An analytical method for the inverse Cauchy problem of Lame equation in a rectangle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grigor’ev, Yu

2018-04-01

In this paper, we present an analytical computational method for the inverse Cauchy problem of Lame equation in the elasticity theory. A rectangular domain is frequently used in engineering structures and we only consider the analytical solution in a two-dimensional rectangle, wherein a missing boundary condition is recovered from the full measurement of stresses and displacements on an accessible boundary. The essence of the method consists in solving three independent Cauchy problems for the Laplace and Poisson equations. For each of them, the Fourier series is used to formulate a first-kind Fredholm integral equation for the unknown function of data. Then, we use a Lavrentiev regularization method, and the termwise separable property of kernel function allows us to obtain a closed-form regularized solution. As a result, for the displacement components, we obtain solutions in the form of a sum of series with three regularization parameters. The uniform convergence and error estimation of the regularized solutions are proved.

Comparative ex vivo study on humidifying function of three speaking valves with integrated heat and moisture exchanger for tracheotomised patients.

PubMed

van den Boer, C; Lansaat, L; Muller, S H; van den Brekel, M W M; Hilgers, F J M

2015-12-01

Assessment of humidifying function of tracheotomy speaking valves with integrated heat and moisture exchanger. Ex vivo measurement of water exchange and storage capacity of three tracheotomy speaking valves: Humidiphon Plus, Spiro and ProTrach DualCare (with two different heat and moisture exchangers: XtraMoist and Regular). Comprehensive Cancer Centre. Healthy volunteer. Difference between end-inspiratory and end-expiratory weight as measure for water exchange capacity, weight after 10 min breathing as measure for water storage capacity, weighing at 1-min intervals to assess residual water exchange potential in speaking mode and absolute humidity in mg/L as measure for environmental and respiratory humidity. None of the tracheotomy speaking valves provides humidification while in speaking mode. Only the ProTrach DualCare allows blocking the speaking valve and breathing through the heat and moisture exchanger during inhalation and exhalation (heat and moisture exchanger mode). This leads to an increase in inspiratory humidity of 2.5 mg (XtraMoist) and 1.6 mg (Regular). There was no measurable water storage in speaking mode in any of the three tracheotomy speaking valves. In breathing mode, water storage in the DualCare heat and moisture exchangers was 47 and 37 mg, respectively. The remaining humidifying potential in speaking mode after 10 min breathing in heat and moisture exchanger mode for XtraMoist was 38%, 15% and 10% at 1, 2 and 3 min, respectively. For Regular, this was 47%, 24% and 13%, respectively. Tracheostoma valves with integrated heat and moisture exchanger have no humidification function in speaking mode. Only ProTrach DualCare, allowing blocking the speaking mode, in heat and moisture exchanger mode enables a significant increase in humidification. Regular switching between speaking and heat and moisture exchanger mode with this latter device prolongs the humidification in speaking mode. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A closed expression for the UV-divergent parts of one-loop tensor integrals in dimensional regularization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sulyok, G.

2017-07-01

Starting from the general definition of a one-loop tensor N-point function, we use its Feynman parametrization to calculate the ultraviolet (UV-)divergent part of an arbitrary tensor coefficient in the framework of dimensional regularization. In contrast to existing recursion schemes, we are able to present a general analytic result in closed form that enables direct determination of the UV-divergent part of any one-loop tensor N-point coefficient independent from UV-divergent parts of other one-loop tensor N-point coefficients. Simplified formulas and explicit expressions are presented for A-, B-, C-, D-, E-, and F-functions.

Dynamics of coherent states in regular and chaotic regimes of the non-integrable Dicke model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lerma-Hernández, S.; Chávez-Carlos, J.; Bastarrachea-Magnani, M. A.; López-del-Carpio, B.; Hirsch, J. G.

2018-04-01

The quantum dynamics of initial coherent states is studied in the Dicke model and correlated with the dynamics, regular or chaotic, of their classical limit. Analytical expressions for the survival probability, i.e. the probability of finding the system in its initial state at time t, are provided in the regular regions of the model. The results for regular regimes are compared with those of the chaotic ones. It is found that initial coherent states in regular regions have a much longer equilibration time than those located in chaotic regions. The properties of the distributions for the initial coherent states in the Hamiltonian eigenbasis are also studied. It is found that for regular states the components with no negligible contribution are organized in sequences of energy levels distributed according to Gaussian functions. In the case of chaotic coherent states, the energy components do not have a simple structure and the number of participating energy levels is larger than in the regular cases.

Heterogeneity of activated carbons in adsorption of phenols from aqueous solutions—Comparison of experimental isotherm data and simulation predictions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podkościelny, P.; Nieszporek, K.

2007-01-01

Surface heterogeneity of activated carbons is usually characterized by adsorption energy distribution (AED) functions which can be estimated from the experimental adsorption isotherms by inverting integral equation. The experimental data of phenol adsorption from aqueous solution on activated carbons prepared from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) have been taken from literature. AED functions for phenol adsorption, generated by application of regularization method have been verified. The Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation technique has been used as verification tool. The definitive stage of verification was comparison of experimental adsorption data and those obtained by utilization GCMC simulations. Necessary information for performing of simulations has been provided by parameters of AED functions calculated by regularization method.

An efficient and flexible Abel-inversion method for noisy data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antokhin, Igor I.

2016-12-01

We propose an efficient and flexible method for solving the Abel integral equation of the first kind, frequently appearing in many fields of astrophysics, physics, chemistry, and applied sciences. This equation represents an ill-posed problem, thus solving it requires some kind of regularization. Our method is based on solving the equation on a so-called compact set of functions and/or using Tikhonov's regularization. A priori constraints on the unknown function, defining a compact set, are very loose and can be set using simple physical considerations. Tikhonov's regularization in itself does not require any explicit a priori constraints on the unknown function and can be used independently of such constraints or in combination with them. Various target degrees of smoothness of the unknown function may be set, as required by the problem at hand. The advantage of the method, apart from its flexibility, is that it gives uniform convergence of the approximate solution to the exact solution, as the errors of input data tend to zero. The method is illustrated on several simulated models with known solutions. An example of astrophysical application of the method is also given.

Regularization of the light-cone gauge gluon propagator singularities using sub-gauge conditions

DOE PAGES

Chirilli, Giovanni A.; Kovchegov, Yuri V.; Wertepny, Douglas E.

2015-12-21

Perturbative QCD calculations in the light-cone gauge have long suffered from the ambiguity associated with the regularization of the poles in the gluon propagator. In this work we study sub-gauge conditions within the light-cone gauge corresponding to several known ways of regulating the gluon propagator. By using the functional integral calculation of the gluon propagator, we rederive the known sub-gauge conditions for the θ-function gauges and identify the sub-gauge condition for the principal value (PV) regularization of the gluon propagator’s light-cone poles. The obtained sub-gauge condition for the PV case is further verified by a sample calculation of the classicalmore » Yang-Mills field of two collinear ultrarelativistic point color charges. Our method does not allow one to construct a sub-gauge condition corresponding to the well-known Mandelstam-Leibbrandt prescription for regulating the gluon propagator poles.« less

Powered wheel for aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Long, M. J.; Irick, S. C.; Van Ausdal, R. K.

1977-01-01

Single integral unit includes motor, gearbox, and clutch. Device has two-speed capability, fits within aerodynamic contours of aircraft, operates with onboard power source, does not interfere with normal landing gear functions, reduces use of regular brakes in congested areas, and provides locomotion and supplementary braking capability.

Nonparametric instrumental regression with non-convex constraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grasmair, M.; Scherzer, O.; Vanhems, A.

2013-03-01

This paper considers the nonparametric regression model with an additive error that is dependent on the explanatory variables. As is common in empirical studies in epidemiology and economics, it also supposes that valid instrumental variables are observed. A classical example in microeconomics considers the consumer demand function as a function of the price of goods and the income, both variables often considered as endogenous. In this framework, the economic theory also imposes shape restrictions on the demand function, such as integrability conditions. Motivated by this illustration in microeconomics, we study an estimator of a nonparametric constrained regression function using instrumental variables by means of Tikhonov regularization. We derive rates of convergence for the regularized model both in a deterministic and stochastic setting under the assumption that the true regression function satisfies a projected source condition including, because of the non-convexity of the imposed constraints, an additional smallness condition.

Construction of optimum controls and trajectories of motion of the center of masses of a spacecraft equipped with the solar sail and low-thrust engine, using quaternions and Kustaanheimo-Stiefel variables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sapunkov, Ya. G.; Chelnokov, Yu. N.

2014-11-01

The problem of optimum rendezvous of a controllable spacecraft (SC) with an uncontrollable spacecraft, moving over a Keplerian elliptic orbit in the gravitational field of the Sun, is considered. Control of the SC is performed using a solar sail and low-thrust engine. For solving the problem, the regular quaternion equations of the two-body problem with the Kustaanheimo-Stiefel variables and the Pontryagin maximum principle are used. The combined integral quality functional, which characterizes energy consumption for controllable SC transition from an initial to final state and the time spent for this transition, is used as a minimized functional. The differential boundary-value optimization problems are formulated, and their first integrals are found. Examples of numerical solution of problems are presented. The paper develops the application [1-6] of quaternion regular equations with the Kustaanheimo-Stiefel variables in the space flight mechanics.

Learning-dependent plasticity with and without training in the human brain.

PubMed

Zhang, Jiaxiang; Kourtzi, Zoe

2010-07-27

Long-term experience through development and evolution and shorter-term training in adulthood have both been suggested to contribute to the optimization of visual functions that mediate our ability to interpret complex scenes. However, the brain plasticity mechanisms that mediate the detection of objects in cluttered scenes remain largely unknown. Here, we combine behavioral and functional MRI (fMRI) measurements to investigate the human-brain mechanisms that mediate our ability to learn statistical regularities and detect targets in clutter. We show two different routes to visual learning in clutter with discrete brain plasticity signatures. Specifically, opportunistic learning of regularities typical in natural contours (i.e., collinearity) can occur simply through frequent exposure, generalize across untrained stimulus features, and shape processing in occipitotemporal regions implicated in the representation of global forms. In contrast, learning to integrate discontinuities (i.e., elements orthogonal to contour paths) requires task-specific training (bootstrap-based learning), is stimulus-dependent, and enhances processing in intraparietal regions implicated in attention-gated learning. We propose that long-term experience with statistical regularities may facilitate opportunistic learning of collinear contours, whereas learning to integrate discontinuities entails bootstrap-based training for the detection of contours in clutter. These findings provide insights in understanding how long-term experience and short-term training interact to shape the optimization of visual recognition processes.

An efficient numerical method for the solution of the problem of elasticity for 3D-homogeneous elastic medium with cracks and inclusions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanaun, S.; Markov, A.

2017-06-01

An efficient numerical method for solution of static problems of elasticity for an infinite homogeneous medium containing inhomogeneities (cracks and inclusions) is developed. Finite number of heterogeneous inclusions and planar parallel cracks of arbitrary shapes is considered. The problem is reduced to a system of surface integral equations for crack opening vectors and volume integral equations for stress tensors inside the inclusions. For the numerical solution of these equations, a class of Gaussian approximating functions is used. The method based on these functions is mesh free. For such functions, the elements of the matrix of the discretized system are combinations of explicit analytical functions and five standard 1D-integrals that can be tabulated. Thus, the numerical integration is excluded from the construction of the matrix of the discretized problem. For regular node grids, the matrix of the discretized system has Toeplitz's properties, and Fast Fourier Transform technique can be used for calculation matrix-vector products of such matrices.

Semisupervised Support Vector Machines With Tangent Space Intrinsic Manifold Regularization.

PubMed

Sun, Shiliang; Xie, Xijiong

2016-09-01

Semisupervised learning has been an active research topic in machine learning and data mining. One main reason is that labeling examples is expensive and time-consuming, while there are large numbers of unlabeled examples available in many practical problems. So far, Laplacian regularization has been widely used in semisupervised learning. In this paper, we propose a new regularization method called tangent space intrinsic manifold regularization. It is intrinsic to data manifold and favors linear functions on the manifold. Fundamental elements involved in the formulation of the regularization are local tangent space representations, which are estimated by local principal component analysis, and the connections that relate adjacent tangent spaces. Simultaneously, we explore its application to semisupervised classification and propose two new learning algorithms called tangent space intrinsic manifold regularized support vector machines (TiSVMs) and tangent space intrinsic manifold regularized twin SVMs (TiTSVMs). They effectively integrate the tangent space intrinsic manifold regularization consideration. The optimization of TiSVMs can be solved by a standard quadratic programming, while the optimization of TiTSVMs can be solved by a pair of standard quadratic programmings. The experimental results of semisupervised classification problems show the effectiveness of the proposed semisupervised learning algorithms.

Work Integration of People with Disabilities in the Regular Labour Market: What Can We Do to Improve These Processes?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vila, Montserrat; Pallisera, Maria; Fullana, Judit

2007-01-01

Background: It is important to ensure that regular processes of labour market integration are available for all citizens. Method: Thematic content analysis techniques, using semi-structured group interviews, were used to identify the principal elements contributing to the processes of integrating people with disabilities into the regular labour…

A regularization method for extrapolation of solar potential magnetic fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gary, G. A.; Musielak, Z. E.

1992-01-01

The mathematical basis of a Tikhonov regularization method for extrapolating the chromospheric-coronal magnetic field using photospheric vector magnetograms is discussed. The basic techniques show that the Cauchy initial value problem can be formulated for potential magnetic fields. The potential field analysis considers a set of linear, elliptic partial differential equations. It is found that, by introducing an appropriate smoothing of the initial data of the Cauchy potential problem, an approximate Fourier integral solution is found, and an upper bound to the error in the solution is derived. This specific regularization technique, which is a function of magnetograph measurement sensitivities, provides a method to extrapolate the potential magnetic field above an active region into the chromosphere and low corona.

Apparently noninvariant terms of nonlinear sigma models in lattice perturbation theory

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

Harada, Koji; Hattori, Nozomu; Kubo, Hirofumi

2009-03-15

Apparently noninvariant terms (ANTs) that appear in loop diagrams for nonlinear sigma models are revisited in lattice perturbation theory. The calculations have been done mostly with dimensional regularization so far. In order to establish that the existence of ANTs is independent of the regularization scheme, and of the potential ambiguities in the definition of the Jacobian of the change of integration variables from group elements to 'pion' fields, we employ lattice regularization, in which everything (including the Jacobian) is well defined. We show explicitly that lattice perturbation theory produces ANTs in the four-point functions of the pion fields at one-loopmore » and the Jacobian does not play an important role in generating ANTs.« less

Solving the hypersingular boundary integral equation in three-dimensional acoustics using a regularization relationship.

PubMed

Yan, Zai You; Hung, Kin Chew; Zheng, Hui

2003-05-01

Regularization of the hypersingular integral in the normal derivative of the conventional Helmholtz integral equation through a double surface integral method or regularization relationship has been studied. By introducing the new concept of discretized operator matrix, evaluation of the double surface integrals is reduced to calculate the product of two discretized operator matrices. Such a treatment greatly improves the computational efficiency. As the number of frequencies to be computed increases, the computational cost of solving the composite Helmholtz integral equation is comparable to that of solving the conventional Helmholtz integral equation. In this paper, the detailed formulation of the proposed regularization method is presented. The computational efficiency and accuracy of the regularization method are demonstrated for a general class of acoustic radiation and scattering problems. The radiation of a pulsating sphere, an oscillating sphere, and a rigid sphere insonified by a plane acoustic wave are solved using the new method with curvilinear quadrilateral isoparametric elements. It is found that the numerical results rapidly converge to the corresponding analytical solutions as finer meshes are applied.

High-Intensity Chronic Stroke Motor Imagery Neurofeedback Training at Home: Three Case Reports.

PubMed

Zich, Catharina; Debener, Stefan; Schweinitz, Clara; Sterr, Annette; Meekes, Joost; Kranczioch, Cornelia

2017-11-01

Motor imagery (MI) with neurofeedback has been suggested as promising for motor recovery after stroke. Evidence suggests that regular training facilitates compensatory plasticity, but frequent training is difficult to integrate into everyday life. Using a wireless electroencephalogram (EEG) system, we implemented a frequent and efficient neurofeedback training at the patients' home. Aiming to overcome maladaptive changes in cortical lateralization patterns we presented a visual feedback, representing the degree of contralateral sensorimotor cortical activity and the degree of sensorimotor cortex lateralization. Three stroke patients practiced every other day, over a period of 4 weeks. Training-related changes were evaluated on behavioral, functional, and structural levels. All 3 patients indicated that they enjoyed the training and were highly motivated throughout the entire training regime. EEG activity induced by MI of the affected hand became more lateralized over the course of training in all three patients. The patient with a significant functional change also showed increased white matter integrity as revealed by diffusion tensor imaging, and a substantial clinical improvement of upper limb motor functions. Our study provides evidence that regular, home-based practice of MI neurofeedback has the potential to facilitate cortical reorganization and may also increase associated improvements of upper limb motor function in chronic stroke patients.

Bench to Bedside: Understanding Symptom Response to Acupuncture Treatment and Designing a Successful Acupuncture Treatment Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-09-01

analysis. Along the way we learned that the Chinese Medicine information will be difficult to integrate into the main data set. At this point only a poster... psychological health, social context, physical function. We completed and submitted for review a simpler analysis of this relationship in The Importance and...the unfolding integration of complementary medical practices into regular medicine. It will assist acupuncturists and VA officials in determining if

On regularizing the MCTDH equations of motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, Hans-Dieter; Wang, Haobin

2018-03-01

The Multiconfiguration Time-Dependent Hartree (MCTDH) approach leads to equations of motion (EOM) which become singular when there are unoccupied so-called single-particle functions (SPFs). Starting from a Hartree product, all SPFs, except the first one, are unoccupied initially. To solve the MCTDH-EOMs numerically, one therefore has to remove the singularity by a regularization procedure. Usually the inverse of a density matrix is regularized. Here we argue and show that regularizing the coefficient tensor, which in turn regularizes the density matrix as well, leads to an improved performance of the EOMs. The initially unoccupied SPFs are rotated faster into their "correct direction" in Hilbert space and the final results are less sensitive to the choice of the value of the regularization parameter. For a particular example (a spin-boson system studied with a transformed Hamiltonian), we could even show that only with the new regularization scheme could one obtain correct results. Finally, in Appendix A, a new integration scheme for the MCTDH-EOMs developed by Lubich and co-workers is discussed. It is argued that this scheme does not solve the problem of the unoccupied natural orbitals because this scheme ignores the latter and does not propagate them at all.

Evaluating Factors of Security Policy on Information Security Effectiveness in Developing Nations: A Case of Nigeria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Okolo, Nkiru Benjamin

2016-01-01

Information systems of today face more potential security infringement than ever before. The regular susceptibility of data to breaches is a function of systems users' disinclination to follow appropriate security measures. A well-secured system maintains integrity, confidentiality, and availability, while providing appropriate and consistent…

Gene context analysis in the Integrated Microbial Genomes (IMG) data management system.

PubMed

Mavromatis, Konstantinos; Chu, Ken; Ivanova, Natalia; Hooper, Sean D; Markowitz, Victor M; Kyrpides, Nikos C

2009-11-24

Computational methods for determining the function of genes in newly sequenced genomes have been traditionally based on sequence similarity to genes whose function has been identified experimentally. Function prediction methods can be extended using gene context analysis approaches such as examining the conservation of chromosomal gene clusters, gene fusion events and co-occurrence profiles across genomes. Context analysis is based on the observation that functionally related genes are often having similar gene context and relies on the identification of such events across phylogenetically diverse collection of genomes. We have used the data management system of the Integrated Microbial Genomes (IMG) as the framework to implement and explore the power of gene context analysis methods because it provides one of the largest available genome integrations. Visualization and search tools to facilitate gene context analysis have been developed and applied across all publicly available archaeal and bacterial genomes in IMG. These computations are now maintained as part of IMG's regular genome content update cycle. IMG is available at: http://img.jgi.doe.gov.

The Physically Handicapped and Health Impaired Children: Do They Prosper in Regular Toronto Elementary Schools?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Larter, Sylvia E.

The experience of 88 physically handicapped and health impaired (PH/HI) children attending Toronto, Canada, regular elementary schools in either regular classes or "integrated" special education classes was assessed with regard to their academic, social, emotional, medical, and physical needs. The integrated classification meant they…

Reconstruction of Sensory Stimuli Encoded with Integrate-and-Fire Neurons with Random Thresholds

PubMed Central

Lazar, Aurel A.; Pnevmatikakis, Eftychios A.

2013-01-01

We present a general approach to the reconstruction of sensory stimuli encoded with leaky integrate-and-fire neurons with random thresholds. The stimuli are modeled as elements of a Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space. The reconstruction is based on finding a stimulus that minimizes a regularized quadratic optimality criterion. We discuss in detail the reconstruction of sensory stimuli modeled as absolutely continuous functions as well as stimuli with absolutely continuous first-order derivatives. Reconstruction results are presented for stimuli encoded with single as well as a population of neurons. Examples are given that demonstrate the performance of the reconstruction algorithms as a function of threshold variability. PMID:24077610

Quantum calculus of classical vortex images, integrable models and quantum states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pashaev, Oktay K.

2016-10-01

From two circle theorem described in terms of q-periodic functions, in the limit q→1 we have derived the strip theorem and the stream function for N vortex problem. For regular N-vortex polygon we find compact expression for the velocity of uniform rotation and show that it represents a nonlinear oscillator. We describe q-dispersive extensions of the linear and nonlinear Schrodinger equations, as well as the q-semiclassical expansions in terms of Bernoulli and Euler polynomials. Different kind of q-analytic functions are introduced, including the pq-analytic and the golden analytic functions.

One-loop corrections to light cone wave functions: The dipole picture DIS cross section

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hänninen, H.; Lappi, T.; Paatelainen, R.

2018-06-01

We develop methods to perform loop calculations in light cone perturbation theory using a helicity basis, refining the method introduced in our earlier work. In particular this includes implementing a consistent way to contract the four-dimensional tensor structures from the helicity vectors with d-dimensional tensors arising from loop integrals, in a way that can be fully automatized. We demonstrate this explicitly by calculating the one-loop correction to the virtual photon to quark-antiquark dipole light cone wave function. This allows us to calculate the deep inelastic scattering cross section in the dipole formalism to next-to-leading order accuracy. Our results, obtained using the four dimensional helicity scheme, agree with the recent calculation by Beuf using conventional dimensional regularization, confirming the regularization scheme independence of this cross section.

Graph Laplacian Regularization for Image Denoising: Analysis in the Continuous Domain.

PubMed

Pang, Jiahao; Cheung, Gene

2017-04-01

Inverse imaging problems are inherently underdetermined, and hence, it is important to employ appropriate image priors for regularization. One recent popular prior-the graph Laplacian regularizer-assumes that the target pixel patch is smooth with respect to an appropriately chosen graph. However, the mechanisms and implications of imposing the graph Laplacian regularizer on the original inverse problem are not well understood. To address this problem, in this paper, we interpret neighborhood graphs of pixel patches as discrete counterparts of Riemannian manifolds and perform analysis in the continuous domain, providing insights into several fundamental aspects of graph Laplacian regularization for image denoising. Specifically, we first show the convergence of the graph Laplacian regularizer to a continuous-domain functional, integrating a norm measured in a locally adaptive metric space. Focusing on image denoising, we derive an optimal metric space assuming non-local self-similarity of pixel patches, leading to an optimal graph Laplacian regularizer for denoising in the discrete domain. We then interpret graph Laplacian regularization as an anisotropic diffusion scheme to explain its behavior during iterations, e.g., its tendency to promote piecewise smooth signals under certain settings. To verify our analysis, an iterative image denoising algorithm is developed. Experimental results show that our algorithm performs competitively with state-of-the-art denoising methods, such as BM3D for natural images, and outperforms them significantly for piecewise smooth images.

Dynamic PET image reconstruction integrating temporal regularization associated with respiratory motion correction for applications in oncology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merlin, Thibaut; Visvikis, Dimitris; Fernandez, Philippe; Lamare, Frédéric

2018-02-01

Respiratory motion reduces both the qualitative and quantitative accuracy of PET images in oncology. This impact is more significant for quantitative applications based on kinetic modeling, where dynamic acquisitions are associated with limited statistics due to the necessity of enhanced temporal resolution. The aim of this study is to address these drawbacks, by combining a respiratory motion correction approach with temporal regularization in a unique reconstruction algorithm for dynamic PET imaging. Elastic transformation parameters for the motion correction are estimated from the non-attenuation-corrected PET images. The derived displacement matrices are subsequently used in a list-mode based OSEM reconstruction algorithm integrating a temporal regularization between the 3D dynamic PET frames, based on temporal basis functions. These functions are simultaneously estimated at each iteration, along with their relative coefficients for each image voxel. Quantitative evaluation has been performed using dynamic FDG PET/CT acquisitions of lung cancer patients acquired on a GE DRX system. The performance of the proposed method is compared with that of a standard multi-frame OSEM reconstruction algorithm. The proposed method achieved substantial improvements in terms of noise reduction while accounting for loss of contrast due to respiratory motion. Results on simulated data showed that the proposed 4D algorithms led to bias reduction values up to 40% in both tumor and blood regions for similar standard deviation levels, in comparison with a standard 3D reconstruction. Patlak parameter estimations on reconstructed images with the proposed reconstruction methods resulted in 30% and 40% bias reduction in the tumor and lung region respectively for the Patlak slope, and a 30% bias reduction for the intercept in the tumor region (a similar Patlak intercept was achieved in the lung area). Incorporation of the respiratory motion correction using an elastic model along with a temporal regularization in the reconstruction process of the PET dynamic series led to substantial quantitative improvements and motion artifact reduction. Future work will include the integration of a linear FDG kinetic model, in order to directly reconstruct parametric images.

Dynamic PET image reconstruction integrating temporal regularization associated with respiratory motion correction for applications in oncology.

PubMed

Merlin, Thibaut; Visvikis, Dimitris; Fernandez, Philippe; Lamare, Frédéric

2018-02-13

Respiratory motion reduces both the qualitative and quantitative accuracy of PET images in oncology. This impact is more significant for quantitative applications based on kinetic modeling, where dynamic acquisitions are associated with limited statistics due to the necessity of enhanced temporal resolution. The aim of this study is to address these drawbacks, by combining a respiratory motion correction approach with temporal regularization in a unique reconstruction algorithm for dynamic PET imaging. Elastic transformation parameters for the motion correction are estimated from the non-attenuation-corrected PET images. The derived displacement matrices are subsequently used in a list-mode based OSEM reconstruction algorithm integrating a temporal regularization between the 3D dynamic PET frames, based on temporal basis functions. These functions are simultaneously estimated at each iteration, along with their relative coefficients for each image voxel. Quantitative evaluation has been performed using dynamic FDG PET/CT acquisitions of lung cancer patients acquired on a GE DRX system. The performance of the proposed method is compared with that of a standard multi-frame OSEM reconstruction algorithm. The proposed method achieved substantial improvements in terms of noise reduction while accounting for loss of contrast due to respiratory motion. Results on simulated data showed that the proposed 4D algorithms led to bias reduction values up to 40% in both tumor and blood regions for similar standard deviation levels, in comparison with a standard 3D reconstruction. Patlak parameter estimations on reconstructed images with the proposed reconstruction methods resulted in 30% and 40% bias reduction in the tumor and lung region respectively for the Patlak slope, and a 30% bias reduction for the intercept in the tumor region (a similar Patlak intercept was achieved in the lung area). Incorporation of the respiratory motion correction using an elastic model along with a temporal regularization in the reconstruction process of the PET dynamic series led to substantial quantitative improvements and motion artifact reduction. Future work will include the integration of a linear FDG kinetic model, in order to directly reconstruct parametric images.

The Impact of a Participatory Care Model on Work Satisfaction of Care Workers and the Functionality, Connectedness, and Mental Health of Community-Dwelling Older People.

PubMed

Bernoth, Maree; Burmeister, Oliver K; Morrison, Mark; Islam, Md Zahidul; Onslow, Fiona; Cleary, Michelle

2016-06-01

This study describes and evaluates an innovative program designed to reduce functional decline among seniors, using a participatory care approach and integrated health teams. The evaluation provides older people and community support workers (CSWs) with the opportunity to share their experiences of being involved with an innovative program to reduce functional decline (mobility, skin integrity, nutrition, mental health, continence) of older, community dwelling adults implemented by a Nursing Service in a major capital city in Australia. As part of the program, CSWs were trained to provide care that aimed to reduce functional decline, and improve the quality of life for the care recipients. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with older people receiving care and a focus group (FG) was conducted with CSWs. Seven themes emerged during data analysis: 1) functionality/independence; 2) prevention; 3) confidence; 4) connection; 5) the approach; 6) care plans; and 7) the role of the CSWs. The relationship built between care giver and receiver and the mutual respect facilitated through adopting a participatory care approach was crucial. This relationship-focused care contributed to improved functionality and consequently quality of life for the older person, and for the CSW professional it contributed to their development, improved satisfaction with their role, and increased pride in the difference they make in the lives of their clients. Opportunities for improvement of the program included ensuring that participants understood the rationale for all aspects of the program, including regular reminders, as well as the use of regular reviews of individual outcomes.

A very efficient approach to compute the first-passage probability density function in a time-changed Brownian model: Applications in finance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ballestra, Luca Vincenzo; Pacelli, Graziella; Radi, Davide

2016-12-01

We propose a numerical method to compute the first-passage probability density function in a time-changed Brownian model. In particular, we derive an integral representation of such a density function in which the integrand functions must be obtained solving a system of Volterra equations of the first kind. In addition, we develop an ad-hoc numerical procedure to regularize and solve this system of integral equations. The proposed method is tested on three application problems of interest in mathematical finance, namely the calculation of the survival probability of an indebted firm, the pricing of a single-knock-out put option and the pricing of a double-knock-out put option. The results obtained reveal that the novel approach is extremely accurate and fast, and performs significantly better than the finite difference method.

Geometric integration in Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics.

PubMed

Odell, Anders; Delin, Anna; Johansson, Börje; Cawkwell, Marc J; Niklasson, Anders M N

2011-12-14

Geometric integration schemes for extended Lagrangian self-consistent Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics, including a weak dissipation to remove numerical noise, are developed and analyzed. The extended Lagrangian framework enables the geometric integration of both the nuclear and electronic degrees of freedom. This provides highly efficient simulations that are stable and energy conserving even under incomplete and approximate self-consistent field (SCF) convergence. We investigate three different geometric integration schemes: (1) regular time reversible Verlet, (2) second order optimal symplectic, and (3) third order optimal symplectic. We look at energy conservation, accuracy, and stability as a function of dissipation, integration time step, and SCF convergence. We find that the inclusion of dissipation in the symplectic integration methods gives an efficient damping of numerical noise or perturbations that otherwise may accumulate from finite arithmetics in a perfect reversible dynamics. © 2011 American Institute of Physics

Basic Strategies for Mainstream Integration.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lawrence, Patrick A.

1988-01-01

Guidelines for effectively integrating learning-disabled or behavior problem students into regular classrooms are discussed. They include meetings between regular and special education teachers, class rules, discipline, clear directions, individualized instruction, direct instruction for skill acquisition, peer tutoring, structured activities,…

25 CFR 39.132 - Can a school integrate Language Development programs into its regular instructional program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 25 Indians 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Can a school integrate Language Development programs into... Language Development Programs § 39.132 Can a school integrate Language Development programs into its regular instructional program? A school may offer Language Development programs to students as part of its...

25 CFR 39.132 - Can a school integrate Language Development programs into its regular instructional program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 25 Indians 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Can a school integrate Language Development programs into... Language Development Programs § 39.132 Can a school integrate Language Development programs into its regular instructional program? A school may offer Language Development programs to students as part of its...

Analytic properties for the honeycomb lattice Green function at the origin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joyce, G. S.

2018-05-01

The analytic properties of the honeycomb lattice Green function are investigated, where is a complex variable which lies in a plane. This double integral defines a single-valued analytic function provided that a cut is made along the real axis from w  =  ‑3 to . In order to analyse the behaviour of along the edges of the cut it is convenient to define the limit function where . It is shown that and can be evaluated exactly for all in terms of various hypergeometric functions, where the argument function is always real-valued and rational. The second-order linear Fuchsian differential equation satisfied by is also used to derive series expansions for and which are valid in the neighbourhood of the regular singular points and . Integral representations are established for and , where with . In particular, it is proved that where J 0(z) and Y 0(z) denote Bessel functions of the first and second kind, respectively. The results derived in the paper are utilized to evaluate the associated logarithmic integral where w lies in the cut plane. A new set of orthogonal polynomials which are connected with the honeycomb lattice Green function are also briefly discussed. Finally, a link between and the theory of Pearson random walks in a plane is established.

REI: Revisited...Again.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lieberman, Laurence

1990-01-01

Lack of an agreed-upon definition for the Regular Education Initiative (REI) represents a significant obstacle to coherent debate. Three interpretations of the REI exist: merger of regular education and special education, partnership between regular and special education, and full integration of all children into regular classrooms. (JDD)

Characterizing the functional MRI response using Tikhonov regularization.

PubMed

Vakorin, Vasily A; Borowsky, Ron; Sarty, Gordon E

2007-09-20

The problem of evaluating an averaged functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) response for repeated block design experiments was considered within a semiparametric regression model with autocorrelated residuals. We applied functional data analysis (FDA) techniques that use a least-squares fitting of B-spline expansions with Tikhonov regularization. To deal with the noise autocorrelation, we proposed a regularization parameter selection method based on the idea of combining temporal smoothing with residual whitening. A criterion based on a generalized chi(2)-test of the residuals for white noise was compared with a generalized cross-validation scheme. We evaluated and compared the performance of the two criteria, based on their effect on the quality of the fMRI response. We found that the regularization parameter can be tuned to improve the noise autocorrelation structure, but the whitening criterion provides too much smoothing when compared with the cross-validation criterion. The ultimate goal of the proposed smoothing techniques is to facilitate the extraction of temporal features in the hemodynamic response for further analysis. In particular, these FDA methods allow us to compute derivatives and integrals of the fMRI signal so that fMRI data may be correlated with behavioral and physiological models. For example, positive and negative hemodynamic responses may be easily and robustly identified on the basis of the first derivative at an early time point in the response. Ultimately, these methods allow us to verify previously reported correlations between the hemodynamic response and the behavioral measures of accuracy and reaction time, showing the potential to recover new information from fMRI data. 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

A Curved, Elastostatic Boundary Element for Plane Anisotropic Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smeltzer, Stanley S.; Klang, Eric C.

2001-01-01

The plane-stress equations of linear elasticity are used in conjunction with those of the boundary element method to develop a novel curved, quadratic boundary element applicable to structures composed of anisotropic materials in a state of plane stress or plane strain. The curved boundary element is developed to solve two-dimensional, elastostatic problems of arbitrary shape, connectivity, and material type. As a result of the anisotropy, complex variables are employed in the fundamental solution derivations for a concentrated unit-magnitude force in an infinite elastic anisotropic medium. Once known, the fundamental solutions are evaluated numerically by using the known displacement and traction boundary values in an integral formulation with Gaussian quadrature. All the integral equations of the boundary element method are evaluated using one of two methods: either regular Gaussian quadrature or a combination of regular and logarithmic Gaussian quadrature. The regular Gaussian quadrature is used to evaluate most of the integrals along the boundary, and the combined scheme is employed for integrals that are singular. Individual element contributions are assembled into the global matrices of the standard boundary element method, manipulated to form a system of linear equations, and the resulting system is solved. The interior displacements and stresses are found through a separate set of auxiliary equations that are derived using an Airy-type stress function in terms of complex variables. The capabilities and accuracy of this method are demonstrated for a laminated-composite plate with a central, elliptical cutout that is subjected to uniform tension along one of the straight edges of the plate. Comparison of the boundary element results for this problem with corresponding results from an analytical model show a difference of less than 1%.

Optimization of equivalent uniform dose using the L-curve criterion.

PubMed

Chvetsov, Alexei V; Dempsey, James F; Palta, Jatinder R

2007-10-07

Optimization of equivalent uniform dose (EUD) in inverse planning for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) prevents variation in radiobiological effect between different radiotherapy treatment plans, which is due to variation in the pattern of dose nonuniformity. For instance, the survival fraction of clonogens would be consistent with the prescription when the optimized EUD is equal to the prescribed EUD. One of the problems in the practical implementation of this approach is that the spatial dose distribution in EUD-based inverse planning would be underdetermined because an unlimited number of nonuniform dose distributions can be computed for a prescribed value of EUD. Together with ill-posedness of the underlying integral equation, this may significantly increase the dose nonuniformity. To optimize EUD and keep dose nonuniformity within reasonable limits, we implemented into an EUD-based objective function an additional criterion which ensures the smoothness of beam intensity functions. This approach is similar to the variational regularization technique which was previously studied for the dose-based least-squares optimization. We show that the variational regularization together with the L-curve criterion for the regularization parameter can significantly reduce dose nonuniformity in EUD-based inverse planning.

[Implementation of a palliative care concept in a geriatric acute care hospital].

PubMed

Hagg-Grün, U; Lukas, A; Sommer, B-N; Klaiber, H-R; Nikolaus, T

2010-12-01

To integrate palliative care patients into an acute geriatric ward requires extensive and continuous education and preparation of all participating professionals. It can be a lengthy process to integrate palliative care concepts despite cooperation of the hospital administration. The group of patients to be integrated differs from the patients of regular geriatric wards because of a higher percentage of relatively young oncologic patients and they differ from a regular palliative ward because about 50% are non-oncologic patients, while the average age is much higher than in normal palliative care. It is possible to integrate specialized palliative care into a regular geriatric ward. Patients admitted without palliative intention will benefit the most from ward-integrated palliative care if the treatment aim turns this way. Ward-integrated palliative care can be an integral part of treating geriatric patients in addition to acute geriatric medicine, rehabilitation, and prevention. It can also provide caretakers and patients with the benefits from continuity of treatment and care.

The topology of the regularized integral surfaces of the 3-body problem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Easton, R.

1971-01-01

Momentum, angular momentum, and energy of integral surfaces in the planar three-body problem are considered. The end points of orbits which cross an isolating block are identified. It is shown that this identification has a unique extension to an identification which pairs the end points of orbits entering the block and which end in a binary collision with the end points of orbits leaving the block and which come from a binary collision. The problem of regularization is that of showing that the identification of the end points of crossing orbits has a continuous, unique extension. The regularized phase space for the three-body problem was obtained, as were regularized integral surfaces for the problem on which the three-body equations of motion induce flows. Finally the topology of these surfaces is described.

A Flexible and Efficient Method for Solving Ill-Posed Linear Integral Equations of the First Kind for Noisy Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antokhin, I. I.

2017-06-01

We propose an efficient and flexible method for solving Fredholm and Abel integral equations of the first kind, frequently appearing in astrophysics. These equations present an ill-posed problem. Our method is based on solving them on a so-called compact set of functions and/or using Tikhonov's regularization. Both approaches are non-parametric and do not require any theoretic model, apart from some very loose a priori constraints on the unknown function. The two approaches can be used independently or in a combination. The advantage of the method, apart from its flexibility, is that it gives uniform convergence of the approximate solution to the exact one, as the errors of input data tend to zero. Simulated and astrophysical examples are presented.

Questioning the cerebellar doctrine.

PubMed

Galliano, Elisa; De Zeeuw, Chris I

2014-01-01

The basic principles of cerebellar function were originally described by Flourens, Cajal, and Marr/Albus/Ito, and they constitute the pillars of what can be considered to be the classic cerebellar doctrine. In their concepts, the main cerebellar function is to control motor behavior, Purkinje cells are the only cortical neuron receiving and integrating inputs from climbing fiber and mossy-parallel fiber pathways, and plastic modification at the parallel fiber synapses onto Purkinje cells constitutes the substrate of motor learning. Yet, because of recent technical advances and new angles of investigation, all pillars of the cerebellar doctrine now face regular re-examination. In this review, after summarizing the classic concepts and recent disputes, we attempt to synthesize an integrated view and propose a revisited version of the cerebellar doctrine. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Accurate path integration in continuous attractor network models of grid cells.

PubMed

Burak, Yoram; Fiete, Ila R

2009-02-01

Grid cells in the rat entorhinal cortex display strikingly regular firing responses to the animal's position in 2-D space and have been hypothesized to form the neural substrate for dead-reckoning. However, errors accumulate rapidly when velocity inputs are integrated in existing models of grid cell activity. To produce grid-cell-like responses, these models would require frequent resets triggered by external sensory cues. Such inadequacies, shared by various models, cast doubt on the dead-reckoning potential of the grid cell system. Here we focus on the question of accurate path integration, specifically in continuous attractor models of grid cell activity. We show, in contrast to previous models, that continuous attractor models can generate regular triangular grid responses, based on inputs that encode only the rat's velocity and heading direction. We consider the role of the network boundary in the integration performance of the network and show that both periodic and aperiodic networks are capable of accurate path integration, despite important differences in their attractor manifolds. We quantify the rate at which errors in the velocity integration accumulate as a function of network size and intrinsic noise within the network. With a plausible range of parameters and the inclusion of spike variability, our model networks can accurately integrate velocity inputs over a maximum of approximately 10-100 meters and approximately 1-10 minutes. These findings form a proof-of-concept that continuous attractor dynamics may underlie velocity integration in the dorsolateral medial entorhinal cortex. The simulations also generate pertinent upper bounds on the accuracy of integration that may be achieved by continuous attractor dynamics in the grid cell network. We suggest experiments to test the continuous attractor model and differentiate it from models in which single cells establish their responses independently of each other.

Spatially Regularized Machine Learning for Task and Resting-state fMRI

PubMed Central

Song, Xiaomu; Panych, Lawrence P.; Chen, Nan-kuei

2015-01-01

Background Reliable mapping of brain function across sessions and/or subjects in task- and resting-state has been a critical challenge for quantitative fMRI studies although it has been intensively addressed in the past decades. New Method A spatially regularized support vector machine (SVM) technique was developed for the reliable brain mapping in task- and resting-state. Unlike most existing SVM-based brain mapping techniques, which implement supervised classifications of specific brain functional states or disorders, the proposed method performs a semi-supervised classification for the general brain function mapping where spatial correlation of fMRI is integrated into the SVM learning. The method can adapt to intra- and inter-subject variations induced by fMRI nonstationarity, and identify a true boundary between active and inactive voxels, or between functionally connected and unconnected voxels in a feature space. Results The method was evaluated using synthetic and experimental data at the individual and group level. Multiple features were evaluated in terms of their contributions to the spatially regularized SVM learning. Reliable mapping results in both task- and resting-state were obtained from individual subjects and at the group level. Comparison with Existing Methods A comparison study was performed with independent component analysis, general linear model, and correlation analysis methods. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method can provide a better or comparable mapping performance at the individual and group level. Conclusions The proposed method can provide accurate and reliable mapping of brain function in task- and resting-state, and is applicable to a variety of quantitative fMRI studies. PMID:26470627

Regularity of p(ṡ)-superharmonic functions, the Kellogg property and semiregular boundary points

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adamowicz, Tomasz; Björn, Anders; Björn, Jana

2014-11-01

We study various boundary and inner regularity questions for $p(\\cdot)$-(super)harmonic functions in Euclidean domains. In particular, we prove the Kellogg property and introduce a classification of boundary points for $p(\\cdot)$-harmonic functions into three disjoint classes: regular, semiregular and strongly irregular points. Regular and especially semiregular points are characterized in many ways. The discussion is illustrated by examples. Along the way, we present a removability result for bounded $p(\\cdot)$-harmonic functions and give some new characterizations of $W^{1, p(\\cdot)}_0$ spaces. We also show that $p(\\cdot)$-superharmonic functions are lower semicontinuously regularized, and characterize them in terms of lower semicontinuously regularized supersolutions.

Twistor interpretation of slice regular functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altavilla, Amedeo

2018-01-01

Given a slice regular function f : Ω ⊂ H → H, with Ω ∩ R ≠ ∅, it is possible to lift it to surfaces in the twistor space CP3 of S4 ≃ H ∪ { ∞ } (see Gentili et al., 2014). In this paper we show that the same result is true if one removes the hypothesis Ω ∩ R ≠ ∅ on the domain of the function f. Moreover we find that if a surface S ⊂CP3 contains the image of the twistor lift of a slice regular function, then S has to be ruled by lines. Starting from these results we find all the projective classes of algebraic surfaces up to degree 3 in CP3 that contain the lift of a slice regular function. In addition we extend and further explore the so-called twistor transform, that is a curve in Gr2(C4) which, given a slice regular function, returns the arrangement of lines whose lift carries on. With the explicit expression of the twistor lift and of the twistor transform of a slice regular function we exhibit the set of slice regular functions whose twistor transform describes a rational line inside Gr2(C4) , showing the role of slice regular functions not defined on R. At the end we study the twistor lift of a particular slice regular function not defined over the reals. This example shows the effectiveness of our approach and opens some questions.

An accurate boundary element method for the exterior elastic scattering problem in two dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bao, Gang; Xu, Liwei; Yin, Tao

2017-11-01

This paper is concerned with a Galerkin boundary element method solving the two dimensional exterior elastic wave scattering problem. The original problem is first reduced to the so-called Burton-Miller [1] boundary integral formulation, and essential mathematical features of its variational form are discussed. In numerical implementations, a newly-derived and analytically accurate regularization formula [2] is employed for the numerical evaluation of hyper-singular boundary integral operator. A new computational approach is employed based on the series expansions of Hankel functions for the computation of weakly-singular boundary integral operators during the reduction of corresponding Galerkin equations into a discrete linear system. The effectiveness of proposed numerical methods is demonstrated using several numerical examples.

Integrative gene network construction to analyze cancer recurrence using semi-supervised learning.

PubMed

Park, Chihyun; Ahn, Jaegyoon; Kim, Hyunjin; Park, Sanghyun

2014-01-01

The prognosis of cancer recurrence is an important research area in bioinformatics and is challenging due to the small sample sizes compared to the vast number of genes. There have been several attempts to predict cancer recurrence. Most studies employed a supervised approach, which uses only a few labeled samples. Semi-supervised learning can be a great alternative to solve this problem. There have been few attempts based on manifold assumptions to reveal the detailed roles of identified cancer genes in recurrence. In order to predict cancer recurrence, we proposed a novel semi-supervised learning algorithm based on a graph regularization approach. We transformed the gene expression data into a graph structure for semi-supervised learning and integrated protein interaction data with the gene expression data to select functionally-related gene pairs. Then, we predicted the recurrence of cancer by applying a regularization approach to the constructed graph containing both labeled and unlabeled nodes. The average improvement rate of accuracy for three different cancer datasets was 24.9% compared to existing supervised and semi-supervised methods. We performed functional enrichment on the gene networks used for learning. We identified that those gene networks are significantly associated with cancer-recurrence-related biological functions. Our algorithm was developed with standard C++ and is available in Linux and MS Windows formats in the STL library. The executable program is freely available at: http://embio.yonsei.ac.kr/~Park/ssl.php.

Elementary Teachers Integrate Music Activities into Regular Mathematics Lessons: Effects on Students' Mathematical Abilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

An, Song; Capraro, Mary Margaret; Tillman, Daniel A.

2013-01-01

This article presents exploratory research investigating the way teachers integrate music into their regular mathematics lessons as well as the effects of music-mathematics interdisciplinary lessons on elementary school students' mathematical abilities of modeling, strategy and application. Two teachers and two classes of first grade and third…

Techno-economic assessment of a hybrid solar receiver and combustor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Jin Han; Nathan, Graham; Dally, Bassam; Chinnici, Alfonso

2016-05-01

A techno-economic analysis is performed to compare two different configurations of hybrid solar thermal systems with fossil fuel backup to provide continuous electricity output. The assessment compares a Hybrid Solar Receiver Combustor (HSRC), in which the functions of a solar cavity receiver and a combustor are integrated into a single device with a reference conventional solar thermal system using a regular solar cavity receiver with a backup boiler, termed the Solar Gas Hybrid (SGH). The benefits of the integration is assessed by varying the size of the storage capacity and heliostat field while maintaining the same overall thermal input to the power block.

Quantization of Poisson Manifolds from the Integrability of the Modular Function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonechi, F.; Ciccoli, N.; Qiu, J.; Tarlini, M.

2014-10-01

We discuss a framework for quantizing a Poisson manifold via the quantization of its symplectic groupoid, combining the tools of geometric quantization with the results of Renault's theory of groupoid C*-algebras. This setting allows very singular polarizations. In particular, we consider the case when the modular function is multiplicatively integrable, i.e., when the space of leaves of the polarization inherits a groupoid structure. If suitable regularity conditions are satisfied, then one can define the quantum algebra as the convolution algebra of the subgroupoid of leaves satisfying the Bohr-Sommerfeld conditions. We apply this procedure to the case of a family of Poisson structures on , seen as Poisson homogeneous spaces of the standard Poisson-Lie group SU( n + 1). We show that a bihamiltonian system on defines a multiplicative integrable model on the symplectic groupoid; we compute the Bohr-Sommerfeld groupoid and show that it satisfies the needed properties for applying Renault theory. We recover and extend Sheu's description of quantum homogeneous spaces as groupoid C*-algebras.

Perspectives on the Integration of Regular and Special Education: Eliminating the Knowledge Dichotomy at the University Level.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aldinger, Loviah E., Ed.

Five papers describe ways to integrate knowledge from regular and special education at the university level. L. Hudson and M. Carroll ("The Preservice Teacher Experiences Variation in the Meaning Making of Handicapped and Nonhandicapped Learners") review adaptations in a competency based teacher education program to include information on high…

The Integration of Children with Disabilities into Regular Schools. A Naturalistic Study. Stage 2 Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Center, Yola; And Others

The study used a multiple case study method to investigate the quality of the educational and social experiences of elementary-level and secondary-level children with disabilities currently integrated within the Australian regular school system. This second stage of the study used for its sample 23 children with intellectual disabilities, 18 with…

School achievement of children with intellectual disability: the role of socioeconomic status, placement, and parents' engagement.

PubMed

Szumski, Grzegorz; Karwowski, Maciej

2012-01-01

The objective of this study was to describe the selected conditions for school achievement of students with mild intellectual disabilities from Polish elementary schools. Participants were 605 students with mild disabilities from integrative, regular, and special schools, and their parents (N=429). It was found that socioeconomic status (SES) was positively associated with child placement in integrative and regular schools rather than special schools, as well as with higher parental engagement in their children's studies. Parental engagement mediated the positive effects of SES and placement in regular and integrative schools on school achievement. The results are discussed in the context of inclusive education theory. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A formal power series expansion-regularization approach for Lévy stable distributions: the symmetric case with \\alpha =2/M (M positive integer)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crisanto-Neto, J. C.; da Luz, M. G. E.; Raposo, E. P.; Viswanathan, G. M.

2016-09-01

In practice, the Lévy α-stable distribution is usually expressed in terms of the Fourier integral of its characteristic function. Indeed, known closed form expressions are relatively scarce given the huge parameters space: 0\\lt α ≤slant 2 ({{L\\'{e}vy}} {{index}}), -1≤slant β ≤slant 1 ({{skewness}}),σ \\gt 0 ({{scale}}), and -∞ \\lt μ \\lt ∞ ({{shift}}). Hence, systematic efforts have been made towards the development of proper methods for analytically solving the mentioned integral. As a further contribution in this direction, here we propose a new way to tackle the problem. We consider an approach in which one first solves the Fourier integral through a formal (thus not necessarily convergent) series representation. Then, one uses (if necessary) a pertinent sum-regularization procedure to the resulting divergent series, so as to obtain an exact formula for the distribution, which is amenable to direct numerical calculations. As a concrete study, we address the centered, symmetric, unshifted and unscaled distribution (β =0, μ =0, σ =1), with α ={α }M=2/M, M=1,2,3\\ldots . Conceivably, the present protocol could be applied to other sets of parameter values.

El Maestro de Sala Regular de Clases Ante el Proceso de Inclusion del Nino Con Impedimento

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosa Morales, Awilda

2012-01-01

The purpose of this research was to describe the experiences of regular class elementary school teachers with the Puerto Rico Department of Education who have worked with handicapped children who have been integrated to the regular classroom. Five elementary level regular class teachers were selected in the northwest zone of Puerto Rico who during…

Regularization of soft-X-ray imaging in the DIII-D tokamak

DOE PAGES

Wingen, A.; Shafer, M. W.; Unterberg, E. A.; ...

2015-03-02

We developed an image inversion scheme for the soft X-ray imaging system (SXRIS) diagnostic at the DIII-D tokamak in order to obtain the local soft X-ray emission at a poloidal cross-section from the spatially line-integrated image taken by the SXRIS camera. The scheme uses the Tikhonov regularization method since the inversion problem is generally ill-posed. The regularization technique uses the generalized singular value decomposition to determine a solution that depends on a free regularization parameter. The latter has to be chosen carefully, and the so called {\\it L-curve} method to find the optimum regularization parameter is outlined. A representative testmore » image is used to study the properties of the inversion scheme with respect to inversion accuracy, amount/strength of regularization, image noise and image resolution. Moreover, the optimum inversion parameters are identified, while the L-curve method successfully computes the optimum regularization parameter. Noise is found to be the most limiting issue, but sufficient regularization is still possible at noise to signal ratios up to 10%-15%. Finally, the inversion scheme is applied to measured SXRIS data and the line-integrated SXRIS image is successfully inverted.« less

On square-integrability of solutions of the stationary Schrödinger equation for the quantum harmonic oscillator in two dimensional constant curvature spaces

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

Noguera, Norman, E-mail: norman.noguera@ucr.ac.cr; Rózga, Krzysztof, E-mail: krzysztof.rozga@upr.edu

In this work, one provides a justification of the condition that is usually imposed on the parameters of the hypergeometric equation, related to the solutions of the stationary Schrödinger equation for the harmonic oscillator in two-dimensional constant curvature spaces, in order to determine the solutions which are square-integrable. One proves that in case of negative curvature, it is a necessary condition of square integrability and in case of positive curvature, a necessary condition of regularity. The proof is based on the analytic continuation formulas for the hypergeometric function. It is observed also that the same is true in case ofmore » a slightly more general potential than the one for harmonic oscillator.« less

Pathview Web: user friendly pathway visualization and data integration

PubMed Central

Pant, Gaurav; Bhavnasi, Yeshvant K.; Blanchard, Steven G.; Brouwer, Cory

2017-01-01

Abstract Pathway analysis is widely used in omics studies. Pathway-based data integration and visualization is a critical component of the analysis. To address this need, we recently developed a novel R package called Pathview. Pathview maps, integrates and renders a large variety of biological data onto molecular pathway graphs. Here we developed the Pathview Web server, as to make pathway visualization and data integration accessible to all scientists, including those without the special computing skills or resources. Pathview Web features an intuitive graphical web interface and a user centered design. The server not only expands the core functions of Pathview, but also provides many useful features not available in the offline R package. Importantly, the server presents a comprehensive workflow for both regular and integrated pathway analysis of multiple omics data. In addition, the server also provides a RESTful API for programmatic access and conveniently integration in third-party software or workflows. Pathview Web is openly and freely accessible at https://pathview.uncc.edu/. PMID:28482075

Regularized minimum I-divergence methods for the inverse blackbody radiation problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Kerkil; Lanterman, Aaron D.; Shin, Jaemin

2006-08-01

This paper proposes iterative methods for estimating the area temperature distribution of a blackbody from its total radiated power spectrum measurements. This is called the inverse blackbody radiation problem. This problem is inherently ill-posed due to the characteristics of the kernel in the underlying integral equation given by Planck's law. The functions involved in the problem are all non-negative. Csiszár's I-divergence is an information-theoretic discrepancy measure between two non-negative functions. We derive iterative methods for minimizing Csiszár's I-divergence between the measured power spectrum and the power spectrum arising from the estimate according to the integral equation. Due to the ill-posedness of the problem, unconstrained algorithms often produce poor estimates, especially when the measurements are corrupted by noise. To alleviate this difficulty, we apply regularization methods to our algorithms. Penalties based on Shannon's entropy, the L1-norm and Good's roughness are chosen to suppress the undesirable artefacts. When a penalty is applied, the pertinent optimization that needs to be performed at each iteration is no longer trivial. In particular, Good's roughness causes couplings between estimate components. To handle this issue, we adapt Green's one-step-late method. This choice is based on the important fact that our minimum I-divergence algorithms can be interpreted as asymptotic forms of certain expectation-maximization algorithms. The effectiveness of our methods is illustrated via various numerical experiments.

The Regular Education Initiative in the U.S.: What Is Its Relevance to the Integration Movement in Australia?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Shea, Lawrence J.; And Others

1989-01-01

A rationale for the regular education initiative (REI) is presented, focusing on criticisms of current service delivery such as disjointed incrementalism, excessive proceduralism, and inefficacy of pull-out programs. Criticisms of REI are addressed, and the issues are analyzed from the context of the integration movement in Australian schools.…

Social Effects of Integrated Classrooms and Resource Room/ Regular Class Placements on Elementary Students with Learning Disabilities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Madge, Sally; And Others

1990-01-01

Social status of learning-disabled (LD) elementary students served by the Integrated Classroom Model was compared to that of LD elementary students in a regular class with resource room support. Results suggest that, although both groups had lower social status than nondisabled peers, ICM students blended into the classroom better. (Author/PB)

Regular and Special Educators: Handicap Integration Attitudes and Implications for Consultants.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gans, Karen D.

1985-01-01

One-hundred twenty-eight regular and 133 special educators responded to a questionnaire on mainstreaming. The two groups were similiar in their attitudes. Regular educators displayed more negative attitudes, but the differences rarely reached significance. Group differences became more apparent when attitudes concerning specific handicapping…

Analysis tools for the interplay between genome layout and regulation.

PubMed

Bouyioukos, Costas; Elati, Mohamed; Képès, François

2016-06-06

Genome layout and gene regulation appear to be interdependent. Understanding this interdependence is key to exploring the dynamic nature of chromosome conformation and to engineering functional genomes. Evidence for non-random genome layout, defined as the relative positioning of either co-functional or co-regulated genes, stems from two main approaches. Firstly, the analysis of contiguous genome segments across species, has highlighted the conservation of gene arrangement (synteny) along chromosomal regions. Secondly, the study of long-range interactions along a chromosome has emphasised regularities in the positioning of microbial genes that are co-regulated, co-expressed or evolutionarily correlated. While one-dimensional pattern analysis is a mature field, it is often powerless on biological datasets which tend to be incomplete, and partly incorrect. Moreover, there is a lack of comprehensive, user-friendly tools to systematically analyse, visualise, integrate and exploit regularities along genomes. Here we present the Genome REgulatory and Architecture Tools SCAN (GREAT:SCAN) software for the systematic study of the interplay between genome layout and gene expression regulation. SCAN is a collection of related and interconnected applications currently able to perform systematic analyses of genome regularities as well as to improve transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) and gene regulatory network predictions based on gene positional information. We demonstrate the capabilities of these tools by studying on one hand the regular patterns of genome layout in the major regulons of the bacterium Escherichia coli. On the other hand, we demonstrate the capabilities to improve TFBS prediction in microbes. Finally, we highlight, by visualisation of multivariate techniques, the interplay between position and sequence information for effective transcription regulation.

A FRAMEWORK FOR ATTRIBUTE-BASED COMMUNITY DETECTION WITH APPLICATIONS TO INTEGRATED FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS.

