Intersectionality: An Arts-Based Approach to Student Awareness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edmonds, Leonard

2017-01-01

This study was designed to introduce specific activities/lessons to students in an online university gender and communication course. It was also designed to determine how participants made meaning of and felt about learning about intersectionality of gender and cultural identities, using arts-based data collection. Previous research on the…

A noninvasive, direct real-time PCR method for sex determination in multiple avian species

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brubaker, Jessica L.; Karouna-Renier, Natalie K.; Chen, Yu; Jenko, Kathryn; Sprague, Daniel T.; Henry, Paula F.P.

2011-01-01

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods to determine the sex of birds are well established and have seen few modifications since they were first introduced in the 1990s. Although these methods allowed for sex determination in species that were previously difficult to analyse, they were not conducive to high-throughput analysis because of the laboriousness of DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis. We developed a high-throughput real-time PCR-based method for analysis of sex in birds, which uses noninvasive sample collection and avoids DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis.

Provisional hourly values of equatorial Dst for 1971

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sugiura, M.; Poros, D. J.

1972-01-01

Tables and plots of provisional hourly values of the equatorial Dst index for 1971 are given, a table of daily mean Dst values for 1971 is also provided. The base line values for the four observatories, Hermanus, Kakioka, Honolulu, and San Juan, were obtained from extrapolations using the coefficients for the secular variations determined for the previous years. Examining the Dst values for quiet days, the base lines so determined appear to be slightly low, so that the Dst index for quiet periods tends to be high.

Generalized Detectability for Discrete Event Systems

PubMed Central

Shu, Shaolong; Lin, Feng

2011-01-01

In our previous work, we investigated detectability of discrete event systems, which is defined as the ability to determine the current and subsequent states of a system based on observation. For different applications, we defined four types of detectabilities: (weak) detectability, strong detectability, (weak) periodic detectability, and strong periodic detectability. In this paper, we extend our results in three aspects. (1) We extend detectability from deterministic systems to nondeterministic systems. Such a generalization is necessary because there are many systems that need to be modeled as nondeterministic discrete event systems. (2) We develop polynomial algorithms to check strong detectability. The previous algorithms are based on observer whose construction is of exponential complexity, while the new algorithms are based on a new automaton called detector. (3) We extend detectability to D-detectability. While detectability requires determining the exact state of a system, D-detectability relaxes this requirement by asking only to distinguish certain pairs of states. With these extensions, the theory on detectability of discrete event systems becomes more applicable in solving many practical problems. PMID:21691432

Reconciling estimates of the ratio of heat and salt fluxes at the ice-ocean interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keitzl, T.; Mellado, J. P.; Notz, D.

2016-12-01

The heat exchange between floating ice and the underlying ocean is determined by the interplay of diffusive fluxes directly at the ice-ocean interface and turbulent fluxes away from it. In this study, we examine this interplay through direct numerical simulations of free convection. Our results show that an estimation of the interface flux ratio based on direct measurements of the turbulent fluxes can be difficult because the flux ratio varies with depth. As an alternative, we present a consistent evaluation of the flux ratio based on the total heat and salt fluxes across the boundary layer. This approach allows us to reconcile previous estimates of the ice-ocean interface conditions. We find that the ratio of heat and salt fluxes directly at the interface is 83-100 rather than 33 as determined by previous turbulence measurements in the outer layer. This can cause errors in the estimated ice-ablation rate from field measurements of up to 40% if they are based on the three-equation formulation.

A voxel-based approach to gray matter asymmetries.

PubMed

Luders, E; Gaser, C; Jancke, L; Schlaug, G

2004-06-01

Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to analyze gray matter (GM) asymmetries in a large sample (n = 60) of male and female professional musicians with and without absolute pitch (AP). We chose to examine these particular groups because previous studies using traditional region-of-interest (ROI) analyses have shown differences in hemispheric asymmetry related to AP and gender. Voxel-based methods may have advantages over traditional ROI-based methods since the analysis can be performed across the whole brain with minimal user bias. After determining that the VBM method was sufficiently sensitive for the detection of differences in GM asymmetries between groups, we found that male AP musicians were more leftward lateralized in the anterior region of the planum temporale (PT) than male non-AP musicians. This confirmed the results of previous studies using ROI-based methods that showed an association between PT asymmetry and the AP phenotype. We further observed that male non-AP musicians revealed an increased leftward GM asymmetry in the postcentral gyrus compared to female non-AP musicians, again corroborating results of a previously published study using ROI-based methods. By analyzing hemispheric GM differences across our entire sample, we were able to partially confirm findings of previous studies using traditional morphometric techniques, as well as more recent, voxel-based analyses. In addition, we found some unusually pronounced GM asymmetries in our musician sample not previously detected in subjects unselected for musical training. Since we were able to validate gender- and AP-related brain asymmetries previously described using traditional ROI-based morphometric techniques, the results of our analyses support the use of VBM for examinations of GM asymmetries.

20 CFR 404.988 - Conditions for reopening.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... person previously determined to be dead, and on whose earnings record your entitlement is based, is later... identification of his or her body; (5) The Railroad Retirement Board has awarded duplicate benefits on the same...

20 CFR 404.988 - Conditions for reopening.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... person previously determined to be dead, and on whose earnings record your entitlement is based, is later... identification of his or her body; (5) The Railroad Retirement Board has awarded duplicate benefits on the same...

20 CFR 404.988 - Conditions for reopening.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... person previously determined to be dead, and on whose earnings record your entitlement is based, is later... identification of his or her body; (5) The Railroad Retirement Board has awarded duplicate benefits on the same...

20 CFR 404.988 - Conditions for reopening.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... person previously determined to be dead, and on whose earnings record your entitlement is based, is later... identification of his or her body; (5) The Railroad Retirement Board has awarded duplicate benefits on the same...

20 CFR 404.988 - Conditions for reopening.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... person previously determined to be dead, and on whose earnings record your entitlement is based, is later... identification of his or her body; (5) The Railroad Retirement Board has awarded duplicate benefits on the same...

Comparison of weight loss by weight classification in a commercial, community-based weight loss program

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The objective of our study was to determine the impact of grade of obesity on weight-loss outcomes of a community-based, intensive behavioral counseling program (Weight Watchers Points-Plus). Previous studies have shown that individuals with a higher body mass index (BMI) at the beginning of treatme...

Chapter 6: Implementation of Model-Based Instruction--The Induction Years

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gurvitch, Rachel; Blankenship, Bonnie Tjeerdsma

2008-01-01

In previous chapters, student teachers' views and the use of model-based instruction (MBI) were determined to be largely positive. But do these positive attitudes and the actual use of MBI continue after completing a teacher education program? Many novice teachers experience "washout" when the attitudes and instructional practices they…

A Mathematics Entrance Exam for General (Non-Majors) Physics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chediak, Alex

2010-01-01

In a previous issue of "The Physics Teacher", John Hubisz explained how a mathematics background check has been used at three different colleges to determine the appropriate physics sequence for incoming students. Based on their performance, students are placed into either calculus-based physics (CBP), algebra-trig physics (ATP), or a year of…

Asthma and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Nationwide Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Mu-Hong; Su, Tung-Ping; Chen, Ying-Sheue; Hsu, Ju-Wei; Huang, Kai-Lin; Chang, Wen-Han; Chen, Tzeng-Ji; Bai, Ya-Mei

2013-01-01

Background: Previous cross-sectional studies have suggested an association between asthma and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but the temporal relationship was not determined. Using a nationwide population-based prospective case-control cohort study (1:4, age-/gender-matched), we hypothesized that asthma in infanthood or early…

Temporal Dynamic Controllability Revisited

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, Paul H.; Muscettola, Nicola

2005-01-01

An important issue for temporal planners is the ability to handle temporal uncertainty. We revisit the question of how to determine whether a given set of temporal requirements are feasible in the light of uncertain durations of some processes. In particular, we consider how best to determine whether a network is Dynamically Controllable, i.e., whether a dynamic strategy exists for executing the network that is guaranteed to satisfy the requirements. Previous work has shown the existence of a pseudo-polynomial algorithm for testing Dynamic Controllability. Here, we greatly simplify the previous framework, and present a true polynomial algorithm with a cutoff based only on the number of nodes.

Deriving all p-brane superalgebras via integrability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grasso, D. T.; McArthur, I. N.

2018-03-01

In previous work we demonstrated that the enlarged super-Poincare algebras which underlie p-brane and D-brane actions in superstring theory can be directly determined based on the integrability of supersymmetry transformations assigned to fields appearing in Wess-Zumino terms. In that work we derived p-brane superalgebras for p = 2 and 3. Here we extend our previous results and give a compact expression for superalgebras for all valid p.

Simulation optimization of PSA-threshold based prostate cancer screening policies

PubMed Central

Zhang, Jingyu; Denton, Brian T.; Shah, Nilay D.; Inman, Brant A.

2013-01-01

We describe a simulation optimization method to design PSA screening policies based on expected quality adjusted life years (QALYs). Our method integrates a simulation model in a genetic algorithm which uses a probabilistic method for selection of the best policy. We present computational results about the efficiency of our algorithm. The best policy generated by our algorithm is compared to previously recommended screening policies. Using the policies determined by our model, we present evidence that patients should be screened more aggressively but for a shorter length of time than previously published guidelines recommend. PMID:22302420

Cryo-EM structure of haemoglobin at 3.2 Å determined with the Volta phase plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khoshouei, Maryam; Radjainia, Mazdak; Baumeister, Wolfgang; Danev, Radostin

2017-06-01

With the advent of direct electron detectors, the perspectives of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) have changed in a profound way. These cameras are superior to previous detectors in coping with the intrinsically low contrast and beam-induced motion of radiation-sensitive organic materials embedded in amorphous ice, and hence they have enabled the structure determination of many macromolecular assemblies to atomic or near-atomic resolution. Nevertheless, there are still limitations and one of them is the size of the target structure. Here, we report the use of a Volta phase plate in determining the structure of human haemoglobin (64 kDa) at 3.2 Å. Our results demonstrate that this method can be applied to complexes that are significantly smaller than those previously studied by conventional defocus-based approaches. Cryo-EM is now close to becoming a fast and cost-effective alternative to crystallography for high-resolution protein structure determination.

Experimental Determination of pK[subscript a] Values by Use of NMR Chemical Shifts, Revisited

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gift, Alan D.; Stewart, Sarah M.; Bokashanga, Patrick Kwete

2012-01-01

This laboratory experiment, using proton NMR spectroscopy to determine the dissociation constant for heterocyclic bases, has been modified from a previously described experiment. A solution of a substituted pyridine is prepared using deuterium oxide (D[subscript 2]O) as the solvent. The pH of the solution is adjusted and proton NMR spectra are…

RESIDUAL RISK ASSESSMENT: HALOGENATED SOLVENTS

EPA Science Inventory

This source category previously subjected to a technology-based standard will be examined to determine if health or ecological risks are significant enough to warrant further regulation for Halogenated Solvent Degreasing Facilities. These assessments utilize existing models and d...

A direct method to transform between expansions in the configuration state function and Slater determinant bases

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

Olsen, Jeppe, E-mail: jeppe@chem.au.dk

2014-07-21

A novel algorithm is introduced for the transformation of wave functions between the bases of Slater determinants (SD) and configuration state functions (CSF) in the genealogical coupling scheme. By modifying the expansion coefficients as each electron is spin-coupled, rather than performing a single many-electron transformation, the large transformation matrix that plagues previous approaches is avoided and the required number of operations is drastically reduced. As an example of the efficiency of the algorithm, the transformation for a configuration with 30 unpaired electrons and singlet spin is discussed. For this case, the 10 × 10{sup 6} coefficients in the CSF basismore » is obtained from the 150 × 10{sup 6} coefficients in the SD basis in 1 min, which should be compared with the seven years that the previously employed method is estimated to require.« less

Semiautomated skeletonization of the pulmonary arterial tree in micro-CT images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanger, Christopher C.; Haworth, Steven T.; Molthen, Robert C.; Dawson, Christopher A.

2001-05-01

We present a simple and robust approach that utilizes planar images at different angular rotations combined with unfiltered back-projection to locate the central axes of the pulmonary arterial tree. Three-dimensional points are selected interactively by the user. The computer calculates a sub- volume unfiltered back-projection orthogonal to the vector connecting the two points and centered on the first point. Because more x-rays are absorbed at the thickest portion of the vessel, in the unfiltered back-projection, the darkest pixel is assumed to be the center of the vessel. The computer replaces this point with the newly computer-calculated point. A second back-projection is calculated around the original point orthogonal to a vector connecting the newly-calculated first point and user-determined second point. The darkest pixel within the reconstruction is determined. The computer then replaces the second point with the XYZ coordinates of the darkest pixel within this second reconstruction. Following a vector based on a moving average of previously determined 3- dimensional points along the vessel's axis, the computer continues this skeletonization process until stopped by the user. The computer estimates the vessel diameter along the set of previously determined points using a method similar to the full width-half max algorithm. On all subsequent vessels, the process works the same way except that at each point, distances between the current point and all previously determined points along different vessels are determined. If the difference is less than the previously estimated diameter, the vessels are assumed to branch. This user/computer interaction continues until the vascular tree has been skeletonized.

Individual Differences in the Effects of Academic Motivation on Higher Education Students' Intention to Drop Out

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rump, Markus; Esdar, Wiebke; Wild, Elke

2017-01-01

The present study investigated individual differences in the effects of academic motivation based on self-determination theory (SDT), particularly intrinsic motivation, as well as identified, introjected, and external regulation on higher education students' intention to drop out. Based on previous research, we challenged the assumption of a…

Using the e-Chasqui, web-based information system, to determine laboratory guidelines and data available to clinical staff.

PubMed

Blaya, Joaquin A; Yagui, Martin; Contreras, Carmen C; Palma, Betty; Shin, Sonya S; Yale, Gloria; Suarez, Carmen; Fraser, Hamish S F

2008-11-06

13% of all drug susceptibility tests (DSTs) performed at a public laboratory in Peru were duplicate. To determine reasons for duplicate requests an online survey was implemented in the e-Chasqui laboratory information system. Results showed that 59.6% of tests were ordered because clinical staff was unaware of ordering guidelines or of a previous result. This shows a benefit of using a web-based system and the lack of laboratory information available to clinical staff in Peru.

Structural Mechanism behind Distinct Efficiency of Oct4/Sox2 Proteins in Differentially Spaced DNA Complexes

PubMed Central

Yesudhas, Dhanusha; Anwar, Muhammad Ayaz; Panneerselvam, Suresh; Durai, Prasannavenkatesh; Shah, Masaud; Choi, Sangdun

2016-01-01

The octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) and sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box 2 (Sox2) proteins induce various transcriptional regulators to maintain cellular pluripotency. Most Oct4/Sox2 complexes have either 0 base pairs (Oct4/Sox20bp) or 3 base pairs (Oct4/Sox23bp) separation between their DNA-binding sites. Results from previous biochemical studies have shown that the complexes separated by 0 base pairs are associated with a higher pluripotency rate than those separated by 3 base pairs. Here, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and calculations to determine the binding free energy and per-residue free energy for the Oct4/Sox20bp and Oct4/Sox23bp complexes to identify structural differences that contribute to differences in induction rate. Our MD simulation results showed substantial differences in Oct4/Sox2 domain movements, as well as secondary-structure changes in the Oct4 linker region, suggesting a potential reason underlying the distinct efficiencies of these complexes during reprogramming. Moreover, we identified key residues and hydrogen bonds that potentially facilitate protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions, in agreement with previous experimental findings. Consequently, our results confess that differential spacing of the Oct4/Sox2 DNA binding sites can determine the magnitude of transcription of the targeted genes during reprogramming. PMID:26790000

The role of the AT pairs in the acid denaturation of DNA.

PubMed Central

Hermann, P; Fredericq, E

1977-01-01

It has been determined previously that the protonation of the GC pairs induces a DNA conformation change which leads to a "metastable" structure. The role of the AT pairs, however, is no well known because the protonation does not modify their spectral properties. By means of an indirect method based on the binding of proflavine, it has been determined that the AT pairs are protonated before the acid-induced denaturation and that they seem to be unable to assume a conformation change when protonated. These results would indicate that the protonated AT pairs may be responsible for the induction of the acid denaturation and not the GC pairs as it was thought previously. PMID:20604

25 CFR 39.207 - How does OIEP determine a school's funding for the school year?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 5. Add together the total WSUs for all Bureau-funded schools. (f) Step 6. Calculate the value of a... for the previous 3 years. (g) Step 7. Multiply each school's WSU total by the base value of one WSU to... 25 Indians 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false How does OIEP determine a school's funding for the school...

25 CFR 39.207 - How does OIEP determine a school's funding for the school year?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 5. Add together the total WSUs for all Bureau-funded schools. (f) Step 6. Calculate the value of a... for the previous 3 years. (g) Step 7. Multiply each school's WSU total by the base value of one WSU to... 25 Indians 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false How does OIEP determine a school's funding for the school...

Determining the effects of early gestation in utero heat stress on postnatal fasting heat production and circulating biomarkers associated with metabolism in growing pigs

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The study objective was to determine the effects of in utero heat stress (IUHS) on postnatal fasting heat production (FHP) in growing pigs. Based on our previous observation of increased postnatal core body temperature ‘set-point’ in IUHS pigs, we hypothesized that FHP would be greater during postna...

Administrative database code accuracy did not vary notably with changes in disease prevalence.

PubMed

van Walraven, Carl; English, Shane; Austin, Peter C

2016-11-01

Previous mathematical analyses of diagnostic tests based on the categorization of a continuous measure have found that test sensitivity and specificity varies significantly by disease prevalence. This study determined if the accuracy of diagnostic codes varied by disease prevalence. We used data from two previous studies in which the true status of renal disease and primary subarachnoid hemorrhage, respectively, had been determined. In multiple stratified random samples from the two previous studies having varying disease prevalence, we measured the accuracy of diagnostic codes for each disease using sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value. Diagnostic code sensitivity and specificity did not change notably within clinically sensible disease prevalence. In contrast, positive and negative predictive values changed significantly with disease prevalence. Disease prevalence had no important influence on the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic codes in administrative databases. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An Empirical Determination of the Intergalactic Background Light Using Near-Infrared Deep Galaxy Survey Data Out to 5 Micrometers and the Gamma-Ray Opacity of the Universe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scully, Sean T.; Malkan, Matthew A.; Stecker, Floyd W.

2014-01-01

We extend our previous model-independent determination of the intergalactic background light, based purely on galaxy survey data, out to a wavelength of 5 micrometers. Our approach enables us to constrain the range of photon densities, based on the uncertainties from observationally determined luminosity densities and colors. We further determine a 68% confidence upper and lower limit on the opacity of the universe to gamma-rays up to energies of 1.6/(1 + z) terraelectron volts. A comparison of our lower limit redshift-dependent opacity curves to the opacity limits derived from the results of both ground-based air Cerenkov telescope and Fermi-LAT observations of PKS 1424+240 allows us to place a new upper limit on the redshift of this source, independent of IBL modeling.

An empirical determination of the intergalactic background light using near-infrared deep galaxy survey data out to 5 μm and the gamma-ray opacity of the universe

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

Scully, Sean T.; Malkan, Matthew A.; Stecker, Floyd W., E-mail: Floyd.W.Stecker@nasa.gov

2014-04-01

We extend our previous model-independent determination of the intergalactic background light, based purely on galaxy survey data, out to a wavelength of 5 μm. Our approach enables us to constrain the range of photon densities, based on the uncertainties from observationally determined luminosity densities and colors. We further determine a 68% confidence upper and lower limit on the opacity of the universe to γ-rays up to energies of 1.6/(1 + z) TeV. A comparison of our lower limit redshift-dependent opacity curves to the opacity limits derived from the results of both ground-based air Cerenkov telescope and Fermi-LAT observations of PKSmore » 1424+240 allows us to place a new upper limit on the redshift of this source, independent of IBL modeling.« less

Stellar Obliquity and Magnetic Activity of Planet-hosting Stars and Eclipsing Binaries Based on Transit Chord Correlation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Fei; Winn, Joshua N.; Berta-Thompson, Zachory; Sanchis-Ojeda, Roberto; Albrecht, Simon

2018-04-01

The light curve of an eclipsing system shows anomalies whenever the eclipsing body passes in front of active regions on the eclipsed star. In some cases, the pattern of anomalies can be used to determine the obliquity Ψ of the eclipsed star. Here we present a method for detecting and analyzing these patterns, based on a statistical test for correlations between the anomalies observed in a sequence of eclipses. Compared to previous methods, ours makes fewer assumptions and is easier to automate. We apply it to a sample of 64 stars with transiting planets and 24 eclipsing binaries for which precise space-based data are available, and for which there was either some indication of flux anomalies or a previously reported obliquity measurement. We were able to determine obliquities for 10 stars with hot Jupiters. In particular we found Ψ ≲ 10° for Kepler-45, which is only the second M dwarf with a measured obliquity. The other eight cases are G and K stars with low obliquities. Among the eclipsing binaries, we were able to determine obliquities in eight cases, all of which are consistent with zero. Our results also reveal some common patterns of stellar activity for magnetically active G and K stars, including persistently active longitudes.

Determination of the amount of Cs-137 in the sea water obtained from the Dardanelles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ataseven, D.; Şen, S.

2017-02-01

After the Chernobyl accident, high concentrations of Cs-137 radioisotope reached the Black Sea through dry and wet fallout. Therefore, a number of studies were performed to determine the current activity of Cs-137 near this region in the sea water and in marine organisms. Cs-137 activity was determined in the Dardanelles sea water taken from three separate locations and two different depths for each location. The old data base obtained in our previous studies was updated.

Method and System for Temporal Filtering in Video Compression Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lu, Ligang; He, Drake; Jagmohan, Ashish; Sheinin, Vadim

2011-01-01

Three related innovations combine improved non-linear motion estimation, video coding, and video compression. The first system comprises a method in which side information is generated using an adaptive, non-linear motion model. This method enables extrapolating and interpolating a visual signal, including determining the first motion vector between the first pixel position in a first image to a second pixel position in a second image; determining a second motion vector between the second pixel position in the second image and a third pixel position in a third image; determining a third motion vector between the first pixel position in the first image and the second pixel position in the second image, the second pixel position in the second image, and the third pixel position in the third image using a non-linear model; and determining a position of the fourth pixel in a fourth image based upon the third motion vector. For the video compression element, the video encoder has low computational complexity and high compression efficiency. The disclosed system comprises a video encoder and a decoder. The encoder converts the source frame into a space-frequency representation, estimates the conditional statistics of at least one vector of space-frequency coefficients with similar frequencies, and is conditioned on previously encoded data. It estimates an encoding rate based on the conditional statistics and applies a Slepian-Wolf code with the computed encoding rate. The method for decoding includes generating a side-information vector of frequency coefficients based on previously decoded source data and encoder statistics and previous reconstructions of the source frequency vector. It also performs Slepian-Wolf decoding of a source frequency vector based on the generated side-information and the Slepian-Wolf code bits. The video coding element includes receiving a first reference frame having a first pixel value at a first pixel position, a second reference frame having a second pixel value at a second pixel position, and a third reference frame having a third pixel value at a third pixel position. It determines a first motion vector between the first pixel position and the second pixel position, a second motion vector between the second pixel position and the third pixel position, and a fourth pixel value for a fourth frame based upon a linear or nonlinear combination of the first pixel value, the second pixel value, and the third pixel value. A stationary filtering process determines the estimated pixel values. The parameters of the filter may be predetermined constants.

Mitochondrial genomes of two Australian fishflies with an evolutionary timescale of Chauliodinae.

PubMed

Yang, Fan; Jiang, Yunlan; Yang, Ding; Liu, Xingyue

2017-06-30

Fishflies (Corydalidae: Chauliodinae) with a total of ca. 130 extant species are one of the major groups of the holometabolous insect order Megaloptera. As a group which originated during the Mesozoic, the phylogeny and historical biogeography of fishflies are of high interest. The previous hypothesis on the evolutionary history of fishflies was based primarily on morphological data. To further test the existing phylogenetic relationships and to understand the divergence pattern of fishflies, we conducted a molecule-based study. We determined the complete mitochondrial (mt) genomes of two Australian fishfly species, Archichauliodes deceptor Kimmins, 1954 and Protochauliodes biconicus Kimmins, 1954, both members of a major subgroup of Chauliodinae with high phylogenetic significance. A phylogenomic analysis was carried out based on 13 mt protein coding genes (PCGs) and two rRNAs genes from the megalopteran species with determined mt genomes. Both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses recovered the Dysmicohermes clade as the sister group of the Archichauliodes clade + the Protochauliodes clade, which is consistent with the previous morphology-based hypothesis. The divergence time estimation suggested that the divergence among the three major subgroups of fishflies occurred during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous when the supercontinent Pangaea was undergoing sequential breakup.

Kepler Flares. IV. A Comprehensive Analysis of the Activity of the dM4e Star GJ 1243

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silverberg, Steven M.; Kowalski, Adam F.; Davenport, James R. A.; Wisniewski, John P.; Hawley, Suzanne L.; Hilton, Eric J.

2016-10-01

We present a comprehensive study of the active dM4e star GJ 1243. We use previous observations and ground-based echelle spectroscopy to determine that GJ 1243 is a member of the Argus association of field stars, suggesting it is ∼ 30{--}50 {{Myr}} old. We analyze 11 months of 1 minute cadence data from Kepler, presenting Kepler flare frequency distributions, as well as determining correlations between flare energy, amplitude, duration, and decay time. We find that the exponent α of the power-law flare energy distribution varies in time, primarily due to completeness of sample and the low frequency of high-energy flares. We also find a deviation from a single power law at high energy. We use ground-based spectroscopic observations that were simultaneous with the Kepler data to provide simultaneous photometric and spectroscopic analysis of three low-energy flares, the lowest-energy dMe flares with detailed spectral analysis to date on any star. The spectroscopic data from these flares extend constraints for radiative hydrodynamic flare models to a lower energy regime than has previously been studied. We use this simultaneous spectroscopy and Kepler photometry to develop approximate conversions from the Kepler bandpass to the traditional U and B bands. This conversion will be a critical factor in comparing any Kepler flare analyses to the canon of previous ground-based flare studies.

High-precision Location, Yield and Tectonic Release of North Korea's 3 September 2017 Nuclear Test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, J.; Tian, D.; Wen, L.

2017-12-01

On 3 September 2017, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) announced that it had successfully conducted a thermonuclear (hydrogen bomb) test. The nuclear test was collaborated by reports of a seismic event with a magnitude ranging from 6.1 to 6.3 by many governmental and international agencies, although its thermonuclear nature remains to be confirmed. In this study, by combining modern methods of high-precision relocation and satellite imagery, and using the knowledge of a previous test (North Korea's 9 September 2016 test) as reference, we determine the location and yield of North Korea's 2017 test. The location of the 2017 test is determined by deriving relative location between North Korea's 2017 and 2016 nuclear tests and using the previously determined location of the 2016 nuclear test by our group, while its yield is estimated based on the relative amplitude ratios of the Lg waves recorded for both events, the previously determined Lg-magnitude of the 2016 test and burial depth inferred from satellite imagery. The 2017 nuclear test is determined to be located at (41° 17' 53.52″ N, 129° 4' 27.12″ E) with a geographic precision of 100 m, and its yield is estimated to be 108±48 kt. The 2017 nuclear test and its four previous tests since 2009 are located several hundred meters apart, beneath the same mountain Mantap. We also evaluate the tectonic release by the 2017 nuclear test and discuss its implications for the yield estimation of the test.

Frailty, environmental justice and the health impact of PM2.5

EPA Science Inventory

Previous studies have shown heterogeneity in the association of daily mortality with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) across metropolitan areas. We have examined factors related to frailty and environmental justice as potential determinants. For Core-Based Statistical Areas (CBS...

Classroom Engagement as a Proximal Lever for Student Success in Higher Education: What a Self-Determination Framework within a Multi-Level Developmental System Tells Us

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chi, Una J.

2014-01-01

This study examined the role of course engagement in college student success, especially for students who have multiple life commitments and few social supports. Building on previous measurement work and based in self-determination theory, the study was organized in five steps. Relying on information provided by 860 undergraduates from 12 upper…

Refined lateral energy correction functions for the KASCADE-Grande experiment based on Geant4 simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gherghel-Lascu, A.; Apel, W. D.; Arteaga-Velázquez, J. C.; Bekk, K.; Bertaina, M.; Blümer, J.; Bozdog, H.; Brancus, I. M.; Cantoni, E.; Chiavassa, A.; Cossavella, F.; Daumiller, K.; de Souza, V.; Di Pierro, F.; Doll, P.; Engel, R.; Engler, J.; Fuchs, B.; Fuhrmann, D.; Gils, H. J.; Glasstetter, R.; Grupen, C.; Haungs, A.; Heck, D.; Hörandel, J. R.; Huber, D.; Huege, T.; Kampert, K.-H.; Kang, D.; Klages, H. O.; Link, K.; Łuczak, P.; Mathes, H. J.; Mayer, H. J.; Milke, J.; Mitrica, B.; Morello, C.; Oehlschläger, J.; Ostapchenko, S.; Palmieri, N.; Petcu, M.; Pierog, T.; Rebel, H.; Roth, M.; Schieler, H.; Schoo, S.; Schröder, F. G.; Sima, O.; Toma, G.; Trinchero, G. C.; Ulrich, H.; Weindl, A.; Wochele, J.; Zabierowski, J.

2015-02-01

In previous studies of KASCADE-Grande data, a Monte Carlo simulation code based on the GEANT3 program has been developed to describe the energy deposited by EAS particles in the detector stations. In an attempt to decrease the simulation time and ensure compatibility with the geometry description in standard KASCADE-Grande analysis software, several structural elements have been neglected in the implementation of the Grande station geometry. To improve the agreement between experimental and simulated data, a more accurate simulation of the response of the KASCADE-Grande detector is necessary. A new simulation code has been developed based on the GEANT4 program, including a realistic geometry of the detector station with structural elements that have not been considered in previous studies. The new code is used to study the influence of a realistic detector geometry on the energy deposited in the Grande detector stations by particles from EAS events simulated by CORSIKA. Lateral Energy Correction Functions are determined and compared with previous results based on GEANT3.

Determination of vaporization enthalpies of polychlorinated biphenyls by correlation gas chromatography.

PubMed

Puri, S; Chickos, J S; Welsh, W J

2001-04-01

The vaporization enthalpies of 16 polychlorinated biphenyls have been determined by correlation gas chromatography. This study was prompted by the realization that the vaporization enthalpy of the standard compounds used in previous studies, octadecane and eicosane, were values measured at 340 and 362 K, respectively, rather than at 298 K. Adjustment to 298 K amounts to a 7-8 kJ/mol increment in the values. With the inclusion of this adjustment, vaporization enthalpies evaluated by correlation gas chromatography are in good agreement with the values determined previously in the literature. The present results are based on the vaporization enthalpies of several standards whose values are well established in the literature. The standards include a variety of n-alkanes and various chlorinated hydrocarbons. The vaporization enthalpies of PCBs increased with the number of chlorine atoms and were found to be larger for meta- and para-substituted polychlorinated biphenyls.

A data mining approach to dinoflagellate clustering according to sterol composition: Correlations with evolutionary history.

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study examined the sterol compositions of 102 dinoflagellates (including several previously unexamined species) using clustering techniques as a means of determining the relatedness of the organisms. In addition, dinoflagellate sterol-based relationships were compared statistically to dinoflag...

Fuzzy difference-of-Gaussian-based iris recognition method for noisy iris images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Byung Jun; Park, Kang Ryoung; Yoo, Jang-Hee; Moon, Kiyoung

2010-06-01

Iris recognition is used for information security with a high confidence level because it shows outstanding recognition accuracy by using human iris patterns with high degrees of freedom. However, iris recognition accuracy can be reduced by noisy iris images with optical and motion blurring. We propose a new iris recognition method based on the fuzzy difference-of-Gaussian (DOG) for noisy iris images. This study is novel in three ways compared to previous works: (1) The proposed method extracts iris feature values using the DOG method, which is robust to local variations of illumination and shows fine texture information, including various frequency components. (2) When determining iris binary codes, image noises that cause the quantization error of the feature values are reduced with the fuzzy membership function. (3) The optimal parameters of the DOG filter and the fuzzy membership function are determined in terms of iris recognition accuracy. Experimental results showed that the performance of the proposed method was better than that of previous methods for noisy iris images.

Instructional Practices for Evidence-Based Practice with Pre-Registration Allied Health Students: A Review of Recent Research and Developments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hitch, Danielle; Nicola-Richmond, Kelli

2017-01-01

The aim of this study is to update a previous review published in this journal on the effectiveness of teaching and assessment interventions for evidence based practice in health professions, and to determine the extent to which the five recommendations made from that review have been implemented. The Integrating Theory, Evidence and Action method…

Measuring patterns in team interaction sequences using a discrete recurrence approach.

PubMed

Gorman, Jamie C; Cooke, Nancy J; Amazeen, Polemnia G; Fouse, Shannon

2012-08-01

Recurrence-based measures of communication determinism and pattern information are described and validated using previously collected team interaction data. Team coordination dynamics has revealed that"mixing" team membership can lead to flexible interaction processes, but keeping a team "intact" can lead to rigid interaction processes. We hypothesized that communication of intact teams would have greater determinism and higher pattern information compared to that of mixed teams. Determinism and pattern information were measured from three-person Uninhabited Air Vehicle team communication sequences over a series of 40-minute missions. Because team members communicated using push-to-talk buttons, communication sequences were automatically generated during each mission. The Composition x Mission determinism effect was significant. Intact teams' determinism increased over missions, whereas mixed teams' determinism did not change. Intact teams had significantly higher maximum pattern information than mixed teams. Results from these new communication analysis methods converge with content-based methods and support our hypotheses. Because they are not content based, and because they are automatic and fast, these new methods may be amenable to real-time communication pattern analysis.

A new methodology for determining dispersion coefficient using ordinary and partial differential transport equations.

PubMed

Cho, Kyung Hwa; Lee, Seungwon; Ham, Young Sik; Hwang, Jin Hwan; Cha, Sung Min; Park, Yongeun; Kim, Joon Ha

2009-01-01

The present study proposes a methodology for determining the effective dispersion coefficient based on the field measurements performed in Gwangju (GJ) Creek in South Korea which is environmentally degraded by the artificial interferences such as weirs and culverts. Many previous works determining the dispersion coefficient were limited in application due to the complexity and artificial interferences in natural stream. Therefore, the sequential combination of N-Tank-In-Series (NTIS) model and Advection-Dispersion-Reaction (ADR) model was proposed for evaluating dispersion process in complex stream channel in this study. The series of water quality data were intensively monitored in the field to determine the effective dispersion coefficient of E. coli in rainy day. As a result, the suggested methodology reasonably estimates the dispersion coefficient for GJ Creek with 1.25 m(2)/s. Also, the sequential combined method provided Number of tank-Velocity-Dispersion coefficient (NVD) curves for convenient evaluation of dispersion coefficient of other rivers or streams. Comparing the previous studies, the present methodology is quite general and simple for determining the effective dispersion coefficients which are applicable for other rivers and streams.

Ribosomal DNA intergenic spacer sequence in foxtail millet, Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv. and its characterization and application to typing of foxtail millet landraces.

PubMed

Fukunaga, Kenji; Ichitani, Katsuyuki; Taura, Satoru; Sato, Muneharu; Kawase, Makoto

2005-02-01

We determined the sequence of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) intergenic spacer (IGS) of foxtail millet isolated in our previous study, and identified subrepeats in the polymorphic region. We also developed a PCR-based method for identifying rDNA types based on sequence information and assessed 153 accessions of foxtail millet. Results were congruent with our previous works. This study provides new findings regarding the geographical distribution of rDNA variants. This new method facilitates analyses of numerous foxtail millet accessions. It is helpful for typing of foxtail millet germplasms and elucidating the evolution of this millet.

Performance evaluation of tile-based Fisher Ratio analysis using a benchmark yeast metabolome dataset.

PubMed

Watson, Nathanial E; Parsons, Brendon A; Synovec, Robert E

2016-08-12

Performance of tile-based Fisher Ratio (F-ratio) data analysis, recently developed for discovery-based studies using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS), is evaluated with a metabolomics dataset that had been previously analyzed in great detail, but while taking a brute force approach. The previously analyzed data (referred to herein as the benchmark dataset) were intracellular extracts from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast), either metabolizing glucose (repressed) or ethanol (derepressed), which define the two classes in the discovery-based analysis to find metabolites that are statistically different in concentration between the two classes. Beneficially, this previously analyzed dataset provides a concrete means to validate the tile-based F-ratio software. Herein, we demonstrate and validate the significant benefits of applying tile-based F-ratio analysis. The yeast metabolomics data are analyzed more rapidly in about one week versus one year for the prior studies with this dataset. Furthermore, a null distribution analysis is implemented to statistically determine an adequate F-ratio threshold, whereby the variables with F-ratio values below the threshold can be ignored as not class distinguishing, which provides the analyst with confidence when analyzing the hit table. Forty-six of the fifty-four benchmarked changing metabolites were discovered by the new methodology while consistently excluding all but one of the benchmarked nineteen false positive metabolites previously identified. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

USGS reference materials

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

1995-01-01

Every year in the United States, millions of measurements are made on the chemical composition of items that affect us on a daily basis. Determining the accuracy of these measurements is based on the analysis of appropriate reference materials whose composition was previously determined through rigorous testing. Today, reference materials help us evaluate the composition of the food we eat, medicine we use, soil we grow our crops in, and hundreds of other products that affect our everyday lives.

Advances of the reverse lactate threshold test: Non-invasive proposal based on heart rate and effect of previous cycling experience

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Our first aim was to compare the anaerobic threshold (AnT) determined by the incremental protocol with the reverse lactate threshold test (RLT), investigating the previous cycling experience effect. Secondarily, an alternative RLT application based on heart rate was proposed. Two groups (12 per group-according to cycling experience) were evaluated on cycle ergometer. The incremental protocol started at 25 W with increments of 25 W at each 3 minutes, and the AnT was calculated by bissegmentation, onset of blood lactate concentration and maximal deviation methods. The RLT was applied in two phases: a) lactate priming segment; and b) reverse segment; the AnT (AnTRLT) was calculated based on a second order polynomial function. The AnT from the RLT was calculated based on the heart rate (AnTRLT-HR) by the second order polynomial function. In regard of the Study 1, most of statistical procedures converged for similarity between the AnT determined from the bissegmentation method and AnTRLT. For 83% of non-experienced and 75% of experienced subjects the bias was 4% and 2%, respectively. In Study 2, no difference was found between the AnTRLT and AnTRLT-HR. For 83% of non-experienced and 91% of experienced subjects, the bias between AnTRLT and AnTRLT-HR was similar (i.e. 6%). In summary, the AnT determined by the incremental protocol and RLT are consistent. The AnT can be determined during the RLT via heart rate, improving its applicability. However, future studies are required to improve the agreement between variables. PMID:29534108

Validation of a Crowdsourcing Methodology for Developing a Knowledge Base of Related Problem-Medication Pairs.

PubMed

McCoy, A B; Wright, A; Krousel-Wood, M; Thomas, E J; McCoy, J A; Sittig, D F

2015-01-01

Clinical knowledge bases of problem-medication pairs are necessary for many informatics solutions that improve patient safety, such as clinical summarization. However, developing these knowledge bases can be challenging. We sought to validate a previously developed crowdsourcing approach for generating a knowledge base of problem-medication pairs in a large, non-university health care system with a widely used, commercially available electronic health record. We first retrieved medications and problems entered in the electronic health record by clinicians during routine care during a six month study period. Following the previously published approach, we calculated the link frequency and link ratio for each pair then identified a threshold cutoff for estimated problem-medication pair appropriateness through clinician review; problem-medication pairs meeting the threshold were included in the resulting knowledge base. We selected 50 medications and their gold standard indications to compare the resulting knowledge base to the pilot knowledge base developed previously and determine its recall and precision. The resulting knowledge base contained 26,912 pairs, had a recall of 62.3% and a precision of 87.5%, and outperformed the pilot knowledge base containing 11,167 pairs from the previous study, which had a recall of 46.9% and a precision of 83.3%. We validated the crowdsourcing approach for generating a knowledge base of problem-medication pairs in a large non-university health care system with a widely used, commercially available electronic health record, indicating that the approach may be generalizable across healthcare settings and clinical systems. Further research is necessary to better evaluate the knowledge, to compare crowdsourcing with other approaches, and to evaluate if incorporating the knowledge into electronic health records improves patient outcomes.

Validation of a Crowdsourcing Methodology for Developing a Knowledge Base of Related Problem-Medication Pairs

PubMed Central

Wright, A.; Krousel-Wood, M.; Thomas, E. J.; McCoy, J. A.; Sittig, D. F.

2015-01-01

Summary Background Clinical knowledge bases of problem-medication pairs are necessary for many informatics solutions that improve patient safety, such as clinical summarization. However, developing these knowledge bases can be challenging. Objective We sought to validate a previously developed crowdsourcing approach for generating a knowledge base of problem-medication pairs in a large, non-university health care system with a widely used, commercially available electronic health record. Methods We first retrieved medications and problems entered in the electronic health record by clinicians during routine care during a six month study period. Following the previously published approach, we calculated the link frequency and link ratio for each pair then identified a threshold cutoff for estimated problem-medication pair appropriateness through clinician review; problem-medication pairs meeting the threshold were included in the resulting knowledge base. We selected 50 medications and their gold standard indications to compare the resulting knowledge base to the pilot knowledge base developed previously and determine its recall and precision. Results The resulting knowledge base contained 26,912 pairs, had a recall of 62.3% and a precision of 87.5%, and outperformed the pilot knowledge base containing 11,167 pairs from the previous study, which had a recall of 46.9% and a precision of 83.3%. Conclusions We validated the crowdsourcing approach for generating a knowledge base of problem-medication pairs in a large non-university health care system with a widely used, commercially available electronic health record, indicating that the approach may be generalizable across healthcare settings and clinical systems. Further research is necessary to better evaluate the knowledge, to compare crowdsourcing with other approaches, and to evaluate if incorporating the knowledge into electronic health records improves patient outcomes. PMID:26171079

ANALYTICAL METHODS AND QUALITY ASSURANCE CRITERIA FOR LC/ES/MS DETERMINATION OF PFOS IN FISH

EPA Science Inventory

PFOS, perfluorooctanesulfonate, has recently received much attention from environmental researchers. Previous analytical methods were based upon complexing with a strong ion-pairing reagent and extraction into MTBE. Detection was done on a concentrate using negative ion LC/ES/MS/...

7 CFR 3430.16 - Eligibility requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... management information relating to an applicant shall be submitted on a one-time basis, with updates on an as... determination that an applicant is not responsible based on submitted organizational management information). ... CSREES program, if such information has not been provided previously under this or another CSREES program...

7 CFR 3430.602 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...-GENERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program § 3430.602... year, based on the October 2002 Prices Paid by Farmer Index compiled and updated annually by the USDA... the previous 2 years as determined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), using...

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may be a highly inflammation and immune-associated disease (Review).

PubMed

Zhou, Rong-Yi; Wang, Jiao-Jiao; Sun, Ji-Chao; You, Yue; Ying, Jing-Nang; Han, Xin-Min

2017-10-01

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common behavioral disorder. Previous research has indicated that genetic factors, family education, environment and dietary habits are associated with ADHD. It has been determined that in China many children with ADHD also have allergic rhinitis or asthma. These children are more susceptible to the common cold or upper respiratory infections compared with normal healthy children. Additionally, the common cold or an upper respiratory infection may lead to disease recurrence or worsen the symptoms in these children. Previous studies have determined that ADHD may have a close association with allergic disease. Based on the clinically observed phenomenon and previous studies, it was hypothesized that ADHD is a high inflammation and immune‑associated disease. Therefore, the authors designed clinical and animal experiments to test this hypothesis in the future. Immune system disorders may be a novel part of the etiology of ADHD. The current report may have implications for future clinical practice.

Predicting the required number of training samples. [for remotely sensed image data based on covariance matrix estimate quality criterion of normal distribution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kalayeh, H. M.; Landgrebe, D. A.

1983-01-01

A criterion which measures the quality of the estimate of the covariance matrix of a multivariate normal distribution is developed. Based on this criterion, the necessary number of training samples is predicted. Experimental results which are used as a guide for determining the number of training samples are included. Previously announced in STAR as N82-28109

Normal range of human dietary sodium intake: a perspective based on 24-hour urinary sodium excretion worldwide.

PubMed

McCarron, David A; Kazaks, Alexandra G; Geerling, Joel C; Stern, Judith S; Graudal, Niels A

2013-10-01

The recommendation to restrict dietary sodium for management of hypertensive cardiovascular disease assumes that sodium intake exceeds physiologic need, that it can be significantly reduced, and that the reduction can be maintained over time. In contrast, neuroscientists have identified neural circuits in vertebrate animals that regulate sodium appetite within a narrow physiologic range. This study further validates our previous report that sodium intake, consistent with the neuroscience, tracks within a narrow range, consistent over time and across cultures. Peer-reviewed publications reporting 24-hour urinary sodium excretion (UNaV) in a defined population that were not included in our 2009 publication were identified from the medical literature. These datasets were combined with those in our previous report of worldwide dietary sodium consumption. The new data included 129 surveys, representing 50,060 participants. The mean value and range of 24-hour UNaV in each of these datasets were within 1 SD of our previous estimate. The combined mean and normal range of sodium intake of the 129 datasets were nearly identical to that we previously reported (mean = 158.3±22.5 vs. 162.4±22.4 mmol/d). Merging the previous and new datasets (n = 190) yielded sodium consumption of 159.4±22.3 mmol/d (range = 114-210 mmol/d; 2,622-4,830mg/d). Human sodium intake, as defined by 24-hour UNaV, is characterized by a narrow range that is remarkably reproducible over at least 5 decades and across 45 countries. As documented here, this range is determined by physiologic needs rather than environmental factors. Future guidelines should be based on this biologically determined range.

Determining the geographic origin of invasive populations of the mealybug Planococcus ficus based on molecular genetic analysis

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The vine mealybug, Planococcus ficus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is an invasive mealybug pest of vineyards in Argentina, California, Mexico, Peru and South Africa. This mealybug pest had a previously known geographic distribution spanning southern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of northern Afri...

Leisure Service Career Programs Model. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Twining, Marilyn

This report identifies leisure career occupations, determines the occupational outlook, and develops primary core competencies as well as specialized, optional competencies for entry level employment. The main method of inquiry is described as a needs assessment based on an audit at Moraine Valley Community College, two previous studies by the…

[Occupational risk as a criterion determining economic responsibility of employers].

PubMed

Subbotin, V V; Tkachev, V V

2003-01-01

The authors suggested a new method to calculate discounts and increments, value of assurance collection, that is based on differentiation of insurers, but not of economic branches. Occupational risk class should be set according to the previous results with consideration of work safety parameters described in the article.

The Functions and Dysfunctions of College Rankings: An Analysis of Institutional Expenditure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, Jeongeun

2018-01-01

College rankings have become a powerful influence in higher education. While the determinants of educational quality are not clearly defined, college rankings designate an institution's standing in a numerical order based on quantifiable measurements that focus primarily on institutional resources. Previous research has identified the…

Using Virtual Reality with and without Gaming Attributes for Academic Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vogel, Jennifer J.; Greenwood-Ericksen, Adams; Cannon-Bowers, Jan; Bowers, Clint A.

2006-01-01

A subcategory of computer-assisted instruction (CAI), games have additional attributes such as motivation, reward, interactivity, score, and challenge. This study used a quasi-experimental design to determine if previous findings generalize to non simulation-based game designs. Researchers observed significant improvement in the overall population…

Optimizing hydraulic retention times in denitrifying woodchip bioreactors treating recirculating aquaculture system wastewater

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The performance of wood-based denitrifying bioreactors to treat high-nitrate wastewaters from aquaculture systems has not previously been demonstrated. Four pilot-scale woodchip bioreactors (approximately 1:10 scale) were constructed and operated for 268 d to determine the optimal range of design hy...

44 CFR 64.3 - Flood Insurance Maps.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... flood hazard that results from the decertification of a previously accredited flood protection system that is determined to be in the process of being restored to provide base flood protection V Area of... tidal floods (coastal high hazard area) V1-30, VE Area of special flood hazards, with water surface...

Pulpits and Platforms: The Role of the Church in Determining Protest among Black Americans

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fitzgerald, Scott T.

2005-01-01

This article further specifies the relationship between church-based resources, group identification and political activism among black Americans. Previous research indicates that political communication within churches and activism within the church serve to motivate political participation. Our research suggests that, net of relevant controls,…

Separation of large DNA molecules by applying pulsed electric field to size exclusion chromatography-based microchip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azuma, Naoki; Itoh, Shintaro; Fukuzawa, Kenji; Zhang, Hedong

2018-02-01

Through electrophoresis driven by a pulsed electric field, we succeeded in separating large DNA molecules with an electrophoretic microchip based on size exclusion chromatography (SEC), which was proposed in our previous study. The conditions of the pulsed electric field required to achieve the separation were determined by numerical analyses using our originally proposed separation model. From the numerical results, we succeeded in separating large DNA molecules (λ DNA and T4 DNA) within 1600 s, which was approximately half of that achieved under a direct electric field in our previous study. Our SEC-based electrophoresis microchip will be one of the effective tools to meet the growing demand of faster and more convenient separation of large DNA molecules, especially in the field of epidemiological research of infectious diseases.

A Determination of the Intergalactic Redshift Dependent UV-Optical-NIR Photon Density Using Deep Galaxy Survey Data and the Gamma-Ray Opacity of the Universe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stecker, Floyd W.

2012-01-01

We calculate the intensity and photon spectrum of the intergalactic background light (IBL) as a function of red shift using an approach based on observational data obtained at in different wavelength bands from local to deep galaxy surveys. Our empirically based approach allows us, for the firs.t time, to obtain a completely model independent determination of the IBL and to quantify its uncertainties. Using our results on the IBL, we then place upper and lower limits on the opacity of the universe to gamma-rays, independent of previous constraints.

Determinants of adolescents' ineffective and improved coping with cyberbullying: a Delphi study.

PubMed

Jacobs, Niels C L; Dehue, Francine; Völlink, Trijntje; Lechner, Lilian

2014-06-01

The study's aim was to obtain an overview of all relevant variables involved in ineffective coping behavior and improvement in coping behavior as it pertains to cyberbullying among adolescents, in order to systematically develop a theory- and evidence-based intervention. This was done by means of a three round online Delphi study. First, 20 key experts listed possible relevant determinants. Next, 70 experts scored these determinants on their relevance and finally, experts rerated relevance of each determinant based on group median scores. The experts agreed that 115 items are relevant for ineffective (62) or improvement in (53) coping behavior. New found determinants were the extent to which one can adjust behavior upon feedback, impulsivity, self-confidence, communication style, personality, decision-making skills, conflict resolution skills, previous participation in personal resilience training, social relationships, rumors and self-disclosure. We conclude that the Delphi technique is useful in discovering new and relevant determinants of behavior. Copyright © 2014 The Foundation for Professionals in Services for Adolescents. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experimental limits on weak annihilation contributions to decays.

PubMed

Rosner, J L; Adam, N E; Alexander, J P; Berkelman, K; Cassel, D G; Duboscq, J E; Ecklund, K M; Ehrlich, R; Fields, L; Gibbons, L; Gray, R; Gray, S W; Hartill, D L; Heltsley, B K; Hertz, D; Jones, C D; Kandaswamy, J; Kreinick, D L; Kuznetsov, V E; Mahlke-Krüger, H; Meyer, T O; Onyisi, P U E; Patterson, J R; Peterson, D; Phillips, E A; Pivarski, J; Riley, D; Ryd, A; Sadoff, A J; Schwarthoff, H; Shi, X; Stroiney, S; Sun, W M; Wilksen, T; Weinberger, M; Athar, S B; Avery, P; Breva-Newell, L; Patel, R; Potlia, V; Stoeck, H; Yelton, J; Rubin, P; Cawlfield, C; Eisenstein, B I; Karliner, I; Kim, D; Lowrey, N; Naik, P; Sedlack, C; Selen, M; Thaler, J J; White, E J; Wiss, J; Shepherd, M R; Asner, D M; Edwards, K W; Besson, D; Pedlar, T K; Cronin-Hennessy, D; Gao, K Y; Gong, D T; Hietala, J; Kubota, Y; Klein, T; Lang, B W; Poling, R; Scott, A W; Smith, A; Dobbs, S; Metreveli, Z; Seth, K K; Tomaradze, A; Zweber, P; Ernst, J; Arms, K; Severini, H; Dytman, S A; Love, W; Mehrabyan, S; Mueller, J A; Savinov, V; Li, Z; Lopez, A; Mendez, H; Ramirez, J; Huang, G S; Miller, D H; Pavlunin, V; Sanghi, B; Shipsey, I P J; Adams, G S; Anderson, M; Cummings, J P; Danko, I; Napolitano, J; He, Q; Muramatsu, H; Park, C S; Thorndike, E H; Coan, T E; Gao, Y S; Liu, F; Stroynowski, R; Artuso, M; Boulahouache, C; Blusk, S; Butt, J; Li, J; Menaa, N; Mountain, R; Nisar, S; Randrianarivony, K; Redjimi, R; Sia, R; Skwarnicki, T; Stone, S; Wang, J C; Zhang, K; Csorna, S E; Bonvicini, G; Cinabro, D; Dubrovin, M; Lincoln, A; Weinstein, A J; Briere, R A; Chen, G P; Chen, J; Ferguson, T; Tatishvili, G; Vogel, H; Watkins, M E

2006-03-31

We present the first experimental limits on high-q2 contributions to charmless semileptonic decays of the form expected from the weak annihilation (WA) decay mechanism. Such contributions could bias determinations of /Vub/ from inclusive measurements of B-->Xulupsilon. Using a wide range of models based on available theoretical input we set a limit of GammaWA/Gammab-->u<7.4% (90% confidence level) on the WA fraction, and assess the impact on previous inclusive determinations of /Vub/.

Determining the Best Method for Estimating the Observed Level of Maximum Detrainment Based on Radar Reflectivity

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

Carletta, Nicholas D.; Mullendore, Gretchen L.; Starzec, Mariusz

Convective mass transport is the transport of mass from near the surface up to the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) by a deep convective updraft. This transport can alter the chemical makeup and water vapor balance of the UTLS, which affects cloud formation and the radiative properties of the atmosphere. It is therefore important to understand the exact altitudes at which mass is detrained from convection. The purpose of this study was to improve upon previously published methodologies for estimating the level of maximum detrainment (LMD) within convection using data from a single ground-based radar. Four methods were usedmore » to identify the LMD and validated against dual-Doppler derived vertical mass divergence fields for six cases with a variety of storm types. The best method for locating the LMD was determined to be the method that used a reflectivity texture technique to determine convective cores and a multi-layer echo identification to determine anvil locations. Although an improvement over previously published methods, the new methodology still produced unreliable results in certain regimes. The methodology worked best when applied to mature updrafts, as the anvil needs time to grow to a detectable size. Thus, radar reflectivity is found to be valuable in estimating the LMD, but storm maturity must also be considered for best results.« less

Motion compensated shape error concealment.

PubMed

Schuster, Guido M; Katsaggelos, Aggelos K

2006-02-01

The introduction of Video Objects (VOs) is one of the innovations of MPEG-4. The alpha-plane of a VO defines its shape at a given instance in time and hence determines the boundary of its texture. In packet-based networks, shape, motion, and texture are subject to loss. While there has been considerable attention paid to the concealment of texture and motion errors, little has been done in the field of shape error concealment. In this paper we propose a post-processing shape error concealment technique that uses the motion compensated boundary information of the previously received alpha-plane. The proposed approach is based on matching received boundary segments in the current frame to the boundary in the previous frame. This matching is achieved by finding a maximally smooth motion vector field. After the current boundary segments are matched to the previous boundary, the missing boundary pieces are reconstructed by motion compensation. Experimental results demonstrating the performance of the proposed motion compensated shape error concealment method, and comparing it with the previously proposed weighted side matching method are presented.

Orbital Plotting of WDS 04545-0314 and WDS 04478+5318

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Nick; Foster, Chris; Myers, Blake; Sepulveda, Barbel; Genet, Russell

2016-01-01

Students at Lincoln High School used the PlateSolve 3 program to obtain the position angle and separation of two double stars, WDS 04545-0314 and WDS 04478+5318. Both stars were observed at Kitt Peak on October 20, 2013. A java-based program developed by the team was used to plot the new data on the previously published orbital paths. It was determined that WDS 04545-0314 is maintaining the previously published orbital solution but that the orbit of WDS 04478+5318 may need to be revised.

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

Hess, Peter

An improved microscopic cleavage model, based on a Morse-type and Lennard-Jones-type interaction instead of the previously employed half-sine function, is used to determine the maximum cleavage strength for the brittle materials diamond, tungsten, molybdenum, silicon, GaAs, silica, and graphite. The results of both interaction potentials are in much better agreement with the theoretical strength values obtained by ab initio calculations for diamond, tungsten, molybdenum, and silicon than the previous model. Reasonable estimates of the intrinsic strength are presented for GaAs, silica, and graphite, where first principles values are not available.

Energy Savings Forecast of Solid-State Lighting in General Illumination Applications

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

Penning, Julie; Stober, Kelsey; Taylor, Victor

2016-09-01

The DOE report, Energy Savings Forecast of Solid-State Lighting in General Illumination Applications, is a biannual report which models the adoption of LEDs in the U.S. general-lighting market, along with associated energy savings, based on the full potential DOE has determined to be technically feasible over time. This version of the report uses an updated 2016 U.S. lighting-market model that is more finely calibrated and granular than previous models, and extends the forecast period to 2035 from the 2030 limit that was used in previous editions.

Evaluating MEDEVAC Force Structure Requirements Using an Updated Army Scenario, Total Army Analysis Admission Data, Monte Carlo Simulation, and Theater Structure.

PubMed

Fulton, Lawrence; Kerr, Bernie; Inglis, James M; Brooks, Matthew; Bastian, Nathaniel D

2015-07-01

In this study, we re-evaluate air ambulance requirements (rules of allocation) and planning considerations based on an Army-approved, Theater Army Analysis scenario. A previous study using workload only estimated a requirement of 0.4 to 0.6 aircraft per admission, a significant bolus over existence-based rules. In this updated study, we estimate requirements for Phase III (major combat operations) using a simulation grounded in previously published work and Phase IV (stability operations) based on four rules of allocation: unit existence rules, workload factors, theater structure (geography), and manual input. This study improves upon previous work by including the new air ambulance mission requirements of Department of Defense 51001.1, Roles and Functions of the Services, by expanding the analysis over two phases, and by considering unit rotation requirements known as Army Force Generation based on Department of Defense policy. The recommendations of this study are intended to inform future planning factors and already provided decision support to the Army Aviation Branch in determining force structure requirements. Reprint & Copyright © 2015 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Femoral Component Sizing in Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Replacement: Existing Guidelines Do Not Work for Indian Patients.

PubMed

Malhotra, Rajesh; Gaba, Sahil; Wahal, Naman; Kumar, Vijay; Srivastava, Deep N; Pandit, Hemant

2018-02-28

Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement (OUKR) has shown excellent long-term clinical outcomes as well as implant survival when used for correct indications with optimal surgical technique. Anteromedial osteoarthritis is highly prevalent in Indian patients, and OUKR is the ideal treatment option in such cases. Uncertainty prevails about the best method to determine femoral component size in OUKR. Preoperative templating has been shown to be inaccurate, while height- and gender-based guidelines based on European population might not apply to the Indian patients. Microplasty instrumentation introduced in 2012 introduced the sizing spoon, which has the dual function of femoral component sizing and determining the level of tibia cut. We aimed to check the accuracy of sizing spoon and also to determine whether the present guidelines are appropriate for use in the Indian patients. A total of 130 consecutive Oxford mobile bearing medial cemented UKR performed using the Microplasty instrumentation were included. The ideal femoral component size for each knee was recorded by looking for overhang and underhang in post-operative lateral knee radiograph. The accuracy of previous guidelines was determined by applying them to our study population. Previously published guidelines (which were based on Western population) proved to be accurate in only 37% of cases. Hence, based on the demographics of our study population, we formulated modified height- and gender-based guidelines, which would better suit the Indian population. Accuracy of modified guidelines was estimated to be 74%. The overall accuracy of sizing spoon (75%), when used as an intraoperative guide, was similar to that of modified guidelines. Existing guidelines for femoral component sizing do not work in Indian patients. Modified guidelines and use of intraoperative spoon should be used to choose the optimal implant size while performing OUKR in Indian patients. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Human Reliability Assessments: Using the Past (Shuttle) to Predict the Future (ORION)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mott, Diana L.; Bigler, Mark A.

2017-01-01

NASA uses two HRA assessment methodologies. The first is a simplified method which is based on how much time is available to complete the action, with consideration included for environmental and personal factors that could influence the human's reliability. This method is expected to provide a conservative value or placeholder as a preliminary estimate. This preliminary estimate is used to determine which placeholder needs a more detailed assessment. The second methodology is used to develop a more detailed human reliability assessment on the performance of critical human actions. This assessment needs to consider more than the time available, this would include factors such as: the importance of the action, the context, environmental factors, potential human stresses, previous experience, training, physical design interfaces, available procedures/checklists and internal human stresses. The more detailed assessment is still expected to be more realistic than that based primarily on time available. When performing an HRA on a system or process that has an operational history, we have information specific to the task based on this history and experience. In the case of a PRA model that is based on a new design and has no operational history, providing a "reasonable" assessment of potential crew actions becomes more problematic. In order to determine what is expected of future operational parameters, the experience from individuals who had relevant experience and were familiar with the system and process previously implemented by NASA was used to provide the "best" available data. Personnel from Flight Operations, Flight Directors, Launch Test Directors, Control Room Console Operators and Astronauts were all interviewed to provide a comprehensive picture of previous NASA operations. Verification of the assumptions and expectations expressed in the assessments will be needed when the procedures, flight rules and operational requirements are developed and then finalized.

