and a recurrent CNV, 113 (2.56%) had one small pathogenic or likely pathogenic CNV, 17 (0.38%) had two or more small pathogenic or likely pathogenic CNVs, and 12 (0.27%) had one small pathogenic or likely pathogenic CNV and a recurrent CNV. Within the pathogenic group, 80 of 142 patients (56% of all small pathogenic CNV cases) were found to have a single whole-gene or exonic deletion. The themes that emerged from our study are presented in the Discussion section. Our study demonstrates the diagnostic clinical relevance of small, nonrecurrent CNVs <500 kb during CMA clinical testing and underscores the need for careful clinical interpretation of these CNVs.Genet Med 19 4, 377-385.

Henoch–Schönlein purpura: a clinical case with dramatic presentation

PubMed Central

Bento, João; Magalhães, Adriana; Moura, Conceição Souto; Hespanhol, Venceslau

2010-01-01

A case study involving a 55-year-old Caucasian male with end-stage glomerulosclerosis is presented here. Kidney biopsies showed no deposits on imunofluorescent microscopy. Relapsing massive haemoptysis and suspected bronchovascular malformation required lung lobectomy which revealed malformative and tortuous small blood vessels, with no vasculitis. Blood antinuclear antibodies, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and antiglomerular basement membrane antibodies were undetectable. Seric immunoglobulins and complement levels were normal. Three months later, arthralgia and joint oedema first appeared. Skin biopsy revealed vasculitis immune-reactive to immunoglobulin A. Systemic corticotherapy was then started. Two weeks later, the patient presented with abdominal pain melena and rectal bleeding (haematoquesia). Endoscopic study showed diffuse gastrointestinal haemorrhage. Angiographic study revealed diffuse lesions compatible with vasculitis and haemorrhage from multiple spots. Cyclophosphamide and then intravenous immunoglobulin were associated to treatment without response. Increasing blood loss occurred, with massive gastrointestinal haemorrhage and haemorrhagic ascitis. Death occurred due to uncontrolled diffuse bleeding. Necropsy findings showed generalised small vessels vasculitis compatible with Henoch–Schönlein purpura. PMID:22778211

Understory and small trees contribute importantly to stemflow of a lower montane cloud forest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González Martínez, T. M.; Wiliams-Linera, G.; Holwerda, F.

2016-12-01

Stemflow (Sf) measurements in rainforests and montane forests dominated by large trees rarely include the understory and small trees. In the present study, contributions of woody understory (> 1 m height and < 5 cm DBH), small trees (5 < DBH < 10 cm) and upper canopy trees (> 10 cm DBH) to overall Sf of a lower montane cloud forest in central Veracruz, Mexico, were quantified. Incident precipitation (P), Sf volume and vegetation structure were measured. Subsequently, stemflow funneling ratios (SFR) were calculated, and allometric relationships between tree basal area and Sf volume were used to scale up measurements from individual trees to the stand level. Additionally, two other common methods to calculate areal Sf were used for comparative purposes. Understory woody plants, small trees and upper canopy trees represented 96, 2 and 2 %, respectively, of the total density. Upper canopy trees had the lowest SFRs (1.6 ± 0.5 on average), while the lower understory (> 1 m and < 2 m height) had the highest (36.1 ± 6.4). Small trees and upper understory (> 2 m) presented similar SFRs (22.9 ± 5.4 and 20.2 ± 3.9, respectively). Different scaling methods yielded very similar results for all but the upper understory. Overall areal Sf during the study period was 19 mm (3.8 % of rainfall), to which the understory contributed 66.3 % (12.6 mm), small trees 12.6 % (2.4 mm) and upper canopy trees 21.1 % (4.0 mm). Our results suggest that woody understory vegetation and small trees can have an important role in Sf generation of tall humid tropical forests, provided that the density of plants in these groups is high enough.

Energy partitioning and impulse dispersion in the decorated, tapered, strongly nonlinear granular alignment: A system with many potential applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doney, Robert L.; Agui, Juan H.; Sen, Surajit

2009-09-01

Rapid absorption of impulses using light-weight, small, reusable systems is a challenging problem. An axially aligned set of progressively shrinking elastic spheres, a "tapered chain," has been shown to be a versatile and scalable shock absorber in earlier simulational, theoretical, and experimental works by several authors. We have recently shown (see R. L. Doney and S. Sen, Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 155502 (2006)) that the shock absorption ability of a tapered chain can be dramatically enhanced by placing small interstitial grains between the regular grains in the tapered chain systems. Here we focus on a detailed study of the problem introduced in the above mentioned letter, present extensive dynamical simulations using parameters for a titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy Ti6Al4V, derive attendant hard-sphere analyses based formulae to describe energy dispersion, and finally discuss some preliminary experimental results using systems with chrome spheres and small Nitinol interstitial grains to present the underlying nonlinear dynamics of this so-called decorated tapered granular alignment. We are specifically interested in small systems, comprised of several grains. This is because in real applications, mass and volume occupied must inevitably be minimized. Our conclusion is that the decorated tapered chain offers enhanced energy dispersion by locking in much of the input energy in the grains of the tapered chain rather than in the small interstitial grains. Thus, the present study offers insights into how the shock absorption capabilities of these systems can be pushed even further by improving energy absorption capabilities of the larger grains in the tapered chains. We envision that these scalable, decorated tapered chains may be used as shock absorbing components in body armor, armored vehicles, building applications and in perhaps even in applications in rehabilitation science.

Small strokes causing severe vertigo: frequency of false-negative MRIs and nonlacunar mechanisms.

PubMed

Saber Tehrani, Ali S; Kattah, Jorge C; Mantokoudis, Georgios; Pula, John H; Nair, Deepak; Blitz, Ari; Ying, Sarah; Hanley, Daniel F; Zee, David S; Newman-Toker, David E

2014-07-08

Describe characteristics of small strokes causing acute vestibular syndrome (AVS). Ambispective cross-sectional study of patients with AVS (acute vertigo or dizziness, nystagmus, nausea/vomiting, head-motion intolerance, unsteady gait) with at least one stroke risk factor from 1999 to 2011 at a single stroke referral center. Patients underwent nonquantitative HINTS "plus" examination (head impulse, nystagmus, test-of-skew plus hearing), neuroimaging to confirm diagnoses (97% by MRI), and repeat MRI in those with initially normal imaging but clinical signs of a central lesion. We identified patients with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) strokes ≤10 mm in axial diameter. Of 190 high-risk AVS presentations (105 strokes), we found small strokes in 15 patients (median age 64 years, range 41-85). The most common vestibular structure infarcted was the inferior cerebellar peduncle (73%); the most common stroke location was the lateral medulla (60%). Focal neurologic signs were present in only 27%. The HINTS "plus" battery identified small strokes with greater sensitivity than early MRI-DWI (100% vs 47%, p < 0.001). False-negative initial MRIs (6-48 hours) were more common with small strokes than large strokes (53% [n = 8/15] vs 7.8% [n = 7/90], p < 0.001). Nonlacunar stroke mechanisms were responsible in 47%, including 6 vertebral artery occlusions or dissections. Small strokes affecting central vestibular projections can present with isolated AVS. The HINTS "plus" hearing battery identifies these patients with greater accuracy than early MRI-DWI, which is falsely negative in half, up to 48 hours after onset. We found nonlacunar mechanisms in half, suggesting greater risk than might otherwise be assumed for patients with such small infarctions. © 2014 American Academy of Neurology.

Clinical outcomes in real-world patients with small vessel disease treated with XIENCE V® everolimus-eluting stents: one year results from the XIENCE V® USA condition of approval post-market study.

PubMed

Hermiller, James B; Rutledge, David R; Mao, Vivian W; Zhao, Weiying; Wang, Jin; Gruberg, Luis; Lombardi, William; Sharma, Samin K; Krucoff, Mitchell W

2014-07-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 1-year clinical outcomes of more complex XIENCE V USA real-world patients with small versus nonsmall vessel lesions. Patients with small vessel lesions undergoing coronary stent placement are at higher risk of major adverse cardiac events. Improved safety and efficacy of XIENCE V everolimus eluting stents (EES) have been previously demonstrated in selected low-risk small vessel populations in randomized clinical trials. The XIENCE V USA study was a condition of approval, single-arm study in unselected real-world patients. Baseline and 1-year clinical outcomes were compared between XIENCE V USA patients who received a single 2.5 mm stent (small vessel group, N = 838) and patients implanted with a single >2.5 mm stent (non-small vessel group, N = 2,015). Mean reference vessel diameter was 2.55 ± 0.36 and 3.25 ± 0.46 mm in the small and non-small vessel groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Small vessel group had more females, presented with a higher rate of diabetes, and had more complex lesion characteristics. The definite or probable ST rates analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method were low and not significantly different between the groups at 0.37 and 0.40% for the small and nonsmall vessel group (P = 0.88), respectively. The composite rate of cardiac death or MI was comparable at 4.5% for the small and 5.1% for the non-small vessel 1 groups (P = 0.57). The 1-year target lesion revascularization rate was also comparable in the small vessel group (3.8% vs. 3.0%, P = 0.35). Despite gender difference, higher prevalence of diabetes and more complex lesions in the small vessel groups, the 1-year clinical outcomes were similar in both small and nonsmall vessel groups. These results demonstrate the therapeutic benefit of XIENCE V EES in a real-world all inclusive patient population with small vessel disease. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Small Bowel Volvulus in the Adult Populace of the United States: Results From a Population-Based Study

PubMed Central

Coe, Taylor M.; Chang, David C.; Sicklick, Jason K.

2015-01-01

Background Small bowel volvulus is a rare entity in Western adults. Greater insight into epidemiology and outcomes may be gained from a national database inquiry. Methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1998–2010), a 20% stratified sample of United States hospitals, was retrospectively reviewed for small bowel volvulus cases (ICD-9 560.2 excluding gastric/colonic procedures) in patients ≥18-years old. Results There were 2,065,599 hospitalizations for bowel obstruction (ICD-9 560.x). Of those, there were 20,680 (1.00%) small bowel volvulus cases; 169 were attributable to intestinal malrotation. Most cases presented emergently (89.24%) and operative management was employed more frequently than non-operative (65.21% vs. 34.79%, P<0.0001). Predictors of mortality included age >50-years, Charlson comorbidity index ≥1, emergent admission, peritonitis, acute vascular insufficiency, coagulopathy, and non-operative management (P<0.0001). Conclusions As the first population-based epidemiological study of small bowel volvulus, our findings provide a robust representation of this rare cause of small bowel obstruction in American adults. PMID:26002189

Did Rev-1 small ruminants vaccination helped improve cattle brucellosis prevalence status in Algeria?

PubMed

Kardjadj, Moustafa

2017-12-01

In 2006, the Algerian authorities started the Rev-1 vaccination of sheep and goats; consequently, there was a significant improvement of small ruminant brucellosis sanitary status. In this paper, we attempt to study the effect of Rev-1 small ruminants' vaccination on cattle brucellosis prevalence in Algeria. Our results showed an overall cattle herd seroprevalence of 12% (9 positive herds of 75). The risk factor analysis using a logistic regression model indicated that the presence of small ruminants along with cattle in the herd (mixed herds) decreased the odds for brucellosis seropositivity by 1.69 [95% CI 0.54-2.84; P = 0.042] compared to the cattle herds only. Likewise, the present study showed that the presence of Rev-1 vaccinated small ruminants in the herd decreased also the odds for brucellosis seropositivity by 4.10 [95% CI 3.20-5.00; P = 0.003] compared to other herds. This result lead to the assumption that the small ruminants Rev-1 vaccination diminish Brucella microbisme pressure in the mixed herds and help decrease the cattle brucellosis prevalence in these herds.

Shaping Institutional Vision: The Risk of Presidential Leadership in Small Colleges. A Preliminary Report. ASHE Annual Meeting Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhang, Chunsheng; Strange, C. Carney

This paper presents the results of a qualitative study of the leadership of nine presidents who have accepted the risks and challenges of executive leadership in nine small Midwestern colleges. Focus is directed toward these presidents' risk-taking strategies with respect to the major leadership challenges of being a senior executive of a small…

Study of neglected (near-)contact binaries using small telescopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zejda, Miloslav; Zhang, Jia; Qian, Shengbang; Zhu, Liying; Mikulášek, Zdeněk

2016-07-01

We present the first results of our new program aimed at relatively bright neglected (near-)contact binaries. The targets can be observed using small telescopes from several to several tens of centimeters in diameter. Light ephemeris determined by phenomenological modeling and physical parameters of the system obtained by Wilson-Devinney method are given for the first stars V373 Dra, OQ UMa from our program.

A semi-operational agricultural inventory using small scale aerial photography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Draeger, W. C.; Pettinger, L. R.

1970-01-01

The feasibility of performing inventories of agricultural resources using very small scale aerial or space photography was studied. The results were encouraging on two counts: (1) The very practical problems of an operational survey are being faced and solutions are being found. (2) It seems that a fully operational agricultural inventory using space photography is not beyond the scope of present technology.

The Biomechanical Support of Eight Selected Sports Bras for Small, Medium and Large Breasted Women while Jogging.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lorentzen, Deana; Lawson, LaJean

This study compared the biomechanical support offered by eight presently marketed sports bras for small-, medium-, and large-breasted women while jogging. Fifty-nine subjects were filmed while jogging on a treadmill in each of the bras and in the nude condition. The vertical displacement of the breast relative to the body during one average…

Physical studies of small asteroids. I - Lightcurves and taxonomy of 10 asteroids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wisniewski, W. Z.

1991-01-01

Photometric observations of 10 small asteroids (10 km or less in diameter), obtained using the 1.5-m Mt. Lemmon and 2.3-m Kitt Peak telescopes of the University of Arizona during 1986-1987, are reported. The instrumentation and data-reduction techniques employed are described, and the results are presented in tables and light-curve plots and briefly characterized.

Estimation of strength parameters of small-bore metal-polymer pipes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaydakov, V. V.; Chernova, K. V.; Penzin, A. V.

2018-03-01

The paper presents results from a set of laboratory studies of strength parameters of small-bore metal-polymer pipes of type TG-5/15. A wave method was used to estimate the provisional modulus of elasticity of the metal-polymer material of the pipes. Longitudinal deformation, transverse deformation and leak-off pressure were determined experimentally, with considerations for mechanical damage and pipe bend.

Outline for Compiling Precipitation, Runoff, and Ground Water Data from Small Watersheds

Treesearch

Edward A. Johnson; Robert E. Dils

1956-01-01

This is a revision of Technical Note No. 34, first.issued in 1938 by C. R. Hursh. Reissues in 1939 and 1940 included numerous valuable suggestions for improvements from co-workers in the field of small drainage-area studies. Since the last issue in 1940, additions and deletions in both procedures and forms have been effected. In the present edition these changes have...

Evaluation Report: Year 2 Implementation of the Small High Schools Initiative Manual Complex, Denver, Colorado

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldfeder, Elizabeth; Ross, Steven M.

2003-01-01

This report presents the findings of a study conducted by the Center for Research in Educational Policy (CREP) on the second year of implementation of the Small Schools Initiative at the Manual High School Complex. The major goal of this research was to evaluate perceived progress and outcomes at all three high schools. The design and methodology…

Validation of a BOTDR-based system for the detection of smuggling tunnels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elkayam, Itai; Klar, Assaf; Linker, Raphael; Marshall, Alec M.

2010-04-01

Cross-border smuggling tunnels enable unmonitored movement of people, drugs and weapons and pose a very serious threat to homeland security. Recently, Klar and Linker (2009) [SPIE paper No. 731603] presented an analytical study of the feasibility of a Brillouin Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (BOTDR) based system for the detection of small sized smuggling tunnels. The current study extends this work by validating the analytical models against real strain measurements in soil obtained from small scale experiments in a geotechnical centrifuge. The soil strains were obtained using an image analysis method that tracked the displacement of discrete patches of soil through a sequence of digital images of the soil around the tunnel during the centrifuge test. The results of the present study are in agreement with those of a previous study which was based on synthetic signals generated using empirical and analytical models from the literature.

Using small-area variations to inform health care service planning: what do we 'need' to know?

PubMed

Mercuri, Mathew; Birch, Stephen; Gafni, Amiram

2013-12-01

Allocating resources on the basis of population need is a health care policy goal in many countries. Thus, resources must be allocated in accordance with need if stakeholders are to achieve policy goals. Small area methods have been presented as a means for revealing important information that can assist stakeholders in meeting policy goals. The purpose of this review is to examine the extent to which small area methods provide information relevant to meeting the goals of a needs-based health care policy. We present a conceptual framework explaining the terms 'demand', 'need', 'use' and 'supply', as commonly used in the literature. We critically review the literature on small area methods through the lens of this framework. 'Use' cannot be used as a proxy or surrogate of 'need'. Thus, if the goal of health care policy is to provide equal access for equal need, then traditional small area methods are inadequate because they measure small area variations in use of services in different populations, independent of the levels of need in those populations. Small area methods can be modified by incorporating direct measures of relative population need from population health surveys or by adjusting population size for levels of health risks in populations such as the prevalence of smoking and low birth weight. This might improve what can be learned from studies employing small area methods if they are to inform needs-based health care policies. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Behavioural, morphological and electrophysiological assessment of the effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus on large and small nerve fibres in Zucker diabetic fatty, Zucker lean and Wistar rats.

PubMed

Garcia-Perez, E; Schönberger, T; Sumalla, M; Stierstorfer, B; Solà, R; Doods, H; Serra, J; Gorodetskaya, N

2018-04-20

Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The most common presentation is in the form of a distal axonal sensory-motor polyneuropathy that involves large and small nerve fibres in variable proportion. Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF), Zucker Lean (ZL) and Wistar Han (WH) rats were used to assess the behavioural, morphological and electrophysiological effects that T2DM have on peripheral large and small nerve fibres of 6- to 40-week-old rats. ZDF rats presented mechanical hypersensitivity that initially worsened in parallel to the progression of diabetes and eventually reverted at later stages of the disease. The reversal from hypersensitivity to hyposensitivity paralleled a reduction in the number of intraepithelial skin nerve terminals and in the nerve fibre lengths. However, no increased levels of degeneration of dorsal root ganglion neurons were observed. Nerve conduction studies showed a reduction in sensory and motor nerve conduction velocity (CV) in hyperglycaemic ZDF rats. Microneurography showed significant alterations in several parameters of activity-dependent slowing (ADS) of mechano-insensitive C-nociceptors in ZDF rats. Surprisingly, some of these changes were also observed in ZL rats. Moreover, we found spontaneous activity in all three strains implying that C-nociceptors become hyperexcitable and spontaneously active not only in ageing hyperglycaemic ZDF rats but also in age-matched and apparently normoglycaemic ZL and WH rats fed with the same diet. ZDF rats presented a diabetic neuropathy involving large and small nerve fibres; additionally, ZL and WH rats also showed early small abnormalities in C-fibres, clearly detected by microneurography SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides a functional description of large and small nerve fibre function in a diabetic model that recapitulates many of the findings observed in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. © 2018 European Pain Federation - EFIC®.

The role of the small airways in the pathophysiology of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Bonini, Matteo; Usmani, Omar S

2015-12-01

Chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), represent a major social and economic burden for worldwide health systems. During recent years, increasing attention has been directed to the role of small airways in respiratory diseases, and their exact contribution to the pathophysiology of asthma and COPD continues to be clarified. Indeed, it has been suggested that small airways play a distinct role in specific disease phenotypes. Besides providing information on small airways structure and diagnostic procedures, this review therefore aims to present updated and evidence-based findings on the role of small airways in the pathophysiology of asthma and COPD. Most of the available information derives from either pathological studies or review articles and there are few data on the natural history of small airways disease in the onset or progression of asthma and COPD. Comparisons between studies on the role of small airways are hard to draw because both asthma and COPD are highly heterogeneous conditions. Most studies have been performed in small population samples, and different techniques to characterize aspects of small airways function have been employed in order to assess inflammation and remodelling. Most methods of assessing small airways dysfunction have been largely confined to research purposes, but some data are encouraging, supporting the utilization of certain techniques into daily clinical practice, particularly for early-stage diseases, when subjects are often asymptomatic and routine pulmonary function tests may be within normal ranges. In this context further clinical trials and real-life feedback on large populations are desirable. © The Author(s), 2015.

Primary desmoplastic small round cell tumor in the left orbit: a case report and literature review.

PubMed

He, Xue-Rui; Liu, Zheng; Wei, Jing; Li, Wan-Jun; Liu, Tao

2018-01-30

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor is a rare malignant neoplasm that most often occurs in the abdomen or pelvis of young men. We herein describe a rare case of desmoplastic small round cell tumor arising from the left orbit in a 16-year-old male. A biopsy was performed and the histology showed the nests of tumor cells with small round cell morphology. The tumor cells showed immunopositivity for desmin, CD99, CD56, SMA, NSE, CgA, SYN, Ki67 and vimentin. Fluorescence in situ hybridization study using EWSR1 break-apart probe was positive for EWSR1 gene rearrangement. After complete surgical resection of the tumor, we did not find tumor recurrence or metastasis with one-year follow-up. Furthermore, a review of the relevant English literature has been discussed. In the present study, for the first time, we report a case of desmoplastic small round cell tumor which is located in the orbital region.

Small-worldness and gender differences of large scale brain metabolic covariance networks in young adults: a FDG PET study of 400 subjects.

PubMed

Hu, Yuxiao; Xu, Qiang; Shen, Junkang; Li, Kai; Zhu, Hong; Zhang, Zhiqiang; Lu, Guangming

2015-02-01

Many studies have demonstrated the small-worldness of the human brain, and have revealed a sexual dimorphism in brain network properties. However, little is known about the gender effects on the topological organization of the brain metabolic covariance networks. To investigate the small-worldness and the gender differences in the topological architectures of human brain metabolic networks. FDG-PET data of 400 healthy right-handed subjects (200 women and 200 age-matched men) were involved in the present study. Metabolic networks of each gender were constructed by calculating the covariance of regional cerebral glucose metabolism (rCMglc) across subjects on the basis of AAL parcellation. Gender differences of network and nodal properties were investigated by using the graph theoretical approaches. Moreover, the gender-related difference of rCMglc in each brain region was tested for investigating the relationships between the hub regions and the brain regions showing significant gender-related differences in rCMglc. We found prominent small-world properties in the domain of metabolic networks in each gender. No significant gender difference in the global characteristics was found. Gender differences of nodal characteristic were observed in a few brain regions. We also found bilateral and lateralized distributions of network hubs in the females and males. Furthermore, we first reported that some hubs of a gender located in the brain regions showing weaker rCMglc in this gender than the other gender. The present study demonstrated that small-worldness was existed in metabolic networks, and revealed gender differences of organizational patterns in metabolic network. These results maybe provided insights into the understanding of the metabolic substrates underlying individual differences in cognition and behaviors. © The Foundation Acta Radiologica 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Comprehensive Analysis Modeling of Small-Scale UAS Rotors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Russell, Carl R.; Sekula, Martin K.

2017-01-01

Multicopter unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, have continued their explosive growth in recent years. With this growth comes demand for increased performance as the limits of existing technologies are reached. In order to better design multicopter UAS aircraft, better performance prediction tools are needed. This paper presents the results of a study aimed at using the rotorcraft comprehensive analysis code CAMRAD II to model a multicopter UAS rotor in hover. Parametric studies were performed to determine the level of fidelity needed in the analysis code inputs to achieve results that match test data. Overall, the results show that CAMRAD II is well suited to model small-scale UAS rotors in hover. This paper presents the results of the parametric studies as well as recommendations for the application of comprehensive analysis codes to multicopter UAS rotors.

Toolbox for Research and Exploration (TREX): Investigations of Fine-Grained Materials on Small Bodies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Domingue, D. L.; Allain, J.-P.; Banks, M.; Christoffersen, R.; Cintala, M.; Clark, R.; Cloutis, E.; Graps, A.; Hendrix, A. R.; Hsieh, H.;

Genetic Diversity of Small Eukaryotes in Lakes Differing by Their Trophic Status

PubMed Central

Lefranc, Marie; Thénot, Aurélie; Lepère, Cécile; Debroas, Didier

2005-01-01

Small eukaryotes, cells with a diameter of less than 5 μm, are fundamental components of lacustrine planktonic systems. In this study, small-eukaryote diversity was determined by sequencing cloned 18S rRNA genes in three libraries from lakes of differing trophic status in the Massif Central, France: the oligotrophic Lake Godivelle, the oligomesotrophic Lake Pavin, and the eutrophic Lake Aydat. This analysis shows that the least diversified library was in the eutrophic lake (12 operational taxonomic units [OTUs]) and the most diversified was in the oligomesotrophic lake (26 OTUs). Certain groups were present in at least two ecosystems, while the others were specific to one lake on the sampling date. Cryptophyta, Chrysophyceae, and the strictly heterotrophic eukaryotes, Ciliophora and fungi, were identified in the three libraries. Among the small eukaryotes found only in two lakes, Choanoflagellida and environmental sequences (LKM11) were not detected in the eutrophic system whereas Cercozoa were confined to the oligomesotrophic and eutrophic lakes. Three OTUs, linked to the Perkinsozoa, were detected only in the Aydat library, where they represented 60% of the clones of the library. Chlorophyta and Haptophyta lineages were represented by a single clone and were present only in Godivelle and Pavin, respectively. Of the 127 clones studied, classical pigmented organisms (autotrophs and mixotrophs) represented only a low proportion regardless of the library's origin. This study shows that the small-eukaryote community composition may differ as a function of trophic status; certain lineages could be detected only in a single ecosystem. PMID:16204507

Qualification Tests of Micro-camera Modules for Space Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kimura, Shinichi; Miyasaka, Akira

Visual capability is very important for space-based activities, for which small, low-cost space cameras are desired. Although cameras for terrestrial applications are continually being improved, little progress has been made on cameras used in space, which must be extremely robust to withstand harsh environments. This study focuses on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) CMOS digital cameras because they are very small and are based on an established mass-market technology. Radiation and ultrahigh-vacuum tests were conducted on a small COTS camera that weighs less than 100 mg (including optics). This paper presents the results of the qualification tests for COTS cameras and for a small, low-cost COTS-based space camera.

Optimizing the selection of small-town wastewater treatment processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Jianping; Zhang, Siqi

2018-04-01

Municipal wastewater treatment is energy-intensive. This high energy consumption causes high sewage treatment plant operating costs and increases the energy burden. To mitigate the adverse impacts of China’s development, sewage treatment plants should adopt effective energy-saving technologies. Artificial fortified natural water treatment and use of activated sludge and biofilm are all suitable technologies for small-town sewage treatment. This study features an analysis of the characteristics of small and medium-sized township sewage, an overview of current technologies, and a discussion of recent progress in sewage treatment. Based on this, an analysis of existing problems in municipal wastewater treatment is presented, and countermeasures to improve sewage treatment in small and medium-sized towns are proposed.

Student satisfaction and self-assessment after small group discussion in a medical ethics education program.

PubMed

Joh, Hee-Kyung; Shin, Jwa-Seop

2009-09-01

Small group discussions are useful tools in medical ethics education. We aimed to assess student satisfaction with specific components of a small group discussion and to evaluate student self-assessment of the objectives of education. A structured questionnaire was developed after a literature review and a focus group interview. Components of the small group discussion were categorized by discussion case (self, other), individual activities (self-study, making materials, presentation experience), and group activities (preclass/in-class/postclass/plenary discussion, instructor's comments). The items for student self-assessment were: "To specify ethical issue in actual practice", "To get new knowledge", "To consider doctor's entity", "Empathy to others", "To get multidimensional viewpoint", "Viewpoint change", "To deliver my thought clearly", and "Ability to confront the medical ethics dilemma in the future". After the survey, an in-depth interview was performed to determine the reason behind the students' answers. A total of 121 students responded, for whom overall satisfaction and self-assessment were high. Students reported greater satisfaction with self-case, presentation experience, in-class discussion, and instructor's comments but less satisfaction with self-study before class and postclass discussion. Student self-assessment was highest in the ability to specify an ethical issue and lowest for viewpoint change and self-confidence. After multivariate analysis, higher student self-assessment was associated with greater satisfaction with the small group discussion. To improve the quality of medical ethics education, close investigation and monitoring of each component of the small group discussion and student achievement are essential, as is continuous feedback.

Statistical context shapes stimulus-specific adaptation in human auditory cortex

PubMed Central

Henry, Molly J.; Fromboluti, Elisa Kim; McAuley, J. Devin

2015-01-01

Stimulus-specific adaptation is the phenomenon whereby neural response magnitude decreases with repeated stimulation. Inconsistencies between recent nonhuman animal recordings and computational modeling suggest dynamic influences on stimulus-specific adaptation. The present human electroencephalography (EEG) study investigates the potential role of statistical context in dynamically modulating stimulus-specific adaptation by examining the auditory cortex-generated N1 and P2 components. As in previous studies of stimulus-specific adaptation, listeners were presented with oddball sequences in which the presentation of a repeated tone was infrequently interrupted by rare spectral changes taking on three different magnitudes. Critically, the statistical context varied with respect to the probability of small versus large spectral changes within oddball sequences (half of the time a small change was most probable; in the other half a large change was most probable). We observed larger N1 and P2 amplitudes (i.e., release from adaptation) for all spectral changes in the small-change compared with the large-change statistical context. The increase in response magnitude also held for responses to tones presented with high probability, indicating that statistical adaptation can overrule stimulus probability per se in its influence on neural responses. Computational modeling showed that the degree of coadaptation in auditory cortex changed depending on the statistical context, which in turn affected stimulus-specific adaptation. Thus the present data demonstrate that stimulus-specific adaptation in human auditory cortex critically depends on statistical context. Finally, the present results challenge the implicit assumption of stationarity of neural response magnitudes that governs the practice of isolating established deviant-detection responses such as the mismatch negativity. PMID:25652920

Eye movement perimetry in glaucoma.

PubMed

Trope, G E; Eizenman, M; Coyle, E

1989-08-01

Present-day computerized perimetry is often inaccurate and unreliable owing to the need to maintain central fixation over long periods while repressing the normal response to presentation of peripheral stimuli. We tested a new method of perimetry that does not require prolonged central fixation. During this test eye movements were encouraged on presentation of a peripheral target. Twenty-three eyes were studied with an Octopus perimeter, with a technician monitoring eye movements. The sensitivity was 100% and the specificity 23%. The low specificity was due to the technician's inability to accurately monitor small eye movements in the central 6 degrees field. If small eye movements are monitored accurately with an eye tracker, eye movement perimetry could become an alternative method to standard perimetry.

IQ and Fertility: A Cross-National Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shatz, Steven M.

2008-01-01

Many studies have found a small to moderate negative correlation between IQ and fertility rates. However, these studies have been limited to the United States and some European countries. The present study was a between-nation study using national IQ scores and national fertility rates. There were strong negative correlations found between…

Meta-analysis and systematic review of studies on the effectiveness of HIV stigma reduction programs.

PubMed

Mak, Winnie W S; Mo, Phoenix K H; Ma, Gloria Y K; Lam, Maggie Y Y

2017-09-01

The present study conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review on studies evaluating the effectiveness of stigma reduction programs in improving knowledge and reducing negative attitudes towards people living with HIV (PLHIV). Meta-analysis (k = 42 studies) found significant and small effect sizes in the improvement of the participants' knowledge of HIV/AIDS from interventions with (Cohen's d = 0.48, 95% CI [0.30, 0.66]) and without control groups (Cohen's d = 0.42, 95% CI [0.28, 0.57]). Significant and small effect sizes were found in the improvement of the participants' attitudes toward PLHIV from interventions with (Cohen's d = 0.39, 95% CI [0.23, 0.55]) and without control groups (Cohen's d = 0.25, 95% CI [0.11, 0.39]). Significant and small effect sizes were sustained at the follow-up assessments. Subgroup analysis showed that number of intervention sessions, intervention settings, and sample type significantly moderated the effect sizes in the meta-analysis. Findings from the systematic review of 35 studies indicated that most of the included studies showed positive results in reducing negative attitudes toward PLHIV and improving HIV-related knowledge. Most of the included studies tended to have low methodological quality. The present meta-analysis and systematic review indicated that the studies generally found small improvement in HIV-related knowledge and reduction in negative attitudes towards PLHIV among the stigma reduction programs being evaluated. High-quality stigma reduction programs with multidimensional stigma indicators and psychometrically sound outcome measures are highly warranted. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anisakiasis presenting to the ED: clinical manifestations, time course, hematologic tests, computed tomographic findings, and treatment.

PubMed

Takabayashi, Takeshi; Mochizuki, Toshiaki; Otani, Norio; Nishiyama, Kei; Ishimatsu, Shinichi

2014-12-01

The prevalence of anisakiasis is rare in the United States and Europe compared with that in Japan, with few reports of its presentation in the emergency department (ED). This study describes the clinical, hematologic, computed tomographic (CT) characteristics, and treatment in gastric and small intestinal anisakiasis patients in the ED. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 83 consecutive anisakiasis presentations in our ED between 2003 and 2012. Gastric anisakiasis was endoscopically diagnosed with the Anisakis polypide. Small intestinal anisakiasis was diagnosed based on both hematologic (Anisakis antibody) and CT findings. Of the 83 cases, 39 had gastric anisakiasis and 44 had small intestinal anisakiasis based on our diagnostic criteria. Although all patients had abdominal pain, the gastric anisakiasis group developed symptoms significantly earlier (peaking within 6 hours) than the small intestinal anisakiasis group (peaking within 48 hours), and fewer patients with gastric anisakiasis needed admission therapy (5% vs 57%, P<.01). All patients in the gastric and 40 (91%) in the small intestinal anisakiasis group had a history of raw seafood ingestion. Computed tomographic findings revealed edematous wall thickening in all patients, and ascites and phlegmon of the mesenteric fat were more frequently observed in the small intestinal anisakiasis group. In the ED, early and accurate diagnosis of anisakiasis is important to treat and explain to the patient, and diagnosis can be facilitated by a history of raw seafood ingestion, evaluation of the time-to-symptom development, and classic CT findings. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dimensions of operational stress and forms of unacceptable risk taking with small arms and munitions.

PubMed

Ben-Shalom, Uzi

2015-01-01

Accidents with small arms and munitions during deployment is a significant safety concern for leaders and safety specialists in combat units. Operational stress may lead to forms of unacceptable risk taking with small arms that may underlie some of these accidents. The present research studied the correlation between two dimensions of operational stress, two forms of risk taking with small arms among combat unit soldiers and possible mediators. The dimensions of operational threat, negative affect and personality profile from the EPQ-R-S were predictors; "exaggerated preparedness" and "risky games with small arms and munitions" were dependent variables; safety climate of the platoon served as a mediator variable. The participants were 461 compulsory service combat soldiers in 31 companies. This field study was conducted during period of top security alert. The results reveal that perceived threat is indeed correlated with exaggerated operational preparedness whereas general emotional state was correlated with risky games with small arms. Safety climate mediated only the correlation between general emotional state and risky games with small arms and munitions. Preparedness and risky games were predicted by the interaction of Psychoticism and the Lie Scale from the EPQ-R-S. The results may enhance the efforts in reducing risk taking and prevention of accidents with small arms and munitions during and following deployment.

Development of small bisquaternary cholinesterase inhibitors as drugs for pre-treatment of nerve agent poisonings

PubMed Central

Kuca, Kamil; Karasova, Jana Zdarova; Soukup, Ondrej; Kassa, Jiri; Novotna, Eva; Sepsova, Vendula; Horova, Anna; Pejchal, Jaroslav; Hrabinova, Martina; Vodakova, Eva; Jun, Daniel; Nepovimova, Eugenie; Valis, Martin; Musilek, Kamil

2018-01-01

Background Intoxication by nerve agents could be prevented by using small acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (eg, pyridostigmine) for potentially exposed personnel. However, the serious side effects of currently used drugs led to research of novel potent molecules for prophylaxis of organophosphorus intoxication. Methods The molecular design, molecular docking, chemical synthesis, in vitro methods (enzyme inhibition, cytotoxicity, and nicotinic receptors modulation), and in vivo methods (acute toxicity and prophylactic effect) were used to study bispyridinium, bisquinolinium, bisisoquinolinium, and pyridinium-quinolinium/isoquinolinium molecules presented in this study. Results The studied molecules showed non-competitive inhibitory ability towards human acetylcholinesterase in vitro that was further confirmed by molecular modelling studies. Several compounds were selected for further studies. First, their cytotoxicity, nicotinic receptors modulation, and acute toxicity (lethal dose for 50% of laboratory animals [LD50]; mice and rats) were tested to evaluate their safety with promising results. Furthermore, their blood levels were measured to select the appropriate time for prophylactic administration. Finally, the protective ratio of selected compounds against soman-induced toxicity was determined when selected compounds were found similarly potent or only slightly better to standard pyridostigmine. Conclusion The presented small bisquaternary molecules did not show overall benefit in prophylaxis of soman-induced in vivo toxicity. PMID:29563775

Numerical Study of Motion of Falling Conical Graupel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chueh, Chih-Che; Wang, Pao K.; Hashino, Tempei

2018-01-01

In the present study, the attitudes of freely-falling conical graupel with a realistic range of densities are investigated numerically by solving the transient Navier-Stokes equations and the body dynamics equations representing the 6-degrees-of-freedom motion. This framework allows us to determine the position and orientation of the graupel in response to the hydrodynamic force of the flow fields. The results show more significant horizontal movements than those cases with a fixed bulk density of ice assumed in our previous study. This is because the real graupel particles possess the density less than the bulk density of ice, which, in turn, leads to a relatively small mass and a relatively small set of moments of inertia. We demonstrate that, with the six degrees of freedom considered together, when Reynolds number is small, a typical damped oscillation occurs, whereas when Reynolds number is high, amplifying oscillation may occur which leads to more complicated and unpredictable flying attitudes such as tumbling. The drag coefficients obtained in the present study agree with the previous studies and can be approximated by that of spheres of the same Reynolds numbers. We also show that conical graupel can perform significant horizontal translations which can be on the order of 1 km in 1 h.

LOW-COST WASTEWATER COLLECTION FOR SMALL COMMUNITIES

EPA Science Inventory

A presentation of previously cleared material on low-cost wastewater collection in small communities will be presented, using slides from previous presentations. The primary thrust of the presentation is to acquaint the audience with all types of alternative wastewater collection...

Resonances and bound states in the continuum on periodic arrays of slightly noncircular cylinders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Zhen; Lu, Ya Yan

2018-02-01

Optical bound states in the continuum (BICs), especially those on periodic structures, have interesting properties and potentially important applications. Existing theoretical and numerical studies for optical BICs are mostly for idealized structures with simple and perfect geometric features, such as circular holes, rectangular cylinders and spheres. Since small distortions are always present in actual fabricated structures, we perform a high accuracy numerical study for BICs and resonances on a simple periodic structure with small distortions, i.e., periodic arrays of slightly noncircular cylinders. Our numerical results confirm that symmetries are important not only for the so-called symmetry-protected BICs, but also for the majority of propagating BICs which do not have a symmetry mismatch with the outgoing radiation waves. Typically, the BICs continue to exist if the small distortions keep the relevant symmetries, and they become resonant modes with finite quality factors if the small distortions break a required symmetry.

The small eye phenotype in the EPIC-Norfolk eye study: prevalence and visual impairment in microphthalmos and nanophthalmos.

PubMed

Day, Alexander C; Khawaja, Anthony P; Peto, Tunde; Hayat, Shabina; Luben, Robert; Broadway, David C; Khaw, Kay-Tee; Foster, Paul J

2013-01-01

To describe the prevalence and phenotypic characteristics of small eyes in the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer (EPIC)-Norfolk Eye Study. Community cross-sectional study. East England population (Norwich, Norfolk and surrounding area). 8033 participants aged 48-92 years old from the EPIC-Norfolk Eye Study, Norfolk, UK with axial length measurements. Participants underwent a standardised ocular examination including visual acuity (LogMAR), ocular biometry, non-contact tonometry, autorefraction and fundal photography. A small eye phenotype was defined as a participant with one or both eyes with axial length of <21 mm. Prevalence of small eyes, proportion with visual impairment, demographic and biometric factors. Ninety-six participants (1.20%, 95% CI 0.98% to 1.46%) had an eye with axial length less than 21 mm, of which 74 (77%) were women. Prevalence values for shorter axial lengths were <20 mm: 0.27% (0.18% to 0.41%); <19 mm: 0.17% (0.11% to 0.29%); <18 mm: 0.14% (0.08% to 0.25%). Two participants (2.1%) had low vision (presenting visual acuity >0.48 LogMAR) and one participant was blind (>1.3 LogMAR). The prevalence of unilateral visual impairment was higher in participants with a small eye. Multiple logistic regression modelling showed presence of a small eye to be significantly associated with shorter height, lower body mass index, higher systolic blood pressure and lower intraocular pressure. The prevalence of people with small eyes is higher than previously thought. While small eyes were more common in women, this appears to be related to shorter height and lower body mass index. Participants with small eyes were more likely to be blind or to have unilateral visual impairment.

