Sample records for presented specific examples

  1. Leave Her out of It: Person-Presentation of Strategies is Harmful for Transfer.

    PubMed

    Riggs, Anne E; Alibali, Martha W; Kalish, Charles W

    2015-11-01

    A common practice in textbooks is to introduce concepts or strategies in association with specific people. This practice aligns with research suggesting that using "real-world" contexts in textbooks increases students' motivation and engagement. However, other research suggests this practice may interfere with transfer by distracting students or leading them to tie new knowledge too closely to the original learning context. The current study investigates the effects on learning and transfer of connecting mathematics strategies to specific people. A total of 180 college students were presented with an example of a problem-solving strategy that was either linked with a specific person (e.g., "Juan's strategy") or presented without a person. Students who saw the example without a person were more likely to correctly transfer the novel strategy to new problems than students who saw the example presented with a person. These findings are the first evidence that using people to present new strategies is harmful for learning and transfer. Copyright © 2015 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

  2. Ligand binding by repeat proteins: natural and designed

    PubMed Central

    Grove, Tijana Z; Cortajarena, Aitziber L; Regan, Lynne

    2012-01-01

    Repeat proteins contain tandem arrays of small structural motifs. As a consequence of this architecture, they adopt non-globular, extended structures that present large, highly specific surfaces for ligand binding. Here we discuss recent advances toward understanding the functional role of this unique modular architecture. We showcase specific examples of natural repeat proteins interacting with diverse ligands and also present examples of designed repeat protein–ligand interactions. PMID:18602006

  3. Child-Specific Exposure Scenarios Examples (Final Report) ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    EPA announced the availability of the final report, Child-Specific Exposure Scenarios Examples. This report is intended to be a companion document to the Exposure Factors Handbook (U.S. EPA 2011). The example scenarios were compiled from questions and inquiries received from users of the Exposure Factors Handbook (EFH) on how to select data from the EFH to assess childhood exposures. The scenarios presented in this report promote the use of the standard set of age groups recommended by the U.S. EPA in the report entitled Guidance on Selecting Age Groups for Monitoring and Assessing Childhood Exposures to Environmental Contaminants (U.S. EPA 2005). The purpose of the Child-Specific Exposure Scenarios Examples Report is to outline scenarios for various child-specific exposure pathways and to demonstrate how data from the Exposure Factors Handbook (U.S. EPA, 2011) may be applied for estimating exposures. The handbook provides data on drinking water consumption, soil ingestion, mouthing behavior, inhalation rates, dermal factors including skin area and soil adherence factors, consumption of fruits and vegetables, fish, meats, dairy products, homegrown foods, human milk, activity patterns, body weight, and consumer products. The example scenarios presented here have been selected to best demonstrate the use of the various key data sets in the Child-Specific Exposure Factors Handbook (U.S. EPA, 2008a), and represent commonly encountered exposure pathways. An exhausti

  4. Toward an Instructionally Oriented Theory of Example-Based Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Renkl, Alexander

    2014-01-01

    Learning from examples is a very effective means of initial cognitive skill acquisition. There is an enormous body of research on the specifics of this learning method. This article presents an instructionally oriented theory of example-based learning that integrates theoretical assumptions and findings from three research areas: learning from…

  5. Example-Based Learning: Exploring the Use of Matrices and Problem Variability

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hancock-Niemic, Mary A.; Lin, Lijia; Atkinson, Robert K.; Renkl, Alexander; Wittwer, Joerg

    2016-01-01

    The purpose of the study was to investigate the efficacy of using faded worked examples presented in matrices with problem structure variability to enhance learners' ability to recognize the underlying structure of the problems. Specifically, this study compared the effects of matrix-format versus linear-format faded worked examples combined with…

  6. Computerized Business Calculus Using Calculators, Examples from Mathematics to Finance.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vest, Floyd

    1991-01-01

    After discussing the role of supercalculators within the business calculus curriculum, several examples are presented which allow the reader to examine the capabilities and codes of calculators specific to different major manufacturers. The topics examined include annuities, Newton's method, fixed point iteration, graphing, solvers, and…

  7. Disintegration, Recognition, and Violence: A Theoretical Perspective

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Heitmeyer, Wilhelm; Anhut, Reimund

    2008-01-01

    The literature explaining deviance, criminality, or violence offers a broad spectrum of approaches in criminology and sociology. Mostly the theories focus on specific levels of explanation like the macrolevel (for example, strain theories) or the microlevel (for example, self-control theory). This article presents a relatively new theoretical…

  8. Photoelectron Imaging as a Quantum Chemistry Visualization Tool

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Grumbling, Emily R.; Pichugin, Kostyantyn; Mabbs, Richard; Sanov, Andrei

    2011-01-01

    An overview and simple example of photoelectron imaging is presented, highlighting its efficacy as a pedagogical tool for visualizing quantum phenomena. Specifically, photoelectron imaging of H[superscript -] (the simplest negative ion) is used to demonstrate several quantum mechanical principles. This example could be incorporated into an…

  9. Identifying and Using Picture Books with Quality Mathematical Content: Moving beyond "Counting on Frank" and "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Marston, Jennie

    2014-01-01

    This article by Jennie Marston provides a framework to assist you in selecting appropriate picture books to present mathematical content. Jennie demonstrates the framework by applying three specific examples of picture books to the framework along with examples of activities.

  10. Autonomy @ Ames

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Van Dalsem, William; Krishnakumar, Kalmanje Srinivas

    2016-01-01

    This is a powerpoint presentation that highlights autonomy across the 15 NASA technology roadmaps, including specific examples of projects (past and present) at NASA Ames Research Center. The NASA technology roadmaps are located here: http:www.nasa.govofficesocthomeroadmapsindex.html

  11. Toward an instructionally oriented theory of example-based learning.

    PubMed

    Renkl, Alexander

    2014-01-01

    Learning from examples is a very effective means of initial cognitive skill acquisition. There is an enormous body of research on the specifics of this learning method. This article presents an instructionally oriented theory of example-based learning that integrates theoretical assumptions and findings from three research areas: learning from worked examples, observational learning, and analogical reasoning. This theory has descriptive and prescriptive elements. The descriptive subtheory deals with (a) the relevance and effectiveness of examples, (b) phases of skill acquisition, and (c) learning processes. The prescriptive subtheory proposes instructional principles that make full exploitation of the potential of example-based learning possible. Copyright © 2013 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

  12. Design Specification Issues in Time-Series Intervention Models.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Huitema, Bradley E.; McKean, Joseph W.

    2000-01-01

    Presents examples of egregious errors of interpretation in time-series intervention models and makes recommendations regarding the correct specification of the design matrix. Discusses the profound effects of variants of the slope change variable in the design matrix. (SLD)

  13. A Laborative Model of Geomagnetism as an Example of Creative Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Prytz, Kjell

    2015-01-01

    Creative learning is discussed with respect to a specific physics topic. A teaching example, based on an apparatus that demonstrates the standard dynamo model of geomagnetism, is presented. It features many of the basic physics concepts within the syllabus of electromagnetism at high-school and university. To stimulate conceptual learning and to…

  14. Uses of Children's Make-Believe Play in Family Therapy: Theory and Clinical Examples.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ariel, Shlomo; And Others

    1985-01-01

    Presents and illustrates by clinical examples a theoretical framework for developing, describing, and analyzing family-therapeutic techniques involving make-believe play. Induces specifications of the therapeutic goals served by the technique and its procedural details and an analysis of its rationale. Draws on a definition of the concept…

  15. Using Live-Crown Ratio to Control Wood Quality: An Example of Quantitative Silviculture

    Treesearch

    Thomas J. Dean

    1999-01-01

    Quantitative silviculture is the application of biological relationships in meeting specific, quantitative management objectives. It is a two-sided approach requiring the identification and application of biological relationships. An example of quantitative silviculture is presented that uses a relationship between average-live crown ratio and relative stand density...

  16. Thermo-mechanical design aspects of mercury bombardment ion thrusters.

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Schnelker, D. E.; Kami, S.

    1972-01-01

    The mechanical design criteria are presented as background considerations for solving problems associated with the thermomechanical design of mercury ion bombardment thrusters. Various analytical procedures are used to aid in the development of thruster subassemblies and components in the fields of heat transfer, vibration, and stress analysis. Examples of these techniques which provide computer solutions to predict and control stress levels encountered during launch and operation of thruster systems are discussed. Computer models of specific examples are presented.

  17. An example problem illustrating the application of the national lime association mixture design and testing protocol (MDTP) to ascertain engineering properties of lime-treated subgrades for mechanistic pavement design/analysis.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2001-09-01

    This document presents an example of mechanistic design and analysis using a mix design and : testing protocol. More specifically, it addresses the structural properties of lime-treated subgrade, : subbase, and base layers through mechanistic design ...

  18. From evidence based medicine to mechanism based medicine. Reviewing the role of pharmacogenetics.

    PubMed

    Wilffert, Bob; Swen, Jesse; Mulder, Hans; Touw, Daan; Maitland-Van der Zee, Anke-Hilse; Deneer, Vera

    2013-06-01

    The translation of evidence based medicine to a specific patient presents a considerable challenge. We present by means of the examples nortriptyline, tramadol, clopidogrel, coumarins, abacavir and antipsychotics the discrepancy between available pharmacogenetic information and its implementation in daily clinical practice. Literature review. A mechanism based approach may be helpful to personalize medicine for the individual patient to which pharmacogenetics may contribute significantly. The lack of consistency in what we accept in bioequivalence and in pharmacogenetics of drug metabolising enzymes is discussed and illustrated with the example of nortriptyline. The impact of pharmacogenetics on examples like tramadol, clopidogrel, coumarins and abacavir is described. Also the present status of the polymorphisms of 5-HT2A and C receptors in antipsychotic-induced weight gain is presented as a pharmacodynamic example with until now a greater distance to clinical implementation. The contribution of pharmacogenetics to tailor-made pharmacotherapy, which especially might be of value for patients deviating from the average, has not yet reached the position it seems to deserve.

  19. Specificity, transfer, and the development of expertise

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brookes, David T.; Ross, Brian H.; Mestre, José P.

    2011-06-01

    In this paper we present the results of two experiments designed to understand how physics students’ learning of the concept of refraction is influenced by the cognitive phenomenon of “specificity.” In both experiments participants learned why light bends as it travels from one optical medium to another with an analogy made to a car driving from paved road into mud and vice versa. They then learned how to qualitatively draw the direction of refracted light rays with an example of a glass prism. One group learned with a rectangular prism example while a second group learned with a triangular prism example. In a transfer test, the participants revealed how, even when they seemed able to implement the refraction concept, their responses were biased by the example they had seen. Participants frequently violated the refraction principle they had just learned (reversing the bend direction) in order to make sure their response matched the surface features of their learning example. This tended to happen when their test question looked superficially similar to their learning example. We discuss the implications of these results for physics instruction.

  20. Analyzing Protein Changes in Guinea Pig Tissue Lysates Using Non-guinea Pig Specific Antibodies: Procedures for Western Blotting and Examples Using 16 Individual Antibodies for Common CNS Proteins

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-05-01

    guinea pig model does present a significant problem...trying to correlate behavioral and protein changes due to the absence of guinea pig -specific antibodies. We...have developed a procedure to determine the specificity of commercially available, non- guinea pig -specific antibodies in guinea pig lysates.

  1. Image Retrieval by Color Semantics with Incomplete Knowledge.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Corridoni, Jacopo M.; Del Bimbo, Alberto; Vicario, Enrico

    1998-01-01

    Presents a system which supports image retrieval by high-level chromatic contents, the sensations that color accordances generate on the observer. Surveys Itten's theory of color semantics and discusses image description and query specification. Presents examples of visual querying. (AEF)

  2. Formal Functional Test Designs: Bridging the Gap Between Test Requirements and Test Specifications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hops, Jonathan

    1993-01-01

    This presentation describes the testing life cycle, the purpose of the test design phase, and test design methods and gives an example application. Also included is a description of Test Representation Language (TRL), a summary of the language, and an example of an application of TRL. A sample test requirement and sample test design are included.

  3. An Assessment of Naval and Marine Aviation Students’ Attitudes Toward Women with Specific Reference to Naval Aviation.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1977-11-01

    past and present discriminatory practices against women in legislation, in occupational restric- tions, in educational policies, and in social ... relationships . The objective attempts to measure attitudes toward women have dealt largely with roles of women within specific occupational groups. For example

  4. Use of PRA in Shuttle Decision Making Process

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Boyer, Roger L.; Hamlin, Teri L.

    2010-01-01

    How do you use PRA to support an operating program? This presentation will explore how the Shuttle Program Management has used the Shuttle PRA in its decision making process. It will reveal how the PRA has evolved from a tool used to evaluate Shuttle upgrades like Electric Auxiliary Power Unit (EAPU) to a tool that supports Flight Readiness Reviews (FRR) and real-time flight decisions. Specific examples of Shuttle Program decisions that have used the Shuttle PRA as input will be provided including how it was used in the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) manifest decision. It will discuss the importance of providing management with a clear presentation of the analysis, applicable assumptions and limitations, along with estimates of the uncertainty. This presentation will show how the use of PRA by the Shuttle Program has evolved overtime and how it has been used in the decision making process providing specific examples.

  5. A climate change primer for land managers: an example from the Sierra Nevada

    Treesearch

    Toni Lyn Morelli; Maureen C. McGlinchy; Ronald P. Neilson

    2011-01-01

    Interest in location-specific climate projections is growing. To facilitate the communication of these data, we provide here an example for how to present climate information relevant at the scale of a national forest. We summarize some of the latest data on climate change projections and impacts relevant to eastern California, from the global scale to the state level...

  6. Time-lapse videos for physics education: specific examples

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vollmer, Michael; Möllmann, Klaus-Peter

    2018-05-01

    There are many physics experiments with long time scales such that they are usually neither shown in the physics class room nor in student labs. However, they can be easily recorded with time-lapse cameras and the respective time-lapse videos allow qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of the underlying physics. Here, we present some examples from thermal physics (melting, evaporation, cooling) as well as diffusion processes

  7. Multimodal Counseling of Childhood Encopresis: A Case Example.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gumaer, Jim

    1990-01-01

    Provides information regarding childhood disorder of encopresis and presents multimodal therapy techniques for school counselors who cannot successfully refer clients. Presents a case study of a teenage boy suffering from encopresis who was referred for counseling. Suggests specific treatment strategies including behavior modification, nutrition…

  8. Excimer Pumped Pulsed Tunable Dye Laser

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Littman, Michael G.

    1988-06-01

    It has been recently shown and reported for the first time at this meeting, that Excimer pumping of a single-mode, short-cavity, grazing-incidence, longitudinally-pumped pulsed dye laser is feasible. In this paper the key concepts upon which this latest development is based are presented and are in a somewhat unusual form. This manuscript describes five specific dye laser examples. The five examples represent a progression from the simplest type of dye laser to the single-mode version mentioned above. The examples thus serve as a tutorial introduction to potential users of dye lasers. The article is organized into five sections or STEPS, each of which describes a different pulsed dye laser. Since the subtle points about dye lasers are best appreciated only after one actually attempts to build a working model, a PROCEDURES category is included in which details about the construction of the particular form of laser are given. As one reads through this category, think of it as looking over the shoulder of the laser builder. The NOTES category which follows is a brief but essential discussion explaining why various components and procedures are used, as well as how laser performance specifications are obtained. This subsection can he viewed as a discussion with the laser builder concerning the reasons for specific actions and choices made in the assembly of the example laser. The last category contains COMMENTS which provide additional related information pertaining to the example laser that goes beyond the earlier annotated discussion. If you like, these are the narrator's comments. At the end of the article, after the five sequential forms of the laser have been presented, there is a brief summation.

  9. Diabetes tolerogenic vaccines targeting antigen-specific inflammation

    PubMed Central

    Geng, Shuang; Zhang, Huiyuan; Zhou, Xian; He, Yue; Zhang, Xiaoqian; Xie, Xiaoping; Li, Chaofan; He, Zhonghuai; Yu, Qingling; Zhong, Yiwei; Lowrie, Douglas B; Zheng, Guoxing; Wang, Bin

    2015-01-01

    Tolerance controls the magnitude of inflammation, and balance between beneficial and harmful effects of inflammation is crucial for organ function and survival. Inadequate tolerance leads to various inflammatory diseases. Antigen specific tolerance is ideal for inflammation control as alternative anti-inflammatory interventions are non-specific and consequently increase the risk of infection and tumorigenesis. With inherent antigen specificity, tolerogenic vaccines are potentially ideal for control of inflammation. Although the concept of tolerogenic vaccines is still in its infancy, tolerogenic mucosal vaccines and specific immuno-therapies have long been proven effective in pioneering examples. Now a body of evidence supporting the concept of tolerogenic vaccines has also accumulated. Here we comment on recent successes of the tolerogenic vaccine concept, present new evidence with a type 1 diabetes vaccine as an example and draw conclusions on the advantages and potential for inflammatory disease control at the bedside. PMID:25622092

  10. Language translation, doman specific languages and ANTLR

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Craymer, Loring; Parr, Terence

    2002-01-01

    We will discuss the features of ANTLR that make it an attractive tool for rapid developement of domain specific language translators and present some practical examples of its use: extraction of information from the Cassini Command Language specification, the processing of structured binary data, and IVL--an English-like language for generating VRML scene graph, which is used in configuring the jGuru.com server.

  11. FORTRAN program for calculating total efficiency - specific speed characteristics of centrifugal compressors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Galvas, M. R.

    1972-01-01

    A computer program for predicting design point specific speed - efficiency characteristics of centrifugal compressors is presented with instructions for its use. The method permits rapid selection of compressor geometry that yields maximum total efficiency for a particular application. A numerical example is included to demonstrate the selection procedure.

  12. Using the SCR Specification Technique in a High School Programming Course.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rosen, Edward; McKim, James C., Jr.

    1992-01-01

    Presents the underlying ideas of the Software Cost Reduction (SCR) approach to requirements specifications. Results of applying this approach to the teaching of programing to high school students indicate that students perform better in writing programs. An appendix provides two examples of how the method is applied to problem solving. (MDH)

  13. Material of Geographic Import in the National Anthropological Archives.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Glenn, James R.

    Presenting specific examples of the manuscripts, cartographic materials, and pictorial materials found in the National Anthropological Archives, this paper describes Archive holdings (in such areas as archeology, linguistics, physical anthropology, and various branches of ethnology) which are dated from 1850 to the present and are representative…

  14. The interplay between customer participation and difficulty of design examples in the online designing process and its effect on customer satisfaction: mediational analyses.

    PubMed

    Chang, Chia-Chi; Chen, Hui-Yun; Huang, I-Chiang

    2009-04-01

    In the current consumer-centric economy, consumers increasingly desire the opportunity to design their own products in order to express more effectively their self-image. Mass customization, based on efficient and flexible modulization designs, has provided individualized products to satisfy this desire. This work presents an experiment employed to demonstrate that customer participation leads to higher satisfaction. Specifically, the increment in customer satisfaction due to participation is greater when an easy example is provided than when either no example or a difficult one is provided. Additionally, self-congruity plays a mediating role on the customer participation-satisfaction relationship, and this mediating effect varies across different levels of the design example provided in the design process. When an easy design example is present, customer participation has a direct effect on satisfaction, in addition to the indirect effect of self-congruity. When a difficult example is provided, customer participation does not have incremental effects on either self-congruity or customer satisfaction. Finally, when no design example is shown to customers, contrary to our expectation, participation still enhances customer satisfaction due to an increased sense of self-congruity.

  15. Structural dynamic and aeroelastic considerations for hypersonic vehicles

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cazier, F. W., Jr.; Doggett, Robert V., Jr.; Ricketts, Rodney H.

    1991-01-01

    The specific geometrical, structural, and operational environment characteristics of hypersonic vehicles are discussed with particular reference to aerospace plane type configurations. A discussion of the structural dynamic and aeroelastic phenomena that must be addressed for this class of vehicles is presented. These phenomena are in the aeroservothermoelasticity technical area. Some illustrative examples of recent experimental and analytical work are given. Some examples of current research are pointed out.

  16. Bimodal Emotion Congruency Is Critical to Preverbal Infants' Abstract Rule Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tsui, Angeline Sin Mei; Ma, Yuen Ki; Ho, Anna; Chow, Hiu Mei; Tseng, Chia-huei

    2016-01-01

    Extracting general rules from specific examples is important, as we must face the same challenge displayed in various formats. Previous studies have found that bimodal presentation of grammar-like rules (e.g. ABA) enhanced 5-month-olds' capacity to acquire a rule that infants failed to learn when the rule was presented with visual presentation of…

  17. Chemical Engineering at NASA

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Collins, Jacob

    2008-01-01

    This viewgraph presentation is a review of the career paths for chemicals engineer at NASA (specifically NASA Johnson Space Center.) The author uses his personal experience and history as an example of the possible career options.

  18. SUGGESTIONS FOR DEVELOPING INDEPENDENT WORD ATTACK IN READING, FOR USE IN BASIC INSTITUTE MEETINGS, GRADES THREE AND FOUR.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    REECE, THOMAS E.; AND OTHERS

    A GUIDE FOR PLANNING SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION FOR DEVELOPING INDEPENDENT WORD ATTACK PRESENTS THE SKILLS NECESSARY FOR MASTERING SIGHT VOCABULARY, WORD RECOGNITION, AND THE USE OF THE DICTIONARY. SPECIFIC DEFINITIONS OF TERMS AND EXAMPLES OF TEACHING TECHNIQUES WITH THE SEQUENCE OF INSTRUCTION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PHONETIC AND STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS…

  19. Preservation of Digital Objects.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Galloway, Patricia

    2004-01-01

    Presents a literature review that covers the following topics related to preservation of digital objects: practical examples; stakeholders; recordkeeping standards; genre-specific problems; trusted repository standards; preservation methods; preservation metadata standards; and future directions. (Contains 82 references.) (MES)

  20. Meso-Mechanics and Meso-Structures: A Matter of Scale

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chamis, Christos C.; Gotsis, P. K.; Mital, S. K.

    1998-01-01

    Meso-mechanics and meso-structures are described in terms of the scales at which they are observed and formulated. Select composite examples are presented to illustrate that meso-mechanics and/or meso-structures are meaningful only when they refer to a specific scale in a hierarchical scale observation/simulation. These examples include different types of composite unit cells, woven fabric unit cells, and progressive fracture as a composite enhanced infrastructure made from reinforced concrete. The results from the select examples indicate that meso-mechanics and meso-structures are elusive terms and depend mainly on the investigators' knowledge and available information.

  1. [Transference in the treatment of dissociative identity disorder: A review of literature and a case example].

    PubMed

    Lambert, Ann Marie; Gagnon, Lise; Fontaine, Francine S

    2014-01-01

    A literature review about transference in the treatment of dissociative identity disorder (DID) is presented. Common transference reactions resulting from serious traumas are explored, considering that those kind of trauma are higly present in the pathways of DID patients. Post traumatic transference aspects specific to DID are also presented. In addition, common transference patterns and dissociative aspects of transference in the treatment of DID are explained. Transference is also discussed in relationship to the possible impact of disorganized attachment, which is a main component in the development of DID. The clinical implications of this proposition will be discussed and supported by a case example.

  2. The Measurement and Role of Ecological Resilience Systems Theory Across Domain-Specific Outcomes: The Domain-Specific Resilient Systems Scales.

    PubMed

    Maltby, John; Day, Liz; Hall, Sophie S; Chivers, Sally

    2017-10-01

    Research suggests that trait resilience may be best understood within an ecological resilient systems theory, comprising engineering, ecological, and adaptive capacity resilience. However, there is no evidence as to how this theory translates to specific life domains. Data from two samples (the United States, n = 1,278; the United Kingdom, n = 211) facilitated five studies that introduce the Domain-Specific Resilient Systems Scales for assessing ecological resilient systems theory within work, health, marriage, friendships, and education. The Domain-Specific Resilient Systems Scales are found to predict unique variance in job satisfaction, lower job burnout, quality-of-life following illness, marriage commitment, and educational engagement, while controlling for factors including sex, age, personality, cognitive ability, and trait resilience. The findings also suggest a distinction between the three resilience dimensions in terms of the types of systems to which they contribute. Engineering resilience may contribute most to life domains where an established system needs to be maintained, for example, one's health. Ecological resilience may contribute most to life domains where the system needs sustainability in terms of present and future goal orientation, for example, one's work. Adaptive Capacity may contribute most to life domains where the system needs to be retained, preventing it from reaching a crisis state, for example, work burnout.

  3. Financial Reporting under GASB Statement No. 34 and ASBO International Certificate of Excellence Financial Reporting.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Heinfeld, Gary

    This guide presents a financial model that affects all governmental entities that issue financial statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The model was prepared to provide school business officials specific examples of school system financial-statement presentations. The guide is divided into six chapters.…

  4. TMF design considerations in turbine airfoils of advanced turbine engines

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Date, C. G.; Zamrik, S. Y.; Adams, J. H.; Frani, N. E.

    A review of thermal-mechanicalfatigue (TMF) in advanced turbine engines is presented. The review includes examples of typical thermal-mechnical loadings encountered in the design of hot section blades and vanes. Specific issues related to TMF behavior are presented and the associated impact on component life analysis and design is discussed.

  5. Memorable Exemplification in Undergraduate Biology: Instructor Strategies and Student Perceptions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Oliveira, Alandeom W.; Bretzlaff, Tiffany; Brown, Adam O.

    2018-03-01

    The present study examines the exemplification practices of a university biology instructor during a semester-long course. Attention is given specifically to how the instructor approaches memorable exemplification—classroom episodes identified by students as a source of memorable learning experiences. A mixed-method research approach is adopted wherein descriptive statistics is combined with qualitative multimodal analysis of video recordings and survey data. Our findings show that memorable experiencing of examples may depend on a multiplicity of factors, including whether students can relate to the example, how unique and extreme the example is, how much detail is provided, whether the example is enacted rather than told, and whether the example makes students feel sad, surprised, shocked, and/or amused. It is argued that, rather than simply assuming that all examples are equally effective, careful consideration needs be given to how exemplification can serve as an important source of memorable science learning experiences.

  6. Experimental and statistical post-validation of positive example EST sequences carrying peroxisome targeting signals type 1 (PTS1)

    PubMed Central

    Lingner, Thomas; Kataya, Amr R. A.; Reumann, Sigrun

    2012-01-01

    We recently developed the first algorithms specifically for plants to predict proteins carrying peroxisome targeting signals type 1 (PTS1) from genome sequences.1 As validated experimentally, the prediction methods are able to correctly predict unknown peroxisomal Arabidopsis proteins and to infer novel PTS1 tripeptides. The high prediction performance is primarily determined by the large number and sequence diversity of the underlying positive example sequences, which mainly derived from EST databases. However, a few constructs remained cytosolic in experimental validation studies, indicating sequencing errors in some ESTs. To identify erroneous sequences, we validated subcellular targeting of additional positive example sequences in the present study. Moreover, we analyzed the distribution of prediction scores separately for each orthologous group of PTS1 proteins, which generally resembled normal distributions with group-specific mean values. The cytosolic sequences commonly represented outliers of low prediction scores and were located at the very tail of a fitted normal distribution. Three statistical methods for identifying outliers were compared in terms of sensitivity and specificity.” Their combined application allows elimination of erroneous ESTs from positive example data sets. This new post-validation method will further improve the prediction accuracy of both PTS1 and PTS2 protein prediction models for plants, fungi, and mammals. PMID:22415050

  7. Experimental and statistical post-validation of positive example EST sequences carrying peroxisome targeting signals type 1 (PTS1).

    PubMed

    Lingner, Thomas; Kataya, Amr R A; Reumann, Sigrun

    2012-02-01

    We recently developed the first algorithms specifically for plants to predict proteins carrying peroxisome targeting signals type 1 (PTS1) from genome sequences. As validated experimentally, the prediction methods are able to correctly predict unknown peroxisomal Arabidopsis proteins and to infer novel PTS1 tripeptides. The high prediction performance is primarily determined by the large number and sequence diversity of the underlying positive example sequences, which mainly derived from EST databases. However, a few constructs remained cytosolic in experimental validation studies, indicating sequencing errors in some ESTs. To identify erroneous sequences, we validated subcellular targeting of additional positive example sequences in the present study. Moreover, we analyzed the distribution of prediction scores separately for each orthologous group of PTS1 proteins, which generally resembled normal distributions with group-specific mean values. The cytosolic sequences commonly represented outliers of low prediction scores and were located at the very tail of a fitted normal distribution. Three statistical methods for identifying outliers were compared in terms of sensitivity and specificity." Their combined application allows elimination of erroneous ESTs from positive example data sets. This new post-validation method will further improve the prediction accuracy of both PTS1 and PTS2 protein prediction models for plants, fungi, and mammals.

  8. ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLIER ALTERNATIVES TO ORGANIC SYNTHESES

    EPA Science Inventory

    An overview of the research activity at the USEPA AWBERC Research Center in general and the Sustainable Technology Division with specific reference to clean process development will be presented. Several examples of clean and efficient chemical processes will be highlighted that ...

  9. Development of tiered aggregate specifications for FDOT use.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2012-03-01

    At present, all limestone aggregates to be used in Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) projects fall under a single : category and must meet the same set of minimum durability requirements. For example, a limestone aggregate mine which : coul...

  10. Computer Bytes, Viruses and Vaccines.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Palmore, Teddy B.

    1989-01-01

    Presents a history of computer viruses, explains various types of viruses and how they affect software or computer operating systems, and describes examples of specific viruses. Available vaccines are explained, and precautions for protecting programs and disks are given. (nine references) (LRW)

  11. Developing Database Files for Student Use.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Warner, Michael

    1988-01-01

    Presents guidelines for creating student database files that supplement classroom teaching. Highlights include determining educational objectives, planning the database with computer specialists and subject area specialists, data entry, and creating student worksheets. Specific examples concerning elements of the periodic table and…

  12. Forensic genetic analyses in isolated populations with examples of central European Valachs and Roma.

    PubMed

    Ehler, Edvard; Vanek, Daniel

    2017-05-01

    Isolated populations present a constant threat to the correctness of forensic genetic casework. In this review article we present several examples of how analyzing samples from isolated populations can bias the results of the forensic statistics and analyses. We select our examples from isolated populations from central and southeastern Europe, namely the Valachs and the European Roma. We also provide the reader with general strategies and principles to improve the laboratory practice (best practice) and reporting of samples from supposedly isolated populations. These include reporting the precise population data used for computing the forensic statistics, using the appropriate θ correction factor for calculating allele frequencies, typing ancestry informative markers in samples of unknown or uncertain ethnicity and establishing ethnic-specific forensic databases. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.

  13. Molecularly Engineered Polymer-Based Systems in Drug Delivery and Regenerative Medicine.

    PubMed

    Piluso, Susanna; Soultan, Al Halifa; Patterson, Jennifer

    2017-01-01

    Polymer-based systems are attractive in drug delivery and regenerative medicine due to the possibility of tailoring their properties and functions to a specific application. The present review provides several examples of molecularly engineered polymer systems, including stimuli responsive polymers and supramolecular polymers. The advent of controlled polymerization techniques has enabled the preparation of polymers with controlled molecular weight and well-defined architecture. By using these techniques coupled to orthogonal chemical modification reactions, polymers can be molecularly engineered to incorporate functional groups able to respond to small changes in the local environment or to a specific biological signal. This review highlights the properties and applications of stimuli-responsive systems and polymer therapeutics, such as polymer-drug conjugates, polymer-protein conjugates, polymersomes, and hyperbranched systems. The applications of polymeric membranes in regenerative medicine are also discussed. The examples presented in this review suggest that the combination of membranes with polymers that are molecularly engineered to respond to specific biological functions could be relevant in the field of regenerative medicine. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  14. Standardizing the atomic description, axis and centre of biological ion channels.

    PubMed

    Kaats, Adrian J; Galiana, Henrietta L; Nadeau, Jay L

    2007-09-15

    A general representation of the atomic co-ordinates of a biological ion channel is obtained from a definition of channel axis and centre. Through rotation and translation of the channel, its centre becomes the origin of the standard co-ordinate system, and the channel axis becomes the system's z-axis. A method for determining the channel axis and centre based on the concepts of mass centre and mass moment of inertia is presented. The method for determining the channel axis can be directly applied to channels that adhere to two specific conditions regarding their geometry and mass distribution. Specific examples are given for Gramicidin A (GA), and the mammalian potassium channel Kv 1.2. For channels that do not adhere to these conditions, minor modifications of these procedures can be applied in determining the channel axis. Specific examples are given for the outer membrane bacterial porin OmpF, and for the staphylococcal pore-forming toxin alpha-hemolysin (alpha HL). The definitions and procedures presented are made in an effort to establish a standard basis for performing, sharing, and comparing computations in a consistent manner.

  15. Using client feedback in psychotherapy from an interpersonal process perspective.

    PubMed

    Reese, Robert J; Slone, Norah C; Miserocchi, Kristin M

    2013-09-01

    The process of monitoring treatment outcome, also known as "client feedback," is increasingly becoming a recommended practice for psychotherapy. One concern, however, is how to integrate such a process into the work that psychotherapists typically do. Three clinical examples are presented, illustrating how a client feedback system can be used in conjunction with a specific theoretical framework, interpersonal process therapy (Teyber, 2006). The examples highlight that client feedback not only can be of minimal disruption to the psychotherapy process, but may also offer the potential to augment a clinician's approach to helping. Theoretical and research support are provided for each example. 2013 APA, all rights reserved

  16. Non-AdS holography in 3-dimensional higher spin gravity — General recipe and example

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Afshar, H.; Gary, M.; Grumiller, D.; Rashkov, R.; Riegler, M.

    2012-11-01

    We present the general algorithm to establish the classical and quantum asymptotic symmetry algebra for non-AdS higher spin gravity and implement it for the specific example of spin-3 gravity in the non-principal embedding with Lobachevsky ( {{{{H}}^2}× {R}} ) boundary conditions. The asymptotic symmetry algebra for this example consists of a quantum W_3^{(2) } (Polyakov-Bershadsky) and an affine û(1) algebra. We show that unitary representations of the quantum W_3^{(2) } algebra exist only for two values of its central charge, the trivial c = 0 "theory" and the simple c = 1 theory.

  17. The Metaphorical Use of Vampire Films in Counseling

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Priester, Paul E.

    2008-01-01

    This article presents the movie "Interview With the Vampire" as an adjunctive resource in counseling. The themes of power, justification of violence, and transformation from innocence to maturity are particularly powerful for adolescent girls. A case study of a 13-year-old girl is presented as an example of how to use a specific film, "Interview…

  18. Advanced optical coatings for astronomical instrumentation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pradal, Fabien; Leplan, Hervé; Vayssade, Hervé; Geyl, Roland

    2016-07-01

    Recently Safran Reosc worked and progressed on various thin film technology for: Large mirrors with low stress and stable coatings. Large lens elements with strong curvature and precise layer specifications. Large filters with high spectral response uniformity specifications. IR coatings with low stress and excellent resistance to cryogenic environment for NIR to LWIR domains. Pixelated coatings. Results will be presented and discussed on the basis of several examples.

  19. Optical figuring specifications for thin shells to be used in adaptive telescope mirrors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Riccardi, A.

    2006-06-01

    The present work describes the guidelines to define the optical figuring specifications for optical manufacturing of thin shells in terms of figuring error power spectrum (and related rms vs scale distributon) to be used in adaptive optics correctors with force actuators like Deformable Secondary Mirrors (DSM). In particular the numerical example for a thin shell for a VLT DSM is considered.

  20. Management by Objectives: A Program of Measured Performance.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Block, Philip

    1980-01-01

    Management by objectives (MBO) is defined and an MBO program adapted for clinic services of a college of podiatric medicine is presented. Major steps with specific examples for goal setting, action planning, self-control, and periodic review are outlined. (Author/MLW)

  1. A method for interactive specification of multiple-block topologies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sorenson, Reese L.; Mccann, Karen M.

    1991-01-01

    A method is presented for dealing with the vast amount of topological and other data which must be specified to generate a multiple-block computational grid. Specific uses of the graphical capabilities of a powerful scientific workstation are described which reduce the burden on the user of collecting and formatting such large amounts of data. A program to implement this method, 3DPREP, is described. A plotting transformation algorithm, some useful software tools, notes on programming, and a database organization are also presented. Example grids developed using the method are shown.

  2. Model-driven Service Engineering with SoaML

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Elvesæter, Brian; Carrez, Cyril; Mohagheghi, Parastoo; Berre, Arne-Jørgen; Johnsen, Svein G.; Solberg, Arnor

    This chapter presents a model-driven service engineering (MDSE) methodology that uses OMG MDA specifications such as BMM, BPMN and SoaML to identify and specify services within a service-oriented architecture. The methodology takes advantage of business modelling practices and provides a guide to service modelling with SoaML. The presentation is case-driven and illuminated using the telecommunication example. The chapter focuses in particular on the use of the SoaML modelling language as a means for expressing service specifications that are aligned with business models and can be realized in different platform technologies.

  3. An elementary tutorial on formal specification and verification using PVS

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Butler, Ricky W.

    1993-01-01

    A tutorial on the development of a formal specification and its verification using the Prototype Verification System (PVS) is presented. The tutorial presents the formal specification and verification techniques by way of specific example - an airline reservation system. The airline reservation system is modeled as a simple state machine with two basic operations. These operations are shown to preserve a state invariant using the theorem proving capabilities of PVS. The technique of validating a specification via 'putative theorem proving' is also discussed and illustrated in detail. This paper is intended for the novice and assumes only some of the basic concepts of logic. A complete description of user inputs and the PVS output is provided and thus it can be effectively used while one is sitting at a computer terminal.

  4. Determining rules for closing customer service centers: A public utility company's fuzzy decision

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dekorvin, Andre; Shipley, Margaret F.

    1992-01-01

    In the present work, we consider the general problem of knowledge acquisition under uncertainty. A commonly used method is to learn by examples. We observe how the expert solves specific cases and from this infer some rules by which the decision was made. Unique to this work is the fuzzy set representation of the conditions or attributes upon which the decision make may base his fuzzy set decision. From our examples, we infer certain and possible rules containing fuzzy terms. It should be stressed that the procedure determines how closely the expert follows the conditions under consideration in making his decision. We offer two examples pertaining to the possible decision to close a customer service center of a public utility company. In the first example, the decision maker does not follow too closely the conditions. In the second example, the conditions are much more relevant to the decision of the expert.

  5. Space robotics in the '90s

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ruoff, Carl F.

    1989-01-01

    The use of telerobots and rovers in space missions is examined. The functioning of the telerobots and rovers and their proposed applications are described. Research developments needed to design robots for specific environments and functions are described. Examples of NASA robotics projects are presented.

  6. Precast-Prestressed Schools.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Basalt Rock Co., Inc., Napa, CA.

    Diagrammatic explanations of various concepts, processes, details, and potential material usages are presented. Specific material and element topics include--(1) the fabrication process, (2) basic structural components, (3) element usage, and (4) building construction procedures. Examples of the use of related elements are shown for typical school…

  7. Sustaining Indigenous Languages in Cyberspace.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cazden, Courtney B.

    This paper describes how certain types of electronic technologies, specifically CD-ROMs, computerized databases, and telecommunications networks, are being incorporated into language and culture revitalization projects in Alaska and around the Pacific. The paper presents two examples of CD-ROMs and computerized databases from Alaska, describing…

  8. Specific Conductance in the Colorado River between Glen Canyon Dam and Diamond Creek, Northern Arizona, 1988-2007

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Voichick, Nicholas

    2008-01-01

    The construction of Glen Canyon Dam, completed in 1963, resulted in substantial physical and biological changes to downstream Colorado River environments between Lake Powell and Lake Mead - an area almost entirely within Grand Canyon National Park, Ariz. In an effort to understand these changes, data have been collected to assess the condition of a number of downstream resources. In terms of measuring water quality, the collection of specific-conductance data is a cost-effective method for estimating salinity. Data-collection activities were initially undertaken by the Bureau of Reclamation's Glen Canyon Environmental Studies (1982-96); these efforts were subsequently transferred to the U.S. Geological Survey's Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center (1996 to the present). This report describes the specific-conductance dataset collected for the Colorado River between Glen Canyon Dam and Diamond Creek from 1988 to 2007. Data-collection and processing methods used during the study period are described, and time-series plots of the data are presented. The report also includes plots showing the relation between specific conductance and total dissolved solids. Examples of the use of specific conductance as a natural tracer of parcels of water are presented. Analysis of the data indicates that short-duration spikes and troughs in specific-conductance values lasting from hours to days are primarily the result of flooding in the Paria and Little Colorado Rivers, Colorado River tributaries below Glen Canyon Dam. Specific conductance also exhibits seasonal variations owing to changes in the position of density layers within the reservoir; these changes are driven by inflow hydrology, meteorological conditions, and background stratification. Longer term trends in Colorado River specific conductance are reflective of climatological conditions in the upper Colorado River Basin. For example, drought conditions generally result in an increase in specific conductance in Lake Powell. Therefore, the average annual specific conductance below Glen Canyon Dam is inversely related to the volume of water in Lake Powell.

  9. Determining the state-of-health of maintenance-free aircraft batteries

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

    Vutetakis, D.G.; Viswanathan, V.V.

    1995-07-01

    This paper presents an overview of methods to determine the state-of-health of maintenance-free aircraft batteries. The various failure modes of aircraft batteries are discussed, along with methods of detecting failed batteries. Specific examples of detection methods are presented for the F-16, F-18, AV-8B, B-1B, and B-52 aircraft batteries.

  10. Chemical qualities of water that contribute to human health in a positive way

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Hopps, Howard C.

    1986-01-01

    The emphasis on harmful substances that may occur in potable waters has almost obscured the fact that important beneficial constituents are commonly present.The chemical substances in water that make positive contributions to human health act mainly in two ways: (i) nutritionally, by supplying essential macro and micro elements that the diet (excluding water) may not provide in adequate amounts (for example, Mg, I and Zn); and (ii) by providing macro and micro elements that inhibit the absorption and/or effects of toxic elements such as Hg, Pb and Cd. Specific examples of these beneficial effects will be given, also examples of harmful effects on health that may result from excessive intake of these ordinarily beneficial elements.Because concentrations of the essential macro and micro elements that occur in natural, potable waters vary greatly, depending upon their source, geographic considerations are very important in any studies attempting to relate water quality to health. In this context, the inverse relationship between hard water and cardiovascular disease will be discussed. Specific data relating hardness and Mg and Ca content of potable waters to specific geographic regions of the U.S.A. will be presented. These data show a strong positive correlation between low Mg content and decreased longevity, and between high Ca and Mg content and increased longevity. In the regions considered, increased longevity correlates strongly with decreased cardiovascular mortality, and the decreased longevity with increased cardiovascular mortality.

  11. Plant rhamnogalacturonan II complexation of heavy metal cations

    DOEpatents

    O`Neill, M.A.; Pellerin, P.J.M.; Warrenfeltz, D.; Vidal, S.; Darvill, A.G.; Albersheim, P.

    1999-03-02

    The present invention provides rhamnogalacturonan-II (RG-II) and relates to its ability to complex specific multivalent heavy metal cations. In the presence of boric acid, RG-II monomers form dimers that are cross-linked by a borate ester. The yield of such borate ester cross-linked dimers of RG-II is enhanced in the presence of specific heavy metal cations. The present invention further relates to the utility of RG-II in assays for the detection of specific heavy metal contamination; as a reagent useful in the removal of specific heavy metal cations contaminating foods and liquids, for example, fish, wines, etc.; as a pharmaceutical composition useful as an antidote in specific heavy metal cation poisoning; as a treatment for the detoxification of specific heavy metal cations from blood and/or tissues; and in a method of remediation of waters and soils contaminated with specific heavy metal cations. 15 figs.

  12. Plant rhamnogalacturonan II complexation of heavy metal cations

    DOEpatents

    O'Neill, Malcolm A.; Pellerin, Patrice J. M.; Warrenfeltz, Dennis; Vidal, Stephane; Darvill, Alan G.; Albersheim, Peter

    1999-01-01

    The present invention provides rhamnogalacturonan-II (RG-II) and relates to its ability to complex specific multivalent heavy metal cations. In the presence of boric acid, RG-II monomers form dimers that are cross-linked by a borate ester. The yield of such borate ester cross-linked dimers of RG-II is enhanced in the presence of specific heavy metal cations. The present invention further relates to the utility of RG-II in assays for the detection of specific heavy metal contamination; as a reagent useful in the removal of specific heavy metal cations contaminating foods and liquids, for example, fish, wines, etc.; as a pharmaceutical composition useful as an antidote in specific heavy metal cation poisoning; as a treatment for the detoxification of specific heavy metal cations from blood and/or tissues; and in a method of remediation of waters and soils contaminated with specific heavy metal cations.

  13. CFD to Flight: Some Recent Success Stories of X-Plane Design to Flight Test at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cosentino, Gary B.

    2007-01-01

    Several examples from the past decade of success stories involving the design and flight test of three true X-planes will be described: in particular, X-plane design techniques that relied heavily upon computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Three specific examples chosen from the author s personal experience are presented: the X-36 Tailless Fighter Agility Research Aircraft, the X-45A Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle, and, most recently, the X-48B Blended Wing Body Demonstrator Aircraft. An overview will be presented of the uses of CFD analysis, comparisons and contrasts with wind tunnel testing, and information derived from the CFD analysis that directly related to successful flight test. Some lessons learned on the proper application, and misapplication, of CFD are illustrated. Finally, some highlights of the flight-test results of the three example X-planes will be presented. This overview paper will discuss some of the author s experience with taking an aircraft shape from early concept and three-dimensional modeling through CFD analysis, wind tunnel testing, further refined CFD analysis, and, finally, flight. An overview of the key roles in which CFD plays well during this process, and some other roles in which it does not, are discussed. How wind tunnel testing complements, calibrates, and verifies CFD analysis is also covered. Lessons learned on where CFD results can be misleading are also given. Strengths and weaknesses of the various types of flow solvers, including panel methods, Euler, and Navier-Stokes techniques, are discussed. The paper concludes with the three specific examples, including some flight test video footage of the X-36, the X-45A, and the X-48B.