Restoring Proprioception via a Cortical Prosthesis: A Novel Learning Based Approach

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-01

microstimulation from the neural recordings used for BMI control. This allows us to move to a much more efficient paradigm with continuous brain “ read out” for...microstimulation; movement control 3. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: What were the major goals of the project? Specific Aim 1: Determine whether animals ... animals . However, that signal will correlate on a millisecond timescale with visual feedback of the virtual limb. Based on the previous work (Dadarlat

Hazards and Possibilities of Optical Breakdown Effects Below the Threshold for Shockwave and Bubble Formation

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-07-01

precision of the determination of Rmax, we established a refined method based on the model of bubble formation described above in section 3.6.1 and the...development can be modeled by hydrodynamic codes based on tabulated equation-of-state data . This has previously demonstrated on ps optical breakdown...per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and

Reported Energy and Cost Savings from the DOE ESPC Program: FY 2015

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

Slattery, Bob S.

2017-01-01

The objective of this work was to determine the realization rate of energy and cost savings from the Department of Energy’s Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) program based on information reported by the energy services companies (ESCOs) that are carrying out ESPC projects at federal sites. Information was extracted from 151 Measurement and Verification (M&V) reports to determine reported, estimated, and guaranteed cost savings and reported and estimated energy savings for the previous contract year. Because the quality of the reports varied, it was not possible to determine all of these parameters for each project.

[Determinants of sterilization among married couples in Korea].

PubMed

Kim, Ju Hee; Chung, Woojin; Lee, Sunmi; Suh, Moonhee; Kang, Dae Ryong

2007-11-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the determinants of sterilization in South Korea. This study was based on the data from the Korea National Fertility Survey carried out in the year 2000 by the Korea Institute of Health and Social Affairs. The subjects of the analysis were 4,604 women and their husbands who were in their first marriage, in the age group of 15-49 years. The data were analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis. Consistent with the findings of previous studies, the woman's age and the number of total children increased the likelihood of sterilization. In addition, the year of marriage had a strong positive association with sterilization. Interestingly, the number of surviving sons tended to increase the likelihood of sterilization, whereas the woman's education level and age at the time of marriage showed a negative association with sterilization. Religion, place of residence, son preference, and the husband's education level, age and type of occupation were not significant determinants of sterilization. The sex of previous children and lower level of education are distinct determinants of sterilization among women in South Korea. More studies are needed in order to determine the associations between sterilization rate and decreased fertility.

An Empirical Determination of the Intergalactic Background Light from UV to FIR Wavelengths Using FIR Deep Galaxy Surveys and the Gamma-Ray Opacity of the Universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stecker, Floyd W.; Scully, Sean T.; Malkan, Matthew A.

2016-08-01

We have previously calculated the intergalactic background light (IBL) as a function of redshift from the Lyman limit in the far-ultraviolet to a wavelength of 5 μm in the near-infrared range, based purely on data from deep galaxy surveys. Here, we use similar methods to determine the mid- and far-infrared IBL from 5 to 850 μm. Our approach enables us to constrain the range of photon densities by determining the uncertainties in observationally determined luminosity densities and spectral gradients. By also including the effect of the 2.7 K cosmic background photons, we determine upper and lower limits on the opacity of the universe to γ-rays up to PeV energies within a 68% confidence band. Our direct results on the IBL are consistent with those from complimentary γ-ray analyses using observations from the Fermi γ-ray space telescope and the H.E.S.S. air Čerenkov telescope. Thus, we find no evidence of previously suggested processes for the modification of γ-ray spectra other than that of absorption by pair production alone.

AN EMPIRICAL DETERMINATION OF THE INTERGALACTIC BACKGROUND LIGHT FROM UV TO FIR WAVELENGTHS USING FIR DEEP GALAXY SURVEYS AND THE GAMMA-RAY OPACITY OF THE UNIVERSE

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

Stecker, Floyd W.; Scully, Sean T.; Malkan, Matthew A., E-mail: Floyd.W.Stecker@nasa.gov, E-mail: scullyst@jmu.edu, E-mail: malkan@astro.ucla.edu

We have previously calculated the intergalactic background light (IBL) as a function of redshift from the Lyman limit in the far-ultraviolet to a wavelength of 5 μ m in the near-infrared range, based purely on data from deep galaxy surveys. Here, we use similar methods to determine the mid- and far-infrared IBL from 5 to 850 μ m. Our approach enables us to constrain the range of photon densities by determining the uncertainties in observationally determined luminosity densities and spectral gradients. By also including the effect of the 2.7 K cosmic background photons, we determine upper and lower limits onmore » the opacity of the universe to γ -rays up to PeV energies within a 68% confidence band. Our direct results on the IBL are consistent with those from complimentary γ -ray analyses using observations from the Fermi γ -ray space telescope and the H.E.S.S. air Čerenkov telescope. Thus, we find no evidence of previously suggested processes for the modification of γ -ray spectra other than that of absorption by pair production alone.« less

Predicting dynamic range and intensity discrimination for electrical pulse-train stimuli using a stochastic auditory nerve model: the effects of stimulus noise.

PubMed

Xu, Yifang; Collins, Leslie M

2005-06-01

This work investigates dynamic range and intensity discrimination for electrical pulse-train stimuli that are modulated by noise using a stochastic auditory nerve model. Based on a hypothesized monotonic relationship between loudness and the number of spikes elicited by a stimulus, theoretical prediction of the uncomfortable level has previously been determined by comparing spike counts to a fixed threshold, Nucl. However, no specific rule for determining Nucl has been suggested. Our work determines the uncomfortable level based on the excitation pattern of the neural response in a normal ear. The number of fibers corresponding to the portion of the basilar membrane driven by a stimulus at an uncomfortable level in a normal ear is related to Nucl at an uncomfortable level of the electrical stimulus. Intensity discrimination limens are predicted using signal detection theory via the probability mass function of the neural response and via experimental simulations. The results show that the uncomfortable level for pulse-train stimuli increases slightly as noise level increases. Combining this with our previous threshold predictions, we hypothesize that the dynamic range for noise-modulated pulse-train stimuli should increase with additive noise. However, since our predictions indicate that intensity discrimination under noise degrades, overall intensity coding performance may not improve significantly.

Small-volume potentiometric titrations: EPR investigations of Fe-S cluster N2 in mitochondrial complex I.

PubMed

Wright, John J; Salvadori, Enrico; Bridges, Hannah R; Hirst, Judy; Roessler, Maxie M

2016-09-01

EPR-based potentiometric titrations are a well-established method for determining the reduction potentials of cofactors in large and complex proteins with at least one EPR-active state. However, such titrations require large amounts of protein. Here, we report a new method that requires an order of magnitude less protein than previously described methods, and that provides EPR samples suitable for measurements at both X- and Q-band microwave frequencies. We demonstrate our method by determining the reduction potential of the terminal [4Fe-4S] cluster (N2) in the intramolecular electron-transfer relay in mammalian respiratory complex I. The value determined by our method, E m7 =-158mV, is precise, reproducible, and consistent with previously reported values. Our small-volume potentiometric titration method will facilitate detailed investigations of EPR-active centres in non-abundant and refractory proteins that can only be prepared in small quantities. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Preferential sites for InAsP/InP quantum wire nucleation using molecular dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nuñez-Moraleda, Bernardo; Pizarro, Joaquin; Guerrero, Elisa; Guerrero-Lebrero, Maria P.; Yáñez, Andres; Molina, Sergio Ignacio; Galindo, Pedro Luis

2014-11-01

In this paper, stress fields at the surface of the capping layer of self-assembled InAsP quantum wires grown on an InP (001) substrate have been determined from atomistic models using molecular dynamics and Stillinger-Weber potentials. To carry out these calculations, the quantum wire compositional distribution was extracted from previous works, where the As and P distributions were determined by electron energy loss spectroscopy and high-resolution aberration-corrected Z-contrast imaging. Preferential sites for the nucleation of wires on the surface of the capping layer were studied and compared with (i) previous simulations using finite element analysis to solve anisotropic elastic theory equations and (ii) experimentally measured locations of stacked wires. Preferential nucleation sites of stacked wires were determined by the maximum stress location at the MD model surface in good agreement with experimental results and those derived from finite element analysis. This indicates that MD simulations based on empirical potentials provide a suitable and flexible tool to study strain dependent atom processes.

40 CFR 63.645 - Test methods and procedures for miscellaneous process vents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... analysis based on accepted chemical engineering principles, measurable process parameters, or physical or... minute, at a temperature of 20 °C. (g) Engineering assessment may be used to determine the TOC emission...) Engineering assessment includes, but is not limited to, the following: (i) Previous test results provided the...

40 CFR 63.645 - Test methods and procedures for miscellaneous process vents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... analysis based on accepted chemical engineering principles, measurable process parameters, or physical or... minute, at a temperature of 20 °C. (g) Engineering assessment may be used to determine the TOC emission...) Engineering assessment includes, but is not limited to, the following: (i) Previous test results provided the...

40 CFR 63.645 - Test methods and procedures for miscellaneous process vents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... analysis based on accepted chemical engineering principles, measurable process parameters, or physical or... minute, at a temperature of 20 °C. (g) Engineering assessment may be used to determine the TOC emission...) Engineering assessment includes, but is not limited to, the following: (i) Previous test results provided the...

Determinants of Employment Success Among Ex-Offenders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knox, George W.; Stacey, William A.

1978-01-01

Use of cost-benefit analysis in evaluation of seven manpower service programs for ex-offenders in Illinois shows these programs have benefit-cost ratios ranging from 4.24 to 16.88. Demographic profiles for the client flows differ somewhat, with Operation DARE's population being somewhat of a more "hard-core" group based on previous law…

Gender Symmetry in the Self-Reporting of Intimate Partner Violence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chan, Ko Ling

2012-01-01

Research has not conclusively determined whether men and women are equally likely to commit intimate partner violence (IPV). One explanation for the disparity in previous findings may be gender-based differences in reporting styles. The present study investigated whether there was any gender difference in self-reported IPV prevalence. A total of…

The Effects of Classroom Autonomy, Staff Collegiality, and Administrative Support on Teachers' Job Satisfaction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lasseter, Austin

2013-01-01

The purpose of my dissertation is to determine which job-related factors are most likely to explain teachers' sense of satisfaction with their current job. Based on previous research (Fairchild et al., 2012; Lee, Dedrick, & Smith, 1991; Perie & Baker, 1997), I hypothesized that teachers' perceptions of classroom autonomy, staff…

Effects of risk attitudes on extended attack fire management decisionmaking

Treesearch

Donald G. MacGregor; Armando González-Cabán

2009-01-01

Fire management inherently involves the assessment and management of risk, and decision making under uncertainty. Although organizational standards and guides are an important determinant of how decision problems are structured and framed, decision makers may view risk-based decisions from a perspective that is unique to their background and experience. Previous...

Calibration and validation of the COSMOS rover for surface soil moisture

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The mobile COsmic-ray Soil Moisture Observing System (COSMOS) rover may be useful for validating satellite-based estimates of near surface soil moisture, but the accuracy with which the rover can measure 0-5 cm soil moisture has not been previously determined. Our objectives were to calibrate and va...

Multiple band structures in 70Ge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haring-Kaye, R. A.; Morrow, S. I.; Döring, J.; Tabor, S. L.; Le, K. Q.; Allegro, P. R. P.; Bender, P. C.; Elder, R. M.; Medina, N. H.; Oliveira, J. R. B.; Tripathi, Vandana

2018-02-01

High-spin states in 70Ge were studied using the 55Mn(18O,p 2 n ) fusion-evaporation reaction at a beam energy of 50 MeV. Prompt γ -γ coincidences were measured using the Florida State University Compton-suppressed Ge array consisting of three Clover detectors and seven single-crystal detectors. An investigation of these coincidences resulted in the addition of 31 new transitions and the rearrangement of four others in the 70Ge level scheme, providing a more complete picture of the high-spin decay pattern involving both positive- and negative-parity states with multiple band structures. Spins were assigned based on directional correlation of oriented nuclei ratios, which many times also led to unambiguous parity determinations based on the firm assignments for low-lying states made in previous work. Total Routhian surface calculations, along with the observed trends in the experimental kinematic moment of inertia with rotational frequency, support the multiquasiparticle configurations of the various crossing bands proposed in recent studies. The high-spin excitation spectra predicted by previous shell-model calculations compare favorably with the experimental one determined from this study.

Determinants of individuals' participation in integrated chronic disease screening in Singapore.

PubMed

Venkataraman, Kavita; Wee, Hwee Lin; Ng, Sheryl Hui Xian; Rebello, Salome; Tai, E Shyong; Lee, Jeannette; Tan, Chuen Seng

2016-06-10

A large pool of patients with chronic diseases remains undiagnosed globally and in Singapore. We explored factors associated with participation in a health screening exercise, using revealed preference, that is, actual attendance, to understand why people remain undiagnosed with chronic diseases. A cross-sectional, community-based sample of Singapore residents was invited to participate in home interviews, and subsequently to attend centre-based health screening, between 2004 and 2007. Determinants of health screening participation were identified using logistic regression models based on Andersen's Behavioral Model. Of the 6366 participants who completed health interview, 4092 attended the health screening, while 2274 did not. Older age, Chinese or Indian ethnicity, higher education levels, greater intake of monounsaturated fat, greater transport and leisure-time physical activity were the key predisposing factors associated with greater health screening participation. Greater family cohesion was the key associated enabling factor, while previous diagnosis of dyslipidaemia or musculoskeletal conditions, absence of previously diagnosed diabetes or hypertension and lower perceived physical health were the associated need factors. Our study suggests that ethnicity, education, family cohesion, healthy behaviour patterns and perceived physical health status were key determinants of health screening participation. Enhancing the cultural competence of preventive health services may help increase participation of these groups in screening efforts and reduce the proportions of undiagnosed chronic disease in the community. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

The predictive value of the sacral base pressure test in detecting specific types of sacroiliac dysfunction

PubMed Central

Mitchell, Travis D.; Urli, Kristina E.; Breitenbach, Jacques; Yelverton, Chris

2007-01-01

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the validity of the sacral base pressure test in diagnosing sacroiliac joint dysfunction. It also determined the predictive powers of the test in determining which type of sacroiliac joint dysfunction was present. Methods This was a double-blind experimental study with 62 participants. The results from the sacral base pressure test were compared against a cluster of previously validated tests of sacroiliac joint dysfunction to determine its validity and predictive powers. The external rotation of the feet, occurring during the sacral base pressure test, was measured using a digital inclinometer. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the results of the sacral base pressure test between the types of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. In terms of the results of validity, the sacral base pressure test was useful in identifying positive values of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. It was fairly helpful in correctly diagnosing patients with negative test results; however, it had only a “slight” agreement with the diagnosis for κ interpretation. Conclusions In this study, the sacral base pressure test was not a valid test for determining the presence of sacroiliac joint dysfunction or the type of dysfunction present. Further research comparing the agreement of the sacral base pressure test or other sacroiliac joint dysfunction tests with a criterion standard of diagnosis is necessary. PMID:19674694

Calculating the Velocity in the Moss

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Womebarger, Amy R.; Tripathi, Durgesh; Mason, Helen

2011-01-01

The velocity of the warm (1 MK) plasma in the footpoint of the hot coronal loops (commonly called moss) could help discriminate between different heating frequencies in the active region core. Strong velocities would indicated low-frequency heating, while velocities close to zero would indicate high-frequency heating. Previous results have found disparaging observations, with both strong velocities and velocities close to zero reported. Previous results are based on observations from Hinode/EIS. The wavelength arrays for EIS spectra are typically calculated by assuming quiet Sun velocities are zero. In this poster, we determine the velocity in the moss using observations with SoHO/SUMER. We rely on neutral or singly ionized spectral lines to determine accurately the wavelength array associated with the spectra. SUMER scanned the active region twice, so we also report the stability of the velocity.

Update of membership and mean proper motion of open clusters from UCAC5 catalog

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dias, W. S.; Monteiro, H.; Assafin, M.

2018-06-01

We present mean proper motions and membership probabilities of individual stars for optically visible open clusters, which have been determined using data from the UCAC5 catalog. This follows our previous studies with the UCAC2 and UCAC4 catalogs, but now using improved proper motions in the GAIA reference frame. In the present study results were obtained for a sample of 1108 open clusters. For five clusters, this is the first determination of mean proper motion, and for the whole sample, we present results with a much larger number of identified astrometric member stars than on previous studies. It is the last update of our Open cluster Catalog based on proper motion data only. Future updates will count on astrometric, photometric and spectroscopic GAIA data as input for analyses.

Dynamic estimator for determining operating conditions in an internal combustion engine

DOEpatents

Hellstrom, Erik; Stefanopoulou, Anna; Jiang, Li; Larimore, Jacob

2016-01-05

Methods and systems are provided for estimating engine performance information for a combustion cycle of an internal combustion engine. Estimated performance information for a previous combustion cycle is retrieved from memory. The estimated performance information includes an estimated value of at least one engine performance variable. Actuator settings applied to engine actuators are also received. The performance information for the current combustion cycle is then estimated based, at least in part, on the estimated performance information for the previous combustion cycle and the actuator settings applied during the previous combustion cycle. The estimated performance information for the current combustion cycle is then stored to the memory to be used in estimating performance information for a subsequent combustion cycle.

[Women's opinion on abortion legalization in a middle size county in southern Brazil].

PubMed

César, J A; Gomes, G; Horta, B L; de Oliveira, A K; Saraiva, A K; Pardo, D O; Silva, L M; Rodghiero, C L; Gross, M R

1997-12-01

Induced abortion is the main cause of maternal death in Brazil. Question of its legalization has been the subject of frequent discussion. In order to assess the influence of the variables affecting the opinion of women of reproductive age, a population-based systematic sample in the county of Rio Grande (Southern Brazil) was examined. Of a total of 1,456 interviews 30% endorsed the legalization, whatever the circumstances; this percentage was directly associated with age, schooling, family income and previous induced abortion (p < 0.01). Adjusted analysis using logistic regression showed a significant effect of schooling and previous induced abortion on favourable opinion. Schooling and previous induced abortion were the main determinants of women's favorable opinions regarding abortion legalization.

3D temporal subtraction on multislice CT images using nonlinear warping technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishida, Takayuki; Katsuragawa, Shigehiko; Kawashita, Ikuo; Kim, Hyounseop; Itai, Yoshinori; Awai, Kazuo; Li, Qiang; Doi, Kunio

2007-03-01

The detection of very subtle lesions and/or lesions overlapped with vessels on CT images is a time consuming and difficult task for radiologists. In this study, we have developed a 3D temporal subtraction method to enhance interval changes between previous and current multislice CT images based on a nonlinear image warping technique. Our method provides a subtraction CT image which is obtained by subtraction of a previous CT image from a current CT image. Reduction of misregistration artifacts is important in the temporal subtraction method. Therefore, our computerized method includes global and local image matching techniques for accurate registration of current and previous CT images. For global image matching, we selected the corresponding previous section image for each current section image by using 2D cross-correlation between a blurred low-resolution current CT image and a blurred previous CT image. For local image matching, we applied the 3D template matching technique with translation and rotation of volumes of interests (VOIs) which were selected in the current and the previous CT images. The local shift vector for each VOI pair was determined when the cross-correlation value became the maximum in the 3D template matching. The local shift vectors at all voxels were determined by interpolation of shift vectors of VOIs, and then the previous CT image was nonlinearly warped according to the shift vector for each voxel. Finally, the warped previous CT image was subtracted from the current CT image. The 3D temporal subtraction method was applied to 19 clinical cases. The normal background structures such as vessels, ribs, and heart were removed without large misregistration artifacts. Thus, interval changes due to lung diseases were clearly enhanced as white shadows on subtraction CT images.

Multispectral imaging determination of pigment concentration profiles in meat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sáenz Gamasa, Carlos; Hernández Salueña, Begoña; Alberdi Odriozola, Coro; Alfonso Ábrego, Santiago; Berrogui Arizu, Miguel; Diñeiro Rubial, José Manuel

2006-01-01

The possibility of using multispectral techniques to determine the concentration profiles of myoglobin derivatives as a function of the distance to the meat surface during meat oxygenation is demonstrated. Reduced myoglobin (Mb) oxygenated oxymyoglobin (MbO II) and oxidized Metmyoglobin (MMb) concentration profiles are determined with a spatial resolutions better than of 0.01235 mm/pixel. Pigment concentrations are calculated using (K/S) ratios at isobestic points (474, 525, 572 and 610 nm) of the three forms of myoglobin pigments. This technique greatly improves previous methods, based on visual determination of pigment layers by their color, which allowed only estimations of pigment layer position and width. The multispectral technique avoids observer and illumination related bias in the pigment layer determination.

[New method for determining endemic levels].

PubMed

Orellano, Pablo Wenceslao; Reynoso, Julieta Itatí

2011-05-01

Design an instrument for determining endemic levels or ranges using simple calculations; identify and estimate the parameters related to the dynamic transmission of communicable diseases. The parameters for establishing a theoretical curve of expected incidence based on the logistic growth model were identified. The parameters were estimated by nonlinear regression based on the cumulative incidence data from the previous five years. The weekly cumulative incidence of cases of influenza-like illness in Argentina in 2009 was used as an example. It was compared to the 2004-2008 case series in order to determine the cumulative and non-cumulative endemic levels. According to the cumulative endemic levels identified, the country entered the outbreak area in week 2. The data from previous years showed that the maximum expected number of cases or carrying capacity (K) was 1 090 660. When the non-cumulative levels were considered, the outbreak was present in 34 out of 51 weeks. A range of 1.05 to 1.13 was estimated for the basic reproductive rate (R0) in the non-epidemic period from 2004-2008. The new method facilitated the determination of endemic levels using a simple procedure with the identification of parameters that are important for transmission. Although it has limitations such as the fact that the equation used is more appropriate for evaluating diseases with a pronounced annual cycle and less accurate for cycles of less than 1 year, it can be considered a valuable alternative method for determining endemic ranges and a new contribution to the study of epidemic outbreaks at local health surveillance levels.

Polyglutamine Disease Modeling: Epitope Based Screen for Homologous Recombination using CRISPR/Cas9 System.

PubMed

An, Mahru C; O'Brien, Robert N; Zhang, Ningzhe; Patra, Biranchi N; De La Cruz, Michael; Ray, Animesh; Ellerby, Lisa M

2014-04-15

We have previously reported the genetic correction of Huntington's disease (HD) patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells using traditional homologous recombination (HR) approaches. To extend this work, we have adopted a CRISPR-based genome editing approach to improve the efficiency of recombination in order to generate allelic isogenic HD models in human cells. Incorporation of a rapid antibody-based screening approach to measure recombination provides a powerful method to determine relative efficiency of genome editing for modeling polyglutamine diseases or understanding factors that modulate CRISPR/Cas9 HR.

Concussion Baseline Testing: Preexisting Factors, Symptoms, and Neurocognitive Performance.

PubMed

Cottle, Jordan E; Hall, Eric E; Patel, Kirtida; Barnes, Kenneth P; Ketcham, Caroline J

2017-02-01

Neurocognitive test scores are often considered an important aspect of concussion management. To best use these data, clinicians must understand potential factors that may influence baseline performance on these tests. To determine preexisting factors that may influence performance on the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT). Cross-sectional study. Research laboratory. A total of 486 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I collegiate student-athletes. To determine neurocognitive functioning and total symptom score at baseline, ImPACT was administered. Outcomes were verbal memory, visual memory, visual motor speed, reaction time, and total symptom score. A self-report demographic section at the beginning of ImPACT was used to gather information concerning previous treatment for headaches, migraines, and psychiatric conditions; diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; and exposure to previous strenuous exercise. We conducted multivariate analyses of variance to determine if the ImPACT composite and total symptom scores differed according to preexisting factors (P < .0083). Sex showed an effect on verbal memory (P = .001), visual motor speed (P < .001), and reaction time (P = .006), with women performing better than men. A previous diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder affected visual motor speed (P = .008). Previous treatment for headaches (P < .001), migraines (P = .001), a psychiatric condition (P < .001), or a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (P < .001) all showed effects on the total symptom score. Strenuous exercise did not affect neurocogntive performance or total symptom score. Based on our findings and the previous literature, we suggest that many preexisting factors influence baseline neurocognitive data. Baseline testing is an important aspect of concussion management. Sports medicine professionals should be cognizant of these factors when developing concussion-management protocols.

Concussion Baseline Testing: Preexisting Factors, Symptoms, and Neurocognitive Performance

PubMed Central

Cottle, Jordan E.; Hall, Eric E.; Patel, Kirtida; Barnes, Kenneth P.; Ketcham, Caroline J.

2017-01-01

Context: Neurocognitive test scores are often considered an important aspect of concussion management. To best use these data, clinicians must understand potential factors that may influence baseline performance on these tests. Objective: To determine preexisting factors that may influence performance on the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT). Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 486 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I collegiate student-athletes. Main Outcome Measure(s): To determine neurocognitive functioning and total symptom score at baseline, ImPACT was administered. Outcomes were verbal memory, visual memory, visual motor speed, reaction time, and total symptom score. A self-report demographic section at the beginning of ImPACT was used to gather information concerning previous treatment for headaches, migraines, and psychiatric conditions; diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; and exposure to previous strenuous exercise. We conducted multivariate analyses of variance to determine if the ImPACT composite and total symptom scores differed according to preexisting factors (P < .0083). Results: Sex showed an effect on verbal memory (P = .001), visual motor speed (P < .001), and reaction time (P = .006), with women performing better than men. A previous diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder affected visual motor speed (P = .008). Previous treatment for headaches (P < .001), migraines (P = .001), a psychiatric condition (P < .001), or a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (P < .001) all showed effects on the total symptom score. Strenuous exercise did not affect neurocogntive performance or total symptom score. Conclusions: Based on our findings and the previous literature, we suggest that many preexisting factors influence baseline neurocognitive data. Baseline testing is an important aspect of concussion management. Sports medicine professionals should be cognizant of these factors when developing concussion-management protocols. PMID:28071936

Investigating a continuous shear strain function for depth-dependent properties of native and tissue engineering cartilage using pixel-size data.

PubMed

Motavalli, Mostafa; Whitney, G Adam; Dennis, James E; Mansour, Joseph M

2013-12-01

A previously developed novel imaging technique for determining the depth dependent properties of cartilage in simple shear is implemented. Shear displacement is determined from images of deformed lines photobleached on a sample, and shear strain is obtained from the derivative of the displacement. We investigated the feasibility of an alternative systematic approach to numerical differentiation for computing the shear strain that is based on fitting a continuous function to the shear displacement. Three models for a continuous shear displacement function are evaluated: polynomials, cubic splines, and non-parametric locally weighted scatter plot curves. Four independent approaches are then applied to identify the best-fit model and the accuracy of the first derivative. One approach is based on the Akaiki Information Criteria, and the Bayesian Information Criteria. The second is based on a method developed to smooth and differentiate digitized data from human motion. The third method is based on photobleaching a predefined circular area with a specific radius. Finally, we integrate the shear strain and compare it with the total shear deflection of the sample measured experimentally. Results show that 6th and 7th order polynomials are the best models for the shear displacement and its first derivative. In addition, failure of tissue-engineered cartilage, consistent with previous results, demonstrates the qualitative value of this imaging approach. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Immune biosensors based on the SPR and TIRE: efficiency of their application for bacteria determination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Starodub, N. F.; Ogorodniichuk, J.; Lebedeva, T.; Shpylovyy, P.

2013-11-01

In this work we have designed high-specific biosensors for Salmonella typhimurium detection based on the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and total internal reflection ellipsometry (TIRE). It has been demonstrated high selectivity and sensitivity of analysis. As a registering part for our experiments the Spreeta (USA) and "Plasmonotest" (Ukraine) with flowing cell have been applied among of SPR device. Previous researches confirmed an efficiency of SPR biosensors using for detecting of specific antigen-antibody interactions therefore this type of reactions with some previous preparations of surface binding layer was used as reactive part. It has been defined that in case with Spreeta sensitivity was on the level 103 - 107 cells/ml. Another biosensor based on the SPR has shown the sensitivity within 101 - 106 cells/ml. Maximal sensitivity was on the level of several cells in 10 ml (up to the fact that less than 5 cells) which has been obtained using the biosensor based on TIRE.

A novel simplified model for torsional vibration analysis of a series-parallel hybrid electric vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Xiaolin; Yang, Wei; Hu, Xiaosong; Zhang, Dejiu

2017-02-01

In this study, based on our previous work, a novel simplified torsional vibration dynamic model is established to study the torsional vibration characteristics of a compound planetary hybrid propulsion system. The main frequencies of the hybrid driveline are determined. In contrast to vibration characteristics of the previous 16-degree of freedom model, the simplified model can be used to accurately describe the low-frequency vibration property of this hybrid powertrain. This study provides a basis for further vibration control of the hybrid powertrain during the process of engine start/stop.

Integrating Colon Cancer Microarray Data: Associating Locus-Specific Methylation Groups to Gene Expression-Based Classifications.

PubMed

Barat, Ana; Ruskin, Heather J; Byrne, Annette T; Prehn, Jochen H M

2015-11-23

Recently, considerable attention has been paid to gene expression-based classifications of colorectal cancers (CRC) and their association with patient prognosis. In addition to changes in gene expression, abnormal DNA-methylation is known to play an important role in cancer onset and development, and colon cancer is no exception to this rule. Large-scale technologies, such as methylation microarray assays and specific sequencing of methylated DNA, have been used to determine whole genome profiles of CpG island methylation in tissue samples. In this article, publicly available microarray-based gene expression and methylation data sets are used to characterize expression subtypes with respect to locus-specific methylation. A major objective was to determine whether integration of these data types improves previously characterized subtypes, or provides evidence for additional subtypes. We used unsupervised clustering techniques to determine methylation-based subgroups, which are subsequently annotated with three published expression-based classifications, comprising from three to six subtypes. Our results showed that, while methylation profiles provide a further basis for segregation of certain (Inflammatory and Goblet-like) finer-grained expression-based subtypes, they also suggest that other finer-grained subtypes are not distinctive and can be considered as a single subtype.

Integrating Colon Cancer Microarray Data: Associating Locus-Specific Methylation Groups to Gene Expression-Based Classifications

PubMed Central

Barat, Ana; Ruskin, Heather J.; Byrne, Annette T.; Prehn, Jochen H. M.

2015-01-01

Recently, considerable attention has been paid to gene expression-based classifications of colorectal cancers (CRC) and their association with patient prognosis. In addition to changes in gene expression, abnormal DNA-methylation is known to play an important role in cancer onset and development, and colon cancer is no exception to this rule. Large-scale technologies, such as methylation microarray assays and specific sequencing of methylated DNA, have been used to determine whole genome profiles of CpG island methylation in tissue samples. In this article, publicly available microarray-based gene expression and methylation data sets are used to characterize expression subtypes with respect to locus-specific methylation. A major objective was to determine whether integration of these data types improves previously characterized subtypes, or provides evidence for additional subtypes. We used unsupervised clustering techniques to determine methylation-based subgroups, which are subsequently annotated with three published expression-based classifications, comprising from three to six subtypes. Our results showed that, while methylation profiles provide a further basis for segregation of certain (Inflammatory and Goblet-like) finer-grained expression-based subtypes, they also suggest that other finer-grained subtypes are not distinctive and can be considered as a single subtype. PMID:27600244

Consumer acceptance of technology-based food innovations: lessons for the future of nutrigenomics.

PubMed

Ronteltap, A; van Trijp, J C M; Renes, R J; Frewer, L J

2007-07-01

Determinants of consumer adoption of innovations have been studied from different angles and from the perspectives of various disciplines. In the food area, the literature is dominated by a focus on consumer concern. This paper reviews previous research into acceptance of technology-based innovation from both inside and outside the food domain, extracts key learnings from this literature and integrates them into a new conceptual framework for consumer acceptance of technology-based food innovations. The framework distinguishes 'distal' and 'proximal' determinants of acceptance. Distal factors (characteristics of the innovation, the consumer and the social system) influence consumers' intention to accept an innovation through proximal factors (perceived cost/benefit considerations, perceptions of risk and uncertainty, social norm and perceived behavioural control). The framework's application as a tool to anticipate consumer reaction to future innovations is illustrated for an actual technology-based innovation in food science, nutrigenomics (the interaction between nutrition and human genetics).

Self-testing produces superior recall of both familiar and unfamiliar muscle information.

PubMed

Dobson, John L; Linderholm, Tracy; Yarbrough, Mary Beth

2015-12-01

Dozens of studies have found learning strategies based on the "testing effect" promote greater recall than those that rely solely on reading; however, the advantages of testing are often only observed after a delay (e.g., 2-7 days later). In contrast, our research, which has focused on kinesiology students learning kinesiology information that is generally familiar to them, has consistently demonstrated that testing-based strategies produce greater recall both immediately and after a delay. In an attempt to understand the discrepancies in the literature, the purpose of the present study was to determine if the time-related advantages of a testing-based learning strategy vary with one's familiarity with the to-be-learned information. Participants used both read-only and testing-based strategies to repeatedly study three different sets of information: 1) previously studied human muscle information (familiar information), 2) a mix of previously studied and previously unstudied human muscle information (mixed information), and 3) previously unstudied muscle information that is unique to sharks (unfamiliar information). Learning was evaluated via free recall assessments administered immediately after studying and again after a 1-wk delay and a 3-wk delay. Across those three assessments, the read-only strategy resulted in mean scores of 29.26 ± 1.43, 15.17 ± 1.29, and 5.33 ± 0.77 for the familiar, mixed, and unfamiliar information, respectively, whereas the testing-based strategy produced scores of 34.57 ± 1.58, 16.90 ± 1.31, and 8.33 ± 0.95, respectively. The results indicate that the testing-based strategy produced greater recall immediately and up through the 3-wk delay regardless of the participants' level of familiarity with the muscle information. Copyright © 2015 The American Physiological Society.

Historical limitations of determinant based exposure groupings in the rubber manufacturing industry

PubMed Central

Vermeulen, R; Kromhout, H

2005-01-01

Aims: To study the validity of using a cross-sectional industry-wide exposure survey to develop exposure groupings for epidemiological purposes that extend beyond the time period in which the exposure data were collected. Methods: Exposure determinants were used to group workers into high, medium, and low exposure groups. The contrast of this grouping and other commonly used grouping schemes based on plant and department within this exposure survey and a previously conducted survey within the same industry (and factories) were estimated and compared. Results: Grouping of inhalable and dermal exposure based on exposure determinants resulted in the highest, but still modest, contrast (ε ∼ 0.3). Classifying subjects based on a combination of plant and department resulted in a slightly lower contrast (ε ∼ 0.2). If the determinant based grouping derived from the 1997 exposure survey was used to classify workers in the 1988 survey the average contrast decreased significantly for both exposures (ε ∼ 0.1). On the contrary, the exposure classification based on plant and department increased in contrast (from ε ∼ 0.2 to ε ∼ 0.3) and retained its relative ranking overtime. Conclusions: Although determinant based groupings seem to result in more efficient groupings within a cross-sectional survey, they have to be used with caution as they might result in significant less contrast beyond the studied population or time period. It is concluded that a classification based on plant and department might be more desirable for retrospective studies in the rubber manufacturing industry, as they seem to have more historical relevance and are most likely more accurately recorded historically than information on exposure determinants in a particular industry. PMID:16234406

AOTV bow shock location

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Desautel, D.

1985-01-01

Hypersonic bow-shock location and geometry are of central importance to the aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics of aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles (AOTVs), but they are difficult to predict for a given vehicle configuration. This paper reports experimental measurements of shock standoff distance for the 70 deg cone AOTV configuration in shock-tunnel-test flows at Mach numbers of 3.8 to 7.9 and for angles of attack from 0 deg to 20 deg. The controlling parameter for hypersonic bow-shock standoff distance (for a given forebody shape) is the mean normal-shock density ratio. Values for this parameter in the tests reported are in the same range as those of the drag-brake AOTV perigee regime. Results for standoff distance are compared with those previously reported in the literature for this AOTV configuration. It is concluded that the AOTV shock standoff distance for the conical configuration, based on frustrum (base) radius, is equivalent to that of a sphere with a radius about 35 percent greater than that of the cone; the distance is, therefore, much less than reported in previous studies. Some reasons for the discrepancies between the present and previous are advanced. The smaller standoff distance determined here implies there will be less radiative heat transfer than was previously expected.

Modeling College Graduation GPA Considering Equity in Admissions: Evidence from the University of Puerto Rico

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matos-Díaz, Horacio; García, Dwight

2014-01-01

Over concerns about private school students' advantages in standardized tests, beginning in 1995-96 the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) implemented a new admissions formula that reduced the weight they previously had in the General Admissions Index (GAI), on which its admissions decisions are based. This study seeks to determine the possible…

42 CFR 418.306 - Determination of payment rates.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... year 2001, the payment rate is the payment rate in effect during the previous fiscal year increased by... payment rate is effective only for the period April 1, 2001 through September 30, 2001. For the period October 1, 2000 through March 31, 2001, the payment rate is based upon the rule under paragraph (b)(3)(iv...

42 CFR 418.306 - Determination of payment rates.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... year 2001, the payment rate is the payment rate in effect during the previous fiscal year increased by... payment rate is effective only for the period April 1, 2001 through September 30, 2001. For the period October 1, 2000 through March 31, 2001, the payment rate is based upon the rule under paragraph (b)(3)(iv...

Using satellite-based estimates of evapotranspiration and groundwater changes to determine anthropogenic water fluxes in land surface models

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Irrigation is a widely used water management practice that is often poorly parameterized in land surface and climate models. Previous studies have addressed this issue via use of irrigation area, applied water inventory data, or soil moisture content. These approaches have a variety of drawbacks i...

A single base pair in the right terminal domain of Tomato planta macho viroid is a virulence determinant factor on tomato

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Tomato planta macho viroid (TPMVd), including isolates previously designated as Mexican papita viroid (MPVd), causes serious disease on tomatoes in North America. Two predominant variants, sharing 93.8% sequence identity, incited distinct severe (MPVd-S) or mild (MPVd-M) symptoms on tomato. To ide...

Self-Report Computer-Based Survey of Technology Use by People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tanis, Emily Shea; Palmer, Susan; Wehmeyer, Michael; Davies, Daniel K.; Stock, Steven E.; Lobb, Kathy; Bishop, Barbara

2012-01-01

Advancements of technologies in the areas of mobility, hearing and vision, communication, and daily living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has the potential to greatly enhance independence and self-determination. Previous research, however, suggests that there is a technological divide with regard to the use of such…

Federal Student Aid: Additional Management Improvements Would Clarify Strategic Direction and Enhance Accountability. Report to Congressional Requesters.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

General Accounting Office, Washington, DC.

To determine what Federal Student Aid (FSA), previously the Office of Student Financial Assistance, had done to develop and implement a strategic direction as mandated by Congress in performance-based organization legislation, the General Accounting Office (GAO) reviewed FSA's strategic and annual performance plans and annual reports, interviewing…

A Study of the Information Search Behaviour of the Millennial Generation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, Arthur

2012-01-01

Introduction: Members of the millennial generation (born after 1982) have come of age in a society infused with technology and information. It is unclear how they determine the validity of information gathered, or whether or not validity is even a concern. Previous information search models based on mediated searches with different age groups may…

Optimizing the Efficiency of Tennessee Prekindergarten through Twelfth Grade Public Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ellerbrook, James Eric

2016-01-01

Previous studies that assess public school district efficiency have been restricted in practical research. Most studies base efficiency on student achievement, which can be convoluted due to the demographics of a public school district. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficiency of public education in a more meaningful way. This…

Solid State Research.

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-08-15

contact formation. 16 The surface morphology was examined using Nomarski contrast microscopy. The alloy composi- tion of AlGaAs layers was...tunnel. For this purpose, a previously reported FEA fabrication process [2] based on laser- interferometric lithography is being optimized to produce...allows angle of arrival to be determined using only compressed pulse amplitudes. The alternative is an interferometric antenna coupled to a

Prevalence of Psychiatric Diagnoses and Challenging Behaviors in a Community-Based Population of Adults with Intellectual Disability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grey, Ian; Pollard, Jill; McClean, Brian; MacAuley, Niall; Hastings, Richard

2010-01-01

Previous research has suggested substantial variation in prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and also differential patterns of associations between psychiatric disorders and challenging behaviors in people with ID. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence rate of specific…

Training Needs of Personnel Employed in Programs Participating in the National School Lunch Program in California

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Anna Marie; Punia, Mandeep; Young, Shannan; Huegli, Carol Chase; Zidenberg-Cherr, Sheri

2013-01-01

Purpose/Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the perceived training needs of California school nutrition personnel. Methods: A questionnaire was developed using items from previous questionnaires administered to similar populations. New items were written based on feedback from stakeholders. Respondents were asked to rate their…

From Research to Practice: Basic Mathematics Skills and Success in Introductory Statistics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lunsford, M. Leigh; Poplin, Phillip

2011-01-01

Based on previous research of Johnson and Kuennen (2006), we conducted a study to determine factors that would possibly predict student success in an introductory statistics course. Our results were similar to Johnson and Kuennen in that we found students' basic mathematical skills, as measured on a test created by Johnson and Kuennen, were a…

12 CFR 713.6 - What is the permissible deductible?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... based on it having assets in excess of $1 million as reflected in its most recent year-end 5300 call... of this title as determined by its most recent examination report. A credit union that previously... recent year-end 5300 call report because either its assets have decreased or it no longer meets the net...

Epidemiological-based childhood headache natural history study: after an interval of six years.

PubMed

Ozge, Aynur; Sasmaz, Tayyar; Cakmak, Sema Erol; Kaleagasi, Hakan; Siva, Aksel

2010-06-01

Headache is a common problem among adolescents, and variations can be observed in headache types and characteristics. The present study aimed to reach 5562 Turkish children who were investigated six years previously in a school-based childhood headache project, and to evaluate their current headache status. Investigators interviewed the available students with structured questionnaires. New and old data were matched and analyzed. The present study included 1155 adolescents (mean age 15.2 +/- 1.1 years), with 582 boys (50.4%) and 573 girls (49.6%). The prevalence of headache was 78.7% (tension-type headache [TTH] 57.5%, migraine 18.6%, unspecified 2.6%). The prevalence of headache was 45.2% six years previously. In the intervening six years, headache prevalence increased and the headache types changed significantly (Kappa: 0.04, p < .01). The most important variation during this time was the significant increase in TTH. Analgesic use was determined in 70.2% of adolescents with headache, with this ratio being higher in migraineurs. In conclusion, there were an increase in headache prevalence and a significant change in headache types over the previous six years. It can also be suggested that new country-based management strategies are required.

Support vector machine-based facial-expression recognition method combining shape and appearance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Eun Jung; Kang, Byung Jun; Park, Kang Ryoung; Lee, Sangyoun

2010-11-01

Facial expression recognition can be widely used for various applications, such as emotion-based human-machine interaction, intelligent robot interfaces, face recognition robust to expression variation, etc. Previous studies have been classified as either shape- or appearance-based recognition. The shape-based method has the disadvantage that the individual variance of facial feature points exists irrespective of similar expressions, which can cause a reduction of the recognition accuracy. The appearance-based method has a limitation in that the textural information of the face is very sensitive to variations in illumination. To overcome these problems, a new facial-expression recognition method is proposed, which combines both shape and appearance information, based on the support vector machine (SVM). This research is novel in the following three ways as compared to previous works. First, the facial feature points are automatically detected by using an active appearance model. From these, the shape-based recognition is performed by using the ratios between the facial feature points based on the facial-action coding system. Second, the SVM, which is trained to recognize the same and different expression classes, is proposed to combine two matching scores obtained from the shape- and appearance-based recognitions. Finally, a single SVM is trained to discriminate four different expressions, such as neutral, a smile, anger, and a scream. By determining the expression of the input facial image whose SVM output is at a minimum, the accuracy of the expression recognition is much enhanced. The experimental results showed that the recognition accuracy of the proposed method was better than previous researches and other fusion methods.

Functional connectivity of hippocampal and prefrontal networks during episodic and spatial memory based on real-world environments.

PubMed

Robin, Jessica; Hirshhorn, Marnie; Rosenbaum, R Shayna; Winocur, Gordon; Moscovitch, Morris; Grady, Cheryl L

2015-01-01

Several recent studies have compared episodic and spatial memory in neuroimaging paradigms in order to understand better the contribution of the hippocampus to each of these tasks. In the present study, we build on previous findings showing common neural activation in default network areas during episodic and spatial memory tasks based on familiar, real-world environments (Hirshhorn et al. (2012) Neuropsychologia 50:3094-3106). Following previous demonstrations of the presence of functionally connected sub-networks within the default network, we performed seed-based functional connectivity analyses to determine how, depending on the task, the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex differentially couple with one another and with distinct whole-brain networks. We found evidence for a medial prefrontal-parietal network and a medial temporal lobe network, which were functionally connected to the prefrontal and hippocampal seeds, respectively, regardless of the nature of the memory task. However, these two networks were functionally connected with one another during the episodic memory task, but not during spatial memory tasks. Replicating previous reports of fractionation of the default network into stable sub-networks, this study also shows how these sub-networks may flexibly couple and uncouple with one another based on task demands. These findings support the hypothesis that episodic memory and spatial memory share a common medial temporal lobe-based neural substrate, with episodic memory recruiting additional prefrontal sub-networks. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Acid-base properties of Baltic Sea dissolved organic matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammer, Karoline; Schneider, Bernd; Kuliński, Karol; Schulz-Bull, Detlef E.

2017-09-01

Calculations related to the marine CO2 system that are based on alkalinity data may be strongly biased if the contributions of organic compounds are ignored. In coastal seas, concentrations of dissolved organic matter (DOM) are frequently high and alkalinity from inorganic compounds is low. In this study, based on measurements of total alkalinity, total CO2, and pH, we determined the organic alkalinity, Aorg, in water from the central Baltic Sea. The maximum Aorg measured in the surface mixed layer during the spring bloom was > 50 μmol/kg-SW but the Aorg decreased with depth and approached zero below the permanent halocline. This behavior could be attributed to the decreased pH of deeper water layers. The data were used to calculate the bulk dissociation constant, KDOM, for marine DOM and the fraction f of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) that acts as a carrier for acid-base functional groups. The p KDOM (7.27) agreed well with the value (7.34) previously estimated in a preliminary study of organic alkalinity in the Baltic Sea. The fraction of carbon atoms carrying acid-base groups was 17% and was somewhat higher than previously reported (12%). Spike experiments performed using artificial seawater and three different humic/fulvic substances tested whether the acid-base properties of these substances explain the results of our field study. Specifically, Aorg was determined at different concentrations (DOC) of the added humic/fulvic substances. The relationship between Aorg and the DOC concentrations indicated that humic/fulvic substances are more acidic (p KDOM < 6.5) than the bulk DOC natural occurring in the Baltic Sea.

Building Global Partnerships: Cooperative Maritime Security Operations as the Most Effective Fire of 21st Century Warfare

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-10-31

participation based on the two benefits previously listed. The nature of the partnership must now be determined. Will it be a coalition of equals or...will a single nation direct the organization? The answer to this question is summed up excellently in a quote from Dr. Carlos Manuel de Céspedes...the fundamental bases of international cooperation. That equality is in its turn founded upon a mutual respect, no matter how the military force or

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

Menikoff, Ralph

Previously the SURFplus reactive burn model was calibrated for the TATB based explosive PBX 9502. The calibration was based on fitting Pop plot data, the failure diameter and the limiting detonation speed, and curvature effect data for small curvature. The model failure diameter is determined utilizing 2-D simulations of an unconfined rate stick to find the minimum diameter for which a detonation wave propagates. Here we examine the effect of mesh resolution on an unconfined rate stick with a diameter (10mm) slightly greater than the measured failure diameter (8 to 9 mm).

NLC-91

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kopp, E.; Witt, G.; Goldberg, R. A.

1991-01-01

Noctilucent Clouds (NLC)-91 is a multinational rocket and radar program which will take place in Jul. - Aug. 1991 in northern Scandinavia and the Barents Sea. The main objective of the campaign is to determine with in situ experiments the dynamical, electrodynamical, physical, and chemical parameters of an NLC layer combined with ground based visible radar, lidar, and microwave experiments. The altitude resolution of ground based and in situ measurements in the cold mesopause region should be improved in NLC-91 compared to the previous campaigns below 100 m.

Coherent soft X-ray diffraction imaging of coliphage PR772 at the Linac coherent light source

PubMed Central

Reddy, Hemanth K.N.; Yoon, Chun Hong; Aquila, Andrew; Awel, Salah; Ayyer, Kartik; Barty, Anton; Berntsen, Peter; Bielecki, Johan; Bobkov, Sergey; Bucher, Maximilian; Carini, Gabriella A.; Carron, Sebastian; Chapman, Henry; Daurer, Benedikt; DeMirci, Hasan; Ekeberg, Tomas; Fromme, Petra; Hajdu, Janos; Hanke, Max Felix; Hart, Philip; Hogue, Brenda G.; Hosseinizadeh, Ahmad; Kim, Yoonhee; Kirian, Richard A.; Kurta, Ruslan P.; Larsson, Daniel S.D.; Duane Loh, N.; Maia, Filipe R.N.C.; Mancuso, Adrian P.; Mühlig, Kerstin; Munke, Anna; Nam, Daewoong; Nettelblad, Carl; Ourmazd, Abbas; Rose, Max; Schwander, Peter; Seibert, Marvin; Sellberg, Jonas A.; Song, Changyong; Spence, John C.H.; Svenda, Martin; Van der Schot, Gijs; Vartanyants, Ivan A.; Williams, Garth J.; Xavier, P. Lourdu

2017-01-01

Single-particle diffraction from X-ray Free Electron Lasers offers the potential for molecular structure determination without the need for crystallization. In an effort to further develop the technique, we present a dataset of coherent soft X-ray diffraction images of Coliphage PR772 virus, collected at the Atomic Molecular Optics (AMO) beamline with pnCCD detectors in the LAMP instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source. The diameter of PR772 ranges from 65–70 nm, which is considerably smaller than the previously reported ~600 nm diameter Mimivirus. This reflects continued progress in XFEL-based single-particle imaging towards the single molecular imaging regime. The data set contains significantly more single particle hits than collected in previous experiments, enabling the development of improved statistical analysis, reconstruction algorithms, and quantitative metrics to determine resolution and self-consistency. PMID:28654088

Bayesian estimation of the discrete coefficient of determination.

PubMed

Chen, Ting; Braga-Neto, Ulisses M

2016-12-01

The discrete coefficient of determination (CoD) measures the nonlinear interaction between discrete predictor and target variables and has had far-reaching applications in Genomic Signal Processing. Previous work has addressed the inference of the discrete CoD using classical parametric and nonparametric approaches. In this paper, we introduce a Bayesian framework for the inference of the discrete CoD. We derive analytically the optimal minimum mean-square error (MMSE) CoD estimator, as well as a CoD estimator based on the Optimal Bayesian Predictor (OBP). For the latter estimator, exact expressions for its bias, variance, and root-mean-square (RMS) are given. The accuracy of both Bayesian CoD estimators with non-informative and informative priors, under fixed or random parameters, is studied via analytical and numerical approaches. We also demonstrate the application of the proposed Bayesian approach in the inference of gene regulatory networks, using gene-expression data from a previously published study on metastatic melanoma.

Coherent soft X-ray diffraction imaging of coliphage PR772 at the Linac coherent light source

DOE PAGES

Reddy, Hemanth K. N.; Yoon, Chun Hong; Aquila, Andrew; ...

2017-06-27

Single-particle diffraction from X-ray Free Electron Lasers offers the potential for molecular structure determination without the need for crystallization. In an effort to further develop the technique, we present a dataset of coherent soft X-ray diffraction images of Coliphage PR772 virus, collected at the Atomic Molecular Optics (AMO) beamline with pnCCD detectors in the LAMP instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source. The diameter of PR772 ranges from 65–70 nm, which is considerably smaller than the previously reported ~600 nm diameter Mimivirus. This reflects continued progress in XFEL-based single-particle imaging towards the single molecular imaging regime. As a result, themore » data set contains significantly more single particle hits than collected in previous experiments, enabling the development of improved statistical analysis, reconstruction algorithms, and quantitative metrics to determine resolution and self-consistency.« less

Nucleophilic Participation in the Solvolyses of (Arylthio)methyl Chlorides and Derivatives: Application of Simple and Extended Forms of the Grunwald-Winstein Equations

PubMed Central

Kevill, Dennis N.; Park, Young Hoon; Park, Byoung-Chun; D’Souza, Malcolm J.

2012-01-01

The specific rates of solvolysis of chloromethyl phenyl sulfide [(phenylthio)methyl chloride] and its p-chloro-derivative have been determined at 0.0 °C in a wide range of hydroxylic solvents, including several containing a fluroalcohol. Treatment in terms of a two-term Grunwald-Winstein equation, incorporating terms based on solvent ionizing power (YCl) and solvent nucleophilicity (NT) suggest a mechanism similar to that for the solvolyses of tert-butyl chloride, involving in the rate-determining step a nucleophilic solvation of the incipient carbocation in an ionization process. A previous suggestion, that a third-term governed by the aromatic ring parameter (I) is required, is shown both for the new and for the previously studied related substrates to be an artifact, resulting from an appreciable degree of multicollinearity between I values and a linear combination of NT and YCl values. PMID:22711999

Coherent soft X-ray diffraction imaging of coliphage PR772 at the Linac coherent light source.

PubMed

Reddy, Hemanth K N; Yoon, Chun Hong; Aquila, Andrew; Awel, Salah; Ayyer, Kartik; Barty, Anton; Berntsen, Peter; Bielecki, Johan; Bobkov, Sergey; Bucher, Maximilian; Carini, Gabriella A; Carron, Sebastian; Chapman, Henry; Daurer, Benedikt; DeMirci, Hasan; Ekeberg, Tomas; Fromme, Petra; Hajdu, Janos; Hanke, Max Felix; Hart, Philip; Hogue, Brenda G; Hosseinizadeh, Ahmad; Kim, Yoonhee; Kirian, Richard A; Kurta, Ruslan P; Larsson, Daniel S D; Duane Loh, N; Maia, Filipe R N C; Mancuso, Adrian P; Mühlig, Kerstin; Munke, Anna; Nam, Daewoong; Nettelblad, Carl; Ourmazd, Abbas; Rose, Max; Schwander, Peter; Seibert, Marvin; Sellberg, Jonas A; Song, Changyong; Spence, John C H; Svenda, Martin; Van der Schot, Gijs; Vartanyants, Ivan A; Williams, Garth J; Xavier, P Lourdu

2017-06-27

Single-particle diffraction from X-ray Free Electron Lasers offers the potential for molecular structure determination without the need for crystallization. In an effort to further develop the technique, we present a dataset of coherent soft X-ray diffraction images of Coliphage PR772 virus, collected at the Atomic Molecular Optics (AMO) beamline with pnCCD detectors in the LAMP instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source. The diameter of PR772 ranges from 65-70 nm, which is considerably smaller than the previously reported ~600 nm diameter Mimivirus. This reflects continued progress in XFEL-based single-particle imaging towards the single molecular imaging regime. The data set contains significantly more single particle hits than collected in previous experiments, enabling the development of improved statistical analysis, reconstruction algorithms, and quantitative metrics to determine resolution and self-consistency.

Defining lactation acuity to improve patient safety and outcomes.

PubMed

Mannel, Rebecca

2011-05-01

While substantial evidence exists identifying risks factors associated with premature weaning from breastfeeding, there are no previously published definitions of patient acuity in the lactation field. This article defines evidence-based levels of lactation acuity based on maternal and infant characteristics. Patient acuity, matching severity of illness to intensity of care required, is an important determinant of patient safety and outcomes. It is often used as part of a patient classification system to determine staffing needs and acceptable workloads in health care settings. As acuity increases, more resources, including more skilled clinicians, are needed to provide optimal care. Developing an evidence-based definition of lactation acuity can help to standardize terminology, more effectively distribute health care staff resources, encourage research to verify the validity and reliability of lactation acuity, and potentially improve breastfeeding initiation and duration rates.

Predicting success for college students enrolled in an online, lab-based, biology course for non-majors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foster, Regina

Online education has exploded in popularity. While there is ample research on predictors of traditional college student success, little research has been done on effective methods of predicting student success in online education. In this study, a number of demographic variables including GPA, ACT, gender, age and others were examined to determine what, if any, role they play in successfully predicting student success in an online, lab-based biology for non-majors course. Within course variables such as participation in specific categories of assignment and frequency of online visits were also examined. Groups of students including Native American/Non-Native American and Digital Immigrants and Digital Natives and others were also examined to determine if overall course success differed significantly. Good predictors of online success were found to be GPA, ACT, previous course experience and frequency of online visits with the course materials. Additionally, students who completed more of the online assignments within the course were more successful. Native American and Non-Native American students were found to differ in overall course success significantly as well. Findings indicate student academic background, previous college experience and time spent with course materials are the most important factors in course success. Recommendations include encouraging enrollment advisors to advise students about the importance of maintaining high academic levels, previous course experience and spending time with course materials may impact students' choices for online courses. A need for additional research in several areas is indicated, including Native American and Non-Native American differences. A more detailed examination of students' previous coursework would also be valuable. A study involving more courses, a larger number of students and surveys from faculty who teach online courses would help improve the generalizability of the conclusions.

Factors Associated with Trial of Labour and Mode of Delivery in Robson Group 5: A Select Group of Women With Previous Caesarean Section.

PubMed

Smithies, Mila; Woolcott, Christy G; Brock, Jo-Ann K; Maguire, Bryan; Allen, Victoria M

2018-06-01

To determine the proportion of women in Robson group 5 (RG5) who were eligible for a trial of labour after Caesarean (TOLAC) and, among eligible candidates, identify determinants of having a TOLAC and subsequent vaginal delivery (VD). This population-based cohort study used data derived from the Nova Scotia Atlee Perinatal Database. Deliveries from 1998-2014 to women in RG5 (≥1 previous CS with a singleton term cephalic fetus) were included. Eligibility for a TOLAC was based on SOGC criteria. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify characteristics independently associated with TOLAC and VD. The characteristics associated with VD were used in a logistic model to predict the theoretical probability of VD in women who did not have a TOLAC. Of the 15 111 deliveries in RG5, 75.3% were by CS. Of the 14 763 eligible women, 5488 (37.2%) had a TOLAC, of which 3739 (68.1%) resulted in VD. Predictors of VD included high area-level income and either a CS without labour or a spontaneous VD in the preceding pregnancy. While mode of previous delivery also predicted TOLAC among eligible women, high area-level income was associated with reduced odds of TOLAC. The probability of VD in women who did not undergo TOLAC was estimated to be 47.1%, and the lowest CS rate attainable in RG5 was estimated at 46.3%. Sociodemographic factors such as income and previous mode of delivery were associated with the rates of TOLAC and subsequent VD in eligible women, and suggest that the Caesarean section rate in RG5 could be safely reduced. Copyright © 2018 Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Wu, Hong; Zeng, Hong; Lam, Robert

Mismatch repair prevents the accumulation of erroneous insertions/deletions and non-Watson–Crick base pairs in the genome. Pathogenic mutations in theMLH1gene are associated with a predisposition to Lynch and Turcot's syndromes. Although genetic testing for these mutations is available, robust classification of variants requires strong clinical and functional support. Here, the first structure of the N-terminus of human MLH1, determined by X-ray crystallography, is described. Lastly, the structure shares a high degree of similarity with previously determined prokaryoticMLH1homologs; however, this structure affords a more accurate platform for the classification ofMLH1variants.

Presentation a New Model to Measure National Power of the Countries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hafeznia, Mohammad Reza; Hadi Zarghani, Seyed; Ahmadipor, Zahra; Roknoddin Eftekhari, Abdelreza

In this research, based on the assessment of previous models for the evaluation of national power, a new model is presented to measure national power; it is much better than previous models. Paying attention to all the aspects of national power (economical, social, cultural, political, military, astro-space, territorial, scientific and technological and transnational), paying attention to the usage of 87 factors, stressing the usage of new and strategically compatible variables to the current time are some of the benefits of this model. Also using the Delphi method and referring to the opinions of experts about determining the role and importance of variables affecting national power, the option of drawing out the global power structure are some the other advantages that this model has compared to previous ones.

A Boltzmann constant determination based on Johnson noise thermometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flowers-Jacobs, N. E.; Pollarolo, A.; Coakley, K. J.; Fox, A. E.; Rogalla, H.; Tew, W. L.; Benz, S. P.

2017-10-01

A value for the Boltzmann constant was measured electronically using an improved version of the Johnson Noise Thermometry (JNT) system at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), USA. This system is different from prior ones, including those from the 2011 determination at NIST and both 2015 and 2017 determinations at the National Institute of Metrology (NIM), China. As in all three previous determinations, the main contribution to the combined uncertainty is the statistical uncertainty in the noise measurement, which is mitigated by accumulating and integrating many weeks of cross-correlated measured data. The second major uncertainty contribution also still results from variations in the frequency response of the ratio of the measured spectral noise of the two noise sources, the sense resistor at the triple-point of water and the superconducting quantum voltage noise source. In this paper, we briefly describe the major differences between our JNT system and previous systems, in particular the input circuit and approach we used to match the frequency responses of the two noise sources. After analyzing and integrating 50 d of accumulated data, we determined a value: k~=1.380 642 9(69)× {{10}-23} J K-1 with a relative standard uncertainty of 5.0× {{10}-6} and relative offset -4.05× {{10}-6} from the CODATA 2014 recommended value.

Depolarization Lidar Determination Of Cloud-Base Microphysical Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donovan, D. P.; Klein Baltink, H.; Henzing, J. S.; de Roode, S.; Siebesma, A. P.

2016-06-01

The links between multiple-scattering induced depolarization and cloud microphysical properties (e.g. cloud particle number density, effective radius, water content) have long been recognised. Previous efforts to use depolarization information in a quantitative manner to retrieve cloud microphysical cloud properties have also been undertaken but with limited scope and, arguably, success. In this work we present a retrieval procedure applicable to liquid stratus clouds with (quasi-)linear LWC profiles and (quasi-)constant number density profiles in the cloud-base region. This set of assumptions allows us to employ a fast and robust inversion procedure based on a lookup-table approach applied to extensive lidar Monte-Carlo multiple-scattering calculations. An example validation case is presented where the results of the inversion procedure are compared with simultaneous cloud radar observations. In non-drizzling conditions it was found, in general, that the lidar- only inversion results can be used to predict the radar reflectivity within the radar calibration uncertainty (2-3 dBZ). Results of a comparison between ground-based aerosol number concentration and lidar-derived cloud base number considerations are also presented. The observed relationship between the two quantities is seen to be consistent with the results of previous studies based on aircraft-based in situ measurements.

