The use of prescription stimulants to enhance academic performance among college students in health care programs.

PubMed

Herman, Lawrence; Shtayermman, Oren; Aksnes, Brittany; Anzalone, Michelle; Cormerais, Andre; Liodice, Christina

2011-01-01

Prescription stimulant use as academic performance enhancers is increasingly widespread among college students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of prescription stimulant use among health care students attending a university in the northeastern United States. The study investigated the specific stimulants being used and the frequency of usage. It also examined the rates of nicotine, alcohol, and drug abuse versus dependence. A web-based survey was administered to medical and health profession students regarding prescription stimulant use for nonprescribed purposes. Tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drug use were also surveyed. Approximately 10.4% (32) of students surveyed have either used a stimulant or are currently using prescription stimulants illegally. The most common reason for stimulant use was to focus and concentrate during studying (93.5%). Of the 308 students, 45.2% were female, 83.9% were Caucasian, and amphetamine-dextroamphetamine was the most commonly abused stimulant (71.4%). Results from this study are consistent with previous research of undergraduate students regarding prescription stimulant use for nonprescribed purposes, specifically for academic performance enhancement. Data from the study support that alcohol abuse and dependence among students is a pertinent concern, suggesting that substance abuse in general must be addressed. Substance abuse and awareness programs combined with stress management programs in an overall substance-abuse reduction strategy, including the use of prescription stimulant use beyond the originally intended purpose, may be beneficial. Because of the lack of research focusing on graduate health care students, further investigations should use similar populations.

Programming for Stimulation-Induced Transient Nonmotor Psychiatric Symptoms after Bilateral Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease

PubMed Central

Wu, Xi; Qiu, Yiqing; Simfukwe, Keith; Wang, Jiali; Chen, Jianchun

2017-01-01

Background Stimulation-induced transient nonmotor psychiatric symptoms (STPSs) are side effects following bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. We designed algorithms which (1) determine the electrode contacts that induce STPSs and (2) provide a programming protocol to eliminate STPS and maintain the optimal motor functions. Our objective is to test the effectiveness of these algorithms. Materials and Methods 454 PD patients who underwent programming sessions after STN-DBS implantations were retrospectively analyzed. Only STPS patients were enrolled. In these patients, the contacts inducing STPS were found and the programming protocol algorithms used. Results Eleven patients were diagnosed with STPS. Of these patients, two had four episodes of crying, and two had four episodes of mirthful laughter. In one patient, two episodes of abnormal sense of spatial orientation were observed. Hallucination episodes were observed twice in one patient, while five patients recorded eight episodes of hypomania. There were no statistical differences between the UPDRS-III under the final stimulation parameter (without STPS) and previous optimum UPDRS-III under the STPSs (p = 1.000). Conclusion The flow diagram used for determining electrode contacts that induce STPS and the programming protocol employed in the treatment of these symptoms are effective. PMID:28894620

Comprehensive Early Stimulation Program for Infants. Instruction Manual [and] Early Interventionist's Workbook [and] Parent/Caregiver Workbook. William Beaumont Hospital Speech and Language Pathology Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Santana, Altagracia A.; Bottino, Patti M.

This early intervention kit includes a Comprehensive Early Stimulation Program for Infants (CESPI) instruction manual, an early interventionist workbook, and ten parent/caregiver workbooks. The CESPI early intervention program is designed to provide therapists, teachers, other health professionals, and parents with a common-sense, practical guide…

The Role of Awards Programs in Stimulating Energy Efficient Behavior: A Study of Award Winners

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

McDermott, Christa; Malone, Elizabeth L.

The value of formal awards programs may be principally in gaining wider recognition for achievements in energy efficiency. But how do these programs contribute to the goal that is presumably behind this value, i.e., stimulating further energy efficient behavior, beyond publicizing the awards ceremonies and describing the projects via websites, posters, and the like? Interviews with 22 individuals and teams of award winners under the Department of Energy Federal Energy Management Program (DOE FEMP) yield insights on the roles that awards programs can play in stimulating energy efficient behavior, especially with regard to institutional dimensions of such behavior. Award winnersmore » identified institutional facilitators and barriers in their projects and programs as well as factors in their implementation processes, thus providing information that can guide other efforts. Although only one of the interviewees affirmed that winning an award was a motivating factor, awards do validate often-hard-won achievements through recognition and, in some cases, additional resources, thus stimulating both the winners themselves and those who see the achievements to further energy-saving activities. Finally, award winners’ responses demonstrated the importance of behavioral and institutional change in energy efficiency.« less

75 FR 66167 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-27

...) establishing the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and the general guidelines for... (including Federal holidays). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Outcomes Survey. OMB Approval Number: 3145-NEW. Expiration Date of Approval: Not...

Geothermal Reservoir Well Stimulation Program: technology transfer

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

Not Available

1980-05-01

Each of the following types of well stimulation techniques are summarized and explained: hydraulic fracturing; thermal; mechanical, jetting, and drainhole drilling; explosive and implosive; and injection methods. Current stimulation techniques, stimulation techniques for geothermal wells, areas of needed investigation, and engineering calculations for various techniques. (MHR)

Long-Term Evolution of the Electrical Stimulation Levels for Cochlear Implant Patients

PubMed Central

Vargas, Jose Luis; Sainz, Manuel; Roldan, Cristina; de la Torre, Angel

2012-01-01

Objectives The stimulation levels programmed in cochlear implant systems are affected by an evolution since the first switch-on of the processor. This study was designed to evaluate the changes in stimulation levels over time and the relationship between post-implantation physiological changes and with the hearing experience provided by the continuous use of the cochlear implant. Methods Sixty-two patients, ranging in age from 4 to 68 years at the moment of implantation participated in this study. All subjects were implanted with the 12 channels COMBI 40+ cochlear implant at San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain. Hearing loss etiology and progression characteristics varied across subjects. Results The analyzed programming maps show that the stimulation levels suffer a fast evolution during the first weeks after the first switch-on of the processor. Then, the evolution becomes slower and the programming parameters tend to be stable at about 6 months after the first switch-on. The evolution of the stimulation levels implies an increment of the electrical dynamic range, which is increased from 15.4 to 20.7 dB and improves the intensity resolution. A significant increment of the sensitivity to acoustic stimuli is also observed. For some patients, we have also observed transitory changes in the electrode impedances associated to secretory otitis media, which cause important changes in the programming maps. Conclusion We have studied the long-term evolution of the stimulation levels in cochlear implant patients. Our results show the importance of systematic measurements of the electrode impedances before the revision of the programming map. This report also highlights that the evolution of the programming maps is an important factor to be considered in order to determine an adequate calendar fitting of the cochlear implant processor. PMID:23205223

77 FR 47676 - Comment Request: Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research Jurisdictional Survey

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-09

... Research Jurisdictional Survey AGENCY: National Science Foundation. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: Under the... Program to Stimulate Competitive Research Jurisdictional Survey Evaluation for the National Science... objective of the Foundation to strengthen science and engineering research potential and education at all...

Programming Deep Brain Stimulation for Tremor and Dystonia: The Toronto Western Hospital Algorithms.

PubMed

Picillo, Marina; Lozano, Andres M; Kou, Nancy; Munhoz, Renato Puppi; Fasano, Alfonso

2016-01-01

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for essential tremor (ET) and dystonia. After surgery, a number of extensive programming sessions are performed, mainly relying on neurologist's personal experience as no programming guidelines have been provided so far, with the exception of recommendations provided by groups of experts. Finally, fewer information is available for the management of DBS in ET and dystonia compared with Parkinson's disease. Our aim is to review the literature on initial and follow-up DBS programming procedures for ET and dystonia and integrate the results with our current practice at Toronto Western Hospital (TWH) to develop standardized DBS programming protocols. We conducted a literature search of PubMed from inception to July 2014 with the keywords "balance", "bradykinesia", "deep brain stimulation", "dysarthria", "dystonia", "gait disturbances", "initial programming", "loss of benefit", "micrographia", "speech", "speech difficulties" and "tremor". Seventy-six papers were considered for this review. Based on the literature review and our experience at TWH, we refined three algorithms for management of ET, including: (1) initial programming, (2) management of balance and speech issues and (3) loss of stimulation benefit. We also depicted algorithms for the management of dystonia, including: (1) initial programming and (2) management of stimulation-induced hypokinesia (shuffling gait, micrographia and speech impairment). We propose five algorithms tailored to an individualized approach to managing ET and dystonia patients with DBS. We encourage the application of these algorithms to supplement current standards of care in established as well as new DBS centers to test the clinical usefulness of these algorithms in supplementing the current standards of care. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of focused multipolar stimulation for cochlear implants: a preclinical safety study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shepherd, Robert K.; Wise, Andrew K.; Enke, Ya Lang; Carter, Paul M.; Fallon, James B.

2017-08-01

Objective. Cochlear implants (CIs) have a limited number of independent stimulation channels due to the highly conductive nature of the fluid-filled cochlea. Attempts to develop highly focused stimulation to improve speech perception in CI users includes the use of simultaneous stimulation via multiple current sources. Focused multipolar (FMP) stimulation is an example of this approach and has been shown to reduce interaction between stimulating channels. However, compared with conventional biphasic current pulses generated from a single current source, FMP is a complex stimulus that includes extended periods of stimulation before charge recovery is achieved, raising questions on whether chronic stimulation with this strategy is safe. The present study evaluated the long-term safety of intracochlear stimulation using FMP in a preclinical animal model of profound deafness. Approach. Six cats were bilaterally implanted with scala tympani electrode arrays two months after deafening, and received continuous unilateral FMP stimulation at levels that evoked a behavioural response for periods of up to 182 d. Electrode impedance, electrically-evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) and auditory brainstem responses (EABRs) were monitored periodically over the course of the stimulation program from both the stimulated and contralateral control cochleae. On completion of the stimulation program cochleae were examined histologically and the electrode arrays were evaluated for evidence of platinum (Pt) corrosion. Main results. There was no significant difference in electrode impedance between control and chronically stimulated electrodes following long-term FMP stimulation. Moreover, there was no significant difference between ECAP and EABR thresholds evoked from control or stimulated cochleae at either the onset of stimulation or at completion of the stimulation program. Chronic FMP stimulation had no effect on spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) survival when compared with unstimulated control cochleae. Long-term implantation typically evoked a mild foreign body reaction proximal to the electrode array; however stimulated cochleae exhibited a small but statistically significant increase in the tissue response. Finally, there was no evidence of Pt corrosion following long-term FMP stimulation; stimulated electrodes exhibited the same surface features as the unstimulated control electrodes. Significance. Chronic intracochlear FMP stimulation at levels used in the present study did not adversely affect electrically-evoked neural thresholds or SGN survival but evoked a small, benign increase in inflammatory response compared to control ears. Moreover chronic FMP stimulation does not affect the surface of Pt electrodes at suprathreshold stimulus levels. These findings support the safe clinical application of an FMP stimulation strategy.

Toward Affective Development: A Program to Stimulate Psychological and Affective Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pearl, Linda F.

1987-01-01

Toward Affective Development (TAD), a 191-lesson program designed to stimulate psychological and affective development for third- through sixth-graders, can be used in special education, resource rooms, and remedial settings. TAD's five sections encompass: openness to experience, effects of emotions, group dynamics, individuality, and conflict…

Introduction to Foreign Languages and Cultures: A New Course to Stimulate Second Language Learning in the Public Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Watkins, Stephen A.

1978-01-01

Olympic View Middle School has established a program designed to stimulate interest in foreign languages and cultures. The course is intended as an introduction to foreign language and culture study, and is required for all 7th and 8th grade students. Program 1 of the course is taught during one semester of 7th grade, Program 2 during one semester…

Stimulating Creative Writing Through Literature: A Guide for Teachers of the Intermediate Grades.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pilon, Alice Barbara Cummings

A structured writing program for the intermediate grades was designed, utilizing such children's literature as poems, legends, fairy tales, tall tales, and books to stimulate elementary school children to write creatively. Chapters in the teacher's guide for the program present many specific suggestions and activities to help children (1) use…

Ten Project Areas to Stimulate an Interest in Reading.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leigh, Robert K.; And Others

The result of an International Reading Association committee organized to identify successful community programs that stimulate an interest in reading, this paper identifies and describes 10 selected program areas that might be used as models for other communities. Following a brief description of the project and the submission criteria, the 10…

[Phonological awareness improvement in primary school students].

PubMed

Cárnio, Maria Sílvia; dos Santos, Daniele

2005-01-01

Phonological awareness in primary school students. To verify the improvement of phonological awareness in primary school students after a speech and language stimulation program. 20 students with the worst results in the first literacy exam were selected. Phonological awareness tests were analyzed at the beginning and at the end of the stimulation program. Most of the subjects demonstrated to have a notion about phonological awareness activities. Students demonstrated improvement, suggesting the effectiveness of the program.

A Mixed Integer Linear Programming Approach to Electrical Stimulation Optimization Problems.

PubMed

Abouelseoud, Gehan; Abouelseoud, Yasmine; Shoukry, Amin; Ismail, Nour; Mekky, Jaidaa

2018-02-01

Electrical stimulation optimization is a challenging problem. Even when a single region is targeted for excitation, the problem remains a constrained multi-objective optimization problem. The constrained nature of the problem results from safety concerns while its multi-objectives originate from the requirement that non-targeted regions should remain unaffected. In this paper, we propose a mixed integer linear programming formulation that can successfully address the challenges facing this problem. Moreover, the proposed framework can conclusively check the feasibility of the stimulation goals. This helps researchers to avoid wasting time trying to achieve goals that are impossible under a chosen stimulation setup. The superiority of the proposed framework over alternative methods is demonstrated through simulation examples.

Cognitive stimulation intervention for elders with mild cognitive impairment compared with normal aged subjects: preliminary results.

PubMed

Wenisch, Emilie; Cantegreil-Kallen, Inge; De Rotrou, Jocelyne; Garrigue, Pia; Moulin, Florence; Batouche, Fériel; Richard, Aurore; De Sant'Anna, Martha; Rigaud, Anne Sophie

2007-08-01

Cognitive training programs have been developed for Alzheimer's disease patients and the healthy elderly population. Collective cognitive stimulation programs have been shown to be efficient for subjects with memory complaint. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of such cognitive programs in populations with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Twelve patients with MCI and twelve cognitively normal elders were administered a cognitive stimulation program. Cognitive performance (Logical Memory, Word paired associative learning task, Trail Making Test, verbal fluency test) were collected before and after the intervention. A gain score [(post-score - pre-score)/ pre-score] was calculated for each variable and compared between groups. The analysis revealed a larger intervention size effect in MCI than in normal elders' performances on the associative learning task (immediate recall: p<0.05, delayed recall: p<0.01). The intervention was more beneficial in improving associative memory abilities in MCI than in normal subjects. At the end of the intervention, the MCI group had lower results than the normal group only for the delayed recall of Logical Memory. Although further studies are needed for more details on the impact of cognitive stimulation programs on MCI patients, this intervention is effective in compensating associative memory difficulties of these patients. Among non-pharmacological interventions, cognitive stimulation therapy is a repeatable and inexpensive collective method that can easily be provided to various populations with the aim of slowing down the rate of decline in elderly persons with cognitive impairment.

The Use of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation as Part of a Program of Supports To Improve Gait in a Child with Cerebral Palsy and Severe Mental Retardation--A Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kornhaber, L.; Kathirithamby, R.; Cohen, H. J.

A case study of a 10-year-old boy with cerebral palsy and severe mental retardation investigated whether he would be able to: (1) benefit from a program of supports which includes neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with intensity sufficient to achieve a tetanic muscle contraction, (2) participate in a weekly program, using NMES, in a…

Advanced stimulation technology deployment program: Sonat Exploration Company, Haynesville Formation, North Shongaloo, Red Rock Field, Columbia County, Arkansas and Webster Parish, Louisiana. Topical report, August 1995-January 1997

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

Skees, J.L.; Middlebrook, M.L.; Anthony, W.L.

1997-01-01

The objective of this program is to transfer the core GRI advanced stimulation technologies to Sonat Exploration Company for their continued use upon completion of the program. The methodology to accomplish the objective included seminars and training schools, offset well baseline analysis, fracture treatment design optimization, real-time and post-fracture treatment evaluation and documentation of economic benefits.

Augmenting Visual Search Performance with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-01

AFRL-RH-WP-TR-2015-0013 Augmenting Visual Search Performance with transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ( tDCS ) Justin Nelson...Stimulation ( tDCS ) 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER In-House 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Justin Nelson‡, Dr. R. Andy McKinley...evaluate a form of non-invasive brain stimulation known as transcranial direct current stimulation ( tDCS ) over the left frontal eye field (LFEF) region

Stimulating Physical Development of Mentally Retarded Children. Mental Retardation Training Program Technical Report Series 70-3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stein, Julian U.; And Others

Four papers presented at an all-day workshop at Ohio State University focus on stimulating the physical development of mentally retarded children. Noted in the introduction is importance of cooperation between university training programs and facilities serving the mentally handicapped. Julian Stein discusses the physical and motor development of…

Correlation between the sudden jump-like increases of the atrio-Hisian interval induced during burst atrial pacing and during programmed atrial stimulation in patients with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia.

PubMed

Bayraktarova, Iskra H; Stoyanov, Milko K; Kunev, Boyan T; Shalganov, Tchavdar N

To study the correlation between the sudden prolongations of the atrio-Hisian (AH) interval with ≥50 ms during burst and programmed atrial stimulation, and to define whether the AH jump during burst atrial pacing is a reliable diagnostic criterion for dual AV nodal physiology. Retrospective data on 304 patients with preliminary ECG diagnosis of AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), confirmed during electrophysiological study, was analyzed for the presence of AH jump during burst and programmed atrial stimulation, and for correlation between the pacing modes for inducing the jump. Wilcoxon signed-ranks test and Spearman's bivariate correlation coefficient were applied, significant was P-value <0.05. The population was aged 48.5 ± 15.7 (12-85) years; males were 38.5%. AH jump occurred during burst atrial pacing in 81% of the patients, and during programmed stimulation - in 78%, P = 0.366. In 63.2% AH jump was induced by both pacing modes; in 17.8% - only by burst pacing; in 14.8% - only by programmed pacing; in 4.2% there was no inducible jump. There was negative correlation between both pacing modes, ρ = -0.204, Р<0.001. Burst and programmed atrial stimulation separately prove the presence of dual AV nodal physiology in 81 and 78% of the patients with AVNRT, respectively. There is negative correlation between the two pacing modes, allowing the combination of the two methods to prove diagnostic in 95.8% of the patients. Copyright © 2017 Indian Heart Rhythm Society. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Language Development in Children Who Are Prelingually Deaf Who Have Used the SPEAK or CIS Stimulation Strategies since Initial Stimulation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Svirsky, Mario A.; Chute, Patricia M.; Green, Janet; Bollard, Priscilla; Miyamoto, Richard T.

2000-01-01

A study examined language skills in 44 pediatric cochlear implant users. All participants received implants before age 6 and were programmed with state-of-the-art stimulation strategies (Continuous Interleaved Sampler or Spectral Peak) since the day of initial stimulation. Postimplantation language development proceeded at a pace that was not…

Technology-based intervention programs to promote stimulation control and communication in post-coma persons with different levels of disability

PubMed Central

Lancioni, Giulio E.; Bosco, Andrea; Olivetti Belardinelli, Marta; Singh, Nirbhay N.; O'Reilly, Mark F.; Sigafoos, Jeff; Oliva, Doretta

2013-01-01

Post-coma persons in a minimally conscious state and with extensive motor impairment or emerging/emerged from such a state, but affected by lack of speech and motor impairment, tend to be passive and isolated. A way to help them develop functional responding to control environmental events and communication involves the use of intervention programs relying on assistive technology. This paper provides an overview of technology-based intervention programs for enabling the participants to (a) access brief periods of stimulation through one or two microswitches, (b) pursue stimulation and social contact through the combination of a microswitch and a sensor connected to a speech generating device (SGD) or through two SGD-related sensors, (c) control stimulation options through computer or radio systems and a microswitch, (d) communicate through modified messaging or telephone systems operated via microswitch, and (e) control combinations of leisure and communication options through computer systems operated via microswitch. Twenty-six studies, involving a total of 52 participants, were included in this paper. The intervention programs were carried out using single-subject methodology, and their outcomes were generally considered positive from the standpoint of the participants and their context. Practical implications of the programs are discussed. PMID:24574992

United States Air Force High School Apprenticeship Program: 1989 Program Management Report. Volume 3

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-12-01

orrtent of visual or auditory stimulus exposed to the eyes o- oays -t a level below normal threshold, it is possible to perceive the subliminal stimuli...usually to small or vague to be consciously recognized, but they are declared to influence the 87-6 viewer’s subconsc’ious sex drive. Stimulation below...programs the mechanisms to stimulate career interests in science and technology in high school students showing promise in these areas. The Air Force High

The ASEE-University of Maryland-Catholic University-NASA summer Faculty Fellowship Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morakis, J. C. (Compiler)

1970-01-01

University faculty members go to Goddard for a period, often weeks, during which they engage actively in research and at the same time participate in seminars related to their research. The objectives of this program are: (1) stimulation of schools to become interested in the research problems confronting Goddard; (2) creation of interest of the university faculty to continue their research after completing the formal program; (3) stimulation of people through associations with the university faculty and through participation in the program's seminars; and (4) establishment of closer ties with the universities.

A Standing Location Detector Enabling People with Developmental Disabilities to Control Environmental Stimulation through Simple Physical Activities with Nintendo Wii Balance Boards

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shih, Ching-Hsiang

2011-01-01

This study evaluated whether two people with developmental disabilities would be able to actively perform simple physical activities by controlling their favorite environmental stimulation using Nintendo Wii Balance Boards with a newly developed standing location detection program (SLDP, i.e., a new software program turning a Nintendo Wii Balance…

An Object Location Detector Enabling People with Developmental Disabilities to Control Environmental Stimulation through Simple Occupational Activities with Battery-Free Wireless Mice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shih, Ching-Hsiang

2011-01-01

This study assessed whether two persons with developmental disabilities would be able to actively perform simple occupational activities by controlling their favorite environmental stimulation using battery-free wireless mice with a newly developed object location detection program (OLDP, i.e., a new software program turning a battery-free…

Prognostic value of programmed electrical stimulation in Brugada syndrome: 20 years experience.

PubMed

Sieira, Juan; Conte, Giulio; Ciconte, Giuseppe; de Asmundis, Carlo; Chierchia, Gian-Battista; Baltogiannis, Giannis; Di Giovanni, Giacomo; Saitoh, Yukio; Irfan, Ghazala; Casado-Arroyo, Ruben; Juliá, Justo; La Meir, Mark; Wellens, Francis; Wauters, Kristel; Van Malderen, Sophie; Pappaert, Gudrun; Brugada, Pedro

2015-08-01

The prognostic value of electrophysiological investigations in individuals with Brugada syndrome remains controversial. Different groups have published contradictory data. Long-term follow-up is needed to clarify this issue. Patients presenting with spontaneous or drug-induced Brugada type I ECG and in whom programmed electric stimulation was performed at our institution were considered eligible for this study. A total of 403 consecutive patients (235 males, 58.2%; mean age, 43.2±16.2 years) were included. Ventricular arrhythmias during programmed electric stimulation were induced in 73 (18.1%) patients. After a mean follow-up time of 74.3±57.3 months (median 57.3), 25 arrhythmic events occurred (16 in the inducible group and 9 in the noninducible). Ventricular arrhythmias inducibility presented a hazard ratio for events of 8.3 (95% confidence interval, 3.6-19.4), P<0.01. Programmed ventricular stimulation of the heart is a good predictor of outcome in individuals with Brugada syndrome. It might be of special value to guide further management when performed in asymptomatic individuals. The overall accuracy of the test makes it a suitable screening tool to reassure noninducible asymptomatic individuals. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Pre-Language Activities for the Profoundly Mentally Retarded.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Poole, Marilyn R.; And Others

Provided are sample lesson plans for a program to develop pre-language skills in profoundly retarded children and adults. Characteristic of the suggested activities is the stimulation of all sensory channels through structured infant-like play activities in five general areas: oral stimulation, sensory arousal, motor stimulation, vocal play, and…

Analysis of the Thermal and Hydraulic Stimulation Program at Raft River, Idaho

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradford, Jacob; McLennan, John; Moore, Joseph; Podgorney, Robert; Plummer, Mitchell; Nash, Greg

2017-05-01

The Raft River geothermal field, located in southern Idaho, roughly 100 miles northwest of Salt Lake City, is the site of a Department of Energy Enhanced Geothermal System project designed to develop new techniques for enhancing the permeability of geothermal wells. RRG-9 ST1, the target stimulation well, was drilled to a measured depth of 5962 ft. and cased to 5551 ft. The open-hole section of the well penetrates Precambrian quartzite and quartz monzonite. The well encountered a temperature of 282 °F at its base. Thermal and hydraulic stimulation was initiated in June 2013. Several injection strategies have been employed. These strategies have included the continuous injection of water at temperatures ranging from 53 to 115 °F at wellhead pressures of approximately 275 psi and three short-term hydraulic stimulations at pressures up to approximately 1150 psi. Flow rates, wellhead and line pressures and fluid temperatures are measured continuously. These data are being utilized to assess the effectiveness of the stimulation program. As of August 2014, nearly 90 million gallons have been injected. A modified Hall plot has been used to characterize the relationships between the bottom-hole flowing pressure and the cumulative injection fluid volume. The data indicate that the skin factor is decreased, and/or the permeability around the wellbore has increased since the stimulation program was initiated. The injectivity index also indicates a positive improvement with values ranging from 0.15 gal/min psi in July 2013 to 1.73 gal/min psi in February 2015. Absolute flow rates have increased from approximately 20 to 475 gpm by February 2 2015. Geologic, downhole temperature and seismic data suggest the injected fluid enters a fracture zone at 5650 ft and then travels upward to a permeable horizon at the contact between the Precambrian rocks and the overlying Tertiary sedimentary and volcanic deposits. The reservoir simulation program FALCON developed at the Idaho National Laboratory is being used to simulate and visualize the effects of the injection. The simulation model uses a discrete fracture network generated for RRG-9 using acoustic borehole imaging and analysis of microseismic activity. By adjusting the permeability of the fractures, a pressure history match for the first part of the stimulation program was obtained. The results of this model indicate that hydraulic fracturing is the dominant mechanism for permeability improvement for this part of the stimulation program.

An Arbitrary Waveform Wearable Neuro-stimulator System for Neurophysiology Research on Freely Behaving Animals.

PubMed

Samani, Mohsen Mosayebi; Mahnam, Amin; Hosseini, Nasrin

2014-04-01

Portable wireless neuro-stimulators have been developed to facilitate long-term cognitive and behavioral studies on the central nervous system in freely moving animals. These stimulators can provide precisely controllable input(s) to the nervous system, without distracting the animal attention with cables connected to its body. In this study, a low power backpack neuro-stimulator was developed for animal brain researches that can provides arbitrary stimulus waveforms for the stimulation, while it is small and light weight to be used for small animals including rats. The system consists of a controller that uses an RF link to program and activate a small and light microprocessor-based stimulator. A Howland current source was implemented to produce precise current controlled arbitrary waveform stimulations. The system was optimized for ultra-low power consumption and small size. The stimulator was first tested for its electrical specifications. Then its performance was evaluated in a rat experiment when electrical stimulation of medial longitudinal fasciculus induced circling behavior. The stimulator is capable of delivering programmed stimulations up to ± 2 mA with adjusting steps of 1 μA, accuracy of 0.7% and compliance of 6 V. The stimulator is 15 mm × 20 mm × 40 mm in size, weights 13.5 g without battery and consumes a total power of only 5.l mW. In the experiment, the rat could easily carry the stimulator and demonstrated the circling behavior for 0.1 ms current pulses of above 400 μA. The developed system has a competitive size and weight, whereas providing a wide range of operation and the flexibility of generating arbitrary stimulation patterns ideal for long-term experiments in the field of cognitive and neuroscience research.

Enhancing Warfighter Cognitive Abilities with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A Feasibility Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

AFRL-HE-WP-TR-2007-0095 Enhancing Warfighter Cognitive Abilities with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation : a Feasibility Analysis Jeremy T. Nelson...Abilities with Transcranial N/A Magnetic Stimulation : a Feasibility Analysis 5b. GRANTNUMBER N/A 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 62202F 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d...feasibility of using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to enhance warfighter cognitive abilities. An extensive literature review was conducted

A Three-Dimensional Object Orientation Detector Assisting People with Developmental Disabilities to Control Their Environmental Stimulation through Simple Occupational Activities with a Nintendo Wii Remote Controller

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shih, Ching-Hsiang; Chang, Man-Ling; Mohua, Zhang

2012-01-01

This study evaluated whether two people with developmental disabilities would be able to actively perform simple occupational activities to control their preferred environmental stimulation using a Nintendo Wii Remote Controller with a newly developed three-dimensional object orientation detection program (TDOODP, i.e. a new software program,…

15 CFR 296.33 - Annual report.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION PROGRAM... House of Representatives a report describing the Technology Innovation Program's activities, including a... for management of programs to stimulate high-risk, high-reward research. ...

Triangular stimulation method utilizing combination spinal cord stimulation with peripheral subcutaneous field stimulation for chronic pain patients: a retrospective study.

PubMed

Navarro, Rosa M; Vercimak, Danika C

2012-01-01

This retrospective data collection study aims to evaluate the responses of patients who have been implanted with a neuromodulation system using a combination of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and peripheral subcutaneous field stimulation (PSFS) leads for chronic intractable pain. Forty patients with chronic, intractable pain implanted with both SCS and PSFS leads were enrolled in a retrospective data collection study. Pre-implant data (demographics, pain levels, pain location, and medication use) and post-implant data (pain levels, medication use, and device programming reports) were compared to measure short- and long-term improvements in pain for a period of approximately six months. Device system use and parameter data were collected. The majority of patients experienced immediate and short-term pain relief and reduction in oral pain medications as a result of combination SCS/PSFS therapy. The improvements were maintained for some, but not all patients by six months. Patients cycled through multiple programs over follow-up; the use of triangular stimulation was consistent over time, and by six months, patients preferred this program over others. Limitations of the retrospective chart review included missing data and variable follow-up times, and may have made determinations of long-term efficacy difficult. This study demonstrates that combination SCS and PSFS therapy is potentially a beneficial treatment option for reducing pain levels and oral pain medication compared with baseline in previously resistive chronic pain patients. There is a need for further study of this therapy in a greater number of subjects and in a prospective, controlled setting. In the author's general experience, triangular stimulation is very effective for treating isolated low back pain, because it covers larger topographic areas of the lower back than flow or field stimulation. An investigational device exemption study will be necessary for subcutaneous field stimulation indicated for focal isolated pain to be adequately investigated and utilized by physicians in the future. © 2012 International Neuromodulation Society.

Effects of Electrical Stimulation Rate on Speech Recognition in Cochlear Implant Users

PubMed Central

Park, Sung Hye; Kim, Eunoak; Lee, Hyo-Jeong

2012-01-01

Background and Objectives The stimulus signals delivered in cochlear implant (CI) systems are generally derived by sampling the temporal envelope of each channel at some constant rate and using its intensity to control the stimulation current level delivered to the corresponding electrode site. The objective of the study was to investigate speech recognition performance of cochlear implant users in quiet and noisy environments using either moderate or high rates of electrical stimulations. Materials and Methods Six post-lingually deafened adult users of the Nucleus CI24 cochlear implant (Contour® electrode array, Cochlear™, Macquarie Park, Australia) with the Freedom® speech processor participated in the study. Stimulation rates of 900 and 2400 pulses-per-second/channel (pps/ch) were used after both stimulation programs were balanced for loudness. Monosyllabic word and sentence recognition scores in quiet and noisy environments were evaluated for each stimulation program after two months of practice. Subjects were also asked to respond to a questionnaire to examine their preference to any stimulation rate in different hearing conditions. Results Word recognition scores for monosyllabic words in quiet conditions with the 900 stimulation rate was better than that of the 2400 stimulation rate, although no significant differences between them were found for sentence test in noise. A survey questionnaire indicated that most subjects preferred the 900 stimulation rate to the 2400 stimulation rate, especially in quiet conditions. Conclusions Most subjects indicated a preference for 900 pps/ch rate in quiet conditions. It is recommended to remap at 900 pps/ch for those CI users whose performance in quiet conditions is less than ideal. PMID:24653862

Effects of electrical stimulation rate on speech recognition in cochlear implant users.

PubMed

Park, Sung Hye; Kim, Eunoak; Lee, Hyo-Jeong; Kim, Hyung-Jong

2012-04-01

The stimulus signals delivered in cochlear implant (CI) systems are generally derived by sampling the temporal envelope of each channel at some constant rate and using its intensity to control the stimulation current level delivered to the corresponding electrode site. The objective of the study was to investigate speech recognition performance of cochlear implant users in quiet and noisy environments using either moderate or high rates of electrical stimulations. Six post-lingually deafened adult users of the Nucleus CI24 cochlear implant (Contour® electrode array, Cochlear™, Macquarie Park, Australia) with the Freedom® speech processor participated in the study. Stimulation rates of 900 and 2400 pulses-per-second/channel (pps/ch) were used after both stimulation programs were balanced for loudness. Monosyllabic word and sentence recognition scores in quiet and noisy environments were evaluated for each stimulation program after two months of practice. Subjects were also asked to respond to a questionnaire to examine their preference to any stimulation rate in different hearing conditions. Word recognition scores for monosyllabic words in quiet conditions with the 900 stimulation rate was better than that of the 2400 stimulation rate, although no significant differences between them were found for sentence test in noise. A survey questionnaire indicated that most subjects preferred the 900 stimulation rate to the 2400 stimulation rate, especially in quiet conditions. Most subjects indicated a preference for 900 pps/ch rate in quiet conditions. It is recommended to remap at 900 pps/ch for those CI users whose performance in quiet conditions is less than ideal.

Augmenting Visual Search Performance with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-28

Augmenting Visual Search Performance with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ( tDCS ) 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 62202F...stimulation ( tDCS ) over the left frontal eye field (LFEF) region of the scalp to improve cognitive performance. The participants received anodal and...blinking frequency in relation to stimulation condition. Our data suggest that tDCS over the LFEF would be a beneficial countermeasure to mitigate the

Estradiol in saliva for monitoring follicular stimulation in an in vitro fertilization program

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

Belkien, L.D.; Bordt, J.; Moeller, P.

1985-09-01

A rapid and sensitive radioimmunoassay (RIA) was developed to compare serum and saliva estradiol (E/sub 2/) levels in patients undergoing ovulation induction in an in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) program. Serum and saliva E/sub 2/ were compared in 23 patients. The sensitivity of the saliva RIA standard curve was 11 fmol/tube (equal to 3.2 pg/tube). There was a highly significant correlation between serum and saliva E/sub 2/ throughout the stimulated cycles. The ratio of serum to saliva E/sub 2/ was constant throughout the stimulated cycles. The E/sub 2/ concentration per follicle was 1548 pmol/l in serum and 23more » pmol/l in saliva. Mean E/sub 2/ levels in saliva (+/- SD) were 74 +/- 21 pmol/l at midcycle and 46 +/- 12 pmol/l at midluteal phase. The findings indicate that measurement of saliva E/sub 2/ provides a reliable, noninvasive method and may replace serum measurements for monitoring stimulated cycles in an IVF-ET program.« less

A Limb Action Detector Enabling People with Multiple Disabilities to Control Environmental Stimulation through Limb Action with a Nintendo Wii Remote Controller

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shih, Ching-Hsiang; Chang, Man-Ling; Shih, Ching-Tien

2010-01-01

This study assessed whether two persons with multiple disabilities would be able to control environmental stimulation using limb action with a Nintendo Wii Remote Controller and a newly developed limb action detection program (LADP, i.e., a new software program that turns a Wii Remote Controller into a precise limb action detector). This study was…

A New Standing Posture Detector to Enable People with Multiple Disabilities to Control Environmental Stimulation by Changing Their Standing Posture through a Commercial Wii Balance Board

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shih, Ching-Hsiang; Shih, Ching-Tien; Chiang, Ming-Shan

2010-01-01

This study assessed whether two persons with multiple disabilities would be able to control environmental stimulation using body swing (changing standing posture) and a Wii Balance Board with a newly developed standing posture detection program (i.e. a new software program turns a Wii Balance Board into a precise standing posture detector). The…

A New Limb Movement Detector Enabling People with Multiple Disabilities to Control Environmental Stimulation through Limb Swing with a Gyration Air Mouse

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shih, Ching-Hsiang; Chang, Man-Ling; Shih, Ching-Tien

2010-01-01

This study assessed whether two persons with multiple disabilities would be able to control environmental stimulation using limb swing with a gyration air mouse and a newly developed limb movement detection program (LMDP, i.e., a new software program that turns a gyration air mouse into a precise limb movement detector). The study was performed…

The Effectiveness of Three Reading Approaches and an Oral Language Stimulation Program with Disadvantaged Children in the Primary Grades: A Follow-Up Report After the Third Grade.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dunn, Lloyd M.; Bruininks, Robert H.

The Cooperative Reading Project was a 2-year study designed to test the effectiveness of three initial reading approaches and an oral language stimulation program with inner-city Southern disadvantaged children. This followup study looked for differences among the treatment groups after pupils had completed their third school year. The 354…

Prospective Evaluation of Patient Usage of Above and Below Threshold Waveforms With Traditional Spinal Cord Stimulation Devices.

PubMed

Owusu, Stephanie; Huynh, Alexander; Gruenthal, Eric; Prusik, Julia; Owusu-Sarpong, Stephane; Cherala, Rasan; Peng, Sophia; Pilitsis, Julie G; McCallum, Sarah E

2017-08-01

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an efficacious therapy used to treat chronic pain. The type of SCS programming is important in improving patients' quality of life and overall satisfaction. In this study, 19 patients who underwent SCS with traditional devices were given between 4 and 6 programs including programs with stimulation below sensory threshold and above sensory threshold. Usage patterns and preferences were assessed. SCS patients were given 4-6 programs, some above sensory threshold and some below threshold immediately postoperatively after permanent implantation. Usage patterns of different programs were documented, including percent of time that the settings were used and preference for above threshold vs. below threshold settings during sleeping, walking, sitting, and vigorous activity. Improvements at three months in Oswestry disability index (ODI), numeric rating scale (NRS), Beck depression inventory (BDI), McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ), pain catastrophizing scale (PCS), insomnia severity index (ISI), and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) were evaluated. Patients were all trialed on above sensory threshold programs. Six weeks after implantation, most patients preferred above threshold stimulation (74%) vs. below threshold waveforms (21%). Patient diagnosis, type/location of lead or recharging burden played no role in patient preference. Above threshold patients had significantly better improvement in BDI scores than did below threshold patients (p < 0.05) at three-month follow-up but also had worse ESS scores (p < 0.05). Above threshold stimulation was preferred for walking and sitting (p < 0.05). Results indicate that when given the option between waveforms inducing paresthesias and those that do not, SCS patients tend to prefer waveforms that induce paresthesias. Among users of above threshold waveforms, there was preference for these settings during walking and sitting. There was a trend for below threshold preference in vigorous activity and sleeping. © 2017 International Neuromodulation Society.

Depolarization Diffusion During Weak Suprathreshold Stimulation of Cardiac Tissue

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-10-25

DEPOLARIZATION DIFFUSION DURING WEAK SUPRATHRESHOLD STIMULATION OF CARDIAC TISSUE Vladimir Nikolski, Aleksandre Sambelashvili, and Igor R. Efimov...the depolarized regions. Such an activation pattern appears similar to break activation. The effect of the depolarization diffusion from depolarized...Subtitle Depolarization Diffusion During Weak Suprathreshold Stimulation of Cardiac Tissue Contract Number Grant Number Program Element Number Author(s

Pedunculopontine nucleus stimulation improves akinesia in a Parkinsonian monkey.

PubMed

Jenkinson, Ned; Nandi, Dipankar; Miall, R Chris; Stein, John F; Aziz, Tipu Z

2004-12-03

We have studied the effects of stimulating the pedunculopontine nuclei through a fully implanted macroelectrode with a s.c. implantable pulse generator whose parameters can be programmed telemetrically, in a macaque before and after inducing Parkinsonian akinesia with MPTP. Our results show that in the normal monkey high frequency stimulation of the pedunculopontine nuclei reduces motor activity while low frequency stimulation increases it significantly over baseline. After making the monkey Parkinsonian with MPTP, unilateral low frequency stimulation of the pedunculopontine nuclei led to significant increases in activity. These results suggest that pedunculopontine nuclei stimulation could be clinically effective in treating advanced Parkinson's disease and other akinetic disorders.

Using the infrastructure of a conditional cash transfer program to deliver a scalable integrated early child development program in Colombia: cluster randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Attanasio, Orazio P; Fernández, Camila; Fitzsimons, Emla O A; Grantham-McGregor, Sally M; Meghir, Costas; Rubio-Codina, Marta

2014-09-29

To assess the effectiveness of an integrated early child development intervention, combining stimulation and micronutrient supplementation and delivered on a large scale in Colombia, for children's development, growth, and hemoglobin levels. Cluster randomized controlled trial, using a 2 × 2 factorial design, with municipalities assigned to one of four groups: psychosocial stimulation, micronutrient supplementation, combined intervention, or control. 96 municipalities in Colombia, located across eight of its 32 departments. 1420 children aged 12-24 months and their primary carers. Psychosocial stimulation (weekly home visits with play demonstrations), micronutrient sprinkles given daily, and both combined. All delivered by female community leaders for 18 months. Cognitive, receptive and expressive language, and fine and gross motor scores on the Bayley scales of infant development-III; height, weight, and hemoglobin levels measured at the baseline and end of intervention. Stimulation improved cognitive scores (adjusted for age, sex, testers, and baseline levels of outcomes) by 0.26 of a standard deviation (P=0.002). Stimulation also increased receptive language by 0.22 of a standard deviation (P=0.032). Micronutrient supplementation had no significant effect on any outcome and there was no interaction between the interventions. No intervention affected height, weight, or hemoglobin levels. Using the infrastructure of a national welfare program we implemented the integrated early child development intervention on a large scale and showed its potential for improving children's cognitive development. We found no effect of supplementation on developmental or health outcomes. Moreover, supplementation did not interact with stimulation. The implementation model for delivering stimulation suggests that it may serve as a promising blueprint for future policy on early childhood development.Trial registration Current Controlled trials ISRCTN18991160. © Attanasio et al 2014.

Beneficial effects of multisensory and cognitive stimulation on age-related cognitive decline in long-term-care institutions

PubMed Central

De Oliveira, Thaís Cristina Galdino; Soares, Fernanda Cabral; De Macedo, Liliane Dias E Dias; Diniz, Domingos Luiz Wanderley Picanço; Bento-Torres, Natáli Valim Oliver; Picanço-Diniz, Cristovam Wanderley

2014-01-01

The aim of the present report was to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of multisensory and cognitive stimulation on improving cognition in elderly persons living in long-term-care institutions (institutionalized [I]) or in communities with their families (noninstitutionalized [NI]). We compared neuropsychological performance using language and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) test scores before and after 24 and 48 stimulation sessions. The two groups were matched by age and years of schooling. Small groups of ten or fewer volunteers underwent the stimulation program, twice a week, over 6 months (48 sessions in total). Sessions were based on language and memory exercises, as well as visual, olfactory, auditory, and ludic stimulation, including music, singing, and dance. Both groups were assessed at the beginning (before stimulation), in the middle (after 24 sessions), and at the end (after 48 sessions) of the stimulation program. Although the NI group showed higher performance in all tasks in all time windows compared with I subjects, both groups improved their performance after stimulation. In addition, the improvement was significantly higher in the I group than the NI group. Language tests seem to be more efficient than the MMSE to detect early changes in cognitive status. The results suggest the impoverished environment of long-term-care institutions may contribute to lower cognitive scores before stimulation and the higher improvement rate of this group after stimulation. In conclusion, language tests should be routinely adopted in the neuropsychological assessment of elderly subjects, and long-term-care institutions need to include regular sensorimotor, social, and cognitive stimulation as a public health policy for elderly persons. PMID:24600211

Stimulation of functional vision in children with perinatal brain damage.

PubMed

Alimović, Sonja; Mejaski-Bosnjak, Vlatka

2011-01-01

Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is one of the most common causes of bilateral visual loss, which frequently occurs due to perinatal brain injury. Vision in early life has great impact on acquisition of basic comprehensions which are fundamental for further development. Therefore, early detection of visual problems and early intervention is necessary. The aim of the present study is to determine specific visual functioning of children with perinatal brain damage and the influence of visual stimulation on development of functional vision at early age of life. We initially assessed 30 children with perinatal brain damage up to 3 years of age, who were reffered to our pediatric low vision cabinet in "Little house" from child neurologists, ophthalmologists Type and degree of visual impairment was determined according to functional vision assessment of each child. On the bases of those assessments different kind of visual stimulations were carried out with children who have been identified to have a certain visual impairment. Through visual stimulation program some of the children were stimulated with light stimulus, some with different materials under the ultraviolet (UV) light, and some with bright color and high contrast materials. Children were also involved in program of early stimulation of overall sensory motor development. Goals and methods of therapy were determined individually, based on observation of child's possibilities and need. After one year of program, reassessment was done. Results for visual functions and functional vision were compared to evaluate the improvement of the vision development. These results have shown that there was significant improvement in functional vision, especially in visual attention and visual communication.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THREE READING APPROACHES AND AN ORAL LANGUAGE STIMULATION PROGRAM WITH DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN IN THE PRIMARY GRADES--AN INTERIM REPORT AFTER ONE YEAR OF THE COOPERATIVE READING PROJECT.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DUNN, LLOYD M.; AND OTHERS

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THREE APPROACHES TO TEACHING BEGINNING READING AND THE INFLUENCE OF AN ORAL LANGUAGE STIMULATION PROGRAM ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN IS REPORTED IN THE FIRST-YEAR REPORT OF A 2-YEAR INTERVENTION STUDY. SUBJECTS WERE 608 FIRST-GRADE PUPILS FROM 12 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN AN INNER-CITY AREA. THE THREE EXPERIMENTAL…

Effects of incentives programs

Treesearch

Duane L. Green

1977-01-01

Incentives have played an important role in forestry accomplishments on private forest lands. Direct cost-share assistance programs, such as the Forestry Incentives Program, stimulate additional accomplishments in greater proportion than their actual inputs. Two States currently operate their own "incentives" programs. In addition, the Pacific Northwest...

Effects of stimulation parameters and electrode location on thresholds for epidural stimulation of cat motor cortex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wongsarnpigoon, Amorn; Grill, Warren M.

2011-12-01

Epidural electrical stimulation (ECS) of the motor cortex is a developing therapy for neurological disorders. Both placement and programming of ECS systems may affect the therapeutic outcome, but the treatment parameters that will maximize therapeutic outcomes and minimize side effects are not known. We delivered ECS to the motor cortex of anesthetized cats and investigated the effects of electrode placement and stimulation parameters on thresholds for evoking motor responses in the contralateral forelimb. Thresholds were inversely related to stimulation frequency and the number of pulses per stimulus train. Thresholds were lower over the forelimb representation in motor cortex (primary site) than surrounding sites (secondary sites), and thresholds at sites <4 mm away from the primary site were significantly lower than at sites >4 mm away. Electrode location and montage influenced the effects of polarity on thresholds: monopolar anodic and cathodic thresholds were not significantly different over the primary site, cathodic thresholds were significantly lower than anodic thresholds over secondary sites and bipolar thresholds were significantly lower with the anode over the primary site than with the cathode over the primary site. A majority of bipolar thresholds were either between or equal to the respective monopolar thresholds, but several bipolar thresholds were greater than or less than the monopolar thresholds of both the anode and cathode. During bipolar stimulation, thresholds were influenced by both electric field superposition and indirect, synaptically mediated interactions. These results demonstrate the influence of stimulation parameters and electrode location during cortical stimulation, and these effects should be considered during the programming of systems for therapeutic cortical stimulation.

Air Transport and Travel Industry Training Board

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Industrial Training Journal, 1974

1974-01-01

Seeing its role as one of stimulating, guiding, and coordinating training activities rather than providing central training facilities, three programs have been developed by the Air Transport and Travel Industry Training Board: (1) an occupational program, (2) a company program, and (3) an industry program. (MW)

A New Visual Stimulation Program for Improving Visual Acuity in Children with Visual Impairment: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Tsai, Li-Ting; Hsu, Jung-Lung; Wu, Chien-Te; Chen, Chia-Ching; Su, Yu-Chin

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of visual rehabilitation of a computer-based visual stimulation (VS) program combining checkerboard pattern reversal (passive stimulation) with oddball stimuli (attentional modulation) for improving the visual acuity (VA) of visually impaired (VI) children and children with amblyopia and additional developmental problems. Six children (three females, three males; mean age = 3.9 ± 2.3 years) with impaired VA caused by deficits along the anterior and/or posterior visual pathways were recruited. Participants received eight rounds of VS training (two rounds per week) of at least eight sessions per round. Each session consisted of stimulation with 200 or 300 pattern reversals. Assessments of VA (assessed with the Lea symbol VA test or Teller VA cards), visual evoked potential (VEP), and functional vision (assessed with the Chinese-version Functional Vision Questionnaire, FVQ) were carried out before and after the VS program. Significant gains in VA were found after the VS training [VA = 1.05 logMAR ± 0.80 to 0.61 logMAR ± 0.53, Z = -2.20, asymptotic significance (2-tailed) = 0.028]. No significant changes were observed in the FVQ assessment [92.8 ± 12.6 to 100.8 ±SD = 15.4, Z = -1.46, asymptotic significance (2-tailed) = 0.144]. VEP measurement showed improvement in P100 latency and amplitude or integration of the waveform in two participants. Our results indicate that a computer-based VS program with passive checkerboard stimulation, oddball stimulus design, and interesting auditory feedback could be considered as a potential intervention option to improve the VA of a wide age range of VI children and children with impaired VA combined with other neurological disorders.