  14. CFD to Flight: Some Recent Success Stories of X-plane Design to Flight Test at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cosentino, Gary B.

    2007-01-01

    Several examples from the past decade of success stories involving the design and ight test of three true X-planes will be described: in particular, X-plane design techniques that relied heavily upon computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Three specific examples chosen from the authors personal experience are presented: the X-36 Tailless Fighter Agility Research Aircraft, the X-45A Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle, and, most recently, the X-48B Blended Wing Body Demonstrator Aircraft. An overview will be presented of the uses of CFD analysis, comparisons and contrasts with wind tunnel testing, and information derived from the CFD analysis that directly related to successful flight test. Some lessons learned on the proper application, and misapplication, of CFD are illustrated. Finally, some highlights of the flight-test results of the three example X-planes will be presented. This overview paper will discuss some of the authors experience with taking an aircraft shape from early concept and three-dimensional modeling through CFD analysis, wind tunnel testing, further re ned CFD analysis, and, finally, flight. An overview of the key roles in which CFD plays well during this process, and some other roles in which it does not, are discussed. How wind tunnel testing complements, calibrates, and verifies CFD analysis is also covered. Lessons learned on where CFD results can be misleading are also given. Strengths and weaknesses of the various types of ow solvers, including panel methods, Euler, and Navier-Stokes techniques, are discussed. The paper concludes with the three specific examples, including some flight test video footage of the X-36, the X-45A, and the X-48B.

  15. Probabilistic evaluation of uncertainties and risks in aerospace components

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shah, A. R.; Shiao, M. C.; Nagpal, V. K.; Chamis, C. C.

    1992-01-01

    A methodology is presented for the computational simulation of primitive variable uncertainties, and attention is given to the simulation of specific aerospace components. Specific examples treated encompass a probabilistic material behavior model, as well as static, dynamic, and fatigue/damage analyses of a turbine blade in a mistuned bladed rotor in the SSME turbopumps. An account is given of the use of the NESSES probabilistic FEM analysis CFD code.

  16. SYSTID - A flexible tool for the analysis of communication systems.

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dawson, C. T.; Tranter, W. H.

    1972-01-01

    Description of the System Time Domain Simulation (SYSTID) computer-aided analysis program which is specifically structured for communication systems analysis. The SYSTID program is user oriented so that very little knowledge of computer techniques and very little programming ability are required for proper application. The program is designed so that the user can go from a system block diagram to an accurate simulation by simply programming a single English language statement for each block in the system. The mathematical and functional models available in the SYSTID library are presented. An example problem is given which illustrates the ease of modeling communication systems. Examples of the outputs available are presented, and proposed improvements are summarized.

  17. Shock formation and the ideal shape of ramp compression waves

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Swift, Damian C.; Kraus, Richard G.; Loomis, Eric N.; Hicks, Damien G.; McNaney, James M.; Johnson, Randall P.

    2008-12-01

    We derive expressions for shock formation based on the local curvature of the flow characteristics during dynamic compression. Given a specific ramp adiabat, calculated for instance from the equation of state for a substance, the ideal nonlinear shape for an applied ramp loading history can be determined. We discuss the region affected by lateral release, which can be presented in compact form for the ideal loading history. Example calculations are given for representative metals and plastic ablators. Continuum dynamics (hydrocode) simulations were in good agreement with the algebraic forms. Example applications are presented for several classes of laser-loading experiment, identifying conditions where shocks are desired but not formed, and where long-duration ramps are desired.

  18. A concatenated coding scheme for error control

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kasami, T.; Fujiwara, T.; Lin, S.

    1986-01-01

    In this paper, a concatenated coding scheme for error control in data communications is presented and analyzed. In this scheme, the inner code is used for both error correction and detection; however, the outer code is used only for error detection. A retransmission is requested if either the inner code decoder fails to make a successful decoding or the outer code decoder detects the presence of errors after the inner code decoding. Probability of undetected error (or decoding error) of the proposed scheme is derived. An efficient method for computing this probability is presented. Throughput efficiency of the proposed error control scheme incorporated with a selective-repeat ARQ retransmission strategy is also analyzed. Three specific examples are presented. One of the examples is proposed for error control in the NASA Telecommand System.

  19. Nanomaterial Case Study: Nanoscale Silver in Disinfectant Spray (External Review Draft)

    EPA Science Inventory

    This draft document presents a case study of engineered nanoscale silver (nano-Ag), focusing on the specific example of nano-Ag as possibly used in disinfectant sprays. This case study is organized around a comprehensive environmental assessment (CEA) framework, which combines a ...

  20. IMPLEMENTING NONPROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS IN HUMAN SERVICES. MANPOWER TRAINING SERIES.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    SCHMAIS, AARON

    SPECIFIC PROCESSES FOR UTILIZING NONPROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES IN HUMAN SERVICES ARE PRESENTED. THE BACKGROUND, CURRENT STATUS, AND PROBLEMS ARE DISCUSSED. THE ELEMENTS CONSIDERED ARE RECRUITMENT, SCREENING AND SELECTION, TRAINING, PLACEMENT, SUPERVISION, UPGRADING, AND EVALUATION. EXAMPLES OF NONPROFESSIONAL POSITIONS INCLUDE THE CASE AIDE IN SOCIAL…

  1. Tutor Handbook. Reading Effectiveness Program.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Indiana State Dept. of Public Instruction, Indianapolis. Div. of Reading Effectiveness.

    The five sections of this handbook contain reading tutor training materials, with each section listing behavioral learning objectives specific to a particular instructional situation. The first section defines the role of the tutor, sets forth general principles for successful tutoring, presents examples of interest inventories for elementary and…

  2. Eyeball to Eyeball: The Whys and Hows of Personal Solicitation.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Robins, H. Perk

    1982-01-01

    Personal solicitation is seen as the most effective way to produce a gift. Specific steps for solicitation are identified: preparation, approach, presentation, and close. Leadership and volunteer training needed for the annual fund drive are discussed. University of Georgia examples are included. (MLW)

  3. Devices, systems, and methods for conducting assays with improved sensitivity using sedimentation

    DOEpatents

    Schaff, Ulrich Y.; Koh, Chung-Yan; Sommer, Gregory J.

    2016-04-05

    Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting assays using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes layering a mixture on a density medium, subjecting sedimentation particles in the mixture to sedimentation forces to cause the sedimentation particles to move to a detection area through a density medium, and detecting a target analyte in a detection region of the sedimentation channel. In some examples, the sedimentation particles and labeling agent may have like charges to reduce non-specific binding of labeling agent and sedimentation particles. In some examples, the density medium is provided with a separation layer for stabilizing the assay during storage and operation. In some examples, the sedimentation channel may be provided with a generally flat sedimentation chamber for dispersing the particle pellet over a larger surface area.

  4. Devices, systems, and methods for conducting assays with improved sensitivity using sedimentation

    DOEpatents

    Schaff, Ulrich Y; Koh, Chung-Yan; Sommer, Gregory J

    2015-02-24

    Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting assays using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes layering a mixture on a density medium, subjecting sedimentation particles in the mixture to sedimentation forces to cause the sedimentation particles to move to a detection area through a density medium, and detecting a target analyte in a detection region of the sedimentation channel. In some examples, the sedimentation particles and labeling agent may have like charges to reduce non-specific binding of labeling agent and sedimentation particles. In some examples, the density medium is provided with a separation layer for stabilizing the assay during storage and operation. In some examples, the sedimentation channel may be provided with a generally flat sedimentation chamber for dispersing the particle pellet over a larger surface area.

  5. Adapting research-based curricula at Seattle Pacific University: Results on student learning

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Close, Eleanor; Vokos, Stamatis; Lindberg, John; Seeley, Lane

    2004-05-01

    Seattle Pacific University is the recent recipient of a NSF CCLI grant to improve student learning in introductory physics and calculus courses. This talk will outline the goals of this collaborative project and present some initial results on student performance. Results from research-based assessments will be presented as well as specific examples of successes and challenges from mechanics and electricity and magnetism.

  6. Teaching the science of learning.

    PubMed

    Weinstein, Yana; Madan, Christopher R; Sumeracki, Megan A

    2018-01-01

    The science of learning has made a considerable contribution to our understanding of effective teaching and learning strategies. However, few instructors outside of the field are privy to this research. In this tutorial review, we focus on six specific cognitive strategies that have received robust support from decades of research: spaced practice, interleaving, retrieval practice, elaboration, concrete examples, and dual coding. We describe the basic research behind each strategy and relevant applied research, present examples of existing and suggested implementation, and make recommendations for further research that would broaden the reach of these strategies.

  7. Classical and neural methods of image sequence interpolation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Skoneczny, Slawomir; Szostakowski, Jaroslaw

    2001-08-01

    An image interpolation problem is often encountered in many areas. Some examples are interpolation for coding/decoding process for transmission purposes, reconstruction a full frame from two interlaced sub-frames in normal TV or HDTV, or reconstruction of missing frames in old destroyed cinematic sequences. In this paper an overview of interframe interpolation methods is presented. Both direct as well as motion compensated interpolation techniques are given by examples. The used methodology can also be either classical or based on neural networks depending on demand of a specific interpolation problem solving person.

  8. The needs for chemistry standards, database tools and data curation at the chemical-biology interface (SLAS meeting)

    EPA Science Inventory

    This presentation will highlight known challenges with the production of high quality chemical databases and outline recent efforts made to address these challenges. Specific examples will be provided illustrating these challenges within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ...

  9. Television/Radio News and Minorities.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Browne, Donald R.; And Others

    Pointing out that television sets are virtually a universal household fixture in most industrially developed nations, this book presents many categories and specific examples of television's (and sometimes radio's) coverage of ethnic minorities and conflict. Chapters in the book are: (1) Introduction; (2) Background Notes; (3) Mainstream vs.…

  10. Marketing the College Union.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hoef, Ted; Howe, Nanci

    Theory underlying marketing in the public sector is presented in combination with specific examples of marketing strategies and techniques used in college unions and student activities programs across the country. The subject of marketing is discussed under six major subject headings: (1) why marketing? (2) analyzing marketing opportunities; (3)…

  11. Science as Myth in Physical Education.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kirk, David

    Scientization is a process that refers to the mythologies that are generated around the practices of working scientists. This paper discusses how science works on popular consciousness and how particular occupational groups use science to legitimatize their discipline, specifically in physical education. Two examples are presented to illustrate…

  12. Pricing Policies in Academic Libraries.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    King, Donald W.

    1979-01-01

    Economic considerations of user charges are presented along with economic principles and implications of charging for specific library materials and services. Alternative pricing policies and their implications are described, and, to illustrate the complexity and subtle effects of charging, a numerical example for interlibrary loans is also given.…

  13. An Integrative Landscape-Scale Exercise for Introductory Soil Science Classes.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Levy, D. B.; Graham, R. C.

    1993-01-01

    Describes how teachers can improve introductory soil science courses by applying concepts taught in the classroom to actual field situations. Presents a specific example of a field exercise designed to illustrate soil properties and processes with respect to their environmental settings. (11 references) (Author/MCO)

  14. Thermal stress fracture of ceramic coatings

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Andersson, C. A.

    1983-01-01

    Thermal stress failures of ceramic coatings are discussed in terms of fracture mechanics concepts. The effects of transient and residual stresses on single and multiple cycle failure mechanisms are considered. A specific example of a zirconia thermal barrier coating is presented and its endurance calculated using the proposed relationships.

  15. The National Program of Educational Laboratories. Final Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chase, Francis S.

    This report presents results of a critical analysis of 20 regional educational laboratories and nine university research and development centers established under ESEA Title IV. Observations, supported by specific examples, are made concerning the laboratories and centers and deal with their roles, programs definitions, impact on educational…

  16. Computer Education from a Humanistic Perspective.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Crist, Mary

    1984-01-01

    Offers a brief history of humanistic and transpersonal psychology development; includes a brief description of educational goals advocated by these movements, particularly in reference to teacher role; and presents specific examples of how computers make it possible for teachers to satisfy role expectations placed upon them in student-centered…

  17. Effective Reading and Writing Instruction: A Focus on Modeling

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Regan, Kelley; Berkeley, Sheri

    2012-01-01

    When providing effective reading and writing instruction, teachers need to provide explicit modeling. Modeling is particularly important when teaching students to use cognitive learning strategies. Examples of how teachers can provide specific, explicit, and flexible instructional modeling is presented in the context of two evidence-based…

  18. Information Book Read-Alouds as Models for Second-Grade Authors

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bradley, Linda Golson; Donovan, Carol A.

    2010-01-01

    This article discusses the instructional practice of supporting second graders' information book writing with focused read-alouds that include discussions of information book genre elements, features, and organizational structure. The authors present specific examples of instruction and discuss the resulting information book compositions by…

  19. Basic Math Facts: Guidelines for Teaching and Learning.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Thornton, Carol A.; Toohey, Margaret A.

    1985-01-01

    Research and curriculum development projects have investigated ways to make teaching and learning basic facts easier. Reseach results and implications from four major projects are presented. Ten specific guidelines are then given and illustrated by examples from addition. Modifying instructional sequence and matching learning tasks with learning…

  20. Computer calculation of device, circuit, equipment, and system reliability.

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Crosby, D. R.

    1972-01-01

    A grouping into four classes is proposed for all reliability computations that are related to electronic equipment. Examples are presented of reliability computations in three of these four classes. Each of the three specific reliability tasks described was originally undertaken to satisfy an engineering need for reliability data. The form and interpretation of the print-out of the specific reliability computations is presented. The justification for the costs of these computations is indicated. The skills of the personnel used to conduct the analysis, the interfaces between the personnel, and the timing of the projects is discussed.

  1. A reference architecture for the component factory

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Basili, Victor R.; Caldiera, Gianluigi; Cantone, Giovanni

    1992-01-01

    Software reuse can be achieved through an organization that focuses on utilization of life cycle products from previous developments. The component factory is both an example of the more general concepts of experience and domain factory and an organizational unit worth being considered independently. The critical features of such an organization are flexibility and continuous improvement. In order to achieve these features we can represent the architecture of the factory at different levels of abstraction and define a reference architecture from which specific architectures can be derived by instantiation. A reference architecture is an implementation and organization independent representation of the component factory and its environment. The paper outlines this reference architecture, discusses the instantiation process, and presents some examples of specific architectures by comparing them in the framework of the reference model.

  2. Cloning and Characterization of the Mouse Hepatitis Virus Receptor

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-02-11

    materials. Viruses may also adhere to cell surfaces non-specifically through electrostatic interactions (Tardieu et al., 1982). Virus particles might be... viruses can utilize more than one type of receptor and that specific virus receptors may be present in low numbers on the cell surface or may be labile...known example of this type of interaction is the enhancement of virus infection by antibodies, which has been demonstrated for several viruses

  3. Mixture models in diagnostic meta-analyses--clustering summary receiver operating characteristic curves accounted for heterogeneity and correlation.

    PubMed

    Schlattmann, Peter; Verba, Maryna; Dewey, Marc; Walther, Mario

    2015-01-01

    Bivariate linear and generalized linear random effects are frequently used to perform a diagnostic meta-analysis. The objective of this article was to apply a finite mixture model of bivariate normal distributions that can be used for the construction of componentwise summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curves. Bivariate linear random effects and a bivariate finite mixture model are used. The latter model is developed as an extension of a univariate finite mixture model. Two examples, computed tomography (CT) angiography for ruling out coronary artery disease and procalcitonin as a diagnostic marker for sepsis, are used to estimate mean sensitivity and mean specificity and to construct sROC curves. The suggested approach of a bivariate finite mixture model identifies two latent classes of diagnostic accuracy for the CT angiography example. Both classes show high sensitivity but mainly two different levels of specificity. For the procalcitonin example, this approach identifies three latent classes of diagnostic accuracy. Here, sensitivities and specificities are quite different as such that sensitivity increases with decreasing specificity. Additionally, the model is used to construct componentwise sROC curves and to classify individual studies. The proposed method offers an alternative approach to model between-study heterogeneity in a diagnostic meta-analysis. Furthermore, it is possible to construct sROC curves even if a positive correlation between sensitivity and specificity is present. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Combining Modeling and Monitoring to Produce a New Paradigm of an Integrated Approach to Providing Long-Term Control of Contaminants

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fogwell, T. W.

    2009-12-01

    Sir David King, Chief Science Advisor to the British government and Cambridge University Professor, stated in October 2005, "The scientific community is considerably more capable than it has been in the past to assist governments to avoid and reduce risk to their own populations. Prime ministers and presidents ignore the advice from the science community at the peril of their own populations." Some of these greater capabilities can be found in better monitoring techniques applied to better modeling methods. These modeling methods can be combined with the information derived from monitoring data in order to decrease the risk of population exposure to dangerous substances and to promote efficient control or cleanup of the contaminants. An introduction is presented of the types of problems that exist for long-term control of radionuclides at DOE sites. A breakdown of the distributions at specific sites is given, together with the associated difficulties. A paradigm for remediation showing the integration of monitoring with modeling is presented. It is based on a feedback system that allows for the monitoring to act as principal sensors in a control system. The resulting system can be optimized to improve performance. Optimizing monitoring automatically entails linking the monitoring with modeling. If monitoring designs were required to be more efficient, thus requiring optimization, then the monitoring automatically becomes linked to modeling. Records of decision could be written to accommodate revisions in monitoring as better modeling evolves. Currently the establishment of a very prescriptive monitoring program fails to have a mechanism for improving models and improving control of the contaminants. The technical pieces of the required paradigm are already available; they just need to be implemented and applied to solve the long-term control of the contaminants. An integration of the various parts of the system is presented. Each part is described, and examples are given. References are given to other projects which bring together similar elements in systems for the control of contaminants. Trends are given for the development of the technical features of a robust system. Examples of monitoring methods for specific sites are given. The examples are used to illustrate how such a system would work. Examples of technology needs are presented. Finally, other examples of integrated modeling-monitoring approaches are presented.

  5. Estimating aquifer transmissivity from specific capacity using MATLAB.

    PubMed

    McLin, Stephen G

    2005-01-01

    Historically, specific capacity information has been used to calculate aquifer transmissivity when pumping test data are unavailable. This paper presents a simple computer program written in the MATLAB programming language that estimates transmissivity from specific capacity data while correcting for aquifer partial penetration and well efficiency. The program graphically plots transmissivity as a function of these factors so that the user can visually estimate their relative importance in a particular application. The program is compatible with any computer operating system running MATLAB, including Windows, Macintosh OS, Linux, and Unix. Two simple examples illustrate program usage.

  6. Computational Fluid Dynamics. [numerical methods and algorithm development

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1992-01-01

    This collection of papers was presented at the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Conference held at Ames Research Center in California on March 12 through 14, 1991. It is an overview of CFD activities at NASA Lewis Research Center. The main thrust of computational work at Lewis is aimed at propulsion systems. Specific issues related to propulsion CFD and associated modeling will also be presented. Examples of results obtained with the most recent algorithm development will also be presented.

  7. Training and the Change Agent Role Model

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Leach, Wesley B.; Owens, Vyrle W.

    1973-01-01

    The authors discuss the qualities possessed by a model change agent and roles played by him as resident technical participant: analyst, advisor, advocate, systems linker, innovator, and trainer. Besides presenting the teaching plan for change agents, the authors call upon their Peace Corps experiences to provide specific examples of what is…

  8. Design of a PID Controller for a PCR Micro Reactor

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dinca, M. P.; Gheorghe, M.; Galvin, P.

    2009-01-01

    Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers are widely used in process control, and consequently they are described in most of the textbooks on automatic control. However, rather than presenting the overall design process, the examples given in such textbooks are intended to illuminate specific focused aspects of selection, tuning and…

  9. Job Aid Manuals for Phase II--DESIGN of the Instructional Systems Development Model.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schulz, Russel E.; Farrell, Jean R.

    Designed to supplement the descriptive authoring flowcharts presented in a companion volume, this manual includes specific guidance, examples, and other information referred to in the flowcharts for the implementation of the second phase of the Instructional Systems Development Model (ISD). The introductory section includes definitions;…

  10. A GUIDE TO INSTRUCTIONAL TELEVISION.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    DIAMOND, ROBERT M., ED.

    THIS IS A GUIDE DESIGNED AS A SINGLE REFERENCE FOR ADMINISTRATORS, TEACHERS, STUDENTS, AND LAYMEN INTERESTED IN TELEVISION FOR A SPECIFIC SCHOOL OR SCHOOL SYSTEM. FOUR EXAMPLES OF SINGLE-ROOM TELEVISION ARE GIVEN AND SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS OF STUDIO TELEVISION ARE PRESENTED. ITS USE IN GUIDANCE AND IN ADMINISTRATION IS EXPLAINED. THE PROBLEMS…

  11. Present status, future prospects of domestic acoustical instruments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guibin, L.

    1984-01-01

    The product lines, specifications, and special features of China's main acoustical instrument products are described. The methods of operation nd the main problems associated with these products are discussed. Examples of the application of acoustical instruments are given. The main features of a digital signal analyzer are enumerated.

  12. Creating and Using Video Segments for Rural Teacher Education.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ludlow, Barbara L.; Duff, Michael C.

    This paper provides guidelines for using video presentations in teacher education programs in special education. The simplest use of video is to provide students with illustrations of basic concepts, demonstrations of specific skills, or examples of model programs and practices. Video can also deliver contextually rich case studies to stimulate…

  13. "Madame Bovary": Illusion and Reality. [Lesson Plan].

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Carangelo, Audrey

    Based on Gustave Flaubert's novel "Madame Bovary," this lesson plan presents activities designed to help students explore the theme of "illusion versus reality" in the novel; identify and list alternate themes in the novel; and cite specific examples of illusion versus reality from the novel. It includes objectives, materials, procedures,…

  14. How to Individualize Mathematics Successfully: With Materials for Implementation.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vinskey, Mildred L.

    Presented is a method for individualizing mathematics which utilizes the "Learning Activities Package" (LAP). LAP is a self-contained unit based on specific behavioral objectives which contains a pretest, a posttest, examples, explanations, and activities. The topics covered include but are not limited to: multiplication and division by powers of…

  15. Working with Culture: Psychotherapeutic Interventions with Ethnic Minority Children and Adolescents.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vargas, Luis A., Ed.; Koss-Chioino, Joan D., Ed.

    This book presents essays concerning culturally responsive psychotherapeutic interventions for specific problems commonly experienced by ethnic-minority youth. Each essay offers case examples, along with a clinical how-to approach for dealing with problems such as cross-racial foster care, gang involvement, child abuse, and substance abuse. Essays…

  16. Interview with Violet Oaklander, Author of "Windows to Our Children."

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Campbell, Chari A.

    1993-01-01

    Presents interview with Dr. Violent Oaklander, experienced child therapist and author of "Windows to Our Children: A Gestalt Therapy with Children and Adolescents." Discusses critical components of successful therapy with children. Explains how developmental stage of child affects therapeutic process, and provides specific examples of working with…

  17. Inside the Black Box--An Implementation Evaluation Case Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rector, Patricia; Bakacs, Michele; Rowe, Amy; Barbour, Bruce

    2016-01-01

    The case study presented in this article is an example of an implementation evaluation. The evaluation investigated significant components of the implementation of a long-term environmental educational program. Direct observation, evaluation-specific survey data, and historical data were used to determine program integrity as identified by…

  18. Grammar Texts and Consumerist Subtexts

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sokolik, M. E.

    2007-01-01

    While several checklists exist for the evaluation of ESL/EFL textbooks, none includes suggestions for looking for specific biases, especially those found in the content of examples and sample sentences. Growing awareness in publishing has reduced problems in the presentation of gender-based and racial biases in most ESL/EFL grammar textbooks, but…

  19. Bridging Cultures in Our Schools: New Approaches That Work. Knowledge Brief.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Trumbull, Elise; Rothstein-Fisch, Carrie; Greenfield, Patricia M.

    This publication describes how teachers can begin to gain understanding of diverse students and families and their cultural values, behavioral standards, and social ideals. It presents specific examples of cross-cultural conflicts and illustrates strategies for resolving them. Data come from the Bridging Cultures action research project in…

  20. Constructing a Rhombus through Paper Folding

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Duatepe-Paksu, Asuman

    2017-01-01

    This paper presents an example of how paper folding can be used in a geometry class to support conceptual understanding. Specifically, it explains an activity that constructs a rhombus and explores its attributes by using paper folding. The steps of constructing a rhombus are described and some discussion questions are given to consolidate…

  1. Improvisational Acting Exercises and Their Potential Use in Family Counseling

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ruby, James R.; Ruby, Nanci Carol

    2009-01-01

    Expressive therapy interventions are a useful resource for counselors working with a wide range of presenting issues. This article illustrates a series of improvisational acting exercises that can be used within a family counseling context. Clear directions for specific exercises are provided, along with illustrative case examples.

  2. Television is Beautiful.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Moran, Peter

    This paper presents evidence for the positive impact of television on 1,500 children, aged 6 to 16 years old, specifically concerning their conceptions of beauty. The role of television was repeatedly mentioned by the subjects although it was not the primary research goal of the researcher. Examples of children's descriptions of beauty as derived…

  3. Job Aid Manuals for Phase III--DEVELOP of the Instructional Systems Development Model.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schulz, Russel E.; Farrell, Jean R.

    Designed to supplement the descriptive authoring flowcharts presented in a companion volume, this manual includes specific guidance, examples, and other information referred to in the flowcharts for the implementation of the third phase of the Instructional Systems Development Model (ISD). The introductory section includes definitions;…

  4. Biomimicry in textiles: past, present and potential. An overview

    PubMed Central

    Eadie, Leslie; Ghosh, Tushar K.

    2011-01-01

    The natural world around us provides excellent examples of functional systems built with a handful of materials. Throughout the millennia, nature has evolved to adapt and develop highly sophisticated methods to solve problems. There are numerous examples of functional surfaces, fibrous structures, structural colours, self-healing, thermal insulation, etc., which offer important lessons for the textile products of the future. This paper provides a general overview of the potential of bioinspired textile structures by highlighting a few specific examples of pertinent, inherently sustainable biological systems. Biomimetic research is a rapidly growing field and its true potential in the development of new and sustainable textiles can only be realized through interdisciplinary research rooted in a holistic understanding of nature. PMID:21325320

  5. Biomimicry in textiles: past, present and potential. An overview.

    PubMed

    Eadie, Leslie; Ghosh, Tushar K

    2011-06-06

    The natural world around us provides excellent examples of functional systems built with a handful of materials. Throughout the millennia, nature has evolved to adapt and develop highly sophisticated methods to solve problems. There are numerous examples of functional surfaces, fibrous structures, structural colours, self-healing, thermal insulation, etc., which offer important lessons for the textile products of the future. This paper provides a general overview of the potential of bioinspired textile structures by highlighting a few specific examples of pertinent, inherently sustainable biological systems. Biomimetic research is a rapidly growing field and its true potential in the development of new and sustainable textiles can only be realized through interdisciplinary research rooted in a holistic understanding of nature. © 2011 The Royal Society

  6. An illustrative overview of semi-quantitative MRI scoring of knee osteoarthritis: lessons learned from longitudinal observational studies.

    PubMed

    Roemer, F W; Hunter, D J; Crema, M D; Kwoh, C K; Ochoa-Albiztegui, E; Guermazi, A

    2016-02-01

    To introduce the most popular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) osteoarthritis (OA) semi-quantitative (SQ) scoring systems to a broader audience with a focus on the most commonly applied scores, i.e., the MOAKS and WORMS system and illustrate similarities and differences. While the main structure and methodology of each scoring system are publicly available, the core of this overview will be an illustrative imaging atlas section including image examples from multiple OA studies applying MRI in regard to different features assessed, show specific examples of different grades and point out pitfalls and specifics of SQ assessment including artifacts, blinding to time point of acquisition and within-grade evaluation. Similarities and differences between different scoring systems are presented. Technical considerations are followed by a brief description of the most commonly utilized SQ scoring systems including their responsiveness and reliability. The second part is comprised of the atlas section presenting illustrative image examples. Evidence suggests that SQ assessment of OA by expert MRI readers is valid, reliable and responsive, which helps investigators to understand the natural history of this complex disease and to evaluate potential new drugs in OA clinical trials. Researchers have to be aware of the differences and specifics of the different systems to be able to engage in imaging assessment and interpretation of imaging-based data. SQ scoring has enabled us to explain associations of structural tissue damage with clinical manifestations of the disease and with morphological alterations thought to represent disease progression. Copyright © 2015 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. An illustrative overview of semi-quantitative MRI scoring of knee osteoarthritis: Lessons learned from longitudinal observational studies

    PubMed Central

    Roemer, Frank W.; Hunter, David J.; Crema, Michel D.; Kwoh, C. Kent; Ochoa-Albiztegui, Elena; Guermazi, Ali

    2015-01-01

    Objective To introduce the most popular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) osteoarthritis (OA) semi-quantitative (SQ) scoring systems to a broader audience with a focus on the most commonly applied scores, i.e. the MOAKS and WORMS system and illustrate similarities and differences. Design While the main structure and methodology of each scoring system are publicly available, the core of this overview will be an illustrative imaging atlas section including image examples from multiple osteoarthritis studies applying MRI in regard to different features assessed, show specific examples of different grades and point out pitfalls and specifics of SQ assessment including artifacts, blinding to time point of acquisition and within-grade evaluation. Results Similarities and differences between different scoring systems are presented. Technical considerations are followed by a brief description of the most commonly utilized SQ scoring systems including their responsiveness and reliability. The second part is comprised of the atlas section presenting illustrative image examples. Conclusions Evidence suggests that SQ assessment of OA by expert MRI readers is valid, reliable and responsive, which helps investigators to understand the natural history of this complex disease and to evaluate potential new drugs in OA clinical trials. Researchers have to be aware of the differences and specifics of the different systems to be able to engage in imaging assessment and interpretation of imaging-based data. SQ scoring has enabled us to explain associations of structural tissue damage with clinical manifestations of the disease and with morphological alterations thought to represent disease progression. PMID:26318656

  8. Pieces of the Puzzle: Tracking the Chemical Component of the ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    This presentation provides an overview of the risk assessment conducted at the U.S. EPA, as well as some research examples related to the exposome concept. This presentation also provides the recommendation of using two organizational and predictive frameworks for tracking chemical components in the exposome. The National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL) Computational Exposure Division (CED) develops and evaluates data, decision-support tools, and models to be applied to media-specific or receptor-specific problem areas. CED uses modeling-based approaches to characterize exposures, evaluate fate and transport, and support environmental diagnostics/forensics with input from multiple data sources. It also develops media- and receptor-specific models, process models, and decision support tools for use both within and outside of EPA.

  9. A scalable, self-analyzing digital locking system for use on quantum optics experiments.

    PubMed

    Sparkes, B M; Chrzanowski, H M; Parrain, D P; Buchler, B C; Lam, P K; Symul, T

    2011-07-01

    Digital control of optics experiments has many advantages over analog control systems, specifically in terms of the scalability, cost, flexibility, and the integration of system information into one location. We present a digital control system, freely available for download online, specifically designed for quantum optics experiments that allows for automatic and sequential re-locking of optical components. We show how the inbuilt locking analysis tools, including a white-noise network analyzer, can be used to help optimize individual locks, and verify the long term stability of the digital system. Finally, we present an example of the benefits of digital locking for quantum optics by applying the code to a specific experiment used to characterize optical Schrödinger cat states.

  10. An approach to built-in test for shipboard machinery systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hegner, H. R.

    This paper presents an approach for incorporating built-in test (BIT) into shipboard machinery systems. BIT, as used herein, denotes both built-in test and on-line monitoring. Since sensors are a key element to a successful machinery monitoring system, an assessment of shipboard sensors is included in the paper. Specific design examples are also presented for a marine diesel engine, gas turbine engine, and air conditioning plant.

  11. Quasi-2D Unsteady Flow Procedure for Real Fluids

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-05-17

    Reynolds number and the wall surface roughness . For the viscous flow examples presented below, the Churchill correlation7 was used to determine single...methods is discussed to aid in selection for specific applications. Results for the transient flows of gaseous nitrogen and water in a simple pipe ...gaseous nitrogen and water in a simple pipe network are presented to demonstrate the capability of the current techniques and the unsteady flow

  12. Network operating system focus technology

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1985-01-01

    An activity structured to provide specific design requirements and specifications for the Space Station Data Management System (DMS) Network Operating System (NOS) is outlined. Examples are given of the types of supporting studies and implementation tasks presently underway to realize a DMS test bed capability to develop hands-on understanding of NOS requirements as driven by actual subsystem test beds participating in the overall Johnson Space Center test bed program. Classical operating system elements and principal NOS functions are listed.

  13. Mental Health Evaluations for Adolescents Prior to Bariatric Surgery: A Review of Existing Practices and a Specific Example of Assessment Procedures.

    PubMed

    Sysko, Robyn; Zandberg, Laurie J; Devlin, Michael J; Annunziato, Rachel A; Zitsman, Jeffrey L; Walsh, B Timothy

    2013-06-01

    Best practice guidelines for adolescents considering bariatric surgery recommend a pre-operative mental health evaluation. However, only general information about these assessments appears in the literature, which makes consistency of administration challenging. This review proposes a specific empirically-derived format for pre-surgical mental health evaluations and summarizes currently available data on the psychiatric functioning of adolescents seeking bariatric surgery. Studies of mental health evaluations for adults preparing for bariatric surgery are reviewed, as is the limited literature relevant to adolescent evaluations. A specific and detailed example of an evaluation (clinical interview, self-report questionnaires, cognitive assessment) used for younger patients at a major metropolitan hospital center is presented, followed by data from an initial group of adolescents completing this evaluation. 200 adolescents (n=139 female; age: 14-18 y, BMI: 35.4-83.3 kg/m 2 ) presenting for bariatric surgery. A notable subset of adolescents reported current Axis I conditions (31.5%) and current mental health treatment (29.5%), but reports of current illicit drug use (1.5%) and regular alcohol use (0.5%) were relatively rare. Procedures for using the completed evaluation and post-surgery monitoring of psychosocial issues are discussed. Adolescents considering weight loss surgery should receive comprehensive pre-surgical mental health evaluations, but additional data are needed to develop specific recommendations the use of these evaluations in post-operative care.

  14. Application of predictive modelling techniques in industry: from food design up to risk assessment.

    PubMed

    Membré, Jeanne-Marie; Lambert, Ronald J W

    2008-11-30

    In this communication, examples of applications of predictive microbiology in industrial contexts (i.e. Nestlé and Unilever) are presented which cover a range of applications in food safety from formulation and process design to consumer safety risk assessment. A tailor-made, private expert system, developed to support safe product/process design assessment is introduced as an example of how predictive models can be deployed for use by non-experts. Its use in conjunction with other tools and software available in the public domain is discussed. Specific applications of predictive microbiology techniques are presented relating to investigations of either growth or limits to growth with respect to product formulation or process conditions. An example of a probabilistic exposure assessment model for chilled food application is provided and its potential added value as a food safety management tool in an industrial context is weighed against its disadvantages. The role of predictive microbiology in the suite of tools available to food industry and some of its advantages and constraints are discussed.

  15. Evolutionary plasticity of the NHL domain underlies distinct solutions to RNA recognition.

    PubMed

    Kumari, Pooja; Aeschimann, Florian; Gaidatzis, Dimos; Keusch, Jeremy J; Ghosh, Pritha; Neagu, Anca; Pachulska-Wieczorek, Katarzyna; Bujnicki, Janusz M; Gut, Heinz; Großhans, Helge; Ciosk, Rafal

    2018-04-19

    RNA-binding proteins regulate all aspects of RNA metabolism. Their association with RNA is mediated by RNA-binding domains, of which many remain uncharacterized. A recently reported example is the NHL domain, found in prominent regulators of cellular plasticity like the C. elegans LIN-41. Here we employ an integrative approach to dissect the RNA specificity of LIN-41. Using computational analysis, structural biology, and in vivo studies in worms and human cells, we find that a positively charged pocket, specific to the NHL domain of LIN-41 and its homologs (collectively LIN41), recognizes a stem-loop RNA element, whose shape determines the binding specificity. Surprisingly, the mechanism of RNA recognition by LIN41 is drastically different from that of its more distant relative, the fly Brat. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that this reflects a rapid evolution of the domain, presenting an interesting example of a conserved protein fold that acquired completely different solutions to RNA recognition.

  16. Child-Specific Exposure Scenarios Examples (Final Report)

    EPA Science Inventory

    EPA announced the availability of the final report, Child-Specific Exposure Scenarios Examples. This report is intended to be a companion document to the Exposure Factors Handbook (U.S. EPA 2011). The example scenarios were compiled from questions and inquiries r...

  17. Talking about taste: using a discursive psychological approach to examine challenges to food evaluations.

    PubMed

    Wiggins, Sally

    2004-08-01

    This study is concerned with developing the interdisciplinary nature of food research, and with examining eating practices as they occur in everyday situations. The aim is to demonstrate how discursive approaches may contribute to eating research using a specific analytical example. A discursive psychological approach is used to examine mealtime conversations from 10 families with the analysis focusing on how food evaluations are challenged in interaction-for example, asking someone to justify what they think is 'wrong' with the food. Data are presented with 7 examples of the 30 challenges that were found within the data corpus. The analysis demonstrates how people may be held accountable for their expressed taste preferences when being challenged, and how this contributes to our understanding of eating as primarily an individual and embodied experience. It is argued that a specific and detailed analysis of eating interactions provides an alternative way of conceptualising food evaluations as discursive rather than mentalistic concepts. A discursive approach also opens up practical ways in which the social and familial aspects of eating may be examined as they occur as part of food practices.

  18. Monitoring Java Programs with Java PathExplorer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Havelund, Klaus; Rosu, Grigore; Clancy, Daniel (Technical Monitor)

    2001-01-01

    We present recent work on the development Java PathExplorer (JPAX), a tool for monitoring the execution of Java programs. JPAX can be used during program testing to gain increased information about program executions, and can potentially furthermore be applied during operation to survey safety critical systems. The tool facilitates automated instrumentation of a program's late code which will then omit events to an observer during its execution. The observer checks the events against user provided high level requirement specifications, for example temporal logic formulae, and against lower level error detection procedures, for example concurrency related such as deadlock and data race algorithms. High level requirement specifications together with their underlying logics are defined in the Maude rewriting logic, and then can either be directly checked using the Maude rewriting engine, or be first translated to efficient data structures and then checked in Java.

  19. Satellite Remote Sensing and the Hydroclimate: Two Specific Examples of Improved Knowledge and Applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shepherd, M.; Santanello, J. A., Jr.

    2017-12-01

    When Explorer 1 launched nearly 60 years ago, it helped usher in a golden age of scientific understanding of arguably the most important planet in our solar system. From its inception NASA and its partners were charged with leveraging the vantagepoint of space to advance knowledge outside and within Earth's atmosphere. Earth is a particularly complex natural system that is increasingly modified by human activities. The hydrological or water cycle is a critical circuit in the Earth system. Its complexity requires novel observations and simulation capability to fully understand it and predict changes. This talk will introduce some of the unique satellite-based observations used for hydroclimate studies. Two specific examples will be presented. The first example explores a relatively new thread of research examining the impact of soil moisture on landfalling and other types of tropical systems. Recent literature suggests that tropical cyclones or large rain-producing systems like the one that caused catastrophic flooding in Louisiana (2016) derive moisture from a "brown ocean" of wet soils or wetlands. The second example summarizes a decade of research on how urbanization has altered the precipitation and land surface hydrology components of the water cycle. With both cases, a multitude of satellite or model-based datesets will be summarized (e.g., TRMM, GPM, SMAP, NLDAS).

  20. Initial description of primate-specific cystine-knot Prometheus genes and differential gene expansions of D-dopachrome tautomerase genes

    PubMed Central

    Premzl, Marko

    2015-01-01

    Using eutherian comparative genomic analysis protocol and public genomic sequence data sets, the present work attempted to update and revise two gene data sets. The most comprehensive third party annotation gene data sets of eutherian adenohypophysis cystine-knot genes (128 complete coding sequences), and d-dopachrome tautomerases and macrophage migration inhibitory factor genes (30 complete coding sequences) were annotated. For example, the present study first described primate-specific cystine-knot Prometheus genes, as well as differential gene expansions of D-dopachrome tautomerase genes. Furthermore, new frameworks of future experiments of two eutherian gene data sets were proposed. PMID:25941635

  1. Shortridge academy: positive youth development in action within a therapeutic community.

    PubMed

    Baber, Kristine M; Rainer, Adam

    2011-01-01

    This chapter presents a case example of the implementation of Positive Youth Development (PYD) at a therapeutic boarding school including the theoretical, conceptual, and empirical information about PYD, adolescent brain development, authoritative communities, and youth-adult partnerships that guided this work. Specific examples demonstrate how key concepts and underlying principles of PYD were put into practice. The chapter provides information about parents' perceptions of the school's effectiveness and explains a theory of change approach used to develop the program evaluation. The chapter concludes with a discussion of challenges and opportunities experienced in the development and implementation of the program.

  2. Remote sensing in agriculture. [using Earth Resources Technology Satellite photography

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Downs, S. W., Jr.

    1974-01-01

    Some examples are presented of the use of remote sensing in cultivated crops, forestry, and range management. Areas of concern include: the determination of crop areas and types, prediction of yield, and detection of disease; the determination of forest areas and types, timber volume estimation, detection of insect and disease attack, and forest fires; and the determination of range conditions and inventory, and livestock inventory. Articles in the literature are summarized and specific examples of work being performed at the Marshall Space Flight Center are given. Primarily, aerial photographs and photo-like ERTS images are considered.

  3. From practice to education: perspectives from three nurse leaders.

    PubMed

    Danna, Denise; Schaubhut, Rose M; Jones, John R

    2010-02-01

    Three nurse leaders recount their experiences transitioning from a practice career to an academic career. These nurse leaders discuss their experiences with role transition and gaining new competencies, comparing and contrasting the competencies of nurse educators and nurse leaders. Specific examples are presented addressing collaborative efforts between practice and education. Copyright 2010, SLACK Incorporated.

  4. Historical evolution of disease mapping in general and specifically of cancer mapping.

    PubMed

    Howe, G M

    1989-01-01

    The presentation of areal data in epidemiology is illustrated by such mapping techniques as dots (spots), shading (choropleth, thematic) and isolines (isopleths). Examples are also given of computer-assisted cartography (computer graphics) which employs hardware and software components of digital computers, together with the use of geographical and demographic base maps.

  5. Do-It-Yourself Cases for Accountants.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vik, Gretchen N.; Doran, Martha; Venable, Carol

    1999-01-01

    Presents a do-it-yourself case that has the double advantage of giving students practice in formulating questions for a specific company (not just a list from a book or assignment) and of giving them valuable field experience without involving faculty in lining up local companies and screening projects. Describes an example payroll project in an…

  6. Physics for the Technologies. Supplementary Units.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brown, Tim; And Others

    These supplemental units contain four laboratory exercises that can be used to enhance the labs in "Physics for the Technologies." The four units (one mechanical, two thermal, and one electrical) are designed to enhance labs in presenting specific concepts. Each unit can be used as an example of how the concepts behind the theory apply…

  7. The Swedish Schools Inspectorate's View of Swedish Schools

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lindström, Lisbeth; Perdahl, Solange

    2014-01-01

    The purpose of this article is to shed some light on and give some examples of how the Swedish schools have interpreted their mission of educating young people and preparing them for the role of active citizens. More specifically, we are interested in how the "good" or "aspirational" school is presented in the reports published…

  8. Examining the Impact of Adaptively Faded Worked Examples on Student Learning Outcomes

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Flores, Raymond; Inan, Fethi

    2014-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to explore effective ways to design guided practices within a web-based mathematics problem solving tutorial. Specifically, this study examined student learning outcome differences between two support designs (e.g. adaptively faded and fixed). In the adaptively faded design, students were presented with problems in…

  9. Giant calculus: review and report of a case.

    PubMed

    Woodmansey, Karl; Severine, Anthony; Lembariti, Bakari S

    2013-01-01

    Dental calculus is a common oral finding. The term giant calculus is used to describe unusually large deposits of dental calculus. Several extreme cases have been reported in the dental literature. The specific etiology of these cases remains uncertain. This paper reviews previously reported cases, and presents another extreme example of giant calculus.

  10. Donkeys and Superteachers: Structural Adjustment and Popular Education in Latin America.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fischman, Gustavo

    1998-01-01

    Explores the challenges and possibilities of popular education by examining the educational field after the application of structural adjustment programs in Latin America. Presents a critique of Gramsci's model of the organic intellectual as understood by many within popular education. Offers the specific example of a popular-education workshop in…

  11. Airframe materials for HSR

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bales, Thomas T.

    1992-01-01

    Vugraphs are presented to show the use of refractory materials for the skin of the High speed Civil Transport (HSCT). Examples are given of skin temperature ranges, failure mode weight distribution, tensile properties as a function of temperature, and components to be constructed from composite materials. The responsibilities of various aircraft companies for specific aircraft components are defined.

  12. [Work quota setting and man-hour productivity estimation in pathologists].

    PubMed

    Svistunov, V V; Makarov, S V; Makarova, A E

    The paper considers the development and current state of the regulation of work quota setting and remuneration in pathologists. Reasoning from the current staff standards for morbid anatomy departments (units), the authors present a method to calculate the load of pathologists. The essence of the proposed method is demonstrated using a specific example.

  13. SWREGAP DATA TO ESTIMATE CHANGE IN WATERSHED CONDITION FOR SELECTED NEVADA WATERSHEDS USING A GIS-BASED HYDROLOGIC MODELING APPROACH

    EPA Science Inventory

    Planning and assessment in land and water resource management are an important contemporary requisite for almost all natural resource agencies. An overview of the utility of SWReGAP data for watershed assessment and conservation will be presented using specific examples in Nevad...