PubMed

Yu, Han; Hageman Blair, Rachael

2016-01-01

Understanding community structure in networks has received considerable attention in recent years. Detecting and leveraging community structure holds promise for understanding and potentially intervening with the spread of influence. Network features of this type have important implications in a number of research areas, including, marketing, social networks, and biology. However, an overwhelming majority of traditional approaches to community detection cannot readily incorporate information of node attributes. Integrating structural and attribute information is a major challenge. We propose a exible iterative method; inverse regularized Markov Clustering (irMCL), to network clustering via the manipulation of the transition probability matrix (aka stochastic flow) corresponding to a graph. Similar to traditional Markov Clustering, irMCL iterates between "expand" and "inflate" operations, which aim to strengthen the intra-cluster flow, while weakening the inter-cluster flow. Attribute information is directly incorporated into the iterative method through a sigmoid (logistic function) that naturally dampens attribute influence that is contradictory to the stochastic flow through the network. We demonstrate advantages and the exibility of our approach using simulations and real data. We highlight an application that integrates breast cancer gene expression data set and a functional network defined via KEGG pathways reveal significant modules for survival.

Temperature crossover of decoherence rates in chaotic and regular bath dynamics.

PubMed

Sanz, A S; Elran, Y; Brumer, P

2012-03-01

The effect of chaotic bath dynamics on the decoherence of a quantum system is examined for the vibrational degrees of freedom of a diatomic molecule in a realistic, constant temperature collisional bath. As an example, the specific case of I(2) in liquid xenon is examined as a function of temperature, and the results compared with an integrable xenon bath. A crossover in behavior is found: The integrable bath induces more decoherence at low bath temperatures than does the chaotic bath, whereas the opposite is the case at the higher bath temperatures. These results, verifying a conjecture due to Wilkie, shed light on the differing views of the effect of chaotic dynamics on system decoherence.

Evaluating four-loop conformal Feynman integrals by D-dimensional differential equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eden, Burkhard; Smirnov, Vladimir A.

2016-10-01

We evaluate a four-loop conformal integral, i.e. an integral over four four-dimensional coordinates, by turning to its dimensionally regularized version and applying differential equations for the set of the corresponding 213 master integrals. To solve these linear differential equations we follow the strategy suggested by Henn and switch to a uniformly transcendental basis of master integrals. We find a solution to these equations up to weight eight in terms of multiple polylogarithms. Further, we present an analytical result for the given four-loop conformal integral considered in four-dimensional space-time in terms of single-valued harmonic polylogarithms. As a by-product, we obtain analytical results for all the other 212 master integrals within dimensional regularization, i.e. considered in D dimensions.

Dynamical Chaos in the Wisdom-Holman Integrator: Origins and Solutions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rauch, Kevin P.; Holman, Matthew

1999-01-01

We examine the nonlinear stability of the Wisdom-Holman (WH) symplectic mapping applied to the integration of perturbed, highly eccentric (e-0.9) two-body orbits. We find that the method is unstable and introduces artificial chaos into the computed trajectories for this class of problems, unless the step size chosen 1s small enough that PeriaPse is always resolved, in which case the method is generically stable. This 'radial orbit instability' persists even for weakly perturbed systems. Using the Stark problem as a fiducial test case, we investigate the dynamical origin of this instability and argue that the numerical chaos results from the overlap of step-size resonances; interestingly, for the Stark-problem many of these resonances appear to be absolutely stable. We similarly examine the robustness of several alternative integration methods: a time-regularized version of the WH mapping suggested by Mikkola; the potential-splitting (PS) method of Duncan, Levison, Lee; and two original methods incorporating approximations based on Stark motion instead of Keplerian motion. The two fixed point problem and a related, more general problem are used to conduct a comparative test of the various methods for several types of motion. Among the algorithms tested, the time-transformed WH mapping is clearly the most efficient and stable method of integrating eccentric, nearly Keplerian orbits in the absence of close encounters. For test particles subject to both high eccentricities and very close encounters, we find an enhanced version of the PS method-incorporating time regularization, force-center switching, and an improved kernel function-to be both economical and highly versatile. We conclude that Stark-based methods are of marginal utility in N-body type integrations. Additional implications for the symplectic integration of N-body systems are discussed.

On the basis property of the system of eigenfunctions and associated functions of a one-dimensional Dirac operator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savchuk, A. M.

2018-04-01

We study a one-dimensional Dirac system on a finite interval. The potential (a 2× 2 matrix) is assumed to be complex- valued and integrable. The boundary conditions are assumed to be regular in the sense of Birkhoff. It is known that such an operator has a discrete spectrum and the system \\{\\mathbf{y}_n\\}_1^∞ of its eigenfunctions and associated functions is a Riesz basis (possibly with brackets) in L_2\\oplus L_2. Our results concern the basis property of this system in the spaces L_μ\\oplus L_μ for μ\

The Level of Satisfaction of Female Learning Disabilities' Parents with Their Kids' Integration in Regular Schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abahusain, Wedad A.

2016-01-01

This study aims at finding out the parents' level of satisfaction with the integration of their daughters with learning disabilities in regular schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study sample consisted of 283 parents of female students. The instrument of data collection was a questionnaire consisting of 59 items for 10 domains. The study results…

Pandiculation: nature's way of maintaining the functional integrity of the myofascial system?

PubMed

Bertolucci, Luiz Fernando

2011-07-01

Pandiculation is the involuntary stretching of the soft tissues, which occurs in most animal species and is associated with transitions between cyclic biological behaviors, especially the sleep-wake rhythm (Walusinski, 2006). Yawning is considered a special case of pandiculation that affects the musculature of the mouth, respiratory system and upper spine (Baenninger, 1997). When, as often happens, yawning occurs simultaneously with pandiculation in other body regions (Bertolini and Gessa, 1981; Lehmann, 1979; Urba-Holmgren et al., 1977) the combined behavior is referred to as the stretch-yawning syndrome (SYS). SYS has been associated with the arousal function, as it seems to reset the central nervous system to the waking state after a period of sleep and prepare the animal to respond to environmental stimuli (Walusinski, 2006). This paper explores the hypothesis that the SYS might also have an auto-regulatory role regarding the locomotor system: to maintain the animal's ability to express coordinated and integrated movement by regularly restoring and resetting the structural and functional equilibrium of the myofascial system. It is now recognized that the myofascial system is integrative, linking body parts, as the force of a muscle is transmitted via the fascial structures well beyond the tendonous attachments of the muscle itself (Huijing and Jaspers, 2005). It is argued here that pandiculation might preserve the integrative role of the myofascial system by (a) developing and maintaining appropriate physiological fascial interconnections and (b) modulating the pre-stress state of the myofascial system by regularly activating the tonic musculature. The ideas presented here initially arose from clinical observations during the practice of a manual therapy called Muscular Repositioning (MR) (Bertolucci, 2008; Bertolucci and Kozasa, 2010a; Bertolucci, 2010b). These observations were supplemented by a review of the literature on the subject. A possible link between MR and SYS is presented: The neural reflexes characteristically evoked through MR are reminiscent of SYS, which both suggests that MR might stimulate parts of the SYS reaction, and also points to one of MR's possible mechanisms of action. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Dominant structural and functional adaptations of distant chemosensory systems in phylogenesis of Gastropoda].

PubMed

Zaĭtseva, O V

2000-08-01

The invasion of land by gastropods independent and repeated in the course of their evolution, was shown to be accompanied by appearance of organisationally similar olfactory tentacular organs and special integrative centres. The majority of primary and secondary water gastropods in different phylogenetic groups had a different, more primitive organisation of the tentacular sensory system as compared to the terrestrial species. Regularities of the phylogenetic adaptations of mollusks to the habitat media and lifestyle are discussed.

Quantum electron levels in the field of a charged black hole

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

Dokuchaev, V. I.; Eroshenko, Yu. N., E-mail: eroshenko@ms2.inr.ac.ru

2015-12-15

Stationary solutions of the Dirac equation in the metric of the charged Reissner–Nordstrom black hole are found. In the case of an extremal black hole, the normalization integral of the wave functions is finite, and the regular stationary solution is physically self-consistent. The presence of quantum electron levels under the Cauchy horizon can have an impact on the final stage of the Hawking evaporation of the black hole, as well as on the particle scattering in the field of the black hole.

LCG/AA build infrastructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hodgkins, Alex Liam; Diez, Victor; Hegner, Benedikt

2012-12-01

The Software Process & Infrastructure (SPI) project provides a build infrastructure for regular integration testing and release of the LCG Applications Area software stack. In the past, regular builds have been provided using a system which has been constantly growing to include more features like server-client communication, long-term build history and a summary web interface using present-day web technologies. However, the ad-hoc style of software development resulted in a setup that is hard to monitor, inflexible and difficult to expand. The new version of the infrastructure is based on the Django Python framework, which allows for a structured and modular design, facilitating later additions. Transparency in the workflows and ease of monitoring has been one of the priorities in the design. Formerly missing functionality like on-demand builds or release triggering will support the transition to a more agile development process.

Functional interrogation of non-coding DNA through CRISPR genome editing

PubMed Central

Canver, Matthew C.; Bauer, Daniel E.; Orkin, Stuart H.

2017-01-01

Methodologies to interrogate non-coding regions have lagged behind coding regions despite comprising the vast majority of the genome. However, the rapid evolution of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based genome editing has provided a multitude of novel techniques for laboratory investigation including significant contributions to the toolbox for studying non-coding DNA. CRISPR-mediated loss-of-function strategies rely on direct disruption of the underlying sequence or repression of transcription without modifying the targeted DNA sequence. CRISPR-mediated gain-of-function approaches similarly benefit from methods to alter the targeted sequence through integration of customized sequence into the genome as well as methods to activate transcription. Here we review CRISPR-based loss- and gain-of-function techniques for the interrogation of non-coding DNA. PMID:28288828

Willingness of Regular and Special Educators to Teach Students with Handicaps.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gans, Karen Derk

1987-01-01

Regular educators (N=128) and special educators (N=133) in 21 Ohio school districts responded to a questionnaire regarding handicap integration. Willingness of regular educators to teach handicapped students depended more heavily on demographic variables (e.g., total number of years in teaching); willingness of special educators depended more on…

The evolution of pattern camouflage strategies in waterfowl and game birds.

PubMed

Marshall, Kate L A; Gluckman, Thanh-Lan

2015-05-01

Visual patterns are common in animals. A broad survey of the literature has revealed that different patterns have distinct functions. Irregular patterns (e.g., stipples) typically function in static camouflage, whereas regular patterns (e.g., stripes) have a dual function in both motion camouflage and communication. Moreover, irregular and regular patterns located on different body regions ("bimodal" patterning) can provide an effective compromise between camouflage and communication and/or enhanced concealment via both static and motion camouflage. Here, we compared the frequency of these three pattern types and traced their evolutionary history using Bayesian comparative modeling in aquatic waterfowl (Anseriformes: 118 spp.), which typically escape predators by flight, and terrestrial game birds (Galliformes: 170 spp.), which mainly use a "sit and hide" strategy to avoid predation. Given these life histories, we predicted that selection would favor regular patterning in Anseriformes and irregular or bimodal patterning in Galliformes and that pattern function complexity should increase over the course of evolution. Regular patterns were predominant in Anseriformes whereas regular and bimodal patterns were most frequent in Galliformes, suggesting that patterns with multiple functions are broadly favored by selection over patterns with a single function in static camouflage. We found that the first patterns to evolve were either regular or bimodal in Anseriformes and either irregular or regular in Galliformes. In both orders, irregular patterns could evolve into regular patterns but not the reverse. Our hypothesis of increasing complexity in pattern camouflage function was supported in Galliformes but not in Anseriformes. These results reveal a trajectory of pattern evolution linked to increasing function complexity in Galliformes although not in Anseriformes, suggesting that both ecology and function complexity can have a profound influence on pattern evolution.

The evolution of pattern camouflage strategies in waterfowl and game birds

PubMed Central

Marshall, Kate L A; Gluckman, Thanh-Lan

2015-01-01

Visual patterns are common in animals. A broad survey of the literature has revealed that different patterns have distinct functions. Irregular patterns (e.g., stipples) typically function in static camouflage, whereas regular patterns (e.g., stripes) have a dual function in both motion camouflage and communication. Moreover, irregular and regular patterns located on different body regions (“bimodal” patterning) can provide an effective compromise between camouflage and communication and/or enhanced concealment via both static and motion camouflage. Here, we compared the frequency of these three pattern types and traced their evolutionary history using Bayesian comparative modeling in aquatic waterfowl (Anseriformes: 118 spp.), which typically escape predators by flight, and terrestrial game birds (Galliformes: 170 spp.), which mainly use a “sit and hide” strategy to avoid predation. Given these life histories, we predicted that selection would favor regular patterning in Anseriformes and irregular or bimodal patterning in Galliformes and that pattern function complexity should increase over the course of evolution. Regular patterns were predominant in Anseriformes whereas regular and bimodal patterns were most frequent in Galliformes, suggesting that patterns with multiple functions are broadly favored by selection over patterns with a single function in static camouflage. We found that the first patterns to evolve were either regular or bimodal in Anseriformes and either irregular or regular in Galliformes. In both orders, irregular patterns could evolve into regular patterns but not the reverse. Our hypothesis of increasing complexity in pattern camouflage function was supported in Galliformes but not in Anseriformes. These results reveal a trajectory of pattern evolution linked to increasing function complexity in Galliformes although not in Anseriformes, suggesting that both ecology and function complexity can have a profound influence on pattern evolution. PMID:26045950

Thin-plate spline quadrature of geodetic integrals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vangysen, Herman

1989-01-01

Thin-plate spline functions (known for their flexibility and fidelity in representing experimental data) are especially well-suited for the numerical integration of geodetic integrals in the area where the integration is most sensitive to the data, i.e., in the immediate vicinity of the evaluation point. Spline quadrature rules are derived for the contribution of a circular innermost zone to Stoke's formula, to the formulae of Vening Meinesz, and to the recursively evaluated operator L(n) in the analytical continuation solution of Molodensky's problem. These rules are exact for interpolating thin-plate splines. In cases where the integration data are distributed irregularly, a system of linear equations needs to be solved for the quadrature coefficients. Formulae are given for the terms appearing in these equations. In case the data are regularly distributed, the coefficients may be determined once-and-for-all. Examples are given of some fixed-point rules. With such rules successive evaluation, within a circular disk, of the terms in Molodensky's series becomes relatively easy. The spline quadrature technique presented complements other techniques such as ring integration for intermediate integration zones.

Characterization of Window Functions for Regularization of Electrical Capacitance Tomography Image Reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Peng; Peng, Lihui; Xiao, Deyun

2007-06-01

This paper presents a regularization method by using different window functions as regularization for electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) image reconstruction. Image reconstruction for ECT is a typical ill-posed inverse problem. Because of the small singular values of the sensitivity matrix, the solution is sensitive to the measurement noise. The proposed method uses the spectral filtering properties of different window functions to make the solution stable by suppressing the noise in measurements. The window functions, such as the Hanning window, the cosine window and so on, are modified for ECT image reconstruction. Simulations with respect to five typical permittivity distributions are carried out. The reconstructions are better and some of the contours are clearer than the results from the Tikhonov regularization. Numerical results show that the feasibility of the image reconstruction algorithm using different window functions as regularization.

Regularized quasinormal modes for plasmonic resonators and open cavities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamandar Dezfouli, Mohsen; Hughes, Stephen

2018-03-01

Optical mode theory and analysis of open cavities and plasmonic particles is an essential component of optical resonator physics, offering considerable insight and efficiency for connecting to classical and quantum optical properties such as the Purcell effect. However, obtaining the dissipative modes in normalized form for arbitrarily shaped open-cavity systems is notoriously difficult, often involving complex spatial integrations, even after performing the necessary full space solutions to Maxwell's equations. The formal solutions are termed quasinormal modes, which are known to diverge in space, and additional techniques are frequently required to obtain more accurate field representations in the far field. In this work, we introduce a finite-difference time-domain technique that can be used to obtain normalized quasinormal modes using a simple dipole-excitation source, and an inverse Green function technique, in real frequency space, without having to perform any spatial integrations. Moreover, we show how these modes are naturally regularized to ensure the correct field decay behavior in the far field, and thus can be used at any position within and outside the resonator. We term these modes "regularized quasinormal modes" and show the reliability and generality of the theory by studying the generalized Purcell factor of dipole emitters near metallic nanoresonators, hybrid devices with metal nanoparticles coupled to dielectric waveguides, as well as coupled cavity-waveguides in photonic crystals slabs. We also directly compare our results with full-dipole simulations of Maxwell's equations without any approximations, and show excellent agreement.

[Recent studies on corneal epithelial barrier function].

PubMed

Liu, F F; Li, W; Liu, Z G; Chen, W S

2016-08-01

Corneal epithelium, the outermost layer of eyeball, is the main route for foreign materials to enter the eye. Under physiological conditions, the corneal epithelial superficial cells form a functionally selective permeability barrier. Integral corneal epithelial barrier function not only ensures the enrolling of nutrients which is required for regular metabolism, but also prevents foreign bodies, or disease-causing microorganism invasion. Recently, a large number of clinical and experimental studies have shown that abnormal corneal epithelial barrier function is the pathological basis for many ocular diseases. In addition, some study found that corneal epithelial barrier constitutes a variety of proteins involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and a series of physiological and pathological processes. This paper reviewed recent studies specifically on the corneal epithelial barrier, highlights of its structure, function and influence factors. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2016, 52: 631-635).

FAST TRACK COMMUNICATION: SUSY transformations with complex factorization constants: application to spectral singularities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samsonov, Boris F.

2010-10-01

Supersymmetric (SUSY) transformation operators with complex factorization constants are analyzed as operators acting in the Hilbert space of functions square integrable on the positive semiaxis. The obtained results are applied to Hamiltonians possessing spectral singularities which are non-Hermitian SUSY partners of self-adjoint operators. A new regularization procedure for the resolution of the identity operator in terms of a continuous biorthonormal set of the non-Hermitian Hamiltonian eigenfunctions is proposed. It is also argued that if the binorm of continuous spectrum eigenfunctions is interpreted in the same way as the norm of similar functions in the usual Hermitian case, then one can state that the function corresponding to a spectral singularity has zero binorm.

A study of renal function influence by integrating cloud-based manometers and physician order entry systems.

PubMed

Lin, Yuh-Feng; Sheng, Li-Huei; Wu, Mei-Yi; Zheng, Cai-Mei; Chang, Tian-Jong; Li, Yu-Chuan; Huang, Yu-Hui; Lu, Hsi-Peng

2014-12-01

No evidence exists from randomized trials to support using cloud-based manometers integrated with available physician order entry systems for tracking patient blood pressure (BP) to assist in the control of renal function deterioration. We investigated how integrating cloud-based manometers with physician order entry systems benefits our outpatient chronic kidney disease patients compared with typical BP tracking systems. We randomly assigned 36 chronic kidney disease patients to use cloud-based manometers integrated with physician order entry systems or typical BP recording sheets, and followed the patients for 6 months. The composite outcome was that the patients saw improvement both in BP and renal function. We compared the systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP), and renal function of our patients at 0 months, 3 months, and 6 months after using the integrated manometers and typical BP monitoring sheets. Nighttime SBP and DBP were significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group. Serum creatinine level in the study group improved significantly compared with the control group after the end of Month 6 (2.83 ± 2.0 vs. 4.38 ± 3.0, p = 0.018). Proteinuria improved nonsignificantly in Month 6 in the study group compared with the control group (1.05 ± 0.9 vs. 1.90 ± 1.3, p = 0.09). Both SBP and DBP during the nighttime hours improved significantly in the study group compared with the baseline. In pre-end-stage renal disease patients, regularly monitoring BP by integrating cloud-based manometers appears to result in a significant decrease in creatinine and improvement in nighttime BP control. Estimated glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria were found to be improved nonsignificantly, and thus, larger population and longer follow-up studies may be needed.

One-loop corrections from higher dimensional tree amplitudes

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

Cachazo, Freddy; He, Song; Yuan, Ellis Ye

We show how one-loop corrections to scattering amplitudes of scalars and gauge bosons can be obtained from tree amplitudes in one higher dimension. Starting with a complete tree-level scattering amplitude of n + 2 particles in five dimensions, one assumes that two of them cannot be “detected” and therefore an integration over their LIPS is carried out. The resulting object, function of the remaining n particles, is taken to be four-dimensional by restricting the corresponding momenta. We perform this procedure in the context of the tree-level CHY formulation of amplitudes. The scattering equations obtained in the procedure coincide with thosemore » derived by Geyer et al. from ambitwistor constructions and recently studied by two of the authors for bi-adjoint scalars. They have two sectors of solutions: regular and singular. We prove that the contribution from regular solutions generically gives rise to unphysical poles. However, using a BCFW argument we prove that the unphysical contributions are always homogeneous functions of the loop momentum and can be discarded. We also show that the contribution from singular solutions turns out to be homogeneous as well.« less

One-loop corrections from higher dimensional tree amplitudes

DOE PAGES

Cachazo, Freddy; He, Song; Yuan, Ellis Ye

2016-08-01

We show how one-loop corrections to scattering amplitudes of scalars and gauge bosons can be obtained from tree amplitudes in one higher dimension. Starting with a complete tree-level scattering amplitude of n + 2 particles in five dimensions, one assumes that two of them cannot be “detected” and therefore an integration over their LIPS is carried out. The resulting object, function of the remaining n particles, is taken to be four-dimensional by restricting the corresponding momenta. We perform this procedure in the context of the tree-level CHY formulation of amplitudes. The scattering equations obtained in the procedure coincide with thosemore » derived by Geyer et al. from ambitwistor constructions and recently studied by two of the authors for bi-adjoint scalars. They have two sectors of solutions: regular and singular. We prove that the contribution from regular solutions generically gives rise to unphysical poles. However, using a BCFW argument we prove that the unphysical contributions are always homogeneous functions of the loop momentum and can be discarded. We also show that the contribution from singular solutions turns out to be homogeneous as well.« less

FIMic: design for ultimate 3D-integral microscopy of in-vivo biological samples

PubMed Central

Scrofani, G.; Sola-Pikabea, J.; Llavador, A.; Sanchez-Ortiga, E.; Barreiro, J. C.; Saavedra, G.; Garcia-Sucerquia, J.; Martínez-Corral, M.

2017-01-01

In this work, Fourier integral microscope (FIMic), an ultimate design of 3D-integral microscopy, is presented. By placing a multiplexing microlens array at the aperture stop of the microscope objective of the host microscope, FIMic shows extended depth of field and enhanced lateral resolution in comparison with regular integral microscopy. As FIMic directly produces a set of orthographic views of the 3D-micrometer-sized sample, it is suitable for real-time imaging. Following regular integral-imaging reconstruction algorithms, a 2.75-fold enhanced depth of field and 2-time better spatial resolution in comparison with conventional integral microscopy is reported. Our claims are supported by theoretical analysis and experimental images of a resolution test target, cotton fibers, and in-vivo 3D-imaging of biological specimens. PMID:29359107

A Novel Hypercomplex Solution to Kepler's Problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Condurache, C.; Martinuşi, V.

2007-05-01

By using a Sundman like regularization, we offer a unified solution to Kepler's problem by using hypercomplex numbers. The fundamental role in this paper is played by the Laplace-Runge-Lenz prime integral and by the hypercomplex numbers algebra. The procedure unifies and generalizes the regularizations offered by Levi-Civita and Kustaanheimo-Stiefel. Closed form hypercomplex expressions for the law of motion and velocity are deduced, together with inedite hypercomplex prime integrals.

On static triplet structures in fluids with quantum behavior.

PubMed

Sesé, Luis M

2018-03-14

The problem of the equilibrium triplet structures in fluids with quantum behavior is discussed. Theoretical questions of interest to the real space structures are addressed by studying the three types of structures that can be determined via path integrals (instantaneous, centroid, and total thermalized-continuous linear response). The cases of liquid para-H 2 and liquid neon on their crystallization lines are examined with path-integral Monte Carlo simulations, the focus being on the instantaneous and the centroid triplet functions (equilateral and isosceles configurations). To analyze the results further, two standard closures, Kirkwood superposition and Jackson-Feenberg convolution, are utilized. In addition, some pilot calculations with path integrals and closures of the instantaneous triplet structure factor of liquid para-H 2 are also carried out for the equilateral components. Triplet structural regularities connected to the pair radial structures are identified, a remarkable usefulness of the closures employed is observed (e.g., triplet spatial functions for medium-long distances, triplet structure factors for medium k wave numbers), and physical insight into the role of pair correlations near quantum crystallization is gained.

Projected regression method for solving Fredholm integral equations arising in the analytic continuation problem of quantum physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arsenault, Louis-François; Neuberg, Richard; Hannah, Lauren A.; Millis, Andrew J.

2017-11-01

We present a supervised machine learning approach to the inversion of Fredholm integrals of the first kind as they arise, for example, in the analytic continuation problem of quantum many-body physics. The approach provides a natural regularization for the ill-conditioned inverse of the Fredholm kernel, as well as an efficient and stable treatment of constraints. The key observation is that the stability of the forward problem permits the construction of a large database of outputs for physically meaningful inputs. Applying machine learning to this database generates a regression function of controlled complexity, which returns approximate solutions for previously unseen inputs; the approximate solutions are then projected onto the subspace of functions satisfying relevant constraints. Under standard error metrics the method performs as well or better than the Maximum Entropy method for low input noise and is substantially more robust to increased input noise. We suggest that the methodology will be similarly effective for other problems involving a formally ill-conditioned inversion of an integral operator, provided that the forward problem can be efficiently solved.

On static triplet structures in fluids with quantum behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sesé, Luis M.

2018-03-01

The problem of the equilibrium triplet structures in fluids with quantum behavior is discussed. Theoretical questions of interest to the real space structures are addressed by studying the three types of structures that can be determined via path integrals (instantaneous, centroid, and total thermalized-continuous linear response). The cases of liquid para-H2 and liquid neon on their crystallization lines are examined with path-integral Monte Carlo simulations, the focus being on the instantaneous and the centroid triplet functions (equilateral and isosceles configurations). To analyze the results further, two standard closures, Kirkwood superposition and Jackson-Feenberg convolution, are utilized. In addition, some pilot calculations with path integrals and closures of the instantaneous triplet structure factor of liquid para-H2 are also carried out for the equilateral components. Triplet structural regularities connected to the pair radial structures are identified, a remarkable usefulness of the closures employed is observed (e.g., triplet spatial functions for medium-long distances, triplet structure factors for medium k wave numbers), and physical insight into the role of pair correlations near quantum crystallization is gained.

Deforming regular black holes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neves, J. C. S.

2017-06-01

In this work, we have deformed regular black holes which possess a general mass term described by a function which generalizes the Bardeen and Hayward mass functions. By using linear constraints in the energy-momentum tensor to generate metrics, the solutions presented in this work are either regular or singular. That is, within this approach, it is possible to generate regular or singular black holes from regular or singular black holes. Moreover, contrary to the Bardeen and Hayward regular solutions, the deformed regular black holes may violate the weak energy condition despite the presence of the spherical symmetry. Some comments on accretion of deformed black holes in cosmological scenarios are made.

UV-IR mixing in nonassociative Snyder ϕ4 theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meljanac, Stjepan; Mignemi, Salvatore; Trampetic, Josip; You, Jiangyang

2018-03-01

Using a quantization of the nonassociative and noncommutative Snyder ϕ4 scalar field theory in a Hermitian realization, we present in this article analytical formulas for the momentum-conserving part of the one-loop two-point function of this theory in D -, 4-, and 3-dimensional Euclidean spaces, which are exact with respect to the noncommutative deformation parameter β . We prove that these integrals are regularized by the Snyder deformation. These results indicate that the Snyder deformation does partially regularize the UV divergences of the undeformed theory, as it was proposed decades ago. Furthermore, it is observed that different nonassociative ϕ4 products can generate different momentum-conserving integrals. Finally, most importantly, a logarithmic infrared divergence emerges in one of these interaction terms. We then analyze sample momentum nonconserving integral qualitatively and show that it could exhibit IR divergence too. Therefore, infrared divergences should exist, in general, in the Snyder ϕ4 theory. We consider infrared divergences at the limit p →0 as UV/IR mixings induced by nonassociativity, since they are associated to the matching UV divergence in the zero-momentum limit and appear in specific types of nonassociative ϕ4 products. We also discuss the extrapolation of the Snyder deformation parameter β to negative values as well as certain general properties of one-loop quantum corrections in Snyder ϕ4 theory at the zero-momentum limit.

Development of a software package for solid-angle calculations using the Monte Carlo method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jie; Chen, Xiulian; Zhang, Changsheng; Li, Gang; Xu, Jiayun; Sun, Guangai

2014-02-01

Solid-angle calculations play an important role in the absolute calibration of radioactivity measurement systems and in the determination of the activity of radioactive sources, which are often complicated. In the present paper, a software package is developed to provide a convenient tool for solid-angle calculations in nuclear physics. The proposed software calculates solid angles using the Monte Carlo method, in which a new type of variance reduction technique was integrated. The package, developed under the environment of Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC) in Microsoft Visual C++, has a graphical user interface, in which, the visualization function is integrated in conjunction with OpenGL. One advantage of the proposed software package is that it can calculate the solid angle subtended by a detector with different geometric shapes (e.g., cylinder, square prism, regular triangular prism or regular hexagonal prism) to a point, circular or cylindrical source without any difficulty. The results obtained from the proposed software package were compared with those obtained from previous studies and calculated using Geant4. It shows that the proposed software package can produce accurate solid-angle values with a greater computation speed than Geant4.

Pathview Web: user friendly pathway visualization and data integration.

PubMed

Luo, Weijun; Pant, Gaurav; Bhavnasi, Yeshvant K; Blanchard, Steven G; Brouwer, Cory

2017-07-03

Pathway analysis is widely used in omics studies. Pathway-based data integration and visualization is a critical component of the analysis. To address this need, we recently developed a novel R package called Pathview. Pathview maps, integrates and renders a large variety of biological data onto molecular pathway graphs. Here we developed the Pathview Web server, as to make pathway visualization and data integration accessible to all scientists, including those without the special computing skills or resources. Pathview Web features an intuitive graphical web interface and a user centered design. The server not only expands the core functions of Pathview, but also provides many useful features not available in the offline R package. Importantly, the server presents a comprehensive workflow for both regular and integrated pathway analysis of multiple omics data. In addition, the server also provides a RESTful API for programmatic access and conveniently integration in third-party software or workflows. Pathview Web is openly and freely accessible at https://pathview.uncc.edu/. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Differential memory in the trilinear model magnetotail

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, James; Mitchell, Horage G.; Palmadesso, Peter J.

1990-01-01

The previously proposed concept of 'differential memory' is quantitatively demonstrated using an idealized analytical model of particle dynamics in the magnetotail geometry. In this model (the 'trilinear' tail model) the magnetotail is divided into three regions. The particle orbits are solved exactly in each region, thus reducing the orbit integration to an analytical mapping. It is shown that the trilinear model reproduces the essential phase space features of the earlier model (Chen and Palmadesso, 1986), possessing well-defined entry and exit regions, and stochastic, integrable (regular), and transient orbits, occupying disjoint phase space regions. Different regions have widely separated characteristic time scales corresponding to different types of particle motion. Using the analytical model, the evolution of single-particle distribution functions is calculated.

Regularization with numerical extrapolation for finite and UV-divergent multi-loop integrals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Doncker, E.; Yuasa, F.; Kato, K.; Ishikawa, T.; Kapenga, J.; Olagbemi, O.

2018-03-01

We give numerical integration results for Feynman loop diagrams such as those covered by Laporta (2000) and by Baikov and Chetyrkin (2010), and which may give rise to loop integrals with UV singularities. We explore automatic adaptive integration using multivariate techniques from the PARINT package for multivariate integration, as well as iterated integration with programs from the QUADPACK package, and a trapezoidal method based on a double exponential transformation. PARINT is layered over MPI (Message Passing Interface), and incorporates advanced parallel/distributed techniques including load balancing among processes that may be distributed over a cluster or a network/grid of nodes. Results are included for 2-loop vertex and box diagrams and for sets of 2-, 3- and 4-loop self-energy diagrams with or without UV terms. Numerical regularization of integrals with singular terms is achieved by linear and non-linear extrapolation methods.

Exact finite volume expectation values of \\overline{Ψ}Ψ in the massive Thirring model from light-cone lattice correlators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hegedűs, Árpád

2018-03-01

In this paper, using the light-cone lattice regularization, we compute the finite volume expectation values of the composite operator \\overline{Ψ}Ψ between pure fermion states in the Massive Thirring Model. In the light-cone regularized picture, this expectation value is related to 2-point functions of lattice spin operators being located at neighboring sites of the lattice. The operator \\overline{Ψ}Ψ is proportional to the trace of the stress-energy tensor. This is why the continuum finite volume expectation values can be computed also from the set of non-linear integral equations (NLIE) governing the finite volume spectrum of the theory. Our results for the expectation values coming from the computation of lattice correlators agree with those of the NLIE computations. Previous conjectures for the LeClair-Mussardo-type series representation of the expectation values are also checked.

Extending HPF for advanced data parallel applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, Barbara; Mehrotra, Piyush; Zima, Hans

1994-01-01

The stated goal of High Performance Fortran (HPF) was to 'address the problems of writing data parallel programs where the distribution of data affects performance'. After examining the current version of the language we are led to the conclusion that HPF has not fully achieved this goal. While the basic distribution functions offered by the language - regular block, cyclic, and block cyclic distributions - can support regular numerical algorithms, advanced applications such as particle-in-cell codes or unstructured mesh solvers cannot be expressed adequately. We believe that this is a major weakness of HPF, significantly reducing its chances of becoming accepted in the numeric community. The paper discusses the data distribution and alignment issues in detail, points out some flaws in the basic language, and outlines possible future paths of development. Furthermore, we briefly deal with the issue of task parallelism and its integration with the data parallel paradigm of HPF.

Medical doctors and complementary and alternative medicine: the context of holistic practice.

PubMed

Winnick, Terri A

2006-04-01

Consumers, health care financing, external and internal competition are factors identified in the medical literature as prompting change within medicine. I test these factors to determine if they also prompt regular doctors to define themselves as 'holistic MDs' and align themselves with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). State-level regression analyses on the number of MDs advertising in referral directories for CAM therapies find holistic practice a function of practice locale. The proportion of holistic MDs increases in states with an older population, where more patients survive despite serious disabilities, and where non-physician providers pose a competitive threat. Consumer demand, specialization and licensing do not significantly influence adoption of CAM treatments in these analyses. Health care financing has disparate effects. Indemnity insurance constrains holistic practice while HMO penetration enhances it. These results suggest that holistic practice may be an integral part of the regular profession's ongoing professionalization project.

Functional interrogation of non-coding DNA through CRISPR genome editing.

PubMed

Canver, Matthew C; Bauer, Daniel E; Orkin, Stuart H

2017-05-15

Methodologies to interrogate non-coding regions have lagged behind coding regions despite comprising the vast majority of the genome. However, the rapid evolution of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based genome editing has provided a multitude of novel techniques for laboratory investigation including significant contributions to the toolbox for studying non-coding DNA. CRISPR-mediated loss-of-function strategies rely on direct disruption of the underlying sequence or repression of transcription without modifying the targeted DNA sequence. CRISPR-mediated gain-of-function approaches similarly benefit from methods to alter the targeted sequence through integration of customized sequence into the genome as well as methods to activate transcription. Here we review CRISPR-based loss- and gain-of-function techniques for the interrogation of non-coding DNA. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

s-SMOOTH: Sparsity and Smoothness Enhanced EEG Brain Tomography

PubMed Central

Li, Ying; Qin, Jing; Hsin, Yue-Loong; Osher, Stanley; Liu, Wentai

2016-01-01

EEG source imaging enables us to reconstruct current density in the brain from the electrical measurements with excellent temporal resolution (~ ms). The corresponding EEG inverse problem is an ill-posed one that has infinitely many solutions. This is due to the fact that the number of EEG sensors is usually much smaller than that of the potential dipole locations, as well as noise contamination in the recorded signals. To obtain a unique solution, regularizations can be incorporated to impose additional constraints on the solution. An appropriate choice of regularization is critically important for the reconstruction accuracy of a brain image. In this paper, we propose a novel Sparsity and SMOOthness enhanced brain TomograpHy (s-SMOOTH) method to improve the reconstruction accuracy by integrating two recently proposed regularization techniques: Total Generalized Variation (TGV) regularization and ℓ1−2 regularization. TGV is able to preserve the source edge and recover the spatial distribution of the source intensity with high accuracy. Compared to the relevant total variation (TV) regularization, TGV enhances the smoothness of the image and reduces staircasing artifacts. The traditional TGV defined on a 2D image has been widely used in the image processing field. In order to handle 3D EEG source images, we propose a voxel-based Total Generalized Variation (vTGV) regularization that extends the definition of second-order TGV from 2D planar images to 3D irregular surfaces such as cortex surface. In addition, the ℓ1−2 regularization is utilized to promote sparsity on the current density itself. We demonstrate that ℓ1−2 regularization is able to enhance sparsity and accelerate computations than ℓ1 regularization. The proposed model is solved by an efficient and robust algorithm based on the difference of convex functions algorithm (DCA) and the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). Numerical experiments using synthetic data demonstrate the advantages of the proposed method over other state-of-the-art methods in terms of total reconstruction accuracy, localization accuracy and focalization degree. The application to the source localization of event-related potential data further demonstrates the performance of the proposed method in real-world scenarios. PMID:27965529

Wafer-scale growth of large arrays of perovskite microplate crystals for functional electronics and optoelectronics.

PubMed

Wang, Gongming; Li, Dehui; Cheng, Hung-Chieh; Li, Yongjia; Chen, Chih-Yen; Yin, Anxiang; Zhao, Zipeng; Lin, Zhaoyang; Wu, Hao; He, Qiyuan; Ding, Mengning; Liu, Yuan; Huang, Yu; Duan, Xiangfeng

2015-10-01

Methylammonium lead iodide perovskite has attracted intensive interest for its diverse optoelectronic applications. However, most studies to date have been limited to bulk thin films that are difficult to implement for integrated device arrays because of their incompatibility with typical lithography processes. We report the first patterned growth of regular arrays of perovskite microplate crystals for functional electronics and optoelectronics. We show that large arrays of lead iodide microplates can be grown from an aqueous solution through a seeded growth process and can be further intercalated with methylammonium iodide to produce perovskite crystals. Structural and optical characterizations demonstrate that the resulting materials display excellent crystalline quality and optical properties. We further show that perovskite crystals can be selectively grown on prepatterned electrode arrays to create independently addressable photodetector arrays and functional field effect transistors. The ability to grow perovskite microplates and to precisely place them at specific locations offers a new material platform for the fundamental investigation of the electronic and optical properties of perovskite materials and opens a pathway for integrated electronic and optoelectronic systems.

Wafer-scale growth of large arrays of perovskite microplate crystals for functional electronics and optoelectronics

PubMed Central

Wang, Gongming; Li, Dehui; Cheng, Hung-Chieh; Li, Yongjia; Chen, Chih-Yen; Yin, Anxiang; Zhao, Zipeng; Lin, Zhaoyang; Wu, Hao; He, Qiyuan; Ding, Mengning; Liu, Yuan; Huang, Yu; Duan, Xiangfeng

2015-01-01

Methylammonium lead iodide perovskite has attracted intensive interest for its diverse optoelectronic applications. However, most studies to date have been limited to bulk thin films that are difficult to implement for integrated device arrays because of their incompatibility with typical lithography processes. We report the first patterned growth of regular arrays of perovskite microplate crystals for functional electronics and optoelectronics. We show that large arrays of lead iodide microplates can be grown from an aqueous solution through a seeded growth process and can be further intercalated with methylammonium iodide to produce perovskite crystals. Structural and optical characterizations demonstrate that the resulting materials display excellent crystalline quality and optical properties. We further show that perovskite crystals can be selectively grown on prepatterned electrode arrays to create independently addressable photodetector arrays and functional field effect transistors. The ability to grow perovskite microplates and to precisely place them at specific locations offers a new material platform for the fundamental investigation of the electronic and optical properties of perovskite materials and opens a pathway for integrated electronic and optoelectronic systems. PMID:26601297

Wafer-scale growth of large arrays of perovskite microplate crystals for functional electronics and optoelectronics

DOE PAGES

Wang, Gongming; Li, Dehui; Cheng, Hung -Chieh; ...

2015-10-02

Methylammonium lead iodide perovskite has attracted intensive interest for its diverse optoelectronic applications. However, most studies to date have been limited to bulk thin films that are difficult to implement for integrated device arrays because of their incompatibility with typical lithography processes. We report the first patterned growth of regular arrays of perovskite microplate crystals for functional electronics and optoelectronics. We show that large arrays of lead iodide microplates can be grown from an aqueous solution through a seeded growth process and can be further intercalated with methylammonium iodide to produce perovskite crystals. Structural and optical characterizations demonstrate that themore » resulting materials display excellent crystalline quality and optical properties. We further show that perovskite crystals can be selectively grown on prepatterned electrode arrays to create independently addressable photodetector arrays and functional field effect transistors. Furthermore, the ability to grow perovskite microplates and to precisely place them at specific locations offers a new material platform for the fundamental investigation of the electronic and optical properties of perovskite materials and opens a pathway for integrated electronic and optoelectronic systems.« less

Factors controlling high-frequency radiation from extended ruptures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beresnev, Igor A.

2017-09-01

Small-scale slip heterogeneity or variations in rupture velocity on the fault plane are often invoked to explain the high-frequency radiation from earthquakes. This view has no theoretical basis, which follows, for example, from the representation integral of elasticity, an exact solution for the radiated wave field. The Fourier transform, applied to the integral, shows that the seismic spectrum is fully controlled by that of the source time function, while the distribution of final slip and rupture acceleration/deceleration only contribute to directivity. This inference is corroborated by the precise numerical computation of the full radiated field from the representation integral. We compare calculated radiation from four finite-fault models: (1) uniform slip function with low slip velocity, (2) slip function spatially modulated by a sinusoidal function, (3) slip function spatially modulated by a sinusoidal function with random roughness added, and (4) uniform slip function with high slip velocity. The addition of "asperities," both regular and irregular, does not cause any systematic increase in the spectral level of high-frequency radiation, except for the creation of maxima due to constructive interference. On the other hand, an increase in the maximum rate of slip on the fault leads to highly amplified high frequencies, in accordance with the prediction on the basis of a simple point-source treatment of the fault. Hence, computations show that the temporal rate of slip, not the spatial heterogeneity on faults, is the predominant factor forming the high-frequency radiation and thus controlling the velocity and acceleration of the resulting ground motions.

Regularization of the Perturbed Spatial Restricted Three-Body Problem by L-Transformations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poleshchikov, S. M.

2018-03-01

Equations of motion for the perturbed circular restricted three-body problem have been regularized in canonical variables in a moving coordinate system. Two different L-matrices of the fourth order are used in the regularization. Conditions for generalized symplecticity of the constructed transform have been checked. In the unperturbed case, the regular equations have a polynomial structure. The regular equations have been numerically integrated using the Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg method. The results of numerical experiments are given for the Earth-Moon system parameters taking into account the perturbation of the Sun for different L-matrices.

Long-term effects of marijuana use on the brain

PubMed Central

Filbey, Francesca M.; Aslan, Sina; Calhoun, Vince D.; Spence, Jeffrey S.; Damaraju, Eswar; Caprihan, Arvind; Segall, Judith

2014-01-01

Questions surrounding the effects of chronic marijuana use on brain structure continue to increase. To date, however, findings remain inconclusive. In this comprehensive study that aimed to characterize brain alterations associated with chronic marijuana use, we measured gray matter (GM) volume via structural MRI across the whole brain by using voxel-based morphology, synchrony among abnormal GM regions during resting state via functional connectivity MRI, and white matter integrity (i.e., structural connectivity) between the abnormal GM regions via diffusion tensor imaging in 48 marijuana users and 62 age- and sex-matched nonusing controls. The results showed that compared with controls, marijuana users had significantly less bilateral orbitofrontal gyri volume, higher functional connectivity in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) network, and higher structural connectivity in tracts that innervate the OFC (forceps minor) as measured by fractional anisotropy (FA). Increased OFC functional connectivity in marijuana users was associated with earlier age of onset. Lastly, a quadratic trend was observed suggesting that the FA of the forceps minor tract initially increased following regular marijuana use but decreased with protracted regular use. This pattern may indicate differential effects of initial and chronic marijuana use that may reflect complex neuroadaptive processes in response to marijuana use. Despite the observed age of onset effects, longitudinal studies are needed to determine causality of these effects. PMID:25385625

Subscribe to the Energy Systems Integration Newsletter | Energy Systems

Science.gov Websites

Integration Facility | NREL Subscribe to the Energy Systems Integration Newsletter Subscribe to the Energy Systems Integration Newsletter Subscribe to receive regular updates on what's happening at the Energy Systems Integration Facility and in energy systems integration research at NREL and around

The Behavior of Regular Satellites During the Planetary Migration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nogueira, Erica Cristina; Gomes, R. S.; Brasser, R.

2013-05-01

Abstract (2,250 Maximum Characters): The behavior of the regular satellites of the giant planets during the instability phase of the Nice model needs to be better understood. In order to explain this behavior, we used numerical simulations to investigate the evolution of the regular satellite systems of the ice giants when these two planets experienced encounters with the gas giants. For the initial conditions we placed an ice planet in between Jupiter and Saturn, according to the evolution of Nice model simulations in a ‘jumping Jupiter’ scenario (Brasser et al. 2009). We used the MERCURY integrator (Chambers 1999) and cloned simulations by slightly modifying the Hybrid integrator changeover parameter. We obtained 101 successful runs which kept all planets, of which 24 were jumping Jupiter cases. Subsequently we performed additional numerical integrations in which the ice giant that encountered a gas giant was started on the same orbit but with its regular satellites included. This is done as follows: For each of the 101 basic runs, we save the orbital elements of all objects in the integration at all close encounter events. Then we performed a backward integration to start the system 100 years before the encounter and re-enacted the forward integration with the regular satellites around the ice giant. These integrations ran for 1000 years. The final orbital elements of the satellites with respect to the ice planet were used to restart the integration for the next planetary encounter (if any). If we assume that Uranus is the ice planet that had encounters with a gas giant, we considered the satellites Miranda, Ariel, Umbriel, Titania and Oberon with their present orbits around the planet. For Neptune we introduced Triton with an orbit with a 15% larger than the actual semi-major axis to account for the tidal decay from the LHB to present time. We also assume that Triton was captured through binary disruption (Agnor and Hamilton 2006, Nogueira et al. 2011) and its orbit was circularized by tides during the ~500 million years before the LHB. References: Agnor & Hamilton 2006, Nature 441, 192 Brasser et al. 2009, A&A 507, 1053 Chambers 1999, Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc. 304, 793 Nogueira et al. 2011, Icarus 214, 113

The gravitational potential of axially symmetric bodies from a regularized green kernel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trova, A.; Huré, J.-M.; Hersant, F.

2011-12-01

The determination of the gravitational potential inside celestial bodies (rotating stars, discs, planets, asteroids) is a common challenge in numerical Astrophysics. Under axial symmetry, the potential is classically found from a two-dimensional integral over the body's meridional cross-section. Because it involves an improper integral, high accuracy is generally difficult to reach. We have discovered that, for homogeneous bodies, the singular Green kernel can be converted into a regular kernel by direct analytical integration. This new kernel, easily managed with standard techniques, opens interesting horizons, not only for numerical calculus but also to generate approximations, in particular for geometrically thin discs and rings.

A study of the continuum of integration of mathematics content with science concepts at the middle school level in West Virginia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meisel, Edna Marie

The purpose of this study was to examine the practices and perceptions of regular education seventh grade middle school mathematics teachers in West Virginia concerning the integration of mathematics objectives with science concepts. In addition, this study also emphasized the use of integrated curriculum continuum models to study mathematics teachers' practices and perceptions for teaching mathematics objectives in connection with science concepts. It was argued that the integrated curriculum continuum model can be used to help educators begin to form a common definition of integrated curriculum. The population was described as the regular education seventh grade middle school mathematics teachers in West Virginia. The entire population (N = 173) was used as the participants in this study. Data was collected using an integrated curriculum practices and perceptions survey constructed by the researcher. This was a descriptive study that incorporated the Chi Square statistic to show trends in teacher practices and perceptions. Also, an ex post facto design, that incorporated the Mann-Whitney U statistic, was used to compare practices and perceptions between teachers grouped according to factors that influence teaching practices and perceptions. These factors included teaching certificate endorsement and teacher professional preparation. Results showed that the regular education seventh grade middle school mathematics teachers of West Virginia are teaching mathematics objectives mainly at a discipline-based level with no formal attempt for integration with science concepts. However, these teachers perceived that many of the mathematics objectives should be taught at varying levels of integration with science concepts. It was also shown that teachers who experienced professional preparation courses that emphasized integrated curriculum courses did teach many of the mathematics objectives at higher levels of integration with science than those teachers who did not experience integrated curriculum courses.

Book Review:

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Louko, Jorma

2007-04-01

Bastianelli and van Nieuwenhuizen's monograph `Path Integrals and Anomalies in Curved Space' collects in one volume the results of the authors' 15-year research programme on anomalies that arise in Feynman diagrams of quantum field theories on curved manifolds. The programme was spurred by the path-integral techniques introduced in Alvarez-Gaumé and Witten's renowned 1983 paper on gravitational anomalies which, together with the anomaly cancellation paper by Green and Schwarz, led to the string theory explosion of the 1980s. The authors have produced a tour de force, giving a comprehensive and pedagogical exposition of material that is central to current research. The first part of the book develops from scratch a formalism for defining and evaluating quantum mechanical path integrals in nonlinear sigma models, using time slicing regularization, mode regularization and dimensional regularization. The second part applies this formalism to quantum fields of spin 0, 1/2, 1 and 3/2 and to self-dual antisymmetric tensor fields. The book concludes with a discussion of gravitational anomalies in 10-dimensional supergravities, for both classical and exceptional gauge groups. The target audience is researchers and graduate students in curved spacetime quantum field theory and string theory, and the aims, style and pedagogical level have been chosen with this audience in mind. Path integrals are treated as calculational tools, and the notation and terminology are throughout tailored to calculational convenience, rather than to mathematical rigour. The style is closer to that of an exceedingly thorough and self-contained review article than to that of a textbook. As the authors mention, the first part of the book can be used as an introduction to path integrals in quantum mechanics, although in a classroom setting perhaps more likely as supplementary reading than a primary class text. Readers outside the core audience, including this reviewer, will gain from the book a heightened appreciation of the central role of regularization as a defining ingredient of a quantum field theory and will be impressed by the agreement of results arising from different regularization schemes. The readers may in particular enjoy the authors' `brief history of anomalies' in quantum field theory, as well as a similar historical discussion of path integrals in quantum mechanics.

Integration for Severely Handicapped Children and Youth.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stremel-Campbell, Kathleen

1983-01-01

A model for integrating severely handicapped children and youth is composed of five major components: (1) general integration (in which a needs assessment determines such aspects as visibility of the classroom, interaction with regular classroom staff, and school-home communication); (2) active integration (in which educational and social…

Mainstreaming the Visually Impaired Child.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Calovini, Gloria, Ed.

Intended for school administrators and regular classroom teachers, the document presents guidelines for working with visually impaired students being integrated into regular classes. Included is a description of the special education program in Illinois. Sections cover the following topics: identification and referral of visually impaired…

Physiological gain leads to high ISI variability in a simple model of a cortical regular spiking cell.

PubMed

Troyer, T W; Miller, K D

1997-07-01

To understand the interspike interval (ISI) variability displayed by visual cortical neurons (Softky & Koch, 1993), it is critical to examine the dynamics of their neuronal integration, as well as the variability in their synaptic input current. Most previous models have focused on the latter factor. We match a simple integrate-and-fire model to the experimentally measured integrative properties of cortical regular spiking cells (McCormick, Connors, Lighthall, & Prince, 1985). After setting RC parameters, the post-spike voltage reset is set to match experimental measurements of neuronal gain (obtained from in vitro plots of firing frequency versus injected current). Examination of the resulting model leads to an intuitive picture of neuronal integration that unifies the seemingly contradictory 1/square root of N and random walk pictures that have previously been proposed. When ISIs are dominated by postspike recovery, 1/square root of N arguments hold and spiking is regular; after the "memory" of the last spike becomes negligible, spike threshold crossing is caused by input variance around a steady state and spiking is Poisson. In integrate-and-fire neurons matched to cortical cell physiology, steady-state behavior is predominant, and ISIs are highly variable at all physiological firing rates and for a wide range of inhibitory and excitatory inputs.

Attitudes of Preschool Teachers toward the Integration of Handicapped Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dyson, Lily L.; Kubo, H. Richard

Forty-six supervisors and teachers were surveyed regarding their attitudes toward integration of handicapped children in a regular preschool program, the helpfulness of supportive services, and the necessary conditions for the integration of their programs. Findings showed that the majority of teachers were in favor of integration and supportive…

Project for Integration of Pupils with Special Needs in Spain.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marchesi, Alvaro

1986-01-01

This paper analyzes a project approved by the Spanish government in 1985 to integrate special needs children into regular education. Outlined are characteristics of the Spanish educational system, parameters of practice in the integration project, and plans for the systematic evaluation of the integration project. (Author/JDD)

Assessment of Consultation and Intervention Implementation: A Review of Conjoint Behavioral Consultation Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collier-Meek, Melissa A.; Sanetti, Lisa M. H.

2014-01-01

Reviews of treatment outcome literature indicate treatment integrity is not regularly assessed. In consultation, two levels of treatment integrity (i.e., consultant procedural integrity [CPI] and intervention treatment integrity [ITI]) provide relevant implementation data. Specifically, assessment of CPI and ITI are necessary to conclude (a)…

Grid-texture mechanisms in human vision: Contrast detection of regular sparse micro-patterns requires specialist templates.

PubMed

Baker, Daniel H; Meese, Tim S

2016-07-27

Previous work has shown that human vision performs spatial integration of luminance contrast energy, where signals are squared and summed (with internal noise) over area at detection threshold. We tested that model here in an experiment using arrays of micro-pattern textures that varied in overall stimulus area and sparseness of their target elements, where the contrast of each element was normalised for sensitivity across the visual field. We found a power-law improvement in performance with stimulus area, and a decrease in sensitivity with sparseness. While the contrast integrator model performed well when target elements constituted 50-100% of the target area (replicating previous results), observers outperformed the model when texture elements were sparser than this. This result required the inclusion of further templates in our model, selective for grids of various regular texture densities. By assuming a MAX operation across these noisy mechanisms the model also accounted for the increase in the slope of the psychometric function that occurred as texture density decreased. Thus, for the first time, mechanisms that are selective for texture density have been revealed at contrast detection threshold. We suggest that these mechanisms have a role to play in the perception of visual textures.

Grid-texture mechanisms in human vision: Contrast detection of regular sparse micro-patterns requires specialist templates

PubMed Central

Baker, Daniel H.; Meese, Tim S.

2016-01-01

Previous work has shown that human vision performs spatial integration of luminance contrast energy, where signals are squared and summed (with internal noise) over area at detection threshold. We tested that model here in an experiment using arrays of micro-pattern textures that varied in overall stimulus area and sparseness of their target elements, where the contrast of each element was normalised for sensitivity across the visual field. We found a power-law improvement in performance with stimulus area, and a decrease in sensitivity with sparseness. While the contrast integrator model performed well when target elements constituted 50–100% of the target area (replicating previous results), observers outperformed the model when texture elements were sparser than this. This result required the inclusion of further templates in our model, selective for grids of various regular texture densities. By assuming a MAX operation across these noisy mechanisms the model also accounted for the increase in the slope of the psychometric function that occurred as texture density decreased. Thus, for the first time, mechanisms that are selective for texture density have been revealed at contrast detection threshold. We suggest that these mechanisms have a role to play in the perception of visual textures. PMID:27460430

On solvability of boundary value problems for hyperbolic fourth-order equations with nonlocal boundary conditions of integral type

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popov, Nikolay S.

2017-11-01

Solvability of some initial-boundary value problems for linear hyperbolic equations of the fourth order is studied. A condition on the lateral boundary in these problems relates the values of a solution or the conormal derivative of a solution to the values of some integral operator applied to a solution. Nonlocal boundary-value problems for one-dimensional hyperbolic second-order equations with integral conditions on the lateral boundary were considered in the articles by A.I. Kozhanov. Higher-dimensional hyperbolic equations of higher order with integral conditions on the lateral boundary were not studied earlier. The existence and uniqueness theorems of regular solutions are proven. The method of regularization and the method of continuation in a parameter are employed to establish solvability.

Functional determinants of radial operators in AdS 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguilera-Damia, Jeremías; Faraggi, Alberto; Zayas, Leopoldo Pando; Rathee, Vimal; Silva, Guillermo A.

2018-06-01

We study the zeta-function regularization of functional determinants of Laplace and Dirac-type operators in two-dimensional Euclidean AdS 2 space. More specifically, we consider the ratio of determinants between an operator in the presence of background fields with circular symmetry and the free operator in which the background fields are absent. By Fourier-transforming the angular dependence, one obtains an infinite number of one-dimensional radial operators, the determinants of which are easy to compute. The summation over modes is then treated with care so as to guarantee that the result coincides with the two-dimensional zeta-function formalism. The method relies on some well-known techniques to compute functional determinants using contour integrals and the construction of the Jost function from scattering theory. Our work generalizes some known results in flat space. The extension to conformal AdS 2 geometries is also considered. We provide two examples, one bosonic and one fermionic, borrowed from the spectrum of fluctuations of the holographic 1/4 -BPS latitude Wilson loop.

Determination of the turbulence integral model parameters for a case of a coolant angular flow in regular rod-bundle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bayaskhalanov, M. V.; Vlasov, M. N.; Korsun, A. S.; Merinov, I. G.; Philippov, M. Ph

2017-11-01

Research results of “k-ε” turbulence integral model (TIM) parameters dependence on the angle of a coolant flow in regular smooth cylindrical rod-bundle are presented. TIM is intended for the definition of efficient impulse and heat transport coefficients in the averaged equations of a heat and mass transfer in the regular rod structures in an anisotropic porous media approximation. The TIM equations are received by volume-averaging of the “k-ε” turbulence model equations on periodic cell of rod-bundle. The water flow across rod-bundle under angles from 15 to 75 degrees was simulated by means of an ANSYS CFX code. Dependence of the TIM parameters on flow angle was as a result received.

Curriculum Adaptation for Inclusive Classrooms.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Neary, Tom; And Others

This manual on curriculum adaptation for inclusive classrooms was developed as part of the PEERS (Providing Education for Everyone in Regular Schools) Project, a 5-year collaborative systems change project in California to facilitate the integration of students with severe disabilities previously at special centers into services at regular school…

Reducing errors in the GRACE gravity solutions using regularization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Save, Himanshu; Bettadpur, Srinivas; Tapley, Byron D.