Experimental determination of thermodynamic equilibrium in biocatalytic transamination.

PubMed

Tufvesson, Pär; Jensen, Jacob S; Kroutil, Wolfgang; Woodley, John M

2012-08-01

The equilibrium constant is a critical parameter for making rational design choices in biocatalytic transamination for the synthesis of chiral amines. However, very few reports are available in the scientific literature determining the equilibrium constant (K) for the transamination of ketones. Various methods for determining (or estimating) equilibrium have previously been suggested, both experimental as well as computational (based on group contribution methods). However, none of these were found suitable for determining the equilibrium constant for the transamination of ketones. Therefore, in this communication we suggest a simple experimental methodology which we hope will stimulate more accurate determination of thermodynamic equilibria when reporting the results of transaminase-catalyzed reactions in order to increase understanding of the relationship between substrate and product molecular structure on reaction thermodynamics. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Diabetic eye disease among adults in Fiji with previously undiagnosed diabetes.

PubMed

Brian, Garry; Sikivou, Biu; Fischer-Harder, Konstanze; Szetu, John; Qoqonokana, Mundi Qalo; Ramke, Jacqueline

2011-01-01

To determine the prevalence and severity of diabetic eye disease among adults aged ≥40 years with unrecognized diabetes in Fiji. Population-based cross-sectional survey using multistage cluster random sampling. 1381 (=73.0% participation). Interview-based questionnaire; visual acuity measured; dilated ocular examination performed; glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration determined. Prevalence and grade of diabetic retinopathy/maculopathy. Sample prevalence of diabetes was 44.8% (95%CI 42.2-47.5%), with 63.4% (95%CI 59.5-67.1%) previously undiagnosed (384/606). Predictors of undiagnosed compared with previously diagnosed diabetes were female gender (P = 0.001), rural residence (P = 0.049) and not having a relative with known diabetes (P < 0.001). Twenty-two retinae of participants with previously undiagnosed diabetes were unexaminable (predominantly cataract). Of the remaining 746 eyes, 3.5% (95%CI 2.4-5.1%) had diabetic retinopathy/maculopathy, 1 (0.1%) had proliferative retinopathy and 4 (0.5%) had active significant maculopathy. Of eyes with diabetic disease, two (7.7%, 95%CI 1.0-25.3%) had diabetes-related vision impairment (3/60; 6/60). Sixteen previously undiagnosed participants (4.2%, 95%CI 2.5-6.7%) had diabetic disease evident in at least one eye: for four (all Melanesian women aged >50 years), this was vision-threatening (1.0%; 95%CI 0.3-2.8). Mean HbA1c (10.7 ± 2.6%) of participants undiagnosed and with diabetes eye disease was higher (P < 0.001) than that of those undiagnosed and without. The prevalence of diabetic eye disease was low among this cohort, but where present, severe vision-threatening retinopathy/maculopathy was relatively common. If diabetic eye disease is to be avoided or ameliorated in Fiji, then community awareness of and access to diabetes diagnostic services must improve, particularly for women and rural dwellers. © 2011 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology © 2011 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

Improved analytical methods for microarray-based genome-composition analysis

PubMed Central

Kim, Charles C; Joyce, Elizabeth A; Chan, Kaman; Falkow, Stanley

2002-01-01

Background Whereas genome sequencing has given us high-resolution pictures of many different species of bacteria, microarrays provide a means of obtaining information on genome composition for many strains of a given species. Genome-composition analysis using microarrays, or 'genomotyping', can be used to categorize genes into 'present' and 'divergent' categories based on the level of hybridization signal. This typically involves selecting a signal value that is used as a cutoff to discriminate present (high signal) and divergent (low signal) genes. Current methodology uses empirical determination of cutoffs for classification into these categories, but this methodology is subject to several problems that can result in the misclassification of many genes. Results We describe a method that depends on the shape of the signal-ratio distribution and does not require empirical determination of a cutoff. Moreover, the cutoff is determined on an array-to-array basis, accounting for variation in strain composition and hybridization quality. The algorithm also provides an estimate of the probability that any given gene is present, which provides a measure of confidence in the categorical assignments. Conclusions Many genes previously classified as present using static methods are in fact divergent on the basis of microarray signal; this is corrected by our algorithm. We have reassigned hundreds of genes from previous genomotyping studies of Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni strains, and expect that the algorithm should be widely applicable to genomotyping data. PMID:12429064

A quantum perturbative pair distribution for determining interatomic potentials from extended x-ray absorption spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piazza, F.

2002-11-01

In this paper we develop a technique for determining interatomic potentials in materials in the quantum regime from single-shell extended x-ray absorption spectroscopy (EXAFS) spectra. We introduce a pair distribution function, based on ordinary quantum time-independent perturbation theory. In the proposed scheme, the model potential parameters enter the distribution through a fourth-order Taylor expansion of the potential, and are directly refined in the fit of the model signal to the experimental spectrum. We discuss in general the validity of our theoretical framework, namely the quantum regime and perturbative treatment, and work out a simple tool for monitoring the sensitivity of our theory in determining lattice anharmonicities based on the statistical F-test. As an example, we apply our formalism to an EXAFS spectrum at the Ag K edge of AgI at T = 77 K. We determine the Ag-I potential parameters and find good agreement with previous studies.

DialBetics With a Multimedia Food Recording Tool, FoodLog: Smartphone-Based Self-Management for Type 2 Diabetes.

PubMed

Waki, Kayo; Aizawa, Kiyoharu; Kato, Shigeko; Fujita, Hideo; Lee, Hanae; Kobayashi, Haruka; Ogawa, Makoto; Mouri, Keisuke; Kadowaki, Takashi; Ohe, Kazuhiko

2015-05-01

Diabetes self-management education is an essential element of diabetes care. Systems based on information and communication technology (ICT) for supporting lifestyle modification and self-management of diabetes are promising tools for helping patients better cope with diabetes. An earlier study had determined that diet improved and HbA1c declined for the patients who had used DialBetics during a 3-month randomized clinical trial. The objective of the current study was to test a more patient-friendly version of DialBetics, whose development was based on the original participants' feedback about the previous version of DialBetics. DialBetics comprises 4 modules: data transmission, evaluation, exercise input, and food recording and dietary evaluation. Food recording uses a multimedia food record, FoodLog. A 1-week pilot study was designed to determine if usability and compliance improved over the previous version, especially with the new meal-input function. In the earlier 3-month, diet-evaluation study, HbA1c had declined a significant 0.4% among those who used DialBetics compared with the control group. In the current 1-week study, input of meal photos was higher than with the previous version (84.8 ± 13.2% vs 77.1% ± 35.1% in the first 2 weeks of the 3-month trial). Interviews after the 1-week study showed that 4 of the 5 participants thought the meal-input function improved; the fifth found input easier, but did not consider the result an improvement. DialBetics with FoodLog was shown to be an effective and convenient tool, its new meal-photo input function helping provide patients with real-time support for diet modification. © 2015 Diabetes Technology Society.

[A quantitative approach to sports training-adapted social determinants concerning sport].

PubMed

Alvis-Gómez, Martina K; Neira-Tolosa, Nury A

2013-01-01

Identifying and quantitatively analysing social determinants affecting disabled teenagers' inclusion/exclusion in high-performance sports. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 19 12- to 19-year-old athletes suffering physical and sensory disability and 17 staff from the District Institute of Recreation and Sport. Likert-type rating scales were used, based on four analysis categories, i.e. social structure, socio-economic, educational and living condition determinants. Social inequity pervades the national paralympic sports' system. This is because 74 % of individuals only become recognised as sportspeople when they have obtained meritorious results in set competition without appropriate conditions having been previously provided by such paralympic sports institution to enable them to overcome structural and intermediate barriers. The social structure imposed on district-based paralympic sport stigmatises individuals regarding their individual abilities, affects their empowerment and freedom due to the discrimination experienced by disabled teenagers regarding their competitive achievements.

Structure of the SnO2(110 ) -(4 ×1 ) Surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merte, Lindsay R.; Jørgensen, Mathias S.; Pussi, Katariina; Gustafson, Johan; Shipilin, Mikhail; Schaefer, Andreas; Zhang, Chu; Rawle, Jonathan; Nicklin, Chris; Thornton, Geoff; Lindsay, Robert; Hammer, Bjørk; Lundgren, Edvin

2017-09-01

Using surface x-ray diffraction (SXRD), quantitative low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), and density-functional theory (DFT) calculations, we have determined the structure of the (4 ×1 ) reconstruction formed by sputtering and annealing of the SnO2(110 ) surface. We find that the reconstruction consists of an ordered arrangement of Sn3O3 clusters bound atop the bulk-terminated SnO2(110 ) surface. The model was found by application of a DFT-based evolutionary algorithm with surface compositions based on SXRD, and shows excellent agreement with LEED and with previously published scanning tunneling microscopy measurements. The model proposed previously consisting of in-plane oxygen vacancies is thus shown to be incorrect, and our result suggests instead that Sn(II) species in interstitial positions are the more relevant features of reduced SnO2(110 ) surfaces.

The SIST-M: Predictive validity of a brief structured Clinical Dementia Rating interview

PubMed Central

Okereke, Olivia I.; Pantoja-Galicia, Norberto; Copeland, Maura; Hyman, Bradley T.; Wanggaard, Taylor; Albert, Marilyn S.; Betensky, Rebecca A.; Blacker, Deborah

2011-01-01

Background We previously established reliability and cross-sectional validity of the SIST-M (Structured Interview and Scoring Tool–Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center), a shortened version of an instrument shown to predict progression to Alzheimer disease (AD), even among persons with very mild cognitive impairment (vMCI). Objective To test predictive validity of the SIST-M. Methods Participants were 342 community-dwelling, non-demented older adults in a longitudinal study. Baseline Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) ratings were determined by either: 1) clinician interviews or 2) a previously developed computer algorithm based on 60 questions (of a possible 131) extracted from clinician interviews. We developed age+gender+education-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models using CDR-sum-of-boxes (CDR-SB) as the predictor, where CDR-SB was determined by either clinician interview or algorithm; models were run for the full sample (n=342) and among those jointly classified as vMCI using clinician- and algorithm-based CDR ratings (n=156). We directly compared predictive accuracy using time-dependent Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. Results AD hazard ratios (HRs) were similar for clinician-based and algorithm-based CDR-SB: for a 1-point increment in CDR-SB, respective HRs (95% CI)=3.1 (2.5,3.9) and 2.8 (2.2,3.5); among those with vMCI, respective HRs (95% CI) were 2.2 (1.6,3.2) and 2.1 (1.5,3.0). Similarly high predictive accuracy was achieved: the concordance probability (weighted average of the area-under-the-ROC curves) over follow-up was 0.78 vs. 0.76 using clinician-based vs. algorithm-based CDR-SB. Conclusion CDR scores based on items from this shortened interview had high predictive ability for AD – comparable to that using a lengthy clinical interview. PMID:21986342

Theoretical Understanding the Relations of Melting-point Determination Methods from Gibbs Thermodynamic Surface and Applications on Melting Curves of Lower Mantle Minerals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, K.; Belonoshko, A. B.; Zhou, H.; Lu, X.

2016-12-01

The melting temperatures of materials in the interior of the Earth has significant implications in many areas of geophysics. The direct calculations of the melting point by atomic simulations would face substantial hysteresis problem. To overcome the hysteresis encountered in the atomic simulations there are a few different melting-point determination methods available nowadays, which are founded independently, such as the free energy method, the two-phase or coexistence method, and the Z method, etc. In this study, we provide a theoretical understanding the relations of these methods from a geometrical perspective based on a quantitative construction of the volume-entropy-energy thermodynamic surface, a model first proposed by J. Willard Gibbs in 1873. Then combining with an experimental data and/or a previous melting-point determination method, we apply this model to derive the high-pressure melting curves for several lower mantle minerals with less computational efforts relative to using previous methods only. Through this way, some polyatomic minerals at extreme pressures which are almost unsolvable before are calculated fully from first principles now.

Inverse solution of ear-canal area function from reflectance

PubMed Central

Rasetshwane, Daniel M.; Neely, Stephen T.

2011-01-01

A number of acoustical applications require the transformation of acoustical quantities, such as impedance and pressure that are measured at the entrance of the ear canal, to quantities at the eardrum. This transformation often requires knowledge of the shape of the ear canal. Previous attempts to measure ear-canal area functions were either invasive, non-reproducible, or could only measure the area function up to a point mid-way along the canal. A method to determine the area function of the ear canal from measurements of acoustic impedance at the entrance of the ear canal is described. The method is based on a solution to the inverse problem in which measurements of impedance are used to calculate reflectance, which is then used to determine the area function of the canal. The mean ear-canal area function determined using this method is similar to mean ear-canal area functions measured by other researchers using different techniques. The advantage of the proposed method over previous methods is that it is non- invasive, fast, and reproducible. PMID:22225043

Spectroscopic determination of fundamental parameters of small angular diameter galactic open clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahumada, A. V.; Claria, J. J.; Bica, E.; Parisi, M. C.; Torres, M. C.; Pavani, D. B.

We present integrated spectra obtained at CASLEO (Argentina) for 9 galactic open clusters of small angular diameter. Two of them (BH 55 and Rup 159) have not been the target of previous research. The flux-calibrated spectra cover the spectral range approx. 3600-6900 A. Using the equivalent widths (EWs) of the Balmer lines and comparing the cluster spectra with template spectra, we determined E(B-V) colour excesses and ages for the present cluster sample. The parameters obtained for 6 of the clusters show good agreement with previous determinations based mainly on photometric methods. This is not the case, however, for BH 90, a scarcely reddened cluster, for which Moffat and Vogt (1975, Astron. and Astroph. SS, 20, 125) derived E(B-V) = 0.51. We explain and justify the strong discrepancy found for this object. According to the present analysis, 3 clusters are very young (Bo 14, Tr 15 and Tr 27), 2 are moderately young (NGC 6268 and BH 205), 3 are Hyades-like clusters (Rup 164, BH 90 and BH 55) and only one is an intermediate-age cluster (Rup 159).

Survey of large protein complexes D. vulgaris reveals great structural diversity

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

Han, B.-G.; Dong, M.; Liu, H.

2009-08-15

An unbiased survey has been made of the stable, most abundant multi-protein complexes in Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough (DvH) that are larger than Mr {approx} 400 k. The quaternary structures for 8 of the 16 complexes purified during this work were determined by single-particle reconstruction of negatively stained specimens, a success rate {approx}10 times greater than that of previous 'proteomic' screens. In addition, the subunit compositions and stoichiometries of the remaining complexes were determined by biochemical methods. Our data show that the structures of only two of these large complexes, out of the 13 in this set that have recognizable functions,more » can be modeled with confidence based on the structures of known homologs. These results indicate that there is significantly greater variability in the way that homologous prokaryotic macromolecular complexes are assembled than has generally been appreciated. As a consequence, we suggest that relying solely on previously determined quaternary structures for homologous proteins may not be sufficient to properly understand their role in another cell of interest.« less

Cognitive Control of a Simple Mental Image in Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kocak, Orhan Murat; Ozpolat, Aysegul Yilmaz; Atbasoglu, Cem; Cicek, Metehan

2011-01-01

The nature of obsessions has led researchers to try to determine if the main problem in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is impaired inhibitory control. Previous studies report that the effort to suppress is one of the factors that increase the frequency of obsessive thoughts. Based on these results and those of the present study that suggest…

Brief Report: New Evidence for a Social-Specific Imagination Deficit in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ten Eycke, Kayla D.; Müller, Ulrich

2015-01-01

Previous research suggests that children with autism have deficits in drawing imaginative content. However, these conclusions are largely based on tasks that require children to draw impossible persons, and performance on this task may be limited by social deficits. To determine the generality of the deficit in imagination in children with autism,…

The National Center on Indigenous Hawaiian Behavioral Health Study of Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders in Native Hawaiian Adolescents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Andrade, Naleen N.; Hishinuma, Earl S.; McDermott, John F., Jr.; Johnson, Ronald C.; Goebert, Deborah A.; Makini, George K., Jr.; Nahulu, Linda B.; Yuen, Noelle Y. C.; McArdle, John J.; Bell, Cathy K.; Carlton, Barry S.; Miyamoto, Robin H.; Nishimura, Stephanie T.; Else, Iwalani R. N.; Guerrero, Anthony P. S.; Darmal, Arsalan; Yates, Alayne; Waldron, Jane A.

2006-01-01

Objectives: The prevalence rates of disorders among a community-based sample of Hawaiian youths were determined and compared to previously published epidemiological studies. Method: Using a two-phase design, 7,317 adolescents were surveyed (60% participation rate), from which 619 were selected in a modified random sample during the 1992-1993 to…

A Learning Outcome-Oriented Approach towards Classifying Pervasive Games for Learning Using Game Design Patterns and Contextual Information

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schmitz, Birgit; Klemke, Roland; Specht, Marcus

2013-01-01

Mobile and in particular pervasive games are a strong component of future scenarios for teaching and learning. Based on results from a previous review of practical papers, this work explores the educational potential of pervasive games for learning by analysing underlying game mechanisms. In order to determine and classify cognitive and affective…

The Analytic Reconciliation of Classic Mayan Elite Pottery: Squaring Pottery Function with Form, Adornment, and Residual Contents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Loughmiller-Newman, Jennifer Ann

2012-01-01

This dissertation presents a multidisciplinary means of determining the actual content (foodstuff, non-foodstuff, or lack of contents) of Classic Mayan (A.D. 250-900) vessels. Based on previous studies that have identified the residues of foodstuffs named in hieroglyphic texts (e.g. cacao), this study is designed to further investigate foodstuff…

Third Annual "Brown" Lecture in Education Research--The Flat Earth and Education: How America's Commitment to Equity Will Determine Our Future

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Darling-Hammond, Linda

2007-01-01

In the knowledge-based economy that characterizes the 21st century, most previously industrialized countries are making massive investments in education. The United States ranks poorly on many leading indicators, however, primarily because of the great inequality in educational inputs and outcomes between White students and non-Asian…

The leisure style of Canadian rural recreation participants: An analysis based on three different rural leisure settings

Treesearch

Paul Heintzman; Don Dawson

2012-01-01

This study was a secondary analysis of data from a previous study of 248 Canadians on four dimensions of leisure style: time use, leisure setting, leisure activity participation, and leisure motivation. Correlation analyses were conducted to determine if frequency of participation in three rural leisure settings were related to other leisure style dimensions.

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

Ricafort, Juliet

A model was developed to determine the forces exerted by several flexor and extensor muscles of the human knee under static conditions. The following muscles were studied: the gastrocnemius, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and the set of quadricep muscles. The tibia and fibula were each modeled as rigid bodies; muscles were modeled by their functional lines of action in space. Assumptions based on previous data were used to resolve the indeterminacy.

Paired Learners' Verbalised Strategies for Determining Grammatical Correctness: A Turn-Based System for Coding Metatalk

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ishii, David N.

2011-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of a new coding system that incorporates the various types of metatalk that occurred during paired learners' engagement in a consciousness-raising task. On the basis of previous studies, metalanguage (e.g. with or without terminology), knowledge sources (e.g. intuition), and verbalisation strategies…

Population-based Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis Prevalence Using Discarded, Deidentified Urine Specimens Previously Collected for Drug Testing (Open Access Publisher’s Version)

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-10-24

123van Houdt R, et al. Sex Transm Infect 2018;94:117–123. doi:10.1136/sextrans-2017-053133 Epidemiology letter Population-based Neisseria...trichomonas vaginalis testing, Melinda Balansay-ames, chris Myers and gary Brice for Pcr- based sex determination testing, and Kimberly De Vera for...dx. doi. org/ 10. 1136/ sextrans- 2017- 053355) To cite Harbertson J, Jamerson M, graf PcF, et al. Sex Transm Infect 2018;94:123. received 28 July

Theory of liquid crystal elastomers and polymer networks : Connection between neoclassical theory and differential geometry.

PubMed

Nguyen, Thanh-Son; Selinger, Jonathan V

2017-09-01

In liquid crystal elastomers and polymer networks, the orientational order of liquid crystals is coupled with elastic distortions of crosslinked polymers. Previous theoretical research has described these materials through two different approaches: a neoclassical theory based on the liquid crystal director and the deformation gradient tensor, and a geometric elasticity theory based on the difference between the actual metric tensor and a reference metric. Here, we connect those two approaches using a formalism based on differential geometry. Through this connection, we determine how both the director and the geometry respond to a change of temperature.

Radioisotope measurement of selected parameters of liquid-gas flow using single detector system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zych, Marcin; Hanus, Robert; Jaszczur, Marek; Mosorov, Volodymyr; Świsulski, Dariusz

2018-06-01

To determine the parameters of two-phase flows using radioisotopes, usually two detectors are used. Knowing the distance between them, the velocity of the dispersed phase is calculated based on time delay estimation. Such a measurement system requires the use of two gamma-ray sealed sources. But in some situations it is also possible to determine velocity of dispersed phase using only one scintillation probe and one gamma-ray source. However, this requires proper signal analysis and prior calibration. This may also cause larger measurement errors. On the other hand, it allows measurements in hard to reach areas where there is often no place for the second detector. Additionally, by performing a previous calibration, it is possible to determine the void fraction or concentration of the selected phase. In this work an autocorrelation function was used to analyze the signal from the scintillation detector, which allowed for the determination of air velocities in slug and plug flows with an accuracy of 8.5%. Based on the analysis of the same signal, a void fraction with error of 15% was determined.

a Theoretical Analysis of Physical Properties of Aqueous Trehalose with Borax

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahara; Aniya, Masaru

2013-07-01

The temperature and composition dependence of the viscosity of aqueous trehalose and aqueous trehalose-borax mixtures has been investigated by means of the Bond Strength-Coordination Number Fluctuation (BSCNF) model. The result indicates that the variation in the fragility of the system is very small in the composition range analyzed. The values of the materials parameters determined are consistent with those of the trehalose-water-lithium iodide system which were analyzed in a previous study. Based on the analysis of the obtained parameters of the BSCNF model, the physical interpretation of the WLF parameters reported in a previous study is reconfirmed.

Spectral Unmixing Based Construction of Lunar Mineral Abundance Maps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernhardt, V.; Grumpe, A.; Wöhler, C.

2017-07-01

In this study we apply a nonlinear spectral unmixing algorithm to a nearly global lunar spectral reflectance mosaic derived from hyper-spectral image data acquired by the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) instrument. Corrections for topographic effects and for thermal emission were performed. A set of 19 laboratory-based reflectance spectra of lunar samples published by the Lunar Soil Characterization Consortium (LSCC) were used as a catalog of potential endmember spectra. For a given spectrum, the multi-population population-based incremental learning (MPBIL) algorithm was used to determine the subset of endmembers actually contained in it. However, as the MPBIL algorithm is computationally expensive, it cannot be applied to all pixels of the reflectance mosaic. Hence, the reflectance mosaic was clustered into a set of 64 prototype spectra, and the MPBIL algorithm was applied to each prototype spectrum. Each pixel of the mosaic was assigned to the most similar prototype, and the set of endmembers previously determined for that prototype was used for pixel-wise nonlinear spectral unmixing using the Hapke model, implemented as linear unmixing of the single-scattering albedo spectrum. This procedure yields maps of the fractional abundances of the 19 endmembers. Based on the known modal abundances of a variety of mineral species in the LSCC samples, a conversion from endmember abundances to mineral abundances was performed. We present maps of the fractional abundances of plagioclase, pyroxene and olivine and compare our results with previously published lunar mineral abundance maps.

The Smoker’s Health Project: A self-determination theory intervention to facilitate maintenance of tobacco abstinence

PubMed Central

Williams, Geoffrey C.; Patrick, Heather; Niemiec, Christopher P.; Ryan, Richard M.; Deci, Edward L.; Lavigne, Holly McGregor

2011-01-01

A previous randomized clinical trial based on self-determination theory (SDT) and consistent with the Public Health Service (PHS) Guideline for Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence demonstrated that an intensive intervention could change autonomous self-regulation and perceived competence which in part facilitated long-term tobacco abstinence. The current article describes a pragmatic comparative effectiveness trial of three SDT-based intensive tobacco-dependence interventions. Eligible participants are randomized to one of three treatment conditions designed to facilitate long-term maintenance of tobacco abstinence, namely, Community Care (CC), which includes the 6-month SDT-based intervention previously shown to promote autonomous self-regulation, perceived competence, medication use, and tobacco abstinence; Extended Need Support (ENS), which extends the 6-month SDT-based intervention to 12 months and trains an important other to provide support for smokers’ basic psychological needs; and Harm Reduction (HR), which provides extended need support and recommends medication use for participants who do not want to stop smoking completely within 30 days but who are willing to reduce their cigarette use by half. The primary outcome is 12-month prolonged abstinence from tobacco, which is assessed one year following termination of treatment (two years post-randomization). Secondary outcomes include 7- and 30-day point prevalence tobacco abstinence, number of days using smoking-cessation medication, change in autonomous self-regulation and perceived competence, and perceived need support from important others. PMID:21382516

The smoker's health project: a self-determination theory intervention to facilitate maintenance of tobacco abstinence.

PubMed

Williams, Geoffrey C; Patrick, Heather; Niemiec, Christopher P; Ryan, Richard M; Deci, Edward L; Lavigne, Holly McGregor

2011-07-01

A previous randomized clinical trial based on self-determination theory (SDT) and consistent with the Public Health Service (PHS) Guideline for Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence demonstrated that an intensive intervention could change autonomous self-regulation and perceived competence, which in part facilitated long-term tobacco abstinence. The current article describes a pragmatic comparative effectiveness trial of three SDT-based intensive tobacco-dependence interventions. Eligible participants are randomized to one of the three treatment conditions designed to facilitate long-term maintenance of tobacco abstinence, namely, Community Care (CC), which includes the 6 month SDT-based intervention previously shown to promote autonomous self-regulation, perceived competence, medication use, and tobacco abstinence; Extended Need Support (ENS), which extends the 6 month SDT-based intervention to 12 months and trains an important other to provide support for smokers' basic psychological needs; and Harm Reduction (HR), which provides extended need support and recommends medication use for participants who do not want to stop smoking completely within 30 days but who are willing to reduce their cigarette use by half. The primary outcome is 12 month prolonged abstinence from tobacco, which is assessed one year following termination of treatment (two years post-randomization). Secondary outcomes include 7- and 30 day point prevalence tobacco abstinence, number of days using smoking-cessation medication, change in autonomous self-regulation and perceived competence, and perceived need support from important others. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Continuous Indoor Positioning Fusing WiFi, Smartphone Sensors and Landmarks

PubMed Central

Deng, Zhi-An; Wang, Guofeng; Qin, Danyang; Na, Zhenyu; Cui, Yang; Chen, Juan

2016-01-01

To exploit the complementary strengths of WiFi positioning, pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR), and landmarks, we propose a novel fusion approach based on an extended Kalman filter (EKF). For WiFi positioning, unlike previous fusion approaches setting measurement noise parameters empirically, we deploy a kernel density estimation-based model to adaptively measure the related measurement noise statistics. Furthermore, a trusted area of WiFi positioning defined by fusion results of previous step and WiFi signal outlier detection are exploited to reduce computational cost and improve WiFi positioning accuracy. For PDR, we integrate a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and a magnetometer to determine the user heading based on another EKF model. To reduce accumulation error of PDR and enable continuous indoor positioning, not only the positioning results but also the heading estimations are recalibrated by indoor landmarks. Experimental results in a realistic indoor environment show that the proposed fusion approach achieves substantial positioning accuracy improvement than individual positioning approaches including PDR and WiFi positioning. PMID:27608019

Continuous Indoor Positioning Fusing WiFi, Smartphone Sensors and Landmarks.

PubMed

Deng, Zhi-An; Wang, Guofeng; Qin, Danyang; Na, Zhenyu; Cui, Yang; Chen, Juan

2016-09-05

To exploit the complementary strengths of WiFi positioning, pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR), and landmarks, we propose a novel fusion approach based on an extended Kalman filter (EKF). For WiFi positioning, unlike previous fusion approaches setting measurement noise parameters empirically, we deploy a kernel density estimation-based model to adaptively measure the related measurement noise statistics. Furthermore, a trusted area of WiFi positioning defined by fusion results of previous step and WiFi signal outlier detection are exploited to reduce computational cost and improve WiFi positioning accuracy. For PDR, we integrate a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and a magnetometer to determine the user heading based on another EKF model. To reduce accumulation error of PDR and enable continuous indoor positioning, not only the positioning results but also the heading estimations are recalibrated by indoor landmarks. Experimental results in a realistic indoor environment show that the proposed fusion approach achieves substantial positioning accuracy improvement than individual positioning approaches including PDR and WiFi positioning.

Similarity estimation for reference image retrieval in mammograms using convolutional neural network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muramatsu, Chisako; Higuchi, Shunichi; Morita, Takako; Oiwa, Mikinao; Fujita, Hiroshi

2018-02-01

Periodic breast cancer screening with mammography is considered effective in decreasing breast cancer mortality. For screening programs to be successful, an intelligent image analytic system may support radiologists' efficient image interpretation. In our previous studies, we have investigated image retrieval schemes for diagnostic references of breast lesions on mammograms and ultrasound images. Using a machine learning method, reliable similarity measures that agree with radiologists' similarity were determined and relevant images could be retrieved. However, our previous method includes a feature extraction step, in which hand crafted features were determined based on manual outlines of the masses. Obtaining the manual outlines of masses is not practical in clinical practice and such data would be operator-dependent. In this study, we investigated a similarity estimation scheme using a convolutional neural network (CNN) to skip such procedure and to determine data-driven similarity scores. By using CNN as feature extractor, in which extracted features were employed in determination of similarity measures with a conventional 3-layered neural network, the determined similarity measures were correlated well with the subjective ratings and the precision of retrieving diagnostically relevant images was comparable with that of the conventional method using handcrafted features. By using CNN for determination of similarity measure directly, the result was also comparable. By optimizing the network parameters, results may be further improved. The proposed method has a potential usefulness in determination of similarity measure without precise lesion outlines for retrieval of similar mass images on mammograms.

Human Reliability Assessments: Using the Past (Shuttle) to Predict the Future (Orion)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeMott, Diana L.; Bigler, Mark A.

2017-01-01

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Johnson Space Center (JSC) Safety and Mission Assurance (S&MA) uses two human reliability analysis (HRA) methodologies. The first is a simplified method which is based on how much time is available to complete the action, with consideration included for environmental and personal factors that could influence the human's reliability. This method is expected to provide a conservative value or placeholder as a preliminary estimate. This preliminary estimate or screening value is used to determine which placeholder needs a more detailed assessment. The second methodology is used to develop a more detailed human reliability assessment on the performance of critical human actions. This assessment needs to consider more than the time available, this would include factors such as: the importance of the action, the context, environmental factors, potential human stresses, previous experience, training, physical design interfaces, available procedures/checklists and internal human stresses. The more detailed assessment is expected to be more realistic than that based primarily on time available. When performing an HRA on a system or process that has an operational history, we have information specific to the task based on this history and experience. In the case of a Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) that is based on a new design and has no operational history, providing a "reasonable" assessment of potential crew actions becomes more challenging. To determine what is expected of future operational parameters, the experience from individuals who had relevant experience and were familiar with the system and process previously implemented by NASA was used to provide the "best" available data. Personnel from Flight Operations, Flight Directors, Launch Test Directors, Control Room Console Operators, and Astronauts were all interviewed to provide a comprehensive picture of previous NASA operations. Verification of the assumptions and expectations expressed in the assessments will be needed when the procedures, flight rules, and operational requirements are developed and then finalized.

Human Reliability Assessments: Using the Past (Shuttle) to Predict the Future (Orion)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeMott, Diana; Bigler, Mark

2016-01-01

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Johnson Space Center (JSC) Safety and Mission Assurance (S&MA) uses two human reliability analysis (HRA) methodologies. The first is a simplified method which is based on how much time is available to complete the action, with consideration included for environmental and personal factors that could influence the human's reliability. This method is expected to provide a conservative value or placeholder as a preliminary estimate. This preliminary estimate or screening value is used to determine which placeholder needs a more detailed assessment. The second methodology is used to develop a more detailed human reliability assessment on the performance of critical human actions. This assessment needs to consider more than the time available, this would include factors such as: the importance of the action, the context, environmental factors, potential human stresses, previous experience, training, physical design interfaces, available procedures/checklists and internal human stresses. The more detailed assessment is expected to be more realistic than that based primarily on time available. When performing an HRA on a system or process that has an operational history, we have information specific to the task based on this history and experience. In the case of a Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) that is based on a new design and has no operational history, providing a "reasonable" assessment of potential crew actions becomes more challenging. In order to determine what is expected of future operational parameters, the experience from individuals who had relevant experience and were familiar with the system and process previously implemented by NASA was used to provide the "best" available data. Personnel from Flight Operations, Flight Directors, Launch Test Directors, Control Room Console Operators and Astronauts were all interviewed to provide a comprehensive picture of previous NASA operations. Verification of the assumptions and expectations expressed in the assessments will be needed when the procedures, flight rules and operational requirements are developed and then finalized.

Non-invasive determination of glucose directly in raw fruits using a continuous flow system based on microdialysis sampling and amperometric detection at an integrated enzymatic biosensor.

PubMed

Vargas, E; Ruiz, M A; Campuzano, S; Reviejo, A J; Pingarrón, J M

2016-03-31

A non-destructive, rapid and simple to use sensing method for direct determination of glucose in non-processed fruits is described. The strategy involved on-line microdialysis sampling coupled with a continuous flow system with amperometric detection at an enzymatic biosensor. Apart from direct determination of glucose in fruit juices and blended fruits, this work describes for the first time the successful application of an enzymatic biosensor-based electrochemical approach to the non-invasive determination of glucose in raw fruits. The methodology correlates, through previous calibration set-up, the amperometric signal generated from glucose in non-processed fruits with its content in % (w/w). The comparison of the obtained results using the proposed approach in different fruits with those provided by other method involving the same commercial biosensor as amperometric detector in stirred solutions pointed out that there were no significant differences. Moreover, in comparison with other available methodologies, this microdialysis-coupled continuous flow system amperometric biosensor-based procedure features straightforward sample preparation, low cost, reduced assay time (sampling rate of 7 h(-1)) and ease of automation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A single base pair in the right terminal domain of tomato planta macho viroid is a virulence determinant factor on tomato.

PubMed

Li, Rugang; Padmanabhan, Chellappan; Ling, Kai-Shu

2017-01-01

Tomato planta macho viroid (TPMVd), including isolates previously designated as Mexican papita viroid (MPVd), causes serious disease on tomatoes in North America. Two predominant variants, sharing 93.8% sequence identity, incited distinct severe (MPVd-S) or mild (MPVd-M) symptoms on tomato. To identify virulence determinant factor, a series of chimeric infectious clones were generated using synthetic DNA approach to progressively replace each structural domain between the two variants. In bioassays on tomato 'Rutgers', three chimeras containing Terminal Left and Pathogenicity (MPVd-H1), Central (MPVd-H2), or Variable (MPVd-H3) of MPVd-S, incited mild to intermediate symptoms. However, a chimera containing Terminal Right (T R ) of MPVd-S (MPVd-H4) incited severe symptoms. Only one base-pair mutation in the T R domain between MPVd-M ( 176 U:A 185 ) and MPVd-S ( 174 G:C 183 ) was identified. A reciprocal mutant (MPVd-H5) rendered the chimeric viroid mild on tomato. This single base-pair in the T R domain was determined as the virulence determinant factor for TPMVd. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Quantum Entanglement and Reduced Density Matrices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purwanto, Agus; Sukamto, Heru; Yuwana, Lila

2018-05-01

We investigate entanglement and separability criteria of multipartite (n-partite) state by examining ranks of its reduced density matrices. Firstly, we construct the general formula to determine the criterion. A rank of origin density matrix always equals one, meanwhile ranks of reduced matrices have various ranks. Next, separability and entanglement criterion of multipartite is determined by calculating ranks of reduced density matrices. In this article we diversify multipartite state criteria into completely entangled state, completely separable state, and compound state, i.e. sub-entangled state and sub-entangledseparable state. Furthermore, we also shorten the calculation proposed by the previous research to determine separability of multipartite state and expand the methods to be able to differ multipartite state based on criteria above.

Isotope-coded, iodoacetamide-based reagent to determine individual cysteine pKa values by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

PubMed Central

Nelson, Kimberly J.; Day, Amanda E.; Zeng, Bubing B.; King, S. Bruce; Poole, Leslie B.

2008-01-01

Cysteine reactivity in enzymes is imparted to a large extent by the stabilization of the deprotonated form of the reduced cysteine (i.e. the thiolate) within the active site. While this is likely to be an important chemical attribute of many thiol-based enzymes including cysteine-dependent peroxidases (peroxiredoxins) and proteases, only relatively few pKa values have been determined experimentally. Presented here is a new technique for determining the pKa value of cysteine residues through quantitative mass spectrometry following chemical modification with an iodoacetamide-based reagent over a range of pH buffers. This isotope-coded reagent, N-phenyl iodoacetamide (iodoacetanilide), is readily prepared in deuterated (d5) and protiated (d0) versions and is more reactive toward free cysteine than is iodoacetamide. Using this approach, the pKa values for the two cysteine residues in Escherichia coli thioredoxin were determined to be 6.5 and > 10, in good agreement with previous reports using chemical modification approaches. This technique allows the pKa of specific cysteine residues to be determined in a clear, fast, and simple manner and, because cysteine residues on separate tryptic peptides are measured separately, is not complicated by the presence of multiple cysteines within the protein of interest. PMID:18162165

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

Li, Yan-Rong; Wang, Jian-Min; Bai, Jin-Ming, E-mail: liyanrong@mail.ihep.ac.cn

Broad emission lines of active galactic nuclei stem from a spatially extended region (broad-line region, BLR) that is composed of discrete clouds and photoionized by the central ionizing continuum. The temporal behaviors of these emission lines are blurred echoes of continuum variations (i.e., reverberation mapping, RM) and directly reflect the structures and kinematic information of BLRs through the so-called transfer function (also known as the velocity-delay map). Based on the previous works of Rybicki and Press and Zu et al., we develop an extended, non-parametric approach to determine the transfer function for RM data, in which the transfer function ismore » expressed as a sum of a family of relatively displaced Gaussian response functions. Therefore, arbitrary shapes of transfer functions associated with complicated BLR geometry can be seamlessly included, enabling us to relax the presumption of a specified transfer function frequently adopted in previous studies and to let it be determined by observation data. We formulate our approach in a previously well-established framework that incorporates the statistical modeling of continuum variations as a damped random walk process and takes into account long-term secular variations which are irrelevant to RM signals. The application to RM data shows the fidelity of our approach.« less

Discovery and validation of information theory-based transcription factor and cofactor binding site motifs.

PubMed

Lu, Ruipeng; Mucaki, Eliseos J; Rogan, Peter K

2017-03-17

Data from ChIP-seq experiments can derive the genome-wide binding specificities of transcription factors (TFs) and other regulatory proteins. We analyzed 765 ENCODE ChIP-seq peak datasets of 207 human TFs with a novel motif discovery pipeline based on recursive, thresholded entropy minimization. This approach, while obviating the need to compensate for skewed nucleotide composition, distinguishes true binding motifs from noise, quantifies the strengths of individual binding sites based on computed affinity and detects adjacent cofactor binding sites that coordinate with the targets of primary, immunoprecipitated TFs. We obtained contiguous and bipartite information theory-based position weight matrices (iPWMs) for 93 sequence-specific TFs, discovered 23 cofactor motifs for 127 TFs and revealed six high-confidence novel motifs. The reliability and accuracy of these iPWMs were determined via four independent validation methods, including the detection of experimentally proven binding sites, explanation of effects of characterized SNPs, comparison with previously published motifs and statistical analyses. We also predict previously unreported TF coregulatory interactions (e.g. TF complexes). These iPWMs constitute a powerful tool for predicting the effects of sequence variants in known binding sites, performing mutation analysis on regulatory SNPs and predicting previously unrecognized binding sites and target genes. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Complete denture base assessments using holograms: dimensional alterations after different activation methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dughir, Ciprian; Popovschi, Ana Maria; Cojocariu, Andreea Codruta; Topala, Florin Ionel; Negrutiu, Meda Lavinia; Sinescu, Cosmin; de Sabata, Aldo; Duma, Virgil-Florin

2016-03-01

Holography is a well-developed method with a large range of applications, including dentistry. This study uses holographic methods for the study of total dental prosthesis. The issue is that the transformation of wax denture base in polymethylacrylate causes dimensional alterations and retractions in the final dental constructs. These could cause the failure of the stability of the complete denture in the oral cavity. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine and to compare using holography, total prosthesis obtained using three different manufacturing methods: pressing, injection, and polymerization. Each of the three types of dentures thus produced were recorded over the previously wax complete base holographic plates. The dimensional alterations that appear after using the different activation methods were thus determined. The most significant modification was remarked in the custom press technology, while the smallest variations were detected in the injection alternative.

Surface and allied studies in silicon solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindholm, F. A.

1984-01-01

Measuring small-signal admittance versus frequency and forward bias voltage together with a new transient measurement apparently provides the most reliable and flexible method available for determining back surface recombination velocity and low-injection lifetime of the quasineutral base region of silicon solar cells. The new transient measurement reported here is called short-circuit-current decay (SCCD). In this method, forward voltage equal to about the open-circuit or the maximum power voltage establishes excess holes and electrons in the junction transition region and in the quasineutral regions. The sudden application of a short circuit causes an exiting of the excess holes and electrons in the transition region within about ten picoseconds. From observing the slope and intercept of the subsequent current decay, the base lifetime and surface recombination velocity can be determined. The admittance measurement previously mentioned then enters to increase accuracy particularly for devices for which the diffusion length exceeds the base thickness.

The orbits of the uranian satellites and rings, the gravity field of the uranian system, and the orientation of the pole of Uranus

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

Jacobson, R. A., E-mail: robert.jacobson@jpl.nasa.gov

2014-11-01

French et al. determined the orbits of the Uranian rings, the orientation of the pole of Uranus, and the gravity harmonics of Uranus from Earth-based and Voyager ring occultations. Jacobson et al. determined the orbits of the Uranian satellites and the masses of Uranus and its satellites from Earth-based astrometry and observations acquired with the Voyager 2 spacecraft; they used the gravity harmonics and pole from French et al. Jacobson and Rush reconstructed the Voyager 2 trajectory and redetermined the Uranian system gravity parameters, satellite orbits, and ring orbits in a combined analysis of the data used previously augmented withmore » additional Earth-based astrometry. Here we report on an extension of that work that incorporates additional astrometry and ring occultations together with improved data processing techniques.« less

Use of tannin anticorrosive reaction primer to improve traditional coating systems

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

Matamala, G.; Droguett, G.; Smeltzer, W.

1994-04-01

Different anticorrosive schemes applied over plain or previously shot-blasted surfaces of AISI 1010 (UNS G10100) steel plates were compared. Plates were painted with alkydic, vinylic, and epoxy anticorrosive schemes over metal treated previously with pine tannin reaction primer and over its own schemes without previous primer treatment. Anticorrosive tests were conducted in a salt fog chamber according to ASTM B 117-73. Rusting, blistering, and adhesion were assessed over time. The survey was complemented with potentiodynamic scanning tests in sodium chloride (NaCl) solution with a concentration equivalent to seawater. Corrosion currents were determined using Tafel and polarization resistance techniques. Results showedmore » the reaction primer inhibited corrosion by improving adherence. Advantages over traditional conversion primers formulated in a base of zinc chromate in phosphoric medium were evident.« less

A novel reflectance-based aptasensor using gold nanoparticles for the detection of oxytetracycline.

PubMed

Seo, Ho Bin; Kwon, Young Seop; Lee, Ji-eun; Cullen, David; Noh, Hongseok Moses; Gu, Man Bock

2015-10-07

We present a novel reflectance-based colorimetric aptasensor using gold nanoparticles for the detection of oxytetracycline for the first time. It was found that the reflectance-based measurement at two wavelengths (650 and 520 nm) can generate more stable and sensitive signals than absorbance-based sensors to determine the aggregation of AuNPs, even at high AuNP concentrations. One of the most common antibacterial agents, oxytetracycline (OTC), was detected at concentrations as low as 1 nM in both buffer solution and tap water, which was 25-fold more sensitive, compared to the previous absorbance-based colorimetric aptasensors. This reflectance-based colorimetric aptasensor using gold nanoparticles is considered to be a better platform for portable sensing of small molecules using aptamers.

Extremely metal-deficient red giants. IV - Equivalent widths for 36 halo giants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luck, R. E.; Bond, H. E.

1985-01-01

Further work on a study of 36 metal-poor field red giants is reported. Chemical abundances previously determined were based on model stellar atmosphere analyses of equivalent widths from photographic image-tube echelle spectrograms obtained with with 4-m reflectors at Kitt Peak and Cerro Tololo. A tabulation of the equivalent-width data (a total of 18, 275 equivalent widths) is presented.

Do At-Risk Students Benefit When NovaNET Is Used for Credit Recovery?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Volkerding, Rebecca Lynn

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine if it is effective and appropriate to place all students needing credit recovery in computer-based classes regardless of age, risk ratio, and their previous failing grade. Driven by the NCLB mandate for schools to produce greater gains and graduate all students in 4.5 years, districts are now using online…

Lateral control required for satisfactory flying qualities based on flight tests of numerous airplanes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gilruth, R R; Turner, W N

1941-01-01

Report presents the results of an analysis made of the aileron control characteristics of numerous airplanes tested in flight by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. By the use of previously developed theory, the observed values of pb/2v for the various wing-aileron arrangements were examined to determine the effective section characteristics of the various aileron types.

Success Probability Analysis for Shuttle Based Microgravity Experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liou, Ying-Hsin Andrew

1996-01-01

Presented in this report are the results of data analysis of shuttle-based microgravity flight experiments. Potential factors were identified in the previous grant period, and in this period 26 factors were selected for data analysis. In this project, the degree of success was developed and used as the performance measure. 293 of the 391 experiments in Lewis Research Center Microgravity Database were assigned degrees of success. The frequency analysis and the analysis of variance were conducted to determine the significance of the factors that effect the experiment success.

Improving mass measurement accuracy in mass spectrometry based proteomics by combining open source tools for chromatographic alignment and internal calibration.

PubMed

Palmblad, Magnus; van der Burgt, Yuri E M; Dalebout, Hans; Derks, Rico J E; Schoenmaker, Bart; Deelder, André M

2009-05-02

Accurate mass determination enhances peptide identification in mass spectrometry based proteomics. We here describe the combination of two previously published open source software tools to improve mass measurement accuracy in Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICRMS). The first program, msalign, aligns one MS/MS dataset with one FTICRMS dataset. The second software, recal2, uses peptides identified from the MS/MS data for automated internal calibration of the FTICR spectra, resulting in sub-ppm mass measurement errors.

Directed differentiation of embryonic stem cells using a bead-based combinatorial screening method.

PubMed

Tarunina, Marina; Hernandez, Diana; Johnson, Christopher J; Rybtsov, Stanislav; Ramathas, Vidya; Jeyakumar, Mylvaganam; Watson, Thomas; Hook, Lilian; Medvinsky, Alexander; Mason, Chris; Choo, Yen

2014-01-01

We have developed a rapid, bead-based combinatorial screening method to determine optimal combinations of variables that direct stem cell differentiation to produce known or novel cell types having pre-determined characteristics. Here we describe three experiments comprising stepwise exposure of mouse or human embryonic cells to 10,000 combinations of serum-free differentiation media, through which we discovered multiple novel, efficient and robust protocols to generate a number of specific hematopoietic and neural lineages. We further demonstrate that the technology can be used to optimize existing protocols in order to substitute costly growth factors with bioactive small molecules and/or increase cell yield, and to identify in vitro conditions for the production of rare developmental intermediates such as an embryonic lymphoid progenitor cell that has not previously been reported.

Amonia gas: an improved reagent for chemical ionization mass spectrometry of bile acid methyl ester acetates

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

DeMark, B.R.; Klein, P.D.

1981-01-01

The ammonia chemical ionization mass spectra of 28 methyl ester acetate derivatives of bile acids and related compounds have been determined by gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Advantages of ammonia ionization over the previously studied isobutane ionization include a 130 to 270% enhancement in the sensitivity of base peak monitoring, and direct determination of molecular weight from the base peak (M + NH/sub 4//sup +/) in the mass spectrum of any of the derivatives. Minor ions in the ammonia spectra also allow selective detection of 3-keto compounds and can indicate unsaturation or double bond conjugation in the molecule. The significance of thesemore » studies for the detection and quantitation of bile acids is discussed. 2 tables.« less

Efficient globally optimal segmentation of cells in fluorescence microscopy images using level sets and convex energy functionals.

PubMed

Bergeest, Jan-Philip; Rohr, Karl

2012-10-01

In high-throughput applications, accurate and efficient segmentation of cells in fluorescence microscopy images is of central importance for the quantification of protein expression and the understanding of cell function. We propose an approach for segmenting cell nuclei which is based on active contours using level sets and convex energy functionals. Compared to previous work, our approach determines the global solution. Thus, the approach does not suffer from local minima and the segmentation result does not depend on the initialization. We consider three different well-known energy functionals for active contour-based segmentation and introduce convex formulations of these functionals. We also suggest a numeric approach for efficiently computing the solution. The performance of our approach has been evaluated using fluorescence microscopy images from different experiments comprising different cell types. We have also performed a quantitative comparison with previous segmentation approaches. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Computerized in vitro test for chemical toxicity based on tetrahymena swimming patterns

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noever, David A.; Matsos, Helen C.; Cronise, Raymond J.; Looger, Loren L.; Relwani, Rachna A.; Johnson, Jacqueline U.

1994-01-01

An apparatus and method for rapidly determining chemical toxicity was evaluated. The toxicity monitor includes an automated scoring of how motile biological cells (Tetrahymena pyriformis) slow down or otherwise change their swimming patterns in a hostile chemical environment. The device, called the Motility Assay Apparatus (MAA) is tested for 30 second determination of chemical toxicity in 20 aqueous samples containing trace organics and salts. With equal or better detection limits, results compare favorably to in vivo animal tests of eye irritancy, in addition to agreeing for all chemicals with previous manual evaluations of single cell motility.

Self-talk functions: portrayal of an elite power lifter.

PubMed

Cutton, David M; Hearon, Christopher M

2014-10-01

The study presents the results of a case study with a repeated data collection design: a recent and former world champion power lifter provided weekly e-mails, during approximately 6 mo. of training and competition, with a description of his 'self-determined self-talk.' The instruction used for self-talk (ST) mentioned its associations with emotions, staying focused, maintaining motivation, and improving exercise skills. The obtained e-mails were coded using categories indicating functions of 'self-determined self-talk' mainly based on previous literature. The frequency of the functions during training and competition were compared and discussed following the qualitative research tradition.

Interlaminar stresses in composite laminates: A perturbation analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hsu, P. W.; Herakovich, C. T.

1976-01-01

A general method of solution for an elastic balanced symmetric composite laminate subject to a uniaxial extension was developed based upon a perturbation analysis of a limiting free body containing an interfacial plane. The solution satisfies more physical requirements and boundary conditions than previous investigations, and predicts smooth continuous interlaminar stresses with no instabilities. It determines the finite maximum intensity for the interlaminar normal stress in all laminates, provides mathematical evidences for the singular stresses in angle-ply laminates, suggests the need for the experimental determination of an important problem parameter, and introduces a viable means for solving related problems of practical interest.

Determination of ortho-cresyl phosphate isomers of tricresyl phosphate used in aircraft turbine engine oils by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.

PubMed

De Nola, G; Kibby, J; Mazurek, W

2008-07-25

Tricresyl phosphate (TCP) is used as an anti-wear additive in aircraft turbine engine oil. Concerns about its toxicity are largely based on the tri-o-cresyl phosphate isomer content. However, the presence of other and more toxic isomers has been previously suggested. In this work, the structural isomers of TCP have been determined by two methods (experimental and semi-theoretical). First, the TCP isomers were separated by gas chromatography (GC) and identified by mass spectrometry (MS). Second, after base cleavage of TCP, GC was used to quantify the cresol precursors. These results were used to calculate the TCP isomer distribution based on the assumption of a statistical distribution of the TCP isomers. The results from the two determinations showed reasonable agreement for three of the four oils studied. The o-cresyl isomers were found to be present almost exclusively as the more toxic mono-o-cresyl isomers in the concentration range 13-150 mg/L. The ability to analyse for the mono-o-cresyl isomers allows the toxicity of TCP to be based on the latter isomers rather than on the less toxic tri-o-cresyl phosphate isomer.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Temporoparietal Junction and Inferior Frontal Cortex Improves Imitation-Inhibition and Perspective-Taking with no Effect on the Autism-Spectrum Quotient Score.

PubMed

Nobusako, Satoshi; Nishi, Yuki; Nishi, Yuki; Shuto, Takashi; Asano, Daiki; Osumi, Michihiro; Morioka, Shu

2017-01-01

Lesions to brain regions such as the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) and inferior frontal cortex (IFC) are thought to cause autism-spectrum disorder (ASD). Previous studies indicated that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the right TPJ improves social cognitive functions such as imitation-inhibition and perspective-taking. Although previous work shows that tDCS of the right IFC improves imitation-inhibition, its effects on perspective-taking have yet to be determined. In addition, the role of the TPJ and IFC in determining the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), which is a measure of autism spectrum traits, is still unclear. Thus, the current study performed tDCS on the right TPJ and the right IFC of healthy adults, and examined its effects on imitation-inhibition, perspective-taking and AQ scores. Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that anodal tDCS of the right IFC and right TPJ would improve imitation-inhibition, perspective-taking and the AQ score. Anodal tDCS of the right TPJ or IFC significantly decreased the interference effect in an imitation-inhibition task and the cost of perspective-taking in a perspective-taking task, in comparison to the sham stimulation control. These findings indicated that both the TPJ and the IFC play a role in imitation-inhibition and perspective-taking, i.e., control of self and other representations. However, anodal stimulation of the right TPJ and the right IFC did not alter participants' AQ. This finding conflicts with results from previous brain imaging studies, which could be attributed to methodological differences such as variation in sex, age and ASD. Therefore, further research is necessary to determine the relationship between the TPJ and IFC, and the AQ.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Temporoparietal Junction and Inferior Frontal Cortex Improves Imitation-Inhibition and Perspective-Taking with no Effect on the Autism-Spectrum Quotient Score

PubMed Central

Nobusako, Satoshi; Nishi, Yuki; Nishi, Yuki; Shuto, Takashi; Asano, Daiki; Osumi, Michihiro; Morioka, Shu

2017-01-01

Lesions to brain regions such as the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) and inferior frontal cortex (IFC) are thought to cause autism-spectrum disorder (ASD). Previous studies indicated that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the right TPJ improves social cognitive functions such as imitation-inhibition and perspective-taking. Although previous work shows that tDCS of the right IFC improves imitation-inhibition, its effects on perspective-taking have yet to be determined. In addition, the role of the TPJ and IFC in determining the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), which is a measure of autism spectrum traits, is still unclear. Thus, the current study performed tDCS on the right TPJ and the right IFC of healthy adults, and examined its effects on imitation-inhibition, perspective-taking and AQ scores. Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that anodal tDCS of the right IFC and right TPJ would improve imitation-inhibition, perspective-taking and the AQ score. Anodal tDCS of the right TPJ or IFC significantly decreased the interference effect in an imitation-inhibition task and the cost of perspective-taking in a perspective-taking task, in comparison to the sham stimulation control. These findings indicated that both the TPJ and the IFC play a role in imitation-inhibition and perspective-taking, i.e., control of self and other representations. However, anodal stimulation of the right TPJ and the right IFC did not alter participants’ AQ. This finding conflicts with results from previous brain imaging studies, which could be attributed to methodological differences such as variation in sex, age and ASD. Therefore, further research is necessary to determine the relationship between the TPJ and IFC, and the AQ. PMID:28536512

Electric organ discharge diversity in the genus Gymnotus: anatomo-functional groups and electrogenic mechanisms.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Cattáneo, A; Aguilera, P; Cilleruelo, E; Crampton, W G R; Caputi, A A

2013-04-15

Previous studies describe six factors accounting for interspecific diversity of electric organ discharge (EOD) waveforms in Gymnotus. At the cellular level, three factors determine the locally generated waveforms: (1) electrocyte geometry and channel repertoire; (2) the localization of synaptic contacts on electrocyte surfaces; and (3) electric activity of electromotor axons preceding the discharge of electrocytes. At the organismic level, three factors determine the integration of the EOD as a behavioral unit: (4) the distribution of different types of electrocytes and specialized passive tissue forming the electric organ (EO); (5) the neural mechanisms of electrocyte discharge coordination; and (6) post-effector mechanisms. Here, we reconfirm the importance of the first five of these factors based on comparative studies of a wider diversity of Gymnotus than previously investigated. Additionally, we report a hitherto unseen aspect of EOD diversity in Gymnotus. The central region of the EO (which has the largest weight on the conspecific-received field) usually exhibits a negative-positive-negative pattern where the delay between the early negative and positive peaks (determined by neural coordination mechanisms) matches the delay between the positive and late negative peaks (determined by electrocyte responsiveness). Because delays between peaks typically determine the peak power frequency, this matching implies a co-evolution of neural and myogenic coordination mechanisms in determining the spectral specificity of the intraspecific communication channel. Finally, we define four functional species groups based on EO/EOD structure. The first three exhibit a heterogeneous EO in which doubly innervated electrocytes are responsible for a main triphasic complex. Group I species exhibit a characteristic cephalic extension of the EO. Group II species exhibit an early positive component of putative neural origin, and strong EO auto-excitability. Group III species exhibit an early, slow, negative wave of abdominal origin, and variation in EO auto-excitability. Representatives of Group IV generate a unique waveform comprising a main positive peak followed by a small, load-dependent negative component.

Differential cytotoxicity of long-chain bases for human oral gingival epithelial keratinocytes, oral fibroblasts, and dendritic cells

PubMed Central

Poulsen, Christopher; Mehalick, Leslie A.; Fischer, Carol L.; Lanzel, Emily A.; Bates, Amber M.; Walters, Katherine S.; Cavanaugh, Joseph E.; Guthmiller, Janet M.; Johnson, Georgia K.; Wertz, Philip W.; Brogden, Kim A.

2015-01-01

Long-chain bases are present in the oral cavity. Previously we determined that sphingosine, dihydrosphingosine, and phytosphingosine have potent antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens. Here, we determined the cytotoxicities of long-chain bases for oral cells, an important step in considering their potential as antimicrobial agents for oral infections. This information would clearly help in establishing prophylactic or therapeutic doses. To assess this, human oral gingival epithelial (GE) keratinocytes, oral gingival fibroblasts (GF), and dendritic cells (DC) were exposed to 10.0-640.0 µM long-chain bases and glycerol monolaurate (GML). The effects of long-chain bases on cell metabolism (conversion of resazurin to resorufin), membrane permeability (uptake of propridium iodide or SYTOX-Green), release of cellular contents (LDH), and cell morphology (confocal microscopy) were all determined. GE keratinocytes were more resistant to long-chain bases as compared to GF and DC, which were more susceptible. For DC, 0.2 to 10.0 µM long-chain bases and GML were not cytotoxic; 40.0 to 80.0 µM long-chain bases, but not GML, were cytotoxic; and 80.0 µM long-chain bases induced cellular damage and death in less than 20 minutes. The LD50 of long-chain bases for GE keratinocytes, GF, and DC were considerably higher than their minimal inhibitory concentrations for oral pathogens, a finding important to pursuing their future potential in treating periodontal and oral infections. PMID:26005054

Differential cytotoxicity of long-chain bases for human oral gingival epithelial keratinocytes, oral fibroblasts, and dendritic cells.

PubMed

Poulsen, Christopher; Mehalick, Leslie A; Fischer, Carol L; Lanzel, Emily A; Bates, Amber M; Walters, Katherine S; Cavanaugh, Joseph E; Guthmiller, Janet M; Johnson, Georgia K; Wertz, Philip W; Brogden, Kim A

2015-08-19

Long-chain bases are present in the oral cavity. Previously we determined that sphingosine, dihydrosphingosine, and phytosphingosine have potent antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens. Here, we determined the cytotoxicities of long-chain bases for oral cells, an important step in considering their potential as antimicrobial agents for oral infections. This information would clearly help in establishing prophylactic or therapeutic doses. To assess this, human oral gingival epithelial (GE) keratinocytes, oral gingival fibroblasts (GF), and dendritic cells (DC) were exposed to 10.0-640.0 μM long-chain bases and glycerol monolaurate (GML). The effects of long-chain bases on cell metabolism (conversion of resazurin to resorufin), membrane permeability (uptake of propidium iodide or SYTOX-Green), release of cellular contents (LDH), and cell morphology (confocal microscopy) were all determined. GE keratinocytes were more resistant to long-chain bases as compared to GF and DC, which were more susceptible. For DC, 0.2-10.0 μM long-chain bases and GML were not cytotoxic; 40.0-80.0 μM long-chain bases, but not GML, were cytotoxic; and 80.0 μM long-chain bases induced cellular damage and death in less than 20 min. The LD50 of long-chain bases for GE keratinocytes, GF, and DC were considerably higher than their minimal inhibitory concentrations for oral pathogens, a finding important to pursuing their future potential in treating periodontal and oral infections. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nearest unlike neighbor (NUN): an aid to decision confidence estimation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dasarathy, Belur V.

1995-09-01

The concept of nearest unlike neighbor (NUN), proposed and explored previously in the design of nearest neighbor (NN) based decision systems, is further exploited in this study to develop a measure of confidence in the decisions made by NN-based decision systems. This measure of confidence, on the basis of comparison with a user-defined threshold, may be used to determine the acceptability of the decision provided by the NN-based decision system. The concepts, associated methodology, and some illustrative numerical examples using the now classical Iris data to bring out the ease of implementation and effectiveness of the proposed innovations are presented.

STS-40 descent BET products: Development and results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oakes, Kevin F.; Wood, James S.; Findlay, John T.