  14. The Third Edition of the Test of Understanding in College Economics.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Saunders, Phillip

    1991-01-01

    Discusses the content and cognitive specification of the third edition of the Test of Understanding in College Economics. Presents examples of the construction and sampling criteria employed in the latest and previous versions of the test. Explains that the test emphasizes recognition and understanding of basic terms, concepts, and principles with…

  15. Social Justice and the Future of Higher Education Kinesiology

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Culp, Brian

    2016-01-01

    This article presents a rationale for the infusion of social justice into kinesiology programs for the purpose of reducing inequities in society. Specifically, the current climate for social justice is considered and discussed using examples from an university-inspired service-learning initiative, law, and politics. Of note are the following areas…

  16. Breeder Reactors, Understanding the Atom Series.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mitchell, Walter, III; Turner, Stanley E.

    The theory of breeder reactors in relationship to a discussion of fission is presented. Different kinds of reactors are characterized by the cooling fluids used, such as liquid metal, gas, and molten salt. The historical development of breeder reactors over the past twenty-five years includes specific examples of reactors. The location and a brief…

  17. Molecular mechanisms of conformational specificity: A study of Hox in vivo target DNA binding specificities and the structure of a Ure2p mutation that affects fibril formation rates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bauer, William Joseph, Jr.

    The fate of an individual cell, or even an entire organism, is often determined by minute, yet very specific differences in the conformation of a single protein species. Very often, proteins take on alternate folds or even side chain conformations to deal with different situations present within the cell. These differences can be as large as a whole domain or as subtle as the alteration of a single amino acid side chain. Yet, even these seemingly minor side chain conformational differences can determine the development of a cell type during differentiation or even dictate whether a cell will live or die. Two examples of situations where minor conformational differences within a specific protein could lead to major differences in the life cycle of a cell are described herein. The first example describes the variations seen in DNA conformations which can lead to slightly different Hox protein binding conformations responsible for recognizing biologically relevant regulatory sites. These specific differences occur in the minor groove of the bound DNA and are limited to the conformation of only two side chains. The conformation of the bound DNA, however, is not solely determined by the sequence of the DNA, as multiple sequences can result in the same DNA conformation. The second example takes place in the context of a yeast prion protein which contains a mutation that decreases the frequency at which fibrils form. While the specific interactions leading to this physiological change were not directly detected, it can be ascertained from the crystal structure that the structural changes are subtle and most likely involve another binding partner. In both cases, these conformational changes are very slight but have a profound effect on the downstream processes.

  18. The medi-drama as an instrument to teach doctor-patient relationships.

    PubMed

    Yaffe, M J

    1989-01-01

    This paper reviews an experience of the Curriculum Development Group of the College of Family Physicians of Canada in describing the doctor-patient relationship and its value in the clinical process. It proposes the use of a medi-drama or multi-scene script encompassing a broad range of bio-psycho-social-ethical issues as a practical tool to teach the doctor-patient relationship. Principles for conducting a medi-drama are presented, as are the advantages of this experiential teaching modality. An example of a specific script developed along the theme of Adult Children of Ageing Parents is described, and an evaluation of its usefulness in teaching the doctor-patient relationship is presented from feedback from seven different family medicine residency or faculty development groups. Finally, examples of the breadth of topics that can be generated from a single medi-drama are presented.

  19. Immersive virtual reality in computational chemistry: Applications to the analysis of QM and MM data.

    PubMed

    Salvadori, Andrea; Del Frate, Gianluca; Pagliai, Marco; Mancini, Giordano; Barone, Vincenzo

    2016-11-15

    The role of Virtual Reality (VR) tools in molecular sciences is analyzed in this contribution through the presentation of the Caffeine software to the quantum chemistry community. Caffeine, developed at Scuola Normale Superiore, is specifically tailored for molecular representation and data visualization with VR systems, such as VR theaters and helmets. Usefulness and advantages that can be gained by exploiting VR are here reported, considering few examples specifically selected to illustrate different level of theory and molecular representation.

  20. How the provenance of electronic health record data matters for research: a case example using system mapping.

    PubMed

    Johnson, Karin E; Kamineni, Aruna; Fuller, Sharon; Olmstead, Danielle; Wernli, Karen J

    2014-01-01

    The use of electronic health records (EHRs) for research is proceeding rapidly, driven by computational power, analytical techniques, and policy. However, EHR-based research is limited by the complexity of EHR data and a lack of understanding about data provenance, meaning the context under which the data were collected. This paper presents system flow mapping as a method to help researchers more fully understand the provenance of their EHR data as it relates to local workflow. We provide two specific examples of how this method can improve data identification, documentation, and processing. EHRs store clinical and administrative data, often in unstructured fields. Each clinical system has a unique and dynamic workflow, as well as an EHR customized for local use. The EHR customization may be influenced by a broader context such as documentation required for billing. We present a case study with two examples of using system flow mapping to characterize EHR data for a local colorectal cancer screening process. System flow mapping demonstrated that information entered into the EHR during clinical practice required interpretation and transformation before it could be accurately applied to research. We illustrate how system flow mapping shaped our knowledge of the quality and completeness of data in two examples: (1) determining colonoscopy indication as recorded in the EHR, and (2) discovering a specific EHR form that captured family history. Researchers who do not consider data provenance risk compiling data that are systematically incomplete or incorrect. For example, researchers who are not familiar with the clinical workflow under which data were entered might miss or misunderstand patient information or procedure and diagnostic codes. Data provenance is a fundamental characteristic of research data from EHRs. Given the diversity of EHR platforms and system workflows, researchers need tools for evaluating and reporting data availability, quality, and transformations. Our case study illustrates how system mapping can inform researchers about the provenance of their data as it pertains to local workflows.

  1. Software for integrated manufacturing systems, part 2

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Volz, R. A.; Naylor, A. W.

    1987-01-01

    Part 1 presented an overview of the unified approach to manufacturing software. The specific characteristics of the approach that allow it to realize the goals of reduced cost, increased reliability and increased flexibility are considered. Why the blending of a components view, distributed languages, generics and formal models is important, why each individual part of this approach is essential, and why each component will typically have each of these parts are examined. An example of a specification for a real material handling system is presented using the approach and compared with the standard interface specification given by the manufacturer. Use of the component in a distributed manufacturing system is then compared with use of the traditional specification with a more traditional approach to designing the system. An overview is also provided of the underlying mechanisms used for implementing distributed manufacturing systems using the unified software/hardware component approach.

  2. Information Comparisons in Example-Based Hypermedia Environments: Supporting Learners with Processing Prompts and an Interactive Comparison Tool

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gerjets, Peter; Scheiter, Katharina; Schuh, Julia

    2008-01-01

    Global comparisons of learning from hypertext/hypermedia and traditional presentation formats like text have yet failed to show major advantages concerning the effectiveness of hypermedia learning. Thus, it is proposed in the current paper to evaluate hypermedia environments more specifically with regard to their potential to implement and support…

  3. Requirements on Needed Frequency Bandwidth Depending on Pulse Waveforms and Their Allowed Distortion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sigmund, Milan; Brancik, Lubomir

    2016-12-01

    This paper deals with pulse signals influenced by loss of energy in high frequency band. Five types of pulses were tested and evaluated under various conditions. Achieved results can be helpful for some specific tasks in signal transmission. An example presents highest frequency of periodic pulse signals processed on printed circuit board.

  4. Teaching about the "Economic Crisis" Today. The Example of French "Economic and Social Sciences"

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Coléno, Yves-Patrick; Blanchard, Hervé

    2017-01-01

    Purpose: In France at the high school the subject matter "Sciences Économiques et Sociales" (economic and social sciences) deals with the present economic crisis. We study the ways it is taught about: words, and explanatory patterns. Design/methodology/approach: We use a specific approach, that we call "semantic holism",…

  5. Vector image method for the derivation of elastostatic solutions for point sources in a plane layered medium. Part 1: Derivation and simple examples

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fares, Nabil; Li, Victor C.

    1986-01-01

    An image method algorithm is presented for the derivation of elastostatic solutions for point sources in bonded halfspaces assuming the infinite space point source is known. Specific cases were worked out and shown to coincide with well known solutions in the literature.

  6. Teleconferencing in Wisconsin

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lawson, R. G.

    1971-01-01

    The use of satellite communications capabilities for conducting conferences at various locations with maximum participation of the persons attending the conference is discussed. Specific examples of the use of this capability in the operation of conferences conducted by the University of Wisconsin are presented. The two aspects of the the system, telelectures with no feedback and teleconferences with feedback are considered.

  7. Contextual and Analytic Qualities of Research Methods Exemplified in Research on Teaching

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Svensson, Lennart; Doumas, Kyriaki

    2013-01-01

    The aim of the present article is to discuss contextual and analytic qualities of research methods. The arguments are specified in relation to research on teaching. A specific investigation is used as an example to illustrate the general methodological approach. It is argued that research methods should be carefully grounded in an understanding of…

  8. Syntheses of the current model applications for managing water and needs for experimental data and model improvements to enhance these applications

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    This volume of the Advances in Agricultural Systems Modeling series presents 14 different case studies of model applications to help make the best use of limited water in agriculture. These examples show that models have tremendous potential and value in enhancing site-specific water management for ...

  9. No Gene Is an Island: Analogical Relations between Science and Literature.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ryan, Frank L.

    Arguing that scientific facts and insights can be used analogically to clarify literary analysis at specific moments, this paper presents a number of such facts and their analogical relationship to several literary passages. The examples cited relate the first and second laws of thermodynamics to scenes from "King Lear," rigid bodies in motion to…

  10. Improving Student Motivation and Engagement in Mathematics through One-to-One Interactions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Way, Jennifer; Reece, Amelia; Bobis, Janette; Anderson, Judy; Martin, Andrew

    2015-01-01

    The phenomenon of the "middle-years dip" in mathematics engagement and achievement has been a cause of concern for over a decade. This paper presents an example of one upper-primary classroom identified as having higher than average levels of student engagement, with the purpose of documenting specific teaching strategies that align with…

  11. Recent Contributions of Information Sciences Research at RAND to Modeling- and Simulation-Based Policy Analysis.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Donohue, G. L.; And Others

    This report presents examples of Rand's current research in the information sciences and illustrates the application of information science tools to specific policy studies. The projects discussed depict Rand's success with using corporate seed money to bridge the gap between the research and development of new information science tools and…

  12. Unlocking Women's Leadership Potential: A Curricular Example for Developing Female Leaders in Academia

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Knipfer, Kristin; Shaughnessy, Brooke; Hentschel, Tanja; Schmid, Ellen

    2017-01-01

    Women in academia face unique challenges when it comes to advancing to professorship. Using latest research about gender and academic leadership, we present a training curriculum that is sensitive to the unique demands of women in and aspiring to leadership positions in academia. The context-specific and evidence-based approach and a focus on…

  13. HYDRA: High Speed Simulation Architecture for Precision Spacecraft Formation Flying

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Martin, Bryan J.; Sohl, Garett A.

    2003-01-01

    This viewgraph presentation describes HYDRA, which is architecture to facilitate high-fidelity and real-time simulation of formation flying missions. The contents include: 1) Motivation; 2) Objective; 3) HYDRA-Description and Overview; 4) HYDRA-Hierarchy; 5) Communication in HYDRA; 6) Simulation Specific Concerns in HYDRA; 7) Example application (Formation Acquisition); and 8) Sample Problem Results.

  14. Air Cargo Marketing Development

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kersey, J. W.

    1972-01-01

    The factors involved in developing a market for air cargo services are discussed. A comparison is made between the passenger traffic problems and those of cargo traffic. Emphasis is placed on distribution analyses which isolates total distribution cost, including logistical costs such as transportation, inventory, materials handling, packaging, and processing. Specific examples of methods for reducing air cargo costs are presented.

  15. Time-Lapse Videos for Physics Education: Specific Examples

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vollmer, Michael; Möllmann, Klaus-Peter

    2018-01-01

    There are many physics experiments with long time scales such that they are usually neither shown in the physics class room nor in student labs. However, they can be easily recorded with time-lapse cameras and the respective time-lapse videos allow qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of the underlying physics. Here, we present some examples…

  16. Nanomaterial Case Study: A Comparison of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube and Decabromodiphenyl Ether Flame-Retardant Coatings Applied to Upholstery Textiles (Independent Peer Review Draft)

    EPA Science Inventory

    This Independent Peer Review Draft document presents a case study of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs); it focuses on the specific example of MWCNTs as used in flame-retardant coatings applied to upholstery textiles. This case study is organized around the comprehensive envir...

  17. Trust My Face: Cognitive Factors of Head Fakes in Sports

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kunde, Wilfried; Skirde, Stefanie; Weigelt, Matthias

    2011-01-01

    In many competitive sports, players try to deceive their opponents about their behavioral intentions by using specific body movements or postures called fakes. For example, fakes are performed in basketball when a player gazes in one direction but passes or shoots the ball in another direction to avert efficient defense actions. The present study…

  18. Mental Health Evaluations for Adolescents Prior to Bariatric Surgery: A Review of Existing Practices and a Specific Example of Assessment Procedures

    PubMed Central

    Sysko, Robyn; Zandberg, Laurie J.; Devlin, Michael J.; Annunziato, Rachel A.; Zitsman, Jeffrey L.; Walsh, B. Timothy

    2013-01-01

    Objective Best practice guidelines for adolescents considering bariatric surgery recommend a pre-operative mental health evaluation. However, only general information about these assessments appears in the literature, which makes consistency of administration challenging. This review proposes a specific empirically-derived format for pre-surgical mental health evaluations and summarizes currently available data on the psychiatric functioning of adolescents seeking bariatric surgery. Design Studies of mental health evaluations for adults preparing for bariatric surgery are reviewed, as is the limited literature relevant to adolescent evaluations. A specific and detailed example of an evaluation (clinical interview, self-report questionnaires, cognitive assessment) used for younger patients at a major metropolitan hospital center is presented, followed by data from an initial group of adolescents completing this evaluation. Subjects 200 adolescents (n=139 female; age: 14–18 y, BMI: 35.4–83.3 kg/m2) presenting for bariatric surgery. Results A notable subset of adolescents reported current Axis I conditions (31.5%) and current mental health treatment (29.5%), but reports of current illicit drug use (1.5%) and regular alcohol use (0.5%) were relatively rare. Procedures for using the completed evaluation and post-surgery monitoring of psychosocial issues are discussed. Conclusions Adolescents considering weight loss surgery should receive comprehensive pre-surgical mental health evaluations, but additional data are needed to develop specific recommendations the use of these evaluations in post-operative care. PMID:24073019

  19. Design and Application of a Collocated Capacitance Sensor for Magnetic Bearing Spindle

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shin, Dongwon; Liu, Seon-Jung; Kim, Jongwon

    1996-01-01

    This paper presents a collocated capacitance sensor for magnetic bearings. The main feature of the sensor is that it is made of a specific compact printed circuit board (PCB). The signal processing unit has been also developed. The results of the experimental performance evaluation on the sensitivity, resolution and frequency response of the sensor are presented. Finally, an application example of the sensor to the active control of a magnetic bearing is described.

  20. Property Specification Patterns for intelligence building software

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chun, Seungsu

    2018-03-01

    In this paper, through the property specification pattern research for Modal MU(μ) logical aspects present a single framework based on the pattern of intelligence building software. In this study, broken down by state property specification pattern classification of Dwyer (S) and action (A) and was subdivided into it again strong (A) and weaknesses (E). Through these means based on a hierarchical pattern classification of the property specification pattern analysis of logical aspects Mu(μ) was applied to the pattern classification of the examples used in the actual model checker. As a result, not only can a more accurate classification than the existing classification systems were easy to create and understand the attributes specified.

  1. Perspectives on High-Energy-Density Physics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Drake, R. Paul

    2008-11-01

    Much of 21st century plasma physics will involve work to produce, understand, control, and exploit very non-traditional plasmas. High-energy density (HED) plasmas are often examples, variously involving strong Coulomb interactions and few particles per Debeye sphere, dominant radiation effects, strongly relativistic effects, or strongly quantum-mechanical behavior. Indeed, these and other modern plasma systems often fall outside the early standard theoretical definitions of ``plasma''. This presentation will focus on two types of HED plasmas that exhibit non-traditional behavior. Our first example will be the plasmas produced by extremely strong shock waves. Shock waves are present across the entire realm of plasma densities, often in space or astrophysical contexts. HED shock waves (at pressures > 1 Mbar) enable studies in many areas, from equations of state to hydrodynamics to radiation hydrodynamics. We will specifically consider strongly radiative shocks, in which the radiative energy fluxes are comparable to the mechanical energy fluxes that drive the shocks. Modern HED facilities can produce such shocks, which are also present in dense, energetic, astrophysical systems such as supernovae. These shocks are also excellent targets for advanced simulations due to their range of spatial scales and complex radiation transport. Our second example will be relativistic plasmas. In general, these vary from plasmas containing relativistic particle beams, produced for some decades in the laboratory, to the relativistic thermal plasmas present for example in pulsar winds. Laboratory HED relativistic plasmas to date have been those produced by laser beams of irradiance ˜ 10^18 to 10^22 W/cm^2 or by accelerator-produced HED electron beams. These have applications ranging from generation of intense x-rays to production of proton beams for radiation therapy to acceleration of electrons. Here we will focus on electron acceleration, a spectacular recent success and a rare example in which simplicity emerges from the complexity present in the plasma state.

  2. Overview of FAR-TECH's magnetic fusion energy research

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Jin-Soo; Bogatu, I. N.; Galkin, S. A.; Spencer, J. Andrew; Svidzinski, V. A.; Zhao, L.

    2017-10-01

    FAR-TECH, Inc. has been working on magnetic fusion energy research over two-decades. During the years, we have developed unique approaches to help understanding the physics, and resolving issues in magnetic fusion energy. The specific areas of work have been in modeling RF waves in plasmas, MHD modeling and mode-identification, and nano-particle plasma jet and its application to disruption mitigation. Our research highlights in recent years will be presented with examples, specifically, developments of FullWave (Full Wave RF code), PMARS (Parallelized MARS code), and HEM (Hybrid ElectroMagnetic code). In addition, nano-particle plasma-jet (NPPJ) and its application for disruption mitigation will be presented. Work is supported by the U.S. DOE SBIR program.

  3. Astronomical Data and Information Visualization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Goodman, Alyssa A.

    2010-01-01

    As the size and complexity of data sets increases, the need to "see" them more clearly increases as well. In the past, many scientists saw "fancy" data and information visualization as necessary for "outreach," but not for research. In this talk, I wlll demonstrate, using specific examples, why more and more scientists--not just astronomers--are coming to rely upon the development of new visualization strategies not just to present their data, but to understand it. Principal examples will be drawn from the "Astronomical Medicine" project at Harvard's Initiative in Innovative Computing, and from the "Seamless Astronomy" effort, which is co-sponsored by the VAO (NASA/NSF) and Microsoft Research.

  4. Seismic and Infrasound Location

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

    Arrowsmith, Stephen J.; Begnaud, Michael L.

    2014-03-19

    This presentation includes slides on Signal Propagation Through the Earth/Atmosphere Varies at Different Scales; 3D Seismic Models: RSTT; Ray Coverage (Pn); Source-Specific Station Corrections (SSSCs); RSTT Conclusions; SALSA3D (SAndia LoS Alamos) Global 3D Earth Model for Travel Time; Comparison of IDC SSSCs to RSTT Predictions; SALSA3D; Validation and Model Comparison; DSS Lines in the Siberian Platform; DSS Line CRA-4 Comparison; Travel Time Δak135; Travel Time Prediction Uncertainty; SALSA3D Conclusions; Infrasound Data Processing: An example event; Infrasound Data Processing: An example event; Infrasound Location; How does BISL work?; BISL: Application to the 2013 DPRK Test; and BISL: Ongoing Research.

  5. Analysis of pilot control strategy

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Heffley, R. K.; Hanson, G. D.; Jewell, W. F.; Clement, W. F.

    1983-01-01

    Methods for nonintrusive identification of pilot control strategy and task execution dynamics are presented along with examples based on flight data. The specific analysis technique is Nonintrusive Parameter Identification Procedure (NIPIP), which is described in a companion user's guide (NASA CR-170398). Quantification of pilot control strategy and task execution dynamics is discussed in general terms followed by a more detailed description of how NIPIP can be applied. The examples are based on flight data obtained from the NASA F-8 digital fly by wire airplane. These examples involve various piloting tasks and control axes as well as a demonstration of how the dynamics of the aircraft itself are identified using NIPIP. Application of NIPIP to the AFTI/F-16 flight test program is discussed. Recommendations are made for flight test applications in general and refinement of NIPIP to include interactive computer graphics.

  6. Selection of the battery pack parameters for an electric vehicle based on performance requirements

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Koniak, M.; Czerepicki, A.

    2017-06-01

    Each type of vehicle has specific power requirements. Some require a rapid charging, other make long distances between charges, but a common feature is the longest battery life time. Additionally, the battery is influenced by factors such as temperature, depth of discharge and the operation current. The article contain the parameters of chemical cells that should be taken into account during the design of the battery for a specific application. This is particularly important because the batteries are not properly matched and can wear prematurely and cause an additional costs. The method of selecting the correct cell type should take previously discussed features and operating characteristics of the vehicle into account. The authors present methods of obtaining such characteristics along with their assessment and examples. Also there has been described an example of the battery parameters selection based on design assumptions of the vehicle and the expected performance characteristics. Selecting proper battery operating parameters is important due to its impact on the economic result of investments in electric vehicles. For example, for some Li-Ion technologies, the earlier worn out of batteries in a fleet of cruise boats or buses having estimated lifetime of 10 years is not acceptable, because this will cause substantial financial losses for the owner of the rolling stock. The presented method of choosing the right cell technology in the selected application, can be the basis for making the decision on future battery technical parameters.

  7. Implementing emergency manuals: can cognitive aids help translate best practices for patient care during acute events?

    PubMed

    Goldhaber-Fiebert, Sara N; Howard, Steven K

    2013-11-01

    In this article, we address whether emergency manuals are an effective means of helping anesthesiologists and perioperative teams apply known best practices for critical events. We review the relevant history of such cognitive aids in health care, as well as examples from other high stakes industries, and describe why emergency manuals have a role in improving patient care during certain events. We propose 4 vital elements: create, familiarize, use, and integrate, necessary for the widespread, successful development, and implementation of medical emergency manuals, using the specific example of the perioperative setting. The details of each element are presented, drawing from the medical literature as well as from our combined experience of more than 30 years of observing teams of anesthesiologists managing simulated and real critical events. We emphasize the importance of training clinicians in the use of emergency manuals for education on content, format, and location. Finally, we discuss cultural readiness for change, present a system example of successful integration, and highlight the importance of further research on the implementation of emergency manuals.

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

    Makowska, Małgorzata G., E-mail: malg@dtu.dk; European Spallation Source ESS AB, P.O. Box 176, SE-221 00 Lund; Theil Kuhn, Luise

    High material penetration by neutrons allows for experiments using sophisticated sample environments providing complex conditions. Thus, neutron imaging holds potential for performing in situ nondestructive measurements on large samples or even full technological systems, which are not possible with any other technique. This paper presents a new sample environment for in situ high resolution neutron imaging experiments at temperatures from room temperature up to 1100 °C and/or using controllable flow of reactive atmospheres. The design also offers the possibility to directly combine imaging with diffraction measurements. Design, special features, and specification of the furnace are described. In addition, examples of experimentsmore » successfully performed at various neutron facilities with the furnace, as well as examples of possible applications are presented. This covers a broad field of research from fundamental to technological investigations of various types of materials and components.« less

  9. Augmented reality on poster presentations, in the field and in the classroom

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hawemann, Friedrich; Kolawole, Folarin

    2017-04-01

    Augmented reality (AR) is the direct addition of virtual information through an interface to a real-world environment. In practice, through a mobile device such as a tablet or smartphone, information can be projected onto a target- for example, an image on a poster. Mobile devices are widely distributed today such that augmented reality is easily accessible to almost everyone. Numerous studies have shown that multi-dimensional visualization is essential for efficient perception of the spatial, temporal and geometrical configuration of geological structures and processes. Print media, such as posters and handouts lack the ability to display content in the third and fourth dimensions, which might be in space-domain as seen in three-dimensional (3-D) objects, or time-domain (four-dimensional, 4-D) expressible in the form of videos. Here, we show that augmented reality content can be complimentary to geoscience poster presentations, hands-on material and in the field. In the latter example, location based data is loaded and for example, a virtual geological profile can be draped over a real-world landscape. In object based AR, the application is trained to recognize an image or object through the camera of the user's mobile device, such that specific content is automatically downloaded and displayed on the screen of the device, and positioned relative to the trained image or object. We used ZapWorks, a commercially-available software application to create and present examples of content that is poster-based, in which important supplementary information is presented as interactive virtual images, videos and 3-D models. We suggest that the flexibility and real-time interactivity offered by AR makes it an invaluable tool for effective geoscience poster presentation, class-room and field geoscience learning.

  10. Necessary Conditions for Intraplate Seismic Zones in North America

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thomas, William A.; Powell, Christine A.

    2017-12-01

    The cause of intraplate seismic zones persists as an important scientific and societal question. Most intraplate earthquakes are concentrated in specific seismic zones along or adjacent to large-scale basement structures (e.g., rifts or sutures at ancient plate boundaries) within continental crust. The major intraplate seismic zones are limited to specific segments and are not distributed along the lengths of the ancient structures. We present a new hypothesis that major intraplate seismic zones are restricted to places where concentrated crustal deformation (CCD) is overprinted on large-scale basement structures. Examples where CCD affects the stability of specific parts of large-scale structures in response to present-day stress conditions include the most active seismic zones in central and eastern North America: Charlevoix, Eastern Tennessee, and New Madrid. Our hypothesis has important implications for the assessment of seismic hazards.

  11. Active Learning with Irrelevant Examples

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wagstaff, Kiri; Mazzoni, Dominic

    2009-01-01

    An improved active learning method has been devised for training data classifiers. One example of a data classifier is the algorithm used by the United States Postal Service since the 1960s to recognize scans of handwritten digits for processing zip codes. Active learning algorithms enable rapid training with minimal investment of time on the part of human experts to provide training examples consisting of correctly classified (labeled) input data. They function by identifying which examples would be most profitable for a human expert to label. The goal is to maximize classifier accuracy while minimizing the number of examples the expert must label. Although there are several well-established methods for active learning, they may not operate well when irrelevant examples are present in the data set. That is, they may select an item for labeling that the expert simply cannot assign to any of the valid classes. In the context of classifying handwritten digits, the irrelevant items may include stray marks, smudges, and mis-scans. Querying the expert about these items results in wasted time or erroneous labels, if the expert is forced to assign the item to one of the valid classes. In contrast, the new algorithm provides a specific mechanism for avoiding querying the irrelevant items. This algorithm has two components: an active learner (which could be a conventional active learning algorithm) and a relevance classifier. The combination of these components yields a method, denoted Relevance Bias, that enables the active learner to avoid querying irrelevant data so as to increase its learning rate and efficiency when irrelevant items are present. The algorithm collects irrelevant data in a set of rejected examples, then trains the relevance classifier to distinguish between labeled (relevant) training examples and the rejected ones. The active learner combines its ranking of the items with the probability that they are relevant to yield a final decision about which item to present to the expert for labeling. Experiments on several data sets have demonstrated that the Relevance Bias approach significantly decreases the number of irrelevant items queried and also accelerates learning speed.

  12. Structured output-feedback controller synthesis with design specifications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hao, Yuqing; Duan, Zhisheng

    2017-03-01

    This paper considers the problem of structured output-feedback controller synthesis with finite frequency specifications. Based on the orthogonal space information of input matrix, an improved parameter-dependent Lyapunov function method is first proposed. Then, a two-stage construction method is designed, which depends on an initial centralised controller. Corresponding design conditions for three types of output-feedback controllers are presented in terms of unified representations. Moreover, heuristic algorithms are provided to explore the desirable controllers. Finally, the effectiveness of these proposed methods is illustrated via some practical examples.

  13. Robust functional regression model for marginal mean and subject-specific inferences.

    PubMed

    Cao, Chunzheng; Shi, Jian Qing; Lee, Youngjo

    2017-01-01

    We introduce flexible robust functional regression models, using various heavy-tailed processes, including a Student t-process. We propose efficient algorithms in estimating parameters for the marginal mean inferences and in predicting conditional means as well as interpolation and extrapolation for the subject-specific inferences. We develop bootstrap prediction intervals (PIs) for conditional mean curves. Numerical studies show that the proposed model provides a robust approach against data contamination or distribution misspecification, and the proposed PIs maintain the nominal confidence levels. A real data application is presented as an illustrative example.

  14. Software for visualization, analysis, and manipulation of laser scan images

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Burnsides, Dennis B.

    1997-03-01

    The recent introduction of laser surface scanning to scientific applications presents a challenge to computer scientists and engineers. Full utilization of this two- dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) data requires advances in techniques and methods for data processing and visualization. This paper explores the development of software to support the visualization, analysis and manipulation of laser scan images. Specific examples presented are from on-going efforts at the Air Force Computerized Anthropometric Research and Design (CARD) Laboratory.

  15. Free turbulent shear flows. Volume 2: Summary of data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Birch, S. F.

    1973-01-01

    The proceedings of a conference on free turbulent shear flows are presented. Objectives of the conference are as follows: (1) collect and process data for a variety of free mixing problems, (2) assess present theoretical capability for predicting mean velocity, concentration, and temperature distributions in free turbulent flows, (3) identify and recommend experimental studies to advance knowledge of free shear flows, and (4) increase understanding of basic turbulent mixing process for application to free shear flows. Examples of specific cases of jet flow are included.

  16. Analytical redundancy management mechanization and flight data analysis for the F-8 digital fly-by-wire aircraft flight control sensors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Deckert, J. C.

    1983-01-01

    The details are presented of an onboard digital computer algorithm designed to reliably detect and isolate the first failure in a duplex set of flight control sensors aboard the NASA F-8 digital fly-by-wire aircraft. The algorithm's successful flight test program is summarized, and specific examples are presented of algorithm behavior in response to software-induced signal faults, both with and without aircraft parameter modeling errors.

  17. The entrepreneurial revolution in health care delivery.

    PubMed

    Silver, A D

    1987-06-01

    The rapid changes in the health marketplace have opened the door for entrepreneurs. The author shows how entrepreneurs seek previously unthought of solutions to problems and through a team effort increase corporate value. According to the author, there is a specific profile of the successful entrepreneur. The qualities of the entrepreneur and the managers that work with them, therefore, are discussed in detail. Finally, several examples of problems in health care that present entrepreneurial opportunities are presented. The author includes scenarios for taking advantage of these opportunities.

  18. Multiscale modeling of the human arterial tree on the TeraGrid.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Karniadakis, Gerorge

    2009-03-01

    A multiscale model of the human arterial tree will be presented consisting of the macrovascular network (MaN, arteries above 1-2 mm), the mesovascular network (MeN, arterioles above 10 micro-m) and the microvascular network (MiN, capillaries). Coupling conditions between the MaN-MeN-MiN will be discussed and three different methods in modeling each network will be presented. Specific examples will be shown for the intracranial arterial tree for healthy subjects but also for patients with hydrocephalus.

  19. Stellar Presentations (Abstract)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Young, D.

    2015-12-01

    (Abstract only) The AAVSO is in the process of expanding its education, outreach and speakers bureau program. powerpoint presentations prepared for specific target audiences such as AAVSO members, educators, students, the general public, and Science Olympiad teams, coaches, event supervisors, and state directors will be available online for members to use. The presentations range from specific and general content relating to stellar evolution and variable stars to specific activities for a workshop environment. A presentation—even with a general topic—that works for high school students will not work for educators, Science Olympiad teams, or the general public. Each audience is unique and requires a different approach. The current environment necessitates presentations that are captivating for a younger generation that is embedded in a highly visual and sound-bite world of social media, twitter and U-Tube, and mobile devices. For educators, presentations and workshops for themselves and their students must support the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), the Common Core Content Standards, and the Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiative. Current best practices for developing relevant and engaging powerpoint presentations to deliver information to a variety of targeted audiences will be presented along with several examples.

  20. Saying Good-by: An Example of Using a Good-by Technique and Concomitant Psychodrama in the Resolving of Family Grief.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kaminski, Robert C.

    A structured technique for saying "good-bye," or terminating a relationship, an important aspect of the therapeutic relationship, is presented. It consists of three distinct phases that are all dynamically interrelated, and can also be structured into separation caused by death. The technique is described in terms of three specific areas…

  1. Letters from the Future: The Use of Therapeutic Letter Writing in Counseling Sexual Abuse Survivors

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kress, Victoria E.; Hoffman, Rachel; Thomas, Amanda M.

    2008-01-01

    In the context of counseling sexual abuse survivors, the creative counseling technique of having clients write letters--to themselves or others--from a future context is described. A theoretical framework for writing letters to oneself from the future is presented. Specific types of letters from the future are explained, and case examples and…

  2. Deep Revision: A Guide for Teachers, Students, and Other Writers.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Willis, Meredith Sue

    Suggesting that all phases of writing, including revision, have a great deal in common across age groups and levels of accomplishment, this book presents 196 specific revision exercises, as well as numerous examples from students and from literature. The first part of the book looks at how the ability to revise develops, and at how people can use…

  3. The Meta-Aggregative Approach to Qualitative Evidence Synthesis: A Worked Example on Experiences of Pupils with Special Educational Needs in Inclusive Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hannes, Karin; Petry, Katja; Heyvaert, Mieke

    2018-01-01

    The present article focuses on the meta-aggregative approach to qualitative evidence synthesis. Originally developed in Australia by the Joanna Briggs Institute, it mirrors the review process for reviews of effectiveness outlined by the international Cochrane and Campbell Collaboration, while remaining sensitive to the specific characteristics of…

  4. Modal analysis applied to circular, rectangular, and coaxial waveguides

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hoppe, D. J.

    1988-01-01

    Recent developments in the analysis of various waveguide components and feedhorns using Modal Analysis (Mode Matching Method) are summarized. A brief description of the theory is presented, and the important features of the method are pointed out. Specific examples in circular, rectangular, and coaxial waveguides are included, with comparisons between the theory and experimental measurements. Extensions to the methods are described.

  5. Nanocomposites for electromagnetic radiation protection

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

    Petrunin, V. F., E-mail: VFPetrunin@mephi.ru

    Specific features that characterize nanoparticles and which are due to their small size and allow one to enhance the interaction between the electromagnetic radiation and nanostructured materials and to develop the effective protection of man and equipment against harmful uncontrolled radiation are reported. Examples of the development of nanocomposite radar absorbing materials that can be used for protection of man and equipment are presented.

  6. Making Grammar Explicit in the Classroom: An Illustration Using the Spanish Subjunctive.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kilroe, Patricia

    1988-01-01

    It is proposed that explicit explanations of grammar concepts in the first language can be useful in teaching the related structures in a second language. The example used is that of the subjunctive mood, taught first in English and then in Spanish. Specific procedures for presenting the concept in English are outlined, including a set of…

  7. Accelerated spike resampling for accurate multiple testing controls.

    PubMed

    Harrison, Matthew T

    2013-02-01

    Controlling for multiple hypothesis tests using standard spike resampling techniques often requires prohibitive amounts of computation. Importance sampling techniques can be used to accelerate the computation. The general theory is presented, along with specific examples for testing differences across conditions using permutation tests and for testing pairwise synchrony and precise lagged-correlation between many simultaneously recorded spike trains using interval jitter.

  8. Report of the Surgeon General's Workshop on Children with Handicaps and Their Families. Case Example: The Ventilator-Dependent Child.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA.

    The booklet presents papers from a December 1982 workshop on specific problems in caring for ventilator-dependent children (children with respiratory distress due to prematurity, low birth weight or developmental immaturity). Following excerpts from the keynote address by C. Everett Koop, the U.S. Surgeon General, model programs from Pennsylvania,…

  9. Nodular granulomatous phlebitis: a phlebitic tuberculid.

    PubMed

    McHugh, Angela; Siller, Gregory; Williamson, Richard; Faulkner, Catherine

    2008-11-01

    A 22-year-old woman presented with recurrent non-ulcerating skin nodules overlying the great saphenous vein on the anteromedial lower legs. Histology showed a granulomatous phlebitis, and polymerase chain reaction performed on lesional skin detected DNA specific for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The lesions resolved with anti-tuberculous therapy. This case may be a further example of nodular granulomatous phlebitis, a phlebitic tuberculid.

  10. Applications of aerospace technology in industry, a technology transfer profile: Lubrication

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kottenstette, J. P.; Freeman, J. E.; Heins, C. R.; Hildred, W. M.; Johnson, F. D.; Staskin, E. R.

    1971-01-01

    Technology transfer in the lubrication field is discussed in terms of the movement of NASA-generated lubrication technology into the private sector as affected by evolving industrial requirements. An overview of the field is presented, and NASA technical contributions to lubrication technology are described. Specific examples in which these technologies have been used in the private sector are summarized.

  11. Health Project Management. A Manual of Procedures for Formulating and Implementing Health Projects.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bainbridge, J.; Sapirie, S.

    The manual presents 16 main steps for health project management, from project formulation through termination. The manual defines a health project as a temporary intensive effort to set up and put into operation a new or revised service that will result in the reduction of specific health or health-related problems. (Typical examples include the…

  12. Using Videotape in a Multimedia Approach to Teaching Language Skills to Learning Disabled Adolescents.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brannan, Pamela J.

    Some general approaches to individualized tutorial instruction are described with specific examples of a multimedia model for learning used with one 13 year old learning disabled student deficient in language skills. The model is presented in the form of a wheel, with a topic, theme, concept, or content area at the hub; radiating out from the…

  13. Application of Allan Deviation to Assessing Uncertainties of Continuous-measurement Instruments, and Optimizing Calibration Schemes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jacobson, Gloria; Rella, Chris; Farinas, Alejandro

    2014-05-01

    Technological advancement of instrumentation in atmospheric and other geoscience disciplines over the past decade has lead to a shift from discrete sample analysis to continuous, in-situ monitoring. Standard error analysis used for discrete measurements is not sufficient to assess and compare the error contribution of noise and drift from continuous-measurement instruments, and a different statistical analysis approach should be applied. The Allan standard deviation analysis technique developed for atomic clock stability assessment by David W. Allan [1] can be effectively and gainfully applied to continuous measurement instruments. As an example, P. Werle et al has applied these techniques to look at signal averaging for atmospheric monitoring by Tunable Diode-Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) [2]. This presentation will build on, and translate prior foundational publications to provide contextual definitions and guidelines for the practical application of this analysis technique to continuous scientific measurements. The specific example of a Picarro G2401 Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy (CRDS) analyzer used for continuous, atmospheric monitoring of CO2, CH4 and CO will be used to define the basics features the Allan deviation, assess factors affecting the analysis, and explore the time-series to Allan deviation plot translation for different types of instrument noise (white noise, linear drift, and interpolated data). In addition, the useful application of using an Allan deviation to optimize and predict the performance of different calibration schemes will be presented. Even though this presentation will use the specific example of the Picarro G2401 CRDS Analyzer for atmospheric monitoring, the objective is to present the information such that it can be successfully applied to other instrument sets and disciplines. [1] D.W. Allan, "Statistics of Atomic Frequency Standards," Proc, IEEE, vol. 54, pp 221-230, Feb 1966 [2] P. Werle, R. Miicke, F. Slemr, "The Limits of Signal Averaging in Atmospheric Trace-Gas Monitoring by Tunable Diode-Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS)," Applied Physics, B57, pp 131-139, April 1993

  14. Good IR duals of bad quiver theories

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dey, Anindya; Koroteev, Peter

    2018-05-01

    The infrared dynamics of generic 3d N = 4 bad theories (as per the good-bad-ugly classification of Gaiotto and Witten) are poorly understood. Examples of such theories with a single unitary gauge group and fundamental flavors have been studied recently, and the low energy effective theory around some special point in the Coulomb branch was shown to have a description in terms of a good theory and a certain number of free hypermultiplets. A classification of possible infrared fixed points for bad theories by Bashkirov, based on unitarity constraints and superconformal symmetry, suggest a much richer set of possibilities for the IR behavior, although explicit examples were not known. In this note, we present a specific example of a bad quiver gauge theory which admits a good IR description on a sublocus of its Coulomb branch. The good description, in question, consists of two decoupled quiver gauge theories with no free hypermultiplets.

  15. A Microwave Thruster for Spacecraft Propulsion

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

    Chiravalle, Vincent P

    This presentation describes how a microwave thruster can be used for spacecraft propulsion. A microwave thruster is part of a larger class of electric propulsion devices that have higher specific impulse and lower thrust than conventional chemical rocket engines. Examples of electric propulsion devices are given in this presentation and it is shown how these devices have been used to accomplish two recent space missions. The microwave thruster is then described and it is explained how the thrust and specific impulse of the thruster can be measured. Calculations of the gas temperature and plasma properties in the microwave thruster aremore » discussed. In addition a potential mission for the microwave thruster involving the orbit raising of a space station is explored.« less

  16. ATCA/muTCA for Physics

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

    Jezynski, Tomasz; /DESY; Larsen, Raymond

    ATCA/{mu}TCA platforms are attractive because of the modern serial link architecture, high availability features and many packaging options. Less-demanding availability applications can be met economically by scaling back speed and redundancy. The ATCA specification was originally targeted for the Telecom industry but has gained recently a much wider user audience. The purpose of this paper is to report on present hardware and software R and D efforts where ATCA and {mu}TCA are planned, already being used or in development using selected examples for accelerator and detectors in the Physics community. It will present also the status of a proposal formore » physics extensions to ATCA/{mu}TCA specifications to promote inter-operability of laboratory and industry designs for physics.« less

  17. Regression away from the mean: Theory and examples.

    PubMed

    Schwarz, Wolf; Reike, Dennis

    2018-02-01

    Using a standard repeated measures model with arbitrary true score distribution and normal error variables, we present some fundamental closed-form results which explicitly indicate the conditions under which regression effects towards (RTM) and away from the mean are expected. Specifically, we show that for skewed and bimodal distributions many or even most cases will show a regression effect that is in expectation away from the mean, or that is not just towards but actually beyond the mean. We illustrate our results in quantitative detail with typical examples from experimental and biometric applications, which exhibit a clear regression away from the mean ('egression from the mean') signature. We aim not to repeal cautionary advice against potential RTM effects, but to present a balanced view of regression effects, based on a clear identification of the conditions governing the form that regression effects take in repeated measures designs. © 2017 The British Psychological Society.

  18. Sampling system and method

    DOEpatents

    Decker, David L.; Lyles, Brad F.; Purcell, Richard G.; Hershey, Ronald Lee

    2017-03-07

    In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for supporting a tubing bundle during installation or removal. The apparatus includes a clamp for securing the tubing bundle to an external wireline. In various examples, the clamp is external to the tubing bundle or integral with the tubing bundle. According to one method, a tubing bundle and wireline are deployed together and the tubing bundle periodically secured to the wireline using a clamp. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for coupling conduit segments together. A first pump obtains a sample and transmits it through a first conduit to a reservoir accessible by a second pump. The second pump further conducts the sample from the reservoir through a second conduit. In a specific example, one or more clamps are used to connect the first and/or second conduits to an external wireline.

  19. Game engines and immersive displays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chang, Benjamin; Destefano, Marc

    2014-02-01

    While virtual reality and digital games share many core technologies, the programming environments, toolkits, and workflows for developing games and VR environments are often distinct. VR toolkits designed for applications in visualization and simulation often have a different feature set or design philosophy than game engines, while popular game engines often lack support for VR hardware. Extending a game engine to support systems such as the CAVE gives developers a unified development environment and the ability to easily port projects, but involves challenges beyond just adding stereo 3D visuals. In this paper we outline the issues involved in adapting a game engine for use with an immersive display system including stereoscopy, tracking, and clustering, and present example implementation details using Unity3D. We discuss application development and workflow approaches including camera management, rendering synchronization, GUI design, and issues specific to Unity3D, and present examples of projects created for a multi-wall, clustered, stereoscopic display.

  20. Flexible sample environment for high resolution neutron imaging at high temperatures in controlled atmosphere

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

    Makowska, Małgorzata G.; Theil Kuhn, Luise; Cleemann, Lars N.

    In high material penetration by neutrons allows for experiments using sophisticated sample environments providing complex conditions. Thus, neutron imaging holds potential for performing in situ nondestructive measurements on large samples or even full technological systems, which are not possible with any other technique. Our paper presents a new sample environment for in situ high resolution neutron imaging experiments at temperatures from room temperature up to 1100 degrees C and/or using controllable flow of reactive atmospheres. The design also offers the possibility to directly combine imaging with diffraction measurements. Design, special features, and specification of the furnace are described. In addition,more » examples of experiments successfully performed at various neutron facilities with the furnace, as well as examples of possible applications are presented. Our work covers a broad field of research from fundamental to technological investigations of various types of materials and components.« less

  1. Flexible sample environment for high resolution neutron imaging at high temperatures in controlled atmosphere

    DOE PAGES

    Makowska, Małgorzata G.; Theil Kuhn, Luise; Cleemann, Lars N.; ...

    2015-12-17

    In high material penetration by neutrons allows for experiments using sophisticated sample environments providing complex conditions. Thus, neutron imaging holds potential for performing in situ nondestructive measurements on large samples or even full technological systems, which are not possible with any other technique. Our paper presents a new sample environment for in situ high resolution neutron imaging experiments at temperatures from room temperature up to 1100 degrees C and/or using controllable flow of reactive atmospheres. The design also offers the possibility to directly combine imaging with diffraction measurements. Design, special features, and specification of the furnace are described. In addition,more » examples of experiments successfully performed at various neutron facilities with the furnace, as well as examples of possible applications are presented. Our work covers a broad field of research from fundamental to technological investigations of various types of materials and components.« less

  2. Understanding Teamwork in the Provision of Cancer Care: Highlighting the Role of Trust.

    PubMed

    Lazzara, Elizabeth H; Keebler, Joseph R; Day, Soosi; DiazGranados, Deborah; Pan, Minggui; King, Michael A; Tu, Shin-Ping

    2016-11-01

    Team science research has indicated that trust is a critical variable of teamwork, contributing greatly to a team's performance. Trust has long been examined in health care with research focusing on the development of trust by patients with their health care practitioners. Studies have indicated that trust is linked to patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment, continuity of care, and improved outcomes. We explore the construct of trust using a case example of a patient who received a surgical procedure for a precancerous polyp. We apply the principle of trust to the case as well as present the literature on trust and key definitions for understanding trust. Additionally, we apply the definitions presented to the specific case example by highlighting moments where trust is developed or violated. Lastly, we offer insights to health care practitioners on the development of trust in their own patient interactions to improve care.

