Sample records for study area received

  1. Jackknife variance of the partial area under the empirical receiver operating characteristic curve.

    PubMed

    Bandos, Andriy I; Guo, Ben; Gur, David

    2017-04-01

    Receiver operating characteristic analysis provides an important methodology for assessing traditional (e.g., imaging technologies and clinical practices) and new (e.g., genomic studies, biomarker development) diagnostic problems. The area under the clinically/practically relevant part of the receiver operating characteristic curve (partial area or partial area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) is an important performance index summarizing diagnostic accuracy at multiple operating points (decision thresholds) that are relevant to actual clinical practice. A robust estimate of the partial area under the receiver operating characteristic curve is provided by the area under the corresponding part of the empirical receiver operating characteristic curve. We derive a closed-form expression for the jackknife variance of the partial area under the empirical receiver operating characteristic curve. Using the derived analytical expression, we investigate the differences between the jackknife variance and a conventional variance estimator. The relative properties in finite samples are demonstrated in a simulation study. The developed formula enables an easy way to estimate the variance of the empirical partial area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, thereby substantially reducing the computation burden, and provides important insight into the structure of the variability. We demonstrate that when compared with the conventional approach, the jackknife variance has substantially smaller bias, and leads to a more appropriate type I error rate of the Wald-type test. The use of the jackknife variance is illustrated in the analysis of a data set from a diagnostic imaging study.

  2. [Study on effects of community-based management of hypertension patients aged ≥35 years and influencing factors in urban and rural areas of China, 2010].

    PubMed

    Zeng, X Y; Zhang, M; Li, Y C; Huang, Z J; Wang, L M

    2016-05-01

    To understand the effects of standardized community-based management of hypertension in urban and rural areas in China and related influencing factors. The study subjects were the hypertension patients aged ≥35 years who were recruited in 2011 from the participants of 2010 national chronic and non-communicable disease surveillance project. The hypertension patients were diagnosed in community health centers or higher level hospitals and included in community based hypertension management project. By face-to-face questionnaire survey and health examination, the information of the subjects' demographic characteristics, risk factors, complications, involvement in community-based management of hypertension, anti-hypertension treatment, blood pressure, body height, waistline and body weight were collected. In this study, Rao-Scott χ(2) test was used to compare the variations among sub-groups. Taylor series linearization method was used to estimate the prevalence rate. The complex sampling and unconditional multivariate logistics regression analysis was conducted to identify the influencing factors for the control of hypertension. A total of 5 120 subjects were recruited in the analysis. The proportion of those receiving management for more than two years was 36.57%, and it was higher in urban area(44.56%)than in rural area(31.79%, P<0.05); In the past 12 months, 6.17% and 14.46% of the patients received no blood pressure measurement and drug therapy advice respectively, but there were no significant differences between urban group and rural group(P>0.05); In the past 12 months, the proportions of the patients receiving diet and physical activity advice were 84.25% and 84.90% respectively, and the proportions were higher in urban group than in rural group(P<0.05); In the past 12 months, the proportions of the subjects receiving tobacco and alcohol use advice were 78.41% and 77.80% respectively, and the proportions were higher in rural group than in urban group(P<0.05). In urban area, the subjects receiving standardized management had lower SBP(142.79±17.39)mmHg, lower DBP(84.26±9.49)mmHg and higher blood pressure control rate(49.77%)than those receiving no standardized management(P<0.05); while in rural area, no difference was found in BP control between the patients receiving and receiving no standardized management(P>0.05). In urban area, the influencing factors for BP control among the subjects receiving community based management were educational level, annual income, body weight, hypertension management mode, times of receiving BP measurement, times of receiving antihypertensive medicine advice and receiving physical activity advice; while in rural area, the influencing factors for BP control among the subjects receiving community based management were annual income, body weight, family history of hypertension, antihypertensive medicine awareness, times of receiving antihypertensive medicine advice and receiving diet advice. The effects of community-based standardized management of hypertension were better in urban area than in rural area, and the quality of the services of community-based hypertension management was lower in rural area than in urban area.

  3. Shuttle GPS R/PA evaluation analysis and performance tradeoff study

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Booth, R. W. D.; Lindsey, W. C.

    1978-01-01

    Primary responsibility was understanding and analyzing the various GPS receiver functions as they relate to the shuttle environment. These receiver functions included acquisition properties of the sequential detector, acquisition and tracking properties of the various receiver phase locked loops, and the techniques of sequential receiver operation. In addition to these areas, support was provided in the areas of oscillator stability requirements, antenna management, and navigation filter requirements, including preposition aiding.

  4. Receiver design, performance analysis, and evaluation for space-borne laser altimeters and space-to-space laser ranging systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Davidson, Frederic M.; Sun, Xiaoli; Field, Christopher T.

    1994-01-01

    Accomplishments in the following areas of research are presented: receiver performance study of spaceborne laser altimeters and cloud and aerosol lidars; receiver performance analysis for space-to-space laser ranging systems; and receiver performance study for the Mars Environmental Survey (MESUR).

  5. Contrasting Patterns of Cortical Input to Architectural Subdivisions of the Area 8 Complex: A Retrograde Tracing Study in Marmoset Monkeys

    PubMed Central

    Reser, David H.; Burman, Kathleen J.; Yu, Hsin-Hao; Chaplin, Tristan A.; Richardson, Karyn E.; Worthy, Katrina H.; Rosa, Marcello G.P.

    2013-01-01

    Contemporary studies recognize 3 distinct cytoarchitectural and functional areas within the Brodmann area 8 complex, in the caudal prefrontal cortex: 8b, 8aD, and 8aV. Here, we report on the quantitative characteristics of the cortical projections to these areas, using injections of fluorescent tracers in marmoset monkeys. Area 8b was distinct from both 8aD and 8aV due to its connections with medial prefrontal, anterior cingulate, superior temporal polysensory, and ventral midline/retrosplenial areas. In contrast, areas 8aD and 8aV received the bulk of the projections from posterior parietal cortex and dorsal midline areas. In the frontal lobe, area 8aV received projections primarily from ventrolateral areas, while both 8aD and 8b received dense inputs from areas on the dorsolateral surface. Whereas area 8aD received the most significant auditory projections, these were relatively sparse, in comparison with those previously reported in macaques. Finally, area 8aV was distinct from both 8aD and 8b by virtue of its widespread input from the extrastriate visual areas. These results are compatible with a homologous organization of the prefrontal cortex in New and Old World monkeys, and suggest significant parallels between the present pathways, revealed by tract-tracing, and networks revealed by functional connectivity analysis in Old World monkeys and humans. PMID:22735155

  6. Thalamic connections of the core auditory cortex and rostral supratemporal plane in the macaque monkey.

    PubMed

    Scott, Brian H; Saleem, Kadharbatcha S; Kikuchi, Yukiko; Fukushima, Makoto; Mishkin, Mortimer; Saunders, Richard C

    2017-11-01

    In the primate auditory cortex, information flows serially in the mediolateral dimension from core, to belt, to parabelt. In the caudorostral dimension, stepwise serial projections convey information through the primary, rostral, and rostrotemporal (AI, R, and RT) core areas on the supratemporal plane, continuing to the rostrotemporal polar area (RTp) and adjacent auditory-related areas of the rostral superior temporal gyrus (STGr) and temporal pole. In addition to this cascade of corticocortical connections, the auditory cortex receives parallel thalamocortical projections from the medial geniculate nucleus (MGN). Previous studies have examined the projections from MGN to auditory cortex, but most have focused on the caudal core areas AI and R. In this study, we investigated the full extent of connections between MGN and AI, R, RT, RTp, and STGr using retrograde and anterograde anatomical tracers. Both AI and R received nearly 90% of their thalamic inputs from the ventral subdivision of the MGN (MGv; the primary/lemniscal auditory pathway). By contrast, RT received only ∼45% from MGv, and an equal share from the dorsal subdivision (MGd). Area RTp received ∼25% of its inputs from MGv, but received additional inputs from multisensory areas outside the MGN (30% in RTp vs. 1-5% in core areas). The MGN input to RTp distinguished this rostral extension of auditory cortex from the adjacent auditory-related cortex of the STGr, which received 80% of its thalamic input from multisensory nuclei (primarily medial pulvinar). Anterograde tracers identified complementary descending connections by which highly processed auditory information may modulate thalamocortical inputs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  7. Reconnaissance Assessment of the Potential for Roadside Dry Wells to Affect Water Quality on the Island of Hawai'i

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Izuka, Scot K.; Senter, Craig A.; Johnson, Adam G.

    2009-01-01

    The County of Hawai'i Department of Public Works (DPW) uses dry wells to dispose of stormwater runoff from roads. Recently, concern has been raised that water entering the dry wells may transport contaminants to groundwater and affect the quality of receiving waters. The DPW operates 2,052 dry wells. Compiling an inventory of these dry wells and sorting it on the basis of presence or absence of urbanization in the drainage area, distance between the bottom of the dry well and the water table, and proximity to receiving waters helps identify the dry wells having greatest potential to affect the quality of receiving waters so that future studies or mitigation efforts can focus on a smaller number of dry wells. The drainage areas of some DPW dry wells encompass urbanized areas, which could be a source of contaminants. Some dry wells penetrate close to or through the water table, eliminating or substantially reducing opportunities for contaminant attenuation between the ground surface and water table. Dry wells that have drainage areas that encompass urbanization, penetrate to near the water table, and are near the coast have the highest potential to affect the quality of coastal waters (this study did not consider specific sections of coastline that may be of greater concern than others). Some DPW dry wells, including a few that have drainage areas that encompass urbanization, lie within the areas contributing recharge (ACR) to drinking-water wells. Numerical groundwater modeling studies by previous investigators indicate that water infiltrating those dry wells could eventually be pumped at drinking-water wells. Dry wells that have a high potential for affecting coastal receiving waters or drinking-water wells can be the focus of studies to further understand the effect of the dry wells on the quality of receiving waters. Possible study approaches include sampling for contaminants at the dry well and receiving water, injecting and monitoring the movement of tracers, and numerical modeling. To fully assess whether dry wells actually pose a significant contamination threat to receiving waters, results from modeling or monitoring must be compared to limits for contaminant concentration at receiving waters. These limits are usually established by the agencies tasked with protecting those waters.

  8. FISH TISSUE QUALITY IN NEAR-COASTAL AREAS OF THE GULF OF MEXICO RECEIVING POINT SOURCE DISCHARGES

    EPA Science Inventory

    The objective of this study was to determine inorganic and organic contaminant concentrations in edible tissue of fish collected from eight coastal areas receiving wastewater discharges and from two reference locations. Trace metal residues were statistically similar regardless o...

  9. Disparities in the Initial Local Treatment of Older Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Study.

    PubMed

    LeMasters, Traci J; Madhavan, Suresh S; Sambamoorthi, Usha; Vyas, Ami M

    2017-07-01

    Although breast cancer is most prevalent among older women, the majority are diagnosed at an early stage. When diagnosed at an early stage, women have the option of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) plus radiation therapy (RT) or mastectomy for the treatment of early-stage breast cancer (ESBC). Omission of RT when receiving BCS increases the risk for recurrence and poor survival. Yet, a small subset of older women may omit RT after BCS. This study examines the current patterns of local treatment for ESBC among older women. This study conducted a retrospective observational analysis using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked dataset of women age ≥66 diagnosed with stage I-II breast cancer in 2003-2009. SEER-Medicare data was additionally linked with data from the Area Resource File (ARF) to examine the association between area-level healthcare resources and treatment. Two logistic regression models were used to estimate how study factors were associated with receiving (1) BCS versus BCS+RT and (2) Mastectomy versus BCS+RT. A stratified analysis was also conducted among women aged <70 years. Among 45,924 patients, 55% received BCS+RT, 23% received mastectomy, and 22% received BCS only. Women of increasing age, comorbidity, primary care provider visits, stage II disease, and nonwhite race were more likely to have mastectomy or BCS only, than BCS+RT. Women diagnosed in 2004-2006, treated by an oncology surgeon, residing in metro areas, areas of greater education and income, were less likely to receive mastectomy or BCS only, than BCS+RT. While women aged <70 years were more likely to receive BCS+RT, socioeconomic and physician specialties were associated with receiving BCS only. Over half of older women with ESBC initially receive BCS+RT. The likelihood for mastectomy and BCS only increases with age, comorbidity, and vulnerable socio-demographic characteristics. Findings demonstrate continued treatment disparities among certain vulnerable populations.

  10. Literacy Coaching: Middle School Academic Achievement and Teacher Perceptions Regarding Content Area Literacy Strategy Instruction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Edwards, Anjell H.; Neill, Patricia; Faust, Phyllis B.

    2015-01-01

    This study examined differences in perceptions of content area teachers receiving literacy coaching and teachers receiving no literacy coaching regarding implementation of literacy instruction. It also examined student achievement on standardized tests relative to literacy coaching. A survey measured teachers' perceptions regarding their…

  11. Optimization of MLS receivers for multipath environments

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mcalpine, G. A.; Highfill, J. H., III

    1979-01-01

    The angle tracking problems in microwave landing system receivers along with a receiver design capable of optimal performance in the multipath environments found in air terminal areas were studied. Included were various theoretical and evaluative studies like: (1) signal model development; (2) derivation of optimal receiver structures; and (3) development and use of computer simulations for receiver algorithm evaluation. The development of an experimental receiver for flight testing is presented. An overview of the work and summary of principal results and conclusions are reported.

  12. 34 CFR 656.2 - Who is eligible to receive a grant?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTERS PROGRAM FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND AREA STUDIES OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES General § 656.2 Who is eligible to receive a grant? An...

  13. 34 CFR 656.2 - Who is eligible to receive a grant?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTERS PROGRAM FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND AREA STUDIES OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES General § 656.2 Who is eligible to receive a grant? An...

  14. Optimization of insulation of a linear Fresnel collector

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ardekani, Mohammad Moghimi; Craig, Ken J.; Meyer, Josua P.

    2017-06-01

    This study presents a simulation based optimization study of insulation around the cavity receiver of a Linear Fresnel Collector. This optimization study focuses on minimizing heat losses from a cavity receiver (maximizing plant thermal efficiency), while minimizing insulation cross-sectional area (minimizing material cost and cavity dead load), which leads to a cheaper and thermally more efficient LFC cavity receiver.

  15. 47 CFR 54.807 - Interstate access universal service support.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... supported service within the study area of a price cap local exchange carrier shall receive Interstate Access Universal Service Support for each line that it serves within that study area. (b) In any study... Service Support Per Line by dividing Study Area Access Universal Service Support by twelve times all...

  16. Solar receiver performance of point focusing collector system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wu, Y. C.; Wen, L. C.

    1978-01-01

    The solar receiver performance of cavity receivers and external receivers used in dispersed solar power systems was evaluated for the temperature range 300-1300 C. Several parameters of receiver and concentrator are examined. It was found that cavity receivers are generally more efficient than external receivers, especially at high temperatures which require a large heat transfer area. The effects of variation in the ratio of receiver area to aperture area are considered.

  17. Areas Nacionales de Estudio Ambiental: Una Guia. (National Environmental Study Area: A Guide).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Park Service (Dept. of Interior), Washington, DC.

    This booklet, the Spanish version of SE 014 817, is a guide for teachers and resource managers who are interested in establishing National Environmental Study Areas (NESA) or interested in receiving NESA recognition for their on-going environmental study area programs. It outlines the characteristics and procedures of the program; the nature,…

  18. Timing and Characteristics of Cumulative Evidence Available on Novel Therapeutic Agents Receiving Food and Drug Administration Accelerated Approval.

    PubMed

    Naci, Huseyin; Wouters, Olivier J; Gupta, Radhika; Ioannidis, John P A

    2017-06-01

    Policy Points: Randomized trials-the gold standard of evaluating effectiveness-constitute a small minority of existing evidence on agents given accelerated approval. One-third of randomized trials are in therapeutic areas outside of FDA approval and less than half evaluate the therapeutic benefits of these agents but use them instead as common backbone treatments. Agents receiving accelerated approval are often tested concurrently in several therapeutic areas. For most agents, no substantial time lag is apparent between the average start dates of randomized trials evaluating their effectiveness and those using them as part of background therapies. There appears to be a tendency for therapeutic agents receiving accelerated approval to quickly become an integral component of standard treatment, despite potential shortcomings in their evidence base. Therapeutic agents treating serious conditions are eligible for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accelerated approval. The clinical evidence accrued on agents receiving accelerated approval has not been systematically evaluated. Our objective was to assess the timing and characteristics of available studies. We first identified clinical studies of novel therapeutic agents receiving accelerated approval. We then (1) categorized those studies as randomized or nonrandomized, (2) explored whether they evaluated the FDA-approved indications, and (3) documented the available treatment comparisons. We also meta-analyzed the difference in start times between randomized studies that (1) did or did not evaluate approved indications and (2) were or were not designed to evaluate the agent's effectiveness. In total, 37 novel therapeutic agents received accelerated approval between 2000 and 2013. Our search of ClinicalTrials.gov identified 7,757 studies, which included 1,258,315 participants. Only one-third of identified studies were randomized controlled trials. Of 1,631 randomized trials with advanced recruitment status, 906 were conducted in therapeutic areas for which agents received initial accelerated approval, 202 were in supplemental indications, and 523 were outside approved indications. Only 411 out of 906 (45.4%) trials were designed to test the effectiveness of agents that received accelerated approval ("evaluation" trials); others used these agents as common background treatment in both arms ("background" trials). There was no detectable lag between average start times of trials conducted within and outside initially approved indications. Evaluation trials started on average 1.52 years (95% CI: 0.87 to 2.17) earlier than background trials. Cumulative evidence on agents with accelerated approvals has major limitations. Most clinical studies including these agents are small and nonrandomized, and about a third are conducted in unapproved areas, typically concurrently with those conducted in approved areas. Most randomized trials including these therapeutic agents are not designed to directly evaluate their clinical benefits but to incorporate them as standard treatment. © 2017 Milbank Memorial Fund.

  19. Pre-travel advice concerning vector-borne diseases received by travelers prior to visiting Cuzco, Peru.

    PubMed

    Mejia, Christian R; Centeno, Emperatriz; Cruz, Briggitte; Cvetkovic-Vega, Aleksandar; Delgado, Edison; Rodriguez-Morales, Alfonso J

    2016-01-01

    Peru is an increasingly popular tourist destination that poses a risk to travelers due to endemic vector-borne diseases (VBDs). The objective of our study was to determine which factors are associated with receiving pre-travel advice (PTA) for VBDs among travelers visiting Cuzco, Peru. A cross-sectional secondary analysis based on data from a survey among travelers departing Cuzco at Alejandro Velazco Astete International Airport during the period January-March 2012 was conducted. From the 1819 travelers included in the original study, 1717 were included in secondary data analysis. Of these participants, 42.2% received PTA and 2.9% were informed about vector-borne diseases, including yellow fever (1.8%), malaria (1.6%) and dengue fever (0.1%). Receiving information on VBDs was associated with visiting areas endemic to yellow fever and dengue fever in Peru. The only disease travelers received specific recommendations for before visiting an endemic area for was yellow fever. Only 1 in 30 tourists received information on VBD prevention; few of those who traveled to an endemic area were warned about specific risks for infectious diseases prior to their trip. These important findings show that most tourists who travel to Peru do not receive PTA for the prevention of infectious and VBD, which can affect not only the travelers but their countries of origin as well. Copyright © 2015 King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Life cycle assessment of water supply alternatives in water-receiving areas of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in China.

    PubMed

    Li, Yi; Xiong, Wei; Zhang, Wenlong; Wang, Chao; Wang, Peifang

    2016-02-01

    To alleviate the water shortage in northern China, the Chinese government launched the world's largest water diversion project, the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (SNWDP), which delivers water from water-sufficient southern China to water-deficient northern China. However, an up-to-date study has not been conducted to determine whether the project is a favorable option to augment the water supply from an environmental perspective. The life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology integrated with a freshwater withdrawal category (FWI) was adopted to compare water supply alternatives in the water-receiving areas of the SNWDP, i.e., water diversion, wastewater reclamation and seawater desalination. Beijing, Tianjin, Jinan and Qingdao were studied as representative cities because they are the primary water-receiving areas of the SNWDP. The results revealed that the operation phase played the dominant role in all but one of the life cycle impact categories considered and contributed to more than 70% of their scores. For Beijing and Tianjin, receiving water through the SNWDP is the most sustainable option to augment the water supply. The result can be drawn in all of the water-receiving areas of the middle route of the SNWDP. For Jinan and Qingdao, the most sustainable option is the wastewater reclamation system. The seawater desalination system obtains the highest score of the standard impact indicators in all of the study areas, whereas it is the most favorable water supply option when considering the freshwater withdrawal impact. Although the most sustainable water supply alternative was recommended through an LCA analysis, multi-water resources should be integrated into the region's water supply from the perspective of water sustainability. The results of this study provide a useful recommendation on the management of water resources for China. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Spread Spectrum Receiver Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Test Guide

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wheeler, Mark L.

    1998-01-01

    This program consisted of: (1) a study to define appropriate EMI test guidelines and test methods for direct sequence (DS) spread spectrum receivers; and (2) preparation of a written test guide to document the recommended test methods. The scope of this test guide includes: (1) a discussion of generic DS receiver performance characteristics; (2) a summary of S-band TDRSS receiver operation; (3) a discussion of DS receiver EMI susceptibility mechanisms and characteristics; (4) a summary of military standard test guidelines; (5) recommended test approach and methods; and (6) general conclusions and recommendations for future studies in the area of spread spectrum receiver testing.

  2. IDENTIFICATION OF SEDIMENT SOURCE AREAS WITHIN A WATERSHED

    EPA Science Inventory

    Identification of sediment source areas is crucial for designing proper abatement strategies that reduce sediment and associated contaminant loading to receiving water downstream. In this study, two methodologies were developed to identify the source areas and their relative stre...

  3. Modular fuel-cell stack assembly

    DOEpatents

    Patel, Pinakin

    2010-07-13

    A fuel cell assembly having a plurality of fuel cells arranged in a stack. An end plate assembly abuts the fuel cell at an end of said stack. The end plate assembly has an inlet area adapted to receive an exhaust gas from the stack, an outlet area and a passage connecting the inlet area and outlet area and adapted to carry the exhaust gas received at the inlet area from the inlet area to the outlet area. A further end plate assembly abuts the fuel cell at a further opposing end of the stack. The further end plate assembly has a further inlet area adapted to receive a further exhaust gas from the stack, a further outlet area and a further passage connecting the further inlet area and further outlet area and adapted to carry the further exhaust gas received at the further inlet area from the further inlet area to the further outlet area.

  4. A comparative study of optical concentrators for visible light communications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mulyawan, Rahmat; Gomez, Ariel; Chun, Hyunchae; Rajbhandari, Sujan; Manousiadis, Pavlos P.; Vithanage, Dimali A.; Faulkner, Grahame; Turnbull, Graham A.; Samuel, Ifor D. W.; Collins, Stephen; O'Brien, Dominic

    2017-01-01

    Given the imminent radio frequency spectrum crunch, Visible Light Communication (VLC) is being proposed as an alternative wireless technology allowing for scalable connectivity to potentially millions of mobile and Internet-of- Things (IoT) devices. A VLC system uses a photo-detector (PD) receiver that converts the optically modulated light from a light source into a modulated electrical signal. The corresponding receiver electrical bandwidth is typically inversely proportional to the PD active area. Consequently, to construct a high-speed VLC link, the PD active area is often substantially reduced and an optical concentrator is used to enhance the receiver collection area. However, to achieve high concentrating factor, the link field-of-view (FOV) needs to be narrow due to the étendue conservation in linear passive optical systems. This paper studies a Fluorescent Concentrator (FC) that breaks this étendue conservation. The FC is not only based on reflective and refractive principles but also makes use of fluorescence process. A comparison between the FC and conventional optical concentrators, namely Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC) is also investigated. The trade-off between received signal strength and incoming link angle is demonstrated over 60° coverage. Experimental results show that performance degradation as the link angle increases using FC-based receivers is significantly lower than for conventional CPC.

  5. The attenuation of microorganisms in on-site wastewater effluent discharged into highly permeable subsoils

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    O'Luanaigh, N. D.; Gill, L. W.; Misstear, B. D. R.; Johnston, P. M.

    2012-11-01

    An extensive field study on percolation areas receiving both septic tank and secondary treated on-site effluents from single houses in Ireland was carried out to investigate the attenuation capacity of highly permeable subsoils with respect to E. coli bacteria and spiked bacteriophages (MS2, ΦX174 and PR772). The development of biomats across the percolation areas receiving the secondary effluent was restricted compared to the percolation area receiving septic tank effluent, promoting a much higher areal hydraulic loading which created significant differences in the potential microbiological loading to groundwater. Greatest E. coli removal in the subsoil occurred within the first 0.35 m of unsaturated subsoil for all effluent types. Analysis showed, however, that more evidence of faecal contamination occurred at depth in the subsoils receiving secondary treated effluents than that receiving septic tank effluent, despite the lower bacterial influent load. All three bacteriophages were reduced to their minimum detection limit (< 10 PFU/mL) at a depth of 0.95 m below the percolation trenches receiving septic tank effluent, although isolated incidences of ΦX174 and PR772 were measured below one trench. However again, slightly higher breakthroughs of MS2 and PR772 contamination were detected at the same depth under the trenches receiving secondary treated effluent.

  6. Zone Nationale D'Etude de L'Environnment: Un Guide (National Environmental Study Area: A Guide).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Park Service (Dept. of Interior), Washington, DC.

    This booklet, the French version of SE 014 817, is a guide for teachers and resource managers who are interested in establishing National Environmental Study Areas (NESA) or interested in receiving NESA recognition for their on-going environmental study area programs. It outlines the characteristics and procedures of the program; the nature,…

  7. Cross-cultural differences in information disclosure evaluated through the EORTC questionnaires.

    PubMed

    Arraras, Juan Ignacio; Greimel, Eva; Chie, Wei-Chu; Sezer, Orhan; Bergenmar, Mia; Costantini, Anna; Young, Teresa; Vlasic, Karin Kuljanic; Velikova, Galina

    2013-02-01

    Informational needs among cancer patients are similar, but the degree of information disclosure in different cultural areas varies. In this paper, we present the results of a cross-cultural study on information received. The EORTC information questionnaire, EORTC QLQ-INFO25, was administered during the treatment process. This questionnaire evaluates the information that patients report they have received. Cross-cultural differences in information have been evaluated using statistical tests such as Kruskall-Wallis and multivariate models with covariates to account for differences in clinical and demographic characteristics across areas. Four hundred and fifty-one patients from three cultural areas, North-Middle Europe, South Europe, and Taiwan, were included in the study. Significant differences among the three cultural areas appeared in eight QLQ-INFO25 dimensions: information about the disease; medical tests; places of care; written information; information on CD/tape/video; satisfaction; wish for more information; and information helpfulness. North-Middle Europe patients received more written information (mean = 67.2 (North) and 33.8 (South)) and South Europe patients received more information on different places of care (mean = 24.7 (North) and 35.0 (South)). Patients from North-Middle Europe and South Europe received more information than patients from Taiwan about the disease (mean = 57.9, 60.6, and 47.1, respectively) and medical tests (70.9, 70.4, and 54.5), showed more satisfaction (64.8, 70.2, and 35.0), and considered the information more helpful (71.9, 73.9, and 50.4). These results were confirmed when adjusting for age, education, and disease stage. There are cross-cultural differences in information received. Some of these differences are based on the characteristics of each culture. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  8. Streak camera receiver definition study

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Johnson, C. B.; Hunkler, L. T., Sr.; Letzring, S. A.; Jaanimagi, P.

    1990-01-01

    Detailed streak camera definition studies were made as a first step toward full flight qualification of a dual channel picosecond resolution streak camera receiver for the Geoscience Laser Altimeter and Ranging System (GLRS). The streak camera receiver requirements are discussed as they pertain specifically to the GLRS system, and estimates of the characteristics of the streak camera are given, based upon existing and near-term technological capabilities. Important problem areas are highlighted, and possible corresponding solutions are discussed.

  9. Stimulation targeting higher motor areas in stroke rehabilitation: A proof-of-concept, randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study of effectiveness and underlying mechanisms

    PubMed Central

    Cunningham, David A.; Varnerin, Nicole; Machado, Andre; Bonnett, Corin; Janini, Daniel; Roelle, Sarah; Potter-Baker, Kelsey; Sankarasubramanian, Vishwanath; Wang, Xiaofeng; Yue, Guang; Plow, Ela B.

    2016-01-01

    Purpose To demonstrate, in a proof-of-concept study, whether potentiating ipsilesional higher motor areas (premotor cortex and supplementary motor area) augments and accelerates recovery associated with constraint induced movement. Methods In a randomized, double-blinded pilot clinical study, 12 patients with chronic stroke were assigned to receive anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) (n = 6) or sham (n = 6) to the ipsilesional higher motor areas during constraint-induced movement therapy. We assessed functional and neurophysiologic outcomes before and after 5 weeks of therapy. Results Only patients receiving tDCS demonstrated gains in function and dexterity. Gains were accompanied by an increase in excitability of the contralesional rather than the ipsilesional hemisphere. Conclusions Our proof-of-concept study provides early evidence that stimulating higher motor areas can help recruit the contralesional hemisphere in an adaptive role in cases of greater ipsilesional injury. Whether this early evidence of promise translates to remarkable gains in functional recovery compared to existing approaches of stimulation remains to be confirmed in large-scale clinical studies that can reasonably dissociate stimulation of higher motor areas from that of the traditional primary motor cortices. PMID:26484700

  10. 34 CFR 662.3 - Who is eligible to receive a fellowship under this program?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... RESEARCH ABROAD FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM General § 662.3 Who is eligible to receive a fellowship under this..., is admitted to candidacy in a doctoral degree program in modern foreign languages and area studies at...

  11. 34 CFR 662.3 - Who is eligible to receive a fellowship under this program?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... RESEARCH ABROAD FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM General § 662.3 Who is eligible to receive a fellowship under this..., is admitted to candidacy in a doctoral degree program in modern foreign languages and area studies at...

  12. 34 CFR 662.3 - Who is eligible to receive a fellowship under this program?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... RESEARCH ABROAD FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM General § 662.3 Who is eligible to receive a fellowship under this..., is admitted to candidacy in a doctoral degree program in modern foreign languages and area studies at...

  13. 34 CFR 662.3 - Who is eligible to receive a fellowship under this program?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... RESEARCH ABROAD FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM General § 662.3 Who is eligible to receive a fellowship under this..., is admitted to candidacy in a doctoral degree program in modern foreign languages and area studies at...

  14. 34 CFR 662.3 - Who is eligible to receive a fellowship under this program?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... RESEARCH ABROAD FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM General § 662.3 Who is eligible to receive a fellowship under this..., is admitted to candidacy in a doctoral degree program in modern foreign languages and area studies at...

  15. Distribution and mass loss of volatile organic compounds in the surficial aquifer at sites FT03, LF13, and WP14/LF15, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, November 2000-February 2001

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Barbaro, Jeffrey R.; Neupane, Pradumna P.

    2002-01-01

    Ground-water and surface-water sampling was conducted in the natural attenuation study area in the East Management Unit of Dover Air Force Base, Delaware to determine the distributions of volatile organic compounds in the vicinity of four sites?Fire Training Area Three, the Rubble Area Landfill, the Receiver Station Landfill, and the Liquid Waste Disposal Landfill. This work was done by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force, as part of an ongoing assessment of the effectiveness of natural attenuation at these sites. The specific objectives of the study were to (1) determine the areal and vertical extent of the contaminant plumes and source areas, (2) measure volatile organic compound concentrations in ground-water discharge areas and in surface water under base-flow conditions, (3) evaluate the potential for off-site migration of the mapped plumes, and (4) estimate the amount of mass loss downgradient of the Liquid Waste Disposal and Receiver Station Landfills. A direct-push drill rig and previously installed multi-level piezometers were used to determine the three-dimensional distributions of volatile organic compounds in the 30?60-foot-thick surficial aquifer underlying the natural attenuation study area. A hand -driven mini-piezometer was used to collect ground-water samples in ground-water discharge areas. A total of 319 ground-water and 4 surface-water samples were collected from November 2000 to February 2001 and analyzed for chlorinated solvents and fuel hydrocarbons. The contaminant plumes migrating from Fire Training Area Three and the Rubble Area Landfill are approximately 500 feet and 800 feet, respectively, in length. These plumes consist predominantly of cis-1,2-dichloroethene, a daughter product, indicating that extensive dechlorination of tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene has occurred at these sites. With an approximate length of 2,200 feet, the plume migrating from the Receiver Station and Liquid Waste Disposal Landfills is the largest of the three plumes in the East Management Unit. In this plume, the parent compounds, tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene, as well as cis-1,2-dichloroethene, are present downgradient of the source. Vinyl chloride was not detected in the natural attenuation study area. Vertical water-quality profiles indicate that volatile organic compounds are present mainly in the upper part of the surficial aquifer. Plumes of fuel hydrocarbon constituents were not detected in the natural attenuation study area. Volatile organic compounds were present at concentrations above detection limits in 6 of 14 samples collected from the aquifer underlying the bed of Pipe Elm Branch and the drainage ditch adjacent to Fire Training Area Three, indicating that the plumes migrating from Fire Training Area Three and the Receiver Station and Liquid Waste Disposal Landfills are reaching these ground-water discharge areas. In contrast, sampling results indicated that the plume from the Rubble Area Landfill does not reach these ground-water discharge areas. Trichloroethene was present above detection limits in one of four surface-water samples collected from Pipe Elm Branch and the drainage ditch adjacent to Fire Training Area Three. The trichloroethene concentration is below applicable Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control surface-water-quality standards for human health. An assessment of chlorinated-solvent mass loss in the plume migrating from the Receiver Station and Liquid Waste Disposal Landfills indicates that tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene mass loss downgradient of the source is negligible. Cis-1,2-dichloroethene, however, appears to biodegrade by an unidentified reaction in the plume. Plan-view maps of the plume migrating from the Receiver Station and Liquid Waste Disposal Landfills indicate that tetrachloroethene, trichloroethene, and cis-1,2-dichloroethene may migrate off Dover Air Force Base property approximately 1,500 f

  16. Effect of Ecuador's cash transfer program (Bono de Desarrollo Humano) on child development in infants and toddlers: a randomized effectiveness trial.

    PubMed

    Fernald, Lia C H; Hidrobo, Melissa

    2011-05-01

    We examined the effects of Ecuador's Bono de Desarrollo Humano (BDH)--an unconditional cash transfer program that was rolled-out using a randomized design--on health and development outcomes in very young children. Communities that were randomly assigned to the treatment group began receiving the BDH in 2004 and those randomly assigned to the comparison group began receiving benefits two years later. Families enrolled in the BDH received a monthly cash stipend ($15USD) representing an approximate 6-10% increase in household income. Participants analyzed in this study are children aged 12-35 months from treatment (n = 797) and comparison (n = 399) communities in rural and urban Ecuador. Main outcomes measured were language skills (the Fundación MacArthur Inventorio del Desarollo de Habilidades Comunicativas-Breve), height-for-age z-score, and hemoglobin concentration. Results indicate that in rural areas, being randomized to receive the BDH in very early childhood led to significantly better performance on the number of words a child was saying, and on the probability that the child was combining two or more words. There were no significant effects on language development for children in urban areas and there were no effects on height-for-age z-score or hemoglobin concentration in rural or urban areas. A limited number of potential pathways with respect to cognitive/language stimulation, health behaviors, and parenting quality were also explored. Findings indicate that compared to children in comparison areas, rural children in treatment areas were more likely to have received vitamin A or iron supplementation and have been bought a toy in the past six months. This study provides evidence for significant benefits of an unconditional cash transfer program for language development in very young children in rural areas. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. The development of a code of practice for single house on-site wastewater treatment in Ireland.

    PubMed

    Gill, L W

    2011-01-01

    The performance of six separate percolation areas was intensively monitored to ascertain the attenuation effects of unsaturated subsoils with respect to on-site wastewater effluent: three sites receiving septic tank effluent, the other three sites receiving secondary treated effluent. The development of a biomat across the percolation areas receiving secondary treated effluent was restricted on these sites compared to those sites receiving septic tank effluent. This created significant differences in terms of the hydraulic loading on the percolation areas with implications for the transport and attenuation of indicator microorganisms and nitrogen down through the subsoils and into the groundwater. The results of this work have formed a large input into the production of a new Code of Practice Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses. This has led to changes in the design of on-site hydraulic loading from 180 L per capita per day (L/c.d) down to 150 L/c.d. The range of acceptable subsoils receiving septic tank effluent has narrowed for more highly permeable subsoils following a series of tracer studies using bacteriophages. However, the range has been extended for lower permeability subsoils (range 0.08 down to 0.06 m/d) receiving secondary treated effluent in order to encourage the effluent to spread further along the trenches. The maximum individual length of percolation trenches receiving secondary effluent has also been reduced to 10 m to encourage dispersion on a wider area. This paper thus highlights how research can directly feed into a Code of Practice.

  18. Tetanus toxoid vaccination coverage and differential between urban and rural areas of Bangladesh.

    PubMed

    Rahman, Mosiur

    2009-04-01

    Government commitment and support from a range of partnerships have led to a massive increase in tetanus toxoid immunization coverage among women of childbearing age, ensuring that both mothers and babies are protected against tetanus infection in Bangladesh. In order to control and eliminate the vaccine preventable diseases it is important to know the vaccination coverage. The major objective of this study is to determine the complete vaccination rate and the predictors that influence vaccination of mothers during pregnancy and to see whether there is any gap lies between the women of urban and rural areas regarding the tetanus toxoid injection receiving. This study utilizes the data extracted from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2004 (BDHS).To meets the objectives this study considers bivariate and multivariate analysis. The study represents that 88 per cent urban mothers and 84 per cent rural mothers receive tetanus toxoid injection during their pregnancy period. Logistic regression model is adjusted by wealth index, mother's age at last birth, education, husband's occupation, ever using contraception, fertility preference, wanted last child, having permission to go to hospital/health center, telling about pregnancy complications and mass media exposure for receiving TT injection. All these explanatory variables come out to be as significant determinants of receiving TT injection for all mothers as well as for rural mothers in Bangladesh. On the other hand ever using contraception, wanted last child, telling about pregnancy complications, mass media exposure and wealth index are the significant determinants of receiving TT injection for mothers of urban area.

  19. “Struggling for independence”: The meaning of being an oldest old man in a rural area. Interpretation of oldest old men's narrations

    PubMed Central

    Hellzen, Ove; Enmarker, Ingela

    2014-01-01

    The amount of older people receiving home nursing care is increasing; in rural areas, they are at additional risk because of the distance between people and health care facilities. No specific studies have been found about oldest old men living alone and receiving home nursing care and the meaning of living alone in one's own home. The aim of this study was therefore to illuminate the meaning of being an oldest old man living alone in a rural area and receiving home nursing care. A sample of 12 oldest old men living in rural areas in the middle of Norway was chosen for this study. Narrative interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed using the phenomenological hermeneutical method. After a naïve reading and a structural analysis of the text, we identified three themes: feelings of insufficiency in everyday life, finding hope in life, and feeling reconciliation with life. The comprehensive understanding suggested that being an oldest old man living alone in a rural area means a struggle between a dependent existence and a desire to be independent. Living in the tension between independence and dependency is a complex emotional situation where one is trying to accept the consequences of life and loss—reconciling the wish to live with the fact that life will come to an end. PMID:24559548

  20. "Struggling for independence": the meaning of being an oldest old man in a rural area. Interpretation of oldest old men's narrations.

    PubMed

    Ness, Tove Mentsen; Hellzen, Ove; Enmarker, Ingela

    2014-01-01

    The amount of older people receiving home nursing care is increasing; in rural areas, they are at additional risk because of the distance between people and health care facilities. No specific studies have been found about oldest old men living alone and receiving home nursing care and the meaning of living alone in one's own home. The aim of this study was therefore to illuminate the meaning of being an oldest old man living alone in a rural area and receiving home nursing care. A sample of 12 oldest old men living in rural areas in the middle of Norway was chosen for this study. Narrative interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed using the phenomenological hermeneutical method. After a naïve reading and a structural analysis of the text, we identified three themes: feelings of insufficiency in everyday life, finding hope in life, and feeling reconciliation with life. The comprehensive understanding suggested that being an oldest old man living alone in a rural area means a struggle between a dependent existence and a desire to be independent. Living in the tension between independence and dependency is a complex emotional situation where one is trying to accept the consequences of life and loss--reconciling the wish to live with the fact that life will come to an end.

  1. Impact assessment of treated/untreated wastewater toxicants discharged by sewage treatment plants on health, agricultural, and environmental quality in the wastewater disposal area.

    PubMed

    Singh, Kunwar P; Mohan, Dinesh; Sinha, Sarita; Dalwani, R

    2004-04-01

    Studies were undertaken to assess the impact of wastewater/sludge disposal (metals and pesticides) from sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Jajmau, Kanpur (5 MLD) and Dinapur, Varanasi (80 MLD), on health, agriculture and environmental quality in the receiving/application areas around Kanpur and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. The raw, treated and mixed treated urban wastewater samples were collected from the inlet and outlet points of the plants during peak (morning and evening) and non-peak (noon) hours. The impact of the treated wastewater toxicants (metals and pesticides) on the environmental quality of the disposal area was assessed in terms of their levels in different media samples viz., water, soil, crops, vegetation, and food grains. The data generated show elevated levels of metals and pesticides in all the environmental media, suggesting a definite adverse impact on the environmental quality of the disposal area. The critical levels of the heavy metals in the soil for agricultural crops are found to be much higher than those observed in the study areas receiving no effluents. The sludge from the STPs has both positive and negative impacts on agriculture as it is loaded with high levels of toxic heavy metals and pesticides, but also enriched with several useful ingredients such as N, P, and K providing fertilizer values. The sludge studied had cadmium, chromium and nickel levels above tolerable levels as prescribed for agricultural and lands application. Bio-monitoring of the metals and pesticides levels in the human blood and urine of the different population groups under study areas was undertaken. All the different approaches indicated a considerable risk and impact of heavy metals and pesticides on human health in the exposed areas receiving the wastewater from the STPs.

  2. Advanced heat receiver conceptual design study

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kesseli, James; Saunders, Roger; Batchelder, Gary

    1988-01-01

    Solar Dynamic space power systems are candidate electrical power generating systems for future NASA missions. One of the key components of the solar dynamic power system is the solar receiver/thermal energy storage (TES) subsystem. Receiver development was conducted by NASA in the late 1960's and since then a very limited amount of work has been done in this area. Consequently the state of the art (SOA) receivers designed for the IOC space station are large and massive. The objective of the Advanced Heat Receiver Conceptual Design Study is to conceive and analyze advanced high temperature solar dynamic Brayton and Stirling receivers. The goal is to generate innovative receiver concepts that are half of the mass, smaller, and more efficient than the SOA. It is also necessary that these innovative receivers offer ease of manufacturing, less structural complexity and fewer thermal stress problems. Advanced Brayton and Stirling receiver storage units are proposed and analyzed in this study which can potentially meet these goals.

  3. 34 CFR 656.4 - What types of Centers receive grants?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ...? The Secretary awards grants to Centers that— (a) Focus on— (1) A single country or on a world area... the country or area; or (2) International studies or the international aspects of contemporary issues...

  4. The cost-effectiveness of health education in improving knowledge and awareness about intestinal parasites in rural Bangladesh.

    PubMed

    Mascie-Taylor, C G N; Karim, R; Karim, E; Akhtar, S; Ahmed, T; Montanari, R M

    2003-12-01

    The impact of regular health education in improving knowledge, attitude and practices in the control of intestinal parasites was examined in four rural areas of Bangladesh; two areas received health education and the other two areas were controls. By the end of the 18-month study households receiving health education showed highly significant improvements in knowledge, water and sanitation facilities and personal hygiene compared with households in the control areas. Improving knowledge by 1% cost between US dollars 0.75 and 0.82 per household, while a 1% improvement in personal hygiene cost between US dollars 1.10 and 1.32 per household and water and sanitation between US dollars 1.39 and 1.52 per household.

  5. The North-South Earnings Gap: Changes during the 1960's and 1970's.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hirschman, Charles; Blankenship, Kim

    1981-01-01

    A study of earnings differences between northern and southern states shows that white-collar workers in both areas now receive roughly equal pay. Women, blacks and blue-collar workers in the South still receive significantly lower wages than their northern counterparts. (AM)

  6. Transition into and out of Special Education Services by Young Australian School Children between 2006 and 2010

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dempsey, Ian

    2014-01-01

    The extent to which school students continue to receive special education services over time is largely unknown because longitudinal studies are rare in this area. The present study examined a large Australian longitudinal database to track the status of children who received special education support in 2006 and whether they continued to access…

  7. Trends in Professional Development for and Collaboration by Health Education Teachers—41 States, 2000–2010

    PubMed Central

    Brener, Nancy D.; McManus, Tim; Wechsler, Howell; Kann, Laura

    2015-01-01

    BACKGROUND Professional development (PD) and collaboration help ensure the quality of school health education. The purpose of this study was to examine trends in the percentage of lead health education teachers (LHETs) receiving PD on health topics and collaborating with other school staff on health education activities. METHODS This study analyzed representative data from 41 states participating in School Health Profiles surveys between 2000 and 2010. Logistic regression examined linear trends in the percentage of LHETs who received PD on 12 topics and who collaborated on health education activities. RESULTS Significant increases in the percentage of LHETs receiving PD on nutrition and physical activity and significant decreases in the percentage of LHETs receiving PD on alcohol- and other drug-use prevention and human immunodeficiency virus prevention were seen. Significant increases in the percentage of LHETs who collaborated with physical education staff and nutrition services staff were seen in 29 and 39 states, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Although 10-year increases in PD and collaboration in the areas of nutrition and physical activity are encouraging, PD and collaboration in other topic areas still need improvement. These results will help states target more resources toward PD and collaboration in areas where they have been decreasing. PMID:24020688

  8. Large incidence angle and defocus influence cat's eye retro-reflector

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Lai-xian; Sun, Hua-yan; Zhao, Yan-zhong; Yang, Ji-guang; Zheng, Yong-hui

    2014-11-01

    Cat's eye lens make the laser beam retro-reflected exactly to the opposite direction of the incidence beam, called cat's eye effect, which makes rapid acquiring, tracking and pointing of free space optical communication possible. Study the influence of cat's eye effect to cat's eye retro-reflector at large incidence angle is useful. This paper analyzed the process of how the incidence angle and focal shit affect effective receiving area, retro-reflected beam divergence angle, central deviation of cat's eye retro-reflector at large incidence angle and cat's eye effect factor using geometrical optics method, and presented the analytic expressions. Finally, numerical simulation was done to prove the correction of the study. The result shows that the efficiency receiving area of cat's eye retro-reflector is mainly affected by incidence angle when the focal shift is positive, and it decreases rapidly when the incidence angle increases; the retro-reflected beam divergence and central deviation is mainly affected by focal shift, and within the effective receiving area, the central deviation is smaller than beam divergence in most time, which means the incidence beam can be received and retro-reflected to the other terminal in most time. The cat's eye effect factor gain is affected by both incidence angle and focal shift.

  9. Undergraduates with Employer-Sponsored Aid: Comparing Group Differences

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Faulk, Dagney G.; Wang, Zhenlei

    2014-01-01

    Tuition assistance offered by employers is an understudied area of financial aid research. The purpose of this study is to compare the demographic, socioeconomic, academic and financial aid characteristics of college students who receive employer-sponsored financial aid with students who receive traditional financial aid (institutional, state, or…

  10. The Maine Garlic Project: A Participatory Research and Education Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fuller, David; Johnson, Steven B.

    2013-01-01

    Participatory research is a useful technique for collecting basic data over a large geographic area. Garlic production was chosen as a participatory research study focus in Maine. Project participants (285) received bulbs to plant, monitored their crop, and reported data online. Participants received a monthly educational newsletter to improve…

  11. 76 FR 48184 - Notice of Permit Applications Received Under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-08

    ... developed regulations for the establishment of a permit system for various activities in Antarctica and... establish such a permit system to designate Antarctic Specially Protected Areas. The applications received... established in 1986 studying the foraging ecology, population dynamics, census and reproductive success and...

  12. Marketing Segmentation Analysis.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Weeks, Ann A.

    A study was conducted to differentiate by cities and towns the various demographic characteristics of students that Dutchess Community College (DCC) was receiving from its major service area, Dutchess County, in order to ascertain if DCC was receiving its expected share of students from these cities and towns. All the students enrolling at DCC…

  13. Analysis of entries into the penalty area as a performance indicator in soccer.

    PubMed

    Ruiz-Ruiz, Carlos; Fradua, Luis; Fernández-García, Angel; Zubillaga, Asier

    2013-01-01

    This study examines entries into the penalty area as a performance indicator that distinguishes between winning, drawing and losing soccer teams. It assesses whether entries into the penalty area are influenced by match status, a player's dismissal and the respective quality of the competing teams. Two observers analysed the relation between defensive and offensive strategies and their scoring consequences for all 64 matches played in the 2006 World Cup. Kappa values ranged between 0.93 and 0.98 for intra-reliability and between 0.88 and 0.98 for inter-reliability. It was found that winning teams received significantly fewer entries into their own penalty area (mean=41.42, s=11.86) than drawing (mean=50.07, s=14.75) and losing teams (mean=47.23, s=12.14). Teams that received more entries into their own penalty area than the opposing team were significantly more likely to concede a goal (P <0.001). Teams losing by one (mean=0.41, s=0.21), two (mean=0.42, s=0.26) or more than two goals (mean=0.34, s=0.13) received significantly fewer entries into the penalty area per minute than teams winning by one (mean=0.55, s=0.27) or two goals (mean=0.59, s=0.39). Teams with fewer players on the pitch received significantly more entries into the penalty area per minute than teams with more (mean=0.22, s=0.07) or the same number (mean=0.14, s=0.05) of players. Based on these results, it is suggested that teams should enter the opposing team's penalty area but should not allow their opponents to do the same. These results also highlight the significance of the dismissal of a player.

  14. The effects of new media for emergency tornado notification on the digital divide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Meyers, Stephanie

    This study explored the possible continued existence of a digital divide as it related to how residents in two disperse communities received notification of late season tornado events in 2013. The theoretical perspective of the Diffusion of Innovations, Knowledge Gap and Structuration theories were used to examine how notifications were received based on socioeconomic indicators of total household income and education affected the ability for respondents to be notified of the impending danger. Results varied for the communities surveyed, both supporting and negating how specific socioeconomic factors influence how respondents received notifications and the behavior they took after the message was received. Findings of the study indicate that higher total household income and higher education are often times associated with how respondents receive warnings of tornadoes in their area, but associations are not always consistent. Findings of this study show differences in how each community receives and reacts to tornado warnings.

  15. Colorectal Cancer Screening Practices Among Men and Women in Rural and Nonrural Areas of the United States, 1999

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Coughlin, Steven S.; Thompson, Trevor D.

    2004-01-01

    Previous studies have suggested that men and women in rural areas are less likely than those in urban areas to receive routine cancer screening. Methods: We examined the colorectal cancer screening practices of men (n = 23,565) and women (n = 37,847) aged >50 years living in rural areas and other areas of the United States using data from the…

  16. Electrically induced energy transmission used for implantable medical devices deep inside the body: Measurement of received voltage in consideration of biological effect.

    PubMed

    Shiba, Kenji

    2015-08-01

    We proposed an electrically induced energy transmission method for implantable medical devices deep inside the body. This method makes it possible to transmit energy deep inside the body using only a couple of titanium electrodes attached to the surface of the implantable medical device. In this study, electromagnetic simulations in which the area and distance of the receiving electrodes were changed were conducted. Then, experimental measurements of the received voltage were conducted in which electric energy was transmitted from the surface of the human phantom to an implantable device inside it (transmitting distance: 12 cm). As a result of the electromagnetic simulation, the area and distance of the receiving electrodes were roughly proportional to the received voltage, respectively. As a result of the experimental measurement, a received voltage of 2460 mV could be obtained with a load resistance of 100 Ω. We confirmed that our energy transmission method could be a powerful method for transmitting energy to a deeply implanted medical device.

  17. Researches on Learning Disabilities--Where Are We?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Raja, B. William Dharma; Kumar, S. Praveen

    2011-01-01

    This article focusses on the review of research studies done on the area of learning disabilities and the need to conduct more research studies in this area. School children are seen to have different types of learning difficulties with regard to academics. Children with learning disability, who occupy the largest number receiving special…

  18. Use of comparison areas rather than controls in a study of fuels in invaded forests of the northeast and mid-Atlantic states

    Treesearch

    Alison C. Dibble

    2004-01-01

    In paired studies where the comparison is between a treated and untreated forest area, the unrnanipulated stand is often called a control. The two areas might not be consistent in forest cover type, understory plant communities, disturbance history, soils, slope, and aspect. To enhance rigor in forest research, the reference stand should receive more scrutiny and,...

  19. Measurements of the Received Signal Level and Service Coverage Area at the IEEE 802.11 Access Point in the Building

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gunantara, N.; Sudiarta, P. K.; Prasetya, AAN A. I.; Dharma, A.; Gde Antara, I. N.

    2018-04-01

    Access point (AP) is part of a Wireless Local Access Network (WLAN) with its communications using WiFi. AP is used to transmit and receive data to users/clients. The ability of AP to serve users/clients depends on many factors. Moreover, if AP is applied in conditions inside the building. In this study, AP is installed at two points inside the building and then measured in the form of the received signal level (RSL) and service coverage area. One AP measured its performance by 26 measurement points and the other AP measured its performance by 20 measurement points. When AP has measured its performance then another AP position is switched off. Based on the measurement result, the received signal level value is the highest value is about -47 dBm at a distance of 3.2 m, while the lowest is about -79 dBm at a 9.21 m because it is on barrier 2 walls. While based on service coverage area, the area which is far away from the AP then the quality of service becomes bad because the transmitted signal is weakening caused by the distance and the loss of the wall.

  20. Situation of Diabetes and Related Disease Surveillance in Rural Areas of Jilin Province, Northeast China.

    PubMed

    Wang, Rui; Zhang, Peng; Lv, Xin; Jiang, Lingling; Gao, Chunshi; Song, Yuanyuan; Yu, Yaqin; Li, Bo

    2016-05-27

    Several studies have investigated the prevalence and awareness of diabetes mellitus (DM) in China, but little is known about the situation of DM in the northeastern rural areas. Our present study investigated the prevalence, awareness and associated characteristics of DM in rural areas of Jilin Province, aiming to suggest more efforts for the prevention and control of DM. A multistage stratified random cluster sampling design was used in this cross-sectional study which took place in 2012. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews and physical examinations. Rao-Scott Chi-square test, t test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used. The estimated prevalence of DM in rural areas of Jilin province was 7.2%. DM was positively associated with age, Body mass index (BMI), hypotension, dyslipidemia and was high in participants with a family history of diabetes and those who exercise frequently, but low for high education level and married participants. 69.0% participants with DM were aware of their diabetes status, 88.2% of whom received treatment and 34.4% of whom had received treatment controlled their DM status. We observed a high prevalence and low awareness status of DM among the rural residents in Jilin Province, but the rate of effective control in those who have received treatment was considerable. The low rate of disease surveillance should draw health authority's attention.

  1. Cancer treatment in older adults: implications for psychosocial research.

    PubMed

    Given, Barbara; Given, Charles W

    2009-11-01

    The purpose of this article is to describe areas in need of psychosocial research for older adults who are currently receiving cancer treatment. Areas in which there are gaps in knowledge related to psychosocial research are outlined. Topics discussed for future research include comorbidity, physical function, cognitive status, frailty, and geriatric syndromes. In addition, the need for intervention to support patients and family caregivers is outlined. There are numerous areas of concern to older patients with cancer receiving treatment that warrant further study. Research is needed to identify ways to support patients and families at the time of cancer treatment so that they can make informed decisions and actively participate in cancer treatment.

  2. The Effects of Cognitive Organizers to Facilitate Content-Area Learning for Students with Mild Disabilities: A Pilot Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Boon, Richard T.; Fore, Cecil, III; Ayres, Kevin; Spencer, Vicky G.

    2005-01-01

    The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effects of cognitive organizers using Inspiration 6 software to improve and enhance content-area learning in social studies for students with mild disabilities. Using a one-group, pre-posttest design, ten students with mild disabilities received instruction with the integration of technology-based…

  3. Geographic Variation in the Use of Adjuvant Therapy among Elderly Patients with Resected Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Tien, Yu-Yu; Wright, Kara; Halfdanarson, Thorvardur R.; Abu-Hejleh, Taher; Brooks, John M.

    2016-01-01

    Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess to what extent geographic variation in adjuvant treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients would remain, after controlling for patient and area-level characteristics. Materials and Methods A retrospective cohort of 18,410 Medicare beneficiaries with resected, stage I-IIIA NSCLC was identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database. Adjuvant therapies were classified as adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT), postoperative radiation therapy (PORT), or no adjuvant therapy. Predicted treatment probabilities were estimated for each patient given their clinical, demographic, and area-level characteristics with multivariate logistic regression. Area Treatment Ratios were used to estimate the propensity of patients in a local area to receive an adjuvant treatment, controlling for characteristics of patients in the area. Areas were categorized as low-, mid- and high-use and mapped for two representative SEER registries. Results Overall, 10%, 12%, and 78% of patients received ACT, PORT and no adjuvant therapy, respectively. Age, sex, stage, type and year of surgery, and comorbidity were associated with adjuvant treatment use. Even after adjusting for patient characteristics, substantial geographic treatment variation remained. High- and low-use areas were tightly juxtaposed within and across SEER registries, often within the same county. In some local areas, patients were up to eight times more likely to receive adjuvant therapy than expected, given their characteristics. On the other hand, almost a quarter of patients lived in local areas in which patients were more than three times less likely to receive ACT than would be predicted. Conclusion Controlling for patient and area-level covariates did not remove geographic variation in adjuvant therapies for resected NSCLC patients. A greater proportion of patients were treated less than expected, rather than more than expected. Further research is needed to better understand its causes and potential impact on outcomes. PMID:27040848

  4. Conduit grinding apparatus

    DOEpatents

    Nachbar, Henry D.; Korytkowski, Alfred S.