A New Visual Stimulation Program for Improving Visual Acuity in Children with Visual Impairment: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Tsai, Li-Ting; Hsu, Jung-Lung; Wu, Chien-Te; Chen, Chia-Ching; Su, Yu-Chin

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of visual rehabilitation of a computer-based visual stimulation (VS) program combining checkerboard pattern reversal (passive stimulation) with oddball stimuli (attentional modulation) for improving the visual acuity (VA) of visually impaired (VI) children and children with amblyopia and additional developmental problems. Six children (three females, three males; mean age = 3.9 ± 2.3 years) with impaired VA caused by deficits along the anterior and/or posterior visual pathways were recruited. Participants received eight rounds of VS training (two rounds per week) of at least eight sessions per round. Each session consisted of stimulation with 200 or 300 pattern reversals. Assessments of VA (assessed with the Lea symbol VA test or Teller VA cards), visual evoked potential (VEP), and functional vision (assessed with the Chinese-version Functional Vision Questionnaire, FVQ) were carried out before and after the VS program. Significant gains in VA were found after the VS training [VA = 1.05 logMAR ± 0.80 to 0.61 logMAR ± 0.53, Z = –2.20, asymptotic significance (2-tailed) = 0.028]. No significant changes were observed in the FVQ assessment [92.8 ± 12.6 to 100.8 ±SD = 15.4, Z = –1.46, asymptotic significance (2-tailed) = 0.144]. VEP measurement showed improvement in P100 latency and amplitude or integration of the waveform in two participants. Our results indicate that a computer-based VS program with passive checkerboard stimulation, oddball stimulus design, and interesting auditory feedback could be considered as a potential intervention option to improve the VA of a wide age range of VI children and children with impaired VA combined with other neurological disorders. PMID:27148014

A new standing posture detector to enable people with multiple disabilities to control environmental stimulation by changing their standing posture through a commercial Wii Balance Board.

PubMed

Shih, Ching-Hsiang; Shih, Ching-Tien; Chiang, Ming-Shan

2010-01-01

This study assessed whether two persons with multiple disabilities would be able to control environmental stimulation using body swing (changing standing posture) and a Wii Balance Board with a newly developed standing posture detection program (i.e. a new software program turns a Wii Balance Board into a precise standing posture detector). The study was performed according to an ABAB design, in which A represented baseline and B represented intervention phases. Both participants significantly increased their target response (body swing) to activate the control system to produce environmental stimulation during the intervention phases. Practical and developmental implications of the findings were discussed.

A standing location detector enabling people with developmental disabilities to control environmental stimulation through simple physical activities with Nintendo Wii Balance Boards.

PubMed

Shih, Ching-Hsiang

2011-01-01

This study evaluated whether two people with developmental disabilities would be able to actively perform simple physical activities by controlling their favorite environmental stimulation using Nintendo Wii Balance Boards with a newly developed standing location detection program (SLDP, i.e., a new software program turning a Nintendo Wii Balance Board into a standing location detector). This study was carried out using to an ABAB design. The data showed that both participants significantly increased their simple physical activity (target response) to activate the control system to produce environmental stimulation during the B (intervention) phases. The practical and developmental implications of the findings are discussed. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cultural issues in an Outpatient Program for stimulant abusers.

PubMed

Pérez-Arce, P; Carr, K D; Sorensen, J L

1993-01-01

Cocaine abuse has created widespread problems, especially in poor urban ethnic minority communities. This article discusses the cultural issues in delivering a cocaine treatment program to a predominantly minority patient population. The Stimulant Treatment Outpatient Program (STOP) of San Francisco General Hospital's Substance Abuse Services was established in 1990 as a public service clinic. Many program elements apply equally well to various cultural groups, including individual and group counseling, limited time in treatment, and crisis intervention. Culturally linked clinical issues include provision of a supportive infrastructure, role models in leadership positions, understanding the cultural influences in patients' lives, and establishing communication links with Cultural themes are discussed as they apply to treating African-Americans, Latinos, Asian-Americans, Native Americans, and clients of different genders. Programmatic outcome indicators, including program attrition, suggest that different cultural groups benefit differentially from the treatment.

The effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Öncü, Emine; Zincir, Handan

2017-07-01

The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation has been known to attain improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 seconds, physical activity, and quality of life. However, information about the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is quite limited. A single-blind, randomised controlled trial. Data were collected between August 2013-May 2014. Eighty-two patients who were hospitalised with a diagnosis of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were randomly assigned to a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group receiving transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation treatment for 20 seance over the acupuncture points with pharmacotherapy or placebo group receiving the same treatment without electrical current output from the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device. Pulmonary functional test, six-minute walking distance, dyspnoea and fatigue scale, and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire scores were assessed pre- and postprogram. The program started at the hospital by the researcher was sustained in the patient's home by the caregiver. All patients were able to complete the program, despite the exacerbation. The 20 seance transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation program provided clinically significant improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 seconds 21 ml, 19·51% but when compared with the placebo group, the difference was insignificant (p > 0·05). The six-minute walking distance increased by 48·10 m more in the placebo group (p < 0·05). There were no significant differences between the two groups' St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, dyspnoea and fatigue score (p > 0·05). Adding transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy to pharmacotherapy in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease provided clinical improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 seconds and add benefit in exercise capacity, but no significant effect on the other outcomes measured. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation can be used as a non-invasive complementary therapy due to its beneficial effects on forced expiratory volume in 1 seconds and exercise capacity in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Economic Development and the University: A Case Study of a Failed Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Senter, Richard, Jr.

1996-01-01

The role of the university in programs to stimulate economic development is examined, and the case of one such program that failed is described. Problems within the program included financial losses in large projects, corruption, widespread public criticism, and criminal convictions of two top program officers. Possible solutions, including…

Introducing Students to Computer Programming on a UNIX Time-Sharing System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cook, Allen R.

1983-01-01

Reviews experiences in teaching computer programing to engineering freshmen at the University of Oklahoma. Focuses on the stimulating interactive environment that is possible when using the UNIX operating system to introduce students to programing. (JN)

Effects of Bright Light Therapy of Sleep, Cognition, Brain Function, and Neurochemistry in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

computerized stimulation paradigms for use during functional neuroimaging (i.e., MSIT). Accomplishments: • The following computer tasks were...and Stability Test. • Programming of all computerized functional MRI stimulation paradigms and assessment tasks using E-prime software was completed...Computer stimulation paradigms were tested in the scanner environment to ensure that they could be presented and seen by subjects in the scanner

Stimulating Public Interest in Lunar Exploration and Enhancing Science Literacy Through Library Programs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shipp, S.; Nelson, B.; Stockman, S.; Weir, H.; Carter, B.; Bleacher, L.

2008-07-01

Libraries are vibrant learning places, seeking partners in science programming. LPI's Explore! program offers a model for public engagement in lunar exploration in libraries, as shown by materials created collaboratively with the LRO E/PO team.

Using the infrastructure of a conditional cash transfer program to deliver a scalable integrated early child development program in Colombia: cluster randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

Attanasio, Orazio P; Fernández, Camila; Grantham-McGregor, Sally M; Meghir, Costas; Rubio-Codina, Marta

2014-01-01

Objective To assess the effectiveness of an integrated early child development intervention, combining stimulation and micronutrient supplementation and delivered on a large scale in Colombia, for children’s development, growth, and hemoglobin levels. Design Cluster randomized controlled trial, using a 2×2 factorial design, with municipalities assigned to one of four groups: psychosocial stimulation, micronutrient supplementation, combined intervention, or control. Setting 96 municipalities in Colombia, located across eight of its 32 departments. Participants 1420 children aged 12-24 months and their primary carers. Intervention Psychosocial stimulation (weekly home visits with play demonstrations), micronutrient sprinkles given daily, and both combined. All delivered by female community leaders for 18 months. Main outcome measures Cognitive, receptive and expressive language, and fine and gross motor scores on the Bayley scales of infant development-III; height, weight, and hemoglobin levels measured at the baseline and end of intervention. Results Stimulation improved cognitive scores (adjusted for age, sex, testers, and baseline levels of outcomes) by 0.26 of a standard deviation (P=0.002). Stimulation also increased receptive language by 0.22 of a standard deviation (P=0.032). Micronutrient supplementation had no significant effect on any outcome and there was no interaction between the interventions. No intervention affected height, weight, or hemoglobin levels. Conclusions Using the infrastructure of a national welfare program we implemented the integrated early child development intervention on a large scale and showed its potential for improving children’s cognitive development. We found no effect of supplementation on developmental or health outcomes. Moreover, supplementation did not interact with stimulation. The implementation model for delivering stimulation suggests that it may serve as a promising blueprint for future policy on early childhood development. Trial registration Current Controlled trials ISRCTN18991160. PMID:25266222

Subcutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation with inter-lead stimulation for axial neck and low back pain: case series and review of the literature.

PubMed

Burgher, Abram H; Huntoon, Marc A; Turley, Todd W; Doust, Matthew W; Stearns, Lisa J

2012-01-01

While pain in the extremities often responds to treatment using spinal cord stimulation (SCS), axial pain is notoriously refractory to SCS. Interest in subcutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (SQ PNS) as an alternative to SCS has emerged, but the most appropriate electrode locations and neurostimulator programming techniques are not yet clear. A retrospective review was conducted of consecutive patients evaluated from August 2009 to December 2010 who had undergone trial of SQ PNS with inter-lead stimulation for axial spine pain. Patients proceeding to implant were followed postoperatively with routine clinical visits and a survey form at last follow-up. Ultrasound was used intraoperatively to ensure placement of electrodes at the appropriate depth in patients with larger body mass index. Primary outcome was patient-reported pain relief at last follow-up. Literature review was conducted by searching MEDLINE (1948-present) and through an unstructured review by the authors. Ten patients underwent trial of SQ PNS and six proceeded to permanent implantation. Fifty percent (3/6) of implanted patients preferred neurostimulation programming that included inter-lead stimulation ("cross-talk"). Average duration of postoperative follow-up was 4.5 months (range 2-9 months). Average patient-reported pain relief at last follow-up was 45% (range 20-80%). One patient required re-operation for migration. Patients not proceeding to implant had paresthesia coverage but no analgesia. SQ PNS is a promising therapy for axial neck and back pain based on a small cohort of patients. Ultrasound was useful to assist with electrode placement at the most appropriate depth beneath the skin. While inter-lead stimulation has been preferred by patients in published reports, we did not find it clearly influenced pain relief. Future investigations should include a randomized, controlled study design, as well as defined implantation technique and neurostimulator programming algorithms. © 2011 International Neuromodulation Society.

Darbepoetin alfa therapeutic interchange protocol for anemia in dialysis.

PubMed

Brophy, Donald F; Ripley, Elizabeth Bd; Kockler, Denise R; Lee, Seina; Proeschel, Lori A

2005-11-01

Erythropoiesis-stimulating proteins, such as erythropoietin alfa and darbepoetin alfa, have positively impacted anemia management. These medications improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Their costs, however, remain a major barrier for health systems. To evaluate the development, implementation, and cost-effectiveness of an inpatient therapeutic interchange protocol for erythropoiesis-stimulating proteins at a large, tertiary care, university-affiliated health system. Virginia Commonwealth University Health System (VCUHS) developed and implemented a therapeutic interchange program to convert therapy for all inpatients undergoing dialysis from erythropoietin alfa to darbepoetin alfa for treatment of chronic kidney disease-related anemia. An evaluation of the economic impact of this program on drug expenditures over a fiscal quarter (2003) was conducted using historical comparator data (2002). Preliminary evaluation of the program demonstrated cost-savings and reduced drug utilization of erythropoiesis-stimulating proteins in hospitalized dialysis patients. For the first quarter of 2003 compared with the first quarter of 2002, VCUHS realized a cost-savings of nearly 10,000 US dollars, which was related to the program's aggressive screening procedure. When these data were normalized for equal numbers of patients in each group receiving one of the drugs, the actual cost-savings was over 2000 US dollars. These cost-savings are largely due to reduced utilization of these expensive biotechnology products with implementation of a dosing protocol. VCUHS has successfully developed and implemented a darbepoetin alfa therapeutic interchange protocol for hospitalized dialysis patients. This has translated into reduced use of erythropoiesis-stimulating proteins, resulting in cost-savings for the health system.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Medication Treatment Impact on Response to Growth Hormone Therapy: Results from the ANSWER Program, a Non-Interventional Study.

PubMed

Rose, Susan R; Reeves, Grafton; Gut, Robert; Germak, John

2015-12-01

To examine whether attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) stimulant medication modified the linear growth response to growth hormone (GH) treatment in children enrolled in the American Norditropin Studies: Web-Enabled Research Program. Short, GH treatment-naive children with or without GH deficiency (GHD) received GH therapy. A subset also received ADHD stimulant medication (n = 1190), and others did not (n = 7230). Linear mixed models (adjusted means) examined height SDS (HSDS) and body mass index (BMI) SDS from baseline through year 4. Analyses were repeated with ADHD groups matched for baseline age, height, weight, BMI, and sex. Groups with and without GHD were compared between ADHD groups. Adjusted change in HSDS for the group receiving ADHD stimulant medication was slightly lower than that for patients not receiving stimulant medication at years 1 to 4 (P < .05). However, adjusted change in HSDS was similar between children receiving and not receiving ADHD stimulant medication when matched for baseline measurements. At year 4, 86.7% of patients receiving ADHD stimulant medication, 86.8% of total patients not receiving ADHD stimulant medication, and 84.6% of matched group patients not receiving ADHD stimulant medication achieved HSDS >-2. Year 4 adjusted change in BMI SDS was greater in the patients receiving ADHD stimulant medication compared with both groups not receiving ADHD stimulant medication (P < .05). Patients with GHD showed comparable differences in adjusted change in BMI SDS among the ADHD groups at year 4, whereas patients without GHD showed no significant differences. ADHD medication did not affect the linear growth response of children treated with GH when those receiving or not receiving ADHD stimulant medication were matched for baseline measurements. Underlying reasons for the observed greater increase in BMI in patients with GHD concomitantly treated with ADHD medication remain to be elucidated. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01009905. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An algorithmic programming approach for back pain symptoms in failed back surgery syndrome using spinal cord stimulation with a multicolumn surgically implanted epidural lead: a multicenter international prospective study.

PubMed

Rigoard, Philippe; Jacques, Line; Delmotte, Alexandre; Poon, Katherine; Munson, Russell; Monlezun, Olivier; Roulaud, Manuel; Prevost, Audrey; Guetarni, Farid; Bataille, Benoit; Kumar, Krishna

2015-03-01

Many studies have demonstrated the efficacy and the medical/economic value of epidural spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of "failed back surgery syndrome" (FBSS). However, the back pain component of FBSS has been recalcitrant. Recent clinical trials have suggested that multicolumn surgically implanted leads combined with enhanced programming capabilities in the newer implantable pulse generators demonstrate the ability to treat the back pain component of FBSS. The objective of our present international multicentre study is to prospectively evaluate these findings in a larger population. We conducted a prospective, nonrandomized, observational study on 76 patients with refractory FBSS, consecutively implanted with multicolumn spinal cord stimulation (SCS) between 2008 and 2011 in three neurosurgical pain management centers (Poitiers, France; Montréal, Canada; and Regina, Canada). The primary objective of this study was to prospectively analyze the effect of multicolumn lead programming on paresthesia coverage for the back pain region in these patients. The secondary objective was to assess the analgesic efficacy of this technique on the global and back pain components. Paresthesia could be induced in the lower extremities in the majority of patients with at least one of the configurations tested. Bilateral low back paresthesia was induced in 53.5% of patients, while unilateral low back paresthesia was induced in 78.9% of patients. Multicolumn configurations were statistically more effective than monocolumn configurations for all anatomic regions studied. At 6 months, 75.4% of patients receiving multicolumn stimulation (n = 57) obtained at least a 30% improvement of the back pain VAS score, while 42.1% of patients obtained at least a 50% improvement of the back pain VAS score. This study confirms the hypothesis that multicolumn SCS should be considered as an important tool in the treatment of radicular and axial pain in FBSS patients. The efficacy of this modality is based on a rigorous patient selection process, access to new generation lead technologies, but most importantly an algorithmic programming approach for optimal stimulation and electrical field shaping. With over 40 million potential programming combinations associated with 16 contact leads to achieve paresthesia coverage, optimal stimulation is often missed as either the patient or the clinician become exhausted or overwhelmed during the course of therapy programming and optimization session. © 2014 World Institute of Pain.

Closed-Loop, Multichannel Experimentation Using the Open-Source NeuroRighter Electrophysiology Platform

PubMed Central

Newman, Jonathan P.; Zeller-Townson, Riley; Fong, Ming-Fai; Arcot Desai, Sharanya; Gross, Robert E.; Potter, Steve M.

2013-01-01

Single neuron feedback control techniques, such as voltage clamp and dynamic clamp, have enabled numerous advances in our understanding of ion channels, electrochemical signaling, and neural dynamics. Although commercially available multichannel recording and stimulation systems are commonly used for studying neural processing at the network level, they provide little native support for real-time feedback. We developed the open-source NeuroRighter multichannel electrophysiology hardware and software platform for closed-loop multichannel control with a focus on accessibility and low cost. NeuroRighter allows 64 channels of stimulation and recording for around US $10,000, along with the ability to integrate with other software and hardware. Here, we present substantial enhancements to the NeuroRighter platform, including a redesigned desktop application, a new stimulation subsystem allowing arbitrary stimulation patterns, low-latency data servers for accessing data streams, and a new application programming interface (API) for creating closed-loop protocols that can be inserted into NeuroRighter as plugin programs. This greatly simplifies the design of sophisticated real-time experiments without sacrificing the power and speed of a compiled programming language. Here we present a detailed description of NeuroRighter as a stand-alone application, its plugin API, and an extensive set of case studies that highlight the system’s abilities for conducting closed-loop, multichannel interfacing experiments. PMID:23346047

Soft Encapsulation of Flexible Electrical Stimulation Implant: Challenges and Innovations

PubMed Central

Debelle, Adrien; Hermans, Laura; Bosquet, Maxime; Dehaeck, Sam; Lonys, Laurent; Scheid, Benoit; Nonclercq, Antoine; Vanhoestenberghe, Anne

2016-01-01

In this document we discuss the main challenges encountered when producing flexible electrical stimulation implants, and present our approach to solving them for prototype production. We include a study of the optimization of the flexible PCB design, the selection of additive manufacturing materials for the mold, and the chemical compatibility of the different materials. Our approach was tested on a flexible gastro-stimulator as part of the ENDOGES research program. PMID:28078073

Reactivating Neural Circuits with Clinically Accessible Stimulation to Restore Hand Function in Persons with Tetraplegia

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-09-01

AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-16-1-0395 TITLE: Reactivating Neural Circuits with Clinically Accessible Stimulation to Restore Hand Function in...estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data...Clinically Accessible Stimulation to Restore Hand Function in Persons with Tetraplegia 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S

A limb action detector enabling people with multiple disabilities to control environmental stimulation through limb action with a Nintendo Wii Remote Controller.

PubMed

Shih, Ching-Hsiang; Chang, Man-Ling; Shih, Ching-Tien

2010-01-01

This study assessed whether two persons with multiple disabilities would be able to control environmental stimulation using limb action with a Nintendo Wii Remote Controller and a newly developed limb action detection program (LADP, i.e., a new software program that turns a Wii Remote Controller into a precise limb action detector). This study was carried out according to an ABAB sequence in which A represented baseline and B represented intervention phases. Data showed that both participants significantly increased their target response, thus increasing the level of environmental stimulation by activating the control system through limb action, during the intervention phases. Practical and developmental implications of the findings are discussed. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Geothermal reservoir engineering research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ramey, H. J., Jr.; Kruger, P.; Brigham, W. E.; London, A. L.

1974-01-01

The Stanford University research program on the study of stimulation and reservoir engineering of geothermal resources commenced as an interdisciplinary program in September, 1972. The broad objectives of this program have been: (1) the development of experimental and computational data to evaluate the optimum performance of fracture-stimulated geothermal reservoirs; (2) the development of a geothermal reservoir model to evaluate important thermophysical, hydrodynamic, and chemical parameters based on fluid-energy-volume balances as part of standard reservoir engineering practice; and (3) the construction of a laboratory model of an explosion-produced chimney to obtain experimental data on the processes of in-place boiling, moving flash fronts, and two-phase flow in porous and fractured hydrothermal reservoirs.

13 CFR 120.800 - The purpose of the 504 program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

.... 120.800 Section 120.800 Business Credit and Assistance SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS LOANS Development Company Loan Program (504) § 120.800 The purpose of the 504 program. As authorized by Congress..., and stimulate growth, expansion, and modernization of small businesses. ...

13 CFR 120.800 - The purpose of the 504 program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

.... 120.800 Section 120.800 Business Credit and Assistance SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS LOANS Development Company Loan Program (504) § 120.800 The purpose of the 504 program. As authorized by Congress..., and stimulate growth, expansion, and modernization of small businesses. ...

13 CFR 120.800 - The purpose of the 504 program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

.... 120.800 Section 120.800 Business Credit and Assistance SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS LOANS Development Company Loan Program (504) § 120.800 The purpose of the 504 program. As authorized by Congress..., and stimulate growth, expansion, and modernization of small businesses. ...

13 CFR 120.800 - The purpose of the 504 program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

.... 120.800 Section 120.800 Business Credit and Assistance SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS LOANS Development Company Loan Program (504) § 120.800 The purpose of the 504 program. As authorized by Congress..., and stimulate growth, expansion, and modernization of small businesses. ...

Computer Aided Creativity.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Proctor, Tony

1988-01-01

Explores the conceptual components of a computer program designed to enhance creative thinking and reviews software that aims to stimulate creative thinking. Discusses BRAIN and ORACLE, programs intended to aid in creative problem solving. (JOW)

A microcontroller-based implantable nerve stimulator used for rats.

PubMed

Sha, Hong; Zheng, Zheng; Wang, Yan; Ren, Chaoshi

2005-01-01

A microcontroller-based stimulator that can be flexible programmed after it has been implanted into a rat was studied. Programmability enables implanted stimulators to generate customized, complex protocols for experiments. After implantation, a coded light pulse train that contains information of specific identification will unlock a certain stimulator. If a command that changing the parameters is received, the microcontroller will update its flash memory after it affirms the commands. The whole size of it is only 1.6 cubic centimeters, and it can work for a month. The devices have been successfully used in animal behavior experiments, especially on rats.

Program Evaluation in Gifted Education. Essential Readings in Gifted Education Series

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Callahan, Carolyn M., Ed.; Reis, Sally M., Ed.

2004-01-01

The readings in this ready-reference report on specific program evaluations, offer critical guidance in the development and utilization of instruments for assessing gifted and talented programs, and are designed to stimulate the discussion of issues surrounding the evaluation of gifted programs. Key features include: (1) Carolyn M. Callahan's…

Descriptive Analysis of Secondary Special Education and Transition Services Model Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rusch, Frank R.; And Others

This monograph provides a descriptive analysis of five grant programs funded by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) in 1984. The programs were designed to stimulate the improvement and development of programs for secondary special education and to strengthen and coordinate education, training, and related services…

A Unique Team Approach to the Total Education of the Student with a Neurological Disorder.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cant, Malcolm J.

The paper outlines the program of services provided by a multidisciplinary professional team for the neurologically disordered child from preschool to young adulthood. Noted among the services offered are the following: an infant stimulation program, preschool prep program, group sensory integration program, special educational assistance, summer…

A Curriculum Program for Infants Six to Twelve Months.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dickinson, Barbara Gibello

This curriculum program was developed to serve as a guide or reference for those professionals wishing to implement or improve upon a current participation program for parents of 6- to 12-month-old infants. The curriculum program covers such topics as the importance of early stimulation, infants' gross and fine motor development, social/emotional…

In Designing a Preschool Program, We Went Straight to the Source: Parents.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zorn, Robert L.

1988-01-01

In response to overwhelming demand, Poland (Ohio) Schools proposed a pilot program to demonstrate that people wanted preschool and day care services that could pay for themselves. The program integrated early childhood programs with the regular school curriculum to stimulate children's interest in art, music, health, and sciences and develop motor…

Proposed Accreditation Standards for Degree-Granting Correspondence Programs Offered by Accredited Institutions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGraw-Hill Continuing Education Center, Washington, DC.

A study on proposed accreditation standards grew out of a need to (1) stimulate the growth of quality correspondence degree programs; and (2) provide a policy for accreditation of correspondence degree programs so that graduates would be encouraged to pursue advanced degree programs offered elsewhere by educational institutions. The study focused…

Entrepreneurship Education Programs in Malaysian Polytechnics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Othman, Norasmah; Nasrudin, Norfadhilah

2016-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate students' views on the on-the-campus entrepreneurship programs in Malaysian polytechnics. Participation in the entrepreneurship programs is able to stimulate an interest in entrepreneurship, and improve the knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurial experience of its students.…

Promoting Leadership in Doctoral Programs in Mathematics Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reys, Robert

2013-01-01

Mathematics educators have many different opportunities to reflect leadership throughout their careers. High quality doctoral programs provide a rich and stimulating environment that supports the development of leadership qualities. This paper describes some ways that leadership can be fostered in doctoral programs in mathematics education.

Experimental evaluation of sensorimotor patterning used with mentally retarded children.

PubMed

Neman, R; Roos, P; McCann, R M; Menolascino, F J; Heal, L W

1975-01-01

In the present study, a sensorimotor "patterning" program used with 66 institutionalized, mentally retarded children and adolescents was evaluated. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (a) Experimental 1 group, which received a program of mobility exercises including patterning, creeping, and crawling; visual-motor training; and sensory stimulation exercises; (b) Experimental 2 group, which received a program of physical activity, personal attention, and the same sensory stimulation program given to the first group; or (c) Passive Control group, which provided baseline measures but which received no additional programming as part of the study. Experimental 1 group subjects improved more than subjects in the other groups in visual perception, program-related measures of mobility, and language ability. Intellectual functioning did not appear to be enhanced by the procedures, at least during the active phase of the project. The results were discussed with reference to other researchers who have failed to support the patterning approach, and some reasons were suggested for the differences between the present and past investigations.

Project Gifted: Overview.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

East Providence School Dept., RI.

The overview of Project Gifted begins with an explanation of eight program assumptions: that the gifted are not the academically talented in need of greater intellectual stimulation, that the gifted need stimulation and interaction, that the gifted need the special attention of the teacher, that the children learn in diverse ways, that learning…

Home Based Early Intervention: The Story of Susan.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gray, Davon

1980-01-01

Case of a severely handicapped preschooler illustrates advantages of home-based infant stimulation program. Initial goals were: work toward physical separation of mother and child, shape and reinforce child's behavior to extinguish crying, shape and reinforce mother's behavior to enrich home environment, and stimulate and reinforce a developmental…

Two-way communication for programming and measurement in a miniature implantable stimulator.

PubMed

Thil, M A; Gérard, B; Jarvis, J C; Delbeke, J

2005-07-01

Implantable stimulators are needed for chronic electrical stimulation of nerves and muscles in experimental studies. The device described exploits the versatility of current microcontrollers for stimulation and communication in a miniature implant. Their standard outputs can provide the required selectable constant-current sources. In this device, pre-programmed stimulation paradigms were selected by transcutaneous light pulses. The potential of a programmable integrated circuit (PIC) was thus exploited. Implantable devices must be biocompatible. A novel encapsulation method that require no specialised equipment and that used two classical encapsulants, silicone and Teflon was developed. It was tested for implantation periods of up to four weeks. A novel way to estimate electrode impedance in awake animals is also presented. It was thus possible to follow the evolution of the nerve-electrode interface and, if necessary, to adjust the stimulation parameters. In practice, the electrode voltage at the end of a known constant-current pulse was measured by the PIC. The binary coded value was then indicated to the user as a series of muscle twitches that represented the binary value of the impedance measurement. This neurostimulator has been successfully tested in vitro and in vivo. Thresholds and impedance values were chronically monitored following implantation of a self-sizing spiral cuff electrode. Impedance variations in the first weeks could reflect morphological changes usually observed after the implantation of such electrodes.

Effects of pre-feeding oral stimulation on oral feeding in preterm infants: a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Bache, Manon; Pizon, Emmanuelle; Jacobs, Julien; Vaillant, Michel; Lecomte, Aline

2014-03-01

To evaluate the effect of early oral stimulation before the introduction of oral feeding, over the duration of concomitant tube feeding ("transition period"), the length of hospital stay and the breastfeeding rates upon discharge in preterm infants. Preterm infants born between 26 and 33 weeks gestational age (n=86), were randomized into an intervention and control group. Infants in the intervention group received an oral stimulation program consisting in stimulation of the oral structures for 15 min at least for 10 days, before introduction of oral feeding. Oral feeding was introduced at 34 weeks GA in both groups. Breastfeeding rates upon discharge were significantly higher in the intervention than in the control group (70% versus 45.6%, p=0.02). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of the length of the transition period or the length of the hospital stay. The need for prolonged CPAP support (HR=0.937, p=0.030) and small size for gestational age at birth (HR=0.338, p=0.016) were shown to be risk factors for a prolonged transition period. A pre-feeding oral stimulation program improves breastfeeding rates in preterm infants. The study results suggest that oral stimulation, as used in our specific population, does not shorten the transition period to full oral feeding neither the length of hospital stay. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Progress in sensorimotor rehabilitative physical therapy programs for stroke patients

PubMed Central

Chen, Jia-Ching; Shaw, Fu-Zen

2014-01-01

Impaired motor and functional activity following stroke often has negative impacts on the patient, the family and society. The available rehabilitation programs for stroke patients are reviewed. Conventional rehabilitation strategies (Bobath, Brunnstrom, proprioception neuromuscular facilitation, motor relearning and function-based principles) are the mainstream tactics in clinical practices. Numerous advanced strategies for sensory-motor functional enhancement, including electrical stimulation, electromyographic biofeedback, constraint-induced movement therapy, robotics-aided systems, virtual reality, intermittent compression, partial body weight supported treadmill training and thermal stimulation, are being developed and incorporated into conventional rehabilitation programs. The concept of combining valuable rehabilitative procedures into “a training package”, based on the patient’s functional status during different recovery phases after stroke is proposed. Integrated sensorimotor rehabilitation programs with appropriate temporal arrangements might provide great functional benefits for stroke patients. PMID:25133141

Practical Programming.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pipe, Peter

Programed instruction causes the student to take an active role in the instructional process and stimulates interchange between student and teacher. Since it adjusts itself to individual differences in students' learning rates, it can have delegated to it some parts of a teacher's task. Characteristics of programed instruction are small steps,…

Nonlinear predictive control for adaptive adjustments of deep brain stimulation parameters in basal ganglia-thalamic network.

PubMed

Su, Fei; Wang, Jiang; Niu, Shuangxia; Li, Huiyan; Deng, Bin; Liu, Chen; Wei, Xile

2018-02-01

The efficacy of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease (PD) depends in part on the post-operative programming of stimulation parameters. Closed-loop stimulation is one method to realize the frequent adjustment of stimulation parameters. This paper introduced the nonlinear predictive control method into the online adjustment of DBS amplitude and frequency. This approach was tested in a computational model of basal ganglia-thalamic network. The autoregressive Volterra model was used to identify the process model based on physiological data. Simulation results illustrated the efficiency of closed-loop stimulation methods (amplitude adjustment and frequency adjustment) in improving the relay reliability of thalamic neurons compared with the PD state. Besides, compared with the 130Hz constant DBS the closed-loop stimulation methods can significantly reduce the energy consumption. Through the analysis of inter-spike-intervals (ISIs) distribution of basal ganglia neurons, the evoked network activity by the closed-loop frequency adjustment stimulation was closer to the normal state. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The treatment of Parkinson's disease with deep brain stimulation: current issues.

PubMed

Moldovan, Alexia-Sabine; Groiss, Stefan Jun; Elben, Saskia; Südmeyer, Martin; Schnitzler, Alfons; Wojtecki, Lars

2015-07-01

Deep brain stimulation has become a well-established symptomatic treatment for Parkinson's disease during the last 25 years. Besides improving motor symptoms and long-term motor complications, positive effects on patients' mobility, activities of daily living, emotional well-being and health-related quality of life have been recognized. Apart from that, numerous clinical trials analyzed effects on non-motor symptoms and side effects of deep brain stimulation. Several technical issues and stimulation paradigms have been and are still being developed to optimize the therapeutic effects, minimize the side effects and facilitate handling. This review summarizes current therapeutic issues, i.e., patient and target selection, surgical procedure and programming paradigms. In addition it focuses on neuropsychological effects and side effects of deep brain stimulation.

Gendered Citizenship and the Individualization of Environmental Responsibility: Evaluating a Campus Common Reading Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kennedy, Emily Huddart; Boyd, Amanda

2018-01-01

Campus common reading programs are intended to stimulate critical thinking and dialogue across disciplines yet scarce evidence exists to evaluate the success of such programs. We assess the extent to which engagement in an environmentally-themed common reading program is related to (1) concern for waste-related issues, (2) beliefs that addressing…

School-Based Mental Health Programs in the United States: Present Status and a Blueprint for the Future.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pfeiffer, Steven I.; Reddy, Linda A.

1998-01-01

Provides overview of sociocultural and political factors in the United States that have influenced recent interest in school-based health and mental health programs. Describes four well-known programs and presents a new framework, the Tripartite Model of School-Based Mental Health Interventions, to stimulate thinking on future programs. Addresses…

The Incidence of the Tuition-Free High School Program in Japan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hori, Masahiro; Shimizutani, Satoshi

2018-01-01

This paper examines the effect of a tuition-free high school program launched in FY2010 in Japan on the high school enrollment rate and household spending. We have some interesting findings. First, the program contributed to improvement in the high school enrollment rate for poorer households. Second, the program stimulated household spending…

Infrequent Illicit Methadone Use Among Stimulant-Using Patients in Methadone Maintenance Treatment Programs: A National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network Study

PubMed Central

Wu, Li-Tzy; Blazer, Dan G.; Stitzer, Maxine L.; Patkar, Ashwin A.; Blaine, Jack D.

2009-01-01

We sought to determine the prevalence, patterns, and correlates of past-month illicit methadone use and history of regular illicit use among stimulant-using methadone maintenance treatment patients. We obtained self-reported information on illicit methadone use from 383 participants recruited from six community-based methadone maintenance programs. Overall, 1.6% of participants reported illicit use in the past month, and 4.7% reported a history of regular use. Younger age and history of outpatient psychological treatment were associated with increased odds of past-month illicit use. Illicit methadone use among patients in maintenance programs is infrequent; however, a number of factors may increase risk of illicit use. PMID:18612886

RSK is a principal effector of the RAS-ERK pathway for eliciting a coordinate, pro-motile/invasive gene program and phenotype in epithelial cells

PubMed Central

Doehn, Ulrik; Hauge, Camilla; Frank, Scott R.; Jensen, Claus J.; Duda, Katarzyna; Nielsen, Jakob V.; Cohen, Michael S.; Johansen, Jens V.; Winther, Benny R.; Lund, Leif R.; Winther, Ole; Taunton, Jack; Hansen, Steen H.; Frödin, Morten

2013-01-01

SUMMARY The RAS-stimulated RAF-MEK-ERK pathway confers epithelial cells with critical motile and invasive capacities during embryonic development, tissue regeneration and carcinoma progression. Yet many mechanisms by which ERK exerts this control remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that the ERK-activated kinase RSK is necessary to induce motility and invasive capacities in non-transformed epithelial cells and carcinoma cells. RSK is moreover sufficient to induce certain motile responses. Expression profiling analysis revealed that a primary role of RSK is to induce transcription of potent pro-motile/invasive gene program by FRA1-dependent and independent mechanisms. Strikingly, the program enables RSK to coordinately modulate the extracellular environment, the intracellular motility apparatus, and receptors mediating communication between these compartments to stimulate motility and invasion. These findings uncover a general mechanism whereby the RAS-ERK pathway controls epithelial cell motility by identifying RSK as a key effector, from which emanates multiple highly coordinate transcription-dependent mechanisms for stimulation of motility and invasive properties. PMID:19716794

Exploratory Advanced Research Program

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-08-20

The Exploratory Advanced Research Program strives to develop partnerships with the public and private sectors because the very nature of EAR is to apply ideas across traditional fields of research and stimulate new approaches to problem solving. Thro...

Advanced titration to treat a floppy epiglottis in selective upper airway stimulation.

PubMed

Heiser, Clemens

2016-09-01

The following report presents a case of a patient with high residual apnea-hypopnea index at 6 months following implantation of an upper airway stimulation device who improved significantly after advanced titration via drug-induced sedated endoscopy by changing the electrode configuration for stimulation from bipolar to monopolar. This case demonstrates the utility of postsurgical advanced titration to optimize programming settings for improved clinical outcomes. Laryngoscope, 126:S22-S24, 2016. © 2016 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Knowledge Engineering for Young Scholars. Evaluation Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nye, Gloria T.

The Knowledge Engineering for Young Scholars (KEYS) Program was a National Science Foundation (NSF) program conducted at Louisiana State University during 1989 and 1990. The program's goals were to increase 8th-12th grade students' exposure to science, acquaint them with university research, stimulate interest in science, and build their…

Memory Recall and Participation Levels in the Elderly: A Study of Golden Age Radio.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Durham, Pamela R.; Whittemore, Margaret P.

1993-01-01

Twelve women (mean age 90) in a nursing home listened to Golden Age radio programs and answered trivia questions. Reactions to musical programs showed they encouraged reminiscence; trivia stimulated recall of historical and life events. In contrast, comedy programs evoked little response. (SK)

Factors Influencing Curriculum Change in Professional Programs. ASHE Annual Meeting Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boss, Michelle A.; Lowther, Malcolm A.

This paper addresses the following issues concerning curriculum change in professional programs: (1) the degree of influence exhibited by external, internal, and intraorganizational factors as they interact to stimulate curriculum change in three professional programs (business, pharmacy, and accounting); (2) planning strategies used by faculty to…

The SKI-HI Program: A Descriptive Update, 1986.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bruce, Sandy; And Others

This document provides updated information on the SKI-HI program model which presently serves over 2000 young hearing impaired children in 35 states and Canada. The program focuses on training parents in the skills needed to maximize language stimulation and minimize language deprivation. Among 14 educational and philosophical underpinnings of the…

The Relationship between Preschool Programming and School Readiness for Rural Children Entering Kindergarten

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Conway, Donna M.

2010-01-01

Children in the researcher's rural school district have limited opportunities for a high quality preschool programming that prepares them for school readiness. Quality preschool programming is defined as teachers with proper qualifications and training, small class size, stimulating curriculum, and parent involvement. The theoretical foundation…

Promoting School Art: A Practical Approach.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dunn, Phillip C.; And Others

This publication provides art educators with a plan for becoming effective advocates for school art programming and management. Chapter 1 is designed to stimulate change in programs that train art educators, to offer practical guidelines and techniques for obtaining operational support for school art programs, and to describe various marketing…

[Physical exercise versus exercise program using electrical stimulation devices for home use].

PubMed

Santos, F M; Rodrigues, R G S; Trindade-Filho, E M

2008-02-01

To evaluate the effects of electrical muscle stimulation with devices for home use on neuromuscular conditioning. The study sample comprised 20 sedentary, right-handed, voluntary women aged from 18 to 25 years in the city of Maceió, Northeastern Brazil, in 2006. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: group A included women who underwent muscle stimulation using commercial electrical devices; group B included those women who performed physical activities with loads. The training program for both groups consisted of two weekly sessions for two months, in a total of 16 sessions. Comparisons of body weight, cirtometry, fleximetry, and muscle strength before and after exercise were determined using the paired t-test. For the comparisons between both groups, Student's t-test was used and a 5% significance level was adopted. Muscle strength subjectively assessed before and after each intervention was increased in both groups. Significant increases in muscle mass and strength were seen only in those subjects who performed voluntary physical activity. Resisted knee flexion and extension exercises effectively increased muscle mass and strength when compared to electrical stimulation at 87 Hz which did not produce a similar effect. The study results showed that electrical stimulation devices for passive physical exercising commercially available are less effective than voluntary physical exercise.

Smart Columbus : Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP) for Smart Columbus Demonstration Program

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2018-01-16

The Smart City Demonstration Program is intended to improve access through expanded mobility options in major job centers, enhance visitor experience by better connecting visitors to transportation options, stimulate regional economic prosperity and ...

Programming and memory dynamics of innate leukocytes during tissue homeostasis and inflammation.

PubMed

Lee, Christina; Geng, Shuo; Zhang, Yao; Rahtes, Allison; Li, Liwu

2017-09-01

The field of innate immunity is witnessing a paradigm shift regarding "memory" and "programming" dynamics. Past studies of innate leukocytes characterized them as first responders to danger signals with no memory. However, recent findings suggest that innate leukocytes, such as monocytes and neutrophils, are capable of "memorizing" not only the chemical nature but also the history and dosages of external stimulants. As a consequence, innate leukocytes can be dynamically programmed or reprogrammed into complex inflammatory memory states. Key examples of innate leukocyte memory dynamics include the development of primed and tolerant monocytes when "programmed" with a variety of inflammatory stimulants at varying signal strengths. The development of innate leukocyte memory may have far-reaching translational implications, as programmed innate leukocytes may affect the pathogenesis of both acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. This review intends to critically discuss some of the recent studies that address this emerging concept and its implication in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. © Society for Leukocyte Biology.

The Complete Resource Guide for Summer Youth Programs. Program Ideas for Summer Youth Jobs Project Managers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Alliance of Business, Inc., Washington, DC.

This guide consists of suggestions, ideas, and tips intended to stimulate development of cooperative summer youth employment programs in local communities. Addressed in the individual sections of the guide are the following topics: tips on where to start, suggestions on how to get started, hints on securing resources, program resources, use of…

Technological Advances in Deep Brain Stimulation.

PubMed

Ughratdar, Ismail; Samuel, Michael; Ashkan, Keyoumars

2015-01-01

Functional and stereotactic neurosurgery has always been regarded as a subspecialty based on and driven by technological advances. However until recently, the fundamentals of deep brain stimulation (DBS) hardware and software design had largely remained stagnant since its inception almost three decades ago. Recent improved understanding of disease processes in movement disorders as well clinician and patient demands has resulted in new avenues of development for DBS technology. This review describes new advances both related to hardware and software for neuromodulation. New electrode designs with segmented contacts now enable sophisticated shaping and sculpting of the field of stimulation, potentially allowing multi-target stimulation and avoidance of side effects. To avoid lengthy programming sessions utilising multiple lead contacts, new user-friendly software allows for computational modelling and individualised directed programming. Therapy delivery is being improved with the next generation of smaller profile, longer-lasting, re-chargeable implantable pulse generators (IPGs). These include IPGs capable of delivering constant current stimulation or personalised closed-loop adaptive stimulation. Post-implantation Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has long been an issue which has been partially overcome with 'MRI conditional devices' and has enabled verification of DBS lead location. Surgical technique is considering a shift from frame-based to frameless stereotaxy or greater role for robot assisted implantation. The challenge for these contemporary techniques however, will be in demonstrating equivalent safety and accuracy to conventional methods. We also discuss potential future direction utilising wireless technology allowing for miniaturisation of hardware.

A three-dimensional object orientation detector assisting people with developmental disabilities to control their environmental stimulation through simple occupational activities with a Nintendo Wii Remote Controller.

PubMed

Shih, Ching-Hsiang; Chang, Man-Ling; Mohua, Zhang

2012-01-01

This study evaluated whether two people with developmental disabilities would be able to actively perform simple occupational activities to control their preferred environmental stimulation using a Nintendo Wii Remote Controller with a newly developed three-dimensional object orientation detection program (TDOODP, i.e. a new software program, which turns a Wii Remote Controller into a three-dimensional object orientation detector). An ABAB design, in which A represented the baseline and B represented intervention phases, was adopted in this study. The data shows that the performance of both participants has significantly increased (i.e. they perform more simple occupational activities to activate the control system to produce environmental stimulation) during the intervention phases. The practical and developmental implications of the findings are discussed. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A programmable and portable NMES device for drop foot correction and blood flow assist applications.

PubMed

Breen, Paul P; Corley, Gavin J; O'Keeffe, Derek T; Conway, Richard; Olaighin, Gearóid

2009-04-01

The Duo-STIM, a new, programmable and portable neuromuscular stimulation system for drop foot correction and blood flow assist applications is presented. The system consists of a programmer unit and a portable, programmable stimulator unit. The portable stimulator features fully programmable, sensor-controlled, constant-voltage, dual-channel stimulation and accommodates a range of customized stimulation profiles. Trapezoidal and free-form adaptive stimulation intensity envelope algorithms are provided for drop foot correction applications, while time dependent and activity dependent algorithms are provided for blood flow assist applications. A variety of sensor types can be used with the portable unit, including force sensitive resistor-based foot switches and MEMS-based accelerometer and gyroscope devices. The paper provides a detailed description of the hardware and block-level system design for both units. The programming and operating procedures for the system are also presented. Finally, functional bench test results for the system are presented.

A programmable and portable NMES device for drop foot correction and blood flow assist applications.

PubMed

Breen, Paul P; Corley, Gavin J; O'Keeffe, Derek T; Conway, Richard; OLaighin, Gearoid

2007-01-01

The Duo-STIM, a new, programmable and portable neuromuscular stimulation system for drop foot correction and blood flow assist applications is presented. The system consists of a programmer unit and a portable, programmable stimulator unit. The portable stimulator features fully programmable, sensor-controlled, constant-voltage, dual-channel stimulation and accommodates a range of customized stimulation profiles. Trapezoidal and free-form adaptive stimulation intensity envelope algorithms are provided for drop foot correction applications, while time dependent and activity dependent algorithms are provided for blood flow assist applications. A variety of sensor types can be used with the portable unit, including force sensitive resistor based foot switches and NMES based accelerometer and gyroscope devices. The paper provides a detailed description of the hardware and block-level system design for both units. The programming and operating procedures for the system are also presented. Finally, functional bench test results for the system are presented.

Undergraduate Prescription Stimulant Misuse: The Impact of Academic Strain.

PubMed

Norman, Lauren; Ford, Jason

2018-01-09

This study investigated the misuse of prescription stimulants among undergraduates for academic purposes. This research is important as existing literature has indicated that this type of prescription drug misuse is a growing concern, especially among college undergraduates aged 18-25. This study focused on how various types of academic strain (i.e., academic strain, grade strain, and academic impediments) influenced the misuse of prescription stimulants. Roughly 900 quantitative surveys were collected at a large Southeastern university in May 2014 that specifically addressed prescription stimulant misuse. Results from regression analyses indicated that college students are at an increased likelihood of misusing prescription stimulants for academic purposes if they experienced academic impediments and/or grade strain during the past academic year. Conclusions/Importance: It is necessary to identify how academic strain impacts undergraduates' likelihood of engaging in the misuse of prescription stimulants as this information may aid in college based educational and prevention programs.

Early intensive hand rehabilitation after spinal cord injury ("Hands On"): a protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Harvey, Lisa A; Dunlop, Sarah A; Churilov, Leonid; Hsueh, Ya-Seng Arthur; Galea, Mary P

2011-01-17

Loss of hand function is one of the most devastating consequences of spinal cord injury. Intensive hand training provided on an instrumented exercise workstation in conjunction with functional electrical stimulation may enhance neural recovery and hand function. The aim of this trial is to compare usual care with an 8-week program of intensive hand training and functional electrical stimulation. A multicentre randomised controlled trial will be undertaken. Seventy-eight participants with recent tetraplegia (C2 to T1 motor complete or incomplete) undergoing inpatient rehabilitation will be recruited from seven spinal cord injury units in Australia and New Zealand and will be randomised to a control or experimental group. Control participants will receive usual care. Experimental participants will receive usual care and an 8-week program of intensive unilateral hand training using an instrumented exercise workstation and functional electrical stimulation. Participants will drive the functional electrical stimulation of their target hands via a behind-the-ear bluetooth device, which is sensitive to tooth clicks. The bluetooth device will enable the use of various manipulanda to practice functional activities embedded within computer-based games and activities. Training will be provided for one hour, 5 days per week, during the 8-week intervention period. The primary outcome is the Action Research Arm Test. Secondary outcomes include measurements of strength, sensation, function, quality of life and cost effectiveness. All outcomes will be taken at baseline, 8 weeks, 6 months and 12 months by assessors blinded to group allocation. Recruitment commenced in December 2009. The results of this trial will determine the effectiveness of an 8-week program of intensive hand training with functional electrical stimulation. NCT01086930 (12th March 2010)ACTRN12609000695202 (12th August 2009).

Effectiveness of a parenting program in Bangladesh to address early childhood health, growth and development.