1991-01-01

Descent Best Estimate Trajectory (BET) Data were generated for the final Orbiter Experiments Flight, STS-40. This report discusses the actual development of these post-flight products: the inertial BET, the Extended BET, and the Aerodynamic BET. Summary results are also included. The inertial BET was determined based on processing Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRSS) coherent Doppler data in conjunction with observations from eleven C-band stations, to include data from the Kwajalein Atoll and the usual California coastal radars, as well as data from five cinetheodolite cameras in the vicinity of the runways at EAFB. The anchor epoch utilized for the trajectory reconstruction was 53,904 Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) seconds which corresponds to an altitude at epoch of approximately 708 kft. Atmospheric data to enable development of an Extended BET for this mission were upsurped from the JSC operational post-flight BET. These data were evaluated based on Space Shuttle-derived considerations as well as model comparisons. The Aerodynamic BET includes configuration information, final mass properties, and both flight-determined and predicted aerodynamic performance estimates. The predicted data were based on the final pre-operational databook, updated to include flight determined incrementals based on an earlier ensemble of flights. Aerodynamic performance comparisons are presented and correlated versus statistical results based on twenty-two previous missions.

Infant polysomnography: reliability and validity of infant arousal assessment.

PubMed

Crowell, David H; Kulp, Thomas D; Kapuniai, Linda E; Hunt, Carl E; Brooks, Lee J; Weese-Mayer, Debra E; Silvestri, Jean; Ward, Sally Davidson; Corwin, Michael; Tinsley, Larry; Peucker, Mark

2002-10-01

Infant arousal scoring based on the Atlas Task Force definition of transient EEG arousal was evaluated to determine (1). whether transient arousals can be identified and assessed reliably in infants and (2). whether arousal and no-arousal epochs scored previously by trained raters can be validated reliably by independent sleep experts. Phase I for inter- and intrarater reliability scoring was based on two datasets of sleep epochs selected randomly from nocturnal polysomnograms of healthy full-term, preterm, idiopathic apparent life-threatening event cases, and siblings of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome infants of 35 to 64 weeks postconceptional age. After training, test set 1 reliability was assessed and discrepancies identified. After retraining, test set 2 was scored by the same raters to determine interrater reliability. Later, three raters from the trained group rescored test set 2 to assess inter- and intrarater reliabilities. Interrater and intrarater reliability kappa's, with 95% confidence intervals, ranged from substantial to almost perfect levels of agreement. Interrater reliabilities for spontaneous arousals were initially moderate and then substantial. During the validation phase, 315 previously scored epochs were presented to four sleep experts to rate as containing arousal or no-arousal events. Interrater expert agreements were diverse and considered as noninterpretable. Concordance in sleep experts' agreements, based on identification of the previously sampled arousal and no-arousal epochs, was used as a secondary evaluative technique. Results showed agreement by two or more experts on 86% of the Collaborative Home Infant Monitoring Evaluation Study arousal scored events. Conversely, only 1% of the Collaborative Home Infant Monitoring Evaluation Study-scored no-arousal epochs were rated as an arousal. In summary, this study presents an empirically tested model with procedures and criteria for attaining improved reliability in transient EEG arousal assessments in infants using the modified Atlas Task Force standards. With training based on specific criteria, substantial inter- and intrarater agreement in identifying infant arousals was demonstrated. Corroborative validation results were too disparate for meaningful interpretation. Alternate evaluation based on concordance agreements supports reliance on infant EEG criteria for assessment. Results mandate additional confirmatory validation studies with specific training on infant EEG arousal assessment criteria.

A reevaluation of the Pallett Creek earthquake chronology based on new AMS radiocarbon dates, San Andreas fault, California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scharer, Katherine M.; Biasi, Glenn P.; Weldon, Ray J., II

2011-12-01

The Pallett Creek paleoseismic record occupies a keystone position in most attempts to develop rupture histories for the southern San Andreas fault. Previous estimates of earthquake ages at Pallett Creek were determined by decay counting radiocarbon methods. That method requires large samples which can lead to unaccounted sources of uncertainty in radiocarbon ages because of the heterogeneous composition of organic layers. In contrast, accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon dates may be obtained from small samples that have known carbon sources and also allow for a more complete sampling of the section. We present 65 new AMS radiocarbon dates that span nine ground-rupturing earthquakes at Pallett Creek. Overall, the AMS dates are similar to and reveal no dramatic bias in the conventional dates. For many layers, however, individual charcoal samples were younger than the conventional dates, leading to earthquake ages that are overall slightly younger than previously reported. New earthquake ages are determined by Bayesian refinement of the layer ages based on stratigraphic ordering and sedimentological constraints. The new chronology is more regular than previously published records in large part due to new samples constraining the age of event R. The closed interval from event C to 1857 has a mean recurrence of 135 years (σ = 83.2 years) and a quasiperiodic coefficient of variation (COV) of 0.61. We show that the new dates and resultant earthquake chronology have a stronger effect on COV than the specific membership of this long series and dating precision improvements from sedimentation rates.

The parent magma of the Nakhla (SNC) meteorite: Reconciliation of composition estimates from magmatic inclusions and element partitioning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Treiman, A. H.

1993-01-01

The composition of the parent magma of the Nakhla meteorite was difficult to determine, because it is accumulate rock, enriched in olivine and augite relative to a basalt magma. A parent magma composition is estimated from electron microprobe area analyses of magmatic inclusions in olivine. This composition is consistent with an independent estimate based on the same inclusions, and with chemical equilibria with the cores of Nakhla's augites. This composition reconciles most of the previous estimates of Nakhla's magma composition, and obviates the need for complex magmatic processes. Inconsistency between this composition and those calculated previously suggests that magma flowed through and crystallized into Nakhla as it cooled.

Constant Fiber Number During Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and Modified Arachidonate Metabolism During Hypertrophy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Templeton, G.

1985-01-01

A previously documented shift from Type I to IIA predominance of the soleus muscle during rat suspension was further investigated to determine if this shift was by selective reduction of a single fiber type, simultaneous reduction and formation of fibers with different fiber types, or a transformation of fiber type by individual fibers. By partial acid digestion and dissection, average total soleus fiber number was found to be 3022 + or - 80 (SE) and 3008 + or - 64 before and after four-week suspension (n=12). Another area of current research was based on previous studies which indicate that prostaglandins are biosynthesized by skeletal muscle and evoke protein synthesis and degradation.

Venus - Global gravity and topography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcnamee, J. B.; Borderies, N. J.; Sjogren, W. L.

1993-01-01

A new gravity field determination that has been produced combines both the Pioneer Venus Orbiter (PVO) and the Magellan Doppler radio data. Comparisonsbetween this estimate, a spherical harmonic model of degree and order 21, and previous models show that significant improvements have been made. Results are displayed as gravity contours overlaying a topographic map. We also calculate a new spherical harmonic model of topography based on Magellan altimetry, with PVO altimetry included where gaps exist in the Magellan data. This model is also of degree and order 21, so in conjunction with the gravity model, Bouguer and isostatic anomaly maps can be produced. These results are very consistent with previous results, but reveal more spatial resolution in the higher latitudes.

Fast globally optimal segmentation of cells in fluorescence microscopy images.

PubMed

Bergeest, Jan-Philip; Rohr, Karl

2011-01-01

Accurate and efficient segmentation of cells in fluorescence microscopy images is of central importance for the quantification of protein expression in high-throughput screening applications. We propose a new approach for segmenting cell nuclei which is based on active contours and convex energy functionals. Compared to previous work, our approach determines the global solution. Thus, the approach does not suffer from local minima and the segmentation result does not depend on the initialization. We also suggest a numeric approach for efficiently computing the solution. The performance of our approach has been evaluated using fluorescence microscopy images of different cell types. We have also performed a quantitative comparison with previous segmentation approaches.

Q-PCR based bioburden assessment of drinking water throughout treatment and delivery to the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newcombe, David; Stuecker, Tara; La Duc, Myron; Venkateswaran, Kasthuri

2005-01-01

Previous studies indicated evidence of opportunistic pathogens samples obtained during missions to the International Space Station (ISS). This study utilized TaqMan quantitative PCR to determine specific gene abundance in potable and non-potable ISS waters. Probe and primer sets specific to the small subunit rRNA genes were used to elucidate overall bacterial rRNA gene numbers. while those specific for Burkholderia cepacia and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were optimized and used to probe for the presence of these two opportunistic pathogens. This research builds upon previous microbial diversity studies of ISS water and demonstrates the utility of Q-PCR tool to examine water quality.

Impact of intervention on breastfeeding outcomes and determinants based on theory of planned behavior.

PubMed

Zhu, Yu; Zhang, Zhihong; Ling, Yun; Wan, Hongwei

2017-04-01

Breastfeeding knowledge, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived control are significant determinants of breastfeeding, according to the theory of planned behavior (TPB). However, evidence concerning the effectiveness of the TPB-based intervention in breastfeeding promotion is sparse. Meanwhile, the changes of these determinants with time have not been examined in previous studies. To investigate the effectiveness of the TPB-based intervention program in improving exclusive breastfeeding, and the interaction of time and intervention on these determinants of breastfeeding. 285 primiparous mothers were included, with 157 mothers in the experimental group and 128 mothers in the control group. The experimental group received the TPB-based intervention program delivered during 6 weeks postpartum, while both the experimental and control groups received the standard obstetric care. Scores of breastfeeding knowledge, attitude and breastfeeding control increased with time from baseline to 6 weeks postpartum, while breastfeeding subjective norm decreased at 6 weeks both in the experimental and the control groups. Besides, scores of the four determinants were significantly higher in the experimental group than these in the control group at 3days and 6 weeks, except for breastfeeding control at 6 weeks, which resulted in the higher exclusive breastfeeding rates at 3days and 6 weeks in the experimental group than the control group. The TPB-based intervention was effective in promoting exclusive breastfeeding during 6 weeks postpartum. Future interventions are recommended to adjust intervention strategies with time, and give more focus on providing continued breastfeeding support after discharge. Copyright © 2016 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structural and catalytic effects of an invariant purine substitution in the hammerhead ribozyme: implications for the mechanism of acid–base catalysis

PubMed Central

Schultz, Eric P.; Vasquez, Ernesto E.; Scott, William G.

2014-01-01

The hammerhead ribozyme catalyzes RNA cleavage via acid–base catalysis. Whether it does so by general acid–base catalysis, in which the RNA itself donates and abstracts protons in the transition state, as is typically assumed, or by specific acid–base catalysis, in which the RNA plays a structural role and proton transfer is mediated by active-site water molecules, is unknown. Previous biochemical and crystallographic experiments implicate an invariant purine in the active site, G12, as the general base. However, G12 may play a structural role consistent with specific base catalysis. To better understand the role of G12 in the mechanism of hammerhead catalysis, a 2.2 Å resolution crystal structure of a hammerhead ribozyme from Schistosoma mansoni with a purine substituted for G12 in the active site of the ribozyme was obtained. Comparison of this structure (PDB entry 3zd4), in which A12 is substituted for G, with three previously determined structures that now serve as important experimental controls, allows the identification of structural perturbations that are owing to the purine substitution itself. Kinetic measurements for G12 purine-substituted schistosomal hammerheads confirm a previously observed dependence of rate on the pK a of the substituted purine; in both cases inosine, which is similar to G in pK a and hydrogen-bonding properties, is unexpectedly inactive. Structural comparisons indicate that this may primarily be owing to the lack of the exocyclic 2-amino group in the G12A and G12I substitutions and its structural effect upon both the nucleotide base and phosphate of A9. The latter involves the perturbation of a previously identified and well characterized metal ion-binding site known to be catalytically important in both minimal and full-length hammerhead ribozyme sequences. The results permit it to be suggested that G12 plays an important role in stabilizing the active-site structure. This result, although not inconsistent with the potential role of G12 as a general base, indicates that an alternative hammerhead cleavage mechanism involving specific base catalysis may instead explain the observed rate dependence upon purine substitutions at G12. The crystallographic results, contrary to previous assumptions, therefore cannot be interpreted to favor the general base catalysis mecahnism over the specific base catalysis mechanism. Instead, both of these mutually exclusive mechanistic alternatives must be considered in light of the current structural and biochemical data. PMID:25195740

Structural and catalytic effects of an invariant purine substitution in the hammerhead ribozyme: implications for the mechanism of acid-base catalysis.

PubMed

Schultz, Eric P; Vasquez, Ernesto E; Scott, William G

2014-09-01

The hammerhead ribozyme catalyzes RNA cleavage via acid-base catalysis. Whether it does so by general acid-base catalysis, in which the RNA itself donates and abstracts protons in the transition state, as is typically assumed, or by specific acid-base catalysis, in which the RNA plays a structural role and proton transfer is mediated by active-site water molecules, is unknown. Previous biochemical and crystallographic experiments implicate an invariant purine in the active site, G12, as the general base. However, G12 may play a structural role consistent with specific base catalysis. To better understand the role of G12 in the mechanism of hammerhead catalysis, a 2.2 Å resolution crystal structure of a hammerhead ribozyme from Schistosoma mansoni with a purine substituted for G12 in the active site of the ribozyme was obtained. Comparison of this structure (PDB entry 3zd4), in which A12 is substituted for G, with three previously determined structures that now serve as important experimental controls, allows the identification of structural perturbations that are owing to the purine substitution itself. Kinetic measurements for G12 purine-substituted schistosomal hammerheads confirm a previously observed dependence of rate on the pK(a) of the substituted purine; in both cases inosine, which is similar to G in pK(a) and hydrogen-bonding properties, is unexpectedly inactive. Structural comparisons indicate that this may primarily be owing to the lack of the exocyclic 2-amino group in the G12A and G12I substitutions and its structural effect upon both the nucleotide base and phosphate of A9. The latter involves the perturbation of a previously identified and well characterized metal ion-binding site known to be catalytically important in both minimal and full-length hammerhead ribozyme sequences. The results permit it to be suggested that G12 plays an important role in stabilizing the active-site structure. This result, although not inconsistent with the potential role of G12 as a general base, indicates that an alternative hammerhead cleavage mechanism involving specific base catalysis may instead explain the observed rate dependence upon purine substitutions at G12. The crystallographic results, contrary to previous assumptions, therefore cannot be interpreted to favor the general base catalysis mecahnism over the specific base catalysis mechanism. Instead, both of these mutually exclusive mechanistic alternatives must be considered in light of the current structural and biochemical data.

The social impacts of the heat-health watch/warning system in Phoenix, Arizona: assessing the perceived risk and response of the public.

PubMed

Kalkstein, Adam J; Sheridan, Scott C

2007-10-01

Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States. Although previous research suggests that social influences affect human responses to natural disaster warnings, no studies have examined the social impacts of heat or heat warnings on a population. Here, 201 surveys were distributed in Metropolitan Phoenix to determine the social impacts of the heat warning system, or more specifically, to gauge risk perception and warning response. Consistent with previous research, increased risk perception of heat results in increased response to a warning. Different social factors such as sex, race, age, and income all play an important role in determining whether or not people will respond to a warning. In particular, there is a strong sense of perceived risk to the heat among Hispanics which translates to increased response when heat warnings are issued. Based on these findings, suggestions are presented to help improve the Phoenix Heat Warning System.

Determination of zircon/melt trace element partition coefficients from SIMS analysis of melt inclusions in zircon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, J. B.; Bodnar, R. J.; Shimizu, N.; Sinha, A. K.

2002-09-01

Partition coefficients ( zircon/meltD M) for rare earth elements (REE) (La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Dy, Er and Yb) and other trace elements (Ba, Rb, B, Sr, Ti, Y and Nb) between zircon and melt have been calculated from secondary ion mass spectrometric (SIMS) analyses of zircon/melt inclusion pairs. The melt inclusion-mineral (MIM) technique shows that D REE increase in compatibility with increasing atomic number, similar to results of previous studies. However, D REE determined using the MIM technique are, in general, lower than previously reported values. Calculated D REE indicate that light REE with atomic numbers less than Sm are incompatible in zircon and become more incompatible with decreasing atomic number. This behavior is in contrast to most previously published results which indicate D > 1 and define a flat partitioning pattern for elements from La through Sm. The partition coefficients for the heavy REE determined using the MIM technique are lower than previously published results by factors of ≈15 to 20 but follow a similar trend. These differences are thought to reflect the effects of mineral and/or glass contaminants in samples from earlier studies which employed bulk analysis techniques. D REE determined using the MIM technique agree well with values predicted using the equations of Brice (1975), which are based on the size and elasticity of crystallographic sites. The presence of Ce 4+ in the melt results in elevated D Ce compared to neighboring REE due to the similar valence and size of Ce 4+ and Zr 4+. Predicted zircon/meltD values for Ce 4+ and Ce 3+ indicate that the Ce 4+/Ce 3+ ratios of the melt ranged from about 10 -3 to 10 -2. Partition coefficients for other trace elements determined in this study increase in compatibility in the order Ba < Rb < B < Sr < Ti < Y < Nb, with Ba, Rb, B and Sr showing incompatible behavior (D M < 1.0), and Ti, Y and Nb showing compatible behavior (D M > 1.0). The effect of partition coefficients on melt evolution during petrogenetic modeling was examined using partition coefficients determined in this study and compared to trends obtained using published partition coefficients. The lower D REE determined in this study result in smaller REE bulk distribution coefficients, for a given mineral assemblage, compared to those calculated using previously reported values. As an example, fractional crystallization of an assemblage composed of 35% hornblende, 64.5% plagioclase and 0.5% zircon produces a melt that becomes increasingly more enriched in Yb using the D Yb from this study. Using D Yb from Fujimaki (1986) results in a melt that becomes progressively depleted in Yb during crystallization.

Predicting repeat protein folding kinetics from an experimentally determined folding energy landscape

PubMed Central

Street, Timothy O; Barrick, Doug

2009-01-01

The Notch ankyrin domain is a repeat protein whose folding has been characterized through equilibrium and kinetic measurements. In previous work, equilibrium folding free energies of truncated constructs were used to generate an experimentally determined folding energy landscape (Mello and Barrick, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2004;101:14102–14107). Here, this folding energy landscape is used to parameterize a kinetic model in which local transition probabilities between partly folded states are based on energy values from the landscape. The landscape-based model correctly predicts highly diverse experimentally determined folding kinetics of the Notch ankyrin domain and sequence variants. These predictions include monophasic folding and biphasic unfolding, curvature in the unfolding limb of the chevron plot, population of a transient unfolding intermediate, relative folding rates of 19 variants spanning three orders of magnitude, and a change in the folding pathway that results from C-terminal stabilization. These findings indicate that the folding pathway(s) of the Notch ankyrin domain are thermodynamically selected: the primary determinants of kinetic behavior can be simply deduced from the local stability of individual repeats. PMID:19177351

New decision criteria for selecting delta check methods based on the ratio of the delta difference to the width of the reference range can be generally applicable for each clinical chemistry test item.

PubMed

Park, Sang Hyuk; Kim, So-Young; Lee, Woochang; Chun, Sail; Min, Won-Ki

2012-09-01

Many laboratories use 4 delta check methods: delta difference, delta percent change, rate difference, and rate percent change. However, guidelines regarding decision criteria for selecting delta check methods have not yet been provided. We present new decision criteria for selecting delta check methods for each clinical chemistry test item. We collected 811,920 and 669,750 paired (present and previous) test results for 27 clinical chemistry test items from inpatients and outpatients, respectively. We devised new decision criteria for the selection of delta check methods based on the ratio of the delta difference to the width of the reference range (DD/RR). Delta check methods based on these criteria were compared with those based on the CV% of the absolute delta difference (ADD) as well as those reported in 2 previous studies. The delta check methods suggested by new decision criteria based on the DD/RR ratio corresponded well with those based on the CV% of the ADD except for only 2 items each in inpatients and outpatients. Delta check methods based on the DD/RR ratio also corresponded with those suggested in the 2 previous studies, except for 1 and 7 items in inpatients and outpatients, respectively. The DD/RR method appears to yield more feasible and intuitive selection criteria and can easily explain changes in the results by reflecting both the biological variation of the test item and the clinical characteristics of patients in each laboratory. We suggest this as a measure to determine delta check methods.

SCS-CN parameter determination using rainfall-runoff data in heterogeneous watersheds. The two-CN system approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soulis, K. X.; Valiantzas, J. D.

2011-10-01

The Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) approach is widely used as a simple method for predicting direct runoff volume for a given rainfall event. The CN values can be estimated by being selected from tables. However, it is more accurate to estimate the CN value from measured rainfall-runoff data (assumed available) in a watershed. Previous researchers indicated that the CN values calculated from measured rainfall-runoff data vary systematically with the rainfall depth. They suggested the determination of a single asymptotic CN value observed for very high rainfall depths to characterize the watersheds' runoff response. In this paper, the novel hypothesis that the observed correlation between the calculated CN value and the rainfall depth in a watershed reflects the effect of the inevitable presence of soil-cover complex spatial variability along watersheds is being tested. Based on this hypothesis, the simplified concept of a two-CN heterogeneous system is introduced to model the observed CN-rainfall variation by reducing the CN spatial variability into two classes. The behavior of the CN-rainfall function produced by the proposed two-CN system concept is approached theoretically, it is analyzed systematically, and it is found to be similar to the variation observed in natural watersheds. Synthetic data tests, natural watersheds examples, and detailed study of two natural experimental watersheds with known spatial heterogeneity characteristics were used to evaluate the method. The results indicate that the determination of CN values from rainfall runoff data using the proposed two-CN system approach provides reasonable accuracy and it over performs the previous original method based on the determination of a single asymptotic CN value. Although the suggested method increases the number of unknown parameters to three (instead of one), a clear physical reasoning for them is presented.

Young, active radio stars in the AB Doradus moving group

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azulay, R.; Guirado, J. C.; Marcaide, J. M.; Martí-Vidal, I.; Ros, E.; Tognelli, E.; Hormuth, F.; Ortiz, J. L.

2017-06-01

Context. Precise determination of stellar masses is necessary to test the validity of pre-main-sequence (PMS) stellar evolutionary models, whose predictions are in disagreement with measurements for masses below 1.2 M⊙. To improve such a test, and based on our previous studies, we selected the AB Doradus moving group (AB Dor-MG) as the best-suited association on which to apply radio-based high-precision astrometric techniques to study binary systems. Aims: We seek to determine precise estimates of the masses of a set of stars belonging to the AB Dor-MG using radio and infrared observations. Methods: We observed in phase-reference mode with the Very Large Array (VLA) at 5 GHz and with the European VLBI Network (EVN) at 8.4 GHz the stars HD 160934, EK Dra, PW And, and LO Peg. We also observed some of these stars with the near-infrared CCD AstraLux camera at the Calar Alto observatory to complement the radio observations. Results: We determine model-independent dynamical masses of both components of the star HD 160934, A and c, which are 0.70 ± 0.07 M⊙ and 0.45 ± 0.04 M⊙, respectively. We revised the orbital parameters of EK Dra and we determine a sum of the masses of the system of 1.38 ± 0.08 M⊙. We also explored the binarity of the stars LO Peg and PW And. Conclusions: We found observational evidence that PMS evolutionary models underpredict the mass of PMS stars by 10%-40%, as previously reported by other authors. We also inferred that the origin of the radio emission must be similar in all observed stars, that is, extreme magnetic activity of the stellar corona that triggers gyrosynchrotron emission from non-thermal, accelerated electrons.

Comparison of the cognitive palatability assessment protocol and the two-pan test for use in assessing palatability of two similar foods in dogs.

PubMed

Araujo, Joseph A; Studzinski, Christa M; Larson, Brian T; Milgram, Norton W

2004-11-01

To compare preferences of dogs for 2 similar foods by use of 2 distinct methods (the cognitive palatability assessment protocol [CPAP] and the 2-pan test). 13 Beagles. 6 dogs were trained in a 3-choice object-discrimination-learning task in which their nonpreferred objects were associated with a reward of a lamb-based or chicken-based food. The number of choices for each object was used to determine food preferences. Preference of the same foods was also assessed by use of a 2-pan test in which all 13 dogs were provided the 2 foods in identical bowls. The amount of each food consumed in 10 minutes was used to determine food preference. All dogs had a noticeable preference for the chicken-based food during the CPAP. Once established, preferences remained consistent and were not affected by satiety. The 2-pan test identified a preference for the chicken-based food in dogs with previous exposure to the food but only a weak and nonsignificant preference for the same food in dogs without previous exposure. Food preferences in the 2-pan test varied considerably. Total food consumption and the ability to detect a preference were reduced when dogs were fed prior to testing. The CPAP provides a reliable measure of food preference that requires few test subjects. The 2-pan test reveals similar preferences but with variability in data that requires larger numbers of subjects and is susceptible to effects from prior exposure and feeding of the test foods to the subjects.

Global approach for the validation of an in-line Raman spectroscopic method to determine the API content in real-time during a hot-melt extrusion process.

PubMed

Netchacovitch, L; Thiry, J; De Bleye, C; Dumont, E; Cailletaud, J; Sacré, P-Y; Evrard, B; Hubert, Ph; Ziemons, E

2017-08-15

Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a guidance based on the Process Analytical Technology (PAT) approach, real-time analyses during manufacturing processes are in real expansion. In this study, in-line Raman spectroscopic analyses were performed during a Hot-Melt Extrusion (HME) process to determine the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) content in real-time. The method was validated based on a univariate and a multivariate approach and the analytical performances of the obtained models were compared. Moreover, on one hand, in-line data were correlated with the real API concentration present in the sample quantified by a previously validated off-line confocal Raman microspectroscopic method. On the other hand, in-line data were also treated in function of the concentration based on the weighing of the components in the prepared mixture. The importance of developing quantitative methods based on the use of a reference method was thus highlighted. The method was validated according to the total error approach fixing the acceptance limits at ±15% and the α risk at ±5%. This method reaches the requirements of the European Pharmacopeia norms for the uniformity of content of single-dose preparations. The validation proves that future results will be in the acceptance limits with a previously defined probability. Finally, the in-line validated method was compared with the off-line one to demonstrate its ability to be used in routine analyses. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prediction of new ground-state crystal structure of T a2O5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yong; Kawazoe, Yoshiyuki

2018-03-01

Tantalum pentoxide (T a2O5 ) is a wide-gap semiconductor which has important technological applications. Despite the enormous efforts from both experimental and theoretical studies, the ground-state crystal structure of T a2O5 is not yet uniquely determined. Based on first-principles calculations in combination with evolutionary algorithm, we identify a triclinic phase of T a2O5 , which is energetically much more stable than any phases or structural models reported previously. Characterization of the static and dynamical properties of the phase reveals the common features shared with previous metastable phases of T a2O5 . In particular, we show that the d spacing of ˜3.8 Å found in the x-ray diffraction patterns of many previous experimental works is actually the radius of the second Ta-Ta coordination shell as defined by radial distribution functions.

Is email a reliable means of contacting authors of previously published papers? A study of the Emergency Medicine Journal for 2001.

PubMed

O'Leary, F

2003-07-01

To determine whether it is possible to contact authors of previously published papers via email. A cross sectional study of the Emergency Medicine Journal for 2001. 118 articles were included in the study. The response rate from those with valid email addresses was 73%. There was no statistical difference between the type of email address used and the address being invalid (p=0.392) or between the type of article and the likelihood of a reply (p=0.197). More responses were obtained from work addresses when compared with Hotmail addresses (86% v 57%, p=0.02). Email is a valid means of contacting authors of previously published articles, particularly within the emergency medicine specialty. A work based email address may be a more valid means of contact than a Hotmail address.

Lipophilicity assessment of basic drugs (log P(o/w) determination) by a chromatographic method.

PubMed

Pallicer, Juan M; Sales, Joaquim; Rosés, Martí; Ràfols, Clara; Bosch, Elisabeth

2011-09-16

A previously reported chromatographic method to determine the 1-octanol/water partition coefficient (log P(o/w)) of organic compounds is used to estimate the hydrophobicity of bases, mainly commercial drugs with diverse chemical nature and pK(a) values higher than 9. For that reason, mobile phases buffered at high pH to avoid the ionization of the solutes and three different columns (Phenomenex Gemini NX, Waters XTerra RP-18 and Waters XTerra MS C(18)) with appropriate alkaline-resistant stationary phases have been used. Non-ionizable substances studied in previous works were also included in the set of compounds to evaluate the consistency of the method. The results showed that all the columns provide good estimations of the log P(o/w) for most of the compounds included in this study. The Gemini NX column has been selected to calculate log P(o/w) values of the set of studied drugs, and really good correlations between the determined log P(o/w) values and those considered as reference were obtained, proving the ability of the procedure for the lipophilicity assessment of bioactive compounds with very different structures and functionalities. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of microgravity on plant growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewis, Norman G.

1994-01-01

The overall goal of this research is to determine the effect of microgravity proper on plant growth (metabolism and cell wall formation). In addressing this goal, the work conducted during this grant period was divided into three components: analyses of various plant tissues previously grown in space aboard MIR Space Station; analyses of wheat tissues grown on Shuttle flight STS-51; and Phenylpropanoid metabolism and plant cell wall synthesis (earth-based investigations).

Army Leader Development Strategy: Developing Brigade Level Leaders through Balance, Emphasis, and Approach

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-13

accompanying assumption is that over a decade of 5 combat operations has created gaps in leader development visible at all levels of leadership. The third...future potential will steer leaders toward positions based on their aptitude rather than their previous experience and performance. This would...provides no metrics for determining how well leader development is understood from a pedagogical perspective. Lastly, responses indicate that a

Modulation of Thalamic Somatosensory Neurons by Arousal and Attention

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-08-23

posterior lateral thalamus of the awake , behaving monkey that respond to somatosensory stimuli applied to the body surface. - to detect and quantfy...tested in pilot experiments to determine their feasibility for use in the awake monkey. These are discussed under the appropriate sections below. I I l~i...somatosensory responsiveness. This model is based on focal cortical suppression using MgSO 4 . Our previous experiments in the anesthetized and awake

Effects of post-fire salvage logging and a skid trail treatment on ground cover, soils, and sediment production in the interior western United States

Treesearch

Joseph W. Wagenbrenner; Lee H. MacDonald; Robert N. Coats; Peter R. Robichaud; Robert E. Brown

2015-01-01

Post-fire salvage logging adds another set of environmental effects to recently burned areas, and previous studies have reported varying impacts on vegetation, soil disturbance, and sediment production with limited data on the underlying processes. Our objectives were to determine how: (1) ground-based post-fire logging affects surface cover, soil water repellency,...

Physical Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain in North Carolina: Overuse, Underuse, or Misuse?

PubMed Central

Carey, Timothy S.; Holmes, George M.

2011-01-01

Background There are limited population-based studies of determinants of physical therapy use for chronic low back pain (LBP) and of the types of treatments received by individuals who see a physical therapist. Objective The purposes of this study were: (1) to identify determinants of physical therapy use for chronic LBP, (2) to describe physical therapy treatments for chronic LBP, and (3) to compare use of treatments with current best evidence on care for this condition. Design This study was a cross-sectional, population-based telephone survey of North Carolinians. Methods Five hundred eighty-eight individuals with chronic LBP who had sought care in the previous year were surveyed on their health and health care use. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to identify predisposing, enabling, and need characteristics associated with physical therapy use. Descriptive analyses were conducted to determine the use of physical treatments for individuals who saw a physical therapist. Use of treatments was compared with evidence from systematic reviews. Results Of our sample, 29.7% had seen a physical therapist in the previous year, with a mean of 15.6 visits. In multivariable analyses, receiving workers' compensation, seeing physician specialists, and higher Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-12) physical component scores were positively associated with physical therapy use. Having no health insurance was negatively associated with physical therapy use. Exercise was the most frequent treatment received (75% of sample), and traction was the least frequent treatment received (7%). Some effective treatments were underutilized, whereas some ineffective treatments were overutilized. Limitations Only one state was examined, and findings were based on patient report. Conclusions Fewer than one third of individuals with chronic LBP saw a physical therapist. Health-related and non–health-related factors were associated with physical therapy use. Individuals who saw a physical therapist did not always receive evidence-based treatments. There are potential opportunities for improving access to and quality of physical therapy for chronic LBP. PMID:21330449

A MELD-based model to determine risk of mortality among patients with acute variceal bleeding.

PubMed

Reverter, Enric; Tandon, Puneeta; Augustin, Salvador; Turon, Fanny; Casu, Stefania; Bastiampillai, Ravin; Keough, Adam; Llop, Elba; González, Antonio; Seijo, Susana; Berzigotti, Annalisa; Ma, Mang; Genescà, Joan; Bosch, Jaume; García-Pagán, Joan Carles; Abraldes, Juan G

2014-02-01

Patients with cirrhosis with acute variceal bleeding (AVB) have high mortality rates (15%-20%). Previously described models are seldom used to determine prognoses of these patients, partially because they have not been validated externally and because they include subjective variables, such as bleeding during endoscopy and Child-Pugh score, which are evaluated inconsistently. We aimed to improve determination of risk for patients with AVB. We analyzed data collected from 178 patients with cirrhosis (Child-Pugh scores of A, B, and C: 15%, 57%, and 28%, respectively) and esophageal AVB who received standard therapy from 2007 through 2010. We tested the performance (discrimination and calibration) of previously described models, including the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), and developed a new MELD calibration to predict the mortality of patients within 6 weeks of presentation with AVB. MELD-based predictions were validated in cohorts of patients from Canada (n = 240) and Spain (n = 221). Among study subjects, the 6-week mortality rate was 16%. MELD was the best model in terms of discrimination; it was recalibrated to predict the 6-week mortality rate with logistic regression (logit, -5.312 + 0.207 • MELD; bootstrapped R(2), 0.3295). MELD values of 19 or greater predicted 20% or greater mortality, whereas MELD scores less than 11 predicted less than 5% mortality. The model performed well for patients from Canada at all risk levels. In the Spanish validation set, in which all patients were treated with banding ligation, MELD predictions were accurate up to the 20% risk threshold. We developed a MELD-based model that accurately predicts mortality among patients with AVB, based on objective variables available at admission. This model could be useful to evaluate the efficacy of new therapies and stratify patients in randomized trials. Copyright © 2014 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A spherical harmonics intensity model for 3D segmentation and 3D shape analysis of heterochromatin foci.

PubMed

Eck, Simon; Wörz, Stefan; Müller-Ott, Katharina; Hahn, Matthias; Biesdorf, Andreas; Schotta, Gunnar; Rippe, Karsten; Rohr, Karl

2016-08-01

The genome is partitioned into regions of euchromatin and heterochromatin. The organization of heterochromatin is important for the regulation of cellular processes such as chromosome segregation and gene silencing, and their misregulation is linked to cancer and other diseases. We present a model-based approach for automatic 3D segmentation and 3D shape analysis of heterochromatin foci from 3D confocal light microscopy images. Our approach employs a novel 3D intensity model based on spherical harmonics, which analytically describes the shape and intensities of the foci. The model parameters are determined by fitting the model to the image intensities using least-squares minimization. To characterize the 3D shape of the foci, we exploit the computed spherical harmonics coefficients and determine a shape descriptor. We applied our approach to 3D synthetic image data as well as real 3D static and real 3D time-lapse microscopy images, and compared the performance with that of previous approaches. It turned out that our approach yields accurate 3D segmentation results and performs better than previous approaches. We also show that our approach can be used for quantifying 3D shape differences of heterochromatin foci. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Finger-Vein Image Enhancement Using a Fuzzy-Based Fusion Method with Gabor and Retinex Filtering

PubMed Central

Shin, Kwang Yong; Park, Young Ho; Nguyen, Dat Tien; Park, Kang Ryoung

2014-01-01

Because of the advantages of finger-vein recognition systems such as live detection and usage as bio-cryptography systems, they can be used to authenticate individual people. However, images of finger-vein patterns are typically unclear because of light scattering by the skin, optical blurring, and motion blurring, which can degrade the performance of finger-vein recognition systems. In response to these issues, a new enhancement method for finger-vein images is proposed. Our method is novel compared with previous approaches in four respects. First, the local and global features of the vein lines of an input image are amplified using Gabor filters in four directions and Retinex filtering, respectively. Second, the means and standard deviations in the local windows of the images produced after Gabor and Retinex filtering are used as inputs for the fuzzy rule and fuzzy membership function, respectively. Third, the optimal weights required to combine the two Gabor and Retinex filtered images are determined using a defuzzification method. Fourth, the use of a fuzzy-based method means that image enhancement does not require additional training data to determine the optimal weights. Experimental results using two finger-vein databases showed that the proposed method enhanced the accuracy of finger-vein recognition compared with previous methods. PMID:24549251

Validity of strong lensing statistics for constraints on the galaxy evolution model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsumoto, Akiko; Futamase, Toshifumi

2008-02-01

We examine the usefulness of the strong lensing statistics to constrain the evolution of the number density of lensing galaxies by adopting the values of the cosmological parameters determined by recent Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe observation. For this purpose, we employ the lens-redshift test proposed by Kochanek and constrain the parameters in two evolution models, simple power-law model characterized by the power-law indexes νn and νv, and the evolution model by Mitchell et al. based on cold dark matter structure formation scenario. We use the well-defined lens sample from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and this is similarly sized samples used in the previous studies. Furthermore, we adopt the velocity dispersion function of early-type galaxies based on SDSS DR1 and DR5. It turns out that the indexes of power-law model are consistent with the previous studies, thus our results indicate the mild evolution in the number and velocity dispersion of early-type galaxies out to z = 1. However, we found that the values for p and q used by Mitchell et al. are inconsistent with the presently available observational data. More complete sample is necessary to withdraw more realistic determination on these parameters.

Non-invasive fetal sex determination by maternal plasma sequencing and application in X-linked disorder counseling.

PubMed

Pan, Xiaoyu; Zhang, Chunlei; Li, Xuchao; Chen, Shengpei; Ge, Huijuan; Zhang, Yanyan; Chen, Fang; Jiang, Hui; Jiang, Fuman; Zhang, Hongyun; Wang, Wei; Zhang, Xiuqing

2014-12-01

To develop a fetal sex determination method based on maternal plasma sequencing (MPS), assess its performance and potential use in X-linked disorder counseling. 900 cases of MPS data from a previous study were reviewed, in which 100 and 800 cases were used as training and validation set, respectively. The percentage of uniquely mapped sequencing reads on Y chromosome was calculated and used to classify male and female cases. Eight pregnant women who are carriers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) mutations were recruited, whose plasma were subjected to multiplex sequencing and fetal sex determination analysis. In the training set, a sensitivity of 96% and false positive rate of 0% for male cases detection were reached in our method. The blinded validation results showed 421 in 423 male cases and 374 in 377 female cases were successfully identified, revealing sensitivity and specificity of 99.53% and 99.20% for fetal sex determination, at as early as 12 gestational weeks. Fetal sex for all eight DMD genetic counseling cases were correctly identified, which were confirmed by amniocentesis. Based on MPS, high accuracy of non-invasive fetal sex determination can be achieved. This method can potentially be used for prenatal genetic counseling.

On determining the most appropriate test cut-off value: the case of tests with continuous results

PubMed Central

Habibzadeh, Parham; Yadollahie, Mahboobeh

2016-01-01

There are several criteria for determination of the most appropriate cut-off value in a diagnostic test with continuous results. Mostly based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, there are various methods to determine the test cut-off value. The most common criteria are the point on ROC curve where the sensitivity and specificity of the test are equal; the point on the curve with minimum distance from the left-upper corner of the unit square; and the point where the Youden’s index is maximum. There are also methods mainly based on Bayesian decision analysis. Herein, we show that a proposed method that maximizes the weighted number needed to misdiagnose, an index of diagnostic test effectiveness we previously proposed, is the most appropriate technique compared to the aforementioned ones. For determination of the cut-off value, we need to know the pretest probability of the disease of interest as well as the costs incurred by misdiagnosis. This means that even for a certain diagnostic test, the cut-off value is not universal and should be determined for each region and for each disease condition. PMID:27812299

Integration of multiple determinants in the neuronal computation of economic values.

PubMed

Raghuraman, Anantha P; Padoa-Schioppa, Camillo

2014-08-27

Economic goods may vary on multiple dimensions (determinants). A central conjecture in decision neuroscience is that choices between goods are made by comparing subjective values computed through the integration of all relevant determinants. Previous work identified three groups of neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) of monkeys engaged in economic choices: (1) offer value cells, which encode the value of individual offers; (2) chosen value cells, which encode the value of the chosen good; and (3) chosen juice cells, which encode the identity of the chosen good. In principle, these populations could be sufficient to generate a decision. Critically, previous work did not assess whether offer value cells (the putative input to the decision) indeed encode subjective values as opposed to physical properties of the goods, and/or whether offer value cells integrate multiple determinants. To address these issues, we recorded from the OFC while monkeys chose between risky outcomes. Confirming previous observations, three populations of neurons encoded the value of individual offers, the value of the chosen option, and the value-independent choice outcome. The activity of both offer value cells and chosen value cells encoded values defined by the integration of juice quantity and probability. Furthermore, both populations reflected the subjective risk attitude of the animals. We also found additional groups of neurons encoding the risk associated with a particular option, the risky nature of the chosen option, and whether the trial outcome was positive or negative. These results provide substantial support for the conjecture described above and for the involvement of OFC in good-based decisions. Copyright © 2014 the authors 0270-6474/14/3311583-21$15.00/0.

The oxidation state of Fe in MORB glasses and the oxygen fugacity of the upper mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cottrell, Elizabeth; Kelley, Katherine A.

2011-05-01

Micro-analytical determination of Fe3+/∑Fe ratios in mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) glasses using micro X-ray absorption near edge structure (μ-XANES) spectroscopy reveals a substantially more oxidized upper mantle than determined by previous studies. Here, we show that global MORBs yield average Fe3+/∑Fe ratios of 0.16 ± 0.01 (n = 103), which trace back to primary MORB melts equilibrated at the conditions of the quartz-fayalite-magnetite (QFM) buffer. Our results necessitate an upward revision of the Fe3+/∑Fe ratios of MORBs, mantle oxygen fugacity, and the ferric iron content of the mantle relative to previous wet chemical determinations. We show that only 0.01 (absolute, or < 10%) of the difference between Fe3+/∑Fe ratios determined by micro-colorimety and XANES can be attributed to the Mössbauer-based XANES calibration. The difference must instead derive from a bias between micro-colorimetry performed on experimental vs. natural basalts. Co-variations of Fe3+/∑Fe ratios in global MORB with indices of low-pressure fractional crystallization are consistent with Fe3+ behaving incompatibly in shallow MORB magma chambers. MORB Fe3+/∑Fe ratios do not, however, vary with indices of the extent of mantle melting (e.g., Na2O(8)) or water concentration. We offer two hypotheses to explain these observations: The bulk partition coefficient of Fe3+ may be higher during peridotite melting than previously thought, and may vary with temperature, or redox exchange between sulfide and sulfate species could buffer mantle melting at ~ QFM. Both explanations, in combination with the measured MORB Fe3+/∑Fe ratios, point to a fertile MORB source with greater than 0.3 wt.% Fe2O3.

Systematic analysis of protein turnover in primary cells.

PubMed

Mathieson, Toby; Franken, Holger; Kosinski, Jan; Kurzawa, Nils; Zinn, Nico; Sweetman, Gavain; Poeckel, Daniel; Ratnu, Vikram S; Schramm, Maike; Becher, Isabelle; Steidel, Michael; Noh, Kyung-Min; Bergamini, Giovanna; Beck, Martin; Bantscheff, Marcus; Savitski, Mikhail M

2018-02-15

A better understanding of proteostasis in health and disease requires robust methods to determine protein half-lives. Here we improve the precision and accuracy of peptide ion intensity-based quantification, enabling more accurate protein turnover determination in non-dividing cells by dynamic SILAC-based proteomics. This approach allows exact determination of protein half-lives ranging from 10 to >1000 h. We identified 4000-6000 proteins in several non-dividing cell types, corresponding to 9699 unique protein identifications over the entire data set. We observed similar protein half-lives in B-cells, natural killer cells and monocytes, whereas hepatocytes and mouse embryonic neurons show substantial differences. Our data set extends and statistically validates the previous observation that subunits of protein complexes tend to have coherent turnover. Moreover, analysis of different proteasome and nuclear pore complex assemblies suggests that their turnover rate is architecture dependent. These results illustrate that our approach allows investigating protein turnover and its implications in various cell types.

Tissue oxygen measurement system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soller, Babs R. (Inventor)

2004-01-01

A device and method in accordance with the invention for determining the oxygen partial pressure (PO.sub.2) of a tissue by irradiating the tissue with optical radiation such that the light is emitted from the tissue, and by collecting the reflected or transmitted light from the tissue to form an optical spectrum. A spectral processor determines the PO.sub.2 level in tissue by processing this spectrum with a previously-constructed spectral calibration model. The tissue may, for example, be disposed underneath a covering tissue, such as skin, of a patient, and the tissue illuminated and light collected through the skin. Alternatively, direct tissue illumination and collection may be effected with a hand-held or endoscopic probe. A preferred system also determines pH from the same spectrum, and the processor may determine critical conditions and issue warnings based on parameter values.

LATERAL HEAT FLOW INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY FOR THICKNESS INDEPENDENT DETERMINATION OF THERMAL DIFFUSIVITY IN CFRP

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

Tralshawala, Nilesh; Howard, Don; Knight, Bryon

2008-02-28

In conventional infrared thermography, determination of thermal diffusivity requires thickness information. Recently GE has been experimenting with the use of lateral heat flow to determine thermal diffusivity without thickness information. This work builds on previous work at NASA Langley and Wayne State University but we incorporate thermal time of flight (tof) analysis rather than curve fitting to obtain quantitative information. We have developed appropriate theoretical models and a tof based data analysis framework to experimentally determine all components of thermal diffusivity from the time-temperature measurements. Initial validation was carried out using finite difference simulations. Experimental validation was done using anisotropicmore » carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. We found that in the CFRP samples used, the in-plane component of diffusivity is about eight times larger than the through-thickness component.« less

Shear-wave velocity-based probabilistic and deterministic assessment of seismic soil liquefaction potential

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kayen, R.; Moss, R.E.S.; Thompson, E.M.; Seed, R.B.; Cetin, K.O.; Der Kiureghian, A.; Tanaka, Y.; Tokimatsu, K.

2013-01-01

Shear-wave velocity (Vs) offers a means to determine the seismic resistance of soil to liquefaction by a fundamental soil property. This paper presents the results of an 11-year international project to gather new Vs site data and develop probabilistic correlations for seismic soil liquefaction occurrence. Toward that objective, shear-wave velocity test sites were identified, and measurements made for 301 new liquefaction field case histories in China, Japan, Taiwan, Greece, and the United States over a decade. The majority of these new case histories reoccupy those previously investigated by penetration testing. These new data are combined with previously published case histories to build a global catalog of 422 case histories of Vs liquefaction performance. Bayesian regression and structural reliability methods facilitate a probabilistic treatment of the Vs catalog for performance-based engineering applications. Where possible, uncertainties of the variables comprising both the seismic demand and the soil capacity were estimated and included in the analysis, resulting in greatly reduced overall model uncertainty relative to previous studies. The presented data set and probabilistic analysis also help resolve the ancillary issues of adjustment for soil fines content and magnitude scaling factors.

Use of the Budyko Framework to Estimate the Virtual Water Content in Shijiazhuang Plain, North China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, E.; Yin, X.

2017-12-01

One of the most challenging steps in implementing analysis of virtual water content (VWC) of agricultural crops is how to properly assess the volume of consumptive water use (CWU) for crop production. In practice, CWU is considered equivalent to the crop evapotranspiration (ETc). Following the crop coefficient method, ETc can be calculated under standard or non-standard conditions by multiplying the reference evapotranspiration (ET0) by one or a few coefficients. However, when current crop growing conditions deviate from standard conditions, accurately determining the coefficients under non-standard conditions remains to be a complicated process and requires lots of field experimental data. Based on regional surface water-energy balance, this research integrates the Budyko framework into the traditional crop coefficient approach to simplify the coefficients determination. This new method enables us to assess the volume of agricultural VWC only based on some hydrometeorological data and agricultural statistic data in regional scale. To demonstrate the new method, we apply it to the Shijiazhuang Plain, which is an agricultural irrigation area in the North China Plain. The VWC of winter wheat and summer maize is calculated and we further subdivide VWC into blue and green water components. Compared with previous studies in this study area, VWC calculated by the Budyko-based crop coefficient approach uses less data and agrees well with some of the previous research. It shows that this new method may serve as a more convenient tool for assessing VWC.

Potential Use of {sup 18}F-fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography–Based Quantitative Imaging Features for Guiding Dose Escalation in Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

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

Fried, David V., E-mail: dvfried@mdanderson.org; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; Mawlawi, Osama

2016-02-01

Purpose: To determine whether previously identified quantitative image features (QIFs) based on {sup 18}F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) (co-occurrence matrix energy and solidity) are able to isolate subgroups of patients who would receive a benefit or detriment from dose escalation in terms of overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS). Methods and Materials: Subgroups of a previously analyzed 225 patient cohort were generated with the use of 5-percentile increment cutoff values of disease solidity and primary tumor co-occurrence matrix energy. The subgroups were analyzed with a log-rank test to determine whether there was a difference in OS and PFS betweenmore » patients treated with 60 to 70 Gy and those receiving 74 Gy. Results: In the entire patient cohort, there was no statistical difference in terms of OS or PFS between patients receiving 74 Gy and those receiving 60 to 70 Gy. It was qualitatively observed that as disease solidity and primary co-occurrence matrix energy increased, patients receiving 74 Gy had an improved OS and PFS compared with those receiving 60 to 70 Gy. The opposite trend (detriment of receiving 74 Gy) was also observed regarding low values of disease solidity and primary co-occurrence matrix energy. Conclusions: FDG-PET–based QIFs were found to be capable of isolating subgroups of patients who received a benefit or detriment from dose escalation.« less

Directed Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells Using a Bead-Based Combinatorial Screening Method

PubMed Central

Tarunina, Marina; Hernandez, Diana; Johnson, Christopher J.; Rybtsov, Stanislav; Ramathas, Vidya; Jeyakumar, Mylvaganam; Watson, Thomas; Hook, Lilian; Medvinsky, Alexander; Mason, Chris; Choo, Yen

2014-01-01

We have developed a rapid, bead-based combinatorial screening method to determine optimal combinations of variables that direct stem cell differentiation to produce known or novel cell types having pre-determined characteristics. Here we describe three experiments comprising stepwise exposure of mouse or human embryonic cells to 10,000 combinations of serum-free differentiation media, through which we discovered multiple novel, efficient and robust protocols to generate a number of specific hematopoietic and neural lineages. We further demonstrate that the technology can be used to optimize existing protocols in order to substitute costly growth factors with bioactive small molecules and/or increase cell yield, and to identify in vitro conditions for the production of rare developmental intermediates such as an embryonic lymphoid progenitor cell that has not previously been reported. PMID:25251366

A Non-parametric Approach to Constrain the Transfer Function in Reverberation Mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yan-Rong; Wang, Jian-Min; Bai, Jin-Ming

2016-11-01

Broad emission lines of active galactic nuclei stem from a spatially extended region (broad-line region, BLR) that is composed of discrete clouds and photoionized by the central ionizing continuum. The temporal behaviors of these emission lines are blurred echoes of continuum variations (I.e., reverberation mapping, RM) and directly reflect the structures and kinematic information of BLRs through the so-called transfer function (also known as the velocity-delay map). Based on the previous works of Rybicki and Press and Zu et al., we develop an extended, non-parametric approach to determine the transfer function for RM data, in which the transfer function is expressed as a sum of a family of relatively displaced Gaussian response functions. Therefore, arbitrary shapes of transfer functions associated with complicated BLR geometry can be seamlessly included, enabling us to relax the presumption of a specified transfer function frequently adopted in previous studies and to let it be determined by observation data. We formulate our approach in a previously well-established framework that incorporates the statistical modeling of continuum variations as a damped random walk process and takes into account long-term secular variations which are irrelevant to RM signals. The application to RM data shows the fidelity of our approach.

Tensor scale-based fuzzy connectedness image segmentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha, Punam K.; Udupa, Jayaram K.

2003-05-01

Tangible solutions to image segmentation are vital in many medical imaging applications. Toward this goal, a framework based on fuzzy connectedness was developed in our laboratory. A fundamental notion called "affinity" - a local fuzzy hanging togetherness relation on voxels - determines the effectiveness of this segmentation framework in real applications. In this paper, we introduce the notion of "tensor scale" - a recently developed local morphometric parameter - in affinity definition and study its effectiveness. Although, our previous notion of "local scale" using the spherical model successfully incorporated local structure size into affinity and resulted in measureable improvements in segmentation results, a major limitation of the previous approach was that it ignored local structural orientation and anisotropy. The current approach of using tensor scale in affinity computation allows an effective utilization of local size, orientation, and ansiotropy in a unified manner. Tensor scale is used for computing both the homogeneity- and object-feature-based components of affinity. Preliminary results of the proposed method on several medical images and computer generated phantoms of realistic shapes are presented. Further extensions of this work are discussed.

Design and damping force characterization of a new magnetorheological damper activated by permanent magnet flux dispersion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Tae-Hoon; Han, Chulhee; Choi, Seung-Bok

2018-01-01

This work proposes a novel type of tunable magnetorheological (MR) damper operated based solely on the location of a permanent magnet incorporated into the piston. To create a larger damping force variation in comparison with the previous model, a different design configuration of the permanent-magnet-based MR (PMMR) damper is introduced to provide magnetic flux dispersion in two magnetic circuits by utilizing two materials with different magnetic reluctance. After discussing the design configuration and some advantages of the newly designed mechanism, the magnetic dispersion principle is analyzed through both the formulated analytical model of the magnetic circuit and the computer simulation based on the magnetic finite element method. Sequentially, the principal design parameters of the damper are determined and fabricated. Then, experiments are conducted to evaluate the variation in damping force depending on the location of the magnet. It is demonstrated that the new design and magnetic dispersion concept are valid showing higher damping force than the previous model. In addition, a curved structure of the two materials is further fabricated and tested to realize the linearity of the damping force variation.

Presentation accuracy of the web revisited: animation methods in the HTML5 era.

PubMed

Garaizar, Pablo; Vadillo, Miguel A; López-de-Ipiña, Diego

2014-01-01

Using the Web to run behavioural and social experiments quickly and efficiently has become increasingly popular in recent years, but there is some controversy about the suitability of using the Web for these objectives. Several studies have analysed the accuracy and precision of different web technologies in order to determine their limitations. This paper updates the extant evidence about presentation accuracy and precision of the Web and extends the study of the accuracy and precision in the presentation of multimedia stimuli to HTML5-based solutions, which were previously untested. The accuracy and precision in the presentation of visual content in classic web technologies is acceptable for use in online experiments, although some results suggest that these technologies should be used with caution in certain circumstances. Declarative animations based on CSS are the best alternative when animation intervals are above 50 milliseconds. The performance of procedural web technologies based on the HTML5 standard is similar to that of previous web technologies. These technologies are being progressively adopted by the scientific community and have promising futures, which makes their use advisable to utilizing more obsolete technologies.

Wavelet based detection of manatee vocalizations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gur, Berke M.; Niezrecki, Christopher

2005-04-01

The West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) has become endangered partly because of watercraft collisions in Florida's coastal waterways. Several boater warning systems, based upon manatee vocalizations, have been proposed to reduce the number of collisions. Three detection methods based on the Fourier transform (threshold, harmonic content and autocorrelation methods) were previously suggested and tested. In the last decade, the wavelet transform has emerged as an alternative to the Fourier transform and has been successfully applied in various fields of science and engineering including the acoustic detection of dolphin vocalizations. As of yet, no prior research has been conducted in analyzing manatee vocalizations using the wavelet transform. Within this study, the wavelet transform is used as an alternative to the Fourier transform in detecting manatee vocalizations. The wavelet coefficients are analyzed and tested against a specified criterion to determine the existence of a manatee call. The performance of the method presented is tested on the same data previously used in the prior studies, and the results are compared. Preliminary results indicate that using the wavelet transform as a signal processing technique to detect manatee vocalizations shows great promise.

Stability of colloidal gold and determination of the Hamaker constant

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

Demirci, S.; Enuestuen, B.V.; Turkevich, J.

1978-12-14

Previous computation of stability factors of colloidal gold from coagulation data was found to be in systematic error due to an underestimation of the particle concentration by electron microscopy. A new experimental technique was developed for determination of this concentration. Stability factors were recalculated from the previous data using the correct concentration. While most of the previously reported conclusions remain unchanged, the absolute rate of fast coagulation is found to agree with that predicted by the theory. A value of the Hamaker constant was determined from the corrected data.

Bromamine Decomposition Revisited: A Holistic Approach for Analyzing Acid and Base Catalysis Kinetics.

PubMed

Wahman, David G; Speitel, Gerald E; Katz, Lynn E

2017-11-21

Chloramine chemistry is complex, with a variety of reactions occurring in series and parallel and many that are acid or base catalyzed, resulting in numerous rate constants. Bromide presence increases system complexity even further with possible bromamine and bromochloramine formation. Therefore, techniques for parameter estimation must address this complexity through thoughtful experimental design and robust data analysis approaches. The current research outlines a rational basis for constrained data fitting using Brønsted theory, application of the microscopic reversibility principle to reversible acid or base catalyzed reactions, and characterization of the relative significance of parallel reactions using fictive product tracking. This holistic approach was used on a comprehensive and well-documented data set for bromamine decomposition, allowing new interpretations of existing data by revealing that a previously published reaction scheme was not robust; it was not able to describe monobromamine or dibromamine decay outside of the conditions for which it was calibrated. The current research's simplified model (3 reactions, 17 constants) represented the experimental data better than the previously published model (4 reactions, 28 constants). A final model evaluation was conducted based on representative drinking water conditions to determine a minimal model (3 reactions, 8 constants) applicable for drinking water conditions.

Sliding durability of two carbide-oxide candidate high temperature fiber seal materials in air to 900 C

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dellacorte, Christopher; Steinetz, Bruce M.

1992-01-01

A test program to determine the friction and wear properties of two complex carbide oxide ceramic fibers for high temperature sliding seal applications is described. The fibers are based on Si, C, O, and Ti or Si, C, N, and O ceramic systems. Pin on disk tests using ceramic fiber covered pins and Inconel 718 disks, were conducted in air from 25 to 900 C to evaluate potential seal materials. This testing procedure was used in a previous study of oxide ceramic fibers which were found to exhibit wear behavior based predominantly on their mechanical properties. Like the oxide fibers tested previously, these carbide oxide ceramic fibers, show an increase in friction and wear with increased test temperature. At room temperature, the wear behavior seems to be based upon mechanical properties, namely tensile strength. At 500 and especially 900 C, the fibers wear by both mechanical fracture and by oxidative type wear. Based upon post test microscopic and x ray analyses, interaction between the fiber constituents and elements transferred from the counterface, namely Ni and Cr, may have occurred enhancing the tribochemical wear process. These results are interpreted.

Structure of the human MLH1 N-terminus: implications for predisposition to Lynch syndrome

DOE PAGES

Wu, Hong; Zeng, Hong; Lam, Robert; ...

2015-08-01

Mismatch repair prevents the accumulation of erroneous insertions/deletions and non-Watson–Crick base pairs in the genome. Pathogenic mutations in theMLH1gene are associated with a predisposition to Lynch and Turcot's syndromes. Although genetic testing for these mutations is available, robust classification of variants requires strong clinical and functional support. Here, the first structure of the N-terminus of human MLH1, determined by X-ray crystallography, is described. Lastly, the structure shares a high degree of similarity with previously determined prokaryoticMLH1homologs; however, this structure affords a more accurate platform for the classification ofMLH1variants.

Method 1664: N-hexane extractable material (hem) and silica gel treated n-hexane extractable material (SGT-HEM) by extraction and gravimetry (oil and grease and total petroleum hydrocarbons), April 1995

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

NONE

Method 1664 was developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Science and Technology to replace previously used gravimetric procedures that employed Freon-113, a Class I CFC, as the extraction solvent for the determination of oil and grease and petroleum hydrocarbons. Method 1664 is a performance-based method applicable to aqueous matrices that requires the use of n-hexane as the extraction solvent and gravimetry as the determinative technique. In addition, QC procedures designed to monitor precision and accuracy have been incorporated into Method 1664.

Early syntactic creativity: a usage-based approach.

PubMed

Lieven, Elena; Behrens, Heike; Speares, Jennifer; Tomasello, Michael

2003-05-01

The aim of the current study was to determine the degree to which a sample of one child's creative utterances related to utterances that the child previously produced. The utterances to be accounted for were all of the intelligible, multi-word utterances produced by the child in a single hour of interaction with her mother early in her third year of life (at age 2;1.11). We used a high-density database consisting of 5 hours of recordings per week together with a maternal diary for the previous 6 weeks. Of the 295 multi-word utterances on tape, 37% were 'novel' in the sense that they had not been said in their entirety before. Using a morpheme-matching method, we identified the way(s) in which each novel utterance differed from its closest match in the preceding corpus. In 74% of the cases we required only one operation to match the previous utterance and the great majority of these consisted of the substitution of a word (usually a noun) into a previous utterance or schema. Almost all the other single-operation utterances involved adding a word onto the beginning or end of a previous utterance. 26% of the novel, multi-word utterances required more than one operation to match the closest previous utterance, although many of these only involved a combination of the two operations seen for the single-operation utterances. Some others were, however, more complex to match. The results suggest that the relatively high degree of creativity in early English child language could be at least partially based upon entrenched schemas and a small number of simple operations to modify them. We discuss the implications of these results for the interplay in language production between strings registered in memory and categorial knowledge.

Efficiency in Rule- vs. Plan-Based Movements Is Modulated by Action-Mode.