2012-09-01

The nature of the gravity field inverse problem amplifies the noise in the GRACE data, which creeps into the mid and high degree and order harmonic coefficients of the Earth's monthly gravity fields provided by GRACE. Due to the use of imperfect background models and data noise, these errors are manifested as north-south striping in the monthly global maps of equivalent water heights. In order to reduce these errors, this study investigates the use of the L-curve method with Tikhonov regularization. L-curve is a popular aid for determining a suitable value of the regularization parameter when solving linear discrete ill-posed problems using Tikhonov regularization. However, the computational effort required to determine the L-curve is prohibitively high for a large-scale problem like GRACE. This study implements a parameter-choice method, using Lanczos bidiagonalization which is a computationally inexpensive approximation to L-curve. Lanczos bidiagonalization is implemented with orthogonal transformation in a parallel computing environment and projects a large estimation problem on a problem of the size of about 2 orders of magnitude smaller for computing the regularization parameter. Errors in the GRACE solution time series have certain characteristics that vary depending on the ground track coverage of the solutions. These errors increase with increasing degree and order. In addition, certain resonant and near-resonant harmonic coefficients have higher errors as compared with the other coefficients. Using the knowledge of these characteristics, this study designs a regularization matrix that provides a constraint on the geopotential coefficients as a function of its degree and order. This regularization matrix is then used to compute the appropriate regularization parameter for each monthly solution. A 7-year time-series of the candidate regularized solutions (Mar 2003-Feb 2010) show markedly reduced error stripes compared with the unconstrained GRACE release 4 solutions (RL04) from the Center for Space Research (CSR). Post-fit residual analysis shows that the regularized solutions fit the data to within the noise level of GRACE. A time series of filtered hydrological model is used to confirm that signal attenuation for basins in the Total Runoff Integrating Pathways (TRIP) database over 320 km radii is less than 1 cm equivalent water height RMS, which is within the noise level of GRACE.

Gauge fixing and BFV quantization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogers, Alice

2000-01-01

Non-singularity conditions are established for the Batalin-Fradkin-Vilkovisky (BFV) gauge-fixing fermion which are sufficient for it to lead to the correct path integral for a theory with constraints canonically quantized in the BFV approach. The conditions ensure that the anticommutator of this fermion with the BRST charge regularizes the path integral by regularizing the trace over non-physical states in each ghost sector. The results are applied to the quantization of a system which has a Gribov problem, using a non-standard form of the gauge-fixing fermion.

A Novel Richardson-Lucy Model with Dictionary Basis and Spatial Regularization for Isolating Isotropic Signals.

PubMed

Xu, Tiantian; Feng, Yuanjing; Wu, Ye; Zeng, Qingrun; Zhang, Jun; He, Jianzhong; Zhuge, Qichuan

2017-01-01

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive imaging method that has been increasingly used in neuroscience imaging over the last decade. Partial volume effects (PVEs) exist in sampling signal for many physical and actual reasons, which lead to inaccurate fiber imaging. We overcome the influence of PVEs by separating isotropic signal from diffusion-weighted signal, which can provide more accurate estimation of fiber orientations. In this work, we use a novel response function (RF) and the correspondent fiber orientation distribution function (fODF) to construct different signal models, in which case the fODF is represented using dictionary basis function. We then put forward a new index Piso, which is a part of fODF to quantify white and gray matter. The classic Richardson-Lucy (RL) model is usually used in the field of digital image processing to solve the problem of spherical deconvolution caused by highly ill-posed least-squares algorithm. In this case, we propose an innovative model integrating RL model with spatial regularization to settle the suggested double-models, which improve noise resistance and accuracy of imaging. Experimental results of simulated and real data show that the proposal method, which we call iRL, can robustly reconstruct a more accurate fODF and the quantitative index Piso performs better than fractional anisotropy and general fractional anisotropy.

A Novel Richardson-Lucy Model with Dictionary Basis and Spatial Regularization for Isolating Isotropic Signals

PubMed Central

Feng, Yuanjing; Wu, Ye; Zeng, Qingrun; Zhang, Jun; He, Jianzhong; Zhuge, Qichuan

2017-01-01

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive imaging method that has been increasingly used in neuroscience imaging over the last decade. Partial volume effects (PVEs) exist in sampling signal for many physical and actual reasons, which lead to inaccurate fiber imaging. We overcome the influence of PVEs by separating isotropic signal from diffusion-weighted signal, which can provide more accurate estimation of fiber orientations. In this work, we use a novel response function (RF) and the correspondent fiber orientation distribution function (fODF) to construct different signal models, in which case the fODF is represented using dictionary basis function. We then put forward a new index Piso, which is a part of fODF to quantify white and gray matter. The classic Richardson-Lucy (RL) model is usually used in the field of digital image processing to solve the problem of spherical deconvolution caused by highly ill-posed least-squares algorithm. In this case, we propose an innovative model integrating RL model with spatial regularization to settle the suggested double-models, which improve noise resistance and accuracy of imaging. Experimental results of simulated and real data show that the proposal method, which we call iRL, can robustly reconstruct a more accurate fODF and the quantitative index Piso performs better than fractional anisotropy and general fractional anisotropy. PMID:28081561

Multipole Vortex Blobs (MVB): Symplectic Geometry and Dynamics.

PubMed

Holm, Darryl D; Jacobs, Henry O

2017-01-01

Vortex blob methods are typically characterized by a regularization length scale, below which the dynamics are trivial for isolated blobs. In this article, we observe that the dynamics need not be trivial if one is willing to consider distributional derivatives of Dirac delta functionals as valid vorticity distributions. More specifically, a new singular vortex theory is presented for regularized Euler fluid equations of ideal incompressible flow in the plane. We determine the conditions under which such regularized Euler fluid equations may admit vorticity singularities which are stronger than delta functions, e.g., derivatives of delta functions. We also describe the symplectic geometry associated with these augmented vortex structures, and we characterize the dynamics as Hamiltonian. Applications to the design of numerical methods similar to vortex blob methods are also discussed. Such findings illuminate the rich dynamics which occur below the regularization length scale and enlighten our perspective on the potential for regularized fluid models to capture multiscale phenomena.

Antimicrobial Peptides and Wound Healing: Biological and Therapeutic Considerations

PubMed Central

Mangoni, Maria Luisa; McDermott, Alison M.; Zasloff, Michael

2016-01-01

Repair of tissue wounds is a fundamental process to re-establish tissue integrity and regular function. Importantly, infection is a major factor that hinders wound healing. Multicellular organisms have evolved an arsenal of host-defence molecules, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), aimed at controlling microbial proliferation and at modulating the host's immune response to a variety of biological or physical insults. In this brief review we provide the evidence for a role of AMPs as endogenous mediators of wound healing and their promising therapeutic potential for treatment of non-life threatening skin and other epithelial injuries. PMID:26738772

Longitudinal functional connectivity changes correlate with mood improvement after regular exercise in a dose-dependent fashion.

PubMed

Tozzi, Leonardo; Carballedo, Angela; Lavelle, Grace; Doolin, Kelly; Doyle, Myles; Amico, Francesco; McCarthy, Hazel; Gormley, John; Lord, Anton; O'Keane, Veronica; Frodl, Thomas

2016-04-01

Exercise increases wellbeing and improves mood. It is however unclear how these mood changes relate to brain function. We conducted a randomized controlled trial investigating resting-state modifications in healthy adults after an extended period of aerobic physical exercise and their relationship with mood improvements. We aimed to identify novel functional networks whose activity could provide a physiological counterpart to the mood-related benefits of exercise. Thirty-eight healthy sedentary volunteers were randomised to either the aerobic exercise group of the study or a control group. Participants in the exercise group attended aerobic sessions with a physiotherapist twice a week for 16 weeks. Resting-state modifications using magnetic resonance imaging were assessed before and after the programme and related to mood changes. An unbiased approach using graph metrics and network-based statistics was adopted. Exercise reduced mood disturbance and improved emotional wellbeing. It also induced a decrease in local efficiency in the parahippocampal lobe through strengthening of the functional connections from this structure to the supramarginal gyrus, precentral area, superior temporal gyrus and temporal pole. Changes in mood disturbance following exercise were correlated with those in connectivity between parahippocampal gyrus and superior temporal gyrus as well as with the amount of training. No changes were detected in the control group. In conclusion, connectivity from the parahippocampal gyrus to motor, sensory integration and mood regulation areas was strengthened through exercise. These functional changes might be related to the benefits of regular physical activity on mood. © 2016 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Learning to rank using user clicks and visual features for image retrieval.

PubMed

Yu, Jun; Tao, Dacheng; Wang, Meng; Rui, Yong

2015-04-01

The inconsistency between textual features and visual contents can cause poor image search results. To solve this problem, click features, which are more reliable than textual information in justifying the relevance between a query and clicked images, are adopted in image ranking model. However, the existing ranking model cannot integrate visual features, which are efficient in refining the click-based search results. In this paper, we propose a novel ranking model based on the learning to rank framework. Visual features and click features are simultaneously utilized to obtain the ranking model. Specifically, the proposed approach is based on large margin structured output learning and the visual consistency is integrated with the click features through a hypergraph regularizer term. In accordance with the fast alternating linearization method, we design a novel algorithm to optimize the objective function. This algorithm alternately minimizes two different approximations of the original objective function by keeping one function unchanged and linearizing the other. We conduct experiments on a large-scale dataset collected from the Microsoft Bing image search engine, and the results demonstrate that the proposed learning to rank models based on visual features and user clicks outperforms state-of-the-art algorithms.

The Behavior of Regular Satellites during the Nice Model's Planetary Close Encounters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nogueira, E. C.; Gomes, R. S.; Brasser, R.

2014-10-01

In order to explain the behavior of the regular satellites of the ice planets during the instability phase of the Nice model, we used numerical simulations to investigate the evolution of the satellite systems when these two planets experienced encounters with the gas giants. For the initial conditions we placed an ice planet in between Jupiter and Saturn, according to the evolution of Nice model simulations in a jumping Jupiter scenario (Brasser et al. 2009). We used the MERCURY integrator (Chambers 1999) and we obtained 101 successful runs which kept all planets, of which 24 were jumping Jupiter cases. Subsequently we performed additional numerical integrations in which the ice giant that encountered a gas giant was started on the same orbit but with its regular satellites included. This is done as follows: For each of the 101 basic runs, we save the orbital elements of all objects in the integration at all close encounter events. Then we performed a backward integration to start the system 100 years before the encounter and re-enacted the forward integration with the regular satellites around the ice giant. The final orbital elements of the satellites with respect to the ice planet were used to restart the integration for the next planetary encounter. If we assume that Uranus is the ice planet that had encounters with a gas giant, we considered the satellites Miranda, Ariel, Umbriel, Titania and Oberon with their present orbits. For Neptune we introduced Triton with an orbit with a 15% larger than the actual semi-major axis to account for the tidal decay from the LHB to present time. We also assume that Triton was captured through binary disruption (Agnor and Hamilton 2006, Nogueira et al. 2011) and its orbit was circularized by tides during the 500 million years before the LHB.

Making It Work: Practical Ideas for Integrating Exceptional Children into Regular Classes.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aiello, Barbara, Ed.

Intended for special education and regular teachers, the guide contains brief articles on the nature of mainstreaming handicapped children; mainstreaming models at the preschool, elementary school, and secondary school levels; specific suggestions for setting up mainstreaming programs, and interviews with five persons involved in mainstream…

Developing Sensitivity to Subword Combinatorial Orthographic Regularity (SCORe): A Two-Process Framework

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mano, Quintino R.

2016-01-01

Accumulating evidence suggests that literacy acquisition involves developing sensitivity to the statistical regularities of the textual environment. To organize accumulating evidence and help guide future inquiry, this article integrates data from disparate fields of study and formalizes a new two-process framework for developing sensitivity to…

Regularized Generalized Structured Component Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hwang, Heungsun

2009-01-01

Generalized structured component analysis (GSCA) has been proposed as a component-based approach to structural equation modeling. In practice, GSCA may suffer from multi-collinearity, i.e., high correlations among exogenous variables. GSCA has yet no remedy for this problem. Thus, a regularized extension of GSCA is proposed that integrates a ridge…

Sparse regularization for force identification using dictionaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiao, Baijie; Zhang, Xingwu; Wang, Chenxi; Zhang, Hang; Chen, Xuefeng

2016-04-01

The classical function expansion method based on minimizing l2-norm of the response residual employs various basis functions to represent the unknown force. Its difficulty lies in determining the optimum number of basis functions. Considering the sparsity of force in the time domain or in other basis space, we develop a general sparse regularization method based on minimizing l1-norm of the coefficient vector of basis functions. The number of basis functions is adaptively determined by minimizing the number of nonzero components in the coefficient vector during the sparse regularization process. First, according to the profile of the unknown force, the dictionary composed of basis functions is determined. Second, a sparsity convex optimization model for force identification is constructed. Third, given the transfer function and the operational response, Sparse reconstruction by separable approximation (SpaRSA) is developed to solve the sparse regularization problem of force identification. Finally, experiments including identification of impact and harmonic forces are conducted on a cantilever thin plate structure to illustrate the effectiveness and applicability of SpaRSA. Besides the Dirac dictionary, other three sparse dictionaries including Db6 wavelets, Sym4 wavelets and cubic B-spline functions can also accurately identify both the single and double impact forces from highly noisy responses in a sparse representation frame. The discrete cosine functions can also successfully reconstruct the harmonic forces including the sinusoidal, square and triangular forces. Conversely, the traditional Tikhonov regularization method with the L-curve criterion fails to identify both the impact and harmonic forces in these cases.

Climate and Integrated Assessment Modeling Studies Grant - Closed Announcement FY 2012

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Grant to fund a cooperative agreement to benefit the field of economic and integrated assessment modeling related to climate change through regular collaborations and thedevelopment of model comparison studies.

[Tailored Care for Functional Vertigo/Dizziness - An Integrative Group Psychotherapy Approach].

PubMed

Radziej, Katharina; Schmid-Mühlbauer, Gabriele; Limburg, Karina; Lahmann, Claas

2017-06-01

Functional vertigo and dizziness (VD) symptoms are highly prevalent and usually accompanied by a strong impairment of quality in everyday and working life. The complaints are often associated with various psychiatric disorders, particularly phobic and other anxiety disorders, depressive or somatoform disorders. Despite this clinical relevance of VD symptoms, studies towards psychotherapeutic treatment options for patients with functional VD are still rare. Thus, the present study outlines a manual for outpatient group therapy for patients with functional VD symptoms. Our approach aims to assist patients in developing an understanding of the interaction between bodily complaints and psychosocial factors while detracting from a purely symptom based focus. The integrative-psychotherapeutic treatment program consists of 16 weekly sessions and includes a regular vestibular rehabilitation training as well as disorder-oriented modules towards anxiety and panic disorder, depression, and somatisation. We are currently conducting a randomised controlled trial in order to evaluate the short- and long-term effectiveness of the program in reducing VD and further bodily symptoms, vertigo-related social and physical handicap as well as anxiety and depressive complaints. A previously completed pilot trial has led to small to large pre-follow-up-effects on primary and secondary outcome measures. Conclusions regarding acceptance and feasibility of the therapy concept are discussed. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Nonclassical states of light with a smooth P function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Damanet, François; Kübler, Jonas; Martin, John; Braun, Daniel

2018-02-01

There is a common understanding in quantum optics that nonclassical states of light are states that do not have a positive semidefinite and sufficiently regular Glauber-Sudarshan P function. Almost all known nonclassical states have P functions that are highly irregular, which makes working with them difficult and direct experimental reconstruction impossible. Here we introduce classes of nonclassical states with regular, non-positive-definite P functions. They are constructed by "puncturing" regular smooth positive P functions with negative Dirac-δ peaks or other sufficiently narrow smooth negative functions. We determine the parameter ranges for which such punctures are possible without losing the positivity of the state, the regimes yielding antibunching of light, and the expressions of the Wigner functions for all investigated punctured states. Finally, we propose some possible experimental realizations of such states.

Dysfunctional overnight memory consolidation in ecstasy users.

PubMed

Smithies, Vanessa; Broadbear, Jillian; Verdejo-Garcia, Antonio; Conduit, Russell

2014-08-01

Sleep plays an important role in the consolidation and integration of memory in a process called overnight memory consolidation. Previous studies indicate that ecstasy users have marked and persistent neurocognitive and sleep-related impairments. We extend past research by examining overnight memory consolidation among regular ecstasy users (n=12) and drug naïve healthy controls (n=26). Memory recall of word pairs was evaluated before and after a period of sleep, with and without interference prior to testing. In addition, we assessed neurocognitive performances across tasks of learning, memory and executive functioning. Ecstasy users demonstrated impaired overnight memory consolidation, a finding that was more pronounced following associative interference. Additionally, ecstasy users demonstrated impairments on tasks recruiting frontostriatal and hippocampal neural circuitry, in the domains of proactive interference memory, long-term memory, encoding, working memory and complex planning. We suggest that ecstasy-associated dysfunction in fronto-temporal circuitry may underlie overnight consolidation memory impairments in regular ecstasy users. © The Author(s) 2014.

Entropy-based artificial viscosity stabilization for non-equilibrium Grey Radiation-Hydrodynamics

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

Delchini, Marc O., E-mail: delchinm@email.tamu.edu; Ragusa, Jean C., E-mail: jean.ragusa@tamu.edu; Morel, Jim, E-mail: jim.morel@tamu.edu

2015-09-01

The entropy viscosity method is extended to the non-equilibrium Grey Radiation-Hydrodynamic equations. The method employs a viscous regularization to stabilize the numerical solution. The artificial viscosity coefficient is modulated by the entropy production and peaks at shock locations. The added dissipative terms are consistent with the entropy minimum principle. A new functional form of the entropy residual, suitable for the Radiation-Hydrodynamic equations, is derived. We demonstrate that the viscous regularization preserves the equilibrium diffusion limit. The equations are discretized with a standard Continuous Galerkin Finite Element Method and a fully implicit temporal integrator within the MOOSE multiphysics framework. The methodmore » of manufactured solutions is employed to demonstrate second-order accuracy in both the equilibrium diffusion and streaming limits. Several typical 1-D radiation-hydrodynamic test cases with shocks (from Mach 1.05 to Mach 50) are presented to establish the ability of the technique to capture and resolve shocks.« less

Next Generation Extended Lagrangian Quantum-based Molecular Dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Negre, Christian

2017-06-01

A new framework for extended Lagrangian first-principles molecular dynamics simulations is presented, which overcomes shortcomings of regular, direct Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics, while maintaining important advantages of the unified extended Lagrangian formulation of density functional theory pioneered by Car and Parrinello three decades ago. The new framework allows, for the first time, energy conserving, linear-scaling Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations, which is necessary to study larger and more realistic systems over longer simulation times than previously possible. Expensive, self-consinstent-field optimizations are avoided and normal integration time steps of regular, direct Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics can be used. Linear scaling electronic structure theory is presented using a graph-based approach that is ideal for parallel calculations on hybrid computer platforms. For the first time, quantum based Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulation is becoming a practically feasible approach in simulations of +100,000 atoms-representing a competitive alternative to classical polarizable force field methods. In collaboration with: Anders Niklasson, Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Nonlinear optimization method of ship floating condition calculation in wave based on vector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Ning; Yu, Jian-xing

2014-08-01

Ship floating condition in regular waves is calculated. New equations controlling any ship's floating condition are proposed by use of the vector operation. This form is a nonlinear optimization problem which can be solved using the penalty function method with constant coefficients. And the solving process is accelerated by dichotomy. During the solving process, the ship's displacement and buoyant centre have been calculated by the integration of the ship surface according to the waterline. The ship surface is described using an accumulative chord length theory in order to determine the displacement, the buoyancy center and the waterline. The draught forming the waterline at each station can be found out by calculating the intersection of the ship surface and the wave surface. The results of an example indicate that this method is exact and efficient. It can calculate the ship floating condition in regular waves as well as simplify the calculation and improve the computational efficiency and the precision of results.

Extending the NIF DISCO framework to automate complex workflow: coordinating the harvest and integration of data from diverse neuroscience information resources

PubMed Central

Marenco, Luis N.; Wang, Rixin; Bandrowski, Anita E.; Grethe, Jeffrey S.; Shepherd, Gordon M.; Miller, Perry L.

2014-01-01

This paper describes how DISCO, the data aggregator that supports the Neuroscience Information Framework (NIF), has been extended to play a central role in automating the complex workflow required to support and coordinate the NIF’s data integration capabilities. The NIF is an NIH Neuroscience Blueprint initiative designed to help researchers access the wealth of data related to the neurosciences available via the Internet. A central component is the NIF Federation, a searchable database that currently contains data from 231 data and information resources regularly harvested, updated, and warehoused in the DISCO system. In the past several years, DISCO has greatly extended its functionality and has evolved to play a central role in automating the complex, ongoing process of harvesting, validating, integrating, and displaying neuroscience data from a growing set of participating resources. This paper provides an overview of DISCO’s current capabilities and discusses a number of the challenges and future directions related to the process of coordinating the integration of neuroscience data within the NIF Federation. PMID:25018728

Extending the NIF DISCO framework to automate complex workflow: coordinating the harvest and integration of data from diverse neuroscience information resources.

PubMed

Marenco, Luis N; Wang, Rixin; Bandrowski, Anita E; Grethe, Jeffrey S; Shepherd, Gordon M; Miller, Perry L

2014-01-01

This paper describes how DISCO, the data aggregator that supports the Neuroscience Information Framework (NIF), has been extended to play a central role in automating the complex workflow required to support and coordinate the NIF's data integration capabilities. The NIF is an NIH Neuroscience Blueprint initiative designed to help researchers access the wealth of data related to the neurosciences available via the Internet. A central component is the NIF Federation, a searchable database that currently contains data from 231 data and information resources regularly harvested, updated, and warehoused in the DISCO system. In the past several years, DISCO has greatly extended its functionality and has evolved to play a central role in automating the complex, ongoing process of harvesting, validating, integrating, and displaying neuroscience data from a growing set of participating resources. This paper provides an overview of DISCO's current capabilities and discusses a number of the challenges and future directions related to the process of coordinating the integration of neuroscience data within the NIF Federation.

Reconfigurable electro-optical directed-logic circuit using carrier-depletion micro-ring resonators.

PubMed

Qiu, Ciyuan; Gao, Weilu; Soref, Richard; Robinson, Jacob T; Xu, Qianfan

2014-12-15

Here we demonstrate a reconfigurable electro-optical directed-logic circuit based on a regular array of integrated optical switches. Each 1×1 optical switch consists of a micro-ring resonator with an embedded lateral p-n junction and a micro-heater. We achieve high-speed on-off switching by applying electrical logic signals to the p-n junction. We can configure the operation mode of each switch by thermal tuning the resonance wavelength. The result is an integrated optical circuit that can be reconfigured to perform any combinational logic operation. As a proof-of-principle, we fabricated a multi-spectral directed-logic circuit based on a fourfold array of switches and showed that this circuit can be reconfigured to perform arbitrary two-input logic functions with speeds up to 3  GB/s.

Removing ring artefacts from synchrotron radiation-based hard x-ray tomography data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thalmann, Peter; Bikis, Christos; Schulz, Georg; Paleo, Pierre; Mirone, Alessandro; Rack, Alexander; Siegrist, Stefan; Cörek, Emre; Huwyler, Jörg; Müller, Bert

2017-09-01

In hard X-ray microtomography, ring artefacts regularly originate from incorrectly functioning pixel elements on the detector or from particles and scratches on the scintillator. We show that due to the high sensitivity of contemporary beamline setups further causes inducing inhomogeneities in the impinging wavefronts have to be considered. We propose in this study a method to correct the thereby induced failure of simple flatfield approaches. The main steps of the pipeline are (i) registration of the reference images with the radiographs (projections), (ii) integration of the flat-field corrected projection over the acquisition angle, (iii) high-pass filtering of the integrated projection, (iv) subtraction of filtered data from the flat-field corrected projections. The performance of the protocol is tested on data sets acquired at the beamline ID19 at ESRF using single distance phase tomography.

Inverse random source scattering for the Helmholtz equation in inhomogeneous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ming; Chen, Chuchu; Li, Peijun

2018-01-01

This paper is concerned with an inverse random source scattering problem in an inhomogeneous background medium. The wave propagation is modeled by the stochastic Helmholtz equation with the source driven by additive white noise. The goal is to reconstruct the statistical properties of the random source such as the mean and variance from the boundary measurement of the radiated random wave field at multiple frequencies. Both the direct and inverse problems are considered. We show that the direct problem has a unique mild solution by a constructive proof. For the inverse problem, we derive Fredholm integral equations, which connect the boundary measurement of the radiated wave field with the unknown source function. A regularized block Kaczmarz method is developed to solve the ill-posed integral equations. Numerical experiments are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

In vivo genome editing via CRISPR/Cas9 mediated homology-independent targeted integration

PubMed Central

Suzuki, Keiichiro; Tsunekawa, Yuji; Hernandez-Benitez, Reyna; Wu, Jun; Zhu, Jie; Kim, Euiseok J.; Hatanaka, Fumiyuki; Yamamoto, Mako; Araoka, Toshikazu; Li, Zhe; Kurita, Masakazu; Hishida, Tomoaki; Li, Mo; Aizawa, Emi; Guo, Shicheng; Chen, Song; Goebl, April; Soligalla, Rupa Devi; Qu, Jing; Jiang, Tingshuai; Fu, Xin; Jafari, Maryam; Esteban, Concepcion Rodriguez; Berggren, W. Travis; Lajara, Jeronimo; Nuñez-Delicado, Estrella; Guillen, Pedro; Campistol, Josep M.; Matsuzaki, Fumio; Liu, Guang-Hui; Magistretti, Pierre; Zhang, Kun; Callaway, Edward M.; Zhang, Kang; Belmonte, Juan Carlos Izpisua

2017-01-01

Targeted genome editing via engineered nucleases is an exciting area of biomedical research and holds potential for clinical applications. Despite rapid advances in the field, in vivo targeted transgene integration is still infeasible because current tools are inefficient1, especially for non-dividing cells, which compose most adult tissues. This poses a barrier for uncovering fundamental biological principles and developing treatments for a broad range of genetic disorders2. Based on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9)3,4 technology, here we devise a homology-independent targeted integration (HITI) strategy, which allows for robust DNA knock-in in both dividing and non-dividing cells in vitro and, more importantly, in vivo (for example, in neurons of postnatal mammals). As a proof of concept of its therapeutic potential, we demonstrate the efficacy of HITI in improving visual function using a rat model of the retinal degeneration condition retinitis pigmentosa. The HITI method presented here establishes new avenues for basic research and targeted gene therapies. PMID:27851729

Novel harmonic regularization approach for variable selection in Cox's proportional hazards model.

PubMed

Chu, Ge-Jin; Liang, Yong; Wang, Jia-Xuan

2014-01-01

Variable selection is an important issue in regression and a number of variable selection methods have been proposed involving nonconvex penalty functions. In this paper, we investigate a novel harmonic regularization method, which can approximate nonconvex Lq  (1/2 < q < 1) regularizations, to select key risk factors in the Cox's proportional hazards model using microarray gene expression data. The harmonic regularization method can be efficiently solved using our proposed direct path seeking approach, which can produce solutions that closely approximate those for the convex loss function and the nonconvex regularization. Simulation results based on the artificial datasets and four real microarray gene expression datasets, such as real diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DCBCL), the lung cancer, and the AML datasets, show that the harmonic regularization method can be more accurate for variable selection than existing Lasso series methods.

High-resolution imaging-guided electroencephalography source localization: temporal effect regularization incorporation in LORETA inverse solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boughariou, Jihene; Zouch, Wassim; Slima, Mohamed Ben; Kammoun, Ines; Hamida, Ahmed Ben

2015-11-01

Electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are noninvasive neuroimaging modalities. They are widely used and could be complementary. The fusion of these modalities may enhance some emerging research fields targeting the exploration better brain activities. Such research attracted various scientific investigators especially to provide a convivial and helpful advanced clinical-aid tool enabling better neurological explorations. Our present research was, in fact, in the context of EEG inverse problem resolution and investigated an advanced estimation methodology for the localization of the cerebral activity. Our focus was, therefore, on the integration of temporal priors to low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) formalism and to solve the inverse problem in the EEG. The main idea behind our proposed method was in the integration of a temporal projection matrix within the LORETA weighting matrix. A hyperparameter is the principal fact for such a temporal integration, and its importance would be obvious when obtaining a regularized smoothness solution. Our experimental results clearly confirmed the impact of such an optimization procedure adopted for the temporal regularization parameter comparatively to the LORETA method.

Integrating different data types by regularized unsupervised multiple kernel learning with application to cancer subtype discovery.

PubMed

Speicher, Nora K; Pfeifer, Nico

2015-06-15

Despite ongoing cancer research, available therapies are still limited in quantity and effectiveness, and making treatment decisions for individual patients remains a hard problem. Established subtypes, which help guide these decisions, are mainly based on individual data types. However, the analysis of multidimensional patient data involving the measurements of various molecular features could reveal intrinsic characteristics of the tumor. Large-scale projects accumulate this kind of data for various cancer types, but we still lack the computational methods to reliably integrate this information in a meaningful manner. Therefore, we apply and extend current multiple kernel learning for dimensionality reduction approaches. On the one hand, we add a regularization term to avoid overfitting during the optimization procedure, and on the other hand, we show that one can even use several kernels per data type and thereby alleviate the user from having to choose the best kernel functions and kernel parameters for each data type beforehand. We have identified biologically meaningful subgroups for five different cancer types. Survival analysis has revealed significant differences between the survival times of the identified subtypes, with P values comparable or even better than state-of-the-art methods. Moreover, our resulting subtypes reflect combined patterns from the different data sources, and we demonstrate that input kernel matrices with only little information have less impact on the integrated kernel matrix. Our subtypes show different responses to specific therapies, which could eventually assist in treatment decision making. An executable is available upon request. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press.

Dynamic coupling of subsurface and seepage flows solved within a regularized partition formulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marçais, J.; de Dreuzy, J.-R.; Erhel, J.

2017-11-01

Hillslope response to precipitations is characterized by sharp transitions from purely subsurface flow dynamics to simultaneous surface and subsurface flows. Locally, the transition between these two regimes is triggered by soil saturation. Here we develop an integrative approach to simultaneously solve the subsurface flow, locate the potential fully saturated areas and deduce the generated saturation excess overland flow. This approach combines the different dynamics and transitions in a single partition formulation using discontinuous functions. We propose to regularize the system of partial differential equations and to use classic spatial and temporal discretization schemes. We illustrate our methodology on the 1D hillslope storage Boussinesq equations (Troch et al., 2003). We first validate the numerical scheme on previous numerical experiments without saturation excess overland flow. Then we apply our model to a test case with dynamic transitions from purely subsurface flow dynamics to simultaneous surface and subsurface flows. Our results show that discretization respects mass balance both locally and globally, converges when the mesh or time step are refined. Moreover the regularization parameter can be taken small enough to ensure accuracy without suffering of numerical artefacts. Applied to some hundreds of realistic hillslope cases taken from Western side of France (Brittany), the developed method appears to be robust and efficient.

Projected quasiparticle theory for molecular electronic structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scuseria, Gustavo E.; Jiménez-Hoyos, Carlos A.; Henderson, Thomas M.; Samanta, Kousik; Ellis, Jason K.

2011-09-01

We derive and implement symmetry-projected Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov (HFB) equations and apply them to the molecular electronic structure problem. All symmetries (particle number, spin, spatial, and complex conjugation) are deliberately broken and restored in a self-consistent variation-after-projection approach. We show that the resulting method yields a comprehensive black-box treatment of static correlations with effective one-electron (mean-field) computational cost. The ensuing wave function is of multireference character and permeates the entire Hilbert space of the problem. The energy expression is different from regular HFB theory but remains a functional of an independent quasiparticle density matrix. All reduced density matrices are expressible as an integration of transition density matrices over a gauge grid. We present several proof-of-principle examples demonstrating the compelling power of projected quasiparticle theory for quantum chemistry.

Automated large-scale purification of a G protein-coupled receptor for neurotensin.

PubMed

White, Jim F; Trinh, Loc B; Shiloach, Joseph; Grisshammer, Reinhard

2004-04-30

Structure determination of integral membrane proteins requires milligram amounts of purified, functional protein on a regular basis. Here, we describe a protocol for the purification of a G protein-coupled neurotensin receptor fusion protein at the 3-mg or 10-mg level using immobilized metal affinity chromatography and a neurotensin column in a fully automated mode. Fermentation at a 200-l scale of Escherichia coli expressing functional receptors provides the material needed to feed into the purification routine. Constructs with tobacco etch virus protease recognition sites at either end of the receptor allow the isolation of neurotensin receptor devoid of its fusion partners. The presented expression and purification procedures are simple and robust, and provide the basis for crystallization experiments of receptors on a routine basis.

Software tool for data mining and its applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jie; Ye, Chenzhou; Chen, Nianyi

2002-03-01

A software tool for data mining is introduced, which integrates pattern recognition (PCA, Fisher, clustering, hyperenvelop, regression), artificial intelligence (knowledge representation, decision trees), statistical learning (rough set, support vector machine), computational intelligence (neural network, genetic algorithm, fuzzy systems). It consists of nine function models: pattern recognition, decision trees, association rule, fuzzy rule, neural network, genetic algorithm, Hyper Envelop, support vector machine, visualization. The principle and knowledge representation of some function models of data mining are described. The software tool of data mining is realized by Visual C++ under Windows 2000. Nonmonotony in data mining is dealt with by concept hierarchy and layered mining. The software tool of data mining has satisfactorily applied in the prediction of regularities of the formation of ternary intermetallic compounds in alloy systems, and diagnosis of brain glioma.

Feasibility of inverse problem solution for determination of city emission function from night sky radiance measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petržala, Jaromír

2018-07-01

The knowledge of the emission function of a city is crucial for simulation of sky glow in its vicinity. The indirect methods to achieve this function from radiances measured over a part of the sky have been recently developed. In principle, such methods represent an ill-posed inverse problem. This paper deals with the theoretical feasibility study of various approaches to solving of given inverse problem. Particularly, it means testing of fitness of various stabilizing functionals within the Tikhonov's regularization. Further, the L-curve and generalized cross validation methods were investigated as indicators of an optimal regularization parameter. At first, we created the theoretical model for calculation of a sky spectral radiance in the form of a functional of an emission spectral radiance. Consequently, all the mentioned approaches were examined in numerical experiments with synthetical data generated for the fictitious city and loaded by random errors. The results demonstrate that the second order Tikhonov's regularization method together with regularization parameter choice by the L-curve maximum curvature criterion provide solutions which are in good agreement with the supposed model emission functions.

Social Participation and Friendship Quality of Students with Special Educational Needs in Regular Greek Primary Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Avramidis, Elias; Avgeri, Georgia; Strogilos, Vasilis

2018-01-01

The study addresses the social participation of integrated students with special educational needs (SEN) in upper primary regular classes in Greece alongside their perceptions of best friend quality. Social participation was defined as consisting of four key dimensions: students' acceptance by classmates, friendships, social self-perceptions, and…

Mainstreaming, the Regular Education Initiative, and Inclusion as Lived Experience, 1974-2004: A Practitioner's View

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harkin, Seth B.

2012-01-01

This article is an auto-ethnography detailing the lived experience of the mainstreaming, Regular Education Initiative, and inclusion movements from the teacher and administrator perspectives. The article illustrates the challenges of integrating students with disabilities in general education and the sociopolitical contexts within which this…

Fast incorporation of optical flow into active polygons.

PubMed

Unal, Gozde; Krim, Hamid; Yezzi, Anthony

2005-06-01

In this paper, we first reconsider, in a different light, the addition of a prediction step to active contour-based visual tracking using an optical flow and clarify the local computation of the latter along the boundaries of continuous active contours with appropriate regularizers. We subsequently detail our contribution of computing an optical flow-based prediction step directly from the parameters of an active polygon, and of exploiting it in object tracking. This is in contrast to an explicitly separate computation of the optical flow and its ad hoc application. It also provides an inherent regularization effect resulting from integrating measurements along polygon edges. As a result, we completely avoid the need of adding ad hoc regularizing terms to the optical flow computations, and the inevitably arbitrary associated weighting parameters. This direct integration of optical flow into the active polygon framework distinguishes this technique from most previous contour-based approaches, where regularization terms are theoretically, as well as practically, essential. The greater robustness and speed due to a reduced number of parameters of this technique are additional and appealing features.

Obtaining the Bidirectional Transfer Distribution Function ofIsotropically Scattering Materials Using an Integrating Sphere

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

Jonsson, Jacob C.; Branden, Henrik

2006-10-19

This paper demonstrates a method to determine thebidirectional transfer distribution function (BTDF) using an integratingsphere. Information about the sample's angle dependent scattering isobtained by making transmittance measurements with the sample atdifferent distances from the integrating sphere. Knowledge about theilluminated area of the sample and the geometry of the sphere port incombination with the measured data combines to an system of equationsthat includes the angle dependent transmittance. The resulting system ofequations is an ill-posed problem which rarely gives a physical solution.A solvable system is obtained by using Tikhonov regularization on theill-posed problem. The solution to this system can then be usedmore » to obtainthe BTDF. Four bulk-scattering samples were characterised using both twogoniophotometers and the described method to verify the validity of thenew method. The agreement shown is great for the more diffuse samples.The solution to the low-scattering samples contains unphysicaloscillations, butstill gives the correct shape of the solution. Theorigin of the oscillations and why they are more prominent inlow-scattering samples are discussed.« less

A CRISPR-Cas system enhances envelope integrity mediating antibiotic resistance and inflammasome evasion

PubMed Central

Sampson, Timothy R.; Napier, Brooke A.; Schroeder, Max R.; Louwen, Rogier; Zhao, Jinshi; Chin, Chui-Yoke; Ratner, Hannah K.; Llewellyn, Anna C.; Jones, Crystal L.; Laroui, Hamed; Merlin, Didier; Zhou, Pei; Endtz, Hubert P.; Weiss, David S.

2014-01-01

Clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats–CRISPR associated (CRISPR-Cas) systems defend bacteria against foreign nucleic acids, such as during bacteriophage infection and transformation, processes which cause envelope stress. It is unclear if these machineries enhance membrane integrity to combat this stress. Here, we show that the Cas9-dependent CRISPR-Cas system of the intracellular bacterial pathogen Francisella novicida is involved in enhancing envelope integrity through the regulation of a bacterial lipoprotein. This action ultimately provides increased resistance to numerous membrane stressors, including antibiotics. We further find that this previously unappreciated function of Cas9 is critical during infection, as it promotes evasion of the host innate immune absent in melanoma 2/apoptosis associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (AIM2/ASC) inflammasome. Interestingly, the attenuation of the cas9 mutant is complemented only in mice lacking both the AIM2/ASC inflammasome and the bacterial lipoprotein sensor Toll-like receptor 2, but not in single knockout mice, demonstrating that Cas9 is essential for evasion of both pathways. These data represent a paradigm shift in our understanding of the function of CRISPR-Cas systems as regulators of bacterial physiology and provide a framework with which to investigate the roles of these systems in myriad bacteria, including pathogens and commensals. PMID:25024199

A CRISPR-Cas system enhances envelope integrity mediating antibiotic resistance and inflammasome evasion.

PubMed

Sampson, Timothy R; Napier, Brooke A; Schroeder, Max R; Louwen, Rogier; Zhao, Jinshi; Chin, Chui-Yoke; Ratner, Hannah K; Llewellyn, Anna C; Jones, Crystal L; Laroui, Hamed; Merlin, Didier; Zhou, Pei; Endtz, Hubert P; Weiss, David S

2014-07-29

Clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated (CRISPR-Cas) systems defend bacteria against foreign nucleic acids, such as during bacteriophage infection and transformation, processes which cause envelope stress. It is unclear if these machineries enhance membrane integrity to combat this stress. Here, we show that the Cas9-dependent CRISPR-Cas system of the intracellular bacterial pathogen Francisella novicida is involved in enhancing envelope integrity through the regulation of a bacterial lipoprotein. This action ultimately provides increased resistance to numerous membrane stressors, including antibiotics. We further find that this previously unappreciated function of Cas9 is critical during infection, as it promotes evasion of the host innate immune absent in melanoma 2/apoptosis associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (AIM2/ASC) inflammasome. Interestingly, the attenuation of the cas9 mutant is complemented only in mice lacking both the AIM2/ASC inflammasome and the bacterial lipoprotein sensor Toll-like receptor 2, but not in single knockout mice, demonstrating that Cas9 is essential for evasion of both pathways. These data represent a paradigm shift in our understanding of the function of CRISPR-Cas systems as regulators of bacterial physiology and provide a framework with which to investigate the roles of these systems in myriad bacteria, including pathogens and commensals.

GREAT: a web portal for Genome Regulatory Architecture Tools

PubMed Central

Bouyioukos, Costas; Bucchini, François; Elati, Mohamed; Képès, François

2016-01-01

GREAT (Genome REgulatory Architecture Tools) is a novel web portal for tools designed to generate user-friendly and biologically useful analysis of genome architecture and regulation. The online tools of GREAT are freely accessible and compatible with essentially any operating system which runs a modern browser. GREAT is based on the analysis of genome layout -defined as the respective positioning of co-functional genes- and its relation with chromosome architecture and gene expression. GREAT tools allow users to systematically detect regular patterns along co-functional genomic features in an automatic way consisting of three individual steps and respective interactive visualizations. In addition to the complete analysis of regularities, GREAT tools enable the use of periodicity and position information for improving the prediction of transcription factor binding sites using a multi-view machine learning approach. The outcome of this integrative approach features a multivariate analysis of the interplay between the location of a gene and its regulatory sequence. GREAT results are plotted in web interactive graphs and are available for download either as individual plots, self-contained interactive pages or as machine readable tables for downstream analysis. The GREAT portal can be reached at the following URL https://absynth.issb.genopole.fr/GREAT and each individual GREAT tool is available for downloading. PMID:27151196

Novel Harmonic Regularization Approach for Variable Selection in Cox's Proportional Hazards Model

PubMed Central

Chu, Ge-Jin; Liang, Yong; Wang, Jia-Xuan

2014-01-01

Variable selection is an important issue in regression and a number of variable selection methods have been proposed involving nonconvex penalty functions. In this paper, we investigate a novel harmonic regularization method, which can approximate nonconvex Lq  (1/2 < q < 1) regularizations, to select key risk factors in the Cox's proportional hazards model using microarray gene expression data. The harmonic regularization method can be efficiently solved using our proposed direct path seeking approach, which can produce solutions that closely approximate those for the convex loss function and the nonconvex regularization. Simulation results based on the artificial datasets and four real microarray gene expression datasets, such as real diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DCBCL), the lung cancer, and the AML datasets, show that the harmonic regularization method can be more accurate for variable selection than existing Lasso series methods. PMID:25506389

Zeta Function Regularization in Casimir Effect Calculations and J. S. DOWKER's Contribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elizalde, Emilio

2012-06-01

A summary of relevant contributions, ordered in time, to the subject of operator zeta functions and their application to physical issues is provided. The description ends with the seminal contributions of Stephen Hawking and Stuart Dowker and collaborators, considered by many authors as the actual starting point of the introduction of zeta function regularization methods in theoretical physics, in particular, for quantum vacuum fluctuation and Casimir effect calculations. After recalling a number of the strengths of this powerful and elegant method, some of its limitations are discussed. Finally, recent results of the so-called operator regularization procedure are presented.

Zeta Function Regularization in Casimir Effect Calculations and J. S. Dowker's Contribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elizalde, Emilio

2012-07-01

A summary of relevant contributions, ordered in time, to the subject of operator zeta functions and their application to physical issues is provided. The description ends with the seminal contributions of Stephen Hawking and Stuart Dowker and collaborators, considered by many authors as the actual starting point of the introduction of zeta function regularization methods in theoretical physics, in particular, for quantum vacuum fluctuation and Casimir effect calculations. After recalling a number of the strengths of this powerful and elegant method, some of its limitations are discussed. Finally, recent results of the so called operator regularization procedure are presented.

A new Fortran 90 program to compute regular and irregular associated Legendre functions (new version announcement)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, Barry I.; Segura, Javier; Gil, Amparo; Guan, Xiaoxu; Bartschat, Klaus

2018-04-01

This is a revised and updated version of a modern Fortran 90 code to compute the regular Plm (x) and irregular Qlm (x) associated Legendre functions for all x ∈(- 1 , + 1) (on the cut) and | x | > 1 and integer degree (l) and order (m). The necessity to revise the code comes as a consequence of some comments of Prof. James Bremer of the UC//Davis Mathematics Department, who discovered that there were errors in the code for large integer degree and order for the normalized regular Legendre functions on the cut.

OMFIT Tokamak Profile Data Fitting and Physics Analysis

DOE PAGES

Logan, N. C.; Grierson, B. A.; Haskey, S. R.; ...

2018-01-22

Here, One Modeling Framework for Integrated Tasks (OMFIT) has been used to develop a consistent tool for interfacing with, mapping, visualizing, and fitting tokamak profile measurements. OMFIT is used to integrate the many diverse diagnostics on multiple tokamak devices into a regular data structure, consistently applying spatial and temporal treatments to each channel of data. Tokamak data are fundamentally time dependent and are treated so from the start, with front-loaded and logic-based manipulations such as filtering based on the identification of edge-localized modes (ELMs) that commonly scatter data. Fitting is general in its approach, and tailorable in its application inmore » order to address physics constraints and handle the multiple spatial and temporal scales involved. Although community standard one-dimensional fitting is supported, including scale length–fitting and fitting polynomial-exponential blends to capture the H-mode pedestal, OMFITprofiles includes two-dimensional (2-D) fitting using bivariate splines or radial basis functions. These 2-D fits produce regular evolutions in time, removing jitter that has historically been smoothed ad hoc in transport applications. Profiles interface directly with a wide variety of models within the OMFIT framework, providing the inputs for TRANSP, kinetic-EFIT 2-D equilibrium, and GPEC three-dimensional equilibrium calculations. he OMFITprofiles tool’s rapid and comprehensive analysis of dynamic plasma profiles thus provides the critical link between raw tokamak data and simulations necessary for physics understanding.« less

OMFIT Tokamak Profile Data Fitting and Physics Analysis

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

Logan, N. C.; Grierson, B. A.; Haskey, S. R.

Here, One Modeling Framework for Integrated Tasks (OMFIT) has been used to develop a consistent tool for interfacing with, mapping, visualizing, and fitting tokamak profile measurements. OMFIT is used to integrate the many diverse diagnostics on multiple tokamak devices into a regular data structure, consistently applying spatial and temporal treatments to each channel of data. Tokamak data are fundamentally time dependent and are treated so from the start, with front-loaded and logic-based manipulations such as filtering based on the identification of edge-localized modes (ELMs) that commonly scatter data. Fitting is general in its approach, and tailorable in its application inmore » order to address physics constraints and handle the multiple spatial and temporal scales involved. Although community standard one-dimensional fitting is supported, including scale length–fitting and fitting polynomial-exponential blends to capture the H-mode pedestal, OMFITprofiles includes two-dimensional (2-D) fitting using bivariate splines or radial basis functions. These 2-D fits produce regular evolutions in time, removing jitter that has historically been smoothed ad hoc in transport applications. Profiles interface directly with a wide variety of models within the OMFIT framework, providing the inputs for TRANSP, kinetic-EFIT 2-D equilibrium, and GPEC three-dimensional equilibrium calculations. he OMFITprofiles tool’s rapid and comprehensive analysis of dynamic plasma profiles thus provides the critical link between raw tokamak data and simulations necessary for physics understanding.« less

Challenges of agricultural monitoring: integration of the Open Farm Management Information System into GEOSS and Digital Earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Řezník, T.; Kepka, M.; Charvát, K.; Charvát, K., Jr.; Horáková, S.; Lukas, V.

2016-04-01

From a global perspective, agriculture is the single largest user of freshwater resources, each country using an average of 70% of all its surface water supplies. An essential proportion of agricultural water is recycled back to surface water and/or groundwater. Agriculture and water pollution is therefore the subject of (inter)national legislation, such as the Clean Water Act in the United States of America, the European Water Framework Directive, and the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution. Regular monitoring by means of sensor networks is needed in order to provide evidence of water pollution in agriculture. This paper describes the benefits of, and open issues stemming from, regular sensor monitoring provided by an Open Farm Management Information System. Emphasis is placed on descriptions of the processes and functionalities available to users, the underlying open data model, and definitions of open and lightweight application programming interfaces for the efficient management of collected (spatial) data. The presented Open Farm Management Information System has already been successfully registered under Phase 8 of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) Architecture Implementation Pilot in order to support the wide variety of demands that are primarily aimed at agriculture pollution monitoring. The final part of the paper deals with the integration of the Open Farm Management Information System into the Digital Earth framework.

[Formula: see text] regularity properties of singular parameterizations in isogeometric analysis.

PubMed

Takacs, T; Jüttler, B

2012-11-01

Isogeometric analysis (IGA) is a numerical simulation method which is directly based on the NURBS-based representation of CAD models. It exploits the tensor-product structure of 2- or 3-dimensional NURBS objects to parameterize the physical domain. Hence the physical domain is parameterized with respect to a rectangle or to a cube. Consequently, singularly parameterized NURBS surfaces and NURBS volumes are needed in order to represent non-quadrangular or non-hexahedral domains without splitting, thereby producing a very compact and convenient representation. The Galerkin projection introduces finite-dimensional spaces of test functions in the weak formulation of partial differential equations. In particular, the test functions used in isogeometric analysis are obtained by composing the inverse of the domain parameterization with the NURBS basis functions. In the case of singular parameterizations, however, some of the resulting test functions do not necessarily fulfill the required regularity properties. Consequently, numerical methods for the solution of partial differential equations cannot be applied properly. We discuss the regularity properties of the test functions. For one- and two-dimensional domains we consider several important classes of singularities of NURBS parameterizations. For specific cases we derive additional conditions which guarantee the regularity of the test functions. In addition we present a modification scheme for the discretized function space in case of insufficient regularity. It is also shown how these results can be applied for computational domains in higher dimensions that can be parameterized via sweeping.

Development of functional ectopic compound eyes in scarabaeid beetles by knockdown of orthodenticle.

PubMed

Zattara, Eduardo E; Macagno, Anna L M; Busey, Hannah A; Moczek, Armin P

2017-11-07

Complex traits like limbs, brains, or eyes form through coordinated integration of diverse cell fates across developmental space and time, yet understanding how complexity and integration emerge from uniform, undifferentiated precursor tissues remains limited. Here, we use ectopic eye formation as a paradigm to investigate the emergence and integration of novel complex structures following massive ontogenetic perturbation. We show that down-regulation via RNAi of a single head patterning gene- orthodenticle -induces ectopic structures externally resembling compound eyes at the middorsal adult head of both basal and derived scarabaeid beetle species (Onthophagini and Oniticellini). Scanning electron microscopy documents ommatidial organization of these induced structures, while immunohistochemistry reveals the presence of rudimentary ommatidial lenses, crystalline cones, and associated neural-like tissue within them. Further, RNA-sequencing experiments show that after orthodenticle down-regulation, the transcriptional signature of the middorsal head-the location of ectopic eye induction-converges onto that of regular compound eyes, including up-regulation of several retina-specific genes. Finally, a light-aversion behavioral assay to assess functionality reveals that ectopic compound eyes can rescue the ability to respond to visual stimuli when wild-type eyes are surgically removed. Combined, our results show that knockdown of a single gene is sufficient for the middorsal head to acquire the competence to ectopically generate a functional compound eye-like structure. These findings highlight the buffering capacity of developmental systems, allowing massive genetic perturbations to be channeled toward orderly and functional developmental outcomes, and render ectopic eye formation a widely accessible paradigm to study the evolution of complex systems. Published under the PNAS license.

Computerized tomography with total variation and with shearlets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garduño, Edgar; Herman, Gabor T.

2017-04-01

To reduce the x-ray dose in computerized tomography (CT), many constrained optimization approaches have been proposed aiming at minimizing a regularizing function that measures a lack of consistency with some prior knowledge about the object that is being imaged, subject to a (predetermined) level of consistency with the detected attenuation of x-rays. One commonly investigated regularizing function is total variation (TV), while other publications advocate the use of some type of multiscale geometric transform in the definition of the regularizing function, a particular recent choice for this is the shearlet transform. Proponents of the shearlet transform in the regularizing function claim that the reconstructions so obtained are better than those produced using TV for texture preservation (but may be worse for noise reduction). In this paper we report results related to this claim. In our reported experiments using simulated CT data collection of the head, reconstructions whose shearlet transform has a small ℓ 1-norm are not more efficacious than reconstructions that have a small TV value. Our experiments for making such comparisons use the recently-developed superiorization methodology for both regularizing functions. Superiorization is an automated procedure for turning an iterative algorithm for producing images that satisfy a primary criterion (such as consistency with the observed measurements) into its superiorized version that will produce results that, according to the primary criterion are as good as those produced by the original algorithm, but in addition are superior to them according to a secondary (regularizing) criterion. The method presented for superiorization involving the ℓ 1-norm of the shearlet transform is novel and is quite general: It can be used for any regularizing function that is defined as the ℓ 1-norm of a transform specified by the application of a matrix. Because in the previous literature the split Bregman algorithm is used for similar purposes, a section is included comparing the results of the superiorization algorithm with the split Bregman algorithm.

Elementary Teachers' Practices and Self-Efficacy Related to Technology Integration for Teaching Nutrition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hovland, Jana A.

2016-01-01

Stakeholders are interested in using technology to integrate nutrition education into the regular school curriculum as one strategy, among many, to combat the childhood obesity epidemic. The primary purposes of this study were to: (a) gain a better understanding of elementary teachers' perceptions concerning technology integration in nutrition…

Regularized iterative integration combined with non-linear diffusion filtering for phase-contrast x-ray computed tomography.

PubMed

Burger, Karin; Koehler, Thomas; Chabior, Michael; Allner, Sebastian; Marschner, Mathias; Fehringer, Andreas; Willner, Marian; Pfeiffer, Franz; Noël, Peter

2014-12-29

Phase-contrast x-ray computed tomography has a high potential to become clinically implemented because of its complementarity to conventional absorption-contrast.In this study, we investigate noise-reducing but resolution-preserving analytical reconstruction methods to improve differential phase-contrast imaging. We apply the non-linear Perona-Malik filter on phase-contrast data prior or post filtered backprojected reconstruction. Secondly, the Hilbert kernel is replaced by regularized iterative integration followed by ramp filtered backprojection as used for absorption-contrast imaging. Combining the Perona-Malik filter with this integration algorithm allows to successfully reveal relevant sample features, quantitatively confirmed by significantly increased structural similarity indices and contrast-to-noise ratios. With this concept, phase-contrast imaging can be performed at considerably lower dose.

Examination of Effects of Regular Sports Training on Individual Skills in Trainable Children with Autism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Akyüz, Murat; Odabas, Cansu; Akyüz, Öznur; Dogru, Yeliz; Senel, Ömer; Tas, Murat; Besikçi, Tolga

2016-01-01

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of regular sport training implemented at Integrated Disabled Athlete Department on autistic children's adolescence development of individual abilities as motor proficiencies. Method: The subject group of this study is composed of 12 boys with autism who practiced physical education programs…

Functional determinants of radial operators in AdS2

DOE PAGES

Aguilera-Damia, Jeremías; Faraggi, Alberto; Zayas, Leopoldo Pando; ...

2018-06-01

We study the zeta-function regularization of functional determinants of Laplace and Dirac-type operators in two-dimensional Euclidean AdS2 space. More specifically, we consider the ratio of determinants between an operator in the presence of background fields with circular symmetry and the free operator in which the background fields are absent. By Fourier-transforming the angular dependence, one obtains an infinite number of one-dimensional radial operators, the determinants of which are easy to compute. The summation over modes is then treated with care so as to guarantee that the result coincides with the two-dimensional zeta-function formalism. The method relies on some well-known techniquesmore » to compute functional determinants using contour integrals and the construction of the Jost function from scattering theory. Our work generalizes some known results in flat space. The extension to conformal AdS2 geometries is also considered. We provide two examples, one bosonic and one fermionic, borrowed from the spectrum of fluctuations of the holographic 1/4-BPS latitude Wilson loop.« less

[Doctor, physical activity at my age ?

PubMed

Coutaz, Martial

2017-04-19

Engaging in regular and appropriate physical activity confers health benefits at any age. For seniors, swapping the role of « sedentary » for « someone who's on the move » offers much more substantial benefits than any medication, and notably even starting at a dose of 10-15 minutes per day ! Any physician who cares for elderly patients must pursue the objective of encouraging physical activity that is integrated into daily life (e.g. walking, gardening, shopping). This article consists of a literature review concerning the evidence for the benefits of physical activity in seniors in terms of quality of life, longevity, maintenance of functional independence, and prevention of cognitive decline.

Cultural variances in composition of biological and supernatural concepts of death: a content analysis of children's literature.

PubMed

Lee, Ji Seong; Kim, Eun Young; Choi, Younyoung; Koo, Ja Hyouk

2014-01-01

Children's reasoning about the afterlife emerges naturally as a developmental regularity. Although a biological understanding of death increases in accordance with cognitive development, biological and supernatural explanations of death may coexist in a complementary manner, being deeply imbedded in cultural contexts. This study conducted a content analysis of 40 children's death-themed picture books in Western Europe and East Asia. It can be inferred that causality and non-functionality are highly integrated with the naturalistic and supernatural understanding of death in Western Europe, whereas the literature in East Asia seems to rely on naturalistic aspects of death and focuses on causal explanations.

[Psychosomatics and psychotraumatology of refugees and migrants : A Challenge for the Internist].

PubMed

Schellong, J; Epple, F; Weidner, K

2016-05-01

Many refugees experience severely stressful events in their home countries, during migration and occasionally even after arrival in the country of destination. The individual reactions not only influence the mental health but also somatic well being. Traumatic events may have an essential impact on psychosocial functioning; moreover, the social circumstances during the integration process influence mental stability. Physicians play an important role in identifying possible traumatization and subsequently guiding towards adequate treatment; hence, the healthcare of refugees should regularly include psychosomatic and psychotraumatological aspects. Knowledge of screening instruments, trauma-informed care and interpreter-assisted communication are necessary to meet required standards.

CRISPR-Cas systems: prokaryotes upgrade to adaptive immunity

PubMed Central

Barrangou, Rodolphe; Marraffini, Luciano A.

2014-01-01

Summary Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR), and associated proteins (Cas) comprise the CRISPR-Cas system, which confers adaptive immunity against exogenic elements in many bacteria and most archaea. CRISPR-mediated immunization occurs through the uptake of DNA from invasive genetic elements such as plasmids and viruses, followed by its integration into CRISPR loci. These loci are subsequently transcribed and processed into small interfering RNAs that guide nucleases for specific cleavage of complementary sequences. Conceptually, CRISPR-Cas shares functional features with the mammalian adaptive immune system, while also exhibiting characteristics of Lamarckian evolution. Because immune markers spliced from exogenous agents are integrated iteratively in CRISPR loci, they constitute a genetic record of vaccination events and reflect environmental conditions and changes over time. Cas endonucleases, which can be reprogrammed by small guide RNAs have shown unprecedented potential and flexibility for genome editing, and can be repurposed for numerous DNA targeting applications including transcriptional control. PMID:24766887

Mathematical Simulation for Integrated Linear Fresnel Spectrometer Chip

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, Yeonjoon; Yoon, Hargoon; Lee, Uhn; King, Glen C.; Choi, Sang H.