PubMed

Aboud, Frances E; Singla, Daisy R; Nahil, Md Imam; Borisova, Ivelina

2013-11-01

A stratified cluster design was used to evaluate a 10-month parenting program delivered to mothers of children in rural Bangladesh. Intervention mothers through a combination of group meetings and home visits received messages along with an illustrative card concerning hygiene, responsive feeding, play, communication, gentle discipline, and nutritious foods. Control mothers received the standard government care. Three months prior, 463 children between 4 and 14 months in a subdistrict of western Bangladesh were administered the cognitive, receptive language and expressive language Bayley III subtests, their length was taken and past week illness recorded. Gross motor milestones were reported by the mother and verified through observation. Mothers were interviewed concerning their practices: preventive health practices, dietary diversity, home stimulation, and knowledge about development milestones. Maternal depressive symptoms were assessed as a measure of emotional availability. Family sociodemographic variables included maternal education, family assets, decision-making and mobility autonomy. One month after the end of the program, mothers and their children were again assessed. Comparisons were made between intervention and control children who were under-12 months vs. 12 months and older at the start of the program. This may be a critical age, when children begin to be upright and mobile enough to explore on their own and be less dependent on parenting stimulation. Analyses yielded strong intervention effects on the three Bayley subtests and on parenting practices related to stimulation and knowledge of development milestones. Age effects were found only for dietary diversity in that younger children in the program benefited more than older ones. However, all children became more stunted. Findings are discussed in terms of theories of behaviour change and parenting, critical ages for parenting programs, and implications for program delivery. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Surgical Neuroanatomy and Programming in Deep Brain Stimulation for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

PubMed Central

Morishita, Takashi; Fayad, Sarah M.; Goodman, Wayne K.; Foote, Kelly D.; Chen, Dennis; Peace, David A.; Rhoton, Albert L.; Okun, Michael S.

2014-01-01

Objectives Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been established as a safe, effective therapy for movement disorders (Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, etc.), and its application is expanding to the treatment of other intractable neuropsychiatric disorders including Depression and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Several published studies have supported the efficacy of DBS for severely debilitating OCD. However, questions remain regarding the optimal anatomical target and the lack of a bedside programming paradigm for OCD DBS. Management of OCD DBS can be highly variable and is typically guided by each center’s individual expertise. In this paper, we review the various approaches to targeting and programming for OCD DBS. We also review the clinical experience for each proposed target, and discuss the relevant neuroanatomy. Methods A PubMed review was performed searching for literature on OCD DBS and included all articles published before March 2012. We included all available studies with a clear description of the anatomical targets, programming details, and the outcomes. Results Six different DBS approaches were identified. High frequency stimulation with high voltage was applied in most cases, and predictive factors for favorable outcomes were discussed in the literature. Conclusion DBS remains an experimental treatment for medication refractory OCD. Target selection and programming paradigms are not yet standardized, though, an improved understanding of the relationship between the DBS lead and the surrounding neuroanatomical structures will aid in the selection of targets and the approach to programming. We propose to form a registry to track OCD DBS cases for future clinical study design. PMID:24345303

Surgical neuroanatomy and programming in deep brain stimulation for obsessive compulsive disorder.

PubMed

Morishita, Takashi; Fayad, Sarah M; Goodman, Wayne K; Foote, Kelly D; Chen, Dennis; Peace, David A; Rhoton, Albert L; Okun, Michael S

2014-06-01

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been established as a safe, effective therapy for movement disorders (Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, etc.), and its application is expanding to the treatment of other intractable neuropsychiatric disorders including depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Several published studies have supported the efficacy of DBS for severely debilitating OCD. However, questions remain regarding the optimal anatomic target and the lack of a bedside programming paradigm for OCD DBS. Management of OCD DBS can be highly variable and is typically guided by each center's individual expertise. In this paper, we review the various approaches to targeting and programming for OCD DBS. We also review the clinical experience for each proposed target and discuss the relevant neuroanatomy. A PubMed review was performed searching for literature on OCD DBS and included all articles published before March 2012. We included all available studies with a clear description of the anatomic targets, programming details, and the outcomes. Six different DBS approaches were identified. High-frequency stimulation with high voltage was applied in most cases, and predictive factors for favorable outcomes were discussed in the literature. DBS remains an experimental treatment for medication refractory OCD. Target selection and programming paradigms are not yet standardized, though an improved understanding of the relationship between the DBS lead and the surrounding neuroanatomic structures will aid in the selection of targets and the approach to programming. We propose to form a registry to track OCD DBS cases for future clinical study design. © 2013 International Neuromodulation Society.

The treatment of Parkinson's disease with deep brain stimulation: current issues

PubMed Central

Moldovan, Alexia-Sabine; Groiss, Stefan Jun; Elben, Saskia; Südmeyer, Martin; Schnitzler, Alfons; Wojtecki, Lars

2015-01-01

Deep brain stimulation has become a well-established symptomatic treatment for Parkinson's disease during the last 25 years. Besides improving motor symptoms and long-term motor complications, positive effects on patients’ mobility, activities of daily living, emotional well-being and health-related quality of life have been recognized. Apart from that, numerous clinical trials analyzed effects on non-motor symptoms and side effects of deep brain stimulation. Several technical issues and stimulation paradigms have been and are still being developed to optimize the therapeutic effects, minimize the side effects and facilitate handling. This review summarizes current therapeutic issues, i.e., patient and target selection, surgical procedure and programming paradigms. In addition it focuses on neuropsychological effects and side effects of deep brain stimulation. PMID:26330809

Infant Satellite Nurseries: Family Day Care with a Difference. Parent-Child Program Series, Report No. 4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosenfeld, Anne H.

Part of a series on early childhood demonstration programs designed to improve early parent-child relationships, stimulate positive child development, and prevent later behavior difficulties, the pamphlet describes the Infant Satellite Nursery Program, developed in Honolulu, Hawaii, to provide low-income families with subsidized, home-based care…

Ship, Captain, and Crew in Education: Reflections on a Psychedelic Experience.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marland, S. P., Jr.

This paper discusses the U.S. Office of Education's attempt to stimulate drug education, and a few exemplary programs amongst those it supports. President Nixon's 1970 National Action Committee on Drug Education set up a program for training classroom teachers, and formulated guidelines for programs to educate people in schools, communities, and…

PEEEC [Project for Early Education of Exceptional Children] Outreach: Annual Report 1980-1981.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Millican, Jerri; Kibler, Robert G.

The document consists of the final report of the PEEEC (Project for Early Education of Exceptional Children) Outreach program, a program to stimulate high quality programs for preschool handicapped children and families in Kentucky. Following a definition of terms are sections outlining goals, objectives, and activities of three program…

Academic Program Review--Concerns and Justification.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heldman, D. R.

Academic program review should not be considered a new phenomenon in higher education; reviews of various types have been conducted on a continuing basis. The renewed importance of an organized effort has been stimulated by the inability of funding sources to maintain levels of support required to insure quality in all on-going programs. Current…

Model Programs Compensatory Education: Mother-Child Home Program, Freeport, New York.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences, Palo Alto, CA.

The Mother-Child Home Program was designed to modify the early cognitive experience of preschool disadvantaged children by "intervening" with a series of verbal stimulation activities planned to raise the child's measured IQ. Intervention was timed to occur with early speech development and within the context of family relationships. The…

The National School Lunch Program--Is It Working? Report to the Congress.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Comptroller General of the U.S., Washington, DC.

The National School Lunch Program is designed to safeguard schoolchild health by improving and/or maintaining levels of nutrition, and strengthen the agricultural economy by stimulating food demand. The General Accounting Office (GAO) examined whether the program is meeting its legislative objectives and analyzed available information on what is…

Taking Successful Programs to Scale and Creating Lasting Results

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Math and Science Initiative, 2008

2008-01-01

Scaling Effective Programs is a category of giving that is quite unique. Philanthropists have many different interests that guide their giving, but Scaling Effective Programs offers an approach that can produce lasting transformation. This guide speaks to funders who: (1) view their giving as venture capital that stimulates other giving; (2) want…

5 CFR 470.201 - Purposes of research programs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Section 470.201 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT RESEARCH PROGRAMS AND DEMONSTRATIONS PROJECTS Regulatory Requirements Pertaining to... under this subpart are to stimulate and conduct personnel management research which: (a) Develops new...

Stimulating safety culture change in four field demonstration pilots

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-01-01

Approximately 10 years ago, FRA began investigating organizational culture. Subsequent reorganization of the Volpe Center and HF Program to include Org. Culture & Safety Performance program. This is a summary of FRA field evaluations on the impact of...

Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA.

PubMed

Levine, Michael; McElroy, Karen; Stakich, Valerie; Cicco, Jodie

2013-03-01

Rehabilitation following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a costly, cumbersome, and often painful process. Physical therapy contributes to the successful outcome of TKA but can be expensive. Alternative methods of obtaining good functional results that help minimize costs are desirable. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a potential option. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation has been shown to increase quadriceps muscle strength and activation following TKA. Functional scores also improve following TKA when NMES is added to conventional therapy protocols vs therapy alone. The authors hypothesized that rehabilitation managed by a physical therapist would not result in a functional advantage for patients undergoing TKA when compared with NMES and an unsupervised at-home range of motion exercise program and that patient satisfaction would not differ between the 2 groups. Seventy patients were randomized into a postoperative protocol of conventional physical therapy with a licensed therapist, including range of motion exercises and strengthening exercises, or into a program of NMES and range of motion exercises performed at home without therapist supervision. Noninferiority of the NMES program was obtained 6 weeks postoperatively (Knee Society pain/function scores, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, flexion). Noninferiority was shown 6 months postoperatively for all parameters. The results suggest that rehabilitation managed by a physical therapist results in no functional advantage or difference in patient satisfaction when compared with NMES and an unsupervised at-home range of motion program. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation and unsupervised at-home range of motion exercises may provide an option for reducing the cost of the postoperative TKA recovery process without compromising quadriceps strength or patient satisfaction. Copyright 2013, SLACK Incorporated.

Tadpole Tales and Other Totally Terrific Treats for Readers Theatre.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fredericks, Anthony D.

Readers theater is a storytelling device that stimulates the imagination and promotes all of the language arts. Readers theater is an oral interpretation of a piece of literature read in a dramatic style. It involves and motivates students, energizes the language arts program, and stimulates learning. Geared for children in grades 1-4, this book…

A study protocol for a single-blind, randomized controlled trial of adjunctive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for chronic pain among patients receiving specialized, inpatient multimodal pain management.

PubMed

Janice Jimenez-Torres, G; Weinstein, Benjamin L; Walker, Cory R; Christopher Fowler, J; Ashford, Philippa; Borckardt, Jeffrey J; Madan, Alok

2017-03-01

Available treatments for chronic pain (CP) are modestly effective or associated with iatrogenic harm. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that may be an effective, adjunctive treatment to non-opioid therapies. In this randomized control trial (RCT), we compare adjunctive active versus sham tDCS among patients in a multimodal inpatient pain management program. The primary objectives of the RCT are to improve pain tolerance and subjective pain experience. Patients admitted to the Pain Management Program at The Menninger Clinic in Houston, Texas are eligible for this trial. Eighty-four participants will be randomized (1:1) into a single-blind, 2×12 (group×time) controlled trial. A battery-powered direct and constant current stimulator (Soterix Medical Inc. 2014) delivers anodal stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and cathodal stimulation over the right DLPFC. Active tDCS is applied by supplying a 2mA current for 20min/session over 10 sessions. Participants complete self-report and performance-based assessments on a weekly basis just prior to brain stimulation. Self-report assessments are collected via Chronic Pain Tracker version 3.6, an iPad interfaced application. The performance-based pain tolerance task is completed through the cold presser task. Interventions with cross-symptomatic therapeutic potential are absolutely essential in the context of CP, in which psychiatric comorbidity is the norm. Modalities that can be used in tandem with evidence-based, non-opioid therapies have the potential to have a synergistic effect, resulting in increased effectiveness of what have been modestly effective treatments to date. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease: evidence for effectiveness and limitations from 12 years' experience.

PubMed

Chan, Anne Y Y; Yeung, Jonas H M; Mok, Vincent C T; Ip, Vincent H L; Wong, Adrian; Kuo, S H; Chan, Danny T M; Zhu, X L; Wong, Edith; Lau, Claire K Y; Wong, Rosanna K M; Tang, Venus; Lau, Christine; Poon, W S

2014-12-01

To present the result and experience of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease. Case series. Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong. A cohort of patients with Parkinson's disease received subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation from September 1998 to January 2010. Patient assessment data before and after the operation were collected prospectively. Forty-one patients (21 male and 20 female) with Parkinson's disease underwent bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation and were followed up for a median interval of 12 months. For the whole group, the mean improvements of Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) parts II and III were 32.5% and 31.5%, respectively (P<0.001). Throughout the years, a multidisciplinary team was gradually built. The deep brain stimulation protocol evolved and was substantiated by updated patient selection criteria and outcome assessment, integrated imaging and neurophysiological targeting, refinement of surgical technique as well as the accumulation of experience in deep brain stimulation programming. Most of the structural improvement occurred before mid-2005. Patients receiving the operation before June 2005 (19 cases) and after (22 cases) were compared; the improvements in UPDRS part III were 13.2% and 55.2%, respectively (P<0.001). There were three operative complications (one lead migration, one cerebral haematoma, and one infection) in the group operated on before 2005. There was no operative mortality. The functional state of Parkinson's disease patients with motor disabilities refractory to best medical treatment improved significantly after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation. A dedicated multidisciplinary team building, refined protocol for patient selection and assessment, improvement of targeting methods, meticulous surgical technique, and experience in programming are the key factors contributing to the improved outcome.

Optimal design of neural stimulation current waveforms.

PubMed

Halpern, Mark

2009-01-01

This paper contains results on the design of electrical signals for delivering charge through electrodes to achieve neural stimulation. A generalization of the usual constant current stimulation phase to a stepped current waveform is presented. The electrode current design is then formulated as the calculation of the current step sizes to minimize the peak electrode voltage while delivering a specified charge in a given number of time steps. This design problem can be formulated as a finite linear program, or alternatively by using techniques for discrete-time linear system design.

Choreatic Side Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation of the Anteromedial Subthalamic Nucleus for Treatment-Resistant Obsessive-Compulsive disorder.

PubMed

Mulders, Anne E P; Leentjens, Albert F G; Schruers, Koen; Duits, Annelien; Ackermans, Linda; Temel, Yasin

2017-08-01

Patients with treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are potential candidates for deep brain stimulation (DBS). The anteromedial subthalamic nucleus (STN) is among the most commonly used targets for DBS in OCD. We present a patient with a 30-year history of treatment-resistant OCD who underwent anteromedial STN-DBS. Despite a clear mood-enhancing effect, stimulation caused motor side effects, including bilateral hyperkinesia, dyskinesias, and sudden large amplitude choreatic movements of arms and legs when stimulating at voltages greater than approximately 1.5 V. DBS at lower amplitudes and at other contact points failed to result in a significant reduction of obsessions and compulsions without inducing motor side effects. Because of this limitation in programming options, we decided to reoperate and target the ventral capsule/ventral striatum (VC/VS), which resulted in a substantial reduction in key obsessive and compulsive symptoms without serious side effects. Choreatic movements and hemiballismus have previously been linked to STN dysfunction and have been incidentally reported as side effects of DBS of the dorsolateral STN in Parkinson disease (PD). However, in PD, these side effects were usually transient, and they rarely interfered with DBS programming. In our patient, the motor side effects were persistent, and they made optimal DBS programming impossible. To our knowledge, such severe and persistent motor side effects have not been described previously for anteromedial STN-DBS. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE IN NEW YORK STATE.

PubMed

Howe, W A

1921-10-01

That normal wisdom is the result of normal health, physical and mental, is the basic principle of the program of health education in the schools of New York State as here outlined. The aim of course is the formation and development by children of automatic good-health habits, as well as the stimulation of normal play. The program provides for giving school credit for health improvement as well as for mental progress. Emphasis is laid upon the need of adequately trained teachers of physical education; the education of the community to assume its own responsibility for efficient administration; and the stimulation of executives and legislators to grant necessary appropriations.

SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE IN NEW YORK STATE

PubMed Central

Howe, William A.

1921-01-01

That normal wisdom is the result of normal health, physical and mental, is the basic principle of the program of health education in the schools of New York State as here outlined. The aim of course is the formation and development by children of automatic good-health habits, as well as the stimulation of normal play. The program provides for giving school credit for health improvement as well as for mental progress. Emphasis is laid upon the need of adequately trained teachers of physical education; the education of the community to assume its own responsibility for efficient administration; and the stimulation of executives and legislators to grant necessary appropriations. PMID:18010569

Consensus on the leadership of hospital CEOs and its impact on the participation of physicians in improvement projects.

PubMed

Dückers, Michel L A; Stegeman, Inge; Spreeuwenberg, Peter; Wagner, Cordula; Sanders, Karin; Groenewegen, Peter P

2009-08-01

The success of a Dutch program to disseminate quality improvement projects depends on the participation of physicians working in program hospitals. The leadership of hospital executives (CEOs) is considered an important explanation. This study aims to determine whether the relation, between the extent to which physicians notice their CEOs stimulate improvement initiatives and the number of projects joined by physicians, is moderated by the consensus among physicians working in the same hospital. Multilevel analyses are applied on data of 286 physicians from eight hospitals to: (1) estimate whether participation depends on noticing if CEOs stimulate improvement, (2) test if an individual's participation differs when more colleagues have the same opinion (effect modification). Significant moderator effects are found. The participation of physicians, noticing that CEOs stimulate improvement is higher when more colleagues share this opinion. For physicians not knowing whether improvement is encouraged, higher consensus coincides with lower participation. Project involvement of physicians depends on their consensus about encouragement by CEOs. This confirms the importance of strategic leaders in dissemination programs. Further research is recommended into causes of CEO leadership visibility and methods to strengthen leadership climate.

Stimulation of Changes, Collective Commitment and The Patterns of Group Formation in Community Development in South Sulawesi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saleh, Syafiuddin

2018-05-01

This study aims to examine the pattern of group formation, related to the stimulation of change through the empowerment of farmers and poor fishermen The pattern of group formation is the basis for sustainable development. The research method used is qualitative descriptive method and relevant research type such as case study and triangulasi. The results of the study showed that (1) stimulation of changes made through development programs or community empowerment in the areas studied both among farm households and poor fishermen households for some programs received positive response from farmers and fishermen. However, the collective commitment to the breeding is relatively weak, since the group formed in each program is not done through good planning and concepts. (2) there are two patterns of group formation that are natural and formed formations initiated by outsiders. Groups that are naturally formed are more institutionalized and have characteristics such as intense and relatively routine interaction, strong mutual trust, and have a common form or mechanism shared for common purposes. The group can form the basis for sustainable development in improving the welfare of the poor.

Efficacy of an Amblyopia Treatment Program with Both Eyes Open: A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study.

PubMed

Iwata, Yo; Handa, Tomoya; Ishikawa, Hitoshi; Shoji, Nobuyuki; Shimizu, Kimiya

2016-01-01

To investigate the efficacy of an amblyopia treatment program with both eyes open. Ten subjects (mean age 20.5 ± 1.5 years) were enrolled. All subjects had un-remarkable ophthalmic examinations, but several subjects had minor refractive errors. Vision function was evaluated using the 3-D visual function trainer-ORTe. Brain measurements were made using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to examine the oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO 2 ) concentration change upon visual stimulus presentation. The three conditions were as follows: both eyes open and both eyes stimulated, both eyes open and only one eye stimulated, and one eye open and one eye stimulated. Changes in HbO2 between the rest and stimulation phases were not statistically different between the unilateral and bilateral stimulation conditions with both eyes open. However, HbO 2 change was significantly higher in subjects with both eyes open than in subjects with one eye closed (P < 0.001, all comparisons). Greater activation of the visual cortex is achieved when subjects are treated with both eyes open as compared to subjects with one eye occluded. From a perspective of functional brain activation, amblyopia treatment administered without occluding the healthy eye may provide the greatest therapeutic benefit. © 2016 Board of regents of the University of Wisconsin System, American Orthoptic Journal, Volume 66, 2016, ISSN 0065-955X, E-ISSN 1553-4448.

Stimulation of Executive Functions as Part of the Language Intervention Process in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

PubMed

Sun, Ingrid Ya I; Varanda, Cristina Andrade; Fernandes, Fernanda Dreux

2017-01-01

Identifying effective methods for stimulating language and communication of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is fundamental to the effective use of available resources to support these children. This pilot study was designed to explore the potential benefits of a program of stimulation of executive functions (SEF) on the functional aspects of language and communication through the assessment of the functional communicative profile and social-cognitive performance. Twenty children, aged 5-12 years, with a diagnosis of ASD participated in the study. Two stimulation programs were offered over a 10- to 12-week period as part of the regular services offered to these children through a University's speech and language therapy outpatient clinic in São Paulo, Brazil. Children either received SEF intervention in their home implemented by their parent/s, with close monitoring by the speech-language pathologist (SLP) (group 1), or they received SEF by the SLP during regular speech-language therapy individual sessions (group 2). The findings suggested that there were differences between the children's pre- and posttest performance. Significantly different performances were observed in the areas of occupation of communication space, proportion of communicative interactivity, and social-cognitive performance. The inclusion of activities to stimulate executive function abilities in language intervention for children with ASD warrants further investigation. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Celebrate the Constitution: A Guide for Public Programs in the Humanities, 1987-1991.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Federation of State Humanities Councils, Washington, DC.

With the Bicentennial Bookshelf as a foundation stone, communities will be able to stimulate public discourse on the meaning of constitutionalism in the United States through the use of this guide. Guidelines and model programs are provided for initiating reading and discussion programs, conferences, lectures series, and seminars and institutes.…

Award-Winning Community Service Programs in Independent Schools. Revised 1991-92 Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sands, Catherine D., Ed.; Gorman, Michael J., Ed.

For nearly a decade, the Council for Religion in Independent Schools has honored schools with superior community service programs. The purpose of these annual awards is to stimulate the growth of such programs, to inform other schools of notable policies and practices, and to recognize excellence in moral consciousness and spirituality. A panel of…

Evaluation of a training program for persons with SCI paraplegia using the Parastep 1 ambulation system: part 4. Effect on physical self-concept and depression.

PubMed

Guest, R S; Klose, K J; Needham-Shropshire, B M; Jacobs, P L

1997-08-01

To determine whether persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) paraplegia who participated in an electrical stimulation walking program experienced changes in measures of physical self-concept and depression. Before-after trial. Human SCI applied research laboratory. Volunteer sample of 12 men and 3 women with SCI paraplegia, mean age 28.75 +/- 6.6yrs and mean duration of injury 3.8 +/- 3.2yrs. Thirty-two FNS ambulation training sessions using a commercially available system (Parastep 1). The hybrid system consists of a microprocessor-controlled stimulator and a modified walking frame with finger-operated switches that permit the user to control the stimulation parameters and activate the stepping. The Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were administered before and after training. Only the Physical Self subscale of the TSCS was analyzed. After training, individual interviews were performed to assess participants' subjective reactions to the training program. A repeated measures analysis of variance indicated that desired directional and statistically significant changes occurred on the Physical Self subscale of the TSCS (F(1,14) = 8.54, p < .011) and on the BDI (F(1,14) = 5.42, p < .035). Subsequent to the ambulation training program there were statistically significant increases in physical self-concept scores and decreases in depression scores.

Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Research Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-01

Study 1: The penicillin-induced seizure animal model has been generated by acute focal intracortical injection of penicillin in the motor cortex of rats ... motor cortex of rats . The effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on penicillin-induced seizure have been investigated using behavioral...electroencephalographic (EEG) recording. Study 2: The motor cortex (M1) and the corticospinal tracts (CST) will be directly modulated using brain stimulation

Strength, Pain, Function in OIF/OEF Amputees: A Nurse-Managed Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-25

resistance training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation in knee osteoarthritis : a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 13, 118... systematic review of the effects of different electromyostimulation methods on selected strength parameters in trained and elite athletes. Journal of...electrical stimulation on rehabilitation after ligament and meniscal injuries: a systematic review . Sao Paulo Medical Journal, 129(6), 414-423

Assisting People with Disabilities in Actively Performing Designated Occupational Activities with Battery-Free Wireless Mice to Control Environmental Stimulation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shih, Ching-Hsiang

2013-01-01

The latest researches use software technology (OLDP, object location detection programs) to turn a commercial high-technology product, i.e. a battery-free wireless mouse, into a high performance/precise object location detector to detect whether or not an object has been placed in the designated location. The preferred environmental stimulation is…

Hyperhidrosis associated with subthalamic deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease: Insights into central autonomic functional anatomy.

PubMed

Ramirez-Zamora, Adolfo; Smith, Heather; Youn, Youngwon; Durphy, Jennifer; Shin, Damian S; Pilitsis, Julie G

2016-07-15

There is limited evidence regarding the precise location and connections of thermoregulatory centers in humans. We present two patients managed with subthalamic nucleus (STN) Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for motor fluctuations in PD that developed reproducible hyperhidrosis with high frequency DBS. To describe the clinical features and analyze the location of the electrodes leading to autonomic activation in both patients. We retrospectively assessed the anatomical localization, electrode programming settings and effects of unilateral STN DBS leading to hyperhidrosis. Unilateral stimulation of anterior and medially located contacts within the STN and zona incerta (Zi) caused bilateral, consistent, reproducible, and reversible sweating in our patients. Adequate control of motor symptoms without autonomic side effects was accomplished with alternative programming settings. Stimulation of the medial Zi and medial and anterior STN causes hyperhidrosis in a pattern similar to that described in primates and rats. We speculate that central autonomic fibers originating in the lateral hypothalamic area project laterally to the ventral/medial Zi and then to brainstem nuclei following an medial and posterior trajectory in relationship to STN. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Functional vision in children with perinatal brain damage.

PubMed

Alimović, Sonja; Jurić, Nikolina; Bošnjak, Vlatka Mejaški

2014-09-01

Many authors have discussed the effects of visual stimulations on visual functions, but there is no research about the effects on using vision in everyday activities (i.e. functional vision). Children with perinatal brain damage can develop cerebral visual impairment with preserved visual functions (e.g. visual acuity, contrast sensitivity) but poor functional vision. Our aim was to discuss the importance of assessing and stimulating functional vision in children with perinatal brain damage. We assessed visual functions (grating visual acuity, contrast sensitivity) and functional vision (the ability of maintaining visual attention and using vision in communication) in 99 children with perinatal brain damage and visual impairment. All children were assessed before and after the visual stimulation program. Our first assessment results showed that children with perinatal brain damage had significantly more problems in functional vision than in basic visual functions. During the visual stimulation program both variables of functional vision and contrast sensitivity improved significantly, while grating acuity improved only in 2.7% of children. We also found that improvement of visual attention significantly correlated to improvement on all other functions describing vision. Therefore, functional vision assessment, especially assessment of visual attention is indispensable in early monitoring of child with perinatal brain damage.

Seeking and Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Corcoran, Jerry

2015-01-01

The Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC) Honors Program's mission is to "promote the identification and achievement of education and/or career goals for its participants by offering a specially designed honors curriculum, by providing stimulating academic and social program events, and by facilitating and recognizing student pursuits in…

Educational Programs That Work. Volume IV.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Far West Lab. for Educational Research and Development, San Francisco, CA.

This catalog is published as one of many mechanisms to stimulate and facilitate continuing communication among the federal, state, intermediate, and local agencies that share responsibility for educational program improvement through nationwide dissemination activities. All the projects cited have undergone close scrutiny by the Joint…

A Voice Stimulation Program for Preschoolers: Theory and Practice.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Andrews, Moya L.; Summers, Anne C.

1993-01-01

Voice programing for preschool children with communication disabilities is discussed, including suggestions for enriching the child's auditory environment, selecting target goals, and providing consistency of target presentations by caregivers. Sample vocal awareness and production goals and strategies are offered. (Author/DB)

The effect of a multisensory exercise program on engagement, behavior, and selected physiological indexes in persons with dementia.

PubMed

Heyn, Patricia

2003-01-01

A multisensory exercise approach that evokes the stimulation and use of various senses, such as combining physical and cognitive stimuli, can assist in the management of persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of a multisensory exercise program on cognitive function (engagement), behavior (mood), and physiological indices (blood pressure, resting heart rate, and weight) in 13 nursing home residents diagnosed with moderate to severe AD. A one-group pretest/post-test, quasi-experimental design was used. The program combined a variety of sensory stimulations, integrating storytelling and imaging strategies. Results showed an improvement in resting heart rate, overall mood, and in engagement of physical activity. The findings suggest that a multisensory exercise approach can be beneficial for individuals with AD.

LEARN 2 MOVE 7-12 years: a randomized controlled trial on the effects of a physical activity stimulation program in children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Van Wely, Leontien; Becher, Jules G; Reinders-Messelink, Heleen A; Lindeman, Eline; Verschuren, Olaf; Verheijden, Johannes; Dallmeijer, Annet J

2010-11-02

Regular participation in physical activities is important for all children to stay fit and healthy. Children with cerebral palsy have reduced levels of physical activity, compared to typically developing children. The aim of the LEARN 2 MOVE 7-12 study is to improve physical activity by means of a physical activity stimulation program, consisting of a lifestyle intervention and a fitness training program. This study will be a 6-month single-blinded randomized controlled trial with a 6-month follow up. Fifty children with spastic cerebral palsy, aged 7 to 12 years, with Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I-III, will be recruited in pediatric physiotherapy practices and special schools for children with disabilities. The children will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or control group. The children in the control group will continue with their regular pediatric physiotherapy, and the children in the intervention group will participate in a 6-month physical activity stimulation program. The physical activity stimulation program consists of a 6-month lifestyle intervention, in combination with a 4-month fitness training program. The lifestyle intervention includes counseling the child and the parents to adopt an active lifestyle through Motivational Interviewing, and home-based physiotherapy to practise mobility-related activities in the daily situation. Data will be collected just before the start of the intervention (T0), after the 4-month fitness training program (T4), after the 6-month lifestyle intervention (T6), and after six months of follow-up (T12). Primary outcomes are physical activity, measured with the StepWatch Activity Monitor and with self-reports. Secondary outcomes are fitness, capacity of mobility, social participation and health-related quality of life. A random coefficient analysis will be performed to determine differences in treatment effect between the control group and the intervention group, with primary outcomes and secondary outcomes as the dependent variables. This is the first study that investigates the effect of a combined lifestyle intervention and fitness training on physical activity. Temporary effects of the fitness training are expected to be maintained by changes to an active lifestyle in daily life and in the home situation. This study is registered in the Dutch Trial Register as NTR2099.

Long-term detection of Parkinsonian tremor activity from subthalamic nucleus local field potentials.

PubMed

Houston, Brady; Blumenfeld, Zack; Quinn, Emma; Bronte-Stewart, Helen; Chizeck, Howard

2015-01-01

Current deep brain stimulation paradigms deliver continuous stimulation to deep brain structures to ameliorate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. This continuous stimulation has undesirable side effects and decreases the lifespan of the unit's battery, necessitating earlier replacement. A closed-loop deep brain stimulator that uses brain signals to determine when to deliver stimulation based on the occurrence of symptoms could potentially address these drawbacks of current technology. Attempts to detect Parkinsonian tremor using brain signals recorded during the implantation procedure have been successful. However, the ability of these methods to accurately detect tremor over extended periods of time is unknown. Here we use local field potentials recorded during a deep brain stimulation clinical follow-up visit 1 month after initial programming to build a tremor detection algorithm and use this algorithm to detect tremor in subsequent visits up to 8 months later. Using this method, we detected the occurrence of tremor with accuracies between 68-93%. These results demonstrate the potential of tremor detection methods for efficacious closed-loop deep brain stimulation over extended periods of time.

Commercial Breaks: A Viewing Behavior Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moriarty, Sandra E.; Everett, Shu-Ling

1994-01-01

Analyzes television viewing behavior in a naturalistic setting, investigating channel changing and other commercial avoidance behaviors. Finds that channel changing is stimulated more by commercials than by programs and that 90% of channel changers click the switch during commercial breaks, raising serious questions about program and station…

WWW Case Study Program To Enhance Thinking, Critically and Globally: The Impact of NAFTA on the Apparel Industry.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frey, Diane K.; Eckman, Molly

1999-01-01

An interactive Web program was developed to present a case study on textile/apparel products for a family and consumer sciences course. Students found the case studies relevant and stimulating for complex thinking. (SK)

[Sportsmanship.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

CRF Sports and the Law, 1993

1993-01-01

This publication is part of the Sports and the Law program sponsored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation. The program draws on young people's natural interest in sports to stimulate their involvement in education, and provides teacher training, lesson plans, a textbook and accompanying videotape, an annual conference, and classroom visits by…

Robotics Competitions: The Choice Is up to You!

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Richard T.; Londt, Susan E.

2010-01-01

Competitive robotics as an interactive experience can increase the level of student participation in technology education, inspire students to consider careers in technical fields, and enhance the visibility of technology education programs. Implemented correctly, a competitive robotics program can provide a stimulating learning environment for…

75 FR 37409 - Information Collection; Submission for OMB Review, Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-29

..., mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g... programs and practices. This program helps fulfill the Corporation's strategic goals of engaging Americans... provide, or stimulate the creation of resources to coordinate service, service-learning, and community...

13 CFR 120.800 - The purpose of the 504 program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

..., and stimulate growth, expansion, and modernization of small businesses. ... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false The purpose of the 504 program. 120.800 Section 120.800 Business Credit and Assistance SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS LOANS...

Alternative surgical approaches in epilepsy.

PubMed

Gigante, Paul R; Goodman, Robert R

2011-08-01

The mainstay of epilepsy surgery is the resection of a presumed seizure focus or disruption of seizure propagation pathways. These approaches cannot be applied to all patients with medically refractory epilepsy (MRE). Since 1997, vagus nerve stimulation has been a palliative adjunct to the care of MRE patients. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) in select locations has been reported to reduce seizure frequency in small studies over the past three decades. Recently published results from the SANTE (Stimulation of the Anterior Nuclei of Thalamus for Epilepsy) trial-the first large-scale, randomized, double-blind trial of bilateral anterior thalamus DBS for MRE-demonstrate a significant reduction in seizure frequency with programmed stimulation. Another surgical alternative is the RNS™ System (NeuroPace, Mountain View, CA), which uses a closed-loop system termed responsive neurostimulation to both detect apparent seizure onsets and deliver stimulation. Recently presented results from the RNS™ pivotal trial demonstrate a sustained reduction in seizure frequency with stimulation, although comprehensive trial results are pending.

Closed loop deep brain stimulation: an evolving technology.

PubMed

Hosain, Md Kamal; Kouzani, Abbas; Tye, Susannah

2014-12-01

Deep brain stimulation is an effective and safe medical treatment for a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders including Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and treatment resistant obsessive compulsive disorder. A closed loop deep brain stimulation (CLDBS) system automatically adjusts stimulation parameters by the brain response in real time. The CLDBS continues to evolve due to the advancement in the brain stimulation technologies. This paper provides a study on the existing systems developed for CLDBS. It highlights the issues associated with CLDBS systems including feedback signal recording and processing, stimulation parameters setting, control algorithm, wireless telemetry, size, and power consumption. The benefits and limitations of the existing CLDBS systems are also presented. Whilst robust clinical proof of the benefits of the technology remains to be achieved, it has the potential to offer several advantages over open loop DBS. The CLDBS can improve efficiency and efficacy of therapy, eliminate lengthy start-up period for programming and adjustment, provide a personalized treatment, and make parameters setting automatic and adaptive.

SPECS | Scientific Programs | CDP

Cancer.gov

The Cancer Diagnosis Program strives to improve the diagnosis and assessment of cancer by effectively moving new scientific knowledge into clinical practice. This national program stimulates, coordinates and funds resources and research for the development of innovative in vitro diagnostics, novel diagnostic technologies and appropriate human specimens in order to better characterize cancers and allow improved medical decision making and evaluation of response to treatment.

Intra-Family Diffusion of Selected Cognitive Skills as a Function of Educational Stimulation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gilmer, Barbara R.

1969-01-01

In order to investigate diffusion effects within families involved in an intervention program, 80 disadvantaged children were divided into four groups, three of which were made up of younger siblings of preschool children in the intervention program. In two of these three groups, the mother was also involved in the program. The fourth group was…

PACCT | Scientific Programs | CDP

Cancer.gov

The Cancer Diagnosis Program strives to improve the diagnosis and assessment of cancer by effectively moving new scientific knowledge into clinical practice. This national program stimulates, coordinates and funds resources and research for the development of innovative in vitro diagnostics, novel diagnostic technologies and appropriate human specimens in order to better characterize cancers and allow improved medical decision making and evaluation of response to treatment.

USAF/SCEEE Summer Faculty Research Program (1979). Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-12-01

Summer Faculty Research Program participants. The program designed to stimulate ’Ilk scientific and engineering interaction between university faculty...Prog., Dept. of Industrial Engineering Facility design and location theory University of Oklahoma and routing and distribution systems 202 W. Boyd...Theory & Assistant Professor of Management Adninistration, 1975 University of Akron S.ec aIty: Organization Design Akron, OH 44325 Assigned: AFBRMC

Welfare System Reform: Coordinating Federal, State, and Local Public Assistance Programs. Studies in Social Welfare Policies and Programs, Number 16.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jennings, Edward T., Jr., Ed.; Zank, Neal S., Ed.

The 16 chapters in this book are intended to stimulate thinking about approaches to dealing with the substance of public assistance policy as it bears on coordination issues, organizational arrangements for policy development and delivery, and processes for building linkages between disparate but related programs. Part I, an introduction, contains…

Scientific Programs | CDP

Cancer.gov

The Cancer Diagnosis Program strives to improve the diagnosis and assessment of cancer by effectively moving new scientific knowledge into clinical practice. This national program stimulates, coordinates and funds resources and research for the development of innovative in vitro diagnostics, novel diagnostic technologies and appropriate human specimens in order to better characterize cancers and allow improved medical decision making and evaluation of response to treatment.

A PILOT BASIC EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR SCHOOL DROPOUTS INCORPORATING A TOKEN REINFORCEMENT SYSTEM.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

CLARK, MARILYN; AND OTHERS

A 2-MONTH BASIC EDUCATION PROGRAM TESTED WHETHER A TOKEN REINFORCEMENT MIGHT BE AN EFFECTIVE INCENTIVE TO STIMULATE A DESIRED EDUCATIONAL BEHAVIOR. THE SUBJECTS (SS) WERE TWO MATCHED GROUPS OF FIVE 16- TO 21-YEAR-OLD GIRLS WHO WERE SCHOOL DROPOUTS EMPLOYED IN A NEIGHBORHOOD YOUTH CORPS (NYC) PROGRAM. A CLASSROOM GROUP WAS GIVEN A BASIC EDUCATION…

Reverse-engineering the genetic circuitry of a cancer cell with predicted intervention in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

PubMed

Vallat, Laurent; Kemper, Corey A; Jung, Nicolas; Maumy-Bertrand, Myriam; Bertrand, Frédéric; Meyer, Nicolas; Pocheville, Arnaud; Fisher, John W; Gribben, John G; Bahram, Seiamak

2013-01-08

Cellular behavior is sustained by genetic programs that are progressively disrupted in pathological conditions--notably, cancer. High-throughput gene expression profiling has been used to infer statistical models describing these cellular programs, and development is now needed to guide orientated modulation of these systems. Here we develop a regression-based model to reverse-engineer a temporal genetic program, based on relevant patterns of gene expression after cell stimulation. This method integrates the temporal dimension of biological rewiring of genetic programs and enables the prediction of the effect of targeted gene disruption at the system level. We tested the performance accuracy of this model on synthetic data before reverse-engineering the response of primary cancer cells to a proliferative (protumorigenic) stimulation in a multistate leukemia biological model (i.e., chronic lymphocytic leukemia). To validate the ability of our method to predict the effects of gene modulation on the global program, we performed an intervention experiment on a targeted gene. Comparison of the predicted and observed gene expression changes demonstrates the possibility of predicting the effects of a perturbation in a gene regulatory network, a first step toward an orientated intervention in a cancer cell genetic program.

Unprecedentedly Strong and Narrow Electromagnetic Emissions Stimulated by High-Frequency Radio Waves in the Ionosphere

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

Norin, L.; Leyser, T. B.; Nordblad, E.

2009-02-13

Experimental results of secondary electromagnetic radiation, stimulated by high-frequency radio waves irradiating the ionosphere, are reported. We have observed emission peaks, shifted in frequency up to a few tens of Hertz from radio waves transmitted at several megahertz. These emission peaks are by far the strongest spectral features of secondary radiation that have been reported. The emissions are attributed to stimulated Brillouin scattering, long predicted but hitherto never unambiguously identified in high-frequency ionospheric interaction experiments. The experiments were performed at the High-Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP), Alaska, USA.

Unprecedentedly strong and narrow electromagnetic emissions stimulated by high-frequency radio waves in the ionosphere.

PubMed

Norin, L; Leyser, T B; Nordblad, E; Thidé, B; McCarrick, M

2009-02-13

Experimental results of secondary electromagnetic radiation, stimulated by high-frequency radio waves irradiating the ionosphere, are reported. We have observed emission peaks, shifted in frequency up to a few tens of Hertz from radio waves transmitted at several megahertz. These emission peaks are by far the strongest spectral features of secondary radiation that have been reported. The emissions are attributed to stimulated Brillouin scattering, long predicted but hitherto never unambiguously identified in high-frequency ionospheric interaction experiments. The experiments were performed at the High-Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP), Alaska, USA.

Multimodal Intervention Trial for Cognitive Deficits in Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Efficacy of Computerized Cognitive Training and Stimulant Medication

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-10-01

AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-15-1-0508 TITLE: Multimodal Intervention Trial for Cognitive Deficits in Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Efficacy of...Computerized Cognitive Training and Stimulant Medication PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Maria T. Acosta, M.D. CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: Children’s National Health...database. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Neurofibromatosis, cognition , pediatric, computerized training programs, working memory 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17

Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Research Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-01

risks have been identified that would require a new risk analysis. The study is now registered as a pilot clinical trial. Use of tDCS , TMS and structural...using behavioral recording and electroencephalographic ( EEG ) recording and results were published. Study 2: The motor cortex (M1) and the...four pilot projects. Study 1: Magnetic stimulation and epilepsy In this study, transcranial magnetic stimulation ( TMS ) will be tested for its

Demultiplexer circuit for neural stimulation

DOEpatents

Wessendorf, Kurt O; Okandan, Murat; Pearson, Sean

2012-10-09

A demultiplexer circuit is disclosed which can be used with a conventional neural stimulator to extend the number of electrodes which can be activated. The demultiplexer circuit, which is formed on a semiconductor substrate containing a power supply that provides all the dc electrical power for operation of the circuit, includes digital latches that receive and store addressing information from the neural stimulator one bit at a time. This addressing information is used to program one or more 1:2.sup.N demultiplexers in the demultiplexer circuit which then route neural stimulation signals from the neural stimulator to an electrode array which is connected to the outputs of the 1:2.sup.N demultiplexer. The demultiplexer circuit allows the number of individual electrodes in the electrode array to be increased by a factor of 2.sup.N with N generally being in a range of 2-4.

Staff Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Purcell, Larry O.

Staff development programs and activities are common methods of stimulating change in the behavior of educators. These programs may be designed for a number of purposes, including (1) problem-solving within the local school or district; (2) remediation to develop work-related skills; (3) motivation to change and improve staff; and (4) development…

Effects of an Individualized Activity Program on Elderly Patients

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salter, Carlota de Lerma; Salter, Charles A.

1975-01-01

A combined program of Reality Orientation, Activities of Daily Living, and Recreational Activities, together with environmental stimulation, was applied on an individualized basis to 21 elderly patients suffering from both psychological disorders and long-term physical illness. The motivation to participate in the available activities increased…

Indigenous Education and Grassroots Language Planning in the USA.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCarty, Teresa L.; Watahomigie, Lucille J.

1999-01-01

Indigenous literacy affirms indigenous identity; connects native speakers to the culture and each other; and stimulates other, more diffuse forces for language maintenance. Collaborative, grassroots Native language programs in the United States, New Zealand, Hawaii, Canada, and Puerto Rico are described. Immersion and literacy programs include…

Parent Education: A Perspective on Involvement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Biro, Jean

1979-01-01

The article reviews ways in which parents of handicapped children can become involved with the schools, and two models (an oral program for deaf students in which parents are trained to provide language stimulation, and a program for autistic children involving parents in behavioral treatment) are described. (CL)

Resources for the Aging--An Action Handbook, a Catalogue of Federal Programs, Foundations and Trusts, and Voluntary Agencies that Assist Communities and Individuals to Meet the Needs of the Aging.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Office of Economic Opportunity, Washington, DC. Community Action Program.

Published to stimulate local, state, and national groups to develop programs to assist the aged, this catalog presents information about federal grants-in-aid and basic service programs that serve the old, and about foundations and trusts, and national voluntary agencies supporting programs for the aged or willing to assist local groups organizing…

Publications of the planetary biology program for 1976: A special bibliography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bradley, F. D. (Compiler); Young, R. S. (Compiler)

1977-01-01

An annual listing of current publications resulting from research pursued under the auspices of NASA's Planetary Biology Program is presented. To stimulate the exchange of information and ideas among scientists working in the different areas of the program. To facilitate the exchange process. The author of each publication who is presently participating in the program is identified by asterisk. Current addresses for all principal investigators are given in the appendix.

Effects of Navigated Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation After Stroke.

PubMed

Chervyakov, Alexander V; Poydasheva, Alexandra G; Lyukmanov, Roman H; Suponeva, Natalia A; Chernikova, Ludmila A; Piradov, Michael A; Ustinova, Ksenia I

2018-03-01

The purpose of this study was to test the effects of navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, delivered in different modes, on motor impairments and functional limitations after stroke. The study sample included 42 patients (58.5 ± 10.7 years; 26 males) who experienced a single unilateral stroke (1-12 months previously) in the area of the middle cerebral artery. Patients completed a course of conventional rehabilitation, together with 10 sessions of navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation or sham stimulation. Stimulation was scheduled five times a week over two consecutive weeks in an inpatient clinical setting. Patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups and received sham stimulation (n = 10), low-frequency (1-Hz) stimulation of the nonaffected hemisphere (n = 11), high-frequency (10-Hz) stimulation of the affected hemisphere (n = 13), or sequential combination of low- and high-frequency stimulations (n = 8). Participants were evaluated before and after stimulation with clinical tests, including the arm and hand section of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale, modified Ashworth Scale of Muscle Spasticity, and Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living. Participants in the three groups receiving navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation showed improvements in arm and hand functions on the Fugl-Meyer Stroke Assessment Scale. Ashworth Scale of Muscle Spasticity and Barthel Index scores were significantly reduced in groups receiving low- or high-frequency stimulation alone. Including navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in a conventional rehabilitation program positively influenced motor and functional recovery in study participants, demonstrating the clinical potential of the method. The results of this study will be used for designing a large-scale clinical trial.

A testbed to explore the optimal electrical stimulation parameters for suppressing inter-ictal spikes in human hippocampal slices.

PubMed

Min-Chi Hsiao; Pen-Ning Yu; Dong Song; Liu, Charles Y; Heck, Christi N; Millett, David; Berger, Theodore W

2014-01-01

New interventions using neuromodulatory devices such as vagus nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulation and responsive neurostimulation are available or under study for the treatment of refractory epilepsy. Since the actual mechanisms of the onset and termination of the seizure are still unclear, most researchers or clinicians determine the optimal stimulation parameters through trial-and-error procedures. It is necessary to further explore what types of electrical stimulation parameters (these may include stimulation frequency, amplitude, duration, interval pattern, and location) constitute a set of optimal stimulation paradigms to suppress seizures. In a previous study, we developed an in vitro epilepsy model using hippocampal slices from patients suffering from mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Using a planar multi-electrode array system, inter-ictal activity from human hippocampal slices was consistently recorded. In this study, we have further transferred this in vitro seizure model to a testbed for exploring the possible neurostimulation paradigms to inhibit inter-ictal spikes. The methodology used to collect the electrophysiological data, the approach to apply different electrical stimulation parameters to the slices are provided in this paper. The results show that this experimental testbed will provide a platform for testing the optimal stimulation parameters of seizure cessation. We expect this testbed will expedite the process for identifying the most effective parameters, and may ultimately be used to guide programming of new stimulating paradigms for neuromodulatory devices.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Interferential Therapy on the Upper Trapezius in Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Study.

PubMed

Dissanayaka, Thusharika Dilrukshi; Pallegama, Ranjith Wasantha; Suraweera, Hilari Justus; Johnson, Mark I; Kariyawasam, Anula Padma

2016-09-01

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and interferential therapy (IFT) both in combination with hot pack, myofascial release, active range of motion exercise, and a home exercise program on myofascial pain syndrome patients with upper trapezius myofascial trigger point. A total of 105 patients with an upper trapezius myofascial trigger point were recruited to this single-blind randomized controlled trial. Following random allocation of patients to three groups, three therapeutic regimens-control-standard care (hot pack, active range of motion exercises, myofascial release, and a home exercise program with postural advice), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation-standard care and IFT-standard care-were administered eight times during 4 wks at regular intervals. Pain intensity and cervical range of motions (cervical extension, lateral flexion to the contralateral side, and rotation to the ipsilateral side) were measured at baseline, immediately after the first treatment, before the eighth treatment, and 1 wk after the eighth treatment. Immediate and short-term improvements were marked in the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group (n = 35) compared with the IFT group (n = 35) and the control group (n = 35) with respect to pain intensity and cervical range of motions (P < 0.05). The IFT group showed significant improvement on these outcome measurements than the control group did (P < 0.05). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with standard care facilitates recovery better than IFT does in the same combination.