Dual Coding in Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burton, John K.; Wildman, Terry M.

The purpose of this study was to test the applicability of the dual coding hypothesis to children's recall performance. The hypothesis predicts that visual interference will have a small effect on the recall of visually presented words or pictures, but that acoustic interference will cause a decline in recall of visually presented words and…

Simultaneous Masking in a Dichotic Emotion Detection Task

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Voyer, Daniel; Soraggi, Mariana; Brake, Brandy; Wood, Heather-Dawn

2006-01-01

The present study investigated the possible role of ceiling effects in producing laterality effects of small magnitude in dichotic emotion detection. Twenty two right-handed undergraduate students participated in the present experiment. They were required to detect the presence of a target emotion in the expressions tones of happiness, sadness,…

Incorporating Sustainability Content and Pedagogy through Faculty Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hurney, Carol A.; Nash, Carole; Hartman, Christie-Joy B.; Brantmeier, Edward J.

2016-01-01

Purpose: Key elements of a curriculum are presented for a faculty development program that integrated sustainability content with effective course design methodology across a variety of disciplines. The study aims to present self-reported impacts for a small number of faculty participants and their courses. Design/methodology/approach: A yearlong…

Small scale structure on cosmic strings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Albrecht, Andreas

1989-01-01

The current understanding of cosmic string evolution is discussed, and the focus placed on the question of small scale structure on strings, where most of the disagreements lie. A physical picture designed to put the role of the small scale structure into more intuitive terms is presented. In this picture it can be seen how the small scale structure can feed back in a major way on the overall scaling solution. It is also argued that it is easy for small scale numerical errors to feed back in just such a way. The intuitive discussion presented here may form the basis for an analytic treatment of the small scale structure, which argued in any case would be extremely valuable in filling the gaps in the present understanding of cosmic string evolution.

Maternal sleep and small for gestational age infants in the Japan Environment and Children's Study: a cohort study.

PubMed

Morokuma, Seiichi; Shimokawa, Mototsugu; Kato, Kiyoko; Sanefuji, Masafumi; Shibata, Eiji; Tsuji, Mayumi; Senju, Ayako; Kawamoto, Toshihiro; Kusuhara, Koichi

2017-08-11

Small for gestational age infants have an increased risk of immediate complications, short-term morbidity and mortality, and long-term neurologic and metabolic disorders in adulthood. Previous research has shown that reduced sleep duration is a risk factor for SGA birth. However, only a few studies have evaluated maternal sleep as a risk factor for SGA birth. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between the amount and quality of mothers' sleep and infants' birth weight. This cohort study (n = 8631) used data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study, an ongoing cohort study that began in January 2011. Data on sleep status (sleep duration and one indicator of sleep quality) and potential confounding factors were recorded. A log-binomial regression model was used to estimate the risk of small for gestational age birth, and the results were expressed as risk ratios and their respective 95% confidence interval. No significant results were observed for sleep duration or tiredness upon waking. Neither the amount nor the quality of mothers' sleep was associated with the risk of small for gestational age birth.

Insufficient amount of Cdc2 and continuous activation of Wee1 B are the cause of meiotic failure in porcine growing oocytes.

PubMed

Nishimura, Takanori; Shimaoka, Takuma; Kano, Kiyoshi; Naito, Kunihiko

2009-10-01

In mammals, growing oocytes with a diameter less than 80% of that of full-grown oocytes cannot start meiotic maturation, and their maturation promoting factor (MPF) cannot be activated by hormonal stimulation or isolation from follicles. The aim of the present study was to identify the key molecules responsible for meiotic failure of these growing oocytes (referred to as "small oocytes" in the present study). To this end, we altered the expression of the molecules involved in MPF activation in the small oocytes of pigs by injecting them with mRNA or antisense RNA (asRNA) and examined the effects on the meiotic ability of the small oocytes. Immunoblotting analyses revealed three defects in small oocytes compared with full-grown oocytes, an inactive mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, a failure of cyclin B synthesis and an insufficient amount of Cdc2. Injection with mRNAs of Mos, the uppermost molecule of the MAPK cascade, cyclin B1, cyclin B2 or Cdc2 into small porcine oocytes indicated directly and for the first time that the cause of meiotic failure of porcine small oocytes is an insufficient amount of Cdc2 rather than MAPK inactivation or failure of cyclin B synthesis. Next, in order to suppress Myt1 and Wee1B, which phosphorylates at inhibitory phosphorylation sites of Cdc2 and inactive MPF, we injected their asRNAs into the porcine small oocytes and found that the Wee1B asRNA significantly increased meiotic ability, whereas the Myt1 asRNA had no effect. When Cdc2 overexpression and suppression of Wee1B expression were simultaneously induced in the small oocytes of pigs, about 70% of the small oocytes resumed meiosis, and this rate was nearly comparable with that of the full-grown oocytes. These results strongly suggest that an insufficient amount of Cdc2 and continuous activation of Wee1 B are the cause of meiotic failure of small oocytes in pigs.

Blunted cardiovascular reactivity in dysphoria during reward and punishment anticipation.

PubMed

Franzen, Jessica; Brinkmann, Kerstin

2015-03-01

Hyposensitivity to reward in depression and dysphoria has been found in behavioral and neuroimaging studies. For punishment responsiveness, some studies showed hyposensitivity to punishment while other studies demonstrated hypersensitivity. Only few studies have addressed the motivational question as to whether depressed individuals mobilize less effort in anticipation of a positive or a negative consequence. The present study aimed at investigating reward and punishment responsiveness in subclinical depression from an effort mobilization perspective. Working on a recognition memory task, one third of the participants could earn small amounts of money, one third could lose small amounts of money, and one third could neither earn nor lose money. Effort mobilization was operationalized as participants' cardiovascular reactivity during task performance. As expected, reactivity of cardiac pre-ejection period and heart rate was higher in both incentive conditions compared to the neutral condition for nondysphorics, while it was blunted across conditions for dysphorics. Moreover, the present study found that dysphorics show an altered behavioral response to punishment. These findings thus show that dysphorics present a reduced motivation to obtain a reward or to avoid a punishment in terms of reduced effort-related cardiac reactivity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Neurological disorders in Gulf War veterans

PubMed Central

Rose, Michael R; Brix, Kelley Ann

2006-01-01

We present a review of neurological function in Gulf War veterans (GWV). Twenty-two studies were reviewed, including large hospitalization and registry studies, large population-based epidemiological studies, investigations of a single military unit, small uncontrolled studies of ill veterans and small controlled studies of veterans. In nearly all studies, neurological function was normal in most GWVs, except for a small proportion who were diagnosed with compression neuropathies (carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar neuropathy). In the great majority of controlled studies, there were no differences in the rates of neurological abnormalities in GWVs and controls. In a national US study, the incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) seems to be significantly increased in GWVs, compared to the rate in controls. However, it is possible that military service, in general, might be associated with an increased risk of ALS, rather than Gulf War service in particular. Taken together, the conclusion is that if a neurological examination in a GWV is within normal limits, then extensive neurological testing is unlikely to diagnose occult neurological disorders. PMID:16687265

Diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of small bowel volvulus in adults: A monocentric summary of a rare small intestinal obstruction

PubMed Central

Li, Xiaohang; Zhang, Jialin; Li, Baifeng; Yi, Dehui; Zhang, Chengshuo; Sun, Ning; Lv, Wu; Jiao, Ao

2017-01-01

Objectives Small bowel volvulus is a rare disease, which is also challenging to diagnose. The aims of this study were to characterize the clinical and radiological features associated with small bowel volvulus and treatment and to identify risk factors for associated small bowel necrosis. Methods Patients with small bowel volvulus who underwent operations from January 2001 to December 2015 at the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University (Shenyang, China) were reviewed. Clinical, surgical and postsurgical data were registered and analyzed. Results Thirty-one patients were included for analysis. Fifteen patients were female (48.4%), with an average age of 47.7 years (18–79 years). The clinical signs and symptoms were unspecific and resembled intestinal obstruction. Clinical examination revealed abdominal distension and/or diffuse tenderness with or without signs of peritonitis. The use of CT scans, X-rays or ultrasound did not differ significantly between patients. In 9 of 20 patients that received abdominal CT scans, “whirlpool sign” on the CT scan was present. Secondary small bowel volvulus was present in 58.1% of patients, and causes included bands (3), adhesion (7), congenital anomalies (7) and stromal tumor (1). Out of the 31 patients, 15 with gangrenous small bowel had to undergo intestinal resection. Intestinal gangrene was present with higher neutrophils count (p<0.0001) and the presence of bloody ascites (p = 0.004). Three patients died of septic shock (9.68%), and the recurrence rate was 3.23%. Conclusions To complete an early and accurate diagnosis, a CT scan plus physical exam seems to be the best plan. After diagnosis, an urgent laparotomy must be performed to avoid intestinal necrosis and perforation. After surgery, more than 90% of the patients can expect to have a favorable prognosis. PMID:28426721

Geometrical constraint on the localization of deep water formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferreira, D.; Marshall, J.

2008-12-01

That deep water formation occurs in the North Atlantic and not North Pacific is one of the most notable features of the present climate. In an effort to build a system able to mimic such basic aspects of climate using a minimal description, we study here the influence of ocean geometry on the localization of deep water formation. Using the MIT GCM, two idealized configurations of an ocean-atmosphere-sea ice climate system are studied: Drake and Double-Drake. In Drake, one narrow barrier extends from the North Pole to 35°S while, in Double-Drake, two such barriers set 90° apart join at the North Pole to delimit a Small and a Large basin. Despite the different continental configurations, the two climates are strikingly similar in the zonal average (almost identical heat and fresh water transports, and meridional overturning circulation). However, regional circulations in the Small and Large basins exhibit distinctive Atlantic-like and Pacific-like characteristics: the Small basin is warmer and saltier than the Large one, concentrates dense water formation and deep overturning circulation and achieve the largest fraction of the northward ocean heat transport. We show that the warmer temperature and higher evaporation over the Small basin is not its distinguishing factor. Rather, it is the width of the basin in relation to the zonal fetch of the precipitation pattern. This generates a deficit/excess of precipitation over the Small/Large basin: a fraction of the moisture evaporated from the Small basin is transported zonally and rains out over the Large basin. This creates a salt contrast between the 2 basins, leading to the localization of deep convection in the salty Small basin. Finally, given on the broad similarities between the Double-Drake and real World, we suggest that many gross features that define the present climate are a consequence of 2 asymmetries: a meridional asymmetry (a zonally unblocked southern/blocked northern ocean) and a zonal one (a small and a large basin in the northern hemisphere).

Small Area Variance Estimation for the Siuslaw NF in Oregon and Some Results

Treesearch

S. Lin; D. Boes; H.T. Schreuder

2006-01-01

The results of a small area prediction study for the Siuslaw National Forest in Oregon are presented. Predictions were made for total basal area, number of trees and mortality per ha on a 0.85 mile grid using data on a 1.7 mile grid and additional ancillary information from TM. A reliable method of estimating prediction errors for individual plot predictions called the...

Examining the Effects of Text Genre and Structure on Fourth-and Fifth-Grade Students' High-Level Comprehension as Evidenced in Small-Group Discussions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Mengyi; Murphy, P. Karen; Firetto, Carla M.

2014-01-01

Although there is a rich literature on the role of text genre and structure on students' literal comprehension, more research is needed regarding the role of these text features on students' high-level comprehension as evidenced in their small-group discussions. As such, the present study examined the effects of text genre (i.e., narrative and…

Single-tube hydroponics as a novel idea for small-scale production of crop seed in a plant incubator.

PubMed

Kuroda, Masaharu; Ikenaga, Sachiko

2015-01-01

We present a novel protocol for small-scale production of crop seed in a plant incubator termed "Single-tube hydroponics." Our protocol minimizes the materials and methods for cultivation whereby a large number of independent plants can be cultured in a limited space. This study may aid in the improvement of crop seed components, especially in the cultivation of transgenic plants.

Global Citizenship Education within a Context of Accountability and 21st Century Skills: The Case of Olympus High School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DiCicco, Marzia Cozzolino

2016-01-01

This article addresses the present gap in empirical research on the possibilities and challenges of global citizenship education in U.S. public schools by presenting findings from a five-year, ethnographic case study. The setting for this study is Olympus High School, a small, suburban public high school in Pennsylvania. Beginning in the 2009-2010…

Novel diamide-based inhibitors of IMPDH.

PubMed

Gu, Henry H; Iwanowicz, Edwin J; Guo, Junqing; Watterson, Scott H; Shen, Zhongqi; Pitts, William J; Dhar, T G Murali; Fleener, Catherine A; Rouleau, Katherine; Sherbina, N Z; Witmer, Mark; Tredup, Jeffrey; Hollenbaugh, Diane

2002-05-06

A series of novel amide-based small molecule inhibitors of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase is described. The synthesis and the structure-activity relationships (SARs) derived from in vitro studies are presented.

Microcephaly/lymphedema and terminal deletion of the long arm of chromosome 13

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

Fryns, J.P.

1995-07-03

Recently, we examined a 2-year-old boy with the association of microcephaly and significant pedal edema that extended to the distal parts of the legs. Prometaphase chromosome studies showed a small terminal deletion in the long arm of chromosome 13 of band 13q34, karyotype 46,XY,del(13)(q34{yields}qter). The present finding of a small terminal 13q34 deletion in this young boy with microcephaly/lymphedema is a first indication that the lymphedema/microcephaly association can be due to a small terminal 13q deletion. 2 refs.

Cloud Water Content Sensor for Sounding Balloons and Small UAVs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bognar, John A.

2009-01-01

A lightweight, battery-powered sensor was developed for measuring cloud water content, which is the amount of liquid or solid water present in a cloud, generally expressed as grams of water per cubic meter. This sensor has near-zero power consumption and can be flown on standard sounding balloons and small, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The amount of solid or liquid water is important to the study of atmospheric processes and behavior. Previous sensing techniques relied on strongly heating the incoming air, which requires a major energy input that cannot be achieved on sounding balloons or small UAVs.

Small bowel perforation secondary to metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. A rare entity with a dismal prognosis.

PubMed

Salemis, Nikolaos S; Nikou, Efstathios; Liatsos, Christos; Gakis, Christos; Karagkiouzis, Grigorios; Gourgiotis, Stavros

2012-09-01

The incidence of gastrointestinal metastases from lung cancer is higher than previously thought as they have been reported in 2-14% of the cases in autopsy studies. However, clinically significant metastases are rare. Small bowel perforation secondary to metastatic non-small cell lung cancer is a very rare clinical entity. The aim of this study is to describe a case of ileal perforation in a patient with intestinal metastases of a non-small cell lung cancer, along with a review of the literature. A 57-year-old male with a history of non-small cell lung cancer was referred to our emergency department with signs and symptoms of acute surgical abdomen. A computed tomography scan demonstrated dilated small bowel loops, liver deposits, and signs of perforation of an intra-abdominal hollow viscus. Emergency exploratory laparotomy revealed diffuse purulent peritonitis and a perforated ileal tumor. A segmental small bowel resection and primary anastomosis were performed. Histological and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with a metastatic non-small cell lung carcinoma. Additional evaluation revealed widespread metastatic disease. Unfortunately, despite adjuvant treatment, the patient died of progressive disease 2 months after surgery. Small bowel perforation due to metastatic non-small cell lung cancer is a very rare clinical entity. The possibility of small bowel metastases should be kept in mind in patients with lung cancer presenting with an acute abdomen. Intestinal perforation occurs in advanced stages and is usually a sign of widespread disease. Aggressive surgery can provide effective palliation and may improve short-term survival. The prognosis is however dismal.

Isolation and Characterization of a microRNA-size Secretable Small RNA in Streptococcus sanguinis.

PubMed

Choi, Ji-Woong; Kwon, Tae-Yub; Hong, Su-Hyung; Lee, Heon-Jin

2018-06-01

MicroRNAs in eukaryotic cells are thought to control highly complex signal transduction and other biological processes by regulating coding transcripts, accounting for their important role in cellular events in eukaryotes. Recently, a novel class of bacterial RNAs similar in size [18-22 nucleotides (nt)] to microRNAs has been reported. Herein, we describe microRNAs, small RNAs from the oral pathogen Streptococcus sanguinis. The bacteria are normally present in the oral cavities and cause endocarditis by contaminating bloodstreams. Small RNAs were analyzed by deep sequencing. Selected highly expressed small RNAs were further validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and northern blot analyses. We found that skim milk supplement changed the expression of small RNAs S.S-1964 in tandem with the nearby SSA_0513 gene involved in vitamin B 12 conversion. We furthermore observed small RNAs secreted via bacterial membrane vesicles. Although their precise function remains unclear, secretable small RNAs may represent an entirely new area of study in bacterial genetics.

Imaging the small animal cardiovascular system in real-time with multispectral optoacoustic tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taruttis, Adrian; Herzog, Eva; Razansky, Daniel; Ntziachristos, Vasilis

2011-03-01

Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography (MSOT) is an emerging technique for high resolution macroscopic imaging with optical and molecular contrast. We present cardiovascular imaging results from a multi-element real-time MSOT system recently developed for studies on small animals. Anatomical features relevant to cardiovascular disease, such as the carotid arteries, the aorta and the heart, are imaged in mice. The system's fast acquisition time, in tens of microseconds, allows images free of motion artifacts from heartbeat and respiration. Additionally, we present in-vivo detection of optical imaging agents, gold nanorods, at high spatial and temporal resolution, paving the way for molecular imaging applications.

Theoretical studies of tone noise from a fan rotor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, G. V. R.; Chu, W. T.; Digumarthi, R. V.

1973-01-01

An analytical study was made of some possible rotor alone noise sources of dipole, quadrapole and monopole characters which generate discrete tone noise. Particular emphasis is given to the tone noise caused by fan inlet flow distortion and turbulence. Analytical models are developed to allow prediction of absolute levels. Experimental data measured on a small scale fan is presented which indicates inlet turbulence interaction with a fan rotor can be a source of tone noise. Predicted and measured tone noise for the small scale rotor are shown to be in reasonable agreement.

Symptomatic retention of the Agile® patency capsule.

PubMed

Egea Valenzuela, Juan; Estrella Díez, Esther; Alberca de Las Parras, Fernando

2017-06-01

The Agile® capsule has shown to be useful when evaluating the patency of the small bowel in patients prior to capsule endoscopy studies. It is a safe tool and a low rate of complications have been reported, highlighting symptomatic retention, although references in literature are scarce and it is only observed in 1.2% of the procedures. We present the case of a symptomatic retention of this device in a patient with previously known colonic Crohn's disease in who a small bowel study was indicated and was sent for prior patency test.

Integration of Personalized Healthcare Pathways in an ICT Platform for Diabetes Managements: A Small-Scale Exploratory Study.

PubMed

Fico, Giuseppe; Fioravanti, Alessio; Arredondo, Maria Teresa; Gorman, Joe; Diazzi, Chiara; Arcuri, Giovanni; Conti, Claudio; Pirini, Giampiero

2016-01-01

The availability of new tools able to support patient monitoring and personalized care may substantially improve the quality of chronic disease management. A personalized healthcare pathway (PHP) has been developed for diabetes disease management and integrated into an information and communication technology system to accomplish a shift from organization-centered care to patient-centered care. A small-scale exploratory study was conducted to test the platform. Preliminary results are presented that shed light on how the PHP influences system usage and performance outcomes.

Small artery elasticity predicts future cardiovascular events in chinese patients with angiographic coronary artery disease.

PubMed

Wan, Zhaofei; Liu, Xiaojun; Wang, Xinhong; Liu, Fuqiang; Liu, Weimin; Wu, Yue; Pei, Leilei; Yuan, Zuyi

2014-04-01

Arterial elasticity has been shown to predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) in apparently healthy populations. The present study aimed to explore whether arterial elasticity could predict CVD events in Chinese patients with angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD). Arterial elasticity of 365 patients with angiographic CAD was measured. During follow-up (48 months; range 6-65), 140 CVD events occurred (including 34 deaths). Univariate Cox analysis demonstrated that both large arterial elasticity and small arterial elasticity were significant predictors of CVD events. Multivariate Cox analysis indicated that small arterial elasticity remained significant. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the probability of having a CVD event/CVD death increased with a decrease of small arterial elasticity (P < .001, respectively). Decreased small arterial elasticity independently predicts the risk of CVD events in Chinese patients with angiographic CAD.

Yoga in stroke rehabilitation: a systematic review and results of a pilot study.

PubMed

Lynton, Holly; Kligler, Benjamin; Shiflett, Samuel

2007-01-01

This article presents a systematic review of the literature pertaining to the use of yoga in stroke rehabilitation. In addition, we present the results of a small pilot study designed to explore the hypothesis that a Kundalini yoga practice of 12 weeks would lead to an improvement in aphasia as well as in fine motor coordination in stroke patients. The 3 participants attended yoga classes twice a week for 12 weeks, before and after which they were tested on the O'Connor Tweezer Dexterity test, a timed test where the participant places pins in a Peg-Board with tweezers, and the Boston Aphasia Exam for speech. All 3 participants showed improvement on both measures. The small sample size makes it impossible to draw definite conclusions, but the positive trends in this study suggest that further research should be done to examine the effects of Kundalini yoga on specific illnesses or medical conditions.

A small molecule inhibitor for ATPase activity of Hsp70 and Hsc70 enhances the immune response to protein antigens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baek, Kyung-Hwa; Zhang, Haiying; Lee, Bo Ryeong; Kwon, Young-Guen; Ha, Sang-Jun; Shin, Injae

2015-12-01

The ATPase activities of Hsp70 and Hsc70 are known to be responsible for regulation of various biological processes. However, little is known about the roles of Hsp70 and Hsc70 in modulation of immune responses to antigens. In the present study, we investigated the effect of apoptozole (Az), a small molecule inhibitor of Hsp70 and Hsc70, on immune responses to protein antigens. The results show that mice administered with both protein antigen and Az produce more antibodies than those treated with antigen alone, showing that Az enhances immune responses to administered antigens. Treatment of mice with Az elicits production of antibodies with a high IgG2c/IgG1 ratio and stimulates the release of Th1 and Th2-type cytokines, suggesting that Az activates the Th1 and Th2 immune responses. The observations made in the present study suggest that inhibition of Hsp70 and Hsc70 activities could be a novel strategy designing small molecule-based adjuvants in protein vaccines.

Levitation force of small clearance superconductor-magnet system under non-coaxial condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jimin; Jin, Yingze; Yuan, Xiaoyang; Miao, Xusheng

2017-03-01

A novel superconducting tilting-pad bearing was proposed for the advanced research of reusable liquid hydrogen turbopump in liquid rocket. The bearing is a combination of superconducting magnetic bearing and hydrodynamic fluid-film bearing. Since the viscosity of cryogenic fuel to activate superconducting state and form hydrodynamic fluid-film is very low, bearing clearance will be very small. This study focuses on the investigation of superconducting levitation force in this kind of small clearance superconductor-magnet system. Based on Bean critical state model and three-dimensional finite element method, an analysis method is presented to obtain the levitation force under such situation. Since the complicated operational conditions and structural arrangement for application in liquid rocket, center lines of bulk superconductor and magnet rotor will usually be in non-coaxial state. Superconducting levitation forces in axial direction and radial direction under non-coaxial situation are also analyzed by the presented method.

Cosmic background radiation anisotropies in universes dominated by nonbaryonic dark matter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bond, J. R.; Efstathiou, G.

1984-01-01

Detailed calculations of the temperature fluctuations in the cosmic background radiation for universes dominated by massive collisionless relics of the big bang are presented. An initially adiabatic constant curvature perturbation spectrum is assumed. In models with cold dark matter, the simplest hypothesis - that galaxies follow the mass distribution leads to small-scale anisotropies which exceed current observational limits if omega is less than 0.2 h to the -4/3. Since low values of omega are indicated by dynamical studies of galaxy clustering, cold particle models in which light traces mass are probably incorrect. Reheating of the pregalactic medium is unlikely to modify this conclusion. In cold particle or neutrino-dominated universes with omega = 1, presented predictions for small-scale and quadrupole anisotropies are below current limits. In all cases, the small-scale fluctuations are predicted to be about 10 percent linearly polarized.

Small bowel capsule endoscopy in 2007: Indications, risks and limitations

PubMed Central

Rondonotti, Emanuele; Villa, Federica; Mulder, Chris JJ; Jacobs, Maarten AJM; de Franchis, Roberto

2007-01-01

Capsule endoscopy has revoluzionized the study of the small bowel by providing a reliable method to evaluate, endoscopically, the entire small bowel. In the last six years several papers have been published exploring the possible role of this examination in different clinical conditions. At the present time capsule endoscopy is generally recommended as a third examination, after negative bidirectional endoscopy, in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. A growing body of evidence suggests also an important role for this examination in other clinical conditions such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, small bowel polyposis syndromes or small bowel tumors. The main complication of this examination is the retention of the device at the site of a previously unknown small bowel stricture. However there are also some other open issues mainly due to technical limitations of this tool (which is not driven from remote control, is unable to take biopsies, to insufflate air, to suck fluids or debris and sometimes to correctly size and locate lesions).The recently developed double balloon enteroscope, owing to its capability to explore a large part of the small bowel and to take targeted biopsies, although being invasive and time consuming, can overcome some limitations of capsule endoscopy. At the present time, in the majority of clinical conditions (i.e. obscure GI bleeding), the winning strategy seems to be to couple these two techniques to explore the small bowel in a painless, safe and complete way (with capsule endoscopy) and to define and treat the lesions identified (with double balloon enteroscopy). PMID:18069752

Portrait of a small population of boreal toads (Anaxyrus boreas)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Muths, Erin; Scherer, Rick D.

2011-01-01

Much attention has been given to the conservation of small populations, those that are small because of decline, and those that are naturally small. Small populations are of particular interest because ecological theory suggests that they are vulnerable to the deleterious effects of environmental, demographic, and genetic stochasticity as well as natural and human-induced catastrophes. However, testing theory and developing applicable conservation measures for small populations is hampered by sparse data. This lack of information is frequently driven by computational issues with small data sets that can be confounded by the impacts of stressors. We present estimates of demographic parameters from a small population of Boreal Toads (Anaxyrus boreas) that has been surveyed since 2001 by using capture-recapture methods. Estimates of annual adult survival probability are high relative to other Boreal Toad populations, whereas estimates of recruitment rate are low. Despite using simple models, clear patterns emerged from the analyses, suggesting that population size is constrained by low recruitment of adults and is declining slowly. These patterns provide insights that are useful in developing management directions for this small population, and this study serves as an example of the potential for small populations to yield robust and useful information despite sample size constraints.

A micro-scale printable nanoclip for electrical stimulation and recording in small nerves.

PubMed

Lissandrello, Charles A; Gillis, Winthrop F; Shen, Jun; Pearre, Ben W; Vitale, Flavia; Pasquali, Matteo; Holinski, Bradley J; Chew, Daniel J; White, Alice E; Gardner, Timothy J

2017-06-01

The vision of bioelectronic medicine is to treat disease by modulating the signaling of visceral nerves near various end organs. In small animal models, the nerves of interest can have small diameters and limited surgical access. New high-resolution methods for building nerve interfaces are desirable. In this study, we present a novel nerve interface and demonstrate its use for stimulation and recording in small nerves. We design and fabricate micro-scale electrode-laden nanoclips capable of interfacing with nerves as small as 50 µm in diameter. The nanoclips are fabricated using a direct laser writing technique with a resolution of 200 nm. The resolution of the printing process allows for incorporation of a number of innovations such as trapdoors to secure the device to the nerve, and quick-release mounts that facilitate keyhole surgery, obviating the need for forceps. The nanoclip can be built around various electrode materials; here we use carbon nanotube fibers for minimally invasive tethering. We present data from stimulation-evoked responses of the tracheal syringeal (hypoglossal) nerve of the zebra finch, as well as quantification of nerve functionality at various time points post implant, demonstrating that the nanoclip is compatible with healthy nerve activity over sub-chronic timescales. Our nerve interface addresses key challenges in interfacing with small nerves in the peripheral nervous system. Its small size, ability to remain on the nerve over sub-chronic timescales, and ease of implantation, make it a promising tool for future use in the treatment of disease.

Swarms of small earthquakes on Marapi Volcano, West Sumatra, Indonesia: are these precursors to explosion event?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hidayat, D.; Patria, C.; Adi, S.; Gunawan, H.; Taisne, B.; Nurfiani, D.; Tan, C. T.

2016-12-01

Marapi Volcano's activity is characterized by Strombolian to small Vulcanian explosions with occasional VEI 2 producing tephra and pyroclastic flows. Currently in collaboration between Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS) and Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) the volcano is seismically monitored with 7 broadband stations, and 2 short-period stations. In addition, we deployed 2 tiltmeters and an experimental soil CO2 sensor. These stations are telemetered by 5.8GHz radio to Marapi Observatory Post where data are archived and displayed for Marapi observers for their daily volcano activity monitoring work. We also archive the data in the EOS and CVGHM main offices. Data are being utilized by volcano scientists of CVGHM and researchers in both institutes as well as university students in and around them. We presented seismic earthquake sequences (swarm) prior to small explosion on Marapi in July 2016. These earthquakes are small, better identified after the deployment of seismic stations at summit, and located at depths < 1km near the volcano active vents. Similar swarms occurred prior to small explosions of Marapi. We also presented VLP-LP signals associated with an explosion which can be explained as volumetric change of sub-vertical crack at depth similar to the occurrence of small earthquake swarms. Our study attempt to understand the state of the volcano based on monitoring data and enable us to better estimate the hazards associated with future small explosions or eruptions.

[Potentials in the regionalization of health indicators using small-area estimation methods : Exemplary results based on the 2009, 2010 and 2012 GEDA studies].

PubMed

Kroll, Lars Eric; Schumann, Maria; Müters, Stephan; Lampert, Thomas

2017-12-01

Nationwide health surveys can be used to estimate regional differences in health. Using traditional estimation techniques, the spatial depth for these estimates is limited due to the constrained sample size. So far - without special refreshment samples - results have only been available for larger populated federal states of Germany. An alternative is regression-based small-area estimation techniques. These models can generate smaller-scale data, but are also subject to greater statistical uncertainties because of the model assumptions. In the present article, exemplary regionalized results based on the studies "Gesundheit in Deutschland aktuell" (GEDA studies) 2009, 2010 and 2012, are compared to the self-rated health status of the respondents. The aim of the article is to analyze the range of regional estimates in order to assess the usefulness of the techniques for health reporting more adequately. The results show that the estimated prevalence is relatively stable when using different samples. Important determinants of the variation of the estimates are the achieved sample size on the district level and the type of the district (cities vs. rural regions). Overall, the present study shows that small-area modeling of prevalence is associated with additional uncertainties compared to conventional estimates, which should be taken into account when interpreting the corresponding findings.

Structures and materials technology needs for communications and remote sensing spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gronet, M. J.; Jensen, G. A.; Hoskins, J. W.

1995-01-01

This report documents trade studies conducted from the perspective of a small spacecraft developer to determine and quantify the structures and structural materials technology development needs for future commercial and NASA small spacecraft to be launched in the period 1999 to 2005. Emphasis is placed on small satellites weighing less than 1800 pounds for two focus low-Earth orbit missions: commercial communications and remote sensing. The focus missions are characterized in terms of orbit, spacecraft size, performance, and design drivers. Small spacecraft program personnel were interviewed to determine their technology needs, and the results are summarized. A systems-analysis approach for quantifying the benefits of inserting advanced state-of-the-art technologies into a current reference, state-of-the-practice small spacecraft design is developed and presented. This approach is employed in a set of abbreviated trade studies to quantify the payoffs of using a subset of 11 advanced technologies selected from the interview results The 11 technology development opportunities are then ranked based on their relative payoff. Based on the strong potential for significant benefits, recommendations are made to pursue development of 8 and the 11 technologies. Other important technology development areas identified are recommended for further study.

Pruritus: an underrecognized symptom of small-fiber neuropathies.

PubMed

Brenaut, Emilie; Marcorelles, Pascale; Genestet, Steeve; Ménard, Dominique; Misery, Laurent

2015-02-01

Small-fiber neuropathies (SFN) are diseases of small nerve fibers that are characterized by autonomic and sensory symptoms. We sought to evaluate sensory symptoms, especially pruritus, in patients with SFN. A questionnaire was given to patients with SFN. In all, 41 patients responded to the questionnaire (71.9% response rate). The most frequent sensory symptoms were burning (77.5%), pain (72.5%), heat sensations (70.2%), and numbness (67.5%). Pruritus was present in 68.3% of patients. It appeared most often in the evening, and was localized to the limbs in a distal-to-proximal gradient, although the back was the most frequent location (64%). Exacerbating factors were fatigue, xerosis, sweating, hot temperature, and stress. Cold water was an alleviating factor. Recall bias associated with filling out the questionnaire, relatively small sample size, and the uncontrolled, retrospective nature of the study were limitations. Pruritus occurs frequently in patients with SFN and could be recognized as a possible presenting symptom, especially if there are other sensory or autonomic symptoms. Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lymphangiectasia of small intestine presenting as intussusception.

PubMed

Katoch, Pervez; Bhardwaj, Subhash

2008-01-01

Intussusception is defined as telescoping of a segment of gastrointestinal tract into an adjacent one. In small children, it is the commonest cause of intestinal obstruction. More than 90% of childhood intussusceptions are idiopathic. We report a rare case of localized small intestinal lymphangiectasia, presenting as intussusception in a 6-month-old male child. The child presented with features of acute intestinal obstruction for which he was later operated. The gross examination of excised ileocecal mass revealed intussusception. Histopathologic examination revealed lymphangiectasia of small intestine, which acted as a lead point for ileocecal intussusception. Postoperative period was uneventful.

Mathematical model of renal elimination of fluid and small ions during hyper- and hypovolemic conditions.

PubMed

Gyenge, Christina C; Bowen, Bruce D; Reed, Rolf K; Bert, Joel L

2003-02-01

This study is concerned with the formulation of a 'kidney module' linked to the plasma compartment of a larger mathematical model previously developed. Combined, these models can be used to predict, amongst other things, fluid and small ion excretion rates by the kidney; information that should prove useful in evaluating values and trends related to whole-body fluid balance for different clinical conditions to establish fluid administration protocols and for educational purposes. The renal module assumes first-order, negative-feedback responses of the kidney to changes in plasma volume and/or plasma sodium content from their normal physiological set points. Direct hormonal influences are not explicitly formulated in this empiric model. The model also considers that the renal excretion rates of small ions other than sodium are proportional to the excretion rate of sodium. As part of the model development two aspects are emphasized (1): the estimation of parameters related to the renal elimination of fluid and small ions, and (2) model validation via comparisons between the model predictions and selected experimental data. For validation, model predictions of the renal dynamics are compared with new experimental data for two cases: plasma overload resulting from external fluid infusion (e.g. infusions of iso-osmolar solutions and/or hypertonic/hyperoncotic saline solutions), and untreated hypo volemic conditions that result from the external loss of blood. The present study demonstrates that the empiric kidney module presented above can provide good short-term predictions with respect to all renal outputs considered here. Physiological implications of the model are also presented. Copyright Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica 47 (2003)

NRP-1 Receptor Expression Mismatch in Skin of Subjects with Experimental and Diabetic Small Fiber Neuropathy

PubMed Central

Van Acker, Nathalie; Ragé, Michael; Vermeirsch, Hilde; Schrijvers, Dorien; Nuydens, Rony; Byttebier, Geert; Timmers, Maarten; De Schepper, Stefanie; Streffer, Johannes; Andries, Luc; Plaghki, Léon; Cras, Patrick; Meert, Theo

2016-01-01

The in vivo cutaneous nerve regeneration model using capsaicin is applied extensively to study the regenerative mechanisms and therapeutic efficacy of disease modifying molecules for small fiber neuropathy (SFN). Since mismatches between functional and morphological nerve fiber recovery are described for this model, we aimed at determining the capability of the capsaicin model to truly mimic the morphological manifestations of SFN in diabetes. As nerve and blood vessel growth and regenerative capacities are defective in diabetes, we focused on studying the key regulator of these processes, the neuropilin-1 (NRP-1)/semaphorin pathway. This led us to the evaluation of NRP-1 receptor expression in epidermis and dermis of subjects presenting experimentally induced small fiber neuropathy, diabetic polyneuropathy and of diabetic subjects without clinical signs of small fiber neuropathy. The NRP-1 receptor was co-stained with CD31 vessel-marker using immunofluorescence and analyzed with Definiens® technology. This study indicates that capsaicin application results in significant loss of epidermal NRP-1 receptor expression, whereas diabetic subjects presenting small fiber neuropathy show full epidermal NRP-1 expression in contrast to the basal expression pattern seen in healthy controls. Capsaicin induced a decrease in dermal non-vascular NRP-1 receptor expression which did not appear in diabetic polyneuropathy. We can conclude that the capsaicin model does not mimic diabetic neuropathy related changes for cutaneous NRP-1 receptor expression. In addition, our data suggest that NRP-1 might play an important role in epidermal nerve fiber loss and/or defective regeneration and that NRP-1 receptor could change the epidermal environment to a nerve fiber repellant bed possibly through Sem3A in diabetes. PMID:27598321

Small bowel volvulus in the adult populace of the United States: results from a population-based study.

PubMed

Coe, Taylor M; Chang, David C; Sicklick, Jason K

2015-08-01

Small bowel volvulus is a rare entity in Western adults. Greater insight into epidemiology and outcomes may be gained from a national database inquiry. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1998 to 2010), a 20% stratified sample of United States hospitals, was retrospectively reviewed for small bowel volvulus cases (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition [ICD-9] code 560.2 excluding gastric/colonic procedures) in patients greater than or equal to 18 years old. There were 2,065,599 hospitalizations for bowel obstruction (ICD-9 560.x). Of those, there were 20,680 (1.00%) small bowel volvulus cases; 169 were attributable to intestinal malrotation. Most cases presented emergently (89.24%) and operative management was employed more frequently than nonoperative (65.21% vs 34.79%, P < .0001). Predictors of mortality included age greater than 50 years, Charlson comorbidity index greater than or equal to 1, emergent admission, peritonitis, acute vascular insufficiency, coagulopathy, and nonoperative management (P < .0001). As the first population-based epidemiological study of small bowel volvulus, our findings provide a robust representation of this rare cause of small bowel obstruction in American adults. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Types and numbers of sensilla on antennae and maxillary palps of small and large houseflies, Musca domestica (Diptera, Muscidae).