    1991-01-01

    A grinding apparatus for grinding the interior portion of a valve stem receiving area of a valve. The apparatus comprises a faceplate, a plurality of cams mounted to an interior face of the faceplate, a locking bolt to lock the faceplate at a predetermined position on the valve, a movable grinder and a guide tube for positioning an optical viewer proximate the area to be grinded. The apparatus can either be rotated about the valve for grinding an area of the inner diameter of a valve stem receiving area or locked at a predetermined position to grind a specific point in the receiving area.

  5. What Do Postgraduate Students Think about Special Education?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ozcan, Deniz; Gur, Pelin

    2016-01-01

    The aim of this study was to determine the opinions of students receiving postgraduate education in special education area about special education. 35 students receiving postgraduate education at Near East University participated in this research. 8 of these students were doctorate student, and 27 of them were master student. This research was…

  6. Racial/ethnic, regional, and rural/urban differences in receipt of diabetes education.

    PubMed

    Brown-Guion, Stephanie Y; Youngerman, Stephanie M; Hernandez-Tejada, Melba A; Dismuke, Clara E; Egede, Leonard E

    2013-01-01

    The objective of this study is to examine the differences in receipt of diabetes education according to risk factors that are associated with the disease, including race/ ethnicity, region, and rural/urban location. National data from the 2007 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) were analyzed to examine likelihood of receipt of diabetes education in terms of race, urban/rural location, and region. Of 1747 adults with type 2 diabetes, 65.6% were white, 15% black, and 19.4% other. In addition, 49.3% were male, 50.6% female; 46.9% were under age 64; 39.8% had more than high school; 34.1% were from low-income households, 35.1% middle income, and 30.8% high income; 39.5% lived in the South while other regions were equally represented; 80.6% lived in rural areas; 63.7% did not receive any type 2 diabetes education. Patients in the South were least likely to receive education (67.5% did not). Logistic regression demonstrated that being black (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.84) and living in an urban area (OR = 1.40, 95% CI, 1.00-1.97) were associated with a higher likelihood of receiving diabetes education. By contrast, being 65 or older was associated with lower probability of receiving education (OR = 0.59, 95% CI, 0.40-0.87), as was lack of insurance (OR = 0.54, 95% CI, 0.33-0.88) CONCLUSIONS: Being black independently increased likelihood of receiving diabetes education, but living in rural areas, being uninsured, and living in the South reduced chances one would receive this helpful information. Therefore, further research should examine benefits of leveraging technology such as telemedicine to improve delivery of diabetes education to those living in rural areas.

  7. Why don't more people use advanced traveler information? Evidence from the Seattle area

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2005-05-01

    This paper studies the context in which Seattle-area travelers make decisions about whether or not to consult traveler information sources, and subsequently whether or not to change their travel plans in response to the information they receive. Its ...

  8. CALUTRON RECEIVER

    DOEpatents

    Brunk, W.O.

    1959-09-29

    A description is given for an improved calutron receiver having a face plate lying at an angle to the direction of the entering ion beams but having an opening, the plane of which is substantially perpendicular to that of the entering ion beams. By so positioning the opening in the receiver, the effective area through which the desired material may enter the receiver is increased, and at the same time the effective area through which containattng material may enter the receiver is reduced.

  9. A Focused Look at Rural Schools Receiving School Improvement Grants. NCEE Evaluation Brief. NCEE 2014-4013

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rosenberg, Linda; Christianson, Megan Davis; Angus, Megan Hague; Rosenthal, Emily

    2014-01-01

    The Study of School Turnaround is a set of case studies of the school improvement process in a purposive sample of 35 schools receiving federal funds through the School Improvement Grants (SIG) program over a three-year period (school years 2010-11 to 2012-13). This evaluation brief focuses on the nine SIG schools that were in rural areas and how…

  10. Cold air analgesia as pain reduction during photodynamic therapy of actinic keratoses.

    PubMed

    Stangeland, K Z; Kroon, S

    2012-07-01

    Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective treatment for actinic keratoses and non-melanoma skin cancer. The main side effect of PDT is pain during the illumination. To assess the effect of cold air as pain relief during MAL-PDT for field cancerization on different body areas. A prospective, open, intra-individual right-left comparison study was performed in 43 patients with MAL-PDT as field cancerization. One area received cold air analgesia while the other did not. Pain was evaluated by numeric rating scale (NRS) during the illumination. The patients' received a questionnaire and recorded pain and postinflammatory symptoms on a visual analogue scale (VAS). We found a statistical significant difference in overall pain score at 3 and 9 minutes. The area receiving cold air during illumination had a mean NRS of 5.1 while the opposite side, not receiving cold air, had NRS of 6.1. At 9 minutes the side receiving cold air had mean NRS of 5.0, and the side without had 5.7. The pain difference on the chest was the most pronounced with a NRS of 5.2 without air and 3.5 with cold air. There was a significant difference in erythema immediately after, 1 h and 24 h after illumination. Small, open, not blinded study. The difference in pain was small. Cold air is an effective method for moderate pain relief. It is an easy, noninvasive method that can be used on all body parts. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology © 2011 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

  11. A Retrospective Cross-sectional Analysis of Health Education Disparities in Patients With Diabetes Using Data From the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey.

    PubMed

    Branoff, Janelle D; Jiroutek, Michael R; Kelly, Chloe R; Huma, Sadia; Sutton, Beth S

    2017-02-01

    Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine if there was an association between receipt of diet/nutrition, exercise, and weight loss education in adult patients with a primary diagnosis of diabetes with various demographic and socioeconomic variables using data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) for the years 2008 to 2011. Methods This retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study design included patients ≥ 18 years of age with diabetes in the NAMCS between 2008 and 2011, inclusive. A series of weighted multivariable logistic regression models was constructed to evaluate predictors of diet/nutrition, exercise, and weight loss education. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were reported. Results Among patients included in this study (n = 3027), 35.6% received diet/nutrition education, 21.8% received exercise education, and 13.6% received weight loss education. From the multivariable analyses, visits using "other" payment type, visits with Medicaid, and visits occurring in non-Metropolitan Statistical Areas were significantly less likely to receive diet/nutrition education; visits using other payment type, visits in non-Metropolitan Statistical Areas, and visits by those ≥ 65 and 45-64 years of age were significantly less likely to receive exercise education. No significant disparities in the receipt of weight loss education were found. Conclusion These findings indicate that although only approximately one third or fewer patients diagnosed with diabetes were receiving diet/nutrition, exercise, or weight loss education, there appeared to be limited disparities among the groups studied. Education rates appear to be trending upward over time, to be slightly improved as compared with previous studies, and to include fewer disparities.

  12. Acquiring Science and Social Studies Knowledge in Kindergarten through Fourth Grade: Conceptualization, Design, Implementation, and Efficacy Testing of Content-Area Literacy Instruction (CALI)

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Connor, Carol McDonald; Dombek, Jennifer; Crowe, Elizabeth C.; Spencer, Mercedes; Tighe, Elizabeth L.; Coffinger, Sean; Zargar, Elham; Wood, Taffeta; Petscher, Yaacov

    2017-01-01

    With national focus on reading and math achievement, science and social studies have received less instructional time. Yet, accumulating evidence suggests that content knowledge is an important predictor of proficient reading. Starting with a design study, we developed content-area literacy instruction (CALI) as an individualized (or personalized)…

  13. Space Radar Image of New Orleans, Louisiana

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1998-04-14

    This image of the area surrounding the city of New Orleans, Louisiana in the southeastern United States demonstrates the ability of multi-frequency imaging radar to distinguish different types of land cover. The dark area in the center is Lake Pontchartrain. The thin line running across the lake is a causeway connecting New Orleans to the city of Mandeville. Lake Borgne is the dark area in the lower right of the image. The Mississippi River appears as a dark, wavy line in the lower left. The white dots on the Mississippi are ships. The French Quarter is the brownish square near the left center of the image. Lakefront Airport, a field used mostly for general aviation, is the bright spot near the center, jutting out into Lake Pontchartrain. The image was acquired by the Spaceborne Imaging Radar C/X-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SIR-C/X-SAR) during orbit 39 of space shuttle Endeavour on October 2, 1994. The area is located at 30.10 degrees north latitude and 89.1 degrees west longitude. The area shown is approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) by 50 kilometers (30 miles). The colors in this image were obtained using the following radar channels: red represents the L-band (horizontally transmitted and received); green represents the C-band (horizontally transmitted and received); blue represents the L-band (vertically transmitted and received). The green areas are primarily vegetation consisting of swamp land and swamp forest (bayou) growing on sandy soil, while the pink areas are associated with reflections from buildings in urban and suburban areas. Different tones and colors in the vegetation areas will be studied by scientists to see how effective imaging radar data is in discriminating between different types of wetlands. Accurate maps of coastal wetland areas are important to ecologists studying wild fowl and the coastal environment. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA01300

  14. Estimation of doses received in a dry-contaminated residential area in the Bryansk region, Russia, since the Chernobyl accident.

    PubMed

    Andersson, K G; Roed, J

    2006-01-01

    In nuclear preparedness, an essential requirement is the ability to adequately predict the likely consequences of a major accident situation. In this context it is very important to evaluate which contributions to dose are important, and which are not likely to have significance. As an example of this type of evaluation, a case study has been conducted to estimate the doses received over the first 17 years after the Chernobyl accident in a dry-contaminated residential area in the Bryansk region in Russia. Methodologies for estimation of doses received through nine different pathways, including contamination of streets, roofs, exterior walls, and landscape, are established, and best estimates are given for each of the dose contributions. Generally, contaminated soil areas were estimated to have given the highest dose contribution, but a number of other contributions to dose, e.g., from contaminated roofs and inhalation of contaminants during the passage of the contaminated plume, were of the same order of magnitude.

  15. Urban-rural differences in factors associated with willingness to receive eldercare among the elderly: a cross-sectional survey in China

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Juan; Zhou, Hao; Wang, Zhaoqing; Yan, Wenxin; Sun, Xinran; Sun, Tao; Li, Li

    2018-01-01

    Objective Willingness to receive eldercare is an important factor affecting the reasonable allocation of resources and appropriate development of eldercare services. This study aimed to investigate the differences in willingness to receive eldercare and the influencing factors in urban and rural areas. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting Research was conducted in the urban and rural areas of three cities (Harbin, Qiqihar and Jiamusi) in Heilongjiang province, China. Participants A total of 1003 elderly were selected through multistage sampling in Heilongjiang province, including 581 in urban areas and 422 in rural areas. Main outcome measures Descriptive statistics were reported for socioeconomic and demographic status, physical health, life satisfaction and social support in urban and rural areas. Mean differences were examined using t-tests, and categorical variable differences were examined using χ2 tests. The factors influencing willingness to receive eldercare in urban and rural areas were analysed using logistic regression. Results The results showed that 51.6% of urban elderly and 59.0% of rural elderly preferred family eldercare. Factors that influenced willingness to receive eldercare for urban elderly were age (OR 2.791, 95% CI 1.644 to 4.737), house property (OR 0.494, 95% CI 0.329 to 0.740) and objective support (OR 0.764, 95% CI 0.681 to 0.858). For rural elderly, the factors were having children (OR 0.368, 95% CI 0.146 to 0.930), house property (OR 0.371, 95% CI 0.231 to 0.596) and living arrangement (OR 3.361, 95% CI 1.436 to 7.866). Conclusion More attention should be paid to improving the functioning of family eldercare and promoting the development of varied eldercare services. Investments and targeted policies should be undertaken for different subgroups of urban and rural elderly. PMID:29858413

  16. More Ambitious Educational Choices in Urban Areas: A Matter of Local Labor Market Characteristics?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Boone, Simon; Van Houtte, Mieke

    2016-01-01

    Urban-rural disparities in educational outcomes have so far primarily received attention in U.S.-based research. These studies show that pupils in rural areas are at a disadvantage compared with pupils in (sub)urban areas. This article aims to examine urban-nonurban differences in educational choice in a European context, namely Flanders (the…

  17. Dental Treatment in a State-Funded Primary Dental Care Facility: Contextual and Individual Predictors of Treatment Need?

    PubMed

    Wanyonyi, Kristina L; Radford, David R; Gallagher, Jennifer E

    2017-01-01

    This study examined individual and contextual factors which predict the dental care received by patients in a state-funded primary dental care training facility in England. Routine clinical and demographic data were extracted from a live dental patient management system in a state-funded facility using novel methods. The data, spanning a four-year period [2008-2012] were cleaned, validated, linked by means of postcode to deprivation status, and analysed to identify factors which predict dental treatment need. The predictive relationship between patients' individual characteristics (demography, smoking, payment status) and contextual experience (deprivation based on area of residence), with common dental treatments received was examined using unadjusted analysis and adjusted logistic regression. Additionally, multilevel modelling was used to establish the isolated influence of area of residence on treatments. Data on 6,351 dental patients extracted comprised of 147,417 treatment procedures delivered across 10,371 courses of care. Individual level factors associated with the treatments were age, sex, payment exemption and smoking status and deprivation associated with area of residence was a contextual predictor of treatment. More than 50% of children (<18 years) and older adults (≥65 years) received preventive care in the form of 'instruction and advice', compared with 46% of working age adults (18-64 years); p = 0.001. The odds of receiving treatment increased with each increasing year of age amongst adults (p = 0.001): 'partial dentures' (7%); 'scale and polish' (3.7%); 'tooth extraction' (3%; p = 0.001), and 'instruction and advice' (3%; p = 0.001). Smokers had a higher likelihood of receiving all treatments; and were notably over four times more likely to receive 'instruction and advice' than non-smokers (OR 4.124; 95% CI: 3.088-5.508; p = 0.01). A further new finding from the multilevel models was a significant difference in treatment related to area of residence; adults from the most deprived quintile were more likely to receive 'tooth extraction' when compared with least deprived, and less likely to receive preventive 'instruction and advice' (p = 0.01). This is the first study to model patient management data from a state-funded dental service and show that individual and contextual factors predict common treatments received. Implications of this research include the importance of making provision for our aging population and ensuring that preventative care is available to all. Further research is required to explain the interaction of organisational and system policies, practitioner and patient perspectives on care and, thus, inform effective commissioning and provision of dental services.

  18. Sex Differences in Career Guidance of Undergraduate Math Students and the Relation to Help-Seeking Behaviors

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Blondeau, Lauren; Awad, Germine H.

    2017-01-01

    Males continue to dominate mathematics-related areas in graduate school and employment, possibly due to the differential guidance that they receive as students. In the present study, 180 undergraduates completed an online survey on the career and graduate school guidance they received from mathematics professors. Student sex, professor sex, and…

  19. Crustal anisotropy across northern Japan from receiver functions.

    PubMed

    Bianchi, I; Bokelmann, G; Shiomi, K

    2015-07-01

    Northern Japan is a tectonically active area, with the presence of several volcanoes, and with frequent earthquakes among which the destructive M w  = 8.9-9.0 Tohoku-oki occurred on 11 March 2011. Tectonic activity leaves an imprint on the crustal structures, on both the upper and the lower layers. To investigate the crust in northern Japan, we construct a receiver function data set using teleseismic events recorded at 58 seismic stations belonging to the Japanese National (Hi-net) network. We isolate the signals, in the receiver function wavelet, that witness the presence of anisotropic structures at depth, with the aim of mapping the variation of anisotropy across the northern part of the island. This study focuses on the relation among anisotropy detected in the crust, stresses induced by plate convergence across the subduction zone, and the intrinsic characteristics of the rocks. Our results show how a simple velocity model with two anisotropic layers reproduces the observed data at the stations. We observe a negligible or small amount of signal related to anisotropy in the eastern part of the study area (i.e., the outer arc) for both upper and lower crust. Distinct anisotropic features are observed at the stations on the western part of the study area (i.e., the inner arc) for both upper and lower crust. The symmetry axes are mostly E-W oriented. Deviation from the E-W orientation is observed close to the volcanic areas, where the higher geothermal gradient might influence the deformation processes.

  20. Milk cow feed intake and milk production and distribution estimates for Phase 1

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

    Beck, D.M.; Darwin, R.F.; Erickson, A.R.

    1992-04-01

    This report provides initial information on milk production and distribution in the Hanford Environmental Dose Reconstruction (HEDR) Project Phase I study area. The Phase I study area consists of eight countries in central Washington and two countries in northern Oregon. The primary objective of the HEDR Project is to develop estimates of the radiation doses populations could have received from Hanford operations. The objective of Phase I of the project was to determine the feasibility of reconstructing data, models, and development of preliminary dose estimates received by people living in the ten countries surrounding Hanford from 1944 to 1947. Onemore » of the most important contributors to radiation doses from Hanford during the period of interest was radioactive iodine. Consumption of milk from cows that ate vegetation contaminated with iodine is likely the dominant pathway of human exposure. To estimate the doses people could have received from this pathway, it is necessary to estimate the amount of milk that the people living in the Phase I area consumed, the source of the milk, and the type of feed that the milk cows ate. The objective of the milk model subtask is to identify the sources of milk supplied to residents of each community in the study area as well as the sources of feeds that were fed to the milk cows. In this report, we focus on Grade A cow's milk (fresh milk used for human consumption).« less

  1. Hypofibrinolytic state in HIV-1-infected patients treated with protease inhibitor-containing highly active antiretroviral therapy.

    PubMed

    Koppel, Kristina; Bratt, Göran; Schulman, Sam; Bylund, Håkan; Sandström, Eric

    2002-04-15

    Decreased insulin sensitivity, hyperlipidemia, and body fat changes are considered as risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). A clustering of such factors (metabolic syndrome [MSDR]) exponentially increases the risk. Impaired fibrinolysis and increased coagulation are additional independent risk factors for CHD. We studied the effects of protease inhibitor (PI)-containing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on metabolic and hemostatic parameters in 363 HIV-infected individuals, of whom 266 were receiving PI-containing HAART and 97 were treatment naive. The fasting plasma levels of insulin, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), and fibrinogen were evaluated together with the areas of visceral adipose tissue and the visceral adipose tissue/subcutaneous adipose tissue area ratio. The levels of insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; visceral adipose tissue area; low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratio; and visceral adipose tissue/subcutaneous adipose tissue area ratio were significantly increased in patients receiving PI-containing HAART compared with treatment-naive patients. The levels of PAI-1 and fibrinogen were significantly higher in patients receiving PI-containing HAART. PAI-1 levels were higher in individuals with MSDR but also in patients without MSDR who were receiving PI-containing HAART. PAI-1 was independently correlated to use of PI-containing HAART, triglyceride level, insulin level, and body mass index (p <.001). These findings suggest that patients receiving PI-containing HAART have decreased fibrinolysis and increased coagulability, which may thus represent additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease in this patient group.

  2. NDEA Language and Area Centers: A Report on the First 5 Years. Bulletin, 1964, No. 41. OE-56016

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bigelow, Donald N.; Legters, Lyman H.

    1964-01-01

    This bulletin reports on the contributions of the Federal Government to the improvement of language and area studies. This report indicates that two fundamental conclusions have become readily apparent: (1) non-Western studies have received material assistance under the National Defense Education Act of 1958 (NDEA) without which the present high…

  3. Evolution of Geographic Atrophy in Participants Treated with Ranibizumab for Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration.

    PubMed

    Thavikulwat, Alisa T; Jacobs-El, Naima; Kim, Jane S; Agrón, Elvira; Hasan, Jesia; Meyerle, Catherine B; Valent, David; Cukras, Catherine A; Wiley, Henry E; Wong, Wai T; Chew, Emily Y

    2017-01-01

    To evaluate the risk factors, incidence, and rate of progression of geographic atrophy (GA) in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with ranibizumab. Post-hoc analysis of a prospective clinical study. 69 participants with nAMD in at least one eye. Participants were prospectively treated in the study eye with 0.5 mg intravitreal ranibizumab. Study eyes received 4 monthly injections followed by pro re nata injections until a fluid-free macula was achieved on optical coherence tomography. Risk factors assessed included baseline demographics, treatment, and ocular characteristics on imaging. Eyes were evaluated on fundus autofluorescence (FAF) for GA. The rate of GA area growth in study and fellow eyes was analyzed by linear regression of square-root transformed areas. Development of new-onset GA and rate of GA area growth measured on ocular imaging, including FAF images of the study eyes. Sixty-nine participants (mean age 78.8±7.8 years) with an average of 40.0±13.6 months of follow-up were analyzed. Twenty-two of 69 study eyes (32%) were treatment naïve. During their first year of the study, participants received an average of 9.2±3.3 injections in the study eye. Of 63 study eyes with quality baseline images, 22 (35%) had pre-existing GA. Of the remaining 41 eyes, 7 (17%) developed new-onset GA during study follow-up. Those who developed new GA were older (all ≥79 years old) and had received fewer study injections on average (6.9 vs. 10.4 injections at 1 year) compared to those who did not develop new GA. Of the 12 treatment naïve study eyes without GA at baseline, 1 (8.3%) developed new GA during the study. In 21 study eyes with quantifiable GA area, eyes with GA present at baseline (16/21) enlarged by 0.34±0.26 mm/year, compared to 0.19±0.12 mm/year in eyes developing new-onset GA (5/21). While 17% of study eyes without GA present at baseline receiving ranibizumab developed new GA, the role of ranibizumab in the development of GA is unclear. Further prospective longitudinal studies are required to determine the eyes most at risk of developing GA in the setting of anti-VEGF treatment.

  4. Pilot Study to Explore the Use of an Audio-Visual Tutorial Laboratory in the Secretarial Skills Area as a Means of Updating and Improving Curriculum Offerings at the Community College Level in Michigan.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Edwards, Ronald K., And Others

    This study dealt with two skill courses, business machines, and beginning typewriting. The control groups received instruction in the traditional method. The experimental groups attended open laboratory at any time convenient to them to receive their instruction. The groups were compared on the basis of identical performance tests. Materials to…

  5. Socioeconomic research in agroforestry: progress, prospects, priorities

    Treesearch

    D. Evan Mercer; R.P. Miller

    1998-01-01

    Fourteen years after the birth of the journal Agroforestry Systems, biophysical studies continue to dominate agroforestry research while other important areas have not received the attention they deserve. This paper reviews the progress in one of these under-researched areas, socioeconomics. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of published socioeconomic research...

  6. Vegetated treatment area effectiveness at reducing nutrient runoff from small swine operations in central Texas

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Numerous modeling and field studies have evaluated the effectiveness of vegetative treatment systems in treating runoff from animal feeding operations; however, none have evaluated the effectiveness of vegetative treatment areas (VTA’s) receiving direct runoff from small swine operations during natu...

  7. Association of Long-term Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy with Bone Fractures and effects on Absorption of Calcium, Vitamin B12, Iron, and Magnesium

    PubMed Central

    Ito, Tetsuhide; Jensen, Robert T.

    2010-01-01

    Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are now one of the most widely used classes of drugs. PPIs have proven to have a very favorable safety profile and it is unusual for a patient to stop these drugs because of side effects. However, increasing numbers of patients are chronically taking PPIs for gastroesophageal reflux disease and a number of other common persistent conditions, therefore the long-term potential adverse effects are receiving increasing attention. One area that is receiving much attention and generally has been poorly studied, is the long-term effects of chronic acid suppression on the absorption of vitamins and nutrients. This area has received increased attention because of the reported potential adverse effect of chronic PPI treatment leading to an increased occurrence of bone fractures. This has led to an increased examination of the effects of PPIs on calcium absorption/metabolism as well as numerous cohort, case control and prospective studies of their ability to affect bone density and cause bone fractures. In this article these studies are systematically examined, as well as the studies of the effects of chronic PPI usage on VB12, iron and magnesium absorption. In general the studies in each of thee areas have led to differing conclusions, but when examined systematically, a number of the studies are showing consistent results that support the conclusion that long-term adverse effects on these processes can have important clinical implications. PMID:20882439

  8. Usefulness of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging to predict the need for intervention in patients with coarctation of the aorta.

    PubMed

    Muzzarelli, Stefano; Meadows, Alison Knauth; Ordovas, Karen Gomes; Higgins, Charles Bernard; Meadows, Jeffery Joshua

    2012-03-15

    Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can predict hemodynamically significant coarctation of the aorta (CoA) with a high degree of discrimination. However, the ability of CMR to predict important clinical outcomes in this patient population is unknown. Therefore, we sought to define the ability of CMR to predict the need for surgical or transcatheter intervention in patients with CoA. We retrospectively reviewed the data from 133 consecutive patients who had undergone CMR for the evaluation of known or suspected CoA. The characteristics of the CMR-derived variables predicting the need for surgical or transcatheter intervention for CoA within 1 year were determined through logistic regression analysis. Therapeutic aortic intervention was performed in 41 (31%) of the 133 patients during the study period. The indexed minimum aortic cross-sectional area was the strongest predictor of subsequent intervention (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.975) followed by heart rate-corrected deceleration time in the descending aorta (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.951), and the percentage of flow increase (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.867). The combination of the indexed minimum aortic cross-sectional area and rate-corrected deceleration time in the descending aorta provided the best predictive model (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.986). In conclusion, CMR findings can predict the need for subsequent intervention in CoA. These findings reinforce the "gate-keeper role" of CMR to cardiac catheterization by providing valuable diagnostic and powerful prognostic information and could guide additional treatment of patients with CoA with the final intent of reducing the number of diagnostic catheterizations in such patients. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Fluoride intake of infants living in non-fluoridated and fluoridated areas.

    PubMed

    Zohoori, F V; Whaley, G; Moynihan, P J; Maguire, A

    2014-01-01

    Data on fluoride exposure of infants are sparse. This study aimed to estimate total daily fluoride intake (TDFI) of infants aged 1-12 months, living in non-fluoridated and fluoridated areas in north-east England. Daily dietary fluoride intake was assessed using a three-day food diary coupled with analysis of fluoride content of food/drink consumed, using a F-ISE and diffusion method. A questionnaire with an interview was used to collect information on toothbrushing habits. TDFI was estimated from diet, plus fluoride supplements and dentifrice ingestion where used. Thirty-eight infants completed the study; 19 receiving fluoridated water (mean 0.97 mgF/l) and 19 receiving non-fluoridated water (mean 0.19 mgF/l). Mean (SD) TDFI for the infants living in fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas was 0.107 (0.054) and 0.024 (0.015) mg/kg body weight per day, respectively. Diet was the only fluoride source for 87% of infants and none used fluoride supplements. For infants for whom mouth/teeth cleaning was undertaken, dentifrice contribution to TDFI ranged from 24 to 78%. Infants living in fluoridated areas, in general, may receive a fluoride intake, from diet only, of more than the suggested optimal range for TDFI. This emphasises the importance of estimating TDFI at an individual level when recommendations for fluoride use are being considered.

  10. Promoting Teen Contraceptive Use by Intervention With Their Mothers.

    PubMed

    Crosby, Richard A; Collins, Tom; Stradtman, Lindsay R

    2017-03-01

    The purpose of this pilot study was to test a community outreach model designed to help mothers in a rural, medically underserved area navigate their teen daughters to health department services for long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) or alternative contraception. The pilot study used a single-group, post-test only design. Mothers of teen daughters (N=142) received a 1-hour, one-to-one intervention session (in outreach settings) from Community Liaisons. Mothers received training on how to communicate with their daughters about LARC and other contraceptive methods. Data were collected from June through October 2014, and analyzed in September 2015. The authors re-contacted 104 of 142 mothers enrolled in the study, achieving a 73.2% retention rate. Of these, 12.5% had daughters receiving LARC. An additional 11.0% had daughters with health department-verified initiation of birth control pills. Only one correlate-whether a mother believed her daughter was having sex-was associated with receiving either LARC or birth control pills. Among those indicating they knew their daughters were having sex, 31.7% of the daughters received LARC/birth control pills. By contrast, among mothers not indicating they knew their daughters were having sex, only 2.9% had daughters receiving LARC or birth control pills. Findings suggest that an outreach-based program delivered directly to mothers of teen daughters may be a highly effective method for enhancing service utilization of LARC and the initiation of birth control pill use in a rural, medically underserved area. Copyright © 2016 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Investments in respiratory infectious disease research 1997–2010: a systematic analysis of UK funding

    PubMed Central

    Head, Michael G; Fitchett, Joseph R; Cooke, Mary K; Wurie, Fatima B; Hayward, Andrew C; Lipman, Marc C; Atun, Rifat

    2014-01-01

    Objectives Respiratory infections are responsible for a large global burden of disease. We assessed the public and philanthropic investments awarded to UK institutions for respiratory infectious disease research to identify areas of underinvestment. We aimed to identify projects and categorise them by pathogen, disease and position along the research and development value chain. Setting The UK. Participants Institutions that host and carry out infectious disease research. Primary and secondary outcome measures The total amount spent and number of studies with a focus on several different respiratory pathogens or diseases, and to correlate these against the global burden of disease; also the total amount spent and number of studies relating to the type of science, the predominant funder in each category and the mean and median award size. Results We identified 6165 infectious disease studies with a total investment of £2·6 billion. Respiratory research received £419 million (16.1%) across 1192 (19.3%) studies. The Wellcome Trust provided greatest investment (£135.2 million; 32.3%). Tuberculosis received £155 million (37.1%), influenza £80 million (19.1%) and pneumonia £27.8 million (6.6%). Despite high burden, there was relatively little investment in vaccine-preventable diseases including diphtheria (£0.1 million, 0.03%), measles (£5.0 million, 1.2%) and drug-resistant tuberculosis. There were 802 preclinical studies (67.3%) receiving £273 million (65.2%), while implementation research received £81 million (19.3%) across 274 studies (23%). There were comparatively few phase I–IV trials or product development studies. Global health research received £68.3 million (16.3%). Relative investment was strongly correlated with 2010 disease burden. Conclusions The UK predominantly funds preclinical science. Tuberculosis is the most studied respiratory disease. The high global burden of pneumonia-related disease warrants greater investment than it has historically received. Other priority areas include antimicrobial resistance (particularly within tuberculosis), economics and proactive investments for emerging infectious threats. PMID:24670431

  12. Investments in respiratory infectious disease research 1997-2010: a systematic analysis of UK funding.

    PubMed

    Head, Michael G; Fitchett, Joseph R; Cooke, Mary K; Wurie, Fatima B; Hayward, Andrew C; Lipman, Marc C; Atun, Rifat

    2014-03-26

    Respiratory infections are responsible for a large global burden of disease. We assessed the public and philanthropic investments awarded to UK institutions for respiratory infectious disease research to identify areas of underinvestment. We aimed to identify projects and categorise them by pathogen, disease and position along the research and development value chain. The UK. Institutions that host and carry out infectious disease research. The total amount spent and number of studies with a focus on several different respiratory pathogens or diseases, and to correlate these against the global burden of disease; also the total amount spent and number of studies relating to the type of science, the predominant funder in each category and the mean and median award size. We identified 6165 infectious disease studies with a total investment of £2·6 billion. Respiratory research received £419 million (16.1%) across 1192 (19.3%) studies. The Wellcome Trust provided greatest investment (£135.2 million; 32.3%). Tuberculosis received £155 million (37.1%), influenza £80 million (19.1%) and pneumonia £27.8 million (6.6%). Despite high burden, there was relatively little investment in vaccine-preventable diseases including diphtheria (£0.1 million, 0.03%), measles (£5.0 million, 1.2%) and drug-resistant tuberculosis. There were 802 preclinical studies (67.3%) receiving £273 million (65.2%), while implementation research received £81 million (19.3%) across 274 studies (23%). There were comparatively few phase I-IV trials or product development studies. Global health research received £68.3 million (16.3%). Relative investment was strongly correlated with 2010 disease burden. The UK predominantly funds preclinical science. Tuberculosis is the most studied respiratory disease. The high global burden of pneumonia-related disease warrants greater investment than it has historically received. Other priority areas include antimicrobial resistance (particularly within tuberculosis), economics and proactive investments for emerging infectious threats.

  13. Surges of outlet glaciers from the Drangajökull ice cap, northwest Iceland

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brynjólfsson, Skafti; Schomacker, Anders; Korsgaard, Niels J.; Ingólfsson, Ólafur

    2016-09-01

    Surface elevation and volume changes of the Drangajökull surge-type glaciers, Reykjarfjarðarjökull and Leirufjarðarjökull, were studied by comparing digital elevation models that pre-date and post-date their most recent surges. Annual glacier-frontal measurements were used to estimate average ice velocities during the last surge of the glaciers. The observations show a distinct ice discharge, most of which was from the upper reservoir areas, down to the receiving areas during the surges. The surface draw-down in the reservoir areas was usually 10-30 m during the surges, while the thickening of the receiving areas was significantly more variable, on the order of 10-120 m. Despite a negative geodetic net mass balance derived from the digital elevation models, the reservoir areas have been gaining mass since the surge terminations. This surface thickening along with considerable ablation of the receiving areas will most likely return the glacier surface profiles to the pre-surge stage. Our results indicate that (a) greatest surface thinning in the upper reservoir areas of Drangajökull rather than proximal to the equilibrium line during Vatnajökull surges and (b) development of Drangajökull surges that resembles Svalbard surge-type glaciers rather than Vatnajökull surge-type glaciers. The contrasting surge characteristics could be explained by differences in glacier geometry, topography and substratum of the Drangajökull and Vatnajökull surge-type glaciers.

  14. Child Characteristics by Science Instruction Interactions in Second and Third Grade and Their Relation to Students' Content-Area Knowledge, Vocabulary, and Reading Skill Gains

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Connor, Carol McDonald; Rice, Diana C.; Canto, Angela I.; Southerland, Sherry A.; Underwood, Phyllis; Kaya, Sibel; Fishman, Barry; Morrison, Frederick J.

    2012-01-01

    The associations among second- and third-grade students' content-area knowledge, vocabulary, and reading gains and the science instruction they received were examined in this exploratory longitudinal study. We also asked whether there were child characteristics x instruction interaction effects on students' content-area literacy. Second graders (n…

  15. Differences in skeletal muscle loss caused by cytotoxic chemotherapy and molecular targeted therapy in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer

    PubMed Central

    Tsuruoka, Hazime; Morikawa, Kei; Furuya, Naoki; Inoue, Takeo; Miyazawa, Teruomi; Mineshita, Masamichi

    2017-01-01

    Background Recent studies have revealed a reduction in the skeletal muscle area in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after chemotherapy. EGFR and ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)‐based therapies are less cytotoxic than chemotherapy, but differences in skeletal muscle mass between patients receiving EGFR and ALK TKI therapies and patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy have not yet been reported. Methods Data of pathologically proven NSCLC patients were reviewed, and chest computed tomography and/or positron emission tomography‐computed tomography images obtained from January 2012 to December 2014 were selected. Patients were divided into two groups: cytotoxic chemotherapy (CG) and molecular targeted (MG). Muscle mass was measured with a single cross‐sectional area of the muscle at the third lumber vertebra (L3MA). To estimate skeletal muscle changes during chemotherapy, we defined the following L3 skeletal muscle index (L3SMI) ratio: post L3SMI/pre L3SMI. Differences in the SMI ratio between the groups were evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Results Sixty‐five patients were included in this study: 44 patients received cytotoxic chemotherapy and 21 received molecular targeted therapy (EGFR and ALK TKI). The loss of L3MA in the CG was higher than in the MG (P = 0.03). In the CG, the L3SMI ratio defined to evaluate skeletal muscle mass changes was significantly lower than in the MG (P = 0.0188). Conclusion Our results suggest that skeletal muscle loss during first‐line therapy was significantly different between patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy and those receiving TKIs. Specifically, skeletal muscle loss was lower in patients receiving TKIs than in patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy. PMID:29067769

  16. Association Between Geographic Access to Cancer Care, Insurance, and Receipt of Chemotherapy: Geographic Distribution of Oncologists and Travel Distance

    PubMed Central

    Lin, Chun Chieh; Bruinooge, Suanna S.; Kirkwood, M. Kelsey; Olsen, Christine; Jemal, Ahmedin; Bajorin, Dean; Giordano, Sharon H.; Goldstein, Michael; Guadagnolo, B. Ashleigh; Kosty, Michael; Hopkins, Shane; Yu, James B.; Arnone, Anna; Hanley, Amy; Stevens, Stephanie; Hershman, Dawn L.

    2015-01-01

    Purpose Geographic access to care may be associated with receipt of chemotherapy but has not been fully examined. This study sought to evaluate the association between density of oncologists and travel distance and receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer within 90 days of colectomy. Patients and Methods Patients in the National Cancer Data Base with stage III colon cancer, diagnosed between 2007 and 2010, and age 18 to 80 years were selected. Generalized estimating equation clustering by hospital service area was conducted to examine the association between geographic access and receipt of oncology services, controlling for patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Results Of 34,694 patients in the study cohort, 75.7% received adjuvant chemotherapy within 90 days of colectomy. Compared with travel distance less than 12.5 miles, patients who traveled 50 to 249 miles (odds ratio [OR], 0.87; P = .009) or ≥ 250 miles (OR, 0.36; P < .001) had decreased likelihood of receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Density level of oncologists was not statistically associated with receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy (low v high density: OR, 0.98; P = .77). When stratifying analyses by insurance status, non–privately insured patients who resided in areas with low density of oncologists were less likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy (OR, 0.85; P = .03). Conclusion Increased travel burden was associated with a decreased likelihood of receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, regardless of insurance status. Patients with nonprivate insurance who resided in low-density oncologist areas were less likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy. If these findings are validated prospectively, interventions to decrease geographic barriers may improve the timeliness and quality of colon cancer treatment. PMID:26304878

  17. Association Between Geographic Access to Cancer Care, Insurance, and Receipt of Chemotherapy: Geographic Distribution of Oncologists and Travel Distance.

    PubMed

    Lin, Chun Chieh; Bruinooge, Suanna S; Kirkwood, M Kelsey; Olsen, Christine; Jemal, Ahmedin; Bajorin, Dean; Giordano, Sharon H; Goldstein, Michael; Guadagnolo, B Ashleigh; Kosty, Michael; Hopkins, Shane; Yu, James B; Arnone, Anna; Hanley, Amy; Stevens, Stephanie; Hershman, Dawn L

    2015-10-01

    Geographic access to care may be associated with receipt of chemotherapy but has not been fully examined. This study sought to evaluate the association between density of oncologists and travel distance and receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer within 90 days of colectomy. Patients in the National Cancer Data Base with stage III colon cancer, diagnosed between 2007 and 2010, and age 18 to 80 years were selected. Generalized estimating equation clustering by hospital service area was conducted to examine the association between geographic access and receipt of oncology services, controlling for patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Of 34,694 patients in the study cohort, 75.7% received adjuvant chemotherapy within 90 days of colectomy. Compared with travel distance less than 12.5 miles, patients who traveled 50 to 249 miles (odds ratio [OR], 0.87; P=.009) or ≥250 miles (OR, 0.36; P<.001) had decreased likelihood of receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Density level of oncologists was not statistically associated with receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy (low v high density: OR, 0.98; P=.77). When stratifying analyses by insurance status, non-privately insured patients who resided in areas with low density of oncologists were less likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy (OR, 0.85; P=.03). Increased travel burden was associated with a decreased likelihood of receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, regardless of insurance status. Patients with nonprivate insurance who resided in low-density oncologist areas were less likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy. If these findings are validated prospectively, interventions to decrease geographic barriers may improve the timeliness and quality of colon cancer treatment. © 2015 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.

  18. The Effectiveness of Using Vocal Music as the Content Area of English Immersion Classes for Japanese Children

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Morgan, Steven Gene

    2012-01-01

    This study set out to determine if English can be taught effectively to Japanese children through a content-based instruction program that uses vocal music as the content area. A total of 240 children participated in the study. The treatment group at a private elementary school in Tokyo received weekly vocal music lessons taught in English for one…

  19. System and Method of Locating Lightning Strikes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Medelius, Pedro J. (Inventor); Starr, Stanley O. (Inventor)

    2002-01-01

    A system and method of determining locations of lightning strikes has been described. The system includes multiple receivers located around an area of interest, such as a space center or airport. Each receiver monitors both sound and electric fields. The detection of an electric field pulse and a sound wave are used to calculate an area around each receiver in which the lighting is detected. A processor is coupled to the receivers to accurately determine the location of the lighting strike. The processor can manipulate the receiver data to compensate for environmental variables such as wind, temperature, and humidity. Further, each receiver processor can discriminate between distant and local lightning strikes.

  20. Vector Topographic Map Data over the BOREAS NSA and SSA in SIF Format

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Knapp, David; Nickeson, Jaime; Hall, Forrest G. (Editor)

    2000-01-01

    This data set contains vector contours and other features of individual topographic map sheets from the National Topographic Series (NTS). The map sheet files were received in Standard Interchange Format (SIF) and cover the BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) Northern Study Area (NSA) and Southern Study Area (SSA) at scales of 1:50,000 and 1:250,000. The individual files are stored in compressed Unix tar archives.

  1. Using endemic road features to create self-explaining roads and reduce vehicle speeds.

    PubMed

    Charlton, Samuel G; Mackie, Hamish W; Baas, Peter H; Hay, Karen; Menezes, Miguel; Dixon, Claire

    2010-11-01

    This paper describes a project undertaken to establish a self-explaining roads (SER) design programme on existing streets in an urban area. The methodology focussed on developing a process to identify functional road categories and designs based on endemic road characteristics taken from functional exemplars in the study area. The study area was divided into two sections, one to receive SER treatments designed to maximise visual differences between road categories, and a matched control area to remain untreated for purposes of comparison. The SER design for local roads included increased landscaping and community islands to limit forward visibility, and removal of road markings to create a visually distinct road environment. In comparison, roads categorised as collectors received increased delineation, addition of cycle lanes, and improved amenity for pedestrians. Speed data collected 3 months after implementation showed a significant reduction in vehicle speeds on local roads and increased homogeneity of speeds on both local and collector roads. The objective speed data, combined with residents' speed choice ratings, indicated that the project was successful in creating two discriminably different road categories. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. General analysis of factors influencing cataract surgery practice in Shanghai residents.

    PubMed

    Xu, Yi; He, Jiangnan; Lin, Senlin; Zhang, Bo; Zhu, Jianfeng; Resnikoff, Serge; Lu, Lina; Zou, Haidong

    2018-04-18

    It was reported that lack of knowledge, less confidence of medical services, commute difficulties, and poor economic conditions would be the main barriers for cataract surgery practice. The influencing factors could have changed in cities with high developing speed. Shanghai is one of the biggest cities in China and the world. The purpose of the study was to explore the factors influencing cataract surgery practice in Shanghai. This was a population-based, cross-sectional study. A total of 2342 cataract patients older than 50 years old with cataract-induced visual impairment or who had undergone cataract surgery were recruited from rural and urban areas of Shanghai. Participants accepted a face-to-face structured questionnaire. Data were collected on patient demographics, education, work, income, health insurance, awareness about cataracts disease, treatment and related medical resources and deration policy, transportation and degree of satisfaction with hospitals. There were 417 patients who had received cataract surgery, 404 of them supplied complete information in the questionnaire. More female subjects (64.6%) than male subjects (35.4%) accepted cataract surgery among the 404 patients. Of the patients with cataract history, 36.4% of surgery patients were equal or older than 80. More people with urban medical insurance received surgery (p = 0.036). Patients who received surgery were more satisfied with local medical service (p = 0.032). In urban area, Lower income and difficulties with commutes were related to a higher rate of surgery. Cataract patients with the following features were more inclined to receive surgery: female, old age, better awareness. In urban areas low income and difficult commutes did not represent barriers for cataract surgery, probably because of appropriate cataract surgery promotion policies recent years in Shanghai. In rural areas, better healthcare reimbursement policies would likely lead to a higher uptake of cataract surgery. Further cohort studies with more controls could supply stronger evidence for our viewpoint.

  3. Pharmacodynamic Comparison of Rocuronium Bromide between Patients from the Plateau Area and from the Plain Area.

    PubMed

    Xie, Min; Huang, Jianxin; Li, Peng; Ou, Zhiyan; Hou, Jing

    2016-06-23

    We aimed to conduct a pharmacodynamic comparison of rocuronium bromide between patients from the plateau area and from the plain area. A total of 104 patients who received laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital and Aba Autonomous Prefecture People's Hospital from October 2015 to December 2015 were included in this study. Among them, 46 patients were from the plateau area and 58 were from the plain area. Both groups received total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with a dose of 0.6mg/kg rocuronium bromide during induction. In the meantime, neuromuscular block was monitored using a train-of-four (TOF) stimulation mode. The onset time (time to achieve the lowest TOF value after the injection of rocuronium bromide), duration of maximal neuromuscular block (duration of lowest T1 value), time to 25% recovery, time to 75% recovery, recovery index (time from 25% recovery to 75% recovery), time to extubation, length of stay in Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and muscle strength upon PACU discharge were all recorded. The onset time, time to 25% recovery, time to 75% recovery and time to extubation were all significantly prolonged in patients from the plateau area after receiving one single dose of rocuronium bromide (P<0.05). However, both groups didn't show any significant difference in maximal neuromuscular block, recovery index (time from 25% recovery to 75% recovery), length of stay in PACU or muscle strength upon PACU discharge (P>0.05). Compared to patients from the plain area, patients from the plateau area showed prolonged onset time of rocuronium bromide, reduced metabolic capabilities and longer duration of muscular relaxation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  4. The Study of Living Conditions and Perceived Needs for Social Security among Clergy in China: A Case Study of Guanzhong Qinling Area.

    PubMed

    Zhai, Shaoguo; Zhuang, Qi; Wang, Pei; Wang, Zhaoxi; Coyte, Peter C

    2017-02-17

    This study used quantitative and qualitative data collected in the Guanzhong Qinling area of China to examine living conditions and perceived needs for social security among men and women of the clergy. The survey finds that most respondent clergy are Buddhists. When the clergy have economic difficulties, their main types of support include self-support (28.8%), help from other believers (25.6%), and assistance from other community residents (18.4%). When the clergy are old, they tend to live alone (25%), receive institutional care from religious organizations (19%), and receive support from other believers (18%). When the clergy are ill, they will often select self-treatment (primarily the use of traditional Chinese medicine [25%], and spiritual healing [25%], including meditation, prayers, and psychotherapy) and receive treatment at hospitals (20%). The study found that the clergy perceived their needs for social security as either great (19.7%) or modest (36.5%). Very few clergy (10%) indicate the absence of social security needs. Most clergy believe that the key social security priorities should be medical care (34%), elderly care (29%), and charitable assistance (21%).

  5. Proportionate universalism in practice? A quasi-experimental study (GoWell) of a UK neighbourhood renewal programme's impact on health inequalities.

    PubMed

    Egan, Matt; Kearns, Ade; Katikireddi, Srinivasa V; Curl, Angela; Lawson, Kenny; Tannahill, Carol

    2016-03-01

    Recommendations to reduce health inequalities frequently emphasise improvements to socio-environmental determinants of health. Proponents of 'proportionate universalism' argue that such improvements should be allocated proportionally to population need. We tested whether city-wide investment in urban renewal in Glasgow (UK) was allocated to 'need' and whether this reduced health inequalities. We identified a longitudinal cohort (n = 1006) through data linkage across surveys conducted in 2006 and 2011 in 14 differentially disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Each neighbourhood received renewal investment during that time, allocated on the basis of housing need. We grouped neighbourhoods into those receiving 'higher', 'medium' or 'lower' levels of investment. We compared residents' self-reported physical and mental health between these three groups over time using the SF-12 version 2 instrument. Multiple linear regression adjusted for baseline gender, age, education, household structure, housing tenure, building type, country of birth and clustering. Areas receiving higher investment tended to be most disadvantaged in terms of baseline health, income deprivation and markers of social disadvantage. After five years, mean mental health scores improved in 'higher investment' areas relative to 'lower investment' areas (b = 4.26; 95% CI = 0.29, 8.22; P = 0.036). Similarly, mean physical health scores declined less in high investment compared to low investment areas (b = 3.86; 95% CI = 1.96, 5.76; P < 0.001). Relative improvements for medium investment (compared to lower investment) areas were not statistically significant. Findings suggest that investment in housing-led renewal was allocated according to population need and this led to modest reductions in area-based inequalities in health after five years. Study limitations include a risk of selection bias. This study demonstrates how non-health interventions can, and we believe should, be evaluated to better understand if and how health inequalities can be reduced through strategies of allocating investment in social determinants of health according to need. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  6. EFFECTS OF ZOLEDRONIC ACID ON OOFORECTOMIZED RATS' TIBIAE: A PROSPECTIVE AND RANDOMIZED STUDY

    PubMed Central

    Alves Pereira, Fernando Roberto; Dutra, Ricardo César; Reis Olímpio, Thiago César; Müller, Sérgio Swain; Palacio, Evandro Pereira

    2015-01-01

    To investigate clinical, biomechanic and histomorphometric effects of zoledronic acid on osteoporotic rats’ tibiae after bilateral ooforectomy. Methods: 40 female Wistar (Rattus novergicus albinus) rats were prospectively studied. On the 60th day of life, the animals were randomized into two groups according to the surgical procedure: bilateral ooforectomy (O) (n=20) and sham surgery (“sham”) (P) (n=20). After 30 days, the animals were divided into four groups, according to the administration of zoledronic acid (ZA) 0.1mg/kg or distilled water (DW): OZA (n=10), ODW (n=10), PZA (n=10) and PDW (n=10). After 12 months, the animals were sacrificed, and had their tibiae assessed. In the clinical study, animals’ weight was considered; in the biomechanical study, compressive assays were applied and, in the histomorphometric analysis, the bone trabecular area was determined. Results: “O” groups showed a significantly greater weight gain than “P” groups (p=0.005). Groups OZA and PZA showed an insignificant weight gain when compared to ODW (p=0.47) and PDW (p=0.68). The groups receiving zoledronic acid and distilled water were able to bear maximum load, similar (p=0.2), at the moment of fracture. In the groups receiving zoledronic acid, an insignificant increase of the bone trabecular area was found when compared to the groups receiving distilled water (p=0.21). There was a positive correlation between trabecular area and maximum load (p=0.04; r=0.95). Conclusion: Zoledronic acid did not significantly influence animals’ weight. The results showed an insignificant increase both of the tibial shaft bone resistance and the bone trabecular area. PMID:26998455

  7. Dental Treatment in a State-Funded Primary Dental Care Facility: Contextual and Individual Predictors of Treatment Need?

    PubMed Central

    Radford, David R.; Gallagher, Jennifer E.

    2017-01-01

    Objective This study examined individual and contextual factors which predict the dental care received by patients in a state-funded primary dental care training facility in England. Methods Routine clinical and demographic data were extracted from a live dental patient management system in a state-funded facility using novel methods. The data, spanning a four-year period [2008–2012] were cleaned, validated, linked by means of postcode to deprivation status, and analysed to identify factors which predict dental treatment need. The predictive relationship between patients’ individual characteristics (demography, smoking, payment status) and contextual experience (deprivation based on area of residence), with common dental treatments received was examined using unadjusted analysis and adjusted logistic regression. Additionally, multilevel modelling was used to establish the isolated influence of area of residence on treatments. Results Data on 6,351 dental patients extracted comprised of 147,417 treatment procedures delivered across 10,371 courses of care. Individual level factors associated with the treatments were age, sex, payment exemption and smoking status and deprivation associated with area of residence was a contextual predictor of treatment. More than 50% of children (<18 years) and older adults (≥65 years) received preventive care in the form of ‘instruction and advice’, compared with 46% of working age adults (18–64 years); p = 0.001. The odds of receiving treatment increased with each increasing year of age amongst adults (p = 0.001): ‘partial dentures’ (7%); ‘scale and polish’ (3.7%); ‘tooth extraction’ (3%; p = 0.001), and ‘instruction and advice’ (3%; p = 0.001). Smokers had a higher likelihood of receiving all treatments; and were notably over four times more likely to receive ‘instruction and advice’ than non-smokers (OR 4.124; 95% CI: 3.088–5.508; p = 0.01). A further new finding from the multilevel models was a significant difference in treatment related to area of residence; adults from the most deprived quintile were more likely to receive ‘tooth extraction’ when compared with least deprived, and less likely to receive preventive ‘instruction and advice’ (p = 0.01). Conclusion This is the first study to model patient management data from a state-funded dental service and show that individual and contextual factors predict common treatments received. Implications of this research include the importance of making provision for our aging population and ensuring that preventative care is available to all. Further research is required to explain the interaction of organisational and system policies, practitioner and patient perspectives on care and, thus, inform effective commissioning and provision of dental services. PMID:28118361

  8. Design study of a low cost civil aviation GPS receiver system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cnossen, R.; Gilbert, G. A.

    1979-01-01

    A low cost Navstar receiver system for civil aviation applications was defined. User objectives and constraints were established. Alternative navigation processing design trades were evaluated. Receiver hardware was synthesized by comparing technology projections with various candidate system designs. A control display unit design was recommended as the result of field test experience with Phase I GPS sets and a review of special human factors for general aviation users. Areas requiring technology development to ensure a low cost Navstar Set in the 1985 timeframe were identified.

  9. Optimization of MLS receivers for multipath environments

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mcalpine, G. A.; Highfill, J. H., III

    1976-01-01

    The design of a microwave landing system (MLS) aircraft receiver, capable of optimal performance in multipath environments found in air terminal areas, is reported. Special attention was given to the angle tracking problem of the receiver and includes tracking system design considerations, study and application of locally optimum estimation involving multipath adaptive reception and then envelope processing, and microcomputer system design. Results show processing is competitive in this application with i-f signal processing performance-wise and is much more simple and cheaper. A summary of the signal model is given.

  10. Factors that influence patient satisfaction in the emergency department.

    PubMed

    Bruce, T A; Bowman, J M; Brown, S T

    1998-12-01

    This descriptive correlation study examined the satisfaction levels of urgent and nonurgent patients in relation to nursing care, the emergency department (ED) environment, ancillary services, and information received. The sample consisted of 28 subjects, with the majority of patients being very satisfied with nursing care. The primary area of concern was information about the length of waiting time. The satisfaction levels of ED patients with the care they receive has become increasingly important in today's health care environment. ED nurses play an important role in ensuring that patients are satisfied and receive quality care.

  11. Space Radar Image of Munich, Germany

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1994-01-01

    This spaceborne radar image of Munich, Germany illustrates the capability of a multi-frequency radar system to highlight different land use patterns in the area surrounding Bavaria's largest city. Central Munich is the white area at the middle of the image, on the banks of the Isar River. Pink areas are forested, while green areas indicate clear-cut and agricultural terrain. The Munich region served as a primary 'supersite' for studies in ecology, hydrology and radar calibration during the Spaceborne Imaging Radar-C/X-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SIR-C/X-SAR) missions. Scientists were able to use these data to map patterns of forest damage from storms and areas affected by bark beetle infestation. The image was acquired by SIR-C/X-SAR onboard the space shuttle Endeavour on April 18, 1994. The image is 37 kilometers by 32 kilometers (23 miles by 20 miles) and is centered at 48.2 degrees North latitude, 11.5 degrees East longitude. North is toward the upper right. The colors are assigned to different radar frequencies and polarizations of the radar as follows: red is L-band, vertically transmitted and horizontally received; green is C-band, vertically transmitted and horizontally received; and blue is C-band vertically transmitted and received. SIR-C/X-SAR, a joint mission of the German, Italian, and United States space agencies, is part of NASA's Mission to Planet Earth.

  12. Reflection of a therapeutic touch experience: case study 2.

    PubMed

    Green, C A

    1998-02-01

    The purpose of this case study was to explore the experience of both giving and receiving Therapeutic Touch. A subjective account of the Therapeutic Touch experience is given in an attempt to throw light on its unique creative and therapeutic qualities. In most instances it was shown that the experience of both giving and receiving Therapeutic Touch was a parallel experience. This case study explores the effects of Therapeutic Touch on a client experiencing pain and associated anxiety. Whilst a response to treatment was observed, the need for further case studies and research studies in this area was identified.

  13. Parametric estimates for the receiver operating characteristic curve generalization for non-monotone relationships.

    PubMed

    Martínez-Camblor, Pablo; Pardo-Fernández, Juan C

    2017-01-01

    Diagnostic procedures are based on establishing certain conditions and then checking if those conditions are satisfied by a given individual. When the diagnostic procedure is based on a continuous marker, this is equivalent to fix a region or classification subset and then check if the observed value of the marker belongs to that region. Receiver operating characteristic curve is a valuable and popular tool to study and compare the diagnostic ability of a given marker. Besides, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve is frequently used as an index of the global discrimination ability. This paper revises and widens the scope of the receiver operating characteristic curve definition by setting the classification subsets in which the final decision is based in the spotlight of the analysis. We revise the definition of the receiver operating characteristic curve in terms of particular classes of classification subsets and then focus on a receiver operating characteristic curve generalization for situations in which both low and high values of the marker are associated with more probability of having the studied characteristic. Parametric and non-parametric estimators of the receiver operating characteristic curve generalization are investigated. Monte Carlo studies and real data examples illustrate their practical performance.