Particle Swarm Optimization for Programming Deep Brain Stimulation Arrays

PubMed Central

Peña, Edgar; Zhang, Simeng; Deyo, Steve; Xiao, YiZi; Johnson, Matthew D.

2017-01-01

Objective Deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy relies on both precise neurosurgical targeting and systematic optimization of stimulation settings to achieve beneficial clinical outcomes. One recent advance to improve targeting is the development of DBS arrays (DBSAs) with electrodes segmented both along and around the DBS lead. However, increasing the number of independent electrodes creates the logistical challenge of optimizing stimulation parameters efficiently. Approach Solving such complex problems with multiple solutions and objectives is well known to occur in biology, in which complex collective behaviors emerge out of swarms of individual organisms engaged in learning through social interactions. Here, we developed a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to program DBSAs using a swarm of individual particles representing electrode configurations and stimulation amplitudes. Using a finite element model of motor thalamic DBS, we demonstrate how the PSO algorithm can efficiently optimize a multi-objective function that maximizes predictions of axonal activation in regions of interest (ROI, cerebellar-receiving area of motor thalamus), minimizes predictions of axonal activation in regions of avoidance (ROA, somatosensory thalamus), and minimizes power consumption. Main Results The algorithm solved the multi-objective problem by producing a Pareto front. ROI and ROA activation predictions were consistent across swarms (<1% median discrepancy in axon activation). The algorithm was able to accommodate for (1) lead displacement (1 mm) with relatively small ROI (≤9.2%) and ROA (≤1%) activation changes, irrespective of shift direction; (2) reduction in maximum per-electrode current (by 50% and 80%) with ROI activation decreasing by 5.6% and 16%, respectively; and (3) disabling electrodes (n=3 and 12) with ROI activation reduction by 1.8% and 14%, respectively. Additionally, comparison between PSO predictions and multi-compartment axon model simulations showed discrepancies of <1% between approaches. Significance The PSO algorithm provides a computationally efficient way to program DBS systems especially those with higher electrode counts. PMID:28068291

Particle swarm optimization for programming deep brain stimulation arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peña, Edgar; Zhang, Simeng; Deyo, Steve; Xiao, YiZi; Johnson, Matthew D.

2017-02-01

Objective. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy relies on both precise neurosurgical targeting and systematic optimization of stimulation settings to achieve beneficial clinical outcomes. One recent advance to improve targeting is the development of DBS arrays (DBSAs) with electrodes segmented both along and around the DBS lead. However, increasing the number of independent electrodes creates the logistical challenge of optimizing stimulation parameters efficiently. Approach. Solving such complex problems with multiple solutions and objectives is well known to occur in biology, in which complex collective behaviors emerge out of swarms of individual organisms engaged in learning through social interactions. Here, we developed a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to program DBSAs using a swarm of individual particles representing electrode configurations and stimulation amplitudes. Using a finite element model of motor thalamic DBS, we demonstrate how the PSO algorithm can efficiently optimize a multi-objective function that maximizes predictions of axonal activation in regions of interest (ROI, cerebellar-receiving area of motor thalamus), minimizes predictions of axonal activation in regions of avoidance (ROA, somatosensory thalamus), and minimizes power consumption. Main results. The algorithm solved the multi-objective problem by producing a Pareto front. ROI and ROA activation predictions were consistent across swarms (<1% median discrepancy in axon activation). The algorithm was able to accommodate for (1) lead displacement (1 mm) with relatively small ROI (⩽9.2%) and ROA (⩽1%) activation changes, irrespective of shift direction; (2) reduction in maximum per-electrode current (by 50% and 80%) with ROI activation decreasing by 5.6% and 16%, respectively; and (3) disabling electrodes (n  =  3 and 12) with ROI activation reduction by 1.8% and 14%, respectively. Additionally, comparison between PSO predictions and multi-compartment axon model simulations showed discrepancies of  <1% between approaches. Significance. The PSO algorithm provides a computationally efficient way to program DBS systems especially those with higher electrode counts.

IFESS 2005 Special Session 5 Artifical Vision. Final progress report

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

Weiland, James D.

A special session on visual prostheses was held during the Annual Meeting of the International Functional Electrical Stimulation Society (IFESS), in Montreal, Canada, July 5-9, 2005. IFESS is a meeting that typically attracts researchers in implantable nerve stimulators, functional electrical stimulation, and rehabilitation. All of these areas have significant overlap with the retinal prosthesis, but these areas have decades of research behind them. The special session provided a forum for researchers with vast experience in nerve stimulation to interact with leading research in retinal and cortical visual prostheses. The grant paid for the travel and conference costs of the presentersmore » in the session. The session was chaired by James Weiland (the PI on this grant). The session co-chair was Phil Troyk, Ph.D., from the Illinois Institute of Technology. The Department of Energy was acknowledged at the start of the session as the sponsor. The following talks were delivered: Clinical Trial of a Prototype Retinal Prosthesis James Weiland, Ph.D. Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California The U.S. Department of Energy's Artificial Sight Program Elias Greenbaum, Ph.D. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee A 16-Channel stimulator ASIC for use in an intracortical visual prosthesis Phillip R. Troyk, Ph.D. Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois Two approaches to the Optic Nerve Visual Prosthesis Jean Delbeke, M.D. University Cath de Louvain, Louvain, Belgium Design and Implementation of High Power Efficiency Modules for a Cortical Visual Stimulator Mohammad Sawan, Ph.D. Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal, Montreal, Canada Remaining funds from the grant were used to support Dr. Weiland's travel to the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology in May 2006, with DOE approval, where several projects, supported by the DOE artificial retina program, were presented.« less

Clinical Paresthesia Atlas Illustrates Likelihood of Coverage Based on Spinal Cord Stimulator Electrode Location.

PubMed

Taghva, Alexander; Karst, Edward; Underwood, Paul

2017-08-01

Concordant paresthesia coverage is an independent predictor of pain relief following spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Using aggregate data, our objective is to produce a map of paresthesia coverage as a function of electrode location in SCS. This retrospective analysis used x-rays, SCS programming data, and paresthesia coverage maps from the EMPOWER registry of SCS implants for chronic neuropathic pain. Spinal level of dorsal column stimulation was determined by x-ray adjudication and active cathodes in patient programs. Likelihood of paresthesia coverage was determined as a function of stimulating electrode location. Segments of paresthesia coverage were grouped anatomically. Fisher's exact test was used to identify significant differences in likelihood of paresthesia coverage as a function of spinal stimulation level. In the 178 patients analyzed, the most prevalent areas of paresthesia coverage were buttocks, anterior and posterior thigh (each 98%), and low back (94%). Unwanted paresthesia at the ribs occurred in 8% of patients. There were significant differences in the likelihood of achieving paresthesia, with higher thoracic levels (T5, T6, and T7) more likely to achieve low back coverage but also more likely to introduce paresthesia felt at the ribs. Higher levels in the thoracic spine were associated with greater coverage of the buttocks, back, and thigh, and with lesser coverage of the leg and foot. This paresthesia atlas uses real-world, aggregate data to determine likelihood of paresthesia coverage as a function of stimulating electrode location. It represents an application of "big data" techniques, and a step toward achieving personalized SCS therapy tailored to the individual's chronic pain. © 2017 International Neuromodulation Society.

2017 GTO Project review Laboratory Evaluation of EGS Shear Stimulation.

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

Bauer, Stephen J.

The objectives and purpose of this research has been to produce laboratory-based experimental and numerical analyses to provide a physics-based understanding of shear stimulation phenomena (hydroshearing) and its evolution during stimulation. Water was flowed along fractures in hot and stressed fractured rock, to promote slip. The controlled laboratory experiments provide a high resolution/high quality data resource for evaluation of analysis methods developed by DOE to assess EGS “behavior” during this stimulation process. Segments of the experimental program will provide data sets for model input parameters, i.e., material properties, and other segments of the experimental program will represent small scale physicalmore » models of an EGS system, which may be modeled. The coupled lab/analysis project has been a study of the response of a fracture in hot, water-saturated fractured rock to shear stress experiencing fluid flow. Under this condition, the fracture experiences a combination of potential pore pressure changes and fracture surface cooling, resulting in slip along the fracture. The laboratory work provides a means to assess the role of “hydroshearing” on permeability enhancement in reservoir stimulation. Using the laboratory experiments and results to define boundary and input/output conditions of pore pressure, thermal stress, fracture shear deformation and fluid flow, and models were developed and simulations completed by the University of Oklahoma team. The analysis methods are ones used on field scale problems. The sophisticated numerical models developed contain parameters present in the field. The analysis results provide insight into the role of fracture slip on permeability enhancement-“hydroshear” is to be obtained. The work will provide valuable input data to evaluate stimulation models, thus helping design effective EGS.« less

Crk synergizes with epidermal growth factor for epithelial invasion and morphogenesis and is required for the met morphogenic program.

PubMed

Lamorte, Louie; Rodrigues, Sonia; Naujokas, Monica; Park, Morag

2002-10-04

Activation of the Met receptor tyrosine kinase through its ligand, hepatocyte growth factor, stimulates cell spreading, cell dispersal, and the inherent morphogenic program of various epithelial cell lines. Although both hepatocyte growth factor and epidermal growth factor (EGF) can activate downstream signaling pathways in Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial cells, EGF fails to promote the breakdown of cell-cell junctional complexes and initiate an invasive morphogenic program. We have undertaken a strategy to identify signals that synergize with EGF in this process. We provide evidence that the overexpression of the CrkII adapter protein complements EGF-stimulated pathways to induce cell dispersal in two-dimensional cultures and cell invasion and branching morphogenesis in three-dimensional collagen gels. This finding correlates with the ability of CrkII to promote the breakdown of adherens junctions in stable cell lines and the ability of EGF to stimulate enhanced Rac activity in cells overexpressing CrkII. We have previously shown that the Gab1-docking protein is required for branching morphogenesis downstream of the Met receptor. Consistent with a role for CrkII in promoting EGF-dependent branching morphogenesis, the binding of Gab1 to CrkII is required for the branching morphogenic program downstream of Met. Together, our data support a role for the CrkII adapter protein in epithelial invasion and morphogenesis and underscores the importance of considering the synergistic actions of signaling pathways in cancer progression.

Learning to Teach through Teaching and Being Taught.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jordell, Karl Oyvind

1991-01-01

Preliminary assessments were made of decentralized and part-time teacher education programs, which represent alternate routes to teacher certification, to stimulate the supply of teachers in northern Norway. These first- and second-generation programs are being accepted, despite problems with multiple demands on students and supervision of teacher…

7 CFR 3405.4 - Purpose of the program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... strengthen college and university teaching programs in the food and agricultural sciences. One national... highest quality available anywhere in the world and which reflects the unique needs of the Nation. It is designed to stimulate and enable colleges and universities to provide the quality of education necessary to...

7 CFR 3405.4 - Purpose of the program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... strengthen college and university teaching programs in the food and agricultural sciences. One national... highest quality available anywhere in the world and which reflects the unique needs of the Nation. It is designed to stimulate and enable colleges and universities to provide the quality of education necessary to...

7 CFR 3405.4 - Purpose of the program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... strengthen college and university teaching programs in the food and agricultural sciences. One national... highest quality available anywhere in the world and which reflects the unique needs of the Nation. It is designed to stimulate and enable colleges and universities to provide the quality of education necessary to...

Model Strategies for the Recruitment and Retention of Undergraduate Criminal Justice Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Positive Futures, Inc., Washington, DC.

Components for a model strategy/program for the recruitment and retention of students in criminal justice (CJ) programs are presented to stimulate planning activity. These 24 general examples of approaches identify the strategy, state the objectives, provide a rationale, describe implementation, discuss intervention activities, and delineate the…

Computers, Invention, and the Power to Change Student Writing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Strickland, James

A study examined the quantity and quality of ideas produced in freshman composition students' writing to determine whether computer assisted instruction (CAI) stimulates invention as well as or better than current invention instruction in traditional classrooms. Two CAI programs were used: QUEST, the systematic program that examines an item/event…

Economic Education Programs and Resources Directory. Second Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Association of Manufacturers, Washington, DC.

This directory provides a selective listing of information about economic education programs and resource activities of 299 corporations, organizations, universities, and colleges in the United States. This second edition of the directory is intended to stimulate interaction between business firms and schools and to help educators, members of the…

Building U.S. Economic Competitiveness: The Land-Grant Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Russel C.; And Others

1990-01-01

There is a strong potential role for land-grant institutions, to provide technology education programs and outreach to industry. There is also a role for the federal government in stimulating, assisting, and coordinating a nationwide network of regional, state, and local programs for technology development and industrial extension. (MLW)

Educational Programs That Work. Sixth Edition, Fall 1979.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Far West Lab. for Educational Research and Development, San Francisco, CA.

Intended to stimulate communication among the federal, state, intermediate, local, and postsecondary agencies that share responsibility for the improvement of education, this Department of Education catalog of exemplary educational programs describes all the projects dealt with in previous editions as well as providing information on more than 30…

78 FR 59974 - Centennial Challenges 2014 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Airspace Operations Challenge (AOC)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-30

... NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION Centennial Challenges 2014 Unmanned Aircraft Systems... wish to compete may now register. Centennial Challenges is a program of prize competitions to stimulate...: http://www.uasaoc.org For general information on the NASA Centennial Challenges Program please visit...

Guide for RIPPLES.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pollak, Ruth S.

The "Ripples" series of educational television programs for children from 5 to 7 years old is described in this guide. The programs present basic ideas about man in relation to himself and his environment, leading the child into many subject areas and stimulating curiosity about himself and the wider world. The information presented in this guide…

Early Childhood Education Intervention Programs in the Netherlands: Still Searching for Empirical Evidence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Driessen, Geert

2018-01-01

Early childhood education (ECE) intervention programs nowadays are the core of the educational disadvantage policy in the Netherlands. They offer institutional compensatory activities to young children who lack educational stimulation in the home environment. Target groups mainly comprise children from deprived socioeconomic backgrounds and of…

Minority High School Student Research Apprentice Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Elske

The Minority High School Student Research Apprentice Program in Richmond, Virginia, aspires to stimulate among minority high school students an interest in pursuing careers in biomedical research and the health professions. Students are paid hourly wages commensurate with what they could earn at summer jobs. Students work with faculty mentors in…

A cooperative program to stimulate student involvement through the MIT Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1984-01-01

Flow characteristics in the low speed Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel were studied. Calculations to check the precision of the tunnel were conducted. A program for generating computational grids around an airfoil was developed and compared with the wind tunnel model. Low Reynolds number flow phenomenon of periodic vortex shedding in a wake were also studied by applying a hot-wire anomemeter.

The Case of an In-Home Recreation Program for an Older Adult in a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chow, Yvette

2002-01-01

Describes the implementation of an in-home therapeutic recreation (TR) program with an elderly woman living in a naturally occurring retirement community (NORC) by a fourth-year TR student. The program helped meet her physical, social, and cognitive needs and re-stimulate her interests. Results suggest that in-home TR can be beneficial, and TR…

A Successful Program for Women Faculty and Graduate Students in Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rees, Margaret N. (Peg); Amy, Penny; Jacobson, Ellen; Weistrop, Donna E.

2000-01-01

Introduces a program initiated at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to stimulate the retention and promotion of women scientists, mathematicians, and engineers and support women graduate students in the same fields. Results of the program suggest that such initiatives can increase the number of women in science, mathematics, and engineering.…

Welcome to the Cancer Diagnosis Program (CDP)

Cancer.gov

The Cancer Diagnosis Program strives to improve the diagnosis and assessment of cancer by effectively moving new scientific knowledge into clinical practice. This national program stimulates, coordinates and funds resources and research for the development of innovative in vitro diagnostics, novel diagnostic technologies and appropriate human specimens in order to better characterize cancers and allow improved medical decision making and evaluation of response to treatment.

Summer of Innovation Kick Off

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-06-09

Rapper and Actor Daniel Curtis Lee performs during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Summer of Innovation Kick Off

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-06-09

A group of Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) engineers are recognized during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at JPL in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

First-Time Mothers' Use of Music and Movement with Their Young Infants: The Impact of a Teaching Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vlismas, Wendy; Bowes, Jennifer

1999-01-01

Examined impact of a 5-week music/movement program involving relaxation, kinesics, singing, visual contact, and tactile stimulation on first-time mothers' use of music and movement with their infants. Found that the program extended mothers' use of relaxation to music and rhythmical movement with their infants but not the use of song and massage…

Math and Science Scholars (MASS) Program: A Model Program for the Recruitment and Retention of Preservice Mathematics and Science Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scott, Timothy P.; Milam, Jennifer L.; Stuessy, Carol L.; Blount, Kit Price; Bentz, Adrienne

2006-01-01

The shortage of certified teachers in mathematics and science in Texas classrooms is a major concern and mirrors national tends. Dramatic increases in shortages of teachers have stimulated the design of new certification programs that recruit and place teachers in classrooms as quickly as possible (Texas Center for Educational Research, 1999).…

Advanced Stimulated Scattering Measurements in Supercritical Fluids

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-09-01

supercritical fluid measurement techniques. Ajay Agrawal, optical diagnostics. Mel Roquemore, turbine engines. Fred Schauer, pulse detonation propulsion...Lett. 87, 233902 (2001). 11. R. W. Gammon, H. L. Swinney, and H. Z. Cummins, "Brillouin scattering in carbon dioxide in the critical region," Phys. Rev...Stimulated Scattering Measurements in Supercritical F49620-03-C-0015 Fluids 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 61102F 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d

Bradykinesia induced by frequency-specific pallidal stimulation in patients with cervical and segmental dystonia.

PubMed

Huebl, Julius; Brücke, Christof; Schneider, Gerd-Helge; Blahak, Christian; Krauss, Joachim K; Kühn, Andrea A

2015-07-01

Pallidal deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for patients with primary dystonia leading to a substantial reduction of symptom severity. However, stimulation induced side effects such as bradykinesia have also been reported recently. The influence of stimulation parameters on such side effects have not yet been systemically assessed in these patients. Here we tested the effect of stimulation frequency and duration of stimulation period on hand motor function in 22 patients with primary cervical and segmental dystonia using an unimanual tapping task. Patients performed the task at 4 different stimulation frequencies (0 Hz = OFF stimulation, 20, 50 and ≥130 Hz = high frequency stimulation) after either an SHORT (5 min, N = 16) or a LONG (60 min, N = 6) stimulation period (i.e. changing of DBS-frequency). The change of overall mobility under HFS compared to the preoperative state was assessed with a 5-point Likert-scale. Tapping performance was analysed using a repeated measures ANOVA with the main factor 'FREQUENCY'. Tapping performance at HFS and changes in general mobility were correlated using Spearman's Rho. We found a frequency specific modulation of hand motor function: HFS led to deterioration and 20 Hz stimulation to improvement of tapping rate. The effects were predominant in the 'LONG' group suggesting a significant contribution of stimulation duration. This is important to consider during DBS-programming and evaluation of potential side effects. Furthermore, the impairment in hand motor function under HFS was mirrored by the patients' observation of a deterioration of general mobility. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimal Pulse Configuration Design for Heart Stimulation. A Theoretical, Numerical and Experimental Study.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hardy, Neil; Dvir, Hila; Fenton, Flavio

Existing pacemakers consider the rectangular pulse to be the optimal form of stimulation current. However, other waveforms for the use of pacemakers could save energy while still stimulating the heart. We aim to find the optimal waveform for pacemaker use, and to offer a theoretical explanation for its advantage. Since the pacemaker battery is a charge source, here we probe the stimulation current waveforms with respect to the total charge delivery. In this talk we present theoretical analysis and numerical simulations of myocyte ion-channel currents acting as an additional source of charge that adds to the external stimulating charge for stimulation purposes. Therefore, we find that as the action potential emerges, the external stimulating current can be reduced accordingly exponentially. We then performed experimental studies in rabbit and cat hearts and showed that indeed exponential truncated pulses with less total charge can still induce activation in the heart. From the experiments, we present curves showing the savings in charge as a function of exponential waveform and we calculated that the longevity of the pacemaker battery would be ten times higher for the exponential current compared to the rectangular waveforms. Thanks to Petit Undergraduate Research Scholars Program and NSF# 1413037.

Efficiency Analysis of Waveform Shape for Electrical Excitation of Nerve Fibers

PubMed Central

Wongsarnpigoon, Amorn; Woock, John P.; Grill, Warren M.

2011-01-01

Stimulation efficiency is an important consideration in the stimulation parameters of implantable neural stimulators. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of waveform shape and duration on the charge, power, and energy efficiency of neural stimulation. Using a population model of mammalian axons and in vivo experiments on cat sciatic nerve, we analyzed the stimulation efficiency of four waveform shapes: square, rising exponential, decaying exponential, and rising ramp. No waveform was simultaneously energy-, charge-, and power-optimal, and differences in efficiency among waveform shapes varied with pulse width (PW) For short PWs (≤ 0.1 ms), square waveforms were no less energy-efficient than exponential waveforms, and the most charge-efficient shape was the ramp. For long PWs (≥0.5 ms), the square was the least energy-efficient and charge-efficient shape, but across most PWs, the square was the most power-efficient shape. Rising exponentials provided no practical gains in efficiency over the other shapes, and our results refute previous claims that the rising exponential is the energy-optimal shape. An improved understanding of how stimulation parameters affect stimulation efficiency will help improve the design and programming of implantable stimulators to minimize tissue damage and extend battery life. PMID:20388602

Model-Based Comparison of Deep Brain Stimulation Array Functionality with Varying Number of Radial Electrodes and Machine Learning Feature Sets.

PubMed

Teplitzky, Benjamin A; Zitella, Laura M; Xiao, YiZi; Johnson, Matthew D

2016-01-01

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) leads with radially distributed electrodes have potential to improve clinical outcomes through more selective targeting of pathways and networks within the brain. However, increasing the number of electrodes on clinical DBS leads by replacing conventional cylindrical shell electrodes with radially distributed electrodes raises practical design and stimulation programming challenges. We used computational modeling to investigate: (1) how the number of radial electrodes impact the ability to steer, shift, and sculpt a region of neural activation (RoA), and (2) which RoA features are best used in combination with machine learning classifiers to predict programming settings to target a particular area near the lead. Stimulation configurations were modeled using 27 lead designs with one to nine radially distributed electrodes. The computational modeling framework consisted of a three-dimensional finite element tissue conductance model in combination with a multi-compartment biophysical axon model. For each lead design, two-dimensional threshold-dependent RoAs were calculated from the computational modeling results. The models showed more radial electrodes enabled finer resolution RoA steering; however, stimulation amplitude, and therefore spatial extent of the RoA, was limited by charge injection and charge storage capacity constraints due to the small electrode surface area for leads with more than four radially distributed electrodes. RoA shifting resolution was improved by the addition of radial electrodes when using uniform multi-cathode stimulation, but non-uniform multi-cathode stimulation produced equivalent or better resolution shifting without increasing the number of radial electrodes. Robust machine learning classification of 15 monopolar stimulation configurations was achieved using as few as three geometric features describing a RoA. The results of this study indicate that, for a clinical-scale DBS lead, more than four radial electrodes minimally improved in the ability to steer, shift, and sculpt axonal activation around a DBS lead and a simple feature set consisting of the RoA center of mass and orientation enabled robust machine learning classification. These results provide important design constraints for future development of high-density DBS arrays.

Model-Based Comparison of Deep Brain Stimulation Array Functionality with Varying Number of Radial Electrodes and Machine Learning Feature Sets

PubMed Central

Teplitzky, Benjamin A.; Zitella, Laura M.; Xiao, YiZi; Johnson, Matthew D.

2016-01-01

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) leads with radially distributed electrodes have potential to improve clinical outcomes through more selective targeting of pathways and networks within the brain. However, increasing the number of electrodes on clinical DBS leads by replacing conventional cylindrical shell electrodes with radially distributed electrodes raises practical design and stimulation programming challenges. We used computational modeling to investigate: (1) how the number of radial electrodes impact the ability to steer, shift, and sculpt a region of neural activation (RoA), and (2) which RoA features are best used in combination with machine learning classifiers to predict programming settings to target a particular area near the lead. Stimulation configurations were modeled using 27 lead designs with one to nine radially distributed electrodes. The computational modeling framework consisted of a three-dimensional finite element tissue conductance model in combination with a multi-compartment biophysical axon model. For each lead design, two-dimensional threshold-dependent RoAs were calculated from the computational modeling results. The models showed more radial electrodes enabled finer resolution RoA steering; however, stimulation amplitude, and therefore spatial extent of the RoA, was limited by charge injection and charge storage capacity constraints due to the small electrode surface area for leads with more than four radially distributed electrodes. RoA shifting resolution was improved by the addition of radial electrodes when using uniform multi-cathode stimulation, but non-uniform multi-cathode stimulation produced equivalent or better resolution shifting without increasing the number of radial electrodes. Robust machine learning classification of 15 monopolar stimulation configurations was achieved using as few as three geometric features describing a RoA. The results of this study indicate that, for a clinical-scale DBS lead, more than four radial electrodes minimally improved in the ability to steer, shift, and sculpt axonal activation around a DBS lead and a simple feature set consisting of the RoA center of mass and orientation enabled robust machine learning classification. These results provide important design constraints for future development of high-density DBS arrays. PMID:27375470

Feasibility of sensory tongue stimulation combined with task-specific therapy in people with spinal cord injury: a case study.

PubMed

Chisholm, Amanda E; Malik, Raza Naseem; Blouin, Jean-Sébastien; Borisoff, Jaimie; Forwell, Susan; Lam, Tania

2014-06-06

Previous evidence suggests the effects of task-specific therapy can be further enhanced when sensory stimulation is combined with motor practice. Sensory tongue stimulation is thought to facilitate activation of regions in the brain that are important for balance and gait. Improvements in balance and gait have significant implications for functional mobility for people with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). The aim of this case study was to evaluate the feasibility of a lab- and home-based program combining sensory tongue stimulation with balance and gait training on functional outcomes in people with iSCI. Two male participants (S1 and S2) with chronic motor iSCI completed 12 weeks of balance and gait training (3 lab and 2 home based sessions per week) combined with sensory tongue stimulation using the Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS). Laboratory based training involved 20 minutes of standing balance with eyes closed and 30 minutes of body-weight support treadmill walking. Home based sessions consisted of balancing with eyes open and walking with parallel bars or a walker for up to 20 minutes each. Subjects continued daily at-home training for an additional 12 weeks as follow-up. Both subjects were able to complete a minimum of 83% of the training sessions. Standing balance with eyes closed increased from 0.2 to 4.0 minutes and 0.0 to 0.2 minutes for S1 and S2, respectively. Balance confidence also improved at follow-up after the home-based program. Over ground walking speed improved by 0.14 m/s for S1 and 0.07 m/s for S2, and skilled walking function improved by 60% and 21% for S1 and S2, respectively. Sensory tongue stimulation combined with task-specific training may be a feasible method for improving balance and gait in people with iSCI. Our findings warrant further controlled studies to determine the added benefits of sensory tongue stimulation to rehabilitation training.

Programmable wireless light-emitting diode stimulator for chronic stimulation of optogenetic molecules in freely moving mice

PubMed Central

Hashimoto, Mitsuhiro; Hata, Akihiro; Miyata, Takaki; Hirase, Hajime

2014-01-01

Abstract. We produced a miniaturized, multicode, multiband, and programmable light-emitting diode (LED) stimulator for wireless control of optogenetic experiments. The LED stimulator is capable of driving three independent LEDs upon reception of an infrared (IR) signal generated by a custom-made IR transmitter. Individual LED photopulse patterns are assigned to different codes of the IR signals (up to 256 codes). The photopulse patterns can be programmed in the on-board microcontroller by specifying the parameters of duration (>1  ms), frequency (<500  Hz), and pulse width (>1  ms). The IR signals were modulated at multiple carrier frequencies to establish multiband IR transmission. Using these devices, we could remotely control the moving direction of a Thy1-ChR2-YFP transgenic mouse by transcranially illuminating the corresponding hemisphere of the primary motor cortex. IR transmitter and LED stimulator will be particularly useful in experiments where free movement or patterned concurrent stimulation is desired, such as testing social communication of rodents. PMID:26157963

Selecting electrode configurations for image-guided cochlear implant programming using template matching.

PubMed

Zhang, Dongqing; Zhao, Yiyuan; Noble, Jack H; Dawant, Benoit M

2018-04-01

Cochlear implants (CIs) are neural prostheses that restore hearing using an electrode array implanted in the cochlea. After implantation, the CI processor is programmed by an audiologist. One factor that negatively impacts outcomes and can be addressed by programming is cross-electrode neural stimulation overlap (NSO). We have proposed a system to assist the audiologist in programming the CI that we call image-guided CI programming (IGCIP). IGCIP permits using CT images to detect NSO and recommend deactivation of a subset of electrodes to avoid NSO. We have shown that IGCIP significantly improves hearing outcomes. Most of the IGCIP steps are robustly automated but electrode configuration selection still sometimes requires manual intervention. With expertise, distance-versus-frequency curves, which are a way to visualize the spatial relationship learned from CT between the electrodes and the nerves they stimulate, can be used to select the electrode configuration. We propose an automated technique for electrode configuration selection. A comparison between this approach and one we have previously proposed shows that our method produces results that are as good as those obtained with our previous method while being generic and requiring fewer parameters.

Summer of Innovation Kick Off

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-06-09

Jet Propulsion Laboratory Director Dr. Charles Elachi speaks with teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at JPL in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Summer of Innovation Kick Off

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-06-09

NASA astronaut Leland Melvin welcomes teachers and middle school students to the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Summer of Innovation Kick Off

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-06-09

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden speaks with teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Summer of Innovation Kick Off

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-06-09

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden signs autographs to middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Summer of Innovation Kick Off

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-06-09

NASA astronaut Leland Melvin signs autographs to middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Effects of a language program in the social functioning of children at elementary school.

PubMed

Stivanin, Luciene; Carnio, Maria Silvia

2017-10-23

the purpose of this study was to describe a language stimulation program, including teacher training and practical activities in the classroom, and investigate the effectiveness of this action on the social functioning and behavioral problems of elementary school children. 136 children from six classrooms of a public school and their teachers participated in this research. Of these, half were given the language stimulation program: 16 hours of training for teachers and 9 meetings in the classroom with activities for students. The activities involved instruction for the use of language reflection and practice with the narrative structure. Teachers filled out questionnaires about the social skills and behavior problems of their students before and after the program. there was no statistically significant difference between the research groups pre- and post- program in terms of assertiveness/ social resourcefulness (1st and 5th grades) and cooperation/affection (1st and 3rd grades). In the research groups, children of the 3rd grade, different from the 1st and the 5th grade, showed more evolution in their self-control abilities, which may be related to the lower frequency of externalizing problems in this group. the language program had positive effects on social assertiveness/resourcefulness skills and social cooperation/affection.

Breaking the cycle of loneliness? Psychological effects of a friendship enrichment program for older women.

PubMed

Martina, C M S; Stevens, N L

2006-09-01

The present study examines effects of participation in the friendship enrichment program, an intervention that is designed to stimulate improvement in friendship, self-esteem and subjective well-being, as well as reduction in loneliness among older women. The intervention group was compared to a control group of women who were interested in the program or in improving their friendships. All respondents had been studied at three points in time: at a baseline, prior to the program; three months later, and 9-10 months after baseline. The results indicate that the program was successful in attracting lonely older women who were willing to work on their friendships. Many participants reported improvement in the quantity and quality of their friendships. The program was moderately successful in stimulating improvement in subjective well-being and awareness of the need for an active stance toward achieving goals in social relations, especially in friendship. Loneliness among the participants was reduced, but it also declined in the control group, and both groups continued to experience loneliness. One conclusion is that an effective intervention to help older women reduce their loneliness should be multi-dimensional focusing not only on friendship but also on other personal and situational factors contributing to loneliness.

The Effectiveness of Three Reading Approaches and an Oral Language Stimulation Program with Disadvantaged Children in the Primary Grades: A Final Report After Two Years of the Cooperative Reading Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dunn, Lloyd M.; And Others

The Cooperative Reading Project's purpose was to examine the relative effectiveness of three approaches to the teaching of beginning reading and the effectiveness of oral stimulation. This monograph reports the results of the last year of the project. The experimental reading treatments were: (1) the Initial Teaching Alphabet (ITA), (2) the Words…

Technological Literacy Workshop. Proceedings. (Washington, D.C., May 6-8, 1991).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Russel C., Ed.

This document reports the proceedings of a workshop on Technological Literacy. The objectives of the workshop were: to review programs and to identify issues in technological literacy for liberal arts majors; to discuss mechanisms for the stimulation of appropriate additional technological literacy programs; and to develop an action plan for…

Super Summer Safari Manual: 1989 Summer Library Program. Bulletin No. 9240.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roeber, Jane A., Ed.

Based on the theme, "Super Summer Safari: Make Books Your Big Game," this manual describes library activities intended to stimulate family explorations of local and regional natural environments, of urban parks, and of agricultural settings. The manual is divided into 6 sections: (1) "Planning and Promoting Programs"; (2)…

Combined Modality Intervention for ADHD with Comorbid Reading Disorders: A Proof of Concept Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tannock, Rosemary; Frijters, Jan C.; Martinussen, Rhonda; White, Erin Jacquelyn; Ickowicz, Abel; Benson, Nancy J.; Lovett, Maureen W.

2018-01-01

To evaluate the relative efficacy of two reading programs with and without adjunctive stimulant medication for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and comorbid reading disorder (ADHD+RD). Sixty-five children (7-11 years in age) were assigned randomly to one of three intensive remedial academic programs (phonologically or…

Early Learning in Psychomotor Training of Down's Syndrome.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sanz Aparicio, Maria Teresa; Menendez Balana, Javier

2003-01-01

Compared effectiveness of modeling from a clinician to that of written instructions to train parents to use a motor stimulation program with their infants with Down syndrome. Obtained motor development quotients prior to the program and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Found that infants of parents trained by modeling obtained higher motor…

78 FR 66321 - Approval of North Dakota Request for Partial Delegation of Prevention of Accidental Release...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-05

... requirements. On September 13, 2012, the State of North Dakota, Department of Agriculture (NDDA), requested... Program means Risk Management Program. (iii) The initials NDDA mean North Dakota Department of Agriculture... potential to cause harm to public health and the environment, and stimulate dialogue between industry and...

Promoting Information Systems Major to Undergraduate Students--A Comprehensive Investigation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Lei; Zhang, Chi; Zheng, Guangzhi

2014-01-01

Weak enrollment growth has been a concern for many Information Systems (IS) programs in recent years although the IT/IS job market remains strong. Stimulating undergraduate students' interest to IS programs have been a challenge. In this paper, the researchers took a comprehensive approach to study how to effectively promote a Management…

Design and Implementation of a Community Program to Promote Cognitive Vitality among Seniors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parisien, Manon; Lorthios-Guilledroit, Agathe; Bier, Nathalie; Gilbert, Norma; Nour, Kareen; Guay, Danielle; Langlois, Francis; Fournier, Baptiste; Laforest, Sophie

2016-01-01

Background: Jog Your Mind is a community-based program aiming to enable seniors to maintain their cognitive abilities. It includes stimulating activities, information on aging, mnemonic strategies, and promotion of a healthy lifestyle and is offered over 10 weekly sessions to seniors with no known cognitive impairment. Purpose: This article…

Developing an Outdoor Education Program for Public Schools. Fact Sheet.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Euler, James S.

Education in, for, and about the outdoors is an effective way to develop students' knowledge and appreciation of their environment, to stimulate their curiosity, and to motivate them to learn. Steps involved in establishing an outdoor education program for public schools include: (1) gaining support of school teachers and administrators, parents,…

Aid-To-Education Programs of Some Leading Business Concerns.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Council for Financial Aid to Education, New York, NY.

The Council for Financial Aid to Education is a nonprofit research and service organization established to stimulate voluntary support of higher education from major private sources, particularly the business community. This case book describes how businesses can establish an aid-to-education program and what types of support there are. It also…

The 1982 NASA/ASEE Summer Faculty Fellowship Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barfield, B. F. (Editor); Kent, M. I. (Editor); Dozier, J. (Editor); Karr, G. (Editor)

1982-01-01

A NASA/ASEE Summer Faculty Fellowship Research Program was conducted to further the professional knowledge of qualified engineering and science faculty members, to stimulate an exchange of ideas between participants and NASA, to enrich and refresh the research and teaching activities of participants' institutions, and to contribute to the research objectives of the NASA Centers.

Planned Change in Teacher Education: Unfreezing the Status Quo through the Integration of Technology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bell, Edwin D.; Ireh, Madu

This study examined planned change in Winston-Salem State University's teacher education program. An external review of the School of Education indicated a weakness in program planning and curriculum design. This review stimulated planned change initiative to strengthen teacher education. Factors influencing the internal environment of teacher…

Program Development and Evaluation for Schools and Communities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gottfredson, Gary D.; Nettles, Saundra M.; McHugh, Barbara E.

This guide was developed to empower individuals and organizations to solve social and educational problems. It is intended for use by anyone interested in leading groups in developing programs to improve education. The principles and methods that it contains are based on psychological theory and research, and it is intended to stimulate effective…

Fait A La Main: A Source Book of Louisiana Crafts.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bergeron, Maida, Ed.

The Louisiana Crafts Program is an economic development program that strives to stimulate several markets for Louisiana craftsmen. This publication is a directory of juried Louisiana craftsmen of various types; it is intended as a source book for anyone interested in handmade crafts. It is divided into two sections: "Folk Craftsmen" and…

Evaluation of Child Care Subsidy Strategies: Massachusetts Family Child Care Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collins, Ann; Goodson, Barbara; Luallen, Jeremy; Fountain, Alyssa Rulf; Checkoway, Amy

2010-01-01

This report presents findings from the Massachusetts Family Child Care study, a two-year evaluation of the impacts of an early childhood education program on providers and children in family child care. The program--"LearningGames"--is designed to train caregivers to stimulate children's cognitive, language, and social-emotional…

Stepping Stones to Evaluating Your Own School Literacy Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Levesque, Jeri; Carnahan, Danielle

2005-01-01

Stepping Stones to Literacy is a tool for elementary school improvement teams to evaluate and strengthen their reading programs. Each Stepping Stone is a guided activity to stimulate reflection and guide systematic inquiry. It is a collaborative, active research approach to evaluation (Levesque & Hinton 2001). The goal is to eliminate the gap…

English 291, 292, and 293--Advance Program: Man's Power with Words.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jefferson County Board of Education, Louisville, KY.

For those students who qualify, the Advance Program offers an opportunity to follow a stimulating curriculum designed for the academically talented. This guide for ninth grade English was developed to broaden the student's skill and understanding of the history of the English language, composition, grammar, vocabulary development, and literature.…

Linear Multimedia Benefits To Enhance Students' Ability To Comprehend Complex Subjects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Handal, Gilbert A.; Leiner, Marie A.; Gonzalez, Carlos; Rogel, Erika

The main objective of this program was to produce animated educational material to stimulate students' interest and learning process related to the sciences and to measure their impact. The program material was designed to support middle school educators with an effective, accessible, and novel didactic tool produced specifically to enhance and…

1985 Winners of the Cost Reduction Incentive Awards. Tenth Anniversary.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Association of College and University Business Officers, Washington, DC.

Fifty-two cost reduction efforts on college and university campuses are described, as part of the Cost Reduction Incentive Awards Program sponsored by the National Association of College and University Business Officers and the United States Steel Foundation. The incentive program is designed to stimulate cost-effective ideas and awareness of the…

Qualities of the Participant Experience in an Object-Based Museum Outreach Program to Retirement Communities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smiraglia, Christina

2015-01-01

Reminiscence programs that stimulate participants' memories through discussion are popular as both enrichment activity and clinical treatment for older adults. Museums in multiple countries are starting to offer reminiscence opportunities on-site and through outreach. This study is an investigation of the qualities of the participant experience in…

10 Stimulating Ideas

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kennedy, Mike

2009-01-01

This fall, the Los Angeles Unified School District sold about $2 billion in bonds to finance more projects in its massive school construction program. But the cost of repaying that debt won't be as burdensome as it could have been. Los Angeles took advantage of two federal programs available to school systems through the American Reinvestment and…

The Role of NIE in Foreign Language Dissemination and Evaluation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eddy, Peter A.

One of 10 studies commissioned to investigate research needs and to stimulate planning activities, this paper reviews program evaluation in foreign language education (FLED), and offers a number of recommendations to improve present practice. It begins by noting that very little FLED program evaluation is taking place today, and by arguing that…

Beneficial effects of multisensory and cognitive stimulation in institutionalized elderly: 12-months follow-up

PubMed Central

Dias E Dias de Macedo, Liliane; De Oliveira, Thaís Cristina Galdino; Soares, Fernanda Cabral; Bento-Torres, João; Bento-Torres, Natáli Valim Oliver; Anthony, Daniel Clive; Picanço-Diniz, Cristovam Wanderley

2015-01-01

We previously demonstrated the beneficial effects of a multisensory and cognitive stimulation program, consisting of 48 sessions, twice a week, to improve the cognition of elderly subjects living either in long-term care institutions (institutionalized – I) or in communities with their families (noninstitutionalized – NI). In the present study, we evaluated these subjects after the end of the intervention and compared the rate of age-related cognitive decline of those living in an enriched community environment (NI group, n=15, 74.1±3.9 years old) with those living in the impoverished environment of long-term care institutions (I group, n=20, 75.1±6.8 years old). Both groups participated fully in our stimulation program. Over 1 year, we conducted revaluations at five time points (2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 8 months, and 12 months) after the completion of the intervention. Both elderly groups were evaluated with the mini-mental state examination and selected language tests. Progressive cognitive decline was observed in both groups over the period. Indeed, it took only 4–6 months after the end of the stimulation program for significant reductions in language test scores to become apparent. However, earlier reductions in test scores were mainly associated with I group, and linguistic prosody test scores were significantly affected by institutionalization and time, two variables that interacted and reduced these scores. Moreover, I group reduced the Montréal cognitive assessment battery language tests scores 4 months before NI group. It remains to be investigated what mechanisms may explain the earlier and more intense language losses in institutionalized elderly. PMID:26316730

Outcomes from a university-based low-cost in vitro fertilization program providing access to care for a low-resource socioculturally diverse urban community.

PubMed

Herndon, Christopher N; Anaya, Yanett; Noel, Martha; Cakmak, Hakan; Cedars, Marcelle I

2017-10-01

To report on outcomes from a university-based low-cost and low-complexity IVF program using mild stimulation approaches and simplified protocols to provide basic access to ART to a socioculturally diverse low-income urban population. Retrospective cohort study. Academic infertility center. Sixty-five infertile couples were enrolled from a county hospital serving a low-resource largely immigrant population. Patients were nonrandomly allocated to one of four mild stimulation protocols: clomiphene/letrozole alone, two clomiphene/letrozole-based protocols involving sequential or flare addition of low-dose gonadotropins, and low-dose gonadotropins alone. Clinical fellows managed all aspects of cycle preparation, monitoring, oocyte retrieval, and embryo transfer under an attending preceptor. Retrieval was undertaken without administration of deep anesthesia, and laboratory interventions were minimized. All embryo transfers were performed at the cleavage stage. Sociomedical demographics, treatment response, and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. From August 2010 to June 2016, 65 patients initiated 161 stimulation IVF cycles, which resulted in 107 retrievals, 91 fresh embryo transfers, and 40 frozen embryo transfer cycles. The mean age of patients was 33.3 years, and mean reported duration of infertility was 5.3 years; 33.5% (54/161) of cycles were cancelled before oocyte retrieval, with 13% due to premature ovulation. Overall, cumulative live birth rates per retrieval including subsequent use of frozen embryos was 29.0%; 44.6% (29/65) of patients enrolled in the program achieved pregnancy. Use of mild stimulation protocols, simplified monitoring, and minimized laboratory handling procedures enabled access to care in a low-resource socioculturally diverse infertile population. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Sources of Nonmedically Used Prescription Stimulants: Differences in Onset, Recency and Severity of Misuse in a Population-Based Study*

PubMed Central

Chen, Lian-Yu; Strain, Eric C.; Crum, Rosa M.; Storr, Carla L.; Mojtabai, Ramin

2014-01-01

Aim Epidemiological data indicate that nonmedical use of prescription stimulants has increased over the past decade. However, little is known regarding the source of the misused stimulants and whether different sources correspond to differences in risk profiles and associated social and health problems. Method Data from the 2006 to 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health were used. A total of 4,945 participants who used prescription stimulants nonmedically and also reported their source of misused stimulants were categorized by the source: friend/relative, physician and illegal. Logistic regression models compared the socio-demographic, mental health and behavioral problems, and stimulant use-related problems (onset, recency, frequency, severity) according to the source of the misused stimulants. Results The most common sources of stimulants were friends/relatives, followed by physicians and illegal sources. Compared to participants reporting friends/relatives as the source, participants reporting an illegal source were more likely to be male, unemployed, have less than a high school education, a history of criminal behavior and an earlier age of use onset. Participants reporting a physician source were more likely to have mental health problems and mental health service use. Higher odds of past-month stimulant use, frequent use (≥10 days per year), drug dependence and substance service use were found in individuals reporting physician and illegal sources. Conclusions Identifying the source of misused stimulants may be useful in detecting distinct subgroups of nonmedical prescription stimulant users, which may inform development of tailored prevention and treatment programs and contribute to individual treatment planning. PMID:25454408

Creation of an Enhanced Geothermal System through Hydraulic and Thermal Stimulation

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

Rose, Peter Eugene

2013-04-15

This report describes a 10-year DOE-funded project to design, characterize and create an Engineered Geothermal System (EGS) through a combination of hydraulic, thermal and chemical stimulation techniques. Volume 1 describes a four-year Phase 1 campaign, which focused on the east compartment of the Coso geothermal field. It includes a description of the geomechanical, geophysical, hydraulic, and geochemical studies that were conducted to characterize the reservoir in anticipation of the hydraulic stimulation experiment. Phase 1 ended prematurely when the drill bit intersected a very permeable fault zone during the redrilling of target stimulation well 34-9RD2. A hydraulic stimulation was inadvertently achieved,more » however, since the flow of drill mud from the well into the formation created an earthquake swarm near the wellbore that was recorded, located, analyzed and interpreted by project seismologists. Upon completion of Phase 1, the project shifted focus to a new target well, which was located within the southwest compartment of the Coso geothermal field. Volume 2 describes the Phase 2 studies on the geomechanical, geophysical, hydraulic, and geochemical aspects of the reservoir in and around target-stimulation well 46A-19RD, which is the deepest and hottest well ever drilled at Coso. Its total measured depth exceeding 12,000 ft. It spite of its great depth, this well is largely impermeable below a depth of about 9,000 ft, thus providing an excellent target for stimulation. In order to prepare 46A-19RD for stimulation, however, it was necessary to pull the slotted liner. This proved to be unachievable under the budget allocated by the Coso Operating Company partners, and this aspect of the project was abandoned, ending the program at Coso. The program then shifted to the EGS project at Desert Peak, which had a goal similar to the one at Coso of creating an EGS on the periphery of an existing geothermal reservoir. Volume 3 describes the activities that the Coso team contributed to the Desert Peak project, focusing largely on a geomechanical investigation of the Desert Peak reservoir, tracer testing between injectors 21-2 and 22-22 and the field's main producers, and the chemical stimulation of target well 27-15.« less

Creation of an Enhanced Geothermal System through Hydraulic and Thermal Stimulation

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

Rose, Peter Eugene

This report describes a 10-year DOE-funded project to design, characterize and create an Engineered Geothermal System (EGS) through a combination of hydraulic, thermal and chemical stimulation techniques. Volume 1 describes a four-year Phase 1 campaign, which focused on the east compartment of the Coso geothermal field. It includes a description of the geomechanical, geophysical, hydraulic, and geochemical studies that were conducted to characterize the reservoir in anticipation of the hydraulic stimulation experiment. Phase 1 ended prematurely when the drill bit intersected a very permeable fault zone during the redrilling of target stimulation well 34-9RD2. A hydraulic stimulation was inadvertently achieved,more » however, since the flow of drill mud from the well into the formation created an earthquake swarm near the wellbore that was recorded, located, analyzed and interpreted by project seismologists. Upon completion of Phase 1, the project shifted focus to a new target well, which was located within the southwest compartment of the Coso geothermal field. Volume 2 describes the Phase 2 studies on the geomechanical, geophysical, hydraulic, and geochemical aspects of the reservoir in and around target-stimulation well 46A-19RD, which is the deepest and hottest well ever drilled at Coso. Its total measured depth exceeding 12,000 ft. It spite of its great depth, this well is largely impermeable below a depth of about 9,000 ft, thus providing an excellent target for stimulation. In order to prepare 46A-19RD for stimulation, however, it was necessary to pull the slotted liner. This proved to be unachievable under the budget allocated by the Coso Operating Company partners, and this aspect of the project was abandoned, ending the program at Coso. The program then shifted to the EGS project at Desert Peak, which had a goal similar to the one at Coso of creating an EGS on the periphery of an existing geothermal reservoir. Volume 3 describes the activities that the Coso team contributed to the Desert Peak project, focusing largely on a geomechanical investigation of the Desert Peak reservoir, tracer testing between injectors 21-2 and 22-22 and the field's main producers, and the chemical stimulation of target well 27-15.« less

Spinal cord stimulation to abort painful spasms of atypical stiff limb syndrome.