2012-01-01

A miniaturized solid-state optical spectrometer chip was designed with a linear gradient-gap Fresnel grating which was mounted perpendicularly to a sensor array surface and simulated for its performance and functionality. Unlike common spectrometers which are based on Fraunhoffer diffraction with a regular periodic line grating, the new linear gradient grating Fresnel spectrometer chip can be miniaturized to a much smaller form-factor into the Fresnel regime exceeding the limit of conventional spectrometers. This mathematical calculation shows that building a tiny motionless multi-pixel microspectrometer chip which is smaller than 1 cubic millimter of optical path volume is possible. The new Fresnel spectrometer chip is proportional to the energy scale (hc/lambda), while the conventional spectrometers are proportional to the wavelength scale (lambda). We report the theoretical optical working principle and new data collection algorithm of the new Fresnel spectrometer to build a compact integrated optical chip.

Using volcano plots and regularized-chi statistics in genetic association studies.

PubMed

Li, Wentian; Freudenberg, Jan; Suh, Young Ju; Yang, Yaning

2014-02-01

Labor intensive experiments are typically required to identify the causal disease variants from a list of disease associated variants in the genome. For designing such experiments, candidate variants are ranked by their strength of genetic association with the disease. However, the two commonly used measures of genetic association, the odds-ratio (OR) and p-value may rank variants in different order. To integrate these two measures into a single analysis, here we transfer the volcano plot methodology from gene expression analysis to genetic association studies. In its original setting, volcano plots are scatter plots of fold-change and t-test statistic (or -log of the p-value), with the latter being more sensitive to sample size. In genetic association studies, the OR and Pearson's chi-square statistic (or equivalently its square root, chi; or the standardized log(OR)) can be analogously used in a volcano plot, allowing for their visual inspection. Moreover, the geometric interpretation of these plots leads to an intuitive method for filtering results by a combination of both OR and chi-square statistic, which we term "regularized-chi". This method selects associated markers by a smooth curve in the volcano plot instead of the right-angled lines which corresponds to independent cutoffs for OR and chi-square statistic. The regularized-chi incorporates relatively more signals from variants with lower minor-allele-frequencies than chi-square test statistic. As rare variants tend to have stronger functional effects, regularized-chi is better suited to the task of prioritization of candidate genes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sleep Spindles in the Right Hemisphere Support Awareness of Regularities and Reflect Pre-Sleep Activations.

PubMed

Yordanova, Juliana; Kolev, Vasil; Bruns, Eike; Kirov, Roumen; Verleger, Rolf

2017-11-01

The present study explored the sleep mechanisms which may support awareness of hidden regularities. Before sleep, 53 participants learned implicitly a lateralized variant of the serial response-time task in order to localize sensorimotor encoding either in the left or right hemisphere and induce implicit regularity representations. Electroencephalographic (EEG) activity was recorded at multiple electrodes during both task performance and sleep, searching for lateralized traces of the preceding activity during learning. Sleep EEG analysis focused on region-specific slow (9-12 Hz) and fast (13-16 Hz) sleep spindles during nonrapid eye movement sleep. Fast spindle activity at those motor regions that were activated during learning increased with the amount of postsleep awareness. Independently of side of learning, spindle activity at right frontal and fronto-central regions was involved: there, fast spindles increased with the transformation of sequence knowledge from implicit before sleep to explicit after sleep, and slow spindles correlated with individual abilities of gaining awareness. These local modulations of sleep spindles corresponded to regions with greater presleep activation in participants with postsleep explicit knowledge. Sleep spindle mechanisms are related to explicit awareness (1) by tracing the activation of motor cortical and right-hemisphere regions which had stronger involvement already during learning and (2) by recruitment of individually consolidated processing modules in the right hemisphere. The integration of different sleep spindle mechanisms with functional states during wake collectively supports the gain of awareness of previously experienced regularities, with a special role for the right hemisphere. © Sleep Research Society 2017. Published by Oxford University Press [on behalf of the Sleep Research Society].

Data Integrity: Backup

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bergren, Martha Dewey

2005-01-01

School nurses and health office staff have an ethical and legal obligation to protect the integrity of electronic student health records. Various sources, both accidental and malicious, can threaten student health data. School nurses must employ regular and reliable methods to back up student health data.

A Kernel-free Boundary Integral Method for Elliptic Boundary Value Problems ⋆

PubMed Central

Ying, Wenjun; Henriquez, Craig S.

2013-01-01

This paper presents a class of kernel-free boundary integral (KFBI) methods for general elliptic boundary value problems (BVPs). The boundary integral equations reformulated from the BVPs are solved iteratively with the GMRES method. During the iteration, the boundary and volume integrals involving Green's functions are approximated by structured grid-based numerical solutions, which avoids the need to know the analytical expressions of Green's functions. The KFBI method assumes that the larger regular domain, which embeds the original complex domain, can be easily partitioned into a hierarchy of structured grids so that fast elliptic solvers such as the fast Fourier transform (FFT) based Poisson/Helmholtz solvers or those based on geometric multigrid iterations are applicable. The structured grid-based solutions are obtained with standard finite difference method (FDM) or finite element method (FEM), where the right hand side of the resulting linear system is appropriately modified at irregular grid nodes to recover the formal accuracy of the underlying numerical scheme. Numerical results demonstrating the efficiency and accuracy of the KFBI methods are presented. It is observed that the number of GM-RES iterations used by the method for solving isotropic and moderately anisotropic BVPs is independent of the sizes of the grids that are employed to approximate the boundary and volume integrals. With the standard second-order FEMs and FDMs, the KFBI method shows a second-order convergence rate in accuracy for all of the tested Dirichlet/Neumann BVPs when the anisotropy of the diffusion tensor is not too strong. PMID:23519600

Training Regular Education Personnel To Be Special Education Consultants to Other Regular Education Personnel in Rural Settings.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McIntosh, Dean K.; Raymond, Gail I.

The Program for Exceptional Children of the University of South Carolina developed a project to address the need for an improved service delivery model for handicapped students in rural South Carolina. The project trained regular elementary teachers at the master's degree level to function as consultants to other regular classroom teachers with…

Application of Turchin's method of statistical regularization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zelenyi, Mikhail; Poliakova, Mariia; Nozik, Alexander; Khudyakov, Alexey

2018-04-01

During analysis of experimental data, one usually needs to restore a signal after it has been convoluted with some kind of apparatus function. According to Hadamard's definition this problem is ill-posed and requires regularization to provide sensible results. In this article we describe an implementation of the Turchin's method of statistical regularization based on the Bayesian approach to the regularization strategy.

A Potential Proxy of the Second Integral of Motion (I2) in a Rotating Barred Potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Juntai; Qin, Yujing

2017-06-01

The only analytically known integral of motion in a 2-D rotating barred potential is the Jacobi constant (EJ). In addition to EJ, regular orbits also obey a second integral of motion (I2) whose analytical form is unknown. We show that the time-averaged characteristics of angular momentum in a rotating bar potential resemble the behavior of the analytically-unknown I2. For a given EJ, regular orbits of various families follow a continuous sequence in the space of net angular momentum and its dispersion ("angular momentum space"). In the limiting case where regular orbits of the well-known x1/x4 orbital families dominate the phase space, the orbital sequence can be monotonically traced by a single parameter, namely the ratio of mean angular momentum to its dispersion. This ratio behaves well even in the 3-D case, and thus may be used as a proxy of I2. The potential proxy of I2 may be used as an efficient way to probe the phase space structure, and a convenient new scheme of orbit classification in addition to the frequency mapping technique.

Partially chaotic orbits in a perturbed cubic force model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muzzio, J. C.

2017-11-01

Three types of orbits are theoretically possible in autonomous Hamiltonian systems with 3 degrees of freedom: fully chaotic (they only obey the energy integral), partially chaotic (they obey an additional isolating integral besides energy) and regular (they obey two isolating integrals besides energy). The existence of partially chaotic orbits has been denied by several authors, however, arguing either that there is a sudden transition from regularity to full chaoticity or that a long enough follow-up of a supposedly partially chaotic orbit would reveal a fully chaotic nature. This situation needs clarification, because partially chaotic orbits might play a significant role in the process of chaotic diffusion. Here we use numerically computed Lyapunov exponents to explore the phase space of a perturbed three-dimensional cubic force toy model, and a generalization of the Poincaré maps to show that partially chaotic orbits are actually present in that model. They turn out to be double orbits joined by a bifurcation zone, which is the most likely source of their chaos, and they are encapsulated in regions of phase space bounded by regular orbits similar to each one of the components of the double orbit.

A spatially adaptive total variation regularization method for electrical resistance tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Xizi; Xu, Yanbin; Dong, Feng

2015-12-01

The total variation (TV) regularization method has been used to solve the ill-posed inverse problem of electrical resistance tomography (ERT), owing to its good ability to preserve edges. However, the quality of the reconstructed images, especially in the flat region, is often degraded by noise. To optimize the regularization term and the regularization factor according to the spatial feature and to improve the resolution of reconstructed images, a spatially adaptive total variation (SATV) regularization method is proposed. A kind of effective spatial feature indicator named difference curvature is used to identify which region is a flat or edge region. According to different spatial features, the SATV regularization method can automatically adjust both the regularization term and regularization factor. At edge regions, the regularization term is approximate to the TV functional to preserve the edges; in flat regions, it is approximate to the first-order Tikhonov (FOT) functional to make the solution stable. Meanwhile, the adaptive regularization factor determined by the spatial feature is used to constrain the regularization strength of the SATV regularization method for different regions. Besides, a numerical scheme is adopted for the implementation of the second derivatives of difference curvature to improve the numerical stability. Several reconstruction image metrics are used to quantitatively evaluate the performance of the reconstructed results. Both simulation and experimental results indicate that, compared with the TV (mean relative error 0.288, mean correlation coefficient 0.627) and FOT (mean relative error 0.295, mean correlation coefficient 0.638) regularization methods, the proposed SATV (mean relative error 0.259, mean correlation coefficient 0.738) regularization method can endure a relatively high level of noise and improve the resolution of reconstructed images.

Numerical Differentiation of Noisy, Nonsmooth Data

DOE PAGES

Chartrand, Rick

2011-01-01

We consider the problem of differentiating a function specified by noisy data. Regularizing the differentiation process avoids the noise amplification of finite-difference methods. We use total-variation regularization, which allows for discontinuous solutions. The resulting simple algorithm accurately differentiates noisy functions, including those which have a discontinuous derivative.

Analysis of the Tikhonov regularization to retrieve thermal conductivity depth-profiles from infrared thermography data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Apiñaniz, Estibaliz; Mendioroz, Arantza; Salazar, Agustín; Celorrio, Ricardo

2010-09-01

We analyze the ability of the Tikhonov regularization to retrieve different shapes of in-depth thermal conductivity profiles, usually encountered in hardened materials, from surface temperature data. Exponential, oscillating, and sigmoidal profiles are studied. By performing theoretical experiments with added white noises, the influence of the order of the Tikhonov functional and of the parameters that need to be tuned to carry out the inversion are investigated. The analysis shows that the Tikhonov regularization is very well suited to reconstruct smooth profiles but fails when the conductivity exhibits steep slopes. We check a natural alternative regularization, the total variation functional, which gives much better results for sigmoidal profiles. Accordingly, a strategy to deal with real data is proposed in which we introduce this total variation regularization. This regularization is applied to the inversion of real data corresponding to a case hardened AISI1018 steel plate, giving much better anticorrelation of the retrieved conductivity with microindentation test data than the Tikhonov regularization. The results suggest that this is a promising way to improve the reliability of local inversion methods.

The Use of Educational Technology Integration by Special Education Teachers in Rural Schools in South Carolina

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Byrd-Jones, Shannon L.

2011-01-01

Effective professional development training is essential to ensuring full technology integration in all classrooms by all teachers on a regular basis. Technology integration can greatly enhance the learning of all students. In particular students with disabilities and special needs benefit a great deal from the use of technology during…

Merging Regular and Special Education Teacher Preparation Programs: The Integrated Special Education-English Project (ISEP).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Darcy E.

1991-01-01

Describes the Integrated Special Education-English Project (ISEP) which facilitated the gradual integration of special education and English teacher preparation programs. A description of the ISEP model and a case study are included. The case study indicated student teachers who participated in the ISEP improved special education and English…

A Longitudinal Assessment of Early Childhood Education with Integrated Speech Therapy for Children with Significant Language Impairment in Germany

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ullrich, Dieter; Ullrich, Katja; Marten, Magret

2014-01-01

Background: In Lower Saxony, Germany, pre-school children with language- and speech-deficits have the opportunity to access kindergartens with integrated language-/speech therapy prior to attending primary school, both regular or with integrated speech therapy. It is unknown whether these early childhood education treatments are helpful and…

Assembling surface mounted components on ink-jet printed double sided paper circuit board.

PubMed

Andersson, Henrik A; Manuilskiy, Anatoliy; Haller, Stefan; Hummelgård, Magnus; Sidén, Johan; Hummelgård, Christine; Olin, Håkan; Nilsson, Hans-Erik

2014-03-07

Printed electronics is a rapidly developing field where many components can already be manufactured on flexible substrates by printing or by other high speed manufacturing methods. However, the functionality of even the most inexpensive microcontroller or other integrated circuit is, at the present time and for the foreseeable future, out of reach by means of fully printed components. Therefore, it is of interest to investigate hybrid printed electronics, where regular electrical components are mounted on flexible substrates to achieve high functionality at a low cost. Moreover, the use of paper as a substrate for printed electronics is of growing interest because it is an environmentally friendly and renewable material and is, additionally, the main material used for many packages in which electronics functionalities could be integrated. One of the challenges for such hybrid printed electronics is the mounting of the components and the interconnection between layers on flexible substrates with printed conductive tracks that should provide as low a resistance as possible while still being able to be used in a high speed manufacturing process. In this article, several conductive adhesives are evaluated as well as soldering for mounting surface mounted components on a paper circuit board with ink-jet printed tracks and, in addition, a double sided Arduino compatible circuit board is manufactured and programmed.

The Full Ward-Takahashi Identity for Colored Tensor Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pérez-Sánchez, Carlos I.

2018-03-01

Colored tensor models (CTM) is a random geometrical approach to quantum gravity. We scrutinize the structure of the connected correlation functions of general CTM-interactions and organize them by boundaries of Feynman graphs. For rank- D interactions including, but not restricted to, all melonic φ^4 -vertices—to wit, solely those quartic vertices that can lead to dominant spherical contributions in the large- N expansion—the aforementioned boundary graphs are shown to be precisely all (possibly disconnected) vertex-bipartite regularly edge- D-colored graphs. The concept of CTM-compatible boundary-graph automorphism is introduced and an auxiliary graph calculus is developed. With the aid of these constructs, certain U (∞)-invariance of the path integral measure is fully exploited in order to derive a strong Ward-Takahashi Identity for CTMs with a symmetry-breaking kinetic term. For the rank-3 φ^4 -theory, we get the exact integral-like equation for the 2-point function. Similarly, exact equations for higher multipoint functions can be readily obtained departing from this full Ward-Takahashi identity. Our results hold for some Group Field Theories as well. Altogether, our non-perturbative approach trades some graph theoretical methods for analytical ones. We believe that these tools can be extended to tensorial SYK-models.

Towards the integration of mental practice in rehabilitation programs. A critical review

PubMed Central

Malouin, Francine; Jackson, Philip L.; Richards, Carol L.

2013-01-01

Many clinical studies have investigated the use of mental practice (MP) through motor imagery (MI) to enhance functional recovery of patients with diverse physical disabilities. Although beneficial effects have been generally reported for training motor functions in persons with chronic stroke (e.g., reaching, writing, walking), attempts to integrate MP within rehabilitation programs have been met with mitigated results. These findings have stirred further questioning about the value of MP in neurological rehabilitation. In fact, despite abundant systematic reviews, which customarily focused on the methodological merits of selected studies, several questions about factors underlying observed effects remain to be addressed. This review discusses these issues in an attempt to identify factors likely to hamper the integration of MP within rehabilitation programs. First, the rationale underlying the use of MP for training motor function is briefly reviewed. Second, three modes of MI delivery are proposed based on the analysis of the research protocols from 27 studies in persons with stroke and Parkinson's disease. Third, for each mode of MI delivery, a general description of MI training is provided. Fourth, the review discusses factors influencing MI training outcomes such as: the adherence to MI training, the amount of training and the interaction between physical and mental rehearsal; the use of relaxation, the selection of reliable, valid and sensitive outcome measures, the heterogeneity of the patient groups, the selection of patients and the mental rehearsal procedures. To conclude, the review proposes a framework for integrating MP in rehabilitation programs and suggests research targets for steering the implementation of MP in the early stages of the rehabilitation process. The challenge has now shifted towards the demonstration that MI training can enhance the effects of regular therapy in persons with subacute stroke during the period of spontaneous recovery. PMID:24065903

Benefits of regular aerobic exercise for executive functioning in healthy populations.

PubMed

Guiney, Hayley; Machado, Liana

2013-02-01

Research suggests that regular aerobic exercise has the potential to improve executive functioning, even in healthy populations. The purpose of this review is to elucidate which components of executive functioning benefit from such exercise in healthy populations. In light of the developmental time course of executive functions, we consider separately children, young adults, and older adults. Data to date from studies of aging provide strong evidence of exercise-linked benefits related to task switching, selective attention, inhibition of prepotent responses, and working memory capacity; furthermore, cross-sectional fitness data suggest that working memory updating could potentially benefit as well. In young adults, working memory updating is the main executive function shown to benefit from regular exercise, but cross-sectional data further suggest that task-switching and post error performance may also benefit. In children, working memory capacity has been shown to benefit, and cross-sectional data suggest potential benefits for selective attention and inhibitory control. Although more research investigating exercise-related benefits for specific components of executive functioning is clearly needed in young adults and children, when considered across the age groups, ample evidence indicates that regular engagement in aerobic exercise can provide a simple means for healthy people to optimize a range of executive functions.

Nucleation and Growth of Ordered Arrays of Silver Nanoparticles on Peptide Nanofibers: Hybrid Nanostructures with Antimicrobial Properties

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

Pazos, Elena; Sleep, Eduard; Rubert Perez, Charles M.

Here, silver nanoparticles have been of great interest as plasmonic substrates for sensing and imaging, catalysts, or antimicrobial systems. Their physical properties are strongly dependent on parameters that remain challenging to control such as size, chemical composition, and spatial distribution. We report here on supramolecular assemblies of a novel peptide amphiphile containing aldehyde functionality in order to reduce silver ions and subsequently nucleate silver metal nanoparticles in water. This system spontaneously generates monodisperse silver particles at fairly regular distances along the length of the filamentous organic assemblies. The metal–organic hybrid structures exhibited antimicrobial activity and significantly less toxicity toward eukaryoticmore » cells. Metallized organic nanofibers of the type described here offer the possibility to create hydrogels, which integrate the useful functions of silver nanoparticles with controllable metallic content.« less

Nucleation and Growth of Ordered Arrays of Silver Nanoparticles on Peptide Nanofibers: Hybrid Nanostructures with Antimicrobial Properties

DOE PAGES

Pazos, Elena; Sleep, Eduard; Rubert Perez, Charles M.; ...

2016-04-22

Here, silver nanoparticles have been of great interest as plasmonic substrates for sensing and imaging, catalysts, or antimicrobial systems. Their physical properties are strongly dependent on parameters that remain challenging to control such as size, chemical composition, and spatial distribution. We report here on supramolecular assemblies of a novel peptide amphiphile containing aldehyde functionality in order to reduce silver ions and subsequently nucleate silver metal nanoparticles in water. This system spontaneously generates monodisperse silver particles at fairly regular distances along the length of the filamentous organic assemblies. The metal–organic hybrid structures exhibited antimicrobial activity and significantly less toxicity toward eukaryoticmore » cells. Metallized organic nanofibers of the type described here offer the possibility to create hydrogels, which integrate the useful functions of silver nanoparticles with controllable metallic content.« less

Nucleation and Growth of Ordered Arrays of Silver Nanoparticles on Peptide Nanofibers: Hybrid Nanostructures with Antimicrobial Properties.

PubMed

Pazos, Elena; Sleep, Eduard; Rubert Pérez, Charles M; Lee, Sungsoo S; Tantakitti, Faifan; Stupp, Samuel I

2016-05-04

Silver nanoparticles have been of great interest as plasmonic substrates for sensing and imaging, catalysts, or antimicrobial systems. Their physical properties are strongly dependent on parameters that remain challenging to control such as size, chemical composition, and spatial distribution. We report here on supramolecular assemblies of a novel peptide amphiphile containing aldehyde functionality in order to reduce silver ions and subsequently nucleate silver metal nanoparticles in water. This system spontaneously generates monodisperse silver particles at fairly regular distances along the length of the filamentous organic assemblies. The metal-organic hybrid structures exhibited antimicrobial activity and significantly less toxicity toward eukaryotic cells. Metallized organic nanofibers of the type described here offer the possibility to create hydrogels, which integrate the useful functions of silver nanoparticles with controllable metallic content.

Spectral determinants for twist field correlators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belitsky, A. V.

2018-04-01

Twist fields were introduced a few decades ago as a quantum counterpart to classical kink configurations and disorder variables in low dimensional field theories. In recent years they received a new incarnation within the framework of geometric entropy and strong coupling limit of four-dimensional scattering amplitudes. In this paper, we study their two-point correlation functions in a free massless scalar theory, namely, twist-twist and twist-antitwist correlators. In spite of the simplicity of the model in question, the properties of the latter are far from being trivial. The problem is reduced, within the formalism of the path integral, to the study of spectral determinants on surfaces with conical points, which are then computed exactly making use of the zeta function regularization. We also provide an insight into twist correlators for a massive complex scalar by means of the Lifshitz-Krein trace formula.

Sinc-interpolants in the energy plane for regular solution, Jost function, and its zeros of quantum scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Annaby, M. H.; Asharabi, R. M.

2018-01-01

In a remarkable note of Chadan [Il Nuovo Cimento 39, 697-703 (1965)], the author expanded both the regular wave function and the Jost function of the quantum scattering problem using an interpolation theorem of Valiron [Bull. Sci. Math. 49, 181-192 (1925)]. These expansions have a very slow rate of convergence, and applying them to compute the zeros of the Jost function, which lead to the important bound states, gives poor convergence rates. It is our objective in this paper to introduce several efficient interpolation techniques to compute the regular wave solution as well as the Jost function and its zeros approximately. This work continues and improves the results of Chadan and other related studies remarkably. Several worked examples are given with illustrations and comparisons with existing methods.

Construction of normal-regular decisions of Bessel typed special system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tasmambetov, Zhaksylyk N.; Talipova, Meiramgul Zh.

2017-09-01

Studying a special system of differential equations in the separate production of the second order is solved by the degenerate hypergeometric function reducing to the Bessel functions of two variables. To construct a solution of this system near regular and irregular singularities, we use the method of Frobenius-Latysheva applying the concepts of rank and antirank. There is proved the basic theorem that establishes the existence of four linearly independent solutions of studying system type of Bessel. To prove the existence of normal-regular solutions we establish necessary conditions for the existence of such solutions. The existence and convergence of a normally regular solution are shown using the notion of rank and antirank.

The Regular Education Initiative as Reagan-Bush Education Policy: A Trickle-Down Theory of Education of the Hard-to-Reach.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kauffman, James M.

1989-01-01

The paper discusses the Regular Education Initiative as a conceptual revolution, as a political strategy, and as a flawed policy initiative. It argues that the REI focuses on a small number of highly emotional issues, such as integration, nonlabeling, efficiency, and excellence, which distract attention from deeper analysis. (Author/JDD)

The Regular Education Initiative as Reagan-Bush Education Policy: A Trickle-Down Theory of Education of the Hard-To-Teach.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kauffman, James M.

Proposals for restructuring and integration of special and general education, known as the regular education initiative (REI), represent a revolution in the basic concepts related to the education of handicapped students that have provided the foundation of special education for over a century. Education policy, as presented by Presidents Reagan…

Is It Possible to Improve Mathematical Achievement by Means of Self-Regulation Strategies? Evaluation of an Intervention in Regular Math Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perels, Franziska; Dignath, Charlotte; Schmitz, Bernhard

2009-01-01

After the effectiveness of self-regulation training outside school was demonstrated, a self-regulation intervention was developed to foster the learning achievement in regular math classes. Based on the theoretical framework of self-regulated learning, self-regulation training was integrated into a math class unit. The evaluation of the…

The Capra Research Program for Modelling Extreme Mass Ratio Inspirals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thornburg, Jonathan

2011-02-01

Suppose a small compact object (black hole or neutron star) of mass m orbits a large black hole of mass M ≫ m. This system emits gravitational waves (GWs) that have a radiation-reaction effect on the particle's motion. EMRIs (extreme-mass-ratio inspirals) of this type will be important GW sources for LISA. To fully analyze these GWs, and to detect weaker sources also present in the LISA data stream, will require highly accurate EMRI GW templates. In this article I outline the ``Capra'' research program to try to model EMRIs and calculate their GWs ab initio, assuming only that m ≪ M and that the Einstein equations hold. Because m ≪ M the timescale for the particle's orbit to shrink is too long for a practical direct numerical integration of the Einstein equations, and because this orbit may be deep in the large black hole's strong-field region, a post-Newtonian approximation would be inaccurate. Instead, we treat the EMRI spacetime as a perturbation of the large black hole's ``background'' (Schwarzschild or Kerr) spacetime and use the methods of black-hole perturbation theory, expanding in the small parameter m/M. The particle's motion can be described either as the result of a radiation-reaction ``self-force'' acting in the background spacetime or as geodesic motion in a perturbed spacetime. Several different lines of reasoning lead to the (same) basic O(m/M) ``MiSaTaQuWa'' equations of motion for the particle. In particular, the MiSaTaQuWa equations can be derived by modelling the particle as either a point particle or a small Schwarzschild black hole. The latter is conceptually elegant, but the former is technically much simpler and (surprisingly for a nonlinear field theory such as general relativity) still yields correct results. Modelling the small body as a point particle, its own field is singular along the particle worldline, so it's difficult to formulate a meaningful ``perturbation'' theory or equations of motion there. Detweiler and Whiting found an elegant decomposition of the particle's metric perturbation into a singular part which is spherically symmetric at the particle and a regular part which is smooth (and non-symmetric) at the particle. If we assume that the singular part (being spherically symmetric at the particle) exerts no force on the particle, then the MiSaTaQuWa equations follow immediately. The MiSaTaQuWa equations involve gradients of a (curved-spacetime) Green function, integrated over the particle's entire past worldline. These expressions aren't amenable to direct use in practical computations. By carefully analysing the singularity structure of each term in a spherical-harmonic expansion of the particle's field, Barack and Ori found that the self-force can be written as an infinite sum of modes, each of which can be calculated by (numerically) solving a set of wave equations in 1{+}1 dimensions, summing the gradients of the resulting fields at the particle position, and then subtracting certain analytically-calculable ``regularization parameters''. This ``mode-sum'' regularization scheme has been the basis for much further research including explicit numerical calculations of the self-force in a variety of situations, initially for Schwarzschild spacetime and more recently extending to Kerr spacetime. Recently Barack and Golbourn developed an alternative ``m-mode'' regularization scheme. This regularizes the physical metric perturbation by subtracting from it a suitable ``puncture function'' approximation to the Detweiler-Whiting singular field. The residual is then decomposed into a Fourier sum over azimuthal (e^{imϕ}) modes, and the resulting equations solved numerically in 2{+}1 dimensions. Vega and Detweiler have developed a related scheme that uses the same puncture-function regularization but then solves the regularized perturbation equation numerically in 3{+}1 dimensions, avoiding a mode-sum decomposition entirely. A number of research projects are now using these puncture-function regularization schemes, particularly for calculations in Kerr spacetime. Most Capra research to date has used 1st order perturbation theory, with the particle moving on a fixed (usually geodesic) worldline. Much current research is devoted to generalizing this to allow the particle worldline to be perturbed by the self-force, and to obtain approximation schemes which remain valid over long (EMRI-inspiral) timescales. To obtain the very high accuracies needed to fully exploit LISA's observations of the strongest EMRIs, 2nd order perturbation theory will probably also be needed; both this and long-time approximations remain frontiers for future Capra research.

Hessian-based norm regularization for image restoration with biomedical applications.

PubMed

Lefkimmiatis, Stamatios; Bourquard, Aurélien; Unser, Michael

2012-03-01

We present nonquadratic Hessian-based regularization methods that can be effectively used for image restoration problems in a variational framework. Motivated by the great success of the total-variation (TV) functional, we extend it to also include second-order differential operators. Specifically, we derive second-order regularizers that involve matrix norms of the Hessian operator. The definition of these functionals is based on an alternative interpretation of TV that relies on mixed norms of directional derivatives. We show that the resulting regularizers retain some of the most favorable properties of TV, i.e., convexity, homogeneity, rotation, and translation invariance, while dealing effectively with the staircase effect. We further develop an efficient minimization scheme for the corresponding objective functions. The proposed algorithm is of the iteratively reweighted least-square type and results from a majorization-minimization approach. It relies on a problem-specific preconditioned conjugate gradient method, which makes the overall minimization scheme very attractive since it can be applied effectively to large images in a reasonable computational time. We validate the overall proposed regularization framework through deblurring experiments under additive Gaussian noise on standard and biomedical images.

FunCoup 3.0: database of genome-wide functional coupling networks

PubMed Central

Schmitt, Thomas; Ogris, Christoph; Sonnhammer, Erik L. L.

2014-01-01

We present an update of the FunCoup database (http://FunCoup.sbc.su.se) of functional couplings, or functional associations, between genes and gene products. Identifying these functional couplings is an important step in the understanding of higher level mechanisms performed by complex cellular processes. FunCoup distinguishes between four classes of couplings: participation in the same signaling cascade, participation in the same metabolic process, co-membership in a protein complex and physical interaction. For each of these four classes, several types of experimental and statistical evidence are combined by Bayesian integration to predict genome-wide functional coupling networks. The FunCoup framework has been completely re-implemented to allow for more frequent future updates. It contains many improvements, such as a regularization procedure to automatically downweight redundant evidences and a novel method to incorporate phylogenetic profile similarity. Several datasets have been updated and new data have been added in FunCoup 3.0. Furthermore, we have developed a new Web site, which provides powerful tools to explore the predicted networks and to retrieve detailed information about the data underlying each prediction. PMID:24185702

FunCoup 3.0: database of genome-wide functional coupling networks.

PubMed

Schmitt, Thomas; Ogris, Christoph; Sonnhammer, Erik L L

2014-01-01

We present an update of the FunCoup database (http://FunCoup.sbc.su.se) of functional couplings, or functional associations, between genes and gene products. Identifying these functional couplings is an important step in the understanding of higher level mechanisms performed by complex cellular processes. FunCoup distinguishes between four classes of couplings: participation in the same signaling cascade, participation in the same metabolic process, co-membership in a protein complex and physical interaction. For each of these four classes, several types of experimental and statistical evidence are combined by Bayesian integration to predict genome-wide functional coupling networks. The FunCoup framework has been completely re-implemented to allow for more frequent future updates. It contains many improvements, such as a regularization procedure to automatically downweight redundant evidences and a novel method to incorporate phylogenetic profile similarity. Several datasets have been updated and new data have been added in FunCoup 3.0. Furthermore, we have developed a new Web site, which provides powerful tools to explore the predicted networks and to retrieve detailed information about the data underlying each prediction.

E-MSD: an integrated data resource for bioinformatics.

PubMed

Velankar, S; McNeil, P; Mittard-Runte, V; Suarez, A; Barrell, D; Apweiler, R; Henrick, K

2005-01-01

The Macromolecular Structure Database (MSD) group (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/msd/) continues to enhance the quality and consistency of macromolecular structure data in the worldwide Protein Data Bank (wwPDB) and to work towards the integration of various bioinformatics data resources. One of the major obstacles to the improved integration of structural databases such as MSD and sequence databases like UniProt is the absence of up to date and well-maintained mapping between corresponding entries. We have worked closely with the UniProt group at the EBI to clean up the taxonomy and sequence cross-reference information in the MSD and UniProt databases. This information is vital for the reliable integration of the sequence family databases such as Pfam and Interpro with the structure-oriented databases of SCOP and CATH. This information has been made available to the eFamily group (http://www.efamily.org.uk/) and now forms the basis of the regular interchange of information between the member databases (MSD, UniProt, Pfam, Interpro, SCOP and CATH). This exchange of annotation information has enriched the structural information in the MSD database with annotation from wider sequence-oriented resources. This work was carried out under the 'Structure Integration with Function, Taxonomy and Sequences (SIFTS)' initiative (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/msd-srv/docs/sifts) in the MSD group.

Regularized inversion of controlled source audio-frequency magnetotelluric data in horizontally layered transversely isotropic media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Jianmei; Wang, Jianxun; Shang, Qinglong; Wang, Hongnian; Yin, Changchun

2014-04-01

We present an algorithm for inverting controlled source audio-frequency magnetotelluric (CSAMT) data in horizontally layered transversely isotropic (TI) media. The popular inversion method parameterizes the media into a large number of layers which have fixed thickness and only reconstruct the conductivities (e.g. Occam's inversion), which does not enable the recovery of the sharp interfaces between layers. In this paper, we simultaneously reconstruct all the model parameters, including both the horizontal and vertical conductivities and layer depths. Applying the perturbation principle and the dyadic Green's function in TI media, we derive the analytic expression of Fréchet derivatives of CSAMT responses with respect to all the model parameters in the form of Sommerfeld integrals. A regularized iterative inversion method is established to simultaneously reconstruct all the model parameters. Numerical results show that the inverse algorithm, including the depths of the layer interfaces, can significantly improve the inverse results. It can not only reconstruct the sharp interfaces between layers, but also can obtain conductivities close to the true value.

Chromatin Controls DNA Replication Origin Selection, Lagging-Strand Synthesis, and Replication Fork Rates.

PubMed

Kurat, Christoph F; Yeeles, Joseph T P; Patel, Harshil; Early, Anne; Diffley, John F X

2017-01-05

The integrity of eukaryotic genomes requires rapid and regulated chromatin replication. How this is accomplished is still poorly understood. Using purified yeast replication proteins and fully chromatinized templates, we have reconstituted this process in vitro. We show that chromatin enforces DNA replication origin specificity by preventing non-specific MCM helicase loading. Helicase activation occurs efficiently in the context of chromatin, but subsequent replisome progression requires the histone chaperone FACT (facilitates chromatin transcription). The FACT-associated Nhp6 protein, the nucleosome remodelers INO80 or ISW1A, and the lysine acetyltransferases Gcn5 and Esa1 each contribute separately to maximum DNA synthesis rates. Chromatin promotes the regular priming of lagging-strand DNA synthesis by facilitating DNA polymerase α function at replication forks. Finally, nucleosomes disrupted during replication are efficiently re-assembled into regular arrays on nascent DNA. Our work defines the minimum requirements for chromatin replication in vitro and shows how multiple chromatin factors might modulate replication fork rates in vivo. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

12 CFR 702.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... earnings, regular reserves, and any other appropriations designated by management or regulatory authorities... includes the retained earnings of the acquired credit union, or of an integrated set of activities and... acquires another credit union, or acquires an integrated set of activities and assets that is capable of...

Functional dissociation between regularity encoding and deviance detection along the auditory hierarchy.

PubMed

Aghamolaei, Maryam; Zarnowiec, Katarzyna; Grimm, Sabine; Escera, Carles

2016-02-01

Auditory deviance detection based on regularity encoding appears as one of the basic functional properties of the auditory system. It has traditionally been assessed with the mismatch negativity (MMN) long-latency component of the auditory evoked potential (AEP). Recent studies have found earlier correlates of deviance detection based on regularity encoding. They occur in humans in the first 50 ms after sound onset, at the level of the middle-latency response of the AEP, and parallel findings of stimulus-specific adaptation observed in animal studies. However, the functional relationship between these different levels of regularity encoding and deviance detection along the auditory hierarchy has not yet been clarified. Here we addressed this issue by examining deviant-related responses at different levels of the auditory hierarchy to stimulus changes varying in their degree of deviation regarding the spatial location of a repeated standard stimulus. Auditory stimuli were presented randomly from five loudspeakers at azimuthal angles of 0°, 12°, 24°, 36° and 48° during oddball and reversed-oddball conditions. Middle-latency responses and MMN were measured. Our results revealed that middle-latency responses were sensitive to deviance but not the degree of deviation, whereas the MMN amplitude increased as a function of deviance magnitude. These findings indicated that acoustic regularity can be encoded at the level of the middle-latency response but that it takes a higher step in the auditory hierarchy for deviance magnitude to be encoded, thus providing a functional dissociation between regularity encoding and deviance detection along the auditory hierarchy. © 2015 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Chaotic orbits obeying one isolating integral in a four-dimensional map

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muzzio, J. C.

2018-02-01

We have recently presented strong evidence that chaotic orbits that obey one isolating integral besides energy exist in a toy Hamiltonian model with three degrees of freedom and are bounded by regular orbits that isolate them from the Arnold web. The interval covered by those numerical experiments was equivalent to about one million Hubble times in a galactic context. Here, we use a four-dimensional map to confirm our previous results and to extend that interval 50 times. We show that, at least within that interval, features found in lower dimension Hamiltonian systems and maps are also present in our study, e.g. within the phase space occupied by a chaotic orbit that obeys one integral there are subspaces where that orbit does not enter and are, instead, occupied by regular orbits that, if tori, bound other chaotic orbits obeying one integral and, if cantori, produce stickiness. We argue that the validity of our results might exceed the time intervals covered by the numerical experiments.

Generalization Analysis of Fredholm Kernel Regularized Classifiers.

PubMed

Gong, Tieliang; Xu, Zongben; Chen, Hong

2017-07-01

Recently, a new framework, Fredholm learning, was proposed for semisupervised learning problems based on solving a regularized Fredholm integral equation. It allows a natural way to incorporate unlabeled data into learning algorithms to improve their prediction performance. Despite rapid progress on implementable algorithms with theoretical guarantees, the generalization ability of Fredholm kernel learning has not been studied. In this letter, we focus on investigating the generalization performance of a family of classification algorithms, referred to as Fredholm kernel regularized classifiers. We prove that the corresponding learning rate can achieve [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] is the number of labeled samples) in a limiting case. In addition, a representer theorem is provided for the proposed regularized scheme, which underlies its applications.

Improving pharmacy revenue integrity.

PubMed

Carmody, Jennifer J; Townsend, Kyle; Schwartz, Kathy

2013-09-01

Billings Clinic learned the following important lessons in implementing a pharmacy revenue integrity initiative: Integrate pharmacy data as fully as possible. Audit and review pharmacy data regularly to validate the data and identify key areas where education can be provided to support accuracy and compliance. Use technology to bridge gaps between pharmacy data, such as gaps in billable units and billed units. Establish data governance workflows.

Development of a local size hierarchy causes regular spacing of trees in an even-aged Abies forest: analyses using spatial autocorrelation and the mark correlation function.

PubMed

Suzuki, Satoshi N; Kachi, Naoki; Suzuki, Jun-Ichirou

2008-09-01

During the development of an even-aged plant population, the spatial distribution of individuals often changes from a clumped pattern to a random or regular one. The development of local size hierarchies in an Abies forest was analysed for a period of 47 years following a large disturbance in 1959. In 1980 all trees in an 8 x 8 m plot were mapped and their height growth after the disturbance was estimated. Their mortality and growth were then recorded at 1- to 4-year intervals between 1980 and 2006. Spatial distribution patterns of trees were analysed by the pair correlation function. Spatial correlations between tree heights were analysed with a spatial autocorrelation function and the mark correlation function. The mark correlation function was able to detect a local size hierarchy that could not be detected by the spatial autocorrelation function alone. The small-scale spatial distribution pattern of trees changed from clumped to slightly regular during the 47 years. Mortality occurred in a density-dependent manner, which resulted in regular spacing between trees after 1980. The spatial autocorrelation and mark correlation functions revealed the existence of tree patches consisting of large trees at the initial stage. Development of a local size hierarchy was detected within the first decade after the disturbance, although the spatial autocorrelation was not negative. Local size hierarchies that developed persisted until 2006, and the spatial autocorrelation became negative at later stages (after about 40 years). This is the first study to detect local size hierarchies as a prelude to regular spacing using the mark correlation function. The results confirm that use of the mark correlation function together with the spatial autocorrelation function is an effective tool to analyse the development of a local size hierarchy of trees in a forest.

Increasing Accuracy of Tissue Shear Modulus Reconstruction Using Ultrasonic Strain Tensor Measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sumi, C.

Previously, we developed three displacement vector measurement methods, i.e., the multidimensional cross-spectrum phase gradient method (MCSPGM), the multidimensional autocorrelation method (MAM), and the multidimensional Doppler method (MDM). To increase the accuracies and stabilities of lateral and elevational displacement measurements, we also developed spatially variant, displacement component-dependent regularization. In particular, the regularization of only the lateral/elevational displacements is advantageous for the lateral unmodulated case. The demonstrated measurements of the displacement vector distributions in experiments using an inhomogeneous shear modulus agar phantom confirm that displacement-component-dependent regularization enables more stable shear modulus reconstruction. In this report, we also review our developed lateral modulation methods that use Parabolic functions, Hanning windows, and Gaussian functions in the apodization function and the optimized apodization function that realizes the designed point spread function (PSF). The modulations significantly increase the accuracy of the strain tensor measurement and shear modulus reconstruction (demonstrated using an agar phantom).

Second-Order Two-Sided Estimates in Nonlinear Elliptic Problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cianchi, Andrea; Maz'ya, Vladimir G.

2018-05-01

Best possible second-order regularity is established for solutions to p-Laplacian type equations with {p \\in (1, ∞)} and a square-integrable right-hand side. Our results provide a nonlinear counterpart of the classical L 2-coercivity theory for linear problems, which is missing in the existing literature. Both local and global estimates are obtained. The latter apply to solutions to either Dirichlet or Neumann boundary value problems. Minimal regularity on the boundary of the domain is required, although our conclusions are new even for smooth domains. If the domain is convex, no regularity of its boundary is needed at all.

Career Education Activities for Subject Area Teachers. Grades 9 through 12.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Finn, Peter; Lawson, Jane

Designed as a resource book which can be used to supplement the regular curriculum by integrating one or more career education activities into regularly taught courses, this volume for grades 9 through 12 is one of a series of three manuals, one each for the elementary (grades 1-6), junior high (grades 6-9), and senior high (grades 9-12) levels.…

Career Education Activities for Subject Area Teachers. Grades 1 through 6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lawson, Jane; Finn, Peter

Designed as a resource book which can be used to supplement the regular curriculum by integrating one or more career education activities into regularly taught courses, this volume for grades 1 through 6 is one of a series of three manuals, one each for the elementary (grades 1-6), junior high (grades 6-9), and senior high (grades 9-12) levels. It…

Career Education Activities for Subject Area Teachers. Grades 6 through 9.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Finn, Peter; Lawson, Jane

Designed as a resource book which can be used to supplement the regular curriculum by integrating one or more career education activities into regularly taught courses, this volume for grades 6 through 9 is one of a series of three manuals, one each for the elementary (grades 1-6), junior high (grades 6-9), and senior high (grades 9-l2) levels. It…

The Link between Nutrition and Physical Activity in Increasing Academic Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Asigbee, Fiona M.; Whitney, Stephen D.; Peterson, Catherine E.

2018-01-01

Background: Research demonstrates a link between decreased cognitive function in overweight school-aged children and improved cognitive function among students with high fitness levels and children engaging in regular physical activity (PA). The purpose of this study was to examine whether regular PA and proper nutrition together had a significant…

An interior-point method for total variation regularized positron emission tomography image reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Bing

2012-03-01

There has been a lot of work on total variation (TV) regularized tomographic image reconstruction recently. Many of them use gradient-based optimization algorithms with a differentiable approximation of the TV functional. In this paper we apply TV regularization in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) image reconstruction. We reconstruct the PET image in a Bayesian framework, using Poisson noise model and TV prior functional. The original optimization problem is transformed to an equivalent problem with inequality constraints by adding auxiliary variables. Then we use an interior point method with logarithmic barrier functions to solve the constrained optimization problem. In this method, a series of points approaching the solution from inside the feasible region are found by solving a sequence of subproblems characterized by an increasing positive parameter. We use preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG) algorithm to solve the subproblems directly. The nonnegativity constraint is enforced by bend line search. The exact expression of the TV functional is used in our calculations. Simulation results show that the algorithm converges fast and the convergence is insensitive to the values of the regularization and reconstruction parameters.

GREAT: a web portal for Genome Regulatory Architecture Tools.

PubMed

Bouyioukos, Costas; Bucchini, François; Elati, Mohamed; Képès, François

2016-07-08

GREAT (Genome REgulatory Architecture Tools) is a novel web portal for tools designed to generate user-friendly and biologically useful analysis of genome architecture and regulation. The online tools of GREAT are freely accessible and compatible with essentially any operating system which runs a modern browser. GREAT is based on the analysis of genome layout -defined as the respective positioning of co-functional genes- and its relation with chromosome architecture and gene expression. GREAT tools allow users to systematically detect regular patterns along co-functional genomic features in an automatic way consisting of three individual steps and respective interactive visualizations. In addition to the complete analysis of regularities, GREAT tools enable the use of periodicity and position information for improving the prediction of transcription factor binding sites using a multi-view machine learning approach. The outcome of this integrative approach features a multivariate analysis of the interplay between the location of a gene and its regulatory sequence. GREAT results are plotted in web interactive graphs and are available for download either as individual plots, self-contained interactive pages or as machine readable tables for downstream analysis. The GREAT portal can be reached at the following URL https://absynth.issb.genopole.fr/GREAT and each individual GREAT tool is available for downloading. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

[Evaluation of Educational Effect of Problem-Posing System in Nursing Processing Study].

PubMed

Tsuji, Keiko; Takano, Yasuomi; Yamakawa, Hiroto; Kaneko, Daisuke; Takai, Kiyako; Kodama, Hiromi; Hagiwara, Tomoko; Komatsugawa, Hiroshi

2015-09-01

The nursing processing study is generally difficult, because it is important for nursing college students to understand knowledge and utilize it. We have developed an integrated system to understand, utilize, and share knowledge. We added a problem-posing function to this system, and expected that students would deeply understand the nursing processing study through the new system. This system consisted of four steps: create a problem, create an answer input section, create a hint, and verification. Nursing students created problems related to nursing processing by this system. When we gave a lecture on the nursing processing for second year students of A university, we tried to use the creating problem function of this system. We evaluated the effect by the number of problems and the contents of the created problem, that is, whether the contents consisted of a lecture stage or not. We also evaluated the correlation between those and regular examination and report scores. We derived the following: 1. weak correlation between the number of created problems and report score (r=0.27), 2. significant differences between regular examination and report scores of students who created problems corresponding to the learning stage, and those of students who created problems not corresponding to it (P<0.05). From these results, problem-posing is suggested to be effective to fix and utilize knowledge in the lecture of nursing processing theory.

A two-component Matched Interface and Boundary (MIB) regularization for charge singularity in implicit solvation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geng, Weihua; Zhao, Shan

2017-12-01

We present a new Matched Interface and Boundary (MIB) regularization method for treating charge singularity in solvated biomolecules whose electrostatics are described by the Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) equation. In a regularization method, by decomposing the potential function into two or three components, the singular component can be analytically represented by the Green's function, while other components possess a higher regularity. Our new regularization combines the efficiency of two-component schemes with the accuracy of the three-component schemes. Based on this regularization, a new MIB finite difference algorithm is developed for solving both linear and nonlinear PB equations, where the nonlinearity is handled by using the inexact-Newton's method. Compared with the existing MIB PB solver based on a three-component regularization, the present algorithm is simpler to implement by circumventing the work to solve a boundary value Poisson equation inside the molecular interface and to compute related interface jump conditions numerically. Moreover, the new MIB algorithm becomes computationally less expensive, while maintains the same second order accuracy. This is numerically verified by calculating the electrostatic potential and solvation energy on the Kirkwood sphere on which the analytical solutions are available and on a series of proteins with various sizes.

Simultaneous Tumor Segmentation, Image Restoration, and Blur Kernel Estimation in PET Using Multiple Regularizations

PubMed Central

Li, Laquan; Wang, Jian; Lu, Wei; Tan, Shan

2016-01-01

Accurate tumor segmentation from PET images is crucial in many radiation oncology applications. Among others, partial volume effect (PVE) is recognized as one of the most important factors degrading imaging quality and segmentation accuracy in PET. Taking into account that image restoration and tumor segmentation are tightly coupled and can promote each other, we proposed a variational method to solve both problems simultaneously in this study. The proposed method integrated total variation (TV) semi-blind de-convolution and Mumford-Shah segmentation with multiple regularizations. Unlike many existing energy minimization methods using either TV or L2 regularization, the proposed method employed TV regularization over tumor edges to preserve edge information, and L2 regularization inside tumor regions to preserve the smooth change of the metabolic uptake in a PET image. The blur kernel was modeled as anisotropic Gaussian to address the resolution difference in transverse and axial directions commonly seen in a clinic PET scanner. The energy functional was rephrased using the Γ-convergence approximation and was iteratively optimized using the alternating minimization (AM) algorithm. The performance of the proposed method was validated on a physical phantom and two clinic datasets with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and esophageal cancer, respectively. Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed method had high performance for simultaneous image restoration, tumor segmentation and scanner blur kernel estimation. Particularly, the recovery coefficients (RC) of the restored images of the proposed method in the phantom study were close to 1, indicating an efficient recovery of the original blurred images; for segmentation the proposed method achieved average dice similarity indexes (DSIs) of 0.79 and 0.80 for two clinic datasets, respectively; and the relative errors of the estimated blur kernel widths were less than 19% in the transversal direction and 7% in the axial direction. PMID:28603407

Sexual dysfunction after liver transplantation.

PubMed

Burra, Patrizia

2009-11-01

1. The goal of liver transplantation is not only to ensure the survival of patients but also to offer patients the opportunity to achieve a good balance between the functional efficacy of the graft and their psychological and physical integrity. The quality of life after transplantation may be affected by unsatisfactory sexual activity and reproductive performance. 2. Sexual dysfunction and sex hormone disturbances are widely reported in men and women with chronic liver disease before liver transplantation. 3. Successful liver transplantation should lead to improvements in sexual function and sex hormone disturbances in both men and women, therefore improving reproductive performance, but immunosuppressive drugs may interfere with hormone metabolism. 4. Pregnancy is often successful after liver transplantation, despite the potentially toxic effects of immunosuppressive drug therapy, but fetal and maternal outcomes should be regularly assessed. 5. More detailed and comprehensive data are needed in the field of sexual function after transplantation, and new strategies are needed to support and inform patients on the waiting list and after liver transplantation. (c) 2009 AASLD.

A Variational Level Set Approach Based on Local Entropy for Image Segmentation and Bias Field Correction.

PubMed

Tang, Jian; Jiang, Xiaoliang

2017-01-01

Image segmentation has always been a considerable challenge in image analysis and understanding due to the intensity inhomogeneity, which is also commonly known as bias field. In this paper, we present a novel region-based approach based on local entropy for segmenting images and estimating the bias field simultaneously. Firstly, a local Gaussian distribution fitting (LGDF) energy function is defined as a weighted energy integral, where the weight is local entropy derived from a grey level distribution of local image. The means of this objective function have a multiplicative factor that estimates the bias field in the transformed domain. Then, the bias field prior is fully used. Therefore, our model can estimate the bias field more accurately. Finally, minimization of this energy function with a level set regularization term, image segmentation, and bias field estimation can be achieved. Experiments on images of various modalities demonstrated the superior performance of the proposed method when compared with other state-of-the-art approaches.

Integrating ecological and engineering concepts of resilience in microbial communities

DOE PAGES

Song, Hyun -Seob; Renslow, Ryan S.; Fredrickson, Jim K.; ...

2015-12-01

We note that many definitions of resilience have been proffered for natural and engineered ecosystems, but a conceptual consensus on resilience in microbial communities is still lacking. Here, we argue that the disconnect largely results from the wide variance in microbial community complexity, which range from simple synthetic consortia to complex natural communities, and divergence between the typical practical outcomes emphasized by ecologists and engineers. Viewing microbial communities as elasto-plastic systems, we argue that this gap between the engineering and ecological definitions of resilience stems from their respective emphases on elastic and plastic deformation, respectively. We propose that the twomore » concepts may be fundamentally united around the resilience of function rather than state in microbial communities and the regularity in the relationship between environmental variation and a community’s functional response. Furthermore, we posit that functional resilience is an intrinsic property of microbial communities, suggesting that state changes in response to environmental variation may be a key mechanism driving resilience in microbial communities.« less

Is the Filinov integral conditioning technique useful in semiclassical initial value representation methods?

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

Spanner, Michael; Batista, Victor S.; Brumer, Paul

2005-02-22

The utility of the Filinov integral conditioning technique, as implemented in semiclassical initial value representation (SC-IVR) methods, is analyzed for a number of regular and chaotic systems. For nonchaotic systems of low dimensionality, the Filinov technique is found to be quite ineffective at accelerating convergence of semiclassical calculations since, contrary to the conventional wisdom, the semiclassical integrands usually do not exhibit significant phase oscillations in regions of large integrand amplitude. In the case of chaotic dynamics, it is found that the regular component is accurately represented by the SC-IVR, even when using the Filinov integral conditioning technique, but that quantummore » manifestations of chaotic behavior was easily overdamped by the filtering technique. Finally, it is shown that the level of approximation introduced by the Filinov filter is, in general, comparable to the simpler ad hoc truncation procedure introduced by Kay [J. Chem. Phys. 101, 2250 (1994)].« less

An inverse finance problem for estimation of the volatility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neisy, A.; Salmani, K.

2013-01-01

Black-Scholes model, as a base model for pricing in derivatives markets has some deficiencies, such as ignoring market jumps, and considering market volatility as a constant factor. In this article, we introduce a pricing model for European-Options under jump-diffusion underlying asset. Then, using some appropriate numerical methods we try to solve this model with integral term, and terms including derivative. Finally, considering volatility as an unknown parameter, we try to estimate it by using our proposed model. For the purpose of estimating volatility, in this article, we utilize inverse problem, in which inverse problem model is first defined, and then volatility is estimated using minimization function with Tikhonov regularization.

The Adler D-function for N = 1 SQCD regularized by higher covariant derivatives in the three-loop approximation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kataev, A. L.; Kazantsev, A. E.; Stepanyantz, K. V.

2018-01-01

We calculate the Adler D-function for N = 1 SQCD in the three-loop approximation using the higher covariant derivative regularization and the NSVZ-like subtraction scheme. The recently formulated all-order relation between the Adler function and the anomalous dimension of the matter superfields defined in terms of the bare coupling constant is first considered and generalized to the case of an arbitrary representation for the chiral matter superfields. The correctness of this all-order relation is explicitly verified at the three-loop level. The special renormalization scheme in which this all-order relation remains valid for the D-function and the anomalous dimension defined in terms of the renormalized coupling constant is constructed in the case of using the higher derivative regularization. The analytic expression for the Adler function for N = 1 SQCD is found in this scheme to the order O (αs2). The problem of scheme-dependence of the D-function and the NSVZ-like equation is briefly discussed.

"Community Connections": A Programme to Enhance Domestic and International Students' Educational Experience

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gresham, Ruth; Clayton, Veronica

2011-01-01

It has been widely acknowledged that an important indicator of a successful sojourn for international students is social integration into the host community. Despite seemingly regular opportunities to integrate, many international students report that their interactions with local residents remain superficial. The "Community Connections"…

Including Students with Severe Disabilities in General Education Settings.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wisniewski, Lech; Alper, Sandra

1994-01-01

This paper presents five systematic phases for bringing about successful regular education inclusion of students with severe disabilities. Phases include develop networks within the community, assess school and community resources, review strategies for integration, install strategies that lead to integration, and develop a system of feedback and…

Long-range Perspectives in Environmental Education: Producing Practical Problem-solvers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barratt, Rod

1997-01-01

Addresses postgraduate environmental education by supported distance learning as offered by the Open University in Great Britain. Refers to techniques for regularly updating material in rapidly developing areas as well as integrating teaching and research. Also refers to the modular course Integrated Safety, Health and Environmental Management.…

How Teachers' Uses of Technology Vary by Tenure and Longevity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Russell, Michael; O'Dwyer, Laura M.; Bebell, Damian; Tao, Wei

2007-01-01

In spite of large expenditures on and increased access to educational technologies, a concern remains that computer-based technologies are not being integrated into regular instructional practices. While there is evidence to support the hypothesis that newer teachers' familiarity with technology leads to increased technology integration, a…

Integrating the Core Curriculum through Cooperative Learning. Lesson Plans for Teachers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Winget, Patricia L., Ed.

Cooperative learning strategies are used to facilitate the integration of multicultural and multi-ability level students into California regular education classrooms. This handbook is a sampling of innovative lesson plans using cooperative learning activities developed by teachers to incorporate the core curriculum into their instruction. Three…

A Secondary Guy: Physically Disabled Teenagers in Secondary Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doubt, Lorna; McColl, Mary Ann

2003-01-01

A phenomenological study of seven teenagers with physical disabilities attending a regular secondary school focused on social integration and the factors influencing it. Results showed extrinsic and intrinsic factors that facilitate or limit integration. Occupational therapists can ensure that schools are inclusive and that clients are capable of…

MRI reconstruction with joint global regularization and transform learning.

PubMed

Tanc, A Korhan; Eksioglu, Ender M

2016-10-01

Sparsity based regularization has been a popular approach to remedy the measurement scarcity in image reconstruction. Recently, sparsifying transforms learned from image patches have been utilized as an effective regularizer for the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) reconstruction. Here, we infuse additional global regularization terms to the patch-based transform learning. We develop an algorithm to solve the resulting novel cost function, which includes both patchwise and global regularization terms. Extensive simulation results indicate that the introduced mixed approach has improved MRI reconstruction performance, when compared to the algorithms which use either of the patchwise transform learning or global regularization terms alone. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

INDIGO – INtegrated Data Warehouse of MIcrobial GenOmes with Examples from the Red Sea Extremophiles

PubMed Central

Alam, Intikhab; Antunes, André; Kamau, Allan Anthony; Ba alawi, Wail; Kalkatawi, Manal; Stingl, Ulrich; Bajic, Vladimir B.

2013-01-01

Background The next generation sequencing technologies substantially increased the throughput of microbial genome sequencing. To functionally annotate newly sequenced microbial genomes, a variety of experimental and computational methods are used. Integration of information from different sources is a powerful approach to enhance such annotation. Functional analysis of microbial genomes, necessary for downstream experiments, crucially depends on this annotation but it is hampered by the current lack of suitable information integration and exploration systems for microbial genomes. Results We developed a data warehouse system (INDIGO) that enables the integration of annotations for exploration and analysis of newly sequenced microbial genomes. INDIGO offers an opportunity to construct complex queries and combine annotations from multiple sources starting from genomic sequence to protein domain, gene ontology and pathway levels. This data warehouse is aimed at being populated with information from genomes of pure cultures and uncultured single cells of Red Sea bacteria and Archaea. Currently, INDIGO contains information from Salinisphaera shabanensis, Haloplasma contractile, and Halorhabdus tiamatea - extremophiles isolated from deep-sea anoxic brine lakes of the Red Sea. We provide examples of utilizing the system to gain new insights into specific aspects on the unique lifestyle and adaptations of these organisms to extreme environments. Conclusions We developed a data warehouse system, INDIGO, which enables comprehensive integration of information from various resources to be used for annotation, exploration and analysis of microbial genomes. It will be regularly updated and extended with new genomes. It is aimed to serve as a resource dedicated to the Red Sea microbes. In addition, through INDIGO, we provide our Automatic Annotation of Microbial Genomes (AAMG) pipeline. The INDIGO web server is freely available at http://www.cbrc.kaust.edu.sa/indigo. PMID:24324765

INDIGO - INtegrated data warehouse of microbial genomes with examples from the red sea extremophiles.