  3. Understanding Teamwork in the Provision of Cancer Care: Highlighting the Role of Trust

    PubMed Central

    Keebler, Joseph R.; Day, Soosi; DiazGranados, Deborah; Pan, Minggui; King, Michael A.; Tu, Shin-Ping

    2016-01-01

    Team science research has indicated that trust is a critical variable of teamwork, contributing greatly to a team’s performance. Trust has long been examined in health care with research focusing on the development of trust by patients with their health care practitioners. Studies have indicated that trust is linked to patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment, continuity of care, and improved outcomes. We explore the construct of trust using a case example of a patient who received a surgical procedure for a precancerous polyp. We apply the principle of trust to the case as well as present the literature on trust and key definitions for understanding trust. Additionally, we apply the definitions presented to the specific case example by highlighting moments where trust is developed or violated. Lastly, we offer insights to health care practitioners on the development of trust in their own patient interactions to improve care. PMID:27601505

  4. Automatic quality assessment of planetary images

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sidiropoulos, P.; Muller, J.-P.

    2015-10-01

    A significant fraction of planetary images are corrupted beyond the point that much scientific meaning can be extracted. For example, transmission errors result in missing data which is unrecoverable. The available planetary image datasets include many such "bad data", which both occupy valuable scientific storage resources and create false impressions about planetary image availability for specific planetary objects or target areas. In this work, we demonstrate a pipeline that we have developed to automatically assess the quality of planetary images. Additionally, this method discriminates between different types of image degradation, such as low-quality originating from camera flaws or low-quality triggered by atmospheric conditions, etc. Examples of quality assessment results for Viking Orbiter imagery will be also presented.

  5. The Gaia mission a rich resource for outreach activities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    O'Flaherty, K. S.; Douglas, J.; Prusti, T.

    2008-07-01

    Space science missions, and astronomy missions in particular, capture the public imagination at all levels. ESA's Gaia mission is no exception to this. In addition to its key scientific goal of providing new insight into the origin, formation, and evolution of the Milky Way, Gaia also touches on many other scientific topics of broad appeal, for example, solar system objects, stars (including rare and exotic ones), dark matter, gravitational light bending. The mission naturally provides a rich resource for outreach possibilities whether it be to the general public, or to specific interest groups, such as scientists from other fields or educators. We present some examples of possible outreach activities for Gaia.

  6. Role of CFD in propulsion design - Government perspective

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Schutzenhofer, L. A.; Mcconnaughey, H. V.; Mcconnaughey, P. K.

    1990-01-01

    Various aspects of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), as it relates to design applications in rocket propulsion activities from the government perspective, are discussed. Specific examples are given that demonstrate the application of CFD to support hardware development activities, such as Space Shuttle Main Engine flight issues, and the associated teaming strategy used for solving such problems. In addition, select examples that delineate the motivation, methods of approach, goals and key milestones for several space flight progams are cited. An approach is described toward applying CFD in the design environment from the government perspective. A discussion of benchmark validation, advanced technology hardware concepts, accomplishments, needs, future applications, and near-term expectations from the flight-center perspective is presented.

  7. Environmental endocrine disruption: an effects assessment and analysis.

    PubMed Central

    Crisp, T M; Clegg, E D; Cooper, R L; Wood, W P; Anderson, D G; Baetcke, K P; Hoffmann, J L; Morrow, M S; Rodier, D J; Schaeffer, J E; Touart, L W; Zeeman, M G; Patel, Y M

    1998-01-01

    This report is an overview of the current state of the science relative to environmental endocrine disruption in humans, laboratory testing, and wildlife species. Background information is presented on the field of endocrinology, the nature of hormones, and potential sites for endocrine disruption, with specific examples of chemicals affecting these sites. An attempt is made to present objectively the issue of endocrine disruption, consider working hypotheses, offer opposing viewpoints, analyze the available information, and provide a reasonable assessment of the problem. Emphasis is placed on disruption of central nervous system--pituitary integration of hormonal and sexual behavioral activity, female and male reproductive system development and function, and thyroid function. In addition, the potential role of environmental endocrine disruption in the induction of breast, testicular, and prostate cancers, as well as endometriosis, is evaluated. The interrelationship of the endocrine and immune system is documented. With respect to endocrine-related ecological effects, specific case examples from the peer-reviewed literature of marine invertebrates and representatives of the five classes of vertebrates are presented and discussed. The report identifies some data gaps in our understanding of the environmental endocrine disruption issue and recommends a few research needs. Finally, the report states the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Science Policy Council's interim position on endocrine disruption and lists some of the ongoing activities to deal with this matter. PMID:9539004

  8. Earthquake ground motion: Chapter 3

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Luco, Nicolas; Kircher, Charles A.; Crouse, C. B.; Charney, Finley; Haselton, Curt B.; Baker, Jack W.; Zimmerman, Reid; Hooper, John D.; McVitty, William; Taylor, Andy

    2016-01-01

    Most of the effort in seismic design of buildings and other structures is focused on structural design. This chapter addresses another key aspect of the design process—characterization of earthquake ground motion into parameters for use in design. Section 3.1 describes the basis of the earthquake ground motion maps in the Provisions and in ASCE 7 (the Standard). Section 3.2 has examples for the determination of ground motion parameters and spectra for use in design. Section 3.3 describes site-specific ground motion requirements and provides example site-specific design and MCER response spectra and example values of site-specific ground motion parameters. Section 3.4 discusses and provides an example for the selection and scaling of ground motion records for use in various types of response history analysis permitted in the Standard.

  9. System among the corticosteroids: specificity and molecular dynamics

    PubMed Central

    Brookes, Jennifer C.; Galigniana, Mario D.; Harker, Anthony H.; Stoneham, A. Marshall; Vinson, Gavin P.

    2012-01-01

    Understanding how structural features determine specific biological activities has often proved elusive. With over 161 000 steroid structures described, an algorithm able to predict activity from structural attributes would provide manifest benefits. Molecular simulations of a range of 35 corticosteroids show striking correlations between conformational mobility and biological specificity. Thus steroid ring A is important for glucocorticoid action, and is rigid in the most specific (and potent) examples, such as dexamethasone. By contrast, ring C conformation is important for the mineralocorticoids, and is rigid in aldosterone. Other steroids that are less specific, or have mixed functions, or none at all, are more flexible. One unexpected example is 11-deoxycorticosterone, which the methods predict (and our activity studies confirm) is not only a specific mineralocorticoid, but also has significant glucocorticoid activity. These methods may guide the design of new corticosteroid agonists and antagonists. They will also have application in other examples of ligand–receptor interactions. PMID:21613285

  10. Creating adaptive web recommendation system based on user behavior

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Walek, Bogdan

    2018-01-01

    The paper proposes adaptive web recommendation system based on user behavior. The proposed system uses expert system to evaluating and recommending suitable items of content. Relevant items are subsequently evaluated and filtered based on history of visited items and user´s preferred categories of items. Main parts of the proposed system are presented and described. The proposed recommendation system is verified on specific example.

  11. Cognitive Processing Hardware Elements

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2005-01-31

    characters. Results will be presented below. 1 4. Recognition of human faces. There are many other possible applications such as facial recognition and...For the experiments in facial recognition , we have used a 3-layer autoassociative neural network having the following specifications: "* The input...using the facial recognition system described in the section above as an example. This system uses an autoassociative neural network containing over 10

  12. Validating Culturally Relevant Treatment Interventions: What Are We Trying To Change? or Challenges to the Development of Culturally Relevant or Specific Empirically Validated Treatment.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Coleman, Hardin L. K.

    This paper presents an example of a patient treated in a school-based clinic. The counselor used traditional diagnostic perspectives to come up with a diagnosis that would be understood by the patient's Health Maintenance Organization. This diagnosis reflects traditional understanding of mental health and psychological treatment, which promotes…

  13. Effects of WOE Presentation Types Used in Pre-Training on the Cognitive Load and Comprehension of Content in Animation-Based Learning Environments

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jung, Jung,; Kim, Dongsik; Na, Chungsoo

    2016-01-01

    This study investigated the effectiveness of various types of worked-out examples used in pre-training to optimize the cognitive load and enhance learners' comprehension of the content in an animation-based learning environment. An animation-based learning environment was developed specifically for this study. The participants were divided into…

  14. Annotated Bibliography on Human Factors in Software Development

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1979-06-01

    Information Sciences, 1976, 5, 123-143. Shneiderman. B., Mayer, R., McKay, D., & Heller, P. Experimental investi- gations of the utility of flowcharts ...REPRESENTATIONS OF PROGRAMS, PRODUCTION SCHEDULIWG, AUTOMATIC FLOWCHARTING , -MAPFSR,- AND CERTIFICATION TECHNIQUES. EXAMPLES OF HOW THSSE AIOS AND METHODS CAN...PROCiSS ARE PRESENTED, AND THE ANALYSIS Of THREE SPECIFIC MODELS IS REVIEWED. (0)SP, 5R. . 65 FLOWCHARTING CHAPIN, N. FLOWCHARTING WITH THE ANSI

  15. An abstract specification language for Markov reliability models

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Butler, R. W.

    1985-01-01

    Markov models can be used to compute the reliability of virtually any fault tolerant system. However, the process of delineating all of the states and transitions in a model of complex system can be devastatingly tedious and error-prone. An approach to this problem is presented utilizing an abstract model definition language. This high level language is described in a nonformal manner and illustrated by example.

  16. Diversification of energy sources

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1975-01-01

    The concept of energy source diversification was introduced as a substitution conservation action. The current status and philosophy behind a diversification program is presented in the context of a national energy policy. Advantages, disadvantages (constraints), and methods of implementation for diversification are discussed. The energy source systems for diversification are listed and an example impact assessment is outlined which deals with the water requirements of the specific energy systems.

  17. Extension of rezoned Eulerian-Lagrangian method to astrophysical plasma applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Song, M. T.; Wu, S. T.; Dryer, Murray

    1993-01-01

    The rezoned Eulerian-Lagrangian procedure developed by Brackbill and Pracht (1973), which is limited to simple configurations of the magnetic fields, is modified in order to make it applicable to astrophysical plasma. For this purpose, two specific methods are introduced, which make it possible to determine the initial field topology for which no analytical expressions are available. Numerical examples illustrating these methods are presented.

  18. Think small - In large numbers. [microspacecraft missions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jones, Ross M.

    1989-01-01

    The development and use of microspacecraft are examined. It is proposed that 10-50 microspacecraft per year can be launched; up to 50 microspacecraft can be dispatched with traditional launchers; and 1-3 experiments can be performed on the spacecraft. Various applications for the microspacecraft are discussed and specific examples of proposed missions are presented. Some systems and instruments designed for the microspacecraft are described.

  19. Pharmacokinetic Modeling of JP-8 Jet Fuel Components: II. A Conceptual Framework

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2003-12-01

    example, a single type of (simple) binary interaction between 300 components would require the specification of some 105 interaction coefficients . One...individual substances, via binary mechanisms, is enough to predict the interactions present in the mixture. Secondly, complex mixtures can often be...approximated as pseudo- binary systems, consisting of the compound of interest plus a single interacting complex vehicle with well-defined, composite

  20. National Standards for World History: Exploring Paths to the Present. Grades 5-12, Expanded Edition. Including Examples of Student Achievement.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Crabtree, Charlotte; Nash, Gary B.

    Developed through a broad based national consensus building process, the National History Standards project has involved working toward agreement both on the larger purposes of history in the school curriculum and on the more specific history understandings and thinking processes that all students should have equal opportunity to acquire over 12…

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

    Piot, P.; Halavanau, A.

    This paper discusses the implementation of a python- based high-level interface to the Fermilab acnet control system. The interface has been successfully employed during the commissioning of the Fermilab Accelerator Science & Technology (FAST) facility. Specifically, we present examples of applications at FAST which include the interfacing of the elegant program to assist lattice matching, an automated emittance measurement via the quadrupole-scan method and tranverse transport matrix measurement of a superconducting RF cavity.

  2. Incorporating energy conservation techniques in the operation of existing LeRC R and D facilities. [energy policy/NASA programs

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Nieberding, W. C.

    1975-01-01

    A general discussion of various methods which can be used to reduce energy consumption is presented. A very brief description of Lewis Research Center facilities is given and the energy reduction methods are discussed relative to them. Some specific examples (ie; automated equipment and data systems) of the implementation of the energy reduction methods are included.

  3. Mutant mice: experimental organisms as materialised models in biomedicine.

    PubMed

    Huber, Lara; Keuck, Lara K

    2013-09-01

    Animal models have received particular attention as key examples of material models. In this paper, we argue that the specificities of establishing animal models-acknowledging their status as living beings and as epistemological tools-necessitate a more complex account of animal models as materialised models. This becomes particularly evident in animal-based models of diseases that only occur in humans: in these cases, the representational relation between animal model and human patient needs to be generated and validated. The first part of this paper presents an account of how disease-specific animal models are established by drawing on the example of transgenic mice models for Alzheimer's disease. We will introduce an account of validation that involves a three-fold process including (1) from human being to experimental organism; (2) from experimental organism to animal model; and (3) from animal model to human patient. This process draws upon clinical relevance as much as scientific practices and results in disease-specific, yet incomplete, animal models. The second part of this paper argues that the incompleteness of models can be described in terms of multi-level abstractions. We qualify this notion by pointing to different experimental techniques and targets of modelling, which give rise to a plurality of models for a specific disease. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. A Nexus Model of the Temporal-Parietal Junction

    PubMed Central

    Carter, R. McKell; Huettel, Scott A.

    2013-01-01

    The temporal-parietal junction (TPJ) has been proposed to support either specifically social functions or non-specific processes of cognition like memory and attention. To account for diverse prior findings, we propose a Nexus Model for TPJ function: overlap of basic processes produces novel secondary functions at their convergence. We present meta-analytic evidence that is consistent with the anatomical convergence of attention, memory, language, and social processing in the TPJ – leading to a higher-order role in the creation of a social context for behavior. The Nexus Model accounts for recent examples of TPJ contributions specifically to decision making in a social context, and it provides a potential reconciliation for competing claims about TPJ function. PMID:23790322

  5. Etiology and treatment of hematological neoplasms: stochastic mathematical models.

    PubMed

    Radivoyevitch, Tomas; Li, Huamin; Sachs, Rainer K

    2014-01-01

    Leukemias are driven by stemlike cancer cells (SLCC), whose initiation, growth, response to treatment, and posttreatment behavior are often "stochastic", i.e., differ substantially even among very similar patients for reasons not observable with present techniques. We review the probabilistic mathematical methods used to analyze stochastics and give two specific examples. The first example concerns a treatment protocol, e.g., for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), where intermittent cytotoxic drug dosing (e.g., once each weekday) is used with intent to cure. We argue mathematically that, if independent SLCC are growing stochastically during prolonged treatment, then, other things being equal, front-loading doses are more effective for tumor eradication than back loading. We also argue that the interacting SLCC dynamics during treatment is often best modeled by considering SLCC in microenvironmental niches, with SLCC-SLCC interactions occurring only among SLCC within the same niche, and we present a stochastic dynamics formalism, involving "Poissonization," applicable in such situations. Interactions at a distance due to partial control of total cell numbers are also considered. The second half of this chapter concerns chromosomal aberrations, lesions known to cause some leukemias. A specific example is the induction of a Philadelphia chromosome by ionizing radiation, subsequent development of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), CML treatment, and treatment outcome. This time evolution involves a coordinated sequence of > 10 steps, each stochastic in its own way, at the subatomic, molecular, macromolecular, cellular, tissue, and population scales, with corresponding time scales ranging from picoseconds to decades. We discuss models of these steps and progress in integrating models across scales.

  6. Towards the Establishment of Criteria for Discussing Music in Terms of Symmetry and Asymmetry (an Outline)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Csapó, Gyula

    Symmetry and asymmetry are universally present in music: our subject matter is vast, systematic applications abound. One cannot hope to do justice to this subject in an essay (only perhaps in a multi-volume book), let alone in a comprehensive manner that would include even the most important examples. The theoretical problems alone, concerning even the seemingly obvious cases, are considerable. Many of these arise from the complex, often interactive, simultaneous and temporal, i.e. multidimensional manner in which musical parameters1 behave. Thus, a rigorously systematic approach is necessary. This essay will attempt no more than to create scaffolding to facilitate future access to this subject. The bibliographical source references following the article will guide the readers to the editions of the musical examples. The terms symmetry and asymmetry (S/A for a while from here on) will be used to describe ephemeral and transitory, definitive, referential and background phenomena alike; and everything in-between. Further, S and A will be treated as a matter of degree, not as absolutes. In many instances, S/A will be thought of metaphorically or symbolically. With this caveat, many of the theoretical problems will no longer appear insurmountable. As stated before, examples of (systematic, conscious uses of) S and A in Western Art Music are universally present, all the way from Gregorian Chant to the music of Ockeghem; all the way from J.S. Bach through the Classical and Romantic eras to the increasingly conscious and mathematically ambitious applications from the Twentieth and Twenty-first Centuries (e.g. in the music of Bartók, Stravinsky, Schönberg, Webern, Boulez, Stockhausen or Xenakis). Therefore, I attempt to treat the subject by outlining the different models of how the question maybe thought of in musical terms. Specific examples will be provided to each section after the article. Although I consider these examples instructive, they by no means represent more than an arbitrary assortment of possible cases - and this fact alone is not without a pleasurable harvest of peculiar and specific conclusions in the end.

  7. Causal tapestries for psychology and physics.

    PubMed

    Sulis, William H

    2012-04-01

    Archetypal dynamics is a formal approach to the modeling of information flow in complex systems used to study emergence. It is grounded in the Fundamental Triad of realisation (system), interpretation (archetype) and representation (formal model). Tapestries play a fundamental role in the framework of archetypal dynamics as a formal representational system. They represent information flow by means of multi layered, recursive, interlinked graphical structures that express both geometry (form or sign) and logic (semantics). This paper presents a detailed mathematical description of a specific tapestry model, the causal tapestry, selected for use in describing behaving systems such as appear in psychology and physics from the standpoint of Process Theory. Causal tapestries express an explicit Lorentz invariant transient now generated by means of a reality game. Observables are represented by tapestry informons while subjective or hidden components (for example intellectual and emotional processes) are incorporated into the reality game that determines the tapestry dynamics. As a specific example, we formulate a random graphical dynamical system using causal tapestries.

  8. Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance

    PubMed Central

    Munita, Jose M.; Arias, Cesar A.

    2015-01-01

    Emergence of resistance among the most important bacterial pathogens is recognized as a major public health threat affecting humans worldwide. Multidrug-resistant organisms have emerged not only in the hospital environment but are now often identified in community settings, suggesting that reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria are present outside the hospital. The bacterial response to the antibiotic “attack” is the prime example of bacterial adaptation and the pinnacle of evolution. “Survival of the fittest” is a consequence of an immense genetic plasticity of bacterial pathogens that trigger specific responses that result in mutational adaptations, acquisition of genetic material or alteration of gene expression producing resistance to virtually all antibiotics currently available in clinical practice. Therefore, understanding the biochemical and genetic basis of resistance is of paramount importance to design strategies to curtail the emergence and spread of resistance and devise innovative therapeutic approaches against multidrug-resistant organisms. In this chapter, we will describe in detail the major mechanisms of antibiotic resistance encountered in clinical practice providing specific examples in relevant bacterial pathogens. PMID:27227291

  9. Extending the durability of cultivar resistance by limiting epidemic growth rates.

    PubMed

    Carolan, Kevin; Helps, Joe; van den Berg, Femke; Bain, Ruairidh; Paveley, Neil; van den Bosch, Frank

    2017-09-27

    Cultivar resistance is an essential part of disease control programmes in many agricultural systems. The use of resistant cultivars applies a selection pressure on pathogen populations for the evolution of virulence, resulting in loss of disease control. Various techniques for the deployment of host resistance genes have been proposed to reduce the selection for virulence, but these are often difficult to apply in practice. We present a general technique to maintain the effectiveness of cultivar resistance. Derived from classical population genetics theory; any factor that reduces the population growth rates of both the virulent and avirulent strains will reduce selection. We model the specific example of fungicide application to reduce the growth rates of virulent and avirulent strains of a pathogen, demonstrating that appropriate use of fungicides reduces selection for virulence, prolonging cultivar resistance. This specific example of chemical control illustrates a general principle for the development of techniques to manage the evolution of virulence by slowing epidemic growth rates. © 2017 The Author(s).

  10. Application of parameter estimation to aircraft stability and control: The output-error approach

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Maine, Richard E.; Iliff, Kenneth W.

    1986-01-01

    The practical application of parameter estimation methodology to the problem of estimating aircraft stability and control derivatives from flight test data is examined. The primary purpose of the document is to present a comprehensive and unified picture of the entire parameter estimation process and its integration into a flight test program. The document concentrates on the output-error method to provide a focus for detailed examination and to allow us to give specific examples of situations that have arisen. The document first derives the aircraft equations of motion in a form suitable for application to estimation of stability and control derivatives. It then discusses the issues that arise in adapting the equations to the limitations of analysis programs, using a specific program for an example. The roles and issues relating to mass distribution data, preflight predictions, maneuver design, flight scheduling, instrumentation sensors, data acquisition systems, and data processing are then addressed. Finally, the document discusses evaluation and the use of the analysis results.

  11. Generic Airplane Model Concept and Four Specific Models Developed for Use in Piloted Simulation Studies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hoffler, Keith D.; Fears, Scott P.; Carzoo, Susan W.

    1997-01-01

    A generic airplane model concept was developed to allow configurations with various agility, performance, handling qualities, and pilot vehicle interface to be generated rapidly for piloted simulation studies. The simple concept allows stick shaping and various stick command types or modes to drive an airplane with both linear and nonlinear components. Output from the stick shaping goes to linear models or a series of linear models that can represent an entire flight envelope. The generic model also has provisions for control power limitations, a nonlinear feature. Therefore, departures from controlled flight are possible. Note that only loss of control is modeled, the generic airplane does not accurately model post departure phenomenon. The model concept is presented herein, along with four example airplanes. Agility was varied across the four example airplanes without altering specific excess energy or significantly altering handling qualities. A new feedback scheme to provide angle-of-attack cueing to the pilot, while using a pitch rate command system, was implemented and tested.

  12. MicroRNAs show a wide diversity of expression profiles in the developing and mature central nervous system

    PubMed Central

    Kapsimali, Marika; Kloosterman, Wigard P; de Bruijn, Ewart; Rosa, Frederic; Plasterk, Ronald HA; Wilson, Stephen W

    2007-01-01

    Background MicroRNA (miRNA) encoding genes are abundant in vertebrate genomes but very few have been studied in any detail. Bioinformatic tools allow prediction of miRNA targets and this information coupled with knowledge of miRNA expression profiles facilitates formulation of hypotheses of miRNA function. Although the central nervous system (CNS) is a prominent site of miRNA expression, virtually nothing is known about the spatial and temporal expression profiles of miRNAs in the brain. To provide an overview of the breadth of miRNA expression in the CNS, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the neuroanatomical expression profiles of 38 abundant conserved miRNAs in developing and adult zebrafish brain. Results Our results show miRNAs have a wide variety of different expression profiles in neural cells, including: expression in neuronal precursors and stem cells (for example, miR-92b); expression associated with transition from proliferation to differentiation (for example, miR-124); constitutive expression in mature neurons (miR-124 again); expression in both proliferative cells and their differentiated progeny (for example, miR-9); regionally restricted expression (for example, miR-222 in telencephalon); and cell-type specific expression (for example, miR-218a in motor neurons). Conclusion The data we present facilitate prediction of likely modes of miRNA function in the CNS and many miRNA expression profiles are consistent with the mutual exclusion mode of function in which there is spatial or temporal exclusion of miRNAs and their targets. However, some miRNAs, such as those with cell-type specific expression, are more likely to be co-expressed with their targets. Our data provide an important resource for future functional studies of miRNAs in the CNS. PMID:17711588

  13. Metal Matrix Composite Materials for Aerospace Applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bhat, Biliyar N.; Jones, C. S. (Technical Monitor)

    2001-01-01

    Metal matrix composites (MMC) are attractive materials for aerospace applications because of their high specific strength, high specific stiffness, and lower thermal expansion coefficient. They are affordable since complex parts can be produced by low cost casting process. As a result there are many commercial and Department of Defense applications of MMCs today. This seminar will give an overview of MMCs and their state-of-the-art technology assessment. Topics to be covered are types of MMCs, fabrication methods, product forms, applications, and material selection issues for design and manufacture. Some examples of current and future aerospace applications will also be presented and discussed.

  14. Conservation of the Human Integrin-Type Beta-Propeller Domain in Bacteria

    PubMed Central

    Chouhan, Bhanupratap; Denesyuk, Alexander; Heino, Jyrki; Johnson, Mark S.; Denessiouk, Konstantin

    2011-01-01

    Integrins are heterodimeric cell-surface receptors with key functions in cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion. Integrin α and β subunits are present throughout the metazoans, but it is unclear whether the subunits predate the origin of multicellular organisms. Several component domains have been detected in bacteria, one of which, a specific 7-bladed β-propeller domain, is a unique feature of the integrin α subunits. Here, we describe a structure-derived motif, which incorporates key features of each blade from the X-ray structures of human αIIbβ3 and αVβ3, includes elements of the FG-GAP/Cage and Ca2+-binding motifs, and is specific only for the metazoan integrin domains. Separately, we searched for the metazoan integrin type β-propeller domains among all available sequences from bacteria and unicellular eukaryotic organisms, which must incorporate seven repeats, corresponding to the seven blades of the β-propeller domain, and so that the newly found structure-derived motif would exist in every repeat. As the result, among 47 available genomes of unicellular eukaryotes we could not find a single instance of seven repeats with the motif. Several sequences contained three repeats, a predicted transmembrane segment, and a short cytoplasmic motif associated with some integrins, but otherwise differ from the metazoan integrin α subunits. Among the available bacterial sequences, we found five examples containing seven sequential metazoan integrin-specific motifs within the seven repeats. The motifs differ in having one Ca2+-binding site per repeat, whereas metazoan integrins have three or four sites. The bacterial sequences are more conserved in terms of motif conservation and loop length, suggesting that the structure is more regular and compact than those example structures from human integrins. Although the bacterial examples are not full-length integrins, the full-length metazoan-type 7-bladed β-propeller domains are present, and sometimes two tandem copies are found. PMID:22022374

  15. Ecosystem change and human health: implementation economics and policy

    PubMed Central

    Kramer, R. A.; Vincent, J. R.

    2017-01-01

    Several recent initiatives such as Planetary Health, EcoHealth and One Health claim that human health depends on flourishing natural ecosystems. However, little has been said about the operational and implementation challenges of health-oriented conservation actions on the ground. We contend that ecological–epidemiological research must be complemented by a form of implementation science that examines: (i) the links between specific conservation actions and the resulting ecological changes, and (ii) how this ecological change impacts human health and well-being, when human behaviours are considered. Drawing on the policy evaluation tradition in public economics, first, we present three examples of recent social science research on conservation interventions that affect human health. These examples are from low- and middle-income countries in the tropics and subtropics. Second, drawing on these examples, we present three propositions related to impact evaluation and non-market valuation that can help guide future multidisciplinary research on conservation and human health. Research guided by these propositions will allow stakeholders to determine how ecosystem-mediated strategies for health promotion compare with more conventional biomedical prevention and treatment strategies for safeguarding health. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Conservation, biodiversity and infectious disease: scientific evidence and policy implications’. PMID:28438919

  16. Presentation of 3D Scenes Through Video Example.

    PubMed

    Baldacci, Andrea; Ganovelli, Fabio; Corsini, Massimiliano; Scopigno, Roberto

    2017-09-01

    Using synthetic videos to present a 3D scene is a common requirement for architects, designers, engineers or Cultural Heritage professionals however it is usually time consuming and, in order to obtain high quality results, the support of a film maker/computer animation expert is necessary. We introduce an alternative approach that takes the 3D scene of interest and an example video as input, and automatically produces a video of the input scene that resembles the given video example. In other words, our algorithm allows the user to "replicate" an existing video, on a different 3D scene. We build on the intuition that a video sequence of a static environment is strongly characterized by its optical flow, or, in other words, that two videos are similar if their optical flows are similar. We therefore recast the problem as producing a video of the input scene whose optical flow is similar to the optical flow of the input video. Our intuition is supported by a user-study specifically designed to verify this statement. We have successfully tested our approach on several scenes and input videos, some of which are reported in the accompanying material of this paper.

  17. Ecosystem change and human health: implementation economics and policy.

    PubMed

    Pattanayak, S K; Kramer, R A; Vincent, J R

    2017-06-05

    Several recent initiatives such as Planetary Health , EcoHealth and One Health claim that human health depends on flourishing natural ecosystems. However, little has been said about the operational and implementation challenges of health-oriented conservation actions on the ground. We contend that ecological-epidemiological research must be complemented by a form of implementation science that examines: (i) the links between specific conservation actions and the resulting ecological changes, and (ii) how this ecological change impacts human health and well-being, when human behaviours are considered. Drawing on the policy evaluation tradition in public economics, first, we present three examples of recent social science research on conservation interventions that affect human health. These examples are from low- and middle-income countries in the tropics and subtropics. Second, drawing on these examples, we present three propositions related to impact evaluation and non-market valuation that can help guide future multidisciplinary research on conservation and human health. Research guided by these propositions will allow stakeholders to determine how ecosystem-mediated strategies for health promotion compare with more conventional biomedical prevention and treatment strategies for safeguarding health.This article is part of the themed issue 'Conservation, biodiversity and infectious disease: scientific evidence and policy implications'. © 2017 The Authors.

  18. The Contribution of Particle Swarm Optimization to Three-Dimensional Slope Stability Analysis

    PubMed Central

    A Rashid, Ahmad Safuan; Ali, Nazri

    2014-01-01

    Over the last few years, particle swarm optimization (PSO) has been extensively applied in various geotechnical engineering including slope stability analysis. However, this contribution was limited to two-dimensional (2D) slope stability analysis. This paper applied PSO in three-dimensional (3D) slope stability problem to determine the critical slip surface (CSS) of soil slopes. A detailed description of adopted PSO was presented to provide a good basis for more contribution of this technique to the field of 3D slope stability problems. A general rotating ellipsoid shape was introduced as the specific particle for 3D slope stability analysis. A detailed sensitivity analysis was designed and performed to find the optimum values of parameters of PSO. Example problems were used to evaluate the applicability of PSO in determining the CSS of 3D slopes. The first example presented a comparison between the results of PSO and PLAXI-3D finite element software and the second example compared the ability of PSO to determine the CSS of 3D slopes with other optimization methods from the literature. The results demonstrated the efficiency and effectiveness of PSO in determining the CSS of 3D soil slopes. PMID:24991652

  19. The contribution of particle swarm optimization to three-dimensional slope stability analysis.

    PubMed

    Kalatehjari, Roohollah; Rashid, Ahmad Safuan A; Ali, Nazri; Hajihassani, Mohsen

    2014-01-01

    Over the last few years, particle swarm optimization (PSO) has been extensively applied in various geotechnical engineering including slope stability analysis. However, this contribution was limited to two-dimensional (2D) slope stability analysis. This paper applied PSO in three-dimensional (3D) slope stability problem to determine the critical slip surface (CSS) of soil slopes. A detailed description of adopted PSO was presented to provide a good basis for more contribution of this technique to the field of 3D slope stability problems. A general rotating ellipsoid shape was introduced as the specific particle for 3D slope stability analysis. A detailed sensitivity analysis was designed and performed to find the optimum values of parameters of PSO. Example problems were used to evaluate the applicability of PSO in determining the CSS of 3D slopes. The first example presented a comparison between the results of PSO and PLAXI-3D finite element software and the second example compared the ability of PSO to determine the CSS of 3D slopes with other optimization methods from the literature. The results demonstrated the efficiency and effectiveness of PSO in determining the CSS of 3D soil slopes.

  20. Fiber optic sensors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hesse, J.; Sohler, W.

    1984-01-01

    A survey of the developments in the field of fiber optics sensor technology is presented along with a discussion of the advantages of optical measuring instruments as compared with electronic sensors. The two primary types of fiber optics sensors, specifically those with multiwave fibers and those with monowave fibers, are described. Examples of each major sensor type are presented and discussed. Multiwave detectors include external and internal fiber optics sensors. Among the monowave detectors are Mach-Zender interferometers, Michelson interferometers, Sagnac interferometers (optical gyroscopes), waveguide resonators, and polarimeter sensors. Integrated optical sensors and their application in spectroscopy are briefly discussed.

  1. The NASA Scientific and Technical Information Program: Exploring challenges, creating opportunities

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sepic, Ronald P.

    1993-01-01

    The NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI) Program offers researchers access to the world's largest collection of aerospace information. An overview of Program activities, products and services, and new directions is presented. The R&D information cycle is outlined and specific examples of the NASA STI Program in practice are given. Domestic and international operations and technology transfer activities are reviewed and an agenda for the STI Program NASA-wide is presented. Finally, the incorporation of Total Quality Management and evaluation metrics into the STI Program is discussed.

  2. The importance of time cost in pricing outpatient care.

    PubMed

    Heshmat, S

    1988-01-01

    The purpose of this article is to discuss the component of the full price charged to patients using outpatient care. The full price of a visit to a physician is equal to out-of-pocket payment (money price), and time costs. In particular, the article discusses the concept of time price (marginal value of time for a patient), and presents a specific example to illustrate the concept of time price elasticity. The concepts and information presented in this article can help marketing managers in setting pricing strategy that would explicitly consider time price.

  3. Control design for future agile fighters

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Murphy, Patrick C.; Davidson, John B.

    1991-01-01

    The CRAFT control design methodology is presented. CRAFT stands for the design objectives addressed, namely, Control power, Robustness, Agility, and Flying Qualities Tradeoffs. The approach combines eigenspace assignment, which allows for direct specification of eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and a graphical approach for representing control design metrics that captures numerous design goals in one composite illustration. The methodology makes use of control design metrics from four design objective areas, namely, control power, robustness, agility, and flying qualities. An example of the CRAFT methodology as well as associated design issues are presented.

  4. The role of external evidence in data monitoring of a clinical trial.

    PubMed

    Pocock, S J

    1996-06-30

    Data monitoring of interim results from a randomized clinical trial should take into consideration evidence from other trials. This article presents both scientific and practical issues regarding the pros and cons of formally incorporating such external evidence into the decision making process for the current trial. Guidelines on how to use other trials' data are presented, along with cautiously sceptical comments on the impracticality of using formal meta-analyses in data monitoring. The arguments are illustrated by recent examples from specific trials, and the article concludes with some general recommendations.

  5. 13 CFR 121.1007 - Must a protest of size status relate to a particular procurement and be specific?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... contracts in excess of $5 million last year is sufficiently specific. [61 FR 3286, Jan. 31, 1996, as amended... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Must a protest of size status... following are examples of allegation specificity: Example 1: An allegation that concern X is large because...

  6. 13 CFR 121.1007 - Must a protest of size status relate to a particular procurement and be specific?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... contracts in excess of $5 million last year is sufficiently specific. [61 FR 3286, Jan. 31, 1996, as amended... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Must a protest of size status... following are examples of allegation specificity: Example 1: An allegation that concern X is large because...

  7. 13 CFR 121.1007 - Must a protest of size status relate to a particular procurement and be specific?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... contracts in excess of $5 million last year is sufficiently specific. [61 FR 3286, Jan. 31, 1996, as amended... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Must a protest of size status... following are examples of allegation specificity: Example 1: An allegation that concern X is large because...

  8. 13 CFR 121.1007 - Must a protest of size status relate to a particular procurement and be specific?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... contracts in excess of $5 million last year is sufficiently specific. [61 FR 3286, Jan. 31, 1996, as amended... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Must a protest of size status... following are examples of allegation specificity: Example 1: An allegation that concern X is large because...

  9. 13 CFR 121.1007 - Must a protest of size status relate to a particular procurement and be specific?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... contracts in excess of $5 million last year is sufficiently specific. [61 FR 3286, Jan. 31, 1996, as amended... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Must a protest of size status... following are examples of allegation specificity: Example 1: An allegation that concern X is large because...

  10. How Cyanobacterial Distributions Reveal Flow and Irradiance Conditions of Photosynthetic Biofilm Formation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Prufert-Bebout, Lee; DeVincenzi, Donald L. (Technical Monitor)

    2001-01-01

    Microbial life on Earth is enormously abundant at sediment-water interfaces. The fossil record in fact contains abundant evidence of the preservation of life on such surfaces. It is therefore critical to our interpretation of early Earth history, and potentially to history of life on other planets, to be able to recognize life forms at these interfaces. On Earth this life often occurs as organized structures of microbes and their extracellular exudates known as biofilms. When such biofilms occur in areas receiving sunlight photosynthetic biofilms are the dominant form in natural ecosystems due to selective advantage inherent in their ability to utilize solar energy. Cyanobacteria are the dominant phototrophic microbes in most modern and ancient photosynthetic biofilms, microbial mats and stromatolites. Due to their long (3.5 billion year) evolutionary history, this group has extensively diversified resulting in an enormous array of morphologies and physiological abilities. This enormous diversity and specialization results in very specific selection for a particular cyanobacterium in each available photosynthetic niche. Furthermore these organisms can alter their spatial orientation, cell morphology, pigmentation and associations with heterotrophic organisms in order to fine tune their optimization to a given micro-niche. These adaptations can be detected, and if adequate knowledge of the interaction between environmental conditions and organism response is available, the detectable organism response can be used to infer the environmental conditions causing that response. This presentation will detail two specific examples which illustrate this point, Light and water are essential to photosynthesis in cyanobacteria and these organisms have specific detectable behavioural responses to these parameters. We will present cyanobacterial responses to quantified flow and irradiance to demonstrate the interpretative power of distribution and orientation information. This study presents new results, but many such examples are already found in the literature.

  11. The Emergent Universe scheme and tunneling

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

    Labraña, Pedro

    We present an alternative scheme for an Emergent Universe scenario, developed previously in Phys. Rev. D 86, 083524 (2012), where the universe is initially in a static state supported by a scalar field located in a false vacuum. The universe begins to evolve when, by quantum tunneling, the scalar field decays into a state of true vacuum. The Emergent Universe models are interesting since they provide specific examples of non-singular inflationary universes.

  12. Concept Formation in Environmental Education: 14-Year Olds' Work on the Intensified Greenhouse Effect and the Depletion of the Ozone Layer. Research Report

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Osterlind, Karolina

    2005-01-01

    A case study is presented describing the work of three pupils in the upper level of compulsory school. The pupils were learning about the intensified greenhouse effect and the depletion of the ozone layer. In their work, the need for certain domain-specific knowledge becomes apparent; for example, understanding such concepts as photosynthesis,…

  13. Non-Gaussian and Multivariate Noise Models for Signal Detection.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-09-01

    follow, some of the basic results of asymptotic "theory are presented. both to make the notation clear. and to give some i ~ background for the...densities are considered within a detection framework. The discussions include specific examples and also some general methods of density generation ...densities generated by a memoryless, nonlinear transformation of a correlated, Gaussian source is discussed in some detail. A member of this class has the

  14. Efficient Adaptive FIR and IIR Filters.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1979-12-01

    Squared) algorithm. -An analysis of the simplified gradient approach is presented and confirmed experimentally for the specific example of an adaptive line...APPENDIX A - SIMULATION 130 A.1 - THE SIMULATION METHOD 130 A.2 - FIR SIMULATION PRO)GRAM 133 A.3 - IIR SIMULATION PROGRAM 136 APPENDIX B - RANDOM...surface. The generation of the reference signal is a key consi- deration in adaptive filter implementation. There are various practical methods as

  15. Rural Schools Prototype Analysis. Volume II: Methodology. An Example Process of Identifying Determinants, Selecting Options, & Developing Schematic Designs.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Construction Systems Management, Inc., Anchorage, AK.

    Volume II of a 3-volume report demonstrates the use of Design Determinants and Options (presented in Volume I) in the planning and design of small rural Alaskan secondary schools. Section I, a checklist for gathering site-specific information to be used as a data base for facility design, is organized in the same format as Volume I, which can be…

  16. Anomaly-free cosmological perturbations in effective canonical quantum gravity

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

    Barrau, Aurelien; Bojowald, Martin; Kagan, Mikhail

    2015-05-01

    This article lays out a complete framework for an effective theory of cosmological perturbations with corrections from canonical quantum gravity. Since several examples exist for quantum-gravity effects that change the structure of space-time, the classical perturbative treatment must be rethought carefully. The present discussion provides a unified picture of several previous works, together with new treatments of higher-order perturbations and the specification of initial states.

  17. Development of Standards in Vocational Education and Training: Specification, Experience, Examples, July 1999 (Reprinted with Updates 2000). Manual. Volume 2. Qualifications and Training Methods.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Laur-Ernst, Ute; Kunzmann, Margaret; Hoene, Bernd

    An extension of the 1999 Manual, "Development of Standards in Vocational Education and Training," this second volume presents the key terms and attitudes, reports on experience and knowledge in standards development collected in recent years on the basis of questions raised during the process, and suggests how to deal with the problems…

  18. The woman physician as antidote to the ills of modern medicine.

    PubMed

    Gardner, Sr Elinor

    2017-11-01

    This article, drawing on the work of Edith Stein, reflects on the feminine aspects of the medical profession, specifically attention to the whole person and personal accompaniment. It presents these feminine aspects, in light of the mechanistic, highly specialized, and often impersonal ethos of modern medicine, as a needed corrective to such an ethos. Finally, this thesis is illustrated with an example from physician Victoria Sweet.

  19. Increasing productivity of the McAuto CAD/CAE system by user-specific applications programming

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Plotrowski, S. M.; Vu, T. H.

    1985-01-01

    Significant improvements in the productivity of the McAuto Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Engineering (CAD/CAE) system were achieved by applications programming using the system's own Graphics Interactive Programming language (GRIP) and the interface capabilities with the main computer on which the system resides. The GRIP programs for creating springs, bar charts, finite element model representations and aiding management planning are presented as examples.

  20. REFRACTORY DIE FOR EXTRUDING URANIUM

    DOEpatents

    Creutz, E.C.

    1959-08-11

    A die is presented for the extrusion of metals, said die being formed of a refractory complex oxide having the composition M/sub n/O/sub m/R/sub x/O/sub y/ where M is magnesium, zinc, manganese, or iron, R is aluminum, chromic chromium, ferric iron, or manganic manganese, and m, n, x, and y are whole numbers. Specific examples are spinel, magnesium aluminate, magnetite, magnesioferrite, chromite, and franklinite.

  1. Raw diffraction data preservation and reuse: Overview, update on practicalities and metadata requirements

    DOE PAGES

    Kroon-Batenburg, Loes M. J.; Helliwell, John R.; McMahon, Brian; ...

    2017-01-01

    A topical review is presented of the rapidly developing interest in and storage options for the preservation and reuse of raw data within the scientific domain of the IUCr and its Commissions, each of which operates within a great diversity of instrumentation. A résumé is included of the case for raw diffraction data deposition. An overall context is set by highlighting the initiatives of science policy makers towards an `Open Science' model within which crystallographers will increasingly work in the future; this will bring new funding opportunities but also new codes of procedure within open science frameworks. Skills education andmore » training for crystallographers will need to be expanded. Overall, there are now the means and the organization for the preservation of raw crystallographic diffraction dataviadifferent types of archive, such as at universities, discipline-specific repositories (Integrated Resource for Reproducibility in Macromolecular Crystallography, Structural Biology Data Grid), general public data repositories (Zenodo, ResearchGate) and centralized neutron and X-ray facilities. Formulation of improved metadata descriptors for the raw data types of each of the IUCr Commissions is in progress; some detailed examples are provided. Lastly, a number of specific case studies are presented, including an example research thread that provides complete open access to raw data.« less

  2. Raw diffraction data preservation and reuse: overview, update on practicalities and metadata requirements

    PubMed Central

    Kroon-Batenburg, Loes M. J.

    2017-01-01

    A topical review is presented of the rapidly developing interest in and storage options for the preservation and reuse of raw data within the scientific domain of the IUCr and its Commissions, each of which operates within a great diversity of instrumentation. A résumé is included of the case for raw diffraction data deposition. An overall context is set by highlighting the initiatives of science policy makers towards an ‘Open Science’ model within which crystallographers will increasingly work in the future; this will bring new funding opportunities but also new codes of procedure within open science frameworks. Skills education and training for crystallographers will need to be expanded. Overall, there are now the means and the organization for the preservation of raw crystallographic diffraction data via different types of archive, such as at universities, discipline-specific repositories (Integrated Resource for Reproducibility in Macromol­ecular Crystallography, Structural Biology Data Grid), general public data repositories (Zenodo, ResearchGate) and centralized neutron and X-ray facilities. Formulation of improved metadata descriptors for the raw data types of each of the IUCr Commissions is in progress; some detailed examples are provided. A number of specific case studies are presented, including an example research thread that provides complete open access to raw data. PMID:28250944

  3. Raw diffraction data preservation and reuse: Overview, update on practicalities and metadata requirements

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

    Kroon-Batenburg, Loes M. J.; Helliwell, John R.; McMahon, Brian

    A topical review is presented of the rapidly developing interest in and storage options for the preservation and reuse of raw data within the scientific domain of the IUCr and its Commissions, each of which operates within a great diversity of instrumentation. A résumé is included of the case for raw diffraction data deposition. An overall context is set by highlighting the initiatives of science policy makers towards an `Open Science' model within which crystallographers will increasingly work in the future; this will bring new funding opportunities but also new codes of procedure within open science frameworks. Skills education andmore » training for crystallographers will need to be expanded. Overall, there are now the means and the organization for the preservation of raw crystallographic diffraction dataviadifferent types of archive, such as at universities, discipline-specific repositories (Integrated Resource for Reproducibility in Macromolecular Crystallography, Structural Biology Data Grid), general public data repositories (Zenodo, ResearchGate) and centralized neutron and X-ray facilities. Formulation of improved metadata descriptors for the raw data types of each of the IUCr Commissions is in progress; some detailed examples are provided. Lastly, a number of specific case studies are presented, including an example research thread that provides complete open access to raw data.« less

  4. 34 CFR 656.23 - What priorities may the Secretary establish?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTERS PROGRAM FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND AREA... priorities: (1) Specific countries or world areas, such as, for example, East Asia, Africa, or the Middle East. (2) Specific focus of a Center, such as, for example, a single world area; international studies...