PubMed

Ughratdar, I; Sivakumar, G; Basu, S

2010-01-01

Stiff limb syndrome (SLS) is a rare chronic condition which can result in significant debility. We report the case of a 44-year-old man suffering from severe painful spasms in his right leg with a diagnosis of SLS. He had been initially treated for his pain with a spinal cord stimulator but presented with exacerbation of pain secondary to a lead fracture for which he underwent revision of the stimulator. Postoperative programming unexpectedly resulted in not only control of his pain but also an ability to abort his spasmodic episodes related to SLS. To our knowledge, spinal cord stimulation has not been previously used for SLS and our report opens up another avenue for this rare condition. We provide a brief overview of SLS and propose an underlying mechanism for the observed phenomenon.

Stimulated Brillouin scatter and stimulated ion Bernstein scatter during electron gyroharmonic heating experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, H.; Scales, W. A.; Bernhardt, P. A.; Samimi, A.; Mahmoudian, A.; Briczinski, S. J.; McCarrick, M. J.

2013-09-01

Results of secondary radiation, Stimulated Electromagnetic Emission (SEE), produced during ionospheric modification experiments using ground-based high-power radio waves are reported. These results obtained at the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) facility specifically considered the generation of Magnetized Stimulated Brillouin Scatter (MSBS) and Stimulated Ion Bernstein Scatter (SIBS) lines in the SEE spectrum when the transmitter frequency is near harmonics of the electron gyrofrequency. The heater antenna beam angle effect was investigated on MSBS in detail and shows a new spectral line postulated to be generated near the upper hybrid resonance region due to ion acoustic wave interaction. Frequency sweeping experiments near the electron gyroharmonics show for the first time the transition from MSBS to SIBS lines as the heater pump frequency approaches the gyroharmonic. Significantly far from the gyroharmonic, MSBS lines dominate, while close to the gyroharmonic, SIBS lines strengthen while MSBS lines weaken. New possibilities for diagnostic information are discussed in light of these new observations.

A new way of setting rFSH deposit: a case of severe injection error in IVF/ICSI cycle ending with live birth.

PubMed

Mayer, Richard Bernhard; Ebner, Thomas; Shebl, Omar; Tews, Gernot

2012-01-01

a 25- year old woman with secondary infertility caused by a male factor was enrolled in our IVF/ICSI-ET program. Stimulation was performed in a long- protocol and ovarian stimulation, using rFSH follitropin beta, starting on the third day of the menstrual cycle. The rFSH dose per day was 900 IU-0 IU-0 IU-0 IU. Due to normal ovarian response and follicle growth, stimulation was continued and there was no detriment in oocyte quality and no symptoms of OHSS. Following blastocyte transfer cesarean section was unpreventable at 37+5 weeks of gestation due to an impacted transverse lie. Different stimulation protocols are needed for appropriate treatment of various patients provided that the administration of treatment was done correctly. In the case of injection errors, continuing stimulation protocol seems to be achievable in certain cases considering hormone levels and the process of follicle growth.

A new way of setting rFSH deposit: a case of severe injection error in IVF/ICSI cycle ending with live birth

PubMed Central

Mayer, Richard Bernhard; Ebner, Thomas; Shebl, Omar; Tews, Gernot

2012-01-01

We present a case with a severe injection error: a 25- year old woman with secondary infertility caused by a male factor was enrolled in our IVF/ICSI-ET program. Stimulation was performed in a long- protocol and ovarian stimulation, using rFSH follitropin beta, starting on the third day of the menstrual cycle. The rFSH dose per day was 900 IU-0 IU-0 IU-0 IU. Due to normal ovarian response and follicle growth, stimulation was continued and there was no detriment in oocyte quality and no symptoms of OHSS. Following blastocyte transfer cesarean section was unpreventable at 37+5 weeks of gestation due to an impacted transverse lie. Different stimulation protocols are needed for appropriate treatment of various patients provided that the administration of treatment was done correctly. In the case of injection errors, continuing stimulation protocol seems to be achievable in certain cases considering hormone levels and the process of follicle growth. PMID:24592042

Nigral stimulation for resistant axial motor impairment in Parkinson's disease? A randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Weiss, Daniel; Walach, Margarete; Meisner, Christoph; Fritz, Melanie; Scholten, Marlieke; Breit, Sorin; Plewnia, Christian; Bender, Benjamin; Gharabaghi, Alireza; Wächter, Tobias; Krüger, Rejko

2013-07-01

Gait and balance disturbances typically emerge in advanced Parkinson's disease with generally limited response to dopaminergic medication and subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation. Therefore, advanced programming with interleaved pulses was put forward to introduce concomittant nigral stimulation on caudal contacts of a subthalamic lead. Here, we hypothesized that the combined stimulation of subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra pars reticulata improves axial symptoms compared with standard subthalamic nucleus stimulation. Twelve patients were enrolled in this 2 × 2 cross-over double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial and both the safety and efficacy of combined subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra pars reticulata stimulation were evaluated compared with standard subthalamic nucleus stimulation. The primary outcome measure was the change of a broad-scaled cumulative axial Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score (Scale II items 13-15, Scale III items 27-31) at '3-week follow-up'. Secondary outcome measures specifically addressed freezing of gait, balance, quality of life, non-motor symptoms and neuropsychiatric symptoms. For the primary outcome measure no statistically significant improvement was observed for combined subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra pars reticulata stimulation at the '3-week follow-up'. The secondary endpoints, however, revealed that the combined stimulation of subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra pars reticulata might specifically improve freezing of gait, whereas balance impairment remained unchanged. The combined stimulation of subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra pars reticulata was safe, and of note, no clinically relevant neuropsychiatric adverse effect was observed. Patients treated with subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra pars reticulata stimulation revealed no 'global' effect on axial motor domains. However, this study opens the perspective that concomittant stimulation of the substantia nigra pars reticulata possibly improves otherwise resistant freezing of gait and, therefore, highly warrants a subsequent phase III randomized controlled trial.

Initial Results With Image-guided Cochlear Implant Programming in Children.

PubMed

Noble, Jack H; Hedley-Williams, Andrea J; Sunderhaus, Linsey; Dawant, Benoit M; Labadie, Robert F; Camarata, Stephen M; Gifford, René H

2016-02-01

Image-guided cochlear implant (CI) programming can improve hearing outcomes for pediatric CI recipients. CIs have been highly successful for children with severe-to-profound hearing loss, offering potential for mainstreamed education and auditory-oral communication. Despite this, a significant number of recipients still experience poor speech understanding, language delay, and, even among the best performers, restoration to normal auditory fidelity is rare. Although significant research efforts have been devoted to improving stimulation strategies, few developments have led to significant hearing improvement over the past two decades. Recently introduced techniques for image-guided CI programming (IGCIP) permit creating patient-customized CI programs by making it possible, for the first time, to estimate the position of implanted CI electrodes relative to the nerves they stimulate using CT images. This approach permits identification of electrodes with high levels of stimulation overlap and to deactivate them from a patient's map. Previous studies have shown that IGCIP can significantly improve hearing outcomes for adults with CIs. The IGCIP technique was tested for 21 ears of 18 pediatric CI recipients. Participants had long-term experience with their CI (5 mo to 13 yr) and ranged in age from 5 to 17 years old. Speech understanding was assessed after approximately 4 weeks of experience with the IGCIP map. Using a two-tailed Wilcoxon signed-rank test, statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) was observed for word and sentence recognition in quiet and noise, as well as pediatric self-reported quality-of-life (QOL) measures. Our results indicate that image guidance significantly improves hearing and QOL outcomes for pediatric CI recipients.

Remotely Programmed Deep Brain Stimulation of the Bilateral Subthalamic Nucleus for the Treatment of Primary Parkinson Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Safety and Efficacy of a Novel Deep Brain Stimulation System.

PubMed

Li, Dianyou; Zhang, Chencheng; Gault, Judith; Wang, Wei; Liu, Jianmin; Shao, Ming; Zhao, Yanyan; Zeljic, Kristina; Gao, Guodong; Sun, Bomin

2017-01-01

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is the most commonly performed surgery for the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD). However, DBS systems remain largely unaffordable to patients in developing countries, warranting the development of a safe, economically viable, and functionally comparable alternative. To investigate the efficacy and safety of wirelessly programmed DBS of bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) in patients with primary PD. Sixty-four patients with primary PD were randomly divided into test and control groups (1:1), where DBS was initiated at either 1 month or 3 months, respectively, after surgery. Safety and efficacy of the treatment were compared between on- and off-medication states 3 months after surgery. Outcome measures included analysis of Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores, duration of "on" periods, and daily equivalent doses of levodopa. All patients were followed up both 6 and 12 months after surgery. Three months after surgery, significant decrease in the UPDRS motor scores were observed for the test group in the off-medication state (25.08 ± 1.00) versus the control group (4.20 ± 1.99). Bilateral wireless programming STN-DBS is safe and effective for patients with primary PD in whom medical management has failed to restore motor function. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Summer of Innovation Kick Off

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-06-09

Performers from Los Angeles Hamilton High School's Kid Tribe entertain teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Summer of Innovation Kick Off

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-06-09

A performer from Los Angeles Hamilton High School's Kid Tribe entertains teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Summer of Innovation Kick Off

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-06-09

Teachers and middle school students react to performers from Los Angeles Hamilton High School's Kid Tribe during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Summer of Innovation Kick Off

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-06-09

Julie Townsend, JPL Engineer, talks about her experiences to teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Summer of Innovation Kick Off

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-06-09

Jet Propulsion Laboratory Manager of Elementary and Secondary Education David Seidel motivates teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Summer of Innovation Kick Off

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-06-09

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, center, listens as NASA astronaut Leland Melvin welcomes teachers and middle school students to the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Summer of Innovation Kick Off

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-06-09

NASA astronaut Stephanie Wilson talks about her experiences to teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Annual Progress Report FY 93 (Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Department of Clinical Investigation). Clinical Investigation Program. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-01

Effect of Methotrexate on Expression of Interceilular Adhesion Molecule I in Interleukin- 1 Stimulated Cultured Human Cells KEYWORDS: methotrexate...on interleukin- 1 ( IL -I) induced ICAM-l expression in cultured human fibroblasts and adenocarcinoma cells. TECHNICAL APPROACH Expression of ICAM- 1 will...incubated with IL -l to stimulate ICAM-l expression. In general, the cells responded well. ICAM- 1 was readily detectable with monoclonal antibodies and flow

Shoulder Functional Electrical Stimulation During Wheelchair Propulsion in Spinal Cord Injury Subjects.

PubMed

Freixes, Orestes; Fernandez, Sergio Anibal; Gatti, Marcelo Andres; Crespo, Marcos Jose; Olmos, Lisandro Emilio; Russo, Maria Julieta

2017-01-01

Background: Subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) propel their wheelchairs by generating a different level of muscle activity given their multiple deficits in muscle strength. Exercise training programs seem to be effective in improving wheelchair propulsion capacity. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) therapy is a complementary tool for rehabilitation programs. Objectives : To determine the accuracy of the synchronization between the FES activation and the push phase of the propulsion cycle by using hand pressure sensors that allow anterior deltoids activation when the hand is in contact with the pushrim. Methods: We analyzed 2 subjects, with injuries at C6 American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A and T12 AIS A. The stimulation parameters were set for a 30 Hz frequency symmetrical biphasic wave, 300 μs pulse width. Data were collected as participants propelled the wheelchair over a 10-m section of smooth, level vinyl floor. Subjects were evaluated in a motion analysis laboratory (ELITE; BTS, Milan, Italy). Results: Subject 1 showed synchronization between the FES activation and the push phase of 87.5% in the left hand and of 80% in the right hand. Subject 2 showed synchronization of 95.1% in the left and of hand 94.9% in the right hand. Conclusion : Our study determined a high accuracy of a novel FES therapeutic option, showing the synchronization between the electrical stimulation and the push phase of the propulsion cycle.

Stress, Drugs, and Alcohol Use Among Health Care Professional Students: A Focus on Prescription Stimulants.

PubMed

Bidwal, Monica K; Ip, Eric J; Shah, Bijal M; Serino, Melissa J

2015-12-01

To contrast the characteristics of pharmacy, medicine, and physician assistant (PA) students regarding the prevalence of drug, alcohol, and tobacco use and to identify risk factors associated with prescription stimulant use. Five hundred eighty nine students were recruited to complete a 50-item Web-based survey. Demographics, nonmedical prescription medication use, illicit drug and alcohol use, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition, Text Revision; DSM-IV-TR) psychiatric diagnoses, and perceived stress scale (PSS) scores. Medicine and PA students reported greater nonmedical prescription stimulant use than pharmacy students (10.4% vs 14.0% vs 6.1%; P < .05). Medicine and PA students were more likely to report a history of an anxiety disorder (12.1% vs 18.6% vs 5.9%; P < .05), major depressive disorder (9.4% vs 8.1% vs 3.3%; P < .05), and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; 4.0% vs 9.3% vs 0.7%; P < .001) than pharmacy students. PSS scores for all 3 groups (21.9-22.3) were roughly twice as high as the general adult population. Illicit drug and prescription stimulant use, psychiatric disorders, and elevated stress levels are prevalent among health care professional students. Health care professional programs may wish to use this information to better understand their student population which may lead to a reassessment of student resources and awareness/prevention programs. © The Author(s) 2014.

Pelvic floor muscle exercise by biofeedback and electrical stimulation to reinforce the pelvic floor muscle after normal delivery.

PubMed

Lee, In Sook; Choi, Euy Soon

2006-12-01

This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle exercise using biofeedback and electrical stimulation after normal delivery. The subjects of this study were 49 (experimental group: 25, control group: 24) postpartum women who passed 6 weeks after normal delivery without complication of pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. The experimental group was applied to the pelvic muscle enforcement program by biofeedback and electrical stimulation for 30 minutes per session, twice a week for 6 weeks, after then self-exercise of pelvic floor muscle was done 50-60 repetition per session, 3 times a day for 6 weeks. Maximum pressure of pelvic floor muscle contraction (MPPFMC), average pressure of pelvic floor muscle contraction (APPFMC), duration time of pelvic floor muscle contraction (DTPFMC) and the subjective lower urinary symptoms were measured by digital perineometer and Bristol Female Urinary Symptom Questionnaire and compared between two groups prior to trial, at the end of treatment and 6 weeks after treatment. The results of this study indicated that MPPFMC, APPFMC, DTPFMC were significantly increased and subjective lower urinary symptoms were significantly decreased after treatment in the experimental group than in the control group. This study suggested that the pelvic floor muscle exercise using biofeedback and electrical stimulation might be a safer and more effective program for reinforcing pelvic floor muscle after normal delivery.

Effect of Fixed Versus Adjusted Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Amplitude on Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain.

PubMed

Elserty, Noha; Kattabei, Omaima; Elhafez, Hytham

2016-07-01

This study aimed to investigate the effect of adjusting pulse amplitude of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation versus fixed pulse amplitude in treatment of chronic mechanical low back pain. Randomized clinical trial. El-sahel Teaching Hospital, Egypt. Forty-five patients with chronic low back pain assigned to three equal groups. Their ages ranged from 20 to 50 years. The three groups received the same exercise program. Group A received transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with fixed pulse amplitude for 40 minutes. Group B received transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with adjusted pulse amplitude for 40 minutes, with the pulse amplitude adjusted every 5 minutes. Group C received exercises only. Treatment sessions were applied three times per week for 4 weeks for the three groups. A visual analogue scale was used to assess pain severity, the Oswestry Disability Index was used to assess functional level, and a dual inclinometer was used to measure lumbar range of motion. Evaluations were performed before and after treatment. Visual analogue scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and back range of motion significantly differed between the two groups that received transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and the control group and did not significantly differ between fixed and adjusted pulse amplitude of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Adjusting pulse amplitude of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation does not produce a difference in the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation used to treat chronic low back pain.

Evaluation of high-perimeter electrode designs for deep brain stimulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howell, Bryan; Grill, Warren M.

2014-08-01

Objective. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for movement disorders and a promising therapy for treating epilepsy and psychiatric disorders. Despite its clinical success, complications including infections and mis-programing following surgical replacement of the battery-powered implantable pulse generator adversely impact the safety profile of this therapy. We sought to decrease power consumption and extend battery life by modifying the electrode geometry to increase stimulation efficiency. The specific goal of this study was to determine whether electrode contact perimeter or area had a greater effect on increasing stimulation efficiency. Approach. Finite-element method (FEM) models of eight prototype electrode designs were used to calculate the electrode access resistance, and the FEM models were coupled with cable models of passing axons to quantify stimulation efficiency. We also measured in vitro the electrical properties of the prototype electrode designs and measured in vivo the stimulation efficiency following acute implantation in anesthetized cats. Main results. Area had a greater effect than perimeter on altering the electrode access resistance; electrode (access or dynamic) resistance alone did not predict stimulation efficiency because efficiency was dependent on the shape of the potential distribution in the tissue; and, quantitative assessment of stimulation efficiency required consideration of the effects of the electrode-tissue interface impedance. Significance. These results advance understanding of the features of electrode geometry that are important for designing the next generation of efficient DBS electrodes.

Stimulating Invention Disclosures by Faculty Researchers--A Guide for the University Invention Administrator.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marcy, Willard

Intended as a guide for university administrators, this manual discusses programs to help faculty members in the recognition of inventions and to increase the flow of their disclosure. The benefits of patenting are outlined and it is suggested that these benefits provide justification for initiating a program to increase disclosures. Important…

A Program of Technical Assistance to Industry in Twenty-Six Mississippi Counties and the Choctaw Indian Reservation. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Phillips, Jane; Sewell, Charles

A broad technical assistance program has been established in 25 EDA (Economic Development Administration) contract counties and on the Choctaw Indian Reservation Nashoba County) to stimulate new job opportunities by solving operational problems which limit the expansion and diversification of existing industry; professional services in evaluating…

Developing and Implementing a Data Base and Microcomputer Tracking System To Track and Serve Minority Students To Enhance Minority Recruitment and Retention.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mendoza, Jose

Brief descriptions are provided of several components of Glendale Community College's (GCC's) programs to ensure adequate links with the minority community and stimulate enrollments to achieve parity in enrollment proportions. Introductory sections offer a rationale for minority emphasis programs, define "minority," enumerate reasons for attending…

Economic Development at the Grass Roots: A Guide for Creating Partnerships between Main Street Programs and California Community Colleges.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perfumo-Kreiss, Paulette; Harrison, Laurie

The California Main Street Program (MSP) provides technical assistance to rural communities facing rapid growth and downtown decay, serving as a vehicle for local stimulation and revitalization of downtown area businesses. This five-part handbook presents strategies for creating partnerships between California's MSPs and the state's community…

A Survey of Adult and Continuing Music Education in Illinois.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Halfvarson, Lucille R.; O'Connor, John A.

Surveys of adult and continuing education programs in music were undertaken in the various states, including Illinois. The purposes of the surveys were to identify existing music programs, assess their overall effectiveness, and stimulate interest in them. A letter-questionnaire was mailed to the mayors of over 850 cities and towns in Illinois;…

CDP

Cancer.gov

The Cancer Diagnosis Program strives to improve the diagnosis and assessment of cancer by effectively moving new scientific knowledge into clinical practice. This national program stimulates, coordinates and funds resources and research for the development of innovative in vitro diagnostics, novel diagnostic technologies and appropriate human specimens in order to better characterize cancers and allow improved medical decision making and evaluation of response to treatment.

What Will Happen if . . . A Programmed Instruction Course on Drugs and Their Effects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Health Services and Mental Health Administration (DHEW), Bethesda, MD.

Developed by the National Institute of Mental Health, this booklet offers a programed instruction course on drugs and their effects. The purpose of the text is to learn about specific drugs which are currently being used and abused by a large group of people in our society. Narcotics, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and marihuana are…

Resources | CDP

Cancer.gov

The Cancer Diagnosis Program strives to improve the diagnosis and assessment of cancer by effectively moving new scientific knowledge into clinical practice. This national program stimulates, coordinates and funds resources and research for the development of innovative in vitro diagnostics, novel diagnostic technologies and appropriate human specimens in order to better characterize cancers and allow improved medical decision making and evaluation of response to treatment.

TIPP. Training Incentive Payments Program. Five Year's Operations. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Institute of Public Administration, New York, NY.

A report is made of the first operating phase from March 1970 through May 1971 of a test of the feasibility of using financial incentives to stimulate more effective upgrading of the skills and earnings of low income workers in the private sector. TIPP provides incentive payments to employers based on results achieved. Program administration…

Chapel Hill Services to the Gifted Handicapped. A Project Summary.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leonard, Judith E.

The monograph reviews the first 2 years of a model program to identify gifted-handicapped and gifted-disadvantaged children (2 1/2-6 years old) and to provide them with a preschool program that would offer a balance between stimulating enrichment activities and therapy and remediation in developmental areas, delayed because of specific modality…

Proposal for a Venture Capital Grant: A Programmatic Approach to Excellence in Illinois Public Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hickrod, G. Alan; And Others

A new formula proposed for categorically funding local education programs in Illinois can channel more money into programs for excellence than can general purpose grants. The formula, which would provide venture capital to stimulate local initiatives, would depend on district plans for using the money to improve instruction and on distribution of…

Addressing the Employment Situation in the Aftermath of the Great Recession

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Neumark, David; Troske, Kenneth

2012-01-01

Since U.S. economic growth began to slow in 2006, both the Bush and Obama Administrations have enacted a number of fairly costly programs designed to stimulate the economy and employment growth. Because many of these programs are fairly new, there has been little comprehensive examination of their impacts, but initial analysis suggests that these…

Promoting Physical Activity in People with Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities through a Basic Technology-Aided Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lancioni, Giulio E.; Singh, Nirbhay N.; O'Reilly, Mark F.; Sigafoos, Jeff; Alberti, Gloria; Perilli, Viviana; Zimbaro, Carmen; Boccasini, Adele; Mazzola, Carlo; Russo, Roberto

2018-01-01

This study assessed a technology-aided program (monitoring responding, and ensuring preferred stimulation and encouragements) for promoting physical activity with 11 participants with severe/profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. Each participant was provided with an exercise device (e.g. a static bicycle and a stepper) and exposed to…

Does State Aid Stimulate Public Library Expenditures? Evidence from Pennsylvania's Enhancement Aid Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stine, William F.

2006-01-01

Pennsylvania public libraries began receiving increased allotments of state aid in 2000. In the first two years of enhancement aid, total state aid received by Pennsylvania libraries more than doubled. This reversed the trend of little growth in the years preceding 2000. The enhancement aid program also redesigned certain categories of state aid…

Empowering Staff in Dementia Long-Term Care: Towards a More Supportive Approach to Interventions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Figueiredo, Daniela; Barbosa, Ana; Cruz, Joana; Marques, Alda; Sousa, Liliana

2013-01-01

This pilot-study aimed to assess a psychoeducational program for staff in care homes. The program was designed to increase knowledge regarding dementia care, promote skills to integrate motor and multisensory stimulation in daily care, and develop coping strategies to manage emotional work-related demands. Six staff members received eight…

[Cognitive plasticity in Alzheimer's disease patients receiving cognitive stimulation programs].

PubMed

Zamarrón Cassinello, Ma Dolores; Tárraga Mestre, Luis; Fernández-Ballesteros, Rocío

2008-08-01

The main purpose of this article is to examine whether cognitive plasticity increases after cognitive training in Alzheimer's disease patients. Twenty six patients participated in this study, all of them diagnosed with mild Alzheimer's disease, 17 of them received a cognitive training program during 6 months, and the other 9 were assigned to the control group. Participants were assigned to experimental or control conditions for clinical reasons. In order to assess cognitive plasticity, all patients were assessed before and after treatment with three subtests from the "Bateria de Evaluación de Potencial de Aprendizaje en Demencias" [Assessment Battery of Learning Potential in Dementia] (BEPAD). After treatment, Alzheimer's disease patients improved their performance in all the tasks assessing cognitive plasticity: viso-spatial memory, audio-verbal memory and verbal fluency. However, the cognitive plasticity scores of the patients in the control group decreased. In conclusion, this study showed that cognitive stimulation programs can improve cognitive functioning in mildly demented patients, and patients who do not receive any cognitive interventions may reduce their cognitive functioning.

The role of cognitive stimulation at home in low-income preschoolers' nutrition, physical activity and body mass index.

PubMed

den Bosch, Saskia Op; Duch, Helena

2017-08-01

Early childhood obesity disproportionately affects children of low socioeconomic status. Children attending Head Start are reported to have an obesity rate of 17.9%.This longitudinal study aimed to understand the relationship between cognitive stimulation at home and intake of junk food, physical activity and body size, for a nationally representative sample of 3- and 4-year old children entering Head Start. We used The Family and Child Experiences Survey 2006. Cognitive stimulation at home was measured for 1905 children at preschool entry using items from the Home Observation Measurement of the Environment Short Form. Junk food consumption and physical activity were obtained from parent interviews at kindergarten entry. BMI z scores were based on CDC national standards. We analyzed the association between early cognitive stimulation and junk food consumption, physical activity and BMI, using multinomial and binary logistic regression on a weighted sample. Children who received moderate levels of cognitive stimulation at home had a 1.5 increase in the likelihood of consuming low amounts of junk food compared to children from low cognitive stimulation environments. Children who received moderate and high levels of cognitive stimulation were two and three times, respectively, more likely to be physically active than those in low cognitive stimulation homes. No direct relationship was identified between cognitive stimulation and BMI. Prevention and treatment efforts to address early childhood obesity may consider strategies that support parents in providing cognitively stimulating home environments. Existing evidence-based programs can guide intervention in pediatric primary care.

How trained volunteers can improve the quality of hospital care for older patients. A qualitative evaluation within the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP).

PubMed

Steunenberg, Bas; van der Mast, Roos; Strijbos, Marije J; Inouye, Sharon K; Schuurmans, Marieke J

The aim of this study was to investigate, using a mixed-methods design, the added value of a trained Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) volunteer to the quality of hospital care in the Netherlands. The trained volunteers daily stimulate older patients, at risk of a delirium, to eat, to drink, and to exercise, and they provide walking assistance and cognitive stimulation. This study showed that each group appreciated the extra attention and service from the volunteers. The positive effect on feelings of loneliness during the hospital stay was an unexpected outcome. The volunteers themselves appreciated their work. In conclusion, a HELP volunteer should be provided to every older hospital patient. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of oral health care on salivary flow rate in patients with type 2 diabetes: preliminary study.

PubMed

Ibayashi, Haruhisa; Nishiyama, Tomohiro; Tanaka, Masayuki; Pham, Truong-Minh; Yano, Junko; Sakai, Kazuyo; Kobayashi, Atsushi; Yakura, Naonori; Matsuda, Shinya

2009-07-01

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of the authors' oral health care program on the stimulated whole salivary flow rate and buffer capacity before and after a 6-month intervention. The authors conducted the intervention study among 25 participants with diabetes. The salivary flow rate and buffer capacity were evaluated before and after this intervention. Overall, the results showed a significant increase in salivary flow rate and no significant change in buffer capacity. Also, it was likely that salivary flow rate significantly increased among patients with more than 20 remaining teeth and patients with well-controlled diabetes. The findings suggest that this program for type 2 diabetes led to an increase in the stimulated whole salivary flow rate.

Amateur Astronomers: Secret Agents of EPO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berendsen, M.; White, V.; Devore, E.; Reynolds, M.

2008-06-01

Amateur astronomers prime the public to be more interested, receptive, and excited about space science, missions, and programs. Through recent research and targeted programs, amateur astronomy outreach is being increasingly recognized by professional astronomers, educators, and other amateurs as a valued and important service. The Night Sky Network program, administered by the ASP, is the first nationwide research-based program specifically targeted to support outreach by amateur astronomers. This Network of trained and informed amateur astronomers can provide a stimulating introduction to your EPO programs as Network members share the night sky with families, students, and youth groups.

A trauma outreach program provided by a level I trauma center is an effective way to initiate peer review at referring hospitals and foster process improvements.

PubMed

Byrnes, Matthew C; Irwin, Eric; Becker, Leslie; Thorson, Melissa; Beilman, Greg; Horst, Patrick; Croston, Kevin

2010-04-01

The initial care of critically injured patients has profound effects on ultimate outcomes. The "golden hour" of trauma care is often provided by rural hospitals before definitive transfer. There are, however, no standardized methods for providing educational feedback to these hospitals for the purposes of performance improvement. We hypothesized that an outreach program would stimulate peer review and identify systematic deficiencies in the care of patients with injuries. We developed a quality improvement program aimed at providing educational feedback to hospitals that referred patients to our American College of Surgeons-verified level I trauma center. We traveled to each referral center to provide feedback on the initial treatment and ultimate outcome of patients that were transferred to us. These feedback sessions were presented in the format of case presentations and case discussions. The outreach program was presented at each hospital every 3 months to 6 months. Nine hospitals were included in our program. We received 334 patients in transfer from these hospitals during the study period. Formal peer review that focused on trauma patients increased from 14% of hospitals to 100% of hospitals after institution of the program. Eighty-five percent of hospitals thought that the care of patients with injuries was improved as a result of the program. Eighty-five percent of hospitals developed process improvement initiatives as a result of the program. A formal outreach program can stimulate peer review at rural hospitals, provide continuing education in the care of patients with injuries, and foster process improvements at referring hospitals.

Recognition of music and melody in patients with cochlear implants, using a new programming approach for frequency assignment.

PubMed

Falcón-González, Juan C; Borkoski-Barreiro, Silvia; Limiñana-Cañal, José María; Ramos-Macías, Angel

2014-01-01

Music is a universal, cross-cultural phenomenon. Perception and enjoyment of music are still not solved with current technological objectives of cochlear implants. The objective of this article was to advance the development and validation of a method of programming of cochlear implants that implements a frequency allocation strategy. We compared standard programming vs frequency programming in every subject. We studied a total of 40 patients with cochlear implants. Each patient was programmed with a optimal version of the standard program, using the Custom Sound Suite 3.2 cochlear platform. Speech tests in quiet were performed using syllable word lists from the protocol for the assessment of hearing in the Spanish language. Patients implanted bilaterally were tested in both ears at the same time. For assessing music listening habits we used the Munich Music Questionnaire and «MACarena»(minimum auditory capability) software. All patients achieved better results in recognition, instrument tests and tonal scales with frequency programming (P<.005). Likewise, there were better results with frequency programming in recognising harmonics and pitch test (P<.005). Frequency programming achieves better perception and recognition results in patients in comparison with standard programming. Bilateral stimulation patients have better perception of musical patterns and better performance in recognition of tonal scales, harmonics and musical instruments compared with patients with unilateral stimulation. Modification and frequency allocation during programming allows decreased levels of current intensity and increase the dynamic range, which allows mapping of each audio band less obtrusively and improves the quality of representation of the signal. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Patología Cérvico-Facial. All rights reserved.

What motivates family physicians to participate in training programs in shared decision making?

PubMed

Allaire, Anne-Sophie; Labrecque, Michel; Giguere, Anik; Gagnon, Marie-Pierre; Légaré, France

2012-01-01

Little is known about the factors that influence family physician (FP) participation in continuing professional development (CPD) programs in shared decision making (SDM). We sought to identify the factors that motivate FPs to participate in DECISION+, a CPD program in SDM. In 2007-2008, we collected data from 39 FPs who participated in a pilot randomized trial of DECISION+. In 2010, we collected data again from 11 of those participants and from 12 new subjects. Based on the theory of planned behavior, our questionnaire assessed FPs' intentions to participate in a CPD program in SDM and evaluated FPs' attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. We also conducted 4 focus groups to explore FPs' salient beliefs. In 2010, FPs' mean intention to participate in a CPD program in SDM was relatively strong (2.6 ± 0.5 on a scale from -3 = "strongly disagree" to +3 = "strongly agree"). Affective attitude was the only factor significantly associated with intention (r = .51, p = .04). FPs identified the attractions of participating in a CPD program in SDM as (1) its interest, (2) the pleasure of learning, and (3) professional stimulation. Facilitators of their participation were (1) a relevant clinical topic, (2) an interactive program, (3) an accessible program, and (4) decision support tools. To attract FPs to a CPD program in SDM, CPD developers should make the program interesting, enjoyable, and professionally stimulating. They should choose a clinically relevant topic, ensure that the program is interactive and accessible, and include decision support tools. Copyright © 2012 The Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions, the Society for Academic Continuing Medical Education, and the Council on CME, Association for Hospital Medical Education.

Summer of Innovation Kick Off

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-06-09

Erin Gilbert, Director of Professional Development from the National Summer Learning Associations, motivates teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Computerised curve deconvolution of TL/OSL curves using a popular spreadsheet program.

PubMed

Afouxenidis, D; Polymeris, G S; Tsirliganis, N C; Kitis, G

2012-05-01

This paper exploits the possibility of using commercial software for thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence curve deconvolution analysis. The widely used software package Microsoft Excel, with the Solver utility has been used to perform deconvolution analysis to both experimental and reference glow curves resulted from the GLOw Curve ANalysis INtercomparison project. The simple interface of this programme combined with the powerful Solver utility, allows the analysis of complex stimulated luminescence curves into their components and the evaluation of the associated luminescence parameters.

Status of the ERDA/NASA photovoltaic tests and applications project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deyo, J. N.; Brandhorst, H. W., Jr.; Forestieri, A. F.

1976-01-01

The Tests and Applications Project of the ERDA Photovoltaic Program is concerned with the testing of photovoltaic systems and the growth of their use in real terrestrial applications. This activity is an important complement to the development of low cost solar arrays by providing requirements based on application needs and stimulating markets to create demand to absorb increasing production capacity. A photovoltaic system test facility is now operational, market stimulation has been initiated through applications, and standards for terrestrial cell measurements established.

Theta Burst Stimulation in the Rehabilitation of the Upper Limb: A Semirandomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial in Chronic Stroke Patients

PubMed Central

Talelli, Penelope; Wallace, Amanda; Dileone, Michelle; Hoad, Damon; Cheeran, Binith; Oliver, Rupert; VandenBos, Mehdi; Hammerbeck, Ulrike; Barratt, Karen; Gillini, Cecilia; Musumeci, Gabriella; Boudrias, Marie-Hélène; Cloud, Geoffrey C.; Ball, Joanna; Marsden, Jonathan F.; Ward, Nicholas S.; Di Lazzaro, Vincenzo; Greenwood, Richard G.; Rothwell, John C.

2013-01-01

Background Noninvasive cortical stimulation could represent an add-on treatment to enhance motor recovery after stroke. However, its clinical value, including anticipated size and duration of the treatment effects, remains largely unknown. Objective The authors designed a small semi-randomized clinical trial to explore whether long-lasting clinically important gains can be achieved by adding theta burst stimulation (TBS), a form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), to a rehabilitation program for the hand. Methods A total of 41 chronic stroke patients received excitatory TBS to the ipsilesional hemisphere or inhibitory TBS to the contralesional hemisphere in 2 centers; each active group was compared with a group receiving sham TBS. TBS was followed by physical therapy for 10 working days. Patients and therapists were blinded to the type of TBS. Primary outcome measures (9-hole Peg Test [9HPT], Jebsen Taylor Test [JTT], and grip and pinch-grip dynamometry) were assessed 4, 30, and 90 days post treatment. The clinically important difference was defined as 10% of the maximum score. Results There were no differences between the active treatment and sham groups in any of the outcome measures. All patients achieved small sustainable improvements—9HPT, 5% of maximum (confidence interval [CI] = 3%-7%); JTT, 5.7% (CI = 3%-8%); and grip strength, 6% (CI = 2%-10%)—all below the defined clinically important level. Conclusions Cortical stimulation did not augment the gains from a late rehabilitation program. The effect size anticipated by the authors was overestimated. These results can improve the design of future work on therapeutic uses of TMS. PMID:22412171

Developmental Programming: Insulin Sensitizer Prevents the GnRH-Stimulated LH Hypersecretion in a Sheep Model of PCOS

PubMed Central

Cardoso, Rodolfo C.; Burns, Ashleigh; Moeller, Jacob; Skinner, Donal C.

2016-01-01

Prenatal testosterone (T) treatment recapitulates the reproductive and metabolic phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome in female sheep. At the neuroendocrine level, prenatal T treatment results in disrupted steroid feedback on gonadotropin release, increased pituitary sensitivity to GnRH, and subsequent LH hypersecretion. Because prenatal T-treated sheep manifest functional hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinemia, gonadal steroids and/or insulin may play a role in programming and/or maintaining these neuroendocrine defects. Here, we investigated the effects of prenatal and postnatal treatments with an androgen antagonist (flutamide [F]) or an insulin sensitizer (rosiglitazone [R]) on GnRH-stimulated LH secretion in prenatal T-treated sheep. As expected, prenatal T treatment increased the pituitary responsiveness to GnRH leading to LH hypersecretion. Neither prenatal interventions nor postnatal F treatment normalized the GnRH-stimulated LH secretion. Conversely, postnatal R treatment completely normalized the GnRH-stimulated LH secretion. At the tissue level, gestational T increased pituitary LHβ, androgen receptor, and insulin receptor-β, whereas it reduced estrogen receptor (ER)α protein levels. Although postnatal F normalized pituitary androgen receptor and insulin receptor-β, it failed to prevent an increase in LHβ expression. Contrarily, postnatal R treatment restored ERα and partially normalized LHβ pituitary levels. Immunohistochemical findings confirmed changes in pituitary ERα expression to be specific to gonadotropes. In conclusion, these findings indicate that increased pituitary responsiveness to GnRH in prenatal T-treated sheep is likely a function of reduced peripheral insulin sensitivity. Moreover, results suggest that restoration of ERα levels in the pituitary may be one mechanism by which R prevents GnRH-stimulated LH hypersecretion in this sheep model of polycystic ovary syndrome-like phenotype. PMID:27792406

Developmental Programming: Insulin Sensitizer Prevents the GnRH-Stimulated LH Hypersecretion in a Sheep Model of PCOS.

PubMed

Cardoso, Rodolfo C; Burns, Ashleigh; Moeller, Jacob; Skinner, Donal C; Padmanabhan, Vasantha

2016-12-01

Prenatal testosterone (T) treatment recapitulates the reproductive and metabolic phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome in female sheep. At the neuroendocrine level, prenatal T treatment results in disrupted steroid feedback on gonadotropin release, increased pituitary sensitivity to GnRH, and subsequent LH hypersecretion. Because prenatal T-treated sheep manifest functional hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinemia, gonadal steroids and/or insulin may play a role in programming and/or maintaining these neuroendocrine defects. Here, we investigated the effects of prenatal and postnatal treatments with an androgen antagonist (flutamide [F]) or an insulin sensitizer (rosiglitazone [R]) on GnRH-stimulated LH secretion in prenatal T-treated sheep. As expected, prenatal T treatment increased the pituitary responsiveness to GnRH leading to LH hypersecretion. Neither prenatal interventions nor postnatal F treatment normalized the GnRH-stimulated LH secretion. Conversely, postnatal R treatment completely normalized the GnRH-stimulated LH secretion. At the tissue level, gestational T increased pituitary LHβ, androgen receptor, and insulin receptor-β, whereas it reduced estrogen receptor (ER)α protein levels. Although postnatal F normalized pituitary androgen receptor and insulin receptor-β, it failed to prevent an increase in LHβ expression. Contrarily, postnatal R treatment restored ERα and partially normalized LHβ pituitary levels. Immunohistochemical findings confirmed changes in pituitary ERα expression to be specific to gonadotropes. In conclusion, these findings indicate that increased pituitary responsiveness to GnRH in prenatal T-treated sheep is likely a function of reduced peripheral insulin sensitivity. Moreover, results suggest that restoration of ERα levels in the pituitary may be one mechanism by which R prevents GnRH-stimulated LH hypersecretion in this sheep model of polycystic ovary syndrome-like phenotype.

Technology Development Resources | Resources | CDP

Cancer.gov

The Cancer Diagnosis Program strives to improve the diagnosis and assessment of cancer by effectively moving new scientific knowledge into clinical practice. This national program stimulates, coordinates and funds resources and research for the development of innovative in vitro diagnostics, novel diagnostic technologies and appropriate human specimens in order to better characterize cancers and allow improved medical decision making and evaluation of response to treatment.

A Study: Exploring the Feasibility of Developing a Computer Science Online Degree Program at Tuskegee University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buckley, Ingrid A.; Narang, Hira

2014-01-01

This paper investigates the feasibility of developing an online degree for a computer science and information technology degree programs. Our motivation is to increase access to quality education with the aim of stimulating growth, attracting new students, and retaining our current student body. A survey was conducted of CS/IT online degrees which…

The Emergence and Evolution of Outdoor Adventure Programs, 1863-2000: A History of Student Initiated Outing Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Webb, David J.

Since the late 1800s, factors that stimulated growth of outing clubs at colleges and universities included the desire to get outdoors and explore and the clubs' ability to provide outdoor training, access, and equipment. Outing clubs were initially formed by students. The outing clubs at Williams College, Dartmouth, and Allegheny College were all…

Building Parental Capacity to Improve Child Development: Impact Evaluation of an Early Childhood Stimulation Program in Bangladesh

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chinen, Marjorie; Bos, Hans; Murray, Matthew; Hamadani, Jena; Hossain, Najmul; Mahmud, Minhaj

2015-01-01

Globally, at least 200 million children younger than five years old are falling short of their potential for development and growth. There is some evidence that improvements to children's health, nutrition, and development outcomes can be made through programs that provide direct learning experiences to children and families; are targeted toward…

Recommendations, Publications and Multimedia | Resources | CDP

Cancer.gov

The Cancer Diagnosis Program strives to improve the diagnosis and assessment of cancer by effectively moving new scientific knowledge into clinical practice. This national program stimulates, coordinates and funds resources and research for the development of innovative in vitro diagnostics, novel diagnostic technologies and appropriate human specimens in order to better characterize cancers and allow improved medical decision making and evaluation of response to treatment.

Consumer Problems of the Poor. Expanded Programs of Consumer Education. (Series)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New York State Education Dept., Albany. Bureau of Secondary Curriculum Development.

The fourth in a series of modules--Expanded Programs of Consumer Education--this material is designed to help the poor make better use of their income and to stimulate those of high income to a greater understanding of the problems of their fellow-citizens. The modules are prepared for high school students as separate publications to provide…

Research Program Review. Aircrew Physiology.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-06-01

15 Visual and Auditory LocaizationrNormal and Abnormal Relation Leonard Detection of Retinal Ischemia Prior to Blackout by Electrical Evoked...parameters and provision of auditory or tactile feedback to the subject, all promise some improvement. Measurement of the separate responses at 01...Work in Progress A centrifuge program designed to evaluate two different electrode placements and four different frequencies of stimulation is now in

News and Events | Resources | CDP

Cancer.gov

The Cancer Diagnosis Program strives to improve the diagnosis and assessment of cancer by effectively moving new scientific knowledge into clinical practice. This national program stimulates, coordinates and funds resources and research for the development of innovative in vitro diagnostics, novel diagnostic technologies and appropriate human specimens in order to better characterize cancers and allow improved medical decision making and evaluation of response to treatment.

Human Specimen Resources | Resources | CDP

Cancer.gov

The Cancer Diagnosis Program strives to improve the diagnosis and assessment of cancer by effectively moving new scientific knowledge into clinical practice. This national program stimulates, coordinates and funds resources and research for the development of innovative in vitro diagnostics, novel diagnostic technologies and appropriate human specimens in order to better characterize cancers and allow improved medical decision making and evaluation of response to treatment.

Funding Opportunities | CDP

Cancer.gov

The Cancer Diagnosis Program strives to improve the diagnosis and assessment of cancer by effectively moving new scientific knowledge into clinical practice. This national program stimulates, coordinates and funds resources and research for the development of innovative in vitro diagnostics, novel diagnostic technologies and appropriate human specimens in order to better characterize cancers and allow improved medical decision making and evaluation of response to treatment.

Education

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-01-01

improvement, the degree and method of change remain debatable issues. Lt Colonel James Abney, US Army Ms Joyce Barr, State Dept Mr. Dave Buller, Dept...stimulate change and innovation, with distance learning and e-learning creating many new programs and affecting traditional programs. The education...and resistant to change . In business if a company does not provide the services it claims, it finds itself out of business. The same principle

Persons with Multiple Disabilities Use Forehead and Smile Responses to Access or Choose among Technology-Aided Stimulation Events

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lancioni, Giulio E.; Singh, Nirbhay N.; O'Reilly, Mark F.; Sigafoos, Jeff; Alberti, Gloria; Bellini, Domencio; Oliva, Doretta; Boccasini, Adele; La Martire, Maria L.; Signorino, Mario

2013-01-01

A variety of technology-aided programs have been developed to help persons with congenital or acquired multiple disabilities access preferred stimuli or choose among stimulus options. The application of those programs may pose problems when the participants have very limited behavior repertoires and are unable to use conventional responses and…

Experimental program to stimulate competitive energy research in North Dakota: Summary and significance of DOE Trainee research

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

Boudjouk, Philip

1999-07-01

The general goals of the North Dakota DOE/EPSCoR Program are to enhance the capabilities of North Dakota's researchers to conduct nationally competitive energy-related research and to develop science and engineering human resources to meet current and future needs in energy-related areas. Doctoral students were trained and energy research was conducted.

Manufacturing Technology Program Information System: Functional Description.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-02-01

D-A27 293 MANUACTURING TECNOLOGY PROGRAM INFORMATIONSSEM: /; FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTIONU ALOGSTS CsMANAGEMENT NST WASHINGTON DC K WRIGHT ET AL FEB 83...greater use of computer technology in all elements of manu- facturing. - Assure that more effective industrial innovation is stimulated by reducing the...data base. Data communications capabilities (terminals, communications hardware and software) will make it possible for remote users throughout the MT

Air Force Needs Better Processes to Appropriately Justify and Manage Cost-Reimbursable Contracts

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-21

Contracts Reviewed 4 The Small Business Innovation Research Program 4 Review of Internal Controls 5 ...stimulate high-tech innovation, and increase private-sector commercialization. The SBIR 5 program was established under the Small Business...contracts valued at about $7.4 billion. 5 According to the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, a hybrid contract allows contracting officers to

Spinoff, 1984

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haggerty, J. J.

1984-01-01

A pictorial resume that underlines the challenging nature of NASA programs and their extraordinary demands for technological input, is presented. Also, NASA's current mainline programs, which require development of new technology, are given. A representative sampling of spinoff products and processes resulting from technology utiliization, or secondary application, and the mechanisms NASA employs to stimulate technology utilization are provided. Contact sources for further information are presented.

About CDP | CDP

Cancer.gov

The Cancer Diagnosis Program strives to improve the diagnosis and assessment of cancer by effectively moving new scientific knowledge into clinical practice. This national program stimulates, coordinates and funds resources and research for the development of innovative in vitro diagnostics, novel diagnostic technologies and appropriate human specimens in order to better characterize cancers and allow improved medical decision making and evaluation of response to treatment.

Jogging Program for Deaf-Blind Students Improves Condition and Reduces Self-Stimulation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alajajian, Lisa D.

Four deaf-blind students at the Massachusetts Association for the Blind were involved in a pilot aerobic program consisting of jogging for 15-20 minutes three times a week. Students were chosen based on their enjoyment of this fast movement and they were given clearance for this activity by both a doctor and a physical therapist. The students'…

The Neurochip-2: An Autonomous Head-Fixed Computer for Recording and Stimulating in Freely Behaving Monkeys

PubMed Central

Zanos, Stavros; Richardson, Andrew G.; Shupe, Larry; Miles, Frank P.; Fetz, Eberhard E.

2011-01-01

The Neurochip-2 is a second generation, battery-powered device for neural recording and stimulating that is small enough to be carried in a chamber on a monkey’s head. It has three recording channels, with user-adjustable gains, filters, and sampling rates, that can be optimized for recording single unit activity, local field potentials, electrocorticography, electromyography, arm acceleration, etc. Recorded data are stored on a removable, flash memory card. The Neurochip-2 also has three separate stimulation channels. Two “programmable-system-on-chips” (PSoCs) control the data acquisition and stimulus output. The PSoCs permit flexible real-time processing of the recorded data, such as digital filtering and time-amplitude window discrimination. The PSoCs can be programmed to deliver stimulation contingent on neural events or deliver preprogrammed stimuli. Access pins to the microcontroller are also available to connect external devices, such as accelerometers. The Neurochip-2 can record and stimulate autonomously for up to several days in freely behaving monkeys, enabling a wide range of novel neurophysiological and neuroengineering experiments. PMID:21632309

Ultradian hormone stimulation induces glucocorticoid receptor-mediated pulses of gene transcription.

PubMed

Stavreva, Diana A; Wiench, Malgorzata; John, Sam; Conway-Campbell, Becky L; McKenna, Mervyn A; Pooley, John R; Johnson, Thomas A; Voss, Ty C; Lightman, Stafford L; Hager, Gordon L

2009-09-01

Studies on glucocorticoid receptor (GR) action typically assess gene responses by long-term stimulation with synthetic hormones. As corticosteroids are released from adrenal glands in a circadian and high-frequency (ultradian) mode, such treatments may not provide an accurate assessment of physiological hormone action. Here we demonstrate that ultradian hormone stimulation induces cyclic GR-mediated transcriptional regulation, or gene pulsing, both in cultured cells and in animal models. Equilibrium receptor-occupancy of regulatory elements precisely tracks the ligand pulses. Nascent RNA transcripts from GR-regulated genes are released in distinct quanta, demonstrating a profound difference between the transcriptional programs induced by ultradian and constant stimulation. Gene pulsing is driven by rapid GR exchange with response elements and by GR recycling through the chaperone machinery, which promotes GR activation and reactivation in response to the ultradian hormone release, thus coupling promoter activity to the naturally occurring fluctuations in hormone levels. The GR signalling pathway has been optimized for a prompt and timely response to fluctuations in hormone levels, indicating that biologically accurate regulation of gene targets by GR requires an ultradian mode of hormone stimulation.