PubMed

Alam, Intikhab; Antunes, André; Kamau, Allan Anthony; Ba Alawi, Wail; Kalkatawi, Manal; Stingl, Ulrich; Bajic, Vladimir B

2013-01-01

The next generation sequencing technologies substantially increased the throughput of microbial genome sequencing. To functionally annotate newly sequenced microbial genomes, a variety of experimental and computational methods are used. Integration of information from different sources is a powerful approach to enhance such annotation. Functional analysis of microbial genomes, necessary for downstream experiments, crucially depends on this annotation but it is hampered by the current lack of suitable information integration and exploration systems for microbial genomes. We developed a data warehouse system (INDIGO) that enables the integration of annotations for exploration and analysis of newly sequenced microbial genomes. INDIGO offers an opportunity to construct complex queries and combine annotations from multiple sources starting from genomic sequence to protein domain, gene ontology and pathway levels. This data warehouse is aimed at being populated with information from genomes of pure cultures and uncultured single cells of Red Sea bacteria and Archaea. Currently, INDIGO contains information from Salinisphaera shabanensis, Haloplasma contractile, and Halorhabdus tiamatea - extremophiles isolated from deep-sea anoxic brine lakes of the Red Sea. We provide examples of utilizing the system to gain new insights into specific aspects on the unique lifestyle and adaptations of these organisms to extreme environments. We developed a data warehouse system, INDIGO, which enables comprehensive integration of information from various resources to be used for annotation, exploration and analysis of microbial genomes. It will be regularly updated and extended with new genomes. It is aimed to serve as a resource dedicated to the Red Sea microbes. In addition, through INDIGO, we provide our Automatic Annotation of Microbial Genomes (AAMG) pipeline. The INDIGO web server is freely available at http://www.cbrc.kaust.edu.sa/indigo.

Health promotion for young patients with haemophilia. Counselling, adjuvant exercise therapy and school sports.

PubMed

Sondermann, Judith; Herbsleb, Marco; Stanek, Frank-Detlef; Gabriel, Holger; Kentouche, Karim

2017-05-10

The haemophilia treatment centre of the Clinic for Children and Youth Medicine in Jena extends medical care by health-promotion measures, namely: health counselling, adjuvant exercise therapy and school sports. In addition to the regular medical checks at the treatment centre patients are examined regarding physical fitness, joint situation, quality of life in general and disease-specific manner, as well as psycho-social and nutritional behaviour. Findings and medical results of the examinations are integrated into an individual advice on therapy, school sports, and health recommendations. This aimed at strengthening health-related resources and minimizing potential injuries. First long-term evaluation shows an increase of activity behaviour and physical fitness without increasing bleeding rate and maintained joint function. Combining functional prevention diagnostics and individual health counselling shows signs of improved patient's health knowledge, self-competence and physical fitness.

Voluntary leadership roles in religious groups and rates of change in functional status during older adulthood

PubMed Central

Krause, Neal

2013-01-01

Linear growth curve modeling was used to compare rates of change in functional status between three groups of older adults: Individuals holding voluntary lay leadership positions in a church, regular church attenders who were not leaders, and those not regularly attending church. Functional status was tracked longitudinally over a 4-year period in a national sample of 1,152 Black and White older adults whose religious backgrounds were either Christian or unaffiliated. Leaders had significantly slower trajectories of increase in both the number of physical impairments and the severity of those impairments. Although regular church attenders who were not leaders had lower mean levels of impairment on both measures, compared with those not regularly attending church, the two groups of non-leaders did not differ from one another in their rates of impairment increase. Leadership roles may contribute to longer maintenance of physical ability in late life, and opportunities for voluntary leadership may help account for some of the health benefits of religious participation. PMID:23606309

Regularization in Orbital Mechanics; Theory and Practice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roa, Javier

2017-09-01

Regularized equations of motion can improve numerical integration for the propagation of orbits, and simplify the treatment of mission design problems. This monograph discusses standard techniques and recent research in the area. While each scheme is derived analytically, its accuracy is investigated numerically. Algebraic and topological aspects of the formulations are studied, as well as their application to practical scenarios such as spacecraft relative motion and new low-thrust trajectories.

Ideal regularization for learning kernels from labels.

PubMed

Pan, Binbin; Lai, Jianhuang; Shen, Lixin

2014-08-01

In this paper, we propose a new form of regularization that is able to utilize the label information of a data set for learning kernels. The proposed regularization, referred to as ideal regularization, is a linear function of the kernel matrix to be learned. The ideal regularization allows us to develop efficient algorithms to exploit labels. Three applications of the ideal regularization are considered. Firstly, we use the ideal regularization to incorporate the labels into a standard kernel, making the resulting kernel more appropriate for learning tasks. Next, we employ the ideal regularization to learn a data-dependent kernel matrix from an initial kernel matrix (which contains prior similarity information, geometric structures, and labels of the data). Finally, we incorporate the ideal regularization to some state-of-the-art kernel learning problems. With this regularization, these learning problems can be formulated as simpler ones which permit more efficient solvers. Empirical results show that the ideal regularization exploits the labels effectively and efficiently. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Rehman, Nasir, E-mail: nasirzainy1@hotmail.com; Shashiashvili, Malkhaz

The classical Garman-Kohlhagen model for the currency exchange assumes that the domestic and foreign currency risk-free interest rates are constant and the exchange rate follows a log-normal diffusion process.In this paper we consider the general case, when exchange rate evolves according to arbitrary one-dimensional diffusion process with local volatility that is the function of time and the current exchange rate and where the domestic and foreign currency risk-free interest rates may be arbitrary continuous functions of time. First non-trivial problem we encounter in time-dependent case is the continuity in time argument of the value function of the American put optionmore » and the regularity properties of the optimal exercise boundary. We establish these properties based on systematic use of the monotonicity in volatility for the value functions of the American as well as European options with convex payoffs together with the Dynamic Programming Principle and we obtain certain type of comparison result for the value functions and corresponding exercise boundaries for the American puts with different strikes, maturities and volatilities.Starting from the latter fact that the optimal exercise boundary curve is left continuous with right-hand limits we give a mathematically rigorous and transparent derivation of the significant early exercise premium representation for the value function of the American foreign exchange put option as the sum of the European put option value function and the early exercise premium.The proof essentially relies on the particular property of the stochastic integral with respect to arbitrary continuous semimartingale over the predictable subsets of its zeros. We derive from the latter the nonlinear integral equation for the optimal exercise boundary which can be studied by numerical methods.« less

Milne, a routine for the numerical solution of Milne's problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rawat, Ajay; Mohankumar, N.

2010-11-01

The routine Milne provides accurate numerical values for the classical Milne's problem of neutron transport for the planar one speed and isotropic scattering case. The solution is based on the Case eigen-function formalism. The relevant X functions are evaluated accurately by the Double Exponential quadrature. The calculated quantities are the extrapolation distance and the scalar and the angular fluxes. Also, the H function needed in astrophysical calculations is evaluated as a byproduct. Program summaryProgram title: Milne Catalogue identifier: AEGS_v1_0 Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEGS_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.html No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 701 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 6845 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: Fortran 77 Computer: PC under Linux or Windows Operating system: Ubuntu 8.04 (Kernel version 2.6.24-16-generic), Windows-XP Classification: 4.11, 21.1, 21.2 Nature of problem: The X functions are integral expressions. The convergence of these regular and Cauchy Principal Value integrals are impaired by the singularities of the integrand in the complex plane. The DE quadrature scheme tackles these singularities in a robust manner compared to the standard Gauss quadrature. Running time: The test included in the distribution takes a few seconds to run.

Development of Spelling Skills in a Shallow Orthography: The Case of Italian Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Notarnicola, Alessandra; Angelelli, Paola; Judica, Anna; Zoccolotti, Pierluigi

2012-01-01

This study analyzed the spelling skills of Italian children as a function of school experience. We examined the writing performances of 465 first- to eighth-grade normal readers on a spelling test that included regular words, context-sensitive regular words, words with ambiguous transcription, and regular pseudowords. Based on the dual-route model…

Robust dynamic myocardial perfusion CT deconvolution using adaptive-weighted tensor total variation regularization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, Changfei; Zeng, Dong; Bian, Zhaoying; Huang, Jing; Zhang, Xinyu; Zhang, Hua; Lu, Lijun; Feng, Qianjin; Liang, Zhengrong; Ma, Jianhua

2016-03-01

Dynamic myocardial perfusion computed tomography (MPCT) is a promising technique for diagnosis and risk stratification of coronary artery disease by assessing the myocardial perfusion hemodynamic maps (MPHM). Meanwhile, the repeated scanning of the same region results in a relatively large radiation dose to patients potentially. In this work, we present a robust MPCT deconvolution algorithm with adaptive-weighted tensor total variation regularization to estimate residue function accurately under the low-dose context, which is termed `MPD-AwTTV'. More specifically, the AwTTV regularization takes into account the anisotropic edge property of the MPCT images compared with the conventional total variation (TV) regularization, which can mitigate the drawbacks of TV regularization. Subsequently, an effective iterative algorithm was adopted to minimize the associative objective function. Experimental results on a modified XCAT phantom demonstrated that the present MPD-AwTTV algorithm outperforms and is superior to other existing deconvolution algorithms in terms of noise-induced artifacts suppression, edge details preservation and accurate MPHM estimation.

Quaternion Regularization of the Equations of the Perturbed Spatial Restricted Three-Body Problem: I

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chelnokov, Yu. N.

2017-11-01

We develop a quaternion method for regularizing the differential equations of the perturbed spatial restricted three-body problem by using the Kustaanheimo-Stiefel variables, which is methodologically closely related to the quaternion method for regularizing the differential equations of perturbed spatial two-body problem, which was proposed by the author of the present paper. A survey of papers related to the regularization of the differential equations of the two- and threebody problems is given. The original Newtonian equations of perturbed spatial restricted three-body problem are considered, and the problem of their regularization is posed; the energy relations and the differential equations describing the variations in the energies of the system in the perturbed spatial restricted three-body problem are given, as well as the first integrals of the differential equations of the unperturbed spatial restricted circular three-body problem (Jacobi integrals); the equations of perturbed spatial restricted three-body problem written in terms of rotating coordinate systems whose angular motion is described by the rotation quaternions (Euler (Rodrigues-Hamilton) parameters) are considered; and the differential equations for angular momenta in the restricted three-body problem are given. Local regular quaternion differential equations of perturbed spatial restricted three-body problem in the Kustaanheimo-Stiefel variables, i.e., equations regular in a neighborhood of the first and second body of finite mass, are obtained. The equations are systems of nonlinear nonstationary eleventhorder differential equations. These equations employ, as additional dependent variables, the energy characteristics of motion of the body under study (a body of a negligibly small mass) and the time whose derivative with respect to a new independent variable is equal to the distance from the body of negligibly small mass to the first or second body of finite mass. The equations obtained in the paper permit developing regular methods for determining solutions, in analytical or numerical form, of problems difficult for classicalmethods, such as the motion of a body of negligibly small mass in a neighborhood of the other two bodies of finite masses.

Interventions Employed in Regular Education Settings for Secondary Students with High Functioning Autism: A Meta-Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McKeithan, Glennda Kashner

2016-01-01

An increase has occurred in the number of students identified as having high functioning autism (HFA), who are being served in the regular education setting with their non-disabled peers. Many of these students have difficulty with academic and social expectations in this setting, and a minimal amount of information is available to educators…

A Class of Manifold Regularized Multiplicative Update Algorithms for Image Clustering.

PubMed

Yang, Shangming; Yi, Zhang; He, Xiaofei; Li, Xuelong

2015-12-01

Multiplicative update algorithms are important tools for information retrieval, image processing, and pattern recognition. However, when the graph regularization is added to the cost function, different classes of sample data may be mapped to the same subspace, which leads to the increase of data clustering error rate. In this paper, an improved nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) cost function is introduced. Based on the cost function, a class of novel graph regularized NMF algorithms is developed, which results in a class of extended multiplicative update algorithms with manifold structure regularization. Analysis shows that in the learning, the proposed algorithms can efficiently minimize the rank of the data representation matrix. Theoretical results presented in this paper are confirmed by simulations. For different initializations and data sets, variation curves of cost functions and decomposition data are presented to show the convergence features of the proposed update rules. Basis images, reconstructed images, and clustering results are utilized to present the efficiency of the new algorithms. Last, the clustering accuracies of different algorithms are also investigated, which shows that the proposed algorithms can achieve state-of-the-art performance in applications of image clustering.

The numerical calculation of laminar boundary-layer separation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klineberg, J. M.; Steger, J. L.

1974-01-01

Iterative finite-difference techniques are developed for integrating the boundary-layer equations, without approximation, through a region of reversed flow. The numerical procedures are used to calculate incompressible laminar separated flows and to investigate the conditions for regular behavior at the point of separation. Regular flows are shown to be characterized by an integrable saddle-type singularity that makes it difficult to obtain numerical solutions which pass continuously into the separated region. The singularity is removed and continuous solutions ensured by specifying the wall shear distribution and computing the pressure gradient as part of the solution. Calculated results are presented for several separated flows and the accuracy of the method is verified. A computer program listing and complete solution case are included.

Integration: Students and Teachers at Risk?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pudlas, Kenneth A.

1993-01-01

This article argues that the Regular Education Initiative (REI) puts both special needs students and their teachers at risk. Effects of REI are examined in light of a Self-Esteem Index which explains factors integral to a sense of success by both teachers and students. Support activities, preservice and inservice education are strongly urged. (DB)

Integrating Moral and Social Development within Middle School Social Studies: A Social Cognitive Domain Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nucci, Larry; Creane, Michael W.; Powers, Deborah W.

2015-01-01

Eleven teachers and 254 urban middle-school students comprised the sample of this study examining the social and moral development outcomes of the integration of social cognitive domain theory within regular classroom instruction. Participating teachers were trained to construct and implement history lessons that stimulated students' moral…

Project PRIME. Interim Report Year One 1971-1972 (Purpose and Procedures).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaufman, Martin J.; And Others

Project PRIME (Programmed Re-Entry Into Mainstream Education) is concerned with evaluating the effectiveness of programs that aim at integration of handicapped children into regular classrooms. The main goals of the project are to determine which handicapped children can benefit from integration and under which conditions would it prove the most…

Teachers' Attitudes toward the Integration of Pupils with Intellectual Disabilities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kis-Glavas, Lelia; And Others

This study examined the attitudes of 194 teachers in 17 regular primary schools in the city of Zagreb (Croatia) and the surrounding area about the integration of children with intellectual or other developmental disabilities. In addition to providing demographic data, the teachers completed a 21-item questionnaire with questions that addressed:…

Increasing Treatment Integrity through Negative Reinforcement: Effects on Teacher and Student Behavior

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DiGennaro, Florence D.; Martens, Brian K.; McIntyre, Laura Lee

2005-01-01

The current study examined the extent to which treatment integrity was increased and maintained for 4 teachers in their regular classroom settings as a result of performance feedback and negative reinforcement. Teachers received daily written feedback about their accuracy in implementing an intervention and were able to avoid meeting with a…

Integrating Refugee Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vershok, Anna

2003-01-01

Notes that the Moscow Center for the Integration and Education of Refugee Children attempts to provide real schooling for refugee children displaced from the Chechen Republic. Suggests main task was to prepare the children for regular school, and to help them adapt to both their new school and their new home, Moscow. Hopes this experience may help…

A Sourcebook for Integrating ESL and Content Instruction Using the Foresee Approach.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kidd, Richard; Marquardson, Brenda

This sourcebook presents an approach to teaching students of English as a Second Language (ESL) that integrates communicative competence, cognitive and academic language development, and content instruction. It is intended for use by elementary school teachers of ESL and regular classroom teachers whose classes contain ESL students. An…

Integrating Effective Writing Skills in the Accounting Curriculum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

May, Gordon S.; Arevalo, Claire

1983-01-01

The J. M. Tull School of Accounting at the University of Georgia has developed a program that integrates the teaching of writing skills with the regular accounting courses. Students in a three-course sequence write a total of eight papers--technical, memos, or reports--in assignments that resemble writing tasks encountered by professional…

A Problem-Solving Template for Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Physics Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fink, Janice M.; Mankey, Gary J.

2010-01-01

A problem-solving template enables a methodology of instruction that integrates aspects of both sequencing and conceptual learning. It is designed to enhance critical-thinking skills when used within the framework of a learner-centered approach to teaching, where regular, thorough assessments of student learning are key components of the…

Middle School Mathematics Teachers' Experiences with School-Based and District-Based Support and Its Relationship to Integrating Technology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hampshire, Onequa N.

2014-01-01

Technological advances play a major role in educating students' in mathematics. Research indicates that technology could create learning environments that support innovativeness and assist teachers in developing a positive attitude toward integrating technology. Unfortunately, teachers are not utilizing technology on a regular basis in mathematics…

Monograph - The Numerical Integration of Ordinary Differential Equations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hull, T. E.

The materials presented in this monograph are intended to be included in a course on ordinary differential equations at the upper division level in a college mathematics program. These materials provide an introduction to the numerical integration of ordinary differential equations, and they can be used to supplement a regular text on this…

CRISPR-Cas systems: Prokaryotes upgrade to adaptive immunity.

PubMed

Barrangou, Rodolphe; Marraffini, Luciano A

2014-04-24

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), and associated proteins (Cas) comprise the CRISPR-Cas system, which confers adaptive immunity against exogenic elements in many bacteria and most archaea. CRISPR-mediated immunization occurs through the uptake of DNA from invasive genetic elements such as plasmids and viruses, followed by its integration into CRISPR loci. These loci are subsequently transcribed and processed into small interfering RNAs that guide nucleases for specific cleavage of complementary sequences. Conceptually, CRISPR-Cas shares functional features with the mammalian adaptive immune system, while also exhibiting characteristics of Lamarckian evolution. Because immune markers spliced from exogenous agents are integrated iteratively in CRISPR loci, they constitute a genetic record of vaccination events and reflect environmental conditions and changes over time. Cas endonucleases, which can be reprogrammed by small guide RNAs have shown unprecedented potential and flexibility for genome editing and can be repurposed for numerous DNA targeting applications including transcriptional control. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Instant-Form and Light-Front Quantization of Field Theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kulshreshtha, Usha; Kulshreshtha, Daya Shankar; Vary, James

2018-05-01

In this work we consider the instant-form and light-front quantization of some field theories. As an example, we consider a class of gauged non-linear sigma models with different regularizations. In particular, we present the path integral quantization of the gauged non-linear sigma model in the Faddeevian regularization. We also make a comparision of the possible differences in the instant-form and light-front quantization at appropriate places.

Developmental pathways inferred from modularity, morphological integration and fluctuating asymmetry patterns in the human face.

PubMed

Quinto-Sánchez, Mirsha; Muñoz-Muñoz, Francesc; Gomez-Valdes, Jorge; Cintas, Celia; Navarro, Pablo; Cerqueira, Caio Cesar Silva de; Paschetta, Carolina; de Azevedo, Soledad; Ramallo, Virginia; Acuña-Alonzo, Victor; Adhikari, Kaustubh; Fuentes-Guajardo, Macarena; Hünemeier, Tábita; Everardo, Paola; de Avila, Francisco; Jaramillo, Claudia; Arias, Williams; Gallo, Carla; Poletti, Giovani; Bedoya, Gabriel; Bortolini, Maria Cátira; Canizales-Quinteros, Samuel; Rothhammer, Francisco; Rosique, Javier; Ruiz-Linares, Andres; Gonzalez-Jose, Rolando

2018-01-17

Facial asymmetries are usually measured and interpreted as proxies to developmental noise. However, analyses focused on its developmental and genetic architecture are scarce. To advance on this topic, studies based on a comprehensive and simultaneous analysis of modularity, morphological integration and facial asymmetries including both phenotypic and genomic information are needed. Here we explore several modularity hypotheses on a sample of Latin American mestizos, in order to test if modularity and integration patterns differ across several genomic ancestry backgrounds. To do so, 4104 individuals were analyzed using 3D photogrammetry reconstructions and a set of 34 facial landmarks placed on each individual. We found a pattern of modularity and integration that is conserved across sub-samples differing in their genomic ancestry background. Specifically, a signal of modularity based on functional demands and organization of the face is regularly observed across the whole sample. Our results shed more light on previous evidence obtained from Genome Wide Association Studies performed on the same samples, indicating the action of different genomic regions contributing to the expression of the nose and mouth facial phenotypes. Our results also indicate that large samples including phenotypic and genomic metadata enable a better understanding of the developmental and genetic architecture of craniofacial phenotypes.

Psychosynthesis Workbook

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Synthesis, 1974

1974-01-01

A regular feature with practical ideas and techniques for enhancing one's personal development and integration. The theme for this issue is the subpersonalities or inner personages in each of us. (Author)

E-MSD: an integrated data resource for bioinformatics

PubMed Central

Velankar, S.; McNeil, P.; Mittard-Runte, V.; Suarez, A.; Barrell, D.; Apweiler, R.; Henrick, K.

2005-01-01

The Macromolecular Structure Database (MSD) group (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/msd/) continues to enhance the quality and consistency of macromolecular structure data in the worldwide Protein Data Bank (wwPDB) and to work towards the integration of various bioinformatics data resources. One of the major obstacles to the improved integration of structural databases such as MSD and sequence databases like UniProt is the absence of up to date and well-maintained mapping between corresponding entries. We have worked closely with the UniProt group at the EBI to clean up the taxonomy and sequence cross-reference information in the MSD and UniProt databases. This information is vital for the reliable integration of the sequence family databases such as Pfam and Interpro with the structure-oriented databases of SCOP and CATH. This information has been made available to the eFamily group (http://www.efamily.org.uk/) and now forms the basis of the regular interchange of information between the member databases (MSD, UniProt, Pfam, Interpro, SCOP and CATH). This exchange of annotation information has enriched the structural information in the MSD database with annotation from wider sequence-oriented resources. This work was carried out under the ‘Structure Integration with Function, Taxonomy and Sequences (SIFTS)’ initiative (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/msd-srv/docs/sifts) in the MSD group. PMID:15608192

Nested Conjugate Gradient Algorithm with Nested Preconditioning for Non-linear Image Restoration.

PubMed

Skariah, Deepak G; Arigovindan, Muthuvel

2017-06-19

We develop a novel optimization algorithm, which we call Nested Non-Linear Conjugate Gradient algorithm (NNCG), for image restoration based on quadratic data fitting and smooth non-quadratic regularization. The algorithm is constructed as a nesting of two conjugate gradient (CG) iterations. The outer iteration is constructed as a preconditioned non-linear CG algorithm; the preconditioning is performed by the inner CG iteration that is linear. The inner CG iteration, which performs preconditioning for outer CG iteration, itself is accelerated by an another FFT based non-iterative preconditioner. We prove that the method converges to a stationary point for both convex and non-convex regularization functionals. We demonstrate experimentally that proposed method outperforms the well-known majorization-minimization method used for convex regularization, and a non-convex inertial-proximal method for non-convex regularization functional.

Psychosocial functioning among regular cannabis users with and without cannabis use disorder.

PubMed

Foster, Katherine T; Arterberry, Brooke J; Iacono, William G; McGue, Matt; Hicks, Brian M

2017-11-27

In the United States, cannabis accessibility has continued to rise as the perception of its harmfulness has decreased. Only about 30% of regular cannabis users develop cannabis use disorder (CUD), but it is unclear if individuals who use cannabis regularly without ever developing CUD experience notable psychosocial impairment across the lifespan. Therefore, psychosocial functioning was compared across regular cannabis users with or without CUD and a non-user control group during adolescence (age 17; early risk) and young adulthood (ages 18-25; peak CUD prevalence). Weekly cannabis users with CUD (n = 311), weekly users without CUD (n = 111), and non-users (n = 996) were identified in the Minnesota Twin Family Study. Groups were compared on alcohol and illicit drug use, psychiatric problems, personality, and social functioning at age 17 and from ages 18 to 25. Self-reported cannabis use and problem use were independently verified using co-twin informant report. In both adolescence and young adulthood, non-CUD users reported significantly higher levels of substance use problems and externalizing behaviors than non-users, but lower levels than CUD users. High agreement between self- and co-twin informant reports confirmed the validity of self-reported cannabis use problems. Even in the absence of CUD, regular cannabis use was associated with psychosocial impairment in adolescence and young adulthood. However, regular users with CUD endorsed especially high psychiatric comorbidity and psychosocial impairment. The need for early prevention and intervention - regardless of CUD status - was highlighted by the presence of these patterns in adolescence.

Penalization of aperture complexity in inversely planned volumetric modulated arc therapy

PubMed Central

Younge, Kelly C.; Matuszak, Martha M.; Moran, Jean M.; McShan, Daniel L.; Fraass, Benedick A.; Roberts, Donald A.

2012-01-01

Purpose: Apertures obtained during volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) planning can be small and irregular, resulting in dosimetric inaccuracies during delivery. Our purpose is to develop and integrate an aperture-regularization objective function into the optimization process for VMAT, and to quantify the impact of using this objective function on dose delivery accuracy and optimized dose distributions. Methods: An aperture-based metric (“edge penalty”) was developed that penalizes complex aperture shapes based on the ratio of MLC side edge length and aperture area. To assess the utility of the metric, VMAT plans were created for example paraspinal, brain, and liver SBRT cases with and without incorporating the edge penalty in the cost function. To investigate the dose calculation accuracy, Gafchromic EBT2 film was used to measure the 15 highest weighted apertures individually and as a composite from each of two paraspinal plans: one with and one without the edge penalty applied. Films were analyzed using a triple-channel nonuniformity correction and measurements were compared directly to calculations. Results: Apertures generated with the edge penalty were larger, more regularly shaped and required up to 30% fewer monitor units than those created without the edge penalty. Dose volume histogram analysis showed that the changes in doses to targets, organs at risk, and normal tissues were negligible. Edge penalty apertures that were measured with film for the paraspinal plan showed a notable decrease in the number of pixels disagreeing with calculation by more than 10%. For a 5% dose passing criterion, the number of pixels passing in the composite dose distributions for the non-edge penalty and edge penalty plans were 52% and 96%, respectively. Employing gamma with 3% dose/1 mm distance criteria resulted in a 79.5% (without penalty)/95.4% (with penalty) pass rate for the two plans. Gradient compensation of 3%/1 mm resulted in 83.3%/96.2% pass rates. Conclusions: The use of the edge penalty during optimization has the potential to markedly improve dose delivery accuracy for VMAT plans while still maintaining high quality optimized dose distributions. The penalty regularizes aperture shape and improves delivery efficiency. PMID:23127107

Accurate orbit propagation in the presence of planetary close encounters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amato, Davide; Baù, Giulio; Bombardelli, Claudio

2017-09-01

We present an efficient strategy for the numerical propagation of small Solar system objects undergoing close encounters with massive bodies. The trajectory is split into several phases, each of them being the solution of a perturbed two-body problem. Formulations regularized with respect to different primaries are employed in two subsequent phases. In particular, we consider the Kustaanheimo-Stiefel regularization and a novel set of non-singular orbital elements pertaining to the Dromo family. In order to test the proposed strategy, we perform ensemble propagations in the Earth-Sun Circular Restricted 3-Body Problem (CR3BP) using a variable step size and order multistep integrator and an improved version of Everhart's radau solver of 15th order. By combining the trajectory splitting with regularized equations of motion in short-term propagations (1 year), we gain up to six orders of magnitude in accuracy with respect to the classical Cowell's method for the same computational cost. Moreover, in the propagation of asteroid (99942) Apophis through its 2029 Earth encounter, the position error stays within 100 metres after 100 years. In general, as to improve the performance of regularized formulations, the trajectory must be split between 1.2 and 3 Hill radii from the Earth. We also devise a robust iterative algorithm to stop the integration of regularized equations of motion at a prescribed physical time. The results rigorously hold in the CR3BP, and similar considerations may apply when considering more complex models. The methods and algorithms are implemented in the naples fortran 2003 code, which is available online as a GitHub repository.

Localizing the Frequency x Regularity Word Reading Interaction in the Cerebral Cortex

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cummine, Jacqueline; Sarty, Gordon E.; Borowsky, Ron

2010-01-01

The aim of this work is to combine behavioural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to advance our knowledge of where the Frequency x Regularity interaction on word naming is located in the cerebral cortex. Participants named high and low frequency, regular and exception words in a behavioural lab (Experiment 1) and during an fMRI…

The effect of cinnamon extract and long-term aerobic training on heart function, biochemical alterations and lipid profile following exhaustive exercise in male rats.

PubMed

Badalzadeh, Reza; Shaghaghi, Mehrnoush; Mohammadi, Mustafa; Dehghan, Gholamreza; Mohammadi, Zeynab

2014-12-01

Regular training is suggested to offer a host of benefits especially on cardiovascular system. In addition, medicinal plants can attenuate oxidative stress-mediated damages induced by stressor insults. In this study, we investigated the concomitant effect of cinnamon extract and long-term aerobic training on cardiac function, biochemical alterations and lipid profile following exhaustive exercise. Male Wistar rats (250-300 g) were divided into five groups depending on receiving regular training, cinnamon bark extraction, none or both of them, and then encountered with an exhausted exercise in last session. An 8-week endurance training program was designed with a progressive increase in training speed and time. Myocardial hemodynamics was monitored using a balloon-tipped catheter inserted into left ventricles. Blood samples were collected for analyzing biochemical markers, lipid profiles and lipid-peroxidation marker, malondealdehyde (MDA). Trained animals showed an enhanced cardiac force and contractility similar to cinnamon-treated rats. Co-application of regular training and cinnamon had additive effect in cardiac hemodynamic (P<0.05). Both regular training and supplementation with cinnamon significantly decreased serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level and HDL/LDL ratio as compared to control group (P<0.01). Furthermore, pre-treatment with cinnamon extract and/or regular training significantly reduced MDA level elevation induced by exhausted exercise (P<0.01). Long-term treatment of rats with cinnamon and regular training improved cardiac hemodynamic through an additive effect. The positive effects of cinnamon and regular training on cardiac function were associated with a reduced serum MDA level and an improved blood lipid profile.

Regularized Laplacian determinants of self-similar fractals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Joe P.; Teplyaev, Alexander; Tsougkas, Konstantinos

2018-06-01

We study the spectral zeta functions of the Laplacian on fractal sets which are locally self-similar fractafolds, in the sense of Strichartz. These functions are known to meromorphically extend to the entire complex plane, and the locations of their poles, sometimes referred to as complex dimensions, are of special interest. We give examples of locally self-similar sets such that their complex dimensions are not on the imaginary axis, which allows us to interpret their Laplacian determinant as the regularized product of their eigenvalues. We then investigate a connection between the logarithm of the determinant of the discrete graph Laplacian and the regularized one.

Nonlinear oscillator with power-form elastic-term: Fourier series expansion of the exact solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beléndez, Augusto; Francés, Jorge; Beléndez, Tarsicio; Bleda, Sergio; Pascual, Carolina; Arribas, Enrique

2015-05-01

A family of conservative, truly nonlinear, oscillators with integer or non-integer order nonlinearity is considered. These oscillators have only one odd power-form elastic-term and exact expressions for their period and solution were found in terms of Gamma functions and a cosine-Ateb function, respectively. Only for a few values of the order of nonlinearity, is it possible to obtain the periodic solution in terms of more common functions. However, for this family of conservative truly nonlinear oscillators we show in this paper that it is possible to obtain the Fourier series expansion of the exact solution, even though this exact solution is unknown. The coefficients of the Fourier series expansion of the exact solution are obtained as an integral expression in which a regularized incomplete Beta function appears. These coefficients are a function of the order of nonlinearity only and are computed numerically. One application of this technique is to compare the amplitudes for the different harmonics of the solution obtained using approximate methods with the exact ones computed numerically as shown in this paper. As an example, the approximate amplitudes obtained via a modified Ritz method are compared with the exact ones computed numerically.

General physical activity levels influence positive and negative priming effects in young adults.

PubMed

Kamijo, Keita; Takeda, Yuji

2009-03-01

To investigate the relationship between general physical activity level and the cognitive functions of executive control in young adults using behavioral measures and event-related brain potentials. Forty young adults (mean age=21.1 yrs; 19 females) were differentiated on the basis of their regular physical activity level into two groups: active and sedentary. They performed a spatial priming task consisting of three conditions: control, positive, and negative priming. Spatial priming effects, which are related to executive control and occur automatically, were assessed as indicators of cognitive functioning. Negative priming effects on reaction time and P3 latency in the active group were larger than in the sedentary group. By contrast, positive priming effects were only observed in the sedentary group. The cognitive effects of regular physical activity could be observed using a relatively simple paradigm. The results indicate that regular physical activity has a beneficial effect on the cognitive processes on executive control in young adults. The present study provides additional evidence of the beneficial effects of regular physical activity on cognitive functioning in young adults.

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

Itagaki, Masafumi; Miyoshi, Yoshinori; Hirose, Hideyuki

A procedure is presented for the determination of geometric buckling for regular polygons. A new computation technique, the multiple reciprocity boundary element method (MRBEM), has been applied to solve the one-group neutron diffusion equation. The main difficulty in applying the ordinary boundary element method (BEM) to neutron diffusion problems has been the need to compute a domain integral, resulting from the fission source. The MRBEM has been developed for transforming this type of domain integral into an equivalent boundary integral. The basic idea of the MRBEM is to apply repeatedly the reciprocity theorem (Green's second formula) using a sequence ofmore » higher order fundamental solutions. The MRBEM requires discretization of the boundary only rather than of the domain. This advantage is useful for extensive survey analyses of buckling for complex geometries. The results of survey analyses have indicated that the general form of geometric buckling is B[sub g][sup 2] = (a[sub n]/R[sub c])[sup 2], where R[sub c] represents the radius of the circumscribed circle of the regular polygon under consideration. The geometric constant A[sub n] depends on the type of regular polygon and takes the value of [pi] for a square and 2.405 for a circle, an extreme case that has an infinite number of sides. Values of a[sub n] for a triangle, pentagon, hexagon, and octagon have been calculated as 4.190, 2.281, 2.675, and 2.547, respectively.« less

Field theoretic perspectives of the Wigner function formulation of the chiral magnetic effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yan; Hou, De-fu; Ren, Hai-cang

2017-11-01

We assess the applicability of the Wigner function formulation in its present form to the chiral magnetic effect and note some issues regarding the conservation and the consistency of the electric current in the presence of an inhomogeneous and time-dependent axial chemical potential. The problems are rooted in the ultraviolet divergence of the underlying field theory associated with the axial anomaly and can be fixed with the Pauli-Villars regularization of the Wigner function. The chiral magnetic current with a nonconstant axial chemical potential is calculated with the regularized Wigner function and the phenomenological implications are discussed.

Inversion of potential field data using the finite element method on parallel computers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gross, L.; Altinay, C.; Shaw, S.

2015-11-01

In this paper we present a formulation of the joint inversion of potential field anomaly data as an optimization problem with partial differential equation (PDE) constraints. The problem is solved using the iterative Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (BFGS) method with the Hessian operator of the regularization and cross-gradient component of the cost function as preconditioner. We will show that each iterative step requires the solution of several PDEs namely for the potential fields, for the adjoint defects and for the application of the preconditioner. In extension to the traditional discrete formulation the BFGS method is applied to continuous descriptions of the unknown physical properties in combination with an appropriate integral form of the dot product. The PDEs can easily be solved using standard conforming finite element methods (FEMs) with potentially different resolutions. For two examples we demonstrate that the number of PDE solutions required to reach a given tolerance in the BFGS iteration is controlled by weighting regularization and cross-gradient but is independent of the resolution of PDE discretization and that as a consequence the method is weakly scalable with the number of cells on parallel computers. We also show a comparison with the UBC-GIF GRAV3D code.

Joint reconstruction of dynamic PET activity and kinetic parametric images using total variation constrained dictionary sparse coding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Haiqing; Chen, Shuhang; Chen, Yunmei; Liu, Huafeng

2017-05-01

Dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) is capable of providing both spatial and temporal information of radio tracers in vivo. In this paper, we present a novel joint estimation framework to reconstruct temporal sequences of dynamic PET images and the coefficients characterizing the system impulse response function, from which the associated parametric images of the system macro parameters for tracer kinetics can be estimated. The proposed algorithm, which combines statistical data measurement and tracer kinetic models, integrates a dictionary sparse coding (DSC) into a total variational minimization based algorithm for simultaneous reconstruction of the activity distribution and parametric map from measured emission sinograms. DSC, based on the compartmental theory, provides biologically meaningful regularization, and total variation regularization is incorporated to provide edge-preserving guidance. We rely on techniques from minimization algorithms (the alternating direction method of multipliers) to first generate the estimated activity distributions with sub-optimal kinetic parameter estimates, and then recover the parametric maps given these activity estimates. These coupled iterative steps are repeated as necessary until convergence. Experiments with synthetic, Monte Carlo generated data, and real patient data have been conducted, and the results are very promising.

A regularization corrected score method for nonlinear regression models with covariate error.

PubMed

Zucker, David M; Gorfine, Malka; Li, Yi; Tadesse, Mahlet G; Spiegelman, Donna

2013-03-01

Many regression analyses involve explanatory variables that are measured with error, and failing to account for this error is well known to lead to biased point and interval estimates of the regression coefficients. We present here a new general method for adjusting for covariate error. Our method consists of an approximate version of the Stefanski-Nakamura corrected score approach, using the method of regularization to obtain an approximate solution of the relevant integral equation. We develop the theory in the setting of classical likelihood models; this setting covers, for example, linear regression, nonlinear regression, logistic regression, and Poisson regression. The method is extremely general in terms of the types of measurement error models covered, and is a functional method in the sense of not involving assumptions on the distribution of the true covariate. We discuss the theoretical properties of the method and present simulation results in the logistic regression setting (univariate and multivariate). For illustration, we apply the method to data from the Harvard Nurses' Health Study concerning the relationship between physical activity and breast cancer mortality in the period following a diagnosis of breast cancer. Copyright © 2013, The International Biometric Society.

Evaluation of the new respiratory gating system

PubMed Central

Shi, Chengyu; Tang, Xiaoli; Chan, Maria

2018-01-01

Objective The newly released Respiratory Gating for Scanners (RGSC; Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA, USA) system has limited existing quality assurance (QA) protocols and pertinent publications. Herein, we report our experiences of the RGSC system acceptance and QA. Methods The RGSC system integration was tested with peripheral equipment, spatial reproducibility, and dynamic localization accuracy for regular and irregular breathing patterns, respectively. A QUASAR Respiratory Motion Phantom and a mathematical fitting method were used for data acquisition and analysis. Results The results showed that the RGSC system could accurately measure regular motion periods of 3–10 s. For irregular breathing patterns, differences from the existing Real-time Position Management (RPM; Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) system were observed. For dynamic localization measurements, the RGSC system showed 76% agreement with the programmed test data within ±5% tolerance in terms of fitting period. As s comparison, the RPM system showed 66% agreement within ±5% tolerance, and 65% for the RGSC versus RPM measurements. Conclusions New functions and positioning accuracy improve the RGSC system’s ability to achieve higher dynamic treatment precision. A 4D phantom is helpful for the QA tests. Further investigation is required for the whole RGSC system performance QA. PMID:29722356

Joint Estimation of Effective Brain Wave Activation Modes Using EEG/MEG Sensor Arrays and Multimodal MRI Volumes.

PubMed

Galinsky, Vitaly L; Martinez, Antigona; Paulus, Martin P; Frank, Lawrence R

2018-04-13

In this letter, we present a new method for integration of sensor-based multifrequency bands of electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography data sets into a voxel-based structural-temporal magnetic resonance imaging analysis by utilizing the general joint estimation using entropy regularization (JESTER) framework. This allows enhancement of the spatial-temporal localization of brain function and the ability to relate it to morphological features and structural connectivity. This method has broad implications for both basic neuroscience research and clinical neuroscience focused on identifying disease-relevant biomarkers by enhancing the spatial-temporal resolution of the estimates derived from current neuroimaging modalities, thereby providing a better picture of the normal human brain in basic neuroimaging experiments and variations associated with disease states.

Sparse representation and dictionary learning penalized image reconstruction for positron emission tomography.

PubMed

Chen, Shuhang; Liu, Huafeng; Shi, Pengcheng; Chen, Yunmei

2015-01-21

Accurate and robust reconstruction of the radioactivity concentration is of great importance in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Given the Poisson nature of photo-counting measurements, we present a reconstruction framework that integrates sparsity penalty on a dictionary into a maximum likelihood estimator. Patch-sparsity on a dictionary provides the regularization for our effort, and iterative procedures are used to solve the maximum likelihood function formulated on Poisson statistics. Specifically, in our formulation, a dictionary could be trained on CT images, to provide intrinsic anatomical structures for the reconstructed images, or adaptively learned from the noisy measurements of PET. Accuracy of the strategy with very promising application results from Monte-Carlo simulations, and real data are demonstrated.

Physical Projections in BRST Treatments of Reparametrization Invariant Theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marnelius, Robert; Sandström, Niclas

Any regular quantum mechanical system may be cast into an Abelian gauge theory by simply reformulating it as a reparametrization invariant theory. We present a detailed study of the BRST quantization of such reparametrization invariant theories within a precise operator version of BRST which is related to the conventional BFV path integral formulation. Our treatments lead us to propose general rules for how physical wave functions and physical propagators are to be projected from the BRST singlets and propagators in the ghost extended BRST theory. These projections are performed by boundary conditions which are specified by the ingredients of BRST charge and precisely determined by the operator BRST. We demonstrate explicitly the validity of these rules for the considered class of models.

Impedance properties of circular microstrip antenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deshpande, M. D.; Bailey, M. C.

1983-01-01

A moment method solution to the input impedance of a circular microstrip antenna excited by either a microstrip feed or a coaxial probe is presented. Using the exact dyadic Green's function and the Fourier transform the problem is formulated in terms of Richmond's reaction integral equation from which the unknown patch current can be solved for. The patch current is expanded in terms of regular surface patch modes and an attachment mode (for probe excited case) which insures continuity of the current at probe/patch junction, proper polarization and p-dependance of patch current in the vicinity of the probe. The input impedance of a circular microstrip antenna is computed and compared with earlier results. Effect of attachment mode on the input impedance is also discussed.

Work in progress. Integrating physicians' services in the home.

PubMed Central

McWilliam, C. L.; Stewart, M.; Sangster, J.; Cohen, I.; Mitchell, J.; Sutherland, C.; Ryan, B.

2001-01-01

OBJECTIVE: While increasing acuity levels and the concomitant complexity of service demand that physicians be involved in in-home care, conflicting evidence and opinions do not show how this can best be achieved. DESIGN: A phenomenologic research design was used to obtain insights into the challenges and opportunities of integrating physicians' services into the usual in-home services in London, Ont. SETTING: Home care in London, Ont. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve participants included three patients, two family caregivers, two family physicians, the program's nurse practitioner, two case managers, and two community nurses. METHOD: In-depth interviews with a maximally varied purposeful sample of patients, caregivers, and providers were analyzed using immersion and crystallization techniques. MAIN FINDINGS: Findings revealed the potential for enhanced continuity of care and interdisciplinary team functioning. Having a nurse practitioner, interdisciplinary team-building exercises and meetings, regular face-to-face contact among all providers, support for family caregivers, and 24-hour coverage for physicians were found to be essential for success. CONCLUSION: Integration of services takes time, money, and sustained commitment, particularly when undertaken in geographically isolated communities. Informed choice and a fair remuneration system remain important considerations for family physicians. PMID:11785281

An Exercise Health Simulation Method Based on Integrated Human Thermophysiological Model

PubMed Central

Chen, Xiaohui; Yu, Liang; Yang, Kaixing

2017-01-01

Research of healthy exercise has garnered a keen research for the past few years. It is known that participation in a regular exercise program can help improve various aspects of cardiovascular function and reduce the risk of suffering from illness. But some exercise accidents like dehydration, exertional heatstroke, and even sudden death need to be brought to attention. If these exercise accidents can be analyzed and predicted before they happened, it will be beneficial to alleviate or avoid disease or mortality. To achieve this objective, an exercise health simulation approach is proposed, in which an integrated human thermophysiological model consisting of human thermal regulation model and a nonlinear heart rate regulation model is reported. The human thermoregulatory mechanism as well as the heart rate response mechanism during exercise can be simulated. On the basis of the simulated physiological indicators, a fuzzy finite state machine is constructed to obtain the possible health transition sequence and predict the exercise health status. The experiment results show that our integrated exercise thermophysiological model can numerically simulate the thermal and physiological processes of the human body during exercise and the predicted exercise health transition sequence from finite state machine can be used in healthcare. PMID:28702074

Community reintegration in rehabilitated South Indian persons with spinal cord injury.

PubMed

Samuelkamaleshkumar, Selvaraj; Radhika, Somasundaram; Cherian, Binu; Elango, Aarumugam; Winrose, Windsor; Suhany, Baby T; Prakash, M Henry

2010-07-01

To explore community reintegration in rehabilitated South Indian persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to compare the level of community reintegration based on demographic variables. Survey. Rehabilitation center of a tertiary care university teaching hospital. Community-dwelling persons with SCI (N=104). Not applicable. Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART). The mean scores for each CHART domain were physical independence 98+/-5, social Integration 96+/-11, cognitive independence 92+/-17, occupation 70+/-34, mobility 65+/-18, and economic self sufficiency 53+/-40. Demographic variables showed no statistically significant difference with any of the CHART domains except for age and mobility, level of education, and social integration. Persons with SCI in rural South India who have completed comprehensive, mostly self-financed, rehabilitation with an emphasis on achieving functional ambulation, family support, and self-employment and who attend a regular annual follow-up show a high level of community reintegration in physical independence, social integration, and cognitive independence. CHART scores in the domains of occupation, mobility, and economic self-sufficiency showed lower levels of community reintegration. Copyright 2010 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Research of generalized wavelet transformations of Haar correctness in remote sensing of the Earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kazaryan, Maretta; Shakhramanyan, Mihail; Nedkov, Roumen; Richter, Andrey; Borisova, Denitsa; Stankova, Nataliya; Ivanova, Iva; Zaharinova, Mariana

2017-10-01

In this paper, Haar's generalized wavelet functions are applied to the problem of ecological monitoring by the method of remote sensing of the Earth. We study generalized Haar wavelet series and suggest the use of Tikhonov's regularization method for investigating them for correctness. In the solution of this problem, an important role is played by classes of functions that were introduced and described in detail by I.M. Sobol for studying multidimensional quadrature formulas and it contains functions with rapidly convergent series of wavelet Haar. A theorem on the stability and uniform convergence of the regularized summation function of the generalized wavelet-Haar series of a function from this class with approximate coefficients is proved. The article also examines the problem of using orthogonal transformations in Earth remote sensing technologies for environmental monitoring. Remote sensing of the Earth allows to receive from spacecrafts information of medium, high spatial resolution and to conduct hyperspectral measurements. Spacecrafts have tens or hundreds of spectral channels. To process the images, the device of discrete orthogonal transforms, and namely, wavelet transforms, was used. The aim of the work is to apply the regularization method in one of the problems associated with remote sensing of the Earth and subsequently to process the satellite images through discrete orthogonal transformations, in particular, generalized Haar wavelet transforms. General methods of research. In this paper, Tikhonov's regularization method, the elements of mathematical analysis, the theory of discrete orthogonal transformations, and methods for decoding of satellite images are used. Scientific novelty. The task of processing of archival satellite snapshots (images), in particular, signal filtering, was investigated from the point of view of an incorrectly posed problem. The regularization parameters for discrete orthogonal transformations were determined.

An integral conservative gridding--algorithm using Hermitian curve interpolation.

PubMed

Volken, Werner; Frei, Daniel; Manser, Peter; Mini, Roberto; Born, Ernst J; Fix, Michael K

2008-11-07

The problem of re-sampling spatially distributed data organized into regular or irregular grids to finer or coarser resolution is a common task in data processing. This procedure is known as 'gridding' or 're-binning'. Depending on the quantity the data represents, the gridding-algorithm has to meet different requirements. For example, histogrammed physical quantities such as mass or energy have to be re-binned in order to conserve the overall integral. Moreover, if the quantity is positive definite, negative sampling values should be avoided. The gridding process requires a re-distribution of the original data set to a user-requested grid according to a distribution function. The distribution function can be determined on the basis of the given data by interpolation methods. In general, accurate interpolation with respect to multiple boundary conditions of heavily fluctuating data requires polynomial interpolation functions of second or even higher order. However, this may result in unrealistic deviations (overshoots or undershoots) of the interpolation function from the data. Accordingly, the re-sampled data may overestimate or underestimate the given data by a significant amount. The gridding-algorithm presented in this work was developed in order to overcome these problems. Instead of a straightforward interpolation of the given data using high-order polynomials, a parametrized Hermitian interpolation curve was used to approximate the integrated data set. A single parameter is determined by which the user can control the behavior of the interpolation function, i.e. the amount of overshoot and undershoot. Furthermore, it is shown how the algorithm can be extended to multidimensional grids. The algorithm was compared to commonly used gridding-algorithms using linear and cubic interpolation functions. It is shown that such interpolation functions may overestimate or underestimate the source data by about 10-20%, while the new algorithm can be tuned to significantly reduce these interpolation errors. The accuracy of the new algorithm was tested on a series of x-ray CT-images (head and neck, lung, pelvis). The new algorithm significantly improves the accuracy of the sampled images in terms of the mean square error and a quality index introduced by Wang and Bovik (2002 IEEE Signal Process. Lett. 9 81-4).

ℓ0 -based sparse hyperspectral unmixing using spectral information and a multi-objectives formulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Xia; Shi, Zhenwei; Pan, Bin

2018-07-01

Sparse unmixing aims at recovering pure materials from hyperpspectral images and estimating their abundance fractions. Sparse unmixing is actually ℓ0 problem which is NP-h ard, and a relaxation is often used. In this paper, we attempt to deal with ℓ0 problem directly via a multi-objective based method, which is a non-convex manner. The characteristics of hyperspectral images are integrated into the proposed method, which leads to a new spectra and multi-objective based sparse unmixing method (SMoSU). In order to solve the ℓ0 norm optimization problem, the spectral library is encoded in a binary vector, and a bit-wise flipping strategy is used to generate new individuals in the evolution process. However, a multi-objective method usually produces a number of non-dominated solutions, while sparse unmixing requires a single solution. How to make the final decision for sparse unmixing is challenging. To handle this problem, we integrate the spectral characteristic of hyperspectral images into SMoSU. By considering the spectral correlation in hyperspectral data, we improve the Tchebycheff decomposition function in SMoSU via a new regularization item. This regularization item is able to enforce the individual divergence in the evolution process of SMoSU. In this way, the diversity and convergence of population is further balanced, which is beneficial to the concentration of individuals. In the experiments part, three synthetic datasets and one real-world data are used to analyse the effectiveness of SMoSU, and several state-of-art sparse unmixing algorithms are compared.

Symmetry-plane model of 3D Euler flows: Mapping to regular systems and numerical solutions of blowup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulungye, Rachel M.; Lucas, Dan; Bustamante, Miguel D.

2014-11-01

We introduce a family of 2D models describing the dynamics on the so-called symmetry plane of the full 3D Euler fluid equations. These models depend on a free real parameter and can be solved analytically. For selected representative values of the free parameter, we apply the method introduced in [M.D. Bustamante, Physica D: Nonlinear Phenom. 240, 1092 (2011)] to map the fluid equations bijectively to globally regular systems. By comparing the analytical solutions with the results of numerical simulations, we establish that the numerical simulations of the mapped regular systems are far more accurate than the numerical simulations of the original systems, at the same spatial resolution and CPU time. In particular, the numerical integrations of the mapped regular systems produce robust estimates for the growth exponent and singularity time of the main blowup quantity (vorticity stretching rate), converging well to the analytically-predicted values even beyond the time at which the flow becomes under-resolved (i.e. the reliability time). In contrast, direct numerical integrations of the original systems develop unstable oscillations near the reliability time. We discuss the reasons for this improvement in accuracy, and explain how to extend the analysis to the full 3D case. Supported under the programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI) Cycle 5 and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Regional regularization method for ECT based on spectral transformation of Laplacian

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Z. H.; Kan, Z.; Lv, D. C.; Shao, F. Q.

2016-10-01

Image reconstruction in electrical capacitance tomography is an ill-posed inverse problem, and regularization techniques are usually used to solve the problem for suppressing noise. An anisotropic regional regularization algorithm for electrical capacitance tomography is constructed using a novel approach called spectral transformation. Its function is derived and applied to the weighted gradient magnitude of the sensitivity of Laplacian as a regularization term. With the optimum regional regularizer, the a priori knowledge on the local nonlinearity degree of the forward map is incorporated into the proposed online reconstruction algorithm. Simulation experimentations were performed to verify the capability of the new regularization algorithm to reconstruct a superior quality image over two conventional Tikhonov regularization approaches. The advantage of the new algorithm for improving performance and reducing shape distortion is demonstrated with the experimental data.

Integrated Occupational Program: Information Manual for Administrators, Counsellors, and Teachers. Interim 1988.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Forest, Jan

The Integrated Occupational Program (IOP) was designed for students in grades 8-12 who have experienced prolonged difficulty with the regular elementary and secondary school programs, who demonstrate a significant lag in one or more of their academic courses, and who typically fall into the intelligence band of 75-95 IQ. The IOP enables students…

Research on image retrieval using deep convolutional neural network combining L1 regularization and PRelu activation function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

QingJie, Wei; WenBin, Wang

2017-06-01

In this paper, the image retrieval using deep convolutional neural network combined with regularization and PRelu activation function is studied, and improves image retrieval accuracy. Deep convolutional neural network can not only simulate the process of human brain to receive and transmit information, but also contains a convolution operation, which is very suitable for processing images. Using deep convolutional neural network is better than direct extraction of image visual features for image retrieval. However, the structure of deep convolutional neural network is complex, and it is easy to over-fitting and reduces the accuracy of image retrieval. In this paper, we combine L1 regularization and PRelu activation function to construct a deep convolutional neural network to prevent over-fitting of the network and improve the accuracy of image retrieval

When to initiate integrative neuromuscular training to reduce sports-related injuries in youth?

PubMed Central

Myer, Gregory D.; Faigenbaum, Avery D.; Ford, Kevin R.; Best, Thomas M.; Bergeron, Michael F.; Hewett, Timothy E.

2011-01-01

Regular participation in organized youth sports does not ensure adequate exposure to skill- and health-related fitness activities; and sport training without preparatory conditioning does not appear to reduce risk of injury in young athletes. Recent trends indicate that widespread participation in organized youth sports is occurring at a younger age, especially in girls. Current public health recommendations developed to promote muscle strengthening and bone building activities for youth aged 6 and older, along with increased involvement in competitive sport activities at younger ages, has increased interest and concern from parents, clinicians, coaches and teachers regarding the optimal age to encourage and integrate more specialized physical training into youth development programs. This review synthesizes the latest literature and expert opinion regarding when to initiate neuromuscular conditioning in youth and presents a how to integrative training conceptual model that could maximize the potential health-related benefits for children by reducing sports-related injury risk and encouraging lifelong regular physical activity. PMID:21623307

Symbolic Dynamics and Grammatical Complexity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Bai-Lin; Zheng, Wei-Mou

The following sections are included: * Formal Languages and Their Complexity * Formal Language * Chomsky Hierarchy of Grammatical Complexity * The L-System * Regular Language and Finite Automaton * Finite Automaton * Regular Language * Stefan Matrix as Transfer Function for Automaton * Beyond Regular Languages * Feigenbaum and Generalized Feigenbaum Limiting Sets * Even and Odd Fibonacci Sequences * Odd Maximal Primitive Prefixes and Kneading Map * Even Maximal Primitive Prefixes and Distinct Excluded Blocks * Summary of Results

Accurate mask-based spatially regularized correlation filter for visual tracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Xiaodong; Xu, Xinping

2017-01-01

Recently, discriminative correlation filter (DCF)-based trackers have achieved extremely successful results in many competitions and benchmarks. These methods utilize a periodic assumption of the training samples to efficiently learn a classifier. However, this assumption will produce unwanted boundary effects, which severely degrade the tracking performance. Correlation filters with limited boundaries and spatially regularized DCFs were proposed to reduce boundary effects. However, their methods used the fixed mask or predesigned weights function, respectively, which was unsuitable for large appearance variation. We propose an accurate mask-based spatially regularized correlation filter for visual tracking. Our augmented objective can reduce the boundary effect even in large appearance variation. In our algorithm, the masking matrix is converted into the regularized function that acts on the correlation filter in frequency domain, which makes the algorithm fast convergence. Our online tracking algorithm performs favorably against state-of-the-art trackers on OTB-2015 Benchmark in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and robustness.

Partial regularity of weak solutions to a PDE system with cubic nonlinearity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jian-Guo; Xu, Xiangsheng

2018-04-01

In this paper we investigate regularity properties of weak solutions to a PDE system that arises in the study of biological transport networks. The system consists of a possibly singular elliptic equation for the scalar pressure of the underlying biological network coupled to a diffusion equation for the conductance vector of the network. There are several different types of nonlinearities in the system. Of particular mathematical interest is a term that is a polynomial function of solutions and their partial derivatives and this polynomial function has degree three. That is, the system contains a cubic nonlinearity. Only weak solutions to the system have been shown to exist. The regularity theory for the system remains fundamentally incomplete. In particular, it is not known whether or not weak solutions develop singularities. In this paper we obtain a partial regularity theorem, which gives an estimate for the parabolic Hausdorff dimension of the set of possible singular points.