  5. Thin-film module circuit design: Practical and reliability aspects

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Daiello, R. V.; Twesme, E. N.

    1985-01-01

    This paper will address several aspects of the design and construction of submodules based on thin film amorphous silicon (a-Si) p i n solar cells. Starting from presently attainable single cell characteristics, and a realistic set of specifications, practical module designs are discussed from the viewpoints of efficient designs, the fabrication requirements, and reliability concerns. The examples center mostly on series interconnected modules of the superstrate type with detailed discussions of each portion of the structure in relation to its influence on module efficiency. Emphasis is placed on engineering topics such as: area coverage, optimal geometries, and cost and reliability. Practical constraints on achieving optimal designs, along with some examples of potential pitfalls in the manufacture and subsequent performance of a-Si modules are discussed.

  6. Chemistry Modeling for Aerothermodynamics and TPS

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wang, Dunyou; Stallcop, James R.; Dateo, Christopher e.; Schwenke, David W.; Halicioglu, Timur; Huo, winifred M.

    2005-01-01

    Recent advances in supercomputers and highly scalable quantum chemistry software render computational chemistry methods a viable means of providing chemistry data for aerothermal analysis at a specific level of confidence. Four examples of first principles quantum chemistry calculations will be presented. Study of the highly nonequilibrium rotational distribution of a nitrogen molecule from the exchange reaction N + N2 illustrates how chemical reactions can influence rotational distribution. The reaction C2H + H2 is one example of a radical reaction that occurs during hypersonic entry into an atmosphere containing methane. A study of the etching of a Si surface illustrates our approach to surface reactions. A recently developed web accessible database and software tool (DDD) that provides the radiation profile of diatomic molecules is also described.

  7. Chemistry Modeling for Aerothermodynamics and TPS

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wang, Dun-You; Stallcop, James R.; Dateo, Christopher E.; Schwenke, David W.; Haliciogiu, Timur; Huo, Winifred

    2004-01-01

    Recent advances in supercomputers and highly scalable quantum chemistry software render computational chemistry methods a viable means of providing chemistry data for aerothermal analysis at a specific level of confidence. Four examples of first principles quantum chemistry calculations will be presented. The study of the highly nonequilibrium rotational distribution of nitrogen molecule from the exchange reaction N + N2 illustrates how chemical reactions can influence the rotational distribution. The reaction C2H + H2 is one example of a radical reaction that occurs during hypersonic entry into a methane containing atmosphere. A study of the etching of Si surface illustrates our approach to surface reactions. A recently developed web accessible database and software tool (DDD) that provides the radiation profile of diatomic molecules is also described.

  8. Screening tests: a review with examples

    PubMed Central

    Niebo, Ron; Utell, Mark J.

    2014-01-01

    Screening tests are widely used in medicine to assess the likelihood that members of a defined population have a particular disease. This article presents an overview of such tests including the definitions of key technical (sensitivity and specificity) and population characteristics necessary to assess the benefits and limitations of such tests. Several examples are used to illustrate calculations, including the characteristics of low dose computed tomography as a lung cancer screen, choice of an optimal PSA cutoff and selection of the population to undergo mammography. The importance of careful consideration of the consequences of both false positives and negatives is highlighted. Receiver operating characteristic curves are explained as is the need to carefully select the population group to be tested. PMID:25264934

  9. Glossary of terms and table of conversion factors used in design of chemical propulsion systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Keller, R. B., Jr. (Compiler)

    1979-01-01

    The glossary presented is based entirely on terms used in the monographs on Chemical Propulsion. Significant terms relating to material properties and to material fabrication are presented. The terms are arranged in alphabetical order, with multiple word terms appearing in the normal sequence of usage; for example, ablative cooling appears as such, not as cooling, ablative, and lip seal appears as such, not as seal, lip. Conversion Factors for converting U.S. customary units to the International System of Units are presented in alphabetical order of the physical quantity (e.g., density, heat flux, specific impulse) involved.

  10. Low-speed single-element airfoil synthesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mcmasters, J. H.; Henderson, M. L.

    1979-01-01

    The use of recently developed airfoil analysis/design computational tools to clarify, enrich and extend the existing experimental data base on low-speed, single element airfoils is demonstrated. A discussion of the problem of tailoring an airfoil for a specific application at its appropriate Reynolds number is presented. This problem is approached by use of inverse (or synthesis) techniques, wherein a desirable set of boundary layer characteristics, performance objectives, and constraints are specified, which then leads to derivation of a corresponding viscous flow pressure distribution. Examples are presented which demonstrate the synthesis approach, following presentation of some historical information and background data which motivate the basic synthesis process.

  11. A Logical Process Calculus

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cleaveland, Rance; Luettgen, Gerald; Bushnell, Dennis M. (Technical Monitor)

    2002-01-01

    This paper presents the Logical Process Calculus (LPC), a formalism that supports heterogeneous system specifications containing both operational and declarative subspecifications. Syntactically, LPC extends Milner's Calculus of Communicating Systems with operators from the alternation-free linear-time mu-calculus (LT(mu)). Semantically, LPC is equipped with a behavioral preorder that generalizes Hennessy's and DeNicola's must-testing preorder as well as LT(mu's) satisfaction relation, while being compositional for all LPC operators. From a technical point of view, the new calculus is distinguished by the inclusion of: (1) both minimal and maximal fixed-point operators and (2) an unimple-mentability predicate on process terms, which tags inconsistent specifications. The utility of LPC is demonstrated by means of an example highlighting the benefits of heterogeneous system specification.

  12. The Air Quality Model Evaluation International Initiative ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    This presentation provides an overview of the Air Quality Model Evaluation International Initiative (AQMEII). It contains a synopsis of the three phases of AQMEII, including objectives, logistics, and timelines. It also provides a number of examples of analyses conducted through AQMEII with a particular focus on past and future analyses of deposition. The National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL) Computational Exposure Division (CED) develops and evaluates data, decision-support tools, and models to be applied to media-specific or receptor-specific problem areas. CED uses modeling-based approaches to characterize exposures, evaluate fate and transport, and support environmental diagnostics/forensics with input from multiple data sources. It also develops media- and receptor-specific models, process models, and decision support tools for use both within and outside of EPA.

  13. In situ insights into shock-driven reactive flow

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dattelbaum, Dana

    2017-06-01

    Shock-driven reactions are commonplace. Examples include the detonation of high explosives, shock-driven dissociation of polymers, and transformation of carbon from graphite to diamond phases. The study of shock-driven chemical reactions is important for understanding reaction thresholds, their mechanisms and rates, and associated state sensitivities under the extreme conditions generated by shock compression. Reactions are distinguished by their thermicity - e.g. the volume and enthalpy changes along the reaction coordinate. A survey of the hallmarks of shock-driven reactivity for a variety of simple molecules and polymers will be presented, including benzene, acetylenes and nitriles, and formic acid. Many of the examples will illustrate the nature of the reactive flow through particle velocity wave profiles measured by in situ electromagnetic gauging in gas gun-driven plate impact experiments. General trends will be presented linking molecular moieties, shock temperatures, and reaction state sensitivities. Progress in applying bond-specific diagnostics will also be presented, including time-resolved Raman spectroscopy, and recent results of in situ x-ray diffraction of carbon at the Linac Coherent Light Souce (LCLS) free electron laser.

  14. Multilevel Complex Networks and Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Caldarelli, Guido

    2014-03-01

    Network theory has been a powerful tool to model isolated complex systems. However, the classical approach does not take into account the interactions often present among different systems. Hence, the scientific community is nowadays concentrating the efforts on the foundations of new mathematical tools for understanding what happens when multiple networks interact. The case of economic and financial networks represents a paramount example of multilevel networks. In the case of trade, trade among countries the different levels can be described by the different granularity of the trading relations. Indeed, we have now data from the scale of consumers to that of the country level. In the case of financial institutions, we have a variety of levels at the same scale. For example one bank can appear in the interbank networks, ownership network and cds networks in which the same institution can take place. In both cases the systemically important vertices need to be determined by different procedures of centrality definition and community detection. In this talk I will present some specific cases of study related to these topics and present the regularities found. Acknowledged support from EU FET Project ``Multiplex'' 317532.

  15. Genetic and environmental factors interact to influence anxiety.

    PubMed

    Gross, Cornelius; Hen, René

    2004-01-01

    Both genetic and environmental factors influence normal anxiety traits as well as anxiety disorders. In addition it is becoming increasingly clear that these factors interact to produce specific anxiety-related behaviors. For example, in humans and in monkeys mutations in the gene encoding for the serotonin transporter result in increased anxiety in adult life when combined with a stressful environment during development. Another recent example comes from twin studies suggesting that a small hippocampus can be a predisposing condition that renders individuals susceptible to post traumatic stress disorder. Such examples illustrate how specific mutations leading to abnormal brain development may increase vulnerability to environmental insults which may in turn lead to specific anxiety disorders.

  16. Experience Using Formal Methods for Specifying a Multi-Agent System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rouff, Christopher; Rash, James; Hinchey, Michael; Szczur, Martha R. (Technical Monitor)

    2000-01-01

    The process and results of using formal methods to specify the Lights Out Ground Operations System (LOGOS) is presented in this paper. LOGOS is a prototype multi-agent system developed to show the feasibility of providing autonomy to satellite ground operations functions at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). After the initial implementation of LOGOS the development team decided to use formal methods to check for race conditions, deadlocks and omissions. The specification exercise revealed several omissions as well as race conditions. After completing the specification, the team concluded that certain tools would have made the specification process easier. This paper gives a sample specification of two of the agents in the LOGOS system and examples of omissions and race conditions found. It concludes with describing an architecture of tools that would better support the future specification of agents and other concurrent systems.

  17. Formal specification and verification of Ada software

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hird, Geoffrey R.

    1991-01-01

    The use of formal methods in software development achieves levels of quality assurance unobtainable by other means. The Larch approach to specification is described, and the specification of avionics software designed to implement the logic of a flight control system is given as an example. Penelope is described which is an Ada-verification environment. The Penelope user inputs mathematical definitions, Larch-style specifications and Ada code and performs machine-assisted proofs that the code obeys its specifications. As an example, the verification of a binary search function is considered. Emphasis is given to techniques assisting the reuse of a verification effort on modified code.

  18. The Role of Problem Specification Workshops in Extension: An IPM Example.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Foster, John; And Others

    1995-01-01

    Of three extension models--top-down technology transfer, farmers-first approach, and participatory research--the latter extends elements of the other two into a more comprehensive analysis of a problem and specification of solution strategies. An Australian integrated pest management (IPM) example illustrates how structured workshops are a useful…

  19. Step-by-step guideline for disease-specific costing studies in low- and middle-income countries: a mixed methodology

    PubMed Central

    Hendriks, Marleen E.; Kundu, Piyali; Boers, Alexander C.; Bolarinwa, Oladimeji A.; te Pas, Mark J.; Akande, Tanimola M.; Agbede, Kayode; Gomez, Gabriella B.; Redekop, William K.; Schultsz, Constance; Tan, Siok Swan

    2014-01-01

    Background Disease-specific costing studies can be used as input into cost-effectiveness analyses and provide important information for efficient resource allocation. However, limited data availability and limited expertise constrain such studies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Objective To describe a step-by-step guideline for conducting disease-specific costing studies in LMICs where data availability is limited and to illustrate how the guideline was applied in a costing study of cardiovascular disease prevention care in rural Nigeria. Design The step-by-step guideline provides practical recommendations on methods and data requirements for six sequential steps: 1) definition of the study perspective, 2) characterization of the unit of analysis, 3) identification of cost items, 4) measurement of cost items, 5) valuation of cost items, and 6) uncertainty analyses. Results We discuss the necessary tradeoffs between the accuracy of estimates and data availability constraints at each step and illustrate how a mixed methodology of accurate bottom-up micro-costing and more feasible approaches can be used to make optimal use of all available data. An illustrative example from Nigeria is provided. Conclusions An innovative, user-friendly guideline for disease-specific costing in LMICs is presented, using a mixed methodology to account for limited data availability. The illustrative example showed that the step-by-step guideline can be used by healthcare professionals in LMICs to conduct feasible and accurate disease-specific cost analyses. PMID:24685170

  20. Formal verification of an oral messages algorithm for interactive consistency

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rushby, John

    1992-01-01

    The formal specification and verification of an algorithm for Interactive Consistency based on the Oral Messages algorithm for Byzantine Agreement is described. We compare our treatment with that of Bevier and Young, who presented a formal specification and verification for a very similar algorithm. Unlike Bevier and Young, who observed that 'the invariant maintained in the recursive subcases of the algorithm is significantly more complicated than is suggested by the published proof' and who found its formal verification 'a fairly difficult exercise in mechanical theorem proving,' our treatment is very close to the previously published analysis of the algorithm, and our formal specification and verification are straightforward. This example illustrates how delicate choices in the formulation of the problem can have significant impact on the readability of its formal specification and on the tractability of its formal verification.

  1. [Sibling relations between individuation and attachment: attempt at a conceptualization].

    PubMed

    Seiffge-Krenke, I

    2001-01-01

    Although sibling relationships can be considered as one of the most durable and intensive relationships, not much research in developmental psychology and family research has been done on this issue. The strong focus on parents, more specifically on mothers, stood in the way of adequate conceptualization and understanding of the function and contribution of siblings to individual development and family interaction. In this contribution a conceptualization of sibling relationships is presented. Siblings as objects of aggressive and sexual feelings as well as the function of siblings in the family system, for example, as parentification and negative identity is emphasized. In addition, the different qualities of sibling relationships, for example, envy, rivalry, similarity, and difference, are emphasized. The function of siblings as love objects is stressed, and the role of siblings as support as well as teaching object is illustrated. Finally, it is emphasized that, similar to relationships between parents and child, the quality of sibling relationships changed over time and leads, for example, to a detachment between sibling relationships during adolescence.

  2. Topological analysis of metabolic networks based on petri net theory.

    PubMed

    Zevedei-Oancea, Ionela; Schuster, Stefan

    2011-01-01

    Petri net concepts provide additional tools for the modelling of metabolic networks. Here, the similarities between the counterparts in traditional biochemical modelling and Petri net theory are discussed. For example the stoichiometry matrix of a metabolic network corresponds to the incidence matrix of the Petri net. The flux modes and conservation relations have the T-invariants, respectively, P-invariants as counterparts. We reveal the biological meaning of some notions specific to the Petri net framework (traps, siphons, deadlocks, liveness). We focus on the topological analysis rather than on the analysis of the dynamic behaviour. The treatment of external metabolites is discussed. Some simple theoretical examples are presented for illustration. Also the Petri nets corresponding to some biochemical networks are built to support our results. For example, the role of triose phosphate isomerase (TPI) in Trypanosoma brucei metabolism is evaluated by detecting siphons and traps. All Petri net properties treated in this contribution are exemplified on a system extracted from nucleotide metabolism.

  3. Topological analysis of metabolic networks based on Petri net theory.

    PubMed

    Zevedei-Oancea, Ionela; Schuster, Stefan

    2003-01-01

    Petri net concepts provide additional tools for the modelling of metabolic networks. Here, the similarities between the counterparts in traditional biochemical modelling and Petri net theory are discussed. For example the stoichiometry matrix of a metabolic network corresponds to the incidence matrix of the Petri net. The flux modes and conservation relations have the T-invariants, respectively, P-invariants as counterparts. We reveal the biological meaning of some notions specific to the Petri net framework (traps, siphons, deadlocks, liveness). We focus on the topological analysis rather than on the analysis of the dynamic behaviour. The treatment of external metabolites is discussed. Some simple theoretical examples are presented for illustration. Also the Petri nets corresponding to some biochemical networks are built to support our results. For example, the role of triose phosphate isomerase (TPI) in Trypanosoma brucei metabolism is evaluated by detecting siphons and traps. All Petri net properties treated in this contribution are exemplified on a system extracted from nucleotide metabolism.

  4. The Portrayal of Industrial Melanism in American College General Biology Textbooks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fulford, Janice Marie; Rudge, David Wÿss

    2016-08-01

    The phenomenon of industrial melanism (IM) became widely acknowledged as a well-documented example of natural selection largely as a result of H.B.D. Kettlewell's pioneering research on the subject in the early 1950s. It was quickly picked up by American biology textbooks starting in the early 1960s and became ubiquitous throughout the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. While recent research on the phenomenon broadly supports Kettlewell's explanation of IM in the peppered moth, which in turn has strengthened this example of natural selection, textbook IM entries have actually declined in recent years in favor of other examples. In a previous paper, we drew attention to the pivotal role visual aspects played in the introduction of IM into (and its subsequent removal from) textbook accounts. The present article continues this investigation by analyzing textual passages on industrial melanism within a stratified random sample of textbooks from the 1960s to the 2000s. The fact that this example of natural selection was included by multiple publishers independently, in a short period of time, makes it uniquely qualified for a textbook study of this kind. The purpose of the present project was to determine whether these textbooks contain what has come to be known as the standard peppered moth story. Three complete series were also inspected for change across time. Our analysis focused on (1) the amount of text devoted to industrial melanism; (2) what specific science content elements were present; and (3) what, if any, nature of science (NOS) aspects were included. The study documents an increase in the amount of text devoted to industrial melanism over the decades. In spite of this increase, only modest changes in science content and NOS aspects were found.

  5. Safety management and risk assessment in chemical laboratories.

    PubMed

    Marendaz, Jean-Luc; Friedrich, Kirstin; Meyer, Thierry

    2011-01-01

    The present paper highlights a new safety management program, MICE (Management, Information, Control and Emergency), which has been specifically adapted for the academic environment. The process starts with an exhaustive hazard inventory supported by a platform assembling specific hazards encountered in laboratories and their subsequent classification. A proof of concept is given by a series of implementations in the domain of chemistry targeting workplace health protection. The methodology is expressed through three examples to illustrate how the MICE program can be used to address safety concerns regarding chemicals, strong magnetic fields and nanoparticles in research laboratories. A comprehensive chemical management program is also depicted.

  6. Eyeballing oscillators for pulsed Doppler radar

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Goldman, S.

    1985-03-01

    The visibility of small targets to a Doppler radar system in the presence of large targets is limited by phase noise. Such limitations occur when an airborne radar searches the ground for a mobile vehicle. Under these conditions, the performance of the Doppler radar depends greatly on the specifications of its phased-locked oscillator. Goldman (1984) has discussed the steps required to evaluate the noise resulting from a pulsed Doppler radar system. In the present investigation, these techniques are applied in reverse to determine system specifications for oscillator noise. A 95-GHz pulsed Doppler radar system is used as an example of specifying system phase noise.

  7. 3D Systems' Technology Overview and New Applications in Manufacturing, Engineering, Science, and Education

    PubMed Central

    Andrews, Mike; Weislogel, Mark; Moeck, Peter; Stone-Sundberg, Jennifer; Birkes, Derek; Hoffert, Madeline Paige; Lindeman, Adam; Morrill, Jeff; Fercak, Ondrej; Friedman, Sasha; Gunderson, Jeff; Ha, Anh; McCollister, Jack; Chen, Yongkang; Geile, John; Wollman, Andrew; Attari, Babak; Botnen, Nathan; Vuppuluri, Vasant; Shim, Jennifer; Kaminsky, Werner; Adams, Dustin; Graft, John

    2014-01-01

    Abstract Since the inception of 3D printing, an evolutionary process has taken place in which specific user and customer needs have crossed paths with the capabilities of a growing number of machines to create value-added businesses. Even today, over 30 years later, the growth of 3D printing and its utilization for the good of society is often limited by the various users' understanding of the technology for their specific needs. This article presents an overview of current 3D printing technologies and shows numerous examples from a multitude of fields from manufacturing to education. PMID:28473997

  8. [Short interspersed repetitive sequences (SINEs) and their use as a phylogenetic tool].

    PubMed

    Kramerov, D A; Vasetskiĭ, N S

    2009-01-01

    The data on one of the most common repetitive elements of eukaryotic genomes, short interspersed elements (SINEs), are reviewed. Their structure, origin, and functioning in the genome are discussed. The variation and abundance of these neutral genomic markers makes them a convenient and reliable tool for phylogenetic analysis. The main methods of such analysis are presented, and the potential and limitations of this approach are discussed using specific examples.

  9. Visual accommodation trainer-tester

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Randle, R. J., Jr. (Inventor)

    1983-01-01

    An apparatus for training of the human visual accommodation system is presented, specifically, useful for training a person to volitionally control his focus to his far point (normaly infinity) from a position of myopia due to functional causes. The functional causes could be due, for example, to a behavioral accommodative spasm or the effects of an empty field. The device may also be used to measure accommodation, the accommodation resting position and the near and far points of vision.

  10. Optical holographic structural analysis of Kevlar rocket motor cases

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Harris, W. J.

    1981-05-01

    The methodology of applying optical holography to evaluation of subscale Kevlar 49 composite pressure vessels is explored. The results and advantages of the holographic technique are discussed. The cases utilized were of similar design, but each had specific design features, the effects of which are reviewed. Burst testing results are presented in conjunction with the holographic fringe patterns obtained during progressive pressurization. Examples of quantitative data extracted by analysis of fringe fields are included.

  11. Excitation anisotropy in laser-induced-fluorescence spectroscopy: Broad-line excitation case

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hirabayashi, A.; Nambu, Y.; Fujimoto, T.

    1986-01-01

    Treatment of excitation anisotropy for Laser-Induced-Fluorescence Spectroscopy (LIFS) is extended to the intense excitation case. The depolarization coefficient is derived for intense excitation limit (linearly-polarized or unpolarized light excitation), and the result is presented in tables. For the region of intermediate intensity between the weak and intense excitation limits, the master equation is solved for specific example of transitions and its result is compared with experiment.

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

    Kartsaklis, Christos; Hernandez, Oscar R

    Interrogating the structure of a program for patterns of interest is attractive to the broader spectrum of software engineering. The very approach by which a pattern is constructed remains a concern for the source code mining community. This paper presents a pattern programming model, for the C and Fortran programming languages, using a compiler directives approach. We discuss our specification, called HERCULES/PL, throughout a number of examples and show how different patterns can be constructed, plus some preliminary results.

  13. Neutron Reflectivity and Grazing Angle Diffraction

    PubMed Central

    Ankner, J. F.; Majkrzak, C. F.; Satija, S. K.

    1993-01-01

    Over the last 10 years, neutron reflectivity has emerged as a powerful technique for the investigation of surface and interfacial phenomena in many different fields. In this paper, a short review of some of the work on neutron reflectivity and grazing-angle diffraction as well as a description of the current and planned neutron rcflectometers at NIST is presented. Specific examples of the characterization of magnetic, superconducting, and polymeric surfaces and interfaces are included. PMID:28053457

  14. Fishing and casing repairs

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

    Short, J.A.

    1982-01-01

    Up to 1/4 of a total drilling budget can be spent on fishing failures and downhole remedial operations. The book presented is aimed at cutting these costs. Specific examples of operations are included throughout the book to illustrate conditions in field situations. The author also discusses background conditions causing the problems and possible solutions, along with preventive measures. Also included are chapters on types of fishing tools, fishing procedures and operations, casing failures and repairs. (JMT)

  15. Graphic design of pinhole cameras

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Edwards, H. B.; Chu, W. P.

    1979-01-01

    The paper describes a graphic technique for the analysis and optimization of pinhole size and focal length. The technique is based on the use of the transfer function of optical elements described by Scott (1959) to construct the transfer function of a circular pinhole camera. This transfer function is the response of a component or system to a pattern of lines having a sinusoidally varying radiance at varying spatial frequencies. Some specific examples of graphic design are presented.

  16. Data Driven Synthesis of Three Term Digital Controllers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Keel, Lee H.; Mitra, Sandipan; Bhattacharyya, Shankar P.

    This paper presents a method for digital PID and first order controller synthesis based on frequency domain data alone. The techniques given here first determine all stabilizing controllers from measurement data. In both PID and first order controller cases, the only information required are frequency domain data (Nyquist-Bode data) and the number of open-loop RHP poles. Specifically no identification of the plant model is required. Examples are given for illustration.

  17. A parametric study of planform and aeroelastic effects on aerodynamic center, alpha- and q- stability derivatives. Appendix D: Procedures used to determine the mass distribution for idealized low aspect ratio two spar fighter wings

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Roskam, J.; Hamler, F. R.; Reynolds, D.

    1972-01-01

    The procedures used to establish the mass matrices characteristics for the fighter type wings studied are given. A description of the procedure used to find the mass associated with a specific aerodynamic panel is presented and some examples of the application of the procedure are included.

  18. Practical-oriented teaching of gifted youth in the field of natural sciences

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Khalikova, F. D.; Gilmanshina, S. I.

    2017-09-01

    In the article it is presenteds the author’s concept of practice-oriented teaching of gifted adolescents to natural-science subjects on the example of chemistry. The main provisions of the concept are substantiated, on the basis of which individual educational trajectories have been developed. The essence of practice-oriented learning is revealed. Particular emphasis is placed on the formation of practical experience in applying theoretical knowledge to solve specific problems.

  19. Simultaneous confidence bands for Cox regression from semiparametric random censorship.

    PubMed

    Mondal, Shoubhik; Subramanian, Sundarraman

    2016-01-01

    Cox regression is combined with semiparametric random censorship models to construct simultaneous confidence bands (SCBs) for subject-specific survival curves. Simulation results are presented to compare the performance of the proposed SCBs with the SCBs that are based only on standard Cox. The new SCBs provide correct empirical coverage and are more informative. The proposed SCBs are illustrated with two real examples. An extension to handle missing censoring indicators is also outlined.

  20. Computerizing Audit Studies

    PubMed Central

    Lahey, Joanna N.; Beasley, Ryan A.

    2014-01-01

    This paper briefly discusses the history, benefits, and shortcomings of traditional audit field experiments to study market discrimination. Specifically it identifies template bias and experimenter bias as major concerns in the traditional audit method, and demonstrates through an empirical example that computerization of a resume or correspondence audit can efficiently increase sample size and greatly mitigate these concerns. Finally, it presents a useful meta-tool that future researchers can use to create their own resume audits. PMID:24904189

  1. Specifying and calibrating instrumentations for wideband electronic power measurements. [in switching circuits

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lesco, D. J.; Weikle, D. H.

    1980-01-01

    The wideband electric power measurement related topics of electronic wattmeter calibration and specification are discussed. Tested calibration techniques are described in detail. Analytical methods used to determine the bandwidth requirements of instrumentation for switching circuit waveforms are presented and illustrated with examples from electric vehicle type applications. Analog multiplier wattmeters, digital wattmeters and calculating digital oscilloscopes are compared. The instrumentation characteristics which are critical to accurate wideband power measurement are described.

  2. The design, production and clinical application of 3D patient-specific implants with drilling guides for acetabular surgery.

    PubMed

    Merema, B J; Kraeima, J; Ten Duis, K; Wendt, K W; Warta, R; Vos, E; Schepers, R H; Witjes, M J H; IJpma, F F A

    2017-11-01

    An innovative procedure for the development of 3D patient-specific implants with drilling guides for acetabular fracture surgery is presented. By using CT data and 3D surgical planning software, a virtual model of the fractured pelvis was created. During this process the fracture was virtually reduced. Based on the reduced fracture model, patient-specific titanium plates including polyamide drilling guides were designed, 3D printed and milled for intra-operative use. One of the advantages of this procedure is that the personalised plates could be tailored to both the shape of the pelvis and the type of fracture. The optimal screw directions and sizes were predetermined in the 3D model. The virtual plan was translated towards the surgical procedure by using the surgical guides and patient-specific osteosynthesis. Besides the description of the newly developed multi-disciplinary workflow, a clinical case example is presented to demonstrate that this technique is feasible and promising for the operative treatment of complex acetabular fractures. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Certification of highly complex safety-related systems.

    PubMed

    Reinert, D; Schaefer, M

    1999-01-01

    The BIA has now 15 years of experience with the certification of complex electronic systems for safety-related applications in the machinery sector. Using the example of machining centres this presentation will show the systematic procedure for verifying and validating control systems using Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) and microcomputers for safety functions. One section will describe the control structure of machining centres with control systems using "integrated safety." A diverse redundant architecture combined with crossmonitoring and forced dynamization is explained. In the main section the steps of the systematic certification procedure are explained showing some results of the certification of drilling machines. Specification reviews, design reviews with test case specification, statistical analysis, and walk-throughs are the analytical measures in the testing process. Systematic tests based on the test case specification, Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI), and environmental testing, and site acceptance tests on the machines are the testing measures for validation. A complex software driven system is always undergoing modification. Most of the changes are not safety-relevant but this has to be proven. A systematic procedure for certifying software modifications is presented in the last section of the paper.

  4. TargetMiner: microRNA target prediction with systematic identification of tissue-specific negative examples.

    PubMed

    Bandyopadhyay, Sanghamitra; Mitra, Ramkrishna

    2009-10-15

    Prediction of microRNA (miRNA) target mRNAs using machine learning approaches is an important area of research. However, most of the methods suffer from either high false positive or false negative rates. One reason for this is the marked deficiency of negative examples or miRNA non-target pairs. Systematic identification of non-target mRNAs is still not addressed properly, and therefore, current machine learning approaches are compelled to rely on artificially generated negative examples for training. In this article, we have identified approximately 300 tissue-specific negative examples using a novel approach that involves expression profiling of both miRNAs and mRNAs, miRNA-mRNA structural interactions and seed-site conservation. The newly generated negative examples are validated with pSILAC dataset, which elucidate the fact that the identified non-targets are indeed non-targets.These high-throughput tissue-specific negative examples and a set of experimentally verified positive examples are then used to build a system called TargetMiner, a support vector machine (SVM)-based classifier. In addition to assessing the prediction accuracy on cross-validation experiments, TargetMiner has been validated with a completely independent experimental test dataset. Our method outperforms 10 existing target prediction algorithms and provides a good balance between sensitivity and specificity that is not reflected in the existing methods. We achieve a significantly higher sensitivity and specificity of 69% and 67.8% based on a pool of 90 feature set and 76.5% and 66.1% using a set of 30 selected feature set on the completely independent test dataset. In order to establish the effectiveness of the systematically generated negative examples, the SVM is trained using a different set of negative data generated using the method in Yousef et al. A significantly higher false positive rate (70.6%) is observed when tested on the independent set, while all other factors are kept the same. Again, when an existing method (NBmiRTar) is executed with the our proposed negative data, we observe an improvement in its performance. These clearly establish the effectiveness of the proposed approach of selecting the negative examples systematically. TargetMiner is now available as an online tool at www.isical.ac.in/ approximately bioinfo_miu

  5. Approaches to the Successful Design and Implementation of VR Applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bryson, Steve; Cooper, D. M. (Technical Monitor)

    1994-01-01

    The successful design of virtual reality applications involves both "top-down" and "bottom-up" strategies. This talk will broadly outline these strategies: how bottom-up strategies are driven primarily by performance considerations; and how top-down strategies are driven primarily by the application task, the interaction metaphors, and the integration of the virtual environment. How to ensure these two approaches "meet in the middle" through Iterative design processes will be stressed. The discussion will be motivated by examples of both success and failure. The talk contains information bryson presented at SIGGRAPH '93 and Visualization '93, and is a high-level discussion of design principles for virtual reality. There will be essentially no discussion of virtual wind tunnel specific issues or any other matters relating to aerospace, the tutorial is a repeat of the tutorial Bryson and Steve Feiner presented at Visualization '93 In October 1993 in San Jose, CA, and will cite the virtual windtunnel only as an example.

  6. Modern Focused-Ion-Beam-Based Site-Specific Specimen Preparation for Atom Probe Tomography.

    PubMed

    Prosa, Ty J; Larson, David J

    2017-04-01

    Approximately 30 years after the first use of focused ion beam (FIB) instruments to prepare atom probe tomography specimens, this technique has grown to be used by hundreds of researchers around the world. This past decade has seen tremendous advances in atom probe applications, enabled by the continued development of FIB-based specimen preparation methodologies. In this work, we provide a short review of the origin of the FIB method and the standard methods used today for lift-out and sharpening, using the annular milling method as applied to atom probe tomography specimens. Key steps for enabling correlative analysis with transmission electron-beam backscatter diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and atom probe tomography are presented, and strategies for preparing specimens for modern microelectronic device structures are reviewed and discussed in detail. Examples are used for discussion of the steps for each of these methods. We conclude with examples of the challenges presented by complex topologies such as nanowires, nanoparticles, and organic materials.

  7. Choice theories: What are they good for?☆

    PubMed Central

    Johnson, Eric J.

    2013-01-01

    Simonson et al. present an ambitious sketch of an integrative theory of context. Provoked by this thoughtful proposal, I discuss what is the function of theories of choice in the coming decades. Traditionally, choice models and theory have attempted to predict choices as a function of the attributes of options. I argue that to be truly useful, they need to generate specific and quantitative predictions of the effect of the choice environment upon choice probability. To do this, we need to focus on rigorously modeling and measuring the underlying processes causing these effects, and use the Simonson et al. proposal to provide some examples. I also present some examples from research in decision-making and decision neuroscience, and argue that models that fail, and fail spectacularly are particularly useful. I close with a challenge: How would consumer researcher aid the design of real world choice environments such as the health exchanges under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act? PMID:23794793

  8. Immunomodulatory Effects of dsRNA and Its Potential as Vaccine Adjuvant

    PubMed Central

    Jin, Bo; Sun, Tao; Yu, Xiao-Hong; Liu, Chao-Qun; Yang, Ying-Xiang; Lu, Ping; Fu, Shan-Feng; Qiu, Hui-Bin; Yeo, Anthony E. T.

    2010-01-01

    dsRNA can be detected by pattern recognition receptors, for example, TLR3, MDA-5, NLRP3 to induce proinflammatory cytokines responsible for innate/adaptive immunity. Recognized by endosomal TLR3 in myeloid DCs (mDCs), dsRNA can activate mDCs into mature antigen presenting cells (mAPCs) which in turn present antigen epitopes with MHC-I molecules to naïve T cells. Coadministration of protein and synthetic dsRNA analogues can elicit an antigen-specific Th1-polarized immune response which stimulates the CD8+ CTL response and possibly dampen Th17 response. Synthetic dsRNA analogues have been tested as vaccine adjuvant against viral infections in animal models. However, a dsRNA receptor, TLR3 can be expressed in tumor cells while other members of TLR family, for example, TLR4 and TLR2 have been shown to promote tumor progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Thus, the promising potential of dsRNA analogues as a tumor therapeutic vaccine adjuvant should be evaluated cautiously. PMID:20671921

  9. Salmonella enterica serovar-specific transcriptional reprogramming of infected cells.

    PubMed

    Hannemann, Sebastian; Galán, Jorge E

    2017-07-01

    Despite their high degree of genomic similarity, different Salmonella enterica serovars are often associated with very different clinical presentations. In humans, for example, the typhoidal S. enterica serovar Typhi causes typhoid fever, a life-threatening systemic disease. In contrast, the non-typhoidal S. enterica serovar Typhimurium causes self-limiting gastroenteritis. The molecular bases for these different clinical presentations are incompletely understood. The ability to re-program gene expression in host cells is an essential virulence factor for typhoidal and non-typhoidal S. enterica serovars. Here, we have compared the transcriptional profile of cultured epithelial cells infected with S. Typhimurium or S. Typhi. We found that both serovars stimulated distinct transcriptional responses in infected cells that are associated with the stimulation of specific signal transduction pathways. These specific responses were associated with the presence of a distinct repertoire of type III secretion effector proteins. These observations provide major insight into the molecular bases for potential differences in the pathogenic mechanisms of typhoidal and non-typhoidal S. enterica serovars.

  10. Dynamic visualization techniques for high consequence software

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

    Pollock, G.M.

    1998-02-01

    This report documents a prototype tool developed to investigate the use of visualization and virtual reality technologies for improving software surety confidence. The tool is utilized within the execution phase of the software life cycle. It provides a capability to monitor an executing program against prespecified requirements constraints provided in a program written in the requirements specification language SAGE. The resulting Software Attribute Visual Analysis Tool (SAVAnT) also provides a technique to assess the completeness of a software specification. The prototype tool is described along with the requirements constraint language after a brief literature review is presented. Examples of howmore » the tool can be used are also presented. In conclusion, the most significant advantage of this tool is to provide a first step in evaluating specification completeness, and to provide a more productive method for program comprehension and debugging. The expected payoff is increased software surety confidence, increased program comprehension, and reduced development and debugging time.« less

  11. ["Operationalised psychodynamic diagnostics in childhood and adolescence" (OPD-CA) in practice].

    PubMed

    Schulte-Markwort, Michael; Resch, Franz; Bürgin, Dieter

    2004-02-01

    "Operationalised psychodynamic diagnostics in childhood and adolescence" (OPD-CA) has been completed in its first version after years of development. In a first interview with a 13-year-old boy, the diagnostic instruments of OPD-CA are presented by means of examples. The text passages of the transcribed first interview are evaluated in four sections by representatives of the respective working groups regarding the axes--relationships, conflict, structure and preconditions for treatment--and the diagnostic conclusions resulting from this are presented, thus providing a direct insight into the specific psychodynamic diagnostics of OPD-CA.

  12. High resolution image processing on low-cost microcomputers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Miller, R. L.

    1993-01-01

    Recent advances in microcomputer technology have resulted in systems that rival the speed, storage, and display capabilities of traditionally larger machines. Low-cost microcomputers can provide a powerful environment for image processing. A new software program which offers sophisticated image display and analysis on IBM-based systems is presented. Designed specifically for a microcomputer, this program provides a wide-range of functions normally found only on dedicated graphics systems, and therefore can provide most students, universities and research groups with an affordable computer platform for processing digital images. The processing of AVHRR images within this environment is presented as an example.

  13. Economics as a factor in models of behavioral motivation and change.

    PubMed

    Montoya, I D; Atkinson, J S; Trevino, R A

    2000-02-01

    This note first presents a summary of four main behavioral models that are used to explain behavioral motivation and change. Three models are based on psychosocial theory. They are: 1) the Theory of Reasoned Action, 2) the Theory of Planned Behavior, and 3) the Theory of Stages-of-Change. The fourth model is based on economic theory and is known as the Rational Addiction Model. Each model is analyzed for its strengths and weaknesses. The note concludes by arguing for the usefulness of integrating the economic and the psychosocial models to study drug use. Specific examples and suggestions are presented.

  14. Methods and application of system identification in shock and vibration.

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Collins, J. D.; Young, J. P.; Kiefling, L.

    1972-01-01

    A logical picture is presented of current useful system identification techniques in the shock and vibration field. A technology tree diagram is developed for the purpose of organizing and categorizing the widely varying approaches according to the fundamental nature of each. Specific examples of accomplished activity for each identification category are noted and discussed. To provide greater insight into the most current trends in the system identification field, a somewhat detailed description is presented of the essential features of a recently developed technique that is based on making the maximum use of all statistically known information about a system.

  15. MIL-H-8501B: Application to shipboard terminal operations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cappetta, A. N.; Johns, J. B.

    1993-01-01

    The philosophy and structure of the proposed U.S. Military Specification for Handling Qualities Requirements for Military Rotorcraft, MIL-H-8501B, are presented with emphasis on shipboard terminal operations. The impact of current and future naval operational requirements on the selection of appropriate combinations of basic vehicle dynamics and usable cue environments are identified. An example 'walk through' of MIL-H-8501B is conducted from task identification to determination of stability and control requirements. For selected basic vehicle dynamics, criteria as a function of input/response magnitude are presented. Additionally, rotorcraft design development implications are discussed.

  16. Second law of thermodynamics in volume diffusion hydrodynamics in multicomponent gas mixtures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dadzie, S. Kokou

    2012-10-01

    We presented the thermodynamic structure of a new continuum flow model for multicomponent gas mixtures. The continuum model is based on a volume diffusion concept involving specific species. It is independent of the observer's reference frame and enables a straightforward tracking of a selected species within a mixture composed of a large number of constituents. A method to derive the second law and constitutive equations accompanying the model is presented. Using the configuration of a rotating fluid we illustrated an example of non-classical flow physics predicted by new contributions in the entropy and constitutive equations.

  17. A Logic Model for Evaluating the Academic Health Department.

    PubMed

    Erwin, Paul Campbell; McNeely, Clea S; Grubaugh, Julie H; Valentine, Jennifer; Miller, Mark D; Buchanan, Martha

    2016-01-01

    Academic Health Departments (AHDs) are collaborative partnerships between academic programs and practice settings. While case studies have informed our understanding of the development and activities of AHDs, there has been no formal published evaluation of AHDs, either singularly or collectively. Developing a framework for evaluating AHDs has potential to further aid our understanding of how these relationships may matter. In this article, we present a general theory of change, in the form of a logic model, for how AHDs impact public health at the community level. We then present a specific example of how the logic model has been customized for a specific AHD. Finally, we end with potential research questions on the AHD based on these concepts. We conclude that logic models are valuable tools, which can be used to assess the value and ultimate impact of the AHD.

  18. Network Security Validation Using Game Theory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Papadopoulou, Vicky; Gregoriades, Andreas

    Non-functional requirements (NFR) such as network security recently gained widespread attention in distributed information systems. Despite their importance however, there is no systematic approach to validate these requirements given the complexity and uncertainty characterizing modern networks. Traditionally, network security requirements specification has been the results of a reactive process. This however, limited the immunity property of the distributed systems that depended on these networks. Security requirements specification need a proactive approach. Networks' infrastructure is constantly under attack by hackers and malicious software that aim to break into computers. To combat these threats, network designers need sophisticated security validation techniques that will guarantee the minimum level of security for their future networks. This paper presents a game-theoretic approach to security requirements validation. An introduction to game theory is presented along with an example that demonstrates the application of the approach.

  19. Web image retrieval using an effective topic and content-based technique

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Ching-Cheng; Prabhakara, Rashmi

    2005-03-01

    There has been an exponential growth in the amount of image data that is available on the World Wide Web since the early development of Internet. With such a large amount of information and image available and its usefulness, an effective image retrieval system is thus greatly needed. In this paper, we present an effective approach with both image matching and indexing techniques that improvise on existing integrated image retrieval methods. This technique follows a two-phase approach, integrating query by topic and query by example specification methods. In the first phase, The topic-based image retrieval is performed by using an improved text information retrieval (IR) technique that makes use of the structured format of HTML documents. This technique consists of a focused crawler that not only provides for the user to enter the keyword for the topic-based search but also, the scope in which the user wants to find the images. In the second phase, we use query by example specification to perform a low-level content-based image match in order to retrieve smaller and relatively closer results of the example image. From this, information related to the image feature is automatically extracted from the query image. The main objective of our approach is to develop a functional image search and indexing technique and to demonstrate that better retrieval results can be achieved.

  20. 2 CFR 180.25 - What must a Federal agency address in its implementation of the guidance?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ...: (1) Identify any specific types of transactions that the Federal agency includes as “nonprocurement transactions” in addition to the examples provided in § 180.970. (2) Identify any types of nonprocurement....215(g)(2). (3) Identify specific examples of types of individuals who would be “principals” under the...

  1. Descriptive statistics: the specification of statistical measures and their presentation in tables and graphs. Part 7 of a series on evaluation of scientific publications.

    PubMed

    Spriestersbach, Albert; Röhrig, Bernd; du Prel, Jean-Baptist; Gerhold-Ay, Aslihan; Blettner, Maria

    2009-09-01

    Descriptive statistics are an essential part of biometric analysis and a prerequisite for the understanding of further statistical evaluations, including the drawing of inferences. When data are well presented, it is usually obvious whether the author has collected and evaluated them correctly and in keeping with accepted practice in the field. Statistical variables in medicine may be of either the metric (continuous, quantitative) or categorical (nominal, ordinal) type. Easily understandable examples are given. Basic techniques for the statistical description of collected data are presented and illustrated with examples. The goal of a scientific study must always be clearly defined. The definition of the target value or clinical endpoint determines the level of measurement of the variables in question. Nearly all variables, whatever their level of measurement, can be usefully presented graphically and numerically. The level of measurement determines what types of diagrams and statistical values are appropriate. There are also different ways of presenting combinations of two independent variables graphically and numerically. The description of collected data is indispensable. If the data are of good quality, valid and important conclusions can already be drawn when they are properly described. Furthermore, data description provides a basis for inferential statistics.

  2. Current Challenges in Neurotoxicity Risk Assessment ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Neurotoxicity risk assessment must continue to evolve in parallel with advances in basic research. Along with this evolution is an expansion in the scope of neurotoxicity assessments of environmental health risks. Examples of this expansion include an increasing emphasis on complex animal models that better replicate human behavior and a wider array of molecular and mechanistic data relevant to interpreting the underlying cause(s) of toxicity. However, modern neurotoxicology studies are often more nuanced and complicated than traditional studies, and they often vary considerably in evaluation methods from one study to the next, impeding comparisons. This can pose particular difficulties for risk assessors, especially given the recent demand for chemical risk assessments to be more systematic and transparent. This presentation will introduce and provide some examples of specific challenges in neurotoxicity assessments of environmental chemicals. Some of these challenges are relatively new to the field, such as the incorporation of data on neuron-supportive glial cells into hazard characterization, while other challenges have persisted for several decades, but only recently are studies being designed to evaluate them, including analyses of latent neurotoxicity. The examples provided illustrate some future research areas of interest for scientists and risk assessors examining human neurotoxicity risk. This abstract will be presented to internal U.S. Food and Drug A

  3. Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contributions to wildlife habitat, management issues, challenges and policy choices--an annotated bibliography

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Allen, Arthur W.; Vandever, Mark W.