PubMed

Scheib, Jean P P; Stoll, Sarah; Thürmer, J Lukas; Randerath, Jennifer

2018-01-01

The rule/plan motor cognition (RPMC) paradigm elicits visually indistinguishable motor outputs, resulting from either plan- or rule-based action-selection, using a combination of essentially interchangeable stimuli. Previous implementations of the RPMC paradigm have used pantomimed movements to compare plan- vs. rule-based action-selection. In the present work we attempt to determine the generalizability of previous RPMC findings to real object interaction by use of a grasp-to-rotate task. In the plan task, participants had to use prospective planning to achieve a comfortable post-handle rotation hand posture. The rule task used implementation intentions (if-then rules) leading to the same comfortable end-state. In Experiment A, we compare RPMC performance of 16 healthy participants in pantomime and real object conditions of the experiment, within-subjects. Higher processing efficiency of rule- vs. plan-based action-selection was supported by diffusion model analysis. Results show a significant response-time increase in the pantomime condition compared to the real object condition and a greater response-time advantage of rule-based vs. plan-based actions in the pantomime compared to the real object condition. In Experiment B, 24 healthy participants performed the real object RPMC task in a task switching vs. a blocked condition. Results indicate that plan-based action-selection leads to longer response-times and less efficient information processing than rule-based action-selection in line with previous RPMC findings derived from the pantomime action-mode. Particularly in the task switching mode, responses were faster in the rule compared to the plan task suggesting a modulating influence of cognitive load. Overall, results suggest an advantage of rule-based action-selection over plan-based action-selection; whereby differential mechanisms appear to be involved depending on the action-mode. We propose that cognitive load is a factor that modulates the advantageous effect of implementation intentions in motor cognition on different levels as illustrated by the varying speed advantages and the variation in diffusion parameters per action-mode or condition, respectively.

Prospective memory and its correlates and predictors in schizophrenia: an extension of previous findings.

PubMed

Ungvari, Gabor S; Xiang, Yu-Tao; Tang, Wai-Kwong; Shum, David

2008-09-01

Prospective memory (PM) is the ability to remember to do something in the future without explicit prompts. Extending the number of subjects and the scope of our previously published study, this investigation examined the relationship between PM and socio-demographic and clinical factors, activities of daily living (ADL) and frontal lobe functions in patients with chronic schizophrenia. One hundred and ten Chinese schizophrenia patients, 60 from the previous study and 50 additional patients recruited for this study, and 110 matched healthy comparison subjects (HC) formed the study sample. Patients' clinical condition and activity of daily living were evaluated with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the Functional Needs Assessment (FNA). Time- and event-based PM tasks and three tests of prefrontal lobe functions (Design Fluency Test [DFT], Tower of London [TOL], Wisconsin Card Sorting Test [WCST]) were also administered. Patients' level of ADL and psychopathology were not associated with PM functions and only anticholinergic medications (ACM) showed a significant negative correlational relationship with PM tasks. Confirming the findings of the previous study, patients performed significantly more poorly on all two PM tasks than HC. Performance on time-based PM task significantly correlated with age, education level and DFT in HC and with age, DFT, TOL and WCST in patients. Patients' performance on the event-based PM correlated with DFT and one measure of WCST. In patients, TOL and age predicted the performance on time-based PM task; DFT and WCST predicted the event-based task. Involving a large sample of patients with matched controls, this study confirmed that PM is impaired in chronic schizophrenia. Deficient PM functions were related to prefrontal lobe dysfunction in both HC and patients but not to the patients' clinical condition, nor did they significantly affect ADL. ACMs determined certain aspects of PM.

Investigation of pH Influence on Skin Permeation Behavior of Weak Acids Using Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs.

PubMed

Chantasart, Doungdaw; Chootanasoontorn, Siriwan; Suksiriworapong, Jiraphong; Li, S Kevin

2015-10-01

As a continuing effort to understand the skin permeation behavior of weak acids and bases, the objectives of the present study were to evaluate skin permeation of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) under the influence of pH, investigate the mechanism of pH effect, and examine a previous hypothesis that the effective skin pH for drug permeation is different from donor solution pH. In vitro permeability experiments were performed in side-by-side diffusion cells with diclofenac, ibuprofen, flurbiprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen and human skin. The donor solution pH significantly affected skin permeation of NSAIDs, whereas no effect of the receiver pH was observed. Similar to previous observations, the apparent permeability coefficient versus donor solution pH relationships deviated from the predictions (fractions of unionized NSAIDs) according to the acid/base theory. The influences of the viable epidermis barrier, polar pathway transport, ion permeation across skin, and effective skin pH were investigated. The effective pH values for skin permeation determined using the NSAIDs (weak acids) in this study were different from those obtained previously with a weak base at the same donor solution pH conditions, suggesting that the observed permeability-pH relationships could not be explained solely by possible pH differences between skin and donor solution. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

SU-E-T-129: Are Knowledge-Based Planning Dose Estimates Valid for Distensible Organs?

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

Lalonde, R; Heron, D; Huq, M

2015-06-15

Purpose: Knowledge-based planning programs have become available to assist treatment planning in radiation therapy. Such programs can be used to generate estimated DVHs and planning constraints for organs at risk (OARs), based upon a model generated from previous plans. These estimates are based upon the planning CT scan. However, for distensible OARs like the bladder and rectum, daily variations in volume may make the dose estimates invalid. The purpose of this study is to determine whether knowledge-based DVH dose estimates may be valid for distensible OARs. Methods: The Varian RapidPlan™ knowledge-based planning module was used to generate OAR dose estimatesmore » and planning objectives for 10 prostate cases previously planned with VMAT, and final plans were calculated for each. Five weekly setup CBCT scans of each patient were then downloaded and contoured (assuming no change in size and shape of the target volume), and rectum and bladder DVHs were recalculated for each scan. Dose volumes were then compared at 75, 60,and 40 Gy for the bladder and rectum between the planning scan and the CBCTs. Results: Plan doses and estimates matched well at all dose points., Volumes of the rectum and bladder varied widely between planning CT and the CBCTs, ranging from 0.46 to 2.42 for the bladder and 0.71 to 2.18 for the rectum, causing relative dose volumes to vary between planning CT and CBCT, but absolute dose volumes were more consistent. The overall ratio of CBCT/plan dose volumes was 1.02 ±0.27 for rectum and 0.98 ±0.20 for bladder in these patients. Conclusion: Knowledge-based planning dose volume estimates for distensible OARs are still valid, in absolute volume terms, between treatment planning scans and CBCT’s taken during daily treatment. Further analysis of the data is being undertaken to determine how differences depend upon rectum and bladder filling state. This work has been supported by Varian Medical Systems.« less

The Andromonoecious Sex Determination Gene Predates the Separation of Cucumis and Citrullus Genera

PubMed Central

Boualem, Adnane; Lemhemdi, Afef; Sari, Marie-Agnes; Pignoly, Sarah; Troadec, Christelle; Abou Choucha, Fadi; Solmaz, Ilknur; Sari, Nebahat; Dogimont, Catherine; Bendahmane, Abdelhafid

2016-01-01

Understanding the evolution of sex determination in plants requires the cloning and the characterization of sex determination genes. Monoecy is characterized by the presence of both male and female flowers on the same plant. Andromonoecy is characterized by plants carrying both male and bisexual flowers. In watermelon, the transition between these two sexual forms is controlled by the identity of the alleles at the A locus. We previously showed, in two Cucumis species, melon and cucumber, that the transition from monoecy to andromonoecy results from mutations in 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS) gene, ACS-7/ACS2. To test whether the ACS-7/ACS2 function is conserved in cucurbits, we cloned and characterized ClACS7 in watermelon. We demonstrated co-segregation of ClACS7, the homolog of CmACS-7/CsACS2, with the A locus. Sequence analysis of ClACS7 in watermelon accessions identified three ClACS7 isoforms, two in andromonoecious and one in monoecious lines. To determine whether the andromonoecious phenotype is due to a loss of ACS enzymatic activity, we expressed and assayed the activity of the three protein isoforms. Like in melon and cucumber, the isoforms from the andromonoecious lines showed reduced to no enzymatic activity and the isoform from the monoecious line was active. Consistent with this, the mutations leading andromonoecy were clustered in the active site of the enzyme. Based on this, we concluded that active ClACS7 enzyme leads to the development of female flowers in monoecious lines, whereas a reduction of enzymatic activity yields hermaphrodite flowers. ClACS7, like CmACS-7/CsACS2 in melon and cucumber, is highly expressed in carpel primordia of buds determined to develop carpels and not in male flowers. Based on this finding and previous investigations, we concluded that the monoecy gene, ACS7, likely predated the separation of the Cucumis and Citrullus genera. PMID:27171236

The Andromonoecious Sex Determination Gene Predates the Separation of Cucumis and Citrullus Genera.

PubMed

Boualem, Adnane; Lemhemdi, Afef; Sari, Marie-Agnes; Pignoly, Sarah; Troadec, Christelle; Abou Choucha, Fadi; Solmaz, Ilknur; Sari, Nebahat; Dogimont, Catherine; Bendahmane, Abdelhafid

2016-01-01

Understanding the evolution of sex determination in plants requires the cloning and the characterization of sex determination genes. Monoecy is characterized by the presence of both male and female flowers on the same plant. Andromonoecy is characterized by plants carrying both male and bisexual flowers. In watermelon, the transition between these two sexual forms is controlled by the identity of the alleles at the A locus. We previously showed, in two Cucumis species, melon and cucumber, that the transition from monoecy to andromonoecy results from mutations in 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS) gene, ACS-7/ACS2. To test whether the ACS-7/ACS2 function is conserved in cucurbits, we cloned and characterized ClACS7 in watermelon. We demonstrated co-segregation of ClACS7, the homolog of CmACS-7/CsACS2, with the A locus. Sequence analysis of ClACS7 in watermelon accessions identified three ClACS7 isoforms, two in andromonoecious and one in monoecious lines. To determine whether the andromonoecious phenotype is due to a loss of ACS enzymatic activity, we expressed and assayed the activity of the three protein isoforms. Like in melon and cucumber, the isoforms from the andromonoecious lines showed reduced to no enzymatic activity and the isoform from the monoecious line was active. Consistent with this, the mutations leading andromonoecy were clustered in the active site of the enzyme. Based on this, we concluded that active ClACS7 enzyme leads to the development of female flowers in monoecious lines, whereas a reduction of enzymatic activity yields hermaphrodite flowers. ClACS7, like CmACS-7/CsACS2 in melon and cucumber, is highly expressed in carpel primordia of buds determined to develop carpels and not in male flowers. Based on this finding and previous investigations, we concluded that the monoecy gene, ACS7, likely predated the separation of the Cucumis and Citrullus genera.

Problems in determining the return of a watershed to pretreatment conditions: techniques applied to a study at Caspar Creek, California

Treesearch

Robert B. Thomas

1990-01-01

Using a previously treated basin as a control in subsequent paired watershed studies requires the control to be stable. Basin stability can be assessed in many ways, some of which are investigated for the South Fork of Caspar Creek in northern California. This basin is recovering from logging and road building in the early 1970s. Three storm-based discharge...

Chemical Reactions in Turbulent Mixing Flows.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-04-10

fluctuation of the " flame " length of such reactingjeatreent wer copoit sequencd shout tnhawate facility, documented previously’,’ 1 , using laser jets. A...motion film of such a chemically reacting turbulent jet visualized using this technique, is shown in figure 1. In each I. Flame length fluctuations of...acid-base reaction to determine length and time to allow a simultaneous view of mixing in the two scales for the flame length fluctuations of thin

A Microcontroller-Based Device for Monitoring Blood Pressure in the Field

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-01

Service de sant6 des Forces armies canadiennes. On a mis au point un appareil de mesure des signes vitaux, qui peut mesurer la fr~quence cardiaque et...methods for taking systolic and diastolic pressure readings include the auscultation method, the oscillometric method, and the ultrasonic method...pressures are determined from its output, are the best ways of distinguishing between the three main methods previously listed. The auscultation method

Ultrafiltration membrane reactors for enzymatic resolution of amino acids: design model and optimization.

PubMed

Bódalo, A; Gómez, J L.; Gómez, E; Bastida, J; Máximo, M F.; Montiel, M C.

2001-03-08

In this paper the possibility of continuous resolution of DL-phenylalanine, catalyzed by L-aminoacylase in a ultrafiltration membrane reactor (UFMR) is presented. A simple design model, based on previous kinetic studies, has been demonstrated to be capable of describing the behavior of the experimental system. The model has been used to determine the optimal experimental conditions to carry out the asymmetrical hydrolysis of N-acetyl-DL-phenylalanine.

Vitamin A determination in milk samples based on the luminol-periodate chemiluminescence system.

PubMed

Rishi, Lubna; Yaqoob, Mohammad; Waseem, Amir; Nabi, Abdul

2014-01-01

A simple and rapid flow injection (FI) method for the determination of retinyl acetate is reported based on its enhancing effect on the luminol-periodate chemiluminescence (CL) system in an alkaline medium. The detection limit (3s×blank) was 8.0×10⁻⁸ mol L⁻¹, with an injection throughput of 90 h⁻¹. The method allows linear increase of CL intensity over the retinyl acetate concentration range of 1.0-100×10⁻⁷ mol L⁻¹ (R²=0.9996) with relative standard deviations of 2.4% (n=10) for 5.0×10⁻⁷ mol L⁻¹. The key chemical and physical variables (reagent concentrations, flow rates, sample volume, and photomultiplier tube (PMT) voltage) were optimized and potential interferences were investigated. The method was successfully applied to human milk, fresh cow's milk and infant milk-based formulas and the results were in good agreement with the previously reported HPLC method. A brief discussion on the possible CL reaction mechanism is also presented.

Surface fractal dimension, water adsorption efficiency, and cloud nucleation activity of insoluble aerosol.

PubMed

Laaksonen, Ari; Malila, Jussi; Nenes, Athanasios; Hung, Hui-Ming; Chen, Jen-Ping

2016-05-03

Surface porosity affects the ability of a substance to adsorb gases. The surface fractal dimension D is a measure that indicates the amount that a surface fills a space, and can thereby be used to characterize the surface porosity. Here we propose a new method for determining D, based on measuring both the water vapour adsorption isotherm of a given substance, and its ability to act as a cloud condensation nucleus when introduced to humidified air in aerosol form. We show that our method agrees well with previous methods based on measurement of nitrogen adsorption. Besides proving the usefulness of the new method for general surface characterization of materials, our results show that the surface fractal dimension is an important determinant in cloud drop formation on water insoluble particles. We suggest that a closure can be obtained between experimental critical supersaturation for cloud drop activation and that calculated based on water adsorption data, if the latter is corrected using the surface fractal dimension of the insoluble cloud nucleus.

Surface fractal dimension, water adsorption efficiency, and cloud nucleation activity of insoluble aerosol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laaksonen, Ari; Malila, Jussi; Nenes, Athanasios; Hung, Hui-Ming; Chen, Jen-Ping

2016-05-01

Surface porosity affects the ability of a substance to adsorb gases. The surface fractal dimension D is a measure that indicates the amount that a surface fills a space, and can thereby be used to characterize the surface porosity. Here we propose a new method for determining D, based on measuring both the water vapour adsorption isotherm of a given substance, and its ability to act as a cloud condensation nucleus when introduced to humidified air in aerosol form. We show that our method agrees well with previous methods based on measurement of nitrogen adsorption. Besides proving the usefulness of the new method for general surface characterization of materials, our results show that the surface fractal dimension is an important determinant in cloud drop formation on water insoluble particles. We suggest that a closure can be obtained between experimental critical supersaturation for cloud drop activation and that calculated based on water adsorption data, if the latter is corrected using the surface fractal dimension of the insoluble cloud nucleus.

A novel eQTL-based analysis reveals the biology of breast cancer risk loci

PubMed Central

Li, Qiyuan; Seo, Ji-Heui; Stranger, Barbara; McKenna, Aaron; Pe'er, Itsik; LaFramboise, Thomas; Brown, Myles; Tyekucheva, Svitlana; Freedman, Matthew L.

2014-01-01

Summary Germline determinants of gene expression in tumors are less studied due to the complexity of transcript regulation caused by somatically acquired alterations. We performed expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) based analyses using the multi-level information provided in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Of the factors we measured, cis-acting eQTL saccounted for 1.2% of the total variation of tumor gene expression, while somatic copy number alteration and CpG methylation accounted for 7.3% and 3.3%, respectively. eQTL analyses of 15 previously reported breast cancer risk loci resulted in discovery of three variants that are significantly associated with transcript levels (FDR<0.1). In a novel trans- based analysis, an additional three risk loci were identified to act through ESR1, MYC, and KLF4. These findings provide a more comprehensive picture of gene expression determinants in breast cancer as well as insights into the underlying biology of breast cancer risk loci. PMID:23374354

Effects of a spin-flavour-dependent interaction on light-flavoured baryon helicity amplitudes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ronniger, Michael; Metsch, Bernard Ch.

2013-01-01

This paper is a continuation of a previous work about the effects of a phenomenological flavour-dependent force in a relativistically covariant constituent quark model based on the Salpeter equation on the structure of light-flavoured baryon resonances. Here the longitudinal and transverse helicity amplitudes as studied experimentally in the electro-excitation of nucleon- and Δ-resonances are calculated. In particular the amplitudes for the excitation of three- and four-star resonances as calculated in a previous model A are compared to those of the novel model C as well as to existing and partially new experimental data such as, e.g., determined by the CB-ELSA Collaboration. A brief discussion on some improvements to model C is given after the introduction.

SU-C-207A-05: Feature Based Water Equivalent Path Length (WEPL) Determination for Proton Radiography by the Technique of Time Resolved Dose Measurement

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

Zhang, R; Jee, K; Sharp, G

Purpose: Studies show that WEPL can be determined from modulated dose rate functions (DRF). However, the previous calibration method based on statistics of the DRF is sensitive to energy mixing of protons due to scattering through different materials (termed as range mixing here), causing inaccuracies in the determination of WEPL. This study intends to explore time-domain features of the DRF to reduce the effect of range mixing in proton radiography (pRG) by this technique. Methods: An amorphous silicon flat panel (PaxScan™ 4030CB, Varian Medical Systems, Inc., Palo Alto, CA) was placed behind phantoms to measure DRFs from a proton beammore » modulated by a specially designed modulator wheel. The performance of two methods, the previously used method based on the root mean square (RMS) and the new approach based on time-domain features of the DRF, are compared for retrieving WEPL and RSP from pRG of a Gammex phantom. Results: Calibration by T{sub 80} (the time point for 80% of the major peak) was more robust to range mixing and produced WEPL with improved accuracy. The error of RSP was reduced from 8.2% to 1.7% for lung equivalent material, with the mean error for all other materials reduced from 1.2% to 0.7%. The mean error of the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of retrieved inserts was decreased from 25.85% to 5.89% for the RMS and T{sub 80} method respectively. Monte Carlo simulations in simplified cases also demonstrated that the T{sub 80} method is less sensitive to range mixing than the RMS method. Conclusion: WEPL images have been retrieved based on single flat panel measured DRFs, with inaccuracies reduced by exploiting time-domain features as the calibration parameter. The T{sub 80} method is validated to be less sensitive to range mixing and can thus retrieve the WEPL values in proximity of interfaces with improved numerical and spatial accuracy for proton radiography.« less

[Pregnancy and delivery in patients with a personal history of cesarean section in Dakar: epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and prognostic aspects].

PubMed

Koulimaya-Gombet, Cyr Espérance; Diouf, Abdoul Aziz; Diallo, Moussa; Dia, Anna; Sène, Codou; Moreau, Jean Charles; Diouf, Alassane

2017-01-01

The aim of our study was to determine hospitalization rate for vaginal birth after cesarean section in Pikine, to evaluate the quality of the management of pregnant women with previous cesarean section and to determine prognostic factors of the outcome of a trial of scar. We conducted a retrospective study based on medical records and operational protocols of patients who underwent vaginal birth after cesarean section over the period 1 January 2010 - 31 December 2011. We analyzed socio-demographic data, pregnancy follow-up, therapeutic modalities and prognosis. Data were collected and analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 software and SPSS software 17.0. The frequency of vaginal births after cesarean section was 9.6%. The average age of our patients was 29.4 years. Primiparous women accounted for 54%. Short spacing interval between births was found in 52.6% of cases. Based on the number of cesarean sections, the breakdown was as follows: patients with a history of one previous cesarean section (79.8%), patients with a history of two previous caesarean sections (17.9%) and patients with a history of three previous caesarean sections (2.3%). The number of antenatal consultations performed was greater than or equal to 3 in 79.8% of cases. Patients undergoing evacuation accounted for 54.2% and they were already in labor at the time of admission in 81.7% of cases. Trial of scar was authorized in 177 patients (34.3%) and, at the end of this test, 147 patients (83%) had vaginal birth, of whom 21.7% by vacuum extraction. Cesarean section was performed in 71.4% of cases with 245 emergency cesarean sections and 93 scheduled cesarean sections. A history of vaginal birth was a determining factor in normal delivery (p = 0.0001). There was also a significant relationship between mode of admission and decision to perform a cesarean section (p = 0.0001). Maternal mortality was 0.4%. Perinatal mortality rate was 28.2‰ of live births. We are witnessing a dramatic increase of deliveries after cesarean section in our SONUC Health Centre. The quality of management should be enhanced through a better strategy in preparation for delivery. Trial of scar is a procedure to encourage in order to reduce the rate of iterative cesarean sections.

Determinants of perceived sleep quality in normal sleepers.

PubMed

Goelema, M S; Regis, M; Haakma, R; van den Heuvel, E R; Markopoulos, P; Overeem, S

2017-09-20

This study aimed to establish the determinants of perceived sleep quality over a longer period of time, taking into account the separate contributions of actigraphy-based sleep measures and self-reported sleep indices. Fifty participants (52 ± 6.6 years; 27 females) completed two consecutive weeks of home monitoring, during which they kept a sleep-wake diary while their sleep was monitored using a wrist-worn actigraph. The diary included questions on perceived sleep quality, sleep-wake information, and additional factors such as well-being and stress. The data were analyzed using multilevel models to compare a model that included only actigraphy-based sleep measures (model Acti) to a model that included only self-reported sleep measures to explain perceived sleep quality (model Self). In addition, a model based on the self-reported sleep measures and extended with nonsleep-related factors was analyzed to find the most significant determinants of perceived sleep quality (model Extended). Self-reported sleep measures (model Self) explained 61% of the total variance, while actigraphy-based sleep measures (model Acti) only accounted for 41% of the perceived sleep quality. The main predictors in the self-reported model were number of awakenings during the night, sleep onset latency, and wake time after sleep onset. In the extended model, the number of awakenings during the night and total sleep time of the previous night were the strongest determinants of perceived sleep quality, with 64% of the variance explained. In our cohort, perceived sleep quality was mainly determined by self-reported sleep measures and less by actigraphy-based sleep indices. These data further stress the importance of taking multiple nights into account when trying to understand perceived sleep quality.

Activity-based costs of blood transfusions in surgical patients at four hospitals.

PubMed

Shander, Aryeh; Hofmann, Axel; Ozawa, Sherri; Theusinger, Oliver M; Gombotz, Hans; Spahn, Donat R

2010-04-01

Blood utilization has long been suspected to consume more health care resources than previously reported. Incomplete accounting for blood costs has the potential to misdirect programmatic decision making by health care systems. Determining the cost of supplying patients with blood transfusions requires an in-depth examination of the complex array of activities surrounding the decision to transfuse. To accurately determine the cost of blood in a surgical population from a health system perspective, an activity-based costing (ABC) model was constructed. Tasks and resource consumption (materials, labor, third-party services, capital) related to blood administration were identified prospectively at two US and two European hospitals. Process frequency (i.e., usage) data were captured retrospectively from each hospital and used to populate the ABC model. All major process steps, staff, and consumables to provide red blood cell (RBC) transfusions to surgical patients, including usage frequencies, and direct and indirect overhead costs contributed to per-RBC-unit costs between $522 and $1183 (mean, $761 +/- $294). These exceed previously reported estimates and were 3.2- to 4.8-fold higher than blood product acquisition costs. Annual expenditures on blood and transfusion-related activities, limited to surgical patients, ranged from $1.62 to $6.03 million per hospital and were largely related to the transfusion rate. Applicable to various hospital practices, the ABC model confirms that blood costs have been underestimated and that they are geographically variable and identifies opportunities for cost containment. Studies to determine whether more stringent control of blood utilization improves health care utilization and quality, and further reduces costs, are warranted.

Calibration strategies for the determination of stable carbon absolute isotope ratios in a glycine candidate reference material by elemental analyser-isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Dunn, Philip J H; Malinovsky, Dmitry; Goenaga-Infante, Heidi

2015-04-01

We report a methodology for the determination of the stable carbon absolute isotope ratio of a glycine candidate reference material with natural carbon isotopic composition using EA-IRMS. For the first time, stable carbon absolute isotope ratios have been reported using continuous flow rather than dual inlet isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Also for the first time, a calibration strategy based on the use of synthetic mixtures gravimetrically prepared from well characterised, highly (13)C-enriched and (13)C-depleted glycines was developed for EA-IRMS calibration and generation of absolute carbon isotope ratio values traceable to the SI through calibration standards of known purity. A second calibration strategy based on converting the more typically determined delta values on the Vienna PeeDee Belemnite (VPDB) scale using literature values for the absolute carbon isotope ratio of VPDB itself was used for comparison. Both calibration approaches provided results consistent with those previously reported for the same natural glycine using MC-ICP-MS; absolute carbon ratios of 10,649 × 10(-6) with an expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of 24 × 10(-6) and 10,646 × 10(-6) with an expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of 88 × 10(-6) were obtained, respectively. The absolute carbon isotope ratio of the VPDB standard was found to be 11,115 × 10(-6) with an expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of 27 × 10(-6), which is in excellent agreement with previously published values.

Adaptive Baseline Enhances EM-Based Policy Search: Validation in a View-Based Positioning Task of a Smartphone Balancer

PubMed Central

Wang, Jiexin; Uchibe, Eiji; Doya, Kenji

2017-01-01

EM-based policy search methods estimate a lower bound of the expected return from the histories of episodes and iteratively update the policy parameters using the maximum of a lower bound of expected return, which makes gradient calculation and learning rate tuning unnecessary. Previous algorithms like Policy learning by Weighting Exploration with the Returns, Fitness Expectation Maximization, and EM-based Policy Hyperparameter Exploration implemented the mechanisms to discard useless low-return episodes either implicitly or using a fixed baseline determined by the experimenter. In this paper, we propose an adaptive baseline method to discard worse samples from the reward history and examine different baselines, including the mean, and multiples of SDs from the mean. The simulation results of benchmark tasks of pendulum swing up and cart-pole balancing, and standing up and balancing of a two-wheeled smartphone robot showed improved performances. We further implemented the adaptive baseline with mean in our two-wheeled smartphone robot hardware to test its performance in the standing up and balancing task, and a view-based approaching task. Our results showed that with adaptive baseline, the method outperformed the previous algorithms and achieved faster, and more precise behaviors at a higher successful rate. PMID:28167910

Relationship of weight-based teasing and adolescents' psychological well-being and physical health.

PubMed

Greenleaf, Christy; Petrie, Trent A; Martin, Scott B

2014-01-01

To date, research has focused primarily on psychological correlates of weight-based teasing. In this study, we extended previous work by also examining physical health-related variables (eg, physical self-concept and physical fitness [PF]). Participants included 1419 middle school students (637 boys and 782 girls). Of these, 245 (17.3%) reported being teased about being overweight. Participants completed measures of self-esteem, depression, physical self-concept, physical activity (PA) self-efficacy, and self-report physical and sedentary activities. Participants also completed PF testing. After controlling for demographic characteristics, participants who were teased about being overweight had higher scores on depression and lower scores on self-esteem, physical self-concept, PA self-efficacy, and health-related measures of PF in comparison to participants who were not teased. The results of this study support previous research indicating relationships between teasing and low levels of psychological well-being, physical self-concept, and PA self-efficacy, and establishes one between weight-based teasing and different types of PF. Research is needed to determine the potential causal nature of the relationships between teasing and fitness and evidence-based interventions are needed to reduce weight-based teasing and its potential effects on health and well-being. © 2013, American School Health Association.

Factors associated with Chlamydia trachomatis testing in a high school based screening and previously in clinical practice: a cross-sectional study in Norway

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background High school based chlamydia screening has been shown to increase uptake and detect hidden infections among sexually active adolescents. Our study aimed to: i) examine the proportions of 15–20 year-olds tested in a high school based screening and previously in clinical practice, ii) determine chlamydia prevalence according to testing pattern, and iii) examine factors associated with testing in the two settings. Methods A population based cross-sectional study was conducted in 5 high schools in Norway in 2009, using web-questionnaires and Chlamydia trachomatis PCR in first-void urine (800 girls/818 boys, mean age 17.2 years). Only sexually active participants at risk for chlamydia infections were included in the analyses. Crude and multivariable logistic regression models were applied with ‘clinic based testing’ and ‘school based screening’ as outcome variables. Results 56% of girls and 21% of boys reported previous clinic based testing. In the school based screening, 93% were tested with no gender difference. 42% of girls and 74% of boys were tested for the first time at school (‘school-only test’). Both girls with clinic based testing and girls with school-only test had high chlamydia prevalence (7.3% vs 7.2%). Boys with clinic based testing had twice the prevalence of those with school-only test (6.2% vs 3.0%, p = 0.01). Half of infections were detected in participants with school-only test. One-fifth were repeat infections. In multivariable analysis of girls and boys combined, female gender, older age, early sexual debut, no condom use at first and last intercourse, steady relationship, and higher number of lifetime partners increased the odds of clinic based testing. The odds of school based screening increased with male gender, academic affiliation, later sexual debut, condom use at first intercourse, and current urogenital symptoms in multivariable analysis. Conclusions More than half the girls had been tested prior to the school based screening and had high prevalence independent of previous clinic based testing. School screening was mostly associated with factors unknown to increase chlamydia infection risk, while clinic based testing was associated with traditional risk factors. The unusually high and equal participation between genders and the detection of a large chlamydia reservoir confirms the value of school based screening suggesting this approach to be further explored in Norway. PMID:23915415

Revised and extended analysis of the eighth spectrum of platinum (Pt VIII)

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

Azarov, Vladimir I., E-mail: vlad_azarov@yahoo.com; Gayasov, Robert R.

2017-05-15

The spectrum of platinum was observed in the 300–2100 Å wavelength region. Grazing and normal incidence VUV spectrographs have been used to record the spectrum. The (5d{sup 3}+5d{sup 2}6s)−5d{sup 2}6p transition array of seven times ionized platinum, Pt VIII, has been investigated. The configurations 5d{sup 3} and 5d{sup 2}6p had been previously studied, and all levels of these configurations (19 and 45 levels, respectively) had been established. The previous analysis was based on 178 classified spectral lines. In the current analysis we have confirmed identification of all previously found levels and all but 10 previously assigned spectral lines, although we havemore » detected a large (up to 35 mÅ) systematic shift in wavelength measurements used in the previous analysis. Based on new wavelength measurements, we have corrected the 5d{sup 3} and 5d{sup 2}6p energy level values (by up to 55 cm{sup −1}) and established for the first time 14 out of 16 theoretically possible 5d{sup 2}6s levels in Pt VIII. The total list of identified lines (including 180 new lines) contains 349 entries. The orthogonal operators technique was used to calculate the level structure and transition probabilities. The energy parameters have been determined by the least squares fit to the observed levels. Calculated transition probability and energy values, as well as LS-compositions obtained from the fitted parameters are presented.« less

Beyond conventional dose-response curves: Sensorgram comparison in SPR allows single concentration activity and similarity assessment.

PubMed

Gassner, C; Karlsson, R; Lipsmeier, F; Moelleken, J

2018-05-30

Previously we have introduced two SPR-based assay principles (dual-binding assay and bridging assay), which allow the determination of two out of three possible interaction parameters for bispecific molecules within one assay setup: two individual interactions to both targets, and/or one simultaneous/overall interaction, which potentially reflects the inter-dependency of both individual binding events. However, activity and similarity are determined by comparing report points over a concentration range, which also mirrors the way data is generated by conventional ELISA-based methods So far, binding kinetics have not been specifically considered in generic approaches for activity assessment. Here, we introduce an improved slope-ratio model which, together with a sensorgram comparison based similarity assessment, allows the development of a detailed, USP-conformal ligand binding assay using only a single sample concentration. We compare this novel analysis method to the usual concentration-range approach for both SPR-based assay principles and discuss its impact on data quality and increased sample throughput. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Strength of object representation: its key role in object-based attention for determining the competition result between Gestalt and top-down objects.

PubMed

Zhao, Jingjing; Wang, Yonghui; Liu, Donglai; Zhao, Liang; Liu, Peng

2015-10-01

It was found in previous studies that two types of objects (rectangles formed according to the Gestalt principle and Chinese words formed in a top-down fashion) can both induce an object-based effect. The aim of the present study was to investigate how the strength of an object representation affects the result of the competition between these two types of objects based on research carried out by Liu, Wang and Zhou [(2011) Acta Psychologica, 138(3), 397-404]. In Experiment 1, the rectangles were filled with two different colors to increase the strength of Gestalt object representation, and we found that the object effect changed significantly for the different stimulus types. Experiment 2 used Chinese words with various familiarities to manipulate the strength of the top-down object representation. As a result, the object-based effect induced by rectangles was observed only when the Chinese word familiarity was low. These results suggest that the strength of object representation determines the result of competition between different types of objects.

Annual and average estimates of water-budget components based on hydrograph separation and PRISM precipitation for gaged basins in the Appalachian Plateaus Region, 1900-2011

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nelms, David L.; Messinger, Terence; McCoy, Kurt J.

2015-07-14

As part of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Groundwater Resources Program study of the Appalachian Plateaus aquifers, annual and average estimates of water-budget components based on hydrograph separation and precipitation data from parameter-elevation regressions on independent slopes model (PRISM) were determined at 849 continuous-record streamflow-gaging stations from Mississippi to New York and covered the period of 1900 to 2011. Only complete calendar years (January to December) of streamflow record at each gage were used to determine estimates of base flow, which is that part of streamflow attributed to groundwater discharge; such estimates can serve as a proxy for annual recharge. For each year, estimates of annual base flow, runoff, and base-flow index were determined using computer programs—PART, HYSEP, and BFI—that have automated the separation procedures. These streamflow-hydrograph analysis methods are provided with version 1.0 of the U.S. Geological Survey Groundwater Toolbox, which is a new program that provides graphing, mapping, and analysis capabilities in a Windows environment. Annual values of precipitation were estimated by calculating the average of cell values intercepted by basin boundaries where previously defined in the GAGES–II dataset. Estimates of annual evapotranspiration were then calculated from the difference between precipitation and streamflow.

Molecular Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori Infection in a Minor Ethnic Group of Vietnam: A Multiethnic, Population-Based Study.

PubMed

Binh, Tran Thanh; Tuan, Vo Phuoc; Dung, Ho Dang Quy; Tung, Pham Huu; Tri, Tran Dinh; Thuan, Ngo Phuong Minh; Tam, Le Quang; Nam, Bui Chi; Giang, Do Anh; Hoan, Phan Quoc; Uchida, Tomohisa; Trang, Tran Thi Huyen; Khien, Vu Van; Yamaoka, Yoshio

2018-03-01

The Helicobacter pylori -induced burden of gastric cancer varies based on geographical regions and ethnic grouping. Vietnam is a multiethnic country with the highest incidence of gastric cancer in Southeast Asia, but previous studies focused only on the Kinh ethnic group. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted using 494 volunteers (18-78 years old), from 13 ethnic groups in Daklak and Lao Cai provinces, Vietnam. H. pylori status was determined by multiple tests (rapid urease test, culture, histology, and serology). cagA and vacA genotypes were determined by PCR-based sequencing. The overall H. pylori infection rate was 38.1%. Multivariate analysis showed that variations in geographical region, age, and ethnicity were independent factors associated with the risk of H. pylori acquisition. Therefore, multicenter, multiethnic, population based study is essential to assess the H. pylori prevalence and its burden in the general population. Only the E De ethnicity carried strains with Western-type CagA (82%) and exhibited significantly lower gastric mucosal inflammation compared to other ethnic groups. However, the histological scores of Western-type CagA and East-Asian-type CagA within the E De group showed no significant differences. Thus, in addition to bacterial virulence factors, host factors are likely to be important determinants for gastric mucosal inflammation and contribute to the Asian enigma.

Peak flow regression equations For small, ungaged streams in Maine: Comparing map-based to field-based variables

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lombard, Pamela J.; Hodgkins, Glenn A.

2015-01-01

Regression equations to estimate peak streamflows with 1- to 500-year recurrence intervals (annual exceedance probabilities from 99 to 0.2 percent, respectively) were developed for small, ungaged streams in Maine. Equations presented here are the best available equations for estimating peak flows at ungaged basins in Maine with drainage areas from 0.3 to 12 square miles (mi2). Previously developed equations continue to be the best available equations for estimating peak flows for basin areas greater than 12 mi2. New equations presented here are based on streamflow records at 40 U.S. Geological Survey streamgages with a minimum of 10 years of recorded peak flows between 1963 and 2012. Ordinary least-squares regression techniques were used to determine the best explanatory variables for the regression equations. Traditional map-based explanatory variables were compared to variables requiring field measurements. Two field-based variables—culvert rust lines and bankfull channel widths—either were not commonly found or did not explain enough of the variability in the peak flows to warrant inclusion in the equations. The best explanatory variables were drainage area and percent basin wetlands; values for these variables were determined with a geographic information system. Generalized least-squares regression was used with these two variables to determine the equation coefficients and estimates of accuracy for the final equations.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: 5 Galactic GC proper motions from Gaia DR1 (Watkins+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watkins, L. L.; van der Marel, R. P.

2017-11-01

We present a pilot study of Galactic globular cluster (GC) proper motion (PM) determinations using Gaia data. We search for GC stars in the Tycho-Gaia Astrometric Solution (TGAS) catalog from Gaia Data Release 1 (DR1), and identify five members of NGC 104 (47 Tucanae), one member of NGC 5272 (M3), five members of NGC 6121 (M4), seven members of NGC 6397, and two members of NGC 6656 (M22). By taking a weighted average of member stars, fully accounting for the correlations between parameters, we estimate the parallax (and, hence, distance) and PM of the GCs. This provides a homogeneous PM study of multiple GCs based on an astrometric catalog with small and well-controlled systematic errors and yields random PM errors similar to existing measurements. Detailed comparison to the available Hubble Space Telescope (HST) measurements generally shows excellent agreement, validating the astrometric quality of both TGAS and HST. By contrast, comparison to ground-based measurements shows that some of those must have systematic errors exceeding the random errors. Our parallax estimates have uncertainties an order of magnitude larger than previous studies, but nevertheless imply distances consistent with previous estimates. By combining our PM measurements with literature positions, distances, and radial velocities, we measure Galactocentric space motions for the clusters and find that these also agree well with previous analyses. Our analysis provides a framework for determining more accurate distances and PMs of Galactic GCs using future Gaia data releases. This will provide crucial constraints on the near end of the cosmic distance ladder and provide accurate GC orbital histories. (4 data files).

A novel pH-responsive hydrogel-based on calcium alginate engineered by the previous formation of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) intended to vaginal administration.

PubMed

Ferreira, Natália Noronha; Perez, Taciane Alvarenga; Pedreiro, Liliane Neves; Prezotti, Fabíola Garavello; Boni, Fernanda Isadora; Cardoso, Valéria Maria de Oliveira; Venâncio, Tiago; Gremião, Maria Palmira Daflon

2017-10-01

This work aimed to develop a calcium alginate hydrogel as a pH responsive delivery system for polymyxin B (PMX) sustained-release through the vaginal route. Two samples of sodium alginate from different suppliers were characterized. The molecular weight and M/G ratio determined were, approximately, 107 KDa and 1.93 for alginate_S and 32 KDa and 1.36 for alginate_V. Polymer rheological investigations were further performed through the preparation of hydrogels. Alginate_V was selected for subsequent incorporation of PMX due to the acquisition of pseudoplastic viscous system able to acquiring a differential structure in simulated vaginal microenvironment (pH 4.5). The PMX-loaded hydrogel (hydrogel_PMX) was engineered based on polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) formation between alginate and PMX followed by crosslinking with calcium chloride. This system exhibited a morphology with variable pore sizes, ranging from 100 to 200 μm and adequate syringeability. The hydrogel liquid uptake ability in an acid environment was minimized by the previous PECs formation. In vitro tests evidenced the hydrogels mucoadhesiveness. PMX release was pH-dependent and the system was able to sustain the release up to 6 days. A burst release was observed at pH 7.4 and drug release was driven by an anomalous transport, as determined by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. At pH 4.5, drug release correlated with Weibull model and drug transport was driven by Fickian diffusion. The calcium alginate hydrogels engineered by the previous formation of PECs showed to be a promising platform for sustained release of cationic drugs through vaginal administration.

Using Extended Genealogy to Estimate Components of Heritability for 23 Quantitative and Dichotomous Traits

PubMed Central

Zaitlen, Noah; Kraft, Peter; Patterson, Nick; Pasaniuc, Bogdan; Bhatia, Gaurav; Pollack, Samuela; Price, Alkes L.

2013-01-01

Important knowledge about the determinants of complex human phenotypes can be obtained from the estimation of heritability, the fraction of phenotypic variation in a population that is determined by genetic factors. Here, we make use of extensive phenotype data in Iceland, long-range phased genotypes, and a population-wide genealogical database to examine the heritability of 11 quantitative and 12 dichotomous phenotypes in a sample of 38,167 individuals. Most previous estimates of heritability are derived from family-based approaches such as twin studies, which may be biased upwards by epistatic interactions or shared environment. Our estimates of heritability, based on both closely and distantly related pairs of individuals, are significantly lower than those from previous studies. We examine phenotypic correlations across a range of relationships, from siblings to first cousins, and find that the excess phenotypic correlation in these related individuals is predominantly due to shared environment as opposed to dominance or epistasis. We also develop a new method to jointly estimate narrow-sense heritability and the heritability explained by genotyped SNPs. Unlike existing methods, this approach permits the use of information from both closely and distantly related pairs of individuals, thereby reducing the variance of estimates of heritability explained by genotyped SNPs while preventing upward bias. Our results show that common SNPs explain a larger proportion of the heritability than previously thought, with SNPs present on Illumina 300K genotyping arrays explaining more than half of the heritability for the 23 phenotypes examined in this study. Much of the remaining heritability is likely to be due to rare alleles that are not captured by standard genotyping arrays. PMID:23737753

Using extended genealogy to estimate components of heritability for 23 quantitative and dichotomous traits.

PubMed

Zaitlen, Noah; Kraft, Peter; Patterson, Nick; Pasaniuc, Bogdan; Bhatia, Gaurav; Pollack, Samuela; Price, Alkes L

2013-05-01

Important knowledge about the determinants of complex human phenotypes can be obtained from the estimation of heritability, the fraction of phenotypic variation in a population that is determined by genetic factors. Here, we make use of extensive phenotype data in Iceland, long-range phased genotypes, and a population-wide genealogical database to examine the heritability of 11 quantitative and 12 dichotomous phenotypes in a sample of 38,167 individuals. Most previous estimates of heritability are derived from family-based approaches such as twin studies, which may be biased upwards by epistatic interactions or shared environment. Our estimates of heritability, based on both closely and distantly related pairs of individuals, are significantly lower than those from previous studies. We examine phenotypic correlations across a range of relationships, from siblings to first cousins, and find that the excess phenotypic correlation in these related individuals is predominantly due to shared environment as opposed to dominance or epistasis. We also develop a new method to jointly estimate narrow-sense heritability and the heritability explained by genotyped SNPs. Unlike existing methods, this approach permits the use of information from both closely and distantly related pairs of individuals, thereby reducing the variance of estimates of heritability explained by genotyped SNPs while preventing upward bias. Our results show that common SNPs explain a larger proportion of the heritability than previously thought, with SNPs present on Illumina 300K genotyping arrays explaining more than half of the heritability for the 23 phenotypes examined in this study. Much of the remaining heritability is likely to be due to rare alleles that are not captured by standard genotyping arrays.

Electroencephalographic patterns of lithium poisoning: a study of the effect/concentration relationships in the rat.

PubMed

Hanak, Anne-Sophie; Malissin, Isabelle; Poupon, Joël; Risède, Patricia; Chevillard, Lucie; Mégarbane, Bruno

2017-03-01

Lithium overdose may result in encephalopathy and electroencephalographic abnormalities. Three poisoning patterns have been identified based on the ingested dose, previous treatment duration and renal function. Whether the severity of lithium-induced encephalopathy depends on the poisoning pattern has not been established. We designed a rat study to investigate lithium-induced encephalopathy and correlate its severity to plasma, erythrocyte, cerebrospinal fluid and brain lithium concentrations previously determined in rat models mimicking human poisoning patterns. Lithium-induced encephalopathy was assessed and scored using continuous electroencephalography. We demonstrated that lithium overdose was consistently responsible for encephalopathy, the severity of which depended on the poisoning pattern. Acutely poisoned rats developed rapid-onset encephalopathy which reached a maximal grade of 2/5 at 6 h and disappeared at 24 h post-injection. Acute-on-chronically poisoned rats developed persistent and slightly fluctuating encephalopathy which reached a maximal grade of 3/5. Chronically poisoned rats developed rapid-onset but gradually increasing life-threatening encephalopathy which reached a maximal grade of 4/5. None of the acutely, 20% of the acute-on-chronically and 57% of the chronically lithium-poisoned rats developed seizures. The relationships between encephalopathy severity and lithium concentrations fitted a sigmoidal E max model based on cerebrospinal fluid concentrations in acute poisoning and brain concentrations in acute-on-chronic poisoning. In chronic poisoning, worsening of encephalopathy paralleled the increase in plasma lithium concentrations. The severity of lithium-induced encephalopathy is dependent on the poisoning pattern, which was previously shown to determine lithium accumulation in the brain. Our data support the proposition that electroencephalography is a sensitive tool for scoring lithium-related neurotoxicity. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

DialBetics With a Multimedia Food Recording Tool, FoodLog

PubMed Central

Waki, Kayo; Aizawa, Kiyoharu; Kato, Shigeko; Fujita, Hideo; Lee, Hanae; Kobayashi, Haruka; Ogawa, Makoto; Mouri, Keisuke; Kadowaki, Takashi; Ohe, Kazuhiko

2015-01-01

Background: Diabetes self-management education is an essential element of diabetes care. Systems based on information and communication technology (ICT) for supporting lifestyle modification and self-management of diabetes are promising tools for helping patients better cope with diabetes. An earlier study had determined that diet improved and HbA1c declined for the patients who had used DialBetics during a 3-month randomized clinical trial. The objective of the current study was to test a more patient-friendly version of DialBetics, whose development was based on the original participants’ feedback about the previous version of DialBetics. Method: DialBetics comprises 4 modules: data transmission, evaluation, exercise input, and food recording and dietary evaluation. Food recording uses a multimedia food record, FoodLog. A 1-week pilot study was designed to determine if usability and compliance improved over the previous version, especially with the new meal-input function. Results: In the earlier 3-month, diet-evaluation study, HbA1c had declined a significant 0.4% among those who used DialBetics compared with the control group. In the current 1-week study, input of meal photos was higher than with the previous version (84.8 ± 13.2% vs 77.1% ± 35.1% in the first 2 weeks of the 3-month trial). Interviews after the 1-week study showed that 4 of the 5 participants thought the meal-input function improved; the fifth found input easier, but did not consider the result an improvement. Conclusions: DialBetics with FoodLog was shown to be an effective and convenient tool, its new meal-photo input function helping provide patients with real-time support for diet modification. PMID:25883164

Tycho- Gaia Astrometric Solution Parallaxes and Proper Motions for Five Galactic Globular Clusters

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

Watkins, Laura L.; Van der Marel, Roeland P., E-mail: lwatkins@stsci.edu

2017-04-20

We present a pilot study of Galactic globular cluster (GC) proper motion (PM) determinations using Gaia data. We search for GC stars in the Tycho- Gaia Astrometric Solution (TGAS) catalog from Gaia Data Release 1 (DR1), and identify five members of NGC 104 (47 Tucanae), one member of NGC 5272 (M3), five members of NGC 6121 (M4), seven members of NGC 6397, and two members of NGC 6656 (M22). By taking a weighted average of member stars, fully accounting for the correlations between parameters, we estimate the parallax (and, hence, distance) and PM of the GCs. This provides a homogeneousmore » PM study of multiple GCs based on an astrometric catalog with small and well-controlled systematic errors and yields random PM errors similar to existing measurements. Detailed comparison to the available Hubble Space Telescope ( HST ) measurements generally shows excellent agreement, validating the astrometric quality of both TGAS and HST . By contrast, comparison to ground-based measurements shows that some of those must have systematic errors exceeding the random errors. Our parallax estimates have uncertainties an order of magnitude larger than previous studies, but nevertheless imply distances consistent with previous estimates. By combining our PM measurements with literature positions, distances, and radial velocities, we measure Galactocentric space motions for the clusters and find that these also agree well with previous analyses. Our analysis provides a framework for determining more accurate distances and PMs of Galactic GCs using future Gaia data releases. This will provide crucial constraints on the near end of the cosmic distance ladder and provide accurate GC orbital histories.« less

An evaluation of the use of remotely sensed parameters for prediction of incidence and risk associated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Gulf Coast oysters (Crassostrea virginica).

PubMed

Phillips, A M B; Depaola, A; Bowers, J; Ladner, S; Grimes, D J

2007-04-01

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently published a Vibrio parahaemolyticus risk assessment for consumption of raw oysters that predicts V. parahaemolyticus densities at harvest based on water temperature. We retrospectively compared archived remotely sensed measurements (sea surface temperature, chlorophyll, and turbidity) with previously published data from an environmental study of V. parahaemolyticus in Alabama oysters to assess the utility of the former data for predicting V. parahaemolyticus densities in oysters. Remotely sensed sea surface temperature correlated well with previous in situ measurements (R(2) = 0.86) of bottom water temperature, supporting the notion that remotely sensed sea surface temperature data are a sufficiently accurate substitute for direct measurement. Turbidity and chlorophyll levels were not determined in the previous study, but in comparison with the V. parahaemolyticus data, remotely sensed values for these parameters may explain some of the variation in V. parahaemolyticus levels. More accurate determination of these effects and the temporal and spatial variability of these parameters may further improve the accuracy of prediction models. To illustrate the utility of remotely sensed data as a basis for risk management, predictions based on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration V. parahaemolyticus risk assessment model were integrated with remotely sensed sea surface temperature data to display graphically variations in V. parahaemolyticus density in oysters associated with spatial variations in water temperature. We believe images such as these could be posted in near real time, and that the availability of such information in a user-friendly format could be the basis for timely and informed risk management decisions.

Equations based on anthropometry to predict body fat measured by absorptiometry in schoolchildren and adolescents.

PubMed

Ortiz-Hernández, Luis; Vega López, A Valeria; Ramos-Ibáñez, Norma; Cázares Lara, L Joana; Medina Gómez, R Joab; Pérez-Salgado, Diana

To develop and validate equations to estimate the percentage of body fat of children and adolescents from Mexico using anthropometric measurements. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 601 children and adolescents from Mexico aged 5-19 years. The participants were randomly divided into the following two groups: the development sample (n=398) and the validation sample (n=203). The validity of previously published equations (e.g., Slaughter) was also assessed. The percentage of body fat was estimated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The anthropometric measurements included height, sitting height, weight, waist and arm circumferences, skinfolds (triceps, biceps, subscapular, supra-iliac, and calf), and elbow and bitrochanteric breadth. Linear regression models were estimated with the percentage of body fat as the dependent variable and the anthropometric measurements as the independent variables. Equations were created based on combinations of six to nine anthropometric variables and had coefficients of determination (r 2 ) equal to or higher than 92.4% for boys and 85.8% for girls. In the validation sample, the developed equations had high r 2 values (≥85.6% in boys and ≥78.1% in girls) in all age groups, low standard errors (SE≤3.05% in boys and ≤3.52% in girls), and the intercepts were not different from the origin (p>0.050). Using the previously published equations, the coefficients of determination were lower, and/or the intercepts were different from the origin. The equations developed in this study can be used to assess the percentage of body fat of Mexican schoolchildren and adolescents, as they demonstrate greater validity and lower error compared with previously published equations. Copyright © 2017 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

A Comparison of Topography-based and Selection-based Verbal Behavior in Typically Developed Children and Developmentally Disabled Persons with Autism

PubMed Central

Vignes, Tore

2007-01-01

This study is a replication of Sundberg and Sundberg (1990) that compared topography-based verbal behavior with selection-based verbal behavior in terms of acquisition, accuracy, and testing for the emergence of a new verbal relation. Participants were three typical children and three developmentally disabled persons with autism. The study sought to determine which paradigm (topography-based or selection-based) resulted in more rapid acquisition of tacts and intraverbals, which was associated with the fewest errors, and which paradigm resulted in the emergence of the highest number of new verbal relations. The results of the study showed that the six participants performed quite differently from one another. Most importantly, the results from the person with autism contradicted previous findings favoring selection-based verbal behavior over topography-based approaches for teaching verbal behavior to low-functioning individuals. PMID:22477385

Sex determination and disorders of sex development according to the revised nomenclature and classification in 46,XX individuals.

PubMed

Kousta, Eleni; Papathanasiou, Asteroula; Skordis, Nicos

2010-01-01

There have been considerable advances concerning understanding of the early and later stages of ovarian development; a number of genes have been implicated and their mutations have been associated with developmental abnormalities. The most important genes controlling the initial phase of gonadal development, identical in females and males, are Wilms' tumor suppressor 1 (WT1) and steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1). Four genes are likely to be involved in the subsequent stages of ovarian development (WNT4, DAX1, FOXL2 and RSPO1), but none is yet proven to be the ovarian determining factor. Changes in nomenclature and classification were recently proposed in order to incorporate genetic advances and substitute gender-based diagnostic labels in terminology. The term "disorders of sex development" (DSD) is proposed to substitute the previous term "intersex disorders". Three main categories have been used to describe DSD in the 46,XX individual: 1) disorders of gonadal (ovarian) development: ovotesticular DSD, previously named true hermaphroditism, testicular DSD, previously named XX males, and gonadal dysgenesis; 2) disorders related to androgen excess (congenital adrenal hyperplasia, aromatase deficiency and P450 oxidoreductase deficiency); and 3) other rare disorders. In this mini-review, recent advances concerning development of the genital system in 46,XX individuals and related abnormalities are discussed. Basic embryology of the ovary and molecular pathways determining ovarian development are reviewed, focusing on mutations disrupting normal ovarian development. Disorders of sex development according to the revised nomenclature and classification in 46,XX individuals are summarized, including genetic progress in the field.

Localization of sarcomeric proteins during myofibril assembly in cultured mouse primary skeletal myotubes

PubMed Central

White, Jennifer; Barro, Marietta V.; Makarenkova, Helen P.; Sanger, Joseph W.; Sanger, Jean M.

2014-01-01

It is important to understand how muscle forms normally in order to understand muscle diseases that result in abnormal muscle formation. Although the structure of myofibrils is well understood, the process through which the myofibril components form organized contractile units is not clear. Based on the staining of muscle proteins in avian embryonic cardiomyocytes, we previously proposed that myofibrils formation occurred in steps that began with premyofibrils followed by nascent myofibrils and ending with mature myofibrils. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the premyofibril model of myofibrillogenesis developed from studies developed from studies in avian cardiomyocytes was supported by our current studies of myofibril assembly in mouse skeletal muscle. Emphasis was on establishing how the key sarcomeric proteins, F-actin, non-muscle myosin II, muscle myosin II, and α-actinin were organized in the three stages of myofibril assembly. The results also test previous reports that non-muscle myosins II A and B are components of the Z-Bands of mature myofibrils, data that are inconsistent with the premyofibril model. We have also determined that in mouse muscle cells, telethonin is a late assembling protein that is present only in the Z-Bands of mature myofibrils. This result of using specific telethonin antibodies supports the approach of using YFP-tagged proteins to determine where and when these YFP-sarcomeric fusion proteins are localized. The data presented in this study on cultures of primary mouse skeletal myocytes are consistent with the premyofibril model of myofibrillogenesis previously proposed for both avian cardiac and skeletal muscle cells. PMID:25125171

Utility of the Determine Syphilis TP rapid test in commercial sex venues in Peru.

PubMed

Campos, P E; Buffardi, A L; Chiappe, M; Buendía, C; Garcia, P J; Carcamo, C P; Garnett, G; White, P; Holmes, K K

2006-12-01

This study sought to evaluate the utility of the Determine Syphilis TP test performed in Peruvian commercial sex venues for the detection of active syphilis; and determine the feasibility of integrating rapid syphilis testing for female sex workers (FSW) into existing health outreach services. We tested 3586 female sex workers for syphilis by Determine in the field using whole blood fingerstick, and by rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay (TPHA) in a central laboratory in Lima using sera. 97.4% of the FSW offered rapid syphilis testing participated; and among those who tested positive, 87% visited the local health centre for treatment. More than twice as many specimens were RPR reactive using serum in Lima (5.7%) than tested positive by whole blood Determine in the field (2.8%), and although most were confirmed by TPHA, only a small proportion (0.7%) were RPR reactive at >or=1:8 dilutions, and likely indicating active syphilis. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of the Determine Syphilis TP test in whole blood when compared to serum RPR reactivity at any dilution confirmed by TPHA as the gold standard were 39.3%, 99.2% and 71.4%, respectively. Sensitivity improved to 64.0% when using serum RPR >or=1:8 confirmed by TPHA. Invalid tests were rare (0.3%). Rapid syphilis testing in sex work venues proved feasible, but Determine using whole blood obtained by fingerstick was substantially less sensitive than reported in previous laboratory-based studies using serum. Although easy to perform in outreach venues, the utility of this rapid syphilis test was relatively low in settings where a large proportion of the targeted population has been previously tested and treated.

Utility of the Determine Syphilis TP rapid test in commercial sex venues in Peru

PubMed Central

Campos, P E; Buffardi, A L; Chiappe, M; Buendía, C; Garcia, P J; Carcamo, C P; Garnett, G; White, P

2006-01-01

Objectives This study sought to evaluate the utility of the Determine Syphilis TP test performed in Peruvian commercial sex venues for the detection of active syphilis; and determine the feasibility of integrating rapid syphilis testing for female sex workers (FSW) into existing health outreach services. Methods We tested 3586 female sex workers for syphilis by Determine in the field using whole blood fingerstick, and by rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay (TPHA) in a central laboratory in Lima using sera. Results 97.4% of the FSW offered rapid syphilis testing participated; and among those who tested positive, 87% visited the local health centre for treatment. More than twice as many specimens were RPR reactive using serum in Lima (5.7%) than tested positive by whole blood Determine in the field (2.8%), and although most were confirmed by TPHA, only a small proportion (0.7%) were RPR reactive at ⩾1:8 dilutions, and likely indicating active syphilis. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of the Determine Syphilis TP test in whole blood when compared to serum RPR reactivity at any dilution confirmed by TPHA as the gold standard were 39.3%, 99.2% and 71.4%, respectively. Sensitivity improved to 64.0% when using serum RPR ⩾1:8 confirmed by TPHA. Invalid tests were rare (0.3%). Conclusions Rapid syphilis testing in sex work venues proved feasible, but Determine using whole blood obtained by fingerstick was substantially less sensitive than reported in previous laboratory‐based studies using serum. Although easy to perform in outreach venues, the utility of this rapid syphilis test was relatively low in settings where a large proportion of the targeted population has been previously tested and treated. PMID:17116642

Quantifying the Sources of Intermodel Spread in Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity

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

Caldwell, Peter M.; Zelinka, Mark D.; Taylor, Karl E.

This paper clarifies the causes of intermodel differences in the global-average temperature response to doubled CO 2, commonly known as equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS). The authors begin by noting several issues with the standard approach for decomposing ECS into a sum of forcing and feedback terms. This leads to a derivation of an alternative method based on linearizing the effect of the net feedback. Consistent with previous studies, the new method identifies shortwave cloud feedback as the dominant source of intermodel spread in ECS. This new approach also reveals that covariances between cloud feedback and forcing, between lapse rate andmore » longwave cloud feedbacks, and between albedo and shortwave cloud feedbacks play an important and previously underappreciated role in determining model differences in ECS. Finally, defining feedbacks based on fixed relative rather than specific humidity (as suggested by Held and Shell) reduces the covariances between processes and leads to more straightforward interpretations of results.« less

An academic-based hospital donor site: do physicians donate blood?

PubMed

Kanner, William A; Jeffus, Susanne; Wehrli, Gay

2009-01-01

The objectives of this prospective, cross-sectional study were to characterize blood donors in an academic-based hospital donor center, to determine whether physicians donate, and to elucidate the donation impetus. A confidential survey was issued to presenting, potential donors over 200 weekdays. Three questions were asked: their role at the institution, if and when they had previously donated blood, and what prompted the current donation. The majority of the 687 respondents were institution-affiliated (73.5%) and 79.3% had previously donated, with a median of 3 mo since the prior donation. Only 21 (3.1%) respondents were physicians. The predominant reasons for donor presentation were an appointment, knowing it had been 8 wk since the last donation, and contact by the blood center to donate. This study shows the dearth of physician blood donors and a strong cohort of institution-affiliated repeat donors. Physicians represent a potential, stable, and sustainable donor pool; further studies are needed to establish physician recruitment programs.

Quantifying the Sources of Intermodel Spread in Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity

DOE PAGES

Caldwell, Peter M.; Zelinka, Mark D.; Taylor, Karl E.; ...

2016-01-07

This paper clarifies the causes of intermodel differences in the global-average temperature response to doubled CO 2, commonly known as equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS). The authors begin by noting several issues with the standard approach for decomposing ECS into a sum of forcing and feedback terms. This leads to a derivation of an alternative method based on linearizing the effect of the net feedback. Consistent with previous studies, the new method identifies shortwave cloud feedback as the dominant source of intermodel spread in ECS. This new approach also reveals that covariances between cloud feedback and forcing, between lapse rate andmore » longwave cloud feedbacks, and between albedo and shortwave cloud feedbacks play an important and previously underappreciated role in determining model differences in ECS. Finally, defining feedbacks based on fixed relative rather than specific humidity (as suggested by Held and Shell) reduces the covariances between processes and leads to more straightforward interpretations of results.« less

Generalized image contrast enhancement technique based on Heinemann contrast discrimination model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hong; Nodine, Calvin F.

1994-03-01

This paper presents a generalized image contrast enhancement technique which equalizes perceived brightness based on the Heinemann contrast discrimination model. This is a modified algorithm which presents an improvement over the previous study by Mokrane in its mathematically proven existence of a unique solution and in its easily tunable parameterization. The model uses a log-log representation of contrast luminosity between targets and the surround in a fixed luminosity background setting. The algorithm consists of two nonlinear gray-scale mapping functions which have seven parameters, two of which are adjustable Heinemann constants. Another parameter is the background gray level. The remaining four parameters are nonlinear functions of gray scale distribution of the image, and can be uniquely determined once the previous three are given. Tests have been carried out to examine the effectiveness of the algorithm for increasing the overall contrast of images. It can be demonstrated that the generalized algorithm provides better contrast enhancement than histogram equalization. In fact, the histogram equalization technique is a special case of the proposed mapping.