An adaptive regularization parameter choice strategy for multispectral bioluminescence tomography

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

Feng Jinchao; Qin Chenghu; Jia Kebin

2011-11-15

Purpose: Bioluminescence tomography (BLT) provides an effective tool for monitoring physiological and pathological activities in vivo. However, the measured data in bioluminescence imaging are corrupted by noise. Therefore, regularization methods are commonly used to find a regularized solution. Nevertheless, for the quality of the reconstructed bioluminescent source obtained by regularization methods, the choice of the regularization parameters is crucial. To date, the selection of regularization parameters remains challenging. With regards to the above problems, the authors proposed a BLT reconstruction algorithm with an adaptive parameter choice rule. Methods: The proposed reconstruction algorithm uses a diffusion equation for modeling the bioluminescentmore » photon transport. The diffusion equation is solved with a finite element method. Computed tomography (CT) images provide anatomical information regarding the geometry of the small animal and its internal organs. To reduce the ill-posedness of BLT, spectral information and the optimal permissible source region are employed. Then, the relationship between the unknown source distribution and multiview and multispectral boundary measurements is established based on the finite element method and the optimal permissible source region. Since the measured data are noisy, the BLT reconstruction is formulated as l{sub 2} data fidelity and a general regularization term. When choosing the regularization parameters for BLT, an efficient model function approach is proposed, which does not require knowledge of the noise level. This approach only requests the computation of the residual and regularized solution norm. With this knowledge, we construct the model function to approximate the objective function, and the regularization parameter is updated iteratively. Results: First, the micro-CT based mouse phantom was used for simulation verification. Simulation experiments were used to illustrate why multispectral data were used rather than monochromatic data. Furthermore, the study conducted using an adaptive regularization parameter demonstrated our ability to accurately localize the bioluminescent source. With the adaptively estimated regularization parameter, the reconstructed center position of the source was (20.37, 31.05, 12.95) mm, and the distance to the real source was 0.63 mm. The results of the dual-source experiments further showed that our algorithm could localize the bioluminescent sources accurately. The authors then presented experimental evidence that the proposed algorithm exhibited its calculated efficiency over the heuristic method. The effectiveness of the new algorithm was also confirmed by comparing it with the L-curve method. Furthermore, various initial speculations regarding the regularization parameter were used to illustrate the convergence of our algorithm. Finally, in vivo mouse experiment further illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Conclusions: Utilizing numerical, physical phantom and in vivo examples, we demonstrated that the bioluminescent sources could be reconstructed accurately with automatic regularization parameters. The proposed algorithm exhibited superior performance than both the heuristic regularization parameter choice method and L-curve method based on the computational speed and localization error.« less

Quantum mechanics of conformally and minimally coupled Friedmann-Robertson-Walker cosmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sang Pyo

1992-10-01

The expansion method by a time-dependent basis of the eigenfunctions for the space-coordinate-dependent sub-Hamiltonian is one of the most natural frameworks for quantum systems, relativistic as well as nonrelativistic. The complete set of wave functions is found in the product integral formulation, whose constants of integration are fixed by Cauchy initial data. The wave functions for the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) cosmology conformally and minimally coupled to a scalar field with a power-law potential or a polynomial potential are expanded in terms of the eigenfunctions of the scalar field sub-Hamiltonian part. The resultant gravitational field part which is an ``intrinsic'' timelike variable-dependent matrix-valued differential equation is solved again in the product integral formulation. There are classically allowed regions for the ``intrinsic'' timelike variable depending on the scalar field quantum numbers and these regions increase accordingly as the quantum numbers increase. For a fixed large three-geometry the wave functions corresponding to the low excited (small quantum number) states of the scalar field are exponentially damped or diverging and the wave functions corresponding to the high excited (large quantum number) states are still oscillatory but become eventually exponential as the three-geometry becomes larger. Furthermore, a proposal is advanced that the wave functions exponentially damped for a large three-geometry may be interpreted as ``tunneling out'' wave functions into, and the wave functions exponentially diverging as ``tunneling in'' from, different universes with the same or different topologies, the former being interpreted as the recently proposed Hawking-Page wormhole wave functions. It is observed that there are complex as well as Euclidean actions depending on the quantum numbers of the scalar field part outside the classically allowed region both of the gravitational and scalar fields, suggesting the usefulness of complex geometry and complex trajectories. From the most general wave functions for the FRW cosmology conformally coupled to scalar field, the boundary conditions for the wormhole wave functions are modified so that the modulus of wave functions, instead of the wave functions themselves, should be exponentially damped for a large three-geometry and be regular up to some negative power of the three-geometry as the three-geometry collapses. The wave functions for the FRW cosmology minimally coupled to an inhomogeneous scalar field are similarly found in the product integral formulation. The role of a large number of the inhomogeneous modes of the scalar field is not only to increase the classically allowed regions for the gravitational part but also to provide a mechanism of the decoherence of quantum interferences between the different sizes of the universe.

Revised Thomas-Fermi approximation for singular potentials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dufty, James W.; Trickey, S. B.

2016-08-01

Approximations for the many-fermion free-energy density functional that include the Thomas-Fermi (TF) form for the noninteracting part lead to singular densities for singular external potentials (e.g., attractive Coulomb). This limitation of the TF approximation is addressed here by a formal map of the exact Euler equation for the density onto an equivalent TF form characterized by a modified Kohn-Sham potential. It is shown to be a "regularized" version of the Kohn-Sham potential, tempered by convolution with a finite-temperature response function. The resulting density is nonsingular, with the equilibrium properties obtained from the total free-energy functional evaluated at this density. This new representation is formally exact. Approximate expressions for the regularized potential are given to leading order in a nonlocality parameter, and the limiting behavior at high and low temperatures is described. The noninteracting part of the free energy in this approximation is the usual Thomas-Fermi functional. These results generalize and extend to finite temperatures the ground-state regularization by R. G. Parr and S. Ghosh [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 83, 3577 (1986), 10.1073/pnas.83.11.3577] and by L. R. Pratt, G. G. Hoffman, and R. A. Harris [J. Chem. Phys. 88, 1818 (1988), 10.1063/1.454105] and formally systematize the finite-temperature regularization given by the latter authors.

Urban green valuation integrating biophysical and qualitative aspects.

PubMed

Lang, Stefan

2018-01-01

Urban green mapping has become an operational task in city planning, urban land management, and quality of life assessments. As a multi-dimensional, integrative concept, urban green comprising several ecological, socio-economic, and policy-related aspects. In this paper, the author advances the representation of urban green by deriving scale-adapted, policy-relevant units. These so-called geons represent areas of uniform green valuation under certain size and homogeneity constraints in a spatially explicit representation. The study accompanies a regular monitoring scheme carried out by the urban municipality of the city of Salzburg, Austria, using optical satellite data. It was conducted in two stages, namely SBG_QB (10.2 km², QuickBird data from 2005) and SBG_WV (140 km², WorldView-2 data from 2010), within the functional urban area of Salzburg. The geon delineation was validated by several quantitative measures and spatial analysis techniques, as well as ground documentation, including panorama photographs and visual interpretation. The spatial association pattern was assessed by calculating Global Moran's I with incremental search distances. The final geonscape, consisting of 1083 units with an average size of 13.5 ha, was analyzed by spatial metrics. Finally, categories were derived for different types of functional geons. Future research paths and improvements to the described strategy are outlined.

A semi-analytical method for near-trapped mode and fictitious frequencies of multiple scattering by an array of elliptical cylinders in water waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jeng-Tzong; Lee, Jia-Wei

2013-09-01

In this paper, we focus on the water wave scattering by an array of four elliptical cylinders. The null-field boundary integral equation method (BIEM) is used in conjunction with degenerate kernels and eigenfunctions expansion. The closed-form fundamental solution is expressed in terms of the degenerate kernel containing the Mathieu and the modified Mathieu functions in the elliptical coordinates. Boundary densities are represented by using the eigenfunction expansion. To avoid using the addition theorem to translate the Mathieu functions, the present approach can solve the water wave problem containing multiple elliptical cylinders in a semi-analytical manner by introducing the adaptive observer system. Regarding water wave problems, the phenomena of numerical instability of fictitious frequencies may appear when the BIEM/boundary element method (BEM) is used. Besides, the near-trapped mode for an array of four identical elliptical cylinders is observed in a special layout. Both physical (near-trapped mode) and mathematical (fictitious frequency) resonances simultaneously appear in the present paper for a water wave problem by an array of four identical elliptical cylinders. Two regularization techniques, the combined Helmholtz interior integral equation formulation (CHIEF) method and the Burton and Miller approach, are adopted to alleviate the numerical resonance due to fictitious frequency.

Stationary bubbles and their tunneling channels toward trivial geometry

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

Chen, Pisin; Yeom, Dong-han; Domènech, Guillem

2016-04-01

In the path integral approach, one has to sum over all histories that start from the same initial condition in order to obtain the final condition as a superposition of histories. Applying this into black hole dynamics, we consider stable and unstable stationary bubbles as a reasonable and regular initial condition. We find examples where the bubble can either form a black hole or tunnel toward a trivial geometry, i.e., with no singularity nor event horizon. We investigate the dynamics and tunneling channels of true vacuum bubbles for various tensions. In particular, in line with the idea of superposition ofmore » geometries, we build a classically stable stationary thin-shell solution in a Minkowski background where its fate is probabilistically given by non-perturbative effects. Since there exists a tunneling channel toward a trivial geometry in the entire path integral, the entire information is encoded in the wave function. This demonstrates that the unitarity is preserved and there is no loss of information when viewed from the entire wave function of the universe, whereas a semi-classical observer, who can see only a definitive geometry, would find an effective loss of information. This may provide a resolution to the information loss dilemma.« less

Multiconstrained gene clustering based on generalized projections

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Gene clustering for annotating gene functions is one of the fundamental issues in bioinformatics. The best clustering solution is often regularized by multiple constraints such as gene expressions, Gene Ontology (GO) annotations and gene network structures. How to integrate multiple pieces of constraints for an optimal clustering solution still remains an unsolved problem. Results We propose a novel multiconstrained gene clustering (MGC) method within the generalized projection onto convex sets (POCS) framework used widely in image reconstruction. Each constraint is formulated as a corresponding set. The generalized projector iteratively projects the clustering solution onto these sets in order to find a consistent solution included in the intersection set that satisfies all constraints. Compared with previous MGC methods, POCS can integrate multiple constraints from different nature without distorting the original constraints. To evaluate the clustering solution, we also propose a new performance measure referred to as Gene Log Likelihood (GLL) that considers genes having more than one function and hence in more than one cluster. Comparative experimental results show that our POCS-based gene clustering method outperforms current state-of-the-art MGC methods. Conclusions The POCS-based MGC method can successfully combine multiple constraints from different nature for gene clustering. Also, the proposed GLL is an effective performance measure for the soft clustering solutions. PMID:20356386

A fully functionalized metamaterial perfect absorber with simple design and implementation.

PubMed

Fu, Sze Ming; Zhong, Yan Kai; Tu, Ming Hsiang; Chen, Bo Ruei; Lin, Albert

2016-10-26

Broadband perfect metamaterial absorbers have been drawing significant attention in recent years. A close-to-unity absorption over a broad spectral range is established and this facilitates many photonic applications. A more challenging goal is to construct a broadband absorber with a tailored spectral absorption. The spectral absorption control and spectral shaping are very critical in many applications, such as thermal-photovoltaic, thermal emitters, spectrum imaging system, biomedical and extraterrestrial sensing, and refractive index sensor. In this work, one-dimensional (1D) planar stacking structure is designed to achieve the ultimate goal of a functionalized absorber with a fully tailorable spectral absorption. The lithography and etching process are totally eliminated in this proposed structure, and the fabrication is fully compatible with the regular silicon IC processing. By using ~2 nm ultra-thin metallic layers with a 10-pair (10X) SiO 2 /Si 3 N 4 integrated dielectric filter, we can achieve decent spectral response shaping. The planar configuration of the ultra-thin-metal metamaterial perfect absorber (MPA) is the key to the easy design/integration of the dielectric filters on top of the MPA. Specifically, band-rejected, high-pass, low-pass and band-pass structure are constructed successfully. Finally, experimental evidence to support our simulation result is also provided, which proves the feasibility of our proposal.

Stationary bubbles and their tunneling channels toward trivial geometry

DOE PAGES

Chen, Pisin; Domènech, Guillem; Sasaki, Misao; ...

2016-04-07

In the path integral approach, one has to sum over all histories that start from the same initial condition in order to obtain the final condition as a superposition of histories. Applying this into black hole dynamics, we consider stable and unstable stationary bubbles as a reasonable and regular initial condition. We find examples where the bubble can either form a black hole or tunnel toward a trivial geometry, i.e., with no singularity nor event horizon. We investigate the dynamics and tunneling channels of true vacuum bubbles for various tensions. In particular, in line with the idea of superposition ofmore » geometries, we build a classically stable stationary thin-shell solution in a Minkowski background where its fate is probabilistically given by non-perturbative effects. Since there exists a tunneling channel toward a trivial geometry in the entire path integral, the entire information is encoded in the wave function. This demonstrates that the unitarity is preserved and there is no loss of information when viewed from the entire wave function of the universe, whereas a semi-classical observer, who can see only a definitive geometry, would find an effective loss of information. Ultimately, this may provide a resolution to the information loss dilemma.« less

Bypassing the Limits of Ll Regularization: Convex Sparse Signal Processing Using Non-Convex Regularization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parekh, Ankit

Sparsity has become the basis of some important signal processing methods over the last ten years. Many signal processing problems (e.g., denoising, deconvolution, non-linear component analysis) can be expressed as inverse problems. Sparsity is invoked through the formulation of an inverse problem with suitably designed regularization terms. The regularization terms alone encode sparsity into the problem formulation. Often, the ℓ1 norm is used to induce sparsity, so much so that ℓ1 regularization is considered to be `modern least-squares'. The use of ℓ1 norm, as a sparsity-inducing regularizer, leads to a convex optimization problem, which has several benefits: the absence of extraneous local minima, well developed theory of globally convergent algorithms, even for large-scale problems. Convex regularization via the ℓ1 norm, however, tends to under-estimate the non-zero values of sparse signals. In order to estimate the non-zero values more accurately, non-convex regularization is often favored over convex regularization. However, non-convex regularization generally leads to non-convex optimization, which suffers from numerous issues: convergence may be guaranteed to only a stationary point, problem specific parameters may be difficult to set, and the solution is sensitive to the initialization of the algorithm. The first part of this thesis is aimed toward combining the benefits of non-convex regularization and convex optimization to estimate sparse signals more effectively. To this end, we propose to use parameterized non-convex regularizers with designated non-convexity and provide a range for the non-convex parameter so as to ensure that the objective function is strictly convex. By ensuring convexity of the objective function (sum of data-fidelity and non-convex regularizer), we can make use of a wide variety of convex optimization algorithms to obtain the unique global minimum reliably. The second part of this thesis proposes a non-linear signal decomposition technique for an important biomedical signal processing problem: the detection of sleep spindles and K-complexes in human sleep electroencephalography (EEG). We propose a non-linear model for the EEG consisting of three components: (1) a transient (sparse piecewise constant) component, (2) a low-frequency component, and (3) an oscillatory component. The oscillatory component admits a sparse time-frequency representation. Using a convex objective function, we propose a fast non-linear optimization algorithm to estimate the three components in the proposed signal model. The low-frequency and oscillatory components are then used to estimate the K-complexes and sleep spindles respectively. The proposed detection method is shown to outperform several state-of-the-art automated sleep spindles detection methods.

Energy functions for regularization algorithms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Delingette, H.; Hebert, M.; Ikeuchi, K.

1991-01-01

Regularization techniques are widely used for inverse problem solving in computer vision such as surface reconstruction, edge detection, or optical flow estimation. Energy functions used for regularization algorithms measure how smooth a curve or surface is, and to render acceptable solutions these energies must verify certain properties such as invariance with Euclidean transformations or invariance with parameterization. The notion of smoothness energy is extended here to the notion of a differential stabilizer, and it is shown that to void the systematic underestimation of undercurvature for planar curve fitting, it is necessary that circles be the curves of maximum smoothness. A set of stabilizers is proposed that meet this condition as well as invariance with rotation and parameterization.

Reconstructing Images in Astrophysics, an Inverse Problem Point of View

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Theys, Céline; Aime, Claude

2016-04-01

After a short introduction, a first section provides a brief tutorial to the physics of image formation and its detection in the presence of noises. The rest of the chapter focuses on the resolution of the inverse problem . In the general form, the observed image is given by a Fredholm integral containing the object and the response of the instrument. Its inversion is formulated using a linear algebra. The discretized object and image of size N × N are stored in vectors x and y of length N 2. They are related one another by the linear relation y = H x, where H is a matrix of size N 2 × N 2 that contains the elements of the instrument response. This matrix presents particular properties for a shift invariant point spread function for which the Fredholm integral is reduced to a convolution relation. The presence of noise complicates the resolution of the problem. It is shown that minimum variance unbiased solutions fail to give good results because H is badly conditioned, leading to the need of a regularized solution. Relative strength of regularization versus fidelity to the data is discussed and briefly illustrated on an example using L-curves. The origins and construction of iterative algorithms are explained, and illustrations are given for the algorithms ISRA , for a Gaussian additive noise, and Richardson-Lucy , for a pure photodetected image (Poisson statistics). In this latter case, the way the algorithm modifies the spatial frequencies of the reconstructed image is illustrated for a diluted array of apertures in space. Throughout the chapter, the inverse problem is formulated in matrix form for the general case of the Fredholm integral, while numerical illustrations are limited to the deconvolution case, allowing the use of discrete Fourier transforms, because of computer limitations.

GA-based fuzzy reinforcement learning for control of a magnetic bearing system.

PubMed

Lin, C T; Jou, C P

2000-01-01

This paper proposes a TD (temporal difference) and GA (genetic algorithm)-based reinforcement (TDGAR) learning method and applies it to the control of a real magnetic bearing system. The TDGAR learning scheme is a new hybrid GA, which integrates the TD prediction method and the GA to perform the reinforcement learning task. The TDGAR learning system is composed of two integrated feedforward networks. One neural network acts as a critic network to guide the learning of the other network (the action network) which determines the outputs (actions) of the TDGAR learning system. The action network can be a normal neural network or a neural fuzzy network. Using the TD prediction method, the critic network can predict the external reinforcement signal and provide a more informative internal reinforcement signal to the action network. The action network uses the GA to adapt itself according to the internal reinforcement signal. The key concept of the TDGAR learning scheme is to formulate the internal reinforcement signal as the fitness function for the GA such that the GA can evaluate the candidate solutions (chromosomes) regularly, even during periods without external feedback from the environment. This enables the GA to proceed to new generations regularly without waiting for the arrival of the external reinforcement signal. This can usually accelerate the GA learning since a reinforcement signal may only be available at a time long after a sequence of actions has occurred in the reinforcement learning problem. The proposed TDGAR learning system has been used to control an active magnetic bearing (AMB) system in practice. A systematic design procedure is developed to achieve successful integration of all the subsystems including magnetic suspension, mechanical structure, and controller training. The results show that the TDGAR learning scheme can successfully find a neural controller or a neural fuzzy controller for a self-designed magnetic bearing system.

EXERCISE IMPROVES SEXUAL FUNCTION IN WOMEN TAKING ANTIDEPRESSANTS: RESULTS FROM A RANDOMIZED CROSSOVER TRIAL

PubMed Central

Lorenz, Tierney Ahrold; Meston, Cindy May

2014-01-01

Background In laboratory studies, exercise immediately before sexual stimuli improved sexual arousal of women taking antidepressants [1]. We evaluated if exercise improves sexual desire, orgasm, and global sexual functioning in women experiencing antidepressant-induced sexual side effects. Methods Fifty-two women who were reporting antidepressant sexual side effects were followed for 3 weeks of sexual activity only. They were randomized to complete either three weeks of exercise immediately before sexual activity (3×/week) or 3 weeks of exercise separate from sexual activity (3×/week). At the end of the first exercise arm, participants crossed to the other. We measured sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction, depression, and physical health. Results Exercise immediately prior to sexual activity significantly improved sexual desire and, for women with sexual dysfunction at baseline, global sexual function. Scheduling regular sexual activity significantly improved orgasm function; exercise did not increase this benefit. Neither regular sexual activity nor exercise significantly changed sexual satisfaction. Conclusions Scheduling regular sexual activity and exercise may be an effective tool for the behavioral management of sexual side effects of antidepressants. PMID:24754044

Influence of shift work on cognitive performance in male business process outsourcing employees

PubMed Central

Shwetha, Bijavara; Sudhakar, Honnamachanahalli

2012-01-01

Background: India is a front runner in IT industry. Business process outsourcing (BPO) sector is a major part of IT industry with around 4.5 million employees. These employees are subjected to high work stress, odd working hours, and frequent shift changes leading to increased physical and mental health problems. Aim: To study the cognitive functions in male BPO employees exposed to regular shifts. Settings and Design: Young BPO employees from various BPO companies of Bangalore were tested for cognitive functions. Materials and Methods: Fifty male BPO employees exposed to regular shifts were assessed for various cognitive functions including tests for speed, attention, learning and memory, and executive function. They were compared with 50 non-BPO employees not working in shifts. Statistical analysis - Data was analysed by t-test and Mann-Whitney test using SPSS V.13.0. Results: BPO employees performed poorly compared to their controls in tests for mental speed, learning and memory, and response inhibition. No changes were seen between groups in tests for attention and working memory. Conclusion: Cognitive functions are impaired in BPO employees exposed to regular shift changes. PMID:23776319

Exercise improves sexual function in women taking antidepressants: results from a randomized crossover trial.

PubMed

Lorenz, Tierney Ahrold; Meston, Cindy May

2014-03-01

In laboratory studies, exercise immediately before sexual stimuli improved sexual arousal of women taking antidepressants [1]. We evaluated if exercise improves sexual desire, orgasm, and global sexual functioning in women experiencing antidepressant-induced sexual side effects. Fifty-two women who were reporting antidepressant sexual side effects were followed for 3 weeks of sexual activity only. They were randomized to complete either three weeks of exercise immediately before sexual activity (3×/week) or 3 weeks of exercise separate from sexual activity (3×/week). At the end of the first exercise arm, participants crossed to the other. We measured sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction, depression, and physical health. Exercise immediately prior to sexual activity significantly improved sexual desire and, for women with sexual dysfunction at baseline, global sexual function. Scheduling regular sexual activity significantly improved orgasm function; exercise did not increase this benefit. Neither regular sexual activity nor exercise significantly changed sexual satisfaction. Scheduling regular sexual activity and exercise may be an effective tool for the behavioral management of sexual side effects of antidepressants

Influence of shift work on cognitive performance in male business process outsourcing employees.

PubMed

Shwetha, Bijavara; Sudhakar, Honnamachanahalli

2012-09-01

India is a front runner in IT industry. Business process outsourcing (BPO) sector is a major part of IT industry with around 4.5 million employees. These employees are subjected to high work stress, odd working hours, and frequent shift changes leading to increased physical and mental health problems. To study the cognitive functions in male BPO employees exposed to regular shifts. Young BPO employees from various BPO companies of Bangalore were tested for cognitive functions. Fifty male BPO employees exposed to regular shifts were assessed for various cognitive functions including tests for speed, attention, learning and memory, and executive function. They were compared with 50 non-BPO employees not working in shifts. Statistical analysis - Data was analysed by t-test and Mann-Whitney test using SPSS V.13.0. BPO employees performed poorly compared to their controls in tests for mental speed, learning and memory, and response inhibition. No changes were seen between groups in tests for attention and working memory. Cognitive functions are impaired in BPO employees exposed to regular shift changes.

Identification of moving vehicle forces on bridge structures via moving average Tikhonov regularization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Chu-Dong; Yu, Ling; Liu, Huan-Lin

2017-08-01

Traffic-induced moving force identification (MFI) is a typical inverse problem in the field of bridge structural health monitoring. Lots of regularization-based methods have been proposed for MFI. However, the MFI accuracy obtained from the existing methods is low when the moving forces enter into and exit a bridge deck due to low sensitivity of structural responses to the forces at these zones. To overcome this shortcoming, a novel moving average Tikhonov regularization method is proposed for MFI by combining with the moving average concepts. Firstly, the bridge-vehicle interaction moving force is assumed as a discrete finite signal with stable average value (DFS-SAV). Secondly, the reasonable signal feature of DFS-SAV is quantified and introduced for improving the penalty function (∣∣x∣∣2 2) defined in the classical Tikhonov regularization. Then, a feasible two-step strategy is proposed for selecting regularization parameter and balance coefficient defined in the improved penalty function. Finally, both numerical simulations on a simply-supported beam and laboratory experiments on a hollow tube beam are performed for assessing the accuracy and the feasibility of the proposed method. The illustrated results show that the moving forces can be accurately identified with a strong robustness. Some related issues, such as selection of moving window length, effect of different penalty functions, and effect of different car speeds, are discussed as well.

Cas9 specifies functional viral targets during CRISPR-Cas adaptation.

PubMed

Heler, Robert; Samai, Poulami; Modell, Joshua W; Weiner, Catherine; Goldberg, Gregory W; Bikard, David; Marraffini, Luciano A

2015-03-12

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) loci and their associated (Cas) proteins provide adaptive immunity against viral infection in prokaryotes. Upon infection, short phage sequences known as spacers integrate between CRISPR repeats and are transcribed into small RNA molecules that guide the Cas9 nuclease to the viral targets (protospacers). Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 cleavage of the viral genome requires the presence of a 5'-NGG-3' protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequence immediately downstream of the viral target. It is not known whether and how viral sequences flanked by the correct PAM are chosen as new spacers. Here we show that Cas9 selects functional spacers by recognizing their PAM during spacer acquisition. The replacement of cas9 with alleles that lack the PAM recognition motif or recognize an NGGNG PAM eliminated or changed PAM specificity during spacer acquisition, respectively. Cas9 associates with other proteins of the acquisition machinery (Cas1, Cas2 and Csn2), presumably to provide PAM-specificity to this process. These results establish a new function for Cas9 in the genesis of prokaryotic immunological memory.

Self-assembly of a binodal metal-organic framework exhibiting a demi-regular lattice.

PubMed

Yan, Linghao; Kuang, Guowen; Zhang, Qiushi; Shang, Xuesong; Liu, Pei Nian; Lin, Nian

2017-10-26

Designing metal-organic frameworks with new topologies is a long-standing quest because new topologies often accompany new properties and functions. Here we report that 1,3,5-tris[4-(pyridin-4-yl)phenyl]benzene molecules coordinate with Cu atoms to form a two-dimensional framework in which Cu adatoms form a nanometer-scale demi-regular lattice. The lattice is articulated by perfectly arranged twofold and threefold pyridyl-Cu coordination motifs in a ratio of 1 : 6 and features local dodecagonal symmetry. This structure is thermodynamically robust and emerges solely when the molecular density is at a critical value. In comparison, we present three framework structures that consist of semi-regular and regular lattices of Cu atoms self-assembled out of 1,3,5-tris[4-(pyridin-4-yl)phenyl]benzene and trispyridylbenzene molecules. Thus a family of regular, semi-regular and demi-regular lattices can be achieved by Cu-pyridyl coordination.

Stress regularity in quasi-static perfect plasticity with a pressure dependent yield criterion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babadjian, Jean-François; Mora, Maria Giovanna

2018-04-01

This work is devoted to establishing a regularity result for the stress tensor in quasi-static planar isotropic linearly elastic - perfectly plastic materials obeying a Drucker-Prager or Mohr-Coulomb yield criterion. Under suitable assumptions on the data, it is proved that the stress tensor has a spatial gradient that is locally squared integrable. As a corollary, the usual measure theoretical flow rule is expressed in a strong form using the quasi-continuous representative of the stress.

Global gradient estimates for divergence-type elliptic problems involving general nonlinear operators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Yumi

2018-05-01

We study nonlinear elliptic problems with nonstandard growth and ellipticity related to an N-function. We establish global Calderón-Zygmund estimates of the weak solutions in the framework of Orlicz spaces over bounded non-smooth domains. Moreover, we prove a global regularity result for asymptotically regular problems which are getting close to the regular problems considered, when the gradient variable goes to infinity.

Enumeration of Extended m-Regular Linear Stacks.

PubMed

Guo, Qiang-Hui; Sun, Lisa H; Wang, Jian

2016-12-01

The contact map of a protein fold in the two-dimensional (2D) square lattice has arc length at least 3, and each internal vertex has degree at most 2, whereas the two terminal vertices have degree at most 3. Recently, Chen, Guo, Sun, and Wang studied the enumeration of [Formula: see text]-regular linear stacks, where each arc has length at least [Formula: see text] and the degree of each vertex is bounded by 2. Since the two terminal points in a protein fold in the 2D square lattice may form contacts with at most three adjacent lattice points, we are led to the study of extended [Formula: see text]-regular linear stacks, in which the degree of each terminal point is bounded by 3. This model is closed to real protein contact maps. Denote the generating functions of the [Formula: see text]-regular linear stacks and the extended [Formula: see text]-regular linear stacks by [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. We show that [Formula: see text] can be written as a rational function of [Formula: see text]. For a certain [Formula: see text], by eliminating [Formula: see text], we obtain an equation satisfied by [Formula: see text] and derive the asymptotic formula of the numbers of [Formula: see text]-regular linear stacks of length [Formula: see text].

A derivation of the Cramer-Rao lower bound of euclidean parameters under equality constraints via score function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Susyanto, Nanang

2017-12-01

We propose a simple derivation of the Cramer-Rao Lower Bound (CRLB) of parameters under equality constraints from the CRLB without constraints in regular parametric models. When a regular parametric model and an equality constraint of the parameter are given, a parametric submodel can be defined by restricting the parameter under that constraint. The tangent space of this submodel is then computed with the help of the implicit function theorem. Finally, the score function of the restricted parameter is obtained by projecting the efficient influence function of the unrestricted parameter on the appropriate inner product spaces.

One School's Approach to Integration: Developing a Community Philosophy and Utilising an "In House" Educational Psychologist.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spalding, Bob; Florek, Anton

1988-01-01

The article describes a program at Connahs Quay High School in Wales (United Kingdom) which integrates 18 moderately disabled students and about 100 mildly disabled students into the regular school program. The support system includes a special needs coordinator, liaison with primary schools, and an active role by the school psychologist. (DB)

Drink and Think: Impact of Alcohol on Cognitive Functions and Dementia - Evidence of Dose-Related Effects.

PubMed

Gutwinski, Stefan; Schreiter, Stefanie; Priller, Josef; Henssler, Jonathan; Wiers, Corinde E; Heinz, Andreas

2017-09-26

Regular alcohol consumption affects cognitive performance and the development of dementia. So far, findings are contradicting, which might be explained in part by dose-related effects. For this narrative review, we undertook a literature search for surveys investigating the impact of alcohol consumption on cognitive performance and the development of dementia. The majority of studies observed a U-shaped relationship between regular alcohol consumption and cognitive function: frequent heavy consumption of alcohol alters brain functions and decreases cognitive performance; regular light and moderate consumption may have protective impact. In many studies, total abstainers show an inferior cognitive performance than people with moderate or light consumption. Nevertheless, policy implications are difficult to draw for at least 2 reasons: (1) the possible risks associated with alcohol consumption and (2) the potential confounders in the group of non-consumers and heavy consumers. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Delay discounting as a function of intrinsic/extrinsic religiousness, religious fundamentalism, and regular church attendance.

PubMed

Weatherly, Jeffrey N; Plumm, Karyn M

2012-01-01

Delay discounting occurs when the subjective value of an outcome decreases because its delivery is delayed. Previous research has suggested that the rate at which some, but not all, outcomes are discounted varies as a function of regular church attendance. In the present study, 509 participants completed measures of intrinsic religiousness, extrinsic religiousness, religious fundamentalism, and whether they regularly attended church services. They then completed a delay-discounting task involving five outcomes. Although religiousness was not a significant predictor of discounting for all outcomes, participants scoring high in intrinsic religiousness tended to display less delay discounting than participants scoring low. Likewise, participants scoring high in religious fundamentalism tended to display more delay discounting than participants scoring low. These results partially replicate previous ones in showing that the process of discounting may vary as a function of religiousness. The results also provide some direction for those interested in altering how individuals discount.

Accounting for irregular support in spatial interpolation - analysing the effect of using alternative distance measures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skøien, J. O.; Gottschalk, L.; Leblois, E.

2009-04-01

Whereas geostatistical and objective methods mostly have been developed for observations with point support or a regular support, e.g. runoff related data can be assumed to have an irregular support in space, and sometimes also a temporal support. The correlations between observations and between observations and the prediction location are found through an integration of a point variogram or point correlation function, a method known as regularisation. Being a relatively simple method for observations with equal and regular support, it can be computationally demanding if the observations have irregular support. With improved speed of computers, solving such integrations has become easier, but there can still be numerical problems that are not easily solved even with high-resolution computations. This can particularly be a problem in hydrological sciences where catchments are overlapping, the correlations are high, and small numerical errors can give ill-posed covariance matrices. The problem increases with increasing number of spatial and/or temporal dimensions. Gottschalk [1993a; 1993b] suggested to replace the integration by a Taylor expansion, hence reducing the computation time considerably, and also expecting less numerical problems with the covariance matrices. In practice, the integrated correlation/semivariance between observations are replaced by correlations/semivariances using the so called Ghosh-distance. Although Gottschalk and collaborators have used the Ghosh-distance also in other papers [Sauquet, et al., 2000a; Sauquet, et al., 2000b], the properties of the simplification have not been examined in detail. Hence, we will here analyse the replacement of the integration by the use of Ghosh-distances, both in sense of the ability to reproduce regularised semivariogram and correlation values, and the influence on the final interpolated maps. Comparisons will be performed both for real observations with a support (hydrological data) and for more hypothetical observations with regular supports where analytical expressions for the regularised semivariances/correlations in some cases can be derived. The results indicate that the simplification is useful for spatial interpolation when the support of the observations has to be taken into account. The difference in semivariogram value or correlation value between the simplified method and the full integration is limited on short distances, increasing for larger distances. However, this is to some degree taken into account while fitting a model for the point process, so that the results after interpolation are less affected by the simplification. The method is of particular use if computation time is of importance, e.g. in the case of real-time mapping procedures. Gottschalk, L. (1993a) Correlation and covariance of runoff, Stochastic Hydrology and Hydraulics, 7, 85-101. Gottschalk, L. (1993b) Interpolation of runoff applying objective methods, Stochastic Hydrology and Hydraulics, 7, 269-281. Sauquet, E., L. Gottschalk, and E. Leblois (2000a) Mapping average annual runoff: a hierarchical approach applying a stochastic interpolation scheme, Hydrological Sciences Journal, 45, 799-815. Sauquet, E., I. Krasovskaia, and E. Leblois (2000b) Mapping mean monthly runoff pattern using EOF analysis, Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 4, 79-93.

Aerobic exercise and respiratory muscle strength in patients with cystic fibrosis.

PubMed

Dassios, Theodore; Katelari, Anna; Doudounakis, Stavros; Dimitriou, Gabriel

2013-05-01

The beneficial role of exercise in maintaining health in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is well described. Few data exist on the effect of exercise on respiratory muscle function in patients with CF. Our objective was to compare respiratory muscle function indices in CF patients that regularly exercise with those CF patients that do not. This cross-sectional study assessed nutrition, pulmonary function and respiratory muscle function in 37 CF patients that undertook regular aerobic exercise and in a control group matched for age and gender which consisted of 44 CF patients that did not undertake regular exercise. Respiratory muscle function in CF was assessed by maximal inspiratory pressure (Pimax), maximal expiratory pressure (Pemax) and pressure-time index of the respiratory muscles (PTImus). Median Pimax and Pemax were significantly higher in the exercise group compared to the control group (92 vs. 63 cm H2O and 94 vs. 64 cm H2O respectively). PTImus was significantly lower in the exercise group compared to the control group (0.089 vs. 0.121). Upper arm muscle area (UAMA) and mid-arm muscle circumference were significantly increased in the exercise group compared to the control group (2608 vs. 2178 mm2 and 23 vs. 21 cm respectively). UAMA was significantly related to Pimax in the exercising group. These results suggest that CF patients that undertake regular aerobic exercise maintain higher indices of respiratory muscle strength and lower PTImus values, while increased UAMA values in exercising patients highlight the importance of muscular competence in respiratory muscle function in this population. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cognitive function in Japanese women with posttraumatic stress disorder: Association with exercise habits.

PubMed

Narita-Ohtaki, Ryoko; Hori, Hiroaki; Itoh, Mariko; Lin, Mingming; Niwa, Madoka; Ino, Keiko; Imai, Risa; Ogawa, Sei; Sekiguchi, Atsushi; Matsui, Mie; Kunugi, Hiroshi; Kamo, Toshiko; Kim, Yoshiharu

2018-08-15

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with cognitive impairments, yet little is documented on the cognitive function of PTSD patients in Asian countries. It is shown that regular exercise can reduce PTSD symptoms, while no study has investigated the association between exercise and cognition in PTSD patients. This study aimed to examine cognitive functions of Japanese women with PTSD, and to explore the association between regular exercise and cognitive functions. Forty-two women with DSM-IV PTSD and 66 demographically matched healthy control women participated in this study. Most of the patients developed PTSD after experiencing interpersonal violence. Cognitive functions were assessed by the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Regular exercise habit was assessed by a self-reported questionnaire. Compared to controls, PTSD patients performed significantly more poorly in all cognitive domains examined, including immediate memory, visuospatial construction, language, attention, delayed memory, as well as the total score of RBANS (all p < 0.001). Compared to PTSD patients without the habit of exercise, those who habitually exercised showed significantly better performance on delayed memory (p = 0.006), which survived after controlling for potentially confounding variables in a multiple regression model. The cross-sectional design and relatively small sample size limited our findings. PTSD in Japanese women is associated with pervasively impaired cognitive functions, including notable impairments in verbal memory. Such memory deficits might be improved by regular exercise, although further studies are needed to investigate the causal relationship between exercise and cognition in PTSD. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Use of conventional and alternative treatment strategies for a case of low back pain in a F/A-18 aviator

PubMed Central

Green, Bart N; Sims, John; Allen, Rachel

2006-01-01

Background Low back pain can diminish jet pilot concentration and function during flight and be severe enough to ground pilots or cause decreased flying time. The objective of this case report is to present an example of the integration of chiropractic care with conventional treatments for the management of low back pain in a F/A-18 aviator. Case presentation The patient had insidious severe low back pain without radiation or neurological deficit, resulting in 24 hours of hospitalization. Spinal degeneration was discovered upon imaging. Four months later, it still took up to 10 minutes for him to get out of bed and several minutes to exit the jet due to stiffness and pain. He had discontinued his regular Marine Corps fitness training due to pain avoidance. Pain severity ranged from 1.5–7.1 cm on a visual analog scale. His Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire score was 5 out of 24. The pilot's pain was managed with the coordinated efforts of the flight surgeon, physiatrist, physical therapist, and doctor of chiropractic. Following this regimen he had no pain and no functional disability; he was able to fly multiple training missions per week and exercise to Marine Corps standards. Conclusion A course of care integrating flight medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, and physiatry appeared to alleviate pain and restore function to this F/A-18 aviator with low back pain. PMID:16820063

Towards the automatization of the Foucault knife-edge quantitative test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez, G.; Villa, J.; Martínez, G.; de la Rosa, I.; Ivanov, R.

2017-08-01

Given the increasing necessity of simple, economical and reliable methods and instruments for performing quality tests of optical surfaces such as mirrors and lenses, in the recent years we resumed the study of the long forgotten Foucault knife-edge test from the point of view of the physical optics, ultimately achieving a closed mathematical expression that directly relates the knife-edge position along the displacement paraxial axis with the observable irradiance pattern, which later allowed us to propose a quantitative methodology for estimating the wavefront error of an aspherical mirror with precision akin to interferometry. In this work, we present a further improved digital image processing algorithm in which the sigmoidal cost-function for calculating the transient slope-point of each associated intensity-illumination profile is replaced for a simplified version of it, thus making the whole process of estimating the wavefront gradient remarkably more stable and efficient, at the same time, the Fourier based algorithm employed for gradient integration has been replaced as well for a regularized quadratic cost-function that allows a considerably easier introduction of the region of interest (ROI) of the function, which solved by means of a linear gradient conjugate method largely increases the overall accuracy and efficiency of the algorithm. This revised approach of our methodology can be easily implemented and handled by most single-board microcontrollers in the market, hence enabling the implementation of a full-integrated automatized test apparatus, opening a realistic path for even the proposal of a stand-alone optical mirror analyzer prototype.

GIFTed Demons: deformable image registration with local structure-preserving regularization using supervoxels for liver applications

PubMed Central

Gleeson, Fergus V.; Brady, Michael; Schnabel, Julia A.

2018-01-01

Abstract. Deformable image registration, a key component of motion correction in medical imaging, needs to be efficient and provides plausible spatial transformations that reliably approximate biological aspects of complex human organ motion. Standard approaches, such as Demons registration, mostly use Gaussian regularization for organ motion, which, though computationally efficient, rule out their application to intrinsically more complex organ motions, such as sliding interfaces. We propose regularization of motion based on supervoxels, which provides an integrated discontinuity preserving prior for motions, such as sliding. More precisely, we replace Gaussian smoothing by fast, structure-preserving, guided filtering to provide efficient, locally adaptive regularization of the estimated displacement field. We illustrate the approach by applying it to estimate sliding motions at lung and liver interfaces on challenging four-dimensional computed tomography (CT) and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging datasets. The results show that guided filter-based regularization improves the accuracy of lung and liver motion correction as compared to Gaussian smoothing. Furthermore, our framework achieves state-of-the-art results on a publicly available CT liver dataset. PMID:29662918

GIFTed Demons: deformable image registration with local structure-preserving regularization using supervoxels for liver applications.

PubMed

Papież, Bartłomiej W; Franklin, James M; Heinrich, Mattias P; Gleeson, Fergus V; Brady, Michael; Schnabel, Julia A

2018-04-01

Deformable image registration, a key component of motion correction in medical imaging, needs to be efficient and provides plausible spatial transformations that reliably approximate biological aspects of complex human organ motion. Standard approaches, such as Demons registration, mostly use Gaussian regularization for organ motion, which, though computationally efficient, rule out their application to intrinsically more complex organ motions, such as sliding interfaces. We propose regularization of motion based on supervoxels, which provides an integrated discontinuity preserving prior for motions, such as sliding. More precisely, we replace Gaussian smoothing by fast, structure-preserving, guided filtering to provide efficient, locally adaptive regularization of the estimated displacement field. We illustrate the approach by applying it to estimate sliding motions at lung and liver interfaces on challenging four-dimensional computed tomography (CT) and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging datasets. The results show that guided filter-based regularization improves the accuracy of lung and liver motion correction as compared to Gaussian smoothing. Furthermore, our framework achieves state-of-the-art results on a publicly available CT liver dataset.

A regularity result for fixed points, with applications to linear response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sedro, Julien

2018-04-01

In this paper, we show a series of abstract results on fixed point regularity with respect to a parameter. They are based on a Taylor development taking into account a loss of regularity phenomenon, typically occurring for composition operators acting on spaces of functions with finite regularity. We generalize this approach to higher order differentiability, through the notion of an n-graded family. We then give applications to the fixed point of a nonlinear map, and to linear response in the context of (uniformly) expanding dynamics (theorem 3 and corollary 2), in the spirit of Gouëzel-Liverani.

A subtraction scheme for computing QCD jet cross sections at NNLO: integrating the subtraction terms I

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Somogyi, Gábor; Trócsányi, Zoltán

2008-08-01

In previous articles we outlined a subtraction scheme for regularizing doubly-real emission and real-virtual emission in next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) calculations of jet cross sections in electron-positron annihilation. In order to find the NNLO correction these subtraction terms have to be integrated over the factorized unresolved phase space and combined with the two-loop corrections. In this paper we perform the integration of all one-parton unresolved subtraction terms.

Prevalence and Correlates of Having a Regular Physician among Women Presenting for Induced Abortion.

PubMed

Chor, Julie; Hebert, Luciana E; Hasselbacher, Lee A; Whitaker, Amy K

2016-01-01

To determine the prevalence and correlates of having a regular physician among women presenting for induced abortion. We conducted a retrospective review of women presenting to an urban, university-based family planning clinic for abortion between January 2008 and September 2011. We conducted bivariate analyses, comparing women with and without a regular physician, and multivariable regression modeling, to identify factors associated with not having a regular physician. Of 834 women, 521 (62.5%) had a regular physician and 313 (37.5%) did not. Women with a prior pregnancy, live birth, or spontaneous abortion were more likely than women without these experiences to have a regular physician. Women with a prior induced abortion were not more likely than women who had never had a prior induced abortion to have a regular physician. Compared with women younger than 18 years, women aged 18 to 26 years were less likely to have a physician (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.10-0.62). Women with a prior live birth had increased odds of having a regular physician compared with women without a prior pregnancy (aOR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.13-3.16). Women without medical/fetal indications and who had not been victims of sexual assault (self-indicated) were less likely to report having a regular physician compared with women with medical/fetal indications (aOR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.17-0.82). The abortion visit is a point of contact with a large number of women without a regular physician and therefore provides an opportunity to integrate women into health care. Copyright © 2016 Jacobs Institute of Women's Health. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Symmetry-preserving contact interaction model for heavy-light mesons

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

Serna, F. E.; Brito, M. A.; Krein, G.

2016-01-22

We use a symmetry-preserving regularization method of ultraviolet divergences in a vector-vector contact interaction model for low-energy QCD. The contact interaction is a representation of nonperturbative kernels used Dyson-Schwinger and Bethe-Salpeter equations. The regularization method is based on a subtraction scheme that avoids standard steps in the evaluation of divergent integrals that invariably lead to symmetry violation. Aiming at the study of heavy-light mesons, we have implemented the method to the pseudoscalar π and K mesons. We have solved the Dyson-Schwinger equation for the u, d and s quark propagators, and obtained the bound-state Bethe-Salpeter amplitudes in a way thatmore » the Ward-Green-Takahashi identities reflecting global symmetries of the model are satisfied for arbitrary routing of the momenta running in loop integrals.« less

Existence, regularity, and concentration phenomenon of nontrivial solitary waves for a class of generalized variable coefficient Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alves, Claudianor O.; Miyagaki, Olímpio H.

2017-08-01

In this paper, we establish some results concerning the existence, regularity, and concentration phenomenon of nontrivial solitary waves for a class of generalized variable coefficient Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation. Variational methods are used to get an existence result, as well as, to study the concentration phenomenon, while the regularity is more delicate because we are leading with functions in an anisotropic Sobolev space.

Effects of Regular and Long-Acting Insulin on Cognition and Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers: A Pilot Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Craft, Suzanne; Claxton, Amy; Baker, Laura D; Hanson, Angela J; Cholerton, Brenna; Trittschuh, Emily H; Dahl, Deborah; Caulder, Erin; Neth, Bryan; Montine, Thomas J; Jung, Youngkyoo; Maldjian, Joseph; Whitlow, Christopher; Friedman, Seth

2017-01-01

Long acting insulin detemir administered intranasally for three weeks enhanced memory for adults with Alzheimer's disease dementia (AD) or amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The investigation of longer-term administration is necessary to determine whether benefits persist, whether they are similar to benefits provided by regular insulin, and whether either form of insulin therapy affects AD biomarkers. The present study aimed to determine whether four months of treatment with intranasal insulin detemir or regular insulin improves cognition, daily functioning, and AD biomarkers for adults with MCI or AD. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included an intent-to-treat sample consisting of 36 adults diagnosed with MCI or mild to moderate AD. Participants received placebo (n = 12), 40 IU of insulin detemir (n = 12), or 40 IU of regular insulin (n = 12) daily for four months, administered with a nasal delivery device. A cognitive battery was administered at baseline and after two and four months of treatment. MRI was administered for all participants and lumbar puncture for a subset (n = 20) at baseline and four months. The primary outcome was change from baseline to four months on a memory composite (sum of Z scores for delayed list and story recall). Secondary outcomes included: global cognition (Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognition), daily functioning (Dementia Severity Rating Scale), MRI volume changes in AD-related regions of interest, and cerebrospinal fluid AD markers. The regular insulin treated group had better memory after two and four months compared with placebo (p < 0.03). No significant effects were observed for the detemir-assigned group compared with the placebo group, or for daily functioning for either group. Regular insulin treatment was associated with preserved volume on MRI. Regular insulin treatment was also associated with reduction in the tau-P181/Aβ42 ratio. Future research is warranted to examine the mechanistic basis of treatment differences, and to further assess the efficacy and safety of intranasal insulin.

Robust dynamic myocardial perfusion CT deconvolution for accurate residue function estimation via adaptive-weighted tensor total variation regularization: a preclinical study.

PubMed

Zeng, Dong; Gong, Changfei; Bian, Zhaoying; Huang, Jing; Zhang, Xinyu; Zhang, Hua; Lu, Lijun; Niu, Shanzhou; Zhang, Zhang; Liang, Zhengrong; Feng, Qianjin; Chen, Wufan; Ma, Jianhua

2016-11-21

Dynamic myocardial perfusion computed tomography (MPCT) is a promising technique for quick diagnosis and risk stratification of coronary artery disease. However, one major drawback of dynamic MPCT imaging is the heavy radiation dose to patients due to its dynamic image acquisition protocol. In this work, to address this issue, we present a robust dynamic MPCT deconvolution algorithm via adaptive-weighted tensor total variation (AwTTV) regularization for accurate residue function estimation with low-mA s data acquisitions. For simplicity, the presented method is termed 'MPD-AwTTV'. More specifically, the gains of the AwTTV regularization over the original tensor total variation regularization are from the anisotropic edge property of the sequential MPCT images. To minimize the associative objective function we propose an efficient iterative optimization strategy with fast convergence rate in the framework of an iterative shrinkage/thresholding algorithm. We validate and evaluate the presented algorithm using both digital XCAT phantom and preclinical porcine data. The preliminary experimental results have demonstrated that the presented MPD-AwTTV deconvolution algorithm can achieve remarkable gains in noise-induced artifact suppression, edge detail preservation, and accurate flow-scaled residue function and MPHM estimation as compared with the other existing deconvolution algorithms in digital phantom studies, and similar gains can be obtained in the porcine data experiment.

Robust dynamic myocardial perfusion CT deconvolution for accurate residue function estimation via adaptive-weighted tensor total variation regularization: a preclinical study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Dong; Gong, Changfei; Bian, Zhaoying; Huang, Jing; Zhang, Xinyu; Zhang, Hua; Lu, Lijun; Niu, Shanzhou; Zhang, Zhang; Liang, Zhengrong; Feng, Qianjin; Chen, Wufan; Ma, Jianhua

2016-11-01

Dynamic myocardial perfusion computed tomography (MPCT) is a promising technique for quick diagnosis and risk stratification of coronary artery disease. However, one major drawback of dynamic MPCT imaging is the heavy radiation dose to patients due to its dynamic image acquisition protocol. In this work, to address this issue, we present a robust dynamic MPCT deconvolution algorithm via adaptive-weighted tensor total variation (AwTTV) regularization for accurate residue function estimation with low-mA s data acquisitions. For simplicity, the presented method is termed ‘MPD-AwTTV’. More specifically, the gains of the AwTTV regularization over the original tensor total variation regularization are from the anisotropic edge property of the sequential MPCT images. To minimize the associative objective function we propose an efficient iterative optimization strategy with fast convergence rate in the framework of an iterative shrinkage/thresholding algorithm. We validate and evaluate the presented algorithm using both digital XCAT phantom and preclinical porcine data. The preliminary experimental results have demonstrated that the presented MPD-AwTTV deconvolution algorithm can achieve remarkable gains in noise-induced artifact suppression, edge detail preservation, and accurate flow-scaled residue function and MPHM estimation as compared with the other existing deconvolution algorithms in digital phantom studies, and similar gains can be obtained in the porcine data experiment.

Brain Imaging Studies on the Cognitive, Pharmacological and Neurobiological Effects of Cannabis in Humans: Evidence from Studies of Adult Users.

PubMed

Weinstein, Aviv; Livny, Abigail; Weizman, Abraham

2016-01-01

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug worldwide. Regular cannabis use has been associated with a range of acute and chronic mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, psychotic symptoms and neurocognitive impairments and their neural mechanisms need to be examined. This review summarizes and critically evaluates brain-imaging studies of cannabis in recreational and regular cannabis users between January 2000 and January 2016. The search has yielded eligible 103 structural and functional studies. Regular use of cannabis results in volumetric, gray matter and white matter structural changes in the brain, in particular in the hippocampus and the amygdala. Regular use of cannabis affects cognitive processes such as attention, memory, inhibitory control, decision-making, emotional processing, social cognition and their associated brain areas. There is evidence that regular cannabis use leads to altered neural function during attention and working memory and that recruitment of activity in additional brain regions can compensate for it. Similar to other drugs of abuse, cannabis cues activated areas in the reward pathway. Pharmacological studies showed a modest increase in human striatal dopamine transmission after administration of THC in healthy volunteers. Regular cannabis use resulted in reduced dopamine transporter occupancy and reduced dopamine synthesis but not in reduced striatal D2/D3 receptor occupancy compared with healthy control participants. Studies also showed different effects of Δ-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) on emotion, cognition and associated brain regions in healthy volunteers, whereby CBD protects against the psychoactive effects of THC. Brain imaging studies using selective high-affinity radioligands for the imaging of cannabinoid CB1 receptor availability in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) showed downregulation of CB1 in regular users of cannabis. In conclusion, regular use of the cannabinoids exerts structural and functional changes in the human brain. These changes have profound implications for our understanding of the neuropharmacology of cannabis and its effects on cognition, mental health and the brain. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Regularization by Functions of Bounded Variation and Applications to Image Enhancement

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

Casas, E.; Kunisch, K.; Pola, C.

1999-09-15

Optimization problems regularized by bounded variation seminorms are analyzed. The optimality system is obtained and finite-dimensional approximations of bounded variation function spaces as well as of the optimization problems are studied. It is demonstrated that the choice of the vector norm in the definition of the bounded variation seminorm is of special importance for approximating subspaces consisting of piecewise constant functions. Algorithms based on a primal-dual framework that exploit the structure of these nondifferentiable optimization problems are proposed. Numerical examples are given for denoising of blocky images with very high noise.

Deformations of the Almheiri-Polchinski model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kyono, Hideki; Okumura, Suguru; Yoshida, Kentaroh

2017-03-01

We study deformations of the Almheiri-Polchinski (AP) model by employing the Yang-Baxter deformation technique. The general deformed AdS2 metric becomes a solution of a deformed AP model. In particular, the dilaton potential is deformed from a simple quadratic form to a hyperbolic function-type potential similarly to integrable deformations. A specific solution is a deformed black hole solution. Because the deformation makes the spacetime structure around the boundary change drastically and a new naked singularity appears, the holographic interpretation is far from trivial. The Hawking temperature is the same as the undeformed case but the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy is modified due to the deformation. This entropy can also be reproduced by evaluating the renormalized stress tensor with an appropriate counter-term on the regularized screen close to the singularity.

Handheld microwave bomb-detecting imaging system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorwara, Ashok; Molchanov, Pavlo

2017-05-01

Proposed novel imaging technique will provide all weather high-resolution imaging and recognition capability for RF/Microwave signals with good penetration through highly scattered media: fog, snow, dust, smoke, even foliage, camouflage, walls and ground. Image resolution in proposed imaging system is not limited by diffraction and will be determined by processor and sampling frequency. Proposed imaging system can simultaneously cover wide field of view, detect multiple targets and can be multi-frequency, multi-function. Directional antennas in imaging system can be close positioned and installed in cell phone size handheld device, on small aircraft or distributed around protected border or object. Non-scanning monopulse system allows dramatically decrease in transmitting power and at the same time provides increased imaging range by integrating 2-3 orders more signals than regular scanning imaging systems.

Identification of the population density of a species model with nonlocal diffusion and nonlinear reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuan, Nguyen Huy; Van Au, Vo; Khoa, Vo Anh; Lesnic, Daniel

2017-05-01

The identification of the population density of a logistic equation backwards in time associated with nonlocal diffusion and nonlinear reaction, motivated by biology and ecology fields, is investigated. The diffusion depends on an integral average of the population density whilst the reaction term is a global or local Lipschitz function of the population density. After discussing the ill-posedness of the problem, we apply the quasi-reversibility method to construct stable approximation problems. It is shown that the regularized solutions stemming from such method not only depend continuously on the final data, but also strongly converge to the exact solution in L 2-norm. New error estimates together with stability results are obtained. Furthermore, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the theoretical results.

Error analysis of stochastic gradient descent ranking.

PubMed

Chen, Hong; Tang, Yi; Li, Luoqing; Yuan, Yuan; Li, Xuelong; Tang, Yuanyan

2013-06-01

Ranking is always an important task in machine learning and information retrieval, e.g., collaborative filtering, recommender systems, drug discovery, etc. A kernel-based stochastic gradient descent algorithm with the least squares loss is proposed for ranking in this paper. The implementation of this algorithm is simple, and an expression of the solution is derived via a sampling operator and an integral operator. An explicit convergence rate for leaning a ranking function is given in terms of the suitable choices of the step size and the regularization parameter. The analysis technique used here is capacity independent and is novel in error analysis of ranking learning. Experimental results on real-world data have shown the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in ranking tasks, which verifies the theoretical analysis in ranking error.

A fractional-order accumulative regularization filter for force reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wensong, Jiang; Zhongyu, Wang; Jing, Lv

2018-02-01

The ill-posed inverse problem of the force reconstruction comes from the influence of noise to measured responses and results in an inaccurate or non-unique solution. To overcome this ill-posedness, in this paper, the transfer function of the reconstruction model is redefined by a Fractional order Accumulative Regularization Filter (FARF). First, the measured responses with noise are refined by a fractional-order accumulation filter based on a dynamic data refresh strategy. Second, a transfer function, generated by the filtering results of the measured responses, is manipulated by an iterative Tikhonov regularization with a serious of iterative Landweber filter factors. Third, the regularization parameter is optimized by the Generalized Cross-Validation (GCV) to improve the ill-posedness of the force reconstruction model. A Dynamic Force Measurement System (DFMS) for the force reconstruction is designed to illustrate the application advantages of our suggested FARF method. The experimental result shows that the FARF method with r = 0.1 and α = 20, has a PRE of 0.36% and an RE of 2.45%, is superior to other cases of the FARF method and the traditional regularization methods when it comes to the dynamic force reconstruction.

Extensive regularization of the coupled cluster methods based on the generating functional formalism: application to gas-phase benchmarks and to the S(N)2 reaction of CHCl3 and OH- in water

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

Kowalski, Karol; Valiev, Marat

2009-12-21

The recently introduced energy expansion based on the use of generating functional (GF) [K. Kowalski, P.D. Fan, J. Chem. Phys. 130, 084112 (2009)] provides a way of constructing size-consistent non-iterative coupled-cluster (CC) corrections in terms of moments of the CC equations. To take advantage of this expansion in a strongly interacting regime, the regularization of the cluster amplitudes is required in order to counteract the effect of excessive growth of the norm of the CC wavefunction. Although proven to be effcient, the previously discussed form of the regularization does not lead to rigorously size-consistent corrections. In this paper we addressmore » the issue of size-consistent regularization of the GF expansion by redefning the equations for the cluster amplitudes. The performance and basic features of proposed methodology is illustrated on several gas-phase benchmark systems. Moreover, the regularized GF approaches are combined with QM/MM module and applied to describe the SN2 reaction of CHCl3 and OH- in aqueous solution.« less

"Facebook," Social Integration and Informal Learning at University: "It Is More for Socialising and Talking to Friends about Work than for Actually Doing Work"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Madge, Clare; Meek, Julia; Wellens, Jane; Hooley, Tristram

2009-01-01

Whilst recent studies suggest that over 95% of British undergraduate students are regularly using social networking sites, we still know very little about how this phenomenon impacts on the student experience and, in particular, how it influences students' social integration into university life. This paper explores how pre-registration engagement…

MOOC as a Laboratory of Culture Shock: Helping Non-U.S. Students Integrate into All-American Virtual Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chukhlomin, Valeri; Deshpande, Anant

2017-01-01

"iMOOC101: Mastering American e-Learning" is a Coursera-based, free, massive online course aimed at preparing non-U.S. students to succeed in regular, for-credit, online classes in American universities. The course is also intended to help foreign-born professionals integrate into virtual work environments in U.S.-based companies. The…

Technology versus Teachers in the Early Literacy Classroom: An Investigation of the Effectiveness of the Istation Integrated Learning System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Putman, Rebecca S.