    2012-01-01

    The following bibliography presents brief summaries of documents relevant to Conservation Reserve Program relations to wildlife habitat, habitat management in agriculturally dominated landscapes, and conservation policies potentially affecting wildlife habitats in agricultural ecosystems. Because the literature summaries furnished provide only sweeping overviews, users are urged to obtain and evaluate those papers appearing useful to obtain a more complete understanding of study findings and their implications to conservation in agricultural ecosystems. The bibliography contains references to reports that reach beyond topics that directly relate to the Conservation Reserve Program. Sections addressing grassland management and landowner surveys/opinions, for example, furnish information useful for enhancing development and administration of conservation policies affecting lands beyond those enrolled in conservation programs. Some sections of the bibliography (for example, agricultural conservation policy, economics, soils) are far from inclusive of all relevant material written on the subject. Hopefully, these sections will serve as fundamental introductions to related issues. In a few instances, references may be presented in more than one section of the bibliography. For example, individual papers specifically addressing both non-game and game birds are included in respective sections of the bibliography. Duplication of citations and associated notes has, however, been kept to a minimum.

  4. Usability Guidelines for Product Recommenders Based on Example Critiquing Research

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pu, Pearl; Faltings, Boi; Chen, Li; Zhang, Jiyong; Viappiani, Paolo

    Over the past decade, our group has developed a suite of decision tools based on example critiquing to help users find their preferred products in e-commerce environments. In this chapter, we survey important usability research work relative to example critiquing and summarize the major results by deriving a set of usability guidelines. Our survey is focused on three key interaction activities between the user and the system: the initial preference elicitation process, the preference revision process, and the presentation of the systems recommendation results. To provide a basis for the derivation of the guidelines, we developed a multi-objective framework of three interacting criteria: accuracy, confidence, and effort (ACE). We use this framework to analyze our past work and provide a specific context for each guideline: when the system should maximize its ability to increase users' decision accuracy, when to increase user confidence, and when to minimize the interaction effort for the users. Due to the general nature of this multi-criteria model, the set of guidelines that we propose can be used to ease the usability engineering process of other recommender systems, especially those used in e-commerce environments. The ACE framework presented here is also the first in the field to evaluate the performance of preference-based recommenders from a user-centric point of view.

  5. The constraints satisfaction problem approach in the design of an architectural functional layout

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zawidzki, Machi; Tateyama, Kazuyoshi; Nishikawa, Ikuko

    2011-09-01

    A design support system with a new strategy for finding the optimal functional configurations of rooms for architectural layouts is presented. A set of configurations satisfying given constraints is generated and ranked according to multiple objectives. The method can be applied to problems in architectural practice, urban or graphic design-wherever allocation of related geometrical elements of known shape is optimized. Although the methodology is shown using simplified examples-a single story residential building with two apartments each having two rooms-the results resemble realistic functional layouts. One example of a practical size problem of a layout of three apartments with a total of 20 rooms is demonstrated, where the generated solution can be used as a base for a realistic architectural blueprint. The discretization of design space is discussed, followed by application of a backtrack search algorithm used for generating a set of potentially 'good' room configurations. Next the solutions are classified by a machine learning method (FFN) as 'proper' or 'improper' according to the internal communication criteria. Examples of interactive ranking of the 'proper' configurations according to multiple criteria and choosing 'the best' ones are presented. The proposed framework is general and universal-the criteria, parameters and weights can be individually defined by a user and the search algorithm can be adjusted to a specific problem.

  6. Competencies in Training at the Graduate Student Level: Example of a Pediatric Psychology Seminar Course

    PubMed Central

    Ievers-Landis, Carolyn E.; Hazen, Rebecca A.; Fehr, Karla K.

    2015-01-01

    The recently developed competencies in pediatric psychology from the Society of Pediatric Psychology (SPP) Task Force on Competencies and Best Training Practices in Pediatric Psychology provide a benchmark to evaluate training program practices and student progress toward training in level-specific competency goals. Graduate-level training presents a unique challenge for addressing the breadth of competencies required in pediatric psychology while maintaining development of broader clinical psychology training goals. We describe a recurring graduate-level pediatric psychology seminar course that addresses training in a number of the competency cluster areas. The structure of the seminar, examples of classroom topics that correspond with competency cluster areas as well as benchmarks used to evaluate each student’s development in the competency area are provided. Specific challenges in developing and maintaining the seminar in this format are identified, and possible solutions are offered. This training format could serve as a model for established pediatric psychology programs to expand their didactic training goals or for programs without formal pediatric psychology training to address competencies outside of clinical placements. PMID:26900536

  7. Women Working in Engineering and Science

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Luna, Bernadette; Kliss, Mark (Technical Monitor)

    1998-01-01

    The presentation will focus on topics of interest to young women pursuing an engineering or scientific career, such as intrinsic personality traits of most engineers, average salaries for the various types of engineers, appropriate preparation classes at the high school and undergraduate levels, gaining experience through internships, summer jobs and graduate school, skills necessary but not always included in engineering curricula (i.e., multimedia, computer skills, communication skills), the work environment, balancing family and career, and sexual harassment. Specific examples from the speaker's own experience in NASA's Space Life Sciences Program will be used to illustrate the above topics. In particular, projects from Extravehicular Activity and Protective Systems research and Regenerative Life Support research will be used as examples of real world problem-solving to enable human exploration of the solar system.

  8. Projective-Dual Method for Solving Systems of Linear Equations with Nonnegative Variables

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ganin, B. V.; Golikov, A. I.; Evtushenko, Yu. G.

    2018-02-01

    In order to solve an underdetermined system of linear equations with nonnegative variables, the projection of a given point onto its solutions set is sought. The dual of this problem—the problem of unconstrained maximization of a piecewise-quadratic function—is solved by Newton's method. The problem of unconstrained optimization dual of the regularized problem of finding the projection onto the solution set of the system is considered. A connection of duality theory and Newton's method with some known algorithms of projecting onto a standard simplex is shown. On the example of taking into account the specifics of the constraints of the transport linear programming problem, the possibility to increase the efficiency of calculating the generalized Hessian matrix is demonstrated. Some examples of numerical calculations using MATLAB are presented.

  9. A complete tank test of a flying-boat hull with a pointed step -N.A.C.A. Model No. 22

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shoemaker, James M

    1934-01-01

    The results of a complete tank test of a model of a flying-boat hull of unconventional form, having a deep pointed step, are presented in this note. The advantage of the pointed-step type over the usual forms of flying-boat hulls with respect to resistance at high speeds is pointed out. A take-off example using the data from these tests is worked out, and the results are compared with those of an example in which the test data for a hull of the type in general use in the United States are applied to a flying boat having the same design specifications. A definite saving in take-off run is shown by the pointed-step type.

  10. Implicit Learning of Arithmetic Regularities Is Facilitated by Proximal Contrast

    PubMed Central

    Prather, Richard W.

    2012-01-01

    Natural number arithmetic is a simple, powerful and important symbolic system. Despite intense focus on learning in cognitive development and educational research many adults have weak knowledge of the system. In current study participants learn arithmetic principles via an implicit learning paradigm. Participants learn not by solving arithmetic equations, but through viewing and evaluating example equations, similar to the implicit learning of artificial grammars. We expand this to the symbolic arithmetic system. Specifically we find that exposure to principle-inconsistent examples facilitates the acquisition of arithmetic principle knowledge if the equations are presented to the learning in a temporally proximate fashion. The results expand on research of the implicit learning of regularities and suggest that contrasting cases, show to facilitate explicit arithmetic learning, is also relevant to implicit learning of arithmetic. PMID:23119101

  11. Noniterative Multireference Coupled Cluster Methods on Heterogeneous CPU-GPU Systems

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

    Bhaskaran-Nair, Kiran; Ma, Wenjing; Krishnamoorthy, Sriram

    2013-04-09

    A novel parallel algorithm for non-iterative multireference coupled cluster (MRCC) theories, which merges recently introduced reference-level parallelism (RLP) [K. Bhaskaran-Nair, J.Brabec, E. Aprà, H.J.J. van Dam, J. Pittner, K. Kowalski, J. Chem. Phys. 137, 094112 (2012)] with the possibility of accelerating numerical calculations using graphics processing unit (GPU) is presented. We discuss the performance of this algorithm on the example of the MRCCSD(T) method (iterative singles and doubles and perturbative triples), where the corrections due to triples are added to the diagonal elements of the MRCCSD (iterative singles and doubles) effective Hamiltonian matrix. The performance of the combined RLP/GPU algorithmmore » is illustrated on the example of the Brillouin-Wigner (BW) and Mukherjee (Mk) state-specific MRCCSD(T) formulations.« less

  12. Understanding the brain-behaviour relationship in persons with ASD: implications for PECS as a treatment choice.

    PubMed

    Ogletree, Billy T; Morrow-Odom, K Leigh; Westling, David

    2015-04-01

    This article presents emerging neurological findings in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) with particular attention to how this information might inform treatment practices addressing communication impairments. The article begins with a general discussion of the brain-behaviour relationship and moves to the presentation of recent research findings related to ASD. There is particular attention to individuals with autism who are either non-verbal or present emergent verbal abilities. A specific communication treatment, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), is presented as an example of an intervention that addresses the learner needs of many individuals with ASD. The success of PECS is discussed within the context of its fit with brain-based learner characteristics.

  13. Some examples of geomorphodiversity in Italy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Panizza, Mario

    2014-05-01

    The concept of geomorphodiversity (Panizza, 2009) is presented: "the critical and specific assessment of the geomorphological features of a territory, by comparing them in a way both extrinsic (comparison of the geomorphological characteristics with those from other territories) and intrinsic (comparison of the geomorphological characteristics with other areas within the territory itself) and taking into account the level of their scientific quality, the scale of investigation and the purpose of the research". A first example concerns the Dolomites: they have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List because of their exceptional beauty and unique landscape, together with their scientific importance from the geological and geomorphological point of view. They are of international significance for geomorphodiversity, as the classic site for the development of mountains in dolomite limestone and present a wide range of landforms related to erosion, tectonics and glaciation. They represent a kind of high altitude, open air laboratory of geomorphological heritage of exceptional global value, among the most extraordinary and accessible in the world and ideal for researching, teaching, understanding and developing Earth Science theories. The second example concerns the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, candidate for enrolment in the List of European Geoparks: they show a multifaceted and complex image from the international and regional geomorphological (extrinsic and intrinsic geomorphodiversity) point of view and are an educational example for illustrating morphotectonic evolution, stratigraphic and sedimentological sequences and morpholithological peculiarities connected with gypsum karst and clay mass wasting phenomena. The third example concerns the Vesuvius, one of the National Italian Parks: it shows an extrinsic geomorphodiversity mainly referred to the type of eruptions, with some exemplary processes inserted in international volcanic nomenclature; it makes up an important geoheritage that can be considered a field laboratory for research on volcanic geomorphology. At a regional level, intrinsic geomorphodiversity includes typical examples ascribable to lahars, relief inversion and pseudo-karst morphology.

  14. Minimum-complexity helicopter simulation math model

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Heffley, Robert K.; Mnich, Marc A.

    1988-01-01

    An example of a minimal complexity simulation helicopter math model is presented. Motivating factors are the computational delays, cost, and inflexibility of the very sophisticated math models now in common use. A helicopter model form is given which addresses each of these factors and provides better engineering understanding of the specific handling qualities features which are apparent to the simulator pilot. The technical approach begins with specification of features which are to be modeled, followed by a build up of individual vehicle components and definition of equations. Model matching and estimation procedures are given which enable the modeling of specific helicopters from basic data sources such as flight manuals. Checkout procedures are given which provide for total model validation. A number of possible model extensions and refinement are discussed. Math model computer programs are defined and listed.

  15. Engineering microbes for efficient production of chemicals

    DOEpatents

    Gong, Wei; Dole, Sudhanshu; Grabar, Tammy; Collard, Andrew Christopher; Pero, Janice G; Yocum, R Rogers

    2015-04-28

    This present invention relates to production of chemicals from microorganisms that have been genetically engineered and metabolically evolved. Improvements in chemical production have been established, and particular mutations that lead to those improvements have been identified. Specific examples are given in the identification of mutations that occurred during the metabolic evolution of a bacterial strain genetically engineered to produce succinic acid. This present invention also provides a method for evaluating the industrial applicability of mutations that were selected during the metabolic evolution for increased succinic acid production. This present invention further provides microorganisms engineered to have mutations that are selected during metabolic evolution and contribute to improved production of succinic acid, other organic acids and other chemicals of commercial interest.

  16. 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.

  17. The Vertical Linear Fractional Initialization Problem

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lorenzo, Carl F.; Hartley, Tom T.

    1999-01-01

    This paper presents a solution to the initialization problem for a system of linear fractional-order differential equations. The scalar problem is considered first, and solutions are obtained both generally and for a specific initialization. Next the vector fractional order differential equation is considered. In this case, the solution is obtained in the form of matrix F-functions. Some control implications of the vector case are discussed. The suggested method of problem solution is shown via an example.

  18. Generalized variables for controlling Government Transfer Services with respect to performance measures

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Johnson, F. D.

    1981-01-01

    The term Government Transfer Services is used in reference to any of the organized streams of public resources that flow into private economic activity. This includes such activities as offshore leasing, Social Security, and NASA technology transfer services. This paper describes a performance measure, empirical results, a theory, and a control model for such services. These are illustrated by a specific example (NASA). An agenda for developing this service control method is also presented.

  19. The Mathematics of Sex and Marriage

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1972-01-01

    the sense in which the one-sex problem is solved. A given and fixed set of birth and death rates , specific by age, say for females, determines the...and the second a weighted arithmetic mean of the given death rates ,UM and AF, the weights being the reciprocals of the birth rates. The... death rates . An example will suffice to present the problem and the proposed solution. Let us try to decide whether marriage among single persons 20 to

  20. On the shape of the glow discharge channel

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dmitriev, A. L.; Nikushchenko, E. M.

    2017-05-01

    Examples of the shapes of the glow discharge channel are presented. The discharge has been initiated in air at a pressure of 0.1 atm. The effective value and frequency of the discharge current are 30-70 mA and 50 Hz, respectively. It has been shown that, for these values of the current and pressure, thermal convection in a vacuum chamber and buoyancy (Archimedes force) are not major reasons for the specific parabolic shape of glow discharge.

  1. Statement of the American Association of Community Colleges to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on "The State of American Higher Education: What Are Parents, Students, and Taxpayers Getting for Their Money?".

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Duncan, Mary Ellen

    This statement to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce discusses the state of American higher education and the importance of community colleges in providing access. The author presents specific examples from her vantage point as President of Howard Community College (Maryland). She calls the two-year institution the "Ellis…

  2. Composite Material from By-products and Its Properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Šeps, K.; Broukalová, I.; Vodička, J.

    2017-09-01

    The paper shows an example of utilization of specific textile admixture - fluffs of torn textiles from waste cars in production of composite with aggregate consisting entirely of unsorted recycled concrete. The admixture in the mixture of recycled concrete and cement binder fills the pores and voids in composite. The elaborated composite has working title STEREDconcrete. In the article, basic mechanical-physical properties of the composite are presented also the fire resistance of STEREDconcrete, which was determined in tests.

  3. Visualizing tributyltin (TBT) in bacterial aggregates by specific rhodamine-based fluorescent probes.

    PubMed

    Jin, Xilang; Hao, Likai; She, Mengyao; Obst, Martin; Kappler, Andreas; Yin, Bing; Liu, Ping; Li, Jianli; Wang, Lanying; Shi, Zhen

    2015-01-01

    Here we present the first examples of fluorescent and colorimetric probes for microscopic TBT imaging. The fluorescent probes are highly selective and sensitive to TBT and have successfully been applied for imaging of TBT in bacterial Rhodobacter ferrooxidans sp. strain SW2 cell-EPS-mineral aggregates and in cell suspensions of the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus PCC 7002 by using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Tutorial on Reed-Solomon error correction coding

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Geisel, William A.

    1990-01-01

    This tutorial attempts to provide a frank, step-by-step approach to Reed-Solomon (RS) error correction coding. RS encoding and RS decoding both with and without erasing code symbols are emphasized. There is no need to present rigorous proofs and extreme mathematical detail. Rather, the simple concepts of groups and fields, specifically Galois fields, are presented with a minimum of complexity. Before RS codes are presented, other block codes are presented as a technical introduction into coding. A primitive (15, 9) RS coding example is then completely developed from start to finish, demonstrating the encoding and decoding calculations and a derivation of the famous error-locator polynomial. The objective is to present practical information about Reed-Solomon coding in a manner such that it can be easily understood.

  5. RT-Syn: A real-time software system generator

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Setliff, Dorothy E.

    1992-01-01

    This paper presents research into providing highly reusable and maintainable components by using automatic software synthesis techniques. This proposal uses domain knowledge combined with automatic software synthesis techniques to engineer large-scale mission-critical real-time software. The hypothesis centers on a software synthesis architecture that specifically incorporates application-specific (in this case real-time) knowledge. This architecture synthesizes complex system software to meet a behavioral specification and external interaction design constraints. Some examples of these external constraints are communication protocols, precisions, timing, and space limitations. The incorporation of application-specific knowledge facilitates the generation of mathematical software metrics which are used to narrow the design space, thereby making software synthesis tractable. Success has the potential to dramatically reduce mission-critical system life-cycle costs not only by reducing development time, but more importantly facilitating maintenance, modifications, and extensions of complex mission-critical software systems, which are currently dominating life cycle costs.

  6. A multi-marker molecular signature approach for treatment-specific subgroup identification with survival outcomes.

    PubMed

    Li, L; Guennel, T; Marshall, S; Cheung, L W-K

    2014-10-01

    Delivering on the promise of personalized medicine has become a focus of the pharmaceutical industry as the era of the blockbuster drug is fading. Central to realizing this promise is the need for improved analytical strategies for effectively integrating information across various biological assays (for example, copy number variation and targeted protein expression) toward identification of a treatment-specific subgroup-identifying the right patients. We propose a novel combination of elastic net followed by a maximal χ(2) and semiparametric bootstrap. The combined approaches are presented in a two-stage strategy that estimates patient-specific multi-marker molecular signatures (MMMS) to identify and directly test for a biomarker-driven subgroup with enhanced treatment effect. This flexible strategy provides for incorporation of business-specific needs, such as confining the search space to a subgroup size that is commercially viable, ultimately resulting in actionable information for use in empirically based decision making.

  7. Spaceflight Human System Standards

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Holubec, Keith; Tillman, Barry; Connolly, Jan

    2009-01-01

    NASA created a new approach for human system integration and human performance standards. NASA created two documents a standard and a reference handbook. The standard is titled NASA Space Flight Human-System Standard (SFHSS) and consists of two-volumes: Volume 1- Crew Health This volume covers standards needed to support astronaut health (medical care, nutrition, sleep, exercise, etc.) Volume 2 Human Factors, Habitability and Environmental Health This volume covers the standards for system design that will maintain astronaut performance (ie., environmental factors, design of facilities, layout of workstations, and lighting requirements). It includes classic human factors requirements. The new standards document is written in terms so that it is applicable to a broad range of present and future NASA systems. The document states that all new programs prepare system-specific requirements that will meet the general standards. For example, the new standard does not specify a design should accommodate specific percentiles of a defined population. Rather, NASA-STD-3001, Volume 2 states that all programs shall prepare program-specific requirements that define the user population and their size ranges. The design shall then accommodate the full size range of those users. The companion reference handbook, Human Integration Design Handbook (HIDH), was developed to capture the design consideration information from NASA-STD-3000, and adds spaceflight lessons learned, gaps in knowledge, example solutions, and suggests research to further mature specific disciplines. The HIDH serves two major purposes: HIDH is the reference document for writing human factors requirements for specific systems. HIDH contains design guidance information that helps insure that designers create systems which safely and effectively accommodate the capabilities and limitations of space flight crews.

  8. A linear parameter-varying multiobjective control law design based on youla parametrization for a flexible blended wing body aircraft

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Demourant, F.; Ferreres, G.

    2013-12-01

    This article presents a methodology for a linear parameter-varying (LPV) multiobjective flight control law design for a blended wing body (BWB) aircraft and results. So, the method is a direct design of a parametrized control law (with respect to some measured flight parameters) through a multimodel convex design to optimize a set of specifications on the full-flight domain and different mass cases. The methodology is based on the Youla parameterization which is very useful since closed loop specifications are affine with respect to Youla parameter. The LPV multiobjective design method is detailed and applied to the BWB flexible aircraft example.

  9. Evolution and coevolution of developmental programs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jacob, Christian

    1999-09-01

    The developmental processes of single organisms, such as growth and structure formation, can be described by parallel rewrite systems in the form of Lindenmayer systems, which also allow one to generate geometrical structures in 3D space using turtle interpretation. We present examples of L-systems for growth programs of plant-like structures. Evolution-based programming techniques are applied to design L-systems by Genetic L-system Programming (GLP), demonstrating how developmental programs for plants, exhibiting specific morphogenetic properties can be interactively bred or automatically evolved. Finally, we demonstrate coevolutionary effects among plant populations consisting of different species, interacting with each other, competing for resources like sunlight and nutrients, and evolving successful reproduction strategies in their specific environments.

  10. Total knee arthroplasty in patients with a previous patellectomy.

    PubMed

    Maslow, Jed; Zuckerman, Joseph D; Immerman, Igor

    2013-01-01

    Post-patellectomy patients represent a specific subgroup of patients that may develop arthritis and persistent knee pain and potentially require treatment with total knee arthroplasty. This article reviews the treatment and functional outcomes following total knee arthroplasty in patients with prior patellectomy. A case report is presented as an example of the clinical management of a post-patellectomy patient with significant knee pain and disability treated with total knee arthroplasty. Emphasis will be placed in decision- making, specifically with the use of a posterior stabilized implant. In addition, postoperative strengthening of the quadriceps is essential to compensate for the lack of the patella and increase the success of total knee arthroplasty in this subgroup of patients.

  11. Development of analytical methods for multiplex bio-assay with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Ornatsky, Olga I; Kinach, Robert; Bandura, Dmitry R; Lou, Xudong; Tanner, Scott D; Baranov, Vladimir I; Nitz, Mark; Winnik, Mitchell A

    2008-01-01

    Advances in the development of highly multiplexed bio-analytical assays with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) detection are discussed. Use of novel reagents specifically designed for immunological methods utilizing elemental analysis is presented. The major steps of method development, including selection of elements for tags, validation of tagged reagents, and examples of multiplexed assays, are considered in detail. The paper further describes experimental protocols for elemental tagging of antibodies, immunostaining of live and fixed human leukemia cells, and preparation of samples for ICP-MS analysis. Quantitative analysis of surface antigens on model cell lines using a cocktail of seven lanthanide labeled antibodies demonstrated high specificity and concordance with conventional immunophenotyping.

  12. Comparative and Predictive Multimedia Assessments Using Monte Carlo Uncertainty Analyses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Whelan, G.

    2002-05-01

    Multiple-pathway frameworks (sometimes referred to as multimedia models) provide a platform for combining medium-specific environmental models and databases, such that they can be utilized in a more holistic assessment of contaminant fate and transport in the environment. These frameworks provide a relatively seamless transfer of information from one model to the next and from databases to models. Within these frameworks, multiple models are linked, resulting in models that consume information from upstream models and produce information to be consumed by downstream models. The Framework for Risk Analysis in Multimedia Environmental Systems (FRAMES) is an example, which allows users to link their models to other models and databases. FRAMES is an icon-driven, site-layout platform that is an open-architecture, object-oriented system that interacts with environmental databases; helps the user construct a Conceptual Site Model that is real-world based; allows the user to choose the most appropriate models to solve simulation requirements; solves the standard risk paradigm of release transport and fate; and exposure/risk assessments to people and ecology; and presents graphical packages for analyzing results. FRAMES is specifically designed allow users to link their own models into a system, which contains models developed by others. This paper will present the use of FRAMES to evaluate potential human health exposures using real site data and realistic assumptions from sources, through the vadose and saturated zones, to exposure and risk assessment at three real-world sites, using the Multimedia Environmental Pollutant Assessment System (MEPAS), which is a multimedia model contained within FRAMES. These real-world examples use predictive and comparative approaches coupled with a Monte Carlo analysis. A predictive analysis is where models are calibrated to monitored site data, prior to the assessment, and a comparative analysis is where models are not calibrated but based solely on literature or judgement and is usually used to compare alternatives. In many cases, a combination is employed where the model is calibrated to a portion of the data (e.g., to determine hydrodynamics), then used to compare alternatives. Three subsurface-based multimedia examples are presented, increasing in complexity. The first presents the application of a predictive, deterministic assessment; the second presents a predictive and comparative, Monte Carlo analysis; and the third presents a comparative, multi-dimensional Monte Carlo analysis. Endpoints are typically presented in terms of concentration, hazard, risk, and dose, and because the vadose zone model typically represents a connection between a source and the aquifer, it does not generally represent the final medium in a multimedia risk assessment.

  13. Formalizing structured file services for the data storage and retrieval subsystem of the data management system for Spacestation Freedom

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jamsek, Damir A.

    1993-01-01

    A brief example of the use of formal methods techniques in the specification of a software system is presented. The report is part of a larger effort targeted at defining a formal methods pilot project for NASA. One possible application domain that may be used to demonstrate the effective use of formal methods techniques within the NASA environment is presented. It is not intended to provide a tutorial on either formal methods techniques or the application being addressed. It should, however, provide an indication that the application being considered is suitable for a formal methods by showing how such a task may be started. The particular system being addressed is the Structured File Services (SFS), which is a part of the Data Storage and Retrieval Subsystem (DSAR), which in turn is part of the Data Management System (DMS) onboard Spacestation Freedom. This is a software system that is currently under development for NASA. An informal mathematical development is presented. Section 3 contains the same development using Penelope (23), an Ada specification and verification system. The complete text of the English version Software Requirements Specification (SRS) is reproduced in Appendix A.

  14. Methodology for the systems engineering process. Volume 3: Operational availability

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Nelson, J. H.

    1972-01-01

    A detailed description and explanation of the operational availability parameter is presented. The fundamental mathematical basis for operational availability is developed, and its relationship to a system's overall performance effectiveness is illustrated within the context of identifying specific availability requirements. Thus, in attempting to provide a general methodology for treating both hypothetical and existing availability requirements, the concept of an availability state, in conjunction with the more conventional probability-time capability, is investigated. In this respect, emphasis is focused upon a balanced analytical and pragmatic treatment of operational availability within the system design process. For example, several applications of operational availability to typical aerospace systems are presented, encompassing the techniques of Monte Carlo simulation, system performance availability trade-off studies, analytical modeling of specific scenarios, as well as the determination of launch-on-time probabilities. Finally, an extensive bibliography is provided to indicate further levels of depth and detail of the operational availability parameter.

  15. Risk Factors for Social Isolation in Older Korean Americans.

    PubMed

    Jang, Yuri; Park, Nan Sook; Chiriboga, David A; Yoon, Hyunwoo; Ko, Jisook; Lee, Juyoung; Kim, Miyong T

    2016-02-01

    Given the importance of social ties and connectedness in the lives of older ethnic immigrants, the present study examined the prevalence of social isolation and its risk factors in older Korean Americans. Using survey data from 1,301 participants (Mage = 70.5, SD = 7.24), risk groups for marginal social ties with family and friends were identified and predictors of each type of social isolation explored. Male gender and poorer rating of health were identified as common risk factors for marginal ties to both family and friends. Findings also present specific risk factors for each type of social isolation. For example, an increased risk of having marginal ties with friends was observed among individuals with perceived financial strain, greater functional impairment, and a shorter stay in the United States. The common and specific risk factors should be incorporated in programs to reduce social isolation in older immigrant populations. © The Author(s) 2015.

  16. Quantitative microscopy of the lung: a problem-based approach. Part 2: stereological parameters and study designs in various diseases of the respiratory tract.

    PubMed

    Mühlfeld, Christian; Ochs, Matthias

    2013-08-01

    Design-based stereology provides efficient methods to obtain valuable quantitative information of the respiratory tract in various diseases. However, the choice of the most relevant parameters in a specific disease setting has to be deduced from the present pathobiological knowledge. Often it is difficult to express the pathological alterations by interpretable parameters in terms of volume, surface area, length, or number. In the second part of this companion review article, we analyze the present pathophysiological knowledge about acute lung injury, diffuse parenchymal lung diseases, emphysema, pulmonary hypertension, and asthma to come up with recommendations for the disease-specific application of stereological principles for obtaining relevant parameters. Worked examples with illustrative images are used to demonstrate the work flow, estimation procedure, and calculation and to facilitate the practical performance of equivalent analyses.

  17. Designing for Annual Spacelift Performance

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    McCleskey, Carey M.; Zapata, Edgar

    2017-01-01

    This paper presents a methodology for approaching space launch system design from a total architectural point of view. This different approach to conceptual design is contrasted with traditional approaches that focus on a single set of metrics for flight system performance, i.e., payload lift per flight, vehicle mass, specific impulse, etc. The approach presented works with a larger set of metrics, including annual system lift, or "spacelift" performance. Spacelift performance is more inclusive of the flight production capability of the total architecture, i.e., the flight and ground systems working together as a whole to produce flights on a repeated basis. In the proposed methodology, spacelift performance becomes an important design-for-support parameter for flight system concepts and truly advanced spaceport architectures of the future. The paper covers examples of existing system spacelift performance as benchmarks, points out specific attributes of space transportation systems that must be greatly improved over these existing designs, and outlines current activity in this area.

  18. The efficiency of multimedia learning into old age.

    PubMed

    Van Gerven, Pascal W M; Paas, Fred; Van Merriënboer, Jeroen J G; Hendriks, Maaike; Schmidt, Henk G

    2003-12-01

    On the basis of a multimodal model of working memory, cognitive load theory predicts that a multimedia-based instructional format leads to a better acquisition of complex subject matter than a purely visual instructional format. This study investigated the extent to which age and instructional format had an impact on training efficiency among both young and old adults. It was hypothesised that studying worked examples that are presented as a narrated animation (multimedia condition) is a more efficient means of complex skill training than studying visually presented worked examples (unimodal condition) and solving conventional problems. Furthermore, it was hypothesised that multimedia-based worked examples are especially helpful for elderly learners, who have to deal with a general decline of working-memory resources, because they address both mode-specific working-memory stores. The sample consisted of 60 young (mean age = 15.98 years) and 60 old adults (mean age = 64.48 years). Participants of both age groups were trained in either a conventional, a unimodal, or a multimedia condition. Subsequently, they had to solve a series of test problems. Dependent variables were perceived cognitive load during the training, performance on the test, and efficiency in terms of the ratio between these two variables. Results showed that for both age groups multimedia-based worked examples were more efficient than the other training formats in that less cognitive load led to at least an equal performance level. Although no difference in the beneficial effect of multimedia learning was found between the age groups, multimedia-based instructions seem promising for the elderly.

  19. A Study on Contingency Learning in Introductory Physics Concepts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Scaife, Thomas M.

    Instructors of physics often use examples to illustrate new or complex physical concepts to students. For any particular concept, there are an infinite number of examples, thus presenting instructors with a difficult question whenever they wish to use one in their teaching: which example will most effectively illustrate the concept so that student learning is maximized? The choice is typically made by an intuitive assumption about which exact example will result in the most lucid illustration and the greatest student improvement. By questioning 583 students in four experiments, I examined a more principled approach to example selection. By controlling the manner in which physical dimensions vary, the parameter space of each concept can be divided into a discrete number of example categories. The effects of training with members of each of category was explored in two different physical contexts: projectile motion and torque. In the first context, students were shown two trajectories and asked to determine which represented the longer time of flight. Height, range, and time of flight were the physical dimensions that were used to categorize the examples. In the second context, students were shown a balance-scale with loads of differing masses placed at differing positions along either side of the balance-arm. Mass, lever-arm length, and torque were the physical dimensions used to categorize these examples. For both contexts, examples were chosen so that one or two independent dimensions were varied. After receiving training with examples from specific categories, students were tested with questions from all question categories. Successful training or instruction can be measured either as producing correct, expert-like behavior (as observed through answers to the questions) or as explicitly instilling an understanding of the underlying rule that governs a physical phenomenon. A student's behavior might not be consistent with their explicit rule, so following the investigation of their behavior, students were asked what rule they used when answering questions. Although the self-reported rules might not be congruent with their behavior, training with specific examples might affect how students explicitly think about physics problems. In addition to exploring the effectiveness of various training examples, the results were also compared to a cognitive theory of causality: the contingency model. Physical concepts can often be expressed in terms of causal relations (e.g., a net force causes an object to accelerate), and a large body of work has found that people make many decisions that are consistent with causal reasoning. The contingency model, in particular, explains how certain statistical regularities in the co-occurrence of two events can be interpreted by individuals as causal relations, and was chosen primarily because it of its robust results and simple, parsimonious form. The empirical results demonstrate that different categories of training examples did affect student answers differently. Furthermore, these effects were mostly consistent with the predictions made by the contingency model. When rule use was explored, the self-reported rules were consistent with contingency model predictions, but indicated that examples alone were insufficient to teach complex functional relationships between physical dimensions, such as torque.

  20. 78 FR 61227 - Public Assistance Cost Estimating Format for Large Projects

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-10-03

    ... itemized breakdown of construction costs for completing the project. For example, a typical project will... percentage factors. For example, if a Part B percentage factor is 2 percent, the estimator adds 2 percent of... specific to the project scope of work. Examples include concrete strength testing, water quality testing...

  1. Two Practicing Adjuncts'' Perspective on Flight Mechanics Education

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Field, E. J.; Schroeder, J. A.; Rutkowski, Michael (Technical Monitor)

    2001-01-01

    In this paper, the authors provide their personal view of how flight mechanics is taught at universities. Their viewpoint is taken from a government and industry research and development bias, but it is tempered by their experience at teaching the subject at both an undergraduate and graduate level. First, the organizations' respective needs and their expectations of graduating students am presented both in general and with specific examples From this disposition, the question "is there a problem or not in present teaching methods or subject coverage?" is then considered. A review of previous positions on the topic is also covered. The paper concludes with suggested improvements based on the authors' experience.

  2. Design of a highly parallel board-level-interconnection with 320 Gbps capacity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lohmann, U.; Jahns, J.; Limmer, S.; Fey, D.; Bauer, H.

    2012-01-01

    A parallel board-level interconnection design is presented consisting of 32 channels, each operating at 10 Gbps. The hardware uses available optoelectronic components (VCSEL, TIA, pin-diodes) and a combination of planarintegrated free-space optics, fiber-bundles and available MEMS-components, like the DMD™ from Texas Instruments. As a specific feature, we present a new modular inter-board interconnect, realized by 3D fiber-matrix connectors. The performance of the interconnect is evaluated with regard to optical properties and power consumption. Finally, we discuss the application of the interconnect for strongly distributed system architectures, as, for example, in high performance embedded computing systems and data centers.

  3. Mechanism Design Principle for Optical-Precision, Deployable Instruments

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lake, Mark S.; Hachkowski, M. Roman

    2000-01-01

    The present paper is intended to be a guide for the design of 'microdynamically quiet' deployment mechanisms for optical-precision structures, such as deployable telescope mirrors and optical benches. Many of the guidelines included herein come directly from the field of optomechanical engineering, and are neither newly developed guidelines nor are they uniquely applicable to high-precision deployment mechanisms. However, the application of these guidelines to the design of deployment mechanisms is a rather new practice, so efforts are made herein to illustrate the process through the discussion of specific examples. The present paper summarizes a more extensive set of design guidelines for optical-precision mechanisms that are under development.

  4. The Interaction-Activity Connection

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Borne, Kirk D.

    1996-01-01

    A review is presented of the numerous studies that have been undertaken to investigate the likely interaction-activity connection among galaxies. Both observational evidence and theoretical supporting models are reviewed. Some specific examples of "interactive" galaxies from the author's own research are presented: (a) the collision-induced AGN (Active Galactic Nuclei) activity in the radio jet source 3C278; and (b) the collision-induced starburst activity in the spectacular "Cartwheel" ring galaxy. Some comments are offered concerning some of the more promising theoretical investigations that are now taking place. A few words of warning are also offered about the possible misinterpretation of putative collision-induced morphologies among some galaxy samples.

  5. Radar Unix: a complete package for GPR data processing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Grandjean, Gilles; Durand, Herve

    1999-03-01

    A complete package for ground penetrating radar data interpretation including data processing, forward modeling and a case history database consultation is presented. Running on an Unix operating system, its architecture consists of a graphical user interface generating batch files transmitted to a library of processing routines. This design allows a better software maintenance and the possibility for the user to run processing or modeling batch files by itself and differed in time. A case history data base is available and consists of an hypertext document which can be consulted by using a standard HTML browser. All the software specifications are presented through a realistic example.

  6. Advanced instrumentation for research in diving and hyperbaric medicine.

    PubMed

    Sieber, Arne; L'Abbate, Antonio; Kuch, Benjamin; Wagner, Matthias; Benassi, Antonio; Passera, Mirko; Bedini, Remo

    2010-01-01

    Improving the safety of diving and increasing knowledge about the adaptation of the human body to underwater and hyperbaric environment require specifically developed underwater instrumentation for physiological measurements. In fact, none of the routine clinical devices for health control is suitable for in-water and/or under-pressure operation. The present paper addresses novel technological acquisitions and the development of three dedicated devices: * an underwater data logger for recording O2 saturation (reflective pulsoxymetry), two-channel ECG, depth and temperature; * an underwater blood pressure meter based on the oscillometric method; and * an underwater echography system. Moreover, examples of recordings are presented and discussed.

  7. Inhibitors of Angiogenesis.

    PubMed

    Büning, H; Hacker, U T

    Angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in malignant, ischemic, inflammatory, infectious and immune disorders. The increasing molecular understanding of angiogenic processes fostered the development of strategies to induce or inhibit angiogenesis for therapeutic purposes. Here, we focus on anti-angiogenic therapies, which represent a standard of care in the treatment of different cancer types and in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Specifically, strategies related to the blockade of angiogenic proteins and receptors will be outlined covering both preclinical and clinical aspects. Finally, examples of gene therapy based anti-angiogenic approaches are presented.

  8. Evaluation of results in aesthetic plastic surgery: preliminary observations on mammaplasty.

    PubMed

    Ferreira, M C

    2000-12-01

    Aesthetic plastic surgery has received wide public attention in the past few years. Expectations of patients regarding results have been exaggerated; the real place and medical importance of the procedures are still not clear because of a lack of more objective evidence. This study discusses the difficulties encountered related to the scientific evaluation of the aesthetic operations and proposes alternatives for assessment. A frequently performed procedure, reduction mammaplasty, is presented as an example, with its specific evaluation.

  9. Techniques for Computation of Frequency Limited H∞ Norm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Haider, Shafiq; Ghafoor, Abdul; Imran, Muhammad; Fahad Mumtaz, Malik

    2018-01-01

    Traditional H ∞ norm depicts peak system gain over infinite frequency range, but many applications like filter design, model order reduction and controller design etc. require computation of peak system gain over specific frequency interval rather than infinite range. In present work, new computationally efficient techniques for computation of H ∞ norm over frequency limited interval are proposed. Proposed techniques link norm computation with maximum singular value of the system in limited frequency interval. Numerical examples are incorporated to validate the proposed concept.

  10. Silicon micromachined vibrating gyroscopes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Voss, Ralf

    1997-09-01

    This work gives an overview of silicon micromachined vibrating gyroscopes. Market perspectives and fields of application are pointed out. The advantage of using silicon micromachining is discussed and estimations of the desired performance, especially for automobiles are given. The general principle of vibrating gyroscopes is explained. Vibrating silicon gyroscopes can be divided into seven classes. for each class the characteristic principle is presented and examples are given. Finally a specific sensor, based on a tuning fork for automotive applications with a sensitivity of 250(mu) V/degrees is described in detail.

  11. Small signal amplifiers and converters for millimeter wave Satcom systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Okean, H. C.

    1979-01-01

    This paper describes the current state of the art and the various design tradeoffs encompassing the variety of small signal active circuit 'building blocks' deployed in millimeter wave Satcom receivers and transmitters. Included in this catagory are such low noise receiver components as parametric and FET amplifiers and low loss mixer downconverters as well as low level transmitter driver components such as resistive and varactor upconverters. Current and projected state of the art performance data will be presented along with specific examples of operating hardware.

  12. Atomic and molecular_diagnostics of the interstellar medium

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Roueff, E.

    1987-08-01

    Ever since molecular species have been discovered in space in the 30's and early 40's by the optical identification of CH, CH+ and CN in absorption towards nearby hot stars, the question of molecule formation has accompanied the observational efforts. The purpose of this paper is to point out presently existing observational constraints and the limits they may cast on our knowledge of the interstellar medium. The need for reliable atomic and molecular data will be emphasized with some specific examples.

  13. African-American Congregational Care and Counseling: Transcending Universal and Culturally-Specific Barriers.

    PubMed

    Armstrong, Tonya D

    2016-06-01

    This article addresses two major African-American congregational care needs: (1) helping suffering people to access sustained mental health care, particularly in a large/mega-church; and (2) helping suffering people with multi-layered challenges to access appropriate, skilled care that transcends traditional barriers and is consistent with their faith. One model of congregational care is presented with concrete examples of how cultural, theological, and strategic concerns are discussed, with broad implications for diverse faith communities. © The Author(s) 2016.

  14. Note: A phase synchronization photography method for AC discharge.

    PubMed

    Wu, Zhicheng; Zhang, Qiaogen; Ma, Jingtan; Pang, Lei

    2018-05-01

    To research discharge physics under AC voltage, a phase synchronization photography method is presented. By using a permanent-magnet synchronous motor to drive a photography mask synchronized with a discharge power supply, discharge images in a specific phase window can be recorded. Some examples of discharges photographed by this method, including the corona discharge in SF 6 and the corona discharge along the air/epoxy surface, demonstrate the feasibility of this method. Therefore, this method provides an effective tool for discharge physics researchers.

  15. Review of the SAFARI 2000 RC-10 Aerial Photography

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Myers, Jeff; Shelton, Gary; Annegarn, Harrold; Peterson, David L. (Technical Monitor)

    2001-01-01

    This presentation will review the aerial photography collected by the NASA ER-2 aircraft during the SAFARI (Southern African Regional Science Initiative) year 2000 campaign. It will include specifications on the camera and film, and will show examples of the imagery. It will also detail the extent of coverage, and the procedures to obtain film products from the South African government. Also included will be some sample applications of aerial photography for various environmental applications, and its use in augmenting other SAFARI data sets.

  16. SIC material and technology for space optics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bougoin, Michel

    2017-11-01

    Taking benefit from its very high specific stiffness and its exclusive thermal stability, the SiCSPACE material is now used for the fabrication of scientific and commercial lightweight space telescopes. This paper gives a review of the characteristics of this sintered silicon carbide. The BOOSTEC facilities and the technology described here allow to manufacture large structural components or mirrors (up to several meters) at cost effective condition, from a single part to mass production. Several examples of SiC space optical components are presented.

  17. Positioning your business in the marketplace.

    PubMed

    Lachman, V D

    1996-01-01

    Marketing the quality, cost-effective service delivered by advanced practice nurses (APNs) requires savvy in marketing principles. The basic principles of market segmentation: target (niche) marketing; and the four Ps of marketing mix--product, price, promotion, and place. The marketing process is presented along with examples. APNs' ability to successfully market their skills requires that they "position" themselves in the prospective buyer's mind. After a brief description of the customer's mind-set, the focus shifts specifically to promotion--marketing in action. Numerous no-cost/low-cost ideas are included.

  18. Note: A phase synchronization photography method for AC discharge

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Zhicheng; Zhang, Qiaogen; Ma, Jingtan; Pang, Lei

    2018-05-01

    To research discharge physics under AC voltage, a phase synchronization photography method is presented. By using a permanent-magnet synchronous motor to drive a photography mask synchronized with a discharge power supply, discharge images in a specific phase window can be recorded. Some examples of discharges photographed by this method, including the corona discharge in SF6 and the corona discharge along the air/epoxy surface, demonstrate the feasibility of this method. Therefore, this method provides an effective tool for discharge physics researchers.

  19. Task allocation in a distributed computing system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Seward, Walter D.

    1987-01-01

    A conceptual framework is examined for task allocation in distributed systems. Application and computing system parameters critical to task allocation decision processes are discussed. Task allocation techniques are addressed which focus on achieving a balance in the load distribution among the system's processors. Equalization of computing load among the processing elements is the goal. Examples of system performance are presented for specific applications. Both static and dynamic allocation of tasks are considered and system performance is evaluated using different task allocation methodologies.

  20. Uncertainties in predicting solar panel power output

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Anspaugh, B.

    1974-01-01

    The problem of calculating solar panel power output at launch and during a space mission is considered. The major sources of uncertainty and error in predicting the post launch electrical performance of the panel are considered. A general discussion of error analysis is given. Examples of uncertainty calculations are included. A general method of calculating the effect on the panel of various degrading environments is presented, with references supplied for specific methods. A technique for sizing a solar panel for a required mission power profile is developed.

  1. The Nonlinear Magnetosphere: Expressions in MHD and in Kinetic Models

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hesse, Michael; Birn, Joachim

    2011-01-01

    Like most plasma systems, the magnetosphere of the Earth is governed by nonlinear dynamic evolution equations. The impact of nonlinearities ranges from large scales, where overall dynamics features are exhibiting nonlinear behavior, to small scale, kinetic, processes, where nonlinear behavior governs, among others, energy conversion and dissipation. In this talk we present a select set of examples of such behavior, with a specific emphasis on how nonlinear effects manifest themselves in MHD and in kinetic models of magnetospheric plasma dynamics.