  14. A new agent for flap survival – Hippophae rhamnoides L. (sea buckthorn): An experimental study in rats

    PubMed Central

    Emsen, Ilteris Murat

    2005-01-01

    Hippophae rhamnoides L. (sea buckthorn) is a member of the Elaeagnaceae family, and is a temperate bush native to Europe and Asia. The antioxidant activity of H rhamnoides L. has been shown in vitro cell culture and animal studies. Different fractions of H rhamnoides L. fruits inhibit 2,2-azobis-(2,4 dimethylvaleronitrile) and ascorbate iron-induced lipid peroxidations in vitro. H rhamnoides L., as well as vitamin E, decrease the malondialdehyde content in hyperlipidemic rabbit serum-cultured smooth muscle cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate, in a rat model, the potential effect of H rhamnoides L. on survival of random pattern skin flaps. For this purpose, 30 Wistar Albino rats were used, and a McFarlane-type caudally based skin flap was created on the dorsum of the rat (2.5 cm × 8 cm). Rats were divided into three groups: one control (group A) and two treatment groups (groups B and C). H rhamnoides L. was administered orally to the experimental groups: group B received a single 15 mg/kg dose per day and group C received 15 mg/kg twice per day. The areas and lengths of flap necrosis were measured in each group. The extent of necrotic flap areas were evaluated as length and area of total flap area, and differences were studied by Student’s t tests. The areas and lengths of necrosis of skin flaps decreased depending on H rhamnoides L., but viability of the flaps treated with 15 mg/kg/day was not significantly different from the control group. The rats receiving H rhamnoides L. 15 mg/kg twice per day had the highest flap survival rate (P<0.001). In conclusion, H rhamnoides L. may have a dose-dependent effect to increase flap survival in random skin flaps. PMID:24227931

  15. Optical receiving system based on a compound parabolic concentrator and a hemispherical lens for visible light communication.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yun; Lan, Tian; Ni, Guoqiang

    2016-12-20

    We propose a scheme for designing a new optical receiving system that can reduce the received-energy spot size via integration of a compound parabolic concentrator with a hemispherical lens. SolidWorks is used to model the receiving system, while TracePro is employed for simulations. The field of view is set to 30° and the radius of the compound parabolic concentrator outlet is 5 mm, which is also the radius of the hemispherical lens. Ray-tracing results show that under the given simulation conditions, the radius of the spot area is reduced from 5 to 3 mm at the receiving system and the gain is 5.2. In regard to the relations between received power and the radius of the hemispherical lens R, and the received power and the distance d between the compound parabolic concentrator and hemispherical lens, our detailed analysis yields the following characteristics: (1) the received power increases as R increases, but decreases as d increases; (2) as R increases, the spot area increases and the received flux is dispersed over the receiving plane, which dispersion is disadvantageous for high-speed communication; (3) the gain of the receiving system also varies with R and d; (4) an increase in d leads to decrease in the received flux and gain when d>-2  mm. Based on these characteristics, we set R=5  mm and calculate the energy efficiency. We obtain maximum energy efficiencies for different detection areas.

  16. Evolution of Geographic Atrophy in Participants Treated with Ranibizumab for Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration

    PubMed Central

    Thavikulwat, Alisa T.; Jacobs-El, Naima; Kim, Jane S.; Agrón, Elvira; Hasan, Jesia; Meyerle, Catherine B.; Valent, David; Cukras, Catherine A.; Wiley, Henry E.; Wong, Wai T.; Chew, Emily Y.

    2016-01-01

    Purpose To evaluate the risk factors, incidence, and rate of progression of geographic atrophy (GA) in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with ranibizumab. Design Post-hoc analysis of a prospective clinical study. Participants 69 participants with nAMD in at least one eye. Methods Participants were prospectively treated in the study eye with 0.5 mg intravitreal ranibizumab. Study eyes received 4 monthly injections followed by pro re nata injections until a fluid-free macula was achieved on optical coherence tomography. Risk factors assessed included baseline demographics, treatment, and ocular characteristics on imaging. Eyes were evaluated on fundus autofluorescence (FAF) for GA. The rate of GA area growth in study and fellow eyes was analyzed by linear regression of square-root transformed areas. Main Outcome Measures Development of new-onset GA and rate of GA area growth measured on ocular imaging, including FAF images of the study eyes. Results Sixty-nine participants (mean age 78.8±7.8 years) with an average of 40.0±13.6 months of follow-up were analyzed. Twenty-two of 69 study eyes (32%) were treatment naïve. During their first year of the study, participants received an average of 9.2±3.3 injections in the study eye. Of 63 study eyes with quality baseline images, 22 (35%) had pre-existing GA. Of the remaining 41 eyes, 7 (17%) developed new-onset GA during study follow-up. Those who developed new GA were older (all ≥79 years old) and had received fewer study injections on average (6.9 vs. 10.4 injections at 1 year) compared to those who did not develop new GA. Of the 12 treatment naïve study eyes without GA at baseline, 1 (8.3%) developed new GA during the study. In 21 study eyes with quantifiable GA area, eyes with GA present at baseline (16/21) enlarged by 0.34±0.26 mm/year, compared to 0.19±0.12 mm/year in eyes developing new-onset GA (5/21). Conclusions While 17% of study eyes without GA present at baseline receiving ranibizumab developed new GA, the role of ranibizumab in the development of GA is unclear. Further prospective longitudinal studies are required to determine the eyes most at risk of developing GA in the setting of anti-VEGF treatment. PMID:28630947

  17. Psychology Students' Perception of and Engagement with Feedback as a Function of Year of Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ali, Nadia; Rose, Sarah; Ahmed, Lubna

    2015-01-01

    Undergraduate students' perception of feedback and level of engagement with the feedback they receive have gained increasing attention in the educational literature recently to identify areas which require educators' attention. However, research in this area has generally been based on limited self-selecting samples, and has not considered how…

  18. Jordanian Mothers' Perceptions of Their Children's Social Competence: An Examination of Family Factors and Demographic Variables

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Abu Taleb, Tagreed Fathi; AlZoubi, Rifa Rafe

    2015-01-01

    Children's social competence is an area of research that receives minimal attention from Jordanian researchers. It is important to investigate this area of development so as to provide parents with information about the nature of social competence and possible factors affecting its development. This research study examined Jordanian mothers'…

  19. Race, Rural Residence, and Wildland Visitation: Examining the Influence of Sociocultural Meaning

    Treesearch

    Cassandra Y. Johnson; Patrick M. Horan; William Pepper

    1997-01-01

    Previous studies have shown that African Americans have less favorable impressions about wildlands and recreate on wildland areas less frequently than do whites. However, most of these investigations have been conducted on non-rural populations. Rural perceptions of wildlands and visitation to such areas have received relatively little attention. In this exploratory...

  20. Solar energy apparatus with apertured shield

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Collings, Roger J. (Inventor); Bannon, David G. (Inventor)

    1989-01-01

    A protective apertured shield for use about an inlet to a solar apparatus which includesd a cavity receiver for absorbing concentrated solar energy. A rigid support truss assembly is fixed to the periphery of the inlet and projects radially inwardly therefrom to define a generally central aperture area through which solar radiation can pass into the cavity receiver. A non-structural, laminated blanket is spread over the rigid support truss in such a manner as to define an outer surface area and an inner surface area diverging radially outwardly from the central aperture area toward the periphery of the inlet. The outer surface area faces away from the inlet and the inner surface area faces toward the cavity receiver. The laminated blanket includes at least one layer of material, such as ceramic fiber fabric, having high infra-red emittance and low solar absorption properties, and another layer, such as metallic foil, of low infra-red emittance properties.

  1. Receiver function images of the central Chugoku region in the Japanese islands using Hi-net data

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ramesh, D. S.; Wakatsu, H. K.; Watada, S.; Yuan, X.

    2005-04-01

    Crustal configuration of the central Chugoku region with disposition of the Philippine Sea Plate (PHS) in this area are investigated through the receiver function approach using short-period Hi-net data. Images of the upper mantle discontinuities are also obtained. Restituted short-period receiver functions bring out discernible variations in average composition of the crust and its thickness in the study region. The Vp/ Vs values in the study area are generally high, reaching values in excess of 1.85 at a few places. The central part of the study region showing the highest Vp/ Vs values is coincidentally a subregion of least seismicity, possibly bestowed with special subsurface structure. Migrated receiver function images, both Ps and Pps images, unambiguously trace the NW subducting PHS taking a steeper plunge in the northwest part of the Chugoku region reaching depths of 70 km from its low dip disposition in the southeast. An excellent correlation of the subducting PHS with the hypocenters is also seen. We demonstrate that short-period data after restitution and application of appropriate low pass filters can indeed detect presence of the global 410-km and 660-km discontinuities and map their disposition reasonably well. Our migrated receiver functions image the deflections in the 410-km and 660-km discontinuities in an anti-correlated fashion on expected lines of Clapeyron slope predictions induced by subduction of the Pacific plate (PAC) beneath Japanese islands, though PAC itself is feebly traced but shows good correlation with slab seismicity.

  2. Contributions of combined sewer overflows and treated effluents to the bacterial load released into a coastal area.

    PubMed

    Al Aukidy, M; Verlicchi, P

    2017-12-31

    The impact of combined sewer overflow (CSO) on the receiving water body is an issue of increasing concern, as it may lead to restrictions in the use and destination of the receiving body, such as bathing or recreational area closures, fish and shellfish consumption restrictions, and contamination of drinking water resources. Recent investigations have mainly referred to the occurrence and loads of suspended solids, organic compounds and, in some cases, micropollutants. Attempts have been made to find correlations between the discharged load and the size and characteristics of the catchment area, climate conditions, rainfall duration and intensity. This study refers to a touristic coastal area in the north-east of Italy, which is characterized by a combined sewer network including 5 CSO outfalls which, in the case of heavy rain events, directly discharge the exceeding water flow rate into channels which, after a short distance, reach the Adriatic Sea. The study analyzed: i) rainfall events during the summer period in 2014 which led to overflow in the different outfalls, ii) the inter- and intra-event variability with regard to E. coli, Enterococci and conductivity, and iii) the hydraulic and pollutant (E. coli and Enterococci) loads discharged by the local wastewater treatment plant and by all the CSO outfalls. Finally, it estimated the contribution of each source to the released hydraulic and pollutant loads into the receiving water body. Moreover, it was also found that the modest water volume discharged by all CSO outfalls (only 8% of the total volume discharged by the area) contains >90% of the microbial load. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. REACTOR SERVICES BUILDING, TRA635, INTERIOR. ALSO KNOWN AS MATERIAL RECEIVING ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    REACTOR SERVICES BUILDING, TRA-635, INTERIOR. ALSO KNOWN AS MATERIAL RECEIVING AREA AND LABORATORY. CAMERA ON FIRST FLOOR FACING NORTH TOWARD MTR BUILDING. MOCK-UP AREA WAS TO THE RIGHT OF VIEW. INL NEGATIVE NO. HD46-10-1. Mike Crane, Photographer, 2/2005 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Test Reactor Area, Materials & Engineering Test Reactors, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  4. Gadolinium Accumulation in the Deep Cerebellar Nuclei and Globus Pallidus After Exposure to Linear but Not Macrocyclic Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents in a Retrospective Pig Study With High Similarity to Clinical Conditions.

    PubMed

    Boyken, Janina; Frenzel, Thomas; Lohrke, Jessica; Jost, Gregor; Pietsch, Hubertus

    2018-05-01

    The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the gadolinium (Gd) concentration in different brain areas in a pig cohort that received repeated administration of Gd-based contrast agents (GBCAs) at standard doses over several years, comparable with a clinical setting. Brain tissue was collected from 13 Göttingen mini pigs that had received repeated intravenous injections of gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA; Magnevist) and/or gadobutrol (Gadovist). The animals have been included in several preclinical imaging studies since 2008 and received cumulative Gd doses ranging from 7 to 129 mmol per animal over an extended period. Two animals with no history of administration of GBCA were included as controls. Brain autopsies were performed not earlier than 8 and not later than 38 months after the last GBCA application. Tissues from multiple brain areas including cerebellar and cerebral deep nuclei, cerebellar and cerebral cortex, and pons were analyzed for Gd using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Of the 13 animals, 8 received up to 48 injections of gadobutrol and Gd-DTPA and 5 received up to 29 injections of gadobutrol only. In animals that had received both Gd-DTPA and gadobutrol, a median (interquartile range) Gd concentration of 1.0 nmol/g tissue (0.44-1.42) was measured in the cerebellar nuclei and 0.53 nmol/g (0.29-0.62) in the globus pallidus. The Gd concentration in these areas in gadobutrol-only animals was 50-fold lower with median concentrations of 0.02 nmol/g (0.01-0.02) for cerebellar nuclei and 0.01 nmol/g (0.01-0.01) for globus pallidus and was comparable with control animals with no GBCA history. Accordingly, in animals that received both GBCAs, the amount of residual Gd correlated with the administered dose of Gd-DTPA (P ≤ 0.002) but not with the total Gd dose, consisting of Gd-DTPA and gadobutrol. The Gd concentration in cortical tissue and in the pons was very low (≤0.07 nmol/g tissue) in all animals analyzed. Multiple exposure to macrocyclic gadobutrol is not associated with Gd deposition in brain tissue of healthy pigs. A single additional administration of linear Gd-DTPA is sufficient for Gd accumulation in the nucleus dentatus and globus pallidus, underlining the importance of obtaining a complete GBCA history in clinical studies.

  5. Noninvasive lifting of arm, thigh, and knee skin with transcutaneous intense focused ultrasound.

    PubMed

    Alster, Tina S; Tanzi, Elizabeth L

    2012-05-01

    Transcutaneous intense focused ultrasound is a novel Food and Drug Administration-approved technology for noninvasive skin tightening of the face and neck. No studies have reported on its safety and effectiveness on nonfacial areas. Eighteen paired areas (6 each) on the upper arms, medial thighs, and extensor knees were randomly treated with two different transducers (4.0 MHz, 4.5-mm focal depth and 7.0 MHz, 3.0-mm focal depth). One side was randomly assigned to receive a single pass (single plane) of microthermal coagulation zones over the involved area with the 4.0 MHz, 4.5-mm-depth transducer, and the contralateral side was assigned to receive consecutive single passes (dual plane) using both transducers (4.0 MHz, 4.5-mm depth followed by 7.0 MHz, 3.0-mm depth). Two independent masked assessors determined clinical improvement scores using comparative standardized photographs obtained at baseline and 3 and 6 months after treatment. Subjective assessments of clinical improvement and side effects of treatment were obtained. Global assessment scores revealed significant improvement in all treated areas, with the upper arms and knees demonstrating more skin lifting and tightening than the thighs. Areas receiving dual-plane treatment had slightly better clinical scores than those receiving single-plane treatment in all three sites. Clinical scores from single-plane and dual-plane treated areas continued to improve between 3 and 6 months after treatment. Side effects were mild and transient and included erythema, warmth, and skin tenderness. Rare focal bruising was noted in two patients on the upper arms that resolved within 7 days. No other side effects were reported or observed. Transcutaneous intense focused ultrasound can be safely and effectively used to improve the clinical appearance (texture and contour) of the upper arms, extensor knees, and medial thighs. © 2012 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  6. One plunge or two?--hand disinfection with alcohol gel.

    PubMed

    Macdonald, Duncan J M; Mckillop, Elisabeth C A; Trotter, Sylvia; Gray, Alastair J R

    2006-04-01

    To compare health care workers' hand surface coverage using two different volumes of alcohol gel for hand disinfection. and methods. A total of 84 members of staff in our hospital were studied. Subjects were asked to disinfect their hands with alcohol gel containing a clear fluorescent substance. Performance was assessed by using UV light to identify areas which had been missed, and the total surface area missed was calculated. A total of 42 subjects received 3.5 ml of alcohol gel, and 42 age-, sex-, and job-matched subjects received 1.75 ml of alcohol gel. Significantly less area was missed when hand disinfecting with double the volume of alcohol gel; 1.23 versus 6.35% surface area was missed (P < 0.001). Doubling the volume of alcohol gel used for hand disinfection significantly improves the efficiency of coverage of the hands with alcohol gel. This may result in lower bacterial count on the hands and may reduce the spread of nosocomial infections including that of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

  7. A study of the origin, nature, and behavior of particulate matter and metallic atoms in the mesosphere, lower thermosphere, and at the mesopause. [using lidar data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Poultney, S. K.

    1973-01-01

    In a study of particulate matter and metallic atoms in the vicinity of the mesopause, three areas have received the most effort. These areas are: the significance of cometary dust influxes to the earth's atmosphere; the relation of nightglows to atmospheric motions and aerosols; and the feasibility of using an airborne resonant scatter lidar to study polar noctilucent clouds, the sodium layer, and fireball dust.

  8. 34 CFR 657.3 - Who is eligible to receive a fellowship?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND AREA STUDIES FELLOWSHIPS PROGRAM General... or international studies; or (ii) Research and training in the international aspects of professional and other fields of study; (c) Shows potential for high academic achievement based on such indices as...

  9. 34 CFR 657.3 - Who is eligible to receive a fellowship?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND AREA STUDIES FELLOWSHIPS PROGRAM General... or international studies; or (ii) Research and training in the international aspects of professional and other fields of study; (c) Shows potential for high academic achievement based on such indices as...

  10. 34 CFR 657.3 - Who is eligible to receive a fellowship?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND AREA STUDIES FELLOWSHIPS PROGRAM General... or international studies; or (ii) Research and training in the international aspects of professional and other fields of study; (c) Shows potential for high academic achievement based on such indices as...

  11. 34 CFR 657.3 - Who is eligible to receive a fellowship?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND AREA STUDIES FELLOWSHIPS PROGRAM General... or international studies; or (ii) Research and training in the international aspects of professional and other fields of study; (c) Shows potential for high academic achievement based on such indices as...

  12. 34 CFR 657.3 - Who is eligible to receive a fellowship?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND AREA STUDIES FELLOWSHIPS PROGRAM General... or international studies; or (ii) Research and training in the international aspects of professional and other fields of study; (c) Shows potential for high academic achievement based on such indices as...

  13. The average receiver operating characteristic curve in multireader multicase imaging studies

    PubMed Central

    Samuelson, F W

    2014-01-01

    Objective: In multireader, multicase (MRMC) receiver operating characteristic (ROC) studies for evaluating medical imaging systems, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) is often used as a summary metric. Owing to the limitations of AUC, plotting the average ROC curve to accompany the rigorous statistical inference on AUC is recommended. The objective of this article is to investigate methods for generating the average ROC curve from ROC curves of individual readers. Methods: We present both a non-parametric method and a parametric method for averaging ROC curves that produce a ROC curve, the area under which is equal to the average AUC of individual readers (a property we call area preserving). We use hypothetical examples, simulated data and a real-world imaging data set to illustrate these methods and their properties. Results: We show that our proposed methods are area preserving. We also show that the method of averaging the ROC parameters, either the conventional bi-normal parameters (a, b) or the proper bi-normal parameters (c, da), is generally not area preserving and may produce a ROC curve that is intuitively not an average of multiple curves. Conclusion: Our proposed methods are useful for making plots of average ROC curves in MRMC studies as a companion to the rigorous statistical inference on the AUC end point. The software implementing these methods is freely available from the authors. Advances in knowledge: Methods for generating the average ROC curve in MRMC ROC studies are formally investigated. The area-preserving criterion we defined is useful to evaluate such methods. PMID:24884728

  14. Trend of Occupational Injuries/Diseases in Pakistan: Index Value Analysis of Injured Employed Persons from 2001-02 to 2012-13.

    PubMed

    Abbas, Mohsin

    2015-09-01

    The present study aimed to analyze the index value trends of injured employed persons (IEPs) covered in Pakistan Labour Force Surveys from 2001-02 to 2012-13. The index value method based on reference years and reference groups was used to analyze the IEP trends in terms of different criteria such as gender, area, employment status, industry types, occupational groups, types of injury, injured body parts, and treatment received. The Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was also performed to investigate the inter-relationship of different occupational variables. The values of IEP increased at the end of the studied year in industry divisions such as agriculture, forestry, hunting, and fishing, followed by in manufacturing and construction industry divisions. People associated with major occupations (such as skilled agricultural and fishery workers) and elementary (unskilled) occupations were found to be at an increasing risk of occupational injuries/diseases with an increasing IEP trend. Types of occupational injuries such as sprain or strain, superficial injury, and dislocation increased during the studied years. Major injured parts of body such as upper limb and lower limb found with increasing trend. Types of treatment received, including hospitalization and no treatment, were found to decrease. Increased IEP can be justified due to inadequate health care facilities, especially in rural areas by increased IEP in terms of gender, areas, received treatment, occupational groups and employment status as results found after Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. The increasing trend in the IEP% of the total employed persons due to agrarian activities shows that there is a need to improve health care setups in rural areas of Pakistan.

  15. Trend of Occupational Injuries/Diseases in Pakistan: Index Value Analysis of Injured Employed Persons from 2001–02 to 2012–13

    PubMed Central

    Abbas, Mohsin

    2015-01-01

    Background The present study aimed to analyze the index value trends of injured employed persons (IEPs) covered in Pakistan Labour Force Surveys from 2001–02 to 2012–13. Methods The index value method based on reference years and reference groups was used to analyze the IEP trends in terms of different criteria such as gender, area, employment status, industry types, occupational groups, types of injury, injured body parts, and treatment received. The Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was also performed to investigate the inter-relationship of different occupational variables. Results The values of IEP increased at the end of the studied year in industry divisions such as agriculture, forestry, hunting, and fishing, followed by in manufacturing and construction industry divisions. People associated with major occupations (such as skilled agricultural and fishery workers) and elementary (unskilled) occupations were found to be at an increasing risk of occupational injuries/diseases with an increasing IEP trend. Types of occupational injuries such as sprain or strain, superficial injury, and dislocation increased during the studied years. Major injured parts of body such as upper limb and lower limb found with increasing trend. Types of treatment received, including hospitalization and no treatment, were found to decrease. Increased IEP can be justified due to inadequate health care facilities, especially in rural areas by increased IEP in terms of gender, areas, received treatment, occupational groups and employment status as results found after Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. Conclusion The increasing trend in the IEP% of the total employed persons due to agrarian activities shows that there is a need to improve health care setups in rural areas of Pakistan. PMID:26929831

  16. Mental health effects following the eruption in Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland: A population-based study.

    PubMed

    Gissurardóttir, Ólöf Sunna; Hlodversdóttir, Heidrun; Thordardóttir, Edda Bjork; Pétursdóttir, Gudrún; Hauksdóttir, Arna

    2018-01-01

    Volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters may affect survivor's physical and mental health. The aim of this study was to examine the mental health effects of the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption in Iceland on nearby residents, by exposure level and experience. This population-based study included 1615 residents living in an area close to the Eyjafjallajökull volcano at the time of the eruption and a sample of 697 residents from a non-exposed area. All participants received a questionnaire 6-9 months after the eruption assessing mental health (GHQ-12, PSS-4 and PC-PTSD). The exposed group also received questions related to the experience of the eruption. Replies were received from 1146 participants in the exposed group (71%) and 510 participants in the non-exposed group (73%). Compared to the non-exposed group, participants living in the high-exposed area were at increased risk of experiencing mental distress (GHQ) 6-9 months following the eruption (odds ratio (OR) 1.45%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-1.90). High-exposed participants were furthermore at increased risk of experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to those living in the low-exposed area (OR 3.71; 95% CI 1.34-15.41). We further found that those who had direct experience of the eruption were more likely to suffer from symptoms of mental distress, PTSD symptoms and perceived stress, compared to those less exposed. The findings indicate that screening for these factors (e.g. experience of the event) could potentially aid in identifying those most vulnerable to developing psychological morbidity after this unique type of disaster.

  17. Socioeconomic deprivation and the clinical management of self-harm: a small area analysis.

    PubMed

    Carroll, Robert; Knipe, Duleeka; Moran, Paul; Gunnell, David

    2017-12-01

    Socioeconomic deprivation is associated with increased rates of self-harm but its association with levels of clinical care has not previously been explored. The aim of the current study was to investigate socioeconomic differences in the clinical management of people who self-harm. Cross-sectional analysis of 3607 people presenting to a large inner-city hospital following self-harm. People living in the least deprived quintile were more likely to receive a psychosocial assessment (most vs. least deprived: 63.51 vs. 70.14%). This effect persisted in our fully adjusted model (OR 1.45, CI 1.15-1.82, p = 0.002). Mediation analysis suggested this association was in large part explained by higher rates of self-discharge in people presenting from areas of higher deprivation. Compared to those from more deprived areas, people from less deprived areas are more likely to receive a psychosocial assessment when presenting to hospital following self-harm. The occurrence of higher rates of self-discharge from emergency departments among those from more deprived areas may explain the association.

  18. CONTAMINANTS IN FISH

    EPA Science Inventory

    The objective of this study was to determine inorganic and organic contaminant concentrations in edible tissue of fish collected from eight coastal areas receiving wastewater discharges and from two reference locations. Trace metal residues were statistically similar regardless ...

  19. Medial vestibular connections with the hypocretin (orexin) system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Horowitz, Seth S.; Blanchard, Jane; Morin, Lawrence P.

    2005-01-01

    The mammalian medial vestibular nucleus (MVe) receives input from all vestibular endorgans and provides extensive projections to the central nervous system. Recent studies have demonstrated projections from the MVe to the circadian rhythm system. In addition, there are known projections from the MVe to regions considered to be involved in sleep and arousal. In this study, afferent and efferent subcortical connectivity of the medial vestibular nucleus of the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) was evaluated using cholera toxin subunit-B (retrograde), Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (anterograde), and pseudorabies virus (transneuronal retrograde) tract-tracing techniques. The results demonstrate MVe connections with regions mediating visuomotor and postural control, as previously observed in other mammals. The data also identify extensive projections from the MVe to regions mediating arousal and sleep-related functions, most of which receive immunohistochemically identified projections from the lateral hypothalamic hypocretin (orexin) neurons. These include the locus coeruleus, dorsal and pedunculopontine tegmental nuclei, dorsal raphe, and lateral preoptic area. The MVe itself receives a projection from hypocretin cells. CTB tracing demonstrated reciprocal connections between the MVe and most brain areas receiving MVe efferents. Virus tracing confirmed and extended the MVe afferent connections identified with CTB and additionally demonstrated transneuronal connectivity with the suprachiasmatic nucleus and the medial habenular nucleus. These anatomical data indicate that the vestibular system has access to a broad array of neural functions not typically associated with visuomotor, balance, or equilibrium, and that the MVe is likely to receive information from many of the same regions to which it projects.

  20. Automatic Generation Control Study in Two Area Reheat Thermal Power System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pritam, Anita; Sahu, Sibakanta; Rout, Sushil Dev; Ganthia, Sibani; Prasad Ganthia, Bibhu

    2017-08-01

    Due to industrial pollution our living environment destroyed. An electric grid system has may vital equipment like generator, motor, transformers and loads. There is always be an imbalance between sending end and receiving end system which cause system unstable. So this error and fault causing problem should be solved and corrected as soon as possible else it creates faults and system error and fall of efficiency of the whole power system. The main problem developed from this fault is deviation of frequency cause instability to the power system and may cause permanent damage to the system. Therefore this mechanism studied in this paper make the system stable and balance by regulating frequency at both sending and receiving end power system using automatic generation control using various controllers taking a two area reheat thermal power system into account.

  1. Skin color parameters and Fitzpatrick phototypes in estimating the risk of skin cancer: A case-control study in the Polish population.

    PubMed

    Sitek, Aneta; Rosset, Iwona; Żądzińska, Elżbieta; Kasielska-Trojan, Anna; Neskoromna-Jędrzejczak, Aneta; Antoszewski, Bogusław

    2016-04-01

    Light skin pigmentation is a known risk factor for skin cancer. Skin color parameters and Fitzpatrick phototypes were evaluated in terms of their usefulness in predicting the risk of skin cancer. A case-control study involved 133 individuals with skin cancer (100 with basal cell carcinoma, 21 with squamous cell carcinoma, 12 with melanoma) and 156 healthy individuals. All of them had skin phototype determined and spectrophotometric skin color measurements were done on the inner surfaces of their arms and on the buttock. Using those data, prediction models were built and subjected to 17-fold stratified cross-validation. A model, based on skin phototypes, was characterized by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.576 and exhibited a lower predictive power than the models, which were mostly based on spectrophotometric variables describing pigmentation levels. The best predictors of skin cancer were R coordinate of RGB color space (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.687) and melanin index (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.683) for skin on the buttock. A small number of patients were studied. Models were not externally validated. Skin color parameters are more accurate predictors of skin cancer occurrence than skin phototypes. Spectrophotometry is a quick, easy, and affordable method offering relatively good predictive power. Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Influence of the nucleus area distribution on the survival fraction after charged particles broad beam irradiation.

    PubMed

    Wéra, A-C; Barazzuol, L; Jeynes, J C G; Merchant, M J; Suzuki, M; Kirkby, K J

    2014-08-07

    It is well known that broad beam irradiation with heavy ions leads to variation in the number of hit(s) received by each cell as the distribution of particles follows the Poisson statistics. Although the nucleus area will determine the number of hit(s) received for a given dose, variation amongst its irradiated cell population is generally not considered. In this work, we investigate the effect of the nucleus area's distribution on the survival fraction. More specifically, this work aims to explain the deviation, or tail, which might be observed in the survival fraction at high irradiation doses. For this purpose, the nucleus area distribution was added to the beam Poisson statistics and the Linear-Quadratic model in order to fit the experimental data. As shown in this study, nucleus size variation, and the associated Poisson statistics, can lead to an upward survival trend after broad beam irradiation. The influence of the distribution parameters (mean area and standard deviation) was studied using a normal distribution, along with the Linear-Quadratic model parameters (α and β). Finally, the model proposed here was successfully tested to the survival fraction of LN18 cells irradiated with a 85 keV µm(- 1) carbon ion broad beam for which the distribution in the area of the nucleus had been determined.

  3. The impact of the use of intraoperative radiotherapy on costs, travel time and distance for women with breast cancer in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area.

    PubMed

    Bargallo-Rocha, Juan Enrique; Soto-Perez-de-Celis, Enrique; Picó-Guzmán, Francisco Javier; Quintero-Rodríguez, Carlos Eduardo; Almog, David; Santiago-Concha, Gabriel; Flores-Balcazar, Christian Haydee; Corona, Jaime; Vazquez-Romo, Rafael; Villarreal-Garza, Cynthia; Mohar, Alejandro

    2017-11-01

    The low availability and poor access to external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in developing countries makes it hard for women with breast cancer to receive breast conservation. We studied the effect of providing intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) on the travel time, distance, and costs of in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA). Sixty-nine patients treated between January 2013 and September 2014 were analyzed. Travel distance and transit time was calculated using Google Maps. The time and distance patients living in the MCMA treated with IORT would have spent if they had received EBRT was calculated. Cost analysis for each modality was performed. 71% (n = 49) lived in the MCMA. Sixteen (33%) received additional EBRT and 33 (66%) received IORT only. Mean driving distance and transit time of those 33 women was 132.6 km (SD 25.7) and 66 min (SD 32.9). Patients from the MCMA receiving IORT alone avoided 990 visits, 43 700 km and 65 400 min in transit. IORT led to a 12% reduction in costs per patient. By reducing costs and time needed for patients to receive radiotherapy, IORT could potentially enhance access to breast conservation in resource-limited developing countries. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  4. Method of measuring sea surface water temperature with a satellite including wideband passive synthetic-aperture multichannel receiver

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stacey, J. M. (Inventor)

    1985-01-01

    A wideband passive synthetic-aperture multichannel receiver with an antenna is mounted on a satellite which travels in an orbit above the Earth passing over large bodies of water, e.g., the Atlantic Ocean. The antenna is scanned to receive signals over a wide frequency band from each incremental surface area (pixel) of the water which are related to the pixel's sea temperature. The received signals are fed to several channels which are tuned to separate selected frequencies. Their outputs are fed to a processor with a memory for storage. As the antenna points to pixels within a calibration area around a buoy of known coordinates, signals are likewise received and stored. Exactly measured sea temperature is received from the buoy. After passing over several calibration areas, a forward stepwise regression analysis is performed to produce an expression which selects the significant from the insignificant channels and assigns weights (coefficients) to them. The expression is used to determine the sea temperature at each pixel based on the signals received therefrom. Wind temperature, pressure, and wind speed at each pixel can also be calculated.

  5. School Psychologists' Experiences with and Training in Suicide Assessment: Challenges in a Rural State

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brown, Jacqueline A.; Goforth, Anisa N.; Machek, Greg

    2018-01-01

    Past research has shown that suicide rates for males and females are higher in rural than in urban areas. Because of the high incidence of suicide attempts and completion of youth in rural areas, it is critical that they receive mental health support within schools. Consequently, the current mixed-methods study surveyed school psychologists in…

  6. Area burned in alpine treeline ecotones reflects region-wide trends

    Treesearch

    C. Alina Cansler; Donald McKenzie; Charles B. Halpern

    2016-01-01

    The direct effects of climate change on alpine treeline ecotones – the transition zones between subalpine forest and non-forested alpine vegetation – have been studied extensively, but climate-induced changes in disturbance regimes have received less attention. To determine if recent increases in area burned extend to these higher-elevation landscapes, we analysed...

  7. Analysis of Market Factors Associatedwith Sales of Cut Natural Christmas Trees

    Treesearch

    Lawrence D. Garrett

    1977-01-01

    A study of the market performance of natural Christmas tree retailers in Winston-Salem, North Carolins, revealed that success was strongly related to location in active retail shopping areas. Christmas tree retailers in shopping centers or areas high in retail sales sold more trees, received a higher average price, and had fewer trees left unsold than retailers in...

  8. An analysis of eco-environmental impacts of the south-to-north water transfer project on the receiving areas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Lin; Gan, Hong; Xiao, Yuquan; You, Jinjun

    2010-05-01

    The receiving areas of the Phase I projects of the eastern and central routes of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project cover 41 administrative regions at and above the prefecture level in the provincial level administrative regions of Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong and Henan, and have a carrying capacity of water resources most unadaptive to the needs by the economic and social development. Those areas have densely distributed population, farmland and agricultural and industrial activities and are experiencing rapid urbanization, but suffer from high scarcity of water resources, with all the cities in the areas seeing water shortage to a varying extent. Most of the cities are relying on abstracting deep groundwater and occupying agricultural water for urban water supply. In December 2002, the State Council officially approved the General Plan on the South-to-North Water Transfer Project, which provides multiple measures to reduce groundwater over-abstraction and improve and gradually restore the eco-environment in the receiving areas by using transferred water to replace the agricultural water occupied by urban water supply and the eco-environmental water occupied by cities and agriculture. What changes have occurred to the eco-environment and urban water use in the receiving areas in recent years ? How much water can be returned from the cities to agriculture and ecology after the objectives of water supply are met? What can be achieved in the control of groundwater abstraction? What level of guarantee can the water transfer provide for agricultural water use in a dry year? All of those issues have been at the focus of public attention. In this paper, statistical analysis is made on the eco-environmental status and urban water use of 72 cities in the receiving areas of the Phase I projects since year 2000 and a conclusion is drawn that the renewal capacity of the eco-environment and groundwater in the receiving areas is deteriorating. Then the water balancing method is used to quantitatively analyze the roles of the Phase I projects in improving the eco-environment in the receiving areas from the angles of alleviation of drought severity, replacement of local source water supply, reduction of groundwater abstraction, replacement of agricultural water occupied by urban water supply, increase of agricultural and ecological water use by water transfer, etc. The results show that the Phase I projects have produced significant impacts on the improvement of urban water supply and agricultural eco-environment in the receiving areas, but cannot fundamentally solve the groundwater over-abstraction problem, and water saving, water transfer and pollution control need to be implemented simultaneously in order to fully tap the benefits of the Phase I projects.

  9. Chronic psychiatric patients without psychiatric care: a pilot study.

    PubMed

    Längle, G; Welte, W; Rösger, U; Günthner, A; U'Ren, R

    2000-10-01

    The study is based on the hypothesis that in any catchment area there are patients with chronic mental illness who are unknown to a comprehensive psychiatric/psychosocial care system. A standardized questionnaire was sent to all general practitioners in a circumscribed catchment area in southwestern Germany in an attempt to identify such a group, to ascertain what the practitioners considered to be the needs of these patients, and to find out why the patients were not receiving specialized psychiatric care. Of 97 general practitioners contacted, 62 returned the questionnaire. Within a study period of 3 months, 89 patients were identified as having a significant psychiatric disorder, of whom 53% were older than 60 years and 15% were schizophrenic. General practitioners most frequently said that provision of specialized psychiatric care was the most pressing need of these patients, followed by a need for psychosocial services. They also said that the major reason patients did not participate in the mental health system was patient refusal of such services. Having identified the existence of a group of chronic psychiatric patients who are not receiving specialized psychiatric care, further in-depth field studies to pursue some of the issues raised in this pilot study will be necessary to determine whether further efforts to reach psychiatric patients without defined psychiatric care would be worthwhile. These issues include estimates of the prevalence of such patients in a defined population, patients' more specific reasons for refusal of psychiatric care, and the quality of psychiatric care they receive from general practitioners in comparison with patients who receive more conventional psychiatric care.

  10. [Memorandum prevention research - research areas and methods].

    PubMed

    Walter, U; Nöcker, G; Plaumann, M; Linden, S; Pott, E; Koch, U; Pawils, S; Altgeld, T; Dierks, M L; Frahsa, A; Jahn, I; Krauth, C; Pomp, M; Rehaag, R; Robra, B P; Süß, W; Töppich, J; Trojan, A; von Unger, H; Wildner, M; Wright, M

    2012-10-01

    From 2004 to 2012, the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) established its first funding programme for the promotion of prevention research. 60 projects on primary prevention and health promotion and the meta-project entitled "Cooperation for Sustainable Prevention Research" (KNP) received BMBF grants under this programme during this period. The experience and knowledge gained and recommendations arising from the research funded under this programme are compiled in memorandum format. The "Memorandum on Prevention Research - Research Areas and Methods" highlights 5 research areas that are considered to be especially relevant from the perspective of the involved scientists and practice partners.The promotion of structural development and sustainability enhancement in disease prevention and health promotion are central areas that should branch out from existing nuclei of crystallization. Improving the health competence of the population and of specific subpopulations is another major area. Research in these areas should contribute to the development of theoretical concepts and to the empirical testing of these concepts. The transfer of knowledge for effective use of developed disease prevention and health promotion programmes and measures is still a scarcely researched area. Among other things, studies of the transfer of programmes from one context to another, analyses of the coop-eration between politics and science, and the continued theoretical and conceptual development of transfer research are needed. Long-term data on the effects of intervention studies are also needed for proper evaluation of sustainability. The latter dem-onstrates the importance of method development in disease prevention and health promotion research as an area that should receive separate funding and support. This research should include, in particular, studies of the efficacy of complex interventions, health economic analyses, and participative health research. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  11. Differences in skeletal muscle loss caused by cytotoxic chemotherapy and molecular targeted therapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Kakinuma, Kazutaka; Tsuruoka, Hazime; Morikawa, Kei; Furuya, Naoki; Inoue, Takeo; Miyazawa, Teruomi; Mineshita, Masamichi

    2018-01-01

    Recent studies have revealed a reduction in the skeletal muscle area in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after chemotherapy. EGFR and ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-based therapies are less cytotoxic than chemotherapy, but differences in skeletal muscle mass between patients receiving EGFR and ALK TKI therapies and patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy have not yet been reported. Data of pathologically proven NSCLC patients were reviewed, and chest computed tomography and/or positron emission tomography-computed tomography images obtained from January 2012 to December 2014 were selected. Patients were divided into two groups: cytotoxic chemotherapy (CG) and molecular targeted (MG). Muscle mass was measured with a single cross-sectional area of the muscle at the third lumber vertebra (L3MA). To estimate skeletal muscle changes during chemotherapy, we defined the following L3 skeletal muscle index (L3SMI) ratio: post L3SMI/pre L3SMI. Differences in the SMI ratio between the groups were evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Sixty-five patients were included in this study: 44 patients received cytotoxic chemotherapy and 21 received molecular targeted therapy (EGFR and ALK TKI). The loss of L3MA in the CG was higher than in the MG (P = 0.03). In the CG, the L3SMI ratio defined to evaluate skeletal muscle mass changes was significantly lower than in the MG (P = 0.0188). Our results suggest that skeletal muscle loss during first-line therapy was significantly different between patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy and those receiving TKIs. Specifically, skeletal muscle loss was lower in patients receiving TKIs than in patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy. © 2017 The Authors. Thoracic Cancer published by China Lung Oncology Group and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

  12. A multi-instrument case study of high-latitude ionospheric GNSS scintillation due to drifting plasma irregularities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    van der Meeren, C.; Oksavik, K.; Moen, J. I.; Romano, V.

    2013-12-01

    For this study, GPS receiver scintillation and Total Electron Content (TEC) data from high-latitude locations on Svalbard have been combined with several other data sets, including the EISCAT Svalbard Radar (ESR) and allsky cameras, to perform a multi-instrument case study of high-latitude GPS ionospheric scintillations in relation to drifting plasma irregularities at night over Svalbard on 31 October 2011. Scintillations are rapid amplitude and phase fluctuations of electromagnetic signals. GNSS-based systems may be disturbed by ionospheric plasma irregularities and structures such as plasma patches (areas of enhanced electron density in the polar cap) and plasma gradients. When the GNSS radio signals propagate through such areas, in particular gradients, the signals experience scintillations that at best increases positioning errors and at worst may break the receiver's signal lock, potentially resulting in the GNSS receiver losing track of its position. Due to the importance of many GNSS applications, it is desirable to study the scintillation environment to understand the limitations of the GNSS systems. We find scintillation mainly localised to plasma gradients, with predominantly phase scintillation at the leading edge of patches and both phase and amplitude scintillation at the trailing edge. A single edge may also contain different scintillation types at different locations.

  13. [Magnetic therapy for complex treatment of chronic periodontal disease].

    PubMed

    P'yanzina, A V

    The aim of the study was to elaborate the methodology of magnetic therapy for complex treatment of chronic periodontal disease (CPD). The study included 60 patients aged 35 to 65 years with moderate CPD divided in 2 groups. Patients in group 1 (controls) received impulse carbonate irrigation for 12 min №10, group 2 additionally received magnetic therapy for 5 min №10 in maxillary and mandibular areas. periodontal and rheological indices proved magnetic therapy to be useful tool for eradication of inflammation, periodontal tissue functional recovery and stabilization.

  14. Training Teachers to Use Computers: A Case Study of the Summer Training Component of the IBM/ETS Secondary School Computer Education Program. Research Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stecher, Brian

    A training program in computer educationtTested in 89 secondary schools focused on the use of computers as tools in all subject areas. Each school received enough computers and software from IBM to equip a full computer laboratory. The schools were organized into local networks in eight regions and received training and continuing support in these…

  15. An overview of current activities at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cameron, C. P.; Klimas, P. C.

    This paper is a description of the United States Department of Energy's National Solar Thermal Test Facility, highlighting current test programs. In the central receiver area, research underway supports commercialization of molten nitrate salt technology, including receivers, thermal energy transport, and corrosion experiments. Concentrator research includes large-area, glass-metal heliostats and stretched-membrane heliostats and dishes. Test activities in support of dish-Stirling systems with reflux receivers are described. Research on parabolic troughs includes characterization of several receiver configurations. Other test facility activities include solar detoxification experiments, design assistance testing of commercially-available solar hardware, and non-DOE-funded work, including thermal exposure tests and testing of volumetric and PV central receiver concepts.

  16. [The role of informal care in individualized care plan delivery: a conditional choice for dependent people].

    PubMed

    Del Pozo Rubio, Raúl; Escribano Sotos, Francisco; Moya Martínez, Pablo

    2011-12-01

    To analyze the relationship between sociodemographic and health variables (including informal care) and the healthcare service delivery assigned in the individualized care plan. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in a representative sample of the dependent population in Cuenca (Spain) in February, 2009. Information was obtained on people with level II and III dependency. Four different logistic regression models were used to identify the factors associated with the care service delivery assigned in the individualized care plan. Independent variables consisted of age, gender, marital status, annual income, place of residence, health conditions, medical treatment, and perception of informal care. A total of 83.7% of the sample was assigned economic benefits and 15.3% were assigned services. Eighty percent of the sample received informal care in addition to dependency benefits. People who received informal care were 3239 times more likely to be assigned economic benefits than persons not receiving informal care. For the period analyzed (the first phase of the implementation of the Dependency Act), the variables associated with receiving economic benefits (versus services) were being married, having a high annual income, the place of residence (rural areas versus urban area), and receiving hygiene-dietary treatment and informal care. Copyright © 2011 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

  17. Environmental Assessment Facility Renovation / New Construction and Operation of Marine Corps Units (MAG-42, HMLA-773 and MALS-42) Relocated from Naval Air Station Atlanta to Robins Air Force Base

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-08-16

    activities within the area do not significantly adversely or significantly positively impact storm water quality . The Proposed Construction Area does...adversely impact storm water quality . Existing buildings receive limited runoff from the adjacent area to the west; however, no indications of adverse... water quality . Existing buildings receive limited runoff from the adjacent area to the north and west; however, no indications of adverse environmental

  18. Temporal and spatial changes of microbial community in an industrial effluent receiving area in Hangzhou Bay.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yan; Chen, Lujun; Sun, Renhua; Dai, Tianjiao; Tian, Jinping; Zheng, Wei; Wen, Donghui

    2016-06-01

    Anthropogenic activities usually contaminate water environments, and have led to the eutrophication of many estuaries and shifts in microbial communities. In this study, the temporal and spatial changes of the microbial community in an industrial effluent receiving area in Hangzhou Bay were investigated by 454 pyrosequencing. The bacterial community showed higher richness and biodiversity than the archaeal community in all sediments. Proteobacteria dominated in the bacterial communities of all the samples; Marine_Group_I and Methanomicrobia were the two dominant archaeal classes in the effluent receiving area. PCoA and AMOVA revealed strong seasonal but minor spatial changes in both bacterial and archaeal communities in the sediments. The seasonal changes of the bacterial community were less significant than those of the archaeal community, which mainly consisted of fluctuations in abundance of a large proportion of longstanding species rather than the appearance and disappearance of major archaeal species. Temperature was found to positively correlate with the dominant bacteria, Betaproteobacteria, and negatively correlate with the dominant archaea, Marine_Group_I; and might be the primary driving force for the seasonal variation of the microbial community. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  19. Political Simulations Using Excel

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jackson, Steven F.

    2013-01-01

    Simulations have received considerable attention as a tool to promote problem-solving skills, intense involvement, and high-order thinking among students. Whether semester-long exercises or a single-class session, simulations are often used in areas of conflict studies, diplomatic studies, trade disputes, electoral processes, and policy and legal…

  20. Vaccinations for international travellers travelling from Greece.

    PubMed

    Pavli, Androula; Spilioti, Athina; Lymperi, Ioanna; Katerelos, Panagiotis; Maltezou, Helena C

    2013-01-01

    The aim of this prospective, questionnaire-based study is to assess pre-travel vaccinations for international travellers who receive pre-travel advice in Greece. A total of 2494 travellers were studied from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010. Travellers sought pre-travel advice at a median of 16 days (range: 0-349 days) before departure. Sub-Saharan Africa was the most common destination (34.7%). Most travellers (60.8%) travelled for <1 month, for recreation purposes (58.9%), stayed in hotels (65.3%), and in urban areas (53.6%). Yellow fever, tetravalent meningococcal, typhoid fever, cholera, and rabies vaccines were administered to 1629 (65.3%), 666 (26.7%), 615 (24.7%), 28 (1.1%), and/or 12 (0.5%) travellers, respectively. Of those who received Yellow fever vaccine, 737 (45.2%) travelled to sub-Saharan Africa, 332 (20.4%) travelled to South America, 949 (58.3%) stayed for short term, and 762 (46.8%) stayed in urban areas. Of the 1629 travellers vaccinated against Yellow fever, 150 (9.2%) and 226 (13.8%) travelled to areas of sub-Saharan Africa and South America respectively, where the vaccine is not or generally not recommended. Of those travellers who received meningococcal vaccine, 327 (49.1%) travelled to the Middle East for the Hajj, 251 (29%) travelled to sub-Saharan Africa, 410 (61.6%) for short term, and 540 (64.4%) stayed in urban areas. Of those travellers who received typhoid vaccine, 241 (39.2%) travelled to sub-Saharan Africa, 78 (12.7%) to the Indian subcontinent, 234 (38%) for short term, and 419 (68.1%) stayed in urban areas. Regarding routine vaccines, tetanus-diphtheria, poliomyelitis, and measles-mumps-rubella vaccines were administered to 707 (28.3%), 639 (25.6%) and/or 149 (6%) travellers, respectively. Of those to whom poliomyelitis vaccine was recommended, 295 (46.2%) and 137 (21.4%) travelled to sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, respectively, and 362 (56.7%) travelled for short term. In conclusion, this study revealed that there is a need for more selective vaccine recommendations for travellers to developing countries, taking under consideration travellers and travel characteristics as well. Strategies to target travel health consultants should be developed in order to increase awareness in travel health issues. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Use case scenarios - space based receiver assessment : GPS Adjacent Band Compatibility Assessment Workshop VI.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2017-03-30

    This workshop presentation discusses space based receiver applications, NASA developed receivers, the TriG receiver, on-orbit assessment parameters, the TriG GNSS-RO antenna gain pattern, the GNSS-RO antenna beam Earth grazing coverage area, assessme...

  2. Enhancing Industry-based Dissemination of an Occupational Sun Protection Program with Theory-based Strategies Employing Personal Contact

    PubMed Central

    Buller, David B.; Andersen, Peter A.; Walkosz, Barbara J.; Scott, Michael D.; Cutter, Gary R.; Dignan, Mark B.; Kane, Ilima L.; Zhang, Xiao

    2012-01-01

    Purpose Industry-based strategies for dissemination of an evidence-based occupational sun protection program, Go Sun Smart (GSS), were tested. Design Two dissemination strategies were compared in a randomized trial in 2004 – 2007. Setting The North American ski industry. Subjects Ski areas in the United States and Canada (n=69) and their senior managers (n=469). Intervention Employers received GSS through a Basic Dissemination Strategy (BDS) from the industry’s professional association which included conference presentations and free starter kits. Half of the areas also received the Enhanced Dissemination Strategy (EDS), in which project staff met face-to-face with managers and made ongoing contacts to support program use. Measures Observation of program materials in use and managers’ reports on communication about sun protection. Analysis The effects of two alternative dissemination strategies were compared on program use using PROC MIXED in SAS, adjusted for covariates using 1-tailed p-values. Results Ski areas receiving the EDS used more GSS materials (M=7.36) than those receiving the BDS (M=5.17; F=7.82, p<.01). Managers from more areas receiving the EDS reported communicating about sun protection in employee newsletters/flyers (M=0.97, p=.04), in guest email messages (M=0.75, p=.02), and on ski area websites (M=0.38, p=.02) than those receiving the BDS (M=0.84, 0.50, 0.15, respectively). Conclusion Industry professional associations play an important role in disseminating prevention programs; however, active personal communication may be essential to ensure increased implementation fidelity. PMID:22747318

  3. Moho depth across the Trans-European Suture Zone from P- and S-receiver functions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Knapmeyer-Endrun, Brigitte; Krüger, Frank; Passeq Working Group

    2014-05-01

    The Mohorovičić discontinuity, Moho for short, which marks the boundary between crust and mantle, is the main first-order structure within the lithosphere. Geodynamics and tectonic evolution determine its depth level and properties. Here, we present a map of the Moho in central Europe across the Teisseyre-Tornquist Zone, a region for which a number of previous studies are available. Our results are based on homogeneous and consistent processing of P- and S-receiver functions for the largest passive seismological data set in this region yet, consisting of more than 40 000 receiver functions from almost 500 station. Besides, we also provide new results for the crustal vP/vS ratio for the whole area. Our results are in good agreement with previous, more localized receiver function studies, as well as with the interpretation of seismic profiles, while at the same time resolving a higher level of detail than previous maps covering the area, for example regarding the Eifel Plume region, Rhine Graben and northern Alps. The close correspondence with the seismic data regarding crustal structure also increases confidence in use of the data in crustal corrections and the imaging of deeper structure, for which no independent seismic information is available. In addition to the pronounced, stepwise transition from crustal thicknesses of 30 km in Phanerozoic Europe to more than 45 beneath the East European Craton, we can distinguish other terrane boundaries based on Moho depth as well as average crustal vP/vS ratio and Moho phase amplitudes. The terranes with distinct crustal properties span a wide range of ages, from Palaeoproterozoic in Lithuania to Cenozoic in the Alps, reflecting the complex tectonic history of Europe. Crustal thickness and properties in the study area are also markedly influenced by tectonic overprinting, for example the formation of the Central European Basin System, and the European Cenozoic Rift System. In the areas affected by Cenozoic rifting and volcanism, thinning of the crust corresponds to lithospheric updoming reported in recent surface wave and S-receiver function studies, as expected for thermally induced deformation. The same correlation applies for crustal thickening, not only across the Trans-European Suture Zone, but also within the southern part of the Bohemian Massif. A high Poisson's ratio of 0.27 is obtained for the craton, which is consistent with a thick mafic lower crust. In contrast, we typically find Poisson's ratios around 0.25 for Phanerozoic Europe outside of deep sedimentary basins. Mapping of the thickness of the shallowest crustal layer, that is low-velocity sediments or weathered rock, indicates values in excess of 6 km for the most pronounced basins in the study area, while thicknesses of less than 4 km are found within the craton, central Germany and most of the Czech Republic.

  4. When a Home is Not a Home: MultiDrug-Resistant Organism (MDRO) Colonization and Environmental Contamination in 28 Nursing Homes (NHs)

    PubMed Central

    McKinnell, James A; Miller, Loren; Singh, Raveena D; Mendez, Job; Franco, Ryan; Gussin, Gabrielle; Chang, Justin; Dutciuc, Tabitha D; Saavedra, Raheeb; Kleinman, Ken; Peterson, Ellena M; Evans, Kaye D; Heim, Lauren; Miner, Aaron; Estevez, Marlene; Custodio, Harold; Yamaguchi, Stacey; Nguyen, Jenny; Varasteh, Alex; Launer, Bryn; Agrawal, Shalini; Tjoa, Thomas; He, Jiayi; Park, Steven; Tam, Steven; Gohil, Shruti K; Stone, Nimalie D; Steinberg, Karl; Montgomery, Jocelyn; Beecham, Nancy; Huang, Susan S

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Background The majority of healthcare-associated infections due to MDROs occur in the post-discharge setting. Understanding MDRO spread and containment in NHs can help identify infection prevention activities needed to care for vulnerable patients in a medical home setting. Methods We conducted a baseline point prevalence study of MDRO colonization in residents of 28 Southern California NHs participating in a decolonization trial. In Fall 2016, residents were randomly sampled to obtain a set of 50 nares and skin (axilla/groin) swabs from each NH. Nasal swabs were processed for MRSA and skin swabs were processed for MRSA, VRE, ESBL, and CRE. In addition, environmental swabs were collected from high touch objects in resident rooms (bedrail, call button/TV remote, door knobs, light switch, bathroom) and common areas (nursing station, table, chair, railing, and drinking fountain). Results A total of 2,797 body swabs were obtained from 1400 residents. Overall, 48.6% (N = 680) of residents harbored MDROs. MRSA was found in 37% of residents (29.5% nares, 24.4% skin), followed by ESBL in 16% (Table 1). Resident MDRO status was only known for 11% of MRSA (59/518), 18% ESBL (40/228), 4% VRE (4/99), and none of the CRE (0/13) carriers. Colonization did not differ between long stay (48.8%, 534/1094) vs. post-acute (47.7%, 146/306) residents (P = NS), but bedbound residents were more likely to be MDRO colonized (58.7%, 182/310) vs. ambulatory residents (45.7%, 497/1088, P < 0.001). A total of 560 environmental swabs were obtained with 93% of common areas and 74% of resident rooms having an MDRO+ object with an average of 2.5 and 1.9 objects found to be contaminated (Table 2). Conclusion One in two NH residents are colonized with MDROs, which is largely unknown to the facility. MDRO carriage is associated with total care needs, but not long stay status. Environmental contamination in resident rooms and common areas is common. The burden of MDRO colonization and contamination is sufficiently high that universal strategies to reduce colonization and transmission are warranted. Disclosures J. A. McKinnell, Allergan: Research Contractor, Scientific Advisor and Speaker’s Bureau, Consulting fee, Research support and Speaker honorarium; Achaogen: Research Contractor, Scientific Advisor and Shareholder, Research support; Cempra: Research Contractor and Scientific Advisor, Research support; Theravance: Research Contractor, Research support; Science 37: Research Contractor, Salary; Expert Stewardship, LLC: Board Member and Employee, Salary; Thermo Fisher: Scientific Advisor, Salary; 3M: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; L. Miller, 3M: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; R. D. Singh, Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; 3M: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; J. Mendez, Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; R. Franco, Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; G. Gussin, Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; L’Oreal: Consultant, Consulting fee; J. Chang, Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; 3M: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; T. D. Dutciuc, Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; 3M: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; R. Saavedra, Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; K. Kleinman, Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Molnlycke: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; 3M: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; E. M. Peterson, Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; L. Heim, Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; 3M: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; A. Miner, Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; M. Estevez, Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; 3M: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; H. Custodio, Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; S. Yamaguchi, Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; J. Nguyen, Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; A. Varasteh, Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Sage Product: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; B. Launer, 3M: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; S. Agrawal, Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; T. Tjoa, Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; 3M: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; J. He, Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; 3M: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; S. Park, Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; S. Tam, Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; 3M: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; S. K. Gohil, Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in healthcare facilities that are receiving contributed product; S. S. Huang, Sage Products: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in which participating healthcare facilities are receiving contributed product (no contribution in submitted abstract), Participating healthcare facilities in my studies received contributed product; Xttrium Laboratories: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in which participating healthcare facilities are receiving contributed product (no contribution in submitted abstract), Participating healthcare facilities in my studies received contributed product; Clorox: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in which participating healthcare facilities are receiving contributed product (no contribution in submitted abstract), Participating healthcare facilities in my studies received contributed product; 3M: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in which participating healthcare facilities are receiving contributed product (no contribution in submitted abstract), Participating healthcare facilities in my studies received contributed product; Molnlycke: Receipt of contributed product, Conducting studies in which participating healthcare facilities are receiving contributed product (no contribution in submitted abstract), Participating healthcare facilities in my studies received contributed product

  5. Self-reported diabetes education among Chinese middle-aged and older adults with diabetes.

    PubMed

    Xu, Hanzhang; Luo, Jianfeng; Wu, Bei

    2016-12-01

    To compare self-reported diabetes education among Chinese middle-aged and older adults with diabetes in three population groups: urban residents, migrants in urban settings, and rural residents. We used data from the 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The sample included 993 participants age 45 and older who reported having diabetes diagnosed from a health professional. We performed multilevel regressions performed to examine the associations between characteristics and different aspects of diabetes education received. Our study shows that 20.24% of the participants received no diabetes education at all. Among those who received information, 46.82% of respondents with diabetes received weight control advice from a health care provider, 90.97% received advice on exercise, 60.37% received diet advice, 35.12% were spoken to smoking control, and only 17.89% of persons were informed of foot care. After controlling socioeconomic factors, life style, number of comorbidities and community factors, we found that compared with migrant population and rural residents, urban residents were more likely to receive diabetes education on diet. Urban residents were also more likely to obtain diabetes education and more aspects of diabetes education comparison with migrants and rural residents. Our study suggests diabetes education is a serious concern in China, and a significant proportion of the participants did not receive advice on smoking control and foot care. Rural residents and migrants from rural areas received much less diabetes education compared with urban residents. Efforts to improve diabetes educations are urgently needed in China.