2017-01-01

Guided by Vygotsky's social learning theory, this study reports a 24-week investigation on whether regular use of Istation®, an integrated learning system used by approximately 4 million students in the United States, had an effect on the early literacy achievement of children in twelve kindergarten classrooms. A mixed-method, quasi-experimental…

Boundary Regularity for the Porous Medium Equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Björn, Anders; Björn, Jana; Gianazza, Ugo; Siljander, Juhana

2018-05-01

We study the boundary regularity of solutions to the porous medium equation {u_t = Δ u^m} in the degenerate range {m > 1} . In particular, we show that in cylinders the Dirichlet problem with positive continuous boundary data on the parabolic boundary has a solution which attains the boundary values, provided that the spatial domain satisfies the elliptic Wiener criterion. This condition is known to be optimal, and it is a consequence of our main theorem which establishes a barrier characterization of regular boundary points for general—not necessarily cylindrical—domains in {{R}^{n+1}} . One of our fundamental tools is a new strict comparison principle between sub- and superparabolic functions, which makes it essential for us to study both nonstrict and strict Perron solutions to be able to develop a fruitful boundary regularity theory. Several other comparison principles and pasting lemmas are also obtained. In the process we obtain a rather complete picture of the relation between sub/superparabolic functions and weak sub/supersolutions.

Continuous vs. blocks of physiotherapy for motor development in children with cerebral palsy and similar syndromes: A prospective randomized study.

PubMed

Brunner, Anne-Louise; Rutz, Erich; Juenemann, Stephanie; Brunner, Reinald

2014-12-01

To determine whether physiotherapy is more effective when applied in blocks or continuously in children with cerebral palsy (CP). A prospective randomized cross-over design study compared the effect of regular physiotherapy (baseline) with blocks of physiotherapy alternating with no physiotherapy over one year. Thirty-nine institutionalized children with CP and clinically similar syndromes (6-16 years old, Gross Motor Function Classification Scale II-IV) were included. During the first scholastic year, group A received regular physiotherapy, group B blocks of physiotherapy and vice versa in the second year. The Gross Motor Function Measure 66 (GMFM-66) was the outcome measure. Thirteen children in each group completed the study. GMFM-66 improved (p < 0.05) over the study period in both groups in total; changes (p < 0.05) were seen only in dimension D (group B) and E (both groups) during regular therapy. Physiotherapy may be more effective when provided regularly rather than in blocks.

Daily Bicycling in Older Adults May Be Effective to Reduce Fall Risks - A Case Control Study.

PubMed

Batcir, Shani; Melzer, Itshak

2018-01-18

Older adults gain many health benefits from riding bicycles regularly. We aimed to explore whether older persons who ride bicycles regularly have better balance than controls. Balance control and voluntary stepping were assessed in 20 older adults aged 65 to 85 who live in an agricultural community village who regularly ride bicycles (BR), and 30 age- and gender-matched non-bicycle riders (NBR). Self-reported function and fear of fall were also assessed. Bicycle riders showed significantly better balance, faster voluntary stepping, and better self-reported advanced lower extremity function compared with NBR. The results might suggest that bicycling regularly preserves balance control and speed of voluntary stepping in older adults because bicycling might maintain specific balance coordination patterns. The results should be treated with caution since BR were older adults who selected an active life style (i.e., bicycling as well as living in an agricultural village) that may bias the results.

Relationship between students' understandings of nature of science and instructional context

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khishfe, Rola Fouad

The study investigated and compared two different instructional approaches (integrated and nonintegrated), which address the explicit teaching of nature of science (NOS), in relation to improving students' understanding of NOS. Participants were three teachers and their students---a total of 129---which comprised six groups of 89 ninth and 40 10th/11th graders. Each teacher taught two intact sections of the same grade level within a specific science discipline (environmental science, chemistry, or biology). The treatment for all groups spanned five to six weeks and involved teaching a unit, which included both the regular science content and NOS. Participants in each of the two intact classes were taught by the same teacher about their regular science content, with the difference being the context in which NOS was explicitly taught (integrated or nonintegrated). In the integrated group, NOS instruction was related to the science content addressed in the unit. In the nonintegrated group, NOS was taught through a set of generic (non content-embedded) activities that specifically addressed NOS aspects and were "interspersed" across the science content addressed in the unit. An open-ended questionnaire, in conjunction with semi-structured interviews, was used to assess participants' views prior to and following instruction. Data analysis involved a systematic process consistent with analytic induction. Results showed general improvements in participants' views of NOS regardless of whether or not NOS was integrated within the regular science content. The results of this study do not support the appealing assumption held by many science educators that integrating NOS within the context of the science content would better enhance the learning of NOS. However, the results suggest the possibility of an interaction between the type of change (naive to transitional, transitional to informed, naive to informed, no changes, regression) in students' views and the explicit instructional approach (integrated or nonintegrated) to teach NOS. Moreover, the findings suggest the transferability of NOS understandings among various contexts, with the consequence that learning NOS might not be context-dependent. Implications for the teaching and learning of NOS are discussed.

Regularized magnetotelluric inversion based on a minimum support gradient stabilizing functional

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiang, Yang; Yu, Peng; Zhang, Luolei; Feng, Shaokong; Utada, Hisashi

2017-11-01

Regularization is used to solve the ill-posed problem of magnetotelluric inversion usually by adding a stabilizing functional to the objective functional that allows us to obtain a stable solution. Among a number of possible stabilizing functionals, smoothing constraints are most commonly used, which produce spatially smooth inversion results. However, in some cases, the focused imaging of a sharp electrical boundary is necessary. Although past works have proposed functionals that may be suitable for the imaging of a sharp boundary, such as minimum support and minimum gradient support (MGS) functionals, they involve some difficulties and limitations in practice. In this paper, we propose a minimum support gradient (MSG) stabilizing functional as another possible choice of focusing stabilizer. In this approach, we calculate the gradient of the model stabilizing functional of the minimum support, which affects both the stability and the sharp boundary focus of the inversion. We then apply the discrete weighted matrix form of each stabilizing functional to build a unified form of the objective functional, allowing us to perform a regularized inversion with variety of stabilizing functionals in the same framework. By comparing the one-dimensional and two-dimensional synthetic inversion results obtained using the MSG stabilizing functional and those obtained using other stabilizing functionals, we demonstrate that the MSG results are not only capable of clearly imaging a sharp geoelectrical interface but also quite stable and robust. Overall good performance in terms of both data fitting and model recovery suggests that this stabilizing functional is effective and useful in practical applications.[Figure not available: see fulltext.

Integrable mappings and the notion of anticonfinement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mase, T.; Willox, R.; Ramani, A.; Grammaticos, B.

2018-06-01

We examine the notion of anticonfinement and the role it has to play in the singularity analysis of discrete systems. A singularity is said to be anticonfined if singular values continue to arise indefinitely for the forward and backward iterations of a mapping, with only a finite number of iterates taking regular values in between. We show through several concrete examples that the behaviour of some anticonfined singularities is strongly related to the integrability properties of the discrete mappings in which they arise, and we explain how to use this information to decide on the integrability or non-integrability of the mapping.

Job Search Education. Meeting the Challenge of Unemployment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kimeldorf, Martin; Tornow, Janice A.

1984-01-01

Provides background on the job club process and how it can be used for integrated training of special needs and regular education students in need of job search assistance. Includes field test project information. (JOW)

Controlled wavelet domain sparsity for x-ray tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purisha, Zenith; Rimpeläinen, Juho; Bubba, Tatiana; Siltanen, Samuli

2018-01-01

Tomographic reconstruction is an ill-posed inverse problem that calls for regularization. One possibility is to require sparsity of the unknown in an orthonormal wavelet basis. This, in turn, can be achieved by variational regularization, where the penalty term is the sum of the absolute values of the wavelet coefficients. The primal-dual fixed point algorithm showed that the minimizer of the variational regularization functional can be computed iteratively using a soft-thresholding operation. Choosing the soft-thresholding parameter \

Shock formation in the dispersionless Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grava, T.; Klein, C.; Eggers, J.

2016-04-01

The dispersionless Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (dKP) equation {{≤ft({{u}t}+u{{u}x}\\right)}x}={{u}yy} is one of the simplest nonlinear wave equations describing two-dimensional shocks. To solve the dKP equation numerically we use a coordinate transformation inspired by the method of characteristics for the one-dimensional Hopf equation {{u}t}+u{{u}x}=0 . We show numerically that the solutions to the transformed equation stays regular for longer times than the solution of the dKP equation. This permits us to extend the dKP solution as the graph of a multivalued function beyond the critical time when the gradients blow up. This overturned solution is multivalued in a lip shape region in the (x, y) plane, where the solution of the dKP equation exists in a weak sense only, and a shock front develops. A local expansion reveals the universal scaling structure of the shock, which after a suitable change of coordinates corresponds to a generic cusp catastrophe. We provide a heuristic derivation of the shock front position near the critical point for the solution of the dKP equation, and study the solution of the dKP equation when a small amount of dissipation is added. Using multiple-scale analysis, we show that in the limit of small dissipation and near the critical point of the dKP solution, the solution of the dissipative dKP equation converges to a Pearcey integral. We test and illustrate our results by detailed comparisons with numerical simulations of both the regularized equation, the dKP equation, and the asymptotic description given in terms of the Pearcey integral.

What influences availability of medicines for the community management of childhood illnesses in central Uganda? Implications for scaling up the integrated community case management programme.

PubMed

Bagonza, James; Rutebemberwa, Elizeus; Eckmanns, Tim; Ekirapa-Kiracho, Elizabeth

2015-11-25

The integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) of childhood illnesses strategy has been adopted world over to reduce child related ill health and mortality. Community Health workers (CHWs) who implement this strategy need a regular supply of drugs to effectively treat children under 5 years with malaria, pneumonia and diarrhea. In this paper, we report the prevalence and factors influencing availability of medicines for managing malaria, pneumonia and diarrhea in communities in central Uganda. A cross sectional study was conducted among 303 CHWs in Wakiso district in central Uganda. Eligible CHWs from two randomly selected Health Sub Districts (HSDs) were interviewed. Questionnaires, check lists, record reviews were used to collect information on CHW background characteristics, CHW's prescription behaviors, health system support factors and availability of iCCM drugs. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to assess factors associated with availability of iCCM drugs. Out of 300 CHWs, 239 (79.9%) were females and mean age was 42.1 (standard deviation =11.1 years). The prevalence of iCCM drug availability was 8.3% and 33 respondents (11%) had no drugs at all. Factors associated with iCCM drug availability were; being supervised within the last month (adjusted OR = 3.70, 95% CI 1.22-11.24), appropriate drug prescriptions (adjusted OR = 3.71, 95% CI 1.38-9.96), regular submission of drug reports (adjusted OR = 4.02, 95% CI 1.62-10.10) and having a respiratory timer as a diagnostic tool (adjusted OR =3.11, 95% CI 1.08-9.00). The low medicine stocks for the community management of childhood illnesses calls for strengthening of CHW supervision, medicine prescription and reporting, and increasing availability of functional diagnostic tools.

Position of the American Dietetic Association: Functional foods.

PubMed

Hasler, Clare M; Bloch, Abby S; Thomson, Cynthia A; Enrione, Evelyn; Manning, Carolyn

2004-05-01

It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that functional foods, including whole foods and fortified, enriched, or enhanced foods, have a potentially beneficial effect on health when consumed as part of a varied diet on a regular basis, at effective levels. The Association supports research to define further the health benefits and risks of individual functional foods and their physiologically active components. Dietetics professionals will continue to work with the food industry, the government, the scientific community, and the media to ensure that the public has accurate information regarding this emerging area of food and nutrition science. Knowledge of the role of physiologically active food components, from both phytochemicals and zoochemicals, has changed the role of diet in health. Functional foods have evolved as food and nutrition science has advanced beyond the treatment of deficiency syndromes to reduction of disease risk. This position reviews the definition of functional foods, their regulation, and the scientific evidence supporting this emerging area of food and nutrition. Foods can no longer be evaluated only in terms of macronutrient and micronutrient content alone. Analyzing the content of other physiologically active components and evaluating their role in health promotion will be necessary. The availability of health-promoting functional foods in the US diet has the potential to help ensure a healthier population. However, each functional food should be evaluated on the basis of scientific evidence to ensure appropriate integration into a varied diet.

An integrate-and-fire model for synchronized bursting in a network of cultured cortical neurons.

PubMed

French, D A; Gruenstein, E I

2006-12-01

It has been suggested that spontaneous synchronous neuronal activity is an essential step in the formation of functional networks in the central nervous system. The key features of this type of activity consist of bursts of action potentials with associated spikes of elevated cytoplasmic calcium. These features are also observed in networks of rat cortical neurons that have been formed in culture. Experimental studies of these cultured networks have led to several hypotheses for the mechanisms underlying the observed synchronized oscillations. In this paper, bursting integrate-and-fire type mathematical models for regular spiking (RS) and intrinsic bursting (IB) neurons are introduced and incorporated through a small-world connection scheme into a two-dimensional excitatory network similar to those in the cultured network. This computer model exhibits spontaneous synchronous activity through mechanisms similar to those hypothesized for the cultured experimental networks. Traces of the membrane potential and cytoplasmic calcium from the model closely match those obtained from experiments. We also consider the impact on network behavior of the IB neurons, the geometry and the small world connection scheme.

Cas4 Facilitates PAM-Compatible Spacer Selection during CRISPR Adaptation.

PubMed

Kieper, Sebastian N; Almendros, Cristóbal; Behler, Juliane; McKenzie, Rebecca E; Nobrega, Franklin L; Haagsma, Anna C; Vink, Jochem N A; Hess, Wolfgang R; Brouns, Stan J J

2018-03-27

CRISPR-Cas systems adapt their immunological memory against their invaders by integrating short DNA fragments into clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) loci. While Cas1 and Cas2 make up the core machinery of the CRISPR integration process, various class I and II CRISPR-Cas systems encode Cas4 proteins for which the role is unknown. Here, we introduced the CRISPR adaptation genes cas1, cas2, and cas4 from the type I-D CRISPR-Cas system of Synechocystis sp. 6803 into Escherichia coli and observed that cas4 is strictly required for the selection of targets with protospacer adjacent motifs (PAMs) conferring I-D CRISPR interference in the native host Synechocystis. We propose a model in which Cas4 assists the CRISPR adaptation complex Cas1-2 by providing DNA substrates tailored for the correct PAM. Introducing functional spacers that target DNA sequences with the correct PAM is key to successful CRISPR interference, providing a better chance of surviving infection by mobile genetic elements. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Constraints on the s - s bar asymmetry of the proton in chiral effective theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, X. G.; Ji, Chueng-Ryong; Melnitchouk, W.; Salamu, Y.; Thomas, A. W.; Wang, P.

2016-11-01

We compute the s - s bar asymmetry in the proton in chiral effective theory, using phenomenological constraints based upon existing data. Unlike previous meson cloud model calculations, which accounted for kaon loop contributions with on-shell intermediate states alone, this work includes off-shell terms and contact interactions, which impact the shape of the s - s bar difference. We identify a valence-like component of s (x) which is balanced by a δ-function contribution to s bar (x) at x = 0, so that the integrals of s and s bar over the experimentally accessible region x > 0 are not equal. Using a regularization procedure that preserves chiral symmetry and Lorentz invariance, we find that existing data limit the integrated value of the second moment of the asymmetry to the range - 0.07 ×10-3 ≤ < x (s - s bar) > ≤ 1.12 ×10-3 at a scale of Q2 = 1 GeV2. This is too small to account for the NuTeV anomaly and of the wrong sign to enhance it.

On quantum integrability of the Landau-Lifshitz model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melikyan, A.; Pinzul, A.

2009-10-01

We investigate the quantum integrability of the Landau-Lifshitz (LL) model and solve the long-standing problem of finding the local quantum Hamiltonian for the arbitrary n-particle sector. The particular difficulty of the LL model quantization, which arises due to the ill-defined operator product, is dealt with by simultaneously regularizing the operator product and constructing the self-adjoint extensions of a very particular structure. The diagonalizibility difficulties of the Hamiltonian of the LL model, due to the highly singular nature of the quantum-mechanical Hamiltonian, are also resolved in our method for the arbitrary n-particle sector. We explicitly demonstrate the consistency of our construction with the quantum inverse scattering method due to Sklyanin [Lett. Math. Phys. 15, 357 (1988)] and give a prescription to systematically construct the general solution, which explains and generalizes the puzzling results of Sklyanin for the particular two-particle sector case. Moreover, we demonstrate the S-matrix factorization and show that it is a consequence of the discontinuity conditions on the functions involved in the construction of the self-adjoint extensions.

Evaluating the Generalization Value of Process-based Models in a Deep-in-time Machine Learning framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, C.; Fang, K.

2017-12-01

Deep Learning (DL) methods have made revolutionary strides in recent years. A core value proposition of DL is that abstract notions and patterns can be extracted purely from data, without the need for domain expertise. Process-based models (PBM), on the other hand, can be regarded as repositories of human knowledge or hypotheses about how systems function. Here, through computational examples, we argue that there is merit in integrating PBMs with DL due to the imbalance and lack of data in many situations, especially in hydrology. We trained a deep-in-time neural network, the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), to learn soil moisture dynamics from Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) Level 3 product. We show that when PBM solutions are integrated into LSTM, the network is able to better generalize across regions. LSTM is able to better utilize PBM solutions than simpler statistical methods. Our results suggest PBMs have generalization value which should be carefully assessed and utilized. We also emphasize that when properly regularized, the deep network is robust and is of superior testing performance compared to simpler methods.

Social Functioning of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Users in Malaysia.

PubMed

Singh, Darshan; Müller, Christian P; Vicknasingam, Balasingam K; Mansor, Sharif M

2015-01-01

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an indigenous plant known for its traditional medicinal use, and for its addiction potential, in Southeast Asia. In recent years, kratom and its major alkaloid, mitragynine, spread worldwide with largely unknown effects on behavior and mental health. Recent studies show that kratom use can lead to dependence and that mitragynine works as an addictive drug in animal studies. Nevertheless, kratom preparations were also suggested as a less harmful substitute in opiate withdrawal. Potential side-effects of prolonged kratom use, however, are currently unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the social functioning of regular kratom users in Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in three northern states of Peninsular Malaysia investigating 293 regular kratom consumers using the Addiction Severity Index in a snowball sampling technique. Findings showed that regular kratom users do not experience major impairments in their social functioning, despite being dependent on kratom for prolonged periods. Our findings suggest that chronic kratom administration does not significantly impair social functioning of users in a natural context in Malaysia.

Functional status, physical activity level, and exercise regularity in patients with fibromyalgia after Multidisciplinary treatment: retrospective analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Salvat, I; Zaldivar, P; Monterde, S; Montull, S; Miralles, I; Castel, A

2017-03-01

Multidisciplinary treatments have shown to be effective for fibromyalgia. We report detailed functional outcomes of patients with fibromyalgia who attended a 3-month Multidisciplinary treatment program. The hypothesis was that patients would have increased functional status, physical activity level, and exercise regularity after attending this program. We performed a retrospective analysis of a randomized, simple blinded clinical trial. The inclusion criteria consisted of female sex, a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, age 18-60  and 3-8 years of schooling. Measures from the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and the COOP/WONCA Functional Health Assessment Charts (WONCA) were obtained before and at the end of the treatment and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Patients recorded their number of steps per day with pedometers. They performed the six-minute walk test (6 MW) before and after treatment. In total, 155 women participated in the study. Their median (interquartile interval) FIQ score was 68.0 (53.0-77.0) at the beginning of the treatment, and the difference between the Multidisciplinary and Control groups was statistically and clinically significant in all of the measures (except the 6-month follow-up). The WONCA charts showed significant clinical improvements in the Multidisciplinary group, with physical fitness in the normal range across almost all values. In that group, steps/day showed more regularity, and the 6 MW results showed improvement of -33.00 (-59.8 to -8.25) m, and the differences from the Control group were statistically significant. The patients who underwent the Multidisciplinary treatment had improved functional status, physical activity level, and exercise regularity. The functional improvements were maintained 1 year after treatment completion.

Disease Prediction based on Functional Connectomes using a Scalable and Spatially-Informed Support Vector Machine

PubMed Central

Watanabe, Takanori; Kessler, Daniel; Scott, Clayton; Angstadt, Michael; Sripada, Chandra

2014-01-01

Substantial evidence indicates that major psychiatric disorders are associated with distributed neural dysconnectivity, leading to strong interest in using neuroimaging methods to accurately predict disorder status. In this work, we are specifically interested in a multivariate approach that uses features derived from whole-brain resting state functional connectomes. However, functional connectomes reside in a high dimensional space, which complicates model interpretation and introduces numerous statistical and computational challenges. Traditional feature selection techniques are used to reduce data dimensionality, but are blind to the spatial structure of the connectomes. We propose a regularization framework where the 6-D structure of the functional connectome (defined by pairs of points in 3-D space) is explicitly taken into account via the fused Lasso or the GraphNet regularizer. Our method only restricts the loss function to be convex and margin-based, allowing non-differentiable loss functions such as the hinge-loss to be used. Using the fused Lasso or GraphNet regularizer with the hinge-loss leads to a structured sparse support vector machine (SVM) with embedded feature selection. We introduce a novel efficient optimization algorithm based on the augmented Lagrangian and the classical alternating direction method, which can solve both fused Lasso and GraphNet regularized SVM with very little modification. We also demonstrate that the inner subproblems of the algorithm can be solved efficiently in analytic form by coupling the variable splitting strategy with a data augmentation scheme. Experiments on simulated data and resting state scans from a large schizophrenia dataset show that our proposed approach can identify predictive regions that are spatially contiguous in the 6-D “connectome space,” offering an additional layer of interpretability that could provide new insights about various disease processes. PMID:24704268

Small scale homelike special care units and traditional special care units: effects on cognition in dementia; a longitudinal controlled intervention study.

PubMed

Kok, Jeroen S; van Heuvelen, Marieke J G; Berg, Ina J; Scherder, Erik J A

2016-02-16

Evidence shows that living in small scale homelike Special Care Units (SCU) has positive effects on behavioural and psychological symptoms of patients with dementia. Effects on cognitive functioning in relation to care facilities, however, are scarcely investigated. The purpose of this study is to gain more insight into the effects of living in small scale homelike Special Care Units, compared to regular SCU's, on the course of cognitive functioning in dementia. A group of 67 patients with dementia who moved from a regular SCU to a small scale homelike SCU and a group of 48 patients with dementia who stayed in a regular SCU participated in the study. Cognitive and behavioural functioning was assessed by means of a neuropsychological test battery and observation scales one month before (baseline), as well as 3 (post) and 6 months (follow-up) after relocation. Comparing the post and follow-up measurement with the baseline measurement, no significant differences on separate measures of cognitive functioning between both groups were found. Additional analyses, however, on 'domain clusters' revealed that global cognitive functioning of the small scale homelike SCU group showed significantly less cognitive decline three months after the transfer (p < 0.05). Effect sizes (95% CI) show a tendency for better aspects of cognition in favour of the homelike small scaled SCU group, i.e., visual memory, picture recognition, cognitive decline as observed by representatives and the clustered domains episodic memory and global cognitive functioning. While there is no significant longitudinal effect on the progression of cognitive decline comparing small scaled homelike SCU's with regular SCU's for patients with dementia, analyses on the domain clusters and effect sizes cautiously suggest differences in favour of the small scaled homelike SCU for different aspects of cognition.

A Comparison of the Pencil-of-Function Method with Prony’s Method, Wiener Filters and Other Identification Techniques,

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-12-01

exponentials encountered are complex and zhey are approximately at harmonic frequencies. Moreover, the real parts of the complex exponencials are much...functions as a basis for expanding the current distribution on an antenna by the method of moments results in a regularized ill-posed problem with respect...to the current distribution on the antenna structure. However, the problem is not regularized with respect to chaoge because the chaPge distribution

Regularity of Solutions of the Nonlinear Sigma Model with Gravitino

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jost, Jürgen; Keßler, Enno; Tolksdorf, Jürgen; Wu, Ruijun; Zhu, Miaomiao

2018-02-01

We propose a geometric setup to study analytic aspects of a variant of the super symmetric two-dimensional nonlinear sigma model. This functional extends the functional of Dirac-harmonic maps by gravitino fields. The system of Euler-Lagrange equations of the two-dimensional nonlinear sigma model with gravitino is calculated explicitly. The gravitino terms pose additional analytic difficulties to show smoothness of its weak solutions which are overcome using Rivière's regularity theory and Riesz potential theory.

[Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats: structure, function and application--a review].

PubMed

Cui, Yujun; Li, Yanjun; Yan, Yanfeng; Yang, Ruifu

2008-11-01

CRISPRs (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats), the basis of spoligotyping technology, can provide prokaryotes with heritable adaptive immunity against phages' invasion. Studies on CRISPR loci and their associated elements, including various CAS (CRISPR-associated) proteins and leader sequences, are still in its infant period. We introduce the brief history', structure, function, bioinformatics research and application of this amazing immunity system in prokaryotic organism for inspiring more scientists to find their interest in this developing topic.

Dimensionally regularized Tsallis' statistical mechanics and two-body Newton's gravitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zamora, J. D.; Rocca, M. C.; Plastino, A.; Ferri, G. L.

2018-05-01

Typical Tsallis' statistical mechanics' quantifiers like the partition function and the mean energy exhibit poles. We are speaking of the partition function Z and the mean energy 〈 U 〉 . The poles appear for distinctive values of Tsallis' characteristic real parameter q, at a numerable set of rational numbers of the q-line. These poles are dealt with dimensional regularization resources. The physical effects of these poles on the specific heats are studied here for the two-body classical gravitation potential.

Effects of regular exercise training on skeletal muscle contractile function

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fitts, Robert H.

2003-01-01

Skeletal muscle function is critical to movement and one's ability to perform daily tasks, such as eating and walking. One objective of this article is to review the contractile properties of fast and slow skeletal muscle and single fibers, with particular emphasis on the cellular events that control or rate limit the important mechanical properties. Another important goal of this article is to present the current understanding of how the contractile properties of limb skeletal muscle adapt to programs of regular exercise.

The role of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) routines and rituals in men with cancer and their significant others (SOs): a qualitative investigation.

PubMed

Klafke, Nadja; Eliott, Jaklin A; Olver, Ian N; Wittert, Gary A

2014-05-01

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used in cancer patients, often with contribution of the significant others (SOs), but without consultation of healthcare professionals. This research explored how cancer patients integrate and maintain CAM use in their everyday life, and how SOs are involved in it. In this qualitative study, male participants were selected from a preceding Australian survey on CAM use in men with cancer (94 % response rate and 86 % consent rate for follow-up interview). Semistructured interviews were conducted with 26 men and 24 SOs until data saturation was reached. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed thematically, thereby paying close attention to participants' language in use. A major theme associated with high CAM use was "CAM routines and rituals," as it was identified that men with cancer practiced CAM as (1) functional routines, (2) meaningful rituals, and (3) mental/spiritual routines or/and rituals. Regular CAM use was associated with intrapersonal and interpersonal benefits: CAM routines provided men with certainty and control, and CAM rituals functioned for cancer patients and their SOs as a means to create meaning, thereby working to counter fear and uncertainty consequent upon a diagnosis of cancer. SOs contributed most to men's uptake and maintenance of dietary-based CAM in ritualistic form resulting in interpersonal bonding and enhanced closeness. CAM routines and rituals constitute key elements in cancer patients' regular and satisfied CAM use, and they promote familial strengthening. Clinicians and physicians can convey these benefits to patient consultations, further promoting the safe and effective use of CAM.

Worker classifications: the redefined role of the independent contractor.

PubMed

Burns, L P

1997-01-01

Five factors to be used in determining whether a physician is subject to the requisite level of control to be classified as a hospital employee: 1. integration of the physician's services into the hospital's operations. 2. the regularity and continuity of the physician's services 3. the authority reserved by the hospital to require the physician to comply with its operating procedures 4. whether the benefits provided to regular hospital employees are available to the physician 5. whether the physician is permitted to provide services to the general public.

Automatic optical inspection of regular grid patterns with an inspection camera used below the Shannon-Nyquist criterion for optical resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferreira, Flávio P.; Forte, Paulo M. F.; Felgueiras, Paulo E. R.; Bret, Boris P. J.; Belsley, Michael S.; Nunes-Pereira, Eduardo J.

2017-02-01

An Automatic Optical Inspection (AOI) system for optical inspection of imaging devices used in automotive industry using an inspecting optics of lower spatial resolution than the device under inspection is described. This system is robust and with no moving parts. The cycle time is small. Its main advantage is that it is capable of detecting and quantifying defects in regular patterns, working below the Shannon-Nyquist criterion for optical resolution, using a single low resolution image sensor. It is easily scalable, which is an important advantage in industrial applications, since the same inspecting sensor can be reused for increasingly higher spatial resolutions of the devices to be inspected. The optical inspection is implemented with a notch multi-band Fourier filter, making the procedure especially fitted for regular patterns, like the ones that can be produced in image displays and Head Up Displays (HUDs). The regular patterns are used in production line only, for inspection purposes. For image displays, functional defects are detected at the level of a sub-image display grid element unit. Functional defects are the ones impairing the function of the display, and are preferred in AOI to the direct geometric imaging, since those are the ones directly related with the end-user experience. The shift in emphasis from geometric imaging to functional imaging is critical, since it is this that allows quantitative inspection, below Shannon-Nyquist. For HUDs, the functional detect detection addresses defects resulting from the combined effect of the image display and the image forming optics.

Brain imaging study of the acute effects of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on attention and motor coordination in regular users of marijuana.

PubMed

Weinstein, Aviv; Brickner, Orit; Lerman, Hedva; Greemland, Mazal; Bloch, Miki; Lester, Hava; Chisin, Roland; Mechoulam, Raphael; Bar-Hamburger, Rachel; Freedman, Nanette; Even-Sapir, Einat

2008-01-01

Twelve regular users of marijuana underwent two positron emission tomography (PET) scans using [18F] Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), one while subject to the effects of 17 mg THC, the other without THC. In both sessions, a virtual reality maze task was performed during the FDG uptake period. When subject to the effects of 17 mg THC, regular marijuana smokers hit the walls more often on the virtual maze task than without THC. Compared to results without THC, 17 mg THC increased brain metabolism during task performance in areas that are associated with motor coordination and attention in the middle and medial frontal cortices and anterior cingulate, and reduced metabolism in areas that are related to visual integration of motion in the occipital lobes. These findings suggest that in regular marijuana users, the immediate effects of marijuana may impact on cognitive-motor skills and brain mechanisms that modulate coordinated movement and driving.

Sparse regularization for EIT reconstruction incorporating structural information derived from medical imaging.

PubMed

Gong, Bo; Schullcke, Benjamin; Krueger-Ziolek, Sabine; Mueller-Lisse, Ullrich; Moeller, Knut

2016-06-01

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) reconstructs the conductivity distribution of a domain using electrical data on its boundary. This is an ill-posed inverse problem usually solved on a finite element mesh. For this article, a special regularization method incorporating structural information of the targeted domain is proposed and evaluated. Structural information was obtained either from computed tomography images or from preliminary EIT reconstructions by a modified k-means clustering. The proposed regularization method integrates this structural information into the reconstruction as a soft constraint preferring sparsity in group level. A first evaluation with Monte Carlo simulations indicated that the proposed solver is more robust to noise and the resulting images show fewer artifacts. This finding is supported by real data analysis. The structure based regularization has the potential to balance structural a priori information with data driven reconstruction. It is robust to noise, reduces artifacts and produces images that reflect anatomy and are thus easier to interpret for physicians.

Search asymmetry: a diagnostic for preattentive processing of separable features.

PubMed

Treisman, A; Souther, J

1985-09-01

The search rate for a target among distractors may vary dramatically depending on which stimulus plays the role of target and which that of distractors. For example, the time required to find a circle distinguished by an intersecting line is independent of the number of regular circles in the display, whereas the time to find a regular circle among circles with lines increases linearly with the number of distractors. The pattern of performance suggests parallel processing when the target has a unique distinguishing feature and serial self-terminating search when the target is distinguished only by the absence of a feature that is present in all the distractors. The results are consistent with feature-integration theory (Treisman & Gelade, 1980), which predicts that a single feature should be detected by the mere presence of activity in the relevant feature map, whereas tasks that require subjects to locate multiple instances of a feature demand focused attention. Search asymmetries may therefore offer a new diagnostic to identify the primitive features of early vision. Several candidate features are examined in this article: Colors, line ends or terminators, and closure (in the sense of a partly or wholly enclosed area) appear to be functional features; connectedness, intactness (absence of an intersecting line), and acute angles do not.

Phase retrieval using regularization method in intensity correlation imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiyu; Gao, Xin; Tang, Jia; Lu, Changming; Wang, Jianli; Wang, Bin

2014-11-01

Intensity correlation imaging(ICI) method can obtain high resolution image with ground-based low precision mirrors, in the imaging process, phase retrieval algorithm should be used to reconstituted the object's image. But the algorithm now used(such as hybrid input-output algorithm) is sensitive to noise and easy to stagnate. However the signal-to-noise ratio of intensity interferometry is low especially in imaging astronomical objects. In this paper, we build the mathematical model of phase retrieval and simplified it into a constrained optimization problem of a multi-dimensional function. New error function was designed by noise distribution and prior information using regularization method. The simulation results show that the regularization method can improve the performance of phase retrieval algorithm and get better image especially in low SNR condition

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

Senesi, Andrew; Lee, Byeongdu

Herein, a general method to calculate the scattering functions of polyhedra, including both regular and semi-regular polyhedra, is presented. These calculations may be achieved by breaking a polyhedron into sets of congruent pieces, thereby reducing computation time by taking advantage of Fourier transforms and inversion symmetry. Each piece belonging to a set or subunit can be generated by either rotation or translation. Further, general strategies to compute truncated, concave and stellated polyhedra are provided. Using this method, the asymptotic behaviors of the polyhedral scattering functions are compared with that of a sphere. It is shown that, for a regular polyhedron,more » the form factor oscillation at highqis correlated with the face-to-face distance. In addition, polydispersity affects the Porod constant. The ideas presented herein will be important for the characterization of nanomaterials using small-angle scattering.« less

Stochastic static fault slip inversion from geodetic data with non-negativity and bound constraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nocquet, J.-M.

2018-07-01

Despite surface displacements observed by geodesy are linear combinations of slip at faults in an elastic medium, determining the spatial distribution of fault slip remains a ill-posed inverse problem. A widely used approach to circumvent the illness of the inversion is to add regularization constraints in terms of smoothing and/or damping so that the linear system becomes invertible. However, the choice of regularization parameters is often arbitrary, and sometimes leads to significantly different results. Furthermore, the resolution analysis is usually empirical and cannot be made independently of the regularization. The stochastic approach of inverse problems provides a rigorous framework where the a priori information about the searched parameters is combined with the observations in order to derive posterior probabilities of the unkown parameters. Here, I investigate an approach where the prior probability density function (pdf) is a multivariate Gaussian function, with single truncation to impose positivity of slip or double truncation to impose positivity and upper bounds on slip for interseismic modelling. I show that the joint posterior pdf is similar to the linear untruncated Gaussian case and can be expressed as a truncated multivariate normal (TMVN) distribution. The TMVN form can then be used to obtain semi-analytical formulae for the single, 2-D or n-D marginal pdf. The semi-analytical formula involves the product of a Gaussian by an integral term that can be evaluated using recent developments in TMVN probabilities calculations. Posterior mean and covariance can also be efficiently derived. I show that the maximum posterior (MAP) can be obtained using a non-negative least-squares algorithm for the single truncated case or using the bounded-variable least-squares algorithm for the double truncated case. I show that the case of independent uniform priors can be approximated using TMVN. The numerical equivalence to Bayesian inversions using Monte Carlo Markov chain (MCMC) sampling is shown for a synthetic example and a real case for interseismic modelling in Central Peru. The TMVN method overcomes several limitations of the Bayesian approach using MCMC sampling. First, the need of computer power is largely reduced. Second, unlike Bayesian MCMC-based approach, marginal pdf, mean, variance or covariance are obtained independently one from each other. Third, the probability and cumulative density functions can be obtained with any density of points. Finally, determining the MAP is extremely fast.

Geometric and Topological Methods for Quantum Field Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cardona, Alexander; Contreras, Iván.; Reyes-Lega, Andrés. F.

2013-05-01

Introduction; 1. A brief introduction to Dirac manifolds Henrique Bursztyn; 2. Differential geometry of holomorphic vector bundles on a curve Florent Schaffhauser; 3. Paths towards an extension of Chern-Weil calculus to a class of infinite dimensional vector bundles Sylvie Paycha; 4. Introduction to Feynman integrals Stefan Weinzierl; 5. Iterated integrals in quantum field theory Francis Brown; 6. Geometric issues in quantum field theory and string theory Luis J. Boya; 7. Geometric aspects of the standard model and the mysteries of matter Florian Scheck; 8. Absence of singular continuous spectrum for some geometric Laplacians Leonardo A. Cano García; 9. Models for formal groupoids Iván Contreras; 10. Elliptic PDEs and smoothness of weakly Einstein metrics of Hölder regularity Andrés Vargas; 11. Regularized traces and the index formula for manifolds with boundary Alexander Cardona and César Del Corral; Index.

Efficient Trajectory Propagation for Orbit Determination Problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roa, Javier; Pelaez, Jesus

2015-01-01

Regularized formulations of orbital motion apply a series of techniques to improve the numerical integration of the orbit. Despite their advantages and potential applications little attention has been paid to the propagation of the partial derivatives of the corresponding set of elements or coordinates, required in many orbit-determination scenarios and optimization problems. This paper fills this gap by presenting the general procedure for integrating the state-transition matrix of the system together with the nominal trajectory using regularized formulations and different sets of elements. The main difficulty comes from introducing an independent variable different from time, because the solution needs to be synchronized. The correction of the time delay is treated from a generic perspective not focused on any particular formulation. The synchronization using time-elements is also discussed. Numerical examples include strongly-perturbed orbits in the Pluto system, motivated by the recent flyby of the New Horizons spacecraft, together with a geocentric flyby of the NEAR spacecraft.

Sleep and the Price of Plasticity: From Synaptic and Cellular Homeostasis to Memory Consolidation and Integration

PubMed Central

Tononi, Giulio; Cirelli, Chiara

2014-01-01

Summary Sleep is universal, tightly regulated, and its loss impairs cognition. But why does the brain need to disconnect from the environment for hours every day? The synaptic homeostasis hypothesis (SHY) proposes that sleep is the price the brain pays for plasticity. During a waking episode, learning statistical regularities about the current environment requires strengthening connections throughout the brain. This increases cellular needs for energy and supplies, decreases signal-to-noise ratios, and saturates learning. During sleep, spontaneous activity renormalizes net synaptic strength and restores cellular homeostasis. Activity-dependent down-selection of synapses can also explain the benefits of sleep on memory acquisition, consolidation, and integration. This happens through the off-line, comprehensive sampling of statistical regularities incorporated in neuronal circuits over a lifetime. This review considers the rationale and evidence for SHY and points to open issues related to sleep and plasticity. PMID:24411729

Sleep and the price of plasticity: from synaptic and cellular homeostasis to memory consolidation and integration.

PubMed

Tononi, Giulio; Cirelli, Chiara

2014-01-08

Sleep is universal, tightly regulated, and its loss impairs cognition. But why does the brain need to disconnect from the environment for hours every day? The synaptic homeostasis hypothesis (SHY) proposes that sleep is the price the brain pays for plasticity. During a waking episode, learning statistical regularities about the current environment requires strengthening connections throughout the brain. This increases cellular needs for energy and supplies, decreases signal-to-noise ratios, and saturates learning. During sleep, spontaneous activity renormalizes net synaptic strength and restores cellular homeostasis. Activity-dependent down-selection of synapses can also explain the benefits of sleep on memory acquisition, consolidation, and integration. This happens through the offline, comprehensive sampling of statistical regularities incorporated in neuronal circuits over a lifetime. This Perspective considers the rationale and evidence for SHY and points to open issues related to sleep and plasticity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Liver Function Tests

MedlinePlus

... food, store energy, and remove poisons. Liver function tests are blood tests that check to see how well your liver ... hepatitis and cirrhosis. You may have liver function tests as part of a regular checkup. Or you ...

Structure-Function Network Mapping and Its Assessment via Persistent Homology

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Understanding the relationship between brain structure and function is a fundamental problem in network neuroscience. This work deals with the general method of structure-function mapping at the whole-brain level. We formulate the problem as a topological mapping of structure-function connectivity via matrix function, and find a stable solution by exploiting a regularization procedure to cope with large matrices. We introduce a novel measure of network similarity based on persistent homology for assessing the quality of the network mapping, which enables a detailed comparison of network topological changes across all possible thresholds, rather than just at a single, arbitrary threshold that may not be optimal. We demonstrate that our approach can uncover the direct and indirect structural paths for predicting functional connectivity, and our network similarity measure outperforms other currently available methods. We systematically validate our approach with (1) a comparison of regularized vs. non-regularized procedures, (2) a null model of the degree-preserving random rewired structural matrix, (3) different network types (binary vs. weighted matrices), and (4) different brain parcellation schemes (low vs. high resolutions). Finally, we evaluate the scalability of our method with relatively large matrices (2514x2514) of structural and functional connectivity obtained from 12 healthy human subjects measured non-invasively while at rest. Our results reveal a nonlinear structure-function relationship, suggesting that the resting-state functional connectivity depends on direct structural connections, as well as relatively parsimonious indirect connections via polysynaptic pathways. PMID:28046127

Partial regularity of viscosity solutions for a class of Kolmogorov equations arising from mathematical finance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosestolato, M.; Święch, A.

2017-02-01

We study value functions which are viscosity solutions of certain Kolmogorov equations. Using PDE techniques we prove that they are C 1 + α regular on special finite dimensional subspaces. The problem has origins in hedging derivatives of risky assets in mathematical finance.

Exercise Prescriptions for Active Seniors: A Team Approach for Maximizing Adherence.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brennan, Fred H., Jr.

2002-01-01

Exercise is an important "medication" that healthcare providers can prescribe for their geriatric patients. Increasing physical fitness by participating in regular exercise can reduce the effects of aging that lead to functional declines and poor health. Modest regular exercise can substantially lower the risk of death from coronary…

Neural impact of low-level alcohol use on response inhibition: An fMRI investigation in young adults.

PubMed

Hatchard, Taylor; Mioduszewski, Ola; Fall, Carley; Byron-Alhassan, Aziza; Fried, Peter; Smith, Andra M

2017-06-30

It is widely known that alcohol consumption adversely affects human health, particularly in the immature developing brains of adolescents and young adults, which may also have a long-lasting impact on executive functioning. The present study investigated the neural activity of 28 young adults from the Ottawa Prenatal Prospective Study (OPPS) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The purpose of this study was to discover the impact of regular low-level alcohol consumption on response inhibition as the participants performed a Go/No-Go task. Results indicated that, despite a lack of performance differences, young adults who use alcohol on a regular basis differ significantly from those who do not use alcohol regularly (if at all) with respect to their neural activity as the circuitry engaged in response inhibition is being challenged. Specifically, areas that showed significantly more activation in users compared to controls included the left hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, precentral gyrus, right superior parietal lobule, and the cerebellum. These results suggest that even in low amounts, regular consumption of alcohol may have a significant impact on neurophysiological functioning during response inhibition in the developing brain of youth. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High quality 4D cone-beam CT reconstruction using motion-compensated total variation regularization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hua; Ma, Jianhua; Bian, Zhaoying; Zeng, Dong; Feng, Qianjin; Chen, Wufan

2017-04-01

Four dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (4D-CBCT) has great potential clinical value because of its ability to describe tumor and organ motion. But the challenge in 4D-CBCT reconstruction is the limited number of projections at each phase, which result in a reconstruction full of noise and streak artifacts with the conventional analytical algorithms. To address this problem, in this paper, we propose a motion compensated total variation regularization approach which tries to fully explore the temporal coherence of the spatial structures among the 4D-CBCT phases. In this work, we additionally conduct motion estimation/motion compensation (ME/MC) on the 4D-CBCT volume by using inter-phase deformation vector fields (DVFs). The motion compensated 4D-CBCT volume is then viewed as a pseudo-static sequence, of which the regularization function was imposed on. The regularization used in this work is the 3D spatial total variation minimization combined with 1D temporal total variation minimization. We subsequently construct a cost function for a reconstruction pass, and minimize this cost function using a variable splitting algorithm. Simulation and real patient data were used to evaluate the proposed algorithm. Results show that the introduction of additional temporal correlation along the phase direction can improve the 4D-CBCT image quality.

Effect of Regular Aerobic Activity in Young Healthy Athletes on Profile of Endothelial Function and Platelet Activity.

PubMed

Podgórska, Katarzyna; Derkacz, Arkadiusz; Szahidewicz-Krupska, Ewa; Jasiczek, Jakub; Dobrowolski, Piotr; Radziwon-Balicka, Aneta; Skomro, Robert; Szuba, Andrzej; Mazur, Grzegorz; Doroszko, Adrian

2017-01-01

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of regular professional sports activity on the endothelial and platelet function in young men. The studied group were 79 young men (18-40 y, 25 athletes and 54 without any regular physical activity). The nitric oxide (NO) metabolic pathway intermediates, oxidative stress markers, mediators of inflammation, and platelet aggregation were measured. Flow mediated dilation (FMD) was studied before and after intravenous 16,0 g L-arginine infusion, which was repeated after oral administration of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA-75 mg/day) for 4 days. Both groups had similar demographic characteristics. In the athletes, there was significantly higher hsCRP level, better serum lipid profile, and lower pulse pressure. Greater baseline FMD in athletes and in response to L-arginine disappeared following ASA treatment. There were no differences in the levels of the NO pathway metabolites. The control group was characterized by higher PAI-1 following ASA treatment and sICAM-1 both at baseline and after ASA, but no differences in MDA and 6-keto-PGF-1 alpha and platelet aggregation were noted. Regular professional physical activity modulates endothelial but not platelet function and may thus exert an effect on overall cardiovascular risk.

Effect of Regular Aerobic Activity in Young Healthy Athletes on Profile of Endothelial Function and Platelet Activity

PubMed Central

Podgórska, Katarzyna; Jasiczek, Jakub; Dobrowolski, Piotr; Radziwon-Balicka, Aneta; Skomro, Robert; Szuba, Andrzej; Mazur, Grzegorz

2017-01-01

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of regular professional sports activity on the endothelial and platelet function in young men. The studied group were 79 young men (18–40 y, 25 athletes and 54 without any regular physical activity). The nitric oxide (NO) metabolic pathway intermediates, oxidative stress markers, mediators of inflammation, and platelet aggregation were measured. Flow mediated dilation (FMD) was studied before and after intravenous 16,0 g L-arginine infusion, which was repeated after oral administration of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA-75 mg/day) for 4 days. Both groups had similar demographic characteristics. In the athletes, there was significantly higher hsCRP level, better serum lipid profile, and lower pulse pressure. Greater baseline FMD in athletes and in response to L-arginine disappeared following ASA treatment. There were no differences in the levels of the NO pathway metabolites. The control group was characterized by higher PAI-1 following ASA treatment and sICAM-1 both at baseline and after ASA, but no differences in MDA and 6-keto-PGF-1 alpha and platelet aggregation were noted. Regular professional physical activity modulates endothelial but not platelet function and may thus exert an effect on overall cardiovascular risk. PMID:28630872

Nonconvex Sparse Logistic Regression With Weakly Convex Regularization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Xinyue; Gu, Yuantao

2018-06-01

In this work we propose to fit a sparse logistic regression model by a weakly convex regularized nonconvex optimization problem. The idea is based on the finding that a weakly convex function as an approximation of the $\\ell_0$ pseudo norm is able to better induce sparsity than the commonly used $\\ell_1$ norm. For a class of weakly convex sparsity inducing functions, we prove the nonconvexity of the corresponding sparse logistic regression problem, and study its local optimality conditions and the choice of the regularization parameter to exclude trivial solutions. Despite the nonconvexity, a method based on proximal gradient descent is used to solve the general weakly convex sparse logistic regression, and its convergence behavior is studied theoretically. Then the general framework is applied to a specific weakly convex function, and a necessary and sufficient local optimality condition is provided. The solution method is instantiated in this case as an iterative firm-shrinkage algorithm, and its effectiveness is demonstrated in numerical experiments by both randomly generated and real datasets.

Integrating bathymetric and topographic data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teh, Su Yean; Koh, Hock Lye; Lim, Yong Hui; Tan, Wai Kiat

2017-11-01

The quality of bathymetric and topographic resolution significantly affect the accuracy of tsunami run-up and inundation simulation. However, high resolution gridded bathymetric and topographic data sets for Malaysia are not freely available online. It is desirable to have seamless integration of high resolution bathymetric and topographic data. The bathymetric data available from the National Hydrographic Centre (NHC) of the Royal Malaysian Navy are in scattered form; while the topographic data from the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM) are given in regularly spaced grid systems. Hence, interpolation is required to integrate the bathymetric and topographic data into regularly-spaced grid systems for tsunami simulation. The objective of this research is to analyze the most suitable interpolation methods for integrating bathymetric and topographic data with minimal errors. We analyze four commonly used interpolation methods for generating gridded topographic and bathymetric surfaces, namely (i) Kriging, (ii) Multiquadric (MQ), (iii) Thin Plate Spline (TPS) and (iv) Inverse Distance to Power (IDP). Based upon the bathymetric and topographic data for the southern part of Penang Island, our study concluded, via qualitative visual comparison and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) assessment, that the Kriging interpolation method produces an interpolated bathymetric and topographic surface that best approximate the admiralty nautical chart of south Penang Island.

A fully functionalized metamaterial perfect absorber with simple design and implementation

PubMed Central

Fu, Sze Ming; Zhong, Yan Kai; Tu, Ming Hsiang; Chen, Bo Ruei; Lin, Albert

2016-01-01

Broadband perfect metamaterial absorbers have been drawing significant attention in recent years. A close-to-unity absorption over a broad spectral range is established and this facilitates many photonic applications. A more challenging goal is to construct a broadband absorber with a tailored spectral absorption. The spectral absorption control and spectral shaping are very critical in many applications, such as thermal-photovoltaic, thermal emitters, spectrum imaging system, biomedical and extraterrestrial sensing, and refractive index sensor. In this work, one-dimensional (1D) planar stacking structure is designed to achieve the ultimate goal of a functionalized absorber with a fully tailorable spectral absorption. The lithography and etching process are totally eliminated in this proposed structure, and the fabrication is fully compatible with the regular silicon IC processing. By using ~2 nm ultra-thin metallic layers with a 10-pair (10X) SiO2/Si3N4 integrated dielectric filter, we can achieve decent spectral response shaping. The planar configuration of the ultra-thin-metal metamaterial perfect absorber (MPA) is the key to the easy design/integration of the dielectric filters on top of the MPA. Specifically, band-rejected, high-pass, low-pass and band-pass structure are constructed successfully. Finally, experimental evidence to support our simulation result is also provided, which proves the feasibility of our proposal. PMID:27782181

Fully-relativistic full-potential multiple scattering theory: A pathology-free scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xianglin; Wang, Yang; Eisenbach, Markus; Stocks, G. Malcolm

2018-03-01

The Green function plays an essential role in the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker(KKR) multiple scattering method. In practice, it is constructed from the regular and irregular solutions of the local Kohn-Sham equation and robust methods exist for spherical potentials. However, when applied to a non-spherical potential, numerical errors from the irregular solutions give rise to pathological behaviors of the charge density at small radius. Here we present a full-potential implementation of the fully-relativistic KKR method to perform ab initio self-consistent calculation by directly solving the Dirac differential equations using the generalized variable phase (sine and cosine matrices) formalism Liu et al. (2016). The pathology around the origin is completely eliminated by carrying out the energy integration of the single-site Green function along the real axis. By using an efficient pole-searching technique to identify the zeros of the well-behaved Jost matrices, we demonstrated that this scheme is numerically stable and computationally efficient, with speed comparable to the conventional contour energy integration method, while free of the pathology problem of the charge density. As an application, this method is utilized to investigate the crystal structures of polonium and their bulk properties, which is challenging for a conventional real-energy scheme. The noble metals are also calculated, both as a test of our method and to study the relativistic effects.

PTGBase: an integrated database to study tandem duplicated genes in plants.

PubMed

Yu, Jingyin; Ke, Tao; Tehrim, Sadia; Sun, Fengming; Liao, Boshou; Hua, Wei

2015-01-01

Tandem duplication is a wide-spread phenomenon in plant genomes and plays significant roles in evolution and adaptation to changing environments. Tandem duplicated genes related to certain functions will lead to the expansion of gene families and bring increase of gene dosage in the form of gene cluster arrays. Many tandem duplication events have been studied in plant genomes; yet, there is a surprising shortage of efforts to systematically present the integration of large amounts of information about publicly deposited tandem duplicated gene data across the plant kingdom. To address this shortcoming, we developed the first plant tandem duplicated genes database, PTGBase. It delivers the most comprehensive resource available to date, spanning 39 plant genomes, including model species and newly sequenced species alike. Across these genomes, 54 130 tandem duplicated gene clusters (129 652 genes) are presented in the database. Each tandem array, as well as its member genes, is characterized in complete detail. Tandem duplicated genes in PTGBase can be explored through browsing or searching by identifiers or keywords of functional annotation and sequence similarity. Users can download tandem duplicated gene arrays easily to any scale, up to the complete annotation data set for an entire plant genome. PTGBase will be updated regularly with newly sequenced plant species as they become available. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by Oxford University Press.

Fully-relativistic full-potential multiple scattering theory: A pathology-free scheme

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

Liu, Xianglin; Wang, Yang; Eisenbach, Markus

The Green function plays an essential role in the Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker(KKR) multiple scattering method. In practice, it is constructed from the regular and irregular solutions of the local Kohn–Sham equation and robust methods exist for spherical potentials. However, when applied to a non-spherical potential, numerical errors from the irregular solutions give rise to pathological behaviors of the charge density at small radius. Here we present a full-potential implementation of the fully-relativistic KKR method to perform ab initio self-consistent calculation by directly solving the Dirac differential equations using the generalized variable phase (sine and cosine matrices) formalism Liu et al. (2016). Themore » pathology around the origin is completely eliminated by carrying out the energy integration of the single-site Green function along the real axis. Here, by using an efficient pole-searching technique to identify the zeros of the well-behaved Jost matrices, we demonstrated that this scheme is numerically stable and computationally efficient, with speed comparable to the conventional contour energy integration method, while free of the pathology problem of the charge density. As an application, this method is utilized to investigate the crystal structures of polonium and their bulk properties, which is challenging for a conventional real-energy scheme. The noble metals are also calculated, both as a test of our method and to study the relativistic effects.« less

Fully-relativistic full-potential multiple scattering theory: A pathology-free scheme

DOE PAGES

Liu, Xianglin; Wang, Yang; Eisenbach, Markus; ...

2017-10-28

The Green function plays an essential role in the Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker(KKR) multiple scattering method. In practice, it is constructed from the regular and irregular solutions of the local Kohn–Sham equation and robust methods exist for spherical potentials. However, when applied to a non-spherical potential, numerical errors from the irregular solutions give rise to pathological behaviors of the charge density at small radius. Here we present a full-potential implementation of the fully-relativistic KKR method to perform ab initio self-consistent calculation by directly solving the Dirac differential equations using the generalized variable phase (sine and cosine matrices) formalism Liu et al. (2016). Themore » pathology around the origin is completely eliminated by carrying out the energy integration of the single-site Green function along the real axis. Here, by using an efficient pole-searching technique to identify the zeros of the well-behaved Jost matrices, we demonstrated that this scheme is numerically stable and computationally efficient, with speed comparable to the conventional contour energy integration method, while free of the pathology problem of the charge density. As an application, this method is utilized to investigate the crystal structures of polonium and their bulk properties, which is challenging for a conventional real-energy scheme. The noble metals are also calculated, both as a test of our method and to study the relativistic effects.« less

The Architecture of the Connective Tissue in the Musculoskeletal System—An Often Overlooked Functional Parameter as to Proprioception in the Locomotor Apparatus

PubMed Central

van der Wal, Jaap

2009-01-01

The architecture of the connective tissue, including structures such as fasciae, sheaths, and membranes, is more important for understanding functional meaning than is more traditional anatomy, whose anatomical dissection method neglects and denies the continuity of the connective tissue as integrating matrix of the body. The connective tissue anatomy and architecture exhibits two functional tendencies that are present in all areas of the body in different ways and relationships. In body cavities, the “disconnecting” quality of shaping space enables mobility; between organs and body parts, the “connecting” dimension enables functional mechanical interactions. In the musculoskeletal system, those two features of the connective tissue are also present. They cannot be found by the usual analytic dissection procedures. An architectural description is necessary. This article uses such a methodologic approach and gives such a description for the lateral elbow region. The result is an alternative architectural view of the anatomic substrate involved in the transmission and conveyance of forces over synovial joints. An architectural description of the muscular and connective tissue organized in series with each other to enable the transmission of forces over these dynamic entities is more appropriate than is the classical concept of “passive” force-guiding structures such as ligaments organized in parallel to actively force-transmitting structures such as muscles with tendons. The discrimination between so-called joint receptors and muscle receptors is an artificial distinction when function is considered. Mechanoreceptors, also the so-called muscle receptors, are arranged in the context of force circumstances—that is, of the architecture of muscle and connective tissue rather than of the classical anatomic structures such as muscle, capsules, and ligaments. In the lateral cubital region of the rat, a spectrum of mechanosensitive substrate occurs at the transitional areas between regular dense connective tissue layers and the muscle fascicles organized in series with them. This substrate exhibits features of type and location of the mechanosensitive nerve terminals that usually are considered characteristic for “joint receptors” as well as for “muscle receptors.” The receptors for proprioception are concentrated in those areas where tensile stresses are conveyed over the elbow joint. Structures cannot be divided into either joint receptors or muscle receptors when muscular and collagenous connective tissue structures function in series to maintain joint integrity and stability. In vivo, those connective tissue structures are strained during movements of the skeletal parts, those movements in turn being induced and led by tension in muscular tissue. In principle, because of the architecture, receptors can also be stimulated by changes in muscle tension without skeletal movement, or by skeletal movement without change in muscle tension. A mutual relationship exists between structure (and function) of the mechanoreceptors and the architecture of the muscular and regular dense connective tissue. Both are instrumental in the coding of proprioceptive information to the central nervous system. PMID:21589740

Solving differential equations for Feynman integrals by expansions near singular points

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Roman N.; Smirnov, Alexander V.; Smirnov, Vladimir A.

2018-03-01

We describe a strategy to solve differential equations for Feynman integrals by powers series expansions near singular points and to obtain high precision results for the corresponding master integrals. We consider Feynman integrals with two scales, i.e. non-trivially depending on one variable. The corresponding algorithm is oriented at situations where canonical form of the differential equations is impossible. We provide a computer code constructed with the help of our algorithm for a simple example of four-loop generalized sunset integrals with three equal non-zero masses and two zero masses. Our code gives values of the master integrals at any given point on the real axis with a required accuracy and a given order of expansion in the regularization parameter ɛ.

Patterns of innervation of neurones in the inferior mesenteric ganglion of the cat.