  2. Principles of cost-benefit analysis for ERTS experiments, volumes 1 and 2

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1973-01-01

    The basic elements of a cost-benefit study are discussed along with special considerations for ERTS experiments. Elements required for a complete economic analysis of ERTS are considered to be: statement of objectives, specification of assumptions, enumeration of system alternatives, benefit analysis, cost analysis nonefficiency considerations, and final system selection. A hypothetical cost-benefit example is presented with the assumed objective of an increase in remote sensing surveys of grazing lands to better utilize available forage to lower meat prices.

  3. Infrared thermography for examination of paper structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kiiskinen, Harri T.; Pakarinen, Pekka I.

    1998-03-01

    The paper industry has used IR cameras primarily for troubleshooting, where the most common examples include the examination of the condition of dryer fabrics and dryer cylinders and the analysis of moisture variations in a paper web. Another application extensively using IR thermography is non-destructive testing of composite materials. This paper presents some recently developed laboratory methods using an IR camera to examine paper structure. Specific areas include cockling, moisture content, thermal uniformity, mechanism of failure, and an analysis of the copying process.

  4. Time series patterns and language support in DBMS

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Telnarova, Zdenka

    2017-07-01

    This contribution is focused on pattern type Time Series as a rich in semantics representation of data. Some example of implementation of this pattern type in traditional Data Base Management Systems is briefly presented. There are many approaches how to manipulate with patterns and query patterns. Crucial issue can be seen in systematic approach to pattern management and specific pattern query language which takes into consideration semantics of patterns. Query language SQL-TS for manipulating with patterns is shown on Time Series data.

  5. Technology applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Anuskiewicz, T.; Johnston, J.; Leavitt, W.; Zimmerman, R. R.

    1972-01-01

    A summary of NASA Technology Utilization programs for the period of 1 December 1971 through 31 May 1972 is presented. An abbreviated description of the overall Technology Utilization Applications Program is provided as a background for the specific applications examples. Subjects discussed are in the broad headings of: (1) cancer, (2) cardiovascular disease, (2) medical instrumentation, (4) urinary system disorders, (5) rehabilitation medicine, (6) air and water pollution, (7) housing and urban construction, (8) fire safety, (9) law enforcement and criminalistics, (10) transportation, and (11) mine safety.

  6. Chemical markup, XML, and the World Wide Web. 5. Applications of chemical metadata in RSS aggregators.

    PubMed

    Murray-Rust, Peter; Rzepa, Henry S; Williamson, Mark J; Willighagen, Egon L

    2004-01-01

    Examples of the use of the RSS 1.0 (RDF Site Summary) specification together with CML (Chemical Markup Language) to create a metadata based alerting service termed CMLRSS for molecular content are presented. CMLRSS can be viewed either using generic software or with modular opensource chemical viewers and editors enhanced with CMLRSS modules. We discuss the more automated use of CMLRSS as a component of a World Wide Molecular Matrix of semantically rich chemical information.

  7. Computer code for controller partitioning with IFPC application: A user's manual

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Schmidt, Phillip H.; Yarkhan, Asim

    1994-01-01

    A user's manual for the computer code for partitioning a centralized controller into decentralized subcontrollers with applicability to Integrated Flight/Propulsion Control (IFPC) is presented. Partitioning of a centralized controller into two subcontrollers is described and the algorithm on which the code is based is discussed. The algorithm uses parameter optimization of a cost function which is described. The major data structures and functions are described. Specific instructions are given. The user is led through an example of an IFCP application.

  8. Laser materials processing of complex components: from reverse engineering via automated beam path generation to short process development cycles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Görgl, Richard; Brandstätter, Elmar

    2017-01-01

    The article presents an overview of what is possible nowadays in the field of laser materials processing. The state of the art in the complete process chain is shown, starting with the generation of a specific components CAD data and continuing with the automated motion path generation for the laser head carried by a CNC or robot system. Application examples from laser cladding and laser-based additive manufacturing are given.

  9. Searching for the Cases of Acute Organophosphorus Pesticides Poisoning by JOIS

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Futagami, Kojiro; Fujii, Toshiyuki; Horioka, Masayoshi; Asakura, Hajime; Fukagawa, Mitsuro

    Cholinesterase reactivator PAM (Pralidoxime) is used in the treatment of organophosphates poisoning with anticholinergic agent atropine. However, some reports demonstrated recently that PAM has inefficacy in some cases of so-called low toxicity organophosphates poisoning. So, to atempt to discuss the efficacy of PAM in clinical treatment, we searched for the case reports of these poisoning by JOIS. In this time, we compared with the specificity of each data bases and presented some examples in this on-line information retrieval.

  10. Earth Observatory Satellite system definition study. Report 4: Low cost management approach and recommendations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1974-01-01

    An analysis of low cost management approaches for the development of the Earth Observatory Satellite (EOS) is presented. The factors of the program which tend to increase costs are identified. The NASA/Industry interface is stressed to show how the interface can be improved to produce reduced program costs. Techniques and examples of cost reduction which can be applied to the EOS program are tabulated. Specific recommendations for actions to be taken to reduce costs in prescribed areas are submitted.

  11. Generic Biocombinatorial Strategy to Select Tailor-Made Stabilizers for Sol-Gel Nanoparticle Synthesis.

    PubMed

    Hanßke, Felix; Kemnitz, Erhard; Börner, Hans G

    2015-09-09

    A generic route for the selection of nanoparticle stabilizers via biocombinatorial means of phage display peptide screening is presented, providing magnesium fluoride nanoparticle synthesis as example. Selected sequence-specific MgF2 binders are evaluated for their adsorption behavior. Peptide-polymer conjugates derived from the best binding peptide are used for the stabilization of MgF2 sol nanoparticles, yielding fully redispersable dry states and improoving processability significantly. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  12. [Use of evidence in heath policies and programs contributions of the instituto nacional de salud].

    PubMed

    Gutierrez, Ericson L; Piazza, Marina; Gutierrez-Aguado, Alfonso; Hijar, Gisely; Carmona, Gloria; Caballero, Patricia; Reyes, Nora; Canelo, Carlos; Aparco, Juan Pablo; Tejada, Romina A; Bolaños-Díaz, Rafael; Saravia, Silvia; Gozzer, Ernesto

    2016-01-01

    This article analyzes some examples about how the Ministry of Health of Peru has used evidence for policy and program formulation, implementation and evaluation. It describes the process by which health budget programs are based and strengthened with scientific evidence. Provides an overview about how the development of clinical guidelines methodology is facilitating the generation of high quality evidence based clinical guidelines.It presents some examples of specific information needs of the Ministry of Health to which the Instituto Nacional de Salud has responded, and the impact of that collaboration. Finally, the article proposes future directions for the use of research methodology especially relevant for the development and evaluation of policy and programs, as well as the development of networks of health technology assessment at the national and international level.

  13. Determining rules for closing customer service centers: A public utility company's fuzzy decision

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dekorvin, Andre; Shipley, Margaret F.; Lea, Robert N.

    1992-01-01

    In the present work, we consider the general problem of knowledge acquisition under uncertainty. Simply stated, the problem reduces to the following: how can we capture the knowledge of an expert when the expert is unable to clearly formulate how he or she arrives at a decision? A commonly used method is to learn by examples. We observe how the expert solves specific cases and from this infer some rules by which the decision may have been made. Unique to our work is the fuzzy set representation of the conditions or attributes upon which the expert may possibly base his fuzzy decision. From our examples, we infer certain and possible fuzzy rules for closing a customer service center and illustrate the importance of having the decision closely relate to the conditions under consideration.

  14. Estimating stage-specific daily survival probabilities of nests when nest age is unknown

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Stanley, T.R.

    2004-01-01

    Estimation of daily survival probabilities of nests is common in studies of avian populations. Since the introduction of Mayfield's (1961, 1975) estimator, numerous models have been developed to relax Mayfield's assumptions and account for biologically important sources of variation. Stanley (2000) presented a model for estimating stage-specific (e.g. incubation stage, nestling stage) daily survival probabilities of nests that conditions on “nest type” and requires that nests be aged when they are found. Because aging nests typically requires handling the eggs, there may be situations where nests can not or should not be aged and the Stanley (2000) model will be inapplicable. Here, I present a model for estimating stage-specific daily survival probabilities that conditions on nest stage for active nests, thereby obviating the need to age nests when they are found. Specifically, I derive the maximum likelihood function for the model, evaluate the model's performance using Monte Carlo simulations, and provide software for estimating parameters (along with an example). For sample sizes as low as 50 nests, bias was small and confidence interval coverage was close to the nominal rate, especially when a reduced-parameter model was used for estimation.

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

    Miller, David L.; Schoof, Justin C.; Hobbs, Michael L.

    This report presents plots of specific heat, enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy for 1439 species in the JCZS2i database. Included in this set of species are 496 condensed-phase species and 943 gas-phase species. The gas phase species contain 80 anions and 112 cations for a total of 192 ions. The JCZS2i database is used in conjunction with the TIGER thermochemical code to predict thermodynamic states from ambient conditions to high temperatures and pressures. Predictions from the TIGER code using the JCZS2i database can be used in shock physics codes where temperatures may be as high as 20,000 K andmore » ions may be present. Such high temperatures were not considered in the original JCZS database, and extrapolations made for these temperatures were unrealistic. For example, specific heat would sometimes go negative at high temperatures which fails the definition of specific heat. The JCZS2i database is a new version of the JCZS database that is being created to address these inaccuracies. The purpose of the current report is to visualize the high temperature extrapolations to insure that the specific heat, enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy predictions are reasonable up to 20,000 K.« less

  16. G. Einstein matrix and nano-biophotonic treatment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Przybyl-Einstein, George; Moratin, Holdy; Garcia, Eduardo

    2005-04-01

    The publication is presenting the Einstein Matrix Treatment Method and initial results for blood borne diseases on example of hepatitis, HIV and arthritis. The initial research was conducted at Einstein Clinical Laboratories S.A. on limited funds. The treatment and method is strongly recommended for specific viruses bacteria in blood borne diseases but also for treatment of none specific viruses and bacteria in emergency treatments as SARS or ANTHRAX to safe life of the human. In the past years the Individual's Safety is in jeopardy by natural viral infections as well as by engineering cultured viruses and bacteria. Viruses mutate and become more resistant to current known medical treatment, in many cases partially efficient. This event required new testing method to investigate the possibility of treatments and to create new vaccine for non-specific viral and bacteria or viruses infections that causes death to thousands adults and children. The authors present in this paper the possibility of treatment of the non-specific viral, bacterial infections of the blood in human body. This treatment has safe procedure and no known side effect up to this time for patients that were treated at Einstein Clinical Laboratories SA.

  17. NegGOA: negative GO annotations selection using ontology structure.

    PubMed

    Fu, Guangyuan; Wang, Jun; Yang, Bo; Yu, Guoxian

    2016-10-01

    Predicting the biological functions of proteins is one of the key challenges in the post-genomic era. Computational models have demonstrated the utility of applying machine learning methods to predict protein function. Most prediction methods explicitly require a set of negative examples-proteins that are known not carrying out a particular function. However, Gene Ontology (GO) almost always only provides the knowledge that proteins carry out a particular function, and functional annotations of proteins are incomplete. GO structurally organizes more than tens of thousands GO terms and a protein is annotated with several (or dozens) of these terms. For these reasons, the negative examples of a protein can greatly help distinguishing true positive examples of the protein from such a large candidate GO space. In this paper, we present a novel approach (called NegGOA) to select negative examples. Specifically, NegGOA takes advantage of the ontology structure, available annotations and potentiality of additional annotations of a protein to choose negative examples of the protein. We compare NegGOA with other negative examples selection algorithms and find that NegGOA produces much fewer false negatives than them. We incorporate the selected negative examples into an efficient function prediction model to predict the functions of proteins in Yeast, Human, Mouse and Fly. NegGOA also demonstrates improved accuracy than these comparing algorithms across various evaluation metrics. In addition, NegGOA is less suffered from incomplete annotations of proteins than these comparing methods. The Matlab and R codes are available at https://sites.google.com/site/guoxian85/neggoa gxyu@swu.edu.cn Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  18. Convergent cross-mapping and pairwise asymmetric inference.

    PubMed

    McCracken, James M; Weigel, Robert S

    2014-12-01

    Convergent cross-mapping (CCM) is a technique for computing specific kinds of correlations between sets of times series. It was introduced by Sugihara et al. [Science 338, 496 (2012).] and is reported to be "a necessary condition for causation" capable of distinguishing causality from standard correlation. We show that the relationships between CCM correlations proposed by Sugihara et al. do not, in general, agree with intuitive concepts of "driving" and as such should not be considered indicative of causality. It is shown that the fact that the CCM algorithm implies causality is a function of system parameters for simple linear and nonlinear systems. For example, in a circuit containing a single resistor and inductor, both voltage and current can be identified as the driver depending on the frequency of the source voltage. It is shown that the CCM algorithm, however, can be modified to identify relationships between pairs of time series that are consistent with intuition for the considered example systems for which CCM causality analysis provided nonintuitive driver identifications. This modification of the CCM algorithm is introduced as "pairwise asymmetric inference" (PAI) and examples of its use are presented.

  19. Manipulating measurement scales in medical statistical analysis and data mining: A review of methodologies

    PubMed Central

    Marateb, Hamid Reza; Mansourian, Marjan; Adibi, Peyman; Farina, Dario

    2014-01-01

    Background: selecting the correct statistical test and data mining method depends highly on the measurement scale of data, type of variables, and purpose of the analysis. Different measurement scales are studied in details and statistical comparison, modeling, and data mining methods are studied based upon using several medical examples. We have presented two ordinal–variables clustering examples, as more challenging variable in analysis, using Wisconsin Breast Cancer Data (WBCD). Ordinal-to-Interval scale conversion example: a breast cancer database of nine 10-level ordinal variables for 683 patients was analyzed by two ordinal-scale clustering methods. The performance of the clustering methods was assessed by comparison with the gold standard groups of malignant and benign cases that had been identified by clinical tests. Results: the sensitivity and accuracy of the two clustering methods were 98% and 96%, respectively. Their specificity was comparable. Conclusion: by using appropriate clustering algorithm based on the measurement scale of the variables in the study, high performance is granted. Moreover, descriptive and inferential statistics in addition to modeling approach must be selected based on the scale of the variables. PMID:24672565

  20. Gated Silica Mesoporous Materials in Sensing Applications.

    PubMed

    Sancenón, Félix; Pascual, Lluís; Oroval, Mar; Aznar, Elena; Martínez-Máñez, Ramón

    2015-08-01

    Silica mesoporous supports (SMSs) have a large specific surface area and volume and are particularly exciting vehicles for delivery applications. Such container-like structures can be loaded with numerous different chemical substances, such as drugs and reporters. Gated systems also contain addressable functions at openings of voids, and cargo delivery can be controlled on-command using chemical, biochemical or physical stimuli. Many of these gated SMSs have been applied for drug delivery. However, fewer examples of their use in sensing protocols have been reported. The approach of applying SMSs in sensing uses another concept-that of loading pores with a reporter and designing a capping mechanism that is selectively opened in the presence of a target analyte, which results in the delivery of the reporter. According to this concept, we provide herein a complete compilation of published examples of probes based on the use of capped SMSs for sensing. Examples for the detection of anions, cations, small molecules and biomolecules are provided. The diverse range of gated silica mesoporous materials presented here highlights their usefulness in recognition protocols.

  1. High dimensional feature reduction via projection pursuit

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jimenez, Luis; Landgrebe, David

    1994-01-01

    The recent development of more sophisticated remote sensing systems enables the measurement of radiation in many more spectral intervals than previously possible. An example of that technology is the AVIRIS system, which collects image data in 220 bands. As a result of this, new algorithms must be developed in order to analyze the more complex data effectively. Data in a high dimensional space presents a substantial challenge, since intuitive concepts valid in a 2-3 dimensional space to not necessarily apply in higher dimensional spaces. For example, high dimensional space is mostly empty. This results from the concentration of data in the corners of hypercubes. Other examples may be cited. Such observations suggest the need to project data to a subspace of a much lower dimension on a problem specific basis in such a manner that information is not lost. Projection Pursuit is a technique that will accomplish such a goal. Since it processes data in lower dimensions, it should avoid many of the difficulties of high dimensional spaces. In this paper, we begin the investigation of some of the properties of Projection Pursuit for this purpose.

  2. Gated Silica Mesoporous Materials in Sensing Applications

    PubMed Central

    Sancenón, Félix; Pascual, Lluís; Oroval, Mar; Aznar, Elena; Martínez-Máñez, Ramón

    2015-01-01

    Silica mesoporous supports (SMSs) have a large specific surface area and volume and are particularly exciting vehicles for delivery applications. Such container-like structures can be loaded with numerous different chemical substances, such as drugs and reporters. Gated systems also contain addressable functions at openings of voids, and cargo delivery can be controlled on-command using chemical, biochemical or physical stimuli. Many of these gated SMSs have been applied for drug delivery. However, fewer examples of their use in sensing protocols have been reported. The approach of applying SMSs in sensing uses another concept—that of loading pores with a reporter and designing a capping mechanism that is selectively opened in the presence of a target analyte, which results in the delivery of the reporter. According to this concept, we provide herein a complete compilation of published examples of probes based on the use of capped SMSs for sensing. Examples for the detection of anions, cations, small molecules and biomolecules are provided. The diverse range of gated silica mesoporous materials presented here highlights their usefulness in recognition protocols. PMID:26491626

  3. Maximum Likelihood Estimation with Emphasis on Aircraft Flight Data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Iliff, K. W.; Maine, R. E.

    1985-01-01

    Accurate modeling of flexible space structures is an important field that is currently under investigation. Parameter estimation, using methods such as maximum likelihood, is one of the ways that the model can be improved. The maximum likelihood estimator has been used to extract stability and control derivatives from flight data for many years. Most of the literature on aircraft estimation concentrates on new developments and applications, assuming familiarity with basic estimation concepts. Some of these basic concepts are presented. The maximum likelihood estimator and the aircraft equations of motion that the estimator uses are briefly discussed. The basic concepts of minimization and estimation are examined for a simple computed aircraft example. The cost functions that are to be minimized during estimation are defined and discussed. Graphic representations of the cost functions are given to help illustrate the minimization process. Finally, the basic concepts are generalized, and estimation from flight data is discussed. Specific examples of estimation of structural dynamics are included. Some of the major conclusions for the computed example are also developed for the analysis of flight data.

  4. A novel methodology for querying web images

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prabhakara, Rashmi; Lee, Ching Cheng

    2005-01-01

    Ever since the advent of Internet, there has been an immense growth in the amount of image data that is available on the World Wide Web. With such a magnitude of image availability, an efficient and effective image retrieval system is required to make use of this information. This research presents an effective image matching and indexing technique that improvises on existing integrated image retrieval methods. The proposed technique follows a two-phase approach, integrating query by topic and query by example specification methods. The first phase consists of topic-based image retrieval using an improved text information retrieval (IR) technique that makes use of the structured format of HTML documents. It consists of a focused crawler that not only provides for the user to enter the keyword for the topic-based search but also, the scope in which the user wants to find the images. The second phase uses the query by example specification to perform a low-level content-based image match for the retrieval of smaller and relatively closer results of the example image. Information related to the image feature is automatically extracted from the query image by the image processing system. A technique that is not computationally intensive based on color feature is used to perform content-based matching of images. The main goal is to develop a functional image search and indexing system and to demonstrate that better retrieval results can be achieved with this proposed hybrid search technique.

  5. A novel methodology for querying web images

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prabhakara, Rashmi; Lee, Ching Cheng

    2004-12-01

    Ever since the advent of Internet, there has been an immense growth in the amount of image data that is available on the World Wide Web. With such a magnitude of image availability, an efficient and effective image retrieval system is required to make use of this information. This research presents an effective image matching and indexing technique that improvises on existing integrated image retrieval methods. The proposed technique follows a two-phase approach, integrating query by topic and query by example specification methods. The first phase consists of topic-based image retrieval using an improved text information retrieval (IR) technique that makes use of the structured format of HTML documents. It consists of a focused crawler that not only provides for the user to enter the keyword for the topic-based search but also, the scope in which the user wants to find the images. The second phase uses the query by example specification to perform a low-level content-based image match for the retrieval of smaller and relatively closer results of the example image. Information related to the image feature is automatically extracted from the query image by the image processing system. A technique that is not computationally intensive based on color feature is used to perform content-based matching of images. The main goal is to develop a functional image search and indexing system and to demonstrate that better retrieval results can be achieved with this proposed hybrid search technique.

  6. Deep data analysis via physically constrained linear unmixing: universal framework, domain examples, and a community-wide platform.

    PubMed

    Kannan, R; Ievlev, A V; Laanait, N; Ziatdinov, M A; Vasudevan, R K; Jesse, S; Kalinin, S V

    2018-01-01

    Many spectral responses in materials science, physics, and chemistry experiments can be characterized as resulting from the superposition of a number of more basic individual spectra. In this context, unmixing is defined as the problem of determining the individual spectra, given measurements of multiple spectra that are spatially resolved across samples, as well as the determination of the corresponding abundance maps indicating the local weighting of each individual spectrum. Matrix factorization is a popular linear unmixing technique that considers that the mixture model between the individual spectra and the spatial maps is linear. Here, we present a tutorial paper targeted at domain scientists to introduce linear unmixing techniques, to facilitate greater understanding of spectroscopic imaging data. We detail a matrix factorization framework that can incorporate different domain information through various parameters of the matrix factorization method. We demonstrate many domain-specific examples to explain the expressivity of the matrix factorization framework and show how the appropriate use of domain-specific constraints such as non-negativity and sum-to-one abundance result in physically meaningful spectral decompositions that are more readily interpretable. Our aim is not only to explain the off-the-shelf available tools, but to add additional constraints when ready-made algorithms are unavailable for the task. All examples use the scalable open source implementation from https://github.com/ramkikannan/nmflibrary that can run from small laptops to supercomputers, creating a user-wide platform for rapid dissemination and adoption across scientific disciplines.

  7. Culture.

    PubMed

    Smith, Timothy B; Rodríguez, Melanie Domenech; Bernal, Guillermo

    2011-02-01

    This article summarizes the definitions, means, and research of adapting psychotherapy to clients' cultural backgrounds. We begin by reviewing the prevailing definitions of cultural adaptation and providing a clinical example. We present an original meta-analysis of 65 experimental and quasi-experimental studies involving 8,620 participants. The omnibus effect size of d = .46 indicates that treatments specifically adapted for clients of color were moderately more effective with that clientele than traditional treatments. The most effective treatments tended to be those with greater numbers of cultural adaptations. Mental health services targeted to a specific cultural group were several times more effective than those provided to clients from a variety of cultural backgrounds. We recommend a series of research-supported therapeutic practices that account for clients' culture, with culture-specific treatments being more effective than generally culture-sensitive treatments. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  8. Compressive strength of concrete and mortar containing fly ash

    DOEpatents

    Liskowitz, J.W.; Wecharatana, M.; Jaturapitakkul, C.; Cerkanowicz, A.E.

    1997-04-29

    The present invention relates to concrete, mortar and other hardenable mixtures comprising cement and fly ash for use in construction. The invention includes a method for predicting the compressive strength of such a hardenable mixture, which is very important for planning a project. The invention also relates to hardenable mixtures comprising cement and fly ash which can achieve greater compressive strength than hardenable mixtures containing only concrete over the time period relevant for construction. In a specific embodiment, a formula is provided that accurately predicts compressive strength of concrete containing fly ash out to 180 days. In other specific examples, concrete and mortar containing about 15% to 25% fly ash as a replacement for cement, which are capable of meeting design specifications required for building and highway construction, are provided. Such materials can thus significantly reduce construction costs. 33 figs.

  9. Compressive strength of concrete and mortar containing fly ash

    DOEpatents

    Liskowitz, J.W.; Wecharatana, M.; Jaturapitakkul, C.; Cerkanowicz, A.E.

    1998-12-29

    The present invention relates to concrete, mortar and other hardenable mixtures comprising cement and fly ash for use in construction. The invention includes a method for predicting the compressive strength of such a hardenable mixture, which is very important for planning a project. The invention also relates to hardenable mixtures comprising cement and fly ash which can achieve greater compressive strength than hardenable mixtures containing only concrete over the time period relevant for construction. In a specific embodiment, a formula is provided that accurately predicts compressive strength of concrete containing fly ash out to 180 days. In other specific examples, concrete and mortar containing about 15% to 25% fly ash as a replacement for cement, which are capable of meeting design specification required for building and highway construction, are provided. Such materials can thus significantly reduce construction costs. 33 figs.

  10. Compressive strength of concrete and mortar containing fly ash

    DOEpatents

    Liskowitz, John W.; Wecharatana, Methi; Jaturapitakkul, Chai; Cerkanowicz, deceased, Anthony E.

    1997-01-01

    The present invention relates to concrete, mortar and other hardenable mixtures comprising cement and fly ash for use in construction. The invention includes a method for predicting the compressive strength of such a hardenable mixture, which is very important for planning a project. The invention also relates to hardenable mixtures comprising cement and fly ash which can achieve greater compressive strength than hardenable mixtures containing only concrete over the time period relevant for construction. In a specific embodiment, a formula is provided that accurately predicts compressive strength of concrete containing fly ash out to 180 days. In other specific examples, concrete and mortar containing about 15% to 25% fly ash as a replacement for cement, which are capable of meeting design specifications required for building and highway construction, are provided. Such materials can thus significantly reduce construction costs.

  11. Compressive strength of concrete and mortar containing fly ash

    DOEpatents

    Liskowitz, John W.; Wecharatana, Methi; Jaturapitakkul, Chai; Cerkanowicz, deceased, Anthony E.

    1998-01-01

    The present invention relates to concrete, mortar and other hardenable mixtures comprising cement and fly ash for use in construction. The invention includes a method for predicting the compressive strength of such a hardenable mixture, which is very important for planning a project. The invention also relates to hardenable mixtures comprising cement and fly ash which can achieve greater compressive strength than hardenable mixtures containing only concrete over the time period relevant for construction. In a specific embodiment, a formula is provided that accurately predicts compressive strength of concrete containing fly ash out to 180 days. In other specific examples, concrete and mortar containing about 15% to 25% fly ash as a replacement for cement, which are capable of meeting design specification required for building and highway construction, are provided. Such materials can thus significantly reduce construction costs.

  12. The situation specificity of youth responses to peer provocation.

    PubMed

    Dirks, Melanie A; Treat, Teresa A; Weersing, V Robin

    2007-01-01

    Previous studies have identified peer provocation as a challenging class of situations for youth. The work presented here builds on previous methods of assessing peer provocation by (a) increasing the contextual detail of the vignettes; (b) developing a reliable, descriptive coding system of the range of youth responses to physical, verbal, and relational provocation; and (c) assessing the relevance of these situations for a sample (N = 76) of ethnically diverse, economically disadvantaged youth ages 12 to 14. The vignettes were used to examine the situation specificity of youth responses to provocation. Situation and identity of aggressor were both predictors of youth responses. For example, participants "matched" physical aggression to physical provocation. These findings are consistent with previous studies demonstrating the situation specificity of social information processing, even within the relatively homogeneous category of peer provocations.

  13. The Use of E-Mail as a Tool To Enhance Second Language Education Programs: An Example from a Core French Classroom.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lawrence, Geoff

    2002-01-01

    Outlines reasons why electronic mail, and specifically e-mail exchanges, are valuable tools for promoting authentic target language interaction in the second language (L2) classroom. Research examining the use of e-mail exchanges on the L2 learning process is outlined, followed by one specific example of an e-mail exchange in a secondary core…

  14. Opportunities of hydrostatically coupled dielectric elastomer actuators for haptic interfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Carpi, Federico; Frediani, Gabriele; De Rossi, Danilo

    2011-04-01

    As a means to improve versatility and safety of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) for several fields of application, so-called 'hydrostatically coupled' DEAs (HC-DEAs) have recently been described. HC-DEAs are based on an incompressible fluid that mechanically couples a DE-based active part to a passive part interfaced to the load, so as to enable hydrostatic transmission. This paper presents ongoing developments of HC-DEAs and potential applications in the field of haptics. Three specific examples are considered. The first deals with a wearable tactile display used to provide users with tactile feedback during electronic navigation in virtual environments. The display consists of HCDEAs arranged in contact with finger tips. As a second example, an up-scaled prototype version of an 8-dots refreshable cell for dynamic Braille displays is shown. Each Braille dot consists of a miniature HC-DEA, with a diameter lower than 2 mm. The third example refers to a device for finger rehabilitation, conceived to work as a sort of active version of a rehabilitation squeezing ball. The device is designed to dynamically change its compliance according to an electric control. The three examples of applications intend to show the potential of the new technology and the prospective opportunities for haptic interfaces.

  15. Comparative analysis of alternative co-production approaches to conservation science in Alaska

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Trammell, E. J.

    2017-12-01

    Co-production has been suggested as an important tool for reducing the gap between science and management. Although co-production can require substantial investments in time and relationship building, there are a range of possible approaches that can be utilized that honor the focus and intent of co-production. I present here a comparison of three efforts that range from relatively simple, to complex and exhaustive, that illustrate diverse approaches to co-production of conservation science in Alaska. The first example highlights a workshop-based approach to identify long-term environmental monitoring needs in Alaska, while the second example describes stakeholder-driven scenarios that identified stressors to salmon in southcentral Alaska. The third example describes a 2-year cooperative agreement to develop management questions as part of a rapid ecoregional assessment in central Alaska. Results suggest that careful stakeholder selection is essential to successful co-production. Additionally, all three examples highlight the potential disconnect between management questions and specific management decisions, even when working directly with resource managers. As the focus of the Alaska Climate Science Center will be on co-production of climate science over the next 5 years, I conclude with some key pathways forward for successful co-production efforts in the future.

  16. Outline and comparison of the possible effects present in a metal-thin-film-insulator-semiconductor solar cell

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fonash, S. J.

    1976-01-01

    The advantages possible with the insertion of a thin-film insulating or semi-insulating layer between a metal and a semiconductor to form the MIS photovoltaic device have been presented previously in the literature. This MIS configuration may be considered as a specific example of a more general class of photovoltaic devices: electrode-thin-film-insulator-semiconductor devices. Since the advantages of the configuration were pointed out, there has been considerable experimental interest in these photovoltaic devices. Because the previous analysis showed that the introduction of the insulator layer could produce several different but advantageous effects, this paper presents a further outline giving a comparison of these effects together with their ramifications.

  17. Challenges in Rotorcraft Acoustic Flight Prediction and Validation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Boyd, D. Douglas, Jr.

    2003-01-01

    Challenges associated with rotorcraft acoustic flight prediction and validation are examined. First, an outline of a state-of-the-art rotorcraft aeroacoustic prediction methodology is presented. Components including rotorcraft aeromechanics, high resolution reconstruction, and rotorcraft acoustic prediction arc discussed. Next, to illustrate challenges and issues involved, a case study is presented in which an analysis of flight data from a specific XV-15 tiltrotor acoustic flight test is discussed in detail. Issues related to validation of methodologies using flight test data are discussed. Primary flight parameters such as velocity, altitude, and attitude are discussed and compared for repeated flight conditions. Other measured steady state flight conditions are examined for consistency and steadiness. A representative example prediction is presented and suggestions are made for future research.

  18. Ethical issues in research with children and young people.

    PubMed

    Matutina, Robin E

    2009-10-01

    This article, which concentrates largely on literature from the United States, discusses the ethical aspects of research with children, beginning with the historical ill-treatment of children and extending to the present-day protections. Researchers struggle to find the balance that would most benefit this vulnerable population. Children must be protected but society deserves the knowledge that can only be gained through child-specific research. Ethical questions arise through the presentation of historical and current cases of children involved in or excluded from research. Examples of ethical dilemmas are presented in an effort to allow the reader to learn from the past while seeking to provide research-based care today. Strategies are included to help safeguard the autonomy of the child who participates in research.

  19. A Conformance Test Suite for Arden Syntax Compilers and Interpreters.

    PubMed

    Wolf, Klaus-Hendrik; Klimek, Mike

    2016-01-01

    The Arden Syntax for Medical Logic Modules is a standardized and well-established programming language to represent medical knowledge. To test the compliance level of existing compilers and interpreters no public test suite exists. This paper presents the research to transform the specification into a set of unit tests, represented in JUnit. It further reports on the utilization of the test suite testing four different Arden Syntax processors. The presented and compared results reveal the status conformance of the tested processors. How test driven development of Arden Syntax processors can help increasing the compliance with the standard is described with two examples. In the end some considerations how an open source test suite can improve the development and distribution of the Arden Syntax are presented.

  20. SAR Interferometry: On the Coherence Estimation in non Stationary Scenes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ballatore, P.

    2005-05-01

    The possibility of producing good quality satellite SAR interferometry allows observations of terrain mass movement as small as millimetric scales, with applicability in researches about landslides, volcanoes, seismology and others. SAR interferometric images is characterized by the presence of random speckle, whose pattern does not correspond to the underlying image structure. However the local brightness of speckle reflects the local echogenicity of the underlying scatters. Specifically, the coherence between interferometric pair is generally considered as an indicator of interferogram quality. Moreover, it leads to useful image segmentations and it can be employed in data mining and database browsing algorithms. SAR coherence is generally computed by substituting the ensemble averages with the spatial averages, by assuming ergodicity in the estimation window sub-areas. Nevertheless, the actual results may depend on the spatial size scale of the sampling window used for the computation. This is especially true in the cases of fast coherence estimator algorithms, which make use of the correlation coefficient's square root (Rignon and van Zyl, IEEE Trans. Geosci.Remote Sensing, vol. 31, n. 4, pp. 896-906, 1993; Guarnieri and Prati, IEEE Trans. Geosci. Remote Sensing, vol. 35, n. 3, pp. 660-669, 1997). In fact, the correlation coefficient is increased by image texture, due to non stationary absolute values within single sample estimation windows. For example, this can happen in the case of mountainous lands, and, specifically, in the case of the Italian Southern Appennini region around Benevento city, which is of specific geophysical attention for its numerous seismic and landslide terrain movements. In these cases, dedicated techniques are applied for compensating texture effects. This presentation shows an example of interferometric coherence image depending on the spatial size of sampling window. Moreover, the different methodologies present in literature for texture effect control are briefly summarized and applied to our specific exemplary case. A quantitative comparison among resulting coherences is illustrated and discussed in terms of different experimental applicability.

  1. Do Example Sentences Work in Direct Vocabulary Learning?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Baicheng, Zhang

    2009-01-01

    In the present study of language learning, three presentation modes (varying from providing or not providing example sentences by the teacher and by the students themselves) have been utilised to examine the effectiveness of using example sentences in vocabulary presentation and learning activities. The study is of 58 English majors as the…

  2. Schedule-Aware Workflow Management Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mans, Ronny S.; Russell, Nick C.; van der Aalst, Wil M. P.; Moleman, Arnold J.; Bakker, Piet J. M.

    Contemporary workflow management systems offer work-items to users through specific work-lists. Users select the work-items they will perform without having a specific schedule in mind. However, in many environments work needs to be scheduled and performed at particular times. For example, in hospitals many work-items are linked to appointments, e.g., a doctor cannot perform surgery without reserving an operating theater and making sure that the patient is present. One of the problems when applying workflow technology in such domains is the lack of calendar-based scheduling support. In this paper, we present an approach that supports the seamless integration of unscheduled (flow) and scheduled (schedule) tasks. Using CPN Tools we have developed a specification and simulation model for schedule-aware workflow management systems. Based on this a system has been realized that uses YAWL, Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Outlook, and a dedicated scheduling service. The approach is illustrated using a real-life case study at the AMC hospital in the Netherlands. In addition, we elaborate on the experiences obtained when developing and implementing a system of this scale using formal techniques.

  3. Generalized Procedure for Improved Accuracy of Thermal Contact Resistance Measurements for Materials With Arbitrary Temperature-Dependent Thermal Conductivity

    DOE PAGES

    Sayer, Robert A.

    2014-06-26

    Thermal contact resistance (TCR) is most commonly measured using one-dimensional steady-state calorimetric techniques. In the experimental methods we utilized, a temperature gradient is applied across two contacting beams and the temperature drop at the interface is inferred from the temperature profiles of the rods that are measured at discrete points. During data analysis, thermal conductivity of the beams is typically taken to be an average value over the temperature range imposed during the experiment. Our generalized theory is presented and accounts for temperature-dependent changes in thermal conductivity. The procedure presented enables accurate measurement of TCR for contacting materials whose thermalmore » conductivity is any arbitrary function of temperature. For example, it is shown that the standard technique yields TCR values that are about 15% below the actual value for two specific examples of copper and silicon contacts. Conversely, the generalized technique predicts TCR values that are within 1% of the actual value. The method is exact when thermal conductivity is known exactly and no other errors are introduced to the system.« less

  4. Numerical simulation of NQR/NMR: Applications in quantum computing.

    PubMed

    Possa, Denimar; Gaudio, Anderson C; Freitas, Jair C C

    2011-04-01

    A numerical simulation program able to simulate nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) as well as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments is presented, written using the Mathematica package, aiming especially applications in quantum computing. The program makes use of the interaction picture to compute the effect of the relevant nuclear spin interactions, without any assumption about the relative size of each interaction. This makes the program flexible and versatile, being useful in a wide range of experimental situations, going from NQR (at zero or under small applied magnetic field) to high-field NMR experiments. Some conditions specifically required for quantum computing applications are implemented in the program, such as the possibility of use of elliptically polarized radiofrequency and the inclusion of first- and second-order terms in the average Hamiltonian expansion. A number of examples dealing with simple NQR and quadrupole-perturbed NMR experiments are presented, along with the proposal of experiments to create quantum pseudopure states and logic gates using NQR. The program and the various application examples are freely available through the link http://www.profanderson.net/files/nmr_nqr.php. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Reactions of dipolar bio-molecules in nano-capsules--example of folding-unfolding process.

    PubMed

    Sanfeld, A; Sefiane, K; Steinchen, A

    2011-11-14

    The confinement of chemical reactions in nano-capsules can lead to a dramatic effect on the equilibrium constant of these latter. Indeed, capillary effects due to the curvature and surface energy of nano-capsules can alter in a noticeable way the evolution of reactions occurring within. Nano-encapsulation of bio-materials has attracted lately wide interest from the scientific community because of the great potential of its applications in biomedical areas and targeted therapies. The present paper focuses one's attention on alterations of conformation mechanisms due to extremely confining and interacting solvated dipolar macromolecules at their isoelectric point. As a specific example studied here, the folding-unfolding reaction of proteins (particularly RNase A and creatine kinase CK) is drastically changed when encapsulated in solid inorganic hollow nano-capsules. The effects demonstrated in this work can be extended to a wide variety of nano-encapsulation situations. The design and sizing of nano-capsules can even make use of the effects shown in the present study to achieve better and more effective encapsulation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. An introduction to Na(18)F bone scintigraphy: basic principles, advanced imaging concepts, and case examples.

    PubMed

    Bridges, Robert L; Wiley, Chris R; Christian, John C; Strohm, Adam P

    2007-06-01

    Na(18)F, an early bone scintigraphy agent, is poised to reenter mainstream clinical imaging with the present generations of stand-alone PET and PET/CT hybrid scanners. (18)F PET scans promise improved imaging quality for both benign and malignant bone disease, with significantly improved sensitivity and specificity over conventional planar and SPECT bone scans. In this article, basic acquisition information will be presented along with examples of studies related to oncology, sports medicine, and general orthopedics. The use of image fusion of PET bone scans with CT and MRI will be demonstrated. The objectives of this article are to provide the reader with an understanding of the history of early bone scintigraphy in relation to Na(18)F scanning, a familiarity with basic imaging techniques for PET bone scanning, an appreciation of the extent of disease processes that can be imaged with PET bone scanning, an appreciation for the added value of multimodality image fusion with bone disease, and a recognition of the potential role PET bone scanning may play in clinical imaging.

  7. Children's perceptions of advertisements for cigarettes.

    PubMed

    Aitken, P P; Leathar, D S; O'Hagan, F J

    1985-01-01

    Groups of children aged between 6 and 16 years discussed a series of advertisements, including those for cigarettes. Clear patterns emerged in their recognition of cigarette brand imagery. For example, in response to an advertisement for holidays which also presents the brand imagery of John Player Special cigarettes, 22% of primary school children and 91% of secondary school children said it advertises cigarettes. There were consistent trends in responses to the symbolism portrayed. Younger children were very much tied to what was specifically shown in the advertisements; older ones tended to perceive more complex imagery. For example, whereas 10-year-olds said people who like the advertisement for Kim cigarettes (which has symbols for drinking) would smoke and drink, some 12-year-olds and most 14- and 16-year-olds saw Kim as feminine, sociable, trendy and sporty. It seems that some 12-year-olds and most 14- and 16-year-olds perceive cigarette advertisements much in the way that young adults do; therefore advertising campaigns targeted at older teenagers and young adults are likely to present qualities which younger teenagers find attractive.

  8. Sex differences in stress regulation of arousal and cognition.

    PubMed

    Bangasser, Debra A; Eck, Samantha R; Telenson, Alexander M; Salvatore, Madeleine

    2018-04-01

    There are sex differences in the prevalence and presentation of many psychiatric disorders. For example, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression are more common in women than men, and women with these disorders present with more hyperarousal symptoms than men. In contrast, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia are more common in men than women, and men with these disorders have increased cognitive deficits compared to women. A shared feature of the aforementioned psychiatric disorders is the contribution of stressful events to their onset and/or severity. Here we propose that sex differences in stress responses bias females towards hyperarousal and males towards cognitive deficits. Evidence from clinical and preclinical studies is detailed. We also describe underlying neurobiological mechanisms. For example, sex differences in stress receptor signaling and trafficking in the locus coeruleus-arousal center are detailed. In learning circuits, evidence for sex differences in dendritic morphology is provided. Finally, we describe how evaluating sex-specific mechanisms for responding to stress in female and male rodents can lead to better treatments for stress-related psychiatric disorders. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Satellite cell proliferation in adult skeletal muscle

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Morrison, Paul R. (Inventor); Thomason, Donald B. (Inventor); Stancel, George M. (Inventor); Booth, Frank W. (Inventor)

    1995-01-01

    Novel methods of retroviral-mediated gene transfer for the in vivo corporation and stable expression of eukaryotic or prokaryotic foreign genes in tissues of living animals is described. More specifically, methods of incorporating foreign genes into mitotically active cells are disclosed. The constitutive and stable expression of E. coli .beta.-galactosidase gene under the promoter control of the Moloney murine leukemia virus long terminal repeat is employed as a particularly preferred embodiment, by way of example, establishes the model upon which the incorporation of a foreign gene into a mitotically-active living eukaryotic tissue is based. Use of the described methods in therapeutic treatments for genetic diseases, such as those muscular degenerative diseases, is also presented. In muscle tissue, the described processes result in genetically-altered satellite cells which proliferate daughter myoblasts which preferentially fuse to form a single undamaged muscle fiber replacing damaged muscle tissue in a treated animal. The retroviral vector, by way of example, includes a dystrophin gene construct for use in treating muscular dystrophy. The present invention also comprises an experimental model utilizable in the study of the physiological regulation of skeletal muscle gene expression in intact animals.

  10. Application of Monte Carlo Method for Evaluation of Uncertainties of ITS-90 by Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Palenčár, Rudolf; Sopkuliak, Peter; Palenčár, Jakub; Ďuriš, Stanislav; Suroviak, Emil; Halaj, Martin

    2017-06-01

    Evaluation of uncertainties of the temperature measurement by standard platinum resistance thermometer calibrated at the defining fixed points according to ITS-90 is a problem that can be solved in different ways. The paper presents a procedure based on the propagation of distributions using the Monte Carlo method. The procedure employs generation of pseudo-random numbers for the input variables of resistances at the defining fixed points, supposing the multivariate Gaussian distribution for input quantities. This allows taking into account the correlations among resistances at the defining fixed points. Assumption of Gaussian probability density function is acceptable, with respect to the several sources of uncertainties of resistances. In the case of uncorrelated resistances at the defining fixed points, the method is applicable to any probability density function. Validation of the law of propagation of uncertainty using the Monte Carlo method is presented on the example of specific data for 25 Ω standard platinum resistance thermometer in the temperature range from 0 to 660 °C. Using this example, we demonstrate suitability of the method by validation of its results.

  11. Promoting College Students' Construction of Problem Schemata in Statistics Using Schema-Emphasizing Worked Examples

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yan, Jie

    2010-01-01

    In this study, the effectiveness of worked examples that emphasizes problem features (data type, number of groups, purpose of analysis) associated with specific problem types (t-test, chi-square, correlation) were examined on students' construction of problem schemata compared to traditional solution-only worked examples. A sample of 96 students…

  12. Theoretical Model of Professional Competence Development in Dual-Specialty Students (On the Example of the "History, Religious Studies" Specialty)

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Karimova, A. E.; Amanova, A. S.; Sadykova, A. M.; Kuzembaev, N. E.; Makisheva, A. T.; Kurmangazina, G. Zh.; Sakenov, Janat

    2016-01-01

    The article explores the significant problem of developing a theoretical model of professional competence development in dual-specialty students (on the example of the "History, Religious studies" specialty). In order to validate the specifics of the professional competence development in dual-specialty students (on the example of the…

  13. Differentiating Literacy Instruction for Digital Learners: The Effect of Multimedia Think-Aloud Worked Examples on Adolescent Analytical Reading Comprehension

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Neebe, Diana Combs

    2017-01-01

    Learning by example is nothing new to the education landscape. Research into think-aloud protocols, though often used as a form of assessment rather than instruction, provided practical, content-specific literacy strategies for crafting the instructional intervention in this study. Additionally, research into worked examples--from the earliest…

  14. Assessing groundwater vulnerability to agrichemical contamination in the Midwest US

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Burkart, M.R.; Kolpin, D.W.; James, D.E.