  6. Ionizing radiation and breast cancer in men (United States).

    PubMed

    Thomas, D B; Rosenblatt, K; Jimenez, L M; McTiernan, A; Stalsberg, H; Stemhagen, A; Thompson, W D; Curnen, M G; Satariano, W; Austin, D F

    1994-01-01

    The purposes of this study were to determine whether exposure of the vestigial male breast to ionizing radiation is associated with an increase in risk of breast cancer and, if so, to determine whether the apparent effects on risk in men are similar to those reported for women. A population-based case-control study of breast cancer in men was conducted in 10 geographic areas of the United States. Information on possible prior exposure to ionizing radiation, and on other potential risk factors for breast cancer, was obtained from personal interviews of 227 cases and 300 controls who were recruited from October 1983 to September 1986. Evidence from this study that ionizing radiation can cause breast cancer in men includes: a modest trend of increasing risk with frequency of chest X-rays; an increase in risk in men with three or more radiographic examinations, especially if received prior to 1963; and an increase in risk in men who received X-ray treatments to the chest and adjacent body areas. Risk was increased only from 20 to 35 years after initial exposure from either radiographic examinations or X-ray treatments, and declined after three to four decades since last exposure, suggesting a wave of increased risk of finite duration following exposure. The doses of radiation received could not be estimated precisely, but those from diagnostic procedures were likely similar to those received by prepubertal females in prior studies, and the results of those and the present investigation are compatible. The carcinogenic effects of ionizing radiation may be similar in the male and prepubertal female breast.

  7. Patient satisfaction with primary health care rendered by community midwives in the area of Poznań.

    PubMed

    Niewiadomski, Tomasz; Biskupska, Maria; Wysocki, Jacek

    2014-01-01

    The main objective of this study was to examine the level of patient satisfaction with the care rendered by community midwives in the area of Poznań. A patient survey was distributed using face-to-face recruitment and with mail collection. Eight hundred new mothers were asked to participate in the study by filling out the questionnaire after eight weeks of the postpartum period. One hundred seventy seven (22.12%) returned completed questionnaires which were then analyzed. This paper provides information on the high level of patient satisfaction with the services provided by community midwives and the important role community midwives play in caring for and supporting women in the post partum period. The results of this study indicate that women in the area of Poznań, are satisfied with the care they receive from midwives. They also indicate a lack of association of patient satisfaction scores between groups of patients based on demographic data and reason for using community midwife services. It was also found that the overall patient satisfaction score depends most heavily on the time frame of receiving community midwife services.

  8. 34 CFR 663.3 - Who is eligible to receive a fellowship under this program?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... (Continued) OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FULBRIGHT-HAYS FACULTY RESEARCH ABROAD... education; (c) Has been engaged in teaching relevant to his or her foreign language or area studies...

  9. 34 CFR 663.3 - Who is eligible to receive a fellowship under this program?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... (Continued) OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FULBRIGHT-HAYS FACULTY RESEARCH ABROAD... education; (c) Has been engaged in teaching relevant to his or her foreign language or area studies...

  10. 34 CFR 663.3 - Who is eligible to receive a fellowship under this program?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... (Continued) OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FULBRIGHT-HAYS FACULTY RESEARCH ABROAD... education; (c) Has been engaged in teaching relevant to his or her foreign language or area studies...

  11. 34 CFR 663.3 - Who is eligible to receive a fellowship under this program?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... (Continued) OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FULBRIGHT-HAYS FACULTY RESEARCH ABROAD... education; (c) Has been engaged in teaching relevant to his or her foreign language or area studies...

  12. 34 CFR 663.3 - Who is eligible to receive a fellowship under this program?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... (Continued) OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FULBRIGHT-HAYS FACULTY RESEARCH ABROAD... education; (c) Has been engaged in teaching relevant to his or her foreign language or area studies...

  13. Long-term effectiveness of plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine 22-28 years after immunization in a hepatitis B virus endemic rural area: is an adult booster dose needed?

    PubMed

    Li, H; Li, G J; Chen, Q Y; Fang, Z L; Wang, X Y; Tan, C; Yang, Q L; Wang, F Z; Wang, F; Zhang, S; Bi, S L; Shen, L P

    2017-04-01

    Longan County is considered a highly endemic area for hepatitis B virus (HBV). The plasma-derived vaccine has been used in newborns in this area since 1987. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of this vaccine. In total, 1634 participants born during 1987-1993 and who had received a series of plasma-derived HB vaccinations at ages 0, 1, and 6 months were enrolled. Serological HBV markers were detected and compared with previous survey data. Overall the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in all participants was 3·79%; 3·47% of subjects who had received the first dose within 24 h were HBsAg positive, and 8·41% of subjects who had received a delayed first dose were also HBsAg positive. There were 1527 subjects identified who had received the first dose within 24 h and whose HBsAg and anti-HBc prevalence increased yearly after immunization, while the anti-HBs-positive rate and vaccine effectiveness declined. The geometric mean concentration of antibody in the anti-HB-positive participants was 55·13 mIU/ml and this declined after immunization. Fewer than 2·0% of participants had anti-HB levels ⩾1000 mIU/ml. The data show that the protective efficacy of the plasma-derived vaccinations declined and administration of HB vaccine within 24 h of birth was very important. To reduce the risk of HBV infection in this highly endemic area, a booster dose might be necessary if anti-HBs levels fall below 10 mIU/ml after age 18 years. Furthermore, studies on the immune memory induced by plasma-derived HB vaccine are needed.

  14. Review and future perspective of central receiver design and performance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, Guangdong; Libby, Cara

    2017-06-01

    Concentrating solar power (CSP) technology provides a commercial solar option to the utility-scale electricity market. CSP is unique in its ability to include low-cost thermal storage; thus, it can generate electricity when the sun is not available and dispatch electricity to meet varying load requirements. Within the suite of CSP technologies, the central receiver design represents the state-of-the-art technology, promising low cost, high performance, and dispatchable energy production. Current total capacity of central receiver plants worldwide is about 1.0 gigawatt (electric) with operating plants in Spain and the United States, as well as projects under construction in Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. Central receiver technology has been under development since the 1950s, and a variety of central receiver designs have been explored. A distinguishing feature is the heat transfer medium. Central receiver designs exist that use dense fluids, gases, and solid particles in this role. Water/steam and molten salt receivers have been adopted in current commercial plants and are often coupled with a steam-Rankine power cycle with an operating temperature of less than 600°C. Many new central receiver concepts, such as the volumetric air, supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2), solid particle, and liquid-metal receiver designs, are under active research and development (R&D). New designs target operating temperatures generally higher than 700°C-800°C—and even above 1000°C—so that higher-performance power cycles such as the sCO2-Brayton cycle or air-Brayton/steam-Rankine combined cycle can be used to promote greater overall system efficiency. Central receiver thermal storage provides dispatchability unavailable from variable-output renewables such as solar photovoltaic and wind power. Case study analysis of the California grid shows that there is a limit on the amount of non-dispatchable renewable generation that the grid can accommodate, beyond which overgeneration, spillage, and instability may occur. Energy storage may well become a necessity in some areas in order to maintain reliability. Next-generation central receiver technologies will have higher operating temperatures and additional features that allow higher-efficiency power generation and deliver other cost-performance advantages. The underlying innovations will come from areas such as multi-physics modeling, high-temperature materials, novel power cycles and heat exchanger designs, and collector field sensing and performance monitoring technologies. Technology innovation is expected to improve the cost and performance of central receiver designs. To deliver value as a generation and storage option, central receiver technology must also be supported by flexible and robust financial models and comprehensive energy and ancillary service markets justifying the capital-intensive investment. Progress in these areas will position CSP central receiver technology for future deployment.

  15. Review and Future Perspective of Central Receiver Design and Performance

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

    Zhu, Guangdong; Libby, Cara

    Concentrating solar power (CSP) technology provides a commercial solar option to the utility-scale electricity market. CSP is unique in its ability to include low-cost thermal storage; thus, it can generate electricity when the sun is not available and dispatch electricity to meet varying load requirements. Within the suite of CSP technologies, the central receiver design represents the state-of-the-art technology, promising low cost, high performance, and dispatchable energy production. Current total capacity of central receiver plants worldwide is about 1.0 gigawatt (electric) with operating plants in Spain and the United States, as well as projects under construction in Asia, the Middlemore » East, and North Africa. Central receiver technology has been under development since the 1950s, and a variety of central receiver designs have been explored. A distinguishing feature is the heat transfer medium. Central receiver designs exist that use dense fluids, gases, and solid particles in this role. Water/steam and molten salt receivers have been adopted in current commercial plants and are often coupled with a steam-Rankine power cycle with an operating temperature of less than 600 degrees C. Many new central receiver concepts, such as the volumetric air, supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2), solid particle, and liquid-metal receiver designs, are under active research and development (R&D). New designs target operating temperatures generally higher than 700 degrees C-800 degrees C -- and even above 1000 degrees C -- so that higher-performance power cycles such as the sCO2-Brayton cycle or air-Brayton/steam-Rankine combined cycle can be used to promote greater overall system efficiency. Central receiver thermal storage provides dispatchability unavailable from variable-output renewables such as solar photovoltaic and wind power. Case study analysis of the California grid shows that there is a limit on the amount of non-dispatchable renewable generation that the grid can accommodate, beyond which overgeneration, spillage, and instability may occur. Energy storage may well become a necessity in some areas in order to maintain reliability. Next-generation central receiver technologies will have higher operating temperatures and additional features that allow higher-efficiency power generation and deliver other cost-performance advantages. The underlying innovations will come from areas such as multi-physics modeling, high-temperature materials, novel power cycles and heat exchanger designs, and collector field sensing and performance monitoring technologies. Technology innovation is expected to improve the cost and performance of central receiver designs. To deliver value as a generation and storage option, central receiver technology must also be supported by flexible and robust financial models and comprehensive energy and ancillary service markets justifying the capital-intensive investment. Progress in these areas will position CSP central receiver technology for future deployment.« less

  16. Effect of local administration of simvastatin on postorthodontic relapse in a rabbit model.

    PubMed

    AlSwafeeri, Hani; ElKenany, Walid; Mowafy, Mohamed; Karam, Sahar

    2018-06-01

    Posttreatment relapse is a major challenging clinical issue. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of local administration of simvastatin on posttreatment relapse. Orthodontic tooth movement was induced in 10 white New Zealand rabbits. After 21 days of active tooth movement, the orthodontic appliances were removed, and the experimental teeth were allowed to relapse for 21 days. During the relapse phase, 1 mandibular quadrant received local simvastatin administration, and the other received the control vehicle solution on a weekly basis. Three-dimensional models of the experimental teeth were created to allow the measurement of experimental tooth movement and posttreatment relapse. The animals were killed at the end of the relapse phase for histomorphometric analysis of alveolar bone remodeling. The mean relapse percentages were 75.83% in the quadrant receiving the control vehicle solution and 62.01% in the quadrant receiving simvastatin. Neither the relapse magnitude nor the relapse percentage showed a significant difference between the 2 quadrants. Histomorphometric analyses showed that local simvastatin administration yielded a significant reduction in the area of active bone-resorptive lacunae and a significant increase in newly formed bone area. Although local administration of simvastatin aids in bone remodeling associated with posttreatment relapse by reducing the area of active bone resorption and upregulating bone formation, it did not significantly minimize posttreatment relapse. Copyright © 2018 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. [Perception of professionals' quality of life in the Asturias a Health Care Area, Spain].

    PubMed

    Alonso Fernández, M; Iglesias Carbajo, A I; Franco Vidal, A

    2002-11-15

    To report on the perceived quality of life of professionals in the health services sector. Descriptive, cross-sectional study. Directorate of Primary Care of Health Care Area VIII in Asturias, Spain. Two hundred thirty-seven professionals in the health care sector and other sectors. Internal mail was used to send all employees the CV-35 self-administered questionnaire, which measures perceived professional quality of life, understood as the balance between work demands and the capacity to cope with them. The instrument consists of 35 items that evaluate three dimensions: perception of demands, emotional support received from superiors, and intrinsic motivation. Each item was scored on a quantitative scale of 1 to 10. One hundred thirty-five completed questionnaires were received (59.5%). Mean professional quality of life was 5.35 (5.12-5.58); there were no significant differences between age groups, sexes or employment status. Mean score for perceived demands at the workplace was 6.03 (5.89-6.17), and mean score for emotional support received from superiors was 4.78 (4.63-4.97). This support was valued most highly by employees who held a position of responsibility. Mean score for intrinsic motivation was 7.45 (7.34-7.56). Employees in Health Care Area VIII in Asturias perceived their professional quality of life to be moderately good, perceived a moderate degree of support received, and had a high level of intrinsic motivation to cope with high demands at the workplace.

  18. The performance of blood pressure-to-height ratio as a screening measure for identifying children and adolescents with hypertension: a meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Ma, Chunming; Liu, Yue; Lu, Qiang; Lu, Na; Liu, Xiaoli; Tian, Yiming; Wang, Rui; Yin, Fuzai

    2016-02-01

    The blood pressure-to-height ratio (BPHR) has been shown to be an accurate index for screening hypertension in children and adolescents. The aim of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis to assess the performance of BPHR for the assessment of hypertension. Electronic and manual searches were performed to identify studies of the BPHR. After methodological quality assessment and data extraction, pooled estimates of the sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and summary receiver operating characteristics were assessed systematically. The extent of heterogeneity for it was assessed. Six studies were identified for analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio values of BPHR, for assessment of hypertension, were 96% [95% confidence interval (CI)=0.95-0.97], 90% (95% CI=0.90-0.91), 10.68 (95% CI=8.03-14.21), 0.04 (95% CI=0.03-0.07) and 247.82 (95% CI=114.50-536.34), respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.9472. The BPHR had higher diagnostic accuracies for identifying hypertension in children and adolescents.

  19. Nurses' Evaluation of Their Use and Mastery in Health Assessment Skills: Selected Iran's Hospitals

    PubMed Central

    Adib-Hajbaghery, Mohsen; Safa, Azade

    2013-01-01

    Background: Health assessment skills are of the most important skills which nurses require. The more precise assessment, the better results would be obtained and the quality of patient care would be improved. However, in Iran, few studies have investigated nurses’ assessment skills. Objectives: This study was aimed to assessnurses' evaluation of the learned skills of health assessment and their use. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 nurses in Isfahan province hospitals. Data was collected by a questionnaire including demographic data and 120 health assessment skills. Nurses scored their frequency of using and proficiency in skills. Statistical analysis was conducted by ANOVA, Tukey test and independent sample T-tests. Results: The highest level of using and proficiency in skills was related to taking history. Nurses received 87.25% of score in this field. The lowest level of application was in assessment of the urogenital system so that nurses received 16.37% of score in this area. Also the lowest proficiency was in assessment of the nervous system and nurses received 34.58% of score in this area. Conclusions: The level of nurses' proficiency in the health assessment skills was not satisfactory. Modifying the curriculum and cooperating of nurse managers and nursing schools can help to improve the situation. PMID:25414875

  20. Nurses' Evaluation of Their Use and Mastery in Health Assessment Skills: Selected Iran's Hospitals.

    PubMed

    Adib-Hajbaghery, Mohsen; Safa, Azade

    2013-09-01

    Health assessment skills are of the most important skills which nurses require. The more precise assessment, the better results would be obtained and the quality of patient care would be improved. However, in Iran, few studies have investigated nurses' assessment skills. This study was aimed to assessnurses' evaluation of the learned skills of health assessment and their use. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 nurses in Isfahan province hospitals. Data was collected by a questionnaire including demographic data and 120 health assessment skills. Nurses scored their frequency of using and proficiency in skills. Statistical analysis was conducted by ANOVA, Tukey test and independent sample T-tests. The highest level of using and proficiency in skills was related to taking history. Nurses received 87.25% of score in this field. The lowest level of application was in assessment of the urogenital system so that nurses received 16.37% of score in this area. Also the lowest proficiency was in assessment of the nervous system and nurses received 34.58% of score in this area. The level of nurses' proficiency in the health assessment skills was not satisfactory. Modifying the curriculum and cooperating of nurse managers and nursing schools can help to improve the situation.

  1. Who gets the disability grant in South Africa? An analysis of the characteristics of recipients in urban and rural areas.

    PubMed

    Jelsma, Jennifer; Maart, Soraya; Eide, Arne; Toni, Mzolisi; Loeb, Mitch

    2008-01-01

    This study was to establish whether there was a difference in the characteristics of people who received a disability grant and those who did not in rural and urban samples of isiXhosa-speaking people with disability in South Africa. The sample was a convenience sample and was identified through a 'snowballing' process. A demographic survey and isiXhosa versions of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and EQ-5D, a health-related quality of life measure were utilized. The sample consisted of 244 rural and 61 urban respondents, demonstrating a preponderance of physical disabilities. The groups who received or did not receive grants were equivalent in terms of age, gender, marital status and employment status. A significantly higher proportion of rural dwellers accessed the grant. The grant holders displayed significantly more problems related to mobility and to technology and policies and services relating to mobility and transport. Those who did not receive grants reported more barriers with regard to the attitudes of health workers but not with regard to any other aspect of social support. The majority of men and women with disability identified in this study received the grant, whether or not they lived in remote rural or in urban areas. As there were few differences between the groups, it is likely that several non-grant holders might qualify if they were informed of the grant and applied. The role of medical doctors as 'gatekeepers' to the grant might need to be examined.

  2. Applying quantitative adiposity feature analysis models to predict benefit of bevacizumab-based chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Yunzhi; Qiu, Yuchen; Thai, Theresa; More, Kathleen; Ding, Kai; Liu, Hong; Zheng, Bin

    2016-03-01

    How to rationally identify epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients who will benefit from bevacizumab or other antiangiogenic therapies is a critical issue in EOC treatments. The motivation of this study is to quantitatively measure adiposity features from CT images and investigate the feasibility of predicting potential benefit of EOC patients with or without receiving bevacizumab-based chemotherapy treatment using multivariate statistical models built based on quantitative adiposity image features. A dataset involving CT images from 59 advanced EOC patients were included. Among them, 32 patients received maintenance bevacizumab after primary chemotherapy and the remaining 27 patients did not. We developed a computer-aided detection (CAD) scheme to automatically segment subcutaneous fat areas (VFA) and visceral fat areas (SFA) and then extracted 7 adiposity-related quantitative features. Three multivariate data analysis models (linear regression, logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression) were performed respectively to investigate the potential association between the model-generated prediction results and the patients' progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The results show that using all 3 statistical models, a statistically significant association was detected between the model-generated results and both of the two clinical outcomes in the group of patients receiving maintenance bevacizumab (p<0.01), while there were no significant association for both PFS and OS in the group of patients without receiving maintenance bevacizumab. Therefore, this study demonstrated the feasibility of using quantitative adiposity-related CT image features based statistical prediction models to generate a new clinical marker and predict the clinical outcome of EOC patients receiving maintenance bevacizumab-based chemotherapy.

  3. Differentiation of Enhancing Glioma and Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma by Texture-Based Machine Learning.

    PubMed

    Alcaide-Leon, P; Dufort, P; Geraldo, A F; Alshafai, L; Maralani, P J; Spears, J; Bharatha, A

    2017-06-01

    Accurate preoperative differentiation of primary central nervous system lymphoma and enhancing glioma is essential to avoid unnecessary neurosurgical resection in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a machine-learning algorithm by using texture analysis of contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images for differentiation of primary central nervous system lymphoma and enhancing glioma. Seventy-one adult patients with enhancing gliomas and 35 adult patients with primary central nervous system lymphomas were included. The tumors were manually contoured on contrast-enhanced T1WI, and the resulting volumes of interest were mined for textural features and subjected to a support vector machine-based machine-learning protocol. Three readers classified the tumors independently on contrast-enhanced T1WI. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were estimated for each reader and for the support vector machine classifier. A noninferiority test for diagnostic accuracy based on paired areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve was performed with a noninferiority margin of 0.15. The mean areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.877 (95% CI, 0.798-0.955) for the support vector machine classifier; 0.878 (95% CI, 0.807-0.949) for reader 1; 0.899 (95% CI, 0.833-0.966) for reader 2; and 0.845 (95% CI, 0.757-0.933) for reader 3. The mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the support vector machine classifier was significantly noninferior to the mean area under the curve of reader 1 ( P = .021), reader 2 ( P = .035), and reader 3 ( P = .007). Support vector machine classification based on textural features of contrast-enhanced T1WI is noninferior to expert human evaluation in the differentiation of primary central nervous system lymphoma and enhancing glioma. © 2017 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

  4. Mapping stream habitats with a global positioning system: Accuracy, precision, and comparison with traditional methods

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Dauwalter, D.C.; Fisher, W.L.; Belt, K.C.

    2006-01-01

    We tested the precision and accuracy of the Trimble GeoXT??? global positioning system (GPS) handheld receiver on point and area features and compared estimates of stream habitat dimensions (e.g., lengths and areas of riffles and pools) that were made in three different Oklahoma streams using the GPS receiver and a tape measure. The precision of differentially corrected GPS (DGPS) points was not affected by the number of GPS position fixes (i.e., geographic location estimates) averaged per DGPS point. Horizontal error of points ranged from 0.03 to 2.77 m and did not differ with the number of position fixes per point. The error of area measurements ranged from 0.1% to 110.1% but decreased as the area increased. Again, error was independent of the number of position fixes averaged per polygon corner. The estimates of habitat lengths, widths, and areas did not differ when measured using two methods of data collection (GPS and a tape measure), nor did the differences among methods change at three stream sites with contrasting morphologies. Measuring features with a GPS receiver was up to 3.3 times faster on average than using a tape measure, although signal interference from high streambanks or overhanging vegetation occasionally limited satellite signal availability and prolonged measurements with a GPS receiver. There were also no differences in precision of habitat dimensions when mapped using a continuous versus a position fix average GPS data collection method. Despite there being some disadvantages to using the GPS in stream habitat studies, measuring stream habitats with a GPS resulted in spatially referenced data that allowed the assessment of relative habitat position and changes in habitats over time, and was often faster than using a tape measure. For most spatial scales of interest, the precision and accuracy of DGPS data are adequate and have logistical advantages when compared to traditional methods of measurement. ?? 2006 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.

  5. An Experimental Study of the Noise Due to Traffic in a Congested Urban Area

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sangeetha, M.; Sankar, P.

    2016-03-01

    Noise pollution in an urban environment is an issue of serious concern in the major cities of India. There are various factors that contribute to the increase of noise levels in urban areas. The intensity of traffic is one of the factors which contributes to a drastic increase in environmental noise. The management of noise pollution has to be considered in the decision making process. In this paper, an attempt is made to study the existing noise level due to the traffic in Velachery which is declared as a sensitive area by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MoEF). The noise level data is collected using the MS6710 digital sound meter. The Custic simulation software version 3.2 is used for finding the propagation of noise. The spatial patterns of measurement were also calculated, in the sub-urban area of Velachery, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. A means of transmitting this data to vehicles moving in the area, through a wireless medium is simulated using NCTUns 6.0 (network simulator), to enable drivers to understand the environmental conditions. A hardware was also designed which can be used to transmit and receive the noise data using the Zigbee module. A noise transmitting station is placed at a junction, so that it can transmit this noise data to the receivers which are fitted inside the vehicles.

  6. How protective is breast feeding against diarrhoeal disease in infants in 1990s England? A case-control study.

    PubMed

    Quigley, M A; Cumberland, P; Cowden, J M; Rodrigues, L C

    2006-03-01

    To assess the effect of several measures of infant feeding on diarrhoeal disease, and whether these effects vary according to markers of social deprivation. Case-control study of diarrhoeal disease cases presenting to 34 general practices in England. Controls were stratified on age group, area deprivation index for the practice, and whether or not the practice was in London. Data were available on 304 infants (167 cases and 137 controls). After adjustment for confounders, breast feeding was associated with significantly less diarrhoeal disease. Associations were striking even in infants aged > or = 6 months. They did not vary by social class, but were greater in those living in rented council accommodation and in more crowded households. The effect of receiving no breast milk was stronger in more deprived areas than in less deprived areas. The effect of not receiving exclusive breast milk was stronger in more deprived areas than in less deprived areas. In formula fed infants, there was significantly more diarrhoeal disease in those not sterilising bottles/teats with steam or chemicals. The protective effect of breast feeding did not persist beyond two months after breast feeding had stopped. Breast feeding protects against diarrhoeal disease in infants in England although the degree of protection may vary across infants and wear off after breast feeding cessation. Education about the benefits of breast feeding and the risks of inadequate sterilisation should be targeted at carers in deprived areas or households.

  7. Father's involvement and its effect on early breastfeeding practices in Viet Nam.

    PubMed

    Bich, Tran Huu; Hoa, Dinh Thi Phuong; Ha, Nguyen Thanh; Vui, Le Thi; Nghia, Dang Thi; Målqvist, Mats

    2016-10-01

    Fathers have an important but often neglected role in the promotion of healthy breastfeeding practices in developing countries. A community-based education intervention was designed to mobilize fathers' support for early breastfeeding. This study aimed to evaluate an education intervention targeting fathers to increase the proportion of early breastfeeding initiation and to reduce prelacteal feeding. Quasi-experimental study design was used to compare intervention and control areas located in two non-adjacent rural districts that shared similar demographic and health service characteristics in northern Viet Nam. Fathers and expectant fathers with pregnant wives from 7 to 30 weeks gestational age were recruited. Fathers in the intervention area received breastfeeding education materials, counselling services at a commune health centre and household visits. They were also invited to participate in a breastfeeding promotion social event. After intervention, early breastfeeding initiation rate was 81.2% in the intervention area and 39.6% in the control area (P < 0.001). Babies in the intervention area were more likely to be breastfed within the first hour after birth [odds ratio (OR) 7.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.81-12.12] and not to receive any prelacteal feeding (OR 4.43, 95% CI 2.88-6.82) compared with those in the control area. Fathers may positively influence the breastfeeding practices of mothers, and as a resource for early childcare, they can be mobilized in programmes aimed at improving the early initiation of breastfeeding. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  8. The Application and Usefulness of Economic Analyses for Water Quality Management in Coastal Areas

    EPA Science Inventory

    Economic studies are increasingly sought as tools to contribute to water quality management in estuaries and coastal communities, yet little is known about how the results from existing studies have been received and utilized by the organizations who solicited them. We interviewe...

  9. Managing Student Study Time.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hudson, H. T.

    1981-01-01

    Large lecture sections of science staffed by a single instructor make it impossible to provide individual student attention and lead to high dropout and failure rates. Daily assignments are used to encourage students to identify areas that need remediation, maintain a steady study pace, receive positive reinforcement, and learn methods of solving…

  10. 34 CFR 657.2 - Who is eligible to receive an allocation of fellowships?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ...) OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND AREA STUDIES FELLOWSHIPS...; (2) Teaches modern foreign languages under a program described in paragraph (b) of this section; and... foreign languages are commonly used; or (ii) Conducts training and research in international studies, the...

  11. 34 CFR 657.2 - Who is eligible to receive an allocation of fellowships?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ...) OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND AREA STUDIES FELLOWSHIPS...; (2) Teaches modern foreign languages under a program described in paragraph (b) of this section; and... foreign languages are commonly used; or (ii) Conducts training and research in international studies, the...

  12. Baroreflex Impairment After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Is Associated With Unfavorable Outcome.

    PubMed

    Nasr, Nathalie; Gaio, Rita; Czosnyka, Marek; Budohoski, Karol; Liu, Xiuyun; Donnelly, Joseph; Sykora, Marek; Kirkpatrick, Peter; Pavy-Le Traon, Anne; Haubrich, Christina; Larrue, Vincent; Smielewski, Peter

    2018-07-01

    Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is characterized by important changes in the autonomic nervous system with potentially adverse consequences. The baroreflex has a key role in regulating the autonomic nervous system. Its role in SAH outcome is not known. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the baroreflex and the functional 3-month outcome in SAH. The study used a prospective database of 101 patients hospitalized for SAH. We excluded patients receiving β-blockers or noradrenaline. Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was measured using the cross-correlation method. A good outcome was defined by a Glasgow Outcome Scale score at 4 or 5 at 3 months. Forty-eight patients were included. Median age was 58 years old (36-76 years); women/men: 34/14. The World Federation of Neurosurgery clinical severity score on admission was 1 or 2 for 73% of patients. In the univariate analysis, BRS ( P =0.007), sedation ( P =0.001), World Federation of Neurosurgery score ( P =0.001), Glasgow score ( P =0.002), Fisher score ( P =0.022), and heart rate ( P =0.037) were associated with outcome. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the model with BRS as a single predictor was estimated at 0.835. For each unit increase in BRS, the odds for a good outcome were predicted to increase by 31%. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for heart rate alone was 0.670. In the multivariate analysis, BRS (odds ratio, 1.312; 95% confidence interval, 1.048-1.818; P =0.018) and World Federation of Neurosurgery (odds ratio, 0.382; 95% confidence interval, 0.171-0.706; P =0.001) were significantly associated with outcome. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was estimated at 0.900. In SAH, early BRS was associated with 3-month outcome. This conclusion requires confirmation on a larger number of patients in a multicentre study. © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.

  13. The Agreement between Auscultation and Lung Ultrasound in Hemodialysis Patients: The LUST Study.

    PubMed

    Torino, Claudia; Gargani, Luna; Sicari, Rosa; Letachowicz, Krzysztof; Ekart, Robert; Fliser, Danilo; Covic, Adrian; Siamopoulos, Kostas; Stavroulopoulos, Aristeidis; Massy, Ziad A; Fiaccadori, Enrico; Caiazza, Alberto; Bachelet, Thomas; Slotki, Itzchak; Martinez-Castelao, Alberto; Coudert-Krier, Marie-Jeanne; Rossignol, Patrick; Gueler, Faikah; Hannedouche, Thierry; Panichi, Vincenzo; Wiecek, Andrzej; Pontoriero, Giuseppe; Sarafidis, Pantelis; Klinger, Marian; Hojs, Radovan; Seiler-Mussler, Sarah; Lizzi, Fabio; Siriopol, Dimitrie; Balafa, Olga; Shavit, Linda; Tripepi, Rocco; Mallamaci, Francesca; Tripepi, Giovanni; Picano, Eugenio; London, Gérard Michel; Zoccali, Carmine

    2016-11-07

    Accumulation of fluid in the lung is the most concerning sequela of volume expansion in patients with ESRD. Lung auscultation is recommended to detect and monitor pulmonary congestion, but its reliability in ESRD is unknown. In a subproject of the ongoing Lung Water by Ultra-Sound Guided Treatment to Prevent Death and Cardiovascular Complications in High Risk ESRD Patients with Cardiomyopathy Trial, we compared a lung ultrasound-guided ultrafiltration prescription policy versus standard care in high-risk patients on hemodialysis. The reliability of peripheral edema was tested as well. This study was on the basis of 1106 pre- and postdialysis lung ultrasound studies (in 79 patients) simultaneous with standardized lung auscultation (crackles at the lung bases) and quantification of peripheral edema. Lung congestion by crackles, edema, or a combination thereof poorly reflected the severity of congestion as detected by ultrasound B lines in various analyses, including standard regression analysis weighting for repeated measures in individual patients (shared variance of 12% and 4% for crackles and edema, respectively) and κ-statistics (κ ranging from 0.00 to 0.16). In general, auscultation had very low discriminatory power for the diagnosis of mild (area under the receiver operating curve =0.61), moderate (area under the receiver operating curve =0.65), and severe (area under the receiver operating curve =0.68) lung congestion, and the same was true for peripheral edema (receiver operating curve =0.56 or lower) and the combination of the two physical signs. Lung crackles, either alone or combined with peripheral edema, very poorly reflect interstitial lung edema in patients with ESRD. These findings reinforce the rationale underlying the Lung Water by Ultra-Sound Guided Treatment to Prevent Death and Cardiovascular Complications in High Risk ESRD Patients with Cardiomyopathy Trial, a trial adopting ultrasound B lines as an instrument to guide interventions aimed at mitigating lung congestion in high-risk patients on hemodialysis. Copyright © 2016 by the American Society of Nephrology.

  14. The Agreement between Auscultation and Lung Ultrasound in Hemodialysis Patients: The LUST Study

    PubMed Central

    Torino, Claudia; Gargani, Luna; Sicari, Rosa; Letachowicz, Krzysztof; Ekart, Robert; Fliser, Danilo; Covic, Adrian; Siamopoulos, Kostas; Stavroulopoulos, Aristeidis; Massy, Ziad A.; Fiaccadori, Enrico; Caiazza, Alberto; Bachelet, Thomas; Slotki, Itzchak; Martinez-Castelao, Alberto; Coudert-Krier, Marie-Jeanne; Rossignol, Patrick; Gueler, Faikah; Hannedouche, Thierry; Panichi, Vincenzo; Wiecek, Andrzej; Pontoriero, Giuseppe; Sarafidis, Pantelis; Klinger, Marian; Hojs, Radovan; Seiler-Mussler, Sarah; Lizzi, Fabio; Siriopol, Dimitrie; Balafa, Olga; Shavit, Linda; Tripepi, Rocco; Mallamaci, Francesca; Tripepi, Giovanni; Picano, Eugenio; London, Gérard Michel

    2016-01-01

    Background and objectives Accumulation of fluid in the lung is the most concerning sequela of volume expansion in patients with ESRD. Lung auscultation is recommended to detect and monitor pulmonary congestion, but its reliability in ESRD is unknown. Design, setting, participants, & measurements In a subproject of the ongoing Lung Water by Ultra-Sound Guided Treatment to Prevent Death and Cardiovascular Complications in High Risk ESRD Patients with Cardiomyopathy Trial, we compared a lung ultrasound–guided ultrafiltration prescription policy versus standard care in high-risk patients on hemodialysis. The reliability of peripheral edema was tested as well. This study was on the basis of 1106 pre– and postdialysis lung ultrasound studies (in 79 patients) simultaneous with standardized lung auscultation (crackles at the lung bases) and quantification of peripheral edema. Results Lung congestion by crackles, edema, or a combination thereof poorly reflected the severity of congestion as detected by ultrasound B lines in various analyses, including standard regression analysis weighting for repeated measures in individual patients (shared variance of 12% and 4% for crackles and edema, respectively) and κ-statistics (κ ranging from 0.00 to 0.16). In general, auscultation had very low discriminatory power for the diagnosis of mild (area under the receiver operating curve =0.61), moderate (area under the receiver operating curve =0.65), and severe (area under the receiver operating curve =0.68) lung congestion, and the same was true for peripheral edema (receiver operating curve =0.56 or lower) and the combination of the two physical signs. Conclusions Lung crackles, either alone or combined with peripheral edema, very poorly reflect interstitial lung edema in patients with ESRD. These findings reinforce the rationale underlying the Lung Water by Ultra-Sound Guided Treatment to Prevent Death and Cardiovascular Complications in High Risk ESRD Patients with Cardiomyopathy Trial, a trial adopting ultrasound B lines as an instrument to guide interventions aimed at mitigating lung congestion in high-risk patients on hemodialysis. PMID:27660305

  15. High dose of antacid (Mylanta II) reduces bioavailability of ranitidine.

    PubMed Central

    Mihaly, G W; Marino, A T; Webster, L K; Jones, D B; Louis, W J; Smallwood, R A

    1982-01-01

    To investigate the effect of antacid on the bioavailability and disposition of ranitidine six healthy volunteers were studied on two occasions one week apart. In the first study the received ranitidine 150 mg with 60 ml water, and in the second study they received ranitidine 150 mg plus 30 ml of an aluminium/magnesium hydroxide mixture (Mylanta II) and 30 ml water. Giving antacid reduced both the maximum plasma ranitidine concentration and the area under the curve by one-third; elimination of the drug was not changed. Thus giving a high dose of antacid significantly diminished the bioavailability of ranitidine. PMID:6289961

  16. Space Radar Image of Manaus, Brazil

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1999-05-01

    These two false-color images of the Manaus region of Brazil in South America were acquired by the Spaceborne Imaging Radar-C and X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar on board the space shuttle Endeavour. The image at left was acquired on April 12, 1994, and the image at right was acquired on October 3, 1994. The area shown is approximately 8 kilometers by 40 kilometers (5 miles by 25 miles). The two large rivers in this image, the Rio Negro (at top) and the Rio Solimoes (at bottom), combine at Manaus (west of the image) to form the Amazon River. The image is centered at about 3 degrees south latitude and 61 degrees west longitude. North is toward the top left of the images. The false colors were created by displaying three L-band polarization channels: red areas correspond to high backscatter, horizontally transmitted and received, while green areas correspond to high backscatter, horizontally transmitted and vertically received. Blue areas show low returns at vertical transmit/receive polarization; hence the bright blue colors of the smooth river surfaces can be seen. Using this color scheme, green areas in the image are heavily forested, while blue areas are either cleared forest or open water. The yellow and red areas are flooded forest or floating meadows. The extent of the flooding is much greater in the April image than in the October image and appears to follow the 10-meter (33-foot) annual rise and fall of the Amazon River. The flooded forest is a vital habitat for fish, and floating meadows are an important source of atmospheric methane. These images demonstrate the capability of SIR-C/X-SAR to study important environmental changes that are impossible to see with optical sensors over regions such as the Amazon, where frequent cloud cover and dense forest canopies block monitoring of flooding. Field studies by boat, on foot and in low-flying aircraft by the University of California at Santa Barbara, in collaboration with Brazil's Instituto Nacional de Pesguisas Estaciais, during the first and second flights of the SIR-C/X-SAR system have validated the interpretation of the radar images. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA01735

  17. Assessment of general health of fishes collected at selected sites in the Great Lakes Basin In 2012

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Mazik, Patricia M.; Braham, Ryan P.; Hahn, Cassidy M.; Blazer, Vicki

    2015-01-01

    The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service received funding through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) for an Early Warning Program to detect and identify emerging contaminants and to evaluate the effects of these contaminants on fish and wildlife. The U.S. Geological Survey (WV Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and National Fish Health Research Laboratory, Leetown Science Center) developed and implemented a biological effects monitoring protocol to assist in this program. Fish collections and measurements of biomarkers of exposure in Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 occurred at individual sites within select Areas of Concern (AOCs). They provided an assessment of the utility of the suite of biomarkers and also identified sites for more in-depth analyses. Selected areas are characterized as areas with known emerging contaminants, sensitive or listed species, areas downstream from municipal wastewater discharges or receiving waters for industrial facilities, and/or areas susceptible to agricultural or urban contamination, or harbors or ports. The results of the 2010- 2011 studies were summarized in Blazer et al. 2014 a, b, c; Braham et al. in review and Blazer et al. in review.

  18. 78 FR 23515 - Regulated Navigation Areas, Security Zones: Dignitary Arrival/Departure and United Nations...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-04-19

    ... security zones as RNAs. The Marine Air Terminal, United Nations, and United Nations West Channel Closure... United Nations General Assembly RNA Regulated Navigation Area UN United Nations A. Public Participation... comment, it will be considered as having been received by the Coast Guard when it is received at the...

  19. Enhancing industry-based dissemination of an occupational sun protection program with theory-based strategies employing personal contact.

    PubMed

    Buller, David B; Andersen, Peter A; Walkosz, Barbara J; Scott, Michael D; Cutter, Gary R; Dignan, Mark B; Kane, Ilima L; Zhang, Xiao

    2012-01-01

    Industry-based strategies for dissemination of an evidence-based occupational sun protection program, Go Sun Smart (GSS), were tested. Two dissemination strategies were compared in a randomized trial in 2004-2007. The North American ski industry. Ski areas in the United States and Canada (n  =  69) and their senior managers (n  =  469). Employers received GSS through a basic dissemination strategy (BDS) from the industry's professional association that included conference presentations and free starter kits. Half of the areas also received the enhanced dissemination strategy (EDS), in which project staff met face-to-face with managers and made ongoing contacts to support program use. Observation of program materials in use and managers' reports on communication about sun protection. The effects of two alternative dissemination strategies were compared on program use using PROC MIXED in SAS, adjusted for covariates using one-tailed p values. Ski areas receiving the EDS used more GSS materials (x¯  =  7.36) than those receiving the BDS (x¯  =  5.17; F  =  7.82, p < .01). Managers from more areas receiving the EDS reported communicating about sun protection in employee newsletters/flyers (x¯  =  .97, p  =  .04), in guest e-mail messages (x¯  =  .75, p  =  .02), and on ski area Web sites (x¯  =  .38, p  =  .02) than those receiving the BDS (x¯  =  .84, .50, .15, respectively). Industry professional associations play an important role in disseminating prevention programs; however, active personal communication may be essential to ensure increased implementation fidelity.

  20. Identifying Population Vulnerable to Extreme Heat Events in San Jose, California.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rivera, A. L.

    2016-12-01

    The extreme heat days not only make cities less comfortable for living but also they are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Mapping studies have demonstrated spatial variability in heat vulnerability. A study conducted between 2000 and 2011 in New York City shows that deaths during heat waves was more likely to occur in black individuals, at home in census tracts which received greater public assistance. This map project intends to portray areas in San Jose California that are vulnerable to extreme heat events. The variables considered to build a vulnerability index are: land surface temperature, vegetated areas (NDVI), and people exposed to these area (population density).

  1. A Comparative Study of Teacher Education Institutions and Machine Tool Manufacturers to Determine Course Content for a Machine Tool Maintenance Course in the Woodworking Area.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Polette, Douglas Lee

    To determine what type of maintenance training the prospective industrial arts teacher should receive in the woodworking area and how this information should be taught, a research instrument was constructed using information obtained from a review of relevant literature. Specific data on machine tool maintenance was gathered by the use of two…

  2. Variation of Static-PPP Positioning Accuracy Using GPS-Single Frequency Observations (Aswan, Egypt)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Farah, Ashraf

    2017-06-01

    Precise Point Positioning (PPP) is a technique used for position computation with a high accuracy using only one GNSS receiver. It depends on highly accurate satellite position and clock data rather than broadcast ephemeries. PPP precision varies based on positioning technique (static or kinematic), observations type (single or dual frequency) and the duration of collected observations. PPP-(dual frequency receivers) offers comparable accuracy to differential GPS. PPP-single frequency receivers has many applications such as infrastructure, hydrography and precision agriculture. PPP using low cost GPS single-frequency receivers is an area of great interest for millions of users in developing countries such as Egypt. This research presents a study for the variability of single frequency static GPS-PPP precision based on different observation durations.

  3. Use of audit, feedback and education increased guideline implementation in a multidisciplinary stroke unit.

    PubMed

    Vratsistas-Curto, Angela; McCluskey, Annie; Schurr, Karl

    2017-01-01

    The audit-feedback cycle is a behaviour change intervention used to reduce evidence-practice gaps. In this study, repeat audits, feedback, education and training were used to change practice and increase compliance with Australian guideline recommendations for stroke rehabilitation. To increase the proportion of patients with stroke receiving best practice screening, assessment and treatment. A before-and-after study design was used. Data were collected from medical records (n=15 files per audit). Four audits were conducted between 2009 and 2013. Consecutive files of patients with stroke admitted to the stroke unit were selected and audited retrospectively. Staff behaviour change interventions included four cycles of audit feedback, and education to assist staff with change. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of eligible patients receiving best practice against target behaviours, based on audit data. Between the first and fourth audit (2009 and 2013), 20 of the 27 areas targeted (74%) met or exceeded the minimum target of 10% change. Practice areas that showed the most change included sensation screening (+75%) and rehabilitation (+100%); neglect screening (+92%) and assessment (100%). Some target behaviours showed a drop in compliance such as anxiety and depression screening (-27%) or little or no overall improvement such as patient education about stroke (6% change). Audit feedback and education increased the proportion of inpatients with stroke receiving best practice rehabilitation in some, but not all practice areas. An ongoing process of quality improvement is needed to help sustain these improvements.

  4. Radio Tracking Fish with Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS).

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dahlgren, R. P.; Anderson, K. R.; Hanson, L.; Pinsker, E. A.; Jonsson, J.; Chapman, D. C.; Witten, D. M.; O'Connor, K. A.

    2017-12-01

    Tracking radio tagged fish by boat or on foot in riverine systems is difficult and time consuming, particularly in large braided island complexes, shallow wetlands, and rocky reaches. Invasive Asian carp are commonly found in these hard to reach areas, but their near-surface feeding behavior makes radio tracking possible. To identify new methods of fish tracking that could same time and money, this study tested the feasibility of tracking Asian carp with Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) in areas generally inaccessible to traditional tracking equipment. The U.S. Geological Survey worked with NanoElectromagnetics LLC and WWR Development to create and integrate a lightweight custom radio receiver, directional antenna, and accompanying software into a sUAS platform. The receiver includes independent GPS, software defined radio, and compass. The NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) completed payload integration, electromagnetic-interference and airworthiness testing, and provided a DJI Matrice 600 sUAS for this study. Additionally, ARC provided subject matter experts, airworthiness and flight readiness evaluation, and flight test facilities during preparation; and a pilot, range safety officer, and aircraft engineer during field deployment. Results demonstrate that this custom sUAS and sensor combination can detect radio tags at 100m above ground level and at horizontal ranges of 100m and 300m, with operators in either onshore or offshore locations. With this combination of sUAS and radio receiver, fish can be tracked in areas previously inaccessible and during flooding, providing new insights into riverine fish movement and habitat utilization.

  5. Wavelet and receiver operating characteristic analysis of heart rate variability

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    McCaffery, G.; Griffith, T. M.; Naka, K.; Frennaux, M. P.; Matthai, C. C.

    2002-02-01

    Multiresolution wavelet analysis has been used to study the heart rate variability in two classes of patients with different pathological conditions. The scale dependent measure of Thurner et al. was found to be statistically significant in discriminating patients suffering from hypercardiomyopathy from a control set of normal subjects. We have performed Receiver Operating Characteristc (ROC) analysis and found the ROC area to be a useful measure by which to label the significance of the discrimination, as well as to describe the severity of heart dysfunction.

  6. Small-Scale, Local Area, and Transitional Millimeter Wave Propagation for 5G Communications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rappaport, Theodore S.; MacCartney, George R.; Sun, Shu; Yan, Hangsong; Deng, Sijia

    2017-12-01

    This paper studies radio propagation mechanisms that impact handoffs, air interface design, beam steering, and MIMO for 5G mobile communication systems. Knife edge diffraction (KED) and a creeping wave linear model are shown to predict diffraction loss around typical building objects from 10 to 26 GHz, and human blockage measurements at 73 GHz are shown to fit a double knife-edge diffraction (DKED) model which incorporates antenna gains. Small-scale spatial fading of millimeter wave received signal voltage amplitude is generally Ricean-distributed for both omnidirectional and directional receive antenna patterns under both line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions in most cases, although the log-normal distribution fits measured data better for the omnidirectional receive antenna pattern in the NLOS environment. Small-scale spatial autocorrelations of received voltage amplitudes are shown to fit sinusoidal exponential and exponential functions for LOS and NLOS environments, respectively, with small decorrelation distances of 0.27 cm to 13.6 cm (smaller than the size of a handset) that are favorable for spatial multiplexing. Local area measurements using cluster and route scenarios show how the received signal changes as the mobile moves and transitions from LOS to NLOS locations, with reasonably stationary signal levels within clusters. Wideband mmWave power levels are shown to fade from 0.4 dB/ms to 40 dB/s, depending on travel speed and surroundings.

  7. The impact on quality of life of dialysis patients with renal insufficiency.

    PubMed

    Dąbrowska-Bender, Marta; Dykowska, Grażyna; Żuk, Wioletta; Milewska, Magdalena; Staniszewska, Anna

    2018-01-01

    The aim of the study was the subjective assessment of the quality of life (QoL) of 140 patients treated with dialysis (peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis). Chronic kidney disease and the methods of its treatment play an important part in shaping the QoL of patients receiving dialysis. As a result, kidney failure causes many limitations in patients' physical, mental, and social activities. The instrument to measure the QoL was the authors' own questionnaire made on the basis of Kidney Disease and Quality of Life Short Form version 1.2 (KDQOL - SF 1.2) and their selection of areas influencing the perceived QoL of chronically ill patients. The research showed that patients receiving peritoneal dialysis assessed their QoL in its different dimensions as much higher than patients receiving hemodialysis. The parameter having the biggest negative impact on the QoL of patients receiving hemodialysis was an impeded possibility to continue work or studies and a change of life plans. The will to live was more highly assessed by patients receiving peritoneal dialysis as compared to patients receiving hemodialysis. In order to improve the functioning of hemodialysis patients in a manner most similar to healthy persons, the renal replacement therapy should consider patients' individual needs and expectations, ie, guarantee flexible hours of work or study and of receiving dialysis. In addition, patients treated with hemodialysis should receive psychological care, in particular those demonstrating emotional problems, in order to achieve better results in therapy and improve their QoL.

  8. Teacher Efficacy of Secondary Special Education Science Teachers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bonton, Celeste

    Students with disabilities are a specific group of the student population that are guaranteed rights that allow them to receive a free and unbiased education in an environment with their non-disabled peers. The importance of this study relates to providing students with disabilities with the opportunity to receive instruction from the most efficient and prepared educators. The purpose of this study is to determine how specific factors influence special education belief systems. In particular, educators who provide science instruction in whole group or small group classrooms in a large metropolitan area in Georgia possess specific beliefs about their ability to provide meaningful instruction. Data was collected through a correlational study completed by educators through an online survey website. The SEBEST quantitative survey instrument was used on a medium sample size (approximately 120 teachers) in a large metropolitan school district. The selected statistical analysis was the Shapiro-Wilk and Mann-Whitney in order to determine if any correlation exists among preservice training and perceived self-efficacy of secondary special education teachers in the content area of science. The results of this study showed that special education teachers in the content area of science have a higher perceived self-efficacy if they have completed an alternative certification program. Other variables tested did not show any statistical significance. Further research can be centered on the analysis of actual teacher efficacy, year end teacher efficacy measurements, teacher stipends, increased recruitment, and special education teachers of multiple content areas.

  9. A pilot study on using acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to treat chronic non-specific low back pain.

    PubMed

    Itoh, Kazunori; Itoh, Satoko; Katsumi, Yasukazu; Kitakoji, Hiroshi

    2009-02-01

    The present study tests whether a combined treatment of acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is more effective than acupuncture or TENS alone for treating chronic low back pain (LBP). Thirty-two patients with chronic LBP were randomly allocated to four groups. The acupuncture group (ACP) received only acupuncture treatment at selected acupoints for low back pain; the TENS group (TENS) received only TENS treatment at pain areas; the acupuncture and TENS group (A&T) received both acupuncture and TENS treatments; the control group (CT) received topical poultice (only when necessary). Each group received specific weekly treatment five times during the study. Outcome measures were pain intensity in terms of visual analogue scale (VAS) and QOL of low back in terms of Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ). The ACP, TENS and A&T groups all reported lower VAS and RDQ scores. Significant reduction in pain intensity (P<0.008) and significant improvement in QOL (P<0.008) were shown in the A&T group. Combined acupuncture and TENS treatment is effective in pain relief and QOL of low back improvement for the sampled patients suffering from chronic LBP.

  10. Self-reported illness among Boston-area international travelers: A prospective study

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Lin H.; Han, Pauline V.; Wilson, Mary E.; Stoney, Rhett J.; Jentes, Emily S.; Benoit, Christine; Ooi, Winnie W.; Barnett, Elizabeth D.; Hamer, Davidson H.

    2017-01-01

    Summary Background The Boston Area Travel Medicine Network surveyed travelers on travel-related health problems. Methods Travelers were recruited 2009–2011 during pre-travel consultation at three clinics. The investigation included pre-travel data, weekly during-travel diaries, and a post-travel questionnaire. We analyzed demographics, trip characteristics, health problems experienced, and assessed the relationship between influenza vaccination, influenza prevention advice, and respiratory symptoms. Results Of 987 enrolled travelers, 628 (64%) completed all surveys, of which 400 (64%) reported health problems during and/or after travel; median trip duration was 12 days. Diarrhea affected the most people during travel (172) while runny/stuffy nose affected the most people after travel (95). Of those with health problems during travel, 25% stopped or altered plans; 1% were hospitalized. After travel, 21% stopped planned activities, 23% sought physician or other health advice; one traveler was hospitalized. Travelers who received influenza vaccination and influenza prevention advice had lower rates of respiratory symptoms than those that received influenza prevention advice alone (18% vs 28%, P = 0.03). Conclusions A large proportion of Boston-area travelers reported health problems despite pre-travel consultation, resulting in inconveniences. The combination of influenza prevention advice and influenza immunization was associated with fewer respiratory symptoms than those who received influenza prevention advice alone. PMID:27687076

  11. Self-reported illness among Boston-area international travelers: A prospective study.

    PubMed

    Chen, Lin H; Han, Pauline V; Wilson, Mary E; Stoney, Rhett J; Jentes, Emily S; Benoit, Christine; Ooi, Winnie W; Barnett, Elizabeth D; Hamer, Davidson H

    The Boston Area Travel Medicine Network surveyed travelers on travel-related health problems. Travelers were recruited 2009-2011 during pre-travel consultation at three clinics. The investigation included pre-travel data, weekly during-travel diaries, and a post-travel questionnaire. We analyzed demographics, trip characteristics, health problems experienced, and assessed the relationship between influenza vaccination, influenza prevention advice, and respiratory symptoms. Of 987 enrolled travelers, 628 (64%) completed all surveys, of which 400 (64%) reported health problems during and/or after travel; median trip duration was 12 days. Diarrhea affected the most people during travel (172) while runny/stuffy nose affected the most people after travel (95). Of those with health problems during travel, 25% stopped or altered plans; 1% were hospitalized. After travel, 21% stopped planned activities, 23% sought physician or other health advice; one traveler was hospitalized. Travelers who received influenza vaccination and influenza prevention advice had lower rates of respiratory symptoms than those that received influenza prevention advice alone (18% vs 28%, P = 0.03). A large proportion of Boston-area travelers reported health problems despite pre-travel consultation, resulting in inconveniences. The combination of influenza prevention advice and influenza immunization was associated with fewer respiratory symptoms than those who received influenza prevention advice alone. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. The development of online doctor reviews in China: an analysis of the largest online doctor review website in China.

    PubMed

    Hao, Haijing

    2015-06-01

    Since the time of Web 2.0, more and more consumers have used online doctor reviews to rate their doctors or to look for a doctor. This phenomenon has received health care researchers' attention worldwide, and many studies have been conducted on online doctor reviews in the United States and Europe. But no study has yet been done in China. Also, in China, without a mature primary care physician recommendation system, more and more Chinese consumers seek online doctor reviews to look for a good doctor for their health care concerns. This study sought to examine the online doctor review practice in China, including addressing the following questions: (1) How many doctors and specialty areas are available for online review? (2) How many online reviews are there on those doctors? (3) What specialty area doctors are more likely to be reviewed or receive more reviews? (4) Are those reviews positive or negative? This study explores an empirical dataset from Good Doctor website, haodf.com—the earliest and largest online doctor review and online health care community website in China—from 2006 to 2014, to examine the stated research questions by using descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, and multivariate linear regression. The dataset from the Good Doctor website contained 314,624 doctors across China and among them, 112,873 doctors received 731,543 quantitative reviews and 772,979 qualitative reviews as of April 11, 2014. On average, 37% of the doctors had been reviewed on the Good Doctor website. Gynecology-obstetrics-pediatrics doctors were most likely to be reviewed, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.497 (95% CI 1.461-1.535), and internal medicine doctors were less likely to be reviewed, with an OR of 0.94 (95% CI 0.921-0.960), relative to the combined small specialty areas. Both traditional Chinese medicine doctors and surgeons were more likely to be reviewed than the combined small specialty areas, with an OR of 1.483 (95% CI 1.442-1.525) and an OR of 1.366 (95% CI 1.337-1.395), respectively. Quantitatively, traditional Chinese medicine doctors (P<.001) and gynecology-obstetrics-pediatrics doctors (P<.001) received more reviews than the combined small specialty areas. But internal medicine doctors received fewer reviews than the combined small specialty areas (P<.001). Also, the majority of quantitative reviews were positive-about 88% were positive for the doctors' treatment effect measure and 91% were positive for the bedside manner measure. This was the case for the four major specialty areas, which had the most number of doctors—internal medicine, gynecology-obstetrics-pediatrics, surgery, and traditional Chinese medicine. Like consumers in the United States and Europe, Chinese consumers have started to use online doctor reviews. Similar to previous research on other countries' online doctor reviews, the online reviews in China covered almost every medical specialty, and most of the reviews were positive even though all of the reviewing procedures and the final available information were anonymous. The average number of reviews per rated doctor received in this dataset was 6, which was higher than that for doctors in the United States or Germany, probably because this dataset covered a longer time period than did the US or German dataset. But this number is still very small compared to any doctor's real patient population, and it cannot represent the reality of that population. Also, since all the data used for analysis were from one single website, the data might be biased and might not be a representative national sample of China.