PubMed Central

Julé, Y; Krier, J; Szurszewski, J H

1983-01-01

The patterns of peripheral and central synaptic input to non-spontaneous, irregular discharging and regular discharging neurones in the inferior mesenteric ganglion of the cat were studied in vitro using intracellular recording techniques. All three types of neurones in rostral and caudal lobes received central synaptic input primarily from L3 and L4 spinal cord segments. Since irregular discharging neurones received synaptic input from intraganglionic regular discharging neurones, some of the central input to irregular discharging neurones may have been relayed through the regular discharging neurones. In the rostral lobes of the ganglion, more than 70% of the non-spontaneous and irregular discharging neurones tested received peripheral synaptic input from the lumbar colonic, intermesenteric and left and right hypogastric nerves. Most of the regular discharging neurones tested received synaptic input from the intermesenteric and lumbar colonic nerves; none of the regular discharging neurones received synaptic input from the hypogastric nerves. Some of the peripheral synaptic input from the lumbar colonic and intermesenteric nerves to irregular discharging neurones may have been relayed through the regular discharging neurones. Axons of non-spontaneous and irregular discharging neurones located in the rostral lobes travelled to the periphery exclusively in the lumbar colonic nerves. Antidromic responses were not observed in regular discharging neurones during stimulation of any of the major peripheral nerve trunks. This suggests these neurones were intraganglionic. In the caudal lobes, irregular discharging neurones received a similar pattern of peripheral synaptic input as did irregular discharging neurones located in the rostral lobes. The majority of irregular discharging neurones in the caudal lobes projected their axons to the periphery through the lumbar colonic nerves. Non-spontaneous neurones in the caudal lobes, in contrast to those located in the rostral lobes, received peripheral synaptic input primarily from the hypogastric nerves. Axons of the majority of non-spontaneous neurones located in the caudal lobes travelled to the periphery through hypogastric nerves. The results suggest that non-spontaneous neurones and irregular discharging neurones in the rostral lobes and the majority of irregular discharging neurones in the caudal lobes transact and integrate neural commands destined for abdominal viscera supplied by the lumbar colonic nerves. Non-spontaneous neurones in the caudal lobes transact and integrate neural commands destined for pelvic viscera supplied by the hypogastric nerves. PMID:6655582

Patterns of innervation of neurones in the inferior mesenteric ganglion of the cat.

PubMed

Julé, Y; Krier, J; Szurszewski, J H

1983-11-01

The patterns of peripheral and central synaptic input to non-spontaneous, irregular discharging and regular discharging neurones in the inferior mesenteric ganglion of the cat were studied in vitro using intracellular recording techniques. All three types of neurones in rostral and caudal lobes received central synaptic input primarily from L3 and L4 spinal cord segments. Since irregular discharging neurones received synaptic input from intraganglionic regular discharging neurones, some of the central input to irregular discharging neurones may have been relayed through the regular discharging neurones. In the rostral lobes of the ganglion, more than 70% of the non-spontaneous and irregular discharging neurones tested received peripheral synaptic input from the lumbar colonic, intermesenteric and left and right hypogastric nerves. Most of the regular discharging neurones tested received synaptic input from the intermesenteric and lumbar colonic nerves; none of the regular discharging neurones received synaptic input from the hypogastric nerves. Some of the peripheral synaptic input from the lumbar colonic and intermesenteric nerves to irregular discharging neurones may have been relayed through the regular discharging neurones. Axons of non-spontaneous and irregular discharging neurones located in the rostral lobes travelled to the periphery exclusively in the lumbar colonic nerves. Antidromic responses were not observed in regular discharging neurones during stimulation of any of the major peripheral nerve trunks. This suggests these neurones were intraganglionic. In the caudal lobes, irregular discharging neurones received a similar pattern of peripheral synaptic input as did irregular discharging neurones located in the rostral lobes. The majority of irregular discharging neurones in the caudal lobes projected their axons to the periphery through the lumbar colonic nerves. Non-spontaneous neurones in the caudal lobes, in contrast to those located in the rostral lobes, received peripheral synaptic input primarily from the hypogastric nerves. Axons of the majority of non-spontaneous neurones located in the caudal lobes travelled to the periphery through hypogastric nerves. The results suggest that non-spontaneous neurones and irregular discharging neurones in the rostral lobes and the majority of irregular discharging neurones in the caudal lobes transact and integrate neural commands destined for abdominal viscera supplied by the lumbar colonic nerves. Non-spontaneous neurones in the caudal lobes transact and integrate neural commands destined for pelvic viscera supplied by the hypogastric nerves.

Efficient Solution of Three-Dimensional Problems of Acoustic and Electromagnetic Scattering by Open Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Turc, Catalin; Anand, Akash; Bruno, Oscar; Chaubell, Julian

2011-01-01

We present a computational methodology (a novel Nystrom approach based on use of a non-overlapping patch technique and Chebyshev discretizations) for efficient solution of problems of acoustic and electromagnetic scattering by open surfaces. Our integral equation formulations (1) Incorporate, as ansatz, the singular nature of open-surface integral-equation solutions, and (2) For the Electric Field Integral Equation (EFIE), use analytical regularizes that effectively reduce the number of iterations required by iterative linear-algebra solution based on Krylov-subspace iterative solvers.

Acceleration of integral imaging based incoherent Fourier hologram capture using graphic processing unit.

PubMed

Jeong, Kyeong-Min; Kim, Hee-Seung; Hong, Sung-In; Lee, Sung-Keun; Jo, Na-Young; Kim, Yong-Soo; Lim, Hong-Gi; Park, Jae-Hyeung

2012-10-08

Speed enhancement of integral imaging based incoherent Fourier hologram capture using a graphic processing unit is reported. Integral imaging based method enables exact hologram capture of real-existing three-dimensional objects under regular incoherent illumination. In our implementation, we apply parallel computation scheme using the graphic processing unit, accelerating the processing speed. Using enhanced speed of hologram capture, we also implement a pseudo real-time hologram capture and optical reconstruction system. The overall operation speed is measured to be 1 frame per second.

Effects of the regularization on the restoration of chiral and axial symmetries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costa, P.; Ruivo, M. C.; de Sousa, C. A.

2008-05-01

The effects of a type of regularization for finite temperatures on the restoration of chiral and axial symmetries are investigated within the SU(3) Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model. The regularization consists in using an infinite cutoff in the integrals that are convergent at finite temperature, a procedure that allows one to take into account the effects of high momentum quarks at high temperatures. It is found that the critical temperature for the phase transition is closer to lattice results than the one obtained with the conventional regularization, and the restoration of chiral and axial symmetries, signaled by the behavior of several observables, occurs simultaneously and at a higher temperature. The restoration of the axial symmetry appears as a natural consequence of the full recovering of the chiral symmetry that was dynamically broken. By using an additional ansatz that simulates instanton suppression effects, by means of a convenient temperature dependence of the anomaly coefficient, we found that the restoration of U(2) symmetry is shifted to lower values, but the dominant effect at high temperatures comes from the new regularization that enhances the decrease of quark condensates, especially in the strange sector.

Back to the basics: regular exercise matters in parkinson's disease: results from the National Parkinson Foundation QII registry study.

PubMed

Oguh, O; Eisenstein, A; Kwasny, M; Simuni, T

2014-11-01

There is a substantial interest in the impact of exercise on reduction of disability and rate of progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). The primary aim was to describe exercise habits of PD patients and factors associated with greater levels of exercise. The secondary aim was to explore whether regular exercise is associated with a slower decline of function, disease-related quality of life, and caregiver burden. The National Parkinson's Foundation (NPF) QII Registry data was used to analyze variables that correlate with levels of exercise in PD patients across disease severity. Subjects were categorized into three groups: non-exercisers (0 min/week), low exercisers (1-150 min/week), and regular exercisers (>150 min/week). Health related outcomes, disease metrics, and demographic factors associated with exercise were examined using bivariate analyses. Multiple regression models controlled for disease duration, severity, and cognitive function. An exploratory analysis was completed on the association of baseline level of exercise with health outcomes at one year follow up. 4866 subjects were included in the baseline analysis and 2252 subjects who had second visits were included in the longitudinal data. Regular exercisers at baseline were associated with better QOL, mobility, and physical function, less progression of disease, less caregiver burden and less cognitive decline one year later, after controlling for demographic and disease severity variables. This study provides important preliminary evidence of the beneficial effects of regular exercise in a large PD cohort. Longitudinal studies will be essential to confirm findings. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Moving force identification based on redundant concatenated dictionary and weighted l1-norm regularization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Chu-Dong; Yu, Ling; Liu, Huan-Lin; Chen, Ze-Peng; Luo, Wen-Feng

2018-01-01

Moving force identification (MFI) is an important inverse problem in the field of bridge structural health monitoring (SHM). Reasonable signal structures of moving forces are rarely considered in the existing MFI methods. Interaction forces are complex because they contain both slowly-varying harmonic and impact signals due to bridge vibration and bumps on a bridge deck, respectively. Therefore, the interaction forces are usually hard to be expressed completely and sparsely by using a single basis function set. Based on the redundant concatenated dictionary and weighted l1-norm regularization method, a hybrid method is proposed for MFI in this study. The redundant dictionary consists of both trigonometric functions and rectangular functions used for matching the harmonic and impact signal features of unknown moving forces. The weighted l1-norm regularization method is introduced for formulation of MFI equation, so that the signal features of moving forces can be accurately extracted. The fast iterative shrinkage-thresholding algorithm (FISTA) is used for solving the MFI problem. The optimal regularization parameter is appropriately chosen by the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) method. In order to assess the accuracy and the feasibility of the proposed method, a simply-supported beam bridge subjected to a moving force is taken as an example for numerical simulations. Finally, a series of experimental studies on MFI of a steel beam are performed in laboratory. Both numerical and experimental results show that the proposed method can accurately identify the moving forces with a strong robustness, and it has a better performance than the Tikhonov regularization method. Some related issues are discussed as well.

Discrete Regularization for Calibration of Geologic Facies Against Dynamic Flow Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khaninezhad, Mohammad-Reza; Golmohammadi, Azarang; Jafarpour, Behnam

2018-04-01

Subsurface flow model calibration involves many more unknowns than measurements, leading to ill-posed problems with nonunique solutions. To alleviate nonuniqueness, the problem is regularized by constraining the solution space using prior knowledge. In certain sedimentary environments, such as fluvial systems, the contrast in hydraulic properties of different facies types tends to dominate the flow and transport behavior, making the effect of within facies heterogeneity less significant. Hence, flow model calibration in those formations reduces to delineating the spatial structure and connectivity of different lithofacies types and their boundaries. A major difficulty in calibrating such models is honoring the discrete, or piecewise constant, nature of facies distribution. The problem becomes more challenging when complex spatial connectivity patterns with higher-order statistics are involved. This paper introduces a novel formulation for calibration of complex geologic facies by imposing appropriate constraints to recover plausible solutions that honor the spatial connectivity and discreteness of facies models. To incorporate prior connectivity patterns, plausible geologic features are learned from available training models. This is achieved by learning spatial patterns from training data, e.g., k-SVD sparse learning or the traditional Principal Component Analysis. Discrete regularization is introduced as a penalty functions to impose solution discreteness while minimizing the mismatch between observed and predicted data. An efficient gradient-based alternating directions algorithm is combined with variable splitting to minimize the resulting regularized nonlinear least squares objective function. Numerical results show that imposing learned facies connectivity and discreteness as regularization functions leads to geologically consistent solutions that improve facies calibration quality.

Managing Brain Skills to Increase Productivity.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Agor, Weston H.

1985-01-01

This article outlines the major components of a brain skill management program that holds the potential for ensuring that input from all sources (i.e., left, right, and integrative) becomes a regular and reliable organizational routine when fully implemented. (Author/CT)

Cross-Cultural Psychology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Triandis, Harry C.; Brislin, Richard W.

1984-01-01

Provides references to the work of cross-cultural psychologists that can be integrated into regular undergraduate psychology courses. Discusses methodological problems, benefits, and difficulties of cross-cultural research. Reviews contributions of this field to the study of perception, cognition, motivation, interpersonal interaction, and group…

Sparsely sampling the sky: Regular vs. random sampling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paykari, P.; Pires, S.; Starck, J.-L.; Jaffe, A. H.

2015-09-01

Aims: The next generation of galaxy surveys, aiming to observe millions of galaxies, are expensive both in time and money. This raises questions regarding the optimal investment of this time and money for future surveys. In a previous work, we have shown that a sparse sampling strategy could be a powerful substitute for the - usually favoured - contiguous observation of the sky. In our previous paper, regular sparse sampling was investigated, where the sparse observed patches were regularly distributed on the sky. The regularity of the mask introduces a periodic pattern in the window function, which induces periodic correlations at specific scales. Methods: In this paper, we use a Bayesian experimental design to investigate a "random" sparse sampling approach, where the observed patches are randomly distributed over the total sparsely sampled area. Results: We find that in this setting, the induced correlation is evenly distributed amongst all scales as there is no preferred scale in the window function. Conclusions: This is desirable when we are interested in any specific scale in the galaxy power spectrum, such as the matter-radiation equality scale. As the figure of merit shows, however, there is no preference between regular and random sampling to constrain the overall galaxy power spectrum and the cosmological parameters.

Distributional and regularized radiation fields of non-uniformly moving straight dislocations, and elastodynamic Tamm problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lazar, Markus; Pellegrini, Yves-Patrick

2016-11-01

This work introduces original explicit solutions for the elastic fields radiated by non-uniformly moving, straight, screw or edge dislocations in an isotropic medium, in the form of time-integral representations in which acceleration-dependent contributions are explicitly separated out. These solutions are obtained by applying an isotropic regularization procedure to distributional expressions of the elastodynamic fields built on the Green tensor of the Navier equation. The obtained regularized field expressions are singularity-free, and depend on the dislocation density rather than on the plastic eigenstrain. They cover non-uniform motion at arbitrary speeds, including faster-than-wave ones. A numerical method of computation is discussed, that rests on discretizing motion along an arbitrary path in the plane transverse to the dislocation, into a succession of time intervals of constant velocity vector over which time-integrated contributions can be obtained in closed form. As a simple illustration, it is applied to the elastodynamic equivalent of the Tamm problem, where fields induced by a dislocation accelerated from rest beyond the longitudinal wave speed, and thereafter put to rest again, are computed. As expected, the proposed expressions produce Mach cones, the dynamic build-up and decay of which is illustrated by means of full-field calculations.

A graph regularized non-negative matrix factorization method for identifying microRNA-disease associations.

PubMed

Xiao, Qiu; Luo, Jiawei; Liang, Cheng; Cai, Jie; Ding, Pingjian

2017-09-01

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in post-transcriptional regulations and various cellular processes. The identification of disease-related miRNAs provides great insights into the underlying pathogenesis of diseases at a system level. However, most existing computational approaches are biased towards known miRNA-disease associations, which is inappropriate for those new diseases or miRNAs without any known association information. In this study, we propose a new method with graph regularized non-negative matrix factorization in heterogeneous omics data, called GRNMF, to discover potential associations between miRNAs and diseases, especially for new diseases and miRNAs or those diseases and miRNAs with sparse known associations. First, we integrate the disease semantic information and miRNA functional information to estimate disease similarity and miRNA similarity, respectively. Considering that there is no available interaction observed for new diseases or miRNAs, a preprocessing step is developed to construct the interaction score profiles that will assist in prediction. Next, a graph regularized non-negative matrix factorization framework is utilized to simultaneously identify potential associations for all diseases. The results indicated that our proposed method can effectively prioritize disease-associated miRNAs with higher accuracy compared with other recent approaches. Moreover, case studies also demonstrated the effectiveness of GRNMF to infer unknown miRNA-disease associations for those novel diseases and miRNAs. The code of GRNMF is freely available at https://github.com/XIAO-HN/GRNMF/. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author (2017). Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

Ill-posed problem and regularization in reconstruction of radiobiological parameters from serial tumor imaging data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chvetsov, Alevei V.; Sandison, George A.; Schwartz, Jeffrey L.; Rengan, Ramesh

2015-11-01

The main objective of this article is to improve the stability of reconstruction algorithms for estimation of radiobiological parameters using serial tumor imaging data acquired during radiation therapy. Serial images of tumor response to radiation therapy represent a complex summation of several exponential processes as treatment induced cell inactivation, tumor growth rates, and the rate of cell loss. Accurate assessment of treatment response would require separation of these processes because they define radiobiological determinants of treatment response and, correspondingly, tumor control probability. However, the estimation of radiobiological parameters using imaging data can be considered an inverse ill-posed problem because a sum of several exponentials would produce the Fredholm integral equation of the first kind which is ill posed. Therefore, the stability of reconstruction of radiobiological parameters presents a problem even for the simplest models of tumor response. To study stability of the parameter reconstruction problem, we used a set of serial CT imaging data for head and neck cancer and a simplest case of a two-level cell population model of tumor response. Inverse reconstruction was performed using a simulated annealing algorithm to minimize a least squared objective function. Results show that the reconstructed values of cell surviving fractions and cell doubling time exhibit significant nonphysical fluctuations if no stabilization algorithms are applied. However, after applying a stabilization algorithm based on variational regularization, the reconstruction produces statistical distributions for survival fractions and doubling time that are comparable to published in vitro data. This algorithm is an advance over our previous work where only cell surviving fractions were reconstructed. We conclude that variational regularization allows for an increase in the number of free parameters in our model which enables development of more-advanced parameter reconstruction algorithms.

Multimodal manifold-regularized transfer learning for MCI conversion prediction.

PubMed

Cheng, Bo; Liu, Mingxia; Suk, Heung-Il; Shen, Dinggang; Zhang, Daoqiang

2015-12-01

As the early stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has high chance to convert to AD. Effective prediction of such conversion from MCI to AD is of great importance for early diagnosis of AD and also for evaluating AD risk pre-symptomatically. Unlike most previous methods that used only the samples from a target domain to train a classifier, in this paper, we propose a novel multimodal manifold-regularized transfer learning (M2TL) method that jointly utilizes samples from another domain (e.g., AD vs. normal controls (NC)) as well as unlabeled samples to boost the performance of the MCI conversion prediction. Specifically, the proposed M2TL method includes two key components. The first one is a kernel-based maximum mean discrepancy criterion, which helps eliminate the potential negative effect induced by the distributional difference between the auxiliary domain (i.e., AD and NC) and the target domain (i.e., MCI converters (MCI-C) and MCI non-converters (MCI-NC)). The second one is a semi-supervised multimodal manifold-regularized least squares classification method, where the target-domain samples, the auxiliary-domain samples, and the unlabeled samples can be jointly used for training our classifier. Furthermore, with the integration of a group sparsity constraint into our objective function, the proposed M2TL has a capability of selecting the informative samples to build a robust classifier. Experimental results on the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database validate the effectiveness of the proposed method by significantly improving the classification accuracy of 80.1 % for MCI conversion prediction, and also outperforming the state-of-the-art methods.

Functional Foods and Lifestyle Approaches for Diabetes Prevention and Management

PubMed Central

Alkhatib, Ahmad; Tsang, Catherine; Tiss, Ali; Bahorun, Theeshan; Arefanian, Hossein; Barake, Roula; Khadir, Abdelkrim; Tuomilehto, Jaakko

2017-01-01

Functional foods contain biologically active ingredients associated with physiological health benefits for preventing and managing chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A regular consumption of functional foods may be associated with enhanced anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, insulin sensitivity, and anti-cholesterol functions, which are considered integral to prevent and manage T2DM. Components of the Mediterranean diet (MD)—such as fruits, vegetables, oily fish, olive oil, and tree nuts—serve as a model for functional foods based on their natural contents of nutraceuticals, including polyphenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, pigments, and unsaturated fatty acids. Polyphenols within MD and polyphenol-rich herbs—such as coffee, green tea, black tea, and yerba maté—have shown clinically-meaningful benefits on metabolic and microvascular activities, cholesterol and fasting glucose lowering, and anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation in high-risk and T2DM patients. However, combining exercise with functional food consumption can trigger and augment several metabolic and cardiovascular protective benefits, but it is under-investigated in people with T2DM and bariatric surgery patients. Detecting functional food benefits can now rely on an “omics” biological profiling of individuals’ molecular, genetics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, but is under-investigated in multi-component interventions. A personalized approach for preventing and managing T2DM should consider biological and behavioral models, and embed nutrition education as part of lifestyle diabetes prevention studies. Functional foods may provide additional benefits in such an approach. PMID:29194424

Functional Foods and Lifestyle Approaches for Diabetes Prevention and Management.

PubMed

Alkhatib, Ahmad; Tsang, Catherine; Tiss, Ali; Bahorun, Theeshan; Arefanian, Hossein; Barake, Roula; Khadir, Abdelkrim; Tuomilehto, Jaakko

2017-12-01

Functional foods contain biologically active ingredients associated with physiological health benefits for preventing and managing chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A regular consumption of functional foods may be associated with enhanced anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, insulin sensitivity, and anti-cholesterol functions, which are considered integral to prevent and manage T2DM. Components of the Mediterranean diet (MD)-such as fruits, vegetables, oily fish, olive oil, and tree nuts-serve as a model for functional foods based on their natural contents of nutraceuticals, including polyphenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, pigments, and unsaturated fatty acids. Polyphenols within MD and polyphenol-rich herbs-such as coffee, green tea, black tea, and yerba maté-have shown clinically-meaningful benefits on metabolic and microvascular activities, cholesterol and fasting glucose lowering, and anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation in high-risk and T2DM patients. However, combining exercise with functional food consumption can trigger and augment several metabolic and cardiovascular protective benefits, but it is under-investigated in people with T2DM and bariatric surgery patients. Detecting functional food benefits can now rely on an "omics" biological profiling of individuals' molecular, genetics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, but is under-investigated in multi-component interventions. A personalized approach for preventing and managing T2DM should consider biological and behavioral models, and embed nutrition education as part of lifestyle diabetes prevention studies. Functional foods may provide additional benefits in such an approach.

A simplifying feature of the heterotic one loop four graviton amplitude

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu, Anirban

2018-01-01

We show that the weight four modular graph functions that contribute to the integrand of the t8t8D4R4 term at one loop in heterotic string theory do not require regularization, and hence the integrand is simple. This is unlike the graphs that contribute to the integrands of the other gravitational terms at this order in the low momentum expansion, and these integrands require regularization. This property persists for an infinite number of terms in the effective action, and their integrands do not require regularization. We find non-trivial relations between weight four graphs of distinct topologies that do not require regularization by performing trivial manipulations using auxiliary diagrams.

Positive Behavior Support for a Child with Inattentive Behavior in a Japanese Regular Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baba, Chiharu; Tanaka-Matsumi, Junko

2011-01-01

Nondisruptive problem behaviors exist to a large extent in group-oriented Japanese regular classrooms. However, many children remain untreated. We implemented an antecedent-based functional behavioral assessment (FBA) and developed a behavioral support program for a first-grade boy who exhibited inattentive behavior in a Japanese regular…

Episodic foresight deficits in regular, but not recreational, cannabis users.

PubMed

Mercuri, Kimberly; Terrett, Gill; Henry, Julie D; Curran, H Valerie; Elliott, Morgan; Rendell, Peter G

2018-06-01

Cannabis use is associated with a range of neurocognitive deficits, including impaired episodic memory. However, no study to date has assessed whether these difficulties extend to episodic foresight, a core component of which is the ability to mentally travel into one's personal future. This is a particularly surprising omission given that episodic memory is considered to be critical to engage episodic foresight. In the present study, we provide the first test of how episodic foresight is affected in the context of differing levels of cannabis use, and the degree to which performance on a measure of this construct is related to episodic memory. Fifty-seven regular cannabis users (23 recreational, 34 regular) and 57 controls were assessed using an adapted version of the Autobiographical Interview. The results showed that regular-users exhibited greater impairment of episodic foresight and episodic memory than both recreational-users and cannabis-naïve controls. These data therefore show for the first time that cannabis-related disruption of cognitive functioning extends to the capacity for episodic foresight, and they are discussed in relation to their potential implications for functional outcomes in this group.

Youth marijuana use: state of the science for the practicing clinician.

PubMed

Hadland, Scott E; Harris, Sion K

2014-08-01

Despite widespread marijuana use among adolescents, accurate information on known health effects is poorly disseminated to clinicians and their patients. Amidst rapidly evolving drug policy in the United States and elsewhere, it is imperative that providers understand the short-term and long-term consequences of marijuana use. Research on regular marijuana use highlights a unique susceptibility of the developing adolescent brain to adverse neurocognitive and psychiatric outcomes. Although studies have not firmly established causality, onset of regular marijuana use in adolescence is associated with later decline in cognitive function, as well as with adult onset of psychosis and anxiety. Educational and employment outcomes may be poorer among regular marijuana-using adolescents. A number of other adverse respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine and gastrointestinal associations with regular marijuana use have also been established. Good screening tools and promising brief intervention and behavioral treatment programs are available to clinicians, who are in a position to identify problematic marijuana use among adolescents. A common misperception among youth is that marijuana use is without harm. However, adolescent marijuana use may have measurable, durable, and potentially irreversible effects on later cognitive function and mental health.

Regularity of daily life in relation to personality, age, gender, sleep quality and circadian rhythms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Monk, T. H.; Petrie, S. R.; Hayes, A. J.; Kupfer, D. J.

1994-01-01

A diary-like instrument to measure lifestyle regularity (the 'Social Rhythm Metric'-SRM) was given to 96 subjects (48 women, 48 men), 39 of whom repeated the study after at least one year, with additional objective measures of rest/activity. Lifestyle regularity as measured by the SRM related to age, morningness, subjective sleep quality and time-of-day variations in alertness, but not to gender, extroversion or neuroticism. Statistically significant test-retest correlations of about 0.4 emerged for SRM scores over the 12-30 month delay. Diary-based estimates of bedtime and waketime appeared fairly reliable. In a further study of healthy young men, 4 high SRM scorers ('regular') had a deeper nocturnal body temperature trough than 5 low SRM scorers ('irregular'), suggesting a better functioning circadian system in the 'regular' group.

A generalized Condat's algorithm of 1D total variation regularization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makovetskii, Artyom; Voronin, Sergei; Kober, Vitaly

2017-09-01

A common way for solving the denosing problem is to utilize the total variation (TV) regularization. Many efficient numerical algorithms have been developed for solving the TV regularization problem. Condat described a fast direct algorithm to compute the processed 1D signal. Also there exists a direct algorithm with a linear time for 1D TV denoising referred to as the taut string algorithm. The Condat's algorithm is based on a dual problem to the 1D TV regularization. In this paper, we propose a variant of the Condat's algorithm based on the direct 1D TV regularization problem. The usage of the Condat's algorithm with the taut string approach leads to a clear geometric description of the extremal function. Computer simulation results are provided to illustrate the performance of the proposed algorithm for restoration of degraded signals.

Quantitative Homogenization in Nonlinear Elasticity for Small Loads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neukamm, Stefan; Schäffner, Mathias

2018-04-01

We study quantitative periodic homogenization of integral functionals in the context of nonlinear elasticity. Under suitable assumptions on the energy densities (in particular frame indifference; minimality, non-degeneracy and smoothness at the identity; {p ≥q d} -growth from below; and regularity of the microstructure), we show that in a neighborhood of the set of rotations, the multi-cell homogenization formula of non-convex homogenization reduces to a single-cell formula. The latter can be expressed with the help of correctors. We prove that the homogenized integrand admits a quadratic Taylor expansion in an open neighborhood of the rotations - a result that can be interpreted as the fact that homogenization and linearization commute close to the rotations. Moreover, for small applied loads, we provide an estimate on the homogenization error in terms of a quantitative two-scale expansion.

Equation of state of the one- and three-dimensional Bose-Bose gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiquillo, Emerson

2018-06-01

We calculate the equation of state of Bose-Bose gases in one and three dimensions in the framework of an effective quantum field theory. The beyond-mean-field approximation at zero temperature and the one-loop finite-temperature results are obtained performing functional integration on a local effective action. The ultraviolet divergent zero-point quantum fluctuations are removed by means of dimensional regularization. We derive the nonlinear Schrödinger equation to describe one- and three-dimensional Bose-Bose mixtures and solve it analytically in the one-dimensional scenario. This equation supports self-trapped brightlike solitonic droplets and self-trapped darklike solitons. At low temperature, we also find that the pressure and the number of particles of symmetric quantum droplets have a nontrivial dependence on the chemical potential and the difference between the intra- and the interspecies coupling constants.

Bridging the accountability gap.

PubMed

Johnson, J E

1991-01-01

Accountability for patient care is a responsibility shared by nursing and hospital administration. Inherent in professional nursing is the responsibility for the achievement of patient outcomes, while administrators assume more indirect responsibilities related to managerial functions, strategic planning and legal obligations. Historically, the poor communication and conflict between these groups have been a barrier to achieving true institutional accountability for patient care. Collaboration rather than conflict can be promoted in health care institutions by making organizational changes that promote communication and clarify ambiguities in job responsibilities. Such changes include redefining the nurse's job to reflect its scope and purpose; integrating nursing into the hospital environment via regular forums for information exchange and participation in hospital committees; considering that the delegation of patient care is implicit in nursing practice and patient-care management; and strengthening the nursing work force by improving compensation and benefits packages for nurses.

Random packing of regular polygons and star polygons on a flat two-dimensional surface.

PubMed

Cieśla, Michał; Barbasz, Jakub

2014-08-01

Random packing of unoriented regular polygons and star polygons on a two-dimensional flat continuous surface is studied numerically using random sequential adsorption algorithm. Obtained results are analyzed to determine the saturated random packing ratio as well as its density autocorrelation function. Additionally, the kinetics of packing growth and available surface function are measured. In general, stars give lower packing ratios than polygons, but when the number of vertexes is large enough, both shapes approach disks and, therefore, properties of their packing reproduce already known results for disks.

Evasion of No-Hair Theorems and Novel Black-Hole Solutions in Gauss-Bonnet Theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antoniou, G.; Bakopoulos, A.; Kanti, P.

2018-03-01

We consider a general Einstein-scalar-Gauss-Bonnet theory with a coupling function f (ϕ ) . We demonstrate that black-hole solutions appear as a generic feature of this theory since a regular horizon and an asymptotically flat solution may be easily constructed under mild assumptions for f (ϕ ). We show that the existing no-hair theorems are easily evaded, and a large number of regular black-hole solutions with scalar hair are then presented for a plethora of coupling functions f (ϕ ).

Evasion of No-Hair Theorems and Novel Black-Hole Solutions in Gauss-Bonnet Theories.

PubMed

Antoniou, G; Bakopoulos, A; Kanti, P

2018-03-30

We consider a general Einstein-scalar-Gauss-Bonnet theory with a coupling function f(ϕ). We demonstrate that black-hole solutions appear as a generic feature of this theory since a regular horizon and an asymptotically flat solution may be easily constructed under mild assumptions for f(ϕ). We show that the existing no-hair theorems are easily evaded, and a large number of regular black-hole solutions with scalar hair are then presented for a plethora of coupling functions f(ϕ).

Factors affecting aging cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults.

PubMed

Kim, Chun-Ja; Park, JeeWon; Kang, Se-Won; Schlenk, Elizabeth A

2017-08-01

The study purpose was to determine factors affecting aging cognitive function of 3,645 community-dwelling older adults in Korea. The Hasegawa Dementia Scale assessed aging cognitive function, blood analyses and anthropometrics assessed cardio-metabolic risk factors, and the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form Korean Version assessed depressive symptoms. Participants with poor aging cognitive function were more likely to be in the late age group (≥75 y) and currently smoking and have a medical history of stroke, high body mass index, and high level of depressive symptoms; they were also less likely to engage in regular meals and physical activities. Regular meals and physical activities may be primary factors for clinical assessment to identify older adults at risk for aging cognitive function. With aging, depressive symptoms and other unhealthy lifestyle behaviours should be managed to prevent cognitive function disorders. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

A cost-effective methodology for the design of massively-parallel VLSI functional units

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Venkateswaran, N.; Sriram, G.; Desouza, J.

1993-01-01

In this paper we propose a generalized methodology for the design of cost-effective massively-parallel VLSI Functional Units. This methodology is based on a technique of generating and reducing a massive bit-array on the mask-programmable PAcube VLSI array. This methodology unifies (maintains identical data flow and control) the execution of complex arithmetic functions on PAcube arrays. It is highly regular, expandable and uniform with respect to problem-size and wordlength, thereby reducing the communication complexity. The memory-functional unit interface is regular and expandable. Using this technique functional units of dedicated processors can be mask-programmed on the naked PAcube arrays, reducing the turn-around time. The production cost of such dedicated processors can be drastically reduced since the naked PAcube arrays can be mass-produced. Analysis of the the performance of functional units designed by our method yields promising results.

The quasi-optimality criterion in the linear functional strategy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kindermann, Stefan; Pereverzyev, Sergiy, Jr.; Pilipenko, Andrey

2018-07-01

The linear functional strategy for the regularization of inverse problems is considered. For selecting the regularization parameter therein, we propose the heuristic quasi-optimality principle and some modifications including the smoothness of the linear functionals. We prove convergence rates for the linear functional strategy with these heuristic rules taking into account the smoothness of the solution and the functionals and imposing a structural condition on the noise. Furthermore, we study these noise conditions in both a deterministic and stochastic setup and verify that for mildly-ill-posed problems and Gaussian noise, these conditions are satisfied almost surely, where on the contrary, in the severely-ill-posed case and in a similar setup, the corresponding noise condition fails to hold. Moreover, we propose an aggregation method for adaptively optimizing the parameter choice rule by making use of improved rates for linear functionals. Numerical results indicate that this method yields better results than the standard heuristic rule.

13A. Integrative Cancer Care: The Life Over Cancer Model

PubMed Central

Block, Keith; Block, Penny; Shoham, Jacob

2013-01-01

Focus Areas: Integrative Algorithms of Care Integrative cancer treatment fully blends conventional cancer treatment with integrative therapies such as diet, supplements, exercise and biobehavioral approaches. The Life Over Cancer model comprises three spheres of intervention: improving lifestyle, improving biochemical environment (terrain), and improving tolerance of conventional treatment. These levels are applied within the context of a life-affirming approach to cancer patients and treatment. Clinical staff involved include MDs, psychosocial, physical therapy, and dietetic professionals, all located in a single private clinic, the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment. This session will describe the rationale and operation of the clinical model. An outpatient chemotherapy unit is incorporated in the clinic. Chronomodulated chemotherapy is used for selected chemotherapy drugs. Physical care includes massage, exercise and other therapies as directed by the center's physical therapy staff. Notably, cancer patients who are physically active have lower mortality and recurrence risks. Behavioral approaches are being shown increasingly to affect physiological parameters and expression of genes potentially related to cancer. Thus, biobehavioral approaches such as relaxed abdominal breathing and comfort space imagery are taught to patients by a staff including a clinical psychologist and other practitioners. Nutrition is also emerging as a relevant area of intervention in cancer, with recent guidelines from the American Cancer Society. A team of registered dietitians counsels patients individually and conducts cooking classes. Finally, the Life Over Cancer model includes analysis of multiple biological parameters relevant to cancer and general health, with standard laboratory tests. Inflammation, glycemic variables, immune functioning and other variables are regularly monitored. Dietary changes and where necessary supplements are suggested when laboratory results are abnormal. Interaction of supplements with cancer treatment drugs is monitored. The session will highlight the roles played by both conventional and integrative therapies in the treatment of cancer patients.

The cannabinoid system and visual processing: a review on experimental findings and clinical presumptions.

PubMed

Schwitzer, Thomas; Schwan, Raymund; Angioi-Duprez, Karine; Ingster-Moati, Isabelle; Lalanne, Laurence; Giersch, Anne; Laprevote, Vincent

2015-01-01

Cannabis is one of the most prevalent drugs used worldwide. Regular cannabis use is associated with impairments in highly integrative cognitive functions such as memory, attention and executive functions. To date, the cerebral mechanisms of these deficits are still poorly understood. Studying the processing of visual information may offer an innovative and relevant approach to evaluate the cerebral impact of exogenous cannabinoids on the human brain. Furthermore, this knowledge is required to understand the impact of cannabis intake in everyday life, and especially in car drivers. Here we review the role of the endocannabinoids in the functioning of the visual system and the potential involvement of cannabis use in visual dysfunctions. This review describes the presence of the endocannabinoids in the critical stages of visual information processing, and their role in the modulation of visual neurotransmission and visual synaptic plasticity, thereby enabling them to alter the transmission of the visual signal. We also review several induced visual changes, together with experimental dysfunctions reported in cannabis users. In the discussion, we consider these results in relation to the existing literature. We argue for more involvement of public health research in the study of visual function in cannabis users, especially because cannabis use is implicated in driving impairments. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. and ECNP. All rights reserved.

A Hierarchical Visualization Analysis Model of Power Big Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yongjie; Wang, Zheng; Hao, Yang

2018-01-01

Based on the conception of integrating VR scene and power big data analysis, a hierarchical visualization analysis model of power big data is proposed, in which levels are designed, targeting at different abstract modules like transaction, engine, computation, control and store. The regularly departed modules of power data storing, data mining and analysis, data visualization are integrated into one platform by this model. It provides a visual analysis solution for the power big data.

Integrating Physically Handicapped Pupils.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hodgson, Ann

1984-01-01

Intended for regular class teachers working with mainstreamed physically handicapped pupils, the article offers guidelines regarding school organization, conditions directly affecting the pupil, and classroom considerations. A brief review of the major conditions (such as allergies, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy) is presented. (CL)

Special Advocate.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vander Weele, Maribeth

1992-01-01

Thomas Hehir, special education chief of Chicago Public Schools, is evangelist of integrating children with disabilities into regular classrooms. By completely reorganizing department viewed as political patronage dumping ground, Hehir has made remarkable progress in handling large number of children awaiting evaluation and placement in special…

Pipeline systems - safety for assets and transport regularity

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-01-01

This review regarding safety for assets and financial interests for pipeline systems has showed how this aspect has been taken care of in the existing petroleum legislation. It has been demonstrated that the integrity of pipeline systems with the res...

Barriers to exercise for patients with renal disease: an integrative review.

PubMed

Hannan, Mary; Bronas, Ulf G

2017-12-01

Renal disease is a common health condition that leads to loss of physical function, frailty, and premature loss of independence in addition to other severe comorbidities and increased mortality. Increased levels of physical activity and initiation of exercise training is recommended in the current guidelines for all patients with renal disease, but participation and adherence rates are low. The barriers to exercise and physical activity in patients with renal disease are not well defined and currently based on patient provider perception and opinion. There have been no published reviews that have synthesized published findings on patient reported barriers to exercise. This integrative literature review therefore aimed to identify the current understanding of patient reported barriers to regular exercise. This integrative review found that patient perceived barriers to exercise are not consistent with the barriers that have been identified by renal disease specialists and healthcare providers, which were disinterest, lack of motivation, and being incapable of exercise. The patient reported barriers identified through this review were complex and diverse, and the most frequently reported patient perceived barrier to exercise was low energy levels and fatigue. It is clear that additional research to identify patient perceived barriers to exercise is needed and that patient directed interventions to address these barriers should be developed. This integrative review provides information to the interdisciplinary nephrology team that can be used to tailor their assessment of barriers to exercise and provide exercise education for patients with renal disease.

Integrating ergonomics into production system development--the Volvo Powertrain case.

PubMed

Neumann, W Patrick; Ekman, Marianne; Winkel, Jørgen

2009-05-01

Understanding the barriers and assists to integrating ergonomics into production system design remains a research issue. An action research case study at Volvo Powertrain/Sweden was conducted. Researchers worked collaboratively with the firm in efforts to improve the company's ability to handle ergonomics in their daily work of improving and developing production systems. Researchers observed and reflected collectively on the change process using field notes and recordings to support their observations. Observed integration barriers included both individual level issues like life events, and organisational aspects such as communication barriers between groups or assignment of tasks to people not involved in decision-making. Observed assists included the 'political reflective navigation' (c.f. Broberg, O., Hermund, I., 2004. The OHS consultant as a 'political reflective navigator' in technological change processes. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 33 (4), 315-326) by the project owner to find new ways to overcome barriers and anchor ergonomics into the organisation. While special 'ergonomics' groups did not survive long, progress was observed in including ergonomics in regular design groups. A cross-functional workshop that fostered discussion across organisational boundaries helped shift focus from retrofitting systems to future production systems and improve engagement of engineering teams. Progress was marked by both success and setbacks and full integration appears to require more than 2 years time. It is concluded that support by senior managers should include succession planning for personnel that are key to the change effort.

The Importance of Residual Kidney Function in Haemodialysis Patients.

PubMed

Kong, Jessica; Davies, Matthew; Mount, Peter

2018-06-19

In contrast to peritoneal dialysis, residual kidney function is commonly disregarded for haemodialysis patients, and not regularly monitored or taken into account in routine clinical care. This is despite evidence that higher levels of residual kidney function in haemodialysis patients associate with better outcomes including survival, total solute clearance, nutrition, inflammation, and fluid balance. This review aims to summarise the clinical effects of residual kidney function specifically in haemodialysis patients. Some level of residual kidney function is present in over 80% of patients at the time of dialysis initiation, and while this declines over time, up to 30% of patients on haemodialysis for 5 years still have a measurable level of native kidney function. There is little evidence on how best to preserve residual kidney function in haemodialysis patients, although it has been observed that intensive haemodialysis regimens in incident haemodialysis patients appear to accelerate residual kidney function decline. Residual kidney function is not commonly factored in to haemodialysis prescription and measures of adequacy, despite the fact that some guidelines such as KDOQI and European Best Practice Guidelines suggest that it is reasonable to do. This likely relates, at least in part, to perceived concerns regarding the inconvenience of timed urine collections, and to the complexity and lack of consensus regarding the methods for integrating the intermittent clearance of haemodialysis with the continuous clearance of native renal function. Further research is required into how best to maintain and maximise the benefits of residual kidney function in haemodialysis patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the Utility of a Discrete-Trial Functional Analysis in Early Intervention Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kodak, Tiffany; Fisher, Wayne W.; Paden, Amber; Dickes, Nitasha

2013-01-01

We evaluated a discrete-trial functional analysis implemented by regular classroom staff in a classroom setting. The results suggest that the discrete-trial functional analysis identified a social function for each participant and may require fewer staff than standard functional analysis procedures.

Discharge regularity in the turtle posterior crista: comparisons between experiment and theory.

PubMed

Goldberg, Jay M; Holt, Joseph C

2013-12-01

Intra-axonal recordings were made from bouton fibers near their termination in the turtle posterior crista. Spike discharge, miniature excitatory postsynaptic potentials (mEPSPs), and afterhyperpolarizations (AHPs) were monitored during resting activity in both regularly and irregularly discharging units. Quantal size (qsize) and quantal rate (qrate) were estimated by shot-noise theory. Theoretically, the ratio, σV/(dμV/dt), between synaptic noise (σV) and the slope of the mean voltage trajectory (dμV/dt) near threshold crossing should determine discharge regularity. AHPs are deeper and more prolonged in regular units; as a result, dμV/dt is larger, the more regular the discharge. The qsize is larger and qrate smaller in irregular units; these oppositely directed trends lead to little variation in σV with discharge regularity. Of the two variables, dμV/dt is much more influential than the nearly constant σV in determining regularity. Sinusoidal canal-duct indentations at 0.3 Hz led to modulations in spike discharge and synaptic voltage. Gain, the ratio between the amplitudes of the two modulations, and phase leads re indentation of both modulations are larger in irregular units. Gain variations parallel the sensitivity of the postsynaptic spike encoder, the set of conductances that converts synaptic input into spike discharge. Phase variations reflect both synaptic inputs to the encoder and postsynaptic processes. Experimental data were interpreted using a stochastic integrate-and-fire model. Advantages of an irregular discharge include an enhanced encoder gain and the prevention of nonlinear phase locking. Regular and irregular units are more efficient, respectively, in the encoding of low- and high-frequency head rotations, respectively.

Discharge regularity in the turtle posterior crista: comparisons between experiment and theory

PubMed Central

Holt, Joseph C.

2013-01-01

Intra-axonal recordings were made from bouton fibers near their termination in the turtle posterior crista. Spike discharge, miniature excitatory postsynaptic potentials (mEPSPs), and afterhyperpolarizations (AHPs) were monitored during resting activity in both regularly and irregularly discharging units. Quantal size (qsize) and quantal rate (qrate) were estimated by shot-noise theory. Theoretically, the ratio, σV/(dμV/dt), between synaptic noise (σV) and the slope of the mean voltage trajectory (dμV/dt) near threshold crossing should determine discharge regularity. AHPs are deeper and more prolonged in regular units; as a result, dμV/dt is larger, the more regular the discharge. The qsize is larger and qrate smaller in irregular units; these oppositely directed trends lead to little variation in σV with discharge regularity. Of the two variables, dμV/dt is much more influential than the nearly constant σV in determining regularity. Sinusoidal canal-duct indentations at 0.3 Hz led to modulations in spike discharge and synaptic voltage. Gain, the ratio between the amplitudes of the two modulations, and phase leads re indentation of both modulations are larger in irregular units. Gain variations parallel the sensitivity of the postsynaptic spike encoder, the set of conductances that converts synaptic input into spike discharge. Phase variations reflect both synaptic inputs to the encoder and postsynaptic processes. Experimental data were interpreted using a stochastic integrate-and-fire model. Advantages of an irregular discharge include an enhanced encoder gain and the prevention of nonlinear phase locking. Regular and irregular units are more efficient, respectively, in the encoding of low- and high-frequency head rotations, respectively. PMID:24004525

Introduction of Total Variation Regularization into Filtered Backprojection Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raczyński, L.; Wiślicki, W.; Klimaszewski, K.; Krzemień, W.; Kowalski, P.; Shopa, R. Y.; Białas, P.; Curceanu, C.; Czerwiński, E.; Dulski, K.; Gajos, A.; Głowacz, B.; Gorgol, M.; Hiesmayr, B.; Jasińska, B.; Kisielewska-Kamińska, D.; Korcyl, G.; Kozik, T.; Krawczyk, N.; Kubicz, E.; Mohammed, M.; Pawlik-Niedźwiecka, M.; Niedźwiecki, S.; Pałka, M.; Rudy, Z.; Sharma, N. G.; Sharma, S.; Silarski, M.; Skurzok, M.; Wieczorek, A.; Zgardzińska, B.; Zieliński, M.; Moskal, P.

In this paper we extend the state-of-the-art filtered backprojection (FBP) method with application of the concept of Total Variation regularization. We compare the performance of the new algorithm with the most common form of regularizing in the FBP image reconstruction via apodizing functions. The methods are validated in terms of cross-correlation coefficient between reconstructed and real image of radioactive tracer distribution using standard Derenzo-type phantom. We demonstrate that the proposed approach results in higher cross-correlation values with respect to the standard FBP method.

Model of unplanned smoking initiation of children and adolescents: an integrated stage model of smoking behavior.

PubMed

Kremers, S P J; Mudde, A N; De Vries, H

2004-05-01

Two lines of psychological research have attempted to spell out the stages of adolescent smoking initiation. The first has focused on behavioral stages of smoking initiation, while the second line emphasized motivational stages. A large international sample of European adolescents (N = 10,170, mean age = 13.3 years) was followed longitudinally. Self-reported motivational and behavioral stages of smoking initiation were integrated, leading to the development of the Model of Unplanned Smoking Initiation of Children and Adolescents (MUSICA). The MUSICA postulates that youngsters experiment with smoking while they are in an unmotivated state as regards their plans for smoking regularly in the future. More than 95% of the total population resided in one of the seven stages distinguished by MUSICA. The probability of starting to smoke regularly during the 12 months follow-up period increased with advanced stage assignment at baseline. Unique social cognitive predictors of stage progression from the various stages were identified, but effect sizes of predictors of transitions were small. The integration of motivational and behavioral dimensions improves our understanding of the process of smoking initiation. In contrast to current theories of smoking initiation, adolescent uptake of smoking behavior was found to be an unplanned action.

Using wireless technology in clinical practice: does feedback of daily walking activity improve walking outcomes of individuals receiving rehabilitation post-stroke? Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Regaining independent ambulation is the top priority for individuals recovering from stroke. Thus, physical rehabilitation post-stroke should focus on improving walking function and endurance. However, the amount of walking completed by individuals with stroke attending rehabilitation is far below that required for independent community ambulation. There has been increased interest in accelerometer-based monitoring of walking post-stroke. Walking monitoring could be integrated within the goal-setting process for those with ambulation goals in rehabilitation. The feedback from these devices can be downloaded to a computer to produce reports. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of accelerometer-based feedback of daily walking activity during rehabilitation on the frequency and duration of walking post-stroke. Methods Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: feedback or no feedback. Participants will wear accelerometers daily during in- and out-patient rehabilitation and, for participants in the feedback group, the participants’ treating physiotherapist will receive regular reports of walking activity. The primary outcome measures are the amount of daily walking completed, as measured using the accelerometers, and spatio-temporal characteristics of walking (e.g. walking speed). We will also examine goal attainment, satisfaction with progress towards goals, stroke self-efficacy, and community-integration. Discussion Increased walking activity during rehabilitation is expected to improve walking function and community re-integration following discharge. In addition, a focus on altering walking behaviour within the rehabilitation setting may lead to altered behaviour and increased activity patterns after discharge. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01521234 PMID:23865593

Application of L1-norm regularization to epicardial potential reconstruction based on gradient projection.

PubMed

Wang, Liansheng; Qin, Jing; Wong, Tien Tsin; Heng, Pheng Ann

2011-10-07

The epicardial potential (EP)-targeted inverse problem of electrocardiography (ECG) has been widely investigated as it is demonstrated that EPs reflect underlying myocardial activity. It is a well-known ill-posed problem as small noises in input data may yield a highly unstable solution. Traditionally, L2-norm regularization methods have been proposed to solve this ill-posed problem. But the L2-norm penalty function inherently leads to considerable smoothing of the solution, which reduces the accuracy of distinguishing abnormalities and locating diseased regions. Directly using the L1-norm penalty function, however, may greatly increase computational complexity due to its non-differentiability. We propose an L1-norm regularization method in order to reduce the computational complexity and make rapid convergence possible. Variable splitting is employed to make the L1-norm penalty function differentiable based on the observation that both positive and negative potentials exist on the epicardial surface. Then, the inverse problem of ECG is further formulated as a bound-constrained quadratic problem, which can be efficiently solved by gradient projection in an iterative manner. Extensive experiments conducted on both synthetic data and real data demonstrate that the proposed method can handle both measurement noise and geometry noise and obtain more accurate results than previous L2- and L1-norm regularization methods, especially when the noises are large.

Course 4: Anyons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myrheim, J.

Contents 1 Introduction 1.1 The concept of particle statistics 1.2 Statistical mechanics and the many-body problem 1.3 Experimental physics in two dimensions 1.4 The algebraic approach: Heisenberg quantization 1.5 More general quantizations 2 The configuration space 2.1 The Euclidean relative space for two particles 2.2 Dimensions d=1,2,3 2.3 Homotopy 2.4 The braid group 3 Schroedinger quantization in one dimension 4 Heisenberg quantization in one dimension 4.1 The coordinate representation 5 Schroedinger quantization in dimension d ≥ 2 5.1 Scalar wave functions 5.2 Homotopy 5.3 Interchange phases 5.4 The statistics vector potential 5.5 The N-particle case 5.6 Chern-Simons theory 6 The Feynman path integral for anyons 6.1 Eigenstates for position and momentum 6.2 The path integral 6.3 Conjugation classes in SN 6.4 The non-interacting case 6.5 Duality of Feynman and Schroedinger quantization 7 The harmonic oscillator 7.1 The two-dimensional harmonic oscillator 7.2 Two anyons in a harmonic oscillator potential 7.3 More than two anyons 7.4 The three-anyon problem 8 The anyon gas 8.1 The cluster and virial expansions 8.2 First and second order perturbative results 8.3 Regularization by periodic boundary conditions 8.4 Regularization by a harmonic oscillator potential 8.5 Bosons and fermions 8.6 Two anyons 8.7 Three anyons 8.8 The Monte Carlo method 8.9 The path integral representation of the coefficients GP 8.10 Exact and approximate polynomials 8.11 The fourth virial coefficient of anyons 8.12 Two polynomial theorems 9 Charged particles in a constant magnetic field 9.1 One particle in a magnetic field 9.2 Two anyons in a magnetic field 9.3 The anyon gas in a magnetic field 10 Interchange phases and geometric phases 10.1 Introduction to geometric phases 10.2 One particle in a magnetic field 10.3 Two particles in a magnetic field 10.4 Interchange of two anyons in potential wells 10.5 Laughlin's theory of the fractional quantum Hall effect

Beneficial impacts of regular exercise on platelet function in sedentary older adults: Evidence from a randomized 6-month walking trial.

PubMed

Haynes, Andrew; Linden, Matthew D; Robey, Elisa; Naylor, Louise H; Ainslie, Philip N; Cox, Kay L; Lautenschlager, Nicola T; Green, Daniel J

2018-04-12

Platelet activation, including the formation of monocyte platelet aggregates (MPAs), contributes to atherosclerosis, thrombus formation and acute coronary syndromes. Regular participation in exercise can lower cardiovascular risk, but little is known regarding the impact of exercise training on platelet function. We investigated the effect of 6 months of walking exercise on platelet function in sedentary older adults without significant cardiovascular disease. Twenty-seven participants were randomly allocated to 6 months of either: no-exercise (n=13) or 3 x 50 mins/wk of supervised centre-based walking (n=14). Circulating and agonist induced MPAs were assessed using flow cytometry before (month 0 0M) and after (month 6 6M) the intervention. Circulating MPAs increased from 0M (3.7 {plus minus} 1.0%) to 6M (4.7 {plus minus} 1.6%) in the no-exercise group (P = 0.009), whereas a non-significant decrease was observed in the walking group (0M 4.3 {plus minus} 1.7% vs 6M 3.7 {plus minus} 1.2, P = 0.052). The change in MPAs between groups was significant (P = 0.001). There were no differences between groups in platelet responses to agonists across the interventions (all P > 0.05). Collectively, these data suggest that the absence of regular exercise may increase MPAs, which are cellular mediators involved in atherosclerosis, whilst regular walking inhibits such increases. The thrombotic function of platelets appear to be relatively unaltered by exercise training. This study provides novel data related to the cardio-protective effects associated with participation in exercise.

Numerical evaluation of longitudinal motions of Wigley hulls advancing in waves by using Bessho form translating-pulsating source Green'S function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Wenbin; Dong, Wencai

2016-06-01

In the framework of 3D potential flow theory, Bessho form translating-pulsating source Green's function in frequency domain is chosen as the integral kernel in this study and hybrid source-and-dipole distribution model of the boundary element method is applied to directly solve the velocity potential for advancing ship in regular waves. Numerical characteristics of the Green function show that the contribution of local-flow components to velocity potential is concentrated at the nearby source point area and the wave component dominates the magnitude of velocity potential in the far field. Two kinds of mathematical models, with or without local-flow components taken into account, are adopted to numerically calculate the longitudinal motions of Wigley hulls, which demonstrates the applicability of translating-pulsating source Green's function method for various ship forms. In addition, the mesh analysis of discrete surface is carried out from the perspective of ship-form characteristics. The study shows that the longitudinal motion results by the simplified model are somewhat greater than the experimental data in the resonant zone, and the model can be used as an effective tool to predict ship seakeeping properties. However, translating-pulsating source Green function method is only appropriate for the qualitative analysis of motion response in waves if the ship geometrical shape fails to satisfy the slender-body assumption.

A highly ordered mesostructured material containing regularly distributed phenols: preparation and characterization at a molecular level through ultra-fast magic angle spinning proton NMR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Roussey, Arthur; Gajan, David; Maishal, Tarun K; Mukerjee, Anhurada; Veyre, Laurent; Lesage, Anne; Emsley, Lyndon; Copéret, Christophe; Thieuleux, Chloé

2011-03-14

Highly ordered organic-inorganic mesostructured material containing regularly distributed phenols is synthesized by combining a direct synthesis of the functional material and a protection-deprotection strategy and characterized at a molecular level through ultra-fast magic angle spinning proton NMR spectroscopy.

Vacuum polarization in the field of a multidimensional global monopole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grats, Yu. V.; Spirin, P. A.

2016-11-01

An approximate expression for the Euclidean Green function of a massless scalar field in the spacetime of a multidimensional global monopole has been derived. Expressions for the vacuum expectation values <ϕ2>ren and < T 00>ren have been derived by the dimensional regularization method. Comparison with the results obtained by alternative regularization methods is made.

The Thermal Infrared Sensor on the Landsat Data Continutiy Mission

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The REGularized canopy reFLECtance (REGFLEC) modeling tool integrates leaf optics, canopy reflectance, and atmospheric radiative transfer model components, facilitating accurate retrieval of leaf area index (LAI) and leaf chlorophyll content (Cab) directly from at-sensor radiances in green, red and ...

Trace for Differential Pencils on a Star-Type Graph

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Chuan-Fu

2013-07-01

In this work, we consider the spectral problem for differential pencils on a star-type graph with a Kirchhoff-type condition in the internal vertex. The regularized trace formula of this operator is established with the contour integration method in complex analysis.

GEOSPATIAL IT/IM QA CHECKLIST

EPA Science Inventory

Quality assurance (QA) of information technology (IT) and Information Management (IM) systems help to ensure that the end product is of known quality and integrity. As the complexity of IT & IM processes increase, so does the need for regular QA evaluation.

The areas revi...

Self- and rater-assessed effectiveness of "thinking-aloud" and "regular" morning report to intensify young physicians' clinical skills.

PubMed

Hsu, Hui-Chi; Lee, Fa-Yauh; Yang, Ying-Ying; Tsao, Yen-Po; Lee, Wen-Shin; Chuang, Chiao-Lin; Chang, Ching-Chih; Huang, Chia-Chang; Huang, Chin-Chou; Ho, Shung-Tai

2015-09-01

This study compared the effects of the "thinking aloud" (TA) morning report (MR), which is characterized by sequential and interactive case discussion by all participants, with "regular" MR for clinical skill training of young physicians. Between February 2011 and February 2014, young physicians [including postgraduate year-1 (PGY1) residents, interns, and clerks) from our hospital were sequentially enrolled and followed for 3 months. The self- and rater-assessed educational values of two MR models for building up clinical skills of young physicians were compared. The junior (intern and clerk) attendees had higher self-assessed educational values scores and reported post-training application frequency of skills trained by TA MR compared with the senior (PGY1 resident) attendees. Higher average and percentage of increased overall rater-assessed OSCE scores were noted among the regular MR senior attendees and TA MR junior attendees than in their corresponding control groups (regular MR junior attendees and TA MR senior attendees). Interestingly, regular MRs provided additional beneficial effects for establishing the "professionalism, consulting skills and organization efficiency" aspects of clinical skills of senior/junior attendees. Moreover, senior and junior attendees benefited the most by participating in seven sessions of regular MR and TA MR each month, respectively. TA MR effectively trains junior attendees in basic clinical skills, whereas regular MR enhances senior attendees' "work reports, professionalism, organizational efficiency, skills in dealing with controversial and professional issues." Undoubtedly, all elements of the two MR models should be integrated together to ensure patient safety and good discipline among young physicians. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Taiwan.

20 CFR 220.13 - Establishment of permanent disability for work in regular railroad occupation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... functional capacity test or other consultative examinations; (B) Step 2. If the employee's impairment(s) has... differences in opinions concerning the residual functional capacity evaluations among treating physicians, or significant differences between the results of functional capacity evaluations and residual functional...