Development and applications of tunable, narrow band lasers and stimulated Raman scattering devices for atmospheric lidar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilkerson, Thomas D.

1993-01-01

The main thrust of the program was the study of stimulated Raman processes for application to atmospheric lidar measurements. This has involved the development of tunable lasers, the detailed study of stimulated Raman scattering, and the use of the Raman-shifted light for new measurements of molecular line strengths and line widths. The principal spectral region explored in this work was the visible and near-IR wavelengths between 500 nm and 1.5 microns. Recent alexandrite ring laser experiments are reported. The experiments involved diode injection-locking, Raman shifting, and frequency-doubling. The experiments succeeded in producing tunable light at 577 and 937 nm with line widths in the range 80-160 MHz.

Comparison between two methods of scorpion venom milking in Morocco

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The present study compared two methods used successfully in a large-scale program for the collection of scorpion venoms, namely the milking of adult scorpions via manual and electrical stimulation. Results Our immunobiochemical characterizations clearly demonstrate that regularly applied electrical stimulation obtains scorpion venom more easily and, most importantly, in greater quantity. Qualitatively, the electrically collected venom showed lack of hemolymph contaminants such as hemocyanin. In contrast, manual obtainment of venom subjects scorpions to maximal trauma, leading to hemocyanin secretion. Our study highlighted the importance of reducing scorpion trauma during venom milking. Conclusions In conclusion, to produce high quality antivenom with specific antibodies, it is necessary to collect venom by the gentler electrical stimulation method. PMID:23849043

Normalizing motor-related brain activity: subthalamic nucleus stimulation in Parkinson disease.

PubMed

Grafton, S T; Turner, R S; Desmurget, M; Bakay, R; Delong, M; Vitek, J; Crutcher, M

2006-04-25

To test whether therapeutic unilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) leads to normalization in the pattern of brain activation during movement execution and control of movement extent. Six patients with PD were imaged off medication by PET during performance of a visually guided tracking task with the DBS voltage programmed for therapeutic (effective) or subtherapeutic (ineffective) stimulation. Data from patients with PD during ineffective stimulation were compared with a group of 13 age-matched control subjects to identify sites with abnormal patterns of activation. Conjunction analysis was used to identify those areas in patients with PD where activity normalized when they were treated with effective stimulation. For movement execution, effective DBS caused an increase of activation in the supplementary motor area (SMA), superior parietal cortex, and cerebellum toward a more normal pattern. At rest, effective stimulation reduced overactivity of SMA. Therapeutic stimulation also induced reductions of movement related "overactivity" compared with healthy subjects in prefrontal, temporal lobe, and basal ganglia circuits, consistent with the notion that many areas are recruited to compensate for ineffective motor initiation. Normalization of activity related to the control of movement extent was associated with reductions of activity in primary motor cortex, SMA, and basal ganglia. Effective subthalamic nucleus stimulation leads to task-specific modifications with appropriate recruitment of motor areas as well as widespread, nonspecific reductions of compensatory or competing cortical activity.

Cyclin-dependent kinase regulates the length of S phase through TICRR/TRESLIN phosphorylation.

PubMed

Sansam, Courtney G; Goins, Duane; Siefert, Joseph C; Clowdus, Emily A; Sansam, Christopher L

2015-03-01

S-phase cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) stimulate replication initiation and accelerate progression through the replication timing program, but it is unknown which CDK substrates are responsible for these effects. CDK phosphorylation of the replication factor TICRR (TopBP1-interacting checkpoint and replication regulator)/TRESLIN is required for DNA replication. We show here that phosphorylated TICRR is limiting for S-phase progression. Overexpression of a TICRR mutant with phosphomimetic mutations at two key CDK-phosphorylated residues (TICRR(TESE)) stimulates DNA synthesis and shortens S phase by increasing replication initiation. This effect requires the TICRR region that is necessary for its interaction with MDM two-binding protein. Expression of TICRR(TESE) does not grossly alter the spatial organization of replication forks in the nucleus but does increase replication clusters and the number of replication forks within each cluster. In contrast to CDK hyperactivation, the acceleration of S-phase progression by TICRR(TESE) does not induce DNA damage. These results show that CDK can stimulate initiation and compress the replication timing program by phosphorylating a single protein, suggesting a simple mechanism by which S-phase length is controlled. © 2015 Sansam et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

Transfer research and impact studies program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freeman, J. E. (Editor)

1975-01-01

Methods developed for stimulating interest in the transfer of NASA-originated technology are described. These include: new information packaging concepts; technology transfer via people transfer; information management systems; data bank operations; and professional communication activities.

Students from Aurora Triumph in Competition of the Mind

Science.gov Websites

fast-paced questions about physics, math, biology, astronomy, chemistry, computers and the earth educational programs to help stimulate young people's interest in science and math. NR-00797

Acute exposure of mercury chloride stimulates the tissue regeneration program and reactive oxygen species production in the Drosophila midgut.

PubMed

Chen, Zhi; Wu, Xiaochun; Luo, Hongjie; Zhao, Lingling; Ji, Xin; Qiao, Xianfeng; Jin, Yaping; Liu, Wei

2016-01-01

We used Drosophila as an animal model to study the digestive tract in response to the exposure of inorganic mercury (HgCl2). We found that after oral administration, mercury was mainly sequestered within the midgut. This resulted in increased cell death, which in turn stimulated the tissue regeneration program, including accelerated proliferation and differentiation of the intestinal stem cells (ISCs). We further demonstrated that these injuries correlate closely with the excessive production of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), as vitamin E, an antioxidant reagent, efficiently suppressed the HgCl2-induced phenotypes of midgut and improved the viability. We propose that the Drosophila midgut could serve as a suitable model to study the treatment of acute hydrargyrism on the digestive systems. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Summer of Innovation Kick Off

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-06-09

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, and Jet Propulsion Laboratory Director Dr. Charles Elachi lead school students to High Bay One at JPL during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Summer of Innovation Kick Off

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-06-09

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, along with teachers and middle school students visit High Bay One in the Spacecraft Assembly Building as part of the kick off to NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Summer of Innovation Kick Off

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-06-09

Jet Propulsion Laboratory Director Dr. Charles Elachi, center, and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, right, lead school students to High Bay One at JPL during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA/American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Summer Faculty Fellowship Program, 1990

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spencer, John H. (Compiler)

1990-01-01

Since 1964, NASA has supported a program of summer faculty fellowships for engineering and science educators. The objectives are to further the professional knowledge of qualified engineering and science members; to stimulate and exchange ideas between participants and NASA; to enrich and refresh the research and teaching activities of participants' institutions; and to contribute to the research objectives of the NASA center. The study program consists of lectures and seminars on topics of interest or that are directly relevant to the research topics.

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Fiscal Year 1978 Research & Development Program. Statement by Dr. George H. Heilmeier, Director Before the Subcommittee on Research & Development of Senate Armed Services Committee

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-02-01

CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION ------------------------------------------- -I A. DARPA PROGRAM PLANS AND PROGRESS ------------------- 1-6 1. High Energy...beyond. In brief, we have followed our long-range plan and have impressive progress to report. A. DARPA Program Plans and Progress 1. High Energy Lasers...stimulate growth of technological "saplings" that have proven promising; and (3) harvest those technologies that have become mature "trees." These three

Industry-University SBIR NDT Projects — A Critical Assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reinhart, Eugene R.

2007-03-01

The Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program, funded by various United States government agencies (DOD, DOE, NSF, etc.), provides funds for Research and Development (R&D) of nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques and equipment, thereby supplying valuable money for NDT development by small businesses and stimulating cooperative university programs. A review and critical assessment of the SBIR program as related to NDT is presented and should provide insight into reasons for or against pursuing this source of R&D funding.

Service To America Medal

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-09-22

Alan J. Lindenmoyer, program manager, Commercial Crew and Cargo Program NASA, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, left, poses for a photograph with Charles Bolden, NASA Administrator, shortly after Bolden presented Lindenmoyer the 2014 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal by the Partnership for Public Service, Monday, Sept. 22, 2014 at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium in Washington. Lindenmoyer was recognized for transforming NASA’s space travel programs, helping the U.S. continue important space research while reducing taxpayer costs and stimulating the commercial space industry. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Nigral stimulation for resistant axial motor impairment in Parkinson’s disease? A randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

Walach, Margarete; Meisner, Christoph; Fritz, Melanie; Scholten, Marlieke; Breit, Sorin; Plewnia, Christian; Bender, Benjamin; Gharabaghi, Alireza; Wächter, Tobias

2013-01-01

Gait and balance disturbances typically emerge in advanced Parkinson’s disease with generally limited response to dopaminergic medication and subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation. Therefore, advanced programming with interleaved pulses was put forward to introduce concomittant nigral stimulation on caudal contacts of a subthalamic lead. Here, we hypothesized that the combined stimulation of subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra pars reticulata improves axial symptoms compared with standard subthalamic nucleus stimulation. Twelve patients were enrolled in this 2 × 2 cross-over double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial and both the safety and efficacy of combined subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra pars reticulata stimulation were evaluated compared with standard subthalamic nucleus stimulation. The primary outcome measure was the change of a broad-scaled cumulative axial Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale score (Scale II items 13–15, Scale III items 27–31) at ‘3-week follow-up’. Secondary outcome measures specifically addressed freezing of gait, balance, quality of life, non-motor symptoms and neuropsychiatric symptoms. For the primary outcome measure no statistically significant improvement was observed for combined subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra pars reticulata stimulation at the ‘3-week follow-up’. The secondary endpoints, however, revealed that the combined stimulation of subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra pars reticulata might specifically improve freezing of gait, whereas balance impairment remained unchanged. The combined stimulation of subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra pars reticulata was safe, and of note, no clinically relevant neuropsychiatric adverse effect was observed. Patients treated with subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra pars reticulata stimulation revealed no ‘global’ effect on axial motor domains. However, this study opens the perspective that concomittant stimulation of the substantia nigra pars reticulata possibly improves otherwise resistant freezing of gait and, therefore, highly warrants a subsequent phase III randomized controlled trial. PMID:23757762

Modern management of epilepsy: Vagus nerve stimulation.

PubMed

Ben-Menachem, E

1996-12-01

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) was first tried as a treatment for seizure patients in 1988. The idea to stimulate the vagus nerve and disrupt or prevent seizures was proposed by Jacob Zabarra. He observed a consistent finding among several animal studies which indicated that stimulation of the vagus nerve could alter the brain wave patterns of the animals under study. His hypothesis formed the basis for the development of the vagus nerve stimulator, an implantable device similar to a pacemaker, which is implanted in the left chest and attached to the left vagus nerve via a stimulating lead. Once implanted, the stimulator is programmed by a physician to deliver regular stimulation 24 hours a day regardless of seizure activity. Patients can also activate extra 'on-demand' stimulation with a handheld magnet. Clinical studies have demonstrated VNS therapy to be a safe and effective mode of treatment when added to the existing regimen of severe, refractory patients with epilepsy. Efficacy ranges from seizure free to no response with the majority of patients (> 50%) reporting at least a 50% improvement in number of seizures after 1.5 years of treatment. The side-effect profile is unique and mostly includes stimulation-related sensations in the neck and throat. The mechanism of action for VNS is not clearly understood although two theories have emerged. First, the direct connection theory hypothesizes that the anticonvulsant action of VNS is caused by a threshold raising effect of the connections to the nucleus of the solitary tract and on to other structures. The second is the concept that chronic stimulation of the vagus nerve increases the amount of inhibitory neurotransmitters and decreases the amount of excitatory neurotransmitters. Additional research into the optimal use of VNS is ongoing. Animal and clinical research have produced some interesting new data suggesting there are numerous ways to improve the clinical performance of vagus nerve stimulation as a treatment for refractory patients.

Molecular Mechanisms That Underlie the Dynamic Adaptation of Innate Monocyte Memory to Varying Stimulant Strength of TLR Ligands.

PubMed

Yuan, Ruoxi; Geng, Shuo; Li, Liwu

2016-01-01

In adaptation to rising stimulant strength, innate monocytes can be dynamically programed to preferentially express either pro- or anti-inflammatory mediators. Such dynamic innate adaptation or programing may bear profound relevance in host health and disease. However, molecular mechanisms that govern innate adaptation to varying strength of stimulants are not well understood. Using lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the model stimulant of toll-like-receptor 4 (TLR4), we reported that the expressions of pro-inflammatory mediators are preferentially sustained in monocytes adapted by lower doses of LPS, and suppressed/tolerized in monocytes adapted by higher doses of LPS. Mechanistically, monocytes adapted by super-low dose LPS exhibited higher levels of transcription factor, interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5), and reduced levels of transcriptional modulator B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1). Intriguingly, the inflammatory monocyte adaptation by super-low dose LPS is dependent upon TRAM/TRIF but not MyD88. Similar to LPS, we also observed biphasic inflammatory adaptation and tolerance in monocytes challenged with varying dosages of TLR7 agonist. In sharp contrast, rising doses of TLR3 agonist preferentially caused inflammatory adaptation without inducing tolerance. At the molecular level, the differential regulation of IRF5 and Blimp-1 coincides with unique monocyte adaptation dynamics by TLR4/7 and TLR3 agonists. Our study provides novel clue toward the understanding of monocyte adaptation and memory toward distinct TLR ligands.

Intensive gait training with rhythmic auditory stimulation in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke: a pilot randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Cha, Yuri; Kim, Young; Hwang, Sujin; Chung, Yijung

2014-01-01

Motor relearning protocols should involve task-oriented movement, focused attention, and repetition of desired movements. To investigate the effect of intensive gait training with rhythmic auditory stimulation on postural control and gait performance in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Twenty patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke participated in this study. Subjects in the Rhythmic auditory stimulation training group (10 subjects) underwent intensive gait training with rhythmic auditory stimulation for a period of 6 weeks (30 min/day, five days/week), while those in the control group (10 subjects) underwent intensive gait training for the same duration. Two clinical measures, Berg balance scale and stroke specific quality of life scale, and a 2-demensional gait analysis system, were used as outcome measure. To provide rhythmic auditory stimulation during gait training, the MIDI Cuebase musical instrument digital interface program and a KM Player version 3.3 was utilized for this study. Intensive gait training with rhythmic auditory stimulation resulted in significant improvement in scores on the Berg balance scale, gait velocity, cadence, stride length and double support period in affected side, and stroke specific quality of life scale compared with the control group after training. Findings of this study suggest that intensive gait training with rhythmic auditory stimulation improves balance and gait performance as well as quality of life, in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke.

Short-term aerobic exercise training improves gut peptide regulation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

PubMed

Kullman, Emily L; Kelly, Karen R; Haus, Jacob M; Fealy, Ciaran E; Scelsi, Amanda R; Pagadala, Mangesh R; Flask, Chris A; McCullough, Arthur J; Kirwan, John P

2016-05-15

Obesity-related nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now the most common chronic liver disease. Exercise and diet are uniformly prescribed treatments for NAFLD; however, there are limited empirical data on the effects of exercise training on metabolic function in these patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the fasting and glucose-stimulated adaptation of gut peptides to short-term aerobic exercise training in patients with NAFLD. Twenty-two obese subjects, 16 with NAFLD [body mass index (BMI), 33.2 ± 1.1 (SE) kg/m(2)] and 6 obese controls (BMI, 31.3 ± 1.2 kg/m(2)), were enrolled in a supervised aerobic exercise program (60 min/day, 85% of their heart rate maximum, for 7 days). Fasting and glucose-stimulated glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-17-36) and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYYTotal) concentrations in plasma were assessed before and after the exercise program. Initially, the NAFLD group had higher fasting PYY (NAFLD = 117 ± 18.6, control = 47.2 ± 6.4 pg/ml, P < 0.05) and GLP-1 (NAFLD = 12.4 ± 2.2, control = 6.2 ± 0.2 pg/ml, P < 0.05) and did not significantly increase GLP-1 or PYY in response to glucose ingestion. After the exercise program, fasting GLP-1 was reduced in the NAFLD group (10.7 ± 2.0 pg/ml, P < 0.05). Furthermore, exercise training led to significant increase in the acute (0-30 min) PYY and GLP-1 responses to glucose in the NAFLD group, while the total area under the glucose-stimulated GLP-1 response curve was reduced in both NAFLD and controls (P < 0.05). In summary, 7 days of vigorous aerobic exercise normalized the dynamic PYY and GLP-1 responses to nutrient stimulation and reduced the GLP-1 response in NAFLD, suggesting that exercise positively modulates gut hormone regulation in obese adults with NAFLD. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

The "neuro-mapping locator" software. A real-time intraoperative objective paraesthesia mapping tool to evaluate paraesthesia coverage of the painful zone in patients undergoing spinal cord stimulation lead implantation.

PubMed

Guetarni, F; Rigoard, P

2015-03-01

Conventional spinal cord stimulation (SCS) generates paraesthesia, as the efficacy of this technique is based on the relationship between the paraesthesia provided by SCS on the painful zone and an analgesic effect on the stimulated zone. Although this basic postulate is based on clinical evidence, it is clear that this relationship has never been formally demonstrated by scientific studies. There is a need for objective evaluation tools ("transducers") to transpose electrical signals to clinical effects and to guide therapeutic choices. We have developed a software at Poitiers University hospital allowing real-time objective mapping of the paraesthesia generated by SCS lead placement and programming during the implantation procedure itself, on a touch screen interface. The purpose of this article is to describe this intraoperative mapping software, in terms of its concept and technical aspects. The Neuro-Mapping Locator (NML) software is dedicated to patients with failed back surgery syndrome, candidates for SCS lead implantation, to actively participate in the implantation procedure. Real-time geographical localization of the paraesthesia generated by percutaneous or multicolumn surgical SCS lead implanted under awake anaesthesia allows intraoperative lead programming and possibly lead positioning to be modified with the patient's cooperation. Software updates should enable us to refine objectives related to the use of this tool and minimize observational biases. The ultimate goals of NML software should not be limited to optimize one specific device implantation in a patient but also allow to compare instantaneously various stimulation strategies, by characterizing new technical parameters as "coverage efficacy" and "device specificity" on selected subgroups of patients. Another longer-term objective would be to organize these predictive factors into computer science ontologies, which could constitute robust and helpful data for device selection and programming of tomorrow's neurostimulators. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Diagnostics Research and Development Resources | Resources | CDP

Cancer.gov

The Cancer Diagnosis Program strives to improve the diagnosis and assessment of cancer by effectively moving new scientific knowledge into clinical practice. This national program stimulates, coordinates and funds resources and research for the development of innovative in vitro diagnostics, novel diagnostic technologies and appropriate human specimens in order to better characterize cancers and allow improved medical decision making and evaluation of response to treatment.

Ethical, Legal, and Social Implication of Cancer Research | Resources | CDP

Cancer.gov

The Cancer Diagnosis Program strives to improve the diagnosis and assessment of cancer by effectively moving new scientific knowledge into clinical practice. This national program stimulates, coordinates and funds resources and research for the development of innovative in vitro diagnostics, novel diagnostic technologies and appropriate human specimens in order to better characterize cancers and allow improved medical decision making and evaluation of response to treatment.

Teaching Ionic Solvation Structure with a Monte Carlo Liquid Simulation Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Serrano, Agostinho; Santos, Flavia M. T.; Greca, Ileana M.

2004-01-01

The use of molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo methods has provided efficient means to stimulate the behavior of molecular liquids and solutions. A Monte Carlo simulation program is used to compute the structure of liquid water and of water as a solvent to Na(super +), Cl(super -), and Ar on a personal computer to show that it is easily feasible to…

Effects of an Oral-Sensory/Oral-Motor Stimulation/Positive Reinforcement Program on the Acceptance of Nonpreferred Foods by Youth with Physical and Multiple Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bailey, Rita L.; Angell, Maureen E.

2005-01-01

This study employed a multiple probe design to evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based lunchtime oral-sensory/oral-motor/positive reinforcement program on food acceptance behaviors of three youth with multiple disabilities. Overall dramatic gains in food acceptance behaviors of all participants indicated that trained school personnel were…

GUIDANCE IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION--GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH AND PRACTICE, A REPORT OF A NATIONAL INTERDISCIPLINARY SEMINAR (OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, JANUARY 12-14, 1966).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

CAMPBELL, ROBERT E., ED.

IN RESPONSE TO THE NEED FOR EFFECTIVE PROGRAMS OF VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE, THE CENTER INVITED NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LEADERS FROM SEVERAL DISCIPLINES TO DEVELOP GUIDELINES FOR INITIATING AND IMPROVING SUCH PROGRAMS. THERE WERE SIX OVERALL GOALS--(1) TO STIMULATE INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AND INTEREST, (2) TO EVALUATE THE STATUS OF THE FIELD AND TO…

Teacher Incentive Pay and Educational Outcomes: Evidence from the NYC Bonus Program. Program on Education Policy and Governance Working Papers Series. PEPG 10-07

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goodman, Sarena; Turner, Lesley

2010-01-01

Teacher compensation schemes are often criticized for lacking a performance-based component. Proponents of merit pay argue that linking teacher salaries to student achievement will incentivize teachers to focus on raising student achievement and stimulate innovation across the school system as a whole. In this paper, we utilize a policy experiment…

Dance and the Aging--Beyond the Porch, Beneath the Lights: Outlets for Self-Expression in the Aging.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Talty, Joan K.

Dancing is not only a means to insure the activity and involvement of growing numbers of seniors, it is also a viable choice for the stimulation of health, self-worth, belonging, and joy in aging. Two successful programs in southeastern Connecticut and one in Washington, D.C. illustrate the effectiveness of dancing for the aging. Each program is…

Monitoring Processes in Spanish as a Second Language during a Study Abroad Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeKeyser, Robert

2010-01-01

In an effort to understand better how and why accuracy in speaking develops during study abroad, a group of 16 U.S. students of Spanish as a second language were followed during their 6-week program in Argentina. They were interviewed in Spanish at the beginning and the end of their stay, each time followed by a stimulated recall session. They…

Partnering with AVID to create transportation scholars

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-10-01

The goal of this project was to team with the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) : program in local schools to stimulate student awareness of transportation and engineering careers and to : encourage interest in the science, technology, ...

Colorado Students Contend in Competition of the Mind

Science.gov Websites

-paced match of questions about physics, math, biology, astronomy, chemistry, computers and the earth one of its premier educational programs to help stimulate young people's interest in science and math

Initial Stage Reference Search : Behavioral Economics and Transportation

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-04-01

The initial stage investigation is the beginning step in the Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program process for exploring ideas across traditional and nontraditional fields of research and stimulating new approaches to problem solving. The proce...

Spinoff, 1991

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haggerty, James J.

1991-01-01

This is an instrument of the Technology Utilization Program and is designed to heighten awareness of the technology available for transfer and its potential for public benefit. NASA's mainline programs, whose objectives require development of new technology and therefore expand the bank of technology available for transfer in future years, are summarized. Focus is on the representative sampling of spinoffs (spinoff, in this context, means products and processes developed as secondary applications of existing NASA technology) that resulted from NASA's mainline programs. The various mechanisms NASA employs to stimulate technology transfer are described and contact sources are listed in the appendix for further information about the Technology Utilization Program.

T cell exit from quiescence and differentiation into Th2 cells depend on Raptor-mTORC1-mediated metabolic programming

PubMed Central

Yang, Kai; Shrestha, Sharad; Zeng, Hu; Karmaus, Peer W.F.; Neale, Geoffrey; Vogel, Peter; Guertin, David A.; Lamb, Richard F.; Chi, Hongbo

2014-01-01

SUMMARY Naïve T cells respond to antigen stimulation by exiting from quiescence and initiating clonal expansion and functional differentiation, but the control mechanism is elusive. Here we describe that Raptor-mTORC1-dependent metabolic programming is a central determinant of this transitional process. Loss of Raptor abrogated T cell priming and Th2 cell differentiation, although Raptor function is less important for continuous proliferation of actively cycling cells. mTORC1 coordinated multiple metabolic programs in T cells including glycolysis, lipid synthesis and oxidative phosphorylation to mediate antigen-triggered exit from quiescence. mTORC1 further linked glucose metabolism to the initiation of Th2 cell differentiation by orchestrating cytokine receptor expression and cytokine responsiveness. Activation of Raptor-mTORC1 integrated T cell receptor and CD28 co-stimulatory signals in antigen-stimulated T cells. Our studies identify a Raptor-mTORC1-dependent pathway linking signal-dependent metabolic reprogramming to quiescence exit, and this in turn coordinates lymphocyte activation and fate decisions in adaptive immunity. PMID:24315998

Preceptor use of classroom assessment techniques to stimulate higher-order thinking in the clinical setting.

PubMed

Davidson, Judy E

2009-03-01

The purpose of this article is to provide examples of learning activities to be used as formative (interim) evaluation of an in-hospital orientation or cross-training program. Examples are provided in the form of vignettes that have been derived from strategies described in the literature as classroom assessment techniques. Although these classroom assessment techniques were originally designed for classroom experiences, they are proposed as methods for preceptors to stimulate the development of higher-order thinking such as synthesizing information, solving problems, and learning how to learn.

[Parameter fitting for cochlear implant].

PubMed

Banda González, Rosa Isela; Castillo Castillo, Salvador; Roque Lee, Graciela

Programming a patient with cochlear impant follows a standardized and individualized protocol, although there is a percentage of users in which, for some reason, it is not possible to establish appropriate levels of stimulation. In these patients, the audiologist has to make adjustments in some special parameters such as a change in the strategy, stimulation rate, pulse width, among others, in order to obtain an auditory performance as expected. Copyright © 2017 Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez. Publicado por Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

Relaxation System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1987-01-01

Environ Corporation's relaxation system is built around a body lounge, a kind of super easy chair that incorporates sensory devices. Computer controlled enclosure provides filtered ionized air to create a feeling of invigoration, enhanced by mood changing aromas. Occupant is also surrounded by multidimensional audio and the lighting is programmed to change colors, patterns, and intensity periodically. These and other sensory stimulators are designed to provide an environment in which the learning process is stimulated, because research has proven that while an individual is in a deep state of relaxation, the mind is more receptive to new information.

Stimulating debate: ethics in a multidisciplinary functional neurosurgery committee

PubMed Central

Ford, Paul J; Kubu, Cynthia S

2006-01-01

Multidisciplinary healthcare committees meet regularly to discuss patients' candidacy for emerging functional neurosurgical procedures, such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). Through debate and discussion around the surgical candidacy of particular patients, functional neurosurgery programs begin to mold practice and policy supported both by scientific evidence and clear value choices. These neurosurgical decisions have special considerations not found in non‐neurologic committees. The professional time used to resolve these conflicts provides opportunities for the emergence of careful, ethical practices simultaneous with the expansion of therapy applications PMID:16446416

Development of a large commercial camel embryo transfer program: 20 years of scientific research.

PubMed

Anouassi, Abdelhaq; Tibary, Ahmed

2013-01-10

Embryo transfer in camels was initiated to respond to demand from the camel industry particularly in the United Arab Emirates since 1990. This paper reviews the research performed in critical areas of reproductive physiology and reproductive function evaluation that constitute a pre-requisite for a successful embryo transfer program. A description of donor and recipient management as well as a retrospective evaluation of calf production in the embryo transfer program at Sweihan, UAE is provided. The program utilized two management systems for donors, with and without ovarian superstimulation. Non-stimulated donors are flushed every 14-15 days with a mean embryo production per year per female of 8.5±3.1 (mean±SEM). Response to gonadotropin stimulation is extremely variable. FSH doses and frequency of administration is often adjusted to a specific female. In the period of 1990-2010, 11,477 embryos were transferred to recipients. Transfers from 1990 to 2009 (n=10,600) resulted in 2858 weaned calves, representing an overall efficiency (% weaned calves/transfer) of 27%. Pregnancy rates at 60 days post transfer varied from 19 to 44%. Pregnancy length following transfer is extremely variable. A major challenge in a large embryo transfer program is finding good quality recipients. Causes of pregnancy and neonatal losses are under study. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A family of neuromuscular stimulators with optical transcutaneous control.

PubMed

Jarvis, J C; Salmons, S

1991-01-01

A family of miniature implantable neuromuscular stimulators has been developed using surface-mounted Philips 4000-series integrated circuits. The electronic components are mounted by hand on printed circuits (platinum/gold on alumina) and the electrical connections are made by reflow soldering. The plastic integrated-circuit packages, ceramic resistors and metal interconnections are protected from the body fluids by a coating of biocompatible silicone rubber. This simple technology provides reliable function for at least 4 months under implanted conditions. The circuits have in common a single lithium cell power-supply (3.2 V) and an optical sensor which can be used to detect light flashes through the skin after the device has been implanted. This information channel may be used to switch the output of a device on or off, or to cycle through a series of pre-set programs. The devices are currently finding application in studies which provide an experimental basis for the clinical exploitation of electrically stimulated skeletal muscle in cardiac assistance, sphincter reconstruction or functional electrical stimulation of paralysed limbs.

Assisting people with multiple disabilities actively correct abnormal standing posture with a Nintendo Wii balance board through controlling environmental stimulation.

PubMed

Shih, Ching-Hsiang; Shih, Ching-Tien; Chu, Chiung-Ling

2010-01-01

The latest researches adopted software technology turning the Nintendo Wii Balance Board into a high performance change of standing posture (CSP) detector, and assessed whether two persons with multiple disabilities would be able to control environmental stimulation using body swing (changing standing posture). This study extends Wii Balance Board functionality for standing posture correction (i.e., actively adjust abnormal standing posture) to assessed whether two persons with multiple disabilities would be able to actively correct their standing posture by controlling their favorite stimulation on/off using a Wii Balance Board with a newly developed standing posture correcting program (SPCP). The study was performed according to an ABAB design, in which A represented baseline and B represented intervention phases. Data showed that both participants significantly increased time duration of maintaining correct standing posture (TDMCSP) to activate the control system to produce environmental stimulation during the intervention phases. Practical and developmental implications of the findings were discussed.

Assisting people with disabilities in actively performing designated occupational activities with battery-free wireless mice to control environmental stimulation.

PubMed

Shih, Ching-Hsiang

2013-05-01

The latest researches use software technology (OLDP, object location detection programs) to turn a commercial high-technology product, i.e. a battery-free wireless mouse, into a high performance/precise object location detector to detect whether or not an object has been placed in the designated location. The preferred environmental stimulation is also incorporated to assist those patients in need of occupational activities in performing simple occupational activities to acquire their preferred environmental stimulation. The result of the experiment shows that both participants have been able to control their preferred environmental stimulation by actively performing occupational activities. This study is going to extend the aforementioned researches by using battery-free wireless mice to assist patients in performing more complicated occupational activities. The ABAB design has been adopted for experiments, and the result shows that during intervention phrases, the occupational activities of both participants are significantly improved. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

TSH increment and the risk of incident type 2 diabetes mellitus in euthyroid subjects.

PubMed

Jun, Ji Eun; Jin, Sang-Man; Jee, Jae Hwan; Bae, Ji Cheol; Hur, Kyu Yeon; Lee, Moon-Kyu; Kim, Sun Wook; Kim, Jae Hyeon

2017-03-01

Thyroid function is known to influence glucose metabolism, and thyroid-stimulating hormone is the most useful parameter in screening for thyroid dysfunction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of type 2 diabetes according to baseline thyroid-stimulating hormone level and thyroid-stimulating hormone change in euthyroid subjects. We identified and enrolled 17,061 euthyroid subjects without diabetes among participants who had undergone consecutive thyroid function tests between 2006 and 2012 as a part of yearly health check-up program. Thyroid-stimulating hormone changes were determined by subtracting baseline thyroid-stimulating hormone level from thyroid-stimulating hormone level at 1 year before diagnosis of diabetes or at the end of follow-up in subjects who did not develope diabetes. During 84,595 person-years of follow-up, there were 956 new cases of type 2 diabetes. Cox proportional hazards models showed the risk of incident type 2 diabetes was significantly increased with each 1 μIU/mL increment in TSH after adjustment for multiple confounding factors (hazard ratio = 1.13, 95% confidence interval: 1.07-1.20, P < 0.001). Compared with individuals in the lowest tertile (-4.08 to 0.34 μIU/mL), those in the highest thyroid-stimulating hormone change tertile (0.41-10.84 μIU/mL) were at greater risk for incident type 2 diabetes (hazard ratio = 1.25, 95% confidence interval: 1.05-1.48, P for trend = 0.011). However, baseline thyroid-stimulating hormone level and tertile were not associated with the risk for diabetes. Prominent increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone concentration can be an additional risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes in euthyroid subjects.

Responsive cortical stimulation for the treatment of medically intractable partial epilepsy.

PubMed

Morrell, Martha J

2011-09-27

This multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial assessed the safety and effectiveness of responsive cortical stimulation as an adjunctive therapy for partial onset seizures in adults with medically refractory epilepsy. A total of 191 adults with medically intractable partial epilepsy were implanted with a responsive neurostimulator connected to depth or subdural leads placed at 1 or 2 predetermined seizure foci. The neurostimulator was programmed to detect abnormal electrocorticographic activity. One month after implantation, subjects were randomized 1:1 to receive stimulation in response to detections (treatment) or to receive no stimulation (sham). Efficacy and safety were assessed over a 12-week blinded period and a subsequent 84-week open-label period during which all subjects received responsive stimulation. Seizures were significantly reduced in the treatment (-37.9%, n = 97) compared to the sham group (-17.3%, n = 94; p = 0.012) during the blinded period and there was no difference between the treatment and sham groups in adverse events. During the open-label period, the seizure reduction was sustained in the treatment group and seizures were significantly reduced in the sham group when stimulation began. There were significant improvements in overall quality of life (p < 0.02) and no deterioration in mood or neuropsychological function. Responsive cortical stimulation reduces the frequency of disabling partial seizures, is associated with improvements in quality of life, and is well-tolerated with no mood or cognitive effects. Responsive stimulation may provide another adjunctive treatment option for adults with medically intractable partial seizures. This study provides Class I evidence that responsive cortical stimulation is effective in significantly reducing seizure frequency for 12 weeks in adults who have failed 2 or more antiepileptic medication trials, 3 or more seizures per month, and 1 or 2 seizure foci.

The MDS-UPDRS tracks motor and non-motor improvement due to subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in Parkinson disease.

PubMed

Chou, Kelvin L; Taylor, Jennifer L; Patil, Parag G

2013-11-01

The Movement Disorders Society revision of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) improves upon the original UPDRS by adding more non-motor items, making it a more robust tool to evaluate the severity of motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson disease. Previous studies on deep brain stimulation have not used the MDS-UPDRS. To determine if the MDS-UPDRS could detect improvement in both motor and non-motor symptoms after bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation for Parkinson disease. We compared scores on the entire MDS-UPDRS prior to surgery (baseline) and approximately six months following the initial programming visit in twenty subjects (12M/8F) with Parkinson disease undergoing bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation. STN DBS significantly improved the scores for every section of the MDS-UPDRS at the 6 month follow-up. Part I improved by 3.1 points (22%), Part II by 5.3 points (29%), Part III by 13.1 points (29%) with stimulation alone, and Part IV by 7.1 points (74%). Individual non-motor items in Part I that improved significantly were constipation, light-headedness, and fatigue. Both motor and non-motor symptoms, as assessed by the MDS-UPDRS, improve with bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation six months after the stimulator is turned on. We recommend that the MDS-UPDRS be utilized in future deep brain stimulation studies because of the advantage of detecting change in non-motor symptoms. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Masturbation device (EGG) as a new penile rehabilitation tool: a pilot study].

PubMed

Sato, Yoshikazu; Tanda, Hitoshi; Nakajima, Hisao; Nitta, Toshikazu; Akagashi, Keigo; Hanzawa, Tatsuo; Tobe, Musashi; Haga, Kazunori; Uchida, Kosuke; Honma, Ichiya

2013-05-01

Erectile dysfunction following radical prostatectomy (RP) is still a significant burden as a post-operative morbidity, despite advances in nerve-sparing techniques and penile (erectile function) rehabilitation (PR) programs. We assessed the effects of stimulation with the masturbation device "EGG" on enhancement of erectile response along with administration of phospho diesterase type 5 inhibitor. We also studied the change of self-esteem and motivation for continuation of PR after stimulation with EGG. Eight nonresponders for PDE5-I who underwent retropubic RP were enrolled. Patients' median age was 71.5 years old. No patients received adjuvant therapy for prostate cancer. The patients' erectile response in the penile rehabilitation session (masturbation) with PDE5-I＋manual stimulation and PDE5-I＋stimulation with EGG were evaluated by erection hardness score (EHS). Changes of self-esteem and motivation for penile rehabilitation were assessed by the self-esteem subscale of the Self-Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) questionnaire and one original question, respectively. PDE5-I ＋ stimulation with EGG significantly enhanced EHS compared to PDE5-I＋manual stimulation in the eight patients (p＝0.027). Transformed score of self-esteem subscale score of SEAR questionnaire was significantly increased in the PR session with EGG compared to the PR session with manual stimulation (p＝0.043). Six patients who showed a better erectile response with EGG retained motivation for continuation of PR. PDE5-I＋stimulation with EGG improved the erectile response in post-RP patients. EGG as a masturbation device may have a potential for contribution to successful PR.

Storytelling: An Underused Teaching Aid.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brazeau, Martin

1985-01-01

Describes ways to integrate storytelling into outdoor education programs. Discusses use of storytelling to teach history, culture, concepts, or values; stimulate imagination; learn new words; set a mood; encourage listener participation; and foster caring attitudes about the environment. (LFL)

7 CFR 3430.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... financial assistance that provides support or stimulation to accomplish a public purpose. Awards may be..., curriculum development, instructional materials and equipment, and innovative teaching methodologies... knowledge and informal educational programs to people, enabling them to make practical decisions. Food and...

Aging increases cell-to-cell transcriptional variability upon immune stimulation.

PubMed

Martinez-Jimenez, Celia Pilar; Eling, Nils; Chen, Hung-Chang; Vallejos, Catalina A; Kolodziejczyk, Aleksandra A; Connor, Frances; Stojic, Lovorka; Rayner, Timothy F; Stubbington, Michael J T; Teichmann, Sarah A; de la Roche, Maike; Marioni, John C; Odom, Duncan T

2017-03-31

Aging is characterized by progressive loss of physiological and cellular functions, but the molecular basis of this decline remains unclear. We explored how aging affects transcriptional dynamics using single-cell RNA sequencing of unstimulated and stimulated naïve and effector memory CD4 + T cells from young and old mice from two divergent species. In young animals, immunological activation drives a conserved transcriptomic switch, resulting in tightly controlled gene expression characterized by a strong up-regulation of a core activation program, coupled with a decrease in cell-to-cell variability. Aging perturbed the activation of this core program and increased expression heterogeneity across populations of cells in both species. These discoveries suggest that increased cell-to-cell transcriptional variability will be a hallmark feature of aging across most, if not all, mammalian tissues. Copyright © 2017, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

[Effectiveness of occupational therapy and other non-pharmacological therapies in cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease].

PubMed

Matilla-Mora, Rosa; Martínez-Piédrola, Rosa María; Fernández Huete, Javier

A review is presented on the existing knowledge about the usefulness of the occupational therapy in the non-pharmacological treatment of Alzheimer's disease. After conducting a literature search of the period 2010-2015, 25 articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected. The evidence obtained showed the efficiency and effectiveness of OT in delaying the progression of various disorders, especially when structured home OT programs are used. These programs should include aerobic and strengthening, sensory stimulation, and cognitive and memory training exercises based on learning without mistakes. These have shown benefits in the performance of activities of daily living, cognitive and emotional functioning. The importance is stressed of the combined and individual household level intervention and caregiver education. Finally, the need for more studies on the effectiveness of long-term sensory stimulation is highlighted. Copyright © 2015 SEGG. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Mineback Stimulation Research Program

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

Warpinski, N.R.

The Mineback Stimulation Research Program is a systematic study of hydraulic fracturing and the parameters which influence or control fracture geometry or behavior. Fractures are created near a tunnel complex at DOE's Nevada Test Site and are monitored, instrumented, and mined back to observe the effect of treatment, rock and reservoir properties on the fractures. An initial experiment to measure width and pressure in a hydraulic fracture was completed in FY 1983. The test showed that pressure drops along fractures are much larger than predicted, with the result that fractures are shorter, higher, and wider than present models estimate. Themore » cause of this is the complex morphology of hydraulic fractures, including a hierarchy of roughnesses, multiple stranding, and corners, such as the offsets which occur when natural fractures are intersected. A test to study flow behavior in hydraulic fractures with proppant is proposed for FY 1984. 7 figures.« less

Paresthesia-Independence: An Assessment of Technical Factors Related to 10 kHz Paresthesia-Free Spinal Cord Stimulation.

PubMed

De Carolis, Giuliano; Paroli, Mery; Tollapi, Lara; Doust, Matthew W; Burgher, Abram H; Yu, Cong; Yang, Thomas; Morgan, Donna M; Amirdelfan, Kasra; Kapural, Leonardo; Sitzman, B Todd; Bundschu, Richard; Vallejo, Ricardo; Benyamin, Ramsin M; Yearwood, Thomas L; Gliner, Bradford E; Powell, Ashley A; Bradley, Kerry

2017-05-01

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been successfully used to treat chronic intractable pain for over 40 years. Successful clinical application of SCS is presumed to be generally dependent on maximizing paresthesia-pain overlap; critical to achieving this is positioning of the stimulation field at the physiologic midline. Recently, the necessity of paresthesia for achieving effective relief in SCS has been challenged by the introduction of 10 kHz paresthesia-free stimulation. In a large, prospective, randomized controlled pivotal trial, HF10 therapy was demonstrated to be statistically and clinically superior to paresthesia-based SCS in the treatment of severe chronic low back and leg pain. HF10 therapy, unlike traditional paresthesia-based SCS, requires no paresthesia to be experienced by the patient, nor does it require paresthesia mapping at any point during lead implant or post-operative programming. To determine if pain relief was related to technical factors of paresthesia, we measured and analyzed the paresthesia responses of patients successfully using HF10 therapy. Prospective, multicenter, non-randomized, non-controlled interventional study. Outpatient pain clinic at 10 centers across the US and Italy. Patients with both back and leg pain already implanted with an HF10 therapy device for up to 24 months were included in this multicenter study. Patients provided pain scores prior to and after using HF10 therapy. Each patient's most efficacious HF10 therapy stimulation program was temporarily modified to a low frequency (LF; 60 Hz), wide pulse width (~470 mus), paresthesia-generating program. On a human body diagram, patients drew the locations of their chronic intractable pain and, with the modified program activated, all regions where they experienced LF paresthesia. Paresthesia and pain drawings were then analyzed to estimate the correlation of pain relief outcomes to overlap of pain by paresthesia, and the mediolateral distribution of paresthesia (as a surrogate of physiologic midline lead positioning). A total of 61 patients participated across 11 centers. Twenty-eight men and 33 women with a mean age of 56 ± 12 years of age participated in the study. The average duration of implantable pulse generator (IPG) implant was 19 ± 9 months. The average predominant pain score, as measured on a 0 - 10 visual analog scale (VAS), prior to HF10 therapy was 7.8 ± 1.3 and at time of testing was 2.5 ± 2.1, yielding an average pain relief of 70 ± 24%. For all patients, the mean paresthesia coverage of pain was 21 ± 28%, with 43% of patients having zero paresthesia coverage of pain. Analysis revealed no correlation between percentage of LF paresthesia overlap of predominant pain and HF10 therapy efficacy (P = 0.56). Exact mediolateral positioning of the stimulation electrodes was not found to be a statistically significant predictor of pain relief outcomes. Non-randomized/non-controlled study design; short-term evaluation; certain technical factors not investigated. Both paresthesia concordance with pain and precise midline positioning of the stimulation contacts appear to be inconsequential technical factors for successful HF10 therapy application. These results suggest that HF10 therapy is not only paresthesia-free, but may be paresthesia-independent.

Predictors of 12-Step Attendance and Participation for Individuals With Stimulant Use Disorders.

PubMed

Hatch-Maillette, Mary; Wells, Elizabeth A; Doyle, Suzanne R; Brigham, Gregory S; Daley, Dennis; DiCenzo, Jessica; Donovan, Dennis; Garrett, Sharon; Horigian, Viviana E; Jenkins, Lindsay; Killeen, Therese; Owens, Mandy; Perl, Harold I

2016-09-01

Few studies have examined the effectiveness of 12-step peer recovery support programs with drug use disorders, especially stimulant use, and it is difficult to know how outcomes related to 12-step attendance and participation generalize to individuals with non-alcohol substance use disorders (SUDs). A clinical trial of 12-step facilitation (N=471) focusing on individuals with cocaine or methamphetamine use disorders allowed examination of four questions: Q1) To what extent do treatment-seeking stimulant users use 12-step programs and, which ones? Q2) Do factors previously found to predict 12-step participation among those with alcohol use disorders also predict participation among stimulant users? Q3) What specific baseline "12-step readiness" factors predict subsequent 12-step participation and attendance? And Q4) Does stimulant drug of choice differentially predict 12-step participation and attendance? The four outcomes variables, attendance, speaking, duties at 12-step meetings, and other peer recovery support activities, were not related to baseline demographic or substance problem history or severity. Drug of choice was associated with differential days of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) attendance among those who reported attending, and cocaine users reported more days of attending AA or NA at 1-, 3- and 6-month follow-ups than did methamphetamine users. Pre-randomization measures of perceived benefit of 12-step groups predicted 12-step attendance at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Pre-randomization 12-step attendance significantly predicted number of other self-help activities at end-of-treatment, 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Pre-randomization perceived benefit and problem severity both predicted number of self-help activities at end-of-treatment and 3-month follow-up. Pre-randomization perceived barriers to 12-step groups were negatively associated with self-help activities at end-of-treatment and 3-month follow-up. Whether or not one participated in any duties was predicted at all time points by pre-randomization involvement in self-help activities. The primary finding of this study is one of continuity: prior attendance and active involvement with 12-step programs were the main signs pointing to future involvement. Limitations and recommendations are discussed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Predictors of 12-Step Attendance and Participation for Individuals with Stimulant Use Disorders

PubMed Central

Hatch-Maillette, Mary; Wells, Elizabeth A.; Doyle, Suzanne R.; Brigham, Gregory S.; Daley, Dennis; DiCenzo, Jessica; Donovan, Dennis; Garrett, Sharon; Horigian, Viviana E.; Jenkins, Lindsay; Killeen, Therese; Owens, Mandy; Perl, Harold I.

2017-01-01

Objective Few studies have examined the effectiveness of 12-step peer recovery support programs with drug use disorders, especially stimulant use, and it is difficult to know how outcomes related to 12-step attendance and participation generalize to individuals with non-alcohol substance use disorders (SUDs). Method A clinical trial of 12-step facilitation (N=471) focusing on individuals with cocaine or methamphetamine use disorders allowed examination of four questions: Q1) To what extent do treatment-seeking stimulant users use 12-step programs and, which ones? Q2) Do factors previously found to predict 12-step participation among those with alcohol use disorders also predict participation among stimulant users? Q3) What specific baseline “12-step readiness” factors predict subsequent 12-step participation and attendance? And Q4) Does stimulant drug of choice differentially predict 12-step participation and attendance? Results The four outcomes variables, Attendance, Speaking, Duties at 12-step meetings, and other peer recovery support Activities, were not related to baseline demographic or substance problem history or severity. Drug of choice was associated with differential days of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) attendance among those who reported attending, and cocaine users reported more days of attending AA or NA at 1-, 3- and 6-month follow-ups than did methamphetamine users. Pre-randomization measures of Perceived Benefit of 12-step groups predicted 12-step Attendance at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Pre-randomization 12-step Attendance significantly predicted number of other Self-Help Activities at end-of-treatment, 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Pre-randomization Perceived Benefit and problem severity both predicted number of Self-Help Activities at end-of-treatment and 3-month follow-up. Pre-randomization Perceived Barriers to 12-step groups were negatively associated with Self-Help Activities at end-of-treatment and 3-month follow-up. Whether or not one participated in any Duties was predicted at all time points by pre-randomization involvement in Self-Help Activities. Conclusions The primary finding of this study is one of continuity: prior attendance and active involvement with 12-step programs were the main signs pointing to future involvement. Limitations and Recommendations are discussed. PMID:27431050

Accelerating the commercialization on new technologies. [free market operation of federal alternate energy sources programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuehn, T. J.; Nawrocki, P. M.

1978-01-01

It is suggested that federal programs for hastening the adoption of alternative energy sources must operate within the free market structure. Five phases of the free market commercialization process are described. Federal role possibilities include information dissemination and funding to stimulate private sector activities within these five phases, and federally sponsored procedures for accelerating commercialization of solar thermal small power systems are considered.