  13. The Development of Online Doctor Reviews in China: An Analysis of the Largest Online Doctor Review Website in China

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    Background Since the time of Web 2.0, more and more consumers have used online doctor reviews to rate their doctors or to look for a doctor. This phenomenon has received health care researchers’ attention worldwide, and many studies have been conducted on online doctor reviews in the United States and Europe. But no study has yet been done in China. Also, in China, without a mature primary care physician recommendation system, more and more Chinese consumers seek online doctor reviews to look for a good doctor for their health care concerns. Objective This study sought to examine the online doctor review practice in China, including addressing the following questions: (1) How many doctors and specialty areas are available for online review? (2) How many online reviews are there on those doctors? (3) What specialty area doctors are more likely to be reviewed or receive more reviews? (4) Are those reviews positive or negative? Methods This study explores an empirical dataset from Good Doctor website, haodf.com—the earliest and largest online doctor review and online health care community website in China—from 2006 to 2014, to examine the stated research questions by using descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, and multivariate linear regression. Results The dataset from the Good Doctor website contained 314,624 doctors across China and among them, 112,873 doctors received 731,543 quantitative reviews and 772,979 qualitative reviews as of April 11, 2014. On average, 37% of the doctors had been reviewed on the Good Doctor website. Gynecology-obstetrics-pediatrics doctors were most likely to be reviewed, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.497 (95% CI 1.461-1.535), and internal medicine doctors were less likely to be reviewed, with an OR of 0.94 (95% CI 0.921-0.960), relative to the combined small specialty areas. Both traditional Chinese medicine doctors and surgeons were more likely to be reviewed than the combined small specialty areas, with an OR of 1.483 (95% CI 1.442-1.525) and an OR of 1.366 (95% CI 1.337-1.395), respectively. Quantitatively, traditional Chinese medicine doctors (P<.001) and gynecology-obstetrics-pediatrics doctors (P<.001) received more reviews than the combined small specialty areas. But internal medicine doctors received fewer reviews than the combined small specialty areas (P<.001). Also, the majority of quantitative reviews were positive—about 88% were positive for the doctors' treatment effect measure and 91% were positive for the bedside manner measure. This was the case for the four major specialty areas, which had the most number of doctors—internal medicine, gynecology-obstetrics-pediatrics, surgery, and traditional Chinese medicine. Conclusions Like consumers in the United States and Europe, Chinese consumers have started to use online doctor reviews. Similar to previous research on other countries’ online doctor reviews, the online reviews in China covered almost every medical specialty, and most of the reviews were positive even though all of the reviewing procedures and the final available information were anonymous. The average number of reviews per rated doctor received in this dataset was 6, which was higher than that for doctors in the United States or Germany, probably because this dataset covered a longer time period than did the US or German dataset. But this number is still very small compared to any doctor’s real patient population, and it cannot represent the reality of that population. Also, since all the data used for analysis were from one single website, the data might be biased and might not be a representative national sample of China. PMID:26032933

  14. GPS signal loss in the wide area monitoring system: Prevalence, impact, and solution

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

    Yao, Wenxuan; Zhou, Dao; Zhan, Lingwei

    The phasor measurement unit (PMUs), equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers for precise time synchronization, provides measurements of voltage and current phasors at different nodes of the wide area monitoring system. However, GPS receivers are likely to lose satellite signals due to various unpredictable factors. The prevalence of GPS signal loss (GSL) on PMUs is first investigated using real PMU data. The historical GSL events are extracted from a phasor data concentrator (PDC) and FNET/GridEye server. The correlation between GSL and time, spatial location, solar activity are explored via comprehensive statistical analysis. Furthermore, the impact of GSL on phasormore » measurement accuracy has been studied via experiments. Finally, several potential solutions to mitigate the impact of GSL on PMUs are discussed and compared.« less

  15. Instrument for evaluation of sedentary lifestyle in patients with high blood pressure.

    PubMed

    Lopes, Marcos Venícios de Oliveira; da Silva, Viviane Martins; de Araujo, Thelma Leite; Guedes, Nirla Gomes; Martins, Larissa Castelo Guedes; Teixeira, Iane Ximenes

    2015-01-01

    this article describes the diagnostic accuracy of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to identify the nursing diagnosis of sedentary lifestyle. a diagnostic accuracy study was developed with 240 individuals with established high blood pressure. The analysis of diagnostic accuracy was based on measures of sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios, efficiency, diagnostic odds ratio, Youden index, and area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve. statistical differences between genders were observed for activities of moderate intensity and for total physical activity. Age was negatively correlated with activities of moderate intensity and total physical activity. the analysis of area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for moderate intensity activities, walking, and total physical activity showed that the International Physical Activity Questionnaire present moderate capacity to correctly classify individuals with and without sedentary lifestyle.

  16. GPS signal loss in the wide area monitoring system: Prevalence, impact, and solution

    DOE PAGES

    Yao, Wenxuan; Zhou, Dao; Zhan, Lingwei; ...

    2017-03-19

    The phasor measurement unit (PMUs), equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers for precise time synchronization, provides measurements of voltage and current phasors at different nodes of the wide area monitoring system. However, GPS receivers are likely to lose satellite signals due to various unpredictable factors. The prevalence of GPS signal loss (GSL) on PMUs is first investigated using real PMU data. The historical GSL events are extracted from a phasor data concentrator (PDC) and FNET/GridEye server. The correlation between GSL and time, spatial location, solar activity are explored via comprehensive statistical analysis. Furthermore, the impact of GSL on phasormore » measurement accuracy has been studied via experiments. Finally, several potential solutions to mitigate the impact of GSL on PMUs are discussed and compared.« less

  17. Skills needed for teaching hearing-impaired adolescents. The perceptions of teachers.

    PubMed

    Luckner, J L

    1991-12-01

    To date, very little research has focused on the preparation of teachers who work with hearing-impaired adolescents. In this study, a survey was developed to glean information on what secondary level teachers judge to be the essential competencies for working with hearing-impaired adolescents. In addition, the questionnaire asked teachers to indicate the degree of training they had received in the competency areas. The surveys were returned by 487 teachers. They indicated that 18 competencies should be considered essential for teaching adolescent students. For 15 of those 18 competencies, however, they indicated that there was a significant difference between the importance of the competency and the degree of training that they had received in the area. Implications for teacher preparation programs and state certification agencies are discussed.

  18. Satellite sound broadcasting system, portable reception

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Golshan, Nasser; Vaisnys, Arvydas

    1990-01-01

    Studies are underway at JPL in the emerging area of Satellite Sound Broadcast Service (SSBS) for direct reception by low cost portable, semi portable, mobile and fixed radio receivers. This paper addresses the portable reception of digital broadcasting of monophonic audio with source material band limited to 5 KHz (source audio comparable to commercial AM broadcasting). The proposed system provides transmission robustness, uniformity of performance over the coverage area and excellent frequency reuse. Propagation problems associated with indoor portable reception are considered in detail and innovative antenna concepts are suggested to mitigate these problems. It is shown that, with the marriage of proper technologies a single medium power satellite can provide substantial direct satellite audio broadcast capability to CONUS in UHF or L Bands, for high quality portable indoor reception by low cost radio receivers.

  19. Complex Childhood Trauma and School Responses: A Case Study of the Impact of Professional Development in One Elementary School

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    VanderWegen, Terrie A.

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine one public elementary school in Spokane, Washington that has received significant complex trauma professional development training provided by Washington State University Area Health Education Center (WSU-AHEC). The study explored teachers', specialists', and the principal's perceptions of…

  20. Quantity and location of aortic valve complex calcification predicts severity and location of paravalvular regurgitation and frequency of post-dilation after balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

    PubMed

    Khalique, Omar K; Hahn, Rebecca T; Gada, Hemal; Nazif, Tamim M; Vahl, Torsten P; George, Isaac; Kalesan, Bindu; Forster, Molly; Williams, Mathew B; Leon, Martin B; Einstein, Andrew J; Pulerwitz, Todd C; Pearson, Gregory D N; Kodali, Susheel K

    2014-08-01

    This study sought to determine the impact of quantity and location of aortic valve calcification (AVC) on paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) and rates of post-dilation (PD) immediately after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The impact of AVC in different locations within the aortic valve complex is incompletely understood. This study analyzed 150 patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR. Total AVC volume scores were calculated from contrast-enhanced multidetector row computed tomography imaging. AVC was divided by leaflet sector and region (Leaflet, Annulus, left ventricular outflow tract [LVOT]), and a combination of LVOT and Annulus (AnnulusLVOT). Asymmetry was assessed. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis was performed with greater than or equal to mild PVR and PD as classification variables. Logistic regression was performed. Quantity of and asymmetry of AVC for all regions of the aortic valve complex predicted greater than or equal to mild PVR by receiver-operating characteristic analysis (area under the curve = 0.635 to 0.689), except Leaflet asymmetry. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis for PD was significant for quantity and asymmetry of AVC in all regions, with higher area under the curve values than for PVR (area under the curve = 0.648 to 0.741). On multivariable analysis, Leaflet and AnnulusLVOT calcification were independent predictors of both PVR and PD regardless of multidetector row computed tomography area cover index. Quantity and asymmetry of AVC in all regions of the aortic valve complex predict greater than or equal to mild PVR and performance of PD, with the exception of Leaflet asymmetry. Quantity of AnnulusLVOT and Leaflet calcification independently predict PVR and PD when taking into account multidetector row computed tomography area cover index. Copyright © 2014 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Crustal structure and deformation under the Longmenshan and its surroundings revealed by receiver function data

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Ya; Liu, Jianxin; Zhou, Keping; Chen, Bo; Guo, Rongwen

    2015-07-01

    The convergence of India and Eurasia and the obstruction from the rigid Sichuan Basin cause the Longmenshan (LMS) to have the steepest topographic gradient at the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. However, the mechanisms of surface uplift are still controversial. In this paper, we estimate the crustal structure and deformation under the LMS and its surroundings by analyzing a large amount of receiver function data recorded by regional seismic networks of the China Earthquake Administration. We apply a comprehensive splitting measurement technique on Ps conversion phase at the Moho (Moho Ps splitting) to calculate crustal anisotropy from azimuthal variations of receiver functions. Our results show that most of the seismic stations beneath the LMS area exhibit significant seismic anisotropy with the splitting time of 0.22-0.94 s and a fast polarization direction of NW-SE, while less or even no crustal anisotropy has been observed under the Sichuan Basin. Comparing the fast polarization directions of Moho Ps splitting with the indicators of lithospheric deformation (such as shear wave splitting, absolute plate motion, and global positioning system) imply a consistent tendency of deformation between the lower crust and upper mantle, but decoupling deformation in the crust beneath the LMS area. We further compare Moho Ps splitting time to that estimated from previous SKS splitting, indicating that crustal anisotropy is an important source of the SKS splitting time in this study area. In addition, a thick crust (>50 km) with high Vp/Vs values (1.74-1.86) is also observed using the H-κ stacking method. These seismic observations are consistent with the scenario that the LMS area has been built by the lower crustal flow. Combined with the seismic reflection/refraction profile and geology studies, we further suggest that the lower crustal flow may extrude upward into the upper crust along the steeply dipping strike faults under the LMS area, resulting in the surface uplift of the LMS.

  2. A prospective cohort study of fetal heart rate monitoring: deceleration area is predictive of fetal acidemia.

    PubMed

    Cahill, Alison G; Tuuli, Methodius G; Stout, Molly J; López, Julia D; Macones, George A

    2018-05-01

    Intrapartum electronic fetal monitoring is the most commonly used tool in obstetrics in the United States; however, which electronic fetal monitoring patterns predict acidemia remains unclear. This study was designed to describe the frequency of patterns seen in labor using modern nomenclature, and to test the hypothesis that visually interpreted patterns are associated with acidemia and morbidities in term infants. We further identified patterns prior to delivery, alone or in combination, predictive of acidemia and neonatal morbidity. This was a prospective cohort study of 8580 women from 2010 through 2015. Patients were all consecutive women laboring at ≥37 weeks' gestation with a singleton cephalic fetus. Electronic fetal monitoring patterns during the 120 minutes prior to delivery were interpreted in 10-minute epochs. Interpretation included the category system and individual electronic fetal monitoring patterns per the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development criteria as well as novel patterns. The primary outcome was fetal acidemia (umbilical artery pH ≤7.10); neonatal morbidities were also assessed. Final regression models for acidemia adjusted for nulliparity, pregestational diabetes, and advanced maternal age. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess the test characteristics of individual models for acidemia and neonatal morbidity. Of 8580 women, 149 (1.7%) delivered acidemic infants. Composite neonatal morbidity was diagnosed in 757 (8.8%) neonates within the total cohort. Persistent category I, and 10-minute period of category III, were significantly associated with normal pH and acidemia, respectively. Total deceleration area was most discriminative of acidemia (area under the receiver operating characteristic curves, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.72-0.80), and deceleration area with any 10 minutes of tachycardia had the greatest discriminative ability for neonatal morbidity (area under the receiver operating characteristic curves, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-0.79). Once the threshold of deceleration area is reached the number of cesareans needed-to-be performed to potentially prevent 1 case of acidemia and morbidity is 5 and 6, respectively. Deceleration area is the most predictive electronic fetal monitoring pattern for acidemia, and combined with tachycardia for significant risk of morbidity, from the electronic fetal monitoring patterns studied. It is important to acknowledge that this study was performed in patients delivering ≥37 weeks, which may limit the generalizability to preterm populations. We also did not use computerized analysis of the electronic fetal monitoring patterns because human visual interpretation was the basis for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development categories, and importantly, it is how electronic fetal monitoring is used clinically. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Apollo 11 crewmen released from quarantine

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1969-08-07

    Astronaut Neil A. Armstrong (center), is greeted by friends in the crew reception area of the Lunar Receiving Laboratory. Dr. Gilruth is pictured just to right of Armstrong. Donald K. Slayton, Director of Space Flight Crew Operations, is behind ArmstrongThe Apollo 11 crew left the crew reception area of the Lunar Receiving Laboratory at 9 p.m., Aug. 10, 1969.

  4. Engaging Students in Aging Research through the Academic Research Enhancement Award Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Butler, Sandra S.

    2014-01-01

    This article describes the R15, Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) mechanism available through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for institutions that do not typically receive substantial NIH funding. Equipped with training received at the St. Scholastica National Institute on Social Work and Aging, I was able to secure AREA funding…

  5. Use of social media and internet to obtain health information by rural adolescent mothers.

    PubMed

    Logsdon, M Cynthia; Mittelberg, Meghan; Myers, John

    2015-02-01

    Adolescent mothers residing in rural areas need accurate health information to care for themselves and their babies. The purpose of this study was to determine the use of social media and Internet by adolescent mothers residing in rural areas, particularly in regard to obtaining health information. Using a cross-sectional design, a convenience sample of adolescent mothers living in a rural county in a state located in the southern U.S. (n = 15), completed the Pew Internet Survey during home visits with nurses from a community health agency. All adolescent mothers accessed Internet using cell phones (93%) or computers (100%). Many adolescent mothers sent or received over 50 text messages per day. Thirty-three percent of adolescent mothers searched for health information on the Internet every few weeks; 27% received health information from Facebook. Communication of health information using the Internet and social media may be effective with adolescent mothers residing in rural areas. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. 9. NORTHEAST FROM SOUTH ENTRANCE ACROSS RECEIVING AREA OF FACTORY ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    9. NORTHEAST FROM SOUTH ENTRANCE ACROSS RECEIVING AREA OF FACTORY PAST THE GLASS-ENCLOSED OFFICE TOWARD SHOP AREA. BESIDE THE VERTICAL POST ROOF SUPPORT IN THE LEFT FOREGROUND IS A SCALE AND DRAFTING TABLE. BESIDE THE OFFICE WALL ON THE RIGHT IS A SMALL SHOP REPAIR BENCH, WHILE ABOVE THE OFFICE WINDOWS ARE BOXES OF COMPANY MANUSCRIPT BUSINESS RECORDS. THE WELDED METAL PIPE RACK IS A MODERN INTRUSION. - Kregel Windmill Company Factory, 1416 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Otoe County, NE

  7. Application of Data Assimilation with the Root Zone Water Quality Model for Soil Moisture Profile Estimation

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Estimation of soil moisture has received considerable attention in the areas of hydrology, agriculture, meteorology and environmental studies because of its role in the partitioning water and energy at the land surface. In this study, the Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF), a popular data assimilation te...

  8. Calibration of the Root Zone Water Quality Model and Application of Data Assimilation Techniques to Estimate Profile Soil Moisture

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Estimation of soil moisture has received considerable attention in the areas of hydrology, agriculture, meteorology and environmental studies because of its role in the partitioning water and energy at the land surface. In this study, the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Root Zone Water Quality ...

  9. Arsenic Fate, Transport And Stability Study: Groundwater, Surface Water, Soil And Sediment Investigation At Fort Devens Superfund Site

    EPA Science Inventory

    A field investigation was conducted to examine the distribution of arsenic in groundwater, surface water, and sediments at the Fort Devens Superfund Site. The study area encompassed a portion of plow Shop Pond (Red Cove), which receives groundwater discharge from the aquifer und...

  10. Music (9-12): Band One. Course of Study.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wenner, Peggy J.

    2004-01-01

    In response to a need for curricular support, the Idaho State Department of Education gathered teams of exemplary educators from throughout the state to write courses of study related to the original five subject areas within Idaho's Achievement Standards. In turn, all of the state's school districts received hard copies as well as online access…

  11. Diabetes and Adult Day Health Services

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dabelko, Holly I.; DeCoster, Vaughn A.

    2007-01-01

    The purpose of this study is to provide a profile of individuals with diabetes who receive services in adult day centers. This exploratory study uses an administrative data set (N = 280) from five programs in central Ohio to examine four areas: demographics, health and mental health, financial and social resources, and disenrollment status. Older…

  12. Compliance with birth dose of Hepatitis B vaccine in high endemic and hard to reach areas in the Colombian amazon: results from a vaccination survey.

    PubMed

    Choconta-Piraquive, Luz Angela; De la Hoz-Restrepo, Fernando; Sarmiento-Limas, Carlos Arturo

    2016-07-21

    Hepatitis B vaccination was introduced into the Expanded Program of Immunization in Colombia in 1992, in response to WHO recommendations on hepatitis B immunization. Colombia is a low endemic country for Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) but it has several high endemic areas like the Amazon basin where more than 70 % of adults had been infected. A cross- sectional study was carried out in three rural areas of the Colombian Amazon to evaluate compliance with the recommended schedule for hepatitis B vaccine in Colombian children (one monovalent dose given in the first 24 h after birth + 3 doses of a pentavalent containing Hepatitis B. (DPT + Hib + Hep B). A household survey was conducted in order to collect vaccination data from children aged from 6 months to <8 years. Vaccination status was related to sociodemographic data obtained from children caretakers. Among 938 children above 6 months and < 8 years old studied, 79 % received a monovalent dose of hepatitis B vaccine, but only 30.7 % were vaccinated in the first 24 h after birth. This proportion did not increase by age or subsequent birth cohorts. Coverage with three doses of a DTP-Hib-HepB vaccine was 98 %, but most children did not receive them according to the recommended schedule. Being born in a health facility was the strongest predictor of receiving a timely birth dose. This study suggests that more focused strategies on improving compliance with hepatitis B birth dose should be implemented in rural areas of the Amazon, if elimination of perinatal transmission of HBV is to be achieved. Increasing the proportion of newborns delivered at health facilities should be one of the priorities to reach that goal.

  13. Comparison of the clinical efficacy of oral terbinafine and ketoconazole combined with cephalexin in the treatment of Malassezia dermatitis in dogs--a pilot study.

    PubMed

    Rosales, Millie S; Marsella, Rosanna; Kunkle, Gail; Harris, Bradley L; Nicklin, Constance F; Lopez, Jennifer

    2005-06-01

    The purpose of this randomized, single blinded clinical trial was to evaluate cytologically and clinically the efficacy of oral cephalexin alone and its combination with terbinafine or ketoconazole for the treatment of Malassezia dermatitis in dogs. Twenty-two client-owned dogs with Malassezia dermatitis completed the 3-week study. All received cephalexin (generic, 250 mg or 500 mg) at 22-30 mg kg(-1) twice daily. Eight dogs received terbinafine at 30 mg kg(-1) once daily and seven dogs received ketoconazole (generic, 200 mg) at 5-10 mg kg(-1) twice daily. The remaining seven dogs received cephalexin alone. At week 0 (visit 1) and week 3 (visit 2), mean yeast counts were determined from three affected areas using tape-strip cytology, a clinical index score (CIS) was assigned to the affected areas, and owners evaluated pruritus using a visual analogue scale. All groups showed reduction in mean yeast counts, CIS and pruritus. There was an 86.8%, 80.2% and 28.8% reduction in mean yeast counts from visit 1 to visit 2 for the terbinafine, ketoconazole and cephalexin-only groups, respectively. However, within treatment group comparisons a significant reduction in mean yeast count was only evident for the terbinafine (P < 0.002) and ketoconazole (P < 0.01) groups. Pruritus reduction was only significant for the terbinafine group. These preliminary results suggest that terbinafine should be further assessed for the treatment of canine Malassezia dermatitis.

  14. Comparison of massage based on the tensegrity principle and classic massage in treating chronic shoulder pain.

    PubMed

    Kassolik, Krzysztof; Andrzejewski, Waldemar; Brzozowski, Marcin; Wilk, Iwona; Górecka-Midura, Lucyna; Ostrowska, Bożena; Krzyżanowski, Dominik; Kurpas, Donata

    2013-09-01

    The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of classic massage to massage based on the tensegrity principle for patients with chronic idiopathic shoulder pain. Thirty subjects with chronic shoulder pain symptoms were divided into 2 groups, 15 subjects received classic (Swedish) massage to tissues surrounding the glenohumeral joint and 15 subjects received the massage using techniques based on the tensegrity principle. The tensegrity principle is based on directing treatment to the painful area and the tissues (muscles, fascia, and ligaments) that structurally support the painful area, thus treating tissues that have direct and indirect influence on the motion segment. Both treatment groups received 10 sessions over 2 weeks, each session lasted 20 minutes. The McGill Pain Questionnaire and glenohumeral ranges of motion were measured immediately before the first massage session, on the day the therapy ended 2 weeks after therapy started, and 1 month after the last massage. Subjects receiving massage based on the tensegrity principle demonstrated statistically significance improvement in the passive and active ranges of flexion and abduction of the glenohumeral joint. Pain decreased in both massage groups. This study showed increases in passive and active ranges of motion for flexion and abduction in patients who had massage based on the tensegrity principle. For pain outcomes, both classic and tensegrity massage groups demonstrated improvement. Copyright © 2013 National University of Health Sciences. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Injection practice in Kaski district, Western Nepal: a community perspective.

    PubMed

    Gyawali, Sudesh; Rathore, Devendra Singh; Shankar, Pathiyil Ravi; Kumar, Vikash K C; Maskey, Manisha; Jha, Nisha

    2015-04-29

    Previous studies have shown that unsafe injection practice is a major public health problem in Nepal but did not quantify the problem. The present community-based study was planned to: 1) quantify injection usage, 2) identify injection providers, 3) explore differences, if any, in injection usage and injection providers, and 4) study and compare people's knowledge and perception about injections between the urban and rural areas of Kaski district. A descriptive, cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted from July to November 2012, using a questionnaire based survey and focus group discussions (FGDs). A semi-structured questionnaire advocated by the World Health Organization was modified and administered to household heads and injection receivers in selected households and the FGDs were conducted using a topic guide. The district was divided into urban and rural areas and 300 households from each area were selected. Twenty FGDs were held. In 218 households (36.33%) [99 in urban and 119 in rural] one or more members received at least one injection. During the three month recall period, 258 subjects (10.44%) reported receiving injection(s) with a median of two injections. The average number of injections per person per year was calculated to be 2.37. Health care workers (34.8%), staff of medical dispensaries (37.7%), physicians (25.2%), and traditional healers (2.3%) were consulted by the respondents for their basic health care needs and for injections. Compared to urban respondents, more rural respondents preferred injections for fever (p < 0.001). People preferred injections due to injections being perceived by them as being powerful, fast-acting, and longer lasting than oral pills. More than 82% of respondents were aware of, and named, at least one disease transmitted by using unsterile syringes during injection administration or when syringes are shared between people. Less preference for injections and high awareness about the association between injections and injection-borne infections among the general population is encouraging for safe injection practice. However, respondents were not aware of the importance of having qualified injection providers for safe injections and were receiving injections from unqualified personnel.

  16. Usefulness of Epicardial Area in the Short Axis to Identify Elevated Left Ventricular Mass in Men.

    PubMed

    Fitzpatrick, Jesse K; Cohen, Beth E; Rosenblatt, Andrew; Shaw, Richard E; Schiller, Nelson B

    2018-06-15

    Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is strongly associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The 2-dimensional LV mass algorithms suffer from measurement variability that can lead to misclassification of patients with LV hypertrophy as normal, or vice versa. Among the 4 echocardiographic measurements required by the 2-dimensional LV mass algorithms, epicardial and endocardial area have the lowest interobserver variation and could be used to corroborate LV mass calculations. We sought cut-off values that are able to discriminate between elevated and normal LV mass based on endocardial or epicardial area alone. Using data from 664 men enrolled in the Mind Your Heart Study, we calculated the correlation of LV mass index with epicardial area and endocardial area. We then used receiver operator characteristic curves to identify epicardial and endocardial area cut-points that could discriminate subjects with normal LV mass and LV hypertrophy. LV mass index was more strongly correlated with epicardial area compared with endocardial area, r = 0.70 versus r = 0.27, respectively. Epicardial area had a significantly higher area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (p <0.001) compared with endocardial area, 0.90 (95% confidence interval 0.86 to 0.93) versus 0.63 (95% confidence interval 0.57 to 0.71). An epicardial area cut-point of ≥38.0 cm 2 corresponded to a sensitivity of 95.0% and specificity of 54.4% for detecting LV hypertrophy. In conclusion, epicardial area showed promise as a method of rapid screening for LV hypertrophy and could be used to validate formal LV mass calculations. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Factors influencing the use of primary care physicians and public health departments for childhood immunization.

    PubMed

    Mainous, A G; Hueston, W J

    1993-09-01

    The purpose of the study was to examine factors influencing the use of primary care physicians and public health departments for childhood immunization for patients in rural and urban areas. A telephone survey employing probability sampling (random digit dialing) was conducted to obtain data from a sample of adults (> or = 18 years) living in Kentucky. Data are from 97 households with children under age 5 living in the home. The majority of the respondents (95%) reported that their children had received immunizations. The primary locations for receipt of immunizations were the health department (51%) and a primary care physician's office (37%). Sixty-five percent of those who used the health department for childhood immunizations reported that they did so for financial reasons. Individuals who received immunizations from the health department were more likely than those who received them at a primary care physician's office to have incomes at or below the poverty level and live in a rural area. The results of a logistic regression computed on use of the health department or primary care physician for immunizations indicated rural/urban residence as the only significant predictor, with urban residents 3.7 times more likely than rural residents to receive immunizations from a primary care physician. These results suggest that many families in rural areas have primary care physicians, but use the health department for their routine childhood immunizations. The results support previous data which indicate that delivery of childhood immunizations by primary care physicians is less available to rural than urban individuals.

  18. 76 FR 58122 - Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Material Inspection and Receiving Report...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-09-20

    ...DoD is issuing a final rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), Appendix F, Material Inspection and Receiving Report, to incorporate new procedures for using the electronic Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) Receiving Report.

  19. "Embracing the present and fearing the future": the meaning of being an oldest old woman in a rural area.

    PubMed

    Ness, Tove M; Hellzen, Ove; Enmarker, Ingela

    2014-01-01

    In Western countries, the number of older people receiving home nursing care is increasing, and in rural areas they are at additional risk because of the distance between people and health care facilities. The aim of this study was therefore to illuminate the meaning of being an oldest old woman living alone in a rural area and receiving home nursing care. A sample of 11 oldest old women living in rural areas in the middle of Norway was chosen for this study. Narrative interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed using the phenomenological hermeneutic method. After a naïve reading and a structural analysis of the text, we identified four themes: being satisfied with life, being thankful, feeling vulnerable, and feeling secure. The comprehensive understanding implied that being an oldest old woman living alone in a rural area meant living in the intersection between embracing the present in solitude and fearing the future with additional declining health. Living in this complex situation meant to enjoy the present, but still fear the future, as the oldest old women knew their present life situations were limited. This challenging emotional situation meant using their inner strength by trying to be optimistic and seeing opportunities in present life, even if losses were many and extensive. By using their inner strength in facing losses and declining health, the oldest old women managed to appreciate aloneness as solitude, and find new meaning in life.

  20. “Embracing the present and fearing the future”: The meaning of being an oldest old woman in a rural area

    PubMed Central

    Ness, Tove M.; Hellzen, Ove; Enmarker, Ingela

    2014-01-01

    In Western countries, the number of older people receiving home nursing care is increasing, and in rural areas they are at additional risk because of the distance between people and health care facilities. The aim of this study was therefore to illuminate the meaning of being an oldest old woman living alone in a rural area and receiving home nursing care. A sample of 11 oldest old women living in rural areas in the middle of Norway was chosen for this study. Narrative interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed using the phenomenological hermeneutic method. After a naïve reading and a structural analysis of the text, we identified four themes: being satisfied with life, being thankful, feeling vulnerable, and feeling secure. The comprehensive understanding implied that being an oldest old woman living alone in a rural area meant living in the intersection between embracing the present in solitude and fearing the future with additional declining health. Living in this complex situation meant to enjoy the present, but still fear the future, as the oldest old women knew their present life situations were limited. This challenging emotional situation meant using their inner strength by trying to be optimistic and seeing opportunities in present life, even if losses were many and extensive. By using their inner strength in facing losses and declining health, the oldest old women managed to appreciate aloneness as solitude, and find new meaning in life. PMID:25361532

  1. What Do We Know about Cognitive and Motivational Effects of Small Group Tutorials in Problem-Based Learning?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dolmans, Diana H. J. M.; Schmidt, Henk G.

    2006-01-01

    Students collaborating in small groups is a characteristic of problem-based learning (PBL) that is receiving increased consideration in the literature. In this paper findings from studies in this area are synthesized and discussed. A distinction is made between studies focusing on cognitive effects of group learning and studies focusing on…

  2. The impact on quality of life of dialysis patients with renal insufficiency

    PubMed Central

    Dąbrowska-Bender, Marta; Dykowska, Grażyna; Żuk, Wioletta; Milewska, Magdalena; Staniszewska, Anna

    2018-01-01

    Aim The aim of the study was the subjective assessment of the quality of life (QoL) of 140 patients treated with dialysis (peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis). Background Chronic kidney disease and the methods of its treatment play an important part in shaping the QoL of patients receiving dialysis. As a result, kidney failure causes many limitations in patients’ physical, mental, and social activities. Methods The instrument to measure the QoL was the authors’ own questionnaire made on the basis of Kidney Disease and Quality of Life Short Form version 1.2 (KDQOL – SF 1.2) and their selection of areas influencing the perceived QoL of chronically ill patients. Results The research showed that patients receiving peritoneal dialysis assessed their QoL in its different dimensions as much higher than patients receiving hemodialysis. The parameter having the biggest negative impact on the QoL of patients receiving hemodialysis was an impeded possibility to continue work or studies and a change of life plans. The will to live was more highly assessed by patients receiving peritoneal dialysis as compared to patients receiving hemodialysis. Conclusion In order to improve the functioning of hemodialysis patients in a manner most similar to healthy persons, the renal replacement therapy should consider patients’ individual needs and expectations, ie, guarantee flexible hours of work or study and of receiving dialysis. In addition, patients treated with hemodialysis should receive psychological care, in particular those demonstrating emotional problems, in order to achieve better results in therapy and improve their QoL. PMID:29720873

  3. A fixed collector employing reversible vee-trough concentrator and a vacuum tube receiver for high temperature solar energy systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Selcuk, M. K.

    1976-01-01

    A solar heat collection system employing non-tracking reflectors integrated with a fixed vacuum tube receiver which achieves modest year-round concentration (about 2) of the sunlight at low capital costs is discussed. The axis of the vee-trough reflector lies in a east-west direction and requires reversal of the reflector surfaces only twice a year without disturbing the receiver tubes and associated plumbing. It collects most of the diffuse flux. The vacuum tube receiver with selective absorber has no convection losses while radiation and conduction losses are minimal. Significant cost reductions are offered since the vee-trough can be fabricated from inexpensive polished or plastic reflector laminated sheet metal covering 2/3 of the collection area, and only about 1/3 of the area is covered with the more expensive vacuum tube receivers. Thermal and economic performance of the vee-trough vacuum tube system, year-round variation of the concentration factor, incident flux, useful heat per unit area at various operation temperatures and energy cost estimates are presented. The electrical energy cost is estimated to be 77 mills/kWh, and the system construction cost is estimated to be $1140/kWe.

  4. Distributed processing of a GPS receiver network for a regional ionosphere map

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Choi, Kwang Ho; Hoo Lim, Joon; Yoo, Won Jae; Lee, Hyung Keun

    2018-01-01

    This paper proposes a distributed processing method applicable to GPS receivers in a network to generate a regional ionosphere map accurately and reliably. For accuracy, the proposed method is operated by multiple local Kalman filters and Kriging estimators. Each local Kalman filter is applied to a dual-frequency receiver to estimate the receiver’s differential code bias and vertical ionospheric delays (VIDs) at different ionospheric pierce points. The Kriging estimator selects and combines several VID estimates provided by the local Kalman filters to generate the VID estimate at each ionospheric grid point. For reliability, the proposed method uses receiver fault detectors and satellite fault detectors. Each receiver fault detector compares the VID estimates of the same local area provided by different local Kalman filters. Each satellite fault detector compares the VID estimate of each local area with that projected from the other local areas. Compared with the traditional centralized processing method, the proposed method is advantageous in that it considerably reduces the computational burden of each single Kalman filter and enables flexible fault detection, isolation, and reconfiguration capability. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, several experiments with field collected measurements were performed.

  5. Nutrient loading on subsoils from on-site wastewater effluent, comparing septic tank and secondary treatment systems.

    PubMed

    Gill, L W; O'Luanaigh, N; Johnston, P M; Misstear, B D R; O'Suilleabhain, C

    2009-06-01

    The performance of six separate percolation areas was intensively monitored to ascertain the attenuation effects of unsaturated subsoils with respect to on-site wastewater effluent: three sites receiving septic tank effluent, the other three sites receiving secondary treated effluent. The development of a biomat across the percolation areas receiving secondary treated effluent was restricted on these sites compared to those sites receiving septic tank effluent and this created significant differences in terms of the potential nitrogen loading to groundwater. The average nitrogen loading per capita at 1.0m depth of unsaturated subsoil equated to 3.9 g total-N/d for the sites receiving secondary treated effluent, compared to 2.1 g total-N/d for the sites receiving septic tank effluent. Relatively high nitrogen loading was, however, found on the septic tank sites discharging effluent into highly permeable subsoil that counteracted any significant denitrification. Phosphorus removal was generally very good on all of the sites although a clear relationship to the soil mineralogy was determined.

  6. Narrow grass hedges reduce tylosin and associated antimicrobial resistance genes in agricultural runoff

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Agricultural runoff from areas receiving livestock manure can potentially contaminate surface water with antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of narrow grass hedges (NGHs) on reducing the transport of antimicrobial...

  7. Reflexology has an acute (immediate) haemodynamic effect in healthy volunteers: a double-blind randomised controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Jones, Jenny; Thomson, Patricia; Lauder, William; Howie, Kate; Leslie, Stephen J

    2012-11-01

    Reflexologists claim that massage to specific points of the feet increases blood supply to internal organs. This study measured changes in cardiovascular parameters in subjects receiving reflexology to areas of their feet thought to correspond to the heart (intervention) compared with other areas which are not (control). 16 reflexology-naive healthy volunteers received an active and control reflexology treatment in an RCT, double-blind repeated measures study. 'Beat-to-beat' continuous measurement of selected cardiovascular parameters, State Anxiety Inventory. Cardiac index decreased significantly in the intervention group during left foot treatment (LFT) (baseline mean 2.6; standard deviation (SD) 0.75; 95% CI ± 0.38 vs. LFT mean 2.45; SD 0.68; CI 0.35), effect size (p = 0.035, omega squared effect (w2) = 0.002; w = 0.045). Reflexology massage applied to the upper part of the left foot may have a modest specific effect on the cardiac index of healthy volunteers. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. LANDSAT-D investigations in snow hydrology

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dozier, J. (Principal Investigator)

    1982-01-01

    The sample LANDSAT-4 TM tape (7 bands) of NE Arkansas/Tennessee area was received and displayed. Snow reflectance in all 6 TM reflective bands, i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 was simulated, using Wiscombe and Warren's (1980) delta-Eddington model. Snow reflectance in bands 4, 5, and 7 appear sensitive to grain size. One of the objectives is to interpret surface optical grain size of snow, for spectral extension of albedo. While TM data of the study area are not received, simulation results are encouraging. It also appears that the TM filters resemble a "square-wave" closely enough to permit assuming a square-wave in calculations. Integrated band reflectance over the actual response functions was simulated, using sensor data supplied by Santa Barbara Research Center. Differences between integrating over the actual response functions and the equivalent square wave were negligible.

  9. Interpreting the rich-get-richer effect in precipitation change under global warming: issues at monsoon scales

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Neelin, J.; Langenbrunner, B.; Meyerson, J. E.

    2012-12-01

    Precipitation changes under global warming are often discussed in terms of wet areas receiving more precipitation and dry areas receiving less, sometimes termed the "rich-get-richer" effect. Since the first use of this term, it has been known that contributions can be broken diagnostically into a relatively straightforward tendency associated with moisture increases acted on by the climatological circulation and dynamical feedbacks associated with changes in circulation. A number of studies indicate the latter to be prone to yield scatter in model projections of precipitation change. At the spatial scales of the major monsoon regions, substantial contributions from dynamical feedbacks tend to occur. Factors affecting this dependence will be reviewed with an eye to asking how the community can make succinct statements without oversimplifying the challenges at the regional scale.

  10. Preliminary description of the area navigation software for a microcomputer-based Loran-C receiver

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Oguri, F.

    1983-01-01

    The development of new software implementation of this software on a microcomputer (MOS 6502) to provide high quality navigation information is described. This software development provides Area/Route Navigation (RNAV) information from Time Differences (TDs) in raw form using an elliptical Earth model and a spherical model. The software is prepared for the microcomputer based Loran-C receiver. To compute navigation infomation, a (MOS 6502) microcomputer and a mathematical chip (AM 9511A) were combined with the Loran-C receiver. Final data reveals that this software does indeed provide accurate information with reasonable execution times.

  11. Use of audit, feedback and education increased guideline implementation in a multidisciplinary stroke unit

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    Background The audit-feedback cycle is a behaviour change intervention used to reduce evidence-practice gaps. In this study, repeat audits, feedback, education and training were used to change practice and increase compliance with Australian guideline recommendations for stroke rehabilitation. Objective To increase the proportion of patients with stroke receiving best practice screening, assessment and treatment. Methods A before-and-after study design was used. Data were collected from medical records (n=15 files per audit). Four audits were conducted between 2009 and 2013. Consecutive files of patients with stroke admitted to the stroke unit were selected and audited retrospectively. Staff behaviour change interventions included four cycles of audit feedback, and education to assist staff with change. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of eligible patients receiving best practice against target behaviours, based on audit data. Results Between the first and fourth audit (2009 and 2013), 20 of the 27 areas targeted (74%) met or exceeded the minimum target of 10% change. Practice areas that showed the most change included sensation screening (+75%) and rehabilitation (+100%); neglect screening (+92%) and assessment (100%). Some target behaviours showed a drop in compliance such as anxiety and depression screening (−27%) or little or no overall improvement such as patient education about stroke (6% change). Conclusions Audit feedback and education increased the proportion of inpatients with stroke receiving best practice rehabilitation in some, but not all practice areas. An ongoing process of quality improvement is needed to help sustain these improvements. PMID:29450304

  12. Use of psychotropic medications in São Paulo Metropolitan Area, Brazil: pattern of healthcare provision to general population.

    PubMed

    Campanha, Angela Maria; Siu, Erica Rosanna; Milhorança, Igor André; Viana, Maria Carmen; Wang, Yuan-Pang; Andrade, Laura Helena

    2015-11-01

    We estimate the proportion of psychotropic medication use (PMU) among adults in São Paulo Metropolitan Area, Brazil. We investigated whether socio-demographic factors, comorbidity, and disease severity influence PMU among individuals with psychiatric disorders. Data are from the São Paulo Megacity Mental Health Survey, a cross-sectional, population-based study, the Brazilian branch of the World Mental Health Survey Initiative. Trained lay interviewers face-to-face assessed psychiatric disorders and PMU through the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Respondents were asked about use of healthcare service and prescribed medications for mental disorders in the previous year. Information on PMU was collected for 2935 adult residents in the area and among those with disorders who received treatment. Around 6% of respondents reported PMU in the past year: hypnotics or sedatives were used by 3.7% and antidepressants by 3.5%. Among individuals with 12-month disorders, only 14% reported past year PMU. Gender, age, education, income, occupational status, comorbidity, and severity were significant predictors for PMU. Among those with 12-month DSM-IV disorders who obtained treatment in healthcare settings, almost 40% received medication only. Among those treated in specialty mental health service, around 23% received combination of medication and psychotherapy. Our study has pointed out that the recent trend of access to mental healthcare in Brazil depicts unmet needs, characterized by a low prevalence of PMU among individuals with psychiatric disorders. Policies that improve appropriate access to prescribed drugs for those most in need are urgent public health priority. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  13. Summary of paper: Area navigation implementation for a microcomputer-based Loran-C receiver

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Oguri, Fujiko

    1987-01-01

    The development of an area navigation program and the implementation of this software on a microcomputer-based Loran-C receiver to provide high-quality, practical area navigation information for general aviation are described. This software provides range and bearing angle to a selected waypoint, cross-track error, course deviation indication (CDI), ground speed, and estimated time of arrival at the waypoint. The range/bearing calculation, using an elliptical Earth model, provides very good accuracy; the error does not exceed more than -.012 nm (range) or 0.09 degree (bearing) for a maximum range to 530 nm. The alpha-beta filtering is applied in order to reduce the random noise on Loran-C raw data and in the ground speed calculation. Due to alpha-beta filtering, the ground speed calculation has good stability for constant or low-accelerative flight. The execution time of this software is approximately 0.2 second. Flight testing was done with a prototype Loran-C front-end receiver, with the Loran-C area navigation software demonstrating the ability to provide navigation for the pilot to any point in the Loran-C coverage area in true area navigation fashion without line-of-sight and range restriction typical of VOR area navigation.

  14. Adoption of pediatric-inspired acute lymphoblastic leukemia regimens by adult oncologists treating adolescents and young adults: A population-based study.

    PubMed

    Muffly, Lori; Lichtensztajn, Daphne; Shiraz, Parveen; Abrahão, Renata; McNeer, Jennifer; Stock, Wendy; Keegan, Theresa; Gomez, Scarlett Lin

    2017-01-01

    Studies have demonstrated superior outcomes for adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who are treated using pediatric versus adult therapeutic regimens. To the best of our knowledge, whether adult oncologists in the United States have adopted this approach to ALL in AYA patients is currently unknown. The objective of the current study was to provide a population-based description of ALL treatment patterns in AYA individuals over the past decade. Data regarding AYA patients aged 15 to 39 years and diagnosed with ALL between 2004 and 2014 while living in the Greater Bay Area were obtained from the Greater Bay Area Cancer Registry (GBACR). Treating facilities were designated as pediatric or adult centers; induction treatment regimens were abstracted from registry text data fields. Of 304 patients diagnosed in the GBACR catchment region, complete treatment data were available for 229 (75%). The location of care was identified for 296 patients (97%) treated at 31 unique centers. Approximately 70% of AYA patients received induction therapy at an adult treatment center. All AYA patients who were treated at pediatric centers received pediatric ALL regimens. Among AYA patients treated by adult oncologists with complete treatment data, none received a pediatric regimen before 2008. Between 2008 and 2012, while the US Adult Intergroup C10403 pediatric-inspired ALL protocol was open to accrual, 31% of AYA patients treated by adult oncologists received pediatric regimens. This rate fell to 21% from 2013 through 2014. Adult facilities treating ≥ 2 AYA patients with ALL per year captured in the GBACR were more likely to administer pediatric regimens than lower volume centers (P = .03). As of 2014, only a minority of AYA patients with ALL received pediatric ALL regimens at adult cancer centers. Cancer 2017;122-130. © 2016 American Cancer Society. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

  15. Pedagogies That Explore Food Practices: Resetting the Table for Improved Eco-Justice

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Harris, Carol E.; Barter, Barbara G.

    2015-01-01

    As health threats appear with increasing regularity in our food systems and other food crises loom worldwide, we look to rural areas to provide local and nutritious foods. Educationally, we seek approaches to food studies that engage students and their communities and, ultimately, lead to positive action. Yet food studies receive only generic…

  16. Epidemiological Findings of Pervasive Developmental Disorders in a Venezuelan Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Montiel-Nava, Cecilia; Pena, Joaquin A.

    2008-01-01

    The study aims to determine the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) for children receiving services in Maracaibo County, Venezuela. Children aged 3-9 with diagnosis of any ASD were recruited. We ascertained area, referral process, and definitions of ASD for each patient. A total of 430 children were identified, and 76.5 percent were…

  17. Treatment of oral soft tissues benign tumors using laser

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Crisan, Bogdan; Baciut, Mihaela; Crisan, Liana; Bran, Simion; Rotar, Horatiu; Dinu, Cristian; Moldovan, Iuliu; Baciut, Grigore

    2014-01-01

    The present study aimed to assess the efficacy and indications of surgical laser therapy in the treatment of oral soft tissues benign tumors compared to classic surgery. A controlled clinical study was conducted in a group of 93 patients presenting various forms of oral soft tissues benign tumors. These patients were examined pre-and postoperatively and the oral benign tumors were measured linearly and photographed. The surgery of laser-assisted biopsy excision of oral benign tumors was carried out using a diode laser device of 980 nm. In patients who received surgical laser treatment, therapeutic doses of laser to biostimulate the operated area were administered on the first day after the surgery. The interventions of conventional excision of oral soft tissues benign tumors consisted in removing them using scalpel. In patients who have received therapeutic doses of laser for biostimulation of the operated area, a faster healing of wound surfaces and tumor bed was observed during the first days after surgery. Two weeks after the surgical treatment, good healing without scarring or discomfort in the area of excision was documented. Surgical treatment of oral soft tissues benign tumors with laser assisted postoperative therapy confirms the benefits of this surgical procedure. A faster healing process of the excision area due to laser biostimulation of low intensity has been observed in patients with surgical laser assisted treatment in the postoperative period.

  18. Spared pre-irradiated area in pustular lesions induced by icotinib showing decreased expressions of CD1a+ langerhans cells and FGFR2.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Qiong; Wang, Yi Na; Wang, Bo

    2013-02-01

    Icotinib hydrochloride, a novel inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase, has been approved by the State Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Up to date, cutaneous response to icotinib is largely unknown. Here we report an uncommon lesional phenomenon in a 56-year-old Chinese male with non-small-cell lung cancer, who received icotinib as a second-line treatment. Characteristic papulopustular rash on the chest and back was observed 4 days later. Interestingly, the rash completely spares a pre-irradiated area. The immunohistochemical study in the lesional skin area and spared skin area revealed a significant decrease in CD1a(+) Langerhans cells, Ki-67 as well as FGFR2 in the spared area than in the lesional area. Thus, the present case indicated that loss of the basal layer of proliferative cells and antigen-presenting cells (Langerhans cell), as well as the down-regulation of FGFR2 signaling in the pre-irradiated skin area, may join forces in inhibiting icotinib-associated cutaneous reactions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of both lesional area and lesion-spared area in a Chinese male receiving treatment with a new epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (icotinib). The immunohistochemical reactions described here also provide new insight into the pathogenesis of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor-related skin toxicities, and the role that other tyrosine kinase receptors (including FGFR) played in non-small-cell lung cancer.

  19. A randomized trial of immunotherapy for persistent genital warts

    PubMed Central

    Jardine, David; Lu, Jieqiang; Pang, James; Palmer, Cheryn; Tu, Quanmei; Chuah, John; Frazer, Ian H.

    2012-01-01

    Aim To determine whether immunotherapy with HPV6 L1 virus like particles (VLPs) without adjuvant (VLP immunotherapy) reduces recurrence of genital warts following destructive therapy. Trial design A randomized placebo controlled blinded study of treatment of recurrent genital warts amenable to destructive therapy, conducted independently in Australia and China. Methods Patients received conventional destructive therapy of all evident warts together with intramuscular administration of 1, 5 or 25 µg of VLP immunotherapy, or of placebo immunotherapy (0.9% NaCl), as immunotherapy at week 0 and week 4. Primary outcome, assessed at week 8, was recurrence of visible warts. Results Of 33 protocol compliant Brisbane recipients of placebo immunotherapy, 11 were disease free at two months, and a further 9 demonstrated reduction of > 50% in total wart area. Wart area reduction following destructive treatment correlated with prior duration of disease. Among 102 protocol compliant Brisbane recipients of VLP immunotherapy, disease reduction was significantly greater than among the placebo immunotherapy (50% ± s.e.m. 7%) recipients for subjects receiving 5 µg or 25 µg of VLP immunotherapy/dose (71% ± s.e.m.7%) but not for those receiving 1 µg VLP immunotherapy/dose (42% ± 7%). Of 52 protocol compliant placebo immunotherapy recipients in Wenzhou, 37 were disease free at two months, and a further 8 had > 50% disease reduction. Prior disease duration was much shorter in Wenzhou subject (8.1 ± 1.1 mo) than in Brisbane subjects (53.7 ± 5.5 mo). No significant reduction in mean wart area was observed for the 168 Wenzhou protocol compliant subjects who also received VLP immunotherapy. Conclusions This study confirms the findings in a previous open label trial that administration of VLP immunotherapy may assist in clearance of recurrent genital warts in patients for whom destructive therapy is unsuccessful and that unsuccessful destructive therapy is more common with increasing prior disease duration. PMID:22634446

  20. Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and archaea in wastewater treatment plant sludge and nearby coastal sediment in an industrial area in China.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yan; Chen, Lujun; Sun, Renhua; Dai, Tianjiao; Tian, Jinping; Wen, Donghui

    2015-05-01

    Under the increasing pressure of human activities, Hangzhou Bay has become one of the most seriously polluted waters along China's coast. Considering the excessive inorganic nitrogen detected in the bay, in this study, the impact of an effluent from a coastal industrial park on ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms (AOMs) of the receiving area was interpreted for the first time by molecular technologies. Revealed by real-time PCR, the ratio of archaeal amoA/bacterial amoA ranged from 5.68 × 10(-6) to 4.79 × 10(-5) in the activated sludge from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and 0.54-3.44 in the sediments from the effluent receiving coastal area. Analyzed by clone and pyrosequencing libraries, genus Nitrosomonas was the predominant ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), but no ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) was abundant enough for sequencing in the activated sludge from the WWTPs; genus Nitrosomonas and Nitrosopumilus were the dominant AOB and AOA, respectively, in the coastal sediments. The different abundance of AOA but similar structure of AOB between the WWTPs and nearby coastal area probably indicated an anthropogenic impact on the microbial ecology in Hangzhou Bay.

  1. Using the Learning Together Strategy to Affect Student Achievement in Physical Science

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Campbell, Manda D.

    Despite efforts mandated by national legislation, the state of Georgia has made little progress in improving Grade 5 students' standardized test scores in science, spurring the need for social change. The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to determine whether there was a significant difference in the student achievement in the conceptual understanding of science concepts in a classroom where the teacher applied the cooperative learning strategy, Learning Together, as compared to the classroom in which teacher-directed instruction was applied. The theories of positive social interdependence and social development, which posit that social interaction promotes cognitive gains, provided a framework for the study. A convenience sample of 38 students in Grade 5 participated in the 6-week study. Nineteen students received the cooperative learning strategy treatment, while 19 students did not. Pre- and post-tests were administered to students in both groups, and an analysis of variance was performed to examine differences between the 2 sample means. Results indicated that the group receiving the cooperative learning strategy scored significantly higher than did the control group receiving direct instruction. The experimental group also scored higher in vocabulary acquisition. Using the cooperative learning strategy of Learning Together could guide teachers' efforts to help students achieve excellent state-mandated test scores. Learning Together may be employed as a powerful teaching tool across grade levels and content areas, thus promoting positive gains in other state-mandated testing areas such as math, language arts, and social studies.

  2. Novel, continuous monitoring of fine‐scale movement using fixed‐position radiotelemetry arrays and random forest location fingerprinting

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Harbicht, Andrew B.; Castro-Santos, Theodore R.; Ardren, William R.; Gorsky, Dimitry; Fraser, Dylan

    2017-01-01

    Radio‐tag signals from fixed‐position antennas are most often used to indicate presence or absence of individuals, or to estimate individual activity levels from signal strength variation within an antenna's detection zone. The potential of such systems to provide more precise information on tag location and movement has not been explored in great detail in an ecological setting.By reversing the roles that transmitters and receivers play in localization methods common to the telecommunications industry, we present a new telemetric tool for accurately estimating the location of tagged individuals from received signal strength values. The methods used to characterize the study area in terms of received signal strength are described, as is the random forest model used for localization. The resulting method is then validated using test data before being applied to true data collected from tagged individuals in the study site.Application of the localization method to test data withheld from the learning dataset indicated a low average error over the entire study area (<1 m), whereas application of the localization method to real data produced highly probable results consistent with field observations.This telemetric approach provided detailed movement data for tagged fish along a single axis (a migratory path) and is particularly useful for monitoring passage along migratory routes. The new methods applied in this study can also be expanded to include multiple axes (x, y, z) and multiple environments (aquatic and terrestrial) for remotely monitoring wildlife movement.

  3. The effects of massage therapy on pain management in the acute care setting.

    PubMed

    Adams, Rose; White, Barb; Beckett, Cynthia

    2010-03-17

    Pain management remains a critical issue for hospitals and is receiving the attention of hospital accreditation organizations. The acute care setting of the hospital provides an excellent opportunity for the integration of massage therapy for pain management into the team-centered approach of patient care. This preliminary study evaluated the effect of the use of massage therapy on inpatient pain levels in the acute care setting. The study was conducted at Flagstaff Medical Center in Flagstaff, Arizona-a nonprofit community hospital serving a large rural area of northern Arizona. A convenience sample was used to identify research participants. Pain levels before and after massage therapy were recorded using a 0 - 10 visual analog scale. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used for analysis of this descriptive study. Hospital inpatients (n = 53) from medical, surgical, and obstetrics units participated in the current research by each receiving one or more massage therapy sessions averaging 30 minutes each. The number of sessions received depended on the length of the hospital stay. Before massage, the mean pain level recorded by the patients was 5.18 [standard deviation (SD): 2.01]. After massage, the mean pain level was 2.33 (SD: 2.10). The observed reduction in pain was statistically significant: paired samples t(52) = 12.43, r = .67, d = 1.38, p < .001. Qualitative data illustrated improvement in all areas, with the most significant areas of impact reported being overall pain level, emotional well-being, relaxation, and ability to sleep. This study shows that integration of massage therapy into the acute care setting creates overall positive results in the patient's ability to deal with the challenging physical and psychological aspects of their health condition. The study demonstrated not only significant reduction in pain levels, but also the interrelatedness of pain, relaxation, sleep, emotions, recovery, and finally, the healing process.

  4. The Effects of Massage Therapy on Pain Management in the Acute Care Setting

    PubMed Central

    Adams, Rose; White, Barb; Beckett, Cynthia

    2010-01-01

    Background Pain management remains a critical issue for hospitals and is receiving the attention of hospital accreditation organizations. The acute care setting of the hospital provides an excellent opportunity for the integration of massage therapy for pain management into the team-centered approach of patient care. Purpose and Setting This preliminary study evaluated the effect of the use of massage therapy on inpatient pain levels in the acute care setting. The study was conducted at Flagstaff Medical Center in Flagstaff, Arizona—a nonprofit community hospital serving a large rural area of northern Arizona. Method A convenience sample was used to identify research participants. Pain levels before and after massage therapy were recorded using a 0 – 10 visual analog scale. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used for analysis of this descriptive study. Participants Hospital inpatients (n = 53) from medical, surgical, and obstetrics units participated in the current research by each receiving one or more massage therapy sessions averaging 30 minutes each. The number of sessions received depended on the length of the hospital stay. Result Before massage, the mean pain level recorded by the patients was 5.18 [standard deviation (SD): 2.01]. After massage, the mean pain level was 2.33 (SD: 2.10). The observed reduction in pain was statistically significant: paired samples t52 = 12.43, r = .67, d = 1.38, p < .001. Qualitative data illustrated improvement in all areas, with the most significant areas of impact reported being overall pain level, emotional well-being, relaxation, and ability to sleep. Conclusions This study shows that integration of massage therapy into the acute care setting creates overall positive results in the patient’s ability to deal with the challenging physical and psychological aspects of their health condition. The study demonstrated not only significant reduction in pain levels, but also the interrelatedness of pain, relaxation, sleep, emotions, recovery, and finally, the healing process. PMID:21589696

  5. Confidence Intervals for the Probability of Superiority Effect Size Measure and the Area under a Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ruscio, John; Mullen, Tara

    2012-01-01

    It is good scientific practice to the report an appropriate estimate of effect size and a confidence interval (CI) to indicate the precision with which a population effect was estimated. For comparisons of 2 independent groups, a probability-based effect size estimator (A) that is equal to the area under a receiver operating characteristic curve…

  6. Study of the Light Received Characteristics of a Plant-Shoot-Light-Condensing System with Simple Leaves or Lobed Leaves

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Obara, Shin'ya

    Plant shoot configurations evolve so that maximum sunlight may be obtained. The objective of this study is to develop a compact light-condensing system mimicking a plant shoot configuration that is applicable to a light source from a large area. In this paper, the relationship between the position of a light source (the sun) and the rate at which light is absorbed by each leaf was investigated in detail for plant shoot models of a dogwood (simple leaf) and a ginkgo tree (lobed leaf). The rate of light quantum received in each leaf model is reported to an analysis program that uses cross entropy (CE). The analyses showed that the peak amount of light received in the plant-shoot-light-condensing system was during February (vernal equinox) and October (autumnal equinox). Similarly, the rate of light quantum received in each leaf was measured with the CE. The results found that the plant-shoot-light-condensing system that maximizes the amount of light received has differences in the light received in each leaf. Furthermore, the light-condensing characteristics of the ginkgo biloba model are better than the dogwood model. The light-condensing characteristics of a leaf are influenced by the size, a lobe, shape, and the length of the branch.

  7. Unprogrammed Deworming in the Kibera Slum, Nairobi: Implications for Control of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases

    PubMed Central

    Harris, Julie R.; Worrell, Caitlin M.; Davis, Stephanie M.; Odero, Kennedy; Mogeni, Ondari D.; Deming, Michael S.; Mohammed, Aden; Montgomery, Joel M.; Njenga, Sammy M.; Fox, LeAnne M.; Addiss, David G.