PubMed

Smallegange, Renate C; Kelling, Frits J; Den Otter, Cornelis J

2008-12-01

Houseflies, Musca domestica, obtained from a high-larval-density culture were significantly (ca. 1.5 times) smaller than those from a low-larval-density culture. The same held true for their antennae and maxillary palps. Structure, number, and distribution of sensilla on antennae and palps of small and large flies were investigated using Scanning electron microscopy and Transmission electron microscopy. In each funiculus three pits were present, two (Type I) consisting of several compartments and one (Type II) of one compartment. Four types of olfactory sensilla were detected: trichoid sensilla on the funiculi, basiconic sensilla on funiculi and palps, grooved sensilla on funiculi and in pits Type I, and clavate sensilla on funiculi and in pits Type II. Type I pits also contained striated sensilla (presumably hygroreceptors). Mechanosensory bristles were present on scapes, pedicels, and palps. Noninnervated microtrichia were found on the palps and all antennal segments. The large houseflies possessed nearly twice as much sensilla as the small flies. So far, we did not observe differences in behavior between small and large flies. We assumed that small flies, being olfactory less equipped than large flies, may be able to compensate for this by, e.g., visual cues or by their olfactory sensilla being more sensitive than those of large flies. To be able to answer these questions careful studies have to be done on the behavioral responses of small and large flies to environmental stimuli. In addition, electrophysiological studies should be performed to reveal whether the responses of individual sensilla of flies reared under different conditions have been changed. 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Code-Switching in Iranian Elementary EFL Classrooms: An Exploratory Investigation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rezvani, Ehsan; Street, Hezar Jerib; Rasekh, Abbass Eslami

2011-01-01

This paper presents the results of a small-scale exploratory investigation of code-switching (CS) between English and Farsi by 4 Iranian English foreign language (EFL) teachers in elementary level EFL classrooms in a language school in Isfahan, Iran. Specifically, the present study aimed at exploring the syntactical identification of switches and…

Constructing a Social Justice Tour: Pedagogy, Race, and Student Learning through Geography

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barnd, Natchee

2016-01-01

This article describes a high-impact learning project that combines geography, history, and ethnic studies. It describes the construction of the course, student outcomes, and the final and publicly presented collaborative project: the Social Justice Tour of Corvallis. Based on work in a small largely white town, this project presents a…

Assessment of the Effectiveness of Green Infrastructure Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) at the Small Watershed Scale

EPA Science Inventory

There have been numerous studies of the water quantity and quality functions of stormwater BMPs at the site scale, but relatively few assessments at the watershed scale. This presentation will present an overview and initial results of projects to evaluate the effectiveness of g...

Eighteenth Strategy for Peace Conference Report, October 13-16, 1977.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stanley Foundation, Muscatine, IA.

The document presents a report of a conference to stimulate study, research, and education in the field of foreign relations. The report contains summaries of small group discussions of peace and security, economic order, development, resource/population balance, the environment, and human rights. It is presented in six sections. Section I…

Selection and development of small solar thermal power applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bluhm, S. A.; Kuehn, T. J.; Gurfield, R. M.

1979-01-01

The paper discusses the approach of the JPL Point Focusing Thermal and Electric Power Applications Project to selecting and developing applications for point-focusing distributed-receiver solar thermal electric power systems. Six application categories are defined. Results of application studies of U.S. utilities are presented. The economic value of solar thermal power systems was found to range from $900 to $2100/kWe in small community utilities of the Southwest.

Small bowel obstruction from distant metastasis of primary breast cancer: a case report.

PubMed

Oh, Seung Jae; Park, Seon Young; Kim, Ji Young; Yim, Hyunee; Jung, Yongsik; Han, Sae Hwan

2018-02-01

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract metastasis of primary breast cancer is very rare. We present a patient with small bowel obstruction from distant metastasis of primary breast cancer. Each characteristic features of concern of GI tract distant metastasis from many pervious studies has been reported differently. We should remember that GI tract metastasis may coexist when patients with breast cancer have intermittent or recurrent abdominal pain with or without obstructive symptoms.

Volume shift and charge instability of simple-metal clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brajczewska, M.; Vieira, A.; Fiolhais, C.; Perdew, J. P.

1996-12-01

Experiment indicates that small clusters show changes (mostly contractions) of the bond lengths with respect to bulk values. We use the stabilized jellium model to study the self-expansion and self-compression of spherical clusters (neutral or ionized) of simple metals. Results from Kohn - Sham density functional theory are presented for small clusters of Al and Na, including negatively-charged ones. We also examine the stability of clusters with respect to charging.

Statistical context shapes stimulus-specific adaptation in human auditory cortex.

PubMed

Herrmann, Björn; Henry, Molly J; Fromboluti, Elisa Kim; McAuley, J Devin; Obleser, Jonas

2015-04-01

Stimulus-specific adaptation is the phenomenon whereby neural response magnitude decreases with repeated stimulation. Inconsistencies between recent nonhuman animal recordings and computational modeling suggest dynamic influences on stimulus-specific adaptation. The present human electroencephalography (EEG) study investigates the potential role of statistical context in dynamically modulating stimulus-specific adaptation by examining the auditory cortex-generated N1 and P2 components. As in previous studies of stimulus-specific adaptation, listeners were presented with oddball sequences in which the presentation of a repeated tone was infrequently interrupted by rare spectral changes taking on three different magnitudes. Critically, the statistical context varied with respect to the probability of small versus large spectral changes within oddball sequences (half of the time a small change was most probable; in the other half a large change was most probable). We observed larger N1 and P2 amplitudes (i.e., release from adaptation) for all spectral changes in the small-change compared with the large-change statistical context. The increase in response magnitude also held for responses to tones presented with high probability, indicating that statistical adaptation can overrule stimulus probability per se in its influence on neural responses. Computational modeling showed that the degree of coadaptation in auditory cortex changed depending on the statistical context, which in turn affected stimulus-specific adaptation. Thus the present data demonstrate that stimulus-specific adaptation in human auditory cortex critically depends on statistical context. Finally, the present results challenge the implicit assumption of stationarity of neural response magnitudes that governs the practice of isolating established deviant-detection responses such as the mismatch negativity. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

Poster 4: Investigating the first steps of hydrocarbon condensation in the laboratory and in Titan's atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biennier, Ludovic; Bourgalais, Jeremy; Benidar, Abdessamad; Le Picard, Sebastien

2016-06-01

Hydrocarbons formed in Titan's cold atmosphere, starting with ethane C2H6, ethylene C2H4, acetylene C2H2, propane C3H8,... up to benzene C6H6, play some role in aerosol production, cloud processes, rain generation and Titan's lakes formation. We have started to study in the laboratory the kinetics of the first steps of condensation of these hydrocarbons. Rate coefficients are very sensitive to the description of the potential interaction surfaces of the molecules involved. Combined theoretical and experimental studies at the molecular level of the homogenous nucleation of various small molecules should improve greatly our fundamental understanding. This knowledge will serve as a model for studying more complex nucleation processes actually taking places in planetary atmospheres. Here we present the first experimental kinetic study of the dimerization of two small hydrocarbons: ethane C2H6 and propane C3H8. We have performed experiments to identify the temperature and partial densities ranges over which small hydrocarbon clusters form in saturated uniform supersonic flows. Using our unique reactor based on a Laval nozzle expansions, the kinetics of the formation has also been investigated down to 23 K. The chemical species present in the reactor are probed by a time of flight mass spectrometer equipped with an electron gun for soft ionization of the neutral reagents and products. This work aims at putting some constraints on the role of small hydrocarbon condensation in the formation of haze particles in the dense atmosphere of Titan.

Preservation of mitochondrial functional integrity in mitochondria isolated from small cryopreserved mouse brain areas.

PubMed

Valenti, Daniela; de Bari, Lidia; De Filippis, Bianca; Ricceri, Laura; Vacca, Rosa Anna

2014-01-01

Studies of mitochondrial bioenergetics in brain pathophysiology are often precluded by the need to isolate mitochondria immediately after tissue dissection from a large number of brain biopsies for comparative studies. Here we present a procedure of cryopreservation of small brain areas from which mitochondrial enriched fractions (crude mitochondria) with high oxidative phosphorylation efficiency can be isolated. Small mouse brain areas were frozen and stored in a solution containing glycerol as cryoprotectant. Crude mitochondria were isolated by differential centrifugation from both cryopreserved and freshly explanted brain samples and were compared with respect to their ability to generate membrane potential and produce ATP. Intactness of outer and inner mitochondrial membranes was verified by polarographic ascorbate and cytochrome c tests and spectrophotometric assay of citrate synthase activity. Preservation of structural integrity and oxidative phosphorylation efficiency was successfully obtained in crude mitochondria isolated from different areas of cryopreserved mouse brain samples. Long-term cryopreservation of small brain areas from which intact and phosphorylating mitochondria can be isolated for the study of mitochondrial bioenergetics will significantly expand the study of mitochondrial defects in neurological pathologies, allowing large comparative studies and favoring interlaboratory and interdisciplinary analyses. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Particle-in-cell study of the ion-to-electron sheath transition

DOE PAGES

Scheiner, Brett; Baalrud, Scott D.; Hopkins, Matthew M.; ...

2016-08-09

The form of a sheath near a small electrode, with bias changing from below to above the plasma potential, is studied using 2D particle-in-cell simulations. When the electrode is biased within T e/2 e below the plasma potential, the electron velocity distribution functions (EVDFs) exhibit a loss-cone type truncation due to fast electrons overcoming the small potential difference between the electrode and plasma. No sheath is present in this regime, and the plasma remains quasineutral up to the electrode. The EVDF truncation leads to a presheath-like density and flow velocity gradients. Once the bias exceeds the plasma potential, an electronmore » sheath is present. In this case, the truncation driven behavior persists, but is accompanied by a shift in the maximum value of the EVDF that is not present in the negative bias cases. In conclusion, the flow moment has significant contributions from both the flow shift of the EVDF maximum, and the loss-cone truncation.« less

Distinct management issues with Crohn's disease of the small intestine.

PubMed

Fong, Steven C M; Irving, Peter M

2015-03-01

Small bowel Crohn's disease can present with clinical challenges that are specific to its location. In this review, we address some of the areas that present particular problems in small bowel Crohn's disease. A key issue specific to small bowel Crohn's disease relates to its diagnosis given that access to the small bowel is limited. Radiological advances, particularly in small bowel ultrasonography and MRI, as well as the introduction of capsule endoscopy and balloon enteroscopy are helping to address this. In addition, our ability to differentiate small bowel Crohn's disease from other causes of inflammation, such as tuberculosis, is improving on the basis of better understanding of the features that differentiate these conditions. It is also becoming apparent that jejunal Crohn's disease represents a distinct disease phenotype with potentially worse clinical outcomes. Finally, because it is a rare complication, our understanding of small bowel cancer associated with Crohn's disease remains limited. Recent publications are, however, starting to improve our knowledge of this condition. Although small bowel Crohn's disease presents specific management issues not seen in patients with Crohn's disease elsewhere in the gastrointestinal tract, our knowledge of how to manage these is improving.

An Interactive Online Approach to Small-Group Student Presentations and Discussions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thor, Der; Xiao, Nan; Zheng, Meixun; Ma, Ruidan; Yu, Xiao Xi

2017-01-01

Student presentations had been widely implemented across content areas, including health sciences education. However, due to various limitations, small-group student presentations in the classroom may not reach their full potential for student learning. To address challenges with presentations in the classroom, we redesigned the assignment by…

Technology Challenges in Small UAV Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Logan, Michael J.; Vranas, Thomas L.; Motter, Mark; Shams, Qamar; Pollock, Dion S.

2005-01-01

Development of highly capable small UAVs present unique challenges for technology protagonists. Size constraints, the desire for ultra low cost and/or disposable platforms, lack of capable design and analysis tools, and unique mission requirements all add to the level of difficulty in creating state-of-the-art small UAVs. This paper presents the results of several small UAV developments, the difficulties encountered, and proposes a list of technology shortfalls that need to be addressed.

Use of galerina marginata genes and proteins for peptide production

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

Hallen-Adams, Heather E.; Scott-Craig, John S.; Walton, Jonathan D.

The present invention relates to compositions and methods comprising genes and peptides associated with cyclic peptides and cyclic peptide production in mushrooms. In particular, the present invention relates to using genes and proteins from Galerina species encoding peptides specifically relating to amatoxins in addition to proteins involved with processing cyclic peptide toxins. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention also relates to methods for making small peptides and small cyclic peptides including peptides similar to amanitin. Further, the present inventions relate to providing kits for making small peptides.

Use of Galerina marginata genes and proteins for peptide production

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

Hallen-Adams, Heather E.; Scott-Craig, John S.; Walton, Jonathan D.

The present invention relates to compositions and methods comprising genes and peptides associated with cyclic peptides and cyclic peptide production in mushrooms. In particular, the present invention relates to using genes and proteins from Galerina species encoding peptides specifically relating to amatoxins in addition to proteins involved with processing cyclic peptide toxins. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention also relates to methods for making small peptides and small cyclic peptides including peptides similar to amanitin. Further, the present inventions relate to providing kits for making small peptides.

Use of Galerina marginata genes and proteins for peptide production

DOEpatents

Hallen-Adams, Heather E.; Scott-Craig, John S.; Walton, Jonathan D.; Luo, Hong

2016-03-01

The present invention relates to compositions and methods comprising genes and peptides associated with cyclic peptides and cyclic peptide production in mushrooms. In particular, the present invention relates to using genes and proteins from Galerina species encoding peptides specifically relating to amatoxins in addition to proteins involved with processing cyclic peptide toxins. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention also relates to methods for making small peptides and small cyclic peptides including peptides similar to amanitin. Further, the present inventions relate to providing kits for making small peptides.

Distribution of the messenger RNA for the small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel SK3 in the adult rat brain and correlation with immunoreactivity.

PubMed

Tacconi, S; Carletti, R; Bunnemann, B; Plumpton, C; Merlo Pich, E; Terstappen, G C

2001-01-01

Small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels are voltage independent potassium channels which modulate the firing patterns of neurons by activating the slow component of the afterhyperpolarization. The genes encoding a family of small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels have been cloned and up to now three known members have been described and named small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel type 1, small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel type 2 and small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel type 3; the distribution of their messenger RNA in the rat CNS has already been performed but only in a limited detail. The present study represents the first detailed analysis of small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel type 3 mRNA distribution in the adult rat brain and resulted in a strong to moderate expression of signal in medial habenular nucleus, substantia nigra compact part, suprachiasmatic nucleus, ventral tegmental area, lateral septum, dorsal raphe and locus coeruleus. Immunohistological experiments were also performed and confirmed the presence of small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel type 3 protein in medial habenular nucleus, locus coeruleus and dorsal raphe. Given the importance of dorsal raphe, locus coeruleus and substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area for serotonergic, noradrenergic and dopaminergic transmission respectively, our results pose the morphological basis for further studies on the action of small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel type 3 in serotonergic, noradrenergic and dopaminergic transmission.

Experimental and Computational Study of Ductile Fracture in Small Punch Tests

PubMed Central

Bargmann, Swantje; Hähner, Peter

2017-01-01

A unified experimental-computational study on ductile fracture initiation and propagation during small punch testing is presented. Tests are carried out at room temperature with unnotched disks of different thicknesses where large-scale yielding prevails. In thinner specimens, the fracture occurs with severe necking under membrane tension, whereas for thicker ones a through thickness shearing mode prevails changing the crack orientation relative to the loading direction. Computational studies involve finite element simulations using a shear modified Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman porous plasticity model with an integral-type nonlocal formulation. The predicted punch load-displacement curves and deformed profiles are in good agreement with the experimental results. PMID:29039748

Experimental and Computational Study of Ductile Fracture in Small Punch Tests.

PubMed

Gülçimen Çakan, Betül; Soyarslan, Celal; Bargmann, Swantje; Hähner, Peter

2017-10-17

A unified experimental-computational study on ductile fracture initiation and propagation during small punch testing is presented. Tests are carried out at room temperature with unnotched disks of different thicknesses where large-scale yielding prevails. In thinner specimens, the fracture occurs with severe necking under membrane tension, whereas for thicker ones a through thickness shearing mode prevails changing the crack orientation relative to the loading direction. Computational studies involve finite element simulations using a shear modified Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman porous plasticity model with an integral-type nonlocal formulation. The predicted punch load-displacement curves and deformed profiles are in good agreement with the experimental results.

Use of Small Angle Neutron Scattering to Study Various Properties of Wool and Mohair Fibres

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

Franklyn, C. B.; Toeroek, Gy.

2011-12-13

To maintain a competitive edge in the wool and mohair industry, a detailed knowledge and understanding of the properties of wool fibres is essential. Standard techniques are used to determine fibre diameter, length and strength; however, properties such as hydroscopicity, lustre and changes in fibre structure following chemical or mechanical treatment are not so well understood. The unique capabilities of small angle neutron scattering to study changes in the supermolecular structure of wool fibres, particularly at the level of the microfibril-matrix complex, have been used to provide previously unknown features of the fibres. The results of these studies are presented.

Dynamic studies of small animals with a four-color diffuse optical tomography imager

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitz, Christoph H.; Graber, Harry L.; Pei, Yaling; Farber, Mark; Stewart, Mark; Levina, Rita D.; Levin, Mikhail B.; Xu, Yong; Barbour, Randall L.

2005-09-01

We present newly developed instrumentation for full-tomographic four-wavelength, continuous wave, diffuse optical tomography (DOT) imaging on small animals. A small-animal imaging stage was constructed, from materials compatible with in-magnet studies, which offers stereotaxic fixation of the animal and precise, stable probe positioning. Instrument performance, based on calibration and phantom studies, demonstrates excellent long-term signal stability. DOT measurements of the functional rat brain response to electric paw stimulation are presented, and these demonstrate high data quality and excellent sensitivity to hemodynamic changes. A general linear model analysis on individual trials is used to localize and quantify the occurrence of functional behavior associated with the different hemoglobin state responses. Statistical evaluation of outcomes of individual trials is employed to identify significant regional response variations for different stimulation sites. Image results reveal a diffuse cortical response and a strong reaction of the thalamus, both indicative of activation of pain pathways by the stimulation. In addition, a weaker lateralized functional component is observed in the brain response, suggesting presence of motor activation. An important outcome of the experiment is that it shows that reactions to individual provocations can be monitored, without having to resort to signal averaging. Thus the described technology may be useful for studies of long-term trends in hemodynamic response, as would occur, for example, in behavioral studies involving freely moving animals.

Studying Turbulence Using Numerical Simulation Databases. 3: Proceedings of the 1990 Summer Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spinks, Debra (Compiler)

1990-01-01

Papers that cover the following topics are presented: subgrid scale modeling; turbulence modeling; turbulence structure, transport, and control; small scales mixing; turbulent reacting flows; and turbulence theory.

Structural nested mean models for assessing time-varying effect moderation.

PubMed

Almirall, Daniel; Ten Have, Thomas; Murphy, Susan A

2010-03-01

This article considers the problem of assessing causal effect moderation in longitudinal settings in which treatment (or exposure) is time varying and so are the covariates said to moderate its effect. Intermediate causal effects that describe time-varying causal effects of treatment conditional on past covariate history are introduced and considered as part of Robins' structural nested mean model. Two estimators of the intermediate causal effects, and their standard errors, are presented and discussed: The first is a proposed two-stage regression estimator. The second is Robins' G-estimator. The results of a small simulation study that begins to shed light on the small versus large sample performance of the estimators, and on the bias-variance trade-off between the two estimators are presented. The methodology is illustrated using longitudinal data from a depression study.

Unstable density distribution associated with equatorial plasma bubble

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

Kherani, E. A., E-mail: esfhan.kherani@inpe.br; Meneses, F. Carlos de; Bharuthram, R.

2016-04-15

In this work, we present a simulation study of equatorial plasma bubble (EPB) in the evening time ionosphere. The fluid simulation is performed with a high grid resolution, enabling us to probe the steepened updrafting density structures inside EPB. Inside the density depletion that eventually evolves as EPB, both density and updraft are functions of space from which the density as implicit function of updraft velocity or the density distribution function is constructed. In the present study, this distribution function and the corresponding probability distribution function are found to evolve from Maxwellian to non-Maxwellian as the initial small depletion growsmore » to EPB. This non-Maxwellian distribution is of a gentle-bump type, in confirmation with the recently reported distribution within EPB from space-borne measurements that offer favorable condition for small scale kinetic instabilities.« less

Characterization of spacecraft and environmental disturbances on a SmallSat

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Thomas A.; Nguyen, Dung Phu Chi; Cuda, Vince; Freesland, Doug

1994-01-01

The objective of this study is to model the on-orbit vibration environment encountered by a SmallSat. Vibration control issues are common to the Earth observing, imaging, and microgravity communities. A spacecraft may contain dozens of support systems and instruments each a potential source of vibration. The quality of payload data depends on constraining vibration so that parasitic disturbances do not affect the payload's pointing or microgravity requirement. In practice, payloads are designed incorporating existing flight hardware in many cases with nonspecific vibration performance. Thus, for the development of a payload, designers require a thorough knowledge of existing mechanical devices and their associated disturbance levels. This study evaluates a SmallSat mission and seeks to answer basic questions concerning on-orbit vibration. Payloads were considered from the Earth observing, microgravity, and imaging communities. Candidate payload requirements were matched to spacecraft bus resources of present day SmallSats. From the set of candidate payloads, the representative payload GLAS (Geoscience Laser Altimeter System) was selected. The requirements of GLAS were considered very stringent for the 150 - 500 kg class of payloads. Once the payload was selected, a generic SmallSat was designed in order to accommodate the payload requirements (weight, size, power, etc.). This study seeks to characterize the on-orbit vibration environment of a SmallSat designed for this type of mission and to determine whether a SmallSat can provide the precision pointing and jitter control required for earth observing payloads.

High School Credit by Contract: Correspondence Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alaska State Dept. of Education, Juneau.

A series of fifteen correspondence studies for high school credit by contract are presented. Contracts are included for boating skills and seamanship; boatbuilding; food and food preparation; gardening; livestock raising; salmon aquaculture; sewing, knitting, and needlework; small engine repair; taxidermy and tanning; trapping; training animals;…

Radiative corrections from heavy fast-roll fields during inflation

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

Jain, Rajeev Kumar; Sandora, McCullen; Sloth, Martin S., E-mail: jain@cp3.dias.sdu.dk, E-mail: sandora@cp3.dias.sdu.dk, E-mail: sloth@cp3.dias.sdu.dk

2015-06-01

We investigate radiative corrections to the inflaton potential from heavy fields undergoing a fast-roll phase transition. We find that a logarithmic one-loop correction to the inflaton potential involving this field can induce a temporary running of the spectral index. The induced running can be a short burst of strong running, which may be related to the observed anomalies on large scales in the cosmic microwave spectrum, or extend over many e-folds, sustaining an effectively constant running to be searched for in the future. We implement this in a general class of models, where effects are mediated through a heavy messengermore » field sitting in its minimum. Interestingly, within the present framework it is a generic outcome that a large running implies a small field model with a vanishing tensor-to-scalar ratio, circumventing the normal expectation that small field models typically lead to an unobservably small running of the spectral index. An observable level of tensor modes can also be accommodated, but, surprisingly, this requires running to be induced by a curvaton. If upcoming observations are consistent with a small tensor-to-scalar ratio as predicted by small field models of inflation, then the present study serves as an explicit example contrary to the general expectation that the running will be unobservable.« less

Radiative corrections from heavy fast-roll fields during inflation

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

Jain, Rajeev Kumar; Sandora, McCullen; Sloth, Martin S.

2015-06-09

We investigate radiative corrections to the inflaton potential from heavy fields undergoing a fast-roll phase transition. We find that a logarithmic one-loop correction to the inflaton potential involving this field can induce a temporary running of the spectral index. The induced running can be a short burst of strong running, which may be related to the observed anomalies on large scales in the cosmic microwave spectrum, or extend over many e-folds, sustaining an effectively constant running to be searched for in the future. We implement this in a general class of models, where effects are mediated through a heavy messengermore » field sitting in its minimum. Interestingly, within the present framework it is a generic outcome that a large running implies a small field model with a vanishing tensor-to-scalar ratio, circumventing the normal expectation that small field models typically lead to an unobservably small running of the spectral index. An observable level of tensor modes can also be accommodated, but, surprisingly, this requires running to be induced by a curvaton. If upcoming observations are consistent with a small tensor-to-scalar ratio as predicted by small field models of inflation, then the present study serves as an explicit example contrary to the general expectation that the running will be unobservable.« less

VEGA, a small launch vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duret, François; Fabrizi, Antonio

1999-09-01

Several studies have been performed in Europe aiming to promote the full development of a small launch vehicle to put into orbit one ton class spacecrafts. But during the last ten years, the european workforce was mainly oriented towards the qualification of the heavy class ARIANE 5 launch vehicle.Then, due also to lack of visibility on this reduced segment of market, when comparing with the geosatcom market, no proposal was sufficiently attractive to get from the potentially interrested authorities a clear go-ahead, i.e. a financial committment. The situation is now rapidly evolving. Several european states, among them ITALY and FRANCE, are now convinced of the necessity of the availability of such a transportation system, an important argument to promote small missions, using small satellites. Application market will be mainly scientific experiments and earth observation; some telecommunications applications may be also envisaged such as placement of little LEO constellation satellites, or replacement after failure of big LEO constellation satellites. FIAT AVIO and AEROSPATIALE have proposed to their national agencies the development of such a small launch vehicle, named VEGA. The paper presents the story of the industrial proposal, and the present status of the project: Mission spectrum, technical definition, launch service and performance, target development plan and target recurring costs, as well as the industrial organisation for development, procurement, marketing and operations.

Molecular dynamics simulation analysis of the effect of T790M mutation on epidermal growth factor receptor protein architecture in non-small cell lung carcinoma.

PubMed

Peng, Xiao-Nu; Wang, Jing; Zhang, Wei

2017-08-01

Non-small cell lung cancer etiology and its treatment failure are due to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase domain mutations at amino acid position 790. The mutational change from threonine to methionine at position 790 (T790M) is responsible for tyrosine kinase inhibition failure. Using molecular dynamic simulation, the present study investigated the architectural changes occurring at the atomic scale. The 50-nsec runs using a GROMOS force field for wild-type and mutant EGFR's kinase domains were investigated for contrasting variations using Gromacs inbuilt tools. The adenosine triphosphate binding domain and the active site of EGFR were studied extensively in order to understand the structural changes. All the parameters investigated in the present study revealed considerable changes in the studied structures, and the knowledge gained from this may be used to develop novel kinase inhibitors that will be effective irrespective of the structural alterations in kinase domain.

Employees' Motivation for SPI: Case Study in a Small Finnish Software Company

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valtanen, Anu; Sihvonen, Hanna-Miina

In small software companies the resources available for SPI are often limited. With limited resources, the motivation of the employees becomes one of the key factors for SPI. In this article, the motivational factors affecting a small company's SPI efforts are discussed. In the research, we carried out interviews and a survey in a small Finnish software company considering the motivation towards SPI. The results are presented here and compared with earlier motivation research. There were differences revealed while comparing the motivating factors of smaller companies to those of larger ones. In large companies the focus seems to be on the business related motivators and in small ones the motivators related to comfortability of work are emphasized. Motivation survey and the interviews proved to be useful tools in planning the future SPI strategy. A lot of valuable information was discovered for planning and implementing the next steps of SPI.

Large scale nanoparticle screening for small molecule analysis in laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry

DOE PAGES

Yagnik, Gargey B.; Hansen, Rebecca L.; Korte, Andrew R.; ...

2016-08-30

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been suggested as efficient matrixes for small molecule profiling and imaging by laser-desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS), but so far there has been no systematic study comparing different NPs in the analysis of various classes of small molecules. Here, we present a large scale screening of 13 NPs for the analysis of two dozen small metabolite molecules. Many NPs showed much higher LDI efficiency than organic matrixes in positive mode and some NPs showed comparable efficiencies for selected analytes in negative mode. Our results suggest that a thermally driven desorption process is a key factor for metalmore » oxide NPs, but chemical interactions are also very important, especially for other NPs. Furthermore, the screening results provide a useful guideline for the selection of NPs in the LDI-MS analysis of small molecules.« less

Large scale nanoparticle screening for small molecule analysis in laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry

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

Yagnik, Gargey B.; Hansen, Rebecca L.; Korte, Andrew R.

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been suggested as efficient matrixes for small molecule profiling and imaging by laser-desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS), but so far there has been no systematic study comparing different NPs in the analysis of various classes of small molecules. Here, we present a large scale screening of 13 NPs for the analysis of two dozen small metabolite molecules. Many NPs showed much higher LDI efficiency than organic matrixes in positive mode and some NPs showed comparable efficiencies for selected analytes in negative mode. Our results suggest that a thermally driven desorption process is a key factor for metalmore » oxide NPs, but chemical interactions are also very important, especially for other NPs. Furthermore, the screening results provide a useful guideline for the selection of NPs in the LDI-MS analysis of small molecules.« less

Pre-clinical research in small animals using radiotherapy technology--a bidirectional translational approach.

PubMed

Tillner, Falk; Thute, Prasad; Bütof, Rebecca; Krause, Mechthild; Enghardt, Wolfgang

2014-12-01

For translational cancer research, pre-clinical in-vivo studies using small animals have become indispensable in bridging the gap between in-vitro cell experiments and clinical implementation. When setting up such small animal experiments, various biological, technical and methodical aspects have to be considered. In this work we present a comprehensive topical review based on relevant publications on irradiation techniques used for pre-clinical cancer research in mice and rats. Clinical radiotherapy treatment devices for the application of external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy as well as dedicated research irradiation devices are feasible for small animal irradiation depending on the animal model and the experimental goals. In this work, appropriate solutions for the technological transfer of human radiation oncology to small animal radiation research are summarised. Additionally, important information concerning the experimental design is provided such that reliable and clinically relevant results can be attained. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

Gluon tomography from deeply virtual Compton scattering at small x

DOE PAGES

Hatta, Yoshitaka; Xiao, Bo-Wen; Yuan, Feng

2017-06-29

We present a full evaluation of the deeply virtual Compton scattering cross section in the dipole framework in the small-x region. The result features the cosφ and cos2φ azimuthal angular correlations, which have been missing in previous studies based on the dipole model. In particular, the cos2φ term is generated by the elliptic gluon Wigner distribution of which the measurement at the planned electron-ion collider provides important information about the gluon tomography at small x. Here, we also show the consistency with the standard collinear factorization approach based on the quark and gluon generalized parton distributions.

Fabrication of mirror templates in silica with micron-sized radii of curvature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najer, Daniel; Renggli, Martina; Riedel, Daniel; Starosielec, Sebastian; Warburton, Richard J.

2017-01-01

We present the fabrication of exceptionally small-radius concave microoptics on fused silica substrates using CO2 laser ablation and subsequent reactive ion etching. The protocol yields on-axis near-Gaussian depressions with a radius of curvature ≲5 μm at shallow depth and low surface roughness of 2 Å. This geometry is appealing for cavity quantum electrodynamics where small mode volumes and low scattering losses are desired. We study the optical performance of the structures within a tunable Fabry-Pérot type microcavity and demonstrate near-coating-limited loss rates ( F = 25 000 ) and small focal lengths consistent with their geometrical dimensions.

Protective effect of aged garlic extract on the small intestinal damage of rats induced by methotrexate administration.

PubMed

Horie, T; Matsumoto, H; Kasagi, M; Sugiyama, A; Kikuchi, M; Karasawa, C; Awazu, S; Itakura, Y; Fuwa, T

1999-08-01

The methotrexate (MTX) administration to rats causes the damage of small intestine. The small intestinal damage was evaluated by measuring the intestinal permeability of the poorly absorbable compound, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled dextran (average molecular weight, 4,400) (FD-4) using the in vitro everted intestine technique and by determining the FD-4 that appeared in plasma using the in situ closed loop intestine technique. The MTX administration to rats fed with the standard laboratory diet increased the small intestinal permeability of FD-4 due to the damage of the small intestine. Interestingly, the permeability of FD-4, when MTX was administered to rats fed with the aged garlic extract containing diet, was depressed almost to the level of control rats without the MTX treatment. The present study showed that the aged garlic extract protected the small intestine from the damage induced by the action of MTX on the crypt cells.

Development and performance evaluation of frustum cone shaped churn for small scale production of butter.

PubMed

Kalla, Adarsh M; Sahu, C; Agrawal, A K; Bisen, P; Chavhan, B B; Sinha, Geetesh

2016-05-01

The present research was intended to develop a small scale butter churn and its performance by altering churning temperature and churn speed during butter making. In the present study, the cream was churned at different temperatures (8, 10 and 12 °C) and churn speeds (35, 60 and 85 rpm). The optimum parameters of churning time (40 min), moisture content (16 %) and overrun (19.42 %) were obtained when cream was churned at churning temperature of 10 °C and churn speed of 60 rpm. Using appropriate conditions of churning temperature and churn speed, high quality butter can be produced at cottage scale.

[Myeloid sarcoma of the small bowel with inversion of chromosome 16: a description of 3 clinical cases].

PubMed

Gavrilina, O A; Bariakh, E A; Parovichnikova, E N; Troitskaia, V V; Zvonkov, E E; Kravchenko, S K; Sinitsyna, M N; Obukhova, T N; Gitis, M K; Savchenko, V G

2014-01-01

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a rare malignant solid tumor presented with myeloid blast cells showing varying degrees of maturation. MS may have an extramedullary site, precede, or develop simultaneously with the clinical manifestations of acute myeloid leukemia (AML); it may also occur as an AML relapse. Besides AML, MS may be a manifestation of chronic myeloid leukemia or other chronic myeloproliferative diseases. Due to the fact that this disease is rare, the bulk of the literature on MS is presented with single descriptions of retrospective studies and clinical cases. The paper describes 3 cases of MS with inversion of chromosome 16 and small bowel lesion.

TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion in small cell carcinoma of the prostate.

PubMed

Guo, Charles C; Dancer, Jane Y; Wang, Yan; Aparicio, Ana; Navone, Nora M; Troncoso, Patricia; Czerniak, Bogdan A

2011-01-01

Recent studies have shown that most prostate cancers carry the TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion. Here we evaluated the TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion in small cell carcinoma of the prostate (n = 12) in comparison with small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder (n = 12) and lung (n = 11). Fluorescence in situ hybridization demonstrated rearrangement of the ERG gene in 8 cases of prostatic small cell carcinoma (67%), and the rearrangement was associated with deletion of the 5' ERG gene in 7 cases, but rearrangement of the ERG gene was not present in any small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder or lung. Next we evaluated the TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion in nude mouse xenografts that were derived from 2 prostatic small cell carcinomas carrying the TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion. Two transcripts encoded by the TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion were detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and DNA sequencing demonstrated that the 2 transcripts were composed of fusions of exon 1 of the TMPRSS2 gene to exon 4 or 5 of the ERG gene. Our study demonstrates the specific presence of TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion in prostatic small cell carcinoma, which may be helpful in distinguishing small cell carcinoma of prostatic origin from nonprostatic origins. The high prevalence of the TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion in prostatic small cell carcinoma as well as adenocarcinoma implies that small cell carcinoma may share a common pathogenic pathway with adenocarcinoma in the prostate. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor-induced small bowel injury: randomized cross-over study compared with loxoprofen in healthy subjects.

PubMed

Mizukami, Kazuhiro; Murakami, Kazunari; Yamauchi, Mika; Matsunari, Osamu; Ogawa, Ryo; Nakagawa, Yoshifumi; Okimoto, Tadayoshi; Kodama, Masaaki; Fujioka, Toshio

2013-05-01

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have the potential to injure the mucosa of the upper digestive tract and small bowel, whereas celecoxib (a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor) has less influence on the entire digestive tract mucosa. The present study was conducted to compare the extents of small bowel mucosal injury induced by celecoxib and loxoprofen (the most frequently used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in Japan). Ten healthy adult males were given celecoxib (200 mg/day, Group C) and loxoprofen (180 mg/day, Group L) in a cross-over design for 14 days, and the influence of each drug on small bowel mucosa was evaluated by comparing pre- and post-treatment capsule endoscopy findings. We measured the percentage of patients with small bowel mucosal injury following administration of these drugs as primary endpoint. Additionally, mean number of small bowel mucosal injuries per subject was analyzed as secondary endpoint. The percentage of subjects experiencing small bowel mucosal injury as primary endpoint was 10% in Group C and 70% in Group L after treatment. This magnitude of the difference of between Group C and Group L was statistically significant (P = 0.031). The number of small bowel mucosal injuries as secondary endpoint differed significantly between the two groups, and the influence of celecoxib on small bowel injury was less than that of loxoprofen. These results indicate that celecoxib has less influence on small bowel mucosa than loxoprofen and can be used safely. © 2012 The Authors. Digestive Endoscopy © 2012 Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.

Act on Numbers: Numerical Magnitude Influences Selection and Kinematics of Finger Movement

PubMed Central

Rugani, Rosa; Betti, Sonia; Ceccarini, Francesco; Sartori, Luisa

2017-01-01

In the past decade hand kinematics has been reliably adopted for investigating cognitive processes and disentangling debated topics. One of the most controversial issues in numerical cognition literature regards the origin – cultural vs. genetically driven – of the mental number line (MNL), oriented from left (small numbers) to right (large numbers). To date, the majority of studies have investigated this effect by means of response times, whereas studies considering more culturally unbiased measures such as kinematic parameters are rare. Here, we present a new paradigm that combines a “free response” task with the kinematic analysis of movement. Participants were seated in front of two little soccer goals placed on a table, one on the left and one on the right side. They were presented with left- or right-directed arrows and they were instructed to kick a small ball with their right index toward the goal indicated by the arrow. In a few test trials participants were presented also with a small (2) or a large (8) number, and they were allowed to choose the kicking direction. Participants performed more left responses with the small number and more right responses with the large number. The whole kicking movement was segmented in two temporal phases in order to make a hand kinematics’ fine-grained analysis. The Kick Preparation and Kick Finalization phases were selected on the basis of peak trajectory deviation from the virtual midline between the two goals. Results show an effect of both small and large numbers on action execution timing. Participants were faster to finalize the action when responding to small numbers toward the left and to large number toward the right. Here, we provide the first experimental demonstration which highlights how numerical processing affects action execution in a new and not-overlearned context. The employment of this innovative and unbiased paradigm will permit to disentangle the role of nature and culture in shaping the direction of MNL and the role of finger in the acquisition of numerical skills. Last but not least, similar paradigms will allow to determine how cognition can influence action execution. PMID:28912743

Small group learning: graduate health students' views of challenges and benefits.

PubMed

Jackson, Debra; Hickman, Louise D; Power, Tamara; Disler, Rebecca; Potgieter, Ingrid; Deek, Hiba; Davidson, Patricia M

2014-07-19

Abstract Background: For health care professionals, particularly nurses, the need to work productively and efficiently in small groups is a crucial skill required to meet the challenges of the contemporary health-care environment. Small group work is an educational technique that is used extensively in nurse education. The advantage of group work includes facilitation of deep, active and collaborative learning. However, small group work can be problematic and present challenges for students. Many of the challenges occur because group work necessitates the coming together of collections of individuals, each with their own personalities and sets of experiences. Aim: This study aimed to identify challenges and benefits associated with small group work and to explore options for retaining the positive aspects of group work while reducing or eliminating the aspects the students experienced as negative. Method: Online survey; thematic analysis. Results: Over all, students experienced a range of challenges that necessitated the development of problem-solving strategies. However, they were able to elucidate some enjoyable and positive aspects of group work. Implications for teaching and learning are drawn from this study. Conclusion: The ability to work effectively in small groups and teams is essential for all health care workers in the contemporary health environment. Findings of this study highlight the need for educators to explore novel and effective ways in which to engage nurses in group work.

Small group learning: Graduate health students' views of challenges and benefits.

PubMed

Jackson, Debra; Hickman, Louise D; Power, Tamara; Disler, Rebecca; Potgieter, Ingrid; Deek, Hiba; Davidson, Patricia M

2014-01-01

Abstract Background: For health-care professionals, particularly nurses, the need to work productively and efficiently in small groups is a crucial skill required to meet the challenges of the contemporary health-care environment. Small group work is an educational technique that is used extensively in nurse education. The advantage of group work includes facilitation of deep, active and collaborative learning. However, small group work can be problematic and present challenges for students. Many of the challenges occur because group work necessitates the coming together of collections of individuals, each with their own personalities and sets of experiences. This study aimed to identify challenges and benefits associated with small group work and to explore options for retaining the positive aspects of group work while reducing or eliminating the aspects the students experienced as negative. Online survey; thematic analysis. Over all, students experienced a range of challenges that necessitated the development of problem-solving strategies. However, they were able to elucidate some enjoyable and positive aspects of group work. Implications for teaching and learning are drawn from this study. The ability to work effectively in small groups and teams is essential for all health-care workers in the contemporary health environment. Findings of this study highlight the need for educators to explore novel and effective ways in which to engage nurses in group work.

Analytical Study on Thermal and Mechanical Design of Printed Circuit Heat Exchanger

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

Yoon, Su-Jong; Sabharwall, Piyush; Kim, Eung-Soo

2013-09-01

The analytical methodologies for the thermal design, mechanical design and cost estimation of printed circuit heat exchanger are presented in this study. In this study, three flow arrangements of parallel flow, countercurrent flow and crossflow are taken into account. For each flow arrangement, the analytical solution of temperature profile of heat exchanger is introduced. The size and cost of printed circuit heat exchangers for advanced small modular reactors, which employ various coolants such as sodium, molten salts, helium, and water, are also presented.