U.S. Army Methanol-Fueled Administrative Vehicle Demonstration Program

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-08-01

for either fuel when compared with published production specifications. iii Also, four Chevrolet vehicles, two each with L-4 engines and two with V-6...With Manufacturer’s Production Specifications ... 217 G CRC Deposit Ratings for Inspected Vehicles ...................... 235 Viii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS...vehicles within the Government’s administrative fleet and to stimulate further the production and use of methanol-fueled vehicles. This program was

A Finger-Pressing Position Detector for Assisting People with Developmental Disabilities to Control Their Environmental Stimulation through Fine Motor Activities with a Standard Keyboard

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shih, Ching-Hsiang

2012-01-01

This study used a standard keyboard with a newly developed finger-pressing position detection program (FPPDP), i.e. a new software program, which turns a standard keyboard into a finger-pressing position detector, to evaluate whether two people with developmental disabilities would be able to actively perform fine motor activities to control their…

Interactive Light Stimulus Generation with High Performance Real-Time Image Processing and Simple Scripting.

PubMed

Szécsi, László; Kacsó, Ágota; Zeck, Günther; Hantz, Péter

2017-01-01

Light stimulation with precise and complex spatial and temporal modulation is demanded by a series of research fields like visual neuroscience, optogenetics, ophthalmology, and visual psychophysics. We developed a user-friendly and flexible stimulus generating framework (GEARS GPU-based Eye And Retina Stimulation Software), which offers access to GPU computing power, and allows interactive modification of stimulus parameters during experiments. Furthermore, it has built-in support for driving external equipment, as well as for synchronization tasks, via USB ports. The use of GEARS does not require elaborate programming skills. The necessary scripting is visually aided by an intuitive interface, while the details of the underlying software and hardware components remain hidden. Internally, the software is a C++/Python hybrid using OpenGL graphics. Computations are performed on the GPU, and are defined in the GLSL shading language. However, all GPU settings, including the GPU shader programs, are automatically generated by GEARS. This is configured through a method encountered in game programming, which allows high flexibility: stimuli are straightforwardly composed using a broad library of basic components. Stimulus rendering is implemented solely in C++, therefore intermediary libraries for interfacing could be omitted. This enables the program to perform computationally demanding tasks like en-masse random number generation or real-time image processing by local and global operations.

Evolving Concepts in Posterior Subthalamic Area Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment of Tremor: Surgical Neuroanatomy and Practical Considerations.

PubMed

Ramirez-Zamora, Adolfo; Smith, Heather; Kumar, Vignessh; Prusik, Julia; Phookan, Sujoy; Pilitsis, Julie G

2016-01-01

Although thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been established as an effective therapy for refractory tremor in Parkinson's disease and essential tremor, reports investigating the efficacy of posterior subthalamic area (PSA) DBS for severe, debilitating tremors continue to emerge. However, questions regarding the optimal anatomical target, surgical approach, programming paradigms and effectiveness compared to other targets remain. In this report, we aimed to review the current literature to assess different stereotactic techniques, anatomical considerations, adverse effects and stimulation settings in PSA DBS. A comprehensive literature review was performed searching for articles discussing tremors and PSA stimulation. We performed a quantitative analysis comparing different DBS tremor targets. Tremor improvement is consistently documented in most reports with an average reduction in tremor of 79% depending on the specific tremor syndrome. Tremor benefit in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) tremor was significantly higher than for other stimulation targets. Transient paresthesias, imbalance, dizziness and dysarthria are the most common side effects with PSA DBS. PSA DBS is an effective and safe treatment for tremor control and should be considered in patients with refractory tremors with associated cerebellar or dystonic features, proximal tremors and MS tremor. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Utilization of multiple spinal cord stimulation (SCS) waveforms in chronic pain patients.

PubMed

Berg, Anthony P; Mekel-Bobrov, Nitzan; Goldberg, Edward; Huynh, Dat; Jain, Roshini

2017-08-01

Advances in spinal cord stimulation (SCS) have improved patient outcomes, leading to its increased utilization for chronic pain. Chronic pain is dynamic showing exacerbations, variable severity, and evolving pain patterns. Given this complexity, SCS systems that provide a broad range of stimulation waveforms may be valuable. The aim of this research was to characterize the usage pattern of stimulation waveforms and field shapes in chronic pain patients implanted with the Spectra System. A review of daily device usage in a cohort of 250 patients implanted for a minimum duration of one month was conducted. With follow-ups ranging between 1 month and 1 year post-implant, 72.8% of patients used Standard Rate, 34.8% Anode Intensification, 23.2% Higher Rate, and 8.4% Burst stimulation waveforms. Collectively, 60% used 1 or more advanced waveforms, either exclusively or along with Standard Rate. A trend showed patients continuing to use up to 3 programs one year post-implant. When given a choice, SCS patients often utilize a variety of waveforms, suggesting that patients may benefit from a single system that provides multiple waveforms and field shapes to customize therapy and improve efficacy.

Nonmedical use of prescription ADHD stimulant medications among adults in a substance abuse treatment population: early findings from the NAVIPPRO surveillance system.

PubMed

Cassidy, Theresa A; McNaughton, Emily C; Varughese, Sajan; Russo, Leo; Zulueta, Mirella; Butler, Stephen F

2015-04-01

To examine nonmedical use (NMU) of prescription ADHD stimulants among adults evaluated for substance abuse treatment. 147,816 assessments from the National Addictions Vigilance Intervention and Prevention Program (NAVIPPRO) system (10/01/2009 through 03/31/2012) examined NMU prevalence, routes of administration (ROA), and diversion sources. Past 30-day NMU for prescription stimulants (1.29%) was significantly lower than that of prescription opioids (19.79%) or sedatives (10.62%). For stimulant products, NMU for Adderall was 0.62, followed by Adderall XR (0.42), Ritalin (0.16), Vyvanse (0.12), and Concerta (0.08); product differences likely have limited clinical relevance given the low estimates (<1%). Higher NMU per prescriptions was for Adderall (4.92), Ritalin (4.68), and Adderall XR (3.18) compared with newer formulations (Vyvanse 1.26, Concerta 0.89). Diversion source was mainly family/friends with no differences between products; swallowing whole was the most frequent ROA. Prescription stimulant NMU was low compared with other prescription medications among individuals assessed for substance abuse problems, with little difference among specific products. © 2013 SAGE Publications.

A Fully Implantable Stimulator With Wireless Power and Data Transmission for Experimental Investigation of Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation.

PubMed

Xu, Qi; Hu, Dingyin; Duan, Bingyu; He, Jiping

2015-07-01

Epidural spinal cord stimulation (ESCS) combined with partial weight-bearing therapy (PWBT) has been shown to facilitate recovery of functional walking for individuals after spinal cord injury (SCI). The investigation of neural mechanisms of recovery from SCI under this treatment has been conducted broadly in rodent models, yet a suitable ESCS system is still unavailable. This paper describes a practical, programmable, and fully implantable stimulator for laboratory research on rats to explore fundamental neurophysiological principles for functional recovery after SCI. The ESCS system is composed of a personal digital assistant (PDA), an external controller, an implantable pulse generator (IPG), lead extension, and stimulating electrodes. The stimulation parameters can be programmed and adjusted through a graphical user interface on the PDA. The external controller is placed on the rat back and communicates with the PDA via radio-frequency (RF) telemetry. An RF carrier from the class-E power amplifier in the external controller provides both data and power for the IPG through an inductive link. The IPG is built around a microcontroller unit to generate voltage-regulated pulses delivered to the bipolar electrode for ESCS in rats. The encapsulated IPG measures 22 mm × 23 mm × 7 mm with a mass of  ∼  3.78 g. This fully implantable batteryless stimulator provided a simplified and efficient method to carry out chronic experiments in untethered animals for medical electro-neurological research.

Effect of neuromuscular electrical muscle stimulation on energy expenditure in healthy adults.

PubMed

Hsu, Miao-Ju; Wei, Shun-Hwa; Chang, Ya-Ju

2011-01-01

Weight loss/weight control is a major concern in prevention of cardiovascular disease and the realm of health promotion. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) at different intensities on energy expenditure (oxygen and calories) in healthy adults. The secondary aim was to develop a generalized linear regression (GEE) model to predict the increase of energy expenditure facilitated by NMES and identify factors (NMES stimulation intensity level, age, body mass index, weight, body fat percentage, waist/hip ratio, and gender) associated with this NMES-induced increase of energy expenditure. Forty sedentary healthy adults (18 males and 22 females) participated. NMES was given at the following stimulation intensities for 10 minutes each: sensory level (E1), motor threshold (E2), and maximal intensity comfortably tolerated (E3). Cardiopulmonary gas exchange was evaluated during rest, NMES, and recovery stage. The results revealed that NMES at E2 and E3 significantly increased energy expenditure and the energy expenditure at recovery stage was still significantly higher than baseline. The GEE model demonstrated that a linear dose-response relationship existed between the stimulation intensity and the increase of energy expenditure. No subject's demographic or anthropometric characteristics tested were significantly associated with the increase of energy expenditure. This study suggested NMES may be used to serve as an additional intervention for weight loss programs. Future studies to develop electrical stimulators or stimulation electrodes to maximize the comfort of NMES are recommended.

Plasticity in Human Pitch Perception Induced by Tonotopically Mismatched Electro-Acoustic Stimulation

PubMed Central

Reiss, Lina A.J.; Turner, Christopher W.; Karsten, Sue A.; Gantz, Bruce J.

2013-01-01

Under normal conditions, the acoustic pitch percept of a pure tone is determined mainly by the tonotopic place of the stimulation along the cochlea. Unlike acoustic stimulation, electric stimulation of a cochlear implant (CI) allows for the direct manipulation of the place of stimulation in human subjects. CI sound processors analyze the range of frequencies needed for speech perception and allocate portions of this range to the small number of electrodes distributed in the cochlea. Because the allocation is assigned independently of the original resonant frequency of the basilar membrane associated with the location of each electrode, CI users who have access to residual hearing in either or both ears often have tonotopic mismatches between the acoustic and electric stimulation. Here we demonstrate plasticity of place pitch representations of up to 3 octaves in Hybrid CI users after experience with combined electro-acoustic stimulation. The pitch percept evoked by single CI electrodes, measured relative to acoustic tones presented to the non-implanted ear, changed over time in directions that reduced the electro-acoustic pitch mismatch introduced by the CI programming. This trend was particularly apparent when the allocations of stimulus frequencies to electrodes were changed over time, with pitch changes even reversing direction in some subjects. These findings show that pitch plasticity can occur more rapidly and on a greater scale in the mature auditory system than previously thought possible. Overall, the results suggest that the adult auditory system can impose perceptual order on disordered arrays of inputs. PMID:24157931

The 1975 NASA/ASEE summer faculty fellowship research program. [research in the areas of aerospace engineering, aerospace systems, and information systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

A research program was conducted to further the professional knowledge of qualified engineering and science faculty members, to stimulate an exchange of ideas between participants and NASA engineers and scientists, and to enrich the research activities of the participants' institutions. Abstracts of reports submitted at the end of the program are presented. Topics investigated include multispectral photography, logic circuits, gravitation theories, information systems, fracture mechanics, holographic interferometry, surface acoustic wave technology, ion beams in the upper atmosphere, and hybrid microcircuits.

Repeater in the sky. [public service communications satellite program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cote, C. E.; Brown, J. P.

1977-01-01

The Public Service Communications Satellite (PSCS) program is intended to develop and demonstrate a space system aimed at stimulating future commercial markets in fixed and mobile applications. The services are envisioned for rural areas, regions beyond access to terrestrial systems, or for continuous cross-country applications. The system incorporates a UHF repeater for mobile voice and data experiments; 8 MHz of spectrum is specified for serving 70 channels. This paper describes the PSCS program and discusses some demonstration experiments. A future concept based on large structure multibeam antennas is also discussed.

Development of Handcraft Exercise Courses that Bring Out Student's Creativity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Senda, Shinkoh; Yamamoto, Koji; Fukumori, Tutom; Matsuura, Hideo; Sato, Kazuo

We have developed a new type of handcraft exercise program that aims to stimulate student's creativity on the way of design and fabrication of the subject machines. Conventional handicraft exercise program used to aim at letting students learn procedures of machining operation in accordance with a designated manual. Students having experienced our conventional exercise did not fully satisfied at those programs because of the lack in a room for their idea and creativity. Authors, a group of both technical and academic staffs, have developed and started the new type of program since 2003 at the Creation Plaza in Nagoya University. Developed program is classified into grades according to the difference in technical contents required for students.

75 FR 36659 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Brain Power! The NIDA Junior Scientist Program and the...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-28

... curriculum with pre- and post-test self-report measures. Surveys also will be administered to teachers after... increasing scientific literacy and stimulating interest in scientific careers. In order to test the...

Design and performance characteristics of a mechanically driven vestibular stimulator.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1964-01-01

In order to determine basic response characteristics of mammalian vestibular systems, the sytems so important for spatial orientation, a device to provide programs of controlled angular accelerations about the vertical axis was required. The small ro...

Numerical Stimulation of Multicomponent Chromatography Using Spreadsheets.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frey, Douglas D.

1990-01-01

Illustrated is the use of spreadsheet programs for implementing finite difference numerical simulations of chromatography as an instructional tool in a separations course. Discussed are differential equations, discretization and integration, spreadsheet development, computer requirements, and typical simulation results. (CW)

PM SUPERSITES PROGRAM

EPA Science Inventory

In 1997, the EPA administrator published National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for Particulate Matter (PM) that included new standards for PM2.5 (PM with diameters less than 2.5 um). These revised standards stimulated national concern over uncertainties regarding the ex...

7 CFR 3430.303 - Eligibility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... stations (SAES) in USDA Experimental Program for Stimulating Competitive Research (EPSCoR) states; and (iii... Agriculture and Food Research Initiative § 3430.303 Eligibility. (a) General. Unless otherwise specified in... colleges offering an associate's degree); (3) University research foundations; (4) Other research...

7 CFR 3430.303 - Eligibility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... stations (SAES) in USDA Experimental Program for Stimulating Competitive Research (EPSCoR) states; and (iii... Agriculture and Food Research Initiative § 3430.303 Eligibility. (a) General. Unless otherwise specified in... colleges offering an associate's degree); (3) University research foundations; (4) Other research...

7 CFR 3430.303 - Eligibility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... stations (SAES) in USDA Experimental Program for Stimulating Competitive Research (EPSCoR) states; and (iii... Agriculture and Food Research Initiative § 3430.303 Eligibility. (a) General. Unless otherwise specified in... colleges offering an associate's degree); (3) University research foundations; (4) Other research...

7 CFR 3430.303 - Eligibility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... stations (SAES) in USDA Experimental Program for Stimulating Competitive Research (EPSCoR) states; and (iii... Agriculture and Food Research Initiative § 3430.303 Eligibility. (a) General. Unless otherwise specified in... colleges offering an associate's degree); (3) University research foundations; (4) Other research...

Tractography patterns of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation.

PubMed

Vanegas-Arroyave, Nora; Lauro, Peter M; Huang, Ling; Hallett, Mark; Horovitz, Silvina G; Zaghloul, Kareem A; Lungu, Codrin

2016-04-01

Deep brain stimulation therapy is an effective symptomatic treatment for Parkinson's disease, yet the precise mechanisms responsible for its therapeutic effects remain unclear. Although the targets of deep brain stimulation are grey matter structures, axonal modulation is known to play an important role in deep brain stimulation's therapeutic mechanism. Several white matter structures in proximity to the subthalamic nucleus have been implicated in the clinical benefits of deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease. We assessed the connectivity patterns that characterize clinically beneficial electrodes in Parkinson's disease patients, after deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus. We evaluated 22 patients with Parkinson's disease (11 females, age 57 ± 9.1 years, disease duration 13.3 ± 6.3 years) who received bilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus at the National Institutes of Health. During an initial electrode screening session, one month after deep brain stimulation implantation, the clinical benefits of each contact were determined. The electrode was localized by coregistering preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and postoperative computer tomography images and the volume of tissue activated was estimated from stimulation voltage and impedance. Brain connectivity for the volume of tissue activated of deep brain stimulation contacts was assessed using probabilistic tractography with diffusion-tensor data. Areas most frequently connected to clinically effective contacts included the thalamus, substantia nigra, brainstem and superior frontal gyrus. A series of discriminant analyses demonstrated that the strength of connectivity to the superior frontal gyrus and the thalamus were positively associated with clinical effectiveness. The connectivity patterns observed in our study suggest that the modulation of white matter tracts directed to the superior frontal gyrus and the thalamus is associated with favourable clinical outcomes and may contribute to the therapeutic effects of deep brain stimulation. Our method can be further developed to reliably identify effective deep brain stimulation contacts and aid in the programming process. © The Author (2016). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Guarantors of Brain. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Combination of a short cognitive training and tDCS to enhance visuospatial skills: A comparison between online and offline neuromodulation.

PubMed

Oldrati, Viola; Colombo, Barbara; Antonietti, Alessandro

2018-01-01

Visuospatial skills can be enhanced thanks to specific intervention programs, but the additional benefits of neuromodulation on these skills have not been fully investigated yet, although transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has demonstrated to boost the effects of cognitive trainings. When combining cognitive intervention with neuromodulation, the time-window of tDCS application in relation to task execution has to be taken into account since it has been shown to affect stimulation outcomes. The aim of the present experiment was to investigate the influence of tDCS in enhancing the effects of a training for visuospatial skills. We hypothesized that tDCS applied during training execution (online) would improve the cognitive performance at a larger extent than tDCS applied before training execution (offline). Participants received anodal tDCS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during (online) or before (offline) the completion of the training. A control sham condition was included. Visuospatial abilities were measured 24 h before (day 1, pre-test) and 24 h after (day 3, post-test) the stimulation and training session (day 2). tDCS enhanced gains for mental folding performance when applied during the execution of the training (online). Participants' mental rotation and mental folding performance improved from pre-test to post-test regardless of the stimulation condition. However participants in the online tDCS condition showed the largest improvement in mental folding performance. Findings indicate that tDCS enhanced the effects of the training when applied during its execution, showing cumulative positive aftereffects on visuospatial performance 24 h after the stimulation session. The time-dependent effect points out the importance of the time-window of tDCS application in influencing behavior when combined with cognitive programs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Versatile Stimulation Back-End With Programmable Exponential Current Pulse Shapes for a Retinal Visual Prosthesis.

PubMed

Maghami, Mohammad Hossein; Sodagar, Amir M; Sawan, Mohamad

2016-11-01

This paper reports on the design, implementation, and test of a stimulation back-end, for an implantable retinal prosthesis. In addition to traditional rectangular pulse shapes, the circuit features biphasic stimulation pulses with both rising and falling exponential shapes, whose time constants are digitally programmable. A class-B second generation current conveyor is used as a wide-swing, high-output-resistance stimulation current driver, delivering stimulation current pulses of up to ±96 μA to the target tissue. Duration of the generated current pulses is programmable within the range of 100 μs to 3 ms. Current-mode digital-to-analog converters (DACs) are used to program the amplitudes of the stimulation pulses. Fabricated using the IBM 130 nm process, the circuit consumes 1.5×1.5 mm 2 of silicon area. According to the measurements, the DACs exhibit DNL and INL of 0.23 LSB and 0.364 LSB, respectively. Experimental results indicate that the stimuli generator meets expected requirements when connected to electrode-tissue impedance of as high as 25 k Ω. Maximum power consumption of the proposed design is 3.4 mW when delivering biphasic rectangular pulses to the target load. A charge pump block is in charge of the upconversion of the standard 1.2-V supply voltage to ±3.3V.

Acromiohumeral Distance During Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation of the Lower Trapezius and Serratus Anterior Muscles in Healthy Participants.

PubMed

Bdaiwi, Alya H; Mackenzie, Tanya Anne; Herrington, Lee; Horsley, Ian; Cools, Ann M

2015-07-01

Compromise to the acromiohumeral distance has been reported in participants with subacromial impingement syndrome compared with healthy participants. In clinical practice, patients with subacromial shoulder impingement are given strengthening programs targeting the lower trapezius (LT) and serratus anterior (SA) muscles to increase scapular posterior tilt and upward rotation. We are the first to use neuromuscular electrical stimulation to stimulate these muscle groups and evaluate how the muscle contraction affects the acromiohumeral distance. To investigate if electrical muscle stimulation of the LT and SA muscles, both separately and simultaneously, increases the acromiohumeral distance and to identify which muscle-group contraction or combination most influences the acromiohumeral distance. Controlled laboratory study. Human performance laboratory. Twenty participants (10 men and 10 women, age = 26.9 ± 8.0 years, body mass index = 23.8) were screened. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the LT and SA. Ultrasound measurement of the acromiohumeral distance. Acromiohumeral distance increased during contraction via neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the LT muscle (t(19) = -3.89, P = .004), SA muscle (t(19) = -7.67, P = .001), and combined LT and SA muscles (t(19) = -5.09, P = .001). We observed no differences in the increased acromiohumeral distance among the 3 procedures (F(2,57) = 3.109, P = .08). Our results supported the hypothesis that the muscle force couple around the scapula is important in rehabilitation and scapular control and influences acromiohumeral distance.

Effects of electrical stimulation on House-Brackmann scores in early Bell's palsy.

PubMed

Alakram, Prisha; Puckree, Threethambal

2010-04-22

ABSTRACT Limited evidence may support the application of electrical stimulation in the subacute and chronic stages of facial palsy, yet some physiotherapists in South Africa have been applying this modality in the acute stage in the absence of published evidence of clinical efficacy. This preliminary study's aim was to determine the safety and potential efficacy of applying electrical stimulation to the facial muscles during the early phase of Bells palsy. A pretest posttest control vs. experimental groups design composed of 16 patients with Bell's palsy of less than 30 days' duration. Adult patients with clinical diagnosis of Bell's palsy were systematically (every second patient) allocated to the control and experimental groups. Each group (n = 8) was pretested and posttested using the House-Brackmann index. Both groups were treated with heat, massage, exercises, and a home program. The experimental group also received electrical stimulation. The House-Brackmann Scale of the control group improved between 17% and 50% with a mean of 30%. The scores of the experimental group ranged between 17% and 75% with a mean of 37%. The difference between the groups was not statistically significant (two-tailed p = 0.36). Electrical stimulation as used in this study during the acute phase of Bell's palsy is safe but may not have added value over spontaneous recovery and multimodal physiotherapy. A larger sample size or longer stimulation time or both should be investigated.

A wireless object location detector enabling people with developmental disabilities to control environmental stimulation through simple occupational activities with Nintendo Wii Balance Boards.

PubMed

Shih, Ching-Hsiang; Chang, Man-Ling

2012-01-01

The latest researches have adopted software technology, turning the Nintendo Wii Balance Board into a high performance standing location detector with a newly developed standing location detection program (SLDP). This study extended SLDP functionality to assess whether two people with developmental disabilities would be able to actively perform simple occupational activities by controlling their favorite environmental stimulation using Nintendo Wii Balance Boards and SLDP software. An ABAB design was adopted in this study to perform the tests. The test results showed that, during the intervention phases, both participants significantly increased their target response (i.e. simple occupational activity) to activate the control system to produce environmental stimulation. The practical and developmental implications of the findings are discussed. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Remote control of microcontroller-based infant stimulating system.

PubMed

Burunkaya, M; Güler, I

2000-04-01

In this paper, a remote-controlled and microcontroller-based cradle is designed and constructed. This system is also called Remote Control of Microcontroller-Based Infant Stimulation System or the RECOMBIS System. Cradle is an infant stimulating system that provides relaxation and sleeping for the baby. RECOMBIS system is designed for healthy full-term newborns to provide safe infant care and provide relaxation and sleeping for the baby. A microcontroller-based electronic circuit was designed and implemented for RECOMBIS system. Electromagnets were controlled by 8-bit PIC16F84 microcontroller, which is programmed using MPASM package. The system works by entering preset values from the keyboard, or pulse code modulated radio frequency remote control system. The control of the system and the motion range were tested. The test results showed that the system provided a good performance.

Attitudes Toward Stimulant Treatment of Offspring of Adult Patients with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

PubMed

Canela, Carlos; Buadze, Anna; Dube, Anish; Eich, Dominique; Liebrenz, Michael

2017-06-01

The objective of this study was to investigate how adult patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder viewed the testing and use of stimulants in their children. Using a qualitative approach, we interviewed 32 outpatients from a special care unit of a university hospital. Emerging themes centered around concerns about the right age to test children and opinions about stimulant treatment ranging from unreserved agreement to reluctance, as well as the need for a shared decision with the child. Our results suggest that better psychoeducational programs are needed, especially for adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, in which long-term consequences of the disorder, areas of impairment, and possible treatment effects in their children are explained and concerns about unknown side effects and the right time to test and treat are addressed.

Design and testing of low intensity laser biostimulator.

PubMed

Valchinov, Emil S; Pallikarakis, Nicolas E

2005-01-13

The non-invasive nature of laser biostimulation has made lasers an attractive alternative in Medical Acupuncture at the last 25 years. However, there is still an uncertainty as to whether they work or their effect is just placebo. Although a plethora of scientific papers published about the topic showing positive clinical results, there is still a lack of objective scientific proofs about the biostimulation effect of lasers in Medical Acupuncture. The objective of this work was to design and build a low cost portable laser device for stimulation of acupuncture points, considered here as small localized biosources (SLB), without stimulating any sensory nerves via shock or heat and to find out a suitable method for objectively evaluating its stimulating effect. The design is aimed for studying SLB potentials provoked by laser stimulus, in search for objective proofs of the biostimulation effect of lasers used in Medical Acupuncture. The proposed biostimulator features two operational modes: program mode and stimulation mode and two output polarization modes: linearly and circularly polarized laser emission. In program mode, different user-defined stimulation protocols can be created and memorized. The laser output can be either continuous or pulse modulated. Each stimulation session consists of a pre-defined number of successive continuous or square pulse modulated sequences of laser emission. The variable parameters of the laser output are: average output power, pulse width, pulse period, and continuous or pulsed sequence duration and repetition period. In stimulation mode the stimulus is automatically applied according to the pre-programmed protocol. The laser source is 30 mW AlGaInP laser diode with an emission wavelength of 685 nm, driven by a highly integrated driver. The optical system designed for beam collimation and polarization change uses single collimating lens with large numerical aperture, linear polarizer and a quarter-wave retardation plate. The proposed method for testing the device efficiency employs a biofeedback from the subject by recording the biopotentials evoked by the laser stimulus at related distant SLB sites. Therefore measuring of SLB biopotentials caused by the stimulus would indicate that a biopotential has been evoked at the irradiated site and has propagated to the measurement sites, rather than being caused by local changes of the electrical skin conductivity. A prototype device was built according to the proposed design using relatively inexpensive and commercially available components. The laser output can be pulse modulated from 0.1 to 1000 Hz with a duty factor from 10 to 90%. The average output power density can be adjusted in the range 24-480 mW/cm2, where the total irradiation is limited to 2 Joule per stimulation session. The device is controlled by an 8-bit RISC Flash microcontroller with internal RAM and EEPROM memory, which allows for a wide range of different stimulation protocols to be implemented and memorized. The integrated laser diode driver with its onboard light power control loop provides safe and consistent laser modulation. The prototype was tested on the right Tri-Heater (TH) acupuncture meridian according to the proposed method. Laser evoked potentials were recorded from most of the easily accessible SLB along the meridian under study. They appear like periodical spikes with a repetition rate from 0.05 to 10 Hz and amplitude range 0.1-1 mV. The prototype's specifications were found to be better or comparable to those of other existing devices. It features low component count, small size and low power consumption. Because of the low power levels used the possibility of sensory nerve stimulation via the phenomenon of shock or heat is excluded. Thus senseless optical stimulation is achieved. The optical system presented offers simple and cost effective way for beam collimation and polarization change. The novel method proposed for testing the device efficiency allows for objectively recording of SLB potentials evoked by laser stimulus. Based on the biopotential records obtained with this method, a scientifically based conclusion can be drawn about the effectiveness of the commercially available devices for low-level laser therapy used in Medical Acupuncture. The prototype tests showed that with the biostimulator presented, SLB could be effectively stimulated at low power levels. However more studies are needed to derive a general conclusion about the SLB biostimulation mechanism of lasers and their most effective power and optical settings.

Medical electronics: A need and a challenge

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dimeoff, J.

1973-01-01

Space programs have led to the development of telemetry pills for diagnosis of diseases of the digestive tract, reusable X-ray image storage plates that require no chemical processing, and muscular augmentation systems for the handicapped. These examples, together with countless other examples of technological innovation that can be drawn from research and development programs supported by government funds, offer a potential opportunity to stimulate growth and to control rising costs in medical electronics.

KSC-2012-1847

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-02-17

Commercial Crew Program: The Commercial Crew Program at Kennedy Space Center is leading NASA’s efforts to develop the next United States capability for crew transportation and rescue services to and from the International Space Station ISS and other low Earth orbit destinations by the middle of the decade. The outcome of this capability is expected to stimulate and expand the U.S. space transportation industry. Poster designed by Kennedy Space Center Graphics Department/Greg Lee. Credit: NASA

Effects of training programs based on ipsilateral voluntary and stimulated contractions on muscle strength and monopedal postural control of the contralateral limb.

PubMed

Kadri, Mohamed Abdelhafid; Noé, Frederic; Nouar, Merbouha Boulahbel; Paillard, Thierry

2017-09-01

To compare the effects of unilateral strength training by stimulated and voluntary contractions on muscle strength and monopedal postural control of the contralateral limb. 36 non-active healthy male subjects were recruited and split randomly into three groups. Two groups of 12 subjects took part in a strength-training program (3 sessions a week over 8 weeks) comprising 43 contractions of the quadriceps femoris of the ipsilateral limb (at 20% of the MVC). One group carried out voluntary contractions exclusively (VOL group), while the other group benefited exclusively from electro-induced contractions (NMES group). The other 12 subjects formed the control (CON) group. Assessments of MVC and monopedal postural control in static and dynamic postural tasks were performed with the ipsilateral (ISPI) and contralateral (CONTRA) limbs before (PRE) and after (POST) completion of the training program. After the training program, the MVC of the IPSI and CONTRA limbs increased similarly for both experimental groups (VOL and NMES). There were no significant improvements of monopedal postural control for the IPSI or CONTRA limbs in either the VOL or NMES experimental group. No change was observed for the CON group over the protocol period. The purposed training program with NMES vs VOL contractions induced strength gains but did not permit any improvement of contralateral monopedal postural control in healthy young subjects. This has potential for therapeutic application and allows clinicians to focus their training programs on dynamic and poly-articular exercises to improve the postural control in young subjects.

Cerebral-buccal pathways in Aplysia californica: synaptic connections, cooperative interneuronal effects and feedback during buccal motor programs.

PubMed

Sánchez, J A; Kirk, M D

2001-12-01

Ingestion of seaweed by Aplysia is in part mediated by cerebral-buccal interneurons that drive rhythmic motor output from the buccal ganglia and in some cases cerebral-buccal interneurons act as members of the feeding central pattern generator. Here we document cooperative interactions between cerebral-buccal interneuron 2 and cerebral-buccal interneuron 12, characterize synaptic input to cerebral-buccal interneuron 2 and cerebral-buccal interneuron 12 from buccal peripheral nerve 2,3, describe a synaptic connection between cerebral-buccal interneuron 1 and buccal neuron B34, further characterize connections made by cerebral-buccal interneurons 2 and -12 with B34 and B61/62, and describe a novel, inhibitory connection made by cerebral-buccal interneuron 2 with a buccal neuron. When cerebral-buccal interneurons 2 and 12 were driven synchronously at low frequencies, ingestion-like buccal motor programs were elicited, and if either was driven alone, indirect synaptic input was recruited in the other cerebral-buccal interneuron. Stimulation of BN2,3 recruited both ingestion and rejection-like motor programs without firing in cerebral-buccal interneurons 2 or 12. During motor programs elicited by cerebral-buccal interneurons 2 or 12, high-voltage stimulation of BN2,3 inhibited firing in both cerebral-buccal interneurons. Our results suggest that cerebral-buccal interneurons 2 and 12 use cooperative interactions to modulate buccal motor programs, yet firing in cerebral-buccal interneurons 2 or 12 is not necessary for recruiting motor programs by buccal peripheral nerve BN2,3, even in preparations with intact cerebral-buccal pathways.

75 FR 60128 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Brain Power! The NIDA Junior Scientist Program and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-29

...- and post-test self-report measures. Surveys also will be administered to teachers after the completion... scientific literacy and stimulating interest in scientific careers. In order to test the effectiveness of the...

Field evaluation of the Los Angeles Police Department drug detection procedure.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1986-12-01

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has developed a drug recognition program designed to provide trained officers the ability to detect drug-impaired drivers and to identify the responsible drug class (e.g., stimulant, depressant, etc. ). As par...

Student Work Safety Guidelines in Roadside Applications and Work Zones : Safety Guidelines for Transportation Researchers

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2018-01-01

The Smart City Demonstration Program is intended to improve access through expanded mobility options in major job centers, enhance visitor experience by better connecting visitors to transportation options, stimulate regional economic prosperity and ...

The Association of Eating Performance and Environmental Stimulation among Older Adults with Dementia in Nursing Homes: A Secondary Analysis

PubMed Central

Liu, Wen; Jao, Ying-Ling; Williams, Kristine

2017-01-01

Background Nursing home residents with dementia experience increased risk for compromised eating performance due to intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental factors. Environmental stimulation is physical, social, and/or sensory stimulation present in the environment that can potentially trigger individuals’ emotion or motivate physical reactions. Beyond the personal factors, there is a lack of evidence on how environmental stimulation influences individuals’ eating performance at mealtimes. Objectives This study examined the association between environmental stimulation and eating performance among nursing home residents with dementia. Design This study was a secondary analysis using baseline videos selected from a communication intervention study, where videos were recorded to capture staff-resident interactions during care activities for nursing home residents with dementia. Videos were included in this study only if residents demonstrated eating activities at mealtimes. Sample and Setting A total of 36 videos were selected (mean length = 4 minutes). The sample included 15 residents with dementia (mean age = 86), and 19 certified nursing assistants (mean age = 36) in 8 nursing homes. Methods The dependent variable was eating performance as measured by the Level of Eating Independence scale (range: 15–36, with higher scores indicating better eating performance). The independent variables were characteristics of environmental stimulation measured by the Person-Environment Apathy Rating-Environment subscale (stimulation clarity, stimulation strength, stimulation specificity, interaction involvement, physical accessibility, and environmental feedback). Each characteristic was rated on a 1–4 scale with higher scores indicating more desirable environmental stimulation. Multilevel models were used to examine the association between eating performance and environmental stimulation, adjusting for resident characteristics (i.e., age, gender, dementia stage, function, comorbidity, psychoactive medication use) and nesting effects of residents and staff. Results Resident participants demonstrated moderate levels of eating performance (M=27.08, SD = 5.16). Eating performance was significantly lower among older residents, those with more advanced dementia, and higher comorbidity. After controlling for resident characteristics, eating performance was significantly associated with stimulation specificity (how the stimulation is delivered and tailored to the resident), and was not associated with other environmental stimulation characteristics. For each 1 point increase in stimulation specificity, eating performance increased by 8.78 points (95% CI=.59, 16.97). Conclusions Environmental stimulation that is personally tailored to a resident’ needs and preferences and directly offered to a resident contributed to better eating performance among residents with dementia. The findings will direct future development and implementation of person-directed mealtime care programs and dining environment arrangements for residents with dementia in nursing homes. PMID:28340390

The association of eating performance and environmental stimulation among older adults with dementia in nursing homes: A secondary analysis.

PubMed

Liu, Wen; Jao, Ying-Ling; Williams, Kristine

2017-06-01

Nursing home residents with dementia experience increased risk for compromised eating performance due to intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental factors. Environmental stimulation is physical, social, and/or sensory stimulation present in the environment that can potentially trigger individuals' emotion or motivate physical reactions. Beyond the personal factors, there is a lack of evidence on how environmental stimulation influences individuals' eating performance at mealtimes. This study examined the association between environmental stimulation and eating performance among nursing home residents with dementia. This study was a secondary analysis using baseline videos selected from a communication intervention study, where videos were recorded to capture staff-resident interactions during care activities for nursing home residents with dementia. Videos were included in this study only if residents demonstrated eating activities at mealtimes. A total of 36 videos were selected (mean length=4min). The sample included 15 residents with dementia (mean age=86), and 19 certified nursing assistants (mean age=36) in 8 nursing homes. The dependent variable was eating performance as measured by the Level of Eating Independence scale (range: 15-36, with higher scores indicating better eating performance). The independent variables were characteristics of environmental stimulation measured by the Person-Environment Apathy Rating-Environment subscale (stimulation clarity, stimulation strength, stimulation specificity, interaction involvement, physical accessibility, and environmental feedback). Each characteristic was rated on a 1-4 scale with higher scores indicating more desirable environmental stimulation. Multilevel models were used to examine the association between eating performance and environmental stimulation, adjusting for resident characteristics (i.e., age, gender, dementia stage, function, comorbidity, psychoactive medication use) and nesting effects of residents and staff. Resident participants demonstrated moderate levels of eating performance (M=27.08, SD=5.16). Eating performance was significantly lower among older residents, those with more advanced dementia, and higher comorbidity. After controlling for resident characteristics, eating performance was significantly associated with stimulation specificity (how the stimulation is delivered and tailored to the resident), and was not associated with other environmental stimulation characteristics. For each 1 point increase in stimulation specificity, eating performance increased by 8.78 points (95% CI=0.59, 16.97). Environmental stimulation that is personally tailored to a resident' needs and preferences and directly offered to a resident contributed to better eating performance among residents with dementia. The findings will direct future development and implementation of person-directed mealtime care programs and dining environment arrangements for residents with dementia in nursing homes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhanced working memory performance via transcranial direct current stimulation: The possibility of near and far transfer

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

Trumbo, Michael C.; Matzen, Laura E.; Coffman, Brian A.

Although working memory (WM) training programs consistently result in improvement on the trained task, benefit is typically short-lived and extends only to tasks very similar to the trained task (i.e., near transfer). It is possible that pairing repeated performance of a WM task with brain stimulation encourages plasticity in brain networks involved in WM task performance, thereby improving the training benefit. In the current study, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) was paired with performance of a WM task (n-back). In Experiment 1, participants performed a spatial location-monitoring n-back during stimulation, while Experiment 2 used a verbal identity-monitoring n-back. In eachmore » experiment, participants received either active (2.0 mA) or sham (0.1 mA) stimulation with the anode placed over either the right or the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the cathode placed extracephalically. In Experiment 1, only participants receiving active stimulation with the anode placed over the right DLPFC showed marginal improvement on the trained spatial n-back, which did not extend to a near transfer (verbal n-back) or far transfer task (a matrix-reasoning task designed to measure fluid intelligence). Here, in Experiment 2, both left and right anode placements led to improvement, and right DLPFC stimulation resulted in numerical (though not sham-adjusted) improvement on the near transfer (spatial n-back) and far transfer (fluid intelligence) task. Results suggest that WM training paired with brain stimulation may result in cognitive enhancement that transfers to performance on other tasks, depending on the combination of training task and tDCS parameters used.« less

Enhanced working memory performance via transcranial direct current stimulation: The possibility of near and far transfer

DOE PAGES

Trumbo, Michael C.; Matzen, Laura E.; Coffman, Brian A.; ...

2016-10-15

Although working memory (WM) training programs consistently result in improvement on the trained task, benefit is typically short-lived and extends only to tasks very similar to the trained task (i.e., near transfer). It is possible that pairing repeated performance of a WM task with brain stimulation encourages plasticity in brain networks involved in WM task performance, thereby improving the training benefit. In the current study, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) was paired with performance of a WM task (n-back). In Experiment 1, participants performed a spatial location-monitoring n-back during stimulation, while Experiment 2 used a verbal identity-monitoring n-back. In eachmore » experiment, participants received either active (2.0 mA) or sham (0.1 mA) stimulation with the anode placed over either the right or the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the cathode placed extracephalically. In Experiment 1, only participants receiving active stimulation with the anode placed over the right DLPFC showed marginal improvement on the trained spatial n-back, which did not extend to a near transfer (verbal n-back) or far transfer task (a matrix-reasoning task designed to measure fluid intelligence). Here, in Experiment 2, both left and right anode placements led to improvement, and right DLPFC stimulation resulted in numerical (though not sham-adjusted) improvement on the near transfer (spatial n-back) and far transfer (fluid intelligence) task. Results suggest that WM training paired with brain stimulation may result in cognitive enhancement that transfers to performance on other tasks, depending on the combination of training task and tDCS parameters used.« less

Enhanced working memory performance via transcranial direct current stimulation: The possibility of near and far transfer.

PubMed

Trumbo, Michael C; Matzen, Laura E; Coffman, Brian A; Hunter, Michael A; Jones, Aaron P; Robinson, Charles S H; Clark, Vincent P

2016-12-01

Although working memory (WM) training programs consistently result in improvement on the trained task, benefit is typically short-lived and extends only to tasks very similar to the trained task (i.e., near transfer). It is possible that pairing repeated performance of a WM task with brain stimulation encourages plasticity in brain networks involved in WM task performance, thereby improving the training benefit. In the current study, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) was paired with performance of a WM task (n-back). In Experiment 1, participants performed a spatial location-monitoring n-back during stimulation, while Experiment 2 used a verbal identity-monitoring n-back. In each experiment, participants received either active (2.0mA) or sham (0.1mA) stimulation with the anode placed over either the right or the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the cathode placed extracephalically. In Experiment 1, only participants receiving active stimulation with the anode placed over the right DLPFC showed marginal improvement on the trained spatial n-back, which did not extend to a near transfer (verbal n-back) or far transfer task (a matrix-reasoning task designed to measure fluid intelligence). In Experiment 2, both left and right anode placements led to improvement, and right DLPFC stimulation resulted in numerical (though not sham-adjusted) improvement on the near transfer (spatial n-back) and far transfer (fluid intelligence) task. Results suggest that WM training paired with brain stimulation may result in cognitive enhancement that transfers to performance on other tasks, depending on the combination of training task and tDCS parameters used. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sensory stimulation augments the effects of massed practice training in persons with tetraplegia.

PubMed

Beekhuizen, Kristina S; Field-Fote, Edelle C

2008-04-01

To compare functional changes and cortical neuroplasticity associated with hand and upper extremity use after massed (repetitive task-oriented practice) training, somatosensory stimulation, massed practice training combined with somatosensory stimulation, or no intervention, in persons with chronic incomplete tetraplegia. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: massed practice training combined with somatosensory peripheral nerve stimulation (MP+SS), somatosensory peripheral nerve stimulation only (SS), massed practice training only (MP), and no intervention (control). University medical school setting. Twenty-four subjects with chronic incomplete tetraplegia. Intervention sessions were 2 hours per session, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. Massed practice training consisted of repetitive practice of functional tasks requiring skilled hand and upper-extremity use. Somatosensory stimulation consisted of median nerve stimulation with intensity set below motor threshold. Pre- and post-testing assessed changes in functional hand use (Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test), functional upper-extremity use (Wolf Motor Function Test), pinch grip strength (key pinch force), sensory function (monofilament testing), and changes in cortical excitation (motor evoked potential threshold). The 3 groups showed significant improvements in hand function after training. The MP+SS and SS groups had significant improvements in upper-extremity function and pinch strength compared with the control group, but only the MP+SS group had a significant change in sensory scores compared with the control group. The MP+SS and MP groups had greater change in threshold measures of cortical excitability. People with chronic incomplete tetraplegia obtain functional benefits from massed practice of task-oriented skills. Somatosensory stimulation appears to be a valuable adjunct to training programs designed to improve hand and upper-extremity function in these subjects.

Assessment of the risk of fall, related to visual stimulation, in patients with central vestibular disorders.

PubMed

Suárez, H; Musé, P; Suárez, A; Arocena, M

2001-01-01

In order to assess the influence of visual stimulation in the triggering of imbalance and falls in the elderly population, the postural responses of 18 elderly patients with central vestibular disorders and clinical evidence of instability and falls were studied while receiving different types of visual stimuli. The stimulation conditions were: (i) no specific stimuli; (ii) smooth pursuit with pure sinusoids of 0.2 Hz as foveal stimulation; and (iii) optokinetic stimulation (OK) as retinal stimuli. Using a platform AMTI Accusway platform, the 95% confidence ellipse (CE) and sway velocity (SV) were evaluated with a scalogram using wavelets in order to assess the relationship between time and frequency in postural control. Velocity histograms were also constructed in order to observe the distribution of velocity values during the recording. A non-homogeneous postural behavior after visual stimulation was found among this population. In five of the patients the OK stimulation generated: (i) significantly higher average values of CE ( > 3.4+/-0.69 cm2); (ii) a significant increase in the average values of the SV ( > 3.89+/-1.15 cm/s) and a velocity histogram with a homogeneous distribution between 0 and 18 cm/s; and (iii) a scalogram with sway frequencies of up to 4 Hz distributed in both the X and Y directions (backwards and forwards and lateral) during visual stimulation with arbitrary units of energy density > 5. These three qualitative and quantitative aspects could be "markers" of visual dependence in the triggering of the mechanism of lack of equilibrium and hence falls in some elderly patients and should be considered in order to prevent falls and also to assist in the rehabilitation program of these patients.

Electrical stimulation of the lumbrical muscles in an incomplete quadriplegic patient: case report.

PubMed

Carroll, S G; Bird, S F; Brown, D J

1992-03-01

The increasing number of incomplete cervical spinal cord injuries means that more attention needs to be focused on the rehabilitation of the incomplete quadriplegic hand. A case study, describing the application of electrical stimulation for strengthening the paretic lumbrical muscles, is presented. A 2 week strengthening program resulted in a 33% increase in the force produced by the lumbrical muscles. No loss of strength had occurred 4 weeks after cessation of the treatment. The magnitude and speed of this result should be of interest to those clinicians who seek to maximise patient independence in minimal time.

Presurgical language fMRI: Clinical practices and patient outcomes in epilepsy surgical planning.

PubMed

Benjamin, Christopher F A; Li, Alexa X; Blumenfeld, Hal; Constable, R Todd; Alkawadri, Rafeed; Bickel, Stephan; Helmstaedter, Christoph; Meletti, Stefano; Bronen, Richard; Warfield, Simon K; Peters, Jurriaan M; Reutens, David; Połczyńska, Monika; Spencer, Dennis D; Hirsch, Lawrence J

2018-03-12

The goal of this study was to document current clinical practice and report patient outcomes in presurgical language functional MRI (fMRI) for epilepsy surgery. Epilepsy surgical programs worldwide were surveyed as to the utility, implementation, and efficacy of language fMRI in the clinic; 82 programs responded. Respondents were predominantly US (61%) academic programs (85%), and evaluated adults (44%), adults and children (40%), or children only (16%). Nearly all (96%) reported using language fMRI. Surprisingly, fMRI is used to guide surgical margins (44% of programs) as well as lateralize language (100%). Sites using fMRI for localization most often use a distance margin around activation of 10mm. While considered useful, 56% of programs reported at least one instance of disagreement with other measures. Direct brain stimulation typically confirmed fMRI findings (74%) when guiding margins, but instances of unpredicted decline were reported by 17% of programs and 54% reported unexpected preservation of function. Programs reporting unexpected decline did not clearly differ from those which did not. Clinicians using fMRI to guide surgical margins do not typically map known language-critical areas beyond Broca's and Wernicke's. This initial data shows many clinical teams are confident using fMRI not only for language lateralization but also to guide surgical margins. Reported cases of unexpected language preservation when fMRI activation is resected, and cases of language decline when it is not, emphasize a critical need for further validation. Comprehensive studies comparing commonly-used fMRI paradigms to predict stimulation mapping and post-surgical language decline remain of high importance. © 2018 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Treating verbal working memory in a boy with intellectual disability

PubMed Central

Orsolini, Margherita; Melogno, Sergio; Latini, Nausica; Penge, Roberta; Conforti, Sara

2015-01-01

The present case study investigates the effects of a cognitive training of verbal working memory that was proposed for Davide, a 14-year-old boy diagnosed with mild intellectual disability. The program stimulated attention, inhibition, switching, and the ability to engage either in verbal dual tasks or in producing inferences after the content of a short passage had been encoded in episodic memory. Key elements in our program included (1) core training of target cognitive mechanisms; (2) guided practice emphasizing concrete strategies to engage in exercises; and (3) a variable amount of adult support. The study explored whether such a complex program produced “near transfer” effects on an untrained dual task assessing verbal working memory and whether effects on this and other target cognitive mechanisms (i.e., attention, inhibition, and switching) were long-lasting and produced “far transfer” effects on cognitive flexibility. The effects of the intervention program were investigated with a research design consisting of four subsequent phases lasting 8 or 10 weeks, each preceded and followed by testing. There was a control condition (phase 1) in which the boy received, at home, a stimulation focused on the visuospatial domain. Subsequently, there were three experimental training phases, in which stimulation in the verbal domain was first focused on attention and inhibition (phase 2a), then on switching and simple working memory tasks (phase 2b), then on complex working memory tasks (phase 3). A battery of neuropsychological tests was administered before and after each training phase and 7 months after the conclusion of the intervention. The main finding was that Davide changed from being incapable of addressing the dual task request of the listening span test in the initial assessment to performing close to the normal limits of a 13-year-old boy in the follow-up assessment with this test, when he was 15 years old. PMID:26284014

Can electrical stimulation enhance effects of a functional training program in hospitalized geriatric patients?