PROBING THE ROLE OF CARBON IN ULTRAVIOLET EXTINCTION ALONG GALACTIC SIGHT LINES

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

Parvathi, V. S.; Babu, B. R. S.; Sofia, U. J.

2012-11-20

We report previously undetermined interstellar gas and dust-phase carbon abundances along 15 Galactic sight lines based on archival data of the strong 1334.5323 A transition observed with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph. These are combined with previously reported carbon measurements along six sight lines to produce a complete sample of interstellar C II measurements determined with the 1334 A transition. Our data set includes a variety of Galactic disk environments characterized by different extinctions and samples paths ranging over three orders of magnitude in average density of hydrogen ((n(H))). Our data support the idea that dust, specifically carbon-based grains, aremore » processed in the neutral interstellar medium. We, however, do not find that the abundance of carbon in dust or the grain-size distribution is related to the strength of the 2175 A bump. This is surprising, given that many current models have polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as the bump-producing dust.« less

Parallel, exhaustive processing underlies logarithmic search functions: Visual search with cortical magnification.

PubMed

Wang, Zhiyuan; Lleras, Alejandro; Buetti, Simona

2018-04-17

Our lab recently found evidence that efficient visual search (with a fixed target) is characterized by logarithmic Reaction Time (RT) × Set Size functions whose steepness is modulated by the similarity between target and distractors. To determine whether this pattern of results was based on low-level visual factors uncontrolled by previous experiments, we minimized the possibility of crowding effects in the display, compensated for the cortical magnification factor by magnifying search items based on their eccentricity, and compared search performance on such displays to performance on displays without magnification compensation. In both cases, the RT × Set Size functions were found to be logarithmic, and the modulation of the log slopes by target-distractor similarity was replicated. Consistent with previous results in the literature, cortical magnification compensation eliminated most target eccentricity effects. We conclude that the log functions and their modulation by target-distractor similarity relations reflect a parallel exhaustive processing architecture for early vision.

Upgrade Summer Severe Weather Tool in MIDDS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wheeler, Mark M.

2010-01-01

The goal of this task was to upgrade the severe weather database from the previous phase by adding weather observations from the years 2004 - 2009, re-analyze the data to determine the important parameters, make adjustments to the index weights depending on the analysis results, and update the MIDDS GUI. The added data increased the period of record from 15 to 21 years. Data sources included local forecast rules, archived sounding data, surface and upper air maps, and two severe weather event databases covering east-central Florida. Four of the stability indices showed increased severe weather predication. The Total Threat Score (TTS) of the previous work was verified for the warm season of 2009 with very good skill. The TTS Probability of Detection (POD) was 88% and the False alarm rate (FAR) of 8%. Based on the results of the analyses, the MIDDS Severe Weather Worksheet GUI was updated to assist the duty forecaster by providing a level of objective guidance based on the analysis of the stability parameters and synoptic-scale dynamics.

Efficient path-based computations on pedigree graphs with compact encodings

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

A pedigree is a diagram of family relationships, and it is often used to determine the mode of inheritance (dominant, recessive, etc.) of genetic diseases. Along with rapidly growing knowledge of genetics and accumulation of genealogy information, pedigree data is becoming increasingly important. In large pedigree graphs, path-based methods for efficiently computing genealogical measurements, such as inbreeding and kinship coefficients of individuals, depend on efficient identification and processing of paths. In this paper, we propose a new compact path encoding scheme on large pedigrees, accompanied by an efficient algorithm for identifying paths. We demonstrate the utilization of our proposed method by applying it to the inbreeding coefficient computation. We present time and space complexity analysis, and also manifest the efficiency of our method for evaluating inbreeding coefficients as compared to previous methods by experimental results using pedigree graphs with real and synthetic data. Both theoretical and experimental results demonstrate that our method is more scalable and efficient than previous methods in terms of time and space requirements. PMID:22536898

Hydrodynamic aspects of shark scales

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raschi, W. G.; Musick, J. A.

1986-01-01

Ridge morphometrices on placoid scales from 12 galeoid shark species were examined in order to evaluate their potential value for frictional drag reduction. The geometry of the shark scales is similar to longitudinal grooved surfaces (riblets) that have been previously shown to give 8 percent skin-friction reduction for turbulent boundary layers. The present study of the shark scales was undertaken to determine if the physical dimensions of the ridges on the shark scales are of the right magnitude to be used by the sharks for drag reduction based on previous riblet work. The results indicate that the ridge heights and spacings are normally maintained between the predicted optimal values proposed for voluntary and burst swimming speeds throughout the individual's ontogeny. Moreover, the species which might be considered to be the faster posses smaller and more closely spaced ridges that based on the riblet work would suggest a greater frictional drag reduction value at the high swimming speeds, as compared to their more sluggish counterparts.

[Pharmaceutical research progress of rhynchophylla based on chemical stability].

PubMed

Hao, Bo; Yang, Xiu-Juan; Feng, Yi; Hong, Yan-Long

2014-12-01

Rhynchophylla is a Chinese herb commonly used in clinical practice. It's also the primary herb of some famous Chinese herbal compound such as Tianma Gouteng decoction, and Lingyang Gouteng decoction. According the record from many previous materia medica literatures, rhynchophylla should be added later during decoction. Pharmaceutical research showed that rhynchophylla alkaloids were not stable. Which has resulted in many problems in the research and its application. For example, there was not a quantitative determination method in "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" of past and present versions, which seriously impacted its quality control and product application. Firstly, records from previous materia medica literatures and "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" were systematically sorted based on the chemical stability of rhynchophylla. Secondly, pharmaceutical research including chemical compositions and their stability, pharmacological effects, extraction process and quality analysis, was reviewed after reference of literatures published at home and abroad in recent decades. Positive reference and evidence for further research and development of rhynchophylla will be provided in the article.

Determination of industrial color tolerance limits: case studies in the textile industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gay, Jennifer; Hirschler, Robert

2002-06-01

The approach and findings during the application of instrumental color quality control in industry are described, where the best tolerance formulae and tolerance limits were determined by correlating visual and instrumental evaluations. A panel of previously tested observers evaluated a collection of samples taken from production and color measurements are then compared to these assessments, according to different color difference formulae. T he formula and the limit giving the best agreement with visual evaluations were determined with two different methods. For a large variety of textile substrates, processes and market situations the CMC(2:1) formula was always the best or one of the bests, but the limits varied widely, according to the individual application. Additional shade sorting, based on the tolerance limit, was also applied in several companies. The ideal box size was also determined by comparing visual and instrumental evaluations. The application as logistical tools was established according to individual necessities.

Determination of asparagine, glutamine and pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid in total enzymic hydrolysates of peptides and glycopeptides by gas–liquid chromatography

PubMed Central

Hediger, Hedy; Stevens, Richard L.; Brandenberger, Hans; Schmid, Karl

1973-01-01

A new procedure for the qualitative and quantitative determination of asparagine, glutamine and pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid in total enzymic hydrolysates of peptides and glycopeptides based on g.l.c. has been developed. Under the conditions of esterification and trifluoroacetylation N-trifluoroacetylaspartic acid mono-n-butyl ester was formed from asparagine and N-trifluoroacetylglutamic acid mono-n-butyl ester from both glutamine and pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid. To distinguish between the latter two compounds, the esterification was carried out at room temperature yielding 30% of esterified pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid but less than 1% of esterified glutamine. In extending the g.l.c. of amino acids, the previously unknown positions in the g.l.c. elution pattern of the following amino acids could also be reproducibly determined: carboxymethylcysteine, homoserine, hydroxylysine and ∈-methyl-lysine. Further, certain glycopeptides were investigated and the artifacts due to their carbohydrate moieties were determined. PMID:4733240

26 CFR 7.48-1 - Election to have investment credit for movie and television films determined in accordance with...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... and television films determined in accordance with previous litigation. 7.48-1 Section 7.48-1 Internal... movie and television films determined in accordance with previous litigation. (a) Generally. Under... to any film placed in service in any taxable year beginning before January 1, 1975, may elect to have...

Prostatectomy-based validation of combined urine and plasma test for predicting high grade prostate cancer.

PubMed

Albitar, Maher; Ma, Wanlong; Lund, Lars; Shahbaba, Babak; Uchio, Edward; Feddersen, Søren; Moylan, Donald; Wojno, Kirk; Shore, Neal

2018-03-01

Distinguishing between low- and high-grade prostate cancers (PCa) is important, but biopsy may underestimate the actual grade of cancer. We have previously shown that urine/plasma-based prostate-specific biomarkers can predict high grade PCa. Our objective was to determine the accuracy of a test using cell-free RNA levels of biomarkers in predicting prostatectomy results. This multicenter community-based prospective study was conducted using urine/blood samples collected from 306 patients. All recruited patients were treatment-naïve, without metastases, and had been biopsied, designated a Gleason Score (GS) based on biopsy, and assigned to prostatectomy prior to participation in the study. The primary outcome measure was the urine/plasma test accuracy in predicting high grade PCa on prostatectomy compared with biopsy findings. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated using standard formulas, while comparisons between groups were performed using the Wilcoxon Rank Sum, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-Square, and Fisher's exact test. GS as assigned by standard 10-12 core biopsies was 3 + 3 in 90 (29.4%), 3 + 4 in 122 (39.8%), 4 + 3 in 50 (16.3%), and > 4 + 3 in 44 (14.4%) patients. The urine/plasma assay confirmed a previous validation and was highly accurate in predicting the presence of high-grade PCa (Gleason ≥3 + 4) with sensitivity between 88% and 95% as verified by prostatectomy findings. GS was upgraded after prostatectomy in 27% of patients and downgraded in 12% of patients. This plasma/urine biomarker test accurately predicts high grade cancer as determined by prostatectomy with a sensitivity at 92-97%, while the sensitivity of core biopsies was 78%. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Reexamining Sample Size Requirements for Multivariate, Abundance-Based Community Research: When Resources are Limited, the Research Does Not Have to Be.

PubMed

Forcino, Frank L; Leighton, Lindsey R; Twerdy, Pamela; Cahill, James F

2015-01-01

Community ecologists commonly perform multivariate techniques (e.g., ordination, cluster analysis) to assess patterns and gradients of taxonomic variation. A critical requirement for a meaningful statistical analysis is accurate information on the taxa found within an ecological sample. However, oversampling (too many individuals counted per sample) also comes at a cost, particularly for ecological systems in which identification and quantification is substantially more resource consuming than the field expedition itself. In such systems, an increasingly larger sample size will eventually result in diminishing returns in improving any pattern or gradient revealed by the data, but will also lead to continually increasing costs. Here, we examine 396 datasets: 44 previously published and 352 created datasets. Using meta-analytic and simulation-based approaches, the research within the present paper seeks (1) to determine minimal sample sizes required to produce robust multivariate statistical results when conducting abundance-based, community ecology research. Furthermore, we seek (2) to determine the dataset parameters (i.e., evenness, number of taxa, number of samples) that require larger sample sizes, regardless of resource availability. We found that in the 44 previously published and the 220 created datasets with randomly chosen abundances, a conservative estimate of a sample size of 58 produced the same multivariate results as all larger sample sizes. However, this minimal number varies as a function of evenness, where increased evenness resulted in increased minimal sample sizes. Sample sizes as small as 58 individuals are sufficient for a broad range of multivariate abundance-based research. In cases when resource availability is the limiting factor for conducting a project (e.g., small university, time to conduct the research project), statistically viable results can still be obtained with less of an investment.

Dual-energy contrast-enhanced digital mammography (DE-CEDM): optimization on digital subtraction with practical x-ray low/high-energy spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Biao; Jing, Zhenxue; Smith, Andrew P.; Parikh, Samir; Parisky, Yuri

2006-03-01

Dual-energy contrast enhanced digital mammography (DE-CEDM), which is based upon the digital subtraction of low/high-energy image pairs acquired before/after the administration of contrast agents, may provide physicians physiologic and morphologic information of breast lesions and help characterize their probability of malignancy. This paper proposes to use only one pair of post-contrast low / high-energy images to obtain digitally subtracted dual-energy contrast-enhanced images with an optimal weighting factor deduced from simulated characteristics of the imaging chain. Based upon our previous CEDM framework, quantitative characteristics of the materials and imaging components in the x-ray imaging chain, including x-ray tube (tungsten) spectrum, filters, breast tissues / lesions, contrast agents (non-ionized iodine solution), and selenium detector, were systemically modeled. Using the base-material (polyethylene-PMMA) decomposition method based on entrance low / high-energy x-ray spectra and breast thickness, the optimal weighting factor was calculated to cancel the contrast between fatty and glandular tissues while enhancing the contrast of iodized lesions. By contrast, previous work determined the optimal weighting factor through either a calibration step or through acquisition of a pre-contrast low/high-energy image pair. Computer simulations were conducted to determine weighting factors, lesions' contrast signal values, and dose levels as functions of x-ray techniques and breast thicknesses. Phantom and clinical feasibility studies were performed on a modified Selenia full field digital mammography system to verify the proposed method and computer-simulated results. The resultant conclusions from the computer simulations and phantom/clinical feasibility studies will be used in the upcoming clinical study.

The utilization of Nimbus-7 SMMR measurements to delineate rainfall over land

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rogers, E.; Siddalingaiah, H.

1982-01-01

Based on previous theoretical calculations, an empirical statistical approach to use satellite multifrequency dual polarized passive microwave data to detect rainfall areas over land was initiated. The addition of information from a lower frequency channel (18.0 or 10.7 GHz) was shown to improve the discrimination of rain from wet ground achieved by using a single frequency dual polarized (37 GHz) channel alone. The algorithm was developed and independently tested using data from the Nimbus-7 Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer. Horizontally and vertically polarized brightness temperature pairs at 37, 18, 10.7 GHz were sampled for raining areas over land (determined from ground base radar), wet ground areas (adjacent and upwind from rain areas determined from radar), and dry land regions (areas where rain had not fallen in a 24h period) over the central and eastern United States. Surface thermodynamic temperatures were both above and below 15 deg C.

Potts-model critical manifolds revisited

DOE PAGES

Scullard, Christian R.; Jacobsen, Jesper Lykke

2016-02-11

We compute the critical polynomials for the q-state Potts model on all Archimedean lattices, using a parallel implementation of the algorithm of Ref. [1] that gives us access to larger sizes than previously possible. The exact polynomials are computed for bases of size 6 6 unit cells, and the root in the temperature variable v = e K-1 is determined numerically at q = 1 for bases of size 8 8. This leads to improved results for bond percolation thresholds, and for the Potts-model critical manifolds in the real (q; v) plane. In the two most favourable cases, we findmore » now the kagome-lattice threshold to eleven digits and that of the (3; 12 2) lattice to thirteen. Our critical manifolds reveal many interesting features in the antiferromagnetic region of the Potts model, and determine accurately the extent of the Berker-Kadano phase for the lattices studied.« less

The Rack-Gear Tool Generation Modelling. Non-Analytical Method Developed in CATIA, Using the Relative Generating Trajectories Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teodor, V. G.; Baroiu, N.; Susac, F.; Oancea, N.

2016-11-01

The modelling of a curl of surfaces associated with a pair of rolling centrodes, when it is known the profile of the rack-gear's teeth profile, by direct measuring, as a coordinate matrix, has as goal the determining of the generating quality for an imposed kinematics of the relative motion of tool regarding the blank. In this way, it is possible to determine the generating geometrical error, as a base of the total error. The generation modelling allows highlighting the potential errors of the generating tool, in order to correct its profile, previously to use the tool in machining process. A method developed in CATIA is proposed, based on a new method, namely the method of “relative generating trajectories”. They are presented the analytical foundation, as so as some application for knows models of rack-gear type tools used on Maag teething machines.

Tactile Sensing with Whiskers of Various Shapes: Determining the Three-Dimensional Location of Object Contact Based on Mechanical Signals at the Whisker Base.

PubMed

Huet, Lucie A; Rudnicki, John W; Hartmann, Mitra J Z

2017-06-01

Almost all mammals use their mystacial vibrissae (whiskers) as important tactile sensors. There are no sensors along the length of a whisker: all sensing is performed by mechanoreceptors at the whisker base. To use artificial whiskers as a sensing tool in robotics, it is essential to be able to determine the three-dimensional (3D) location at which a whisker has made contact with an object. With the assumption of quasistatic, frictionless, single-point contact, previous work demonstrated that the 3D contact point can be uniquely determined if all six components of force and moment are measured at the whisker base, but these measurements require a six-axis load cell. Here, we perform simulations to investigate the extent to which each of the 20 possible "triplet" combinations of the six mechanical signals at the whisker base uniquely determine 3D contact point location. We perform this analysis for four different whisker profiles (shapes): tapered with and without intrinsic curvature, and cylindrical with and without intrinsic curvature. We show that whisker profile has a strong influence on the particular triplet(s) of signals that uniquely map to the 3D contact point. The triplet of bending moment, bending moment direction, and axial force produces unique mappings for tapered whiskers. Four different mappings are unique for a cylindrical whisker without intrinsic curvature, but only when large deflections are excluded. These results inform the neuroscience of vibrissotactile sensing and represent an important step toward the development of artificial whiskers for robotic applications.

Bootstrap imputation with a disease probability model minimized bias from misclassification due to administrative database codes.

PubMed

van Walraven, Carl

2017-04-01

Diagnostic codes used in administrative databases cause bias due to misclassification of patient disease status. It is unclear which methods minimize this bias. Serum creatinine measures were used to determine severe renal failure status in 50,074 hospitalized patients. The true prevalence of severe renal failure and its association with covariates were measured. These were compared to results for which renal failure status was determined using surrogate measures including the following: (1) diagnostic codes; (2) categorization of probability estimates of renal failure determined from a previously validated model; or (3) bootstrap methods imputation of disease status using model-derived probability estimates. Bias in estimates of severe renal failure prevalence and its association with covariates were minimal when bootstrap methods were used to impute renal failure status from model-based probability estimates. In contrast, biases were extensive when renal failure status was determined using codes or methods in which model-based condition probability was categorized. Bias due to misclassification from inaccurate diagnostic codes can be minimized using bootstrap methods to impute condition status using multivariable model-derived probability estimates. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Vector space methods of photometric analysis. II - Refinement of the MK grid for B stars. III - The two components of ultraviolet reddening

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Massa, D.

1980-01-01

This paper discusses systematic errors which arise from exclusive use of the MK system to determine reddening. It is found that implementation of uvby, beta photometry to refine the qualitative MK grid substantially reduces stellar mismatch error. A working definition of 'identical' ubvy, beta types is investigated and the relationship of uvby to B-V color excesses is determined. A comparison is also made of the hydrogen based uvby, beta types with the MK system based on He and metal lines. A small core correlated effective temperature luminosity error in the MK system for the early B stars is observed along with a breakdown of the MK luminosity criteria for the late B stars. The second part investigates the wavelength dependence of interstellar extinction in the ultraviolet wavelength range observed with the TD-1 satellite. In this study the sets of identical stars employed to find reddening are determined more precisely than in previous studies and consist only of normal, nonsupergiant stars. A multivariate analysis of variance techniques in an unbiased coordinate system is used for determining the wavelength dependence of reddening.

Rapid surface defect detection based on singular value decomposition using steel strips as an example

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Qianlai; Wang, Yin; Sun, Zhiyi

2018-05-01

For most surface defect detection methods based on image processing, image segmentation is a prerequisite for determining and locating the defect. In our previous work, a method based on singular value decomposition (SVD) was used to determine and approximately locate surface defects on steel strips without image segmentation. For the SVD-based method, the image to be inspected was projected onto its first left and right singular vectors respectively. If there were defects in the image, there would be sharp changes in the projections. Then the defects may be determined and located according sharp changes in the projections of each image to be inspected. This method was simple and practical but the SVD should be performed for each image to be inspected. Owing to the high time complexity of SVD itself, it did not have a significant advantage in terms of time consumption over image segmentation-based methods. Here, we present an improved SVD-based method. In the improved method, a defect-free image is considered as the reference image which is acquired under the same environment as the image to be inspected. The singular vectors of each image to be inspected are replaced by the singular vectors of the reference image, and SVD is performed only once for the reference image off-line before detecting of the defects, thus greatly reducing the time required. The improved method is more conducive to real-time defect detection. Experimental results confirm its validity.

Correlating Resolving Power, Resolution, and Collision Cross Section: Unifying Cross-Platform Assessment of Separation Efficiency in Ion Mobility Spectrometry.

PubMed

Dodds, James N; May, Jody C; McLean, John A

2017-11-21

Here we examine the relationship among resolving power (R p ), resolution (R pp ), and collision cross section (CCS) for compounds analyzed in previous ion mobility (IM) experiments representing a wide variety of instrument platforms and IM techniques. Our previous work indicated these three variables effectively describe and predict separation efficiency for drift tube ion mobility spectrometry experiments. In this work, we seek to determine if our previous findings are a general reflection of IM behavior that can be applied to various instrument platforms and mobility techniques. Results suggest IM distributions are well characterized by a Gaussian model and separation efficiency can be predicted on the basis of the empirical difference in the gas-phase CCS and a CCS-based resolving power definition (CCS/ΔCCS). Notably traveling wave (TWIMS) was found to operate at resolutions substantially higher than a single-peak resolving power suggested. When a CCS-based R p definition was utilized, TWIMS was found to operate at a resolving power between 40 and 50, confirming the previous observations by Giles and co-workers. After the separation axis (and corresponding resolving power) is converted to cross section space, it is possible to effectively predict separation behavior for all mobility techniques evaluated (i.e., uniform field, trapped ion mobility, traveling wave, cyclic, and overtone instruments) using the equations described in this work. Finally, we are able to establish for the first time that the current state-of-the-art ion mobility separations benchmark at a CCS-based resolving power of >300 that is sufficient to differentiate analyte ions with CCS differences as small as 0.5%.

Determination of the Boltzmann constant with cylindrical acoustic gas thermometry: new and previous results combined

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, X. J.; Zhang, J. T.; Lin, H.; Gillis, K. A.; Mehl, J. B.; Moldover, M. R.; Zhang, K.; Duan, Y. N.

2017-10-01

We report a new determination of the Boltzmann constant k B using a cylindrical acoustic gas thermometer. We determined the length of the copper cavity from measurements of its microwave resonance frequencies. This contrasts with our previous work (Zhang et al 2011 Int. J. Thermophys. 32 1297, Lin et al 2013 Metrologia 50 417, Feng et al 2015 Metrologia 52 S343) that determined the length of a different cavity using two-color optical interferometry. In this new study, the half-widths of the acoustic resonances are closer to their theoretical values than in our previous work. Despite significant changes in resonator design and the way in which the cylinder length is determined, the value of k B is substantially unchanged. We combined this result with our four previous results to calculate a global weighted mean of our k B determinations. The calculation follows CODATA’s method (Mohr and Taylor 2000 Rev. Mod. Phys. 72 351) for obtaining the weighted mean value of k B that accounts for the correlations among the measured quantities in this work and in our four previous determinations of k B. The weighted mean {{\\boldsymbol{\\hat{k}}}{B}} is 1.380 6484(28)  ×  10-23 J K-1 with the relative standard uncertainty of 2.0  ×  10-6. The corresponding value of the universal gas constant is 8.314 459(17) J K-1 mol-1 with the relative standard uncertainty of 2.0  ×  10-6.

Scattered light in a DMD based multi-object spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fourspring, Kenneth D.; Ninkov, Zoran; Kerekes, John P.

2010-07-01

The DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) has an important future in both ground and space based multi-object spectrometers. A series of laboratory measurements have been performed to determine the scattered light properties of a DMD. The DMD under test had a 17 μm pitch and 1 μm gap between adjacent mirrors. Prior characterization of this device has focused on its use in DLP (TI Digital Light Processing) projector applications in which a whole pixel is illuminated by a uniform collimated source. The purpose of performing these measurements is to determine the limiting signal to noise ratio when utilizing the DMD as a slit mask in a spectrometer. The DMD pixel was determined to scatter more around the pixel edge and central via, indicating the importance of matching the telescope point spread function to the DMD. Also, the generation of DMD tested here was determined to have a significant mirror curvature. A maximum contrast ratio was determined at several wavelengths. Further measurements are underway on a newer generation DMD device, which has a smaller mirror pitch and likely different scatter characteristics. A previously constructed instrument, RITMOS (RIT Multi-Object Spectrometer) will be used to validate these scatter models and signal to noise ratio predications through imaging a star field.

Clustering algorithms for identifying core atom sets and for assessing the precision of protein structure ensembles.

PubMed

Snyder, David A; Montelione, Gaetano T

2005-06-01

An important open question in the field of NMR-based biomolecular structure determination is how best to characterize the precision of the resulting ensemble of structures. Typically, the RMSD, as minimized in superimposing the ensemble of structures, is the preferred measure of precision. However, the presence of poorly determined atomic coordinates and multiple "RMSD-stable domains"--locally well-defined regions that are not aligned in global superimpositions--complicate RMSD calculations. In this paper, we present a method, based on a novel, structurally defined order parameter, for identifying a set of core atoms to use in determining superimpositions for RMSD calculations. In addition we present a method for deciding whether to partition that core atom set into "RMSD-stable domains" and, if so, how to determine partitioning of the core atom set. We demonstrate our algorithm and its application in calculating statistically sound RMSD values by applying it to a set of NMR-derived structural ensembles, superimposing each RMSD-stable domain (or the entire core atom set, where appropriate) found in each protein structure under consideration. A parameter calculated by our algorithm using a novel, kurtosis-based criterion, the epsilon-value, is a measure of precision of the superimposition that complements the RMSD. In addition, we compare our algorithm with previously described algorithms for determining core atom sets. The methods presented in this paper for biomolecular structure superimposition are quite general, and have application in many areas of structural bioinformatics and structural biology.

Density estimation in aerial images of large crowds for automatic people counting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herrmann, Christian; Metzler, Juergen

2013-05-01

Counting people is a common topic in the area of visual surveillance and crowd analysis. While many image-based solutions are designed to count only a few persons at the same time, like pedestrians entering a shop or watching an advertisement, there is hardly any solution for counting large crowds of several hundred persons or more. We addressed this problem previously by designing a semi-automatic system being able to count crowds consisting of hundreds or thousands of people based on aerial images of demonstrations or similar events. This system requires major user interaction to segment the image. Our principle aim is to reduce this manual interaction. To achieve this, we propose a new and automatic system. Besides counting the people in large crowds, the system yields the positions of people allowing a plausibility check by a human operator. In order to automatize the people counting system, we use crowd density estimation. The determination of crowd density is based on several features like edge intensity or spatial frequency. They indicate the density and discriminate between a crowd and other image regions like buildings, bushes or trees. We compare the performance of our automatic system to the previous semi-automatic system and to manual counting in images. By counting a test set of aerial images showing large crowds containing up to 12,000 people, the performance gain of our new system will be measured. By improving our previous system, we will increase the benefit of an image-based solution for counting people in large crowds.

Adaptive Architectures for Effects Based Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-08-12

laLb c d elfl I A IB Ic d e f Parent 2 Figure 3: One-Point Crossover System Architectures Lab 85 Aug-06 6.4. ECAD -EA Methodology The previous two...that accomplishes this task is termed as ECAD -EA (Effective Courses of Action Determination Using Evolutionary Algorithms). Besides a completely...items are given below followed by their explanations, while Figure 4 shows the inputs and outputs of the ECAD -EA methodology in the form of a block

Base Realignments and Closures: Report of the Defense Secretary’s Commission

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-12-29

recommended to the Secretary of Defense several actions that should be taken to aid When it was determined that an local communities in their redevelopment...approved plans. Unlike some previous In many cases, they brought to the task a reviews, the Commission’s approach , first-hand knowledge of military...the by a professional staff (see Appendix D). individual Services. For example, the Air Force, driven by severe current and In organizing to accomplish

Transient interaction model of electromagnetic field generated by lightning current pulses and human body

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iváncsy, T.; Kiss, I.; Szücs, L.; Tamus, Z. Á.

2015-10-01

The lightning current generates time-varying magnetic field near the down- conductor and the down-conductors are mounted on the wall of the buildings where residential places might be situated. It is well known that the rapidly changing magnetic fields can generate dangerous eddy currents in the human body.The higher duration and gradient of the magnetic field can cause potentially life threatening cardiac stimulation. The coupling mechanism between the electromagnetic field and the human body is based on a well-known physical phenomena (e.g. Faradays law of induction). However, the calculation of the induced current is very complicated because the shape of the organs is complex and the determination of the material properties of living tissues is difficult, as well. Our previous study revealed that the cardiac stimulation is independent of the rising time of the lightning current and only the peak of the current counts. In this study, the authors introduce an improved model of the interaction of electromagnetic fields of lighting current near down-conductor and human body. Our previous models are based on the quasi stationer field calculations, the new improved model is a transient model. This is because the magnetic field around the down-conductor and in the human body can be determined more precisely, therefore the dangerous currents in the body can be estimated.

Is the perception of clean, humid air indeed affected by cooling the respiratory tract?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burek, Rudolf; Polednik, Bernard; Guz, Łukasz

2017-07-01

The study aims at determining exposure-response relationships after short exposure to clean air and long exposure to air polluted by people. The impact of water vapor content in the indoor air on its acceptability (ACC) was assessed by the occupants after a short exposure to clean air and an hour-long exposure to increasingly polluted air. The study presents a critical analysis pertaining to the stimulation of olfactory sensations by the air enthalpy suggested in previous models and proposes a new model based on the Weber-Fechner law. Our assumption was that water vapor is the stimulus of olfactory sensations. The model was calibrated and verified in field conditions, in a mechanically ventilated and air conditioned auditorium. Measurements of the air temperature, relative humidity, velocity and CO2 content were carried out; the acceptability of air quality was assessed by 162 untrained students. The subjective assessments and the measurements of the environmental qualities allowed for determining the Weber coefficients and the threshold concentrations of water vapor, as well as for establishing the limitations of the model at short and long exposure to polluted indoor air. The results are in agreement with previous studies. The standard error equals 0.07 for immediate assessments and 0.17 for assessments after adaptation. Based on the model one can predict the ACC assessments of trained and untrained participants.

A complete, multi-level conformational clustering of antibody complementarity-determining regions

PubMed Central

Nikoloudis, Dimitris; Pitts, Jim E.

2014-01-01

Classification of antibody complementarity-determining region (CDR) conformations is an important step that drives antibody modelling and engineering, prediction from sequence, directed mutagenesis and induced-fit studies, and allows inferences on sequence-to-structure relations. Most of the previous work performed conformational clustering on a reduced set of structures or after application of various structure pre-filtering criteria. In this study, it was judged that a clustering of every available CDR conformation would produce a complete and redundant repertoire, increase the number of sequence examples and allow better decisions on structure validity in the future. In order to cope with the potential increase in data noise, a first-level statistical clustering was performed using structure superposition Root-Mean-Square Deviation (RMSD) as a distance-criterion, coupled with second- and third-level clustering that employed Ramachandran regions for a deeper qualitative classification. The classification of a total of 12,712 CDR conformations is thus presented, along with rich annotation and cluster descriptions, and the results are compared to previous major studies. The present repertoire has procured an improved image of our current CDR Knowledge-Base, with a novel nesting of conformational sensitivity and specificity that can serve as a systematic framework for improved prediction from sequence as well as a number of future studies that would aid in knowledge-based antibody engineering such as humanisation. PMID:25071986

Rapid simultaneous determination of amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine in urine by solid-phase extraction and GC-MS: a method optimized for high-volume laboratories.

PubMed

Stout, Peter R; Horn, Carl K; Klette, Kevin L

2002-01-01

To facilitate analysis of high sample volumes, an extraction, derivatization and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis method was developed to simultaneously determine amphetamine (AMP), methamphetamine (MAMP), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA) in urine. This method utilized a positive-pressure manifold cation-exchange polymer-based solid-phase extraction followed by elution directly into automated liquid sampler (ALS) vials. Rapid derivatization was accomplished using heptafluorobutyric anhydride (HFBA). Recoveries averaged 90% or greater for each of the compounds. Limits of detection were 62.5 ng/mL (AMP and MDEA), 15.6 ng/mL (MAMP), and 31.3 ng/mL (MDA and MDMA) using a 2-mL sample volume. The method was linear to 5000 ng/mL for all compounds using MDMA-d5 and MAMP-d14 as internal standards. Over 200 human urine samples previously determined to contain the target analytes were analyzed using the method. Excellent agreement was seen with previous quantitations. The method was challenged with 75 potentially interfering compounds and no interferences were seen. These interfering compounds included ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, and phenethylamine. The method resulted in dramatic reductions in processing time and waste production.

Real-time endovascular guidewire position simulation using shortest path algorithms.

PubMed

Schafer, Sebastian; Singh, Vikas; Noël, Peter B; Walczak, Alan M; Xu, Jinhui; Hoffmann, Kenneth R

2009-11-01

Treatment of vascular disease often involves endovascular interventions which use the vascular system for delivering treatment devices via a previously inserted guidewire to the diseased site. Previous studies show relative reproducibility of guidewire position after insertion, indicating that the guidewire position is constrained and could be represented by an energy minimization approach. Such representation would support the surgeon's decision process in guidewire selection. In this paper, we determine the guidewire position using a k-level graph based on 3D vessel information. Guidewire properties are incorporated into the graph as edge weights given by the local bending energy related to the local bending angle. The optimal path through this weighted directed graph is determined using a shortest path algorithm. Volumetric data of two different internal carotid artery phantoms (Ø 3.5-4.6 mm) was acquired. Two guidewires (Ø 0.33 mm) of different material properties (stainless steel, plastic-coated steel core) were inserted into the phantoms. The average RMS distance between actual and simulated guidewire positions varies from 0.9 mm (plastic coated) to 1.3 mm (stainless steel); the computation time to determine the position was <2s. The results indicate that the proposed technique yields reproducible and accurate guidewire positions within a short, clinically relevant time frame. These calculated positions may be useful in facilitating neurovascular interventions.

A historical reconstruction of ships' fuel consumption and emissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Endresen, Øyvind; Sørgârd, Eirik; Behrens, Hanna Lee; Brett, Per Olaf; Isaksen, Ivar S. A.

2007-06-01

Shipping activity has increased considerably over the last century and currently represents a significant contribution to the global emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases. Despite this, information about the historical development of fuel consumption and emissions is generally limited, with little data published pre-1950 and large deviations reported for estimates covering the last 3 decades. To better understand the historical development in ship emissions and the uncertainties associated with the estimates, we present fuel-based CO2 and SO2 emission inventories from 1925 up to 2002 and activity-based estimates from 1970 up to 2000. The global CO2 emissions from ships in 1925 have been estimated to 229 Tg (CO2), growing to about 634 Tg (CO2) in 2002. The corresponding SO2 emissions are about 2.5 Tg (SO2) and 8.5 Tg (SO2), respectively. Our activity-based estimates of fuel consumption from 1970 to 2000, covering all oceangoing civil ships above or equal to 100 gross tonnage (GT), are lower compared to previous activity-based studies. We have applied a more detailed model approach, which includes variation in the demand for sea transport, as well as operational and technological changes of the past. This study concludes that the main reason for the large deviations found in reported inventories is the applied number of days at sea. Moreover, our modeling indicates that the ship size and the degree of utilization of the fleet, combined with the shift to diesel engines, have been the major factors determining yearly fuel consumption. Interestingly, the model results from around 1973 suggest that the fleet growth is not necessarily followed by increased fuel consumption, as technical and operational characteristics have changed. Results from this study indicate that reported sales over the last 3 decades seems not to be significantly underreported as previous simplified activity-based studies have suggested. The results confirm our previously reported modeling estimates for year 2000. Previous activity-based studies have not considered ships less than 100 GT (e.g., today some 1.3 million fishing vessels), and we suggest that this fleet could account for an important part of the total fuel consumption (˜10%).

Fast Brain Plasticity during Word Learning in Musically-Trained Children.

PubMed

Dittinger, Eva; Chobert, Julie; Ziegler, Johannes C; Besson, Mireille

2017-01-01

Children learn new words every day and this ability requires auditory perception, phoneme discrimination, attention, associative learning and semantic memory. Based on previous results showing that some of these functions are enhanced by music training, we investigated learning of novel words through picture-word associations in musically-trained and control children (8-12 year-old) to determine whether music training would positively influence word learning. Results showed that musically-trained children outperformed controls in a learning paradigm that included picture-sound matching and semantic associations. Moreover, the differences between unexpected and expected learned words, as reflected by the N200 and N400 effects, were larger in children with music training compared to controls after only 3 min of learning the meaning of novel words. In line with previous results in adults, these findings clearly demonstrate a correlation between music training and better word learning. It is argued that these benefits reflect both bottom-up and top-down influences. The present learning paradigm might provide a useful dynamic diagnostic tool to determine which perceptive and cognitive functions are impaired in children with learning difficulties.

Complementary sex determination substantially increases extinction proneness of haplodiploid populations.

PubMed

Zayed, Amro; Packer, Laurence

2005-07-26

The role of genetic factors in extinction is firmly established for diploid organisms, but haplodiploids have been considered immune to genetic load impacts because deleterious alleles are readily purged in haploid males. However, we show that single-locus complementary sex determination ancestral to the haplodiploid Hymenoptera (ants, bees, and wasps) imposes a substantial genetic load through homozygosity at the sex locus that results in the production of inviable or sterile diploid males. Using stochastic modeling, we have discovered that diploid male production (DMP) can initiate a rapid and previously uncharacterized extinction vortex. The extinction rate in haplodiploid populations with DMP is an order of magnitude greater than in its absence under realistic but conservative demographic parameter values. Furthermore, DMP alone can elevate the base extinction risk in haplodiploids by over an order of magnitude higher than that caused by inbreeding depression in threatened diploids. Thus, contrary to previous expectations, haplodiploids are more, rather than less, prone to extinction for genetic reasons. Our findings necessitate a fundamental shift in approaches to the conservation and population biology of these ecologically and economically crucial insects.

Branch breakage under snow and ice loads.

PubMed

Cannell, M G; Morgan, J

1989-09-01

Measurements were made on branches and trunks of Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr. to determine the relationship between (i) the bending moment at the bases of branches that cause breakage, and (ii) midpoint diameter cubed. The theory for cantilever beams was then used to calculate the basal bending moments and midpoint diameters of branches with different numbers of laterals and endpoint deflections, given previously measured values of Young's modulus, taper and weights of foliage and wood. Snow and ice loads (equal to 2 and 4 g cm(-1) of shoot, respectively) were then included in the calculation to determine whether the basal bending moments exceeded the breakage values. The likelihood of breakage increased with an increase in (i) number of laterals, and (ii) endpoint deflection under self weight (without snow or ice)-features that had previously been shown to lessen the amount of branch wood required to support a unit of foliage. However, branches which deflected moderately (> 10% of their length) under their own weight deflected greatly under snow or ice loads and might shed powdery snow before breakage occurs.

Fast Brain Plasticity during Word Learning in Musically-Trained Children

PubMed Central

Dittinger, Eva; Chobert, Julie; Ziegler, Johannes C.; Besson, Mireille

2017-01-01

Children learn new words every day and this ability requires auditory perception, phoneme discrimination, attention, associative learning and semantic memory. Based on previous results showing that some of these functions are enhanced by music training, we investigated learning of novel words through picture-word associations in musically-trained and control children (8–12 year-old) to determine whether music training would positively influence word learning. Results showed that musically-trained children outperformed controls in a learning paradigm that included picture-sound matching and semantic associations. Moreover, the differences between unexpected and expected learned words, as reflected by the N200 and N400 effects, were larger in children with music training compared to controls after only 3 min of learning the meaning of novel words. In line with previous results in adults, these findings clearly demonstrate a correlation between music training and better word learning. It is argued that these benefits reflect both bottom-up and top-down influences. The present learning paradigm might provide a useful dynamic diagnostic tool to determine which perceptive and cognitive functions are impaired in children with learning difficulties. PMID:28553213

Misalignment Effect Function Measurement for Oblique Rotation Axes: Counterintuitive Predictions and Theoretical Extensions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ellis, Stephen R.; Adelstein, Bernard D.; Yeom, Kiwon

2013-01-01

The Misalignment Effect Function (MEF) describes the decrement in manual performance associated with a rotation between operators' visual display frame of reference and that of their manual control. It now has been empirically determined for rotation axes oblique to canonical body axes and is compared with the MEF previously measured for rotations about canonical axes. A targeting rule, called the Secant Rule, based on these earlier measurements is derived from a hypothetical process and shown to describe some of the data from three previous experiments. It explains the motion trajectories determined for rotations less than 65deg in purely kinematic terms without the need to appeal to a mental rotation process. Further analysis of this rule in three dimensions applied to oblique rotation axes leads to a somewhat surprising expectation that the difficulty posed by rotational misalignment should get harder as the required movement is shorter. This prediction is confirmed. Geometry underlying this rule also suggests analytic extensions for predicting more generally the difficulty of making movements in arbitrary directions subject to arbitrary misalignments.

Refinement of determination of critical thresholds of stress-strain behaviour by using AE data: potential for evaluation of durability of natural stone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prikryl, Richard; Lokajíček, Tomáš

2017-04-01

According to previous studies, evaluation of stress-strain behaviour (in uniaxial compression) of various rocks appears to be effective tool allowing for prediction of resistance of natural stone to some physical weathering processes. Precise determination of critical thresholds, specifically of 'crack initiation' and 'crack damage' is fundamental issue in this approach. In contrast to 'crack damage stress/strain threshold', which can be easily read from deflection point on volumetric curve, detection of 'crack initiation' is much more difficult. Besides previously proposed mathematical processing of axial stress-strain curve, recording of acoustic emission (AE) data and their processing provide direct measure of various stress/strain thresholds, specifically of 'crack initiation'. This specific parameter is required during successive computation of energetic parameters (mechanical work), that can be stored by a material without formation of new defects (microcracks) due to acting stress. Based on our experimental data, this mechanical work seems to be proportional to the resistance of a material to formation of mode I (tensile) cracks that are responsible for destruction of subsurface below exposed faces of natural stone.

40 CFR 141.707 - Grandfathering previously collected data.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... determines that a previously collected data set submitted for grandfathering was generated during source... additional source water monitoring data, as determined by the State, to ensure that the data set used under... data. 141.707 Section 141.707 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED...

40 CFR 141.707 - Grandfathering previously collected data.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... determines that a previously collected data set submitted for grandfathering was generated during source... additional source water monitoring data, as determined by the State, to ensure that the data set used under... data. 141.707 Section 141.707 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED...

40 CFR 141.707 - Grandfathering previously collected data.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... determines that a previously collected data set submitted for grandfathering was generated during source... additional source water monitoring data, as determined by the State, to ensure that the data set used under... data. 141.707 Section 141.707 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED...

Hepatic functions of GLP-1 and its based drugs: current disputes and perspectives.

PubMed

Jin, Tianru; Weng, Jianping

2016-09-01

GLP-1 and its based drugs possess extrapancreatic metabolic functions, including that in the liver. These direct hepatic metabolic functions explain their therapeutic efficiency for subjects with insulin resistance. The direct hepatic functions could be mediated by previously assumed "degradation" products of GLP-1 without involving canonic GLP-1R. Although GLP-1 analogs were created as therapeutic incretins, extrapancreatic functions of these drugs, as well as native GLP-1, have been broadly recognized. Among them, the hepatic functions are particularly important. Postprandial GLP-1 release contributes to insulin secretion, which represses hepatic glucose production. This indirect effect of GLP-1 is known as the gut-pancreas-liver axis. Great efforts have been made to determine whether GLP-1 and its analogs possess direct metabolic effects on the liver, as the determination of the existence of direct hepatic effects may advance the therapeutic theory and clinical practice on subjects with insulin resistance. Furthermore, recent investigations on the metabolic beneficial effects of previously assumed "degradation" products of GLP-1 in the liver and elsewhere, including GLP-128-36 and GLP-132-36, have drawn intensive attention. Such investigations may further improve the development and the usage of GLP-1-based drugs. Here, we have reviewed the current advancement and the existing controversies on the exploration of direct hepatic functions of GLP-1 and presented our perspectives that the direct hepatic metabolic effects of GLP-1 could be a GLP-1 receptor-independent event involving Wnt signaling pathway activation. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

What should be the basis for compulsory and optional health insurance premiums? Opinions of Swiss doctors.

PubMed

Jannot, Anne-Sophie; Perneger, Thomas V

2014-02-04

Little is known about doctors' opinions on how to finance health services. In Switzerland, mandatory basic health insurance currently uses regional flat fees that are unrelated to health and ability to pay, and optional complementary insurance uses risk-based premiums. Our objective was to assess Swiss physicians' opinions on what should determine health insurance premiums. We surveyed doctors in the canton of Geneva, Switzerland, about the desirable funding mechanism for mandatory health insurance and complementary health insurance. The proposed determinants of insurance premiums were current health and past medical history, lifestyle, healthcare costs in the previous year, genetic susceptibility to disease, regional average healthcare costs, household income, and wealth and demographic characteristics. Among the 1,516 respondents, only a few (<5%) believed that the mandatory health insurance premium should depend on health risk (health status, previous costs, genetics, and age and sex). More than 30% of respondents supported premiums based on lifestyle (34.6%), regional average health expenditures (31.2%), and household income and wealth (39.6%). For complementary health insurance, most respondents supported premiums based on lifestyle (74.6%) and on health risk (46.4%), but surprisingly also on household income and wealth (44.9%) and regional average health expenditures (39.4%). The characteristic most influencing the answers was the medical specialty. Doctors' opinions about healthcare financing mechanisms varied considerably, for both mandatory and complementary health insurance. Lifestyle was a surprisingly frequent choice, even though this criterion is not currently used in Switzerland. Ability to pay was not supported by the majority.

Simultaneous determination of cocaine and opiates in dried blood spots by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Antelo-Domínguez, Ángel; Cocho, José Ángel; Tabernero, María Jesús; Bermejo, Ana María; Bermejo-Barrera, Pilar; Moreda-Piñeiro, Antonio

2013-12-15

A sample pre-treatment method based on blood spot collection filter cards was optimized as a means of using small volume samples for the screening and confirmation of cocaine and opiates abuse. Dried blood spots (DBSs) were prepared by dispersing 20 µL of whole blood specimens previously mixed with the internal standards (deuterated analogs of each target), and subjecting the whole DBS to extraction with 5 mL of methanol under orbital-horizontal shaking (180 rpm) for 10 min. Determinations were based on direct electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) by injecting the re-dissolved methanol extract with the delivery solution (acetonitrile-water-formic acid, 80:19.875:0.125) at a flow rate of 60 µL min(-1), and using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with the m/z (precursor ion)→m/z (product ion) transitions for acquisition. Matrix effect has been found to be statistically significant (Multiple Range Test) when assessing cocaine, BZE, codeine and morphine, and the use of the standard addition method (dispersion of whole blood previously mixed with standards onto the filter papers) was needed for accurate determinations. The developed DBS-ESI-MS/MS procedure offered good intra-day and inter-day precisions (lower than 10% and 12%, respectively), as well as good intra-day and inter-day accuracies (inter-day absolute recoveries, expressed as the mean analytical recovery over three target concentration levels, of 103%, 100%, 101%, 98% and 100% for cocaine, BZE, codeine, morphine and 6-MAM, respectively). The high sensitivity inherent to MS/MS determinations combined with the minimal dilution of sample allowed low limits of quantification for all targets, and the developed method results therefore adequate for cocaine and opiates screening and confirmation purposes. The procedure was finally applied to DBSs prepared from whole blood from polydrug abusers, and results were compared with those obtained after a conventional sample pretreatment method based on solid phase extraction for plasma specimens and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimal moment determination in POME-copula based hydrometeorological dependence modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Dengfeng; Wang, Dong; Singh, Vijay P.; Wang, Yuankun; Wu, Jichun; Wang, Lachun; Zou, Xinqing; Chen, Yuanfang; Chen, Xi

2017-07-01

Copula has been commonly applied in multivariate modelling in various fields where marginal distribution inference is a key element. To develop a flexible, unbiased mathematical inference framework in hydrometeorological multivariate applications, the principle of maximum entropy (POME) is being increasingly coupled with copula. However, in previous POME-based studies, determination of optimal moment constraints has generally not been considered. The main contribution of this study is the determination of optimal moments for POME for developing a coupled optimal moment-POME-copula framework to model hydrometeorological multivariate events. In this framework, margins (marginals, or marginal distributions) are derived with the use of POME, subject to optimal moment constraints. Then, various candidate copulas are constructed according to the derived margins, and finally the most probable one is determined, based on goodness-of-fit statistics. This optimal moment-POME-copula framework is applied to model the dependence patterns of three types of hydrometeorological events: (i) single-site streamflow-water level; (ii) multi-site streamflow; and (iii) multi-site precipitation, with data collected from Yichang and Hankou in the Yangtze River basin, China. Results indicate that the optimal-moment POME is more accurate in margin fitting and the corresponding copulas reflect a good statistical performance in correlation simulation. Also, the derived copulas, capturing more patterns which traditional correlation coefficients cannot reflect, provide an efficient way in other applied scenarios concerning hydrometeorological multivariate modelling.

Injury tolerance and moment response of the knee joint to combined valgus bending and shear loading.

PubMed

Bose, Dipan; Bhalla, Kavi S; Untaroiu, Costin D; Ivarsson, B Johan; Crandall, Jeff R; Hurwitz, Shepard

2008-06-01

Valgus bending and shearing of the knee have been identified as primary mechanisms of injuries in a lateral loading environment applicable to pedestrian-car collisions. Previous studies have reported on the structural response of the knee joint to pure valgus bending and lateral shearing, as well as the estimated injury thresholds for the knee bending angle and shear displacement based on experimental tests. However, epidemiological studies indicate that most knee injuries are due to the combined effects of bending and shear loading. Therefore, characterization of knee stiffness for combined loading and the associated injury tolerances is necessary for developing vehicle countermeasures to mitigate pedestrian injuries. Isolated knee joint specimens (n=40) from postmortem human subjects were tested in valgus bending at a loading rate representative of a pedestrian-car impact. The effect of lateral shear force combined with the bending moment on the stiffness response and the injury tolerances of the knee was concurrently evaluated. In addition to the knee moment-angle response, the bending angle and shear displacement corresponding to the first instance of primary ligament failure were determined in each test. The failure displacements were subsequently used to estimate an injury threshold function based on a simplified analytical model of the knee. The validity of the determined injury threshold function was subsequently verified using a finite element model. Post-test necropsy of the knees indicated medial collateral ligament injury consistent with the clinical injuries observed in pedestrian victims. The moment-angle response in valgus bending was determined at quasistatic and dynamic loading rates and compared to previously published test data. The peak bending moment values scaled to an average adult male showed no significant change with variation in the superimposed shear load. An injury threshold function for the knee in terms of bending angle and shear displacement was determined by performing regression analysis on the experimental data. The threshold values of the bending angle (16.2 deg) and shear displacement (25.2 mm) estimated from the injury threshold function were in agreement with previously published knee injury threshold data. The continuous knee injury function expressed in terms of bending angle and shear displacement enabled injury prediction for combined loading conditions such as those observed in pedestrian-car collisions.

Spectrophotometric determination of sulphate in automotive fuel ethanol by sequential injection analysis using dimethylsulphonazo(III) reaction.

PubMed

de Oliveira, Fabio Santos; Korn, Mauro

2006-01-15

A sensitive SIA method was developed for sulphate determination in automotive fuel ethanol. This method was based on the reaction of sulphate with barium-dimethylsulphonazo(III) leading to a decrease on the magnitude of analytical signal monitored at 665 nm. Alcohol fuel samples were previously burned up to avoid matrix effects for sulphate determinations. Binary sampling and stop-flow strategies were used to increase the sensitivity of the method. The optimization of analytical parameter was performed by response surface method using Box-Behnker and central composite designs. The proposed sequential flow procedure permits to determine up to 10.0mg SO(4)(2-)l(-1) with R.S.D. <2.5% and limit of detection of 0.27 mg l(-1). The method has been successfully applied for sulphate determination in automotive fuel alcohol and the results agreed with the reference volumetric method. In the optimized condition the SIA system carried out 27 samples per hour.

Pressure algorithm for elliptic flow calculations with the PDF method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anand, M. S.; Pope, S. B.; Mongia, H. C.

1991-01-01

An algorithm to determine the mean pressure field for elliptic flow calculations with the probability density function (PDF) method is developed and applied. The PDF method is a most promising approach for the computation of turbulent reacting flows. Previous computations of elliptic flows with the method were in conjunction with conventional finite volume based calculations that provided the mean pressure field. The algorithm developed and described here permits the mean pressure field to be determined within the PDF calculations. The PDF method incorporating the pressure algorithm is applied to the flow past a backward-facing step. The results are in good agreement with data for the reattachment length, mean velocities, and turbulence quantities including triple correlations.

Re-Thinking the Use of the OML Model in Electric-Sail Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stone, Nobie H.

2016-01-01

The Orbit Motion Limited (OML) model commonly forms the basis for calculations made to determine the effect of the long, biased wires of an Electric Sail on solar wind protons and electrons (which determines the thrust generated and the required operating power). A new analysis of the results of previously conducted ground-based experimental studies of spacecraft-space plasma interactions indicate that the expected thrust created by deflected solar wind protons and the current of collected solar wind electrons could be considerably higher than the OML model would suggest. Herein the experimental analysis will be summarized and the assumptions and approximations required to derive the OML equation-and the limitations they impose-will be considered.

Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Fracture in 41Cr4 Steel - Issues of the Stationary Cracks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graba, M.

2018-02-01

This paper analyzes the process of fracture in 41Cr4 steel on the basis of experimental and numerical data obtained for non-propagating cracks. The author's previous and latest experimental results were used to determine the apparent crack initiation moment and fracture toughness for the material under plane strain conditions. Numerical simulations were carried out to assess changes in the J-integral, the crack tip opening displacement, the size of the plastic region and the distribution of stresses around the crack tip. A complex numerical analysis based on the true stress-strain curve was performed to determine the behavior of 41Cr4 steel under increasing external loads.

A New Benzofuran Glycoside and Indole Alkaloids from a Sponge-Associated Rare Actinomycete, Amycolatopsis sp.

PubMed Central

Kwon, Yun; Kim, Seong-Hwan; Shin, Yoonho; Bae, Munhyung; Kim, Byung-Yong; Lee, Sang Kook; Oh, Ki-Bong; Shin, Jongheon; Oh, Dong-Chan

2014-01-01

Three new secondary metabolites, amycofuran (1), amycocyclopiazonic acid (2), and amycolactam (3), were isolated from the sponge-associated rare actinomycete Amycolatopsis sp. Based on combined spectroscopic analyses, the structures of 1–3 were determined to be a new benzofuran glycoside and new indole alkaloids related to cyclopiazonic acids, a class that has previously only been reported in fungi. The absolute configurations of 1 and 3 were deduced by ECD calculations, whereas that of 2 was determined using the modified Mosher method. Amycolactam (3) displayed significant cytotoxicity against the gastric cancer cell line SNU638 and the colon cancer cell line HCT116. PMID:24759001

Contaminations of herbal products determined by NMR fingerprint.

PubMed

Nicoletti, Marcello; Petitto, Valentina

2010-09-01

The utilisation of NMR fingerprinting is proposed as a rapid, available and reliable method to determine the contamination of herbal products. The presence of nimesulide has been reported recently as the contaminant of P.C. 28 Plus, a product based on herbal drugs marketed by the Italian company Cosval. The presence of the substance, as well as its relevant concentration (5%), was first reported by HPLC/MS analysis by other authors. The use of an NMR fingerprint confirmed the previous contamination with nimesulide in P.C. 28 Plus. The same contaminant was also found in P.C. 28 Pink. Furthermore, an analysis of Alergix Plus, another product of the same factory, evidenced the presence of bromhexin.

Challenging the ‘Big G’ measurement with atoms and light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosi, Gabriele

2016-10-01

The measurement of the Newtonian gravity constant G is a formidable task. Starting from the first determination made by Henry Cavendish in 1798, several attempts have been made in order to improve knowledge of its value. Nevertheless, despite these efforts, its uncertainty has decreased only by a factor of ten per century. Cold atom interferometry represents a conceptually different technique to challenge the G measurement, a feature that is crucial in order to identify discrepancies among previous measurements. In this review paper, after a short introduction on the traditional measurement techniques, I will describe and discuss past and ongoing G determination based on atom interferometry, highlighting for each of them the most significant aspects.

Which stocks are profitable? A network method to investigate the effects of network structure on stock returns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Kun; Luo, Peng; Sun, Bianxia; Wang, Huaiqing

2015-10-01

According to asset pricing theory, a stock's expected returns are determined by its exposure to systematic risk. In this paper, we propose a new method for analyzing the interaction effects among industries and stocks on stock returns. We construct a complex network based on correlations of abnormal stock returns and use centrality and modularity, two popular measures in social science, to determine the effect of interconnections on industry and stock returns. Supported by previous studies, our findings indicate that a relationship exists between inter-industry closeness and industry returns and between stock centrality and stock returns. The theoretical and practical contributions of these findings are discussed.

Loggerhead sea turtle environmental sex determination: implications of moisture and temperature for climate change based predictions for species survival.

PubMed

Wyneken, Jeanette; Lolavar, Alexandra

2015-05-01

It has been proposed that because marine turtles have environmentally determined sex by incubation temperature, elevated temperatures might skew sex ratios to unsustainable levels, leading to extinction. Elevated temperatures may also reduce availability of suitable nesting sites via sea level rise. Increased tropical storm activity can directly affect nest site moisture, embryonic development, and the probability that nests will survive. Here, we question some of these assumptions and review the limits of sex ratio estimates. Sea turtles may be more resilient to climate change than previously thought, in part because of hitherto unappreciated mechanisms for coping with variable incubation conditions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Computation of Kinetics for the Hydrogen/Oxygen System Using the Thermodynamic Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marek, C. John

1996-01-01

A new method for predicting chemical rate constants using thermodynamics has been applied to the hydrogen/oxygen system. This method is based on using the gradient of the Gibbs free energy and a single proportionality constant D to determine the kinetic rate constants. Using this method the rate constants for any gas phase reaction can be computed from thermodynamic properties. A modified reaction set for the H/O system is determined. A11 of the third body efficiencies M are taken to be unity. Good agreement was obtained between the thermodynamic method and the experimental shock tube data. In addition, the hydrogen bromide experimental data presented in previous work is recomputed with M's of unity.

A transversal approach for patch-based label fusion via matrix completion

PubMed Central

Sanroma, Gerard; Wu, Guorong; Gao, Yaozong; Thung, Kim-Han; Guo, Yanrong; Shen, Dinggang

2015-01-01

Recently, multi-atlas patch-based label fusion has received an increasing interest in the medical image segmentation field. After warping the anatomical labels from the atlas images to the target image by registration, label fusion is the key step to determine the latent label for each target image point. Two popular types of patch-based label fusion approaches are (1) reconstruction-based approaches that compute the target labels as a weighted average of atlas labels, where the weights are derived by reconstructing the target image patch using the atlas image patches; and (2) classification-based approaches that determine the target label as a mapping of the target image patch, where the mapping function is often learned using the atlas image patches and their corresponding labels. Both approaches have their advantages and limitations. In this paper, we propose a novel patch-based label fusion method to combine the above two types of approaches via matrix completion (and hence, we call it transversal). As we will show, our method overcomes the individual limitations of both reconstruction-based and classification-based approaches. Since the labeling confidences may vary across the target image points, we further propose a sequential labeling framework that first labels the highly confident points and then gradually labels more challenging points in an iterative manner, guided by the label information determined in the previous iterations. We demonstrate the performance of our novel label fusion method in segmenting the hippocampus in the ADNI dataset, subcortical and limbic structures in the LONI dataset, and mid-brain structures in the SATA dataset. We achieve more accurate segmentation results than both reconstruction-based and classification-based approaches. Our label fusion method is also ranked 1st in the online SATA Multi-Atlas Segmentation Challenge. PMID:26160394

Context-specific attentional sampling: Intentional control as a pre-requisite for contextual control.

PubMed

Brosowsky, Nicholaus P; Crump, Matthew J C

2016-08-01

Recent work suggests that environmental cues associated with previous attentional control settings can rapidly and involuntarily adjust attentional priorities. The current study tests predictions from adaptive-learning and memory-based theories of contextual control about the role of intentions for setting attentional priorities. To extend the empirical boundaries of contextual control phenomena, and to determine whether theoretical principles of contextual control are generalizable we used a novel bi-dimensional stimulus sampling task. Subjects viewed briefly presented arrays of letters and colors presented above or below fixation, and identified specific stimuli according to a dimensional (letter or color) and positional cue. Location was predictive of the cued dimension, but not the position or identity. In contrast to previous findings, contextual control failed to develop through automatic, adaptive-learning processes. Instead, previous experience with intentionally changing attentional sampling priorities between different contexts was required for contextual control to develop. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Enhanced arbovirus surveillance with deep sequencing: Identification of novel rhabdoviruses and bunyaviruses in Australian mosquitoes.

PubMed

Coffey, Lark L; Page, Brady L; Greninger, Alexander L; Herring, Belinda L; Russell, Richard C; Doggett, Stephen L; Haniotis, John; Wang, Chunlin; Deng, Xutao; Delwart, Eric L

2014-01-05

Viral metagenomics characterizes known and identifies unknown viruses based on sequence similarities to any previously sequenced viral genomes. A metagenomics approach was used to identify virus sequences in Australian mosquitoes causing cytopathic effects in inoculated mammalian cell cultures. Sequence comparisons revealed strains of Liao Ning virus (Reovirus, Seadornavirus), previously detected only in China, livestock-infecting Stretch Lagoon virus (Reovirus, Orbivirus), two novel dimarhabdoviruses, named Beaumont and North Creek viruses, and two novel orthobunyaviruses, named Murrumbidgee and Salt Ash viruses. The novel virus proteomes diverged by ≥ 50% relative to their closest previously genetically characterized viral relatives. Deep sequencing also generated genomes of Warrego and Wallal viruses, orbiviruses linked to kangaroo blindness, whose genomes had not been fully characterized. This study highlights viral metagenomics in concert with traditional arbovirus surveillance to characterize known and new arboviruses in field-collected mosquitoes. Follow-up epidemiological studies are required to determine whether the novel viruses infect humans. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Determination of excipient based solubility increases using the CheqSol method.