Observing and understanding the ultrafast photochemistry in small molecules: applications to sunscreens.

PubMed

Baker, Lewis A; Stavros, Vasilios G

2016-09-01

In this review, we discuss the importance of biological and artificial photoprotection against overexposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation. Transient electronic and transient vibrational absorption spectroscopies are highlighted as important tools in understanding the energy transfer in small molecules, with a focus on the application to commercial sunscreens with representative examples given. Oxybenzone, a common ingredient in commercial sunscreens and sinapoyl malate, a biological sunscreen in plant leaves are presented as case studies.

The Application of Selected Network Methods for Reliable and Safe Transport by Small Commercial Vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matuszak, Zbigniew; Bartosz, Michał; Barta, Dalibor

2016-09-01

In the article are characterized two network methods (critical path method - CPM and program evaluation and review technique - PERT). On the example of an international furniture company's product, it presented the exemplification of methods to transport cargos (furniture elements). Moreover, the study showed diagrams for transportation of cargos from individual components' producers to the final destination - the showroom. Calculations were based on the transportation of furniture elements via small commercial vehicles.

Movements of yellow perch marked in southern Green Bay, Lake Michigan, in 1950

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mraz, Donald

1952-01-01

These investigations have demonstrated that for studying migration of yellow perch, tagging is superior to fin-clipping as a method of marking. The technique of the tagging, however, needs to be improved, and better means must be found to trace tagged fish of small size. Furthermore certain small regions in the bay not at present open to commercial fishing must be explored in order to obtain more comprehensive information as to migration.

Achieving a Successful Scale-Down Model and Optimized Economics through Parvovirus Filter Validation using Purified TrueSpikeTM Viruses.

PubMed

De Vilmorin, Philippe; Slocum, Ashley; Jaber, Tareq; Schaefer, Oliver; Ruppach, Horst; Genest, Paul

2015-01-01

This article describes a four virus panel validation of EMD Millipore's (Bedford, MA) small virus-retentive filter, Viresolve® Pro, using TrueSpike(TM) viruses for a Biogen Idec process intermediate. The study was performed at Charles River Labs in King of Prussia, PA. Greater than 900 L/m(2) filter throughput was achieved with the approximately 8 g/L monoclonal antibody feed. No viruses were detected in any filtrate samples. All virus log reduction values were between ≥3.66 and ≥5.60. The use of TrueSpike(TM) at Charles River Labs allowed Biogen Idec to achieve a more representative scaled-down model and potentially reduce the cost of its virus filtration step and the overall cost of goods. The body of data presented here is an example of the benefits of following the guidance from the PDA Technical Report 47, The Preparation of Virus Spikes Used for Viral Clearance Studies. The safety of biopharmaceuticals is assured through the use of multiple steps in the purification process that are capable of virus clearance, including filtration with virus-retentive filters. The amount of virus present at the downstream stages in the process is expected to be and is typically low. The viral clearance capability of the filtration step is assessed in a validation study. The study utilizes a small version of the larger manufacturing size filter, and a large, known amount of virus is added to the feed prior to filtration. Viral assay before and after filtration allows the virus log reduction value to be quantified. The representativeness of the small-scale model is supported by comparing large-scale filter performance to small-scale filter performance. The large-scale and small-scale filtration runs are performed using the same operating conditions. If the filter performance at both scales is comparable, it supports the applicability of the virus log reduction value obtained with the small-scale filter to the large-scale manufacturing process. However, the virus preparation used to spike the feed material often contains impurities that contribute adversely to virus filter performance in the small-scale model. The added impurities from the virus spike, which are not present at manufacturing scale, compromise the scale-down model and put into question the direct applicability of the virus clearance results. Another consequence of decreased filter performance due to virus spike impurities is the unnecessary over-sizing of the manufacturing system to match the low filter capacity observed in the scale-down model. This article describes how improvements in mammalian virus spike purity ensure the validity of the log reduction value obtained with the scale-down model and support economically optimized filter usage. © PDA, Inc. 2015.

Studies of solution-processed organic light-emitting diodes and their materials

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

Hellerich, Emily

2013-01-01

A hitherto unexplored approach is presented in which a small molecule is used as a host to polymer guests in solution-processed OLEDs. We find that the small molecule host results in much more efficient devices than the often-used alternative polymer host when used for the guests presented. It is likely that nano- and microstructural differences between the hosts contribute to the improvements, which highlights some interesting characteristics that can help to better understand the nature of these mixtures. A number of the guests used in this study were newly synthesized benzobisoxazole-based copolymers. New organic copolymers are presented that are basedmore » on the chemical structure of benzobisoxazoles, which have been shown in the past to have good electron transporting properties. The novel concept in this publication pertains to a change in the direction of polymerization, also known as the conjugation pathway, which we show increases the emission efficiency. This work highlights a unique and useful property of organic semiconducting materials in that they can be synthesized to create the desired characteristics. Earlier work is described that kick-started in our research group the use of small molecules in solution-processed OLEDs. Originally these devices were to be used in magnetoresistance studies, but the project took a different path when the devices were more efficient than expected. The efficient use of small molecules in solution-processed OLEDs is highlighted, which at the time was not often the case. Also, the important observation of the effect of solvent choice on the resultant film is emphasized, with discussion of the likely cause of these effects. Microcavity OLEDs are introduced in which the transparent anode ITO is replaced with semi-transparent thin silver, which creates an optical cavity within the devices. The goal was to expand a previous work that created an on-chip spectrometer covering wavelengths 493 to 639 nm. In this case, a spin-coated mixed emitting layer (EML) is used, consisting of a polymer and a small molecule that both emit in the near UV and blue. The resulting combined spectra gives a wide band that can be used to create narrow microcavity emission peaks of 373 to 469 nm, depending on the device thickness (i.e. the cavity’s optical length). In the process of this effort, the mixed EML presented interesting complexities that we attempt to explain via simulation and morphology study.« less

Analysis of Marketing Strategy for Food Supplements and Over-The-Counter Medicines

PubMed Central

Dzeparoski, Marjan; Trajkovic-Jolevska, Suzana

2016-01-01

Marketing strategy is correlated with the regulations for the corresponding product category. Accordingly, there is a big difference in the marketing strategy of food supplements and over-the-counter medicines. In this paper are presented 2 different marketing strategies of a new small pharmaceutical company in two studies. The findings of studies analysis can be used for developing marketing strategies in the wider sense and other products, for other small to medium sized companies in other countries of interest with similar regulations and help them understand how to position and promote themselves and their products. PMID:27703582

Analysis of Marketing Strategy for Food Supplements and Over-The-Counter Medicines.

PubMed

Dzeparoski, Marjan; Trajkovic-Jolevska, Suzana

2016-09-15

Marketing strategy is correlated with the regulations for the corresponding product category. Accordingly, there is a big difference in the marketing strategy of food supplements and over-the-counter medicines. In this paper are presented 2 different marketing strategies of a new small pharmaceutical company in two studies. The findings of studies analysis can be used for developing marketing strategies in the wider sense and other products, for other small to medium sized companies in other countries of interest with similar regulations and help them understand how to position and promote themselves and their products.

A water-soluble extract from cultured medium of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) mycelia attenuates the small intestinal injury induced by anti-cancer drugs

PubMed Central

KASHIMOTO, NAOKI; ISHII, SATOMI; MYOJIN, YUKI; USHIJIMA, MITSUYASU; HAYAMA, MINORU; WATANABE, HIROMITSU

2010-01-01

The present study investigated whether a water-soluble extract from the culture medium of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) mycelia (MAK) is able to protect the small intestine against damage induced by anti-cancer drugs. Six-week-old male B6C3F1/Crlj mice were fed a basal diet (MF) alone or with various doses of MAK or Agarics blazei Murrill (AGA) beginning one week before treatment with the anti-cancer drugs. Mice were sacrificed 3.5 days after injection of the anti-cancer drug, the small intestine was removed and tissue specimens were examined for the regeneration of small intestinal crypts. In experiment 1, the number of regenerative crypts after the administration of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) intravenously (250 mg/kg) or intraperitoneally (250 or 500 mg/kg) was compared after treatment with MAK or AGA. MAK protected against 5FU-induced small intestinal injury whereas AGA did not. In experiment 2, we investigated the protective effect of MAK against small intestinal injury induced by the anti-cancer drugs: UFT (tegafur with uracil; 1,000 mg/kg, orally), cisplatin (CDDP; 12.5 and 25 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), cyclophosphamide (CPA; 250 mg/kg, orally) and gefitinib (Iressa; 2,000 and 4,000 mg/kg, orally). UFT and CDDP decreased the number of regenerative crypts, but treatment with MAK attenuated the extent of UFT- or CDDP-induced small intestinal injury. CPA or Iressa plus MAK up-regulated crypt regeneration. The present results indicate that MAK ameliorates the small intestinal injury caused by several anti-cancer drugs, suggesting that MAK is a potential preventive agent against this common adverse effect of chemotherapy. PMID:22966257

"Small" data in a big data world: archiving terrestrial ecology data at ORNL DAAC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santhana Vannan, S. K.; Beaty, T.; Boyer, A.; Deb, D.; Hook, L.; Shrestha, R.; Thornton, M.; Virdi, M.; Wei, Y.; Wright, D.

2016-12-01

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory Distributed Active Archive Center (ORNL DAAC http://daac.ornl.gov), a NASA-funded data center, archives a diverse collection of terrestrial biogeochemistry and ecological dynamics observations and models in support of NASA's Earth Science program. The ORNL DAAC has been addressing the increasing challenge of publishing diverse small data products into an online archive while dealing with the enhanced need for integration and availability of these data to address big science questions. This paper will show examples of "small" diverse data holdings - ranging from the Daymet model output data to site-based soil moisture observation data. We define "small" by the data volume of these data products compared to petabyte scale observations. We will highlight the use of tools and services for visualizing diverse data holdings and subsetting services such as the MODIS land products subsets tool (at ORNL DAAC) that provides big MODIS data in small chunks. Digital Object Identifiers (DOI) and data citations have enhanced the availability of data. The challenge faced by data publishers now is to deal with the increased number of publishable data products and most importantly the difficulties of publishing small diverse data products into an online archive. This paper will also present our experiences designing a data curation system for these types of data. The characteristics of these data will be examined and their scientific value will be demonstrated via data citation metrics. We will present case studies of leveraging specialized tools and services that have enabled small data sets to realize their "big" scientific potential. Overall, we will provide a holistic view of the challenges and potential of small diverse terrestrial ecology data sets from data curation to distribution.

Lymphangioma of the jejunal mesentery and jejunal polyps presenting as an acute abdomen in a teenager.

PubMed

Jayasundara, Jasb; Perera, E; Chandu de Silva, M V; Pathirana, A A

2017-03-01

Cystic lymphangioma of the small bowel mesentery is a rare clinical entity, especially after childhood. Medical literature reveals a limited number of such cases presenting as acute abdomen due to bowel obstruction, small bowel volvulus and bleeding into the tumour. We present the management experience of an 18-year-old woman who presented with rapid onset diffuse peritonism and raised inflammatory markers. Computed tomography showed a mass in the small bowel mesentery with suspicion of segmental bowel ischaemia. Emergency laparotomy revealed a mass in the mid-jejunal mesentery close to the bowel wall with no bowel ischaemia. The patient made an uncomplicated recovery after segmental bowel resection and end-to-end anastomosis. Histology confirmed the mass as a cystic lymphangioma involving the jejunal mesentery and two small jejunal polyps. Lymphangioma could be considered in the differential diagnosis of an acute abdomen in a young adult when the presentation is atypical.

Modeling the spreading of large-scale wildland fires

Treesearch

Mohamed Drissi

2015-01-01

The objective of the present study is twofold. First, the last developments and validation results of a hybrid model designed to simulate fire patterns in heterogeneous landscapes are presented. The model combines the features of a stochastic small-world network model with those of a deterministic semi-physical model of the interaction between burning and non-burning...

Adventures in Mathematics: The N-dimensional Journeys. Monograph Number 3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sanok, Gloria; Vissa, Jeanne

This monograph presents geometric activities designed to foster curiosity and inquiry on the part of both students and teachers as they explore geometric ideas for 0 to 3 dimensions. Activities can be used in whole class presentation, small groups, or individual study. Grade levels span K-8. Suggested questions promote communication and sharing,…

Ultrahigh-speed ultrahigh-resolution adaptive optics: optical coherence tomography system for in-vivo small animal retinal imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jian, Yifan; Xu, Jing; Zawadzki, Robert J.; Sarunic, Marinko V.

2013-03-01

Small animal models of human retinal diseases are a critical component of vision research. In this report, we present an ultrahigh-resolution ultrahigh-speed adaptive optics optical coherence tomography (AO-OCT) system for small animal retinal imaging (mouse, fish, etc.). We adapted our imaging system to different types of small animals in accordance with the optical properties of their eyes. Results of AO-OCT images of small animal retinas acquired with AO correction are presented. Cellular structures including nerve fiber bundles, capillary networks and detailed double-cone photoreceptors are visualized.

Software engineering risk factors in the implementation of a small electronic medical record system: the problem of scalability.

PubMed

Chiang, Michael F; Starren, Justin B

2002-01-01

The successful implementation of clinical information systems is difficult. In examining the reasons and potential solutions for this problem, the medical informatics community may benefit from the lessons of a rich body of software engineering and management literature about the failure of software projects. Based on previous studies, we present a conceptual framework for understanding the risk factors associated with large-scale projects. However, the vast majority of existing literature is based on large, enterprise-wide systems, and it unclear whether those results may be scaled down and applied to smaller projects such as departmental medical information systems. To examine this issue, we discuss the case study of a delayed electronic medical record implementation project in a small specialty practice at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center. While the factors contributing to the delay of this small project share some attributes with those found in larger organizations, there are important differences. The significance of these differences for groups implementing small medical information systems is discussed.

An investigation and analysis of safety issues in Polish small construction plants.

PubMed

Dąbrowski, Andrzej

2015-01-01

The construction industry is a booming sector of the Polish economy; however, it is stigmatised by a lower classification due to high occupational risks and an unsatisfactory state of occupational safety. Safety on construction sites is compromised by small construction firms which dominate the market and have high accident rates. This article presents the results of studies (using a checklist) conducted in small Polish construction companies in terms of selected aspects of safety, such as co-operation with the general contractor, occupational health and safety documents, occupational risk assessment, organization of work, protective gear and general work equipment. The mentioned studies and analyses provided the grounds to establish the main directions of preventive measures decreasing occupational risk in small construction companies, e.g., an increase in engagement of investors and general contractors, improvement of occupational health and safety (OSH) documents, an increase in efficiency of construction site managers, better stability of employment and removal of opposing objectives between economic strategy and work safety.

An investigation and analysis of safety issues in Polish small construction plants

PubMed Central

Dąbrowski, Andrzej

2015-01-01

The construction industry is a booming sector of the Polish economy; however, it is stigmatised by a lower classification due to high occupational risks and an unsatisfactory state of occupational safety. Safety on construction sites is compromised by small construction firms which dominate the market and have high accident rates. This article presents the results of studies (using a checklist) conducted in small Polish construction companies in terms of selected aspects of safety, such as co-operation with the general contractor, occupational health and safety documents, occupational risk assessment, organization of work, protective gear and general work equipment. The mentioned studies and analyses provided the grounds to establish the main directions of preventive measures decreasing occupational risk in small construction companies, e.g., an increase in engagement of investors and general contractors, improvement of occupational health and safety (OSH) documents, an increase in efficiency of construction site managers, better stability of employment and removal of opposing objectives between economic strategy and work safety. PMID:26694002

Thermodynamic modeling of small scale biomass gasifiers: Development and assessment of the ''Multi-Box'' approach.

PubMed

Vakalis, Stergios; Patuzzi, Francesco; Baratieri, Marco

2016-04-01

Modeling can be a powerful tool for designing and optimizing gasification systems. Modeling applications for small scale/fixed bed biomass gasifiers have been interesting due to their increased commercial practices. Fixed bed gasifiers are characterized by a wide range of operational conditions and are multi-zoned processes. The reactants are distributed in different phases and the products from each zone influence the following process steps and thus the composition of the final products. The present study aims to improve the conventional 'Black-Box' thermodynamic modeling by means of developing multiple intermediate 'boxes' that calculate two phase (solid-vapor) equilibriums in small scale gasifiers. Therefore the model is named ''Multi-Box''. Experimental data from a small scale gasifier have been used for the validation of the model. The returned results are significantly closer with the actual case study measurements in comparison to single-stage thermodynamic modeling. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Estimating the probability that the sample mean is within a desired fraction of the standard deviation of the true mean.

PubMed

Schillaci, Michael A; Schillaci, Mario E

2009-02-01

The use of small sample sizes in human and primate evolutionary research is commonplace. Estimating how well small samples represent the underlying population, however, is not commonplace. Because the accuracy of determinations of taxonomy, phylogeny, and evolutionary process are dependant upon how well the study sample represents the population of interest, characterizing the uncertainty, or potential error, associated with analyses of small sample sizes is essential. We present a method for estimating the probability that the sample mean is within a desired fraction of the standard deviation of the true mean using small (n<10) or very small (n < or = 5) sample sizes. This method can be used by researchers to determine post hoc the probability that their sample is a meaningful approximation of the population parameter. We tested the method using a large craniometric data set commonly used by researchers in the field. Given our results, we suggest that sample estimates of the population mean can be reasonable and meaningful even when based on small, and perhaps even very small, sample sizes.

An Investigative Case Study into Early Childhood Educators' Understanding about "Belonging"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tillett, Valerie; Wong, Sandie

2018-01-01

This paper presents findings from a small exploratory study examining eight diversely qualified early childhood (EC) educators' understandings about belonging. Data from interviews were analysed drawing on 10 dimensions and 3 axes of belonging. Findings from this study demonstrate that educators had a strong sense of social, emotional, spatial and…

Application of Total Quality Management System in Thai Primary Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Prueangphitchayathon, Setthiya; Tesaputa, Kowat; Somprach, Kanokorn

2015-01-01

The present study seeks to develop a total quality management (TQM) system that can be applied to primary schools. The approach focuses on customer orientation, total involvement of all constituencies and continuous improvement. TQM principles were studied and synthesized according to case studies of the best practices in 3 primary schools (small,…

Idea Cards for Water Flow. Elementary Science Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elementary Science Study, Newton, MA.

Presented are 29 activity cards designed for use with the Elementary Science Study (ESS) program. Each card describes an experiment on one aspect of water flow such as siphoning, methods of removing water from a container, aspirators, floats, and water behavior in various tubing linkups. Activities are intended for individual or small group study;…

Verbal Ability and Teacher Effectiveness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Andrew, Michael D.; Cobb, Casey D.; Giampietro, Peter J.

2005-01-01

Critics of traditional teacher education programs have suggested that verbal ability along with subject knowledge is sufficient for measuring good teaching. A small group of research studies is called upon to support this contention. This article reviews these studies, analyzes the role of verbal ability in teaching, and presents research…

Acoustic flight test of the Piper Lance

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1986-12-01

Research is being conducted to refine current noise regulation of propeller-driven small airplanes. Studies are examining the prospect of a substituting a takeoff procedure of equal stringency for the level flyover certification test presently requir...

Three-phase Discussion Sessions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karr, M. C.; And Others

1988-01-01

Describes the procedures, organizational pattern and design of basic soils course used by teaching assistants. Cites studies which support small-group discussion for promoting higher levels of intellectual functioning. Presents tables showing survey evaluation results of this method. (RT)

A micro-scale printable nanoclip for electrical stimulation and recording in small nerves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lissandrello, Charles A.; Gillis, Winthrop F.; Shen, Jun; Pearre, Ben W.; Vitale, Flavia; Pasquali, Matteo; Holinski, Bradley J.; Chew, Daniel J.; White, Alice E.; Gardner, Timothy J.

2017-06-01

Objective. The vision of bioelectronic medicine is to treat disease by modulating the signaling of visceral nerves near various end organs. In small animal models, the nerves of interest can have small diameters and limited surgical access. New high-resolution methods for building nerve interfaces are desirable. In this study, we present a novel nerve interface and demonstrate its use for stimulation and recording in small nerves. Approach. We design and fabricate micro-scale electrode-laden nanoclips capable of interfacing with nerves as small as 50 µm in diameter. The nanoclips are fabricated using a direct laser writing technique with a resolution of 200 nm. The resolution of the printing process allows for incorporation of a number of innovations such as trapdoors to secure the device to the nerve, and quick-release mounts that facilitate keyhole surgery, obviating the need for forceps. The nanoclip can be built around various electrode materials; here we use carbon nanotube fibers for minimally invasive tethering. Main results. We present data from stimulation-evoked responses of the tracheal syringeal (hypoglossal) nerve of the zebra finch, as well as quantification of nerve functionality at various time points post implant, demonstrating that the nanoclip is compatible with healthy nerve activity over sub-chronic timescales. Significance. Our nerve interface addresses key challenges in interfacing with small nerves in the peripheral nervous system. Its small size, ability to remain on the nerve over sub-chronic timescales, and ease of implantation, make it a promising tool for future use in the treatment of disease.

Portrait of a small population of boreal toads (anaxyrus boreas)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Muths, E.; Scherer, R. D.

2011-01-01

Much attention has been given to the conservation of small populations, those that are small because of decline, and those that are naturally small. Small populations are of particular interest because ecological theory suggests that they are vulnerable to the deleterious effects of environmental, demographic, and genetic stochasticity as well as natural and human-induced catastrophes. However, testing theory and developing applicable conservation measures for small populations is hampered by sparse data. This lack of information is frequently driven by computational issues with small data sets that can be confounded by the impacts of stressors. We present estimates of demographic parameters from a small population of Boreal Toads (Anaxyrus boreas) that has been surveyed since 2001 by using capturerecapture methods. Estimates of annual adult survival probability are high relative to other Boreal Toad populations, whereas estimates of recruitment rate are low. Despite using simple models, clear patterns emerged from the analyses, suggesting that population size is constrained by low recruitment of adults and is declining slowly. These patterns provide insights that are useful in developing management directions for this small population, and this study serves as an example of the potential for small populations to yield robust and useful information despite sample size constraints. ?? 2011 The Herpetologists' League, Inc.

Challenges of Conducting a Self-Study Process: Small Two-Year Institutions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weeks, Richard G., Jr.

A description is provided of the accreditation self-study process employed by Northwest Community College (NCC), along with a copy of the final self-study report. First, information is presented on how the current college organizational structure was used to conduct the self-study, including explanations of the role of the President's Advisory…

Design of a Phase /Doppler Light-Scattering System for Measurement of Small-Diameter Glass Fibers During Fiberglass Manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaub, Scott A.; Naqwi, Amir A.; Harding, Foster L.

1998-01-01

We present fundamental studies examining the design of a phase /Doppler laser light-scattering system applicable to on-line measurements of small-diameter ( <15 m) fibers during fiberglass manufacturing. We first discuss off-line diameter measurement techniques currently used in the fiberglass industry and outline the limitations and problems associated with these methods. For the phase /Doppler design study we have developed a theoretical computer model for the response of the measurement system to cylindrical fibers, which is based on electromagnetic scattering theory. The model, valid for arbitrary fiber diameters and hardware configurations, generates simulated detector output as a function of time for a finite absorbing, cylindrical fiber oriented perpendicular to the two incident laser beams. Results of experimental measurements are presented, confirming predictions of the theoretical model. Parametric studies have also been conducted using the computer model to identify experimental arrangements that provide linear phase -diameter relationships for small-diameter fibers, within the measurement constraints imposed by the fiberglass production environment. The effect of variations in optical properties of the glass as well as fiber orientation effects are discussed. Through this research we have identified phase /Doppler arrangements that we expect to have future applications in the fiberglass industry for on-line diameter monitoring and process control.

Design of a phase/doppler light-scattering system for measurement of small-diameter glass fibers during fiberglass manufacturing.

PubMed

Schaub, S A; Naqwi, A A; Harding, F L

1998-01-20

We present fundamental studies examining the design of a phase/Doppler laser light-scattering system applicable to on-line measurements of small-diameter (<15 mum) fibers during fiberglass manufacturing. We first discuss off-line diameter measurement techniques currently used in the fiberglass industry and outline the limitations and problems associated with these methods. For the phase/Doppler design study we have developed a theoretical computer model for the response of the measurement system to cylindrical fibers, which is based on electromagnetic scattering theory. The model, valid for arbitrary fiber diameters and hardware configurations, generates simulated detector output as a function of time for a finite absorbing, cylindrical fiber oriented perpendicular to the two incident laser beams. Results of experimental measurements are presented, confirming predictions of the theoretical model. Parametric studies have also been conducted using the computer model to identify experimental arrangements that provide linear phase-diameter relationships for small-diameter fibers, within the measurement constraints imposed by the fiberglass production environment. The effect of variations in optical properties of the glass as well as fiber orientation effects are discussed. Through this research we have identified phase/Doppler arrangements that we expect to have future applications in the fiberglass industry for on-line diameter monitoring and process control.

Teaching astronomy with case studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slater, Timothy F.

2015-11-01

Breaking the students into small, collaborative learning groups to solve a meaningful task together is one of the most successful and fully evaluated teaching techniques implemented over the last century. Although there are many ways to accomplish small group learning, a long-standing and consistently successful collaborative class activity is to use the case study teaching strategy. The use of case studies is common in medical schools and law schools, but not so common in the teaching of astronomy. Case studies create meaningful conversations among students and with the professor by focusing on life-like dilemmas to be solved. Case study tasks ask audience members to synthesize several ideas or evaluate scenarios that have not been explicitly presented to them in the lecture or in available readings.

Disseminating the Results of a Depression Management Study in an Urban Alaska Native Health Care System.

PubMed

Dirks, Lisa G; Avey, Jaedon P; Hiratsuka, Vanessa Y; Dillard, Denise A; Caindec, Karen; Robinson, Renee F

2018-01-01

Increased attention to diagnostic accuracy in depression screening and management within primary care has demonstrated inadequate care when patients prematurely discontinue recommended treatments such as medication and counseling. Decision-support tools can enhance the medical decision-making process. In 2010, the Southcentral Foundation (SCF) Research Department developed a stakeholder-driven decision support tool to aid in depression management. This paper describes feedback from attendees at SCF's 2016 Alaska Native Health Research Forum (Forum) regarding a dissemination product highlighting the aforementioned study. Forum attendees participated in a small group discussion and responded to a brief survey using the audience response system. Thematic analysis was conducted on data from the small group discussion. Overall, Forum attendees responded favorably to the dissemination product. Most agreed the presentation was clear, the amount of information presented was appropriate, and that results were presented in an interesting way. Small group discussion participants provided constructive feedback about why depression-related research results should be shared; how they believed results should be best shared; who results should be shared with; when and where results should be shared; and what level of research results should be shared. The stigma associated with depression treatment may be assuaged if results are shared in a way that normalizes support for depression treatment. Community member involvement in disseminating results has potential to make information more acceptable and meaningful.

Phosphodiester models for cleavage of nucleic acids

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Nucleic acids that store and transfer biological information are polymeric diesters of phosphoric acid. Cleavage of the phosphodiester linkages by protein enzymes, nucleases, is one of the underlying biological processes. The remarkable catalytic efficiency of nucleases, together with the ability of ribonucleic acids to serve sometimes as nucleases, has made the cleavage of phosphodiesters a subject of intensive mechanistic studies. In addition to studies of nucleases by pH-rate dependency, X-ray crystallography, amino acid/nucleotide substitution and computational approaches, experimental and theoretical studies with small molecular model compounds still play a role. With small molecules, the importance of various elementary processes, such as proton transfer and metal ion binding, for stabilization of transition states may be elucidated and systematic variation of the basicity of the entering or departing nucleophile enables determination of the position of the transition state on the reaction coordinate. Such data is important on analyzing enzyme mechanisms based on synergistic participation of several catalytic entities. Many nucleases are metalloenzymes and small molecular models offer an excellent tool to construct models for their catalytic centers. The present review tends to be an up to date summary of what has been achieved by mechanistic studies with small molecular phosphodiesters. PMID:29719577

Omics of the marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) and its relevance to marine environmental research.

PubMed

Kim, Bo-Mi; Kim, Jaebum; Choi, Ik-Young; Raisuddin, Sheikh; Au, Doris W T; Leung, Kenneth M Y; Wu, Rudolf S S; Rhee, Jae-Sung; Lee, Jae-Seong

2016-02-01

In recent years, the marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma), also known as the Indian medaka or brackish medaka, has been recognized as a model fish species for ecotoxicology and environmental research in the Asian region. O. melastigma has several promising features for research, which include a short generation period (3-4 months), daily spawning, small size (3-4 cm), transparent embryos, sexual dimorphism, and ease of mass culture in the laboratory. There have been extensive transcriptome and genome studies on the marine medaka in the past decade. Such omics data can be useful in understanding the signal transduction pathways of small teleosts in response to environmental stressors. An omics-integrated approach in the study of the marine medaka is important for strengthening its role as a small fish model for marine environmental studies. In this review, we present current omics information about the marine medaka and discuss its potential applications in the study of various molecular pathways that can be targets of marine environmental stressors, such as chemical pollutants. We believe that this review will encourage the use of this small fish as a model species in marine environmental research. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quantitative thermal sensory testing -- value of testing for both cold and warm sensation detection in evaluation of small fiber neuropathy.

PubMed

Shukla, Garima; Bhatia, Manvir; Behari, Madhuri

2005-10-01

Small fiber neuropathy is a common neurological disorder, often missed or ignored by physicians, since examination and routine nerve conduction studies are usually normal in this condition. Many methods including quantitative thermal sensory testing are currently being used for early detection of this condition, so as to enable timely investigation and treatment. This study was conducted to assess the yield of quantitative thermal sensory testing in diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy. We included patients presenting with history suggestive of positive and/or negative sensory symptoms, with normal examination findings, clinically suggestive of small fiber neuropathy, with normal or minimally abnormal routine nerve conduction studies. These patients were subjected to quantitative thermal sensory testing using a Medoc TSA-II Neurosensory analyser at two sites and for two modalities. QST data were compared with those in 120 normal healthy controls. Twenty-five patients (16 males, 9 females) with mean age 46.8+/-16.6 years (range: 21-75 years) were included in the study. The mean duration of symptoms was 1.6+/-1.6 years (range: 3 months-6 years). Eighteen patients (72%) had abnormal thresholds in at least one modality. Thermal thresholds were normal in 7 out of the 25 patients. This study demonstrates that quantitative thermal sensory testing is a fairly sensitive method for detection of small fiber neuropathy especially in patients with normal routine nerve conduction studies.

Meta-analysis of the technical performance of an imaging procedure: guidelines and statistical methodology.

PubMed

Huang, Erich P; Wang, Xiao-Feng; Choudhury, Kingshuk Roy; McShane, Lisa M; Gönen, Mithat; Ye, Jingjing; Buckler, Andrew J; Kinahan, Paul E; Reeves, Anthony P; Jackson, Edward F; Guimaraes, Alexander R; Zahlmann, Gudrun

2015-02-01

Medical imaging serves many roles in patient care and the drug approval process, including assessing treatment response and guiding treatment decisions. These roles often involve a quantitative imaging biomarker, an objectively measured characteristic of the underlying anatomic structure or biochemical process derived from medical images. Before a quantitative imaging biomarker is accepted for use in such roles, the imaging procedure to acquire it must undergo evaluation of its technical performance, which entails assessment of performance metrics such as repeatability and reproducibility of the quantitative imaging biomarker. Ideally, this evaluation will involve quantitative summaries of results from multiple studies to overcome limitations due to the typically small sample sizes of technical performance studies and/or to include a broader range of clinical settings and patient populations. This paper is a review of meta-analysis procedures for such an evaluation, including identification of suitable studies, statistical methodology to evaluate and summarize the performance metrics, and complete and transparent reporting of the results. This review addresses challenges typical of meta-analyses of technical performance, particularly small study sizes, which often causes violations of assumptions underlying standard meta-analysis techniques. Alternative approaches to address these difficulties are also presented; simulation studies indicate that they outperform standard techniques when some studies are small. The meta-analysis procedures presented are also applied to actual [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) test-retest repeatability data for illustrative purposes. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Meta-analysis of the technical performance of an imaging procedure: Guidelines and statistical methodology

PubMed Central

Huang, Erich P; Wang, Xiao-Feng; Choudhury, Kingshuk Roy; McShane, Lisa M; Gönen, Mithat; Ye, Jingjing; Buckler, Andrew J; Kinahan, Paul E; Reeves, Anthony P; Jackson, Edward F; Guimaraes, Alexander R; Zahlmann, Gudrun

2017-01-01

Medical imaging serves many roles in patient care and the drug approval process, including assessing treatment response and guiding treatment decisions. These roles often involve a quantitative imaging biomarker, an objectively measured characteristic of the underlying anatomic structure or biochemical process derived from medical images. Before a quantitative imaging biomarker is accepted for use in such roles, the imaging procedure to acquire it must undergo evaluation of its technical performance, which entails assessment of performance metrics such as repeatability and reproducibility of the quantitative imaging biomarker. Ideally, this evaluation will involve quantitative summaries of results from multiple studies to overcome limitations due to the typically small sample sizes of technical performance studies and/or to include a broader range of clinical settings and patient populations. This paper is a review of meta-analysis procedures for such an evaluation, including identification of suitable studies, statistical methodology to evaluate and summarize the performance metrics, and complete and transparent reporting of the results. This review addresses challenges typical of meta-analyses of technical performance, particularly small study sizes, which often causes violations of assumptions underlying standard meta-analysis techniques. Alternative approaches to address these difficulties are also presented; simulation studies indicate that they outperform standard techniques when some studies are small. The meta-analysis procedures presented are also applied to actual [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) test–retest repeatability data for illustrative purposes. PMID:24872353

Concentration-related response potentiometric titrations to study the interaction of small molecules with large biomolecules.

PubMed

Hamidi-Asl, Ezat; Daems, Devin; De Wael, Karolien; Van Camp, Guy; Nagels, Luc J

2014-12-16

In the present paper, the utility of a special potentiometric titration approach for recognition and calculation of biomolecule/small-molecule interactions is reported. This approach is fast, sensitive, reproducible, and inexpensive in comparison to the other methods for the determination of the association constant values (Ka) and the interaction energies (ΔG). The potentiometric titration measurement is based on the use of a classical polymeric membrane indicator electrode in a solution of the small-molecule ligand. The biomolecule is used as a titrant. The potential is measured versus a reference electrode and transformed into a concentration-related signal over the entire concentration interval, also at low concentrations, where the millivolt (y-axis) versus log canalyte (x-axis) potentiometric calibration curve is not linear. In the procedure, Ka is calculated for the interaction of cocaine with a cocaine binding aptamer and with an anticocaine antibody. To study the selectivity and cross-reactivity, other oligonucleotides and aptamers are tested, as well as other small ligand molecules such as tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl)borate, metergoline, lidocaine, and bromhexine. The calculated Ka compared favorably to the value reported in the literature using surface plasmon resonance. The potentiometric titration approach called "concentration-related response potentiometry" is used to study molecular interaction for seven macromolecular target molecules and four small-molecule ligands.

Comparative Study between Measurement Data and Treatment Planning System (TPS) in Small Fields for High Energy Photon Beams.

PubMed

El Shahat, Khaled; El Saeid, Aziza; Attalla, Ehab; Yassin, Adel

2014-01-01

To achieve tumor control for radiotherapy, a dose distribution is planned which has a good chance of sterilizing all cancer cells without causing unacceptable normal tissue complications. The aim of the present study was to achieve an accurate calculation of dose for small field dimensions and perform this by evaluating the accuracy of planning system calculation. This will be compared with real measurement of dose for the same small field dimensions using different detectors. Practical work was performed in two steps: (i) determination of the physical factors required for dose estimation measured by three ionization chambers and calculated by treatment planning system (TPS) based on the latest technical report series (IAEATRS-398) and (ii) comparison of the calculated and measured data. Our data analysis for small field is irradiated by photon energy matched with the data obtained from the ionization chambers and the treatment planning system. Radiographic films were used as an additional detector for the obtained data and showed matching with TPS calculation. It can be concluded that studied small field dimensions were averaged 6% and 4% for 6 MV and 15 MV, respectively. Radiographic film measurements showed a variation in results within ±2% than TPS calculation.

Photoionization in Ultraviolet Processing of Astrophysical Ice Analogs at Cryogenic Temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woon, David E.

2004-01-01

Two recent experimental studies have demonstrated that amino acids or amino acid precursors are generated when astrophysical ice analogs are subjected to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation at cryogenic temperatures. Understanding the complete phenomenology of photoprocessing is critical to elucidating chemical reaction mechanisms that can function within an ice matrix under very cold conditions. Pushing beyond the much better characterized study of photolytic dissociation of chemical bonds through electronic excitation, this work explored the ability of UV radiation present in the interstellar medium to ionize small molecules embedded in ices. Quantum chemical calculations, including bulk solvation effects, were used to study the ionization of hydrogen (H2), water, and methanol (CH3OH) bound in small clusters of water. Ionization potentials were found to be much smaller in the condensed phase than in the gas phase; even a small cluster can account for large changes in the ionization potentials in ice, as well as the known formation of an OH--H3O+ pair in the case of H2O photoionization. To gauge the impact of photoionization on subsequent grain chemistry, the reaction between OH and CO in the presence of H3O+ was studied and compared with the potential energy surface without hydronium present, which is relevant to chemistry following photolysis. The differences indicate that the reaction is somewhat more likely to proceed to products (H + CO2) in the case of photoionization.

Chemical composition, nutritional value and antioxidant properties of Mediterranean okra genotypes in relation to harvest stage.

PubMed

Petropoulos, Spyridon; Fernandes, Ângela; Barros, Lillian; Ferreira, Isabel C F R

2018-03-01

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of fruit size on nutritional value, chemical composition and antioxidant properties of Mediterranean okra genotypes. For this purpose, pods from four okra cultivars and local landraces commonly cultivated in Greece, as well as pods from four commercial cultivars from North America were collected at two sizes (3-5 and>7cm). Significant differences were observed between the studied genotypes for both nutritional value and chemical composition parameters. Small fruit had a higher nutritional value, whereas chemical composition differed in a genotype dependent manner with most of the studied cultivars showing better results when harvested in small size. In conclusion, fruit size has a genotype dependent impact on chemical composition and nutritional value of okra pods and the common practice of harvesting okra fruit while they still have a small size helps to increase nutritional value for most of the studied genotypes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

gamma-Aminobutyric acid production in small and large intestine of normal and germ-free Wistar rats. Influence of food intake and intestinal flora.

PubMed

van Berlo, C L; de Jonge, H R; van den Bogaard, A E; van Eijk, H M; Janssen, M A; Soeters, P B

1987-09-01

In recent hypotheses concerning the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is claimed to be produced by the colonic flora, although enzymes necessary to generate GABA have been reported to be present in intestinal mucosa. In this study, using normal and germ-free Wistar rats, we determined GABA levels and amino-grams of arterial blood and of venous effluent from small and large bowel. The data indicate that large and small intestinal mucosa significantly contribute to GABA production. In the fasted state GABA concentrations are greater in the venous effluent of the small bowel than in the venous effluent of the large bowel. Feeding increases the arterioportal differences, and uptake in the small bowel is still significantly higher than in the large bowel. This process is not, or can only be to a minor degree, bacterially mediated, because GABA production in the gut both in the fed and fasted state is of similar magnitude in germ-free and normal animals. gamma-Aminobutyric acid release correlates significantly with glutamine uptake in the small bowel of fasted rats. Only a small fraction of the glutamine taken up is needed to account for GABA release, so that conclusions concerning which amino acids may serve as precursors of GABA cannot be drawn. Further studies are needed to delineate the metabolic pathways leading to GABA synthesis.