PubMed

Zinglersen, Amanda Hempel; Halsteen, Malte Bjoern; Kjaer, Michael; Karlsen, Anders

2018-06-01

Hospitalization of older medical patients may lead to functional decline. This study investigated whether simultaneously applied neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can enhance the effects of a functional training program in hospitalized geriatric patients. This was a quasi-randomized controlled trial in geriatric hospitalized patients (N = 16, age = 83.1 ± 8.1 years, mean ± SD). The patients performed a simple and time efficient chair-stand based functional exercise program daily, either with (FT + NMES, N = 8) or without (FT, N = 8) simultaneous NMES to the knee extensor muscles. Physical function was assessed at day 2 and 6-10 of the hospitalization with the De Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI), a 30-second chair stand test (30 s-CST) and a 4-meter gait speed test (4 m-GST). Additionally, the pooled results of training from the two training groups (TRAINING, N = 16) was compared to a similar historical control-group (CON, N = 48) receiving only standard-care. Eight patients were assigned to FT, 12 to FT+NMES with 4 dropouts during intervention. During the 6-10 days of hospitalization, both groups improved in all functional measures (p < 0.05), but with no difference between groups (p > 0.05). The training sessions within the FT+NMES-group were more time consuming (~11 vs ~7 min) and entailed higher levels of discomfort than FT-training sessions. Compared to standard-care, training resulted in significantly larger improvements in the 30 s-CST (TRAINING: +3.8 repetitions; CON: +1.4 repetitions, p < 0.01), but not in the DEMMI-test and the 4 m-GST. A short-duration daily functional training program improves chair stand performance in hospitalized geriatric patients, with no additional effect of simultaneous electrical muscle stimulation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Selecting electrode configurations for image-guided cochlear implant programming using template matching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Dongqing; Zhao, Yiyuan; Noble, Jack H.; Dawant, Benoit M.

2017-03-01

Cochlear implants (CIs) are used to treat patients with severe-to-profound hearing loss. In surgery, an electrode array is implanted in the cochlea. After implantation, the CI processor is programmed by an audiologist. One factor that negatively impacts outcomes and can be addressed by programming is cross-electrode neural stimulation overlap (NSO). In the recent past, we have proposed a system to assist the audiologist in programming the CI that we call Image-Guided CI Programming (IGCIP). IGCIP permits using CT images to detect NSO and recommend which subset of electrodes should be active to avoid NSO. In an ongoing clinical study, we have shown that IGCIP leads to significant improvement in hearing outcomes. Most of the IGCIP steps are robustly automated but electrode configuration selection still sometimes requires expert intervention. With expertise, Distance-Vs-Frequency (DVF) curves, which are a way to visualize the spatial relationship learned from CT between the electrodes and the nerves they stimulate, can be used to select the electrode configuration. In this work, we propose an automated technique for electrode configuration selection. It relies on matching new patients' DVF curves to a library of DVF curves for which electrode configurations are known. We compare this approach to one we have previously proposed. We show that, generally, our new method produces results that are as good as those obtained with our previous one while being generic and requiring fewer parameters.

An interactive multimedia program to prevent HIV transmission in men with intellectual disability.

PubMed

Wells, Jennifer; Clark, Khaya; Sarno, Karen

2014-05-01

The efficacy of a computer-based interactive multimedia HIV/AIDS prevention program for men with intellectual disability (ID) was examined using a quasi-experimental within-subjects design. Thirty-seven men with mild to moderate intellectual disability evaluated the program. The pretest and posttest instruments assessed HIV/AIDS knowledge (high-risk fluids, HIV transmission, and condom facts) and condom application skills. All outcome measures showed statistically significant gains from pretest to posttest, with medium to large effect sizes. In addition, a second study was conducted with twelve service providers who work with men with ID. Service providers reviewed the HIV/AIDS prevention program, completed a demographics questionnaire, and a program satisfaction survey. Overall, service providers rated the program highly on several outcome measures (stimulation, relevance, and usability).

Research on enhancing the utilization of digital multispectral data and geographic information systems in global habitability studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martinko, E. A.; Merchant, J. W.

1986-01-01

The University of Kansas Applied Remote Sensing (KARS) program is engaged in a continuing long term research and development effort designed to reveal and facilitate new applications of remote sensing technology for decision makers in governmental agencies and private firms. Some objectives of the program follows. The development of new modes of analyzing multispectral scanner, aerial camera, thermal scanner, and radar data, singly or in concert in order to more effectively use these systems. Merge data derived from remote sensing with data derived from conventional sources in geographic information systems to facilitate better environmental planning. Stimulation of the application of the products of remote sensing systems to problems of resource management and environmental quality now being addressed in NASA's Global Habitability directive. The application of remote sensing techniques and analysis and geographic information systems technology to the solution of significant concerns of state and local officials and private industry. The guidance, assistance and stimulation of faculty, staff and students in the utilization of information from the Earth Resources Satellite (LANDSAT) and Aircraft Programs of NASA in research, education, and public service activities carried at the University of Kansas.

The development of the Nucleus Freedom Cochlear implant system.

PubMed

Patrick, James F; Busby, Peter A; Gibson, Peter J

2006-12-01

Cochlear Limited (Cochlear) released the fourth-generation cochlear implant system, Nucleus Freedom, in 2005. Freedom is based on 25 years of experience in cochlear implant research and development and incorporates advances in medicine, implantable materials, electronic technology, and sound coding. This article presents the development of Cochlear's implant systems, with an overview of the first 3 generations, and details of the Freedom system: the CI24RE receiver-stimulator, the Contour Advance electrode, the modular Freedom processor, the available speech coding strategies, the input processing options of Smart Sound to improve the signal before coding as electrical signals, and the programming software. Preliminary results from multicenter studies with the Freedom system are reported, demonstrating better levels of performance compared with the previous systems. The final section presents the most recent implant reliability data, with the early findings at 18 months showing improved reliability of the Freedom implant compared with the earlier Nucleus 3 System. Also reported are some of the findings of Cochlear's collaborative research programs to improve recipient outcomes. Included are studies showing the benefits from bilateral implants, electroacoustic stimulation using an ipsilateral and/or contralateral hearing aid, advanced speech coding, and streamlined speech processor programming.

Fiber-array based optogenetic prosthetic system for stimulation therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Ling; Cote, Chris; Tejeda, Hector; Mohanty, Samarendra

2012-02-01

Recent advent of optogenetics has enabled activation of genetically-targeted neuronal cells using low intensity blue light with high temporal precision. Since blue light is attenuated rapidly due to scattering and absorption in neural tissue, optogenetic treatment of neurological disorders may require stimulation of specific cell types in multiple regions of the brain. Further, restoration of certain neural functions (vision, and auditory etc) requires accurate spatio-temporal stimulation patterns rather than just precise temporal stimulation. In order to activate multiple regions of the central nervous system in 3D, here, we report development of an optogenetic prosthetic comprising of array of fibers coupled to independently-controllable LEDs. This design avoids direct contact of LEDs with the brain tissue and thus does not require electrical and heat isolation, which can non-specifically stimulate and damage the local brain regions. The intensity, frequency, and duty cycle of light pulses from each fiber in the array was controlled independently using an inhouse developed LabView based program interfaced with a microcontroller driving the individual LEDs. While the temporal profile of the light pulses was controlled by varying the current driving the LED, the beam profile emanating from each fiber tip could be sculpted by microfabrication of the fiber tip. The fiber array was used to stimulate neurons, expressing channelrhodopsin-2, in different locations within the brain or retina. Control of neural activity in the mice cortex, using the fiber-array based prosthetic, is evaluated from recordings made with multi-electrode array (MEA). We also report construction of a μLED array based prosthetic for spatio-temporal stimulation of cortex.

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

McKinney, M.J.; Jenkins, S.

Project JEM (Jarvis Enhancement of Males) is a pre-college program directed toward stimulating disadvantaged, talented African American males in grades four, five, and six to attend college and major in mathematics, science, computer science, or related technical areas needed by the US Department of Energy. Twenty young African American male students were recruited from Gladewater Independent School District (ISD), Longview ISD, Hawkins ISD, Tyler ISD, Winona ISD and big Sandy ISD. Students enrolled in the program range from ages 10 to 13 and are in grades four, five and six. Student participants in the 1997 Project JEM Program attended Saturdaymore » Academy sessions and a four week intensive, summer residential program. The information here provides a synopsis of the activities which were conducted through each program component.« less

NASA/American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Summer Faculty Fellowship Program 1992

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spencer, John H. (Compiler)

1992-01-01

Since 1964, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has supported a program of summer faculty fellowships for engineering and science educators. In a series of collaborations between NASA research and development centers and nearby universities, engineering faculty members spend 10 weeks working with professional peers on research. The Summer Faculty Program Committee of the American Society for Engineering Education supervises the programs. Objectives of the program are (1) to further the professional knowledge of qualified engineering and science faculty members; (2) to stimulate and exchange ideas between participants and NASA; (3) to enrich and refresh the research and teaching activities of participants' institutions; and (4) to contribute to the research objectives of the NASA center.

NASA/ASEE Summer Faculty Fellowship Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, Loren A (Editor); Valdes, Carol (Editor)

1992-01-01

This document is a collection of technical reports on research conducted by the participants in the 1992 NASA/ASEE Summer Faculty Fellowship Program at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). This was the eighth year that a NASA/ASEE program has been conducted at KSC. The 1992 program was administered by the University of Central Florida in cooperation with KSC. The program was operated under the auspices of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) with sponsorship and funding from the Office of Educational Affairs, NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C. The KSC program was one of nine such Aeronautics and Space Research Programs funded by NASA Headquarters in 1992. The basic common objectives are to further the professional knowledge, to stimulate an exchange of ideas, to enrich and refresh the research and teaching activities, and to contribute to the research objectives of the NASA centers.

Pulse duration settings in subthalamic stimulation for Parkinson's disease

PubMed Central

Steigerwald, Frank; Timmermann, Lars; Kühn, Andrea; Schnitzler, Alfons; Reich, Martin M.; Kirsch, Anna Dalal; Barbe, Michael Thomas; Visser‐Vandewalle, Veerle; Hübl, Julius; van Riesen, Christoph; Groiss, Stefan Jun; Moldovan, Alexia‐Sabine; Lin, Sherry; Carcieri, Stephen; Manola, Ljubomir

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Background Stimulation parameters in deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus for Parkinson's disease (PD) are rarely tested in double‐blind conditions. Evidence‐based recommendations on optimal stimulator settings are needed. Results from the CUSTOM‐DBS study are reported, comparing 2 pulse durations. Methods A total of 15 patients were programmed using a pulse width of 30 µs (test) or 60 µs (control). Efficacy and side‐effect thresholds and unified PD rating scale (UPDRS) III were measured in meds‐off (primary outcome). The therapeutic window was the difference between patients’ efficacy and side effect thresholds. Results The therapeutic window was significantly larger at 30 µs than 60 µs (P = ·0009) and the efficacy (UPDRS III score) was noninferior (P = .00008). Interpretation Subthalamic neurostimulation at 30 µs versus 60 µs pulse width is equally effective on PD motor signs, is more energy efficient, and has less likelihood of stimulation‐related side effects. © 2017 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. PMID:29165837

Effects of brain-computer interface-based functional electrical stimulation on brain activation in stroke patients: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Chung, EunJung; Kim, Jung-Hee; Park, Dae-Sung; Lee, Byoung-Hee

2015-03-01

[Purpose] This study sought to determine the effects of brain-computer interface-based functional electrical stimulation (BCI-FES) on brain activation in patients with stroke. [Subjects] The subjects were randomized to in a BCI-FES group (n=5) and a functional electrical stimulation (FES) group (n=5). [Methods] Patients in the BCI-FES group received ankle dorsiflexion training with FES for 30 minutes per day, 5 times under the brain-computer interface-based program. The FES group received ankle dorsiflexion training with FES for the same amount of time. [Results] The BCI-FES group demonstrated significant differences in the frontopolar regions 1 and 2 attention indexes, and frontopolar 1 activation index. The FES group demonstrated no significant differences. There were significant differences in the frontopolar 1 region activation index between the two groups after the interventions. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that BCI-FES training may be more effective in stimulating brain activation than only FES training in patients recovering from stroke.

Assisting people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by actively reducing limb hyperactive behavior with a gyration air mouse through a controlled environmental stimulation.

PubMed

Shih, Ching-Hsiang

2011-01-01

The latest researches have adopted software technology turning the gyration air mouse into a high performance limb movement detector, and have assessed whether two persons with multiple disabilities would be able to control an environmental stimulation using limb movement. This study extends gyration air mouse functionality by actively reducing limb hyperactive behavior to assess whether two persons with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) would be able to actively reduce their limb hyperactive behavior by controlling their favorite stimulation on/off using a gyration air mouse with a newly developed actively limb hyperactive behavior reducing program (ALHBRP). The study was performed according to an ABAB design, in which A represented the baseline and B represented intervention phases. Data showed that both participants significantly increased their time duration of maintaining a static limb posture (TDMSLP) to activate the control system in order to produce environmental stimulation during the intervention phases. Practical and developmental implications of the findings are discussed. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Aviation Safety: New Airlines Illustrate Long-Standing Problems in FAA's Inspection Program

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-10-17

The deregulation of the commercial airline industry in 1978 has stimulated the : formation of a significant number of new airlines. For example, a total of 79 : airlines with fewer than 5 years of operating experience provided scheduled : service to ...

Problems and Projects from Astronomy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mills, H. R.

1991-01-01

Describes activities to stimulate school astronomy programs. Topics include: counting stars; the Earth's centripetal force; defining astronomical time; three types of sundials; perceptions of star brightness; sunspots and solar radiation; stellar spectroscopy; number-crunching and the molecular structure of the atmosphere; the Earth-Moon common…

7 CFR 3403.1 - Applicability of regulations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... research or research and development in order to stimulate technological innovation, use small business to..., AND EXTENSION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH GRANTS PROGRAM... business innovation research grants awarded under the general authority of section 630 of the Act making...

7 CFR 3403.1 - Applicability of regulations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... development in order to stimulate technological innovation, use small business to meet Federal research and... business concerns and women-owned small business concerns in technological innovation. The Department will... AGRICULTURE SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH GRANTS PROGRAM General Information § 3403.1 Applicability of...

Use of Medication in School Programs for Behaviorally Disordered Pupils.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Epstein, Michael H.; Olinger, Ellen

1987-01-01

The article presents information on psychotrophic drugs used with behaviorally disordered students (stimulants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and lithium), including desired effects and side effects. Guidelines for teachers and other school personnel who work with students on medication are also provided. (Author/JW)

Guatemalan Linguistics Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Linguistic Reporter, 1974

1974-01-01

The general goals of the Guatemalan technical institution, the Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquin, are to: create a national technical resource institution in linguistics and Mayan languages; enable Indians to influence programs for their communities; and stimulate the study of Mayan languages and their use as communication medium. (SW)

PRE-KINDERGARTEN CURRICULUM.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

BAYLOR, RUTH M.; AND OTHERS

IN THE PREKINDERGARTEN CLASSROOM, THE YOUNG CHILD DEVELOPS POSITIVE ATTITUDES TOWARD SCHOOL, ADULTS, AND FELLOW CLASSMATES. THESE ARE THE FOUNDATIONAL LEARNINGS UPON WHICH REST HIS FUTURE ATTITUDES TOWARD EDUCATION AND SOCIETY. AMONG THE IMPORTANT GOALS OF A PREKINDERGARTEN PROGRAM ARE THE BROADENING OF INTELLECTUAL HORIZONS, THE STIMULATION OF…

Valley Cultivates Comprehensive Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pardini, Priscilla

2004-01-01

Staff development at Starlight Professional Development School (Watsonville, California) aims to stimulate every teacher's personal and professional growth. Collaboration is the signature piece of a very comprehensive program. In fact, collaboration among teachers and other professionals at Starlight is the vehicle that drives staff development.…

45 CFR 1321.1 - Basis and purpose of this part.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 1321.1 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) OFFICE OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES THE ADMINISTRATION ON AGING, OLDER AMERICANS PROGRAMS... approved State plans, to stimulate the development or enhancement of comprehensive and coordinated...

45 CFR 1321.1 - Basis and purpose of this part.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 1321.1 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) OFFICE OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES THE ADMINISTRATION ON AGING, OLDER AMERICANS PROGRAMS... approved State plans, to stimulate the development or enhancement of comprehensive and coordinated...

Perspectives on Evaluation, Linkage and Program Improvement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bank, Adrianne; And Others

Actual and potential relationships between evaluators and linkers--curriculum or management specialists who disseminate the products of evaluation to school districts--were explored. Evaluation and linkage evolved as distinct educational occupations, stimulated by federal involvement in research, development, and school improvement since the early…

“Astronomy for a Better World”: IAU/OAD Task Force One Activities to Develop Astronomy Education and Research at Universities in the Developing World

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guinan, Edward Francis; Kolenberg, Katrien

2015-08-01

The Task Force (1) on Astronomy for Universities & Research (TF-1) was established in 2012 as part of the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD). This Task Force drives activities related to astronomy education and research at universities mainly in the developing world. Astronomy is used to stimulate research and education in STEM fields and to develop and promote astronomy in regions of the world where there is little or no astronomy. There is also potential for developing research in the historical and cultural aspects of astronomy which may prove important for stimulating an interest in the subject in communities where there is yet no established interest in the science.Since the establishment of the OAD, over 25 TF-1 programs have been funded (or partially funded) to support a wide variety of interesting and innovative astronomy programs in Africa, Asia, South-East Asia, Middle-East, and in South & Central America. Nearly every aspect of development has been supported. These programs include supporting: regional astronomy training schools, specialized workshops, research visits, university twinning programs, distance learning projects, university astronomy curriculum development, as well as small telescope and equipment grants. In addition, a large new program - Astrolab - was introduced (by J-P De Greve and Michele Gerbaldi) to bring starlight” into the class room. In the Astrolab program students carry out and reduce CCD photometry secured by them using remotely controlled telescopes. Results from pilot programs will be discussed.OAD TF-1 programs will be discussed along with future plans for improving and expanding these programs to bring astronomy education and research to a greater number of people and indeed to use Astronomy for a Better World. Information and advice will also be provided about applying for support in the future.

Updating and expanding the library of materials on NASA Spacelink electronic information system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blake, Jean A.

1992-01-01

NASA Spacelink, a proven resource medium, may be accessed over telephone lines or via the Internet by teachers or anyone with a computer or modem. It is a collection of historical and current information on NASA programs and activities. Included in this library is information on a variety of NASA programs, updates on Shuttle status, news releases, aeronautics, space exploration, classroom materials, NASA Educational Services, and computer programs and graphics. The material stored in Spacelink has found widespread use by teachers and others, and is being used to stimulate students, particularly in the area of aerospace science.

Global Transport Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oliver, Howard

The aim of the NATO Science Committee's Global Transport Mechanisms in the Geosciences program is to stimulate and facilitate international collaboration among scientists of the member countries in the study of selected global transport mechanisms. The program organizers intend to sponsor advanced research workshops, advanced study institutes, conferences, collaborative research, research study, and lecture visits. NATO grants are available, but they are intended to cover only part of the expenses involved in the international aspects of the sponsored activities. Citizens or permanent residents of one of the member countries of NATO who possess qualifications appropriate to the proposed activity are eligible to apply.

NASA/American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Summer Faculty Fellowship Program, 1991

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tiwari, Surendra N. (Compiler)

1991-01-01

In a series of collaborations between NASA research and development centers and nearby universities, engineering faculty members spent 10 weeks working with professional peers on research. The Summer Faculty Program Committee of the American Society of Engineering Education supervises the programs. The objects were the following: (1) to further the professional knowledge of qualified engineering and science faculty members; (2) to stimulate and exchange ideas between participants and NASA; (3) to enrich and refresh the research and teaching activities of the participants' institutions; and (4) to contribute to the research objectives of the NASA center.

Toward a Theory of Childhood Learning Disorders, Hyperactivity, and Aggression

PubMed Central

Mawson, Anthony R.

2012-01-01

Learning disorders are often associated with persistent hyperactivity and aggression and are part of a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders. A potential clue to understanding these linked phenomena is that physical exercise and passive forms of stimulation are calming, enhance cognitive functions and learning, and are recommended as complementary treatments for these problems. The theory is proposed that hyperactivity and aggression are intense stimulation-seeking behaviors (SSBs) driven by increased brain retinergic activity, and the stimulation thus obtained activates opposing nitrergic systems which inhibit retinergic activity, induce a state of calm, and enhance cognition and learning. In persons with cognitive deficits and associated behavioral disorders, the retinergic system may be chronically overactivated and the nitrergic system chronically underactivated due to environmental exposures occurring pre- and/or postnatally that affect retinoid metabolism or expression. For such individuals, the intensity of stimulation generated by SSB may be insufficient to activate the inhibitory nitrergic system. A multidisciplinary research program is needed to test the model and, in particular, to determine the extent to which applied physical treatments can activate the nitrergic system directly, providing the necessary level of intensity of sensory stimulation to substitute for that obtained in maladaptive and harmful ways by SSB, thereby reducing SSB and enhancing cognitive skills and performance. PMID:23762766

Validation of a Portable Low-Power Deep Brain Stimulation Device Through Anxiolytic Effects in a Laboratory Rat Model.

PubMed

Kouzani, Abbas Z; Kale, Rajas P; Zarate-Garza, Pablo Patricio; Berk, Michael; Walder, Ken; Tye, Susannah J

2017-09-01

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices deliver electrical pulses to neural tissue through an electrode. To study the mechanisms and therapeutic benefits of deep brain stimulation, murine preclinical research is necessary. However, conducting naturalistic long-term, uninterrupted animal behavioral experiments can be difficult with bench-top systems. The reduction of size, weight, power consumption, and cost of DBS devices can assist the progress of this research in animal studies. A low power, low weight, miniature DBS device is presented in this paper. This device consists of electronic hardware and software components including a low-power microcontroller, an adjustable current source, an n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor, a coin-cell battery, electrode wires and a software program to operate the device. Evaluation of the performance of the device in terms of battery lifetime and device functionality through bench and in vivo tests was conducted. The bench test revealed that this device can deliver continuous stimulation current pulses of strength [Formula: see text], width [Formula: see text], and frequency 130 Hz for over 22 days. The in vivo tests demonstrated that chronic stimulation of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) with this device significantly increased psychomotor activity, together with a dramatic reduction in anxiety-like behavior in the elevated zero-maze test.

Programming social, cognitive, and neuroendocrine development by early exposure to novelty.

PubMed

Tang, Akaysha C; Akers, Katherine G; Reeb, Bethany C; Romeo, Russell D; McEwen, Bruce S

2006-10-17

Mildly stressful early life experiences can potentially impact a broad range of social, cognitive, and physiological functions in humans, nonhuman primates, and rodents. Recent rodent studies favor a maternal-mediation hypothesis that considers maternal-care differences induced by neonatal stimulation as the cause of individual differences in offspring development. Using neonatal novelty exposure, a neonatal stimulation paradigm that dissociates maternal individual differences from a direct stimulation effect on the offspring, we investigated the effect of early exposures to novelty on a diverse range of psychological functions using several assessment paradigms. Pups that received brief neonatal novelty exposures away from the home environment showed enhancement in spatial working memory, social competition, and corticosterone response to surprise during adulthood compared with their home-staying siblings. These functional enhancements in novelty-exposed rats occurred despite evidence that maternal care was directed preferentially toward home-staying instead of novelty-exposed pups, indicating that greater maternal care is neither necessary nor sufficient for these early stimulation-induced functional enhancements. We suggest a unifying maternal-modulation hypothesis, which distinguishes itself from the maternal-mediation hypothesis in that (i) neonatal stimulation can have direct effects on pups, cumulatively leading to long-term improvement in adult offspring; and (ii) maternal behavior can attenuate or potentiate these effects, thereby decreasing or increasing this long-term functional improvement.

The cholinergic and purinergic components of detrusor contractility in a whole rabbit bladder model.

PubMed

Chancellor, M B; Kaplan, S A; Blaivas, J G

1992-09-01

Whole rabbit bladders were suspended in a bath chamber and stimulated with ATP, bethanechol, electrical field stimulation, and bethanechol + ATP. Detrusor pressure and fluid expelled by the bladder were recorded, synchronized, and digitized. Detrusor work and power were calculated with a computer program. Maximum work was 61.4 +/- 28.7, 83.3 +/- 17.0, 85.0 +/- 15.0, 90.8 +/- 13.1 cm. H2O, ml. for ATP, bethanechol, electrical and bethanechol + ATP, respectively. Maximum power generated by ATP was 4.8 +/- 3.0 cm. H2O, ml./sec and was approximately 66% of that generated by bethanechol, and 50% of that generated by electrical stimulation, and bethanechol + ATP. ATP cannot empty the bladder with moderate outlet resistance while bethanechol and electrical stimulation can. Our results suggest that ATP is able to generate detrusor power and achieve work in bladder emptying. However, ATP generated power and work is considerably less than that of electrical stimulation or bethanechol alone. ATP mediated contraction is not inhibited by atropine or tetrodotoxin but is inhibited by P2 purinoceptor desensitization, suggesting a functional role of purine receptors on detrusor smooth muscle. Since ATP generated pressure is more rapid than with bethanechol alone, we support the hypothesis that ATP may be important in the initiation of micturition.

Cow's milk and linear growth in industrialized and developing countries.

PubMed

Hoppe, Camilla; Mølgaard, Christian; Michaelsen, Kim F

2006-01-01

The strongest evidence that cow's milk stimulates linear growth comes from observational and intervention studies in developing countries that show considerable effects. Additionally, many observational studies from well-nourished populations also show an association between milk intake and growth. These results suggest that milk has a growth-stimulating effect even in situations where the nutrient intake is adequate. This effect is supported by studies that show milk intake stimulates circulating insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, which suggests that at least part of the growth-stimulating effects of milk occur through the stimulation of IGFs. Given that the biological purpose of milk is to support the newborn during a period of high growth velocity, such an effect seems plausible. Adding cow's milk to the diet of stunted children is likely to improve linear growth and thereby reduce morbidity. In well-nourished children, the long-term consequences of an increased consumption of cow's milk, which may lead to higher levels of IGF-I in circulation or an increase in the velocity of linear growth, are likely to be both positive and negative. Based on emerging data that suggest both growth and diet during early life program the IGF axis, the association between milk intake and later health is likely to be complex.

Development of an integrated surface stimulation device for systematic evaluation of wound electrotherapy.

PubMed

Howe, D S; Dunning, J; Zorman, C; Garverick, S L; Bogie, K M

2015-02-01

Ideally, all chronic wounds would be prevented as they can become life threatening complications. The concept that a wound produces a 'current of injury' due to the discontinuity in the electrical field of intact skin provides the basis for the concept that electrical stimulation (ES) may provide an effective treatment for chronic wounds. The optimal stimulation waveform parameters are unknown, limiting the reliability of achieving a successful clinical therapeutic outcome. In order to gain a more thorough understanding of ES for chronic wound therapy, systematic evaluation using a valid in vivo model is required. The focus of the current paper is development of the flexible modular surface stimulation (MSS) device by our group. This device can be programed to deliver a variety of clinically relevant stimulation paradigms and is essential to facilitate systematic in vivo studies. The MSS version 2.0 for small animal use provides all components of a single-channel, programmable current-controlled ES system within a lightweight, flexible, independently-powered portable device. Benchtop testing and validation indicates that custom electronics and control algorithms support the generation of high-voltage, low duty-cycle current pulses in a power-efficient manner, extending battery life and allowing ES therapy to be delivered for up to 7 days without needing to replace or disturb the wound dressing.

Toward a theory of childhood learning disorders, hyperactivity, and aggression.

PubMed

Mawson, Anthony R

2012-01-01

Learning disorders are often associated with persistent hyperactivity and aggression and are part of a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders. A potential clue to understanding these linked phenomena is that physical exercise and passive forms of stimulation are calming, enhance cognitive functions and learning, and are recommended as complementary treatments for these problems. The theory is proposed that hyperactivity and aggression are intense stimulation-seeking behaviors (SSBs) driven by increased brain retinergic activity, and the stimulation thus obtained activates opposing nitrergic systems which inhibit retinergic activity, induce a state of calm, and enhance cognition and learning. In persons with cognitive deficits and associated behavioral disorders, the retinergic system may be chronically overactivated and the nitrergic system chronically underactivated due to environmental exposures occurring pre- and/or postnatally that affect retinoid metabolism or expression. For such individuals, the intensity of stimulation generated by SSB may be insufficient to activate the inhibitory nitrergic system. A multidisciplinary research program is needed to test the model and, in particular, to determine the extent to which applied physical treatments can activate the nitrergic system directly, providing the necessary level of intensity of sensory stimulation to substitute for that obtained in maladaptive and harmful ways by SSB, thereby reducing SSB and enhancing cognitive skills and performance.

Tactile communication using a CO(2) flux stimulation for blind or deafblind people.

PubMed

da Cunha, Jose Carlos; Bordignon, Luiz Alberto; Nohama, Percy

2010-01-01

This paper describes a tactile stimulation system for producing nonvisual image patterns to blind or deafblind people. The stimulator yields a CO(2) pulsatile flux directed to the user's skin throughout a needle that is coupled to a 2-D tactile plotter. The fluxtactile plotter operates with two step motor mounted on a wood structure, controlled by a program developed to produce alphanumerical characters and geometric figures of different size and speed, which will be used to investigate the psychophysical properties of this kind of tactile communication. CO(2) is provided by a cylinder that delivers a stable flux, which is converted to a pulsatile mode through a high frequency solenoid valve that can chop it up to 1 kHz. Also, system temperature is controlled by a Peltier based device. Tests on the prototype indicate that the system is a valuable tool to investigate the psychophysical properties of the skin in response to stimulation by CO(2) jet, allowing a quantitative and qualitative analysis as a function of stimulation parameters. With the system developed, it was possible to plot the geometric figures proposed: triangles, rectangles and octagons, in different sizes and speeds, and verify the control of the frequency of CO(2) jet stimuli.

A System for Delivering Mechanical Stimulation and Robot-Assisted Therapy to the Rat Whisker Pad during Facial Nerve Regeneration

PubMed Central

Heaton, James T.; Knox, Christopher; Malo, Juan; Kobler, James B.; Hadlock, Tessa A.

2013-01-01

Functional recovery is typically poor after facial nerve transection and surgical repair. In rats, whisking amplitude remains greatly diminished after facial nerve regeneration, but can recover more completely if the whiskers are periodically mechanically stimulated during recovery. Here we present a robotic “whisk assist” system for mechanically driving whisker movement after facial nerve injury. Movement patterns were either pre-programmed to reflect natural amplitudes and frequencies, or movements of the contralateral (healthy) side of the face were detected and used to control real-time mirror-like motion on the denervated side. In a pilot study, twenty rats were divided into nine groups and administered one of eight different whisk assist driving patterns (or control) for 5–20 minutes, five days per week, across eight weeks of recovery after unilateral facial nerve cut and suture repair. All rats tolerated the mechanical stimulation well. Seven of the eight treatment groups recovered average whisking amplitudes that exceeded controls, although small group sizes precluded statistical confirmation of group differences. The potential to substantially improve facial nerve recovery through mechanical stimulation has important clinical implications, and we have developed a system to control the pattern and dose of stimulation in the rat facial nerve model. PMID:23475376

A high-voltage cardiac stimulator for field shocks of a whole heart in a bath

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mashburn, David N.; Hinkson, Stephen J.; Woods, Marcella C.; Gilligan, Jonathan M.; Holcomb, Mark R.; Wikswo, John P.

2007-10-01

Defibrillators are a critical tool for treating heart disease; however, the mechanisms by which they halt fibrillation are still not fully understood and are the subject of ongoing research. Clinical defibrillators do not provide the precise control of shock timing, duration, and voltage or other features needed for detailed scientific inquiry, and there are few, if any, commercially available units designed for research applications. For this reason, we have developed a high-voltage, programmable, capacitive-discharge stimulator optimized to deliver defibrillation shocks with precise timing and voltage control to an isolated animal heart, either in air or in a bath. This stimulator is capable of delivering voltages of up to 500V and energies of nearly 100J with timing accuracy of a few microseconds and with rise and fall times of 5μs or less and is controlled only by two external timing pulses and a control computer that sets the stimulation parameters via a LABVIEW interface. Most importantly, the stimulator has circuits to protect the high-voltage circuitry and the operator from programming and input-output errors. This device has been tested and used successfully in field shock experiments on rabbit hearts as well as other protocols requiring high voltage.

A 1024-channel 6 mW/mm2 optical stimulator for in-vitro neuroscience experiments.

PubMed

Cai, Lei; Wang, Baitong; Huang, Xiuxiang; Yang, Zhi

2014-01-01

Recent optical stimulation technologies allow improved selectivity and have been widely used in neuroscience research. This paper presents an optical stimulator based on high power LEDs. It has 1024 channels and can produce flexible stimulation patterns in each frame, refreshed at above 20 Hz. To increase the light intensity, each LED has an optical package that directs the light into a small angle. To ensure the light of each LED can reach the lens, the LEDs have been specially placed and oriented to the lens. With these efforts, the achieved power efficiency (defined as the mount of LED light power passing through the lens divided by the LED total power consumption) is 5 × 10(-5). In our current prototype, an individual LED unit can source 60 mW electrical power, where the induced irradiance on neural tissues is 6 mW/mm(2) integrating from 460 nm to 480 nm. The light spot is tunable in size from 18 μm to 40 μm with an extra 5-10 μm separation for isolating two adjacent spots. Through both bench-top measurement and finite element simulation, we found the cross channel interference is below 10%. A customized software interface has been developed to control and program the stimulator operation.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Does Not Improve Language Outcome in Subacute Poststroke Aphasia.

PubMed

Spielmann, Kerstin; van de Sandt-Koenderman, W Mieke E; Heijenbrok-Kal, Majanka H; Ribbers, Gerard M

2018-04-01

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on word-finding treatment outcome in subacute poststroke aphasia. In this multi-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial with 6-month follow-up, we included 58 patients with subacute aphasia (<3 months poststroke), who were enrolled in a stroke rehabilitation program. Patients participated in 2 separate intervention weeks. Each intervention week included 5 daily sessions of 45-minute word-finding therapy combined with either anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (1 mA, 20 minutes; experimental group) or sham transcranial direct current stimulation (control group) over the left inferior frontal gyrus. The primary outcome measure was the Boston Naming Test. Secondary outcome measures included naming performance for trained/untrained picture items and verbal communication. Both the experimental (n=26) and the control group (n=32) improved on the Boston Naming Test over the intervention period and 6-month follow-up; however, there were no significant differences between groups. Also for the secondary outcome measures, no significant differences were found. The results of the present study do not support an effect of transcranial direct current stimulation as an adjuvant treatment in subacute poststroke aphasia. URL: http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp. Unique identifier: NTR4364. © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.

Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of treatments for patients with chronic pain.

PubMed

Turk, Dennis C

2002-01-01

Chronic pain is a prevalent and costly problem. This review addresses the question of the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the most common treatments for patients with chronic pain. Representative published studies that evaluate the clinical effectiveness of pharmacological treatments, conservative (standard) care, surgery, spinal cord stimulators, implantable drug delivery systems (IDDSs), and pain rehabilitation programs (PRPs) are examined and compared. The cost-effectiveness of these treatment approaches is also considered. Outcome criteria including pain reduction, medication use, health care consumption, functional activities, and closure of disability compensation cases are examined. In addition to clinical effectiveness, the cost-effectiveness of PRPs, conservative care, surgery, spinal cord stimulators, and IDDSs are compared using costs to return a treated patient to work to illustrate the relative expenses for each of these treatments. There are limitations to the success of all the available treatments. The author urges caution in interpreting the results, particularly in comparisons between treatments and across studies, because there are broad differences in the pain syndromes and inclusion criteria used, the drug dosages, comparability of treatments, the definition of "chronic" used, the outcome criteria selected to determine success, and societal differences. None of the currently available treatments eliminates pain for the majority of patients. Pain rehabilitation programs provide comparable reduction in pain to alternative pain treatment modalities, but with significantly better outcomes for medication use, health care utilization, functional activities, return to work, closure of disability claims, and with substantially fewer iatrogenic consequences and adverse events. Surgery, spinal cord stimulators, and IDDSs appear to have substantial benefits on some outcome criteria for carefully selected patients. These modalities are, however, expensive. Pain rehabilitation programs are significantly more cost effective than implantation of spinal cord stimulators, IDDSs, conservative care, and surgery, even for selected patients. Research is needed to identify which patients are most likely to benefit from the available treatments and to study combinations of the available treatments since none of them appear capable of eliminating pain or significantly improving functional outcomes for all treated.

The Effects of Protein Regulators on the Vascular Remodeling of Japanese Quail Chorioallantoic Membrane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deshpande, Arati

2004-01-01

Contributing to NASA s mission, the Microgravity Fluid Physics research program conducts experiments to promote space exploration and improvement of processes and products on Earth. One of the projects through this program deals with the affect of regulators on vascular remodeling and angiogenesis. This project is being led by Dr. Patricia Parsons-Wingerter. To perform the experiments, protein regulators are tested on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of the Japanese quail embryos. The different types of regulators used can be broken down into two major groups of stimulators, and inhibitors. Stimulators increase the rate of blood vessel growth and inhibitors decrease of blood vessel growth. The specified regulator proteins include thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1) and a novel vessel tortuosity factor (TF), these are just the ones used in this specific experiment; other various protein regulators can also be used. The novel vessel tortuosity factor (TF) is a special kind of stimulator because it stimulates vessel tortuosity and curvature, rather than actual blood vessel growth. These regulators are being tested on Japanese quail embryos. The Japanese quail embryos naturally form a chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) from which blood flow, vascular remodeling, and angiogenesis can be observed. Chorioallantoic membranes are also easier to use because they are two dimensional when mounted onto a slide for examination. The analysis of the affect of the regulators on the CAM can be studied through PIVPROC; the program is used to analyze the altered blood flow in response to application of TF. Regulators are being thoroughly studied because cardiovascular alterations are the second highest, NASA-defined, risk categories in human space exploration. This research done on the quail is extending to even more projects that will be done on lab animals such as mice and also in human clinical studies like the diabetic retina. Not only will this research be beneficial to further space exploration, but it will also help life here on Earth. The higher understanding of the formation of blood vessels can also help further research in health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

A pilot study of randomized clinical controlled trial of gait training in subacute stroke patients with partial body-weight support electromechanical gait trainer and functional electrical stimulation: six-month follow-up.

PubMed

Ng, Maple F W; Tong, Raymond K Y; Li, Leonard S W

2008-01-01

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of gait training using an electromechanical gait trainer with or without functional electrical stimulation for people with subacute stroke. This was a nonblinded randomized controlled trial with a 6-month follow-up. Fifty-four subjects were recruited within 6 weeks after stroke onset and were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 gait intervention groups: conventional overground gait training treatment (CT, n=21), electromechanical gait trainer (GT, n=17) and, electromechanical gait trainer with functional electrical stimulation (GT-FES, n=16). All subjects were to undergo an assigned intervention program comprising a 20-minute session every weekday for 4 weeks. The outcome measures were Functional Independence Measure, Barthel Index, Motricity Index leg subscale, Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS), Berg Balance Scale, Functional Ambulatory Category (FAC), and 5-meter walking speed test. Assessments were made at baseline, at the end of the 4-week intervention program, and 6 months after the program ended. By intention-to-treat and multivariate analysis, statistically significant differences showed up in EMS (Wilks' lambda=0.743, P=0.005), FAC (Wilks' lambda=0.744, P=0.005) and gait speed (Wilks' lambda=0.658, P<0.0001). Post hoc analysis (univariate 2-way ANCOVA) revealed that the GT and GT-FES groups showed significantly better improvement in comparison with the CT group at the end of the 4 weeks of training and in the 6-month follow-up. For the early stage after stroke, this study indicated a higher effectiveness in poststroke gait training that used an electromechanical gait trainer compared with conventional overground gait training. The training effect was sustained through to the 6-month follow-up after the intervention.

Comparison of the Effect of Sensory-Level and Conventional Motor-Level Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulations on Quadriceps Strength After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Single-Blind Trial.

PubMed

Yoshida, Yosuke; Ikuno, Koki; Shomoto, Koji

2017-12-01

To compare sensory-level neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and conventional motor-level NMES in patients after total knee arthroplasty. Prospective randomized single-blind trial. Hospital total arthroplasty center: inpatients. Patients with osteoarthritis (N=66; mean age, 73.5±6.3y; 85% women) were randomized to receive either sensory-level NMES applied to the quadriceps (the sensory-level NMES group), motor-level NMES (the motor-level NMES group), or no stimulation (the control group) in addition to a standard rehabilitation program. Each type of NMES was applied in 45-minute sessions, 5d/wk, for 2 weeks. Data for the quadriceps maximum voluntary isometric contraction, the leg skeletal muscle mass determined using multiple-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis, the timed Up and Go test, the 2-minute walk test, the visual analog scale, and the range of motion of the knee were measured preoperatively and at 2 and 4 weeks after total knee arthroplasty. The motor-level NMES (P=.001) and sensory-level NMES (P=.028) groups achieved better maximum voluntary isometric contraction results than did the control group. The motor-level NMES (P=.003) and sensory-level NMES (P=.046) groups achieved better 2-minute walk test results than did the control group. Some patients in the motor-level NMES group dropped out of the experiment because of discomfort. Motor-level NMES significantly improved muscle strength and functional performance more than did the standard program alone. Motor-level NMES was uncomfortable for some patients. Sensory-level NMES was comfortable and improved muscle strength and functional performance more than did the standard program alone. Copyright © 2017 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Study to Determine the Perception of Unintended Messages by Viewers of two United States Army Television Commercials.

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-11-29

inter,:reted in ways not intended; the percepLion of subliminal messages is based on demographic characteristics and subculture influence; and...receiver and sender, and must be dealt with accordingly. For instance, if the sender of the message must compete with a louder auditory stimulus, this...these themes. Hoijer concluded that television programs do stimulate thought processes, and there is a connection between the contents 18 of the program

Living in space, book 2, levels D, E, F

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andrews, Sheila Briskin; Kirschenbaum, Audrey

1987-01-01

In June 1984, President Reagan announced a new NASA program, Operation Liftoff. For more than 25 years NASA has pioneered on the cutting edge of science and technology and has stimulated our young people to strive for excellence in all they do. This program is designed to encourage pupils in the nation's elementary schools to take a greater interest in mathematics and science. Areas addressed include: food, clothing, health, housing, communication, and working in space.

Aquifer thermal energy storage program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fox, K.

1980-01-01

The purpose of the Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage Demonstration Program is to stimulate the interest of industry by demonstrating the feasibility of using a geological formation for seasonal thermal energy storage, thereby, reducing crude oil consumption, minimizing thermal pollution, and significantly reducing utility capital investments required to account for peak power requirements. This purpose will be served if several diverse projects can be operated which will demonstrate the technical, economic, environmental, and institutional feasibility of aquifer thermal energy storage systems.

Flexible merit pay for faculty.

PubMed

Allcorn, S

1986-01-01

Faculty and administrators of medical schools should not depend only upon customary forms of salary administration. Many medical schools and departments set salaries in a manner contrary to the principal mission of the institution. In this approach, the author proposes a versatile, flexible, and cost-effective salary merit pay program. The system not only follows the mission of the institution, it also allows for a stimulating assortment of pay opportunities, and promotes productivity since the faculty members actively design their own programs.

Data principles for the U.S. Global Change Research Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ludwig, George H.; Shaffer, Lisa R.

1991-01-01

The U.S. Interagency Working Group on Data Management for Global Change has developed a set of data management and access principles. The overall purpose of these statements of principle is to stimulate responsible stewardship for data and related information and to facilitate full and open access to them. These statements have been accepted by the U.S. Agencies responsible for the Global Change Research Program. The statements of principle are presented and discussed.

Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Particulate and CDOM in the Mississippi River Bight (MRB) from Optical Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

D'Sa, Eurico; Miller, Richard; DelCastillo, Carlos

2004-01-01

NASA's projects for the Mississippi River Coastal Margin Study include Mississippi River Interdisciplinary Research (MiRIR) and NASA Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). These projects, undertaken with the help of Tulane University and the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) sampled water in the Gulf of Mexico to measure colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM). This viewgraph presentation contains images of each program's sampling strategy and equipment.

Condom-associated erection problems: behavioural responses and attributions in young, heterosexual men

PubMed Central

Hill, Brandon J.; Sanders, Stephanie A.; Crosby, Richard A.; Ingelhart, Kara N.; Janssen, Erick

2015-01-01

Background Previous studies have associated men who experience condom-associated erection problems (CAEP) with incomplete condom use and/or foregoing using condoms altogether. However, how men respond to CAEP and what they attribute CAEP to, remains unclear. Understanding young men's CAEP responses and attributions could help improve sexually transmissible infections (STI)/HIV prevention programs and interventions. Methods Behavioural responses to, and attributions for, CAEP during application (CAEP-Application) and/or during penile-vaginal intercourse (CAEP-PVI) were reported using an online questionnaire by 295 young, heterosexual men (aged 18–24 years) who were recruited via social media websites and university Listservs across major cities in the Midwestern USA. Results Behavioural responses to CAEP-Application included receiving oral or manual stimulation, stimulating a partner, self-stimulation, foregoing condom use and applying the condom after starting intercourse. Attributions for CAEP-Application included: distraction, fit and feel problems, application taking too long and having consumed too much alcohol. Behavioural responses to CAEP-PVI included increasing the intensity of intercourse, removing the condom to receive oral or manual stimulation and removing condom and continuing intercourse. Attributions for CAEP-PVI included: lack of sensation, taking too long to orgasm, not being ‘turned on’ enough, fit and feel problems and partner-related factors. Conclusions Men who report CAEP respond with both STI/HIV risk-reducing and potentially risk-increasing behaviours (e.g. forgoing condom use). Men attribute their experiences to a wide range of individual- and partner-level factors. Addressing men's CAEP behavioural responses and attributions may increase the efficacious value of condom programs and STI/HIV prevention interventions – particularly among men who experience CAEP. PMID:26166025

Multicentre investigation on electrically evoked compound action potential and stapedius reflex: how do these objective measures relate to implant programming parameters?

PubMed

Van Den Abbeele, Thierry; Noël-Petroff, Nathalie; Akin, Istemihan; Caner, Gül; Olgun, Levent; Guiraud, Jeanne; Truy, Eric; Attias, Josef; Raveh, Eyal; Belgin, Erol; Sennaroglu, Gonca; Basta, Dietmar; Ernst, Arneborg; Martini, Alessandro; Rosignoli, Monica; Levi, Haya; Elidan, Joseph; Benghalem, Abdelhamid; Amstutz-Montadert, Isabelle; Lerosey, Yannick; De Vel, Eddy; Dhooge, Ingeborg; Hildesheimer, Minka; Kronenberg, Jona; Arnold, Laure

2012-02-01

The aims of this study were to collect data on electrically evoked compound action potential (eCAP) and electrically evoked stapedius reflex thresholds (eSRT) in HiResolution(TM) cochlear implant (CI) users, and to explore the relationships between these objective measures and behavioural measures of comfort levels (M-levels). A prospective study on newly implanted subjects was designed. The eCAP was measured intra-operatively and at first fitting through neural response imaging (NRI), using the SoundWave(TM) fitting software. The eSRT was measured intra-operatively by visual monitoring of the stapes, using both single-electrode stimulation and speech bursts (four electrodes stimulated at the same time). Measures of M-levels were performed according to standard clinical practice and collected at first fitting, 3 and 6 months of CI use. One hundred seventeen subjects from 14 centres, all implanted unilaterally with a HiResolution CII Bionic Ear(®) or HiRes 90K(®), were included in the study. Speech burst stimulation elicited a significantly higher eSRT success rate than single-electrode stimulation, 84 vs. 64% respectively. The NRI success rate was 81% intra-operatively, significantly increasing to 96% after 6 months. Fitting guidelines were defined on the basis of a single NRI measurement. Correlations, analysis of variance, and multiple regression analysis were applied to generate a predictive model for the M-levels. Useful insights were produced into the behaviour of objective measures according to time, electrode location, and fitting parameters. They may usefully assist in programming the CI when no reliable feedback is obtained through standard behavioural procedures.

Interactive Light Stimulus Generation with High Performance Real-Time Image Processing and Simple Scripting

PubMed Central

Szécsi, László; Kacsó, Ágota; Zeck, Günther; Hantz, Péter

2017-01-01

Light stimulation with precise and complex spatial and temporal modulation is demanded by a series of research fields like visual neuroscience, optogenetics, ophthalmology, and visual psychophysics. We developed a user-friendly and flexible stimulus generating framework (GEARS GPU-based Eye And Retina Stimulation Software), which offers access to GPU computing power, and allows interactive modification of stimulus parameters during experiments. Furthermore, it has built-in support for driving external equipment, as well as for synchronization tasks, via USB ports. The use of GEARS does not require elaborate programming skills. The necessary scripting is visually aided by an intuitive interface, while the details of the underlying software and hardware components remain hidden. Internally, the software is a C++/Python hybrid using OpenGL graphics. Computations are performed on the GPU, and are defined in the GLSL shading language. However, all GPU settings, including the GPU shader programs, are automatically generated by GEARS. This is configured through a method encountered in game programming, which allows high flexibility: stimuli are straightforwardly composed using a broad library of basic components. Stimulus rendering is implemented solely in C++, therefore intermediary libraries for interfacing could be omitted. This enables the program to perform computationally demanding tasks like en-masse random number generation or real-time image processing by local and global operations. PMID:29326579