    2015-01-01

    Background Programs for control of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are increasingly evaluating national mass drug administration (MDA) interventions. However, “unprogrammed deworming” (receipt of deworming drugs outside of nationally-run STH control programs) occurs frequently. Failure to account for these activities may compromise evaluations of MDA effectiveness. Methods We used a cross-sectional study design to evaluate STH infection and unprogrammed deworming among infants (aged 6–11 months), preschool-aged children (PSAC, aged 1–4 years), and school-aged children (SAC, aged 5–14 years) in Kibera, Kenya, an informal settlement not currently receiving nationally-run MDA for STH. STH infection was assessed by triplicate Kato-Katz. We asked heads of households with randomly-selected children about past-year receipt and source(s) of deworming drugs. Local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and school staff participating in school-based deworming were interviewed to collect information on drug coverage. Results Of 679 children (18 infants, 184 PSAC, and 477 SAC) evaluated, 377 (55%) reported receiving at least one unprogrammed deworming treatment during the past year. PSAC primarily received treatments from chemists (48.3%) or healthcare centers (37.7%); SAC most commonly received treatments at school (55.0%). Four NGOs reported past-year deworming activities at 47 of >150 schools attended by children in our study area. Past-year deworming was negatively associated with any-STH infection (34.8% vs 45.4%, p = 0.005). SAC whose most recent deworming medication was sourced from a chemist were more often infected with Trichuris (38.0%) than those who received their most recent treatment from a health center (17.3%) or school (23.1%) (p = 0.05). Conclusion Unprogrammed deworming was received by more than half of children in our study area, from multiple sources. Both individual-level treatment and unprogrammed preventive chemotherapy may serve an important public health function, particularly in the absence of programmed deworming; however, they may also lead to an overestimation of programmed MDA effectiveness. A standardized, validated tool is needed to assess unprogrammed deworming. PMID:25763577

  8. A GIS-BASED MULTI-CRITERIA EVALUATION SYSTEM FOR SELECTION OF LANDFILL SITES: a case study from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Issa, S. M.; Shehhi, B. Al

    2012-07-01

    Landfill sites receive 92% of total annual solid waste produced by municipalities in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. In this study, candidate sites for an appropriate landfill location for the Abu Dhabi municipal area are determined by integrating geographic information systems (GIS) and multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) analysis. To identify appropriate landfill sites, eight input map layers including proximity to urban areas, proximity to wells and water table depth, geology and topography, proximity to touristic and archeological sites, distance from roads network, distance from drainage networks, and land slope are used in constraint mapping. A final map was generated which identified potential areas showing suitability for the location of the landfill site. Results revealed that 30% of the study area was identified as highly suitable, 25% as suitable, and 45% as unsuitable. The selection of the final landfill site, however, requires further field research.

  9. The spatial distribution of major and trace elements in the surface sediments from the northeastern Beibu Gulf, South China Sea

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ge, Q.; Xue, Z. G.

    2017-12-01

    Major and trace elements contents and grain size were analyzed for surface sediments retrieved from the northeastern Beibu (Tonkin) Gulf. The study area was divided into four zones: Zone I locates in the northeastern coastal area of the gulf, which received large amount of the fluvial materials from local rivers; Zone II locates in the center of the study area, where surface sediments is from multiple sources; Zone III locates in the Qiongzhou Strait, which is dominated by material from the Pearl River and Hainan Island; Zone IV locates in the southwest of the study area, and the sediments mainly originated from the Red River. Statistical analyses of sediment geochemical characteristics reveal that grain size is the leading factor for elementary distribution, which is also influenced by hydrodynamics, mineral composition of terrigenous sediments, anthropogenic activity, and authigenic components.

  10. Gender participation in sheep and goat farming in Najran, Southern Saudi Arabia.

    PubMed

    Aldosari, Fahad O

    2018-01-01

    Sheep and goat farming is a major source of income in the rural areas of Al-Wadiah in Najran region of Southern Saudi Arabia. The study aims to identify the factors and parameters that influence gender participation in sheep and goat farming. Data were collected by interviewing 167 high school students, including 70 male and 97 female students, in Al-Wadiah, by using the simple random sampling technique. Data were statistically analyzed to establish the relationship between gender and participation in sheep and goat farming. The study revealed significant differences between the two genders, for instance, male herders were more experienced, received more benefits, showed greater interest in discussions on topics related to sheep and goat farming, followed information from TV and radio, and received more services offered by veterinary clinics, which proved more beneficial for them. On the other hand, female herders received fewer services, and the veterinary clinics proved less beneficial for them. However, the correlation between the participation of both genders in sheep and goats management was non-significant toward the statement "feeling ashamed of participating in sheep and goat farming." Generally, sheep and goat rearing proves more beneficial for male participants than female participants, owing to their greater experience and interest in livestock farming. Moreover, they receive more benefits from TV, radio and veterinary clinics to maintain better health of their livestock. Both male and female herders contribute equally to sheep and goat farming by limiting the time spent on their daily routine. This study would enable policymakers and planners to develop more strategies and extension education programs to overcome the identified barriers and improve the livelihood of herders through their enhanced participation in remote areas.

  11. Effects of resistance exercise training and nandrolone decanoate on body composition and muscle function among patients who receive hemodialysis: A randomized, controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Johansen, Kirsten L; Painter, Patricia L; Sakkas, Giorgos K; Gordon, Patricia; Doyle, Julie; Shubert, Tiffany

    2006-08-01

    Patients who are on hemodialysis commonly experience muscle wasting and weakness, which have a negative effect on physical functioning and quality of life. The objective of this study was to determine whether anabolic steroid administration and resistance exercise training induce anabolic effects among patients who receive maintenance hemodialysis. A randomized 2 x 2 factorial trial of anabolic steroid administration and resistance exercise training was conducted in 79 patients who were receiving maintenance hemodialysis at University of California, San Francisco-affiliated dialysis units. Interventions included double-blinded weekly nandrolone decanoate (100 mg for women; 200 mg for men) or placebo injections and lower extremity resistance exercise training for 12 wk during hemodialysis sessions three times per week using ankle weights. Primary outcomes included change in lean body mass (LBM) measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, quadriceps muscle cross-sectional area measured by magnetic resonance imaging, and knee extensor muscle strength. Secondary outcomes included changes in physical performance, self-reported physical functioning, and physical activity. Sixty-eight patients completed the study. Patients who received nandrolone decanoate increased their LBM by 3.1 +/- 2.2 kg (P < 0.0001). Exercise did not result in a significant increase in LBM. Quadriceps muscle cross-sectional area increased in patients who were assigned to exercise (P = 0.01) and to nandrolone (P < 0.0001) in an additive manner. Patients who exercised increased their strength in a training-specific fashion, and exercise was associated with an improvement in self-reported physical functioning (P = 0.04 compared with nonexercising groups). Nandrolone decanoate and resistance exercise produced anabolic effects among patients who were on hemodialysis. Further studies are needed to determine whether these interventions improve survival.

  12. Enhancing Three-dimensional Movement Control System for Assemblies of Machine-Building Facilities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kuzyakov, O. N.; Andreeva, M. A.

    2018-01-01

    Aspects of enhancing three-dimensional movement control system are given in the paper. Such system is to be used while controlling assemblies of machine-building facilities, which is a relevant issue. The base of the system known is three-dimensional movement control device with optical principle of action. The device consists of multi point light emitter and light receiver matrix. The processing of signals is enhanced to increase accuracy of measurements by switching from discrete to analog signals. Light receiver matrix is divided into four areas, and the output value of each light emitter in each matrix area is proportional to its luminance level. Thus, determing output electric signal value of each light emitter in corresponding area leads to determing position of multipoint light emitter and position of object tracked. This is done by using Case-based reasoning method, the precedent in which is described as integral signal value of each matrix area, coordinates of light receivers, which luminance level is high, and decision to be made in this situation.

  13. Crustal structure and gravity anomalies beneath the Rif, northern Morocco: implications for the current tectonics of the Alboran region

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Petit, Carole; Le Pourhiet, Laetitia; Scalabrino, Bruno; Corsini, Michel; Bonnin, Mickaël; Romagny, Adrien

    2015-07-01

    We analyse Bouguer anomaly data and previously published Moho depths estimated from receiver functions in order to determine the amount of isostatic compensation or uncompensation of the Rif topography in northern Morocco. We use Moho depth variations extracted from receiver function analyses to predict synthetic Bouguer anomalies that are then compared to observed Bouguer anomaly. We find that Moho depth variations due to isostatic compensation of topographic and/or intracrustal loads do not match Moho depth estimates obtained from receiver function analyses. The isostatic misfit map evidences excess crustal root as large as 10 km in the western part of the study area, whereas a `missing' crustal root of ˜5 km appears east of 4.3°E. This excess root/missing topography correlates with the presence of a dense mantle lid, the noticeable southwestward drift of the Western Rif area, and with a current surface uplift. We propose that a delaminated mantle lid progressively detaching westward or southwestward from the overlying crust is responsible for viscous flow of the ductile lower crust beneath the Rif area. This gives rise to isostatic uplift and westward drift due to viscous coupling at the upper/lower crust boundary. At the same time, the presence of this dense sinking mantle lid causes a negative dynamic topography, which explains why the observed topography is too low compared to the crustal thickness.

  14. Relationship between social support and fatigue in geriatric patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Karakoç, Tuğba; Yurtsever, Sabire

    2010-02-01

    This descriptive study was conducted with the purpose of determining the relationship between fatigue and social support in elderly individuals receiving chemotherapy. It was conducted in the oncology outpatient chemotherapy units of two university hospitals and one research hospital. A total of 71 patients who were 60 years old and older and receiving outpatient chemotherapy were included. Data were collected using a "Personal Information Form," "Social Support Scale in Cancer Patients," and "Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue." Fatigue was the most common symptom (93%) in elderly patients receiving chemotherapy. The elderly individuals' perceived level of social support was found to be "good", the main form of support they received from those around them was "security" and the area most lacking was felt to be "information." As the individuals' level of social support increased, the severity of the fatigue they experienced decreased. The data demonstrate that social support was imperative in coping with fatigue. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Water Quality of a Tropical Montane Cloud Forest Watershed, Monteverde, Costa Rica

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rhodes, A. L.; Guswa, A. J.; Dallas, S.; Kim, E. M.; Katchpole, S.; Newell, S. E.; Pufall, A.

    2004-05-01

    The Rio Guacimal originates in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, located on the leeward side of the continental divide through Costa Rica. Agriculture and ecotourism has spurred growth adjacent to the preserve. Continued development coupled with changes in precipitation patterns could stress the quality and quantity of water. This study characterizes water chemistry and surface water hydrology of a 21 km2 headwater catchment to evaluate effects of current and projected land use on water quality. Stream samples have been collected from up to 11 sites since March 2000. Two sites located on tributaries in remote, forested areas serve as references for sites located downstream of agricultural and residential areas. Waters were analyzed for specific conductance, pH, DO, acid neutralizing capacity (ANC), Ca, Mg, Na, NH4, SO4, NO3, Cl, PO4 and dissolved silica. In the upland, forested streams, chemical loading is dominated by mineral weathering and cation exchange reactions. Silica, ANC and base cation concentrations all exceed sum of acid anions. During the dry season, concentrations of all dissolved constituents increase synchronously, but at different magnitudes (SO4 and Cl by 15 μ eq/L; silica by 250 μ mol/L; sum of base cations and ANC by 120 μ eq/L), suggesting that increased baseflow has a greater effect on temporal changes of chemical loads in high-elevation, forested streams than does evapotranspiration. Chemical loads of streams receiving runoff from populated areas are 2-5x more concentrated than the upland sites. Highest concentrations occur in Queb. Sucia (QS), which receives grey-water runoff from residential areas. Acidic runoff decreases the ANC of QS by 90-200 μ eq/L; however high alkalinity (ANC=400-1000 μ eq/L) prevents acidification. Acid anions in streams receiving grey-water runoff throughout the year are most concentrated during the dry season when dilution from precipitation is least. Conversely, a site that receives nonpoint source pollution from agricultural areas has its highest concentrations of acid anions during the wet season when surface runoff is the dominant flowpath.

  16. Social Justice and School Psychology

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nastasi, Bonnie K.

    2008-01-01

    Despite attention in other social sciences and within other areas of psychology, social justice has received minimal attention in school psychology literature. The two studies by Shriberg et al. (2008) and McCabe and Rubinson (2008) represent significant developments in exploring school psychology's commitment to social justice. In this…

  17. CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS VS. RETENTION POND BMPS: MESOCOSM STUDIES FOR IMPROVED POLLUTANT MANAGEMENT IN URBAN STORMWATER TREATMENT

    EPA Science Inventory

    Increased urbanization has increased the amount of directly connected impervious area that results in large quantities of stormwater runoff. This runoff can contribute significant amounts of debris and pollutants to receiving waters. Urban watershed managers often incorporate b...

  18. Persistent T2*-hypointensity of the liver parenchyma after irradiation to the SPIO-accumulated liver: An imaging marker for responses to radiotherapy in hepatic malignancies.

    PubMed

    Furuta, Toshihiro; Yamaguchi, Masayuki; Minami, Manabu; Ohtomo, Kuni; Fujii, Hirofumi

    2017-01-01

    To determine whether T2*-weighted MRI has the ability to visualize the irradiated liver parenchyma and liver tumor after irradiation to the previously superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-accumulated liver. We examined 24 liver tumor-bearing rats. Nine rats (Group 1) received 20 µmol Fe/kg SPIO and subsequent 70-Gy irradiation to the tumor-bearing liver lobe. Four rats (Group 2) received SPIO and sham irradiation. Six rats (Group 3) received saline and irradiation. Finally, five rats (Group 4) received saline and sham irradiation. We acquired sequential 3 Tesla T2*-weighted images of the liver on day 7, and assessed MR image findings including signal intensity of the tumors and tumor-bearing liver lobes. In six rats in Group 1, tumors shrunk by 39-100% (303-0 mm 3 ), and severely, well-defined hypointense irradiated areas were observed. In the other two rats, tumors enlarged by 25 and 172% (595 and 1148 mm 3 ), and hypointense rings surrounded the tumors. The normalized relative signal intensity of the irradiated areas was significantly lower than that of the tumor (0.53 ± 0.06 versus 0.94 ± 0.06; P < 0.05). The severely, well-defined hypointense areas were not observed in the other groups. Histologically, necrotic regions dominated and minimal nonnecrotic tumor cells remained in irradiated areas. The number of CD68-positive cells was higher in irradiated areas than in nonirradiated areas. T2*-weighted MR imaging visualized the irradiated liver parenchyma as markedly, well-defined hypointense areas and liver cancer lesions as hyperintense areas only when SPIO was administered before irradiation. The visualization of the hypointense area was associated with tumor regression after irradiation. 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:303-312. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

  19. Evaluation of the communication quality of free-space laser communication based on the power-in-the-bucket method.

    PubMed

    Yin, Xianghui; Wang, Rui; Wang, Shaoxin; Wang, Yukun; Jin, Chengbin; Cao, Zhaoliang; Xuan, Li

    2018-02-01

    Atmospheric turbulence seriously affects the quality of free-space laser communication. The Strehl ratio (SR) is used to evaluate the effect of atmospheric turbulence on the receiving energy of free-space laser communication systems. However, the SR method does not consider the area of the laser-receiving end face. In this study, the power-in-the-bucket (PIB) method is demonstrated to accurately evaluate the effect of turbulence on the receiving energy. A theoretical equation is first obtained to calculate PIB. Simulated and experimental validations are then performed to verify the effectiveness of the theoretical equation. This work may provide effective guidance for the design and evaluation of free-space laser communication systems.

  20. Digital data detection and synchronization

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Noack, T. L.; Morris, J. F.

    1973-01-01

    The primary accomplishments have been in the analysis and simulation of receivers and bit synchronizers. It has been discovered that tracking rate effects play, a rather fundamental role in both receiver and synchronizer performance, but that data relating to recorder time-base-error, for the proper characterization of this phenomenon, is in rather short supply. It is possible to obtain operationally useful tape recorder time-base-error data from high signal-to-noise ratio tapes using synchronizers with relatively wideband tracking loops. Low signal-to-noise ratio tapes examined in the same way would not be synchronizable. Additional areas of interest covered are receiver false lock, cycle slipping, and other unusual phenomena, which have been described to some extent in this and earlier reports and simulated during the study.

  1. The Crustal Structure of the Central Anatolia (Turkey) Using Receiver Functions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yelkenci, S.; Benoit, M.; Kuleli, H.; Gurbuz, C.

    2005-12-01

    Central Anatolia lies in a transitional region between the extensional tectonics of western Anatolia and the complex transpressional tectonics of Eastern Anatolia, and has a complicated thermal and structural history. Few studies of the crustal structure of Anatolia have been performed, however, studies of the crustal structure of Eastern Anatolia showed that crustal thicknesses were thinner than previously thought. To further investigate the crustal structure in Central Anatolia, we present results from receiver function analysis using new data from broad-band instruments. The stations were equipped with 7 broadband three-component STS-2 and 13 short period three-component S-13 sensors. These stations operated for period of one and half months between the October and November, 2002, and yielded data for ~ 40 high quality receiver functions. Additionally, receiver functions were also computed using data from permanent stations MALT, ISP, and ANTO. We applied the hk-stacking technique of Zhu and Kanamori (2000) to receiver functions to obtain the crustal thickness and Vp/Vs ratios. Furthermore, we applied a waveform modeling technique to investigate mid-crustal discontinuties previously imaged in the region. Our results compare well with refraction-based crustal thicknesses in overlapped areas.

  2. Cognitive processes and neural basis of language switching: proposal of a new model.

    PubMed

    Moritz-Gasser, Sylvie; Duffau, Hugues

    2009-12-09

    Although studies on bilingualism are abundant, cognitive processes and neural foundations of language switching received less attention. The aim of our study is to provide new insights to this still open question: do dedicated region(s) for language switching exist or is this function underlain by a distributed circuit of interconnected brain areas, part of a more general cognitive system? On the basis of recent behavioral, neuroimaging, and brain stimulation studies, we propose an original 'hodological' model of language switching. This process might be subserved by a large-scale cortico-subcortical network, with an executive system (prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulum, caudate nucleus) controlling a more dedicated language subcircuit, which involves postero-temporal areas, supramarginal and angular gyri, Broca's area, and the superior longitudinal fasciculus.

  3. Method and apparatus for inspecting conduits

    DOEpatents

    Spisak, Michael J.; Nance, Roy A.

    1997-01-01

    An apparatus and method for ultrasonic inspection of a conduit are provided. The method involves directing a first ultrasonic pulse at a particular area of the conduit at a first angle, receiving the reflected sound from the first ultrasonic pulse, substantially simultaneously or subsequently in very close time proximity directing a second ultrasonic pulse at said area of the conduit from a substantially different angle than said first angle, receiving the reflected sound from the second ultrasonic pulse, and comparing the received sounds to determine if there is a defect in that area of the conduit. The apparatus of the invention is suitable for carrying out the above-described method. The method and apparatus of the present invention provide the ability to distinguish between sounds reflected by defects in a conduit and sounds reflected by harmless deposits associated with the conduit.

  4. Cost/benefit analysis for the Operational Applications of Satellite Snowcover Observations (OASSO). [Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Castruccio, P. A.; Loats, H. L., Jr.; Lloyd, D.; Newman, P. A. B. (Principal Investigator)

    1980-01-01

    The author has identified the following significant results. The total cost associated with satellite snow cover area measurement (SATSCAM) in the Colorado ASVT was $2,050 which equates to 0.22/sq km. When extrapolated to the 2,238,890 km area impacted by snow-survey forecasting in the Western United States, the total yearly cost of employing SATSCAM is approximately $493k. The estimated total benefits to hydroeletric energy production is $10m yearly, with the Pacific Northwest receiving the smallest benefits, and the Rio Grande region the highest. Irrigated agriculture receives a yearly total benefit of $38m, with the Lower Colorado region receiving the largest per acre benefit and the Pacific Northwest receiving the lowest.

  5. 75 FR 56961 - Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Material Inspection and Receiving Report...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-17

    ...DoD is issuing a proposed rule to update Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), Appendix F, Material Inspection and Receiving Report, to incorporate procedures for using the electronic Wide Area Workflow Receiving Report required for use in most contracts in lieu of the DD Form 250, Material Inspection and Receiving Report, which is now used mostly on an exception basis.

  6. Parents’ Concerns as they Relate to Their Child’s Development and Later Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder

    PubMed Central

    Richards, Megan; Mossey, Jana; Robins, Diana L.

    2016-01-01

    Objective Data from a toddler screening study were used to examine: 1) categories of concerns regarding the development of their child reported by parents prior to diagnostic evaluation, 2) congruence of parent concerns with their child’s later diagnosis, 3) the extent to which parent concern(s) were associated with the therapies their child received and types of specialists consulted, and 4) the association between the number of parental concern categories and clinical measures. Methods Toddlers who screened positive for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during well-child check-ups received a diagnostic evaluation and parents completed a history questionnaire (n=532; 274 ASD, 258 non-ASD). Parents’ concerns about their child’s development, therapy received, and specialists consulted were coded into discrete categories. Results Most parents (>90%) reported concerns about their child’s development. The most common concern in both the ASD and non-ASD groups was speech/communication (78.6%). Significant differences were found between diagnostic groups in the speech/communication, restricted/repetitive behaviors, social, behavioral, and medical concern categories. Parent concerns were associated with therapies received and specialists consulted. The number of concern categories was positively associated with several ASD scores. Conclusions The developmental concerns expressed by parents of undiagnosed toddlers were highly consistent with the diagnosis the child later received. Based in part on their areas of concern, parents made contact with the appropriate professionals and their children received some therapy prior to diagnosis. Finally, parents who reported concerns across different areas endorsed more symptoms during screening. Results emphasize the need for providers to elicit and take seriously parent concerns during the referral and diagnostic processes. PMID:27541581

  7. Systematic analysis of funding awarded to institutions in the United Kingdom for infectious disease research, 1997-2010.

    PubMed

    Head, Michael G; Fitchett, Joseph R; Moore, David Aj; Atun, Rifat

    2015-03-01

    This study aimed to assess the research investments made to UK institutions for all infectious disease research and identify the direction of spend by institution. Systematic analysis. Databases and websites were systematically searched for information on relevant studies funded for the period 1997-2010. UK institutions carrying out infectious disease research. None. Twenty academic institutions receiving greatest sum investments across infection are included here, also NHS sites, Sanger Institute, Health Protection Agency and the Medical Research Council. We measured total funding, median award size, disease areas and position of research along the R&D value chain. Included institutions accounted for £2.1 billion across 5003 studies. Imperial College and University of Oxford received the most investment. Imperial College led the most studies. The Liverpool and London Schools of Tropical Medicine had highest median award size, whereas the NHS sites combined had many smaller studies. Sum NHS funding appears to be declining over time, whilst university income is relatively stable. Several institutions concentrate almost exclusively on pre-clinical research. In some areas, there is clearly a leading institution, e.g. Aberdeen and mycology research or UCL and antimicrobial resistance. UK institutions carry out research across a wide range of infectious disease areas. This analysis can identify centres of excellence and help inform future resource allocation for research priorities. Institutions can use this analysis for establishing expertise within their groups, identifying external collaborators and informing local research strategy.

  8. Apollo XI Crewmen - Dining - Crew Reception Area - Lunar Receiving Lab (LRL) - MSC

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1969-07-30

    S69-40306 (30 July 1969) --- The crewmen of the historic Apollo 11 lunar landing mission are seen dining in the Crew Reception Area of the Lunar Receiving Laboratory, Building 37, Manned Spacecraft Center. Left to right, are astronauts Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., Michael Collins, and Neil A. Armstrong. They are continuing their postflight debriefings. The astronauts will be released from quarantine on Aug. 11, 1969.

  9. Transmitters and receivers in free space optical communications for Deep Space links

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Beebe, J.

    2003-01-01

    Two of the many research areas integral making a Mars-Earth optical communication link a reality are optical antenna design and laser transmitter design. This paper addresses areas of both of these by exploring a mode-matched design for a cavity-dumped communications laser, and by reporting on the initial stages of the analysis of an existing 100 inch telescope for use as an optical communications receiver.

  10. Localized time-lapse elastic waveform inversion using wavefield injection and extrapolation: 2-D parametric studies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yuan, Shihao; Fuji, Nobuaki; Singh, Satish; Borisov, Dmitry

    2017-06-01

    We present a methodology to invert seismic data for a localized area by combining source-side wavefield injection and receiver-side extrapolation method. Despite the high resolving power of seismic full waveform inversion, the computational cost for practical scale elastic or viscoelastic waveform inversion remains a heavy burden. This can be much more severe for time-lapse surveys, which require real-time seismic imaging on a daily or weekly basis. Besides, changes of the structure during time-lapse surveys are likely to occur in a small area rather than the whole region of seismic experiments, such as oil and gas reservoir or CO2 injection wells. We thus propose an approach that allows to image effectively and quantitatively the localized structure changes far deep from both source and receiver arrays. In our method, we perform both forward and back propagation only inside the target region. First, we look for the equivalent source expression enclosing the region of interest by using the wavefield injection method. Second, we extrapolate wavefield from physical receivers located near the Earth's surface or on the ocean bottom to an array of virtual receivers in the subsurface by using correlation-type representation theorem. In this study, we present various 2-D elastic numerical examples of the proposed method and quantitatively evaluate errors in obtained models, in comparison to those of conventional full-model inversions. The results show that the proposed localized waveform inversion is not only efficient and robust but also accurate even under the existence of errors in both initial models and observed data.

  11. Heavy rains over Chennai and surrounding areas as captured by Doppler weather radar during Northeast Monsoon 2015: a case study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kamaljit, Ray; Kannan, B. A. M.; Stella, S.; Sen, Bikram; Sharma, Pradip; Thampi, S. B.

    2016-05-01

    During the Northeast monsoon season, India receives about 11% of its annual rainfall. Many districts in South Peninsula receive 30-60% of their annual rainfall. Coastal Tamil Nadu receives 60% of its annual rainfall and interior districts about 40-50 %. During the month of November, 2015, three synoptic scale weather systems affected Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry causing extensive rainfall activity over the region. Extremely heavy rains occurred over districts of Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kancheepuram, due to which these 3 districts were fully inundated. 122 people in Tamil Nadu were reported to have died due to the flooding, while over 70,000 people had been rescued. State government reported flood damage of the order of around Rs 8481 Crores. The rainfall received in Chennai district during 1.11.2015 to 5.12.2015 was 1416.8 mm against the normal of 408.4 mm. The extremely heavy rains were found to be associated with strong wind surges at lower tropospheric levels, which brought in lot of moisture flux over Chennai and adjoining area. The subtropical westerly trough at mid-tropospheric levels extended much southwards than its normal latitude, producing favorable environment for sustained rising motions ahead of approaching trough over coastal Tamil Nadu. Generated strong upward velocities in the clouds lifted the cloud tops to very high levels forming deep convective clouds. These clouds provided very heavy rainfall of the order of 150-200 mm/hour. In this paper we have used radar data to examine and substantiate the cloud burst that led to these torrential rains over Chennai and adjoining areas during the Northeast Monsoon period, 2015.

  12. [Transport and treatment of patients with STEMI in rural Iceland--Only a few patients receive PPCI within 120 minutes].

    PubMed

    Sigmundsson, Thórir S; Arnarson, Daníel; Rafnsson, Arnar; Magnússon, Viðar; Gunnarsson, Gunnar Thór; Thorgeirsson, Gestur

    2016-01-01

    ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) is a life-threatening disease and good outcome depends on early restoration of coronary blood flow. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the treatment of choice if performed within 120 minutes of first medical contact (FMC) but in case of anticipated long transport or delays, pre-hospital fibrinolysis is indicated. The aim was to study transport times and adherence to clinical guidelines in patients with STEMI transported from outside of the Reykjavik area to Landspitali University Hospital in Iceland. Retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients diagnosed with STEMI outside of the Reykjavik area and transported to Landspitali University Hospital in Reykjavik in 2011-2012. Descriptive statistical analysis and hypothesis testing was applied. Eighty-six patients had signs of STEMI on electrocardiogram (ECG) at FMC. In southern Iceland nine patients (21%) underwent PPCI within 120 minutes (median 157 minutes) and no patient received fibrinolysis. In northern Iceland and The Vestman Islands, where long transport times are expected, 96% of patients eligible for fibrinolysis (n=31) received appropriate therapy in a median time of 57 minutes. Significantly fewer patients received appropriate anticoagulation treatment with clopidogrel and enoxaparin in southern Iceland compared to the northern part. Mortality rate was 7% and median length of stay in hospital was 6 days. Time from FMC to PPCI is longer than 120 minutes in the majority of cases. Pre-hospital fibrinolysis should be considered as first line treatment in all parts of Iceland outside of the Reykjavik area. Directly electronically transmitted ECGs and contact with cardiologist could hasten diagnosis and decrease risk of unnecessary interhospital transfer. A STEMI database should be established in Iceland to facilitate quality control.

  13. Seismic Velocity Assessment In The Kachchh Region, India, From Multiple Waveform Functionals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ghosh, R.; Sen, M. K.; Mandal, P.; Pulliam, J.; Agrawal, M.

    2014-12-01

    The primary goal of this study is to estimate well constrained crust and upper mantle seismic velocity structure in the Kachchh region of Gujarat, India - an area of active interest for earthquake monitoring purposes. Several models based on 'stand-alone' surface wave dispersion and receiver function modeling exist in this area. Here we jointly model the receiver function, surface wave dispersion and, S and shear-coupled PL wavetrains using broadband seismograms of deep (150-700 km), moderate to-large magnitude (5.5-6.8) earthquakes recorded teleseismically at semi-permanent seismograph stations in the Kachchh region, Gujarat, India. While surface wave dispersion and receiver function modeling is computationally fast, full waveform modeling makes use of reflectivity synthetic seismograms. An objective function that measures misfit between all three data is minimized using a very fast simulated annealing (VFSA) approach. Surface wave and receiver function data help reduce the model search space which is explored extensively for detailed waveform fitting. Our estimated crustal and lithospheric thicknesses in this region vary from 32 to 41 km and 70 to 80 km, respectively, while crustal P and S velocities from surface to Moho discontinuity vary from 4.7 to 7.0 km/s and 2.7 to 4.1 km/s, respectively. Our modeling clearly reveals a zone of crustal as well as an asthenospheric upwarping underlying the Kachchh rift zone relative to the surrounding unrifted area. We believe that this feature plays a key role in the seismogenesis of lower crustal earthquakes occurring in the region through the emanation of volatile CO2 into the hypocentral zones liberating from the crystallization of carbonatite melts in the asthenosphere. Such a crust-mantle structure might be related to the plume-lithosphere interaction during the Deccan/Reunion plume episode (~65 Ma).

  14. Acute sleep deprivation preconditions the heart against ischemia/ reperfusion injury: the role of central GABA-A receptors

    PubMed Central

    Parsa, Hoda; Imani, Alireza; Faghihi, Mahdieh; Riahi, Esmail; Badavi, Mohammad; Shakoori, Abbas; Rastegar, Tayebeh; Aghajani, Marjan; Rajani, Sulail Fatima

    2017-01-01

    Objective(s): Central γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission modulates cardiovascular functions and sleep. Acute sleep deprivation (ASD) affects functions of various body organs via different mechanisms. Here, we evaluated the effect of ASD on cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), and studied the role of GABA-A receptor inhibition in central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) by assessing nitric oxide (NO) and oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: The CeA in sixty male Wistar rats was cannulated for saline or bicuculline (GABA-A receptor antagonist) administration. All animals underwent 30 min of coronary occlusion (ischemia), followed by 2 hr reperfusion (IR). The five experimental groups (n=12) included are as follows: IR: received saline; BIC+IR: received Bicuculline; MLP+IR: received saline, followed by the placement of animals in an aquarium with multiple large platforms; ASD+IR: underwent ASD in an aquarium with multiple small platforms; and BIC+ASD+IR: received bicuculline prior to ASD. Results: Bicuculline administration increased the malondialdehyde levels and infarct size, and decreased the NO metabolites levels and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene expression in infarcted and non-infarcted areas in comparison to IR group. ASD reduced malondialdehyde levels and infarct size and increased NO metabolites, corticosterone levels and eNOS expression in infarcted and non-infarcted areas as compared to the IR group. Levels of malondialdehyde were increased while levels of NO metabolites, corticosterone and eNOS expression in infarcted and non-infarcted areas were reduced in the BIC+ASD+IR as compared to the ASD+IR group. Conclusion: Blockade of GABA-A receptors in the CeA abolishes ASD-induced cardioprotection by suppressing oxidative stress and NO production. PMID:29299201

  15. Acute sleep deprivation preconditions the heart against ischemia/ reperfusion injury: the role of central GABA-A receptors.

    PubMed

    Parsa, Hoda; Imani, Alireza; Faghihi, Mahdieh; Riahi, Esmail; Badavi, Mohammad; Shakoori, Abbas; Rastegar, Tayebeh; Aghajani, Marjan; Rajani, Sulail Fatima

    2017-11-01

    Central γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission modulates cardiovascular functions and sleep. Acute sleep deprivation (ASD) affects functions of various body organs via different mechanisms. Here, we evaluated the effect of ASD on cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), and studied the role of GABA-A receptor inhibition in central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) by assessing nitric oxide (NO) and oxidative stress. The CeA in sixty male Wistar rats was cannulated for saline or bicuculline (GABA-A receptor antagonist) administration. All animals underwent 30 min of coronary occlusion (ischemia), followed by 2 hr reperfusion (IR). The five experimental groups (n=12) included are as follows: IR: received saline; BIC+IR: received Bicuculline; MLP+IR: received saline, followed by the placement of animals in an aquarium with multiple large platforms; ASD+IR: underwent ASD in an aquarium with multiple small platforms; and BIC+ASD+IR: received bicuculline prior to ASD. Bicuculline administration increased the malondialdehyde levels and infarct size, and decreased the NO metabolites levels and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene expression in infarcted and non-infarcted areas in comparison to IR group. ASD reduced malondialdehyde levels and infarct size and increased NO metabolites, corticosterone levels and eNOS expression in infarcted and non-infarcted areas as compared to the IR group. Levels of malondialdehyde were increased while levels of NO metabolites, corticosterone and eNOS expression in infarcted and non-infarcted areas were reduced in the BIC+ASD+IR as compared to the ASD+IR group. Blockade of GABA-A receptors in the CeA abolishes ASD-induced cardioprotection by suppressing oxidative stress and NO production.

  16. 30 CFR 256.23 - Information on areas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... on areas. (a) The Director may receive and consider indications of interest in areas for mineral... contain oil and gas, the Director shall issue Calls for Information and Nominations on areas for leasing of such minerals in specified areas. The Call for Information and Nominations shall be published in...

  17. Flight experiments to improve terminal area operations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Salmirs, S.; Morello, S. A.

    1978-01-01

    A brief description is given of the objectives and activities of the terminal configured vehicle (TCV) program and of some of the airborne facilities. A short analysis of some particular problems in CTOL operations in the terminal area is also presented to show how the program's technical objectives are related to the defined problems. The test aircraft was flown both manually and automatically with manual monitoring over paths including 130 deg intercepts and 2.0 km and 0.8 km finals. Some statistical data are presented from these and other flight profiles designed to address specific terminal area problems. An overview is presented of research studies receiving emphasis in the next biennium and their application to the terminal area. A description of work undertaken to study the addition of adjacent traffic information to present map displays is also given.

  18. Characterization of Discharge Areas of Radionuclides Originating From Nuclear Waste Repositories

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Marklund, L.; Xu, S.; Worman, A.

    2009-05-01

    If leakages in nuclear waste repositories located in crystalline bedrock arise, radionuclides will reach the biosphere and cause a risk of radiological impact. The extent of the radiological impact depends on in which landscape elements the radionuclides emerge. In this study, we investigate if there are certain landscape elements that generally will act as discharge areas for radionuclides leaking from subsurface deposits. We also characterize the typical properties that distinguish these areas from others. In humid regions, landscape topography is the most important driving force for groundwater flow. Because groundwater is the main transporting agent for migrating radionuclides, the topography will determine the flowpaths of leaking radionuclides. How topography and heterogeneities in the subsurface affect the discharge distribution of the radionuclides is therefore an important scope of this study. To address these issues, we developed a 3-D transport model. Our analyses are based on site-specific data from two different areas in Sweden, Forsmark, Uppland, and Oskarshamn, Småland. The Swedish Nuclear Waste Management Company (SKB) has selected these two areas as candidate areas for a deep repository of nuclear waste and the areas are currently subject to site investigations. Our results suggest that there are hot-spots in the landscape i.e. areas with high probability of receiving large amounts of radionuclides from a leaking repository of nuclear waste. The hot-spots concentrate in the sea, streams, lakes and wetlands. All these elements are found at lower elevations in the landscape. This pattern is mostly determined by the landscape topography and the locations of fracture zones. There is a relationship between fracture zones and topography, and therefore the importance of the topography for the discharge area distribution is not contradicted by the heterogeneity in the bedrock. The varieties of landscape elements which have potential for receiving significant amounts of radionuclides are limited. To limit the radiological dose assessment, analyses should be focused to and more detailed in such landscape areas in which doses are expected to be high. Due to the similarities among deep groundwater discharge areas, one can make site-specific analyses of those areas, which have a broad applicability for migration of radionuclides originating from a nuclear waste repository.

  19. Targeting central plasticity: a new direction of finding painkillers.

    PubMed

    Zhuo, Min

    2005-01-01

    It is well documented that sensory transmission, including pain, receives endogenous inhibitory modulatory influences at dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Recent results, from behavioral to molecular studies, demonstrate that injury caused plastic changes in forebrain areas. In addition to encoding pain, these supraspinal areas may also affect pain transmission in the spinal cord level by activating "top-down" descending facilitatory systems. In this review, I provide review of evidence related to these new progresses, from human brain imaging to work from genetically mutant mice.

  20. American Overseas Research Centers Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Office of Postsecondary Education, US Department of Education, 2012

    2012-01-01

    The American Overseas Research Centers Program provides grants to overseas research centers that are consortia of U.S. institutions of higher education to enable the centers to promote postgraduate research, exchanges, and area studies. Eligible applicants are those consortia of U.S. institutions of higher education centers that: (1) Receive more…

  1. A Critique and Defense of Gamification

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hung, Aaron Chia Yuan

    2017-01-01

    Gamification has received increased attention in education in recent years, and is seen as a way to improve student engagement, motivation, attendance, and academic performance. While empirical studies on gamification in higher education are showing modest gains in some areas, this data can be difficult to interpret because of the many ways that…

  2. EXPANSION OF THE FREE CHOICE OPEN ENROLLMENT PROGRAM.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    FOX, DAVID J.

    THIS EVALUATION OF THE SECOND YEAR OF THE FREE CHOICE OPEN ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (OE) IN NEW YORK CITY'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS PRESENTS COMPARATIVE DATA FOR 26 RECEIVING AND 15 SENDING ELEMENTARY AND JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS. THE AREAS STUDIED WERE (1) CHILDRENS' CLASSROOM FUNCTIONING, (2) TEACHERS' CLASSROOM FUNCTIONING, (3) SCHOOL APPEARANCE, CLIMATE, AND…

  3. The State of Multiculturalism and Diversity in Undergraduate Psychology Training

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fuentes, Milton A.; Shannon, Casey R.

    2016-01-01

    Over the past few decades, diversity and multiculturalism have received considerable attention in the field of psychology. While there have been notable efforts to ensure these important areas are addressed in undergraduate psychology training, little is known about this undertaking. The present study examined how diversity and multiculturalism…

  4. Functional Neuroimaging Studies of Written Sentence Comprehension

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Caplan, David

    2004-01-01

    Sentences convey relationships between the meanings of words, such as who is accomplishing an action or receiving it. Functional neuroimaging based on positron-emission tomography and functional magnetic resonance imaging has been used to identify areas of the brain involved in structuring sentences and determining aspects of meaning associated…

  5. Suicide among Preadolescents: A Call to Action

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Westefeld, John S.; Bell, Allison; Bermingham, Charles; Button, Christopher; Shaw, Kari; Skow, Christine; Stinson, Rebecca D.; Woods, Tamara

    2010-01-01

    Suicide among preadolescents is a relatively rare phenomenon. Due to the infrequency of suicide among this population, this area of study has received limited investigation relative to suicide in other age groups and populations. This article reviews research related to suicide among preadolescents, defined as children under the age of 13. The…

  6. Subversion or Socialization? Humor and Carnival in Morris Gleitzman's Texts

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    James, Kathryn

    2004-01-01

    Like their counterparts elsewhere, Australian children favour humorous novels; comedic writers consistently dominate the preteen and early teen fiction market in Australia. Regardless of its popularity, however, in comparison to more serious writing, humorous literature has received little critical attention. Of the studies aimed at this area,…

  7. PHYTOREMEDIATION OF DREDGED SEDIMENTS: A CASE STUDY AT THE JONES ISLAND CDF

    EPA Science Inventory

    The Jones Island Confined Disposal Facility (CDF) is a 44 acre in-lake area that receives dredged material from Milwaukee Harbor and the surrounding waterways. Some of those materials are contaminated with industrial waste and urban run-off. The CDF is nearing the end of its desi...

  8. Fostering 21st Century Learning with Geospatial Technologies

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hagevik, Rita A.

    2011-01-01

    Global positioning systems (GPS) receivers and other geospatial tools can help teachers create engaging, hands-on activities in all content areas. This article provides a rationale for using geospatial technologies in the middle grades and describes classroom-tested activities in English language arts, science, mathematics, and social studies.…

  9. Inclusive Education in Schools in Rural Areas

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Callado Moreno, J. Antonio; Molina Jaén, Ma. Dolores; Pérez Navío, Eufrasio; Rodríguez Moreno, Javier

    2016-01-01

    Since Spain decided to embark on the development of inclusive schooling, studies have taken place to see if the inclusive principle is being developed satisfactorily. Inclusive schooling implies that all students, regardless of their particular characteristics, may be taught in ordinary schools, and in the majority of cases receive help in the…

  10. Communicating rules in recreation areas

    Treesearch

    Terence L. Ross; George H. Moeller

    1974-01-01

    Five hundred fifty-eight campers were surveyed on the Allegheny National Forest to determine their knowledge of rules governing recreation behavior. Most of them were uninformed about the rules. Results of the study suggest that previous camping experience, age, camping style, and residence significantly affect knowledge of rules. Campers who received rule brochures or...

  11. Library Labor Cost Accounting System.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Du Bois, Dan

    The Library Labor Cost Accounting System will provide visibility on current costs of manually processing library materials, at each campus as well as system-wide. The scope of the study includes the following: (1) 100 individual activities, grouped into 14 functional areas, e.g., Ordering, Receiving; and into 3 major operations: Acquisitions,…

  12. EFFECTS OF DIETARY COPPER, ZINC, LEAD, CADMIUM, AND ARSENIC ON GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF JUVENILE FISH USING LIVE FOOD ORGANISMS

    EPA Science Inventory

    Except for certain organometallic compounds, dietary exposures of aquatic organisms to metal/metalloids have received little regulatory attention. However, various studies have suggested that dietary exposure could be important, especially in areas where current water column conc...

  13. Sustainability of current agriculture practices, community perception, and implications for ecosystem health: an Indian study.

    PubMed

    Sarkar, Atanu; Patil, Shantagouda; Hugar, Lingappa B; vanLoon, Gary

    2011-12-01

    In order to support agribusiness and to attain food security for ever-increasing populations, most countries in the world have embraced modern agricultural technologies. Ecological consequences of the technocentric approaches, and their sustainability and impacts on human health have, however, not received adequate attention particularly in developing countries. India is one country that has undergone a rapid transformation in the field of agriculture by adopting strategies of the Green Revolution. This article provides a comparative analysis of the effects of older and newer paradigms of agricultural practices on ecosystem and human health within the larger context of sustainability. The study was conducted in three closely situated areas where different agricultural practices were followed: (a) the head-end of a modern canal-irrigated area, (b) an adjacent dryland, and (c) an area (the ancient area) that has been provided with irrigation for some 800 years. Data were collected by in-depth interviews of individual farmers, focus-group discussions, participatory observations, and from secondary sources. The dryland, receiving limited rainfall, continues to practice diverse cropping centered to a large extent on traditional coarse cereals and uses only small amounts of chemical inputs. On the other hand, modern agriculture in the head-end emphasizes continuous cropping of rice supported by extensive and indiscriminate use of agrochemicals. Market forces have, to a significant degree, influenced the ancient area to abandon much of its early practices of organic farming and to take up aspects of modern agricultural practice. Rice cultivation in the irrigated parts has changed the local landscape and vegetation and has augmented the mosquito population, which is a potential vector for malaria, Japanese encephalitis and other diseases. Nevertheless, despite these problems, perceptions of adverse environmental effects are lowest in the heavily irrigated area.

  14. Assessment of Reactive Catch Basin Larvicide Treatments Toward Improved Water Quality Using FourStar(®) Briquets and CocoBear™ Larvicide Oil.

    PubMed

    Harbison, Justin E; Zazra, Dave; Henry, Marlon; Xamplas, Christopher; Kafensztok, Ruth

    2015-09-01

    Because it is often logistically impossible to monitor all catch basins within an operational area, local mosquito control programs will preemptively treat catch basins with larvicides each season. However, these larvicides can, ostensibly, be considered water quality pollutants. To experimentally reduce the use of larvicides toward improving water quality, 30 basins within a small 0.7-km(2) residential area were monitored weekly for the presence of larvae and pupae for 14 wk in the summer of 2013. Once a basin was found to reach a threshold of 12 mosquitoes per dip sample, it received a FourStar® Briquet (a 180-day briquet formulation of 6% Bacillus sphaericus and 1% B. thuringiensis israelensis). Each week a FourStar-treated basin surpassed this threshold, it was treated with an application of CocoBear™ oil (10% mineral oil). By the end of trials, all but one basin received a briquet and 13 required at least 4 treatments of CocoBear, suggesting that preemptive treatment is appropriate for the study area.

  15. An Individualised Curriculum to Teach Numeracy Skills to Children with Autism: Programme Description and Pilot Data

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tzanakaki, Pagona; Grindle, Corinna Fay; Saville, Maria; Hastings, Richard Patrick; Hughes, John Carl; Huxley, Kathleen

    2014-01-01

    Teaching mathematics to children with autism is an area with limited research evidence. In this study we developed a teaching manual based on Maths Recovery, a numeracy programme designed for typically developing children. Six children with autism participated in the study and received daily numeracy teaching over a 20-week period. Our aims were…

  16. Leadership Behaviors at Air War College

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1998-04-01

    study has primarily focused on three areas: traits, behaviors, and situational approaches.2 Traits Leadership trait theory addresses specific traits...behavior theory has been prominent for thirty years5; however, more recently situational leadership theories have received primary attention... leadership traits, skills, or behaviors which are relevant.7 This theory is useful to this study because the situation may translate to where one’s level

  17. How will climate change affect wildland fire severity in the western US?

    Treesearch

    Sean A. Parks; Carol Miller; John T. Abatzoglou; Lisa M. Holsinger; Marc-Andre Parisien; Solomon Z. Dobrowski

    2016-01-01

    Fire regime characteristics in North America are expected to change over the next several decades as a result of anthropogenic climate change. Although some fire regime characteristics (e.g., area burned and fire season length) are relatively well-studied in the context of a changing climate, fire severity has received less attention. In this study, we used...

  18. Integrated source and channel encoded digital communication system design study

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Huth, G. K.; Trumpis, B. D.; Udalov, S.

    1975-01-01

    Various aspects of space shuttle communication systems were studied. The following major areas were investigated: burst error correction for shuttle command channels; performance optimization and design considerations for Costas receivers with and without bandpass limiting; experimental techniques for measuring low level spectral components of microwave signals; and potential modulation and coding techniques for the Ku-band return link. Results are presented.

  19. Empirical Study of Horizontal and Vertical Resolution of Teleseismic Receiver Function Data for Shallow Crustal Imagery.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Subasic, S.; Piana Agostinetti, N.; Bean, C. J.

    2017-12-01

    Passive seismic methods as a tool in exploration geophysics are relatively cheap, and offer the prospect of 3D imagery at a fraction of the cost of an active survey. Outputs from passive seismic surveys can also be used as a test and guide for subsequent targeted higher resolution studies, and they offer a strategic alternative in areas where an active survey would be a difficult or impossible task. In order to test the horizontal and vertical resolution of teleseismic receiver functions, we perform a complete receiver function analysis and inversion of the teleseismic data from the La Barge array. The La Barge Passive Seismic Experiment is composed of 55 instruments deployed in western Wyoming, recording continuously between November 2008 and June 2009. The close interstation distance used during the deployment (250m, up to two orders of magnitude smaller than in typical receiver function studies) makes this open-access data set a perfect test-case for the aim of this study. Receiver functions (RF) are calculated for earthquakes with Mw ≥ 5.5, at epicentral distances ranging from 30° to 100°. We use the frequency domain deconvolution method proposed by Di Bona (1998). This method includes estimations of variances for individual receiver functions, and considers both the pre-signal noise, as well as the noise involved in the deconvolution itself. We perform harmonic decomposition of the receiver function dataset. The zero-order harmonic, representing the bulk isotropic variation of seismic velocities with depth, is used in the inversion. The RF inversion scheme follows a reversible jump Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm, developed by Piana Agostinetti and Malinverno (2010). The results can be compared with the measurements from nearby wells.

  20. Assessing a new hip index as a risk predictor for diabetes mellitus.

    PubMed

    He, Sen; Zheng, Yi; Chen, Xiaoping

    2017-09-30

    Recently, a new anthropometric parameter (a new hip index [HI]) was developed, and the HI shows a U-shaped relationship to mortality in the USA population. It is well known that there is an inverse relationship between hip circumference (HC) and the risk of diabetes mellitus. Accordingly, the study sought to investigate whether HI could predict future diabetes mellitus, as compared with HC and the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), in a general Chinese population. In 2007, we carried out a health examination of 687 participants (mean age 48.1 ± 6.2 years, male 58.1%). Development of diabetes mellitus by the 2007 examination was studied in relation to data from a baseline health examination carried out in 1992. During the follow up, 74 participants were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Across the quintiles of baseline HI, the incidence rates of diabetes mellitus were 12.4, 12.4, 9.9, 7.8 and 11.3% in quintile (Q)1, Q2, Q3, Q4 and Q5, respectively (P = 0.698). With the lowest quintile (Q1) as reference, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that HI was not associated with diabetes mellitus. In contrast, HC and WHR could predict future diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, WHR had the best discriminatory power for diabetes mellitus (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.691, 95% confidence interval 0.621-0.761), followed by HC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.623, 95% confidence interval 0.558-0.689) and HI (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.464, 95% confidence interval 0.396-0.531). Compared with HC and WHR, HI was not an independent risk factor for diabetes mellitus in the Chinese population. More studies are required to delineate the limits of the utility of HI. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Diabetes Investigation published by Asian Association for the Study of Diabetes (AASD) and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

  1. Initial evaluation of the geologic applications of ERTS-1 imagery for New Mexico

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Vonderlinden, K.; Kottlowski, F. E.

    1973-01-01

    Coverage of approximately one-third of the test site, the state of New Mexico, had been received by January 31, 1973 and all of the images received were MSS products. Features noted during visual inspection of 91/2 x 91/2 prints include major structural forms, vegetation patterns, drainage patterns and outcrops of geologic formations having marked color contrasts. The Border Hills Structural Zone and the Y-O Structural Zone are prominently reflected in coverage of the Pecos Valley. A study of available maps and remote sensing material covering the Deming-Columbus area indicated that the limit of detection and the resolution of MSS products are not as good as those of aerial photographs, geologic maps, and manned-satellite photographs. The limit of detection of high contrast features on MSS prints in approximately 1000 feet or 300 meters for linear features and about 18 acres for roughly circular areas.

  2. Correlations between anomalies of jugular veins and areas of vascular drainage of head and neck.

    PubMed

    Vaida, Monica-Adriana; Niculescu, V; Motoc, A; Bolintineanu, S; Sargan, Izabella; Niculescu, M C

    2006-01-01

    The study conducted on 60 human cadavers preserved in formalin, in the Anatomy Laboratory of the "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, during 2000-2006, observed the internal and external jugular veins from the point of view of their origin, course and affluents. The morphological variability of the jugular veins (external jugular that receives as affluents the facial and lingual veins and drains into the internal jugular, draining the latter's territory--3.33%; internal jugular that receives the lingual, upper thyroid and facial veins, independent--13.33%, via the linguofacial trunk--50%, and via thyrolinguofacial trunk--33.33%) made possible the correlation of these anomalies with disorders in the ontogenetic development of the veins of the neck. Knowing the variants of origin, course and drainage area of jugular veins is important not only for the anatomist but also for the surgeon operating at this level.

  3. Diaphragm and Lung Ultrasound to Predict Weaning Outcome: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

    PubMed

    Llamas-Álvarez, Ana M; Tenza-Lozano, Eva M; Latour-Pérez, Jaime

    2017-12-01

    Deciding the optimal timing for extubation in patients who are mechanically ventilated can be challenging, and traditional weaning predictor tools are not very accurate. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the accuracy of lung and diaphragm ultrasound for predicting weaning outcomes in critically ill adults. MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS, Teseo, Tesis Doctorales en Red, and OpenGrey were searched, and the bibliographies of relevant studies were reviewed. Two researchers independently selected studies that met the inclusion criteria and assessed study quality in accordance with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. The summary receiver-operating characteristic curve and pooled diagnostic OR (DOR) were estimated by using a bivariate random effects analysis. Sources of heterogeneity were explored by using predefined subgroup analyses and bivariate meta-regression. Nineteen studies involving 1,071 people were included in the study. For diaphragm thickening fraction, the area under the summary receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.87, and DOR was 21 (95% CI, 11-40). Regarding diaphragmatic excursion, pooled sensitivity was 75% (95% CI, 65-85); pooled specificity, 75% (95% CI, 60-85); and DOR, 10 (95% CI, 4-24). For lung ultrasound, the area under the summary receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.77, and DOR was 38 (95% CI, 7-198). Based on bivariate meta-regression analysis, a significantly higher specificity for diaphragm thickening fraction and higher sensitivity for diaphragmatic excursion was detected in studies with applicability concerns. Lung and diaphragm ultrasound can help predict weaning outcome, but its accuracy may vary depending on the patient subpopulation. Copyright © 2017 American College of Chest Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Characterizing Salmonella Contamination in Two Rendering Processing Plants.

    PubMed

    Gong, Chao; Jiang, Xiuping

    2017-02-01

    A microbiological investigation on Salmonella contamination was conducted in two U.S. rendering plants to investigate the potential cross-contamination of Salmonella in the rendering processing environment. Sampling locations were predetermined at the areas where Salmonella contamination may potentially occur, including raw materials receiving, crax (rendered materials before grinding process) grinding, and finished meal loading-out areas. Salmonella was either enumerated directly on xylose lysine Tergitol 4 agar plates or enriched in Rappaport-Vassiliadis and tetrathionate broths. The presumptive Salmonella isolates were confirmed using CHROMagar plating and latex agglutination testing and then characterized using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, serotyping, and biofilm-forming determination. Among 108 samples analyzed, 79 (73%) samples were Salmonella positive after enrichment. Selected Salmonella isolates (n = 65) were assigned to 31 unique pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns, with 16 Salmonella serotypes, including Typhimurium and Mbandaka, identified as predominant serotypes and 10 Salmonella strains determined as strong biofilm formers. Our results indicated that the raw materials receiving area was the primary source of Salmonella and that the surfaces surrounding crax grinding and finished meal loading-out areas harbor Salmonella in biofilms that may recontaminate the finished meals. The same Salmonella serotypes found in both raw materials receiving and the finished meal loading-out areas suggested a potential of cross-contamination between different areas in the rendering processing environment.

  5. Heat transfer experiments with a central receiver tube subjected to unsteady and non-uniform heat flux

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fernández-Torrijos, María; Marugán-Cruz, Carolina; Sobrino, Celia; Santana, Domingo

    2017-06-01

    In this work, a molten salt test loop to study the heat transfer process in external molten salt receivers is described. The experimental installation is formed by a cylindrical molten salt tank, a pump, a flow meter, and an induction heater to generate the heat flux, which is applied in a small rectangular region of the tube surface. In central tower plants, the external receiver pipe is considered to be under unilateral concentrated solar radiation, because only one side of the pipe receives high heat flux. The main advantage of using an induction heater is the control of heating in different areas of the tube. In order to measure the effects of a non-homogenous and unsteady heat flux on the wall temperature distribution a series of experiments have been carried out. 4 K-type thermocouples have been welded at different axial and azimuthal positions of the pipe to obtain the wall temperature distribution. Different temperature measurements have been made varying the heat flux and water velocity to study their effects on the heat transfer process.

  6. The experience of receiving therapeutic touch.

    PubMed

    Samarel, N

    1992-06-01

    The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the patient's experience of receiving therapeutic touch (TT) treatments. The design was informed by phenomenology in the sense that it was searching for a definition of the lived experience of the phenomenon of TT. Data were obtained through one open-ended interview and a second clarifying interview of each subject. All data were subjected to content analysis. For participants, the lived experience of TT was described as a linear process that began with the perceived need for and decision to seek treatment. It progressed through one or more treatments and continued to have an impact upon the participants' lives. These findings were examined within the context of Martha Rogers' conceptual system. This study has shown that, for 20 participants receiving treatment, TT was a fulfilling multidimensional experience that facilitated personal growth. Such as experience can only enrich the lives of those who receive treatment. Certainly, a nursing intervention that can achieve such a positive influence has potential for use in all areas of nursing care and needs to be explored further.

  7. Study on geophone coupling and attenuating compensatory of low-depression velocity layer in desert area

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Shi, Z.; Tian, G.; Dong, S.; Xia, J.; He, H.; ,

    2004-01-01

    In a desert area, it is difficult to couple geophones with dry sands. A low and depression velocity layer can seriously attenuate high frequency components of seismic data. Therefore, resolution and signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of seismic data deteriorate. To enhance resolution and S/N ratio of seismic data, we designed a coupling compensatory inverse filter by using the single trace seismic data from Seismic Wave Detect System (SWDS) and common receivers on equal conditions. We designed an attenuating compensatory inverse filter by using seismic data from a microseismogram log. At last, in order to convert a shot gather from common receivers to a shot gather from SWDS, we applied the coupling compensatory inverse filter to the shot gather from common receivers. And then we applied the attenuating compensatory inverse filter to the coupling stacked seismic data to increase its resolution and S/N ratio. The results show that the resolution of seismic data from common receivers after processing by using the coupling compensatory inverse filter is nearly comparable with that of data from SWDS. It is also found that the resolution and S/N ratio have been enhanced after the use of attenuating compensatory inverse filter. From the results, we can conclude that the filters can compensate high frequencies of seismic data. Moreover, the low frequency changed nearly.