Temporal and spatial behavior of pharmaceuticals in ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The behavior of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in urban estuaries is not well understood. In this study, 15 high volume usage APIs were measured over a one year period throughout Narragansett Bay, RI, USA to determine factors controlling their concentration and distribution. Dissolved APIs ranged in concentration from not detected to 310 ng/L, with numerous APIs present at all sites and sampling periods. Eight APIs were present in suspended particulate material, ranging in concentration from <1 ng/g to 44 ng/g. Partitioning coefficients (Kds) were determined for APIs present in both the dissolved and particulate phases, with their range and variability remaining relatively constant during the study. Organic carbon normalization reduced the observed variability of several APIs to a small extent; however, other factors appear to play a role in controlling partitioning behavior. The continuous discharge of wastewater treatment plant effluents into upper Narragansett Bay resulted in sustained levels of APIs, resulting in a zone of “pseudo-persistence.” For most of the APIs, there was a strong relationship with salinity, indicating conservative behavior within the estuary. Short flushing times in Narragansett Bay coupled with APIs present primarily in the dissolved phase suggests that most APIs will be diluted and transported out of the estuary, with only small amounts of several compounds removed to and sequestered in sediments. This study ide

Incipient fault detection study for advanced spacecraft systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Milner, G. Martin; Black, Michael C.; Hovenga, J. Mike; Mcclure, Paul F.

1986-01-01

A feasibility study to investigate the application of vibration monitoring to the rotating machinery of planned NASA advanced spacecraft components is described. Factors investigated include: (1) special problems associated with small, high RPM machines; (2) application across multiple component types; (3) microgravity; (4) multiple fault types; (5) eight different analysis techniques including signature analysis, high frequency demodulation, cepstrum, clustering, amplitude analysis, and pattern recognition are compared; and (6) small sample statistical analysis is used to compare performance by computation of probability of detection and false alarm for an ensemble of repeated baseline and faulted tests. Both detection and classification performance are quantified. Vibration monitoring is shown to be an effective means of detecting the most important problem types for small, high RPM fans and pumps typical of those planned for the advanced spacecraft. A preliminary monitoring system design and implementation plan is presented.

How to study picosecond solvation dynamics using fluorescent probes with small Stokes shifts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silori, Yogita; Dey, Shivalee; De, Arijit K.

2018-02-01

Xanthene dyes have wide ranging applications as fluorescent probes in analytical, biochemical and medical contexts. Being cationic/anionic in nature, the solvation dynamics of xanthene dyes confined within a negatively/positively charged interface are very interesting. Unfortunately, the floppy structure and small Stokes shift render any xanthene dye unsuitable for use as a solvation probe. Using di-sodium fluorescein, we present our work on the picosecond solvation dynamics of bulk and confined water (at pH = 9.2). We also propose a new methodology for studying picosecond solvation dynamics using any fluorescent dye with a small Stokes shift. We discuss how scattering contributions can be effectively removed, and propose an alternative way of defining zero time of solvation. Finally, we demonstrate the tuning location of the probe within confinement.

Mechanical oscillatory behavior of a C60 fullerene tunneling through open carbon nanocones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadeghi, F.; Ansari, R.

2017-07-01

This paper deals with the mechanical oscillatory behavior of a C60 fullerene inside open carbon nanocones (CNCs). The fullerene molecule is assumed to enter the nanocone through its small end or wide end. Following our previously published study, semi-analytical expressions for the evaluation of vdW interactions are presented which facilitate obtaining a formula for oscillation frequency. The equation of motion is numerically solved to attain the time histories of separation distance and velocity of the fullerene molecule. Based on the conservation of the mechanical energy law, a new semi-analytical formula is also derived to accurately evaluate the oscillation frequency of the system. With respect to the present formulation, a detailed parametric study is conducted to gain an insight into the effects of both geometrical parameters (small-end radius, wide-end radius and vertex angle of nanocone) and initial conditions (initial separation distance and initial velocity) on the oscillatory behavior of C60 fullerene-open CNC oscillators. For given geometrical parameters and initial conditions, it is shown that higher oscillation frequencies can be achieved when the fullerene molecule enters the open nanocone through its small end.

[Celiac disease in a group of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus].

PubMed

Brandt, Katia G; Silva, Giselia A P; Antunes, Margarida M C

2004-12-01

To know the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) in a group of children and adolescents with type I diabetes mellitus. A cross sectional study was conducted at the Instituto Materno Infantil de Pernambuco (IMIP) in March 2000. The sample consisted of 19 children and adolescents with type I diabetes mellitus that had the human anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies assessed using kits from the Eurospital Laboratory. In case of positive results it was realized small intestine biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. For the calculation of the prevalence of CD it was considered the number of patients with serum positive histological alterations of the mucous membrane of the small intestine compatible with CD. Four patients presented serum positivity for human anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies with a serum prevalence of 21% (4/19). Out of these four subjects, three who accomplished small intestine biopsy presented histological alterations compatible with CD. The prevalence of CD in this group was 15.8% (3/19). The prevalence of CD in this study group was high, suggesting that those with type I diabetes mellitus should be led as a group of high risk to develop this disease.

Small-scale soft-bodied robot with multimodal locomotion.

PubMed

Hu, Wenqi; Lum, Guo Zhan; Mastrangeli, Massimo; Sitti, Metin

2018-02-01

Untethered small-scale (from several millimetres down to a few micrometres in all dimensions) robots that can non-invasively access confined, enclosed spaces may enable applications in microfactories such as the construction of tissue scaffolds by robotic assembly, in bioengineering such as single-cell manipulation and biosensing, and in healthcare such as targeted drug delivery and minimally invasive surgery. Existing small-scale robots, however, have very limited mobility because they are unable to negotiate obstacles and changes in texture or material in unstructured environments. Of these small-scale robots, soft robots have greater potential to realize high mobility via multimodal locomotion, because such machines have higher degrees of freedom than their rigid counterparts. Here we demonstrate magneto-elastic soft millimetre-scale robots that can swim inside and on the surface of liquids, climb liquid menisci, roll and walk on solid surfaces, jump over obstacles, and crawl within narrow tunnels. These robots can transit reversibly between different liquid and solid terrains, as well as switch between locomotive modes. They can additionally execute pick-and-place and cargo-release tasks. We also present theoretical models to explain how the robots move. Like the large-scale robots that can be used to study locomotion, these soft small-scale robots could be used to study soft-bodied locomotion produced by small organisms.

Small gas turbine engine technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Niedzwiecki, Richard W.; Meitner, Peter L.

1988-01-01

Performance of small gas turbine engines in the 250 to 1,000 horsepower size range is significantly lower than that of large engines. Engines of this size are typically used in rotorcraft, commutercraft, general aviation, and cruise missile applications. Principal reasons for the lower efficiencies of a smaller engine are well known: component efficients are lower by as much as 8 to 10 percentage points because of size effects. Small engines are designed for lower cycle pressures and temperatures because of smaller blading and cooling limitations. The highly developed analytical and manufacturing techniques evolved for large engines are not directly transferrable to small engines. Thus, it was recognized that a focused effort addressing technologies for small engies was needed and could significantly impact their performance. Recently, in-house and contract studies were undertaken at the NASA Lewis Research Center to identify advanced engine cycle and component requirements for substantial performance improvement of small gas turbines for projected year 2000 applications. The results of both in-house research and contract studies are presented. In summary, projected fuel savings of 22 to 42 percent could be obtained. Accompanying direct operating cost reductions of 11 to 17 percent, depending on fuel cost, were also estimated. High payoff technologies are identified for all engine applications, and recent results of experimental research to evolve the high payoff technologies are described.

Reduced fecundity in small populations of the rare plant Gentianopsis ciliate (Gentianaceae)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kery, M.; Matthies, D.

2004-01-01

Habitat destruction is the main cause for the biodiversity crisis. Surviving populations are often fragmented, i.e., small and isolated from each other. Reproduction of plants in small populations is often reduced, and this has been attributed to inbreeding depression, reduced attractiveness for pollinators, and reduced habitat quality in small populations. Here we present data on the effects of fragmentation on the rare, self-compatible perennial herb Gentianopsis ciliata (Gentianaceae), a species with very small and presumably well-dispersed seeds. We studied the relationship between population size, plant size, and the number of flowers produced in 63 populations from 1996-1998. In one of the years, leaf and flower size and the number of seeds produced per fruit was studied in a subset of 25 populations. Plant size, flower size, and the number of seeds per fruit and per plant increased with population size, whereas leaf length and the number of flowers per plant did not. The effects of population size on reproduction and on flower size remained significant if the effects were adjusted for differences in plant size, indicating that they could not be explained by differences in habitat quality. The strongly reduced reproduction in small populations may be due to pollination limitation, while the reduced flower size could indicate genetic effects.

Small-scale soft-bodied robot with multimodal locomotion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Wenqi; Lum, Guo Zhan; Mastrangeli, Massimo; Sitti, Metin

2018-02-01

Untethered small-scale (from several millimetres down to a few micrometres in all dimensions) robots that can non-invasively access confined, enclosed spaces may enable applications in microfactories such as the construction of tissue scaffolds by robotic assembly, in bioengineering such as single-cell manipulation and biosensing, and in healthcare such as targeted drug delivery and minimally invasive surgery. Existing small-scale robots, however, have very limited mobility because they are unable to negotiate obstacles and changes in texture or material in unstructured environments. Of these small-scale robots, soft robots have greater potential to realize high mobility via multimodal locomotion, because such machines have higher degrees of freedom than their rigid counterparts. Here we demonstrate magneto-elastic soft millimetre-scale robots that can swim inside and on the surface of liquids, climb liquid menisci, roll and walk on solid surfaces, jump over obstacles, and crawl within narrow tunnels. These robots can transit reversibly between different liquid and solid terrains, as well as switch between locomotive modes. They can additionally execute pick-and-place and cargo-release tasks. We also present theoretical models to explain how the robots move. Like the large-scale robots that can be used to study locomotion, these soft small-scale robots could be used to study soft-bodied locomotion produced by small organisms.

Reduced fecundity in small populations of the rare plant Gentianopsis ciliate (Gentianaceae)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Robbins, C.S.

1983-01-01

Habitat destruction is the main cause for the biodiversity crisis. Surviving populations are often fragmented, i.e., small and isolated from each other. Reproduction of plants in small populations is often reduced, and this has been attributed to inbreeding depression, reduced attractiveness for pollinators, and reduced habitat quality in small populations. Here we present data on the effects of fragmentation on the rare, self-compatible perennial herb Gentianopsis ciliata (Gentianaceae), a species with very small and presumably well-dispersed seeds. We studied the relationship between population size, plant size, and the number of flowers produced in 63 populations from 1996-1998. In one of the years, leaf and flower size and the number of seeds produced per fruit was studied in a subset of 25 populations. Plant size, flower size, and the number of seeds per fruit and per plant increased with population size, whereas leaf length and the number of flowers per plant did not. The effects of population size on reproduction and on flower size remained significant if the effects were adjusted for differences in plant size, indicating that they could not be explained by differences in habitat quality. The strongly reduced reproduction in small populations may be due to pollination limitation, while the reduced flower size could indicate genetic effects.

Tidewater Community College 1998 Graduate Survey Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kleiman, Lisa

This report presents Tidewater Community College's (TCC's) (Virginia) 1998 graduate survey study. Approximately half of the graduates attended another college or university prior to enrolling at TCC. A small portion enrolled directly from high school. Almost three-fourths of the graduates were working either full- or part-time while enrolled, and…

Collaboration Indices for Monitoring Potential Problems in Online Small Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jahng, Namsook

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study is to test the validity and reliability of three collaboration indices ("quantity", "equality", "and shareness") proposed by Jahng et al. (2010). The present study repeated the quantitative assessment of Jahng et al., and performed a further qualitative analysis to identify possible factors…

Studying the Greenhouse Effect: A Simple Demonstration.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Papageorgiou, G.; Ouzounis, K.

2000-01-01

Studies the parameters involved in a presentation of the greenhouse effect and describes a simple demonstration of this effect. Required equipment includes a 100-120 watt lamp, a 250mL beaker, and a thermometer capable of recording 0-750 degrees Celsius together with a small amount of chloroform. (Author/SAH)

Goals, Big and Small

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walkow, Martin

2012-01-01

This dissertation explores the interaction of syntax and morphology in the morphological realization of AGREE-relations. I present two case studies of derivational interactions of AGREE-processes where the morphological realization of the later processes are affected by the earlier ones. The two cases studied differ in the way probes and goals…

An Ecological Study of Glee in Small Groups of Preschool Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sherman, Lawrence W.

1975-01-01

Presents a description and analysis of group glee (joyful screaming, laughing and intense physical acts occurring in simultaneous bursts or in a contagious fashion), studied by means of videotapes of 596 formal lessons in a preschool. Information collected concerned occurrence, location, frequency and duration, teachers' responses, incidence of…

Site-Based Leadership: Extrapolating from Small Business to Charter Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arbisi Little, Joan

2012-01-01

Using a participant-observer perspective, this comparative case study sought to identify similarities between business and education to contribute to charter school training, leadership development, and school reform. This inquiry is a qualitative comparative case study using a participant observer perspective presented in a scholarly personal…

Lower reoperation rate for recurrence after mesh versus sutured elective repair in small umbilical and epigastric hernias. A nationwide register study.

PubMed

Christoffersen, M W; Helgstrand, F; Rosenberg, J; Kehlet, H; Bisgaard, T

2013-11-01

Repair for a small (≤ 2 cm) umbilical and epigastric hernia is a minor surgical procedure. The most common surgical repair techniques are a sutured repair or a repair with mesh reinforcement. However, the optimal repair technique with regard to risk of reoperation for recurrence is not well documented. The aim of the present study was in a nationwide setup to investigate the reoperation rate for recurrence after small open umbilical and epigastric hernia repairs using either sutured or mesh repair. This was a prospective cohort study based on intraoperative registrations from the Danish Ventral Hernia Database (DVHD) of patients undergoing elective open mesh and sutured repair for small (≤ 2 cm) umbilical and epigastric hernias. Patients were included during a 4-year study period. A complete follow-up was obtained by combining intraoperative data from the DVHD with data from the Danish National Patient Register. The cumulative reoperation rates were obtained using cumulative incidence plot and compared with the log rank test. In total, 4,786 small (≤ 2 cm) elective open umbilical and epigastric hernia repairs were included. Age was median 48 years (range 18-95 years). Follow-up was 21 months (range 0-47 months). The cumulated reoperation rates for recurrence were 2.2 % for mesh reinforcement and 5.6 % for sutured repair (P = 0.001). The overall cumulated reoperation rate for sutured and mesh repairs was 4.8 %. In conclusion, reoperation rate for recurrence for small umbilical and epigastric hernias was significantly lower after mesh repair compared with sutured repair. Mesh reinforcement should be routine in even small umbilical or epigastric hernias to lower the risk of reoperation for recurrence avoid recurrence.

Primary Jejunal Adenocarcinoma Presenting as Bilateral Ovarian Metastasis

PubMed Central

Ofori, Emmanuel; Ramai, Daryl; Papafragkakis, Charilaos; Changela, Kinesh; Krishnaiah, Mahesh

2017-01-01

Small intestinal tumors are rare with adenocarcinoma of the small intestine accounting for less than 2% of all gastrointestinal cancers. Primary jejunal adenocarcinoma constitutes a minute portion of small intestine adenocarcinomas. Clinically, this cancer presents at latter stages of its progression, mainly due to vague and non-specific symptoms, and the difficulty encountered in accessing the jejunum on upper endoscopy. Diagnosis of jejunal adenocarcinoma is usually inconclusive with the use of computed tomography (CT) scan, small bowel series, or upper endoscopy. Laparoscopy followed by frozen section biopsy provides a definitive diagnosis. In the past decade, balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) and capsule endoscopy have become popular as useful modalities for diagnosing small bowel diseases. Wide excisional jejunectomy is the only treatment option with an estimated 5-year survival of 40-65%. Physicians are advised to suspect jejunal adenocarcinoma as a differential diagnosis in patients who present with non-specific symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, anemia, gastrointestinal bleeding or signs of small bowel obstruction. We present a rare case of a 37-year-old woman with suspected bilateral ovarian masses, which was immunohistochemically confirmed as primary jejunal adenocarcinoma with bilateral ovarian metastasis. PMID:29317945

Primary Jejunal Adenocarcinoma Presenting as Bilateral Ovarian Metastasis.

PubMed

Ofori, Emmanuel; Ramai, Daryl; Papafragkakis, Charilaos; Changela, Kinesh; Krishnaiah, Mahesh

2017-12-01

Small intestinal tumors are rare with adenocarcinoma of the small intestine accounting for less than 2% of all gastrointestinal cancers. Primary jejunal adenocarcinoma constitutes a minute portion of small intestine adenocarcinomas. Clinically, this cancer presents at latter stages of its progression, mainly due to vague and non-specific symptoms, and the difficulty encountered in accessing the jejunum on upper endoscopy. Diagnosis of jejunal adenocarcinoma is usually inconclusive with the use of computed tomography (CT) scan, small bowel series, or upper endoscopy. Laparoscopy followed by frozen section biopsy provides a definitive diagnosis. In the past decade, balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) and capsule endoscopy have become popular as useful modalities for diagnosing small bowel diseases. Wide excisional jejunectomy is the only treatment option with an estimated 5-year survival of 40-65%. Physicians are advised to suspect jejunal adenocarcinoma as a differential diagnosis in patients who present with non-specific symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, anemia, gastrointestinal bleeding or signs of small bowel obstruction. We present a rare case of a 37-year-old woman with suspected bilateral ovarian masses, which was immunohistochemically confirmed as primary jejunal adenocarcinoma with bilateral ovarian metastasis.

Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis and Multivariate Statistics for Pottery Provenance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glascock, M. D.; Neff, H.; Vaughn, K. J.

2004-06-01

The application of instrumental neutron activation analysis and multivariate statistics to archaeological studies of ceramics and clays is described. A small pottery data set from the Nasca culture in southern Peru is presented for illustration.

Thermal Control System for a Small, Extended Duration Lunar Surface Science Platform

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bugby, D.; Farmer, J.; OConnor, B.; Wirzburger, M.; Abel, E.; Stouffer, C.

2010-01-01

The presentation slides include: Introduction: lunar mission definition, Problem: requirements/methodology, Concept: thermal switching options, Analysis: system evaluation, Plans: dual-radiator LHP (loop heat pipe) test bed, and Conclusions: from this study.

ERBE S10 WFOV SF NAT

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2016-06-13

... warming caused by greenhouse gases. Absorption of Solar Radiation by Clouds The results of the study demonstrate the present ... spacecraft, as described below. WFOV Instruments: these two fixed detectors continuously view the earth disc (plus a small ring of ...

Metastatic ovarian papillary cystadenocarcinoma to the small intestine serous surface: report of a case of high-grade histopathologic malignancy

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Ovarian cystadenocarcinoma is characterized by marked heterogeneity and may be composed of an admixture of histologic growth patterns, including acinar, papillary and solid. In the present study, a case of isolated small intestine metastasis of ovarian papillary cystadenocarcinoma was reported. A 7-year-old female mixed-breed dog presented with a mass in the left upper quadrant with progressive enlargement of the abdomen, periodic bloody discharge from the vulva and incontinence. The tumor was histologically characterized by the presence of cysts and proliferation of papillae, both lined by single- or multi-layered pleomorphic epithelial cells. Furthermore, the mass was composed by intense cellular and nuclear pleomorphism and numerous mitotic figures. These findings indicate a tumor of high-grade malignancy with infiterative tumor cells resembling the papillary ovarian tumor in the serosal surface of the small intestine along with an intact serosa. Immunohistochemically, tumor was positive for CK7 and negative immunoreactivity for CK20. The histopathologic features coupled with the CK7 immunoreactivity led to a diagnosis of high grade ovarian papillary cystadenocarcinoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of small intestine serousal surface metastasis from ovarian papillary cystadenocarcinoma. PMID:24636424

On the Scaling of Small, Heat Simulated Jet Noise Measurements to Moderate Size Exhaust Jets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McLaughlin, Dennis K.; Bridges, James; Kuo, Ching-Wen

2010-01-01

Modern military aircraft jet engines are designed with variable geometry nozzles to provide optimum thrust in different operating conditions, depending on the flight envelope. However, the acoustic measurements for such nozzles are scarce, due to the cost involved in making full scale measurements and the lack of details about the exact geometry of these nozzles. Thus the present effort at The Pennsylvania State University and the NASA Glenn Research Center- in partnership with GE Aviation is aiming to study and characterize the acoustic field produced by supersonic jets issuing from converging-diverging military style nozzles. An equally important objective is to validate methodology for using data obtained from small and moderate scale experiments to reliably predict the most important components of full scale engine noise. The experimental results presented show reasonable agreement between small scale and moderate scale jet acoustic data, as well as between heated jets and heat-simulated ones. Unresolved issues however are identified that are currently receiving our attention, in particular the effect of the small bypass ratio airflow. Future activities will identify and test promising noise reduction techniques in an effort to predict how well such concepts will work with full scale engines in flight conditions.

Dissociable loss of the representations in visual short-term memory.

PubMed

Li, Jie

2016-01-01

The present study investigated in what manner the information in visual short-term memory (VSTM) is lost. Participants memorized four items, one of which was given higher priority later by a retro-cue. Then participants were required to detect a possible change, which could be either a large or small change, occurred to one of the items. The results showed that the detection performance for the small change of the uncued items was poorer than the cued item, yet large change that occurred to all four memory items could be detected perfectly, indicating that the uncued representations lost some detailed information yet still had some basic features retained in VSTM. The present study suggests that after being encoded into VSTM, the information is not lost in an object-based manner; rather, features of an item are still dissociable, so that they can be lost separately.

Fashion garment manufacturing - FGM and cyclability theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mendes, F. D.; Dos Santos, M. C. L.

2017-10-01

This article, derived from an ongoing research, presents the possibilities of reducing the inappropriate disposal of textile residues generated by the fabric cutting sector of the Fashion Garment Manufacturing (FGM). The raw material used is very varied, resulting in a large number of productive processes. FGM produces clothing that has as its main features a short life cycle, a high rate of diversification and differentiation, and small production batches, resulting in few similar parts. The production process is differentiated according to the characteristics of the fabric and the look of the garment. During the production process, at least 10% of textile waste is generated during the cutting process, which is constantly discarded in an inadequate way. The Cyclability theory is researched aiming at the possibility of reduction in the generation of waste and elimination of inappropriate disposal. The case study presents the action research carried out in three small Brazilian companies to study the applicability of the Cyclability theory.

First clinical trial of a newly developed capsule endoscope with panoramic side view for small bowel: a pilot study.

PubMed

Friedrich, Kilian; Gehrke, Sven; Stremmel, Wolfgang; Sieg, Andreas

2013-09-01

Capsule endoscopy is the first-line diagnostic technique for the small bowel. However, the inability to visualize the duodenal papilla is an inherent limitation of this method. In the present study, we evaluated feasibility of a newly developed CapsoCam SV1 capsule. This is a prospective dual center study of a newly developed video capsule CapsoCam SV1 from Capsovision, CA, providing panoramic 360° imaging. A high frequency of 20 frames occurs per second for the first 2 h and thereafter 12 frames/s, with a battery life of 15 h. We evaluated feasibility and completeness of small bowel examination together with secondary endpoints of duodenal papilla detection in 33 patients. Patients swallowed the capsules following colonoscopy or were prepared with 2 L of polyethylene glycol solution prior to the examination. All patients swallowed 20 mg of metoclopramide and 160 mg of simethicone 30 min before ingestion of the capsule. Thirty-one of the 33 patients' data could be evaluated. Small bowel examination was complete in all procedures. Mean time to pass the small bowel was 258 ± 136 min. Average small bowel cleanliness was 3.3 ± 0.5. In 71% of the patients, we identified the duodenal papilla. No adverse reaction in relation to the capsule examination was observed. CapsoCam SV1 is a safe and efficient tool in small bowel examination. The duodenal papilla as the only landmark in small bowel is detected in more than 70% of the patients. © 2013 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Characterizing protein domain associations by Small-molecule ligand binding

PubMed Central

Li, Qingliang; Cheng, Tiejun; Wang, Yanli; Bryant, Stephen H.

2012-01-01

Background Protein domains are evolutionarily conserved building blocks for protein structure and function, which are conventionally identified based on protein sequence or structure similarity. Small molecule binding domains are of great importance for the recognition of small molecules in biological systems and drug development. Many small molecules, including drugs, have been increasingly identified to bind to multiple targets, leading to promiscuous interactions with protein domains. Thus, a large scale characterization of the protein domains and their associations with respect to small-molecule binding is of particular interest to system biology research, drug target identification, as well as drug repurposing. Methods We compiled a collection of 13,822 physical interactions of small molecules and protein domains derived from the Protein Data Bank (PDB) structures. Based on the chemical similarity of these small molecules, we characterized pairwise associations of the protein domains and further investigated their global associations from a network point of view. Results We found that protein domains, despite lack of similarity in sequence and structure, were comprehensively associated through binding the same or similar small-molecule ligands. Moreover, we identified modules in the domain network that consisted of closely related protein domains by sharing similar biochemical mechanisms, being involved in relevant biological pathways, or being regulated by the same cognate cofactors. Conclusions A novel protein domain relationship was identified in the context of small-molecule binding, which is complementary to those identified by traditional sequence-based or structure-based approaches. The protein domain network constructed in the present study provides a novel perspective for chemogenomic study and network pharmacology, as well as target identification for drug repurposing. PMID:23745168

Volvulus of the small intestine associated with left paraduodenal hernia: a case report.

PubMed

Ghorbel, Soufiene; Chouikh, Taieb; Chariag, Awatef; Nouira, Faouzi; Khemakhem, Rachid; Jlidi, Said; Chaouachi, Beji

2011-02-01

To report a rare case of a left paraduodenal hernia presenting as volvulus of the small intestine associated to an intestinal malrotation. A 2 months-old girl presented with history of bilious vomiting, sonography showed signs of volvulus and emergency laparotomy was performed and confirmed left paraduodenal hernia containing a part of the ileon, coecum with right colon and volvulus of the small intestine out of the hernia sac. Paraduodenal hernia is an uncommon cause of small bowel volvulus. It can be suspected by clinical and radiological findings, surgery is always required to prevent small bowel necrosis and to repair the defect.

Executive summary: the health and fitness benefits of regular participation in small-sided football games.

PubMed

Krustrup, P; Dvorak, J; Junge, A; Bangsbo, J

2010-04-01

The present special issue of Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports deals with health and fitness benefits of regular participation in small-sided football games. One review article and 13 original articles were the result of a 2-year multi-center study in Copenhagen and Zurich and include studies of different age groups analyzed from a physiological, medical, social and psychological perspective. The main groups investigated were middle-aged, former untrained, healthy men and women who were followed for up to 16 months. In addition, elderly, children and hypertensive patients were studied. A summary and interpretations of the main findings divided into an analysis of the physical demands during training of various groups and the effect of a period of training on performance, muscle adaptations and health profile follow. In addition, social and psychological effects on participation in recreational football are considered, the comparison of football training and endurance running is summarized and the effects of football practice on the elderly and children and youngsters are presented.

Size Is Big or Little: An Approach to the Dimensionality of Children's Concepts.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Webb, Roger A.

This paper reports a study carried out with 14 children (ranging in age from 2.8 to 3.5 years) which investigated children's concepts of difference. Pairs of small objects differing on a number of dimensions were presented to the children. As each pair of objects was presented, children were asked to select the object that was…

Differences in seed rain composition in small and large fragments in the northeast Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

PubMed

Knörr, U C; Gottsberger, G

2012-09-01

Tropical forests are seriously threatened by fragmentation and habitat loss. The impact of fragment size and forest configuration on the composition of seed rain is insufficiently studied. For the present study, seed rain composition of small and large forest fragments (8-388 ha) was assessed in order to identify variations in seed abundance, species richness, seed size and dispersal mode. Seed rain was documented during a 1-year period in three large and four small Atlantic Forest fragments that are isolated by a sugarcane matrix. Total seed rain included 20,518 seeds of 149 species of trees, shrubs, palms, lianas and herbs. Most species and seeds were animal-dispersed. A significant difference in the proportion of seeds and species within different categories of seed size was found between small and large fragments. Small fragments received significantly more very small-sized seeds (<0.3 cm) and less large-seeded species (>1.5 cm) that were generally very rare, with only one species in small and eight in large fragments. We found a negative correlation between the inflow of small-sized seeds and the percentage of forest cover. Species richness was lower in small than in large fragments, but the difference was not very pronounced. Given our results, we propose changing plant species pools through logging, tree mortality and a high inflow of pioneer species and lianas, especially in small forest fragments and areas with low forest cover. Connecting forest fragments through corridors and reforestation with local large-seeded tree species may facilitate the maintenance of species diversity. © 2012 German Botanical Society and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.

Small group effectiveness during pharmacology learning sessions in a Nepalese medical school.

PubMed

Shankar, Pr; Gurung, Sb; Jha, N; Bajracharya, O; Karki, Bms; Thapa, Tp

2011-01-01

Small group learning sessions are used in pharmacology at the KIST Medical College, Lalitpur, Nepal. Feedback about student behaviours that enhance and hinder small group effectiveness was obtained. This will help us improve the small group sessions and will also be useful to educators using small groups in other medical schools. The small groups were self-managing with a group leader, time-keeper, recorder and presenter. Small group effectiveness was measured using the Tutorial Group Effectiveness Instrument (TGEI) developed by Singaram and co-authors. The instrument was administered in June 2010 and key findings obtained were shared with students and facilitators. The instrument was administered again in August. The mean cognitive, motivational, demotivational and overall scores were compared among different categories of respondents in June and August. Scores were also compared between June and August 2010. A total of 89 students participated in the study in June and 88 in August 2010. In June, females rated overall group productivity higher compared to males. The cognitive and motivational scores were higher in August 2010 while the demotivational score was lower. The small group effectiveness was higher in August after the educational intervention which utilised feedback about problems observed, theoretical considerations of effective small groups and how this information can be applied in practice.

LBW and IUGR temporal trend in 4 population-based birth cohorts: the role of economic inequality.

PubMed

Sadovsky, Ana D I; Matijasevich, Alicia; Santos, Iná S; Barros, Fernando C; Miranda, Angelica E; Silveira, Mariangela F

2016-07-29

Low/medium income countries, with health inequalities present high rates of neonates having low birthweight and/or are small for the gestational age. This study aims to analyze the absolute and relative income inequality in the occurrence of low birthweight and small size for gestational age among neonates in four birth cohorts from southern Brazil in 1982, 1993, 2004, and 2011. The main exhibit was monthly family income. The outcomes were birth with low birthweight or small for the gestational age. The inequalities were calculated using the Slope Index of Inequality and the Relative Index of Inequality adjusted for maternal skin color, schooling, age, and marital status. In all birth cohorts, poorer mothers were at greater odds of having neonates with low birthweight or small for the gestational age. There was a tendency to decrease the prevalence of small for gestational age in poorer families associated with the reduction of inequalities over the past decades, which was not observed regarding low birthweight. Economic inequalities occurred in neonates with low birthweight and with intrauterine growth restriction in the four studies, with a higher incidence of inadequate neonatal outcomes in the poorer families.

Chironomid midges (Diptera, chironomidae) show extremely small genome sizes.

PubMed

Cornette, Richard; Gusev, Oleg; Nakahara, Yuichi; Shimura, Sachiko; Kikawada, Takahiro; Okuda, Takashi

2015-06-01

Chironomid midges (Diptera; Chironomidae) are found in various environments from the high Arctic to the Antarctic, including temperate and tropical regions. In many freshwater habitats, members of this family are among the most abundant invertebrates. In the present study, the genome sizes of 25 chironomid species were determined by flow cytometry and the resulting C-values ranged from 0.07 to 0.20 pg DNA (i.e. from about 68 to 195 Mbp). These genome sizes were uniformly very small and included, to our knowledge, the smallest genome sizes recorded to date among insects. Small proportion of transposable elements and short intron sizes were suggested to contribute to the reduction of genome sizes in chironomids. We discuss about the possible developmental and physiological advantages of having a small genome size and about putative implications for the ecological success of the family Chironomidae.

Solar thermal power plants in small utilities - An economic impact analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bluhm, S. A.; Ferber, R. R.; Mayo, L. G.

1979-01-01

A study was performed to assess the potential economic impact of small solar thermal electric power systems in statistically representative synthetic small utilities of the Southwestern United States. Power supply expansion plans were compared on the basis of present worth of future revenue requirements for 1980-2000 with and without solar thermal plants. Coal-fired and oil-fired municipal utility expansion plans with 5 percent solar penetration were 0.5 percent and 2.25 percent less expensive, respectively, than the corresponding conventional plan. At $969/kWe, which assumes the same low cost solar equipment but no improvement in site development costs, solar penetration of 5 percent in the oil-fired municipal reduced revenue requirements 0.88 percent. The paper concludes that some solar thermal plants are potentially economic in small community utilities of the Southwest.

Roots, Trees, and the Forest: An Effective Schools Development Sequence.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meyers, H. W.; Carlson, Robert

Findings from a study that examined the implementation of an effective schools development process are presented in this study. The study was designed to track both implementation process objectives drawn from seven correlates of instructionally effective schools and student outcomes from 1988-90 in a small-city school district in a rural state.…

Study design for a randomized controlled trial to increase the relative reinforcing value of vegetable consumption using incentive sensitization among obese and overweight people

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Federal dietary guidance recommends consumption of a variety of vegetables, but Americans only consume a small fraction of recommended amounts. Studies have attempted to increase consumption with modest results. In this manuscript, we present the protocol for a study that applies incentive sensitiza...

Small Transit Vehicles : State-of-the-Art Overview

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1981-08-01

This document presents both an update and expansion of a 1975 Technology Sharing document which profiled small transit vehicles. This document presents information on the vehicles available and on the selection, procurement, and operational considera...

Perchloroethylene-contaminated drinking water and the risk of breast cancer: additional results from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA.

PubMed Central

Aschengrau, Ann; Rogers, Sarah; Ozonoff, David

2003-01-01

In 1998 we published the results of a study suggesting an association between breast cancer and perchloroethylene (PCE; also called tetrachloroethylene) exposure from public drinking water. The present case-control study was undertaken to evaluate this association further. The cases were composed of female residents of eight towns in the Cape Cod region of Massachusetts who had been diagnosed with breast cancer from 1987 through 1993 (n = 672). Controls were composed of demographically similar women from the same towns (n = 616). Women were exposed to PCE when it leached from the vinyl lining of water distribution pipes from the late 1960s through the early 1980s. A relative delivered dose of PCE that entered a home was estimated using an algorithm that took into account residential history, water flow, and pipe characteristics. Small to moderate elevations in risk were seen among women whose exposure levels were above the 75th and 90th percentiles when 0-15 years of latency were considered (adjusted odds ratios, 1.5-1.9 for > 75th percentile, 1.3-2.8 for > 90th percentile). When data from the present and prior studies were combined, small to moderate increases in risk were also seen among women whose exposure levels were above the 75th and 90th percentiles when 0-15 years of latency were considered (adjusted odds ratios, 1.6-1.9 for > 75th percentile, 1.3-1.9 for > 90th percentile). The results of the present study confirm those of the previous one and suggest that women with the highest PCE exposure levels have a small to moderate increased risk of breast cancer. PMID:12573900

A microstructural comparison of two nuclear-grade martensitic steels using small-angle neutron scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coppola, R.; Fiori, F.; Little, E. A.; Magnani, M.

1997-06-01

Results are presented of a small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) study on two 10-13% Cr martensitic stainless steels of interest for nuclear applications, viz. DIN 1.4914 (MANET specification, for fusion reactors) and AISI 410. The investigation has focussed principally on microstructural effects associated with the differences in chromium content between the two alloys. The size distribution functions determined from nuclear and magnetic SANS components for the two steels given identical heat treatments are in accord with an interpretation based on the presence of ˜ 1 nm size CCr aggregates in the microstructure. Much larger (˜ 10 nm) scattering inhomogeneities with different magnetic contrast are also present and tentatively identified as carbides.

Accumulation of a swarm of small planetesimals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wetherill, G. W.; Stewart, Glen R.

1989-01-01

The present gasdynamic study of the planetesimal-accumulation stage in which 10-km bodies in the neighborhood of 1 AU grow to 10 to the 25th-10 to the 27th g mass, or 'planetary embryo' size, attempts to identify the circumstances under which runaway growth forms a small number of massive embryos in the terrestrial-planet region on a 0.1-1.0 million year time-scale. No runaways are found, however, unless more plausible physical processes are invoked; in that case, runaways in the terrestrial planet region are probable on a 0.1 million-year time-scale, and the final stage of planetary accumulation may involve the growth of these embryos into the present planets on a 10-100 million-year time-scale.

Preoperative thoracic radiographic findings in dogs presenting for gastric dilatation-volvulus (2000-2010): 101 cases.

PubMed

Green, Jaime L; Cimino Brown, Dorothy; Agnello, Kimberly A

2012-10-01

To identify the incidence of clinically significant findings on preoperative thoracic radiographs in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) and to determine if those findings are associated with survival. Retrospective study from 2000 to 2010. Urban university small animal teaching hospital. One hundred and one dogs diagnosed with GDV that had thoracic radiographs obtained preoperatively, and medical records available with the following information available: signalment, time of presentation, respiratory status, plasma lactate, presence of cardiac arrhythmias, reason for thoracic radiographs, radiographic findings, and outcome. None. Findings on preoperative thoracic radiographs included small vena cava (40%), esophageal dilation (39%), microcardia (34%), aspiration pneumonia (14%), cardiomegaly (5%), pulmonary nodule (4%), pulmonary edema (2%), sternal lymphadenopathy (1%), and pulmonary bullae (1%). Eighty-four percent of dogs (85 out of 101) survived to discharge. Dogs without cardiomegaly on presenting thoracic radiographs had a 10.2 greater odds of surviving to discharge. The most common findings on preoperative thoracic radiographs include esophageal dilation, microcardia, and a small vena cava while the incidence of pulmonary nodules was low. A negative association between survival and presence of cardiomegaly on preoperative thoracic radiographs in dogs with GDV supports the need to obtain these images for prognostic information in spite of the emergency surgical nature of the GDV. The main limitations of this study include the possibilities of type I and type II errors, the retrospective nature of the study, and the lack of well-defined criteria for obtaining thoracic radiographs. © Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society 2012.

Colonization and nursery habitat use patterns of larval and juvenile flatfish species in a small temperate estuary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Primo, Ana Lígia; Azeiteiro, Ulisses M.; Marques, Sónia C.; Martinho, Filipe; Baptista, Joana; Pardal, Miguel A.

2013-02-01

Migrations between coastal and estuarine nursery areas are essential for successful completion of the life cycle of several marine fish. The present study evaluates the use of a small temperate estuary, the Mondego, Portugal, as a nursery habitat for several flatfishes during their early life stages. Data from seasonal and diel larval sampling at the mouth of the estuary and both larvae and juvenile monthly spatial distribution in the estuary (2005-2009) were gathered in order to investigate the life cycle of Platichthys flesus, Solea solea and Solea senegalensis. Larvae entrance in the estuary occurred mainly during summer and autumn with no evidence for diel or tidal vertical stratification. S. senegalensis larvae were present in all seasons at downstream areas presenting low successful settlement and juveniles' densities inside the estuary. Conversely, P. flesus and S. solea were mainly present as juveniles with upstream areas being preferred by flounder. Both species larvae seemed to settle in nearby coastal areas. The importance of the Mondego estuary for flatfishes differed according to the species, playing an important role mainly during the first year for all species. The present study highlights the importance of integrating larval and juvenile stages of fish to assess the very important role of estuaries as nursery areas.

Integration and Test of Shuttle Small Payloads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wright, Michael R.

2003-01-01

Recommended approaches for space shuttle small payload integration and test (I&T) are presented. The paper is intended for consideration by developers of shuttle small payloads, including I&T managers, project managers, and system engineers. Examples and lessons learned are presented based on the extensive history of NASA's Hitchhiker project. All aspects of I&T are presented, including: (1) I&T team responsibilities, coordination, and communication; (2) Flight hardware handling practices; (3) Documentation and configuration management; (4) I&T considerations for payload development; (5) I&T at the development facility; (6) Prelaunch operations, transfer, orbiter integration and interface testing; (7) Postflight operations. This paper is of special interest to those payload projects that have small budgets and few resources: that is, the truly faster, cheaper, better projects. All shuttle small payload developers are strongly encouraged to apply these guidelines during I&T planning and ground operations to take full advantage of today's limited resources and to help ensure mission success.