PubMed

Etherson, Kelly; Halbert, Gavin; Elliott, Moira

2014-04-25

Aqueous solubility is an essential characteristic assessed during drug development to determine a compound's drug-likeness since solubility plays an important pharmaceutical role. However, nearly half of the drug candidates discovered today display poor water solubility; therefore methods have to be applied to increase solubility. Solubility determination using the CheqSol method is a novel rapid solubility screening technique for ionisable compounds. The aim of this study is to determine if the CheqSol method can be employed to determine solubility increases of four test drugs (ibuprofen, gliclazide, atenolol and propranolol) induced by non-ionising excipients such as hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and poloxamers 407 and 188. CheqSol assays were performed for the drugs alone or in combination with varying solubiliser concentrations. The measured intrinsic solubility of all four drugs increased with all the excipients tested in an excipient concentration dependent manner providing results consistent with previous literature. The results demonstrate that it may be possible to use this method to determine the solubility increases induced by non-ionic solubilising excipients with results that are comparable to standard equilibrium based solubility techniques. Since the technique is automated and requires only small drug quantities it may serve as a useful solubility or formulation screening tool providing more detailed physicochemical information than multiwell plate or similar visual systems. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

nextPARS: parallel probing of RNA structures in Illumina

PubMed Central

Saus, Ester; Willis, Jesse R.; Pryszcz, Leszek P.; Hafez, Ahmed; Llorens, Carlos; Himmelbauer, Heinz

2018-01-01

RNA molecules play important roles in virtually every cellular process. These functions are often mediated through the adoption of specific structures that enable RNAs to interact with other molecules. Thus, determining the secondary structures of RNAs is central to understanding their function and evolution. In recent years several sequencing-based approaches have been developed that allow probing structural features of thousands of RNA molecules present in a sample. Here, we describe nextPARS, a novel Illumina-based implementation of in vitro parallel probing of RNA structures. Our approach achieves comparable accuracy to previous implementations, while enabling higher throughput and sample multiplexing. PMID:29358234

Progressive Impairment of Lactate-based Gluconeogenesis in the Huntington's Disease Mouse Model R6/2.

PubMed

Nielsen, Signe Marie Borch; Hasholt, Lis; Nørremølle, Anne; Josefsen, Knud

2015-04-20

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative illness, where selective neuronal loss in the brain caused by expression of mutant huntingtin protein leads to motor dysfunction and cognitive decline in addition to peripheral metabolic changes. In this study we confirm our previous observation of impairment of lactate-based hepatic gluconeogenesis in the transgenic HD mouse model R6/2 and determine that the defect manifests very early and progresses in severity with disease development, indicating a potential to explore this defect in a biomarker context. Moreover, R6/2 animals displayed lower blood glucose levels during prolonged fasting compared to wild type animals.

A refined 'standard' thermal model for asteroids based on observations of 1 Ceres and 2 Pallas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lebofsky, Larry A.; Sykes, Mark V.; Tedesco, Edward F.; Veeder, Glenn J.; Matson, Dennis L.

1986-01-01

An analysis of ground-based thermal IR observations of 1 Ceres and 2 Pallas in light of their recently determined occultation diameters and small amplitude light curves has yielded a new value for the IR beaming parameter employed in the standard asteroid thermal emission model which is significantly lower than the previous one. When applied to the reduction of thermal IR observations of other asteroids, this new value is expected to yield model diameters closer to actual values. The present formulation incorporates the IAU magnitude convention for asteroids that employs zero-phase magnitudes, including the opposition effect.

Practical in-situ determination of ortho-para hydrogen ratios via fiber-optic based Raman spectroscopy

DOE PAGES

Sutherland, Liese -Marie; Knudson, James N.; Mocko, Michal; ...

2015-12-17

An experiment was designed and developed to prototype a fiber-optic-based laser system, which measures the ratio of ortho-hydrogen to para-hydrogen in an operating neutron moderator system at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) spallation neutron source. Preliminary measurements resulted in an ortho to para ratio of 3.06:1, which is within acceptable agreement with the previously published ratio. As a result, the successful demonstration of Raman Spectroscopy for this measurement is expected to lead to a practical method that can be applied for similar in-situ measurements at operating neutron spallation sources.

Practical in-situ determination of ortho-para hydrogen ratios via fiber-optic based Raman spectroscopy

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

Sutherland, Liese -Marie; Knudson, James N.; Mocko, Michal

An experiment was designed and developed to prototype a fiber-optic-based laser system, which measures the ratio of ortho-hydrogen to para-hydrogen in an operating neutron moderator system at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) spallation neutron source. Preliminary measurements resulted in an ortho to para ratio of 3.06:1, which is within acceptable agreement with the previously published ratio. As a result, the successful demonstration of Raman Spectroscopy for this measurement is expected to lead to a practical method that can be applied for similar in-situ measurements at operating neutron spallation sources.

Social Support and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Low-Income Women: Findings from Community-Based Participatory Research.

PubMed

Salihu, Hamisu M; Adegoke, Korede; Turner, DeAnne; Al Agili, Dania; Berry, Estrellita Lo

2017-04-01

This study examined the association between social support and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among low-income women in the southeastern region of the United States. Analysis was performed on data from a community needs assessment survey that was designed to explore social determinants of health and QoL indicators using a community-based participatory research approach. The study sample comprised 132 women aged 18 years old and older. Bivariate analysis and logistic regressions with bootstrapping were performed. Social support was predictive of physical and mental HRQoL in a contrasting fashion, suggesting a complex relation. Other social determinants of global HRQoL independent of social support status include marital and employment status, maternal age, and income. Our results also demonstrate complex interaction patterns across race, social support, and HRQoL. The linkage between social support and HRQoL may not be a simple relation, as previously assumed. Rather, it is characterized by multifaceted interactions through which social determinants of health modulate the impact of social support on HRQoL. These are new findings.

The Gellyfish: An In-Situ Equilibrium-Based Sampler for Determining Multiple Free Metal Ion Concentrations in Marine Ecosystems

PubMed Central

Dong, Zhao; Lewis, Christopher G.; Burgess, Robert M.; Shine, James P.

2016-01-01

Free metal ions are usually the most bioavailable and toxic metal species to aquatic organisms, but they are difficult to measure due to their extremely low concentrations in the marine environment. Many of the current methods for determining free metal ions are complicated, time-consuming, and can only measure one metal at a time. We developed a new version of the ‘Gellyfish’, an in-situ equilibrium-based sampler, with significantly reduced equilibration time and the capability of measuring multiple free metal ions simultaneously. By calibrating the Gellyfish to account for its uptake of cationic metal complexes and validating them in multi-metal competition experiments, we were able to determine free metal ion concentrations previously collected over ten months at five locations in Boston Harbor for Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, and Cd. This work generated one of the largest free metal ion datasets and demonstrated the applicability of the Gellyfish as an easy-to-use and inexpensive tool for monitoring free ion concentrations of metal mixtures in marine ecosystems. PMID:25598362

SHAME AND GUILT-PRONENESS AS MEDIATORS OF ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN GENERAL CAUSALITY ORIENTATIONS AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS

PubMed Central

YOUNG, CHELSIE M.; NEIGHBORS, CLAYTON; DIBELLO, ANGELO M.; TRAYLOR, ZACHARY K.; TOMKINS, MARY

2017-01-01

The present study examined the roles of shame- and guilt-proneness as mediators of associations between general causality orientations and depressive symptoms. We expected autonomy would be associated with less depressive symptoms based on higher guilt-proneness and lower shame-proneness, whereas control would be associated with more depressive symptoms based on lower guilt-proneness and higher shame-proneness. Undergraduates (N = 354) completed assessments of general causality orientations, shame- and guilt-proneness, and depressive symptoms in exchange for extra credit. Results of mediation analyses were generally supportive of the framework indicating that shame- and guilt-proneness mediate associations between self-determination and depressive symptoms. Autonomy was indirectly associated with less depressive symptoms through positive associations with guilt-proneness, in spite of unexpected positive associations with shame-proneness. Control and impersonal orientation were indirectly associated with more depressive symptoms through positive associations with shame-proneness. Results extend previous research relating self-determination to mental health in providing preliminary support suggesting that individual differences in self-determination facilitate differential tendencies in experiencing guilt and shame. PMID:28344381

Chemical Compositions of Kinematically Selected Outer Halo Stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lan; Ishigaki, Miho; Aoki, Wako; Zhao, Gang; Chiba, Masashi

2009-12-01

Chemical abundances of 26 metal-poor dwarfs and giants are determined from high-resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio spectra obtained with the Subaru/High Dispersion Spectrograph. The sample is selected so that most of the objects have outer-halo kinematics. Self-consistent atmospheric parameters were determined by an iterative procedure based on spectroscopic analysis. Abundances of 13 elements, including α-elements (Mg, Si, Ca, Ti), odd-Z light elements (Na, Sc), iron-peak elements (Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Zn), and neutron-capture elements (Y, Ba), are determined by two independent data reduction and local thermodynamic equillibrium analysis procedures, confirming the consistency of the stellar parameters and abundances results. We find a decreasing trend of [α/Fe] with increasing [Fe/H] for the range of -3.5< [Fe/H] <-1, as found by Stephens & Boesgaard. [Zn/Fe] values of most objects in our sample are slightly lower than the bulk of halo stars previously studied. These results are discussed as possible chemical properties of the outer halo in the Galaxy. Based on data collected at the Subaru Telescope, which is operated by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.

Determination of the soil hazardous concentrations of bisphenol A using the species sensitivity approach.

PubMed

Kwak, Jin Il; Moon, Jongmin; Kim, Dokyung; Cui, Rongxue; An, Youn-Joo

2018-02-15

This study describes the determination of the species sensitivity distribution (SSD)-based soil hazardous contamination of bisphenol A for environmental risk assessment. We conducted a battery of bioassays, including acute assays using eight species from six different taxonomic groups and chronic assays using five species from four different taxonomic groups. We determined that our dataset satisfied Australia & New Zealand's guidelines for applying the SSD methodology. Finally, the chronic soil HC 5 and HC 50 values for bisphenol A were estimated to be 13.7 and 74.7mg/kg soil, respectively, for soil ecosystem protection against chronic exposure using the data generated from this and previous studies. Because the soil standard values of bisphenol A for protection of the soil ecosystem are not currently available, the HC values of bisphenol A that we suggested based on the SSD approach would be applied as fundamental data to establish soil standards of bisphenol A for soil ecosystem protection. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the soil hazardous concentration of bisphenol A for environmental risk assessment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Solid/liquid phase diagram of the ammonium sulfate/glutaric acid/water system.

PubMed

Beyer, Keith D; Pearson, Christian S; Henningfield, Drew S

2013-05-02

We have studied the low temperature phase diagram and water activities of the ammonium sulfate/glutaric acid/water system using differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy of thin films, and a new technique: differential scanning calorimetry-video microscopy. Using these techniques, we have determined that there is a temperature-dependent kinetic effect to the dissolution of glutaric acid in aqueous solution. We have mapped the solid/liquid ternary phase diagram, determined the water activities based on the freezing point depression, and determined the ice/glutaric acid phase boundary as well as the ternary eutectic composition and temperature. We have also modified our glutaric acid/water binary phase diagram previously published based on these new results. We compare our results for the ternary system to the predictions of the Extended AIM Aerosol Thermodynamics Model (E-AIM), and find good agreement for the ice melting points in the ice primary phase field of this system; however, significant differences were found with respect to phase boundaries, concentration and temperature of the ternary eutectic, and glutaric acid dissolution.

Return period adjustment for runoff coefficients based on analysis in undeveloped Texas watersheds

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dhakal, Nirajan; Fang, Xing; Asquith, William H.; Cleveland, Theodore G.; Thompson, David B.

2013-01-01

The rational method for peak discharge (Qp) estimation was introduced in the 1880s. The runoff coefficient (C) is a key parameter for the rational method that has an implicit meaning of rate proportionality, and the C has been declared a function of the annual return period by various researchers. Rate-based runoff coefficients as a function of the return period, C(T), were determined for 36 undeveloped watersheds in Texas using peak discharge frequency from previously published regional regression equations and rainfall intensity frequency for return periods T of 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 years. The C(T) values and return period adjustments C(T)/C(T=10  year) determined in this study are most applicable to undeveloped watersheds. The return period adjustments determined for the Texas watersheds in this study and those extracted from prior studies of non-Texas data exceed values from well-known literature such as design manuals and textbooks. Most importantly, the return period adjustments exceed values currently recognized in Texas Department of Transportation design guidance when T>10  years.

An automated parallel crystallisation search for predicted crystal structures and packing motifs of carbamazepine.

PubMed

Florence, Alastair J; Johnston, Andrea; Price, Sarah L; Nowell, Harriott; Kennedy, Alan R; Shankland, Norman

2006-09-01

An automated parallel crystallisation search for physical forms of carbamazepine, covering 66 solvents and five crystallisation protocols, identified three anhydrous polymorphs (forms I-III), one hydrate and eight organic solvates, including the single-crystal structures of three previously unreported solvates (N,N-dimethylformamide (1:1); hemi-furfural; hemi-1,4-dioxane). Correlation of physical form outcome with the crystallisation conditions demonstrated that the solvent adopts a relatively nonspecific role in determining which polymorph is obtained, and that the previously reported effect of a polymer template facilitating the formation of form IV could not be reproduced by solvent crystallisation alone. In the accompanying computational search, approximately half of the energetically feasible predicted crystal structures exhibit the C=O...H--N R2(2)(8)dimer motif that is observed in the known polymorphs, with the most stable correctly corresponding to form III. Most of the other energetically feasible structures, including the global minimum, have a C=O...H--N C(4) chain hydrogen bond motif. No such chain structures were observed in this or any other previously published work, suggesting that kinetic, rather than thermodynamic, factors determine which of the energetically feasible crystal structures are observed experimentally, with the kinetics apparently favouring nucleation of crystal structures based on the CBZ-CBZ R2(2)(8) motif. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistance to antituberculosis drugs in Mozambique*, **

PubMed Central

Pires, Germano Manuel; Folgosa, Elena; Nquobile, Ndlovu; Gitta, Sheba; Cadir, Nureisha

2014-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To determine the drug resistance profile of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Mozambique. METHODS: We analyzed secondary data from the National Tuberculosis Referral Laboratory, in the city of Maputo, Mozambique, and from the Beira Regional Tuberculosis Referral Laboratory, in the city of Beira, Mozambique. The data were based on culture-positive samples submitted to first-line drug susceptibility testing (DST) between January and December of 2011. We attempted to determine whether the frequency of DST positivity was associated with patient type or provenance. RESULTS: During the study period, 641 strains were isolated in culture and submitted to DST. We found that 374 (58.3%) were resistant to at least one antituberculosis drug and 280 (43.7%) were resistant to multiple antituberculosis drugs. Of the 280 multidrug-resistant tuberculosis cases, 184 (65.7%) were in previously treated patients, most of whom were from southern Mozambique. Two (0.71%) of the cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis were confirmed to be cases of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis was most common in males, particularly those in the 21-40 year age bracket. CONCLUSIONS: M. tuberculosis resistance to antituberculosis drugs is high in Mozambique, especially in previously treated patients. The frequency of M. tuberculosis strains that were resistant to isoniazid, rifampin, and streptomycin in combination was found to be high, particularly in samples from previously treated patients. PMID:24831398

Precession electron diffraction for SiC grain boundary characterization in unirradiated TRISO fuel

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

Lillo, T. M.; van Rooyen, I. J.; Wu, Y. Q.

Precession electron diffraction (PED), a transmission electron microscopy-based technique, has been evaluated for the suitability for evaluating grain boundary character in the SiC layer of tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel. Although the ultimate goal is to determine the grain boundary characteristics of fission product containing grain boundaries of neutron irradiated SiC, our work reports the effect of transmission electron microscope (TEM) lamella thickness on quality of data and establishes a baseline comparison on grain boundary characteristics determined previously using a conventional EBSD scanning electron microscope (SEM) based technique. In general, it was determined that the lamella thickness produced using the standardmore » FIB fabrication process, is sufficient to provide reliable PED measurements with thicker lamellae (~120 nm) produce higher quality orientation data. Analysis of grain boundary character from the TEM-based PED data showed a much lower fraction of low angle grain boundaries compared to SEM-based EBSD data from the SiC layer of the same TRISO-coated particle as well as a SiC layer deposited at a slightly lower temperature. The fractions of high angle and CSL-related grain boundaries determined by PED are similar to those found using SEM-based EBSD. Since the grain size of the SiC layer of TRSIO fuel can be as small as 250 nm [12], depending on the fabrication parameters, and grain boundary fission product precipitates can be nano-sized, the TEM-based PED orientation data collection method is preferred to determine an accurate representation of the relative fractions of low angle, high angle and CSL-related grain boundaries. It was concluded that although the resolution of the PED data is better by more than an order of magnitude, data acquisition times may be significantly longer or the number of areas analyzed significantly larger than the SEM-based method to obtain a statistically relevant distribution. Also, grain size could be accurately determined but significantly larger analysis areas than those used in this study would be required.« less

Precession electron diffraction for SiC grain boundary characterization in unirradiated TRISO fuel

DOE PAGES

Lillo, T. M.; van Rooyen, I. J.; Wu, Y. Q.

2016-06-16

Precession electron diffraction (PED), a transmission electron microscopy-based technique, has been evaluated for the suitability for evaluating grain boundary character in the SiC layer of tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel. Although the ultimate goal is to determine the grain boundary characteristics of fission product containing grain boundaries of neutron irradiated SiC, our work reports the effect of transmission electron microscope (TEM) lamella thickness on quality of data and establishes a baseline comparison on grain boundary characteristics determined previously using a conventional EBSD scanning electron microscope (SEM) based technique. In general, it was determined that the lamella thickness produced using the standardmore » FIB fabrication process, is sufficient to provide reliable PED measurements with thicker lamellae (~120 nm) produce higher quality orientation data. Analysis of grain boundary character from the TEM-based PED data showed a much lower fraction of low angle grain boundaries compared to SEM-based EBSD data from the SiC layer of the same TRISO-coated particle as well as a SiC layer deposited at a slightly lower temperature. The fractions of high angle and CSL-related grain boundaries determined by PED are similar to those found using SEM-based EBSD. Since the grain size of the SiC layer of TRSIO fuel can be as small as 250 nm [12], depending on the fabrication parameters, and grain boundary fission product precipitates can be nano-sized, the TEM-based PED orientation data collection method is preferred to determine an accurate representation of the relative fractions of low angle, high angle and CSL-related grain boundaries. It was concluded that although the resolution of the PED data is better by more than an order of magnitude, data acquisition times may be significantly longer or the number of areas analyzed significantly larger than the SEM-based method to obtain a statistically relevant distribution. Also, grain size could be accurately determined but significantly larger analysis areas than those used in this study would be required.« less

Automated Assessment of Existing Patient's Revised Cardiac Risk Index Using Algorithmic Software.

PubMed

Hofer, Ira S; Cheng, Drew; Grogan, Tristan; Fujimoto, Yohei; Yamada, Takashige; Beck, Lauren; Cannesson, Maxime; Mahajan, Aman

2018-05-25

Previous work in the field of medical informatics has shown that rules-based algorithms can be created to identify patients with various medical conditions; however, these techniques have not been compared to actual clinician notes nor has the ability to predict complications been tested. We hypothesize that a rules-based algorithm can successfully identify patients with the diseases in the Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI). Patients undergoing surgery at the University of California, Los Angeles Health System between April 1, 2013 and July 1, 2016 and who had at least 2 previous office visits were included. For each disease in the RCRI except renal failure-congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus-diagnosis algorithms were created based on diagnostic and standard clinical treatment criteria. For each disease state, the prevalence of the disease as determined by the algorithm, International Classification of Disease (ICD) code, and anesthesiologist's preoperative note were determined. Additionally, 400 American Society of Anesthesiologists classes III and IV cases were randomly chosen for manual review by an anesthesiologist. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were determined using the manual review as a gold standard. Last, the ability of the RCRI as calculated by each of the methods to predict in-hospital mortality was determined, and the time necessary to run the algorithms was calculated. A total of 64,151 patients met inclusion criteria for the study. In general, the incidence of definite or likely disease determined by the algorithms was higher than that detected by the anesthesiologist. Additionally, in all disease states, the prevalence of disease was always lowest for the ICD codes, followed by the preoperative note, followed by the algorithms. In the subset of patients for whom the records were manually reviewed, the algorithms were generally the most sensitive and the ICD codes the most specific. When computing the modified RCRI using each of the methods, the modified RCRI from the algorithms predicted in-hospital mortality with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.70 (0.67-0.73), which compared to 0.70 (0.67-0.72) for ICD codes and 0.64 (0.61-0.67) for the preoperative note. On average, the algorithms took 12.64 ± 1.20 minutes to run on 1.4 million patients. Rules-based algorithms for disease in the RCRI can be created that perform with a similar discriminative ability as compared to physician notes and ICD codes but with significantly increased economies of scale.

Improved argument-FFT frequency offset estimation for QPSK coherent optical Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Jilong; Li, Wei; Yuan, Zhilin; Li, Haitao; Huang, Liyan; Hu, Qianggao

2016-02-01

A frequency offset estimation (FOE) algorithm based on fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the signal's argument is investigated, which does not require removing the modulated data phase. In this paper, we analyze the flaw of the argument-FFT algorithm and propose a combined FOE algorithm, in which the absolute of frequency offset (FO) is accurately calculated by argument-FFT algorithm with a relatively large number of samples and the sign of FO is determined by FFT-based interpolation discrete Fourier transformation (DFT) algorithm with a relatively small number of samples. Compared with the previous algorithms based on argument-FFT, the proposed one has low complexity and can still effectively work with a relatively less number of samples.

Precise algorithm to generate random sequential adsorption of hard polygons at saturation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, G.

2018-04-01

Random sequential adsorption (RSA) is a time-dependent packing process, in which particles of certain shapes are randomly and sequentially placed into an empty space without overlap. In the infinite-time limit, the density approaches a "saturation" limit. Although this limit has attracted particular research interest, the majority of past studies could only probe this limit by extrapolation. We have previously found an algorithm to reach this limit using finite computational time for spherical particles and could thus determine the saturation density of spheres with high accuracy. In this paper, we generalize this algorithm to generate saturated RSA packings of two-dimensional polygons. We also calculate the saturation density for regular polygons of three to ten sides and obtain results that are consistent with previous, extrapolation-based studies.

Precise algorithm to generate random sequential adsorption of hard polygons at saturation.

PubMed

Zhang, G

2018-04-01

Random sequential adsorption (RSA) is a time-dependent packing process, in which particles of certain shapes are randomly and sequentially placed into an empty space without overlap. In the infinite-time limit, the density approaches a "saturation" limit. Although this limit has attracted particular research interest, the majority of past studies could only probe this limit by extrapolation. We have previously found an algorithm to reach this limit using finite computational time for spherical particles and could thus determine the saturation density of spheres with high accuracy. In this paper, we generalize this algorithm to generate saturated RSA packings of two-dimensional polygons. We also calculate the saturation density for regular polygons of three to ten sides and obtain results that are consistent with previous, extrapolation-based studies.

Evaluating the Coda Phase Delay Method for Determining Temperature Ratios in Windy Environments

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

Albert, Sarah; Bowman, Daniel; Rodgers, Arthur

2017-07-01

We evaluate the acoustic coda phase delay method for estimating changes in atmospheric phenomena in realistic environments. Previous studies verifying the method took place in an environment with negligible wind. The equation for effective sound speed, which the method is based upon, shows that the influence of wind is equal to the square of temperature. Under normal conditions, wind is significant and therefore cannot be ignored. Results from this study con rm the previous statement. The acoustic coda phase delay method breaks down in non-ideal environments, namely those where wind speed and direction varies across small distances. We suggest thatmore » future studies make use of gradiometry to better understand the effect of wind on the acoustic coda and subsequent phase delays.« less

Sputtering of sulfur by kiloelectronvolt ions - Application to the magnetospheric plasma interaction with Io

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chrisey, D. B.; Johnson, R. E.; Phipps, J. A.; Mcgrath, M. A.; Boring, J. W.

1987-01-01

Accurate measurements of the yields, mass spectra, and energy spectra of ejected sulfur are presented based on vapor deposits of sulfur at temperatures and ion energies relevant to the plasma interaction with the surface of Io. The measured sputtering yields are much lower than previous estimates for room temperature sulfur films, but are comparable to previous measurements of low-temperature keV ion sputtering of SO2. Results suggest that if ions reach the surface of Io its atmosphere will have a nonnegligible sulfur component which is primarily S2. Comparison of injection rates determined for sulfur with those for SO2 indicates that injection from sulfur deposits contributes 13 percent to the total mass injection rate of about 2-3 x 10 to the 29th amu/sec.

Work organization in hospital wards and nurses' emotional exhaustion: A multi-method study of observation-based assessment and nurses' self-reports.

PubMed

Stab, Nicole; Hacker, Winfried; Weigl, Matthias

2016-09-01

Ward organization is a major determinant for nurses' well-being on the job. The majority of previous research on this relationship is based on single source methods, which have been criticized as skewed estimations mainly due to subjectivity of the ratings and due to common source bias. To investigate the association of ward organization characteristics and nurses' exhaustion by combining observation-based assessments with nurses' self-reports. Cross-sectional study on 25 wards of four hospitals and 245 nurses. Our multi-method approach to evaluate hospital ward organization consisted of on-site observations with a standardized assessment tool and of questionnaires to evaluate nurses' self-reports and exhaustion. After establishing the reliability of our measures, we applied multi-level regression analyses to determine associations between determinant and outcome variables. We found substantial convergence in ward organization between the observation-based assessments and nurses' self-reports, which supports the validity of our external assessments. Furthermore, two observation-based characteristics, namely participation and patient-focused care, were significantly associated with lower emotional exhaustion among the nurses. Our results suggest that observation-based assessments are a valid and feasible way to assess ward organization in hospitals. Nurses' self-reported as well as observation-based ratings on ward organization were associated with nurses' emotional exhaustion. This is of interest mainly for identifying alternative measures in evaluating nurses' work environments, to inform health promotion activities and to evaluate job redesign intervention. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Empirical Study on Designing of Gaze Tracking Camera Based on the Information of User's Head Movement.

PubMed

Pan, Weiyuan; Jung, Dongwook; Yoon, Hyo Sik; Lee, Dong Eun; Naqvi, Rizwan Ali; Lee, Kwan Woo; Park, Kang Ryoung

2016-08-31

Gaze tracking is the technology that identifies a region in space that a user is looking at. Most previous non-wearable gaze tracking systems use a near-infrared (NIR) light camera with an NIR illuminator. Based on the kind of camera lens used, the viewing angle and depth-of-field (DOF) of a gaze tracking camera can be different, which affects the performance of the gaze tracking system. Nevertheless, to our best knowledge, most previous researches implemented gaze tracking cameras without ground truth information for determining the optimal viewing angle and DOF of the camera lens. Eye-tracker manufacturers might also use ground truth information, but they do not provide this in public. Therefore, researchers and developers of gaze tracking systems cannot refer to such information for implementing gaze tracking system. We address this problem providing an empirical study in which we design an optimal gaze tracking camera based on experimental measurements of the amount and velocity of user's head movements. Based on our results and analyses, researchers and developers might be able to more easily implement an optimal gaze tracking system. Experimental results show that our gaze tracking system shows high performance in terms of accuracy, user convenience and interest.

Empirical Study on Designing of Gaze Tracking Camera Based on the Information of User’s Head Movement

PubMed Central

Pan, Weiyuan; Jung, Dongwook; Yoon, Hyo Sik; Lee, Dong Eun; Naqvi, Rizwan Ali; Lee, Kwan Woo; Park, Kang Ryoung

2016-01-01

Gaze tracking is the technology that identifies a region in space that a user is looking at. Most previous non-wearable gaze tracking systems use a near-infrared (NIR) light camera with an NIR illuminator. Based on the kind of camera lens used, the viewing angle and depth-of-field (DOF) of a gaze tracking camera can be different, which affects the performance of the gaze tracking system. Nevertheless, to our best knowledge, most previous researches implemented gaze tracking cameras without ground truth information for determining the optimal viewing angle and DOF of the camera lens. Eye-tracker manufacturers might also use ground truth information, but they do not provide this in public. Therefore, researchers and developers of gaze tracking systems cannot refer to such information for implementing gaze tracking system. We address this problem providing an empirical study in which we design an optimal gaze tracking camera based on experimental measurements of the amount and velocity of user’s head movements. Based on our results and analyses, researchers and developers might be able to more easily implement an optimal gaze tracking system. Experimental results show that our gaze tracking system shows high performance in terms of accuracy, user convenience and interest. PMID:27589768

Equivalent charge source model based iterative maximum neighbor weight for sparse EEG source localization.

PubMed

Xu, Peng; Tian, Yin; Lei, Xu; Hu, Xiao; Yao, Dezhong

2008-12-01

How to localize the neural electric activities within brain effectively and precisely from the scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings is a critical issue for current study in clinical neurology and cognitive neuroscience. In this paper, based on the charge source model and the iterative re-weighted strategy, proposed is a new maximum neighbor weight based iterative sparse source imaging method, termed as CMOSS (Charge source model based Maximum neighbOr weight Sparse Solution). Different from the weight used in focal underdetermined system solver (FOCUSS) where the weight for each point in the discrete solution space is independently updated in iterations, the new designed weight for each point in each iteration is determined by the source solution of the last iteration at both the point and its neighbors. Using such a new weight, the next iteration may have a bigger chance to rectify the local source location bias existed in the previous iteration solution. The simulation studies with comparison to FOCUSS and LORETA for various source configurations were conducted on a realistic 3-shell head model, and the results confirmed the validation of CMOSS for sparse EEG source localization. Finally, CMOSS was applied to localize sources elicited in a visual stimuli experiment, and the result was consistent with those source areas involved in visual processing reported in previous studies.

Low Earth orbital atomic oxygen and ultraviolet radiation effects on polymers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dever, Joyce A.

1991-01-01

Because atomic oxygen and solar ultraviolet radiation present in the low earth orbital (LEO) environment can alter the chemistry of polymers resulting in degradation, their effects and mechanisms of degradation must be determined in order to determine the long term durability of polymeric surfaces to be exposed on missions such as Space Station Freedom. The effects of atomic oxygen on polymers which contain protective coatings must also be explored, since unique damage mechanisms can occur in areas where the protective coatings has failed. Mechanisms can be determined by utilizing results from previous LEO missions, by performing ground based LEO simulation tests and analysis, and by carrying out focussed space experiments. A survey is presented of the interactions and possible damage mechanisms for environmental atomic oxygen and UV radiation exposure of polymers commonly used in LEO.

New constraints on Mars rotation determined from radiometric tracking of the Opportunity Mars Exploration Rover

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuchynka, Petr; Folkner, William M.; Konopliv, Alex S.; Parker, Timothy J.; Park, Ryan S.; Le Maistre, Sebastien; Dehant, Veronique

2014-02-01

The Opportunity Mars Exploration Rover remained stationary between January and May 2012 in order to conserve solar energy for running its survival heaters during martian winter. While stationary, extra Doppler tracking was performed in order to allow an improved estimate of the martian precession rate. In this study, we determine Mars rotation by combining the new Opportunity tracking data with historic tracking data from the Viking and Pathfinder landers and tracking data from Mars orbiters (Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter). The estimated rotation parameters are stable in cross-validation tests and compare well with previously published values. In particular, the Mars precession rate is estimated to be -7606.1 ± 3.5 mas/yr. A representation of Mars rotation as a series expansion based on the determined rotation parameters is provided.

Goddard Laboratory for Atmospheric Sciences physical retrieval system for remote determination of weather and climate parameter from HIRS2 and MSU observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Susskind, J.

1984-01-01

At the Goddard Laboratory for Atmospheric Sciences (GLAS) a physically based satellite temperature sounding retrieval system, involving the simultaneous analysis of HIRS2 and MSU sounding data, was developed for determining atmospheric and surface conditions which are consistent with the observed radiances. In addition to determining accurate atmospheric temperature profiles even in the presence of cloud contamination, the system provides global estimates of day and night sea or land surface temperatures, snow and ice cover, and parameters related to cloud cover. Details of the system are described elsewhere. A brief overview of the system is presented, as well as recent improvements and previously unpublished results, relating to the sea-surface intercomparison workshop, the diurnal variation of ground temperatures, and forecast impact tests.

Mountaintop island age determines species richness of boreal mammals in the American Southwest

USGS Publications Warehouse

Frey, J.K.; Bogan, M.A.; Yates, Terry L.

2007-01-01

Models that describe the mechanisms responsible for insular patterns of species richness include the equilibrium theory of island biogeography and the nonequilibrium vicariance model. The relative importance of dispersal or vicariance in structuring insular distribution patterns can be inferred from these models. Predictions of the alternative models were tested for boreal mammals in the American Southwest. Age of mountaintop islands of boreal habitat was determined by constructing a geographic cladogram based on characteristics of intervening valley barriers. Other independent variables included area and isolation of mountaintop islands. Island age was the most important predictor of species richness. In contrast with previous studies of species richness patterns in this system, these results supported the nonequilibrium vicariance model, which indicates that vicariance has been the primary determinant of species distribution patterns in this system.

Detail Extraction from Electron Backscatter Diffraction Patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basinger, Jay

Cross-correlation based analysis of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) patterns and the use of simulated reference patterns has opened up entirely new avenues of insight into local lattice properties within EBSD scans. The benefits of accessing new levels of orientation resolution and multiple types of previously inaccessible data measures are accompanied with new challenges in characterizing microscope geometry and other error previously ignored in EBSD systems. The foremost of these challenges, when using simulated patterns in high resolution EBSD (HR-EBSD), is the determination of pattern center (the location on the sample from which the EBSD pattern originated) with sufficient accuracy to avoid the introduction of phantom lattice rotations and elastic strain into these highly sensitive measures. This dissertation demonstrates how to greatly improve pattern center determination. It also presents a method for the extraction of grain boundary plane information from single two-dimensional surface scans. These are accomplished through the use of previously un-accessed detail within EBSD images, coupled with physical models of the backscattering phenomena. A software algorithm is detailed and applied for the determination of pattern center with an accuracy of ˜0.03% of the phosphor screen width, or ˜10μm. This resolution makes it possible to apply a simulated pattern method (developed at BYU) in HR-EBSD, with several important benefits over the original HR-EBSD approach developed by Angus Wilkinson. Experimental work is done on epitaxially-grown silicon and germanium in order to gauge the precision of HR-EBSD with simulated reference patterns using the new pattern center calibration approach. It is found that strain resolution with a calibrated pattern center and simulated reference patterns can be as low as 7x10-4. Finally, Monte Carlo-based models of the electron interaction volume are used in conjunction with pattern-mixing-strength curves of line scans crossing grain boundaries in order to recover 3D grain boundary plane information. Validation of the approach is done using 3D serial scan data and coherent twin boundaries in tantalum and copper. The proposed method for recovery of grain boundary plane orientation exhibits an average error of 3 degrees.

A partial least squares based spectrum normalization method for uncertainty reduction for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiongwei; Wang, Zhe; Lui, Siu-Lung; Fu, Yangting; Li, Zheng; Liu, Jianming; Ni, Weidou

2013-10-01

A bottleneck of the wide commercial application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technology is its relatively high measurement uncertainty. A partial least squares (PLS) based normalization method was proposed to improve pulse-to-pulse measurement precision for LIBS based on our previous spectrum standardization method. The proposed model utilized multi-line spectral information of the measured element and characterized the signal fluctuations due to the variation of plasma characteristic parameters (plasma temperature, electron number density, and total number density) for signal uncertainty reduction. The model was validated by the application of copper concentration prediction in 29 brass alloy samples. The results demonstrated an improvement on both measurement precision and accuracy over the generally applied normalization as well as our previously proposed simplified spectrum standardization method. The average relative standard deviation (RSD), average of the standard error (error bar), the coefficient of determination (R2), the root-mean-square error of prediction (RMSEP), and average value of the maximum relative error (MRE) were 1.80%, 0.23%, 0.992, 1.30%, and 5.23%, respectively, while those for the generally applied spectral area normalization were 3.72%, 0.71%, 0.973, 1.98%, and 14.92%, respectively.

Presentation Accuracy of the Web Revisited: Animation Methods in the HTML5 Era

PubMed Central

Garaizar, Pablo; Vadillo, Miguel A.; López-de-Ipiña, Diego

2014-01-01

Using the Web to run behavioural and social experiments quickly and efficiently has become increasingly popular in recent years, but there is some controversy about the suitability of using the Web for these objectives. Several studies have analysed the accuracy and precision of different web technologies in order to determine their limitations. This paper updates the extant evidence about presentation accuracy and precision of the Web and extends the study of the accuracy and precision in the presentation of multimedia stimuli to HTML5-based solutions, which were previously untested. The accuracy and precision in the presentation of visual content in classic web technologies is acceptable for use in online experiments, although some results suggest that these technologies should be used with caution in certain circumstances. Declarative animations based on CSS are the best alternative when animation intervals are above 50 milliseconds. The performance of procedural web technologies based on the HTML5 standard is similar to that of previous web technologies. These technologies are being progressively adopted by the scientific community and have promising futures, which makes their use advisable to utilizing more obsolete technologies. PMID:25302791

Characteristics of good mathematics lecturers based on students and lecturers perspectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hapsari, Trusti; Putri, Dian Permana; Raharjo, Jajo Firman

2017-05-01

This study aims to determine the characteristics of good mathematics lecturers based on students' and lecturers' perspectivesand compare the characteristics of good lecturers/ teachers which are in accordance with the findings of some previous studies and the theories. This study is survey study. The Data were collected through questionnaires and interview. The population consists of some mathematics students from the first level through the third level and some mathematics education lecturers of a private university in West Java. Qualitative analysis was undertaken to examine the results of questionnaires and interviews. The finding shows that the characteristic of good mathematics lecturers is inspiring. They can inspire other mathematics lecturers and educators in general. Based on the students and lecturers' perspective, some characteristics of good mathematics lecturers are mastering the materials well, being on time, being objective, understanding the students, presenting the materials with clearly, and being disciplined. Some other characteristic mentioned are: teaching eagerly, being unhurried, being friendly, giving exemplary and preparing the lesson well. These characteristics are not much different from the characteristics described by some previous researchers and some theories of experts, i.e. mastering the subject matters well, pedagogic, and work wholeheartedly.

Refinements to the method of epicentral location based on surface waves from ambient seismic noise: introducing Love waves

USGS Publications Warehouse

Levshin, Anatoli L.; Barmin, Mikhail P.; Moschetti, Morgan P.; Mendoza, Carlos; Ritzwoller, Michael H.

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study is to develop and test a modification to a previous method of regional seismic event location based on Empirical Green’s Functions (EGFs) produced from ambient seismic noise. Elastic EGFs between pairs of seismic stations are determined by cross-correlating long ambient noise time-series recorded at the two stations. The EGFs principally contain Rayleigh- and Love-wave energy on the vertical and transverse components, respectively, and we utilize these signals between about 5 and 12 s period. The previous method, based exclusively on Rayleigh waves, may yield biased epicentral locations for certain event types with hypocentral depths between 2 and 5 km. Here we present theoretical arguments that show how Love waves can be introduced to reduce or potentially eliminate the bias. We also present applications of Rayleigh- and Love-wave EGFs to locate 10 reference events in the western United States. The separate Rayleigh and Love epicentral locations and the joint locations using a combination of the two waves agree to within 1 km distance, on average, but confidence ellipses are smallest when both types of waves are used.

Using a Search Engine-Based Mutually Reinforcing Approach to Assess the Semantic Relatedness of Biomedical Terms

PubMed Central

Hsu, Yi-Yu; Chen, Hung-Yu; Kao, Hung-Yu

2013-01-01

Background Determining the semantic relatedness of two biomedical terms is an important task for many text-mining applications in the biomedical field. Previous studies, such as those using ontology-based and corpus-based approaches, measured semantic relatedness by using information from the structure of biomedical literature, but these methods are limited by the small size of training resources. To increase the size of training datasets, the outputs of search engines have been used extensively to analyze the lexical patterns of biomedical terms. Methodology/Principal Findings In this work, we propose the Mutually Reinforcing Lexical Pattern Ranking (ReLPR) algorithm for learning and exploring the lexical patterns of synonym pairs in biomedical text. ReLPR employs lexical patterns and their pattern containers to assess the semantic relatedness of biomedical terms. By combining sentence structures and the linking activities between containers and lexical patterns, our algorithm can explore the correlation between two biomedical terms. Conclusions/Significance The average correlation coefficient of the ReLPR algorithm was 0.82 for various datasets. The results of the ReLPR algorithm were significantly superior to those of previous methods. PMID:24348899

Wound center facility billing: A retrospective analysis of time, wound size, and acuity scoring for determining facility level of service.

PubMed

Fife, Caroline E; Walker, David; Farrow, Wade; Otto, Gordon

2007-01-01

Outpatient wound center facility reimbursement for Medicare beneficiaries can be a challenge to determine and obtain. To compare methods of calculating facility service levels for outpatient wound centers and to demonstrate the advantages of an acuity-based billing system (one that incorporates components of facility work that is non-reimbursable by procedure codes and that represents an activity-based costing approach to medical billing), a retrospective study of 5,098 patient encounters contained in a wound care-specific electronic medical record database was conducted. Approximately 500 patient visits to the outpatient wound center of a Texas regional hospital between April 2003 and November 2004 were categorized by service level in documentation and facility management software. Visits previously billed using a time-based system were compared to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' proposed three-tiered wound size-based system. The time-based system also was compared to an acuity-based scoring system. The Pearson correlation coefficient between billed level of service by time and estimated level of service by acuity was 0.442 and the majority of follow-up visits were billed as Level 3 and above (on a time level of 1 to 5) , confirming that time is not a surrogate for actual work performed. Wound size also was found to be unrelated to service level (Pearson correlation = 0.017) and 97% of wound areas were < 100 cm2. The acuity-based scoring system produced a near-normal distribution of results, producing more mid-range billings than extremes; no other method produced this distribution. Hospital-based outpatient wound centers should develop, review, and refine acuity score-based models on which to determine billed level of service.

76 FR 82210 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-30

... fuse pins that can fail earlier than the previously determined safe life limit of the pins. A fractured... retract actuator fuse pins that can fail earlier than previously determined safe life limit of the pins. A... Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Boeing...

77 FR 37781 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-25

... actuator fuse pins that can fail earlier than the previously determined safe life limit of the pins. A... that can fail earlier than the previously determined safe life limit of the pins. A fractured retract... July 30, 2012. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial...

Choline acetyltransferase in the hippocampus is associated with learning strategy preference in adult male rats.

PubMed

Hawley, Wayne R; Witty, Christine F; Daniel, Jill M; Dohanich, Gary P

2015-08-01

One principle of the multiple memory systems hypothesis posits that the hippocampus-based and striatum-based memory systems compete for control over learning. Consistent with this notion, previous research indicates that the cholinergic system of the hippocampus plays a role in modulating the preference for a hippocampus-based place learning strategy over a striatum-based stimulus--response learning strategy. Interestingly, in the hippocampus, greater activity and higher protein levels of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the enzyme that synthesizes acetylcholine, are associated with better performance on hippocampus-based learning and memory tasks. With this in mind, the primary aim of the current study was to determine if higher levels of ChAT and the high-affinity choline uptake transporter (CHT) in the hippocampus were associated with a preference for a hippocampus-based place learning strategy on a task that also could be solved by relying on a striatum-based stimulus--response learning strategy. Results confirmed that levels of ChAT in the dorsal region of the hippocampus were associated with a preference for a place learning strategy on a water maze task that could also be solved by adopting a stimulus-response learning strategy. Consistent with previous studies, the current results support the hypothesis that the cholinergic system of the hippocampus plays a role in balancing competition between memory systems that modulate learning strategy preference. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Density-based Energy Decomposition Analysis for Intermolecular Interactions with Variationally Determined Intermediate State Energies

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

Wu, Q.; Ayers, P.W.; Zhang, Y.

2009-10-28

The first purely density-based energy decomposition analysis (EDA) for intermolecular binding is developed within the density functional theory. The most important feature of this scheme is to variationally determine the frozen density energy, based on a constrained search formalism and implemented with the Wu-Yang algorithm [Q. Wu and W. Yang, J. Chem. Phys. 118, 2498 (2003) ]. This variational process dispenses with the Heitler-London antisymmetrization of wave functions used in most previous methods and calculates the electrostatic and Pauli repulsion energies together without any distortion of the frozen density, an important fact that enables a clean separation of these twomore » terms from the relaxation (i.e., polarization and charge transfer) terms. The new EDA also employs the constrained density functional theory approach [Q. Wu and T. Van Voorhis, Phys. Rev. A 72, 24502 (2005)] to separate out charge transfer effects. Because the charge transfer energy is based on the density flow in real space, it has a small basis set dependence. Applications of this decomposition to hydrogen bonding in the water dimer and the formamide dimer show that the frozen density energy dominates the binding in these systems, consistent with the noncovalent nature of the interactions. A more detailed examination reveals how the interplay of electrostatics and the Pauli repulsion determines the distance and angular dependence of these hydrogen bonds.« less

Inversion of Coeval Shear and Normal Stress of Piton de la Fournaise Flank Displacement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cayol, V.; Tridon, M.; Froger, J. L.; Augier, A.; Bachelery, P.

2016-12-01

The April 2007 eruption of Piton de la Fournaise was the biggest volcano eruptive crisis of the 20th and 21st centuries. InSAR captured a large (1.4 m) co-eruptive seaward slip of the volcano's eastern flank, which continued for more than a year at a decreasing rate. Co-eruptive uplift and post-eruptive subsidence were also observed. While it is generally agreed that flank displacement is induced by fault slip, we investigate wether this flank displacement might have been induced by a sheared sill, as suggested by observations of sheared sills at Piton des Neiges. To test this hypothesis, we develop a new method to invert a quadrangular curved source submitted to co-eval pressure and shear stress changes. This method, based on boundary elements, is applied to co-eruptive and post-eruptive InSAR data. We find that co-eruptive displacement is explained by a 2 km by 2 km detachment fault, parallel to the flank and probably coincident with a lithological discontinuity. The fracture is shallow enough to induce the co-eval uplift characteristic of a detachment fold. We determine the co-eruptive overpressure is zero, which indicates that the fracture is not a sheared sill. This finding confirms a previous determination obtained using a decision tree based on ratios of maximum displacements. The determined shear stress change of 2 MPa is conistent with the eastern flank loaded by previously intruded rift dikes. Post-eruptive displacement is well explained by slip and closure of the same fracture but over a larger (5 km by 8 km). This displacements is consistent with relaxation and the co-eruptive flank displacement and causal link between both displacement is investigated.

Cross-validation of pedometer-determined cut-points for healthy weight in British children from White and South Asian backgrounds.

PubMed

Duncan, Michael J; Eyre, Emma L J; Bryant, Elizabeth; Birch, Samantha L

2014-01-01

Evidence-based pedometer cut-points for health have not been sufficiently examined in the context of ethnicity. To (1) evaluate previously described steps/day cut-points in a sample of White and South Asian British primary school children and (2) use ROC analysis to generate alternative, ethnic specific, steps/day cut-offs for children. Height, body mass and pedometer determined physical activity were assessed in 763 British children (357 boys and 406 girls) from White (n = 593) and South Asian (n = 170) ethnic groups, aged 8-11 years. The Vincent and Pangrazi cut-points significantly predicted BMI in white (p = 0.006, Adjusted R(2 )= 0.08) and South Asian children (p = 0.039, Adjusted R(2 )= 0.078). The Tudor-Locke et al. cut-points significantly predicted BMI in White children (p = 0.0001, Adjusted R(2 )= 0.079) but not South Asian children (p < 0.05). ROC analysis indicated significant alternative cut-points in White and South Asian boys and girls (all p = 0.04 or better, Adjusted R(2 )= 0.091 for White and 0.09 for South Asian children). Subsequent cut-points associated with healthy weight, when translated to steps/day were 13,625 for White boys, 13,135 for White girls, 10,897 for South Asian boys and 10,161 for South Asian girls. Previously published steps/day cut-points for healthy weight may not account for known ethnic variation in physical activity between White and South Asian children in the UK. Alternative, ethnic-specific, cut-points may be better placed to distinguish British children based on pedometer-determined physical activity.

Dictyosphaeric acids A and B: new decalactones from an undescribed Penicillium sp. obtained from the alga Dictyosphaeria versluyii.

PubMed

Bugni, Tim S; Janso, Jeffrey E; Williamson, R Thomas; Feng, Xidong; Bernan, Valerie S; Greenstein, Michael; Carter, Guy T; Maiese, William M; Ireland, Chris M

2004-08-01

Fungal isolate F01V25 was obtained from the alga Dictyosphaeria versluyii collected near Dravuni, Fiji, in 2001 and represented a previously undescribed Penicillium sp. Fermentation of isolate F01V25 resulted in the production of two new polyketides, dictyosphaeric acids A and B, along with the known anthraquinone carviolin. The relative stereochemistry of dictyosphaeric acids A and B was determined using the J-based configuration analysis method in conjunction with ROE and NOE correlations.

Metal Occupancy of Zinc Finger Motifs as Determinants for Zn2+-Mediated Chemosensitization of Prostate Cancer Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-01

leukemia (AML) and glioblastoma ( GBM ). Our laboratory is interested in the potential of F10 for improved treatment of prostate cancer based upon...displays strong anti-cancer activity and minimal systemic toxicity in pre-clinical models of AML and GBM and that in previous studies demonstrated...of the low toxicity and strong anti-cancer activity of F10 in animal models of AML and GBM this combination is likely to be effective and well

Global solution branches for a nonlocal Allen-Cahn equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuto, Kousuke; Mori, Tatsuki; Tsujikawa, Tohru; Yotsutani, Shoji

2018-05-01

We consider the Neumann problem of a 1D stationary Allen-Cahn equation with nonlocal term. Our previous paper [4] obtained a local branch of asymmetric solutions which bifurcates from a point on the branch of odd-symmetric solutions. This paper derives the global behavior of the branch of asymmetric solutions, and moreover, determines the set of all solutions to the nonlocal Allen-Cahn equation. Our proof is based on a level set analysis for an integral map associated with the nonlocal term.

Analysis of terrain map matching using multisensing techniques for applications to autonomous vehicle navigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Page, Lance; Shen, C. N.

1991-01-01

This paper describes skyline-based terrain matching, a new method for locating the vantage point of laser range-finding measurements on a global map previously prepared by satellite or aerial mapping. Skylines can be extracted from the range-finding measurements and modelled from the global map, and are represented in parametric, cylindrical form with azimuth angle as the independent variable. The three translational parameters of the vantage point are determined with a three-dimensional matching of these two sets of skylines.

Developments in signal processing and interpretation in laser tapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perton, M.; Neron, C.; Blouin, A.; Monchalin, J.-P.

2013-01-01

A novel technique, called laser-tapping, based on the thermoelastic excitation by laser like laser-ultrasonics has been previously introduced for inspecting honeycomb and foam core structures. If the top skin is delaminated or detached from the substrate, the detached layer is driven into vibration. The interpretation of the vibrations in terms of Lamb wave resonances is first discussed for a flat bottom hole configuration and then used to determine appropriate signal processing for samples such as honeycomb structures.

A Note on the Kirchhoff and Additive Degree-Kirchhoff Indices of Graphs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yujun; Klein, Douglas J.

2015-06-01

Two resistance-distance-based graph invariants, namely, the Kirchhoff index and the additive degree-Kirchhoff index, are studied. A relation between them is established, with inequalities for the additive degree-Kirchhoff index arising via the Kirchhoff index along with minimum, maximum, and average degrees. Bounds for the Kirchhoff and additive degree-Kirchhoff indices are also determined, and extremal graphs are characterised. In addition, an upper bound for the additive degree-Kirchhoff index is established to improve a previously known result.

Application of 3-signal coherence to core noise transmission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krejsa, E. A.

1983-01-01

A method for determining transfer functions across turbofan engine components and from the engine to the far-field is developed. The method is based on the three-signal coherence technique used previously to obtain far-field core noise levels. This method eliminates the bias error in transfer function measurements due to contamination of measured pressures by nonpropagating pressure fluctuations. Measured transfer functions from the engine to the far-field, across the tailpipe, and across the turbine are presented for three turbofan engines.

Diffusion in the system K2O-SrO-SiO2. II - Cation self-diffusion coefficients.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Varshneya, A. K.; Cooper, A. R.

1972-01-01

The self-diffusion coefficients were measured by introducing a slab of glass previously irradiated in a reactor between two slabs of unirradiated glass. By heating the specimens, etching them sequentially and determining the radioactivity, self-diffusion coefficients for K and Sr were measured. It is pointed out that the results obtained in the investigations appear to support the proposal that the network of the base glass predominantly controls the activation energy for the diffusion of ions.

Methods to prefetch comparison images in image management and communication system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levin, Kenneth; Fielding, Robert

1990-08-01

A high-level description of a system to pre-fetch comparison radiographs in an Image Management and Communication System (IMAC) is presented. This rule based system estimates the relevance of previous examinations for comparison to the current examination arid uses this determination to pre-fetch comparison studies. A machine learning module should allow the system to improve its skill in pre-fetching examinations for each individual radiologist. This system could be tailored to fit the desires of individual radiologists.

A competitive immunoassay for sensitive detection of small molecules chloramphenicol based on luminol functionalized silver nanoprobe.

PubMed

Yu, Xiuxia; He, Yi; Jiang, Jie; Cui, Hua

2014-02-17

Chloramphenicol (CHL) as a broad-spectrum antibiotic has a broad action spectrum against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as anaerobes. The use of CHL is strictly restricted in poultry because of its toxic effect. However, CHL is still illegally used in animal farming because of its accessibility and low cost. Therefore, sensitive methods are highly desired for the determination of CHL in foodstuffs. The immunoassays based on labeling as an important tool have been reported for the detection of CHL residues in food-producing animals. However, most of the labeling procedures require multi-step reactions and purifications and thus they are complicated and time-consuming. Recently, in our previous work, luminol functionalized silver nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized, which exhibits higher CL efficiency than luminol functionalized gold nanoparticles. In this work, the new luminol functionalized silver nanoparticles have been used for the labeling of small molecules CHL for the first time and a competitive chemiluminescent immunoassay has been developed for the detection of CHL. Owing to the amplification of silver nanoparticles, high sensitivity for CHL could be achieved with a low detection limit of 7.6×10(-9) g mL(-1) and a wide linear dynamic range of 1.0×10(-8)-1.0×10(-6) g mL(-1). This method has also been successfully applied to determine CHL in milk and honey samples with a good recoveries (92% and 102%, 99% and 107% respectively), indicating that the method is feasible for the determination of CHL in real milk and honey samples. The labeling procedure is simple, convenient and fast, superior to previously reported labeling procedures. The immunoassay is also simple, fast, sensitive and selective. It is of application potential for the determination of CHL in foodstuffs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

SCS-CN parameter determination using rainfall-runoff data in heterogeneous watersheds - the two-CN system approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soulis, K. X.; Valiantzas, J. D.

2012-03-01

The Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) approach is widely used as a simple method for predicting direct runoff volume for a given rainfall event. The CN parameter values corresponding to various soil, land cover, and land management conditions can be selected from tables, but it is preferable to estimate the CN value from measured rainfall-runoff data if available. However, previous researchers indicated that the CN values calculated from measured rainfall-runoff data vary systematically with the rainfall depth. Hence, they suggested the determination of a single asymptotic CN value observed for very high rainfall depths to characterize the watersheds' runoff response. In this paper, the hypothesis that the observed correlation between the calculated CN value and the rainfall depth in a watershed reflects the effect of soils and land cover spatial variability on its hydrologic response is being tested. Based on this hypothesis, the simplified concept of a two-CN heterogeneous system is introduced to model the observed CN-rainfall variation by reducing the CN spatial variability into two classes. The behaviour of the CN-rainfall function produced by the simplified two-CN system is approached theoretically, it is analysed systematically, and it is found to be similar to the variation observed in natural watersheds. Synthetic data tests, natural watersheds examples, and detailed study of two natural experimental watersheds with known spatial heterogeneity characteristics were used to evaluate the method. The results indicate that the determination of CN values from rainfall runoff data using the proposed two-CN system approach provides reasonable accuracy and it over performs the previous methods based on the determination of a single asymptotic CN value. Although the suggested method increases the number of unknown parameters to three (instead of one), a clear physical reasoning for them is presented.

The Near-infrared Optimal Distances Method Applied to Galactic Classical Cepheids Tightly Constrains Mid-infrared Period–Luminosity Relations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shu; Chen, Xiaodian; de Grijs, Richard; Deng, Licai

2018-01-01

Classical Cepheids are well-known and widely used distance indicators. As distance and extinction are usually degenerate, it is important to develop suitable methods to robustly anchor the distance scale. Here, we introduce a near-infrared optimal distance method to determine both the extinction values of and distances to a large sample of 288 Galactic classical Cepheids. The overall uncertainty in the derived distances is less than 4.9%. We compare our newly determined distances to the Cepheids in our sample with previously published distances to the same Cepheids with Hubble Space Telescope parallax measurements and distances based on the IR surface brightness method, Wesenheit functions, and the main-sequence fitting method. The systematic deviations in the distances determined here with respect to those of previous publications is less than 1%–2%. Hence, we constructed Galactic mid-IR period–luminosity (PL) relations for classical Cepheids in the four Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) bands (W1, W2, W3, and W4) and the four Spitzer Space Telescope bands ([3.6], [4.5], [5.8], and [8.0]). Based on our sample of hundreds of Cepheids, the WISE PL relations have been determined for the first time; their dispersion is approximately 0.10 mag. Using the currently most complete sample, our Spitzer PL relations represent a significant improvement in accuracy, especially in the [3.6] band which has the smallest dispersion (0.066 mag). In addition, the average mid-IR extinction curve for Cepheids has been obtained: {A}W1/{A}{K{{s}}}≈ 0.560, {A}W2/{A}{K{{s}}}≈ 0.479, {A}W3/{A}{K{{s}}}≈ 0.507, {A}W4/{A}{K{{s}}}≈ 0.406, {A}[3.6]/{A}{K{{s}}}≈ 0.481, {A}[4.5]/{A}{K{{s}}}≈ 0.469, {A}[5.8]/{A}{K{{s}}}≈ 0.427, and {A}[8.0]/{A}{K{{s}}}≈ 0.427 {mag}.

A universal TaqMan-based RT-PCR protocol for cost-efficient detection of small noncoding RNA.

PubMed

Jung, Ulrike; Jiang, Xiaoou; Kaufmann, Stefan H E; Patzel, Volker

2013-12-01

Several methods for the detection of RNA have been developed over time. For small RNA detection, a stem-loop reverse primer-based protocol relying on TaqMan RT-PCR has been described. This protocol requires an individual specific TaqMan probe for each target RNA and, hence, is highly cost-intensive for experiments with small sample sizes or large numbers of different samples. We describe a universal TaqMan-based probe protocol which can be used to detect any target sequence and demonstrate its applicability for the detection of endogenous as well as artificial eukaryotic and bacterial small RNAs. While the specific and the universal probe-based protocol showed the same sensitivity, the absolute sensitivity of detection was found to be more than 100-fold lower for both than previously reported. In subsequent experiments, we found previously unknown limitations intrinsic to the method affecting its feasibility in determination of mature template RISC incorporation as well as in multiplexing. Both protocols were equally specific in discriminating between correct and incorrect small RNA targets or between mature miRNA and its unprocessed RNA precursor, indicating the stem-loop RT-primer, but not the TaqMan probe, triggers target specificity. The presented universal TaqMan-based RT-PCR protocol represents a cost-efficient method for the detection of small RNAs.

Individual- and regional-level determinants of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine refusal: the Ontario Grade 8 HPV vaccine cohort study.

PubMed

Remes, Olivia; Smith, Leah M; Alvarado-Llano, Beatriz E; Colley, Lindsey; Lévesque, Linda E

2014-10-08

Studies on the determinants of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine use have generally focused on individual-level characteristics, despite the potentially important influence of regional-level characteristics. Therefore, we undertook a population-based, retrospective cohort study to identify individual- and regional-level determinants of HPV vaccine refusal (non-receipt) in Ontario's (Canada) Grade 8 HPV Immunization Program. Ontario's administrative health and immunization databases were used to identify girls eligible for free HPV vaccination in 2007-2011 and to ascertain individual-level characteristics of cohort members (socio-demographics, vaccination history, health care utilization, medical history). The social and material characteristics of the girl's region (health unit) were derived from the 2006 Canadian Census. Generalized estimating equations (binomial distribution, logit link) were used to estimate the population-average effects of individual- and regional-level characteristics on HPV vaccine refusal. Our cohort consisted of 144,047 girls, 49.3% of whom refused HPV vaccination. Factors associated with refusal included a previous diagnosis of Down's syndrome (OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.16-1.63) or autism (OR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.34-1.90), few physician visits (OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.35-1.55), and previous refusal of mandatory (OR = 2.23, 95% CI 2.07-2.40) and optional (OR = 3.96, 95% CI 3.87-4.05) vaccines. Refusal was highest among the lowest and highest income levels. Finally, a previous diagnosis of obesity and living in an area of high deprivation were associated with lower refusal (OR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.83-0.92 and OR = 0.82 95%, CI 0.79-0.86, respectively). Studies on HPV vaccine determinants should consider regional-level factors. Efforts to increase HPV vaccine acceptance should include vulnerable populations (such as girls of low income) and girls with limited contact with the healthcare system.

Determinants of Utilization of Eye Care Services in a Rural Adult Population of a Developing Country

PubMed Central

Olusanya, Bolutife A.; Ashaye, Adeyinka O.; Owoaje, Eme T.; Baiyeroju, Aderonke M.; Ajayi, Benedictus G.