  8. Effects of truck-mounted, ultra low volume mosquito adulticides on honey bees (Apis mellifera) in a suburban field setting

    PubMed Central

    DeLisi, Nicholas A.; Danka, Robert G.; Walker, Todd W.; Ottea, James A.; Healy, Kristen B.

    2018-01-01

    Few studies have examined the impact of mosquito adulticides on honey bees under conditions that reflect actual field exposure. Whereas several studies have evaluated the toxicity of mosquito control products on honey bees, most have been laboratory based and have focused solely on acute mortality as a measure of impact. The goal of this study was to determine effects of routine applications of truck-based ultra-low volume (ULV) mosquito adulticides (i.e., Scourge, Duet, and Deltagard) on honey bees in a suburban setting. The mosquito adulticides used in this study were pyrethroids with active ingredients resmethrin (Scourge), prallethrin and sumithrin (Duet), and deltamethrin (Deltagard), in which resmethrin, prallethrin, and sumithrin were synergized with piperonyl butoxide. We measured and compared mortality and detoxification enzyme activities (esterase and glutathione S-transferase) from sentinel beehives within and outside of mosquito control areas. Concurrently, colony health (i.e., number of adult bees, brood quantity and brood quality) was compared throughout the study period. No significant differences were observed in honey bee mortality, colony health or detoxification enzyme activities between treated (five sprayed areas each received one to three insecticide treatment) and control sites (four unsprayed areas that did not receive insecticide treatment) over the seven week study period. However, our laboratory study showed that exposure to resmethrin, the active ingredient in Scourge, caused significant inhibition of esterase activity compared with the control group. Our findings suggest that proper application of truck based insecticides for mosquito control results in little or no exposure and therefore minimal effects on domestic honey bees. PMID:29494661

  9. Effects of truck-mounted, ultra low volume mosquito adulticides on honey bees (Apis mellifera) in a suburban field setting.

    PubMed

    Pokhrel, Vivek; DeLisi, Nicholas A; Danka, Robert G; Walker, Todd W; Ottea, James A; Healy, Kristen B

    2018-01-01

    Few studies have examined the impact of mosquito adulticides on honey bees under conditions that reflect actual field exposure. Whereas several studies have evaluated the toxicity of mosquito control products on honey bees, most have been laboratory based and have focused solely on acute mortality as a measure of impact. The goal of this study was to determine effects of routine applications of truck-based ultra-low volume (ULV) mosquito adulticides (i.e., Scourge, Duet, and Deltagard) on honey bees in a suburban setting. The mosquito adulticides used in this study were pyrethroids with active ingredients resmethrin (Scourge), prallethrin and sumithrin (Duet), and deltamethrin (Deltagard), in which resmethrin, prallethrin, and sumithrin were synergized with piperonyl butoxide. We measured and compared mortality and detoxification enzyme activities (esterase and glutathione S-transferase) from sentinel beehives within and outside of mosquito control areas. Concurrently, colony health (i.e., number of adult bees, brood quantity and brood quality) was compared throughout the study period. No significant differences were observed in honey bee mortality, colony health or detoxification enzyme activities between treated (five sprayed areas each received one to three insecticide treatment) and control sites (four unsprayed areas that did not receive insecticide treatment) over the seven week study period. However, our laboratory study showed that exposure to resmethrin, the active ingredient in Scourge, caused significant inhibition of esterase activity compared with the control group. Our findings suggest that proper application of truck based insecticides for mosquito control results in little or no exposure and therefore minimal effects on domestic honey bees.

  10. Water and watershed

    Treesearch

    Norbert V. DeByle

    1985-01-01

    Quaking aspen dominates several million acres on mountainous watersheds in the West. The sites occupied receive enough precipitation to yield water to lower elevations. Most aspen areas receive 16 inches (40 cm) or more precipitation annually; many receive more than 39 inches (100 cm) (see the CLIMATES chapter), well in excess of on-site loss from evapotranspiration....

  11. 77 FR 38731 - Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Updates to Wide Area WorkFlow (DFARS Case 2011...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-06-29

    ... generating invoices and receiving reports. TEDS is an accepted system for processing payment requests for... follows: A. Summary of Significant Changes Changes to the proposed rule to clarify language were made at... receive payment requests and receiving reports and clarify language and to clarify instructions for...

  12. Getting tough with home health accounts receivable.

    PubMed

    Cantone, L; Bullock, A

    2000-04-01

    Home health organizations seeking to improve the performance of their accounts receivable should concentrate first on establishing practices that promote the greatest percentage of clean claims and reviewing payments received to be sure rates paid are optimal. They also may find it worthwhile to survey their business office operations for potential improvements to key areas.

  13. 7 CFR 29.75c - Display of tobacco at receiving stations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... receiving stations. Each lot of tobacco delivered for sale at receiving stations and transferred to a conveyor system for unloading shall maintain a distance between adjacent lots of not less than 18 inches during the inspection process. The platform area used for examination with a conveyor system shall be a...

  14. Who receives contraception counseling when starting new lupus medications? The potential roles of race, ethnicity, disease activity, and quality of communication.

    PubMed

    Ferguson, S; Trupin, L; Yazdany, J; Yelin, E; Barton, J; Katz, P

    2016-01-01

    Family planning discussions are an important aspect of medical care for women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as active disease is a risk factor for poor pregnancy outcomes, and the medications used for treatment can be harmful to the fetus when used during conception and pregnancy. Our objective was to examine the impact of patient perception of quality and type of communication on receiving contraception counseling. Data were derived from patients enrolled in the University of California, San Francisco Lupus Outcomes Study. Individuals participate in a yearly structured telephone interview that includes assessment of contraception counseling when starting new medications, and measures of communication and decision making. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of not receiving contraception counseling. Of the 68 women included in this analysis, one-third did not receive contraception counseling when starting new medications. Older age, white race, depressive symptoms, and higher SLE disease activity were independently associated with not receiving contraception counseling. Participants who did not receive contraception counseling rated their physicians lower in shared decision-making (SDM) communication. This study demonstrates a gap in family planning counseling among women with SLE starting new medications. Future studies to address these potential areas of intervention, including education about the need for contraception through menopause, and mechanisms to engage in SDM surrounding contraception are needed to improve quality of care for women with lupus. © The Author(s) 2015.

  15. Electronic and mechanical improvement of the receiving terminal of a free-space microwave power transmission system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Brown, W. C.

    1977-01-01

    Significant advancements were made in a number of areas: improved efficiency of basic receiving element at low power density levels, improved resolution and confidence in efficiency measurements mathematical modelling and computer simulation of the receiving element and the design, construction, and testing of an environmentally protected two-plane construction suitable for low cost, highly automated construction of large receiving arrays.

  16. The area centralis in the chicken retina contains efferent target amacrine cells

    PubMed Central

    Weller, Cynthia; Lindstrom, Sarah H.; De Grip, Willem J.; Wilson, Martin

    2012-01-01

    The retinas of birds receive a substantial efferent, or centrifugal, input from a midbrain nucleus. The function of this input is presently unclear but previous work in the pigeon has shown that efferent input is excluded from the area centralis, suggesting that the functions of the area centralis and the efferent system are incompatible. Using an antibody specific to rods, we have identified the area centralis in another species, the chicken, and mapped the distribution of the unique amacrine cells that are the postsynaptic partners of efferent fibers. Efferent target amacrine cells are found within the chicken area centralis and their density is continuous across the border of the area centralis. In contrast to the pigeon retina then, we conclude that the chicken area centralis receives efferent input. We suggest that the difference between the 2 species is attributable to the presence of a fovea within the area centralis of the pigeon and its absence from that of the chicken. PMID:19296862

  17. Space Radar Image of Safsaf Oasis, Egypt

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1994-01-01

    This three-frequency space radar image of south-central Egypt demonstrates the unique capability of imaging radar to penetrate thin sand cover in arid regions to reveal hidden details below the surface. Nearly all of the structures seen in this image are invisible to the naked eye and to conventional optical satellite sensors. Features appear in various colors because the three separate radar wavelengths are able to penetrate the sand to different depths. Areas that appear red or orange are places that can be seen only by the longest wavelength, L-band, and they are the deepest of the buried structures. Field studies in this area indicate L-band can penetrate as much as 2 meters (6.5 feet) of very dry sand to image buried rock structures. Ancient drainage channels at the bottom of the image are filled with sand more than 2 meters (6.5 feet) thick and therefore appear dark because the radar waves cannot penetrate them. The fractured orange areas at the top of the image and the blue circular structures in the center of the image are granitic areas that may contain mineral ore deposits. Scientists are using the penetrating capabilities of radar imaging in desert areas in studies of structural geology, mineral exploration, ancient climates, water resources and archaeology. This image is 51.9 kilometers by 30.2 kilometers (32.2 miles by 18.7 miles) and is centered at 22.7 degrees north latitude, 29.3degrees east longitude. North is toward the upper right. The colors are assigned to different radar frequencies and polarizations as follows: red is L-band, horizontally transmitted and received; green is C-band, horizontally transmitted and received; and blue is X-band, vertically transmitted and received. The image was acquired by the Spaceborne Imaging Radar-C/X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SIR-C/X-SAR) on April 16, 1994, on board the space shuttle Endeavour. SIR-C/X-SAR, a joint mission of the German, Italian and United States space agencies, is part of NASA's Mission to Planet Earth program.

  18. 75 FR 36347 - Determination of Pest-Free Areas in Mendoza Province, Argentina; Request for Comments

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-06-25

    ...] Determination of Pest-Free Areas in Mendoza Province, Argentina; Request for Comments AGENCY: Animal and Plant... received a request from the Government of Argentina to recognize additional areas as pest- free areas for... determined that these areas meet the criteria in our regulations for recognition as pest-free areas. We are...

  19. Printing transferable components using microstructured elastomeric surfaces with pressure modulated reversible adhesion

    DOEpatents

    Menard, Etienne; Rogers, John A.; Kim, Seok; Carlson, Andrew

    2016-08-09

    In a method of printing a transferable component, a stamp including an elastomeric post having three-dimensional relief features protruding from a surface thereof is pressed against a component on a donor substrate with a first pressure that is sufficient to mechanically deform the relief features and a region of the post between the relief features to contact the component over a first contact area. The stamp is retracted from the donor substrate such that the component is adhered to the stamp. The stamp including the component adhered thereto is pressed against a receiving substrate with a second pressure that is less than the first pressure to contact the component over a second contact area that is smaller than the first contact area. The stamp is then retracted from the receiving substrate to delaminate the component from the stamp and print the component onto the receiving substrate. Related apparatus and stamps are also discussed.

  20. The effect of drinking water contaminated with perfluoroalkyl substances on a 10-year longitudinal trend of plasma levels in an elderly Uppsala cohort.

    PubMed

    Stubleski, Jordan; Salihovic, Samira; Lind, P Monica; Lind, Lars; Dunder, Linda; McCleaf, Philip; Eurén, Karin; Ahrens, Lutz; Svartengren, Magnus; van Bavel, Bert; Kärrman, Anna

    2017-11-01

    In 2012, drinking water contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), foremost perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) at levels over 20ng/L and 40ng/L, respectively, was confirmed in Uppsala, Sweden. We assessed how a longitudinally sampled cohort's temporal trend in PFAS plasma concentration was influenced by their residential location and determined the plausible association or disparity between the PFASs detected in the drinking water and the trend in the study cohort. The Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) cohort provided plasma samples three times from 2001 to 2014. Individuals maintaining the same zip code throughout the study (n = 399) were divided into a reference (no known PFAS exposure), low, intermediate and high exposure area depending on the proportion of contaminated drinking water received. Eight PFASs detected in the majority (75%) of the cohort's plasma samples were evaluated for significant changes in temporal PFAS concentrations using a random effects (mixed) model. PFHxS plasma concentrations continued to significantly increase in individuals living in areas receiving the largest percentage of contaminated drinking water (p < 0.0001), while PFOS showed an overall decrease. The temporal trend of other PFAS plasma concentrations did not show an association to the quality of drinking water received. The distribution of contaminated drinking water had a direct effect on the trend in PFHxS plasma levels among the different exposure groups, resulting in increased concentrations over time, especially in the intermediate and high exposure areas. PFOS and the remaining PFASs did not show the same relationship, suggesting other sources of exposure influenced these PFAS plasma trends. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Assessment of the Effectiveness of Protected Areas Management in Iran: Case Study in Khojir National Park

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kolahi, Mahdi; Sakai, Tetsuro; Moriya, Kazuyuki; Makhdoum, Majid F.; Koyama, Lina

    2013-08-01

    The requirement to assess the management effectiveness (ME) in protected areas (PAs) is increasing around the world to help improve management and accountability. An evaluation of ME for Khojir National Park (KNP), one of the Iran's oldest PAs, was conducted using a multi-method approach that consisted of structured interviews, open interviews, and site visits. This was the first ME evaluation in Iran. The structured interview was based on the management effectiveness tracking tool methodology. KNP received an average score of 43 %, which is lower than the global average, illustrating that its general management was in the low-intermediate level. The indices of legal status, resource inventory, planning for land and water use, regulations, and objectives received the highest average scores, whereas education and awareness, community co-management, regular work plan, boundary demarcation, visitor facilities, budget sources, staff training, protection systems, and management plan received the lowest ones. The management system of KNP was generally established, but many problems of the management still need to be resolved. To improve ME, some countermeasures should be taken, such as increasing funding, strengthening capacity building, planning, and adaptive management, and implementing community participation.

  2. Geographic distribution of point-in-time access to subsidised dental services in Western Australia.

    PubMed

    Dudko, Yevgeni; Kruger, Estie; Tennant, Marc

    2016-02-01

    Dental Health Services (DHS) is the largest public primary oral healthcare provider in WA. The objective of this study was to calculate probable distance patients are expected to travel to the nearest clinic, gauge utilisation rates and predict the direction of likely changes in future demand for subsidised dental care. Eligible population data was collected from the Department of Human Services and the Australian Bureau of Statistics websites and integrated with the waiting list and the recall list data provided by the DHS. In total, 65% of the eligible WA population are residing in the metropolitan area; however, only 19% of those are either on the waiting list or have already received subsidised care. In all, 35% of the total eligible WA population are residing in country areas. A total of 30% of the eligible country WA patients are located within a 100-km range of a Government Dental Clinic, with only 11% of those either on the waiting list or having already received subsidised dental care. Country WA residents are at a significant disadvantage by comparison to their metropolitan counterparts. Eligible WA country residents are up to 40% less likely to receive treatment when compared to the metropolitan residents.

  3. Florida Atlantic Coast Telemetry (FACT) Array: A Working Partnership

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Scheidt, Douglas; Ault, Erick; Ellis, Robert D.; Gruber, Samuel; Iafrate, Joseph; Kalinowsky, Chris; Kessel, Steven; Reyier, Eric; Snyder, David; Watwood, Stephanie; hide

    2015-01-01

    The Florida Atlantic Coast Telemetry (FACT) Array is a collaborative partnership of researchers from 24 different organizations using passive acoustic telemetry to document site fidelity, habitat preferences, seasonal migration patterns, and reproductive strategies of valuable sportfish, sharks, and marine turtles. FACT partners have found that by bundling resources, they can leverage a smaller investment to track highly mobile animals beyond a study area typically restrained in scale by funds and manpower. FACT is guided by several simple rules: use of the same type of equipment, locate receivers in areas that are beneficial to all researchers when feasible, maintain strong scientific ethics by recognizing that detection data on any receiver belongs to the tag owner, do not use other members detection data without permission and acknowledge FACT in publications. Partners have access to a network of 480 receivers deployed along a continuum of habitats from freshwater rivers to offshore reefs and covers 1100 km of coastline from the Dry Tortugas, Florida to South Carolina and extends to the Bahamas. Presently, 49 species, (25 covered by Fisheries Management Plans and five covered by the Endangered Species Act) have been tagged with 2736 tags in which 1767 tags are still active.

  4. 42 CFR 73.15 - Training.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ..., growth chambers, animal rooms, greenhouses, storage areas, shipping/receiving areas, production... behaviors. (c) Refresher training must be provided annually for individuals with access approval from the...

  5. 42 CFR 73.15 - Training.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ..., growth chambers, animal rooms, greenhouses, storage areas, shipping/receiving areas, production... behaviors. (c) Refresher training must be provided annually for individuals with access approval from the...

  6. Imaging the Variscan suture at the KTB deep drilling site, Germany

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bianchi, Irene; Bokelmann, Götz

    2018-03-01

    The upper crust of the KTB (Kontinentales Tiefbohrprogramm) area in Southeastern Germany is a focal point for the Earth Science community due to the huge amount of information collected throughout the last thirty years. In this study we explore the crustal structure of the KTB area through the application of the receiver function (RF) technique to a new data set recorded by 9 temporary seismic stations and 1 permanent station. We aim to unravel the isotropic structure and compare our results with previous information from the reflection profiles collected during the initial site investigations. Due to the large amount of information collected by previous studies, in terms of P-wave velocity, depth and location of major reflectors, depth reconstruction of major faults zones, this area represents a unique occasion to test the resolution capability of a passive seismological study performed by the application of the RF. We aim to verify which contribution could be given by the application of the receiver functions technique, for future studies, in order to get clear images of the deep structure, and up to which resolution. The RF technique has apparently not been applied in the area before, yet it may give useful additional insight in subsurface structure, particularly at depths larger than the maximum depth reached by drilling, but also on structures in the upper crust, around the area that has been studied in detail previously. In our results vS-depth profiles for stations located on the same geological units display common features and show shallow S-wave velocities typical of the outcropping geological units (i.e. sedimentary basin, granites, metamorphic rocks). At around 10 km depth we observe a strong velocity increase beneath all stations. For the stations located in the center of the area, this variation is weaker, which we assume to be the signature of the main tectonic suture in the area (i.e. the Saxothuringian-Moldanubian suture), along an West-to-East extended region, may be due to the presence of the allochthonous klippe trapped between the main crustal terrains that came in touch during the Variscan orogeny. In the lower crust we see only small variations throughout the area, at the resolution that is possible with a small temporary experiment with just 10 stations.

  7. Underwater wireless optical communication using a lens-free solar panel receiver

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kong, Meiwei; Sun, Bin; Sarwar, Rohail; Shen, Jiannan; Chen, Yifei; Qu, Fengzhong; Han, Jun; Chen, Jiawang; Qin, Huawei; Xu, Jing

    2018-11-01

    In this paper, we first propose that self-powered solar panels featuring large receiving area and lens-free operation have great application prospect in underwater vehicles or underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) for data collection. It is envisioned to solve the problem of link alignment. The low-cost solar panel used in the experiment has a large receiving area of 5 cm2 and a receiving angle of 20°. Over a 1-m air channel, a 16-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal at a data rate of 20.02 Mb/s is successfully transmitted within the receiving angle of 20°. Over a 7-m tap water channel, we achieve data rates of 20.02 Mb/s using 16-QAM, 18.80 Mb/s using 32-QAM and 22.56 Mb/s using 64-QAM, respectively. By adding different quantities of Mg(OH)2 powders into the water, the impact of water turbidity on the solar panel-based underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) is also investigated.

  8. Determination of production biology of cladocera in a reservoir receiving hyperthermal effluents from a nuclear production reactor. [Par Pond

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

    Vigerstad, T J

    1980-01-01

    The effects on zooplankton of residence in a cooling reservoir receiving hyperthermal effluents directly from a nuclear-production-reactor were studied. Rates of cladoceran population production were compared at two stations in the winter and summer of 1976 on Par Pond located on the Savannah River Plant, Aiken, SC. One station was located in an area of the reservoir directly receiving hyperthermal effluent (Station MAS) and the second was located about 4 km away in an area where surface temperatures were normal for reservoirs in the general geographical region (Station CAS). A non-parametric comparison between stations of standing stock and fecundity datamore » for Bosmina longirostris, taken for the egg ratio model, was used to observe potential hyperthermal effluent effects. There was a statistically higher incidence of deformed eggs in the Bosmina population at Station MAS in the summer. Bosmina standing stock underwent two large oscillations in the winter and three large oscillations in the summer at Station MAS compared with two in the winter and one in the summer at Station CAS. These results are consistent with almost all other Par Pond studies which have found the two stations to be essentially similar in spectra composition but with some statistically significant differences in various aspects of the biology of the species.« less

  9. Investments in tuberculosis research - what are the gaps?

    PubMed

    Khan, Mishal S; Fletcher, Helen; Coker, Richard

    2016-08-25

    Through decades of research, numerous studies have generated robust evidence about effective interventions for tuberculosis control. Yet, the global annual decline in incidence of approximately 1 % is evidence that current approaches and investment strategies are not sufficient. In this article, we assess recent tuberculosis research funding and discuss two critical gaps in funding and in scientific evidence from topics that have been left off the research priority agenda.We first examine research and development funding goals in the 2011-2015 Global Plan to Stop Tuberculosis and analyze disbursements to different research areas by funders worldwide in 2014. We then summarize, through a compilation of published literature and consultation with 35 researchers across multiple disciplines in the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine TB Centre, priorities identified by the tuberculosis research community. Finally, we compare researchers' priority areas to the global funding agendas and activities.Our analysis shows that, among the five key research areas defined in the 2011-2015 Global Plan - namely drugs, basic science, vaccines, diagnostics and operational research - drug discovery and basic science on Mycobacterium tuberculosis accounted for 60 % of the $2 billion annual funding target. None of the research areas received the recommended level of funding. Operational research, which had the lowest target, received 66 % of its target funding, whereas new diagnostics received only 19 %. Although many of the priority research questions identified by researchers fell within the Global Plan categories, our analysis highlights important areas that are not explicitly mentioned in the current plan. These priority research areas included improved understanding of tuberculosis transmission dynamics, the role of social protection and social determinants, and health systems and policy research.While research priorities are increasingly important in light of the limited funding for tuberculosis, there is a risk that we neglect important research areas and encourage the formation of research silos. To ensure that funding priorities, researchers' agendas and national tuberculosis control policies are better coordinated, there should be more, and wider, dialogue between stakeholders in high tuberculosis burden countries, researchers, international policymakers and funders.

  10. Alterations in lipids & lipid peroxidation in rats fed with flavonoid rich fraction of banana (Musa paradisiaca) from high background radiation area.

    PubMed

    Krishnan, Kripa; Vijayalakshmi, N R

    2005-12-01

    A group of villages in Kollam district of Kerala, southern part of India are exposed to a higher dose of natural radiation than global average. Yet no adverse health effects have been found in humans, animals and plants in these areas. The present study was carried out to understand whether radiation affects the quantity and quality of flavonoids in plants grown in this area of high radiation, and to assess the effect of feeding flavonoid rich fraction (FRF) of the two varieties of banana to rats on their biochemical parameters like lipids, lipid peroxides and antioxidant enzyme levels. A total of 42 albino rats were equally divided into 7 groups. Rats fed laboratory diet alone were grouped under group I (normal control). Groups II and V received flavonoid rich fraction (FRF) from the fruits of two varieties of Musa paradisiaca, Palayamkodan and Rasakadali respectively from normal background radiation area (Veli) and treated as controls. Rats of groups III and IV received FRF of Palayamkodan from high background radiation areas (HBRAs) - Neendakara and Karunagappally respectively while groups VI and VII received FRF of Rasakadali from HBRAs. At the end of the experimental period of 45 days, lipids, lipid peroxides and antioxidant enzymes from liver, heart and kidney were analyzed. FRF of Palayamkodan and Rasakadali varieties showed significant hypolipidaemic and antioxidant activities. But these activities were found to be lowered in plants grown in HBRAs, particularly in Karunagappally area. Of the two, Palayamkodan variety was more effective in reducing lipids and lipid peroxides. MDA and hydroperoxides were significantly diminished in rats given FRF of banana from Veli (control area) only. FRF from plants grown in HBRAs exerted inhibition in the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the liver of rats and this inhibitory effect was maximum in rats fed FRF from Karunagappally. Banana grown in HBRAs is of lower quality with less efficient antioxidant system. Palayamkodan was superior with its effect on hypolipidaemic and antioxidant activities. High background radiation seems to have no enhancing effect on the radioprotective action of flavonoids of banana and thereby to those consuming these fruits.

  11. Rotational rural surgery for the poor in developing countries.

    PubMed

    Aderounmu, A O A; Afolayan, S A; Nasiru, T A; Olaore, J A; Adeoti, M L; Adelasoye, M

    2008-07-01

    Radio and television announcements advised patients with surgical problems in the rural areas of Osun State, Nigeria, to report at any of the nine zonal headquarters of the state which were closest to their homes in order to receive free treatment. Over 1000 patients reported and 801 received operations on a rotational basis within nine weeks. We studied 719 of these patients, ages between 4 months and 87 years, who had detailed follow-up records. There were 14 different procedures ranging from a hernia repair to the separation of syndactyly. Complications included postoperative pain, haematoma and late superficial wound infection. We concluded that rotational free surgery can help the poor in the third-world countries to receive treatment that they would otherwise not be able to afford.

  12. Neurons in the posterior insular cortex are responsive to gustatory stimulation of the pharyngolarynx, baroreceptor and chemoreceptor stimulation, and tail pinch in rats.

    PubMed

    Hanamori, T; Kunitake, T; Kato, K; Kannan, H

    1998-02-23

    Extracellular unit responses to gustatory stimulation of the pharyngolaryngeal region, baroreceptor and chemoreceptor stimulation, and tail pinch were recorded from the insular cortex of anesthetized and paralyzed rats. Of the 32 neurons identified, 28 responded to at least one of the nine stimuli used in the present study. Of the 32 neurons, 11 showed an excitatory response to tail pinch, 13 showed an inhibitory response, and the remaining eight had no response. Of the 32 neurons, eight responded to baroreceptor stimulation by an intravenous (i.v.) injection of methoxamine hydrochloride (Mex), four were excitatory and four were inhibitory. Thirteen neurons were excited and six neurons were inhibited by an arterial chemoreceptor stimulation by an i.v. injection of sodium cyanide (NaCN). Twenty-two neurons were responsive to at least one of the gustatory stimuli (deionized water, 1.0 M NaCl, 30 mM HCl, 30 mM quinine HCl, and 1.0 M sucrose); five to 11 excitatory neurons and three to seven inhibitory neurons for each stimulus. A large number of the neurons (25/32) received converging inputs from more than one stimulus among the nine stimuli used in the present study. Most neurons (23/32) received converging inputs from different modalities (gustatory, visceral, and tail pinch). The neurons responded were located in the insular cortex between 2.0 mm anterior and 0.2 mm posterior to the anterior edge of the joining of the anterior commissure (AC); the mean location was 1.2 mm (n=28) anterior to the AC. This indicates that most of the neurons identified in the present study seem to be located in the region posterior to the taste area and anterior to the visceral area in the insular cortex. These results indicate that the insular cortex neurons distributing between the taste area and the visceral area receive convergent inputs from gustatory, baroreceptor, chemoreceptor, and nociceptive organs. Copyright 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.

  13. Does Predation Influence the Seasonal and Diel Timing of Moose Calving in Central Ontario, Canada?

    PubMed Central

    Patterson, Brent R.; Mills, Kenneth J.; Middel, Kevin R.; Benson, John F.; Obbard, Martyn E.

    2016-01-01

    Birth synchrony is well documented among ungulates and is hypothesised to maximize neonate survival, either by minimizing the risk of predation through predator swamping or by synchronising birthing with increased seasonal food availability. We used encapsulated vaginal implant transmitters to locate and capture neonatal moose calves and document the seasonal and diel timing of parturition in two adjacent study areas with different predation pressure in central Ontario, Canada. We tested the hypothesis that predation promotes earlier and more synchronous birth of moose calves. Across both areas, proportionately more births occurred during the afternoon and fewer than expected occurred overnight. Mean date of calving averaged 1.5 days earlier and calving was also more synchronous in the study area with heavier predation pressure, despite average green-up date and peak Normalized Difference Vegetation Index date occurring 2 days later in this study area than in the area receiving lighter predation pressure. We encourage analysis of data on timing of parturition from additional study areas experiencing varying degrees of predation pressure to better clarify the influence of predation in driving seasonal and diel timing of parturition in temperate ungulates. PMID:27082234

  14. Hydrological, chemical, and biological characteristics of a prairie pothole wetland complex under highly variable climate conditions : the Cottonwood Lake area, east-central North Dakota

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Winter, Thomas C.

    2003-01-01

    Geologic deposits in the Cottonwood Lake area consist largely of silty, clayey glacial till that contains numerous fractures and small, randomly distributed sand and gravel deposits. The sand deposits can have a substantial effect on groundwater flow between wetlands in the area and can cause some to drain while others have relatively stable inflow. Direct precipitation and runoff from snowmelt are the primary sources of water to the wetlands and evaporation accounts for the largest loss of water from the wetlands. The wetlands in the study area have a range of functions with respect to their interaction with ground water. Some of the seasonal wetlands recharge ground water and others recharge ground water and receive ground-water discharge. The semipermanent wetlands receive ground-water discharge much of the time, but some have reversals of flow between them and the groundwater system nearly every year. Ground-water flow toward the wetlands is caused by recharge in the uplands and by focused recharge near the wetland perimeters. Flow from the semipermanent wetlands to the ground-water system occurs when the wetland water levels are higher than the contiguous water table, resulting in bank storage, and when evapotranspiration directly from the ground-water system causes seepage around the wetland perimeters. Substantial climate variability during the study period caused the wetlands to range from being completely dry to having such high water levels that some of the wetlands merged to become large lakes.

  15. Analytical description of concentration dependence of surface tension in multicomponent systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    R, Dadashev; R, Kutuev; D, Elimkhanov

    2008-02-01

    From the basic fundamental thermodynamic expressions the equation of isotherms of the surface tension of a ternary system is received. Various assumptions concerning the concentration dependence of molar areas are usually made when the equation is derived. The dependence of the molar areas is calculated as an additive function of the structure of a volumetric phase or the structure of a surface layer. To define the concentration dependence of the molar areas we used a stricter thermodynamic expression offered by Butler. In the received equation the dependence of molar areas on the structure of the solution is taken into account. Therefore, the equation can be applied for the calculation of surface tension over a wide concentration range of the components. Unlike the known expressions, the equation includes the surface tension properties of lateral binary systems, which makes the accuracy of the calculated values considerably higher. Thus, among the advantages of the offered equation we can point out the mathematical simplicity of the received equation and the fact that the equation includes physical parameters the experimental definition of which does not present any special difficulties.

  16. Space radar image of Galeras Volcano, Colombia

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1995-01-01

    This radar image of the area surrounding the Galeras volcano in southern Colombia shows the ability of a multi-frequency radar to map volcanic structures that can be dangerous to study on the ground. Galeras has erupted more than 20 times since the area was first visited by European explorers in the 1500s. Volcanic activity levels have been high in the last five years, including an eruption in January 1993 that killed nine people on a scientific expedition to the volcano summit. Galeras is the light green area near the center of the image. The active cone, with a small summit pit, is the red feature nestled against the lower right edge of the caldera (crater) wall. The city of Pasto, with a population of 300,000, is shown in orange near the bottom of the image, just 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the volcano. The image was acquired by the Spaceborne Imaging Radar-C/X-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SIR-C/ X-SAR) aboard the space shuttle Endeavour on its 96th orbit on April 15, 1994. North is toward the upper right. The area shown is 49.1 by 36.0 kilometers (30.5 by 22.3 miles), centered at 1.2 degrees north latitude and 77.4 degrees west longitude. The radar illumination is from the top of the image. The false colors in this image were created using the following radar channels: red represents the L-band (horizontally transmitted and received); green represents the L-band (horizontally transmitted, vertically received); blue represents the C-band (horizontally transmitted, vertically received). Galeras is one of 15 volcanoes worldwide that are being monitored by the scientific community as an 'International Decade Volcano' because of the hazard that it represents to the local population.

  17. Demographics, training, and practice patterns of practitioners of folk medicine in Taiwan: a survey of the Taipei metropolitan area.

    PubMed

    Tsai, Pei-Shan; Lee, Pi-Hsia; Wang, Mei-Yeh

    2008-12-01

    The purpose of this study was to investigate the demographics, training, and practice patterns of folk medicine practitioners, their opinions toward statutory regulation of folk medicine, and the formal education and credentialing for folk medicine providers in the metropolitan Taipei area. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Included in the survey were 200 folk medicine practitioners in Taipei city and 200 folk medicine practitioners in Taipei county. The survey questionnaire consisted of 3 domains including demographics and training; practice patterns; and opinions toward statutory regulation of folk medicine and formal education and credentialing for Tuina, Ba Guan, Gua Sha, and reflexology providers. The response rates ranged from 86.3% to 99.5%. A typical folk medicine provider in the Taipei metropolitan area was a middle-aged man with a high school degree who worked about 50 hours a week. The majority of the providers in the Taipei metropolitan area received their training through apprenticeship. Years of training and experience varied widely among these practitioners. About 80% had received more than one year of training prior to starting their practice. Adult men and women were their major clientele. The major treatment modalities they offered were Tuina, Gua Sha, Ba Guan, reflexology, and meridian massage. The majority of the respondents agreed that practitioners should receive formal education and training and agreed that certifying the qualifications of folk medicine practitioners is necessary. Findings from the present survey provide an understanding of the training and practice patterns of Taiwanese folk medicine practitioners, highlight folk medicine practitioners' needs for formal education and training, and stress the importance of statutory regulation of folk medicine in Taiwan.

  18. Assessment of community contribution to the ICDS scheme in district Agra: a case study.

    PubMed

    Nayar, D; Kapil, U; Nandan, D

    1999-01-01

    This study was conducted to assess community contribution to the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program, which promotes mother and child health in the Agra district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Three rural ICDS projects in the district were selected, out of which a total of 74 Anganwadi centers (AWCs) were chosen for the study. The Anganwadi workers (AWWs) were interviewed through a semi-structured questionnaire to assess the community¿s contribution during the previous 6 months. Results revealed that about 68% of AWWs had been able to receive assistance in bringing the children to the AWC. 53.3% had received free accommodation for AWC, and 42.6% had obtained assistance in implementation of health activities. Only 4% and 12% of the AWWs reported community assistance in the preparation and distribution of nutritional supplements, respectively. There had been no contribution received in terms of raw food for supplementary nutrition and fuel for cooking. The study concludes that rural area free accommodation for the AWC and community assistance in bringing children to the AWC were the most common forms of community contribution to the ICDS program.

  19. Identifying multidrug resistant tuberculosis transmission hotspots using routinely collected data12

    PubMed Central

    Manjourides, Justin; Lin, Hsien-Ho; Shin, Sonya; Jeffery, Caroline; Contreras, Carmen; Cruz, Janeth Santa; Jave, Oswaldo; Yagui, Martin; Asencios, Luis; Pagano, Marcello; Cohen, Ted

    2012-01-01

    SUMMARY In most countries with large drug resistant tuberculosis epidemics, only those cases that are at highest risk of having MDRTB receive a drug sensitivity test (DST) at the time of diagnosis. Because of this prioritized testing, identification of MDRTB transmission hotspots in communities where TB cases do not receive DST is challenging, as any observed aggregation of MDRTB may reflect systematic differences in how testing is distributed in communities. We introduce a new disease mapping method, which estimates this missing information through probability–weighted locations, to identify geographic areas of increased risk of MDRTB transmission. We apply this method to routinely collected data from two districts in Lima, Peru over three consecutive years. This method identifies an area in the eastern part of Lima where previously untreated cases have increased risk of MDRTB. This may indicate an area of increased transmission of drug resistant disease, a finding that may otherwise have been missed by routine analysis of programmatic data. The risk of MDR among retreatment cases is also highest in these probable transmission hotspots, though a high level of MDR among retreatment cases is present throughout the study area. Identifying potential multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) transmission hotspots may allow for targeted investigation and deployment of resources. PMID:22401962

  20. Mobile diabetes intervention study: testing a personalized treatment/behavioral communication intervention for blood glucose control.

    PubMed

    Quinn, Charlene C; Gruber-Baldini, Ann L; Shardell, Michelle; Weed, Kelly; Clough, Suzanne S; Peeples, Malinda; Terrin, Michael; Bronich-Hall, Lauren; Barr, Erik; Lender, Dan

    2009-07-01

    National data find glycemic control is within target (A1c<7.0%) for 37% of patients with diabetes, and only 7% meet recommended glycemic, lipid, and blood pressure goals. To compare active interventions and usual care for glucose control in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) among persons with diabetes cared for by primary care physicians (PCPs) over the course of 1 year. Physician practices (n=36) in 4 geographic areas are randomly assigned to 1 of 4 study groups. The intervention is a diabetes communication system, using mobile phones and patient/physician portals to allow patient-specific treatment and communication. All physicians receive American Diabetes Association (ADA) Guidelines for diabetes care. Patients with poor diabetes control (A1c> or =7.5%) at baseline (n=260) are enrolled in study groups based on PCP randomization. All study patients receive blood glucose (BG) meters and a year's supply of testing materials. Patients in three treatment groups select one of two mobile phone models, receive one-year unlimited mobile phone data and service plan, register on the web-based individual patient portal and receive study treatment phone software based on study assignment. Control group patients receive usual care from their PCP. The primary outcome is mean change in A1c over a 12-month intervention period. Traditional methods of disease management have not achieved adequate control for BG and other conditions important to persons with diabetes. Tools to improve communication between patients and PCPs may improve patient outcomes and be satisfactory to patients and physicians. This RCT is ongoing.

  1. Perceived Quality of Service and Behavioral Intentions of First-Time Students Enrolled at The University of North Carolina Asheville

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mitchell, Patrice Black

    2011-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to use the SERVQUAL (Service Quality Instrument) to examine the perceptions of first-time enrolled students at University of North Carolina Asheville regarding the services they receive from a selected group of departments in the university's One Stop area. In addition, the study examined whether a relationship…

  2. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: A Critical Examination of the Conceptualization of the Study of Black Racial Identity in Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zirkel, Sabrina; Johnson, Tabora

    2016-01-01

    The role that racial identity plays in the well-being, educational achievement, and life outcomes of Black youth has received tremendous attention from the early post-slavery years right up until today, and remains a surprisingly contested area of study. We call for the examination of why images of Black racial identity as "damaged" and…

  3. Ease of Inferencing, Learner Inferential Strategies, and Their Relationship with the Retention of Word Meanings Inferred from Context

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hu, Hsueh-chao Marcella; Nassaji, Hossein

    2012-01-01

    In recent years the study of second language (L2) vocabulary learning through reading has attracted much attention in the field of L2 acquisition. A specific area that has received wide interest is the examination of the processes involved in deriving word meanings from context. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationships…

  4. Apollo XI Crewmen - Dining - Crew Reception Area - Lunar Receiving Lab (LRL) - MSC

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1969-07-30

    S69-40307 (30 July 1969) --- The crewmen of the historic Apollo 11 lunar landing mission stand in the serving line as they prepare to dine in the Crew Reception Area of the Lunar Receiving Laboratory, Building 37, Manned Spacecraft Center. Left to right, are astronauts Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., Michael Collins, and Neil A. Armstrong. They are continuing their postflight debriefings. The three astronauts will be released from quarantine on Aug. 11, 1969.

  5. Evidence-Based Social Skills Training for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The UCLA PEERS Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Laugeson, Elizabeth A.; Frankel, Fred; Gantman, Alexander; Dillon, Ashley R.; Mogil, Catherine

    2012-01-01

    The present study examines the efficacy and durability of the PEERS Program, a parent-assisted social skills group intervention for high-functioning adolescents with ASD. Results indicate that teens receiving PEERS significantly improved their social skills knowledge, social responsiveness, and overall social skills in the areas of social…

  6. Fitness as "Social Heritage": A Study of Elementary School Pupils in Berlin

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pfister, Gertrud; Reeg, Annemarie

    2006-01-01

    Health and fitness among children and adolescents is a subject currently receiving public attention. This article focuses on the fitness of German pupils (third and fourth grades) in five schools in Berlin with widely differing social catchment areas as well as children from differing social backgrounds. Besides an orthopaedic examination and…

  7. The Emotional Labour of Caring in Teaching

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Isenbarger, Lynn; Zembylas, Michalinos

    2006-01-01

    This article is based on a collaborative action research study between one teacher and a teacher educator and provides an account of the emotional labour in enacting caring teaching in an inclusive classroom. The emotional labour demanded in caring relationships is an area of research that has not received much attention. Results from this case…

  8. Focusing on Content: Discourse in L2 Peer Review Groups

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vorobel, Oksana; Kim, Deoksoon

    2014-01-01

    Recent studies on peer review groups in second language classes have focused on various topics, including collaboration (Carr, 2008) and the effect of peer review versus teacher feedback on students' writing (Zhang, 1995). One area that has received little attention is the content of students' speech during peer review. This longitudinal case…

  9. Ethics at the End of Life: A Teaching Tool

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wallace, Cara L.; Thielman, Kara J.; Cimino, Andrea N.; Rueda, Heidi L. Adams

    2017-01-01

    Social workers rarely receive education and training in the areas of grief, bereavement, and death and dying, which may lead to difficulties in compassionately and ethically addressing concerns in end-of-life or grief-related contexts. This article presents actual and potential outcomes from three challenging end-of-life case studies using…

  10. Undergraduate Paramedic Students' Attitudes to E-Learning: Findings from Five University Programs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Williams, Brett; Boyle, Malcolm; Molloy, Andrew; Brightwell, Richard; Munro, Graham; Service, Melinda; Brown, Ted

    2011-01-01

    Computers and computer-assisted instruction are being used with increasing frequency in the area of undergraduate paramedic education. Paramedic students' attitudes towards the use of e-learning technology and computer-assisted instruction have received limited attention in the empirical literature to date. The objective of this study was to…

  11. Entitled or Excluded? Attitudes toward Access to Postsecondary Education for Undocumented Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Palmer, Courtney; Davidson, Theresa

    2011-01-01

    This study examines the determinants of attitudes towards undocumented immigrant students' access to higher education, an area that has received little attention in the literature on immigration and public opinion. Theories of symbolic politics and labor market competition frame our research question. Using data from the 1994 General Social…

  12. Development of Systematic Approaches for Calibration of Subsurface Transport Models Using Hard and Soft Data on System Characteristics and Behavior

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-02-02

    who graduated during this period and will receive scholarships or fellowships for further studies in science, mathematics, engineering or technology...nature or are collected at discrete points or localized areas in the system. The qualitative data includes, geology , large-scale stratigraphy and

  13. Current Research on Englishes in Southeast Asia

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pakir, Anne

    2010-01-01

    Much research on world Englishes (WE) since the 1980s has yet to impact significantly upon recent applied linguistics work in the areas of instruction, curriculum, testing and policy. Much of the received wisdom has been informed by the paradigm established by the earlier study of International English (IE) and its attendant foci in teaching…

  14. Review of Washback Research Literature within Kane's Argument-Based Validation Framework

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cheng, Liying; Sun, Youyi; Ma, Jia

    2015-01-01

    No area of language assessment research in the past 20 years has received a greater increase in attention than washback research. Beginning with the seminal work of Alderson & Wall (Alderson & Wall 1993; Wall & Alderson 1993), an evolving body of empirical washback studies has been conducted worldwide, especially in countries where…

  15. The Disadvantage of Homelessness in Children's Schooling.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shaver, Debra M.; Dornbusch, Sanford M.

    This paper presents findings of a study that investigated the extent to which homeless children in the United States receive the "free and appropriate education" to which they are entitled. Data were collected through several surveys conducted in two San Francisco Bay Area counties: (1) surveys of parents in homeless shelters with 313…

  16. Financial Management and Relationship Skills Education: Gauging Consumer Interest and Delivery Preferences

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Futris, Ted G.; Nielsen, Robert B.; Barton, Allen W.

    2011-01-01

    The study reported here explored level of interest and preferred delivery method of Extension programming related to financial management and relationship skills education. These two subjects comprise areas of Extension that often receive less recognition but appear as pertinent issues in the lives of many individuals. Using a diverse sample of…

  17. "Words that Hold Us up": Teacher Talk and Academic Language in Five Upper Elementary Classrooms

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ernst-Slavit, Gisela; Mason, Michele R.

    2011-01-01

    This study investigates the oral academic language used by English as a second language prepared teachers during content area instruction in five upper elementary classrooms in the United States. Using ethnographic and sociolinguistic perspectives the authors examine the oral, academic language exposure students received from their teachers during…

  18. Evaluation of Vertical Bone Regeneration Using Block and Particulate Forms of Bio-Oss Bone Graft: A Histologic Study in the Rabbit Mandible.

    PubMed

    Veis, Alexander; Dabarakis, Nikolaos; Koutrogiannis, Christos; Barlas, Irodis; Petsa, Elina; Romanos, Georgios

    2015-06-01

    The aim of the present study was to evaluate histologically vertical bone regeneration outcomes after using bovine bone graft material in block and granular forms. The buccal bony plates of the outer mandibles of 10 New Zealand rabbits received Bio-Oss blocks that were immobilized using orthopedic mini-plates, and another 10 received granular forms that were gently packed and stabilized into the custom-made perforated metallic cubes. The mean graft area (GA), new bone area (NBA), bone-to-graft contact (BGC), and maximum vertical height reached by the new bone development (MVH) were histometrically evaluated and showed no significant differences between 2 graft types. The new bone was observed mostly close to the basal bone and developed penetrating the trabecular scaffold in the form of seams that covered the intralumen surfaces of the block type graft, while in the granular graft type the new bone was observed to grow between the graft particles usually interconnecting them. Either form of Bio-Oss was capable of providing considerable vertical bone augmentation.

  19. Validation of the Diabetes Prevention Trial-Type 1 Risk Score in the TrialNet Natural History Study.

    PubMed

    Sosenko, Jay M; Skyler, Jay S; Mahon, Jeffrey; Krischer, Jeffrey P; Beam, Craig A; Boulware, David C; Greenbaum, Carla J; Rafkin, Lisa E; Cowie, Catherine; Cuthbertson, David; Palmer, Jerry P

    2011-08-01

    We assessed the accuracy of the Diabetes Prevention Trial-Type 1 Risk Score (DPTRS), developed from the Diabetes Prevention Trial-Type 1 (DPT-1), in the TrialNet Natural History Study (TNNHS). Prediction accuracy of the DPTRS was assessed with receiver-operating characteristic curve areas. The type 1 diabetes cumulative incidence within the DPTRS intervals was compared between the TNNHS and DPT-1 cohorts. Receiver-operating characteristic curve areas for the DPTRS were substantial in the TNNHS (P < 0.001 at both 2 and 3 years). The type 1 diabetes cumulative incidence did not differ significantly between the TNNHS and DPT-1 cohorts within DPTRS intervals. In the TNNHS, 2-year and 3-year risks were low for DPTRS intervals <6.50 (<0.10 and <0.20, respectively). Thresholds ≥7.50 were indicative of high risk in both cohorts (2-year risks: 0.49 in the TNNHS and 0.51 in DPT-1). The DPTRS is an accurate and robust predictor of type 1 diabetes in autoantibody-positive populations.

  20. Validation of the Diabetes Prevention Trial–Type 1 Risk Score in the TrialNet Natural History Study

    PubMed Central

    Sosenko, Jay M.; Skyler, Jay S.; Mahon, Jeffrey; Krischer, Jeffrey P.; Beam, Craig A.; Boulware, David C.; Greenbaum, Carla J.; Rafkin, Lisa E.; Cowie, Catherine; Cuthbertson, David; Palmer, Jerry P.

    2011-01-01

    OBJECTIVE We assessed the accuracy of the Diabetes Prevention Trial–Type 1 Risk Score (DPTRS), developed from the Diabetes Prevention Trial–Type 1 (DPT-1), in the TrialNet Natural History Study (TNNHS). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Prediction accuracy of the DPTRS was assessed with receiver-operating characteristic curve areas. The type 1 diabetes cumulative incidence within the DPTRS intervals was compared between the TNNHS and DPT-1 cohorts. RESULTS Receiver-operating characteristic curve areas for the DPTRS were substantial in the TNNHS (P < 0.001 at both 2 and 3 years). The type 1 diabetes cumulative incidence did not differ significantly between the TNNHS and DPT-1 cohorts within DPTRS intervals. In the TNNHS, 2-year and 3-year risks were low for DPTRS intervals <6.50 (<0.10 and <0.20, respectively). Thresholds ≥7.50 were indicative of high risk in both cohorts (2-year risks: 0.49 in the TNNHS and 0.51 in DPT-1). CONCLUSIONS The DPTRS is an accurate and robust predictor of type 1 diabetes in autoantibody-positive populations. PMID:21680724

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

    Stairs, G. R.

    The production of pollen under conditions of chronic gamma irradiation was investigated for three oak species. Two chronically irradiated areas were studied: a low level (1 to 15r/day) area where trees had received varying amounts of radiation over a period of 11 years, and a second area receiving gamma radiation for about five months previous to the investigation. In the latter study dose levels ranged from lethal (45r/day) to a region of no detectable effect. In both areas pollen abortion showed a significant increase with increasing radiation exposure, although germinable pollen was produced at all survival levels examined. The germinatingmore » pollen tube length did not show a significant decrease in the irradiated material examined. In addition to cytological effects there was a marked deiny in floral phenology for both areas. Acute irradiation of male flower buds at different stages of meiosis, and of mature pollen were reported. The radiosensitivity of microsporogenesis was evaluated by cytological scoring at anaphase I, and by pollen abortion, germination, and tube lengih. Both the number of chromosome fragments/100 cells scored at anaphase I and pollen abortion showed a linear increase with an increase in radiation exposure. Pollen germination and tube length were less effected by radiation (based on a percent of unaborted grains). It was suggested that a range of 1 kr to 4 kr will be appropriate for irradiating male flower buds of oak to be utilized in a mutation breeding program. Contingent upon additional studies the range of radiation recommended for flower buds is also suggested for the induction of mutations in pollen. Pollen was found to be highly resistant to radiation when evaluated by germination and tube growth studies. No effect was found with irradiation of 100 kr; at 300 kr both germination and tube lengths were depressed. At these levels it is probable that germination is an expression of cytoplasmic growth and not of nuclear viability. No significant difference was found between responses of the two species for either chronic or acute irradiation. (auth)« less

  2. Activity in the primary somatosensory cortex induced by reflexological stimulation is unaffected by pseudo-information: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Reflexology is an alternative medical practice that produces beneficial effects by applying pressure to specific reflex areas. Our previous study suggested that reflexological stimulation induced cortical activation in somatosensory cortex corresponding to the stimulated reflex area; however, we could not rule out the possibility of a placebo effect resulting from instructions given during the experimental task. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate how reflexological stimulation of the reflex area is processed in the primary somatosensory cortex when correct and pseudo-information about the reflex area is provided. Furthermore, the laterality of activation to the reflexological stimulation was investigated. Methods Thirty-two healthy Japanese volunteers participated. The experiment followed a double-blind design. Half of the subjects received correct information, that the base of the second toe was the eye reflex area, and pseudo-information, that the base of the third toe was the shoulder reflex area. The other half of the subjects received the opposite information. fMRI time series data were acquired during reflexological stimulation to both feet. The experimenter stimulated each reflex area in accordance with an auditory cue. The fMRI data were analyzed using a conventional two-stage approach. The hemodynamic responses produced by the stimulation of each reflex area were assessed using a general linear model on an intra-subject basis, and a two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed on an intersubject basis to determine the effect of reflex area laterality and information accuracy. Results Our results indicated that stimulation of the eye reflex area in either foot induced activity in the left middle postcentral gyrus, the area to which tactile sensation to the face projects, as well as in the postcentral gyrus contralateral foot representation area. This activity was not affected by pseudo information. The results also indicate that the relationship between the reflex area and the projection to the primary somatosensory cortex has a lateral pattern that differs from that of the actual somatotopical representation of the body. Conclusion These findings suggest that a robust relationship exists between neural processing of somatosensory percepts for reflexological stimulation and the tactile sensation of a specific reflex area. PMID:23711332

  3. Test of high-resolution 3D P-wave velocity model of Poland by back-azimuthal sections of teleseismic receiver function

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wilde-Piorko, Monika; Polkowski, Marcin; Grad, Marek

    2015-04-01

    Geological and seismic structure under area of Poland is well studied by over one hundred thousand boreholes, over thirty deep seismic refraction and wide angle reflection profiles and by vertical seismic profiling, magnetic, gravity, magnetotelluric and thermal methods. Compilation of these studies allowed to create a high-resolution 3D P-wave velocity model down to 60 km depth in the area of Poland (Polkowski et al. 2014). Model also provides details about the geometry of main layers of sediments (Tertiary and Quaternary, Cretaceous, Jurassic, Triassic, Permian, old Paleozoic), consolidated/crystalline crust (upper, middle and lower) and uppermost mantle. This model gives an unique opportunity for calculation synthetic receiver function and compering it with observed receiver function calculated for permanent and temporary seismic stations. Modified ray-tracing method (Langston, 1977) can be used directly to calculate the response of the structure with dipping interfaces to the incoming plane wave with fixed slowness and back-azimuth. So, 3D P-wave velocity model has been interpolated to 2.5D P-wave velocity model beneath each seismic station and back-azimuthal sections of components of receiver function have been calculated. Vp/Vs ratio is assumed to be 1.8, 1.67, 1.73, 1.77 and 1.8 in the sediments, upper/middle/lower consolidated/crystalline crust and uppermost mantle, respectively. Densities were calculated with combined formulas of Berteussen (1977) and Gardner et al. (1974). Additionally, to test a visibility of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary phases at receiver function sections models have been extended to 250 km depth based on P4-mantle model (Wilde-Piórko et al., 2010). National Science Centre Poland provided financial support for this work by NCN grant DEC-2011/02/A/ST10/00284 and by NCN grant UMO-2011/01/B/ST10/06653.

  4. Does feedback matter? Practice-based learning for medical students after a multi-institutional clinical performance examination.

    PubMed

    Srinivasan, Malathi; Hauer, Karen E; Der-Martirosian, Claudia; Wilkes, Michael; Gesundheit, Neil

    2007-09-01

    Achieving competence in 'practice-based learning' implies that doctors can accurately self- assess their clinical skills to identify behaviours that need improvement. This study examines the impact of receiving feedback via performance benchmarks on medical students' self-assessment after a clinical performance examination (CPX). The authors developed a practice-based learning exercise at 3 institutions following a required 8-station CPX for medical students at the end of Year 3. Standardised patients (SPs) scored students after each station using checklists developed by experts. Students assessed their own performance immediately after the CPX (Phase 1). One month later, students watched their videotaped performance and reassessed (Phase 2). Some students received performance benchmarks (their scores, plus normative class data) before the video review. Pearson's correlations between self-ratings and SP ratings were calculated for overall performance and specific skill areas (history taking, physical examination, doctor-patient communication) for Phase 1 and Phase 2. The 2 correlations were then compared for each student group (i.e. those who received and those who did not receive feedback). A total of 280 students completed both study phases. Mean CPX scores ranged from 51% to 71% of items correct overall and for each skill area. Phase 1 self-assessment correlated weakly with SP ratings of student performance (r = 0.01-0.16). Without feedback, Phase 2 correlations remained weak (r = 0.13-0.18; n = 109). With feedback, Phase 2 correlations improved significantly (r = 0.26-0.47; n = 171). Low-performing students showed the greatest improvement after receiving feedback. The accuracy of student self-assessment was poor after a CPX, but improved significantly with performance feedback (scores and benchmarks). Videotape review alone (without feedback) did not improve self-assessment accuracy. Practice-based learning exercises that incorporate feedback to medical students hold promise to improve self-assessment skills.

  5. Prevention of rat liver fibrosis and carcinogenesis by coffee and caffeine.

    PubMed

    Furtado, Kelly S; Polletini, Jossimara; Dias, Marcos C; Rodrigues, Maria A M; Barbisan, Luis F

    2014-02-01

    Coffee has been inversely related to the incidence of human liver disease; however, whether caffeine is the component responsible for the beneficial effects of coffee remains controversial. This study evaluated the beneficial effects of coffee or caffeine in a medium-term bioassay for rat liver fibrosis/carcinogenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). One week after the DEN injection, the groups started to receive conventional coffee, instant coffee or 0.1% caffeine ad libitum for 24 weeks. The groups receiving conventional coffee or caffeine presented a significant reduction in collagen content and mRNA expression of collagen I. The groups receiving instant coffee or caffeine had a significant reduction in the size and area of pre-neoplastic lesions and in the mean number of neoplastic lesions. A significant increase in liver bax protein levels was observed in the groups receiving instant coffee or caffeine as compared to the control group. These data indicate that the most pronounced hepatoprotective effect against fibrosis was observed in the groups receiving conventional coffee and 0.1% caffeine, and the greatest effects against liver carcinogenesis were detected in the groups receiving instant coffee and 0.1% caffeine. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. A study of morphology, provenance, and movement of desert sand seas in Africa, Asia, and Australia

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mckee, E. D. (Principal Investigator); Breed, C. S.

    1974-01-01

    The author has identified the following significant results. Recent acquisition of generally high quality color prints for most of the test sites has enabled this project to make significant advances in preparing mosaics of sand desert areas under study. Computer enhancement of imagery, where details of complex dune forms need to be determined, has been achieved with arrival of computer-compatible ERTS-1 tapes. Further, a comparator, recently received, gives precise visual measurements of width, length, and spacing of sand bodies and so improves comparison of patterns in various test sites. Considerable additional meteorological data recently received on sand-moving winds in China, Pakistan, Libya, and other study areas enabled much progress to be made in developing overlays for the dune mosaics. These data show direction, speed, and frequency of winds. Other new data for use in preparing overlays used with ERTS-1 image mosaics include ground truth on moisture control, geologic settings, and plant distribution. With the addition of visual observation data and prints from hand-held photography now being obtained by the Skylab 4 mission, much progress in interpreting the patterns of sand seas for 17 desert sites is anticipated.