Examining geographic patterns of mortality: the atlas of mortality in small areas in Spain (1987-1995).

PubMed

Benach, Joan; Yasui, Yutaka; Borrell, Carme; Rosa, Elisabeth; Pasarín, M Isabel; Benach, Núria; Español, Esther; Martínez, José Miguel; Daponte, Antonio

2003-06-01

Small-area mortality atlases have been demonstrated to be a useful tool for both showing general geographical patterns in mortality data and identifying specific high-risk locations. In Spain no study has so far systematically examined geographic patterns of small-area mortality for the main causes of death. This paper presents the main features, contents and potential uses of the Spanish Atlas of Mortality in small areas (1987-1995). Population data for 2,218 small areas were drawn from the 1991 Census. Aggregated mortality data for 14 specific causes of death for the period 1987-1995 were obtained for each small area. Empirical Bayes-model-based estimates of age-adjusted relative risk were displayed in small-area maps for each cause/gender/age group (0-64 or 65 and over) combination using the same range of values (i.e. septiles) and colour schemes. The 'Spanish Atlas of Mortality' includes multiple choropleth (area-shaded) small-area maps and graphs to answer different questions about the data. The atlas is divided into three main sections. Section 1 includes the methods and comments on the main maps. Section 2 presents a two-page layout for each leading cause of death by gender including 1) a large map with relative risk estimates, 2) a map that indicates high- and low-risk small areas, 3) a graph with median and interquartile range of relative risk estimates for 17 large regions of Spain, and 4) relative-risk maps for two age groups. Section 3 provides specific information on the geographical units of analysis, statistical methods and other supplemental maps. The 'Spanish Atlas of Mortality' is a useful tool for examining geographical patterns of mortality risk and identifying specific high-risk areas. Mortality patterns displayed in the atlas may have important implications for research and social/health policy planning purposes.

A flammability study of thin plastic film materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Skinner, S. Ballou

1990-01-01

The Materials Science Laboratory at the Kennedy Space Center presently conducts flammability tests on thin plastic film materials by using a small needle rake method. Flammability data from twenty-two thin plastic film materials were obtained and cross-checked by using three different testing methods: (1) the presently used small needle rake; (2) the newly developed large needle rake; and (3) the previously used frame. In order to better discern the melting-burning phenomenon of thin plastic film material, five additional specific experiments were performed. These experiments determined the following: (1) the heat sink effect of each testing method; (2) the effect of the burn angle on the burn length or melting/shrinkage length; (3) the temperature profile above the ignition source; (4) the melting point and the fire point of each material; and (5) the melting/burning profile of each material via infrared (IR) imaging. The results of these experimentations are presented.

Deconfounding the effects of local element spatial heterogeneity and sparsity on processing dominance.

PubMed

Montoro, Pedro R; Luna, Dolores

2009-10-01

Previous studies on the processing of hierarchical patterns (Luna & Montoro, 2008) have shown that altering the spatial relationships between the local elements affected processing dominance by decreasing global advantage. In the present article, the authors examine whether heterogeneity or a sparse distribution of the local elements was the responsible factor for this effect. In Experiments 1 and 2, the distance between the local elements was increased in a similar way, but between-element distance was homogeneous in Experiment 1 and heterogeneous in Experiment 2. In Experiment 3, local elements' size was varied by presenting global patterns composed of similar large or small local elements and of different large and small sizes. The results of the present research showed that, instead of element sparsity, spatial heterogeneity that could change the appearance of the global form as well as the salience of the local elements was the main determiner of impairing global processing.

Measuring pedestrian volumes and conflicts. Volume 1, Pedestrian volume sampling

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1987-12-01

This final report presents the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the study conducted to develop a model to predict pedestrian volumes using small sampling schemes. This research produced four pedestrian volume prediction models (i.e., 1-,...

ERBE S10N WFOV SF Edition 2

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2016-06-09

... warming caused by greenhouse gases. Absorption of Solar Radiation by Clouds The results of the study demonstrate the present ... spacecraft, as described below. WFOV Instruments: these two fixed detectors continuously view the earth disc (plus a small ring of ...

ERBE S10N WFOV NF Edition 3

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2016-06-09

... warming caused by greenhouse gases. Absorption of Solar Radiation by Clouds The results of the study demonstrate the present ... spacecraft, as described below. WFOV Instruments: these two fixed detectors continuously view the earth disc (plus a small ring of ...

ERBE S10N WFOV NF Edition 2

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2016-06-08

... warming caused by greenhouse gases. Absorption of Solar Radiation by Clouds The results of the study demonstrate the present ... spacecraft, as described below. WFOV Instruments: these two fixed detectors continuously view the earth disc (plus a small ring of ...

ERBE S10N WFOV SF Edition 3

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2016-06-09

... warming caused by greenhouse gases. Absorption of Solar Radiation by Clouds The results of the study demonstrate the present ... spacecraft, as described below. WFOV Instruments: these two fixed detectors continuously view the earth disc (plus a small ring of ...

How to Measure Qualitative Understanding of DC-Circuit Phenomena - Taking a Closer Look at the External Representations of 9-Year-Olds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kallunki, Veera

2013-04-01

Pupils' qualitative understanding of DC-circuit phenomena is reported to be weak. In numerous research reports lists of problems in understanding the functioning of simple DC-circuits have been presented. So-called mental model surveys have uncovered difficulties in different age groups, and in different phases of instruction. In this study, the concept of qualitative understanding, and the content or position of reported mental models of DC-circuit phenomena are discussed. On the grounds of this review, new tools for investigating qualitative understanding and analysing external representations of DC-circuit phenomena are presented. According to this approach, the external representations of DC-circuit phenomena that describe pupils' expressed conceptions of the topic should include both empirical-based models and theoretical explanations. In the empirical part of this study , third-graders (9-year-olds) learning DC-circuit phenomena in a comprehensive school in a small group were scrutinised. The focus of the study is the external representations manifested in the talk of the small group. The study challenges earlier studies, which claim that children exhibit a wide range of qualitative difficulties when learning DC-circuit phenomena. In this study it will be shown that even in the case of abstract subject matter like DC-circuit phenomena, small groups that highlight empirical-based modelling and activate talk can be a fruitful learning environment, where pupils' qualitative understanding really develops. Thus, the study proposes taking a closer look at pupils' external representations concerning DC-circuit phenomena.

Immediate and delayed recall of a small-scale spatial array.

PubMed

Tlauka, Michael; Donaldson, Phillip; Bonnar, Daniel

2015-01-01

The study examined people's spatial memory of a small-scale array of objects. Earlier work has primarily relied on short-retention intervals, and to date it is not known whether performance is affected by longer intervals between learning and recall. In the present investigation, university students studied seven target objects. Recall was tested immediately after learning and after an interval of seven days. Performance was found to be similar in the immediate and delayed conditions, and the results suggested that recall was facilitated by egocentric and intrinsic cues. The findings are discussed with reference to recent investigations that have shown task parameters can influence spatial recall.

Infrared thermography applied to the study of heated and solar pavement: from numerical modeling to small scale laboratory experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Touz, N.; Toullier, T.; Dumoulin, J.

2017-05-01

The present study addresses the thermal behaviour of a modified pavement structure to prevent icing at its surface in adverse winter time conditions or overheating in hot summer conditions. First a multi-physic model based on infinite elements method was built to predict the evolution of the surface temperature. In a second time, laboratory experiments on small specimen were carried out and the surface temperature was monitored by infrared thermography. Results obtained are analyzed and performances of the numerical model for real scale outdoor application are discussed. Finally conclusion and perspectives are proposed.

A methodology for small scale rural land use mapping in semi-arid developing countries using orbital imagery. Part 4: Review of land use surveys using orbital imagery outside of the USA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vangenderen, J. L. (Principal Investigator); Lock, B. F.

1976-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Outside the U.S., various attempts were made to investigate the feasibility of utilizing orbital MSS imagery in the production of small scale land use maps. Overall, these studies are not as elaborate or extensive in their scope as the U.S. ones, and generally the non-U.S. investigators have employed nonsophisticated and less expensive techniques. A representative range of studies is presented to demonstrate the approaches and trends dealing with reprocessing, interpretation, classification, sampling, and ground truth procedures.

Preliminary study of a small beam-down solar tower on sub-Saharan countries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ndiaye, Ahmadou; Thiam, Ababacar; Mbow, Cheikh; Stouffs, Pascal; Azilinon, Dorothé

2016-05-01

In this present work, a small Beam Down power plant is studied in the Sahel region. The preconfigured system is a field of 78 heliostats and a hyperboloid sectioned with a length rhyp = 11.72 m. The simulation made with the software SolTrace shows an efficiency of the field up to 89%. Temperatures from 675.37 K to 809.55 K are achieved and the power intercepted at the receiver input are equal to 96.57 kW, 124.53 9 kW and 98.90 kW respectively at 9 am, 1: 06 pm and 4 pm.

Topology of the conceptual network of language

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motter, Adilson E.; de Moura, Alessandro P.; Lai, Ying-Cheng; Dasgupta, Partha

2002-06-01

We define two words in a language to be connected if they express similar concepts. The network of connections among the many thousands of words that make up a language is important not only for the study of the structure and evolution of languages, but also for cognitive science. We study this issue quantitatively, by mapping out the conceptual network of the English language, with the connections being defined by the entries in a Thesaurus dictionary. We find that this network presents a small-world structure, with an amazingly small average shortest path, and appears to exhibit an asymptotic scale-free feature with algebraic connectivity distribution.

Ejection injury to the spine in small aviators: sled tests of manikins vs. post mortem specimens.

PubMed

Salzar, Robert S; Bolton, James R; Crandall, Jeff R; Paskoff, Glenn R; Shender, Barry S

2009-07-01

This study presents the results of seven aerospace manikin and three post mortem human surrogate (PMHS) horizontal deceleration sled tests. The objective of this study was to establish a body of baseline data that examines the ability of small (fifth percentile) manikins to predict whole-body kinematics associated with aircraft ejection, and whether currently available head and neck injury criteria are applicable in these situations. Subjects were exposed to a short-duration local z-axis sled pulse while horizontally seated and restrained in an ejection seat. Test subjects included instrumented fifth percentile female and male manikins, and two small (163.8 cm, 48.3 kg; 143.5 cm, 48.6 kg) female and one small (166.2 cm, 54.3 kg) male PMHS. The anterior (local x-axis) translations of the PMHS heads were less than those observed in the manikin tests, but the local z-axis translations of the PMHS heads were greater than those of the manikins. Z-axis translations of the manikins' T1 were generally similar to those of the PMHS T1, but the anterior x-axis translations of T1 were greater in the PMHS. The neck injury criterion (Nij) tended to under-predict observed injury (primarily ruptures of the posterior ligaments at C4-5, T2-3), and the Beam Criterion (BC) tended to over-predict observed injury for small occupants. The USN/USAF neck injury criteria (NIC) performed best in predicting the observed injuries. Present manikin designs do not predict the kinematics of PMHS in ejection tests. Further refinement of existing injury criteria is required to accurately predict location and severity of ejection-induced injuries.

A Smallholder Socio-hydrological Modelling Framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pande, S.; Savenije, H.; Rathore, P.

2014-12-01

Small holders are farmers who own less than 2 ha of farmland. They often have low productivity and thus remain at subsistence level. A fact that nearly 80% of Indian farmers are smallholders, who merely own a third of total farmlands and belong to the poorest quartile, but produce nearly 40% of countries foodgrains underlines the importance of understanding the socio-hydrology of a small holder. We present a framework to understand the socio-hydrological system dynamics of a small holder. It couples the dynamics of 6 main variables that are most relevant at the scale of a small holder: local storage (soil moisture and other water storage), capital, knowledge, livestock production, soil fertility and grass biomass production. The model incorporates rule-based adaptation mechanisms (for example: adjusting expenditures on food and fertilizers, selling livestocks etc.) of small holders when they face adverse socio-hydrological conditions, such as low annual rainfall, higher intra-annual variability in rainfall or variability in agricultural prices. It allows us to study sustainability of small holder farming systems under various settings. We apply the framework to understand the socio-hydrology of small holders in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. This district has witnessed suicides of many sugarcane farmers who could not extricate themselves out of the debt trap. These farmers lack irrigation and are susceptible to fluctuating sugar prices and intra-annual hydroclimatic variability. This presentation discusses two aspects in particular: whether government interventions to absolve the debt of farmers is enough and what is the value of investing in local storages that can buffer intra-annual variability in rainfall and strengthening the safety-nets either by creating opportunities for alternative sources of income or by crop diversification.

Tropomodulin 1 Regulation of Actin Is Required for the Formation of Large Paddle Protrusions Between Mature Lens Fiber Cells.

PubMed

Cheng, Catherine; Nowak, Roberta B; Biswas, Sondip K; Lo, Woo-Kuen; FitzGerald, Paul G; Fowler, Velia M

2016-08-01

To elucidate the proteins required for specialized small interlocking protrusions and large paddle domains at lens fiber cell tricellular junctions (vertices), we developed a novel method to immunostain single lens fibers and studied changes in cell morphology due to loss of tropomodulin 1 (Tmod1), an F-actin pointed end-capping protein. We investigated F-actin and F-actin-binding protein localization in interdigitations of Tmod1+/+ and Tmod1-/- single mature lens fibers. F-actin-rich small protrusions and large paddles were present along cell vertices of Tmod1+/+ mature fibers. In contrast, Tmod1-/- mature fiber cells lack normal paddle domains, while small protrusions were unaffected. In Tmod1+/+ mature fibers, Tmod1, β2-spectrin, and α-actinin are localized in large puncta in valleys between paddles; but in Tmod1-/- mature fibers, β2-spectrin was dispersed while α-actinin was redistributed at the base of small protrusions and rudimentary paddles. Fimbrin and Arp3 (actin-related protein 3) were located in puncta at the base of small protrusions, while N-cadherin and ezrin outlined the cell membrane in both Tmod1+/+ and Tmod1-/- mature fibers. These results suggest that distinct F-actin organizations are present in small protrusions versus large paddles. Formation and/or maintenance of large paddle domains depends on a β2-spectrin-actin network stabilized by Tmod1. α-Actinin-crosslinked F-actin bundles are enhanced in absence of Tmod1, indicating altered cytoskeleton organization. Formation of small protrusions is likely facilitated by Arp3-branched and fimbrin-bundled F-actin networks, which do not depend on Tmod1. This is the first work to reveal the F-actin-associated proteins required for the formation of paddles between lens fibers.

Insight into small RNA abundance and expression in high- and low-temperature stress response using deep sequencing in Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Baev, Vesselin; Milev, Ivan; Naydenov, Mladen; Vachev, Tihomir; Apostolova, Elena; Mehterov, Nikolay; Gozmanva, Mariyana; Minkov, Georgi; Sablok, Gaurav; Yahubyan, Galina

2014-11-01

Small RNA profiling and assessing its dependence on changing environmental factors have expanded our understanding of the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of plant stress responses. Insufficient data have been documented earlier to depict the profiling of small RNA classes in temperature-associated stress which has a wide implication for climate change biology. In the present study, we report a comparative assessment of the genome-wide profiling of small RNAs in Arabidopsis thaliana using two conditional responses, induced by high- and low-temperature. Genome-wide profiling of small RNAs revealed an abundance of 21 nt small RNAs at low temperature, while high temperature showed an abundance of 21 nt and 24 nt small RNAs. The two temperature treatments altered the expression of a specific subset of mature miRNAs and displayed differential expression of a number of miRNA isoforms (isomiRs). Comparative analysis demonstrated that a large number of protein-coding genes can give rise to differentially expressed small RNAs following temperature shifts. Low temperature caused accumulation of small RNAs, corresponding to the sense strand of a number of cold-responsive genes. In contrast, high temperature stimulated the production of small RNAs of both polarities from genes encoding functionally diverse proteins. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Small Winter Thunderstorm with Sprites and Strong Positive Discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, Tomoyuki; Hayakawa, Masashi; Michimoto, Koichiro

A sprite campaign was conducted in the Hokuriku area of Japan during a winter of 2004/2005. On the basis of a combined analysis of the data from various instruments (CCD cameras, radar, VHF/LF∼MF lightning mapping system, field mill network, and ELF detector), we studied meteorological and electrical structures for winter thunderstorms and sprite-producing positive discharge. Typical winter sprite parent thunderstorms had a meso-scale cloud area with embedded small convective cells. Some small winter thunderstorms accompanied by the most frequent sprite events were found to cause 2∼3 sprite events during a short interval of about 3∼5 min. When the sprites were observed, the extent of the convective cells at 20 dBZ counter was atmost ∼20 × 20 km. The VHF sources associated with sprites were located near south of the convective cell and were mapped within very small areas of at most ∼10 × 10 km. This fact shows that some small winter thunderstorms can generate large positive charge associated with sprites. We will present the analysis of such a small thunderstorms with sprites and positive lightning discharges.

Small-sided games in football as a method to improve high school students’ instep passing skills

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ridwan, M.; Darmawan, G.; Fuadi, Z.

2018-01-01

This study analyzed the influence of small sided games application toward increasing the learning result of instep passing in football. The research used one group pretest-posttest design. The data were obtained once a week for 135 minutes of small sided games and this activity had been held for four weeks with a final test in the final meeting. According to descriptive data result, there were increases of the mean. The data showed the increase of the application of small sided games resulted in not only the mean of the descriptive data but also the result of T-test. The significant of T-test is 0,000. It means less than 0,05 then the hypothesis Ha received and Ho rejected automatically. The presentation showed that 48,15% data is increasing by small-sided games application. The small-sided games were proven to be the right tool to increase instep passing football technique. We suggested to the apply that kind of games of football learning on physical education subject, especially for pre-university students.

The system with zwitterionic lactose-based surfactant for complexation and delivery of small interfering ribonucleic acid—A structural and spectroscopic study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skupin, Michalina; Sobczak, Krzysztof; Zieliński, Ryszard; Kozak, Maciej

2016-05-01

Systems suitable for the effective preparation of complexes with siRNA (small interfering RNA) are at the center of interest in the area of research work on the delivery of the RNA-based drugs (RNA-therapeutics). This article presents results of a study on the structural effects associated with siRNA complexation by a surfactant comprising a lactose group (N-(3-propanesulfone)-N-dodecyl-amino-beta-D-lactose hydrochloride, LA12). The double stranded siRNA oligomer (21 base pairs) used in this study is responsible for silencing a gene that can be important in the therapy of myotonic dystrophy type 1. The obtained siRNA/LA12 lipoplexes were studied using the methods of small angle scattering of synchrotron radiation, circular dichroism spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and electrophoretic mobility tests. Lipoplexes form in solution stable lamellar or cubic phases. The surfactant selected for the study shows much lower cytotoxicity and good complexation abilities of siRNA than dicationic or polycationic surfactants.

A multilevel meta-analysis of single-case and small-n research on interventions for reducing challenging behavior in persons with intellectual disabilities.

PubMed

Heyvaert, M; Maes, B; Van den Noortgate, W; Kuppens, S; Onghena, P

2012-01-01

The effectiveness of different interventions for challenging behavior (CB) in persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) was reviewed by means of a two-phase study. First, a systematic review of 137 meta-analyses and reviews on group-study interventions for CB in persons with ID was conducted. Based on this review, hypotheses concerning the effectiveness of divergent interventions for CB and concerning the impact of variables moderating treatment effectiveness were systematically generated. Second, these hypotheses were tested by means of a multilevel meta-analysis of single-case and small-n research. Two hundred and eighty-five studies reporting on 598 individuals were examined. The average treatment effect was large and statistically significant. However, this effect varied significantly over the included studies and participants. Compared to the meta-analyses and reviews focusing on group-studies in this research domain, the results of the present multilevel meta-analysis of single-case and small-n intervention research provided more detailed knowledge on which specific CB and intervention components moderate the interventions' effectiveness. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The system with zwitterionic lactose-based surfactant for complexation and delivery of small interfering ribonucleic acid—A structural and spectroscopic study

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

Skupin, Michalina; Sobczak, Krzysztof; Zieliński, Ryszard

Systems suitable for the effective preparation of complexes with siRNA (small interfering RNA) are at the center of interest in the area of research work on the delivery of the RNA-based drugs (RNA-therapeutics). This article presents results of a study on the structural effects associated with siRNA complexation by a surfactant comprising a lactose group (N-(3-propanesulfone)-N-dodecyl-amino-beta-D-lactose hydrochloride, LA12). The double stranded siRNA oligomer (21 base pairs) used in this study is responsible for silencing a gene that can be important in the therapy of myotonic dystrophy type 1. The obtained siRNA/LA12 lipoplexes were studied using the methods of small anglemore » scattering of synchrotron radiation, circular dichroism spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and electrophoretic mobility tests. Lipoplexes form in solution stable lamellar or cubic phases. The surfactant selected for the study shows much lower cytotoxicity and good complexation abilities of siRNA than dicationic or polycationic surfactants.« less

A Study on the Land Use Characteristics of Urban Medium and Small stream Depending on the Width of stream

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seok, Song Young; Ho, Song Yang; Ho, Lee Jung; Moo Jong, Park

2015-04-01

Due to the increase of impervious layers caused by increased rainfall and urbanization which were brought about by the climate change after the late 1990s, the flood damage in urban watersheds is rising. The recent flood damage is occurring in medium and small stream rather than in large stream. Particularly, in medium stream which pass the cities, sudden flood occurs due to the short concentration of rainfall and urban areas suffer large damage, even though the flood damage is small, since residential areas and social infrastructures are concentrated. In spite of the importance of medium and small stream to pass the cities, there is no certain standard for classification of natural or urban stream and existing studies are mostly focused on the impervious area among the land use characteristics of watersheds. Most of existing river studies are based on the watershed scale, but in most urban watersheds where stream pass, urban areas are concentrated in the confluence, so urban areas only occupy less than 10% of the whole watershed and there is a high uncertainty in the classification of urban areas, based the watershed of stream. This study aims to suggest a classification standard of medium and small stream between local stream and small stream where suffer flood damage. According to the classified medium and small stream, this study analyzed the stream area to the stream width and distance using Arcgis Buffer tool, based on the stream line, not the existing watershed scale. This study then chose urban watersheds by analyzing the river area at certain intervals from the center of the chosen medium and small stream, in different ways. Among the land use characteristics in urban areas, the impervious area was applied to the selection standard of urban watersheds and the characteristics of urban watersheds were presented by calculating the ratio of the stream area to the impervious area using the Buffer tool. Acknowledgement "This research was supported by a grant [NEMA-NH-2011-45] from the Natural Hazard Mitigation Research Group, National Emergency Management Agency of Korea." Keywords: land use, urban watershed, medium and smaill stream, impervious area

The NLO jet vertex in the small-cone approximation for kt and cone algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colferai, D.; Niccoli, A.

2015-04-01

We determine the jet vertex for Mueller-Navelet jets and forward jets in the small-cone approximation for two particular choices of jet algoritms: the kt algorithm and the cone algorithm. These choices are motivated by the extensive use of such algorithms in the phenomenology of jets. The differences with the original calculations of the small-cone jet vertex by Ivanov and Papa, which is found to be equivalent to a formerly algorithm proposed by Furman, are shown at both analytic and numerical level, and turn out to be sizeable. A detailed numerical study of the error introduced by the small-cone approximation is also presented, for various observables of phenomenological interest. For values of the jet "radius" R = 0 .5, the use of the small-cone approximation amounts to an error of about 5% at the level of cross section, while it reduces to less than 2% for ratios of distributions such as those involved in the measure of the azimuthal decorrelation of dijets.

Experimental study on a co-axial pulse tube cryocooler driven by a small thermoacoustic stirling engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, M.; Ju, L. Y.; Hao, H. X.

2014-01-01

Small scale thermoacoustic heat engines have advantages in fields like space exploration and domestic applications considering small space occupation and ease of transport. In the present paper, the influence of resonator diameter on the general performance of a small thermoacoustic Stirling engine was experimentally investigated using helium as the working gas. Reducing the diameter of the resonator appropriately is beneficial for lower onset heating temperature, lower frequency and higher pressure amplitude. Based on the pressure distribution in the small thermoacoustic engine, an outlet for the acoustic work transmission was made to combine the engine and a miniature co-axial pulse tube cooler. The cooling performance of the whole refrigeration system without any moving part was tested. Experimental results showed that further efforts are required to optimize the engine performance and its match with the co-axial pulse tube cooler in order to obtain better cooling performance, compared with its original operating condition, driven by a traditional electrical linear compressor.

Small hydroelectric power plant for Aztec, New Mexico

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

Frey, E.W.

1982-05-01

Preliminary engineering results and the outcome of other specific studies associated with the establishment of a hydroelectric power plant at Aztec, New Mexico, are presented, with particular emphasis on estimated costs of construction and long-term operation. Four alternative levels of effort were evaluated. Recommendations, based primarily on cost effectiveness, are presented along with material useful as a basis for a possible follow-on Phase II study. At least three levels of effort appear economically attractive alternatives for the city to pursue.

Semantic networks based on titles of scientific papers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pereira, H. B. B.; Fadigas, I. S.; Senna, V.; Moret, M. A.

2011-03-01

In this paper we study the topological structure of semantic networks based on titles of papers published in scientific journals. It discusses its properties and presents some reflections on how the use of social and complex network models can contribute to the diffusion of knowledge. The proposed method presented here is applied to scientific journals where the titles of papers are in English or in Portuguese. We show that the topology of studied semantic networks are small-world and scale-free.

"Small Talk Is Not Cheap": Phatic Computer-Mediated Communication in Intercultural Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maíz-Arévalo, Carmen

2017-01-01

The present study aims to analyse the phatic exchanges performed by a class of nine intercultural Master's students during a collaborative assignment which demanded online discussion using English as a lingua franca (ELF). Prior studies on the use of phatic communication in computer-mediated communication have concentrated on social networking…

Recruiting Young Volunteers in an Area of Selective Education: A Qualitative Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dean, Jon

2016-01-01

This article presents findings from a small qualitative case study of a youth volunteering brokerage organisation in England, operating in an area of selective state education. Data show how brokerage workers felt grammar schools managed their students in a concerted way to improve students' chances of attending university. Conversely, workers…

Family Child Care Licensing Study, 2002.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Children's Foundation, Washington, DC.

This report presents the findings of the 2002 national survey of state child care regulatory agencies to update and expand family child care regulatory information published in the 2001 study. Data on small family child care homes and group or large family child care homes are organized into the following 23 categories: (1) number of regulated…

Family Child Care Licensing Study, 2001.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Children's Foundation, Washington, DC.

This report presents the findings of the 2001 national survey of state child care regulatory agencies to update and expand family child care regulatory information published in the 2000 study. Data on small family child care homes and group or large family child care homes are organized into the following 23 categories: (1) number of regulated…

Family Child Care Licensing Study, 2000.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelly, Nia, Comp.

This report presents the findings of the 2000 national survey of state child care regulatory agencies to update and expand family child care regulatory information published in the 1999 study. Data on small family child care homes and group or large family child care homes are organized in 23 categories: (1) number of regulated homes; (2)…

Family Child Care Licensing Study, 2003.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hollestelle, Kay; Koch, Pauline D.

This report presents the findings of the 2003 national survey of state child care regulatory agencies to update and expand family child care regulatory information published in the 2002 study. Data on small family child care homes and group or large family child care homes are organized into the following 23 categories: (1) number of regulated…

Processing Capacity in Children and Adolescents with Pervasive Developmental Disorders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoeksma, Marco R.; Kemner, Chantal; Verbaten, Marinus N.; van Engeland, Herman

2004-01-01

This study sought to investigate whether the abnormally small P3 amplitudes observed in pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) are related to differences in processing capacity. PDD children and adolescents and their control groups participated in the study. Visual probe stimuli were presented during an auditory task with two levels of difficulty.…

Environmental Education in Sparsely Populated Areas: Conflicting Attitudes in Student's Conception of Environmental Issues.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chaib, Mohamed

1988-01-01

Two studies in southeastern Sweden examined rural children's conflicting attitudes toward environmental change in the local community. Following a yearlong curriculum in environmental studies, 14 fifth and sixth graders in Ramkvilla were presented with an imaginary scenario involving the construction of a new factory. Their small, somewhat idyllic…

Assessment of Small-Particle Emissions (Less Than 2 Micron).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shannon, Larry J.; And Others

This paper is based on a particulate pollutant system study to delineate the deficiencies in knowledge regarding the nature and magnitude of particulate pollutant emissions from stationary sources. Presented at the 12th Conference on Methods in Air Pollution and Industrial Hygiene Studies, University of Southern California, April, 1971, it focuses…

Student Perceptions of a Comprehensive Orientation Program for Online Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robichaud, Wendy

2016-01-01

This dissertation presents a qualitative case study of students enrolled in online courses and how they perceived the orientation program they completed before starting these courses. The study was based on the perspectives of students enrolled in a fully online program at a small community college in western Maine. They were interviewed…

The Development of Phonological Awareness by Braille Users: A Review of the Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Monson, Martin R.; Bowen, Sandy K.

2008-01-01

This article presents a review of research on the development of phonological awareness by braille readers. The review determined that the relationship between phonological awareness and braille is uncertain because of the lack of commonality among the studies, the extent of contradictory findings, and the small number of studies involving…

Semantic Size and Contextual Congruency Effects during Reading: Evidence from Eye Movements

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wei, Wei; Cook, Anne E.

2016-01-01

Recent lexical decision studies have produced conflicting evidence about whether an object's semantic size influences word recognition. The present study examined this variable in online reading. Target words representing small and large objects were embedded in sentence contexts that were either neutral, congruent, or incongruent with respect to…

What's Working Memory Got to Do with It? A Case Study on Teenagers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Price, Andrew; Oliver, Mary; McGrane, Joshua

2015-01-01

This paper presents the results of a small-scale study concerned with the development of working memory during adolescence. The working memory of adolescent students was examined with a novel method, electroencephalography, which allowed insight into the neurological development of the students. Results showed that: electroencephalography is a…

A fuzzy-based data transformation for feature extraction to increase classification performance with small medical data sets.

PubMed

Li, Der-Chiang; Liu, Chiao-Wen; Hu, Susan C

2011-05-01

Medical data sets are usually small and have very high dimensionality. Too many attributes will make the analysis less efficient and will not necessarily increase accuracy, while too few data will decrease the modeling stability. Consequently, the main objective of this study is to extract the optimal subset of features to increase analytical performance when the data set is small. This paper proposes a fuzzy-based non-linear transformation method to extend classification related information from the original data attribute values for a small data set. Based on the new transformed data set, this study applies principal component analysis (PCA) to extract the optimal subset of features. Finally, we use the transformed data with these optimal features as the input data for a learning tool, a support vector machine (SVM). Six medical data sets: Pima Indians' diabetes, Wisconsin diagnostic breast cancer, Parkinson disease, echocardiogram, BUPA liver disorders dataset, and bladder cancer cases in Taiwan, are employed to illustrate the approach presented in this paper. This research uses the t-test to evaluate the classification accuracy for a single data set; and uses the Friedman test to show the proposed method is better than other methods over the multiple data sets. The experiment results indicate that the proposed method has better classification performance than either PCA or kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) when the data set is small, and suggest creating new purpose-related information to improve the analysis performance. This paper has shown that feature extraction is important as a function of feature selection for efficient data analysis. When the data set is small, using the fuzzy-based transformation method presented in this work to increase the information available produces better results than the PCA and KPCA approaches. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Superficial EWSR1-negative undifferentiated small round cell sarcoma with CIC/DUX4 gene fusion: a new variant of Ewing-like tumors with locoregional lymph node metastasis.

PubMed

Machado, Isidro; Cruz, Julia; Lavernia, Javier; Rubio, Luis; Campos, Jorge; Barrios, María; Grison, Camille; Chene, Virginie; Pierron, Gaelle; Delattre, Olivier; Llombart-Bosch, Antonio

2013-12-01

The present study describes a new case of EWSR1-negative undifferentiated sarcoma with CIC/DUX4 gene fusion. This case is similar to tumors described as primitive undifferentiated round cell sarcomas that occur mainly in the trunk and display an aggressive behavior. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such a tumor presenting locoregional lymph node metastasis. In view of previous studies that prove the existence of a particular variant of undifferentiated sarcoma with Ewing-like morphology and CIC/DUX-4 gene fusion, a search for this gene fusion in all undifferentiated round cell sarcomas should be considered if a conclusive diagnosis cannot be reached following other conventional studies. Although additional cases with more extensive follow-up studies are needed, we believe that EWSR1-negative undifferentiated small round cell sarcoma with CIC/DUX4 gene fusion should be added to the list of new sarcoma variants with the possibility of lymph node metastasis.

Asteroid-comet continuum objects in the solar system.

PubMed

Hsieh, Henry H

2017-07-13

In this review presented at the Royal Society meeting, 'Cometary science after Rosetta', I present an overview of studies of small solar system objects that exhibit properties of both asteroids and comets (with a focus on so-called active asteroids). Sometimes referred to as 'transition objects', these bodies are perhaps more appropriately described as 'continuum objects', to reflect the notion that rather than necessarily representing actual transitional evolutionary states between asteroids and comets, they simply belong to the general population of small solar system bodies that happen to exhibit a continuous range of observational, physical and dynamical properties. Continuum objects are intriguing because they possess many of the properties that make classical comets interesting to study (e.g. relatively primitive compositions, ejection of surface and subsurface material into space where it can be more easily studied, and orbital properties that allow us to sample material from distant parts of the solar system that would otherwise be inaccessible), while allowing us to study regions of the solar system that are not sampled by classical comets.This article is part of the themed issue 'Cometary science after Rosetta'. © 2017 The Author(s).

Optimized Negative Staining: a High-throughput Protocol for Examining Small and Asymmetric Protein Structure by Electron Microscopy

DOE PAGES

Rames, Matthew; Yu, Yadong; Ren, Gang

2014-08-15

Structural determination of proteins is rather challenging for proteins with molecular masses between 40 - 200 kDa. Considering that more than half of natural proteins have a molecular mass between 40 - 200 kDa, a robust and high-throughput method with a nanometer resolution capability is needed. Negative staining (NS) electron microscopy (EM) is an easy, rapid, and qualitative approach which has frequently been used in research laboratories to examine protein structure and protein-protein interactions. Unfortunately, conventional NS protocols often generate structural artifacts on proteins, especially with lipoproteins that usually form presenting rouleaux artifacts. By using images of lipoproteins from cryo-electronmore » microscopy (cryo-EM) as a standard, the key parameters in NS specimen preparation conditions were recently screened and reported as the optimized NS protocol (OpNS), a modified conventional NS protocol. Artifacts like rouleaux can be greatly limited by OpNS, additionally providing high contrast along with reasonably high-resolution (near 1 nm) images of small and asymmetric proteins. These high-resolution and high contrast images are even favorable for an individual protein (a single object, no average) 3D reconstruction, such as a 160 kDa antibody, through the method of electron tomography. Moreover, OpNS can be a high-throughput tool to examine hundreds of samples of small proteins. For example, the previously published mechanism of 53 kDa cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) involved the screening and imaging of hundreds of samples. Considering cryo-EM rarely successfully images proteins less than 200 kDa has yet to publish any study involving screening over one hundred sample conditions, it is fair to call OpNS a high-throughput method for studying small proteins. Hopefully the OpNS protocol presented here can be a useful tool to push the boundaries of EM and accelerate EM studies into small protein structure, dynamics and mechanisms.« less

Stennis award

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-20

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden (l) and NASA Small Business Programs Associate Administrator Glenn Delgado (r) present NASA's Small Business Administrator's Cup Award to Stennis Space Center in recognition of its stellar small business program for fiscal year 2011. Receiving the award April 20, 2012, are (l to r) Stennis Procurement Office personnel Michelle Stracener and Rob Harris, along with Stennis Space Center Director Patrick Scheuermann. Bolden and Delgado presented the award during an onsite visit April 20.

Effect of pre-warming on perioperative hypothermia and anesthetic recovery in small breed dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

PubMed

Aarnes, Turi K; Bednarski, Richard M; Lerche, Phillip; Hubbell, John A E

2017-02-01

This study compared perianesthetic body temperatures and times to recovery from general anesthesia in small dogs that were either warmed for 20 minutes prior to anesthesia or not warmed. Twenty-eight client-owned dogs that were presented for ovariohysterectomy were included in the study. Small (<10 kg body weight) dogs with normal circulatory status were randomly assigned to receive pre-warming for 20 minutes or no treatment. Body temperature was measured during the procedure using a calibrated rectal probe. Duration of anesthesia and surgery, time to rescue warming, time to extubation, presence and duration of shivering, and time to return to normal temperature were recorded. Temperature at the end of surgery was significantly higher in the control group than the pre-warmed group. There was no difference in time to extubation or duration of postoperative shivering between groups. Pre-warming did not result in improved temperature or recovery from anesthesia.

Study of insertion force and deformation for suturing with precurved NiTi guidewire.

PubMed

Wang, Yancheng; Chen, Roland K; Tai, Bruce L; Xu, Kai; Shih, Albert J

2015-04-01

This research presents an experimental study evaluating stomach suturing using a precurved nickel-titanium (NiTi) guidewire for an endoscopic minimally invasive obesity treatment. Precise path planning is critical for accurate and effective suturing. A position measurement system utilizing a hand-held magnetic sensor was used to measure the shape of a precurved guidewire and to determine the radius of curvature before and after suturing. Ex vivo stomach suturing experiments using four different guidewire tip designs varying the radius of curvature and bevel angles were conducted. The changes in radius of curvature and suturing force during suturing were measured. A model was developed to predict the guidewire radius of curvature based on the measured suturing force. Results show that a small bevel angle and a large radius of curvature reduce the suturing force and the combination of small bevel angle and small radius of curvature can maintain the shape of guidewire for accurate suturing.

Concept considerations for a small orbital transfer vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, M.; Sibila, A. I.

1979-01-01

This paper summarizes a study of small orbital transfer vehicles to place payloads in orbits with altitudes above those of the standard Shuttle operations. The overall objective of the study is to examine the role of the small orbital transfer vehicle (SOTV) in Shuttle operations and to identify typical propulsion concepts for accomplishing the mission. Consideration is given to existing and planned systems and upper stages, along with new propulsion stages. The new propulsion concept development examines tandem and clustered solids, controlled solids, monopropellant and bipropellant liquids, and staged solid/liquid combinations. The paper presents considerations of the mission requirements, tradeoffs of the various configurations, and candidate selections. For the selected candidate concepts the performance, support equipment, operational considerations and program costs were determined. The results show that a new modular liquid stage system is cost effective in handling the majority of the payloads considered. The remainder of the payloads can be accomodated by existing systems.

Comparative study on the chemical composition, antioxidant properties and hypoglycaemic activities of two Capsicum annuum L. cultivars (Acuminatum small and Cerasiferum).

PubMed

Tundis, Rosa; Loizzo, Monica R; Menichini, Federica; Bonesi, Marco; Conforti, Filomena; Statti, Giancarlo; De Luca, Damiano; de Cindio, Bruno; Menichini, Francesco

2011-09-01

The present study aimed to evaluate for the first time the phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin content and the antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties of Capsicum annuum var. acuminatum small and C. annuum var. cerasiferum air-dried fruits. The ethanol extract of C. annuum var. acuminatum small, characterized by the major content of total poliphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids and capsaicinoids, showed the highest radical scavenging activity (IC(50) of 152.9 μg/ml). On the contrary, C. annuum var. cerasiferum showed a significant antioxidant activity evaluated by the β-carotene bleaching test (IC(50) of 3.1 μg/ml). The lipophilic fraction of both C. annuum var. acuminatum and C. annuum var. cerasiferum exhibited an interesting and selective inhibitory activity against α-amylase (IC(50) of 6.9 and 20.1 μg/ml, respectively).

Random-anisotropy model: Monotonic dependence of the coercive field on D/J

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saslow, W. M.; Koon, N. C.

1994-02-01

We present the results of a numerical study of the zero-temperature remanence and coercivity for the random anisotropy model (RAM), showing that, contrary to early calculations for this model, the coercive field increases monotonically with increases in the strength D of the random anisotropy relative to the strength J at the exchange field. Local-field adjustments with and without spin flips are considered. Convergence is difficult to obtain for small values of the anisotropy, suggesting that this is the likely source of the nonmonotonic behavior found in earlier studies. For both large and small anisotropy, each spin undergoes about one flip per hysteresis cycle, and about half of the spin flips occur in the vicinity of the coercive field. When only non-spin-flip adjustments are considered, at large anisotropy the coercivity is proportional to the anisotropy. At small anisotropy, the rate of convergence is comparable to that when spin flips are included.