2016-01-01

Purpose: To describe the factors that determine the utilization of eye care services in a rural community in South-Western Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey using a multistage sampling technique was conducted. The main outcome measure was self-reported previous consultation of an orthodox medical facility for eye care. Results: The study sample included 643 participants. Only 122 (19%) respondents had previously visited orthodox facilities in search of eye care and 24% of those with presenting visual acuity <6/18 had sought eye care. Characteristics associated with previous utilization of eye care services were age of =70 years (odds ratio [OR] ≥ 1.7, P = 0.02); male gender (OR = 1.5, P = 0.04); literacy (OR = 1.7, P = 0.007); and residing close to an eye care facility (OR = 2.8, P < 0.001). Blind respondents were three times more likely to seek eye care (P < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that factors associated with increased likelihood of utilization of eye care services included age ≥70 years; literacy; residence close to an eye facility; being diabetic or hypertensive; history of ocular symptoms, and blindness. Conclusions: These findings suggest that a significant proportion (75%) of adults in the study area are not utilizing eye care services and that blindness is an important determinant of utilization of eye care services. Health education and awareness campaigns about the importance and benefits of seeking eye care early, and the provision of community-based eye care programs are essential to boost the uptake of eye care services in this community as well as other rural areas of West Africa. PMID:26957847

An electroglottographical analysis-based discriminant function model differentiating multiple sclerosis patients from healthy controls.

PubMed

Vavougios, George D; Doskas, Triantafyllos; Konstantopoulos, Kostas

2018-05-01

Dysarthrophonia is a predominant symptom in many neurological diseases, affecting the quality of life of the patients. In this study, we produced a discriminant function equation that can differentiate MS patients from healthy controls, using electroglottographic variables not analyzed in a previous study. We applied stepwise linear discriminant function analysis in order to produce a function and score derived from electroglottographic variables extracted from a previous study. The derived discriminant function's statistical significance was determined via Wilk's λ test (and the associated p value). Finally, a 2 × 2 confusion matrix was used to determine the function's predictive accuracy, whereas the cross-validated predictive accuracy is estimated via the "leave-one-out" classification process. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) was used to create a linear function of continuous predictors. DFA produced the following model (Wilk's λ = 0.043, χ2 = 388.588, p < 0.0001, Tables 3 and 4): D (MS vs controls) = 0.728*DQx1 mean monologue + 0.325*CQx monologue + 0.298*DFx1 90% range monologue + 0.443*DQx1 90% range reading - 1.490*DQx1 90% range monologue. The derived discriminant score (S1) was used subsequently in order to form the coordinates of a ROC curve. Thus, a cutoff score of - 0.788 for S1 corresponded to a perfect classification (100% sensitivity and 100% specificity, p = 1.67e -22 ). Consistent with previous findings, electroglottographic evaluation represents an easy to implement and potentially important assessment in MS patients, achieving adequate classification accuracy. Further evaluation is needed to determine its use as a biomarker.

THE ARAUCARIA PROJECT: THE DISTANCE TO THE SCULPTOR GALAXY NGC 247 FROM NEAR-INFRARED PHOTOMETRY OF CEPHEID VARIABLES

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

Gieren, Wolfgang; Pietrzynski, Grzegorz; Szewczyk, Olaf

2009-08-01

We have obtained deep near-infrared images in J and K filters of four fields in the Sculptor Group spiral galaxy NGC 247 with the ESO VLT and Infrared Spectrometer and Array Camera. For a sample of 10 Cepheids in these fields, previously discovered by GarcIa-Varela et al. from optical wide-field images, we have determined mean J and K magnitudes and have constructed the period-luminosity (PL) relations in these bands. Using the near-infrared PL relations together with those in the optical V and I bands, we have determined a true distance modulus for NGC 247 of 27.64 mag, with a randommore » uncertainty of {+-}2% and a systematic uncertainty of {approx}4% which is dominated by the effect of unresolved stars on the Cepheid photometry. The mean reddening affecting the NGC 247 Cepheids of E(B - V) = 0.18 {+-} 0.02 mag is mostly produced in the host galaxy itself and is significantly higher than what was found in the previous optical Cepheid studies in NGC 247 of our own group, and Madore et al., leading to a 7% decrease in the previous optical Cepheid distance. As in other studies of our project, the distance modulus of NGC 247 we report is tied to an assumed Large Magellanic Cloud distance modulus of 18.50. Comparison with other distance measurements to NGC 247 shows that the present IR-based Cepheid distance is the most accurate among these determinations. With a distance of 3.4 Mpc, NGC 247 is about 1.5 Mpc more distant than NGC 55 and NGC 300, two other Sculptor Group spirals analyzed before with the same technique by our group.« less

Physical Activity and Other Determinants of Survival in the Oldest Adults.

PubMed

Muscari, Antonio; Bianchi, Giampaolo; Forti, Paola; Giovagnoli, Marco; Magalotti, Donatella; Pandolfi, Paolo; Zoli, Marco

2017-02-01

To determine the role of physical activity as a possible survival determinant in the oldest adults. Prospective, longitudinal, population-based cohort. The Pianoro Study of community-dwelling older adults in three towns in northern Italy. Noninstitutionalized individuals aged 85 and older (n = 500; mean age 89.6 ± 3.1, 65% female). Participants provided information on marital status, educational level, previous work activity, cardiovascular risk factors, previous cardiovascular events, self-rated health, joint pain, and functional status. Physical activity was quantified using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. Seven-year mortality was known for all subjects. During the 7 years of follow-up, 365 subjects died. According to Cox proportional hazards regression, the following factors were found to be independently associated with mortality: PASE score (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.987, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.981-0.993, P < .001), male sex (HR = 1.642, 95% CI = 1.411-2.068, P < .001), age in years (HR = 1.077, 95% CI = 1.040-1.116, P < .001), previous stroke (HR = 1.908, 95% CI = 1.362-2.673, P < .001), poor self care (HR = 1.662, 95% CI = 1.231-2.246, P < .001), neck pain (HR = 0.649, 95% CI = 0.497-0.849, P = .002), self rated health (HR = 0.991, 95% CI = 0.985-0.997, P = .002). In the oldest adults, accurate quantification of physical activity may provide important prognostic information. The predictive value of cardiovascular risk factors, except age, male sex, and prior stroke, was confirmed to be negligible. An unexpected inverse association between neck pain and mortality may require further investigation. © 2016, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2016, The American Geriatrics Society.

Breakfast consumption determinants among female high school students of Yazd Province based on Pender's Health Promotion Model.

PubMed

Mehrabbeik, Akram; Mahmoodabad, Seyed Saeed Mazloomy; Khosravi, Hassan Mozaffari; Fallahzadeh, Hossein

2017-08-01

Despite the importance of breakfast, especially for students, unfortunately, this meal is usually ignored in daily routine. The aim of this study was to identify determinants among female high school students of Yazd province based on the Pender Health Promotion Model. This was a cross-sectional study conducted to examine 200 female high school students of Yazd, selected by cluster sampling method in 2016. A researcher-made questionnaire, based on Pender's Health Promotion Model, was used as a data collection tool. A panel of experts and Cronbach's alpha coefficient were used to confirm the questionnaire validity and reliability. In order to analyze descriptive data, SPSS version 22 was used. AMOS software (v.23) was employed for path analysis. Direct impact of activity -related affect (0.300), interpersonal influences (0.276), and perceived barriers to eating breakfast (-0.223) were approved at significance level p<0.000. By influencing perceived barriers, perceived self-efficacy and previous related behavior indirectly affected breakfast consumption. These components determined 33% of breakfast consumption. By planning to create a positive feeling in students to have breakfast, to involve family and friends to encourage students to eat breakfast, to reduce barriers to have breakfast by increasing students' self-efficacy, the behavior of having breakfast among students can be improved.

Amplitude variations in the sdBV star PG 1605+072: Another beating time scale?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pereira, T. M. D.; Lopes, I. P.

2004-10-01

PG 1605+072 has an unique and complex oscillation spectrum amongst the pulsating members of the EC 14026 stars. It has the longest periods and the richest, most puzzling frequency spectrum. We present a quantitative analysis of the photometric time-series obtained at 1-m telescope of the South African Astronomical Observatory. Thirteen oscillation parameters, frequencies, amplitudes and initial phases were determined from a 45 h time-series. Our work confirm previous observational results. The observed frequencies are within a difference smaller than 2.7% of the theoretical values, and less than 0.1% of other previous studies. We also infer the existence of variation of a periodicity of 4-5 days on the amplitude of the observed modes, similar to the yearly time-scale variation found by previous studies. Furthermore, we found a new frequency of 2133 μ Hz which has not been previously reported, its origin being yet unclear. Based on observations obtained at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO). This research was supported by a grant from Fundação da Ciência e Tecnologia, grant No. PESO/P/PRO/40142/2000.

50 CFR 224.101 - Enumeration of endangered marine and anadromous species.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... institutions) and which are identified as fish belonging to the NYB DPS based on genetics analyses, previously... genetics analyses, previously applied tags, previously applied marks, or documentation to verify that the... Carolina DPS based on genetics analyses, previously applied tags, previously applied marks, or...

50 CFR 224.101 - Enumeration of endangered marine and anadromous species.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... institutions) and which are identified as fish belonging to the NYB DPS based on genetics analyses, previously... genetics analyses, previously applied tags, previously applied marks, or documentation to verify that the... Carolina DPS based on genetics analyses, previously applied tags, previously applied marks, or...

Efficiency in Rule- vs. Plan-Based Movements Is Modulated by Action-Mode

PubMed Central

Scheib, Jean P. P.; Stoll, Sarah; Thürmer, J. Lukas; Randerath, Jennifer

2018-01-01

The rule/plan motor cognition (RPMC) paradigm elicits visually indistinguishable motor outputs, resulting from either plan- or rule-based action-selection, using a combination of essentially interchangeable stimuli. Previous implementations of the RPMC paradigm have used pantomimed movements to compare plan- vs. rule-based action-selection. In the present work we attempt to determine the generalizability of previous RPMC findings to real object interaction by use of a grasp-to-rotate task. In the plan task, participants had to use prospective planning to achieve a comfortable post-handle rotation hand posture. The rule task used implementation intentions (if-then rules) leading to the same comfortable end-state. In Experiment A, we compare RPMC performance of 16 healthy participants in pantomime and real object conditions of the experiment, within-subjects. Higher processing efficiency of rule- vs. plan-based action-selection was supported by diffusion model analysis. Results show a significant response-time increase in the pantomime condition compared to the real object condition and a greater response-time advantage of rule-based vs. plan-based actions in the pantomime compared to the real object condition. In Experiment B, 24 healthy participants performed the real object RPMC task in a task switching vs. a blocked condition. Results indicate that plan-based action-selection leads to longer response-times and less efficient information processing than rule-based action-selection in line with previous RPMC findings derived from the pantomime action-mode. Particularly in the task switching mode, responses were faster in the rule compared to the plan task suggesting a modulating influence of cognitive load. Overall, results suggest an advantage of rule-based action-selection over plan-based action-selection; whereby differential mechanisms appear to be involved depending on the action-mode. We propose that cognitive load is a factor that modulates the advantageous effect of implementation intentions in motor cognition on different levels as illustrated by the varying speed advantages and the variation in diffusion parameters per action-mode or condition, respectively. PMID:29593612

Theoretical model of gravitational perturbation of current collector axisymmetric flow field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walker, John S.; Brown, Samuel H.; Sondergaard, Neal A.

1989-03-01

Some designs of liquid metal collectors in homopolar motors and generators are essentially rotating liquid metal fluids in cylindrical channels with free surfaces and will, at critical rotational speeds, become unstable. The role of gravity in modifying this ejection instability is investigated. Some gravitational effects can be theoretically treated by perturbation techniques on the axisymmetric base flow of the liquid metal. This leads to a modification of previously calculated critical current collector ejection values neglecting gravity effects. The derivation of the mathematical model which determines the perturbation of the liquid metal base flow due to gravitational effects is documented. Since gravity is a small force compared with the centrifugal effects, the base flow solutions can be expanded in inverse powers of the Froude number and modified liquid flow profiles can be determined as a function of the azimuthal angle. This model will be used in later work to theoretically study the effects of gravity on the ejection point of the current collector. A rederivation of the hydrodynamic instability threshold of a liquid metal current collector is presented.

Theoretical model of gravitational perturbation of current collector axisymmetric flow field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walker, John S.; Brown, Samuel H.; Sondergaard, Neal A.

1990-05-01

Some designs of liquid-metal current collectors in homopolar motors and generators are essentially rotating liquid-metal fluids in cylindrical channels with free surfaces and will, at critical rotational speeds, become unstable. An investigation at David Taylor Research Center is being performed to understand the role of gravity in modifying this ejection instability. Some gravitational effects can be theoretically treated by perturbation techniques on the axisymmetric base flow of the liquid metal. This leads to a modification of previously calculated critical-current-collector ejection values neglecting gravity effects. The purpose of this paper is to document the derivation of the mathematical model which determines the perturbation of the liquid-metal base flow due to gravitational effects. Since gravity is a small force compared with the centrifugal effects, the base flow solutions can be expanded in inverse powers of the Froude number and modified liquid-flow profiles can be determined as a function of the azimuthal angle. This model will be used in later work to theoretically study the effects of gravity on the ejection point of the current collector.

Evaluation of Stress and a Stress-Reduction Program Among Radiologic Technologists.

PubMed

Reingold, Lynn

2015-01-01

To investigate stress levels and causes of stress among radiologic technologists and determine whether an intervention could reduce stress in a selected radiologic technologist population. Demographic characteristics and data on preintervention stress sources and levels were collected through Internet-based questionnaires. A 6-week, self-administered, mindfulness-based stress-reduction program was conducted as a pilot intervention with 42 radiologic technologists from the Veterans Administration Medical Center. Data also were collected postintervention. Identified sources of stress were compared with findings from previous studies. Some radiologic technologists experienced improvement in their perceptions of stress after the intervention. Sources of stress for radiologic technologists were similar to those shown in earlier research, including inconsistent management, poor management communication, conflicting demands, long work hours, excessive workloads, lack of work breaks, and time pressures. The mindfulness-based stress-reduction program is an example of an inexpensive method that could improve personal well-being, reduce work errors, improve relationships in the workplace, and increase job satisfaction. More research is needed to determine the best type of intervention for stress reduction in a larger radiologic technologist population.

Fluorescent Biosensor for Phosphate Determination Based on Immobilized Polyfluorene-Liposomal Nanoparticles Coupled with Alkaline Phosphatase.

PubMed

Kahveci, Zehra; Martínez-Tomé, Maria José; Mallavia, Ricardo; Mateo, C Reyes

2017-01-11

This work describes the development of a novel fluorescent biosensor based on the inhibition of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The biosensor is composed of the enzyme ALP and the conjugated cationic polyfluorene HTMA-PFP. The working principle of the biosensor is based on the fluorescence quenching of this polyelectrolyte by p-nitrophenol (PNP), a product of the hydrolysis reaction of p-nitrophenyl phosphate (PNPP) catalyzed by ALP. Because HTMA-PFP forms unstable aggregates in buffer, with low fluorescence efficiency, previous stabilization of the polyelectrolyte was required before the development of the biosensor. HTMA-PFP was stabilized through its interaction with lipid vesicles to obtain stable blue-emitting nanoparticles (NPs). Fluorescent NPs were characterized, and the ability to be quenched by PNP was evaluated. These nanoparticles were coupled to ALP and entrapped in a sol-gel matrix to produce a biosensor that can serve as a screening platform to identify ALP inhibitors. The components of the biosensor were examined before and after sol-gel entrapment, and the biosensor was optimized to allow the determination of phosphate ion in aqueous medium.

Tracking Virus Particles in Fluorescence Microscopy Images Using Multi-Scale Detection and Multi-Frame Association.

PubMed

Jaiswal, Astha; Godinez, William J; Eils, Roland; Lehmann, Maik Jorg; Rohr, Karl

2015-11-01

Automatic fluorescent particle tracking is an essential task to study the dynamics of a large number of biological structures at a sub-cellular level. We have developed a probabilistic particle tracking approach based on multi-scale detection and two-step multi-frame association. The multi-scale detection scheme allows coping with particles in close proximity. For finding associations, we have developed a two-step multi-frame algorithm, which is based on a temporally semiglobal formulation as well as spatially local and global optimization. In the first step, reliable associations are determined for each particle individually in local neighborhoods. In the second step, the global spatial information over multiple frames is exploited jointly to determine optimal associations. The multi-scale detection scheme and the multi-frame association finding algorithm have been combined with a probabilistic tracking approach based on the Kalman filter. We have successfully applied our probabilistic tracking approach to synthetic as well as real microscopy image sequences of virus particles and quantified the performance. We found that the proposed approach outperforms previous approaches.

Efficacy and safety profile of boceprevir- or telaprevir-based triple therapy or dual peginterferon alfa-2a or alfa-2b plus ribavirin therapy in chronic hepatitis C: the real-world PegBase observational study.

PubMed

Mangia, Alessandra; Foster, Graham R; Berg, Christoph P; Curescu, Manuela; Ledinghen, Victor De; Habersetzer, François; Manolakopoulos, Spilios; Negri, Elisa; Papatheodoridis, George; Ahlers, Silke; Castillo, Marco; Bakalos, Georgios; Mauss, Stefan

2017-01-01

The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy and safety of triple therapy with a first-generation protease inhibitor (PI; boceprevir, telaprevir) plus peginterferon alfa-2a or -2b plus ribavirin, and dual therapy (peginterferon alfa-2a or -2b plus ribavirin) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in routine clinical practice. PegBase was an international, prospective, observational study in which 4441 patients with CHC were enrolled in 27 countries. This analysis focuses on results in 4100 treatment-naïve and previously treated patients treated with PI-based triple therapy or dual therapy, according to the discretion of the investigator and local standards of practice. The primary efficacy outcome was sustained virological response after 12-week follow up (SVR12). SVR12 rates in treatment-naïve genotype (G) 1 patients were 56.6% and 62.9% for recipients of boceprevir plus peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin and boceprevir plus peginterferon alfa-2b/ribavirin, respectively, and 65.3% and 58.6% for recipients of telaprevir plus peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin and telaprevir plus peginterferon alfa-2b/ribavirin, respectively. In previously treated patients assigned to these four regimens, SVR12 rates were 43.6%, 48.3%, 60.3% and 56.1%, respectively. Among treatment-naïve patients assigned to peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin and peginterferon alfa-2b/ribavirin, respectively, SVR12 rates were 49.2% and 41.9% in G1 patients, 75.7% and 83.3% in G2 patients, 65.9% and 65.9% in G3 patients, and 49.7%, and 51.1% in G4 patients. The safety and tolerability of dual and triple therapy were consistent with previous reports. The efficacy and safety of first-generation PI-based triple-therapy and dual-therapy regimens in this real-world cohort were broadly comparable to those of previous studies.

Parent perceptions of school-based support for students with traumatic brain injuries

PubMed Central

GFROERER, SUSAN DAVIES; WADE, SHARI L.; WU, MICHELLE

2015-01-01

Primary objective To determine whether parents believe schools provided necessary support to their children who sustained traumatic brain injuries. Research design Interview, to determine parent perceptions. Methods and procedure Sixty-six primary caregivers of school-age children who experienced a TBI within the previous 2 years were interviewed regarding what types of special support were needed by and provided for their children during the 3 months immediately following school re-entry. They then rated how difficult it was to obtain support or services from the school and how satisfied they were with the support or services. Main outcomes and results The majority of participants did not perceive the need for school-based services, even when the injury was severe. Almost all students whose parents perceived a need for an adjusted schedule were granted that accommodation, but few students received school-based counselling or behavioural support. Conclusions Results indicated that participants perceived relatively few school-based supports, particularly given the actual academic, behavioural and social challenges experienced by children who have sustained a TBI. Schools and hospitals must take steps to ensure appropriate post-head injury support services. PMID:18608201

Phylogeny of kemenyan (Styrax sp.) from North Sumatra based on morphological characters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Susilowati, A.; Kholibrina, C. R.; Rachmat, H. H.; Munthe, M. A.

2018-02-01

Kemenyan is the most famous local tree species from North Sumatra. Kemenyan is known as rosin producer that very valuable for pharmacheutical, cosmetic, food preservatives and vernis. Based on its history, there were only two species of kemenyan those were kemenyan durame and toba, but in its the natural distribution we also found others species showing different characteristics with previously known ones. The objectives of this research were:The objectives of this research were: (1). To determine the morphological diversity of kemenyan in North Sumatra and (2). To determine phylogeny clustering based on the morphological characters. Data was collected from direct observation and morphological characterization, based on purposive sampling technique to those samples trees atPakpak Bharat, North Sumatra. Morphological characters were examined using descriptive analysis, phenotypic variability using standard deviation, and cluster analysis. The result showed that there was a difference between 4 species kemenyen (batak, minyak, durame and toba) according to 75 observed characters including flower, fruits, leaf, stem, bark, crown type, wood and the resin. Analysis and both quantitative and qualitative characters kemenyan clustered into two groups. In which, kemenyan toba separated with other clusters.

MetaCompare: A computational pipeline for prioritizing environmental resistome risk.

PubMed

Oh, Min; Pruden, Amy; Chen, Chaoqi; Heath, Lenwood S; Xia, Kang; Zhang, Liqing

2018-04-26

The spread of antibiotic resistance is a growing public health concern. While numerous studies have highlighted the importance of environmental sources and pathways of the spread of antibiotic resistance, a systematic means of comparing and prioritizing risks represented by various environmental compartments is lacking. Here we introduce MetaCompare, a publicly-available tool for ranking 'resistome risk,' which we define as the potential for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to be associated with mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and mobilize to pathogens based on metagenomic data. A computational pipeline was developed in which each ARG is evaluated based on relative abundance, mobility, and presence within a pathogen. This is determined through assembly of shotgun sequencing data and analysis of contigs containing ARGs to determine if they contain sequence similarity to MGEs or human pathogens. Based on the assembled metagenomes, samples are projected into a 3-D hazard space and assigned resistome risk scores. To validate, we tested previously published metagenomic data derived from distinct aquatic environments. Based on unsupervised machine learning, the test samples clustered in the hazard space in a manner consistent with their origin. The derived scores produced a well-resolved ascending resistome risk ranking of: wastewater treatment plant effluent, dairy lagoon, hospital sewage.

A New Perspective in the Etiology, Treatment, Prevention and Prediction of Space Motion Sickness

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-12-01

ulsint options: Dilanlin (First choice based previous ground based ef- ficacity’), Dextromethorphan \\Dilantin, Carbamnazcpine, Dextrornczhorpl.an\\Car...First choice based previous ground based er- ricacity), Dcxtromethorphan\\Dilantin, Carbamazepinc, Dextromethorphan \\Car- bamrazepine 137 EVALUATION OF...Anticonvulsant options: Dilantin (First choice bised previous ground based ef- * flicacioy), Dextromethorphan \\Dilantin, Carbamazepine, Dextromethorphan \\Car

Information security system based on virtual-optics imaging methodology and public key infrastructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Xiang; Zhang, Peng; Cai, Lilong

In this paper, we present a virtual-optical based information security system model with the aid of public-key-infrastructure (PKI) techniques. The proposed model employs a hybrid architecture in which our previously published encryption algorithm based on virtual-optics imaging methodology (VOIM) can be used to encipher and decipher data while an asymmetric algorithm, for example RSA, is applied for enciphering and deciphering the session key(s). For an asymmetric system, given an encryption key, it is computationally infeasible to determine the decryption key and vice versa. The whole information security model is run under the framework of PKI, which is on basis of public-key cryptography and digital signatures. This PKI-based VOIM security approach has additional features like confidentiality, authentication, and integrity for the purpose of data encryption under the environment of network.

75 FR 12806 - Notice of Request for Renewal of a Previously Approved Collection

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-17

... INFORMATION CONTACT: Lauralyn Remo, Air Carrier Fitness Division (X-56), Office of Aviation Analysis, Office... States Code--(Amended); 14 CFR part 204--Data to Support Fitness Determinations; 14 CFR part 291--Cargo... previously approved collection. Abstract: In order to determine the fitness of persons seeking authority to...

Signal transmission in a human body medium-based body sensor network using a Mach-Zehnder electro-optical sensor.

PubMed

Song, Yong; Hao, Qun; Zhang, Kai; Wang, Jingwen; Jin, Xuefeng; Sun, He

2012-11-30

The signal transmission technology based on the human body medium offers significant advantages in Body Sensor Networks (BSNs) used for healthcare and the other related fields. In previous works we have proposed a novel signal transmission method based on the human body medium using a Mach-Zehnder electro-optical (EO) sensor. In this paper, we present a signal transmission system based on the proposed method, which consists of a transmitter, a Mach-Zehnder EO sensor and a corresponding receiving circuit. Meanwhile, in order to verify the frequency response properties and determine the suitable parameters of the developed system, in-vivo measurements have been implemented under conditions of different carrier frequencies, baseband frequencies and signal transmission paths. Results indicate that the proposed system will help to achieve reliable and high speed signal transmission of BSN based on the human body medium.

Signal Transmission in a Human Body Medium-Based Body Sensor Network Using a Mach-Zehnder Electro-Optical Sensor

PubMed Central

Song, Yong; Hao, Qun; Zhang, Kai; Wang, Jingwen; Jin, Xuefeng; Sun, He

2012-01-01

The signal transmission technology based on the human body medium offers significant advantages in Body Sensor Networks (BSNs) used for healthcare and the other related fields. In previous works we have proposed a novel signal transmission method based on the human body medium using a Mach-Zehnder electro-optical (EO) sensor. In this paper, we present a signal transmission system based on the proposed method, which consists of a transmitter, a Mach-Zehnder EO sensor and a corresponding receiving circuit. Meanwhile, in order to verify the frequency response properties and determine the suitable parameters of the developed system, in-vivo measurements have been implemented under conditions of different carrier frequencies, baseband frequencies and signal transmission paths. Results indicate that the proposed system will help to achieve reliable and high speed signal transmission of BSN based on the human body medium. PMID:23443393

Diffusion properties of conventional and calcium-sensitive MRI contrast agents in the rat cerebral cortex.

PubMed

Hagberg, Gisela E; Mamedov, Ilgar; Power, Anthony; Beyerlein, Michael; Merkle, Hellmut; Kiselev, Valerij G; Dhingra, Kirti; Kubìček, Vojtĕch; Angelovski, Goran; Logothetis, Nikos K

2014-01-01

Calcium-sensitive MRI contrast agents can only yield quantitative results if the agent concentration in the tissue is known. The agent concentration could be determined by diffusion modeling, if relevant parameters were available. We have established an MRI-based method capable of determining diffusion properties of conventional and calcium-sensitive agents. Simulations and experiments demonstrate that the method is applicable both for conventional contrast agents with a fixed relaxivity value and for calcium-sensitive contrast agents. The full pharmacokinetic time-course of gadolinium concentration estimates was observed by MRI before, during and after intracerebral administration of the agent, and the effective diffusion coefficient D* was determined by voxel-wise fitting of the solution to the diffusion equation. The method yielded whole brain coverage with a high spatial and temporal sampling. The use of two types of MRI sequences for sampling of the diffusion time courses was investigated: Look-Locker-based quantitative T(1) mapping, and T(1) -weighted MRI. The observation times of the proposed MRI method is long (up to 20 h) and consequently the diffusion distances covered are also long (2-4 mm). Despite this difference, the D* values in vivo were in agreement with previous findings using optical measurement techniques, based on observation times of a few minutes. The effective diffusion coefficient determined for the calcium-sensitive contrast agents may be used to determine local tissue concentrations and to design infusion protocols that maintain the agent concentration at a steady state, thereby enabling quantitative sensing of the local calcium concentration. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Liquid-liquid microextraction in a multicommuted flow system for direct spectrophotometric determination of iodine value in biodiesel.

PubMed

Pereira, Andréia C; Rocha, Fábio R P

2014-06-04

A flow-based procedure was developed for the direct spectrophotometric determination of the iodine value (IV) in biodiesel. The procedure was based on the microextraction/reaction of unsaturated compounds with triiodide ions in an aqueous medium by inserting the reagent solution between the aliquots of biodiesel without any pretreatment. The interaction occurred through the biodiesel film formed on the inner walls of the hydrophobic tube used as the reactor and at the aqueous/biodiesel interfaces. The spectrophotometric detection was based on the discoloration of the I3(-) reagent in the aqueous phase by using a glass tube coupled to a fiber-optic spectrophotometer as the detection cell. Reference solutions were prepared by dilution of biodiesel samples with previously determined IV in hexane. The analytical response was linear for IV from 13 to 135 g I2/100 g with a detection limit of 5 g I2/100 g. A coefficient of variation of 1.7% (n=10) and a sampling rate of 108 determinations per hour were achieved by consuming 224 μL of the sample and 200 μg of I2 per determination. The slopes of analytical curves obtained with three different biodiesel samples were in agreement (variations in slopes lower than 3.1%), thus indicating an absence of any matrix effects. Results for biodiesel samples from different sources agreed with the volumetric official procedure at the 95% confidence level. The proposed procedure is therefore a simple, fast, and reliable alternative for estimating the iodine value of biodiesel. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Research priorities in medical education at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences:categories and subcategories in the Iranian context

PubMed Central

NABEIEI, PARISA; AMINI, MITRA; GHANAVATI, SHIRIN; MARHAMATI, SAADAT

2016-01-01

Introduction Research in education is a globally significant issue without a long history. Due to the importance of the issue in Health System Development programs, this study intended to determine research priorities in medical education, considering their details and functions. By determining barriers existing in research in education progress, it is tried to make research priorities more functional by recommending acceptable strategies. Methods This is a qualitative-descriptive study in two descriptive phases. The goal of these phases was to determine research priorities subcategories in medical education by Nominal Group Technique (NGT) and two rounds of Delphi method. Through the first phase, subcategories of research priorities were determined, using Nominal Group Technique under medical education experts’ supervision. Through two rounds of Delphi, a questionnaire was constructed based on the subcategories. Eventually, research priorities were determined based on their highest score (scores more than 7 out of 10). Results In the first phase (NGT), 35 priorities in 5 major fields of medical education were presented. In the second phase, priorities were scored, using Delphi method. Medical Ethics and professionalism gained the highest scores (7.63±1.26) and educational evaluation the lowest (7.28±1.52). In this stage, 7 items were omitted but 2 of them were added again after experts’ revision in the third round of Delphi. Conclusion According to the results of the present study and based on previous studies, it really seems that the fields of “Learning and Teaching Approaches” and “Medical Ethics and Professionalism” were more important. Because of financial and resource limitations in our country and the importance of research priorities, it is recommended to frequently study “research priorities determination program” at universities. PMID:26793723

High-resolution Optical Spectroscopic Observations of Four Symbiotic Stars: AS 255, MWC 960, RW Hya, and StHα 32

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pereira, C. B.; Baella, N. O.; Drake, N. A.; Miranda, L. F.; Roig, F.

2017-05-01

We report on the analysis of high-resolution optical spectra of four symbiotic stars: AS 255, MWC 960, RW Hya, and StHα32. We employ the local-thermodynamic-equilibrium model atmospheres of Kurucz and the spectral analysis code moog to analyze the spectra. The abundance of barium and carbon was derived using the spectral synthesis technique. The chemical composition of the atmospheres of AS 255 and MWC 960 show that they are metal-poor K giants with metallicities of -1.2 and -1.7 respectively. StHα32 is a CH star and also a low-metallicity object (-1.4). AS 255 and MWC 960 are yellow symbiotic stars and, like other previously studied yellow symbiotics, are s-process enriched. StHα32, like other CH stars, is also an s-process and carbon-enriched object. RW Hya has a metallicity of -0.64, a value in accordance with previous determinations, and is not s-process enriched. Based on its position in the 2MASS diagram, we suggest that RW Hya is at an intermediate position between yellow symbiotics and classical S-type symbiotics. We also discuss whether the dilution effect was the mechanism responsible for the absence of the s-process elements overabundance in RW Hya. The luminosity obtained for StHα32 is below the luminosity of the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars that started helium burning (via thermal pulses) and became self-enriched in neutron-capture elements. Therefore, its abundance peculiarities are due to mass transfer from the previous thermally pulsing AGB star (now the white dwarf) that was overabundant in s-process elements. For the stars AS 255 and MWC 960, the determination of their luminosities was not possible due to uncertainties in their distance and interstellar absorption. AS 255 and MWC 960 have a low galactic latitude and could be bulge stars or members of the inner halo population. The heavy-element abundance distribution of AS 255 and MWC 960 is similar to that of the other yellow symbiotics previously analyzed. Their abundance patterns follow that of the thick disk population for RW Hya and of the halo population for AS 255, MWC 960, and StHα32. We also determined the rotational velocities of these four symbiotic stars and compare our results with those of single field stars. Based on the observations made with the 2.2 m telescope at the European Southern Observatory (La Silla, Chile) under agreement between ESO and Observatório Nacional/MCTI.

Detection of serotype k Streptococcus mutans in Thai subjects.

PubMed

Lapirattanakul, J; Nakano, K; Nomura, R; Nemoto, H; Kojima, A; Senawongse, P; Srisatjaluk, R; Ooshima, T

2009-10-01

Streptococcus mutans, known to be a pathogen of dental caries as well as bacteremia and infective endocarditis, is classified into four serotypes, c, e, f and k, based on the structures of serotype-specific polysaccharides. Serotype k was recently designated using blood isolates from Japanese subjects and such strains are considered to be virulent in the bloodstream. The purpose of the present study was to analyse the serotype distribution of strains isolated from Thai subjects and determine whether serotype k strains were present. A total of 250 S. mutans strains were isolated from 50 Thai subjects, and serotypes of all strains were determined. Then, molecular and biological analyses were carried out for serotype k strains. Immunodiffusion and polymerase chain reaction analyses showed that serotype c was the most prevalent (70%), followed by serotypes e (22.8%), f (4.4%) and k (2.8%), which indicated that serotype k S. mutans strains occurred in Thai individuals at a similar rate to that previously reported for Japanese and Finnish populations. Molecular analyses of the seven serotype k strains showed extremely low expression of rgpE, which is related to glucose side-chain formation in serotype-specific rhamnose-glucose polymers, similar to previous reports for those other populations. In addition, analysis of the biological properties of the seven serotype k strains demonstrated low levels of sucrose-dependent adhesion, cellular hydrophobicity, dextran-binding activity and phagocytosis susceptibility by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes, which are characteristics similar to those of serotype k strains previously isolated in Japan. Our results indicate the possibility of a worldwide prevalence of serotype k strains with properties in common with those of previously reported strains.

Women with previous stress fractures show reduced bone material strength

PubMed Central

Duarte Sosa, Daysi; Fink Eriksen, Erik

2016-01-01

Background and purpose — Bone fragility is determined by bone mass, bone architecture, and the material properties of bone. Microindentation has been introduced as a measurement method that reflects bone material properties. The pathogenesis of underlying stress fractures, in particular the role of impaired bone material properties, is still poorly understood. Based on the hypothesis that impaired bone material strength might play a role in the development of stress fractures, we used microindentation in patients with stress fractures and in controls. Patients and methods — We measured bone material strength index (BMSi) by microindentation in 30 women with previous stress fractures and in 30 normal controls. Bone mineral density by DXA and levels of the bone markers C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type-1 collagen (CTX) and N-terminal propeptide of type-1 procollagen (P1NP) were also determined. Results — Mean BMSi in stress fracture patients was significantly lower than in the controls (SD 72 (8.7) vs. 77 (7.2); p = 0.02). The fracture subjects also had a significantly lower mean bone mineral density (BMD) than the controls (0.9 (0.02) vs. 1.0 (0.06); p = 0.03). Bone turnover—as reflected in serum levels of the bone marker CTX—was similar in both groups, while P1NP levels were significantly higher in the women with stress fractures (55 μg/L vs. 42 μg/L; p = 0.03). There was no correlation between BMSi and BMD or bone turnover. Interpretation — BMSi was inferior in patients with previous stress fracture, but was unrelated to BMD and bone turnover. The lower values of BMSi in patients with previous stress fracture combined with a lower BMD may contribute to the increased propensity to develop stress fractures in these patients. PMID:27321443

Seawater osmium isotope evidence for a middle Miocene flood basalt event in ferromanganese crust records

USGS Publications Warehouse

Klemm, V.; Frank, M.; Levasseur, S.; Halliday, A.N.; Hein, J.R.

2008-01-01

Three ferromanganese crusts from the northeast, northwest and central Atlantic were re-dated using osmium (Os) isotope stratigraphy and yield ages from middle Miocene to the present. The three Os isotope records do not show evidence for growth hiatuses. The reconstructed Os isotope-based growth rates for the sections older than 10??Ma are higher than those determined previously by the combined beryllium isotope (10Be/9Be) and cobalt (Co) constant-flux methods, which results in a decrease in the maximum age of each crust. This re-dating does not lead to significant changes to the interpretation of previously determined radiogenic isotope neodymium, lead (Nd, Pb) time series because the variability of these isotopes was very small in the records of the three crusts prior to 10??Ma. The Os isotope record of the central Atlantic crust shows a pronounced minimum during the middle Miocene between 15 and 12??Ma, similar to a minimum previously observed in two ferromanganese crusts from the central Pacific. For the other two Atlantic crusts, the Os isotope records and their calibration to the global seawater curve for the middle Miocene are either more uncertain or too short and thus do not allow for a reliable identification of an isotopic minimum. Similar to pronounced minima reported previously for the Cretaceous/Tertiary and Eocene/Oligocene boundaries, possible interpretations for the newly identified middle Miocene Os isotope minimum include changes in weathering intensity and/or a meteorite impact coinciding with the formation of the No??rdlinger Ries Crater. It is suggested that the eruption and weathering of the Columbia River flood basalts provided a significant amount of the unradiogenic Os required to produce the middle Miocene minimum. ?? 2008 Elsevier B.V.

A definition for influenza pandemics based on historical records.

PubMed

Potter, Chris W; Jennings, Roy

2011-10-01

To analyse the records of past influenza outbreaks to determine a definition for pandemics. Analysis of publications of large outbreaks of influenza which have occurred since 1889/90, and to match the results against the current definitions of an influenza pandemic. According to the general understanding of a pandemic, nine outbreaks of influenza since 1889/90 satisfy the definition; however, for two of these, occurring in 1900 and 1933, the data are limited. The special condition for an influenza pandemic requires, in one definition, that the virus strain responsible could not have arisen from the previous circulating strain by mutation; and in the second, that the new strain be a different subtype to the previously circulating strain. Both these restrictions deny pandemic status to two, and possibly three, influenza outbreaks which were pandemics according to the more general understanding of the term. These observations suggest that a re-evaluation of the criteria which define influenza pandemics should be carried out. The contradiction outlined above brings the previous definitions of an influenza pandemic into question; however, this can be resolved by defining an influenza pandemic by the following criteria. Thus, an influenza pandemic arises at a single, specific place and spreads rapidly to involve numerous countries. The haemagglutinin (HA) of the emergent virus does not cross-react serologically with the previously dominant virus strain(s), and there is a significant lack of immunity in the population against the emergent virus. These three criteria are interlinked and can be determined early to alert authorities who could respond appropriately. Other criteria associated with pandemics are necessarily retrospective, although important and valid. The implications of this definition are discussed. Copyright © 2011 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Computational techniques for solar wind flows past terrestrial planets: Theory and computer programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stahara, S. S.; Chaussee, D. S.; Trudinger, B. C.; Spreiter, J. R.

1977-01-01

The interaction of the solar wind with terrestrial planets can be predicted using a computer program based on a single fluid, steady, dissipationless, magnetohydrodynamic model to calculate the axisymmetric, supersonic, super-Alfvenic solar wind flow past both magnetic and nonmagnetic planets. The actual calculations are implemented by an assemblage of computer codes organized into one program. These include finite difference codes which determine the gas-dynamic solution, together with a variety of special purpose output codes for determining and automatically plotting both flow field and magnetic field results. Comparisons are made with previous results, and results are presented for a number of solar wind flows. The computational programs developed are documented and are presented in a general user's manual which is included.

Mass determination near N = 20 for Al and Na isotopes

DOE PAGES

Gallant, A. T.; Alanssari, M.; Bale, J. C.; ...

2017-08-31

We report on the mass measurements of 31;32Na and 29;34;35Al, performed with the TITAN Penning trap mass spectrometer at TRIUMF. The mass excesses were found to be 12246(14) keV and 18638(37) keV for 31;32Na and -18207:77(37) keV, -3000:5(29) keV, and -223:7(73) keV for 29;34;35Al, respectively. Our measurements con rm the observation of a crossover in the two-neutron separation energies of 33Mg and 34Al. We did not observe the recently reported, long-lived, isomeric state of 34Al, but, based on the previously measured half-lives, the mass value of the ground state was determined.

Metabolic control analysis using transient metabolite concentrations. Determination of metabolite concentration control coefficients.

PubMed Central

Delgado, J; Liao, J C

1992-01-01

The methodology previously developed for determining the Flux Control Coefficients [Delgado & Liao (1992) Biochem. J. 282, 919-927] is extended to the calculation of metabolite Concentration Control Coefficients. It is shown that the transient metabolite concentrations are related by a few algebraic equations, attributed to mass balance, stoichiometric constraints, quasi-equilibrium or quasi-steady states, and kinetic regulations. The coefficients in these relations can be estimated using linear regression, and can be used to calculate the Control Coefficients. The theoretical basis and two examples are discussed. Although the methodology is derived based on the linear approximation of enzyme kinetics, it yields reasonably good estimates of the Control Coefficients for systems with non-linear kinetics. PMID:1497632

Wall thickness measuring method and apparatus

DOEpatents

Salzer, L.J.; Bergren, D.A.

1987-10-06

An apparatus for measuring the wall thickness of a nonmagnetic article having a housing supporting a magnet and a contiguous supporting surface. The tubular article and the housing are releasably secured to the supporting surface and a support member of an optical comparator, respectively. To determine the wall thickness of the article at a selected point, a magnetically responsive ball is positioned within the tubular article over said point and retained therein by means of a magnetic field produced by the magnet. Thereafter, an optical comparator is employed to project a magnified image of the ball on a screen and the wall thickness at the selected point is calculated by using a ball surface measurement taken with the comparator in conjunction with a previously determined base line measurement.

Wall thickness measuring method and apparatus

DOEpatents

Salzer, Leander J.; Bergren, Donald A.

1989-01-01

An apparatus for measuring the wall thickness of a nonmagnetic article having a housing supporting a magnet and a contiguous supporting surface. The tubular article and the housing are releasably secured to the supporting surface and a support member of an optical comparator, respectively. To determine the wall thickness of the article at a selected point, a magnetically responsive ball is positioned within the tubular article over said point and retained therein by means of a magnetic field produced by the magnet. Thereafter, an optical comparator is employed to project a magnified image of the ball on a screen and the wall thickness at the selected point is calculated by using a ball surface measurement taken with the comparator in conjunction with a previously determined base line measurement.

Feasibility study of TSPO quantification with [18F]FEPPA using population-based input function.

PubMed

Mabrouk, Rostom; Strafella, Antonio P; Knezevic, Dunja; Ghadery, Christine; Mizrahi, Romina; Gharehgazlou, Avideh; Koshimori, Yuko; Houle, Sylvain; Rusjan, Pablo

2017-01-01

The input function (IF) is a core element in the quantification of Translocator protein 18 kDa with positron emission tomography (PET), as no suitable reference region with negligible binding has been identified. Arterial blood sampling is indeed needed to create the IF (ASIF). In the present manuscript we study individualization of a population based input function (PBIF) with a single arterial manual sample to estimate total distribution volume (VT) for [18F]FEPPA and to replicate previously published clinical studies in which the ASIF was used. The data of 3 previous [18F]FEPPA studies (39 of healthy controls (HC), 16 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and 18 with Alzheimer's disease (AD)) was reanalyzed with the new approach. PBIF was used with the Logan graphical analysis (GA) neglecting the vascular contribution to estimate VT. Time of linearization of the GA was determined with the maximum error criteria. The optimal calibration of the PBIF was determined based on the area under the curve (AUC) of the IF and the agreement range of VT between methods. The shape of the IF between groups was studied while taking into account genotyping of the polymorphism (rs6971). PBIF scaled with a single value of activity due to unmetabolized radioligand in arterial plasma, calculated as the average of a sample taken at 60 min and a sample taken at 90 min post-injection, yielded a good interval of agreement between methods and optimized the area under the curve of IF. In HC, gray matter VTs estimated by PBIF highly correlated with those using the standard method (r2 = 0.82, p = 0.0001). Bland-Altman plots revealed PBIF slightly underestimates (~1 mL/cm3) VT calculated by ASIF (including a vascular contribution). It was verified that the AUC of the ASIF were independent of genotype and disease (HC, PD, and AD). Previous clinical results were replicated using PBIF but with lower statistical power. A single arterial blood sample taken 75 minute post-injection contains enough information to individualize the IF in the groups of subjects studied; however, the higher variability produced requires an increase in sample size to reach the same effect size.

A homogeneous spectroscopic analysis of host stars of transiting planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ammler-von Eiff, M.; Santos, N. C.; Sousa, S. G.; Fernandes, J.; Guillot, T.; Israelian, G.; Mayor, M.; Melo, C.

2009-11-01

Context: The analysis of transiting extra-solar planets provides an enormous amount of information about the formation and evolution of planetary systems. A precise knowledge of the host stars is necessary to derive the planetary properties accurately. The properties of the host stars, especially their chemical composition, are also of interest in their own right. Aims: Information about planet formation is inferred by, among others, correlations between different parameters such as the orbital period and the metallicity of the host stars. The stellar properties studied should be derived as homogeneously as possible. The present work provides new, uniformly derived parameters for 13 host stars of transiting planets. Methods: Effective temperature, surface gravity, microturbulence parameter, and iron abundance were derived from spectra of both high signal-to-noise ratio and high resolution by assuming iron excitation and ionization equilibria. Results: For some stars, the new parameters differ from previous determinations, which is indicative of changes in the planetary radii. A systematic offset in the abundance scale with respect to previous assessments is found for the TrES and HAT objects. Our abundance measurements are remarkably robust in terms of the uncertainties in surface gravities. The iron abundances measured in the present work are supplemented by all previous determinations using the same analysis technique. The distribution of iron abundance then agrees well with the known metal-rich distribution of planet host stars. To facilitate future studies, the spectroscopic results of the current work are supplemented by the findings for other host stars of transiting planets, for a total dataset of 50 objects. Based on observations made with the Italian Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG) operated on the island of La Palma by the Fundación Galileo Galilei of the INAF (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica) at the Spanish Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos of the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias. Based in part on observations made at Observatoire de Haute Provence (CNRS), France. Based on observations made with ESO Telescopes at the La Silla Paranal Observatory under programme ID 080.C-0661.

Geographical Detector-Based Identification of the Impact of Major Determinants on Aeolian Desertification Risk

PubMed Central

Du, Ziqiang; Xu, Xiaoming; Zhang, Hong; Wu, Zhitao; Liu, Yong

2016-01-01

Arid and semi-arid areas in North China are facing the challenge of a rising aeolian desertification risk (ADR) due to the intertwined effects of complex natural processes and intensified anthropogenic activities. An accurate quantitative assessment of the relationship between ADR and its determinants is beneficial for understanding the driving mechanisms of aeolian desertification and for controlling future desertification. Previous studies have failed to quantify the relative role of determinants driving ADR and have been limited in assessing their interactive impacts. In this study, a spatial variance analysis-based geographical detector methodology is used to quantify the effects of geological, physical, and human factors on the occurrence of ADR in an area characterized by mountains and hills in northern China. It is found that soil type, precipitation, and wind velocity are the major determinants of ADR, which implies that geological and physical elements (e.g., soil attribute) and climatic factors (e.g., precipitation and wind velocity) rather than human activities have played a greater role in the incidence of ADR. Particularly, the results show that the interaction of various determinants causes significant non-linearly enhanced impacts on the ADR. The findings of our study will assist local inhabitants and policy makers in developing measures for wind prevention and sand control to mitigate the effects of desertification in the region. PMID:26987114

Geographical Detector-Based Identification of the Impact of Major Determinants on Aeolian Desertification Risk.

PubMed

Du, Ziqiang; Xu, Xiaoming; Zhang, Hong; Wu, Zhitao; Liu, Yong

2016-01-01

Arid and semi-arid areas in North China are facing the challenge of a rising aeolian desertification risk (ADR) due to the intertwined effects of complex natural processes and intensified anthropogenic activities. An accurate quantitative assessment of the relationship between ADR and its determinants is beneficial for understanding the driving mechanisms of aeolian desertification and for controlling future desertification. Previous studies have failed to quantify the relative role of determinants driving ADR and have been limited in assessing their interactive impacts. In this study, a spatial variance analysis-based geographical detector methodology is used to quantify the effects of geological, physical, and human factors on the occurrence of ADR in an area characterized by mountains and hills in northern China. It is found that soil type, precipitation, and wind velocity are the major determinants of ADR, which implies that geological and physical elements (e.g., soil attribute) and climatic factors (e.g., precipitation and wind velocity) rather than human activities have played a greater role in the incidence of ADR. Particularly, the results show that the interaction of various determinants causes significant non-linearly enhanced impacts on the ADR. The findings of our study will assist local inhabitants and policy makers in developing measures for wind prevention and sand control to mitigate the effects of desertification in the region.

Web-based vs. traditional classroom instruction in gerontology: a pilot study.

PubMed

Gallagher, Judith E; Dobrosielski-Vergona, Kathleen A; Wingard, Robin G; Williams, Theresa M

2005-01-01

Numerous studies have documented comparable outcomes from Web-based and traditional classroom instruction. However, there is a paucity of literature comparing these two delivery formats for gerontology courses in dental hygiene curricula. This study examines the effectiveness of alternative methods of course delivery by comparing student profiles and instructional outcomes from a dental hygiene gerontology course offered both on the Web and in a traditional classroom setting. Questionnaires were sent to both groups of students completing the course. The instrument was designed to establish profiles of the participating students. The data collected included familiarity with Web-based instruction, extent of prior computer training, previous interaction with the elderly, and student evaluations of course effectiveness. Traditional instructional outcomes from evaluated course work were compared, as were post-course exam outcomes that assessed retention of course information six months after course completion. The statistical significance of these data was determined using Statistical Package for Social Scientists software (SPSS, Inc., version 12.0, Chicago, IL). A comparison of student characteristics enrolled in the two course formats revealed marked differences. The Web-based group (n=12) included dental hygiene students (67%) and other health care providers (25%). All participants in the traditional classroom format (n=32) were dental hygiene students. Half of the Web-based respondents were over 25 years of age, and the majority (n=8) had previously taken an online course. The majority of traditional classroom students were 25 years of age or younger (n=21) and had never taken a Web-based course (n=20). Statistically significant differences in instructional outcomes were observed between students enrolled in these two formats. Student retention of course material six months after completion of the course was greater in the Web-based format. Students selecting a Web-based course format demonstrated greater motivation and learning success based on final course grades, completion of assignments, and knowledge retention over time. Age, previous experience with online courses, and selection of teaching mode are factors that may confound course delivery method to influence instructional outcomes in a gerontology course within a dental hygiene curriculum.

Quantification of Viral and Prokaryotic Production Rates in Benthic Ecosystems: A Methods Comparison

PubMed Central

Rastelli, Eugenio; Dell’Anno, Antonio; Corinaldesi, Cinzia; Middelboe, Mathias; Noble, Rachel T.; Danovaro, Roberto

2016-01-01

Viruses profoundly influence benthic marine ecosystems by infecting and subsequently killing their prokaryotic hosts, thereby impacting the cycling of carbon and nutrients. Previously conducted studies, based on different methodologies, have provided widely differing estimates of the relevance of viruses on benthic prokaryotes. There has been no attempt so far to compare these independent approaches, including contextual comparisons among different approaches for sample manipulation (i.e., dilution or not of the sediments during incubations), between methods based on epifluorescence microscopy (EFM) or radiotracers, and between the use of different radiotracers. Therefore, it has been difficult to identify the most suitable methodologies and protocols to be used as standard approaches for the quantification of viral infections of prokaryotes. Here, we compared for the first time different methods for determining viral and prokaryotic production rates in marine sediments collected at two benthic sites, differing in depth and environmental conditions. We used a highly replicated experimental design, testing the potential biases associated to the incubation of sediments as diluted or undiluted. In parallel, we also compared EFM counts with the 3H-thymidine incubations for the determination of viral production rates, and the use of 3H-thymidine versus 3H-leucine radiotracers for the determination of prokaryotic production. We show here that, independent from sediment dilution, EFM-based values of viral production ranged from 1.4 to 4.6 × 107 viruses g-1 h-1, and were similar but overall less variable compared to those obtained by the 3H-thymidine method (0.3 to 9.0 × 107 viruses g-1h-1). In addition, the prokaryotic production rates were not affected by sediment dilution, and the use of different radiotracers provided very consistent estimates (10.3–35.1 and 9.3–34.6 ngC g-1h-1 using the 3H-thymidine or 3H-leucine method, respectively). These results indicated that viral lysis was responsible for the abatement of 55–81% of the prokaryotic heterotrophic production, corroborating previous findings of the major role of viruses in benthic deep-sea ecosystems. Moreover, our methodological comparison for the analysis of viral production in marine sediments suggests that microscopy-based approaches are simpler and more cost-effective than those based on radiotracers. These approaches also reduce time to results and overcome issues related to generation of radioactive waste. PMID:27713739

Phenetic Comparison of Prokaryotic Genomes Using k-mers

PubMed Central

Déraspe, Maxime; Raymond, Frédéric; Boisvert, Sébastien; Culley, Alexander; Roy, Paul H.; Laviolette, François; Corbeil, Jacques

2017-01-01

Abstract Bacterial genomics studies are getting more extensive and complex, requiring new ways to envision analyses. Using the Ray Surveyor software, we demonstrate that comparison of genomes based on their k-mer content allows reconstruction of phenetic trees without the need of prior data curation, such as core genome alignment of a species. We validated the methodology using simulated genomes and previously published phylogenomic studies of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We also investigated the relationship of specific genetic determinants with bacterial population structures. By comparing clusters from the complete genomic content of a genome population with clusters from specific functional categories of genes, we can determine how the population structures are correlated. Indeed, the strain clustering based on a subset of k-mers allows determination of its similarity with the whole genome clusters. We also applied this methodology on 42 species of bacteria to determine the correlational significance of five important bacterial genomic characteristics. For example, intrinsic resistance is more important in P. aeruginosa than in S. pneumoniae, and the former has increased correlation of its population structure with antibiotic resistance genes. The global view of the pangenome of bacteria also demonstrated the taxa-dependent interaction of population structure with antibiotic resistance, bacteriophage, plasmid, and mobile element k-mer data sets. PMID:28957508

Selective Determination of Trinitrotoluene Based on Energy Transfer between Carbon Dots and Gold Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Oskoei, Yones Mosaei; Fattahi, Hassan; Hassanzadeh, Javad; Azar, Ali Mousavi

2016-01-01

A fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) system between carbon dots (C-dots) and amine-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was developed for the selective determination of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). C-dots have an intrinsic florescence emission depending on their exciting wavelength. In the presence of AuNPs, C-dots adsorb on the Au surfaces, and NPs treat as energy acceptor, which can receive light emitted by C-dots, leading to decrease the fluorescence intensity of C-dots. Furthermore, it is observed that nitroaromatic compounds, especially TNT, could restore this fluorescence due to selective interaction with AuNPs via amine groups, and so releasing the C-dots. Based on this effect, a sensitive and selective fluorescence turn-on probe was designed for the determination of TNT. Some important factors including AuNPs and C-dot concentrations and media pH, which would affect the efficiency of the probe, were optimized. Under the optimum experimental conditions, good linear relationships in the range of 7 - 250 nmol L(-1) TNT with the detection limit of 2.2 nmol L(-1) were obtained. The proposed method was satisfactorily applied to the determination of TNT in the environmental water samples. Compared with previous reports, the developed method has relatively high sensitivity, short analysis time, low cost and ease of operation.

Multicommuted flow system for the determination of glucose in animal blood serum exploiting enzymatic reaction and chemiluminescence detection

PubMed Central

Pires, Cherrine K.; Martelli, Patrícia B.; Lima, José L. F. C.; Saraiva, Maria Lúcia M. F. S.

2003-01-01

An automatic flow procedure based on multicommutation dedicated for the determination of glucose in animal blood serum using glucose oxidase with chemiluminescence detection is described. The flow manifold consisted of a set of three-way solenoid valves assembled to implement multicommutation. A microcomputer furnished with an electronic interface and software written in Quick BASIC 4.5 controlled the manifold and performed data acquisition. Glucose oxidase was immobilized on porous silica beads (glass aminopropyl) and packed in a minicolumn (15 × 5 mm). The procedure was based on the enzymatic degradation of glucose, producing hydrogen peroxide, which oxidized luminol in the presence of hexacyanoferrate(III), causing the chemiluminescence. The system was tested by analysing a set of serum animal samples without previous treatment. Results were in agreement with those obtained with the conventional method (LABTEST Kit) at the 95% confidence level. The detection limit and variation coefficient were estimated as 12.0 mg l−1 (99.7% confidence level) and 3.5% (n = 20), respectively. The sampling rate was about 60 determinations h−1 with sample concentrations ranging from 50 to 600 mg l−1 glucose. The consumptions of serum sample, hexacyanoferrate(III) and luminol were 46 μl, 10.0 mg and 0.2 mg/determination, respectively. PMID:18924619

Consumers' view on determinants to food satisfaction. A qualitative approach.

PubMed

Andersen, Barbara Vad; Hyldig, Grethe

2015-12-01

The objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of the multiple determinants to food satisfaction from a consumer perspective. The study includes two focus groups with a total of 20 consumers varying in gender, age, employment and food interest. The results were divided into sections based on the main themes that arose from analysing the focus groups; i) sensory properties, ii) physical wellbeing, iii) expectations and desires, iv) the food context and v) comparison of the importance of the various determinants to satisfaction. Factors important for food satisfaction appear before as well as during and after intake. Before intake, the important factors are; expectations and desires based on memories about previous food experiences and the context in which the food is perceived. Physical wellbeing was mentioned important for the feeling of satisfaction, included in physical wellbeing is the experience of an appropriate energy level after intake. In general the sensory experience seems to be the primary determinant to satisfaction. The hedonic experience of eating could be enhanced by the social company and knowledge about the food inclusive health value and origin. Findings from the study will prospectively be used to develop a questionnaire. The questionnaire will be applied in case studies to measure factors influential in food satisfaction. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Initial In Vivo Quantification of Tc-99m Sestamibi Uptake as a Function of Tissue Type in Healthy Breasts Using Dedicated Breast SPECT-CT

PubMed Central

Mann, Steve D.; Perez, Kristy L.; McCracken, Emily K. E.; Shah, Jainil P.; Wong, Terence Z.; Tornai, Martin P.

2012-01-01

A pilot study is underway to quantify in vivo the uptake and distribution of Tc-99m Sestamibi in subjects without previous history of breast cancer using a dedicated SPECT-CT breast imaging system. Subjects undergoing diagnostic parathyroid imaging studies were consented and imaged as part of this IRB-approved breast imaging study. For each of the seven subjects, one randomly selected breast was imaged prone-pendant using the dedicated, compact breast SPECT-CT system underneath the shielded patient support. Iteratively reconstructed and attenuation and/or scatter corrected images were coregistered; CT images were segmented into glandular and fatty tissue by three different methods; the average concentration of Sestamibi was determined from the SPECT data using the CT-based segmentation and previously established quantification techniques. Very minor differences between the segmentation methods were observed, and the results indicate an average image-based in vivo Sestamibi concentration of 0.10 ± 0.16 μCi/mL with no preferential uptake by glandular or fatty tissues. PMID:22956950

Investigating prior probabilities in a multiple hypothesis test for use in space domain awareness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hardy, Tyler J.; Cain, Stephen C.

2016-05-01

The goal of this research effort is to improve Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities of current telescope systems through improved detection algorithms. Ground-based optical SDA telescopes are often spatially under-sampled, or aliased. This fact negatively impacts the detection performance of traditionally proposed binary and correlation-based detection algorithms. A Multiple Hypothesis Test (MHT) algorithm has been previously developed to mitigate the effects of spatial aliasing. This is done by testing potential Resident Space Objects (RSOs) against several sub-pixel shifted Point Spread Functions (PSFs). A MHT has been shown to increase detection performance for the same false alarm rate. In this paper, the assumption of a priori probability used in a MHT algorithm is investigated. First, an analysis of the pixel decision space is completed to determine alternate hypothesis prior probabilities. These probabilities are then implemented into a MHT algorithm, and the algorithm is then tested against previous MHT algorithms using simulated RSO data. Results are reported with Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and probability of detection, Pd, analysis.

Distance to VY Canis Majoris with VERA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Yoon Kyung; Hirota, Tomoya; Honma, Mareki; Kobayashi, Hideyuki; Bushimata, Takeshi; Imai, Hiroshi; Iwadate, Kenzaburo; Jike, Takaaki; Kameno, Seiji; Kameya, Osamu; Kamohara, Ryuichi; Kan-Ya, Yukitoshi; Kawaguchi, Noriyuki; Kijima, Masachika; Kim, Mi Kyoung; Kuji, Seisuke; Kurayama, Tomoharu; Manabe, Seiji; Maruyama, Kenta; Matsui, Makoto; Matsumoto, Naoko; Miyaji, Takeshi; Nagayama, Takumi; Nakagawa, Akiharu; Nakamura, Kayoko; Oh, Chung Sik; Omodaka, Toshihiro; Oyama, Tomoaki; Sakai, Satoshi; Sasao, Tetsuo; Sato, Katsuhisa; Sato, Mayumi; Shibata, Katsunori M.; Tamura, Yoshiaki; Tsushima, Miyuki; Yamashita, Kazuyoshi

2008-10-01

We report on astrometric observations of H2O masers around the red supergiant VY Canis Majoris carried out with VLBI Exploration of Radio Astrometry (VERA). Based on astrometric monitoring for 13 months, we successfully measured a trigonometric parallax of 0.88±0.08 mas, corresponding to a distance of 1.14+0.11-0.09kpc. This is the most accurate determined distance to VY CMa and the first one based on an annual parallax measurement. The luminosity of VY CMa has been overestimated due to a previously accepted distance. With our result, we re-estimated the luminosity of VY CMa to be (3±0.5) × 105Lodot using the bolometric flux integrated over optical and IR wavelengths. This improved luminosity value makes the location of VY CMa on the Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram much closer to the theoretically allowable zone (i.e. the left side of the Hayashi track) than previous ones, though the uncertainty in the effective temperature of the stellar surface still does not permit us to make a final conclusion.