    1999-01-01

    Agrichemicals (herbicides and nitrate) are significant sources of diffuse pollution to groundwater. Indirect methods are needed to assess the potential for groundwater contamination by diffuse sources because groundwater monitoring is too costly to adequately define the geographic extent of contamination at a regional or national scale. This paper presents examples of the application of statistical, overlay and index, and process-based modeling methods for groundwater vulnerability assessments to a variety of data from the Midwest U.S. The principles for vulnerability assessment include both intrinsic (pedologic, climatologic, and hydrogeologic factors) and specific (contaminant and other anthropogenic factors) vulnerability of a location. Statistical methods use the frequency of contaminant occurrence, contaminant concentration, or contamination probability as a response variable. Statistical assessments are useful for defining the relations among explanatory and response variables whether they define intrinsic or specific vulnerability. Multivariate statistical analyses are useful for ranking variables critical to estimating water quality responses of interest. Overlay and index methods involve intersecting maps of intrinsic and specific vulnerability properties and indexing the variables by applying appropriate weights. Deterministic models use process-based equations to simulate contaminant transport and are distinguished from the other methods in their potential to predict contaminant transport in both space and time. An example of a one-dimensional leaching model linked to a geographic information system (GIS) to define a regional metamodel for contamination in the Midwest is included.

  15. Nervous systems in 3D: a comparison of Caridean, anomuran, and brachyuran zoea-I (Decapoda).

    PubMed

    Geiselbrecht, Hannes; Melzer, Roland R

    2013-12-01

    Using serial semi-thin sections and digital 3D-reconstructions we studied the nervous systems of zoea-I larvae in three decapod species, Hippolyte inermis (Leach, 1815), Porcellana platycheles (Pennant, 1777), and Pachygrapsus marmoratus (Fabricius, 1787). These taxa represent three decapod lineages, that is, Caridea, Anomura, and Brachyura, each characterized by specific zoea-I morphology. Special attention was paid to development of ganglia, neuropil composition, and segmental nerves. In all zoeae studied, the overall elements, for example, the segmental ganglia, their neuropils and most of the nerves of the adult decapod nervous system are present. Ongoing differentiation processes are observable as well, most obvious in segments with well-developed limbs the ganglia are in a more advanced stage of differentiation and more voluminous compared to segments with only limb buds or without externally visible limb anlagen. Intra- and interspecific comparisons indicate that neuromere differentiation thus deviates from a simple anterior-posterior gradient as, for example, posterior thoracic neuromeres are less developed than those of the pleon. In addition, the differences in the progress of the development of ganglia between the studied taxa can best be attributed to heterochronic mechanisms. Taxon and stage-specific morphologies indicate that neuronal architecture reflects both, morphogenesis to the adult stage and specific larval adaptions, and provides sets of characters relevant to understanding the corresponding phylogeny. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  16. OLIgo Mass Profiling (OLIMP) of Extracellular Polysaccharides

    PubMed Central

    Günl, Markus; Gille, Sascha; Pauly, Markus

    2010-01-01

    The direct contact of cells to the environment is mediated in many organisms by an extracellular matrix. One common aspect of extracellular matrices is that they contain complex sugar moieties in form of glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and/or polysaccharides. Examples include the extracellular matrix of humans and animal cells consisting mainly of fibrillar proteins and proteoglycans or the polysaccharide based cell walls of plants and fungi, and the proteoglycan/glycolipid based cell walls of bacteria. All these glycostructures play vital roles in cell-to-cell and cell-to-environment communication and signalling. An extraordinary complex example of an extracellular matrix is present in the walls of higher plant cells. Their wall is made almost entirely of sugars, up to 75% dry weight, and consists of the most abundant biopolymers present on this planet. Therefore, research is conducted how to utilize these materials best as a carbon-neutral renewable resource to replace petrochemicals derived from fossil fuel. The main challenge for fuel conversion remains the recalcitrance of walls to enzymatic or chemical degradation due to the unique glycostructures present in this unique biocomposite. Here, we present a method for the rapid and sensitive analysis of plant cell wall glycostructures. This method OLIgo Mass Profiling (OLIMP) is based the enzymatic release of oligosaccharides from wall materials facilitating specific glycosylhydrolases and subsequent analysis of the solubilized oligosaccharide mixtures using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS)1 (Figure 1). OLIMP requires walls of only 5000 cells for a complete analysis, can be performed on the tissue itself2, and is amenable to high-throughput analyses3. While the absolute amount of the solubilized oligosaccharides cannot be determined by OLIMP the relative abundance of the various oligosaccharide ions can be delineated from the mass spectra giving insights about the substitution-pattern of the native polysaccharide present in the wall. OLIMP can be used to analyze a wide variety of wall polymers, limited only by the availability of specific enzymes4. For example, for the analysis of polymers present in the plant cell wall enzymes are available to analyse the hemicelluloses xyloglucan using a xyloglucanase5, 11, 12, 13, xylan using an endo-β-(1-4)-xylanase 6,7, or for pectic polysaccharides using a combination of a polygalacturonase and a methylesterase 8. Furthermore, using the same principles of OLIMP glycosylhydrolase and even glycosyltransferase activities can be monitored and determined 9. PMID:20567216

  17. Specific metal recognition in nickel trafficking

    PubMed Central

    Higgins, Khadine A.; Carr, Carolyn E.; Maroney, Michael J.

    2012-01-01

    Nickel is an essential metal for a number of bacterial species that have developed systems for acquiring, delivering and incorporating the metal into target enzymes, and controlling the levels of nickel in cells to avoid toxic effects. As with other transition metals, these trafficking systems must be able to distinguish between the desired metal and other transition metal ions with similar physical and chemical properties. Because there are few enzymes (targets) that require nickel for activity (e.g., E. coli traffics nickel for hydrogenases made under anaerobic conditions and H. pylori requires nickel for hydrogenase and urease that are essential for acid viability), the ‘traffic pattern’ for nickel is relatively simple, and nickel trafficking therefore presents an opportunity to examine a system for the mechanisms that are used to distinguish nickel from other metals. In this review, we describe the details known for examples of uptake permeases, metallochaperones and proteins involved in metallocenter assembly, and nickel metalloregulators. We also illustrate the variety of mechanisms, including molecular recognition in the case of NikA protein and examples of allosteric regulation for HypA, NikR and RcnR, employed to generate specific biological responses to nickel ions. PMID:22970729

  18. Overview of the Contributing Factor Map and How it can Support your Research

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mindock, Jennifer A.

    2014-01-01

    The Contributing Factor Map (CFM) is a visual representation of a taxonomy of factors influencing human health and performance in space. This presentation will give an overview of its development and its structure. It will describe various uses of the CFM that can support researchers working within the Human Research Program (HRP) Architecture of Evidence-Risk-Gap-Task-Deliverable. For example, during the Risk phase, the CFM can be used as a "menu" to help formulate a qualitative model of the factors contributing to specific consequences of concern. It provides a reference set of factors from across the operational, vehicle design, and human domains that otherwise might not be considered if approaching a risk from a specific domain perspective. Using the CFM as a reference can increase awareness of potential cross-disciplinary collaborations for overall risk mitigation. The CFM can also be used as a framework for identifying gaps in knowledge about a risk. This identification can support the subsequent development of gaps and tasks comprising the research plan aimed at risk mitigation. Examples of these types of applications of the CFM will be discussed and information on the support available to researchers in using it will be provided.

  19. 31 CFR 356.12 - What are the different types of bids and do they have specific requirements or restrictions?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... the specific security being auctioned; (ii) For which the security being auctioned is one of several... increments. The third decimal must be either a zero or a five, for example, 5.320 or 5.325. We will treat any missing decimals as zero, for example, a bid of 5.32 will be treated as 5.320. The rate bid may be a...

  20. Alpha particle effects in burning tokamak plasmas: overview and specific examples

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

    Sigmar, D.J.

    1986-07-01

    Using the total power balance of an ignited tokamak plasma as a guideline, a range of alpha driven effects is surveyed regarding their impact on achieving and maintaining fusion burn. Specific examples of MHD and kinetic modes and multi species transport dynamics are discussed, including the possible interaction of these categories of effects. This power balance approach rather than a straightforward enumeration of possible effects serves to reveal their non-linear dependence and the ensuing fragility of our understanding of the approach to and maintenance of ignition. Specific examples are given of the interaction between ..cap alpha..-power driven sawtoothing and idealmore » MHD stability, and direct ..cap alpha..-effects on MHD modes including kinetic corrections. Anomalous ion heat transport and central impurity peaking mechanisms and anomalous and collisional ..cap alpha..-transport including the ambipolar electric field are discussed.« less

  1. Using formal specification in the Guidance and Control Software (GCS) experiment. Formal design and verification technology for life critical systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Weber, Doug; Jamsek, Damir

    1994-01-01

    The goal of this task was to investigate how formal methods could be incorporated into a software engineering process for flight-control systems under DO-178B and to demonstrate that process by developing a formal specification for NASA's Guidance and Controls Software (GCS) Experiment. GCS is software to control the descent of a spacecraft onto a planet's surface. The GCS example is simplified from a real example spacecraft, but exhibits the characteristics of realistic spacecraft control software. The formal specification is written in Larch.

  2. [Amanitine determination as an example of peptide analysis in the biological samples with HPLC-MS technique].

    PubMed

    Janus, Tomasz; Jasionowicz, Ewa; Potocka-Banaś, Barbara; Borowiak, Krzysztof

    Routine toxicological analysis is mostly focused on the identification of non-organic and organic, chemically different compounds, but generally with low mass, usually not greater than 500–600 Da. Peptide compounds with atomic mass higher than 900 Da are a specific analytical group. Several dozen of them are highly-toxic substances well known in toxicological practice, for example mushroom toxin and animal venoms. In the paper the authors present an example of alpha-amanitin to explain the analytical problems and different original solutions in identifying peptides in urine samples with the use of the universal LC MS/MS procedure. The analyzed material was urine samples collected from patients with potential mushroom intoxication, routinely diagnosed for amanitin determination. Ultra filtration with centrifuge filter tubes (limited mass cutoff 3 kDa) was used. Filtrate fluid was directly injected on the chromatographic column and analyzed with a mass detector (MS/MS). The separation of peptides as organic, amphoteric compounds from biological material with the use of the SPE technique is well known but requires dedicated, specific columns. The presented paper proved that with the fast and simple ultra filtration technique amanitin can be effectively isolated from urine, and the procedure offers satisfactory sensitivity of detection and eliminates the influence of the biological matrix on analytical results. Another problem which had to be solved was the non-characteristic fragmentation of peptides in the MS/MS procedure providing non-selective chromatograms. It is possible to use higher collision energies in the analytical procedure, which results in more characteristic mass spectres, although it offers lower sensitivity. The ultra filtration technique as a procedure of sample preparation is effective for the isolation of amanitin from the biological matrix. The monitoring of selected mass corresponding to transition with the loss of water molecule offers satisfactory sensitivity of determination.

  3. How Engineers Negotiate Domain Boundaries in a Complex, Interdisciplinary Engineering Project

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Panther, Grace; Montfort, Devlin; Pirtle, Zachary

    2017-01-01

    Engineering educators have an essential role in preparing engineers to work in a complex, interdisciplinary workforce. While much engineering education focuses on teaching students to develop disciplinary expertise in specific engineering domains, there is a strong need to teach engineers about the knowledge that they develop or use in their work (Bucciarelli 1994, Allenby Sarewitz, 2011; Frodeman, 2013). The purpose of this research is to gain a better understanding of the knowledge systems of practicing engineers through observations of their practices such that the insights learned can guide future education efforts. Using an example from a complex and interdisciplinary engineering project, this paper presents a case study overviewing the types of epistemological (or knowledge-acquiring or using) complexities that engineers navigate. Specifically, we looked at a discussion of the thermal design of a CubeSat that occurred during an engineering review at NASA. We analyzed the review using a framework that we call 'peak events', or pointed discussions between reviewers, project engineers, and managers. We examined the dialog within peak events to identify the ways that knowledge was brought to bear, highlighting discussions of uncertainty and the boundaries of knowledge claims. We focus on one example discussion surrounding the thermal design of the CubeSat, which provides a particularly thorough example of a knowledge system since the engineers present explained, justified, negotiated, and defended knowledge within a social setting. Engineering students do not get much practice or instruction in explicitly negotiating knowledge systems and epistemic standards in this way. We highlight issues that should matter to engineering educators, such as the need to discuss what level of uncertainty is sufficient and the need to negotiate boundaries of system responsibility. Although this analysis is limited to a single discussion or 'peak event', our case shows that this type of discussion can occur in engineering and suggests that it could be important for future engineering education research.

  4. Annotation of rule-based models with formal semantics to enable creation, analysis, reuse and visualization.

    PubMed

    Misirli, Goksel; Cavaliere, Matteo; Waites, William; Pocock, Matthew; Madsen, Curtis; Gilfellon, Owen; Honorato-Zimmer, Ricardo; Zuliani, Paolo; Danos, Vincent; Wipat, Anil

    2016-03-15

    Biological systems are complex and challenging to model and therefore model reuse is highly desirable. To promote model reuse, models should include both information about the specifics of simulations and the underlying biology in the form of metadata. The availability of computationally tractable metadata is especially important for the effective automated interpretation and processing of models. Metadata are typically represented as machine-readable annotations which enhance programmatic access to information about models. Rule-based languages have emerged as a modelling framework to represent the complexity of biological systems. Annotation approaches have been widely used for reaction-based formalisms such as SBML. However, rule-based languages still lack a rich annotation framework to add semantic information, such as machine-readable descriptions, to the components of a model. We present an annotation framework and guidelines for annotating rule-based models, encoded in the commonly used Kappa and BioNetGen languages. We adapt widely adopted annotation approaches to rule-based models. We initially propose a syntax to store machine-readable annotations and describe a mapping between rule-based modelling entities, such as agents and rules, and their annotations. We then describe an ontology to both annotate these models and capture the information contained therein, and demonstrate annotating these models using examples. Finally, we present a proof of concept tool for extracting annotations from a model that can be queried and analyzed in a uniform way. The uniform representation of the annotations can be used to facilitate the creation, analysis, reuse and visualization of rule-based models. Although examples are given, using specific implementations the proposed techniques can be applied to rule-based models in general. The annotation ontology for rule-based models can be found at http://purl.org/rbm/rbmo The krdf tool and associated executable examples are available at http://purl.org/rbm/rbmo/krdf anil.wipat@newcastle.ac.uk or vdanos@inf.ed.ac.uk. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press.

  5. Complexity of human and ecosystem interactions in an agricultural landscape

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Coupe, Richard H.; Barlow, Jeannie R.; Capel, Paul D.

    2012-01-01

    The complexity of human interaction in the commercial agricultural landscape and the resulting impacts on the ecosystem services of water quality and quantity is largely ignored by the current agricultural paradigm that maximizes crop production over other ecosystem services. Three examples at different spatial scales (local, regional, and global) are presented where human and ecosystem interactions in a commercial agricultural landscape adversely affect water quality and quantity in unintended ways in the Delta of northwestern Mississippi. In the first example, little to no regulation of groundwater use for irrigation has caused declines in groundwater levels resulting in loss of baseflow to streams and threatening future water supply. In the second example, federal policy which subsidizes corn for biofuel production has encouraged many producers to switch from cotton to corn, which requires more nutrients and water, counter to national efforts to reduce nutrient loads to the Gulf of Mexico and exacerbating groundwater level declines. The third example is the wholesale adoption of a system for weed control that relies on a single chemical, initially providing many benefits and ultimately leading to the widespread occurrence of glyphosate and its degradates in Delta streams and necessitating higher application rates of glyphosate as well as the use of other herbicides due to increasing weed resistance. Although these examples are specific to the Mississippi Delta, analogous situations exist throughout the world and point to the need for change in how we grow our food, fuel, and fiber, and manage our soil and water resources.

  6. Toward intracellular targeted delivery of cancer therapeutics: progress and clinical outlook for brain tumor therapy.

    PubMed

    Pandya, Hetal; Debinski, Waldemar

    2012-08-01

    A number of anti-cancer drugs have their targets localized to particular intracellular compartments. These drugs reach the targets mainly through diffusion, dependent on biophysical and biochemical forces that allow cell penetration. This means that both cancer cells and normal cells will be subjected to such diffusion; hence many of these drugs, like chemotherapeutics, are potentially toxic and the concentration achieved at the site of their action is often suboptimal. The same relates to radiation that indiscriminately affects normal and diseased cells. However, nature-designed systems enable compounds present in the extracellular environment to end up inside the cell and even travel to more specific intracellular compartments. For example, viruses and bacterial toxins can more or less specifically recognize eukaryotic cells, enter these cells, and direct some protein portions to designated intracellular areas. These phenomena have led to creative thinking, such as employing viruses or bacterial toxins for cargo delivery to cells and, more specifically, to cancer cells. Proteins can be genetically engineered in order to not only mimic what viruses and bacterial toxins can do, but also to add new functions, extending or changing the intracellular routes. It is possible to make conjugates or, more preferably, single-chain proteins that recognize cancer cells and deliver cargo inside the cells, even to the desired subcellular compartment. These findings offer new opportunities to deliver drugs/labels only to cancer cells and only to their site of action within the cells. The development of such dual-specificity vectors for targeting cancer cells is an attractive and potentially safer and more efficacious way of delivering drugs. We provide examples of this approach for delivering brain cancer therapeutics, using a specific biomarker on glioblastoma tumor cells.

  7. Toward Intracellular Targeted Delivery of Cancer Therapeutics

    PubMed Central

    Pandya, Hetal; Debinski, Waldemar

    2013-01-01

    A number of anti-cancer drugs have their targets localized to particular intracellular compartments. These drugs reach the targets mainly through diffusion, dependent on biophysical and biochemical forces that allow cell penetration. This means that both cancer cells and normal cells will be subjected to such diffusion; hence many of these drugs, like chemotherapeutics, are potentially toxic and the concentration achieved at the site of their action is often suboptimal. The same relates to radiation that indiscriminately affects normal and diseased cells. However, nature-designed systems enable compounds present in the extracellular environment to end up inside the cell and even travel to more specific intracellular compartments. For example, viruses and bacterial toxins can more or less specifically recognize eukaryotic cells, enter these cells, and direct some protein portions to designated intracellular areas. These phenomena have led to creative thinking, such as employing viruses or bacterial toxins for cargo delivery to cells and, more specifically, to cancer cells. Proteins can be genetically engineered in order to not only mimic what viruses and bacterial toxins can do, but also to add new functions, extending or changing the intracellular routes. It is possible to make conjugates or, more preferably, single-chain proteins that recognize cancer cells and deliver cargo inside the cells, even to the desired subcellular compartment. These findings offer new opportunities to deliver drugs/labels only to cancer cells and only to their site of action within the cells. The development of such dual-specificity vectors for targeting cancer cells is an attractive and potentially safer and more efficacious way of delivering drugs. We provide examples of this approach for delivering brain cancer therapeutics, using a specific biomarker on glioblastoma tumor cells. PMID:22671766

  8. On the Modeling of Shells in Multibody Dynamics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bauchau, Olivier A.; Choi, Jou-Young; Bottasso, Carlo L.

    2000-01-01

    Energy preserving/decaying schemes are presented for the simulation of the nonlinear multibody systems involving shell components. The proposed schemes are designed to meet four specific requirements: unconditional nonlinear stability of the scheme, a rigorous treatment of both geometric and material nonlinearities, exact satisfaction of the constraints, and the presence of high frequency numerical dissipation. The kinematic nonlinearities associated with arbitrarily large displacements and rotations of shells are treated in a rigorous manner, and the material nonlinearities can be handled when the, constitutive laws stem from the existence of a strain energy density function. The efficiency and robustness of the proposed approach is illustrated with specific numerical examples that also demonstrate the need for integration schemes possessing high frequency numerical dissipation.

  9. The pathology and medicolegal aspects of sexual activity.

    PubMed

    Eckert, W G; Katchis, S; Donovan, W

    1991-03-01

    The pathology of injury and its complications related to sexual activities has changed remarkably when compared with that of the past, which usually involved assaults or murders of female victims of varying ages, with moderate to serve beatings that may have accidentally resulted in the victim's death. Serial murderers, serial rapists, and molesters of both boys and girls have become much more prevalent in the last two decades in the United States. Unorthodox sexual behavior, such as "fisting," has increased in frequency, as has sexual violence related to cults, such as satanism. All of these present many challenges to medicolegal investigators. This report describes general and specific pathological sexual activities and injuries, some characteristics and methods of the perpetrators, and some specific cases as examples.

  10. Distributed Generation to Support Development-Focused Climate Action

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

    Cox, Sadie; Gagnon, Pieter; Stout, Sherry

    2016-09-01

    This paper explores the role of distributed generation, with a high renewable energy contribution, in supporting low emission climate-resilient development. The paper presents potential impacts on development (via energy access), greenhouse gas emission mitigation, and climate resilience directly associated with distributed generation, as well as specific actions that may enhance or increase the likelihood of climate and development benefits. This paper also seeks to provide practical and timely insights to support distributed generation policymaking and planning within the context of common climate and development goals as the distributed generation landscape rapidly evolves globally. Country-specific distributed generation policy and program examples,more » as well as analytical tools that can inform efforts internationally, are also highlighted throughout the paper.« less

  11. CHD associated with syndromic diagnoses: peri-operative risk factors and early outcomes

    PubMed Central

    Landis, Benjamin J.; Cooper, David S.; Hinton, Robert B.

    2016-01-01

    CHD is frequently associated with a genetic syndrome. These syndromes often present specific cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular co-morbidities that confer significant peri-operative risks affecting multiple organ systems. Although surgical outcomes have improved over time, these co-morbidities continue to contribute substantially to poor peri-operative mortality and morbidity outcomes. Peri-operative morbidity may have long-standing ramifications on neurodevelopment and overall health. Recognising the cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular risks associated with specific syndromic diagnoses will facilitate expectant management, early detection of clinical problems, and improved outcomes – for example, the development of syndrome-based protocols for peri-operative evaluation and prophylactic actions may improve outcomes for the more frequently encountered syndromes such as 22q11 deletion syndrome. PMID:26345374

  12. Conformer-specific hydrogen atom tunnelling in trifluoromethylhydroxycarbene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mardyukov, Artur; Quanz, Henrik; Schreiner, Peter R.

    2017-01-01

    Conformational control of organic reactions is at the heart of the biomolecular sciences. To achieve a particular reactivity, one of many conformers may be selected, for instance, by a (bio)catalyst, as the geometrically most suited and appropriately reactive species. The equilibration of energetically close-lying conformers is typically assumed to be facile and less energetically taxing than the reaction under consideration itself: this is termed the 'Curtin-Hammett principle'. Here, we show that the trans conformer of trifluoromethylhydroxycarbene preferentially rearranges through a facile quantum-mechanical hydrogen tunnelling pathway, while its cis conformer is entirely unreactive. Hence, this presents the first example of a conformer-specific hydrogen tunnelling reaction. The Curtin-Hammett principle is not applicable, due to the high barrier between the two conformers.

  13. Development of analytical methods for multiplex bio-assay with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

    PubMed Central

    Ornatsky, Olga I.; Kinach, Robert; Bandura, Dmitry R.; Lou, Xudong; Tanner, Scott D.; Baranov, Vladimir I.; Nitz, Mark; Winnik, Mitchell A.

    2008-01-01

    Advances in the development of highly multiplexed bio-analytical assays with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) detection are discussed. Use of novel reagents specifically designed for immunological methods utilizing elemental analysis is presented. The major steps of method development, including selection of elements for tags, validation of tagged reagents, and examples of multiplexed assays, are considered in detail. The paper further describes experimental protocols for elemental tagging of antibodies, immunostaining of live and fixed human leukemia cells, and preparation of samples for ICP-MS analysis. Quantitative analysis of surface antigens on model cell lines using a cocktail of seven lanthanide labeled antibodies demonstrated high specificity and concordance with conventional immunophenotyping. PMID:19122859

  14. De-boned beef - an example of a commodity for which specific standards could be developed to ensure an appropriate level of protection for international trade.

    PubMed

    Thomson, G R; Leyland, T J; Donaldson, A I

    2009-03-01

    De-boned beef from which lymph nodes and risk material associated with bovine spongiform encephalopathy have been removed, is a product which can be produced for safe international trade irrespective of whether the locality of production is recognized as free from so-called transboundary diseases or not. Further processing of such beef provides an additional safety factor. However, this approach requires specific control measures being in place, supported by appropriate auditing and certification procedures. This document presents the arguments supporting this concept and details how safety in respect of both animal diseases and human food safety can be achieved using an integrated hazard analysis and critical control points approach.

  15. Re-Engineering JPL's Mission Planning Ground System Architecture for Cost Efficient Operations in the 21st Century

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fordyce, Jess

    1996-01-01

    Work carried out to re-engineer the mission analysis segment of JPL's mission planning ground system architecture is reported on. The aim is to transform the existing software tools, originally developed for specific missions on different support environments, into an integrated, general purpose, multi-mission tool set. The issues considered are: the development of a partnership between software developers and users; the definition of key mission analysis functions; the development of a consensus based architecture; the move towards evolutionary change instead of revolutionary replacement; software reusability, and the minimization of future maintenance costs. The current status and aims of new developments are discussed and specific examples of cost savings and improved productivity are presented.

  16. Sources of and Remedies for Removing Unwanted Reflections in Millimeter Wave Images of Complex SOFI-Covered Space Shuttle Structures

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kharkovsky, S.; Zoughi, R.; Hepburn, Frank L.

    2007-01-01

    In the recent years, continuous-wave near-field and lens-focused millimeter wave imaging systems have been effectively used to demonstrate their utility for producing high-resolution images of metallic structures covered with spay on foam insulation (SOFI) such as the Space Shuttle external fuel tank. However, for some specific structures a certain interference -pattern may be superimposed on the produced images. There are methods by which the influence of this unwanted interference can be reduced, such as the incorporation of an incidence .angle and the proper use of signal polarization. This paper presents the basics of this problem and describes the use of the methods for reducing this unwanted influence through specific examples.

  17. An Example of an INPRO Assessment of an INS in the Area of Waste Management

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

    Allan, C.; Busurin, Y.; Depisch, F.

    2006-07-01

    Following a resolution of the General Conference of the IAEA in the year 2000 the International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles, referred to as INPRO, was initiated. INPRO has defined requirements organized in a hierarchy of Basic Principles, User Requirements and Criteria (consisting of an indicator and an acceptance limit) to be met by innovative nuclear reactor systems (INS) in six areas, namely: economics, safety, waste management, environment, proliferation resistance, and infrastructure. If an INS meets all requirements in all areas it represents a sustainable system for the supply of energy, capable of making a significant contributionmore » to meeting the energy needs of the 21. century. Draft manuals have been developed, for each INPRO area, to provide guidance for performing an assessment of whether an INS meets the INPRO requirements in a given area. The manuals set out the information that needs to be assembled to perform an assessment and provide guidance on selecting the acceptance limits and, for a given INS, for determining the value of the indicators for comparison with the associated acceptance limits. Each manual also includes an example of a specific assessment to illustrate the guidance. This paper discusses the example presented in the manual for performing an INPRO assessment in the area of waste management. The example, chosen solely for the purpose of illustrating the INPRO methodology, describes an assessment of an INS based on the DUPIC fuel cycle. It is assumed that uranium is mined, milled, converted, enriched, and fabricated into LWR fuel in Canada. The LWR fuel is assumed to be leased to a utility in the USA. The spent LWR fuel is assumed to be returned to Canada where it is processed into CANDU DUPIC fuel, which is then burned in CANDU reactors. The assessment steps and the results are presented in detail in the paper. The example illustrates an assessment performed for an INS at an early stage of development. (authors)« less

  18. Pathology Reports

    MedlinePlus

    ... pathology report will include the results of these tests. For example, the pathology report may include information obtained from ... markers or indicators of a specific cancer. For example, the Philadelphia chromosome ... ( 3 ). Some tests that might be performed on a tissue sample ...

  19. 25 CFR 309.15 - What are examples of apparel that are Indian products?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... products. (b) Specific examples include, but are not limited to: seal skin parkas, ribbon appliqué dance shawls, smoked moose hide slippers, deer skin boots, patchwork jackets, calico ribbon shirts, wing...

  20. 25 CFR 309.15 - What are examples of apparel that are Indian products?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... products. (b) Specific examples include, but are not limited to: seal skin parkas, ribbon appliqué dance shawls, smoked moose hide slippers, deer skin boots, patchwork jackets, calico ribbon shirts, wing...

  1. 25 CFR 309.15 - What are examples of apparel that are Indian products?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... products. (b) Specific examples include, but are not limited to: seal skin parkas, ribbon appliqué dance shawls, smoked moose hide slippers, deer skin boots, patchwork jackets, calico ribbon shirts, wing...

  2. Quantitative comparison of microarray experiments with published leukemia related gene expression signatures.

    PubMed

    Klein, Hans-Ulrich; Ruckert, Christian; Kohlmann, Alexander; Bullinger, Lars; Thiede, Christian; Haferlach, Torsten; Dugas, Martin

    2009-12-15

    Multiple gene expression signatures derived from microarray experiments have been published in the field of leukemia research. A comparison of these signatures with results from new experiments is useful for verification as well as for interpretation of the results obtained. Currently, the percentage of overlapping genes is frequently used to compare published gene signatures against a signature derived from a new experiment. However, it has been shown that the percentage of overlapping genes is of limited use for comparing two experiments due to the variability of gene signatures caused by different array platforms or assay-specific influencing parameters. Here, we present a robust approach for a systematic and quantitative comparison of published gene expression signatures with an exemplary query dataset. A database storing 138 leukemia-related published gene signatures was designed. Each gene signature was manually annotated with terms according to a leukemia-specific taxonomy. Two analysis steps are implemented to compare a new microarray dataset with the results from previous experiments stored and curated in the database. First, the global test method is applied to assess gene signatures and to constitute a ranking among them. In a subsequent analysis step, the focus is shifted from single gene signatures to chromosomal aberrations or molecular mutations as modeled in the taxonomy. Potentially interesting disease characteristics are detected based on the ranking of gene signatures associated with these aberrations stored in the database. Two example analyses are presented. An implementation of the approach is freely available as web-based application. The presented approach helps researchers to systematically integrate the knowledge derived from numerous microarray experiments into the analysis of a new dataset. By means of example leukemia datasets we demonstrate that this approach detects related experiments as well as related molecular mutations and may help to interpret new microarray data.

  3. E-health internationalization requirements for audit purposes.

    PubMed

    Ouhbi, Sofia; Fernández-Alemán, José Luis; Carrillo-de-Gea, Juan Manuel; Toval, Ambrosio; Idri, Ali

    2017-06-01

    In the 21st century, e-health is proving to be one of the strongest drivers for the global transformation of the health care industry. Health information is currently truly ubiquitous and widespread, but in order to guarantee that everyone can appropriately access and understand this information, regardless of their origin, it is essential to bridge the international gap. The diversity of health information seekers languages and cultures signifies that e-health applications must be adapted to satisfy their needs. In order to achieve this objective, current and future e-health programs should take into account the internationalization aspects. This paper presents an internationalization requirements specification in the form of a reusable requirements catalog, obtained from the principal related standards, and describes the key methodological elements needed to perform an e-health software audit by using the internationalization knowledge previously gathered. S Health, a relevant, well-known Android application that has more than 150 million users in over 130 countries, was selected as a target for the e-health internationalization audit method and requirements specification presented above. This application example helped us to put into practice the proposal and show that the procedure is realistic and effective. The approach presented in this study is subject to continuous improvement through the incorporation of new knowledge originating from additional information sources, such as other standards or stakeholders. The application example is useful for early evaluation and serves to assess the applicability of the internationalization catalog and audit methodology, and to improve them. It would be advisable to develop of an automated tool with which to carry out the audit method. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. It's All a Matter of Perspective: Viewing First-Person Video Modeling Examples Promotes Learning of an Assembly Task

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fiorella, Logan; van Gog, Tamara; Hoogerheide, Vincent; Mayer, Richard E.

    2017-01-01

    The present study tests whether presenting video modeling examples from the learner's (first-person) perspective promotes learning of an assembly task, compared to presenting video examples from a third-person perspective. Across 2 experiments conducted in different labs, university students viewed a video showing how to assemble an 8-component…

  5. The Use of Polymer Design in Resorbable Colloids

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Finne-Wistrand, Anna; Albertsson, Ann-Christine

    2006-08-01

    During the past decade, researchers in the field of polymer chemistry have developed a wide range of very powerful procedures for constructing ever-more-sophisticated polymers. These methods subsequently have been used in suitable systems to solve specific medical problems. This is complicated, and many key factors such as mechanical properties, biocompatibility, biodegradation, stability, and degradation profile must be considered. Colloid particle systems can be used to solve many biomedical- and pharmaceutical-related problems, and it is expected that nanotechnology can be used to develop these materials, devices, and systems even further. For example, an injectible scaffold system with a defined release and degradation profile has huge potential for the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues. This short, nonexhaustive review presents examples of polymer architecture in resorbable particles that have been compared and tested in biomedical applications. We also discuss the design of polymers for core-shell structures.

  6. Integrating informative priors from experimental research with Bayesian methods: an example from radiation epidemiology.

    PubMed

    Hamra, Ghassan; Richardson, David; Maclehose, Richard; Wing, Steve

    2013-01-01

    Informative priors can be a useful tool for epidemiologists to handle problems of sparse data in regression modeling. It is sometimes the case that an investigator is studying a population exposed to two agents, X and Y, where Y is the agent of primary interest. Previous research may suggest that the exposures have different effects on the health outcome of interest, one being more harmful than the other. Such information may be derived from epidemiologic analyses; however, in the case where such evidence is unavailable, knowledge can be drawn from toxicologic studies or other experimental research. Unfortunately, using toxicologic findings to develop informative priors in epidemiologic analyses requires strong assumptions, with no established method for its utilization. We present a method to help bridge the gap between animal and cellular studies and epidemiologic research by specification of an order-constrained prior. We illustrate this approach using an example from radiation epidemiology.

  7. High infrasonic goniometry applied to the detection of a helicopter in a high activity environment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chritin, Vincent; Van Lancker, Eric; Wellig, Peter; Ott, Beat

    2016-10-01

    A current concern of armasuisse is the feasibility of a fixed or mobile acoustic surveillance and recognition network of sensors allowing to permanently monitor the noise immissions of a wide range of aerial activities such as civil or military aviation, and other possible acoustic events such as transient events, subsonic or sonic booms or other. This objective requires an ability to detect, localize and recognize a wide range of potential acoustic events of interest, among others possibly parasitic acoustic events (natural and industrial events on the ground for example), and possibly high background noise (for example close to urban or high activity areas). This article presents a general discussion and conclusion about this problem, based on 20 years of experience totalizing a dozen of research programs or internal researches by IAV, with an illustration through one central specific experimental case-study carried out within the framework of an armasuisse research program.

  8. On the efficacy of stochastic collocation, stochastic Galerkin, and stochastic reduced order models for solving stochastic problems

    DOE PAGES

    Richard V. Field, Jr.; Emery, John M.; Grigoriu, Mircea Dan

    2015-05-19

    The stochastic collocation (SC) and stochastic Galerkin (SG) methods are two well-established and successful approaches for solving general stochastic problems. A recently developed method based on stochastic reduced order models (SROMs) can also be used. Herein we provide a comparison of the three methods for some numerical examples; our evaluation only holds for the examples considered in the paper. The purpose of the comparisons is not to criticize the SC or SG methods, which have proven very useful for a broad range of applications, nor is it to provide overall ratings of these methods as compared to the SROM method.more » Furthermore, our objectives are to present the SROM method as an alternative approach to solving stochastic problems and provide information on the computational effort required by the implementation of each method, while simultaneously assessing their performance for a collection of specific problems.« less

  9. Measures of gender role attitudes under revision: The example of the German General Social Survey.

    PubMed

    Walter, Jessica Gabriele

    2018-05-01

    Using the example of the German General Social Survey, this study describes how measures of gender role attitudes can be revised. To date measures have focused on the traditional male breadwinner model. However, social developments in female labor force participation, education, and family structure suggest that a revision and adjustment of existing measures are required. First, these measures need to be supplemented with items that represent more egalitarian models of division of labor and the role of the father in the family. Second, the phrasing of existing items needs to be revised. The results of this study indicate that especially regarding the amount of working hours and the age of children, a specification is needed. This study presents a revised measure, to facilitate analyses over time. This revised measure represents two factors: one referring to traditional and one to modern gender role attitudes. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Remote Control of Cellular Functions: The Role of Smart Nanomaterials in the Medicine of the Future.

    PubMed

    Genchi, Giada Graziana; Marino, Attilio; Grillone, Agostina; Pezzini, Ilaria; Ciofani, Gianni

    2017-05-01

    The remote control of cellular functions through smart nanomaterials represents a biomanipulation approach with unprecedented potential applications in many fields of medicine, ranging from cancer therapy to tissue engineering. By actively responding to external stimuli, smart nanomaterials act as real nanotransducers able to mediate and/or convert different forms of energy into both physical and chemical cues, fostering specific cell behaviors. This report describes those classes of nanomaterials that have mostly paved the way to a "wireless" control of biological phenomena, focusing the discussion on some examples close to the clinical practice. In particular, magnetic fields, light irradiation, ultrasound, and pH will be presented as means to manipulate the cellular fate, due to the peculiar physical/chemical properties of some smart nanoparticles, thus providing realistic examples of "nanorobots" approaching the visionary ideas of Richard Feynman. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  11. The potential of nanofibers in tissue engineering and stem cell therapy.

    PubMed

    Gholizadeh-Ghaleh Aziz, Shiva; Gholizadeh-Ghaleh Aziz, Sara; Akbarzadeh, Abolfazl

    2016-08-01

    Electrospinning is a technique in which materials in solution are shaped into continuous nano- and micro-sized fibers. Combining stem cells with biomaterial scaffolds and nanofibers affords a favorable approach for bone tissue engineering, stem cell growth and transfer, ocular surface reconstruction, and treatment of congenital corneal diseases. This review seeks to describe the current examples of the use of scaffolds in stem cell therapy. Stem cells are classified as adult or embryonic stem (ES) cells, and the advantages and drawbacks of each group are detailed. The nanofibers and scaffolds are further classified in Tables I and II , which describe specific examples from the literature. Finally, the current applications of biomaterial scaffolds containing stem cells for tissue engineering applications are presented. Overall, this review seeks to give an overview of the biomaterials available for use in combination with stem cells, and the application of nanofibers in stem cell therapy.

  12. Millimeter-wave technology advances since 1985 and future trends

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Meinel, Holger H.

    1991-05-01

    The author focuses on finline or E-plane technology. Several examples, including AVES, a 61.5-GHz radar sensor for traffic data acquisition, are included. Monolithic integrated 60- and 94-GHz receiver circuits composed of a mixer and IF amplifier in compatible FET technology on GaAs are presented to show the state of the art in this area. A promising approach to the use of silicon technology for monolithic millimeter-wave integrated circuits, called SIMMWIC, is described as well. As millimeter-wave technology has matured, increased interest has been generated for very specific applications: (1) commercial automotive applications such as intelligent cruise control and enhanced vision have attracted great interest, calling for a low-cost design approach; and (2) an almost classical application of millimeter-wave techniques is the field of radar seekers, e.g., for intelligent ammunitions, calling for high performance under extreme environmental conditions. Two examples fulfilling these requirements are described.

  13. Dynamics of Deformable Active Particles under External Flow Field

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tarama, Mitsusuke

    2017-10-01

    In most practical situations, active particles are affected by their environment, for example, by a chemical concentration gradient, light intensity, gravity, or confinement. In particular, the effect of an external flow field is important for particles swimming in a solvent fluid. For deformable active particles such as self-propelled liquid droplets and active vesicles, as well as microorganisms such as euglenas and neutrophils, a general description has been developed by focusing on shape deformation. In this review, we present our recent studies concerning the dynamics of a single active deformable particle under an external flow field. First, a set of model equations of active deformable particles including the effect of a general external flow is introduced. Then, the dynamics under two specific flow profiles is discussed: a linear shear flow, as the simplest example, and a swirl flow. In the latter case, the scattering dynamics of the active deformable particles by the swirl flow is also considered.

  14. Flexibility and Performance of Parallel File Systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kotz, David; Nieuwejaar, Nils

    1996-01-01

    As we gain experience with parallel file systems, it becomes increasingly clear that a single solution does not suit all applications. For example, it appears to be impossible to find a single appropriate interface, caching policy, file structure, or disk-management strategy. Furthermore, the proliferation of file-system interfaces and abstractions make applications difficult to port. We propose that the traditional functionality of parallel file systems be separated into two components: a fixed core that is standard on all platforms, encapsulating only primitive abstractions and interfaces, and a set of high-level libraries to provide a variety of abstractions and application-programmer interfaces (API's). We present our current and next-generation file systems as examples of this structure. Their features, such as a three-dimensional file structure, strided read and write interfaces, and I/O-node programs, are specifically designed with the flexibility and performance necessary to support a wide range of applications.

  15. The Bayesian boom: good thing or bad?

    PubMed Central

    Hahn, Ulrike

    2014-01-01

    A series of high-profile critiques of Bayesian models of cognition have recently sparked controversy. These critiques question the contribution of rational, normative considerations in the study of cognition. The present article takes central claims from these critiques and evaluates them in light of specific models. Closer consideration of actual examples of Bayesian treatments of different cognitive phenomena allows one to defuse these critiques showing that they cannot be sustained across the diversity of applications of the Bayesian framework for cognitive modeling. More generally, there is nothing in the Bayesian framework that would inherently give rise to the deficits that these critiques perceive, suggesting they have been framed at the wrong level of generality. At the same time, the examples are used to demonstrate the different ways in which consideration of rationality uniquely benefits both theory and practice in the study of cognition. PMID:25152738

  16. A word processor optimized for preparing journal articles and student papers.

    PubMed

    Wolach, A H; McHale, M A

    2001-11-01

    A new Windows-based word processor for preparing journal articles and student papers is described. In addition to standard features found in word processors, the present word processor provides specific help in preparing manuscripts. Clicking on "Reference Help (APA Form)" in the "File" menu provides a detailed help system for entering the references in a journal article. Clicking on "Examples and Explanations of APA Form" provides a help system with examples of the various sections of a review article, journal article that has one experiment, or journal article that has two or more experiments. The word processor can automatically place the manuscript page header and page number at the top of each page using the form required by APA and Psychonomic Society journals. The "APA Form" submenu of the "Help" menu provides detailed information about how the word processor is optimized for preparing articles and papers.

  17. Karst flash floods: an example from the Dinaric karst (Croatia)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bonacci, O.; Ljubenkov, I.; Roje-Bonacci, T.

    2006-03-01

    Flash floods constitute one of the deadliest and costliest natural disasters worldwide. This paper explains the karst flash flood phenomenon, which represents a special kind of flash flood. As the majority of flash floods karst flash floods are caused by intensive short-term precipitation in an area whose surface rarely exceeds a few square kilometres. The characteristics of all flash floods are their short duration, small areal extent, high flood peaks and rapid flows, and heavy loss of life and property. Karst flash floods have specific characteristics due to special conditions for water circulation, which exist in karst terrains. During karst flash floods a sudden rise of groundwater levels occurs, which causes the appearance of numerous, unexpected, abundant and temporary karst springs. This paper presents in detail an example of a karst flash flood in the Marina bay (Dinaric karst region of Croatia), which occurred in December 2004.

  18. [The function of analogies in natural sciences, also in contrast to metaphors and models].

    PubMed

    Hentschel, Klaus

    2010-01-01

    This introduction surveys the various functions of analogies in science, medicine and technology. The focus is on their heuristic importance. The productiveness of analogies is linked to the systematic depth and breadth of the established connections. Various examples are presented from different periods in the history of science, most notably Galileo; such late-Victorian Maxwellians as George Francis FitzGerald and Oliver Lodge; and Heinrich HERTZ and Niels BOHR. These examples are examined in terms of the specific differing temporal ranges of their claimed validities. They serve as evidence or counterevidence for various systematic analyses of analogies as put forward by various philosophers of science, most notably Francis Bacon, John Stuart Mill, Ernst Mach, Harald Høffding, Ernest Nagel, Mary Hesse and Peter Achinstein. The analytic framework for analogies supported here is what the cognitive scientist Dedre Gentner has termed structure-mapping.

  19. The role of infectious disease in marine communities: chapter 5

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Lafferty, Kevin D.; Harvell, C. Drew

    2014-01-01

    Marine ecologists recognize that infectious diseases play and important role in ocean ecosystems. This role may have increased in some host taxa over time (Ward and Lafferty 2004). We begin this chapter by introducing infectious agents and their relationships with their hosts in marine systems. We then put infectious disease agents with their hosts in marine systems. We then put infectious disease agents in the perspective of marine biodiversity and discuss the various factors that affect parasites. Specifically, we introduce some basin epidemiological concepts, including the effects of stress and free-living diversity on parasites. Following this, we give brief consideration to communities of parasites within their hosts, particularly as these can lead to general insights into community ecology. We also give examples of how infectious diseases affect host populations, scaling up to marine communities. Finally, we present examples of marine infectious disease that impair conservation and fisheries.

  20. Brain delivery research in public-private partnerships: The IMI-JU COMPACT consortium as an example.

    PubMed

    Meyer, Axel H; Untucht, Christopher; Terstappen, Georg C

    2017-07-01

    The Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) represents a major hurdle in the development of treatments for CNS disorders due to the fact that it very effectively keeps drugs, especially biological macromolecules, out of the brain. Concomitantly with the increasing importance of biologics research on the BBB and, more specifically, on brain delivery technologies has intensified in recent years. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) represent an innovative opportunity to address such complex challenges as they bring together the best expertise from both industry and academia. Here we present the IMI-JU COMPACT (Collaboration on the Optimisation of Macromolecular Pharmaceutical Access to Cellular Targets) consortium working on nanocarriers for targeted delivery of macromolecules as an example. The scope of the consortium, its goals and the expertise within the consortium are outlined. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled "Beyond small molecules for neurological disorders". Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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