Compatible above-ground biomass equations and carbon stock estimation for small diameter Turkish pine (Pinus brutia Ten.).

PubMed

Sakici, Oytun Emre; Kucuk, Omer; Ashraf, Muhammad Irfan

2018-04-15

Small trees and saplings are important for forest management, carbon stock estimation, ecological modeling, and fire management planning. Turkish pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) is a common coniferous species and comprises 25.1% of total forest area of Turkey. Turkish pine is also important due to its flammable fuel characteristics. In this study, compatible above-ground biomass equations were developed to predict needle, branch, stem wood, and above-ground total biomass, and carbon stock assessment was also described for Turkish pine which is smaller than 8 cm diameter at breast height or shorter than breast height. Compatible biomass equations are useful for biomass prediction of small diameter individuals of Turkish pine. These equations will also be helpful in determining fire behavior characteristics and calculating their carbon stock. Overall, present study will be useful for developing ecological models, forest management plans, silvicultural plans, and fire management plans.

Study of Small-Scale Anisotropy of Ultra-High-Energy Cosmic Rays Observed in Stereo by the High Resolution Fly's Eye Detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbasi, R. U.; Abu-Zayyad, T.; Amann, J. F.; Archbold, G.; Atkins, R.; Bellido, J. A.; Belov, K.; Belz, J. W.; BenZvi, S.; Bergman, D. R.; Boyer, J. H.; Burt, G. W.; Cao, Z.; Clay, R. W.; Connolly, B. M.; Dawson, B. R.; Deng, W.; Fedorova, Y.; Findlay, J.; Finley, C. B.; Hanlon, W. F.; Hoffman, C. M.; Holzscheiter, M. H.; Hughes, G. A.; Hüntemeyer, P.; Jui, C. C. H.; Kim, K.; Kirn, M. A.; Knapp, B. C.; Loh, E. C.; Maestas, M. M.; Manago, N.; Mannel, E. J.; Marek, L. J.; Martens, K.; Matthews, J. A. J.; Matthews, J. N.; O'Neill, A.; Painter, C. A.; Perera, L.; Reil, K.; Riehle, R.; Roberts, M. D.; Sasaki, M.; Schnetzer, S. R.; Seman, M.; Simpson, K. M.; Sinnis, G.; Smith, J. D.; Snow, R.; Sokolsky, P.; Song, C.; Springer, R. W.; Stokes, B. T.; Thomas, J. R.; Thomas, S. B.; Thomson, G. B.; Tupa, D.; Westerhoff, S.; Wiencke, L. R.; Zech, A.; HIRES Collaboration

2004-08-01

The High Resolution Fly's Eye (HiRes) experiment is an air fluorescence detector which, operating in stereo mode, has a typical angular resolution of 0.6d and is sensitive to cosmic rays with energies above 1018 eV. The HiRes cosmic-ray detector is thus an excellent instrument for the study of the arrival directions of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. We present the results of a search for anisotropies in the distribution of arrival directions on small scales (<5°) and at the highest energies (>1019 eV). The search is based on data recorded between 1999 December and 2004 January, with a total of 271 events above 1019 eV. No small-scale anisotropy is found, and the strongest clustering found in the HiRes stereo data is consistent at the 52% level with the null hypothesis of isotropically distributed arrival directions.

SUMMARY REPORT: SMALL COMMUNITY WATER AND WASTE- WATER TREATMENT

EPA Science Inventory

This summary report presents information on the unique needs of small communities facing new water and wastewater treatment requirements. t contains three main sections: technology overviews (each presents a process description, O&M requirements, technology limitations, and finan...

Middle Level Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wyman, Richard M., Jr.; Young, Katherine A.; Sliger, Bruce; Kafi, Patricia; Singer, Alan; Lamme, Linda Leonard

1998-01-01

Presents five brief articles related to middle-level learning. The articles are, "Using Children's Diaries to Teach the Oregon Trail"; "Living the Geography of Joseph and Temperance Brown"; "The ABCs of Small Grant Acquisition for Social Studies"; "Isomo Loruko: The Yoruba Naming Ceremony"; and "Child…

Small Business Goes To College. College and University Courses in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bauer, Robert O.

The movement of small business management courses into college and university curricula is discussed. The present state of small business management courses, the objectives of the courses, the variety of courses being offered, and teacher and student reaction to the courses are examined. A historical overview of small business courses at higher…

Small Business Management. Getting a Small Business Management Education Program Started.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Minnesota Univ., St. Paul. Dept. of Agricultural Education.

This set of materials was developed to assist with the dissemination of the Minnesota model for small business management education, five sections of information are presented. The first of five sections is on small business management needs assessment and describes a method of determining the number of small businesses that would constitute a…

Basic Business and Economics: Rationale for a Course in Small Business Management.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swanson, Robert A.

1979-01-01

Stating that small business represents most of the nation's business but that business courses focus on corporate giants, the author presents arguments for a course in small business management. This course could prepare students for small business opportunities and provide an understanding of the nature of small business management and ownership.…

High energy density propulsion systems and small engine dynamometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hays, Thomas

2009-07-01

Scope and Method of Study. This study investigates all possible methods of powering small unmanned vehicles, provides reasoning for the propulsion system down select, and covers in detail the design and production of a dynamometer to confirm theoretical energy density calculations for small engines. Initial energy density calculations are based upon manufacturer data, pressure vessel theory, and ideal thermodynamic cycle efficiencies. Engine tests are conducted with a braking type dynamometer for constant load energy density tests, and show true energy densities in excess of 1400 WH/lb of fuel. Findings and Conclusions. Theory predicts lithium polymer, the present unmanned system energy storage device of choice, to have much lower energy densities than other conversion energy sources. Small engines designed for efficiency, instead of maximum power, would provide the most advantageous method for powering small unmanned vehicles because these engines have widely variable power output, loss of mass during flight, and generate rotational power directly. Theoretical predictions for the energy density of small engines has been verified through testing. Tested values up to 1400 WH/lb can be seen under proper operating conditions. The implementation of such a high energy density system will require a significant amount of follow-on design work to enable the engines to tolerate the higher temperatures of lean operation. Suggestions are proposed to enable a reliable, small-engine propulsion system in future work. Performance calculations show that a mature system is capable of month long flight times, and unrefueled circumnavigation of the globe.

Bioorthogonal Chemical Imaging for Biomedicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Min, Wei

2017-06-01

Innovations in light microscopy have tremendously revolutionized the way researchers study biological systems with subcellular resolution. Although fluorescence microscopy is currently the method of choice for cellular imaging, it faces fundamental limitations for studying the vast number of small biomolecules. This is because relatively bulky fluorescent labels could introduce considerable perturbation to or even completely alter the native functions of vital small biomolecules. Hence, despite their immense functional importance, these small biomolecules remain largely undetectable by fluorescence microscopy. To address this challenge, we have developed a bioorthogonal chemical imaging platform. By coupling stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy, an emerging nonlinear Raman microscopy technique, with tiny and Raman-active vibrational probes (e.g., alkynes, nitriles and stable isotopes including 2H and 13C), bioorthogonal chemical imaging exhibits superb sensitivity, specificity, multiplicity and biocompatibility for imaging small biomolecules in live systems including tissues and organisms. Exciting biomedical applications such as imaging fatty acid metabolism related to lipotoxicity, glucose uptake and metabolism, drug trafficking, protein synthesis, DNA replication, protein degradation, RNA synthesis and tumor metabolism will be presented. This bioorthogonal chemical imaging platform is compatible with live-cell biology, thus allowing real-time imaging of small-molecule dynamics. Moreover, further chemical and spectroscopic strategies allow for multicolor bioorthogonal chemical imaging, a valuable technique in the era of "omics". We envision that the coupling of SRS microscopy with vibrational probes would do for small biomolecules what fluorescence microscopy of fluorophores has done for larger molecular species, bringing small molecules under the illumination of modern light microscopy.

Small bowel resection - slideshow

MedlinePlus

... this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/presentations/100039.htm Small bowel resection - series—Normal anatomy To use the ... to slide 5 out of 5 Overview The small intestine absorbs much of the liquid from foods. ...

Distribution and abundance of small plastic debris on beaches in the SE Pacific (Chile): a study supported by a citizen science project.

PubMed

Hidalgo-Ruz, Valeria; Thiel, Martin

2013-01-01

The accumulation of large and small plastic debris is a problem throughout the world's oceans and coastlines. Abundances and types of small plastic debris have only been reported for some isolated beaches in the SE Pacific, but these data are insufficient to evaluate the situation in this region. The citizen science project "National Sampling of Small Plastic Debris" was supported by schoolchildren from all over Chile who documented the distribution and abundance of small plastic debris on Chilean beaches. Thirty-nine schools and nearly 1000 students from continental Chile and Easter Island participated in the activity. To validate the data obtained by the students, all samples were recounted in the laboratory. The results of the present study showed that the students were able to follow the instructions and generate reliable data. The average abundance obtained was 27 small plastic pieces per m(2) for the continental coast of Chile, but the samples from Easter Island had extraordinarily higher abundances (>800 items per m(2)). The abundance of small plastic debris on the continental coast could be associated with coastal urban centers and their economic activities. The high abundance found on Easter Island can be explained mainly by the transport of plastic debris via the surface currents in the South Pacific Subtropical Gyre, resulting in the accumulation of small plastic debris on the beaches of the island. This first report of the widespread distribution and abundance of small plastic debris on Chilean beaches underscores the need to extend plastic debris research to ecological aspects of the problem and to improve waste management. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Integrating small mammal community variables into aircraft-wildlife collision management plans at Namibian airports.

PubMed

Hauptfleisch, Morgan L; Avenant, Nico L

2015-11-01

Understanding ecosystems within and around airports can help to determine the causes and possible mitigation measures for collisions between aircraft and wildlife. Small mammal communities are an important component of the semi-arid savanna ecosystems of Namibia, its productivity and its ecosystem integrity. They are also a major direct attractant for raptors at airports. The present study compared the abundance and diversity of small mammals between Namibia's 2 main airport properties (Hosea Kutako International Airport and Eros Airport), and among areas of land used for various purposes surrounding the airports. A total of 2150 small mammals (3 orders, 11 species) were captured over 4 trapping seasons. Small mammal abundance was significantly higher at the end of the growing season than during the non-growing season. The grass mowing regimen in current management plans at the airports resulted in a significant reduction of small mammal abundance at Hosea Kutako during the non-growing season only, thus indicating that annual mowing is effective but insufficient to reduce the overall abundance of mammal prey species for raptors. Small mammal numbers were significantly higher at Hosea Kutako Airport compared to the cattle and game farming land surrounding the airport, while no differences in small mammal densities or diversity were found for areas with different land uses at and surrounding Eros. The study suggests that the fence around Hosea Kutako provides a refuge for small mammals, resulting in higher densities. It also indicates that different surrounding land use practices result in altered ecosystem function and productivity, an important consideration when identifying wildlife attractants at airports. © 2015 International Society of Zoological Sciences, Institute of Zoology/Chinese Academy of Sciences and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study and Gendered Math Teaching in Kuwait

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ahmad, Fatimah; Greenhalgh-Spencer, Heather

2017-01-01

This paper argues for a more complex literature around gender and math performance. In order to argue for this complexity, we present a small portion of data from a case study examining the performance of Kuwaiti students on the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study and on Kuwait national math tests. Westernized discourses suggest…

Comparing Primary and Secondary Mathematics Teachers' Preferences Regarding Values about Mathematics Teaching in Turkey and Germany

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dede, Yüksel

2015-01-01

This study presents a small part of a larger study investigating Turkish and German mathematics teachers' and their students' values (Values in Mathematics Teaching in Turkey and Germany). The main focus of the study was school levels of the teachers working at primary and secondary schools. The interactions related to nationality were also of…

Hungarys Alternative to Counter Hybrid Warfare - Small States Weaponized Citizenry

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-09

case , the thesis applies qualitative intrinsic case study methodology to answer the primary and secondary research questions. Documents in the...literature review provide two 237 Robert E. Stake, The Art of Case Study Research (Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE...solution for Hungary. The following paragraphs present criteria for the analysis. Criteria The case study analysis concentrates on the first two

Insights into Inclusive Education through a Small Finnish Case Study of an Inclusive School Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tarr, Jane Mary; Tsokova, Diana; Takkunen, Ulla-Maija

2012-01-01

This study seeks to present data and discussion arising from a case study of a school in Finland renowned for its practice in the inclusion of learners with additional support requirements due to cognitive and physical disabilities. It aims to establish how the school staff understand their practice with inclusion through day-to-day professional…

Webinar Presentation: Characterization of Emissions from Small, Variable Solid Fuel Combustion Sources for Determining Global Emissions and Climate Impact

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This presentation, Characterization of Emissions from Small, Variable Solid Fuel Combustion Sources for Determining Global Emissions and Climate Impact, was given at the STAR Black Carbon 2016 Webinar Series.

Acidic polysaccharide of Panax ginseng regulates the mitochondria/caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway in radiation-induced damage to the jejunum in mice.

PubMed

Bing, So Jin; Kim, Min Ju; Ahn, Ginnae; Im, Jaehak; Kim, Dae Seung; Ha, Danbee; Cho, Jinhee; Kim, Areum; Jee, Youngheun

2014-04-01

Owing to its susceptibility to radiation, the small intestine of mice is valuable for studying radioprotective effects. When exposed to radiation, intestinal crypt cells immediately go through apoptosis, which impairs swift differentiation necessary for the regeneration of intestinal villi. Our previous studies have elucidated that acidic polysaccharide of Panax ginseng (APG) protects the mouse small intestine from radiation-induced damage by lengthening villi with proliferation and repopulation of crypt cells. In the present study, we identified the molecular mechanism involved. C57BL/6 mice were irradiated with gamma-rays with or without APG and the expression levels of apoptosis-related molecules in the jejunum were investigated using immunohistochemistry. APG pretreatment strongly decreased the radiation-induced apoptosis in the jejunum. It increased the expression levels of anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and Bcl-XS/L) and dramatically reduced the expression levels of pro-apoptotic proteins (p53, BAX, cytochrome c and caspase-3). Therefore, APG attenuated the apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway, which is controlled by p53 and Bcl-2 family members. Results presented in this study suggest that APG protects the mouse small intestine from irradiation-induced apoptosis through inhibition of the p53-dependent pathway and the mitochondria/caspase pathway. Thus, APG may be a potential agent for preventing radiation induced injuries in intestinal cells during radio-therapy such as in cancer treatment. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Fock space, symbolic algebra, and analytical solutions for small stochastic systems.

PubMed

Santos, Fernando A N; Gadêlha, Hermes; Gaffney, Eamonn A

2015-12-01

Randomness is ubiquitous in nature. From single-molecule biochemical reactions to macroscale biological systems, stochasticity permeates individual interactions and often regulates emergent properties of the system. While such systems are regularly studied from a modeling viewpoint using stochastic simulation algorithms, numerous potential analytical tools can be inherited from statistical and quantum physics, replacing randomness due to quantum fluctuations with low-copy-number stochasticity. Nevertheless, classical studies remained limited to the abstract level, demonstrating a more general applicability and equivalence between systems in physics and biology rather than exploiting the physics tools to study biological systems. Here the Fock space representation, used in quantum mechanics, is combined with the symbolic algebra of creation and annihilation operators to consider explicit solutions for the chemical master equations describing small, well-mixed, biochemical, or biological systems. This is illustrated with an exact solution for a Michaelis-Menten single enzyme interacting with limited substrate, including a consideration of very short time scales, which emphasizes when stiffness is present even for small copy numbers. Furthermore, we present a general matrix representation for Michaelis-Menten kinetics with an arbitrary number of enzymes and substrates that, following diagonalization, leads to the solution of this ubiquitous, nonlinear enzyme kinetics problem. For this, a flexible symbolic maple code is provided, demonstrating the prospective advantages of this framework compared to stochastic simulation algorithms. This further highlights the possibilities for analytically based studies of stochastic systems in biology and chemistry using tools from theoretical quantum physics.

Marshall Space Flight Center Small Business Opportunities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garrison, Lynn

2007-01-01

This viewgraph presentation reviews the small business opportunities that are available with the Marshall Space Flight Center. It includes information on all forms of opportunities available and information sources: subcontracting, websites, contacts and a separate section on Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) & Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs

HRD and Small Manufacturers. Symposium 42. [AHRD Conference, 2001].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

2001

This symposium on human resource development (HRD) and small manufacturers consists of three presentations. "Toward a Model of Technical Assistance for Small Manufacturers: The Role of Performance Technology" (Dale C. Brandenburg) reviews literature documenting the need for technical assistance to small manufacturers, especially as it…

Protein structure and interactions in the solid state studied by small-angle neutron scattering.

PubMed

Curtis, Joseph E; McAuley, Arnold; Nanda, Hirsh; Krueger, Susan

2012-01-01

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is uniquely qualified to study the structure of proteins in liquid and solid phases that are relevant to food science and biotechnological applications. We have used SANS to study a model protein, lysozyme, in both the liquid and water ice phases to determine its gross-structure, interparticle interactions and other properties. These properties have been examined under a variety of solution conditions before, during, and after freezing. Results for lysozyme at concentrations of 50 mg mL(-1) and 100 mg mL(-1), with NaCl concentrations of 0.4 M and 0 M, respectively, both in the liquid and frozen states, are presented and implications for food science are discussed.

Customer relationship management implementation in the small and medium enterprise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nugroho, Agus; Suharmanto, Agus; Masugino

2018-03-01

To win the global competition and sustain the business, small and medium enterprise shall implement a reliable information technology application to support their customer data base, production and sales as well as marketing management. This paper addresses the implementation of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) in small and medium enterprise, CV. Densuko Jaya. It is a small and medium enterprises in Semarang, Central Java, Republic of Indonesia deal with rubber processing industry supply chain. ADDIE model utilized in study to setup the CRM functionality at these enterprises. The aim of the authors is to present the benefits resulting from the application of CRM technologies at these enterprises to solve their chronicle issues in the field of integrated customer data base, production management process and sales automation in order to boost their business in the near future. Training and coaching have been delivered to the enterprises staffs and management to ensure that they can execute the system.

Incorporation of ionic liquid into porous polymer monoliths to enhance the separation of small molecules in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Wang, Jiafei; Bai, Ligai; Wei, Zhen; Qin, Junxiao; Ma, Yamin; Liu, Haiyan

2015-06-01

An ionic liquid was incorporated into the porous polymer monoliths to afford stationary phases with enhanced chromatographic performance for small molecules in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The effect of the ionic liquid in the polymerization mixture on the performance of the monoliths was studied in detail. While monoliths without ionic liquid exhibited poor resolution and low efficiency, the addition of ionic liquid to the polymerization mixture provides highly increased resolution and high efficiency. The chromatographic performances of the monoliths were demonstrated by the separations of various small molecules including aromatic hydrocarbons, isomers, and homologues using a binary polar mobile phase. The present column efficiency reached 27 000 plates/m, which showed that the ionic liquid monoliths are alternative stationary phases in the separation of small molecules by high-performance liquid chromatography. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Study of the gel films of Acetobacter Xylinum cellulose and its modified samples by {sup 1}H NMR cryoporometry and small-angle X-ray scattering

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

Babushkina, T. A.; Klimova, T. P.; Shtykova, E. V.

2010-03-15

Gel films of Acetobacter Xylinum cellulose and its modified samples have been investigated by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) cryoporometry and small-angle X-ray scattering. The joint use of these two methods made it possible to characterize the sizes of aqueous pores in gel films and estimate the sizes of structural inhomogeneities before and after the sorption of polyvinylpyrrolidone and Se{sub 0} nanoparticles (stabilized by polyvinylpyrrolidone) into the films. According to small-angle X-ray scattering data, the sizes of inhomogeneities in a gel film change only slightly upon the sorption of polyvinylpyrrolidone and nanoparticles. The impregnated material is sorbed into water-filled cavitiesmore » that are present in the gel film. {sup 1}H NMR cryoporometry allowed us to reveal the details of changes in the sizes of small aqueous pores during modifications.« less

Theoretical considerations on maximum running speeds for large and small animals.

PubMed

Fuentes, Mauricio A

2016-02-07

Mechanical equations for fast running speeds are presented and analyzed. One of the equations and its associated model predict that animals tend to experience larger mechanical stresses in their limbs (muscles, tendons and bones) as a result of larger stride lengths, suggesting a structural restriction entailing the existence of an absolute maximum possible stride length. The consequence for big animals is that an increasingly larger body mass implies decreasing maximal speeds, given that the stride frequency generally decreases for increasingly larger animals. Another restriction, acting on small animals, is discussed only in preliminary terms, but it seems safe to assume from previous studies that for a given range of body masses of small animals, those which are bigger are faster. The difference between speed scaling trends for large and small animals implies the existence of a range of intermediate body masses corresponding to the fastest animals. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tracking Small Artists

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Russell, James C.; Klette, Reinhard; Chen, Chia-Yen

Tracks of small animals are important in environmental surveillance, where pattern recognition algorithms allow species identification of the individuals creating tracks. These individuals can also be seen as artists, presented in their natural environments with a canvas upon which they can make prints. We present tracks of small mammals and reptiles which have been collected for identification purposes, and re-interpret them from an esthetic point of view. We re-classify these tracks not by their geometric qualities as pattern recognition algorithms would, but through interpreting the 'artist', their brush strokes and intensity. We describe the algorithms used to enhance and present the work of the 'artists'.

Supporting Remote Sensing Research with Small Unmanned Aerial Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, R. C.; Shanks, P. C.; Kritis, L. A.; Trani, M. G.

2014-11-01

We describe several remote sensing research projects supported with small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) operated by the NGA Basic and Applied Research Office. These sUAS collections provide data supporting Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR), NGA University Research Initiative (NURI), and Cooperative Research And Development Agreements (CRADA) efforts in addition to inhouse research. Some preliminary results related to 3D electro-optical point clouds are presented, and some research goals discussed. Additional details related to the autonomous operational mode of both our multi-rotor and fixed wing small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) platforms are presented.

Systematic review of adverse outcomes of external cephalic version and persisting breech presentation at term.

PubMed

Nassar, Natasha; Roberts, Christine L; Barratt, Alexandra; Bell, Jane C; Olive, Emily C; Peat, Brian

2006-03-01

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes of both external cephalic version (ECV) and persisting breech presentation at term. We conducted a systematic review of the literature using Medline, Embase and All Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) Reviews databases. Data were extracted from studies that compared women who had an ECV from 36 weeks' gestation with a similar control group of women enrolled at the same gestational age, eligible for, but who did not have an ECV. Eleven studies with a total of 2503 women were included. Adverse outcomes related to ECV were rarely reported and in most studies there was no evidence that relevant outcomes were ascertained among similar women who did not have an ECV. There was no increased risk of antepartum fetal death associated with ECV, but numbers were small. There were no reported cases of uterine rupture, placental abruption, prelabour rupture of membranes or cord prolapse, but these outcomes were not examined among controls. Onset of labour within 24 h and nuchal cord was non-significantly higher among women who had an ECV compared with those with a persisting breech. Despite limited reporting and small numbers, the results of our review suggest that adverse maternal and fetal outcomes of both ECV and persisting breech presentation are rare. Only with improved reporting and collection of safety data on ECV and persisting breech presentation can we provide high-quality information to assist informed decision making by pregnant women with a breech presentation at term.

A case of closed loop small bowel obstruction within a strangulated incisional hernia in association with an acute gastric volvulus.

PubMed

Kosai, Nik Ritza; Gendeh, H S; Noorharisman, M; Sutton, Paul Anthony; Das, Srijit

2014-01-01

Small bowel obstruction is a common clinical problem presenting with abdominal distention, colicky pain, absolute constipation and bilious vomiting. There are numerous causes, most commonly attributed to an incarcerated hernia, adhesions or obstructing mass secondary to malignancy. Here we present an unusual cause of a small bowel obstruction secondary to an incarcerated incisional hernia in association with an acute organoaxial gastric volvulus.

IRIS Mariner 9 Data Revisited. 1; An Instrumental Effect

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Formisano, V.; Grassi, D.; Piccioni, G.; Pearl, John; Bjoraker, G.; Conrath, B.; Hanel, R.

1999-01-01

Small spurious features are present in data from the Mariner 9 Infrared Interferometer Spectrometer (IRIS). These represent a low amplitude replication of the spectrum with a doubled wavenumber scale. This replication arises principally from an internal reflection of the interferogram at the input window. An algorithm is provided to correct for the effect, which is at the 2% level. We believe that the small error in the uncorrected spectra does not materially affect previous results; however, it may be significant for some future studies at short wavelengths. The IRIS spectra are also affected by a coding error in the original calibration that results in only positive radiances. This reduces the effectiveness of averaging spectra to improve the signal to noise ratio at small signal levels.

Prospects for the use of SMR and IGCC technologies for power generation in Poland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wyrwa, Artur; Suwała, Wojciech

2017-11-01

This study is a preliminary assessment of prospects for new power generation technologies that are of particular interest in Poland. We analysed the economic competitiveness of small size integrated gasification combined cycle units (IGCC) and small modular reactors (SMR). For comparison we used one of the most widely applied and universal metric i.e. Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE). The LCOE results were complemented with the results of energy-economic model TIMES-PL in order to analyse the economic viability of these technologies under operation regime of the entire power system. The results show that with techno-economic assumptions presented in the paper SMRs are more competitive option as compared to small IGCC units.

Police suicide in small departments: a comparative analysis.

PubMed

Violanti, John M; Mnatsakanova, Anna; Burchfiel, Cecil M; Hartley, Tara A; Andrew, Michael E

2012-01-01

The majority of police suicide research has focused on larger police departments. Very little research has been done within small departments. The present study compared suicide rates between small and larger police departments. Two Hundred ninty-eight departments were drawn from the U.S. Public Safety Officer Benefits database totaling 119,624 officers. Annual suicide rates were calculated per 100,000 for each of four category (by size of department) and p-values from Chi-square tests were employed to assess differences in rates across categories. The annual suicide rate varied significantly across departments. Smaller police departments had a significantly higher suicide rate than large departments. Possible reasons include lack of availability for mental health assistance, increased workload and danger and community visibility.

Police Suicide in Small Departments: A Comparative Analysis

PubMed Central

Violanti, John M.; Mnatsakanova, Anna; Hartley, Tara A.; Andrew, Michael E.; Burchfiel, Cecil M.

2015-01-01

The majority of police suicide research has focused on larger police departments. Very little research has been done within small departments. The present study compared suicide rates between small and larger police departments. Two Hundred ninty-eight departments were drawn from the U.S. Public Safety Officer Benefits database totaling 119,624 officers. Annual suicide rates were calculated per 100,000 for each of four category (by size of department) and p-values from Chi-square tests were employed to assess differences in rates across categories. The annual suicide rate varied significantly across departments. Smaller police departments had a significantly higher suicide rate than large departments. Possible reasons include lack of availability for mental health assistance, increased workload and danger, and community visibility. PMID:23894796

Detecting ordered small molecule drug aggregates in live macrophages: a multi-parameter microscope image data acquisition and analysis strategy

PubMed Central

Rzeczycki, Phillip; Yoon, Gi Sang; Keswani, Rahul K.; Sud, Sudha; Stringer, Kathleen A.; Rosania, Gus R.

2017-01-01

Following prolonged administration, certain orally bioavailable but poorly soluble small molecule drugs are prone to precipitate out and form crystal-like drug inclusions (CLDIs) within the cells of living organisms. In this research, we present a quantitative multi-parameter imaging platform for measuring the fluorescence and polarization diattenuation signals of cells harboring intracellular CLDIs. To validate the imaging system, the FDA-approved drug clofazimine (CFZ) was used as a model compound. Our results demonstrated that a quantitative multi-parameter microscopy image analysis platform can be used to study drug sequestering macrophages, and to detect the formation of ordered molecular aggregates formed by poorly soluble small molecule drugs in animals. PMID:28270989

Detecting ordered small molecule drug aggregates in live macrophages: a multi-parameter microscope image data acquisition and analysis strategy.

PubMed

Rzeczycki, Phillip; Yoon, Gi Sang; Keswani, Rahul K; Sud, Sudha; Stringer, Kathleen A; Rosania, Gus R

2017-02-01

Following prolonged administration, certain orally bioavailable but poorly soluble small molecule drugs are prone to precipitate out and form crystal-like drug inclusions (CLDIs) within the cells of living organisms. In this research, we present a quantitative multi-parameter imaging platform for measuring the fluorescence and polarization diattenuation signals of cells harboring intracellular CLDIs. To validate the imaging system, the FDA-approved drug clofazimine (CFZ) was used as a model compound. Our results demonstrated that a quantitative multi-parameter microscopy image analysis platform can be used to study drug sequestering macrophages, and to detect the formation of ordered molecular aggregates formed by poorly soluble small molecule drugs in animals.

Primary malignant small bowel tumors: an atypical abdominal emergency.

PubMed Central

Mitchell, K. J.; Williams, E. S.; Leffall, L. D.

1995-01-01

Primary malignant tumors of the small bowel are uncommon in the United States. They comprise less than 1% of all gastrointestinal malignancies, with an incidence of 2200 cases per year. The clinical presentation of small bowel tumors is frequently insidious and often overlooked by physicians. The low incidence and lack of pathognomonic symptoms are the reasons that the early diagnosis of malignant small bowel tumor is uncommon. To better understand the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, management, and outcome, a review of Howard University patients with primary malignant small bowel tumors between 1970 and 1990 was conducted. Our experience concurs with the reported literature and supports the conclusion that a high index of suspicion is necessary. The diagnosis of a malignant small bowel tumor should be considered in patients with vague chronic abdominal complaints. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 PMID:7752280

Raman Optical Activity of Biological Molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blanch, Ewan W.; Barron, Laurence D.

Now an incisive probe of biomolecular structure, Raman optical activity (ROA) measures a small difference in Raman scattering from chiral molecules in right- and left-circularly polarized light. As ROA spectra measure vibrational optical activity, they contain highly informative band structures sensitive to the secondary and tertiary structures of proteins, nucleic acids, viruses and carbohydrates as well as the absolute configurations of small molecules. In this review we present a survey of recent studies on biomolecular structure and dynamics using ROA and also a discussion of future applications of this powerful new technique in biomedical research.

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

Hatta, Yoshitaka; Xiao, Bo-Wen; Yuan, Feng

We present a full evaluation of the deeply virtual Compton scattering cross section in the dipole framework in the small-x region. The result features the cosφ and cos2φ azimuthal angular correlations, which have been missing in previous studies based on the dipole model. In particular, the cos2φ term is generated by the elliptic gluon Wigner distribution of which the measurement at the planned electron-ion collider provides important information about the gluon tomography at small x. Here, we also show the consistency with the standard collinear factorization approach based on the quark and gluon generalized parton distributions.

Experimental study of the performance of a very small repetitive plasma focus device in different working conditions

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

Goudarzi, S., E-mail: sgoudarzi@aeoi.org.ir; Babaee, H.; Esmaeli, A.

SORENA-1 is a very small repetitive Mather-type plasma focus device (20 J) that can operate at frequencies up to 1 Hz. This device has been designed and constructed in the Plasma and Nuclear Fusion Research School of the Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute of Iran. In this article, the structure of SORENA-1 is described and results of experiments with Ar, Ne, and D{sub 2} working gases at several discharge voltages and initial pressures are presented and analyzed.

Sequence-Specific Affinity Chromatography of Bacterial Small Regulatory RNA-Binding Proteins from Bacterial Cells.

PubMed

Gans, Jonathan; Osborne, Jonathan; Cheng, Juliet; Djapgne, Louise; Oglesby-Sherrouse, Amanda G

2018-01-01

Bacterial small RNA molecules (sRNAs) are increasingly recognized as central regulators of bacterial stress responses and pathogenesis. In many cases, RNA-binding proteins are critical for the stability and function of sRNAs. Previous studies have adopted strategies to genetically tag an sRNA of interest, allowing isolation of RNA-protein complexes from cells. Here we present a sequence-specific affinity purification protocol that requires no prior genetic manipulation of bacterial cells, allowing isolation of RNA-binding proteins bound to native RNA molecules.

Anomalous small-angle scattering as a way to solve the Babinet principle problem

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

Boiko, M. E., E-mail: m.e.boiko@mail.ioffe.ru; Sharkov, M. D.; Boiko, A. M.

2013-12-15

X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) have been used to determine the absorption edges of atoms present in a sample under study. A series of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements using different monochromatic X-ray beams at different wavelengths near the absorption edges is performed to solve the Babinet principle problem. The sizes of clusters containing atoms determined by the method of XAS were defined in SAXS experiments. In contrast to differential X-ray porosimetry, anomalous SAXS makes it possible to determine sizes of clusters of different atomic compositions.

Experimental Study of Supercooled Large Droplet Impingement Effects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Papadakis, M.; Rachman, A.; Wong, S. C.; Hung, K. E.; Vu, G. T.

2003-01-01

Typically, ice accretion results from small supercooled droplets (droplets cooled below freezing), usually 5 to 50 microns in diameter, which can freeze upon impact with an aircraft surface. Recently, ice accretions resulting from supercooled large droplet (SLD) conditions have become a safety concern. Current ice accretion codes have been extensively tested for Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 25, Appendix C icing conditions but have not been validated for SLD icing conditions. This report presents experimental methods for investigating large droplet impingement dynamics and for obtaining small and large water droplet impingement data.

First steps towards small arrays of Mo/Au microcalorimeters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olsen, J.; Kirk, E. C.; Thomsen, K.; van den Brandt, B.; Lerch, Ph; Scandella, L.; Zehnder, A.; Mango, S.; Ott, H. R.; Huber, M.; Hilton, G. C.; Martinis, J. M.

2000-04-01

We are developing small arrays of microcalorimeters based on transition edge sensors made with Mo/Au bilayers deposited on silicon nitride membranes and Au absorbers. The superconducting transition of the bilayers is adjusted to be around 130 mK with a transition width better than a millikelvin by use of the proximity effect between the Au and Mo films. We built a dilution refrigerator and wired it for 2 channel operation in order to study thermal coupling issues between thermometers within the array. The device fabrication procedure as well as preliminary results are presented.

Experimental study of the performance of a very small repetitive plasma focus device in different working conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goudarzi, S.; Babaee, H.; Esmaeli, A.; Nasiri, A.

2017-01-01

SORENA-1 is a very small repetitive Mather-type plasma focus device (20 J) that can operate at frequencies up to 1 Hz. This device has been designed and constructed in the Plasma and Nuclear Fusion Research School of the Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute of Iran. In this article, the structure of SORENA-1 is described and results of experiments with Ar, Ne, and D2 working gases at several discharge voltages and initial pressures are presented and analyzed.

Anomalous small-angle scattering as a way to solve the Babinet principle problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boiko, M. E.; Sharkov, M. D.; Boiko, A. M.; Bobyl, A. V.

2013-12-01

X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) have been used to determine the absorption edges of atoms present in a sample under study. A series of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements using different monochromatic X-ray beams at different wavelengths near the absorption edges is performed to solve the Babinet principle problem. The sizes of clusters containing atoms determined by the method of XAS were defined in SAXS experiments. In contrast to differential X-ray porosimetry, anomalous SAXS makes it possible to determine sizes of clusters of different atomic compositions.

Cancer mortality inequalities in urban areas: a Bayesian small area analysis in Spanish cities

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Intra-urban inequalities in mortality have been infrequently analysed in European contexts. The aim of the present study was to analyse patterns of cancer mortality and their relationship with socioeconomic deprivation in small areas in 11 Spanish cities. Methods It is a cross-sectional ecological design using mortality data (years 1996-2003). Units of analysis were the census tracts. A deprivation index was calculated for each census tract. In order to control the variability in estimating the risk of dying we used Bayesian models. We present the RR of the census tract with the highest deprivation vs. the census tract with the lowest deprivation. Results In the case of men, socioeconomic inequalities are observed in total cancer mortality in all cities, except in Castellon, Cordoba and Vigo, while Barcelona (RR = 1.53 95%CI 1.42-1.67), Madrid (RR = 1.57 95%CI 1.49-1.65) and Seville (RR = 1.53 95%CI 1.36-1.74) present the greatest inequalities. In general Barcelona and Madrid, present inequalities for most types of cancer. Among women for total cancer mortality, inequalities have only been found in Barcelona and Zaragoza. The excess number of cancer deaths due to socioeconomic deprivation was 16,413 for men and 1,142 for women. Conclusion This study has analysed inequalities in cancer mortality in small areas of cities in Spain, not only relating this mortality with socioeconomic deprivation, but also calculating the excess mortality which may be attributed to such deprivation. This knowledge is particularly useful to determine which geographical areas in each city need intersectorial policies in order to promote a healthy environment. PMID:21232096

CONFERENCE REPORT: Summary of the 16th IAEA Technical Meeting on 'Research using Small Fusion Devices'

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gribkov, V.; Van Oost, G.; Malaquias, A.; Herrera, J.

2006-10-01

Common research topics that are being studied in small, medium and large devices such as H-mode like or improved confinement, turbulence and transport are reported. These included modelling and diagnostic developments for edge and core, to characterize plasma density, temperature, electric potential, plasma flows, turbulence scale, etc. Innovative diagnostic methods were designed and implemented which could be used to develop experiments in small devices (in some cases not possible in large devices due to higher power deposition) to allow a better understanding of plasma edge and core properties. Reports are given addressing research in linear devices that can be used to study particular plasma physics topics relevant for other magnetic confinement devices such as the radial transport and the modelling of self-organized plasma jets involved in spheromak-like plasma formation. Some aspects of the work presented are of interest to the astrophysics community since they are believed to shed light on the basis of the physics of stellar jets. On the dense magnetized plasmas (DMP) topic, the present status of research, operation of new devices, plasma dynamics modelling and diagnostic developments is reported. The main devices presented belong to the class of Z-pinches, mostly plasma foci, and several papers were presented under this topic. The physics of DMP is important both for the main-stream fusion investigations as well as for providing the basis for elaboration of new concepts. New high-current technology introduced in the DMP devices design and construction make these devices nowadays more reliably fitted to various applications and give the possibility to widen the energy range used by them in both directions—to the multi-MJ level facilities and down to miniature plasma focus devices with energy of just a few J.

The IGF1 small dog haplotype is derived from Middle Eastern grey wolves.

PubMed

Gray, Melissa M; Sutter, Nathan B; Ostrander, Elaine A; Wayne, Robert K

2010-02-24

A selective sweep containing the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) gene is associated with size variation in domestic dogs. Intron 2 of IGF1 contains a SINE element and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) found in all small dog breeds that is almost entirely absent from large breeds. In this study, we surveyed a large sample of grey wolf populations to better understand the ancestral pattern of variation at IGF1 with a particular focus on the distribution of the small dog haplotype and its relationship to the origin of the dog. We present DNA sequence data that confirms the absence of the derived small SNP allele in the intron 2 region of IGF1 in a large sample of grey wolves and further establishes the absence of a small dog associated SINE element in all wild canids and most large dog breeds. Grey wolf haplotypes from the Middle East have higher nucleotide diversity suggesting an origin there. Additionally, PCA and phylogenetic analyses suggests a closer kinship of the small domestic dog IGF1 haplotype with those from Middle Eastern grey wolves. The absence of both the SINE element and SNP allele in grey wolves suggests that the mutation for small body size post-dates the domestication of dogs. However, because all small dogs possess these diagnostic mutations, the mutations likely arose early in the history of domestic dogs. Our results show that the small dog haplotype is closely related to those in Middle Eastern wolves and is consistent with an ancient origin of the small dog haplotype there. Thus, in concordance with past archeological studies, our molecular analysis is consistent with the early evolution of small size in dogs from the Middle East.See associated opinion by Driscoll and Macdonald: http://jbiol.com/content/9/2/10.

Ingredients of gender-based stereotypes about food. Indirect influence of food type, portion size and presentation on gendered intentions to eat.

PubMed

Cavazza, Nicoletta; Guidetti, Margherita; Butera, Fabrizio

2015-08-01

The association between certain foods and masculinity or femininity has been widely discussed in different disciplines. However, extant research has yet to clarify which are the critical dimensions lending these gender connotations to food and thus impacting on the willingness to eat it. We present a study on the role of food type, portion size, and dish presentation as potential factors constituting the gender-based stereotype about food, and their indirect or mediated effect on the intention of men and women to eat certain feminine/masculine stereotyped foods. We manipulated the three features cited above in a 2 (food type: Caprese vs. hamburger) × 2 (portion size: small vs. big) × 2 (presentation: elegant vs. rough) full factorial design. Results confirmed a model of moderated mediation: the Caprese salad, the small portion and the elegantly presented dish (in respect to the hamburger, the big portion and the roughly presented dish) tend to be considered "feminine food", and thus women expressed a more pronounced intention to eat it than men. The implications of the findings for both theory and practice are discussed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Point-to-Point! Validation of the Small Aircraft Transportation System Higher Volume Operations Concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Daniel M.

2006-01-01

Described is the research process that NASA researchers used to validate the Small Aircraft Transportation System (SATS) Higher Volume Operations (HVO) concept. The four phase building-block validation and verification process included multiple elements ranging from formal analysis of HVO procedures to flight test, to full-system architecture prototype that was successfully shown to the public at the June 2005 SATS Technical Demonstration in Danville, VA. Presented are significant results of each of the four research phases that extend early results presented at ICAS 2004. HVO study results have been incorporated into the development of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NGATS) vision and offer a validated concept to provide a significant portion of the 3X capacity improvement sought after in the United States National Airspace System (NAS).

Small-scale field-aligned currents caused by tropical cyclones as observed by the SWARM satellites above the ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aoyama, T.; Iyemori, T.; Nakanishi, K.

2014-12-01

We present case studies of small-scale magnetic fluctuations above typhoons, hurricanes and cyclones as observed by the swarm constellation. It is reported lately that AGWs(atmospheric gravity waves) generated by meteorological phenomena in the troposphere such as typhoons and tornadoes, large earthquakes and volcanic eruptions propagate to the mesosphere and thermosphere. We observe them in various forms(e.g. airglows, ionospheric disturbances and TEC variations). We are proposing the following model. AGWs caused by atmospheric disturbances in the troposphere propagate to the ionospheric E-layer, drive dynamo action and generate field-aligned currents. The satellites observe magnetic fluctuations above the ionosphere. In this presentation, we focus on cases of tropical cyclone(hurricanes in North America, typhoons in North-West Pacific).

Small Business Management and Ownership. Volume Four. Mini-Problems in Entrepreneurship.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shuchat, Jo

The mini-problems presented in this volume are provided to augment the introductory course, "Minding Your Own Small Business," and the advanced course, "Something Ventured, Something Gained," in small business ownership and management. They can also be used in conjunction with other instructional materials in small business…

Small Business Course for Older Americans. Student Handbook.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

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

This student handbook was designed for a course which offers people aged 55 and older guidance in starting and operating a small business. Following introductory remarks concerning small businesses, information and assignment sheets related to each of the course's basic units are presented. Course units include the following: (1) Small Business…

[Small bowel tumors: experience at the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán"].

PubMed

Sánchez-Ramón, A; Cerino-Palomino, V; Medina-Franco, H

2012-01-01

Malignant tumors of the small bowel are uncommon and include multiple histologic strains, which helps explain the existing limited understanding of them. The aim of this study was to evaluate surgically treated small bowel tumors and to determine the clinical and pathological characteristics that can have an impact on patient outcome. A retrospective, observational, and descriptive study was carried out. The case records of patients with small bowel tumor that were surgically treated at the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán" from 1990 to August 2011 were analyzed using the SPSS version 17.0 statistical package. Thirty-eight small bowel tumor patients were found that had been operated on within the time frame studied. Fifteen of them were women (39.50%) and 23 were men (60.50%), and the mean age was 55.6 years. The histologic distribution was 13 adenocarcinomas (34.20%), 10 neuroendocrine tumors (26.30%), 8 sarcomas (21.10%) and 4 lymphomas (10.50%). There was an increase in the incidence of sarcomas and adenocarcinomas, whereas lymphomas and neuroendocrine tumors were evenly distributed. An increase in small bowel tumor incidence in the last few years was observed and adenocarcinoma was the most frequent tumor in the study population. It is important to have a high degree of suspicion for this disease when patients present with symptoms such as gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, anemia, and weight loss, because early diagnosis is essential for guaranteeing favorable outcome. Copyright © 2012 Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología. Published by Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

Scanning electron microscopy study of new bone formation following small and large defects preserved with xenografts supplemented with pamidronate-A pilot study in Fox-Hound dogs at 4 and 8 weeks.

PubMed

Lozano-Carrascal, Naroa; Satorres-Nieto, Marta; Delgado-Ruiz, Rafael; Maté-Sánchez de Val, José Eduardo; Gehrke, Sergio Alexandre; Gargallo-Albiol, Jorge; Calvo-Guirado, José Luis

2017-01-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of SEM and EDX microanalysis on evaluating the effect of porcine xenografts (MP3 ® ) supplemented with pamidronate during socket healing. Mandibular second premolars (P2) and first molars (M1) were extracted from six Beagle dogs. P2 were categorized as small defects (SD) and M1 as large defects (LD). Four random groups were created: SC (small control defects with MP3 ® ), ST (small test defects MP3 ® +pamidronate), LC (large control defects with MP3 ® ), and LT (large test defects MP3 ® +pamidronate). At four and eight weeks of healing the samples were evaluated fisically through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and chemical element mapping was carried out by Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). After four weeks of healing, SEM and EDX analysis revealed more mineralized bone in ST and LT groups compared with control groups (p<0.05). After eight weeks, Ca/P ratios were slightly higher for small defects (groups SC and ST); in SEM description, in both control and test groups, trabecular bone density was similar to the adjacent mineralized cortical bone. Within the limitations of this experimental study, SEM description and EDX elemental microanalysis have demonstrated to be useful techniques to assess bone remodelling of small and large defects. Both techniques show increased bone formation in test groups (MP3 ® modified with pamidronate) after four and eight weeks of healing. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

A small porous-plug burner for studies of combustion chemistry and soot formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campbell, M. F.; Schrader, P. E.; Catalano, A. L.; Johansson, K. O.; Bohlin, G. A.; Richards-Henderson, N. K.; Kliewer, C. J.; Michelsen, H. A.

2017-12-01

We have developed and built a small porous-plug burner based on the original McKenna burner design. The new burner generates a laminar premixed flat flame for use in studies of combustion chemistry and soot formation. The size is particularly relevant for space-constrained, synchrotron-based X-ray diagnostics. In this paper, we present details of the design, construction, operation, and supporting infrastructure for this burner, including engineering attributes that enable its small size. We also present data for charactering the flames produced by this burner. These data include temperature profiles for three premixed sooting ethylene/air flames (equivalence ratios of 1.5, 1.8, and 2.1); temperatures were recorded using direct one-dimensional coherent Raman imaging. We include calculated temperature profiles, and, for one of these ethylene/air flames, we show the carbon and hydrogen content of heavy hydrocarbon species measured using an aerosol mass spectrometer coupled with vacuum ultraviolet photoionization (VUV-AMS) and soot-volume-fraction measurements obtained using laser-induced incandescence. In addition, we provide calculated mole-fraction profiles of selected gas-phase species and characteristic profiles for seven mass peaks from AMS measurements. Using these experimental and calculated results, we discuss the differences between standard McKenna burners and the new miniature porous-plug burner introduced here.

A small porous-plug burner for studies of combustion chemistry and soot formation.

PubMed

Campbell, M F; Schrader, P E; Catalano, A L; Johansson, K O; Bohlin, G A; Richards-Henderson, N K; Kliewer, C J; Michelsen, H A

2017-12-01

We have developed and built a small porous-plug burner based on the original McKenna burner design. The new burner generates a laminar premixed flat flame for use in studies of combustion chemistry and soot formation. The size is particularly relevant for space-constrained, synchrotron-based X-ray diagnostics. In this paper, we present details of the design, construction, operation, and supporting infrastructure for this burner, including engineering attributes that enable its small size. We also present data for charactering the flames produced by this burner. These data include temperature profiles for three premixed sooting ethylene/air flames (equivalence ratios of 1.5, 1.8, and 2.1); temperatures were recorded using direct one-dimensional coherent Raman imaging. We include calculated temperature profiles, and, for one of these ethylene/air flames, we show the carbon and hydrogen content of heavy hydrocarbon species measured using an aerosol mass spectrometer coupled with vacuum ultraviolet photoionization (VUV-AMS) and soot-volume-fraction measurements obtained using laser-induced incandescence. In addition, we provide calculated mole-fraction profiles of selected gas-phase species and characteristic profiles for seven mass peaks from AMS measurements. Using these experimental and calculated results, we discuss the differences between standard McKenna burners and the new miniature porous-plug burner introduced here.

Development of the normal gastrointestinal microflora of specific pathogen-free chickens.

PubMed

Coloe, P J; Bagust, T J; Ireland, L

1984-02-01

The development of the normal intestinal microflora of the small intestine, caecum and large intestine of specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens, was studied in the period from hatching to 84 days of age. No bacteria were detected in any of the sites at hatchery (day 1), but by day 3 significant levels of faecal streptococci and coliforms were isolated from all sites. The flora of the small intestine was limited to faecal streptococci and coliforms for the first 40 days and then lactobacilli became established and dominated the flora. A large variety of facultative and strictly anaerobic organisms colonized the caecum. Many of these species were transient and were only present for a limited period; after 40 days the flora stabilized to consist predominantly of faecal streptococci, Escherichia coli, Bacteroides spp. and Lactobacillus sp. The flora of the large intestine was composed of organisms also present in the small intestine or the caecum. These findings differ from previously published studies on conventionally reared chickens in that the number of species isolated and the population levels of organisms are much lower. This probably reflects the absence of continuous environmental challenge to the chickens because of the housing and feeding facilities in which the chickens were maintained.

Altitude effects on technology and productivity of small bovine farms (milk meat) in Veracruz (Gulf of Mexico).

PubMed

Ruíz-Guevara, C; De León-González, F; Soriano-Robles, R; Pérez-Carrera, A L; García-Hernández, L A

2018-03-01

The dual-purpose bovine system represents 98.4% of the bovine livestock of Veracruz, the main cattle-producing state of Mexico. This system supplies calves to meat companies, a sector in which Veracruz has been the national leader in the last decade. The objective of the present study was to analyze the effect of the altitudinal zonation of farms on livestock technology and productivity in a microbasin of the Gulf of Mexico where small farms predominate. Structured interviews were applied to producers located in three altitudinal zones (at average altitudes of 50, 140, and 450 m, respectively, for lower, middle, and upper zones). Sample size was 135 farms having similar land surface (within a range of 15-22 ha). The results indicated multiple differences among farms located in the three zones. Farms in the middle and lower zones presented higher productive indicators than those in the upper zone. Differences in herd structure and management resulted in important differences in productivity, income, and profits in milk and calf production. We concluded from this study that altitudinal zonation in Veracruz had a clear effect on the differentiation of small farms, which are representative of dual-purpose cattle. The upper zone performs cattle activity under conditions with greater disadvantages in the analyzed region.

Personality at midlife: stability, intrinsic maturation, and response to life events.

PubMed

Costa, P T; Herbst, J H; McCrae, R R; Siegler, I C

2000-12-01

Although developmental theories and popular accounts suggest that midlife is a time of turmoil and change, longitudinal studies of personality traits have generally found stability of rank order and little or no change in mean levels. Using data from 2,274 men and women in their 40s retested after 6 to 9 years, the present study examined two hypotheses: (a) that retest correlations should be no higher than about .60 and (b) that there should be small decreases in Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Openness, and small increases in Agreeableness and Conscientiousness. The study also explored the effects of recalled life events on subsequent personality scores. Results did not support the first hypothesis; uncorrected retest correlations uniformly exceeded .60. This was true for all personality traits, including facets of Agreeableness and Conscientiousness not previously included in longitudinal studies. The hypothesized decreases in Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Openness were found, but Conscientiousness showed a small decrease instead of the predicted increase. Life events in general showed very little influence on the levels of personality traits, although some effects were seen for changes in job and marital status that warrant further research.

Domain-specific rationality in human choices: violations of utility axioms and social contexts.

PubMed

Wang, X T

1996-07-01

This study presents a domain-specific view of human decision rationality. It explores social and ecological domain-specific psychological mechanisms underlying choice biases and violations of utility axioms. Results from both the USA and China revealed a social group domain-specific choice pattern. The irrational preference reversal in a hypothetical life-death decision problem (a classical example of framing effects) was eliminated by providing a small group or family context in which most subjects favored a risky choice option regardless of the positive/negative framing of choice outcomes. The risk preference data also indicate that the subjective scope of small group domain is larger for Chinese subjects, suggesting that human choice mechanisms are sensitive to culturally specific features of group living. A further experiment provided evidence that perceived fairness might be one major factor regulating the choice preferences found in small group (kith-and-kin) contexts. Finally, the violation of the stochastic dominance axiom of the rational theory of choice was predicted and tested. The violations were found only when the "life-death" problem was presented in small group contexts; the strongest violation was found in a family context. These results suggest that human decisions and choices are regulated by domain-specific choice mechanisms designed to solve evolutionary recurrent and adaptively important problems.

Identification of small RNAs in extracellular vesicles from the commensal yeast Malassezia sympodialis.

PubMed

Rayner, Simon; Bruhn, Sören; Vallhov, Helen; Andersson, Anna; Billmyre, R Blake; Scheynius, Annika

2017-01-04

Malassezia is the dominant fungus in the human skin mycobiome and is associated with common skin disorders including atopic eczema (AE)/dermatitis. Recently, it was found that Malassezia sympodialis secretes nanosized exosome-like vesicles, designated MalaEx, that carry allergens and can induce inflammatory cytokine responses. Extracellular vesicles from different cell-types including fungi have been found to deliver functional RNAs to recipient cells. In this study we assessed the presence of small RNAs in MalaEx and addressed if the levels of these RNAs differ when M. sympodialis is cultured at normal human skin pH versus the elevated pH present on the skin of patients with AE. The total number and the protein concentration of the released MalaEx harvested after 48 h culture did not differ significantly between the two pH conditions nor did the size of the vesicles. From small RNA sequence data, we identified a set of reads with well-defined start and stop positions, in a length range of 16 to 22 nucleotides consistently present in the MalaEx. The levels of small RNAs were not significantly differentially expressed between the two different pH conditions indicating that they are not influenced by the elevated pH level observed on the AE skin.

Integration and Test for Small Shuttle Payloads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wright, Michael R.; Day, John H. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Recommended approaches for shuttle small payload integration and test (I&T) are presented. The paper is intended for consideration by developers of small shuttle payloads, including I&T managers, project managers, and system engineers. Examples and lessons learned are presented based on the extensive history of the NASA's Hitchhiker project. All aspects of I&T are presented, including: (1) I&T team responsibilities, coordination, and communication; (2) Flight hardware handling practices; (3) Documentation and configuration management; (4) I&T considerations for payload development; (5) I&T at the development facility; (6) Prelaunch operations, transfer, orbiter integration, and interface testing; and (7) Postflight operations. This paper is of special interest to those payload projects which have small budgets and few resources: That is, the truly 'faster, cheaper, better' projects. All shuttle small payload developers are strongly encouraged to apply these guidelines during I&T planning and ground operations to take full advantage of today's limited resources and to help ensure mission success.

SunRISE Mission Concept Step 2 Study Status

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alibay, F.; Kasper, J. C.; Lazio, J.; Neilsen, T. L.

2017-12-01

We present an update on the Sun Radio Interferometer Space Experiment (SunRISE) mission concept, which was selected for a Step 2 study as part of the Small Explorer (SMEX) Mission of Opportunity (MoO) call. SunRISE is space-based sparse array, composed of six 6U CubeSats, designed to localize the radio emission associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun. Radio emission from CMEs is a direct tracer of the particle acceleration in the inner heliosphere and potential magnetic connections from the lower solar corona to the larger heliosphere. Furthermore, CME radio emission is quite strong such that only a relatively small number of antennas is required, and a small mission would make a fundamental advancement. Indeed, the state-of-the-art for tracking CME radio emission is defined by single antennas (Wind/WAVES, Stereo/SWAVES) in which the tracking is accomplished by assuming a frequency-to-density mapping. This type of Heliophysics mission would be inherently cost prohibitive in a traditional spacecraft paradigm. However, the use of CubeSats, accompanied by the miniaturization of subsystem components, enables the development of this concept at lower cost than ever before. We present the most recent updates on this mission concept, starting from the concept's performance as compared to the required science and driving technical requirements. We then focus on the SunRISE mission concept of operations, which consists of six 6U CubeSats placed in a GEO graveyard orbit for 6 months to achieve the aforementioned science goals. The spacecraft fly in a passive formation, which allows them to form an interferometer while minimizing the impact on operations complexity. We also present details of the engineering design and the key trades being performed as part of the Step 2 concept study.

Masking, Mediators and Agency: Bilingual Children and Learning to Read

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walters, Sue

2011-01-01

This paper begins with a discussion of some of the key insights of recent sociocultural research that consider bilingual children and learning to read and culminates in a discussion of Syncretic Literacy Studies (SLS). It then presents data from an ethnographic study that focused on the learning experiences of a small group of Year Three…

Variations in Figurative Language Use as a Function of Mode of Communication

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boerger, Michael A.

2005-01-01

Various studies have demonstrated that the mode by which people communicate affects the content of their messages. The present study examines the ways in which one aspect of language use, namely figurative language, differs as a function of mode of communication. Subjects worked together in pairs to build a small household appliance, with an…

Majority Teachers' Perceptions of Urban Adolescents and Their Abilities: Probes from Self-Reflection and Teacher Autobiographies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harushimana, Immaculee

2010-01-01

This article presents a small scale, qualitative study of nine majority alternate-route teachers and the perceptions they hold about themselves as urban educators and their urban students' academic abilities. Data for this study was collected through self-reflective, written interviews and meta-reflective responses to two published teacher…

The Emergence of a Learning Progression in Middle School Chemistry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Philip; Tymms, Peter

2011-01-01

Previously, a small scale, interview-based, 3-year longitudinal study (ages 11-14) in one school had suggested a learning progression related to the concept of a substance. This article presents the results of a large-scale, cross-sectional study which used Rasch modeling to test the hypothesis of the learning progression. Data were collected from…

An Experimental Study of Group Size and Participants' Role in Developmental Testing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burt, Charles W.

The research in progress that is presented in this paper focuses on the preliminary results of a study examining the differences and similarities in data obtained using the one-to-one versus small group procedures for designing and conducting formative evaluations of instructional materials. The materials chosen were the microbiology print module…

The Family Child Care Licensing Study, 1999.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Children's Foundation, Washington, DC.

This report presents the findings of the 1999 national survey of state child care regulatory agencies to update and expand family child care regulatory information published in the 1998 study. Data on small family child care homes and group or large family child care homes are organized in 22 categories: (1) number of regulated homes; (2)…

Life in the Cloud: A WorldShare Management Services Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hartman, Robin R.

2012-01-01

A small, private academic library took the risk of moving from a traditional integrated library system to adopting a system "in the cloud." This case study presents the setting, history, and local needs of the library, including staffing challenges, and explains the decision-making rationale and process. A description of the library's transition…

A Pilot Study of Core Topics in Introductory Social Psychology and Developmental Psychology Textbooks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Whitehead, George I., III; Smith, Stephanie H.; Losonczy-Marshall, Marta

2014-01-01

This study examined the similarities and differences in the topics and references in selected chapters of eight introductory social psychology textbooks and six developmental psychology textbooks. We wanted to determine the extent to which there were core concepts and references presented in these chapters. We found a relatively small set of core…

Working with Students with Special Educational Needs in Greece: Teachers' Stressors and Coping Strategies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Antoniou, Alexander-Stamatios; Polychroni, Fotini; Kotroni, Christina

2009-01-01

Few studies explore the specific sources of stress, and the coping strategies applied by teachers of children with special educational needs, particularly in small countries such as Greece. The present study investigated the specific work-related stressors affecting special educational needs teachers in Greece and the coping strategies applied by…

Staff and Student Perceptions of English Language Policies and Practices in "International" Universities: A UK Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jenkins, Jennifer; Wingate, Ursula

2015-01-01

This article presents a small qualitative study which aimed to gain an understanding of how lecturers and international students perceive the English language policies and practices at their institutions. The findings show that most participants perceive current policies and practices as unfair. However, there were discrepancies in lecturers' and…

Large-scale breeder reactor prototype mechanical pump conceptual design study, hot leg

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

Not Available

1976-09-01

Due to the extensive nature of this study, the report is presented as a series of small reports. The complete design analysis is placed in a separate section. The drawings and tabulations are in the back portion of the report. Other topics are enumerated and located as shown in the table of contents.

Exploring the Cautionary Attitude toward Wikipedia in Higher Education: Implications for Higher Education Institutions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bayliss, Gemma

2013-01-01

This article presents the research findings of a small-scale study which aimed to explore the cautionary attitude toward the use of Wikipedia in the process of learning. A qualitative case study approach was taken, using literature review, institutional documentation, and semi-structured interviews with five members of academic teaching staff from…

Government Approaches to Foster Competitive Intelligence Practice in SMEs: A Comparative Study of Eight Governments.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bergeron, Pierrette

2000-01-01

Presents results from a study examining approaches developed by seven governments to foster competitive intelligence practice in SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and compares them with the approach taken by the government of Quebec. Suggests a need for a better understanding of information needs and uses in SMEs. (Contains 22 references.)…

Evaluation of a Secondary School Science Program Inversion: Moving from a Traditional to a Modifified-PCB Sequence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gaubatz, Julie

2013-01-01

Studies of high-school science course sequences have been limited primarily to a small number of site-specific investigations comparing traditional science sequences (e.g., Biology-Chemistry-Physics: BCP) to various Physics First-influenced sequences (Physics-Chemistry-Biology: PCB). The present study summarizes a five-year program evaluation…

A Comparison of the Turkish and Romanian Students' Willingness to Communicate and Its Affecting Factors in English

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Asmali, Mehmet; Bilki, Ufuk; Duban, Carina Adriana

2015-01-01

The present study attempts to offer a small-scale investigation of the willingness to communicate and its key antecedents, namely the self-perceived communication competence and the communication apprehension in Turkish and Romanian contexts. A total of 130 participants took part in this quantitative approach based study. The data suggested…

Effects of Cooperative Writing with Embedded Multimedia: A Randomized Experiment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Madden, Nancy A.; Slavin, Robert E.; Logan, Michele

2011-01-01

The present study represented an effort to improve on the outcomes of the Puma (2006) study by creating a writing process program that provided students with compelling video models of effective writing practices in small writing teams. In this method, called Writing Wings with Media (WWM), students worked in 4-member, heterogeneous writing groups…

Building Kindergartners' Number Sense: A Randomized Controlled Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jordan, Nancy C.; Glutting, Joseph; Dyson, Nancy; Hassinger-Das, Brenna; Irwin, Casey

2012-01-01

Math achievement in elementary school is mediated by performance and growth in number sense during kindergarten. The aim of the present study was to test the effectiveness of a targeted small-group number sense intervention for high-risk kindergartners from low-income communities. Children were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups (n = 44 in each…

Small bowel obstruction following perforation of the uterus at induced abortion.

PubMed

Nkor, S K; Igberase, G O; Osime, O C; Faleyimu, B L; Babalola, R

2009-01-01

Unsafe abortion is an important contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality. To present a case of small bowel obstruction following perforation of the uterus at induced abortion. A 36-year-old woman, presented at a private hospital, with abdominal pain and weight loss. She had full clinical assessment and laboratory investigations which indicated small bowel obstruction following perforation of the uterus at induced abortion, and was commenced on treatment. She was para 5+0. Her main complaints were abdominal and weight loss following induced abortion of a 12- week pregnancy, four months prior to presentation. At presentation the tools (ultrasound scan, plain abdominal radiograph and barium enema) used for diagnoses only suggested some form of intestinal obstruction and were unremarkable. Correct diagnoses indicating small bowel obstruction was only made at laparotomy. An exploratory laparotomy, adhesiolysis, small bowel resection, end to end anastomosis and bowel decompression was done after bowel preparation. Laparotomy has an enviable place in bowel injuries secondary to uterine perforation especially when there is a diagnostic dilemma. Nigerian female population requires continuous health education on widespread and effective use of contraception. Physicians need training and retraining on abortion techniques and management of abortion complications.

Social modeling effects on young women's breakfast intake.

PubMed

Hermans, Roel C J; Herman, C Peter; Larsen, Junilla K; Engels, Rutger C M E

2010-12-01

Numerous studies have shown that the presence of others influences young women's food intake. They eat more when the other eats more, and eat less when the other eats less. However, most of these studies have focused on snack situations. The present study assesses the degree to which young women model the breakfast intake of a same-sex peer in a semi-naturalistic setting. The study took place in a laboratory setting at the Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands, during the period January to April 2009. After completing three cover tasks, normal-weight participants (n=57) spent a 20-minute break with a peer who ate a large amount or a small amount of breakfast or no breakfast at all. The participants' total amount of energy consumed (in kilocalories) during the break was measured. An analysis of variance was used to examine whether young women modeled the breakfast intake of same-sex peers. Results indicate a main effect of breakfast condition, F(2,54)=8.44; P<0.01. Participants exposed to a peer eating nothing ate less than did participants exposed to a peer eating a small amount (d=0.85) or large amount of breakfast (d=1.23). Intake in the Small-Breakfast condition did not differ substantially from intake in the Large-Breakfast condition. The findings from the present study provide evidence that modeling effects of food intake are weaker in eating contexts in which scripts or routines guide an individual's eating behavior. Copyright © 2010 American Dietetic Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Villacidro solar demo plant: Integration of small-scale CSP and biogas power plants in an industrial microgrid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camerada, M.; Cau, G.; Cocco, D.; Damiano, A.; Demontis, V.; Melis, T.; Musio, M.

2016-05-01

The integration of small scale concentrating solar power (CSP) in an industrial district, in order to develop a microgrid fully supplied by renewable energy sources, is presented in this paper. The plant aims to assess in real operating conditions, the performance, the effectiveness and the reliability of small-scale concentrating solar power technologies in the field of distributed generation. In particular, the potentiality of small scale CSP with thermal storage to supply dispatchable electricity to an industrial microgrid will be investigated. The microgrid will be realized in the municipal waste treatment plant of the Industrial Consortium of Villacidro, in southern Sardinia (Italy), which already includes a biogas power plant. In order to achieve the microgrid instantaneous energy balance, the analysis of the time evolution of the waste treatment plant demand and of the generation in the existing power systems has been carried out. This has allowed the design of a suitable CSP plant with thermal storage and an electrochemical storage system for supporting the proposed microgrid. At the aim of obtaining the expected energy autonomy, a specific Energy Management Strategy, which takes into account the different dynamic performances and characteristics of the demand and the generation, has been designed. In this paper, the configuration of the proposed small scale concentrating solar power (CSP) and of its thermal energy storage, based on thermocline principle, is initially described. Finally, a simulation study of the entire power system, imposing scheduled profiles based on weather forecasts, is presented.

Bursting process of large- and small-scale structures in turbulent boundary layer perturbed by a cylinder roughness element

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Zhanqi; Jiang, Nan; Zheng, Xiaobo; Wu, Yanhua

2016-05-01

Hot-wire measurements on a turbulent boundary layer flow perturbed by a wall-mounted cylinder roughness element (CRE) are carried out in this study. The cylindrical element protrudes into the logarithmic layer, which is similar to those employed in turbulent boundary layers by Ryan et al. (AIAA J 49:2210-2220, 2011. doi: 10.2514/1.j051012) and Zheng and Longmire (J Fluid Mech 748:368-398, 2014. doi: 10.1017/jfm.2014.185) and in turbulent channel flow by Pathikonda and Christensen (AIAA J 53:1-10, 2014. doi: 10.2514/1.j053407). The similar effects on both the mean velocity and Reynolds stress are observed downstream of the CRE perturbation. The series of hot-wire data are decomposed into large- and small-scale fluctuations, and the characteristics of large- and small-scale bursting process are observed, by comparing the bursting duration, period and frequency between CRE-perturbed case and unperturbed case. It is indicated that the CRE perturbation performs the significant impact on the large- and small-scale structures, but within the different impact scenario. Moreover, the large-scale bursting process imposes a modulation on the bursting events of small-scale fluctuations and the overall trend of modulation is not essentially sensitive to the present CRE perturbation, even the modulation extent is modified. The conditionally averaging fluctuations are also plotted, which further confirms the robustness of the bursting modulation in the present experiments.

Impact of small-scale structures on estuarine circulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhuo; Zhang, Yinglong J.; Wang, Harry V.; Huang, Hai; Wang, Zhengui; Ye, Fei; Sisson, Mac

2018-05-01

We present a novel and challenging application of a 3D estuary-shelf model to the study of the collective impact of many small-scale structures (bridge pilings of 1 m × 2 m in size) on larger-scale circulation in a tributary (James River) of Chesapeake Bay. We first demonstrate that the model is capable of effectively transitioning grid resolution from 400 m down to 1 m near the pilings without introducing undue numerical artifact. We then show that despite their small sizes and collectively small area as compared to the total channel cross-sectional area, the pilings exert a noticeable impact on the large-scale circulation, and also create a rich structure of vortices and wakes around the pilings. As a result, the water quality and local sedimentation patterns near the bridge piling area are likely to be affected as well. However, when evaluating over the entire waterbody of the project area, the near field effects are weighed with the areal percentage which is small compared to that for the larger unaffected area, and therefore the impact on the lower James River as a whole becomes relatively insignificant. The study highlights the importance of the use of high resolution in assessing the near-field impact of structures.

Small intestinal function and dietary status in dermatitis herpetiformis.

PubMed Central

Gawkrodger, D J; McDonald, C; O'Mahony, S; Ferguson, A

1991-01-01

Small intestinal morphology and function were assessed in 82 patients with dermatitis herpetiformis, 51 of whom were taking a normal diet and 31 a gluten free diet. Methods used were histopathological evaluation of jejunal mucosal biopsy specimens, quantitation of intraepithelial lymphocytes, cellobiose/mannitol permeability test, tissue disaccharidase values, serum antigliadin antibodies, and formal assessment of dietary gluten content by a dietician. There was no correlation between dietary gluten intake and the degree of enteropathy in the 51 patients taking a normal diet, whereas biopsy specimens were normal in 24 of the 31 patients on a gluten free diet, all previously having been abnormal. Eighteen patients on gluten containing diets had normal jejunal histology and in seven of these all tests of small intestinal morphology and function were entirely normal. Intestinal permeability was abnormal and serum antigliadin antibodies were present in most patients with enteropathy. Studies of acid secretion in seven patients showed that hypochlorhydria or achlorhydria did not lead to abnormal permeability in the absence of enteropathy. This study shows that a combination of objective tests of small intestinal architecture and function will detect abnormalities in most dermatitis herpetiformis patients, including some with histologically normal jejunal biopsy specimens. Nevertheless there is a small group in whom all conventional intestinal investigations are entirely normal. PMID:2026337

Small mammals taphonomy and environmental evolution during Late Pleistocene-Holocene in Monte Desert: The evidence of Gruta del Indio (central west Argentina)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernández, Fernando J.; Pardiñas, Ulyses F. J.

2018-07-01

Very few excavated sequences in southern South America provide an approximation to the environmental evolution covering the segment Late Pleistocene-Holocene. Here we present the taphonomic analysis and paleoenvironmental reconstruction based on the small mammal remains retrieved from the archaeological and paleontological site Gruta del Indio (Mendoza Province, Argentina). Radiocarbon dates situate the small mammal deposits studied within the Late Pleistocene and Holocene. Thus, these assemblages provide a record for inferring environmental evolution in the middle basin of Atuel River during the last ∼31 ky BP. Taphonomic analysis revealed that most of small mammal remains were incorporated by a little destructive nocturnal owl. Recorded species include mainly cricetid and caviomorph rodents and a single marsupial. While Pleistocene assemblages have not exclusive species, the specific richness increases towards the Holocene probably linked with the climatic variability related to ENSO. In overall, the recorded small mammals suggest environmental stability during the Late Pleistocene-Holocene, mostly associated with Monte Desert conditions. Conversely, the pollen sequence studied from Gruta del Indio was interpreted as indicator of a deep environmental change during the Pleistocene-Holocene transition, when the Patagonian steppe was replaced by Monte Desert. Potential biases linked with these kinds of proxies are discussed.

Conceptual size in developmental dyscalculia and dyslexia.

PubMed

Gliksman, Yarden; Henik, Avishai

2018-02-01

People suffering from developmental dyscalculia (DD) are known to have impairment in numerical abilities and have been found to have weaker processing of countable magnitudes. However, not much research was done on their abilities to process noncountable magnitudes. An example of noncountable magnitude is conceptual size (e.g., mouse is small and elephant is big). Recently, we found that adults process conceptual size automatically. The current study examined automatic processing of conceptual size in students with DD and developmental dyslexia. Conceptual and physical sizes were manipulated orthogonally to create congruent (e.g., a physically small apple compared to a physically large violin) and incongruent (e.g., a physically large apple compared to a physically small violin) conditions. Participants were presented with 2 objects and had to choose the larger one. Each trial began with an instruction to respond to the physical or to the conceptual dimension. Control and the dyslexic groups presented automatic processing of both conceptual and physical sizes. The dyscalculic group presented automatic processing of physical size but not automaticity of processing conceptual size. Our results fit with previous findings of weaker magnitude representation in those with DD, specifically regarding noncountable magnitudes, and support theories of a shared neurocognitive substrate for different types of magnitudes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Congenital Vitelline Band Causing Intestinal Obstruction in an Adult with a Double Inferior Vena Cava

PubMed Central

Pussepitiya, Kumari; Samarasinghe, Bandula; Wickramasinghe, Nuwan

2016-01-01

Introduction. Vitelline artery remnants are rare causes of intra-abdominal bands leading to bowel obstruction. These bands may be associated with Meckel's diverticulum. Double inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare presentation and is usually identified incidentally. Case Presentation. A sixty-year-old male presented with progressive vomiting for five days and he was clinically diagnosed with intestinal obstruction. Plain X-ray abdomen showed evidence of small bowel obstruction. CT scan of the abdomen revealed dilated small bowel loops with a small outpouching in the distal ileum with a band like structure attached to it. In the CT, left sided patent IVC draining into the left renal vein was identified. Left external iliac vein was in continuity with the left IVC. Left internal iliac vein was draining into the right IVC. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a Meckel's diverticulum with a band identified as the vitelline remnant attached to its apex and inserting at the anterior abdominal wall near the umbilicus. Discussion. Meckel's diverticulum with vitelline bands, although rare, should be borne in mind in adult patients with intestinal obstruction. Identification of this anomaly can be difficult in imaging studies. Presence of double IVC should be mentioned in the imaging findings to prevent possible catastrophic complications during surgery. PMID:27843667

Numerical comparison of exhaust plume flow behaviors of small monopropellant and bipropellant thrusters

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

In general, a space propulsion system has a crucial role in the normal mission operations of a spacecraft. Depending on the types and number of propellants, a monopropellant and a bipropellant thrusters are mostly utilized for low thrust liquid rocket engines. As the plume gas flow exhausted from these small thrusters expands freely in a vacuum space environment along all directions, adverse effects of the plume impingement onto the spacecraft surfaces can dramatically reduce the function and performance of a spacecraft. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to investigate and compare the major differences of the plume gas flow behaviors numerically between the small monopropellant and bipropellant thrusters. To ensure efficient numerical calculations, the whole physical domain was divided into three different subdomains depending on the flow conditions, and then the appropriate numerical methods were combined and applied for each subdomain sequentially. With the present analysis results, the plume gas behaviors including the density, the overall temperature and the separation of the chemical species are compared and discussed between the monopropellant and the bipropellant thrusters. Consequently, the present results are expected to provide useful information on selecting the appropriate propulsion system, which can be very helpful for actual engineers practically during the design process. PMID:28481892

Personal computer study of finite-difference methods for the transonic small disturbance equation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bland, Samuel R.

1989-01-01

Calculation of unsteady flow phenomena requires careful attention to the numerical treatment of the governing partial differential equations. The personal computer provides a convenient and useful tool for the development of meshes, algorithms, and boundary conditions needed to provide time accurate solution of these equations. The one-dimensional equation considered provides a suitable model for the study of wave propagation in the equations of transonic small disturbance potential flow. Numerical results for effects of mesh size, extent, and stretching, time step size, and choice of far-field boundary conditions are presented. Analysis of the discretized model problem supports these numerical results. Guidelines for suitable mesh and time step choices are given.

Interplanetary field and plasma during initial phase of geomagnetic storms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patel, V. L.; Wiskerchen, M. J.

1975-01-01

A study has been conducted of a large number of geomagnetic storms occurring during the period from 1966 to 1970. Questions of data selection are discussed and the large-scale interplanetary magnetic field during the initial phase is examined. Small-scale interplanetary fields during the initial phase are also considered, taking into account important features of small-scale variations in the interplanetary field and plasma for three storms. Details concerning 23 geomagnetic storms and the interplanetary magnetic field are presented in a table. A study of the initial phase of these storms indicates that in most of these events, the solar-ecliptic Z component of the interplanetary magnetic field turns southward when the main phase decrease begins.

Modal interactions between a large-wavelength inclined interface and small-wavelength multimode perturbations in a Richtmyer-Meshkov instability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McFarland, Jacob A.; Reilly, David; Black, Wolfgang; Greenough, Jeffrey A.; Ranjan, Devesh

2015-07-01

The interaction of a small-wavelength multimodal perturbation with a large-wavelength inclined interface perturbation is investigated for the reshocked Richtmyer-Meshkov instability using three-dimensional simulations. The ares code, developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, was used for these simulations and a detailed comparison of simulation results and experiments performed at the Georgia Tech Shock Tube facility is presented first for code validation. Simulation results are presented for four cases that vary in large-wavelength perturbation amplitude and the presence of secondary small-wavelength multimode perturbations. Previously developed measures of mixing and turbulence quantities are presented that highlight the large variation in perturbation length scales created by the inclined interface and the multimode complex perturbation. Measures are developed for entrainment, and turbulence anisotropy that help to identify the effects of and competition between each perturbations type. It is shown through multiple measures that before reshock the flow processes a distinct memory of the initial conditions that is present in both large-scale-driven entrainment measures and small-scale-driven mixing measures. After reshock the flow develops to a turbulentlike state that retains a memory of high-amplitude but not low-amplitude large-wavelength perturbations. It is also shown that the high-amplitude large-wavelength perturbation is capable of producing small-scale mixing and turbulent features similar to the small-wavelength multimode perturbations.

Unusual case of small cell gastric carcinoma: case report and literature review.

PubMed

Richards, David; Davis, Daniel; Yan, Peisha; Guha, Sushovan

2011-04-01

Small cell carcinomas are among the most aggressive, poorly differentiated, and highly malignant of the neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Of which, small cell gastric carcinoma is a rare small cell neuroendocrine tumor. The purpose of our study was to present this case and perform a comprehensive literature review. We review a case of small cell gastric carcinoma that is particularly unusual in that it occurred in a woman from the US when the majority of cases of small cell gastric carcinoma have been reported in men from East Asia, and more specifically, from Japan. The diagnosis was made after endoscopy revealed a large ulcerated mass in the gastric cardia of Borrmann type 3. Biopsies revealed multiple small basophilic cells underlying the squamous epithelium of the esophagus and cardiac mucosa, indicating the presence of a tumor at the gastroesophageal junction. Immunostaining established the diagnosis with positive stains for chromogranin, synaptophysin, and CD56. Our patient is being treated with chemotherapy, but many different treatment regimens have been tried for small cell gastric carcinoma with variable success. Overall prognosis for small cell gastric carcinoma is dismal. Neuroendocrine tumors in general have variable clinical behaviors and prognosis is dependent on the neuroendocrine tumor type. The adoption of a standardized classification system for neuroendocrine tumors could improve the recognition of infrequently encountered neuroendocrine tumors like small cell gastric carcinoma and will enhance strategies for treatment and thus improve prognosis for patients with these rare and aggressive tumors.