  7. Effects of a novel science curriculum versus traditional science curriculum on problem solving skills and attitudes for 10th grade students

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gauchat, Carrie

    This study utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods in investigating how a novel science curriculum, geared towards the 21 st century student, affected skills and attitudes towards science for tenth grade students. The quantitative portion of the study was a quasi-experimental design since random groups were not possible. This portion of the study used a pretest/posttest design to measure any improvement in science skills, and a Likert scale survey to measure any improvements in students' attitudes. Statistical tests revealed no significant differences between students who received the novel curriculum versus those students who received a traditional curriculum. Both groups showed significant improvements in all skill areas. Qualitatively, the researcher used informal teacher interviews and student surveys to identify the most relevant and effective curriculum components for the 21st century student. The findings suggest that the task of creating a meaningful and relevant curriculum based on the necessary skills of this century is not an easy task. There is much more work to be done in this area, but according to the qualitative findings integrated design and student technology are promising.

  8. A survey of the economics of materials processing in space. [accenting biomedical materials

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Miller, B. P.

    1975-01-01

    A survey of the economics of space materials processing has been performed with the objectives of identifying those areas of space materials processing that give preliminary indication of significant economic potential, and to identify possible approaches to quantify the economic potential. It is concluded that limited economic studies have been performed to date, primarily in the area of the processing of inorganic materials, but that the economics of space processing of biological material has not received adequate attention. Specific studies are recommended to evaluate the economic impact of human lymphocyte subgroup separation on organ transplantation, and on the separation and concentration of urokinase producing cells.

  9. The Scope of Pre-Pregnancy Care Conducted at Health Centers of Tabriz, Iran: Women's Viewpoints

    PubMed Central

    Kamalifard, Mahin; Ebrahim, Hossein; Rahmat, Mahnaz

    2013-01-01

    Pre-pregnancy care is considered as preventive medicine related to pregnancy and delivery. This Questionnaire based study upon 384 women in the first half of the pregnancy showedthe scope of pre-pregnancy care in the area of physical health was either weak (75%) or average (25%). All women declared that they had not received mental health-related care during the pre-pregnancy care. The scope of pre-pregnancy care in the area of life-style was categorized as weak, average, and good by 69.79%, 29.69%, and 0.52% of the studied women, respectively. PMID:25276723

  10. Effects of hypothermia on S100B and glial fibrillary acidic protein in asphyxia rats after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

    PubMed

    Liu, Sha; Zhang, Yibing; Zhao, Yong; Cui, Haifeng; Cao, Chunyu; Guo, Jianyou

    2015-01-01

    The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of hypothermia on S100B and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in serum and hippocampus CA1 area in asphyxiated rats after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A total of 100 SD rats were designated into four groups: group A, sham operation group; group B, rats received conventional resuscitation; group C, rats received conventional resuscitation and hypothermia at cardiac arrest; group D, rats received conventional resuscitation and hypothermia at 30 min after restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Rats were then killed by cardiac arrest at 2 and 4 h after ROSC; brain tissue was taken to observe dynamic changes of S100B and GFAP in serum and hippocampus CA1 area. Following ROSC, S100B levels increased from 2 to 4 h in group B, C, and D. In addition, S100B in serum and hippocampus CA1 area was all significantly increased at different time points compared with group A (P < 0.05). Following ROSC, serum S100B level at 2 h in group C was significantly decreased compared with group B, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Moreover, S100B in serum at 4 h after ROSC was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), S100B in cortex was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The expression of GFAP was also examined. GFAP level in hippocampus CA1 area was significantly decreased in group B, C, and D at 4 h after ROSC compared with group A (P < 0.05). S100B and GFAP were expressed in rat serum and hippocampus CA2 area at early stage after ROSC, which can be used as sensitive markers for brain injury diagnosis and prognosis prediction. Hypothermia is also shown to reduce brain injury after CPR.

  11. 137Cs contamination over Transylvania region (Romania) after Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Accident.

    PubMed

    Begy, R Cs; Simon, H; Vasilache, D; Kelemen, Sz; Cosma, C

    2017-12-01

    Following the radionuclide releases due to Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident, various studies were completed by researchers all over the world in order to measure the surface contaminations by artificial radionuclides. The aim of this study was to evaluate 137 Cs surface contamination and to create an inventory distribution for Transylvania region (Romania) after the Chernobyl event using γ spectrometric measurements on soil samples collected from 153 locations. The results were compared to measured data from the Danube Delta and Moldova Republic, as well as to 137 Cs concentrations from the rest of Europe reported by literature. The 137 Cs surface concentrations in soil samples ranged between 0.4±0.1kBqm -2 and 301.1±3.0kBqm -2 , having an average of 8.3±0.2kBqm -2 , with more elevated values in the mountain areas (18.3±0.6kBqm -2 ) compared to the hills and plains (2.6±0.1kBqm -2 ). Taking into consideration the cardinal regions, the northern and western regions received the least amount of 137 Cs (2.9±0.1kBqm -2 ), while the southern part received 16.3±0.6kBqm -2 . Sampling points with eastern slope exposure received the highest average (27.8±0.5kBqm -2 ), while southern, north-western and north-eastern ones received less than 8kBqm -2 . Two hotspots are reported at Iezer-Ighiel (72.7±5.9kBqm -2 ) and Tulgheș areas (51.5±0.6kBqm -2 ). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Analysis of postfire hydrology, water quality, and sediment transport for selected streams in areas of the 2002 Hayman and Hinman fires, Colorado

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Stevens, Michael R.

    2013-01-01

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began a 5-year study in 2003 that focused on postfire stream-water quality and postfire sediment load in streams within the Hayman and Hinman fire study areas. This report compares water quality of selected streams receiving runoff from unburned areas and burned areas using concentrations and loads, and trend analysis, from seasonal data (approximately April–November) collected 2003–2007 at the Hayman fire study area, and data collected from 1999–2000 (prefire) and 2003 (postfire) at the Hinman fire study area. The water-quality data collected during this study include onsite measurements of streamflow, specific conductance, and turbidity, laboratory-determined pH, and concentrations of major ions, nutrients, organic carbon, trace elements, and suspended sediment. Postfire floods and effects on water quality of streams, lakes and reservoirs, drinking-water treatment, and the comparison of measured concentrations to applicable water quality standards also are discussed. Exceedances of Colorado water-quality standards in streams of both the Hayman and Hinman fire study areas only occurred for concentrations of five trace elements (not all trace-element exceedances occurred in every stream). Selected samples analyzed for total recoverable arsenic (fixed), dissolved copper (acute and chronic), total recoverable iron (chronic), dissolved manganese (acute, chronic, and fixed) and total recoverable mercury (chronic) exceeded Colorado aquatic-life standards.

  13. Permeability Surface Area Product Using Perfusion Computed Tomography Is a Valuable Prognostic Factor in Glioblastomas Treated with Radiotherapy Plus Concomitant and Adjuvant Temozolomide.

    PubMed

    Saito, Taiichi; Sugiyama, Kazuhiko; Ikawa, Fusao; Yamasaki, Fumiyuki; Ishifuro, Minoru; Takayasu, Takeshi; Nosaka, Ryo; Nishibuchi, Ikuno; Muragaki, Yoshihiro; Kawamata, Takakazu; Kurisu, Kaoru

    2017-01-01

    The current standard treatment protocol for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) includes surgery, radiotherapy, and concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ). We hypothesized that the permeability surface area product (PS) from a perfusion computed tomography (PCT) study is associated with sensitivity to TMZ. The aim of this study was to determine whether PS values were correlated with prognosis of GBM patients who received the standard treatment protocol. This study included 36 patients with GBM that were newly diagnosed between October 2005 and September 2014 and who underwent preoperative PCT study and the standard treatment protocol. We measured the maximum value of relative cerebral blood volume (rCBVmax) and the maximum PS value (PSmax). We statistically examined the relationship between PSmax and prognosis using survival analysis, including other clinicopathologic factors (age, Karnofsky performance status [KPS], extent of resection, O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase [MGMT] status, second-line use of bevacizumab, and rCBVmax). Log-rank tests revealed that age, KPS, MGMT status, and PSmax were significantly correlated with overall survival. Multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model showed that PSmax was the most significant prognostic factor. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that PSmax had the highest accuracy in differentiating longtime survivors (LTSs) (surviving more than 2 years) from non-LTSs. At a cutoff point of 8.26 mL/100 g/min, sensitivity and specificity were 90% and 70%, respectively. PSmax from PCT study can help predict survival time in patients with GBM receiving the standard treatment protocol. Survival may be related to sensitivity to TMZ. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Carbon Storage in Urban Areas in the USA

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Churkina, G.; Brown, D.; Keoleian, G.

    2007-12-01

    It is widely accepted that human settlements occupy a small proportion of the landmass and therefore play a relatively small role in the dynamics of the global carbon cycle. Most modeling studies focusing on the land carbon cycle use models of varying complexity to estimate carbon fluxes through forests, grasses, and croplands, but completely omit urban areas from their scope. Here, we estimate carbon storage in urban areas within the United States, defined to encompass a range of observed settlement densities, and its changes from 1950 to 2000. We show that this storage is not negligible and has been continuously increasing. We include natural- and human-related components of urban areas in our estimates. The natural component includes carbon storage in urban soil and vegetation. The human related component encompasses carbon stored long term in buildings, furniture, cars, and waste. The study suggests that urban areas should receive continued attention in efforts to accurately account for carbon uptake and storage in terrestrial systems.

  15. Hydrogeochemical variables regionalization--applying cluster analysis for a seasonal evolution model from an estuarine system affected by AMD.

    PubMed

    Grande, J A; Carro, B; Borrego, J; de la Torre, M L; Valente, T; Santisteban, M

    2013-04-15

    This study describes the spatial evolution of the hydrogeochemical parameters which characterise a strongly affected estuary by Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). The studied estuarine system receives AMD from the Iberian Pyrite Belt (SW Spain) and, simultaneously, is affected by the presence of an industrial chemical complex. Water sampling was performed in the year of 2008, comprising four sampling campaigns, in order to represent seasonality. The results show how the estuary can be divided into three areas of different behaviour in response to hydrogeochemical variables concentrations that define each sampling stations: on one hand, an area dominated by tidal influence; in the opposite end there is a second area including the points located in the two rivers headwaters that are not influenced by seawater; finally there is the area that can be defined as mixing zone. These areas are moved along the hydrological year due to seasonal chemical variations. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Investigating the Small-Scale Spatial Variabilty of Precipitable Water Vapor by Adding Single-Frequency Receivers into an Existing Dual-Frequency Receiver Network

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Krietemeyer, Andreas; ten Veldhuis, Marie-claire; van de Giesen, Nick

    2017-04-01

    Exploiting GNSS signal delays is one possibility to obtain Precipitable Water Vapor (PWV) estimates in the atmosphere. The technique is well known since the early 1990s and by now an established method in the meteorological community. The data is crucial for weather forecasting and its assimilation into numerical weather forecasting models is a topic of ongoing research. However, the spatial resolution of ground based GNSS receivers is usually low, in the order of tens of kilometres. Since severe weather events such as convective storms can be concentrated in spatial extent, existing GNSS networks are often not sufficient to retrieve small scale PWV fluctuations and need to be densified. For economic reasons, the use of low-cost single-frequency receivers is a promising solution. In this study, we will deploy a network of single-frequency receivers to densify an existing dual-frequency network in order to investigate the spatial and temporal PWV variations. We demonstrate a test network consisting of four single-frequency receivers in the Rotterdam area (Netherlands). In order to eliminate the delay caused by the ionosphere, the Satellite-specific Epoch-differenced Ionospheric Delay model (SEID) is applied, using a surrounding dual-frequency network distributed over a radius of approximately 25 km. With the synthesized L2 frequency, the tropospheric delays are estimated using the Precise Point Positioning (PPP) strategy and International GNSS Service (IGS) final orbits. The PWV time series are validated by a comparison of a collocated single-frequency and a dual-frequency receiver. The time series themselves form the basis for potential further studies like data assimilation into numerical weather models and GNSS tomography to study the impact of the increased spatial resolution on local heavy rain forecast.

  17. Prediction of Adult Dyslipidemia Using Genetic and Childhood Clinical Risk Factors: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study.

    PubMed

    Nuotio, Joel; Pitkänen, Niina; Magnussen, Costan G; Buscot, Marie-Jeanne; Venäläinen, Mikko S; Elo, Laura L; Jokinen, Eero; Laitinen, Tomi; Taittonen, Leena; Hutri-Kähönen, Nina; Lyytikäinen, Leo-Pekka; Lehtimäki, Terho; Viikari, Jorma S; Juonala, Markus; Raitakari, Olli T

    2017-06-01

    Dyslipidemia is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We examined whether the addition of novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms for blood lipid levels enhances the prediction of adult dyslipidemia in comparison to childhood lipid measures. Two thousand four hundred and twenty-two participants of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study who had participated in 2 surveys held during childhood (in 1980 when aged 3-18 years and in 1986) and at least once in a follow-up study in adulthood (2001, 2007, and 2011) were included. We examined whether inclusion of a lipid-specific weighted genetic risk score based on 58 single-nucleotide polymorphisms for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 71 single-nucleotide polymorphisms for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and 40 single-nucleotide polymorphisms for triglycerides improved the prediction of adult dyslipidemia compared with clinical childhood risk factors. Adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, physical activity, and smoking in childhood, childhood lipid levels, and weighted genetic risk scores were associated with an increased risk of adult dyslipidemia for all lipids. Risk assessment based on 2 childhood lipid measures and the lipid-specific weighted genetic risk scores improved the accuracy of predicting adult dyslipidemia compared with the approach using only childhood lipid measures for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve 0.806 versus 0.811; P =0.01) and triglycerides (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve 0.740 versus area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve 0.758; P <0.01). The overall net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement were significant for all outcomes. The inclusion of weighted genetic risk scores to lipid-screening programs in childhood could modestly improve the identification of those at highest risk of dyslipidemia in adulthood. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

  18. Predictors of Long-Term Healthy Arterial Aging: Coronary Artery Calcium Nondevelopment in the MESA Study.

    PubMed

    Whelton, Seamus P; Silverman, Michael G; McEvoy, John W; Budoff, Matthew J; Blankstein, Ron; Eng, John; Blumenthal, Roger S; Szklo, Moyses; Nasir, Khurram; Blaha, Michael J

    2015-12-01

    This study sought to determine the predictors of healthy arterial aging. Long-term nondevelopment of coronary artery calcification (persistent CAC = 0) is a marker of healthy arterial aging. The predictors of this phenotype are not known. We analyzed 1,850 participants from MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) with baseline CAC = 0 who underwent a follow-up CAC scan at visit 5 (median 9.6 years after baseline). We examined the proportion with persistent CAC = 0 and calculated multivariable relative risks and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for prediction of this healthy arterial aging phenotype. We found that 55% of participants (n = 1,000) had persistent CAC = 0, and these individuals were significantly more likely to be younger, female, and have fewer traditional risk factors (RF). Participants with an ASCVD (Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score) risk score <2.5% were 53% more likely to have healthy arterial aging than were participants with an ASCVD score ≥7.5%. There was no significant association between the Healthy Lifestyle variables (body mass index, physical activity, Mediterranean diet, and never smoking) and persistent CAC = 0. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve incorporating age, sex, and ethnicity was 0.65, indicating fair to poor discrimination. No single traditional RF or combination of other risk factors increased the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve by more than 0.05. Whereas participants free of traditional cardiovascular disease RF were significantly more likely to have persistent CAC = 0, there was no single RF or specific low-risk RF phenotype that markedly improved the discrimination of persistent CAC = 0 over demographic variables. Therefore, we conclude that healthy arterial aging may be predominantly influenced by the long-term maintenance of a low cardiovascular disease risk profile or yet to be determined genetic factors rather than the absence of any specific RF cluster identified in late adulthood. Copyright © 2015 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. A Receiver Function Study of Mantle Transition Zone Discontinuities beneath Egypt and Saudi Arabia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, K. H.; Mohamed, A. A.; Gao, S. S.; Elsheikh, A. A.; Yu, Y.; Fat-Helbary, R. E.

    2014-12-01

    The dramatic asymmetry in terms of surface elevation, Cenozoic volcanisms, and earthquake activity across the Red Sea is an enigmatic issue in global tectonics, partially due to the unavailability of broadband seismic data on the African plate adjacent to the Red Sea. Here we report the first results from a receiver function study of the mantle transition zone (MTZ) discontinuities using data from the Egyptian National Seismic Network, and compare the resulting depths of the 410 and 660 km discontinuities (d410 and d660) with those observed on the Arabian side. Results using more than 6000 P-to-S receiver functions recorded at 49 broadband seismic stations in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and adjacent areas show that when the IASP91 Earth model is used for time-to-depth conversion, the resulting depth of the discontinuities increases systematically toward the axis of the Afro-Arabian Dome (AAD) from both the west and east. Relative to the westernmost area, the maximum depression of the 410-km discontinuity is about 30 km, and that of the 660-km discontinuity is about 45 km. Highly correlated d410 and d660 depths suggest that the observed apparent depth variations are mostly caused by lateral velocity anomalies in the upper mantle, while the 15 km additional depression of the d660 relative to the d410 requires either a colder-than-normal MTZ or the presence of water in the MTZ. We tested several models involving upper mantle and MTZ velocity anomalies and undulations of the MTZ discontinuities due to temperature anomalies and water content, and found that the observed systematic variations can best be explained by a model involving a hydrated MTZ and an upper-mantle low-velocity zone beneath the AAD (Mohamed et al., 2014, doi: 10.1093/gji/ggu284). Models invoking one or more mantle plumes originated from the MTZ or the lower-mantle beneath the study area are not consistent with the observations.

  20. Effects of waste-disposal practices on ground-water quality at five poultry (broiler) farms in north-central Florida, 1992-93

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Hatzell, H.H.

    1995-01-01

    Waste-disposal areas such as chicken-house floors, litter stockpiles, fields that receive applications of litter, and dead-chicken pits are potential sources of nitrates and other chemical constituents in downward-percolating recharge water. Broiler- farms in north-central Florida are concentrated in a region where the Upper Floridan aquifer is unconfined and susceptible to contamination. Eighteen monitoring wells installed at five sites were sampled quarterly from March 1992 through January 1993. Increases in median concentrations of constituents relative to an upgradient well were used to determine the source of the nitrate at two sites. At these sites, increases in the median concentrations of nitrate as nitrogen in ground water in the vicinity of waste-disposal areas at these sites were: 5.4 mg/L for one chicken house; 9.0 mg/L for a second chicken house; 2.0 mg/L for a fallow field that received an application of litter; and, 2.0 mg/L for a dead-chicken pit. At the three remaining sites where the direction of local ground-water flow could not be ascertained, the sources of concentrations of nitrate and other constituents could not be determined. However, median nitrate concentrations in the vicinity of waste-disposal areas at these sites were: 45.5 mg/L for a set of two chicken houses; 3.0 mg/L for a stockpile area; and 2.1 mg/L for a hayfield that received an application of litter. The nitrate concentration in ground water in the vicinity of a field that had previously received heavy applications of litter increased from 3.0 mg/L to 105 mg/L approximately 4 months after receiving an application of commercial fertilizer. Increases in concentrations of organic nitrogen in ground water in the vicinity of waste-disposal areas may be related to the decomposition of litter and subsequent movement with downward percolating recharge water.(USGS)

  1. Satellite power systems (SPS) concept definition study. Volume 2, part 1: System engineering

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hanley, G. M.

    1980-01-01

    Top level trade studies are presented, including comparison of solid state and klystron concepts, higher concentration on the solar cells, composite and aluminum structure, and several variations to the reference concept. Detailed trade studies are presented in each of the subsystem areas (solar array, power distribution, structures, thermal control, attitude control and stationkeeping, microwave transmission, and ground receiving station). A description of the selected point design is also presented.

  2. Flight and ground tests of a GOES satellite time receiver for satellite communications applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Swanson, R. L.; Nichols, S. A.

    1981-01-01

    A satellite time receiver was tested in various environmental conditions during the past year. The commercial receiver designed to work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES). The test program included operation at low elevation during flight in a military cargo aircraft and long term comparison with laboratory standards. The GOES satellite time receiver offers an opportunity to provide easy wide area coverage synchronization at low cost.

  3. 16. SECOND FLOOR RCA COMMUNICATION RECEIVING STATION FORMERLY THE POINTTOPOINT ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    16. SECOND FLOOR RCA COMMUNICATION RECEIVING STATION FORMERLY THE POINT-TO-POINT RECEIVERS WERE LOCATED HERE. (SOUTHEAST ARCHIVAL PHOTOS AND RCA LOGO ON FLOOR AS A REFERENCE). DURING THE LAST PHASE OF THE RCA ERA AND DURING GENERAL ELECTRIC-AMERITRON OWNERSHIP THIS ROOM HOUSED SATELLITE OPERATING EQUIPMENT. WHEN BOUGHT BY MCI EQUIPMENT (HI TECH) WAS REMOVED. AREA IS NOW USED FOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL. - Marconi Radio Sites, Receiving, Point Reyes Station, Marin County, CA

  4. CESA-1 receiver design review. Phase 1. Final report

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

    Not Available

    1980-07-01

    The Central Electrica Solar de Almeria CESA-1 is a 1.0 MWe water/steam solar central receiver electric power plant being built by the Spanish in Almeria, Spain. Centro de Estudios de la Energia (CEE) is responsible for the management, design, and construction of the project. At the request of the Solar Energy Research Institute and with the approval of the Department of Energy, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore is providing technical assistance in areas unique to solar applications to CEE. At the request of CEE, Sandia contracted with Foster Wheeler Development Corporation (FWDC) to critically review and evaluate the CESA-1 receiver design.more » Foster Wheeler Iberia (FWI) was subcontracted to FWDC to coordinate efforts with CEE in Madrid. The FWDC program which was started on July 9, 1979, was subdivided into three tasks: (1) design basis review: critical review of the receiver design specifications and requirements; (2) design review and analyses: critical review of thermal/hydraulic, structural, and materials aspects of the receiver design and the design and analysis procedures used by the designer in critical areas of the design; and (3) operational review: critical review of receiver instrumentation and controls and the operational and safety aspects of the receiver. Results of the design review and evaluation are presented. (WHK)« less

  5. Isolation and Quantification of Glycosaminoglycans from Human Hair Shaft

    PubMed Central

    Bonovas, Stefanos; Sitaras, Nikolaos

    2016-01-01

    Background There is evidence that glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are present in the hair shaft within the follicle but there are no studies regarding GAGs isolation and measurement in the human hair shaft over the scalp surface, it means, in the free hair shaft. Objective The purpose of our research was to isolate and measure the total GAGs from human free hair shaft. Methods Seventy-five healthy individuals participated in the study, 58 adults, men and women over the age of 50 and 17 children (aged 4~9). GAGs in hair samples, received from the parietal and the occipital areas, were isolated with 4 M guanidine HCl and measured by the uronic acid-carbazole reaction assay. Results GAGs concentration was significantly higher in the occipital area than in the parietal area, in all study groups. GAG levels from both areas were significantly higher in children than in adults. GAG levels were not associated with gender, hair color or type. Conclusion We report the presence of GAGs in the human free hair shaft and the correlation of hair GAG levels with the scalp area and participants' age. PMID:27746630

  6. A Study on the Knowledge, Perception, and Use of Breast Cancer Screening Methods and Quality of Care Among Women from Central Mexico.

    PubMed

    Cruz-Castillo, Andrea B; Hernández-Valero, María A; Hovick, Shelly R; Campuzano-González, Martha Elva; Karam-Calderón, Miguel Angel; Bustamante-Montes, L Patricia

    2015-09-01

    Studies on health behaviors have observed several barriers to breast cancer screening, including lack of breast cancer knowledge, distrust of health care providers, and long waiting times to be screened or to receive screening results. We conducted a nested case-control study among a subsample of 200 women 21 years of age and older [100 patients (cases)], who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, and 100 controls, who were screened and found to be free of breast cancer), all residing in the Toluca metropolitan area in central Mexico. We examined how knowledge of breast cancer screening guidelines, perceptions of screening methods, and quality of health care influenced the use of breast cancer screening among study participants. Our study found that the most important factor associated with the decision to have breast cancer screenings was having a positive perception of the quality of care provided by the local health care centers, such as having competent clinic personnel, sufficient screening equipment, and reasonable waiting times to receive screening and to receive the screening results. Therefore, individual health care centers need to focus on the patients' perception of the services received by optimizing the care provided and, in so doing, increase the rates of early diagnosis and reduce the rate of mortality from breast cancer as well as its associated treatment costs.

  7. A Study on the knowledge, perception and use of breast cancer screening methods and quality of care among women from central Mexico

    PubMed Central

    Cruz-Castillo, Andrea B.; Hernández-Valero, María A.; Hovick, Shelly R.; Campuzano-González, Martha Elva; Karam-Calderón, Miguel Angel; Bustamante-Montes, L. Patricia

    2014-01-01

    Studies on health behaviors have observed several barriers to breast cancer screening, including lack of breast cancer knowledge, distrust of health care providers, long waiting times to be screened or to receive screening results. We conducted a nested case-control study among a subsample of 200 women 21 years of age and older (100 cases, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, and 100 controls, who were screened and found to be free of breast cancer), all residing in the Toluca metropolitan area in central Mexico. We examined how knowledge of breast cancer screening guidelines, perceptions of screening methods, and quality of health care influenced the use of breast cancer screening among study participants. Our study found that the most important factors associated with the decision to have breast cancer screenings was having a positive perception of the quality of care provided by the local health care centers, such as having competent clinic personnel, sufficient screening equipment, and reasonable waiting times to receive screening and to receive the screening results. Therefore, individual health care centers need to focus on the patients’ perception of the services received by optimizing the care provided, and in so doing increase the rates of early diagnosis, reduce the rate of mortality from breast cancer as well as its associated treatment costs. PMID:25182506

  8. Silicon concentrator cell-assembly development

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    1982-08-01

    The purpose was to develop an improved cell assembly design for photovoltaic concentrator receivers. Efforts were concentrated on a study of adhesive/separator systems that might be applied between cell and substrate, because this area holds the key to improved heat transfer, electrical isolation and adhesion. It is also the area in which simpler construction methods offer the greatest benefits for economy and reliability in the manufacturing process. Of the ten most promising designs subjected to rigorous environmental testing, eight designs featuring acrylic and silicon adhesives and fiberglass and polyester separators performed very well.

  9. Hydrogeologic framework, groundwater movement, and water budget in the Puyallup River Watershed and vicinity, Pierce and King Counties, Washington

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Welch, Wendy B.; Johnson, Kenneth H.; Savoca, Mark E.; Lane, Ron C.; Fasser, Elisabeth T.; Gendaszek, Andrew S.; Marshall, Cameron; Clothier, Burt G.; Knoedler, Eric N.

    2015-01-01

    The water-budget area received about 1,428,000 acre-feet or about 52 inches of precipitation per year (January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2012). About 41 percent of precipitation enters the groundwater system as recharge. Seven percent of this recharge is withdrawn from wells and the remainder leaves the groundwater system as discharge to rivers, discharge to springs, or submarine discharge to Puget Sound, or exits the study area through subsurface flow in the Green River valley.

  10. Space Radar Image of Boston, Massachusetts

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1994-01-01

    This radar image of the area surrounding Boston, Mass., shows how a spaceborne radar system distinguishes between densely populated urban areas and nearby areas that are relatively unsettled. The bright white area at the right center of the image is downtown Boston. The wide river below and to the left of the city is the Charles River in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. The dark green patch to the right of the Back Bay is Boston Common. A bridge across the north end of Back Bay connects the cities of Boston and Cambridge. The light green areas that dominate most of the image are the suburban communities surrounding Boston. The many ponds that dot the region appear as dark irregular spots. Many densely populated urban areas show up as red in the image due to the alignment of streets and buildings to the incoming radar beam. North is toward the upper left. The image was acquired on October 9, 1994, by the Spaceborne Imaging Radar-C/X-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SIR-C/X-SAR) as it flew aboard the space shuttle Endeavour. This area is centered at 42.4 degrees north latitude, 71.2 degrees west longitude. The area shown is approximately 37 km by 18 km (23 miles by 11 miles). Colors are assigned to different radar frequencies and polarizations as follows: red is L-band horizontally transmitted, horizontally received; green is L-band horizontally transmitted, vertically received; blue is C-band horizontally transmitted, vertically received. SIR-C/X-SAR, a cooperative mission of the German, Italian and United States space agencies, is part of NASA's Mission to Planet Earth program.

  11. Advanced Solar Receivers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Owen, W. A.

    1984-01-01

    Low thermal efficiencies in solar receivers are discussed in terms of system design. It is recommended that careful attention be given to the overall thermal systems design, especially to conductive losses about the window and areas of relatively thin insulation. If the cavity design is carefully managed to insure a small, minimally reradiating aperture, the goal of a very high efficiency cavity receiver is a realistic one.

  12. Are neurology residents interested in headache?

    PubMed

    Gago-Veiga, A B; Santos-Lasaosa, S; Viguera Romero, J; Pozo-Rosich, P

    The years of residency are the pillars of the subsequent practice in every medical specialty. The aim of our study is to evaluate the current situation, degree of involvement, main interests, and perceived quality of the training received by Spanish residents of neurology, specifically in the area of headache. A self-administered survey was designed by the Headache Study Group of the Spanish Society of Neurology (GECSEN) and was sent via e-mail to all residents who were members of the Society as of May 2015. Fifty-three residents completed the survey (N = 426, 12.4%): 6% were first year residents, 25.5% second year, 23.5% third year, and 45% fourth year residents, all from 13 different Spanish autonomous communities. The areas of greatest interest are, in this order: Vascular neurology, headache, and epilepsy. Of them, 85% believe that the area of headache is undervalued. More than half of residents (52.8%) do not rotate in specific Headache Units and only 35.8% complete their training dominating anaesthetic block and toxin infiltration techniques. Of them, 81.1% believe that research is scarce or absent; 69.8% have never made a poster/presentation, 79.3% have not published and only 15% collaborate on research projects in this area. Lastly, 40% believe that they have not received adequate training. Headache is among the areas that interest our residents the most; however, we believe that we must improve their training both at a patient healthcare level and as researchers. Thus, increasing the number of available courses, creating educational web pages, involving residents in research, and making a rotation in a specialised unit mandatory are among the fundamental objectives of the GECSEN. Copyright © 2016 Sociedad Española de Neurología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  13. Systematic analysis of funding awarded for viral hepatitis-related research to institutions in the United Kingdom, 1997–2010

    PubMed Central

    Head, M G; Fitchett, J R; Cooke, G S; Foster, G R; Atun, R

    2015-01-01

    Viral hepatitis is responsible for great health, social and economic burden both globally and in the UK. This study aimed to assess the research funding awarded to UK institutions for viral hepatitis research and the relationship of funded research to clinical and public health burden of viral hepatitis. Databases and websites were systematically searched for information on infectious disease research studies funded for the period 1997–2010. Studies specifically related to viral hepatitis research were identified and categorized in terms of funding by pathogen, disease and by a research and development value chain describing the type of science. The overall data set included 6165 studies (total investment £2.6 billion) of which £76.9 million (3.0%) was directed towards viral hepatitis across 323 studies (5.2%). By pathogen, there were four studies specifically investigating hepatitis A (£3.8 million), 69 studies for hepatitis B (21.4%) with total investment of £14.7 million (19.1%) and 236 (73.1%) hepatitis C studies (£62.7 million, 81.5%). There were 4 studies investigating hepatitis G, and none specifying hepatitis D or E. By associated area, viral hepatitis and therapeutics research received £17.0 million, vaccinology £3.1 million and diagnostics £2.9 million. Preclinical research received £50.3 million (65.4%) across 173 studies, whilst implementation and operational research received £19.4 million (25.3%) across 128 studies. The UK is engaged in much hepatology research, but there are areas where the burden is great and may require greater focus, such as hepatitis E, development of a vaccine for hepatitis C, and further research into hepatitis-associated cancers. Private sector data, and funding information from other countries, would also be useful in priority setting. PMID:25146854

  14. Systematic analysis of funding awarded for viral hepatitis-related research to institutions in the United Kingdom, 1997-2010.

    PubMed

    Head, M G; Fitchett, J R; Cooke, G S; Foster, G R; Atun, R

    2015-03-01

    Viral hepatitis is responsible for great health, social and economic burden both globally and in the UK. This study aimed to assess the research funding awarded to UK institutions for viral hepatitis research and the relationship of funded research to clinical and public health burden of viral hepatitis. Databases and websites were systematically searched for information on infectious disease research studies funded for the period 1997-2010. Studies specifically related to viral hepatitis research were identified and categorized in terms of funding by pathogen, disease and by a research and development value chain describing the type of science. The overall data set included 6165 studies (total investment £2.6 billion) of which £76.9 million (3.0%) was directed towards viral hepatitis across 323 studies (5.2%). By pathogen, there were four studies specifically investigating hepatitis A (£3.8 million), 69 studies for hepatitis B (21.4%) with total investment of £14.7 million (19.1%) and 236 (73.1%) hepatitis C studies (£62.7 million, 81.5%). There were 4 studies investigating hepatitis G, and none specifying hepatitis D or E. By associated area, viral hepatitis and therapeutics research received £17.0 million, vaccinology £3.1 million and diagnostics £2.9 million. Preclinical research received £50.3 million (65.4%) across 173 studies, whilst implementation and operational research received £19.4 million (25.3%) across 128 studies. The UK is engaged in much hepatology research, but there are areas where the burden is great and may require greater focus, such as hepatitis E, development of a vaccine for hepatitis C, and further research into hepatitis-associated cancers. Private sector data, and funding information from other countries, would also be useful in priority setting. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Viral Hepatitis Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  15. Comparison of Three Non-Imaging Angle-Diversity Receivers as Input Sensors of Nodes for Indoor Infrared Wireless Sensor Networks: Theory and Simulation

    PubMed Central

    Mendoza, Beatriz R.; Rodríguez, Silvestre; Pérez-Jiménez, Rafael; Ayala, Alejandro; González, Oswaldo

    2016-01-01

    In general, the use of angle-diversity receivers makes it possible to reduce the impact of ambient light noise, path loss and multipath distortion, in part by exploiting the fact that they often receive the desired signal from different directions. Angle-diversity detection can be performed using a composite receiver with multiple detector elements looking in different directions. These are called non-imaging angle-diversity receivers. In this paper, a comparison of three non-imaging angle-diversity receivers as input sensors of nodes for an indoor infrared (IR) wireless sensor network is presented. The receivers considered are the conventional angle-diversity receiver (CDR), the sectored angle-diversity receiver (SDR), and the self-orienting receiver (SOR), which have been proposed or studied by research groups in Spain. To this end, the effective signal-collection area of the three receivers is modelled and a Monte-Carlo-based ray-tracing algorithm is implemented which allows us to investigate the effect on the signal to noise ratio and main IR channel parameters, such as path loss and rms delay spread, of using the three receivers in conjunction with different combination techniques in IR links operating at low bit rates. Based on the results of the simulations, we show that the use of a conventional angle-diversity receiver in conjunction with the equal-gain combining technique provides the solution with the best signal to noise ratio, the lowest computational capacity and the lowest transmitted power requirements, which comprise the main limitations for sensor nodes in an indoor infrared wireless sensor network. PMID:27428966

  16. Travel Pattern and Prescription Analysis at a Single Travel Clinic Specialized for Yellow Fever Vaccination in South Korea.

    PubMed

    Chin, Bum Sik; Kim, Jae Yoon; Gianella, Sara; Lee, Myunghee

    2016-03-01

    Travel-related risks for infectious diseases vary depending on travel patterns such as purpose, destination, and duration. In this study, we describe the patterns of travel and prescription of vaccines as well as malaria prophylaxis medication (MPM) at a travel clinic in South Korea to identify the gaps to fill for the optimization of pre-travel consultation. A cohort of travel clinic visitors in 2011 was constructed and early one-third of the visitors of each month were reviewed. During the study period, 10,009 visited the travel clinic and a retrospective chart review was performed for 3,332 cases for analysis of travel patterns and prescriptions. People receiving yellow fever vaccine (YFV) (n = 2,933) were traveling more frequently for business and tourism and less frequently for providing non-medical service or research/education compared to the 399 people who did not receive the YFV. Overall, most people were traveling to Eastern Africa, South America, and Western Africa, while South-Eastern Asia was the most common destination for the non-YFV group. Besides YFV, the typhoid vaccine was the most commonly prescribed (54.2%), while hepatitis A presented the highest coverage (74.7%) considering the natural immunity, prior and current vaccination history. Additionally, 402 (82.5%) individuals received a prescription for MPM among the 487 individuals travelling to areas with high-risk of malaria infection. Age over 55 was independently associated with receiving MPM prescription, while purpose of providing service and travel duration over 10 days were associated with no MPM prescription, despite travelling to high-risk areas. Eastern Africa and South America were common travel destinations among the visitors to a travel clinic for YFV, and most of them were travelling for tourism and business. For the individuals who are traveling to areas with high-risk for malaria, more proactive approach might be required in case of younger age travelers, longer duration, and travel purpose of providing service to minimize the risk of malaria infection.

  17. Effects of cross-linked high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid on epidural fibrosis: experimental study.

    PubMed

    Isık, Semra; Taşkapılıoğlu, M Özgür; Atalay, Fatma Oz; Dogan, Seref

    2015-01-01

    Epidural fibrosis is nonphysiological scar formation, usually at the site of neurosurgical access into the spinal canal, in the intimate vicinity of and around the origin of the radicular sheath. The formation of dense fibrous tissue causes lumbar and radicular pain. In addition to radicular symptoms, the formation of scar tissue may cause problems during reoperation. The authors aimed to investigate the effects of cross-linked high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HA), an HA derivative known as HA gel, on the prevention of epidural fibrosis by using histopathological and biochemical parameters. Fifty-six adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were evaluated. The rats were divided into 4 groups. Rats in the sham group (n = 14) underwent laminectomy and discectomy and received no treatment; rats in the control group (n = 14) underwent laminectomy and discectomy and received 0.9% NaCl treatment in the surgical area; rats in the HA group (n = 14) received HA treatment at the surgical area after laminectomy and discectomy; and rats in the HA gel group (n = 14) underwent laminectomy and discectomy in addition to receiving treatment with cross-linked high-molecular-weight HA in the surgical area. All rats were decapitated after 4 weeks, and the specimens were evaluated histopathologically and biochemically. The results were statistically compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Compared with the sham and control groups, the HA and HA gel groups showed significantly lower fibroblast cell density and tissue hydroxyproline concentrations (p < 0.05). There was statistically significant lower dural adhesion and foreign-body reaction between the control and HA gel groups (p < 0.05). Granulation tissue and epidural fibrosis were significantly lower in the HA and HA gel groups compared with the sham group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in any histopathological parameters or biochemical values between Groups 3 and 4 (p > 0.05). Cross-linked high-molecular-weight HA had positive effects on the prevention of epidural fibrosis and the reduction of fibrotic tissue density. The efficacy of this agent should also be verified in further experimental and clinical studies.

  18. Travel Pattern and Prescription Analysis at a Single Travel Clinic Specialized for Yellow Fever Vaccination in South Korea

    PubMed Central

    Gianella, Sara

    2016-01-01

    Background Travel-related risks for infectious diseases vary depending on travel patterns such as purpose, destination, and duration. In this study, we describe the patterns of travel and prescription of vaccines as well as malaria prophylaxis medication (MPM) at a travel clinic in South Korea to identify the gaps to fill for the optimization of pre-travel consultation. Materials and Methods A cohort of travel clinic visitors in 2011 was constructed and early one-third of the visitors of each month were reviewed. During the study period, 10,009 visited the travel clinic and a retrospective chart review was performed for 3,332 cases for analysis of travel patterns and prescriptions. Results People receiving yellow fever vaccine (YFV) (n = 2,933) were traveling more frequently for business and tourism and less frequently for providing non-medical service or research/education compared to the 399 people who did not receive the YFV. Overall, most people were traveling to Eastern Africa, South America, and Western Africa, while South-Eastern Asia was the most common destination for the non-YFV group. Besides YFV, the typhoid vaccine was the most commonly prescribed (54.2%), while hepatitis A presented the highest coverage (74.7%) considering the natural immunity, prior and current vaccination history. Additionally, 402 (82.5%) individuals received a prescription for MPM among the 487 individuals travelling to areas with high-risk of malaria infection. Age over 55 was independently associated with receiving MPM prescription, while purpose of providing service and travel duration over 10 days were associated with no MPM prescription, despite travelling to high-risk areas. Conclusion Eastern Africa and South America were common travel destinations among the visitors to a travel clinic for YFV, and most of them were travelling for tourism and business. For the individuals who are traveling to areas with high-risk for malaria, more proactive approach might be required in case of younger age travelers, longer duration, and travel purpose of providing service to minimize the risk of malaria infection. PMID:27104012

  19. Monitoring the Impact of Climate Change on Soil Salinity in Agricultural Areas Using Ground and Satellite Sensors

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Changes in climatic patterns have had dramatic influence on agricultural areas worldwide, particularly in irrigated arid-zone agricultural areas subjected to recurring drought, such as California’s San Joaquin Valley (SJV), or areas receiving above average rainfall for a decade or more, such as Minn...

  20. 76 FR 51934 - Determination of Pest-Free Areas in Mendoza Province, Argentina; Request for Comments

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-19

    ... acknowledged Argentina's history of successful Medfly control efforts, but stated that APHIS should not relax...] Determination of Pest-Free Areas in Mendoza Province, Argentina; Request for Comments AGENCY: Animal and Plant... received a request from the Government of Argentina to recognize additional areas as pest- free areas for...

  1. A comparative Thermal Analysis of conventional parabolic receiver tube and Cavity model tube in a Solar Parabolic Concentrator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Arumugam, S.; Ramakrishna, P.; Sangavi, S.

    2018-02-01

    Improvements in heating technology with solar energy is gaining focus, especially solar parabolic collectors. Solar heating in conventional parabolic collectors is done with the help of radiation concentration on receiver tubes. Conventional receiver tubes are open to atmosphere and loose heat by ambient air currents. In order to reduce the convection losses and also to improve the aperture area, we designed a tube with cavity. This study is a comparative performance behaviour of conventional tube and cavity model tube. The performance formulae were derived for the cavity model based on conventional model. Reduction in overall heat loss coefficient was observed for cavity model, though collector heat removal factor and collector efficiency were nearly same for both models. Improvement in efficiency was also observed in the cavity model’s performance. The approach towards the design of a cavity model tube as the receiver tube in solar parabolic collectors gave improved results and proved as a good consideration.

  2. Aquatic Natural Areas Analysis and Evaluation: Oak Ridge Reservation

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

    Baranski, Dr. Michael J.

    This report presents an assessment of the natural area value of eight Aquatic Natural Areas (ANAs) and seven Aquatic Reference Areas (ARAs) on the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) in Anderson and Roane Counties in east Tennessee. It follows a previous study in 2009 that analyzed and evaluated terrestrial natural areas on the Reservation. The purpose of both studies was to evaluate and rank those specially designated areas on the Reservation that contain sensitive species, special habitats, and natural area value. Natural areas receive special protections through established statutes, regulations, and policies. The ORR contains 33,542 acres (13,574 ha) administered bymore » the Department of Energy. The surface waters of the Reservation range from 1st-order to 5th-order streams, but the majority of the streams recognized as ANAs and ARAs are 1st- and 2nd-order streams. East Fork Poplar Creek is a 4th-order stream and the largest watershed that drains Reservation lands. All the waters of the Reservation eventually reach the Clinch River on the southern and western boundaries of the ORR. All available information was collected, synthesized, and evaluated. Field observations were made to support and supplement the available information. Geographic information system mapping techniques were used to develop several quantitative attributes about the study areas. Narrative descriptions of each ANA and ARA and tables of numerical data were prepared. Criteria for assessment and evaluation were developed, and eight categories of factors were devised to produce a ranking system. The evaluation factors used in the ranking system were: (A) size of area, (B) percentage of watershed protected, (C) taxa present with protected status, (D) overall biotic diversity, (E) stream features, (F) water quality and use support ratings, (G) disturbance regime, and (H) other factors. Each factor was evaluated on a 5-point ranking scale (0-4), and each area received a composite score, where 32 was the maximum score possible. A highly ranked ANA or ARA is one that is large in size compared to other areas, includes a greater proportion of the watershed within Reservation boundaries, contains a number of status taxa at high densities, exhibits a high overall biodiversity, has very good or excellent habitat and water quality, is well protected and isolated from disturbances, and shows several other characteristics that contribute to natural area value. In this report, the term 'natural area' is loosely defined as a terrestrial or aquatic system that exhibits, or is thought to exhibit, high natural integrity and other significant natural values. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate and rank the currently recognized Aquatic Natural Areas (ANAs) and Aquatic Reference Areas (ARAs) on the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) for their natural area value. A previous study (Baranski 2009) analyzed, evaluated, and ranked terrestrial areas (Natural Areas [NAs], Reference Areas [RAs], and Cooperative Management Areas [CMAs]) on the ORR for natural area value, and a precise methodology for natural area evaluation was developed. The present study is intended to be a complement and companion to the terrestrial area study and attempts to employ a similar methodology for aquatic areas so that aquatic and terrestrial areas can be compared on a similar scale. This study specifically develops criteria for assessing the ecological, biodiversity, and natural area importance and significance of aquatic systems on the Reservation in a relevant and consistent manner. The information can be integrated into the Tennessee Natural Heritage Program (http://tn.gov/environment/na/nhp.shtml) system and applied to potential new aquatic areas. Further, the information will be useful in planning, management, and protection efforts on the ORR.« less

  3. Programmable rate modem utilizing digital signal processing techniques

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bunya, George K.; Wallace, Robert L.

    1989-01-01

    The engineering development study to follow was written to address the need for a Programmable Rate Digital Satellite Modem capable of supporting both burst and continuous transmission modes with either binary phase shift keying (BPSK) or quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) modulation. The preferred implementation technique is an all digital one which utilizes as much digital signal processing (DSP) as possible. Here design tradeoffs in each portion of the modulator and demodulator subsystem are outlined, and viable circuit approaches which are easily repeatable, have low implementation losses and have low production costs are identified. The research involved for this study was divided into nine technical papers, each addressing a significant region of concern in a variable rate modem design. Trivial portions and basic support logic designs surrounding the nine major modem blocks were omitted. In brief, the nine topic areas were: (1) Transmit Data Filtering; (2) Transmit Clock Generation; (3) Carrier Synthesizer; (4) Receive AGC; (5) Receive Data Filtering; (6) RF Oscillator Phase Noise; (7) Receive Carrier Selectivity; (8) Carrier Recovery; and (9) Timing Recovery.

  4. Crustal structure in the southern part of Central Java based on analysis of tele-seismic receiver function using a neighbourhood algorithm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ariyanto, P.; Syuhada; Rosid, S.; Anggono, T.; Januarti, Y.

    2018-03-01

    In this study, we applied receiver functions analysis to determine the crustal thickness, the ratio of Vp/Vs and the S wave velocity in the southern part of the Central Java. We selected tele-seismic data with magnitude more than 6 (M>6) and epicenter distance 30°-90° recorded from 3 broadband stations: UGM, YOGI, and WOJI station, as part of Indonesia-Geophone Network (IA-GE). Inversions were performed using nonlinear Neighborhood Algorithm (NA). We observed Ps phase conversion on the receiver functions corresponding to Moho depth at around 36-39 km. We also observed strong negative phase arrivals at around 10-12 s which might be associated with Indo-Australian subducting slab underneath the stations. The inversion results show the presence of low velocity zone with high Vp/Vs ratio (>1.78) in the middle crust around the study area which could be related to the Merapi-Lawu Anomaly (MLA).

  5. Comparison between intravenous paracetamol and fentanyl for intraoperative and postoperative pain relief in dilatation and evacuation: Prospective, randomized interventional trial.

    PubMed

    Ali, Muhammad Asghar; Shamim, Faisal; Chughtai, Shakaib

    2015-01-01

    Dilatation and Evacuation procedure involves pain, for which pain control measures need to be undertaken. The purpose of this study was to compare paracetamol with fentanyl for pain relief in dilatation and curettage procedures. Sixty female patients were randomly included during the period from March 1, 2012 to February 28, 2013. All patients had received oral midazolam 7.5 mg as a premedication 30 min before procedure in the ward. Group P had received intravenous (IV) paracetamol 15 mg/kg in the waiting area of the operating room 15 min before starting the procedure. Group F had received IV fentanyl 2 ug/kg/min at induction of anesthesia. Pain scores on a numerical rating scale at 5, 15, and 30 min intervals after surgery were recorded. Mild pain was commonly observed in both groups, an insignificant difference between groups. The study demonstrates the usefulness of IV paracetamol which may be as effective as fentanyl in dilation and curettage procedures.

  6. Language Profile in Congenital Hypothyroid Children Receiving Replacement Therapy.

    PubMed

    Soliman, Hend; Abdel Hady, Aisha Fawzy; Abdel Hamid, Asmaa; Mahmoud, Heba

    2016-01-01

    The aim of this work was to evaluate receptive and expressive language skills in children with congenital hypothyroidism receiving early hormonal replacement treatment before the age of 3 months and to identify any subtle areas of weaknesses in their language development to check the necessity for future language intervention. The study was conducted on 30 hypothyroid children receiving hormonal replacement. They were subdivided into group I (5-8 years 11 months; 12 cases) and group II (9-12 years 11 months; 18 cases). All patients were subjected to a protocol of assessment applied in the Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolism Pediatric Unit (DEMPU) and evaluation of language skills by the REAL scale. The younger group reached average Arabic language scores, while the older group showed moderate language delay. Early replacement therapy supports language development in young children. However, longitudinal and follow-up studies are required to identify difficulties presenting at older ages that may affect children in the academic settings. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  7. Interference from the Robledo DSN Transmitters to Central Madrid IMT-2000/UMTS System through Terrain Diffraction at S-Band

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ho, Christian M.; Sue, Miles K.; Peng, Ted K.; Smith, Ernest K.

    2002-01-01

    This study evaluates the possible interference from DSN Robledo 70-m transmitter with Madrid IMT-2000/UMTS wireless users in Spain as both systems will share the same frequency band. Using the effective earth radius, the 50 km terrain profile between Robledo and Madrid is modified and reconstructed. The diffraction propagation losses due to mountain peaks are calculated for the receivers in Madrid urban area. The mountains along the path are simplified into a rounded knife-edge and a rounded obstacle. The results show that for a near surface receiver (1.5 m above the ground) in Madrid, interference signal powers received are less than -135 dBm, which is far below the -109 dBm, the IMT-2000 wireless phone threshold. When a receiver is located at about 40 m above the ground (e.g., the top of Clock Tower of Cibeles Palace), diffraction will generate interference power less than -115 dBm. We find that our calculation results are basically consistent with those from the Longley-Rice model, while the latter has smaller loss because of the low resolution terrain profile used. As a comparison, we also find that the measurements of interference powers of -121.2 dBm at the top of Clock tower is in the range of the estimation. We conclude that the interference through the diffraction mechanism will not cause any problem to IMT-2000/UMTS users at near the surface of Madrid urban area.

  8. Adolescent relationship violence and acculturation among NYC Latinos.

    PubMed

    DuPont-Reyes, Melissa; Fry, Deborah; Rickert, Vaughn; Davidson, Leslie L

    2015-07-01

    Acculturation has been shown to positively and negatively affect Latino health. Little research investigates the overlap between acculturation and the different types of relationship violence among Latino youth and most research in this area predominantly involves Mexican-American samples. The current study examined associations between indices of acculturation (language use at home, chosen survey language, and nativity) and relationship physical violence and sexual coercion, both received and delivered, among predominantly Dominican and Puerto Rican adolescents from New York City. From 2006 to 2007, 1,454 adolescents aged 13-21 years in New York City completed an anonymous survey that included the Conflict in Adolescent Relationships Inventory which estimates experiences of physical violence and sexual coercion, both received and delivered, in the previous year. This analysis includes bivariate and multivariate methods to test the associations between language use at home, chosen survey language, and nativity with the different types of relationship violence. Among females, there is a significant association between language use at home and overall level of acculturation with delivering and receiving relationship physical violence; however, we did not find this association in delivering and receiving relationship sexual coercion. We found no association between acculturation and any type of relationship violence among males. Among Latina females, language spoken at home is an indicator of other protective factors of physical relationship violence. Future research in this area should explore the potential protective factors surrounding relationship violence among Latina females of various subgroups using comprehensive measures of acculturation, household composition and family engagement.

  9. [The radiological situation before and after Chernobyl disaster].

    PubMed

    Leoniak, Marcin; Zonenberg, Anna; Zarzycki, Wiesław

    2006-01-01

    The nuclear reactor accident, which occurred on 26 April 1986 at Chernobyl, has been one of the greatest ecological disasters in human history. In our study we discussed the most recent data on the accident, and the natural and synthetic sources of radiation. According to the recent data, the air at Chernobyl had been contaminated with about 5300 PBq radionuclide activity (excluding rare gases), including 1760 PBq (131)I and 85 PBq (137)Cs. The highest radiation received by the liquidators (0.8-16 Gy), lower doses were received by the population which was evacuated or inhabited the contaminated areas (in which the level of (137)Cs activity deposited in the earth was 37 kBq/m(2)). In the European countries the highest mean radiation dose per year for the whole body in the first year after the accident was in Bulgaria (760 microSv), Austria (670 microSv) and Greece (590 microSv), while the lowest radiation dose was observed in Portugal (1.8 microSv) and Spain (4.2 microSv). In Poland the mean effective equivalent dose resulting from Chernobyl accident was 932 microSv and is close to the limited dose permitted in Poland, equalling 1 mSv/year. The highest radiation dose to thyroid was received by inhabitants of the states previously known as Bielskopodlaskie, Nowosadeckie and the north-east region of Poland. Lowest dose was received by inhabitants of the areas previously known as Slupski and Rzeszowski.

  10. Bisphosphonate associated osteonecrosis of the jaw.

    PubMed

    Khan, Aliya A; Sándor, George K B; Dore, Edward; Morrison, Archibald D; Alsahli, Mazen; Amin, Faizan; Peters, Edmund; Hanley, David A; Chaudry, Sultan R; Lentle, Brian; Dempster, David W; Glorieux, Francis H; Neville, Alan J; Talwar, Reena M; Clokie, Cameron M; Mardini, Majd Al; Paul, Terri; Khosla, Sundeep; Josse, Robert G; Sutherland, Susan; Lam, David K; Carmichael, Robert P; Blanas, Nick; Kendler, David; Petak, Steven; Ste-Marie, Louis Georges; Brown, Jacques; Evans, A Wayne; Rios, Lorena; Compston, Juliet E

    2009-03-01

    In 2003, the first reports describing osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in patients receiving bisphosphonates (BP) were published. These cases occurred in patients with cancer receiving high-dose intravenous BP; however, 5% of the cases were in patients with osteoporosis receiving low-dose bisphosphonate therapy. We present the results of a systematic review of the incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of BP associated ONJ. We conducted a comprehensive literature search for relevant studies on BP associated ONJ in oncology and osteoporosis patients published before February 2008.All selected relevant articles were sorted by area of focus. Data for each area were abstracted by 2 independent reviewers. The results showed that the diagnosis is made clinically. Prospective data evaluating the incidence and etiologic factors are very limited. In oncology patients receiving high-dose intravenous BP, ONJ appears to be dependent on the dose and duration of therapy, with an estimated incidence of 1%-12% at 36 months of exposure. In osteoporosis patients, it is rare, with an estimated incidence < 1 case per 100,000 person-years of exposure. The incidence of ONJ in the general population is not known. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to confirm a causal link between low-dose BP use in the osteoporosis patient population and ONJ. We concluded BP associated ONJ is associated with high-dose BP therapy primarily in the oncology patient population. Prevention and treatment strategies are currently based on expert opinion and focus on maintaining good oral hygiene and conservative surgical intervention.

  11. Electromagnetic analysis of groundwater on the Arizona-Utah border

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vander Vis, T.; Porter, R. C.; Macy, J. P.

    2016-12-01

    Understanding subsurface structure and groundwater flow is an essential part of managing groundwater resources, especially in southwestern United States where supply is limited and demand is increasing. This study describes the preliminary results of a transient electromagnetic survey conducted on the Arizona-Utah border to better understand the groundwater system which supplies water to many wells and springs in the region. Electromagnetic surveys are ideal for groundwater investigations because they can locate and characterize areas of high conductivity, which often are indicative of groundwater. The study area is on the southwestern margin of the Colorado Plateau and consists of uplifted, flat-lying sedimentary units. Regionally, groundwater is located within the Navajo Sandstone and underlying Kayenta Formation as an unconfined aquifer that extends from Pipe Springs National Monument north to the East Fork of the Virgin River. This area is characterized by step-like structural blocks that accommodate small amounts of extension and are bounded by long north-south-trending normal faults. The Sevier Fault runs through the sedimentary units near the study area and has been shown to influence groundwater movement by offsetting permeable units west of the fault adjacent to impermeable units east of the fault. Electromagnetic measurements were recorded with a Zonge GDP-32 receiver at 30 receiver locations at 16 and 32 Hz with a 100mx100m transmitter loop. These data were used to create a subsurface conductivity model. Water levels from local wells and local geologic data were utilized to relate the geophysical data to the groundwater system. Preliminary results define the depth to water table and the location of the groundwater divide between the groundwater that flows north towards the springs that feed the East Fork of the Virgin River and the groundwater that flows south towards Pipe Springs National Monument.

  12. Photodynamic therapy is more effective than imiquimod for actinic keratosis in organ transplant recipients: a randomized intraindividual controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Togsverd-Bo, K; Halldin, C; Sandberg, C; Gonzalez, H; Wennberg, A M; Sørensen, S S; Wulf, H C; Haedersdal, M

    2018-04-01

    Actinic keratoses (AKs) in solid organ transplant recipients (OTRs) are difficult-to-treat premalignancies and comparison of topical therapies is therefore warranted. In an intraindividual study to compare the efficacy and safety of field treatment with methyl aminolaevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT) and imiquimod (IMIQ) for AKs in OTRs. OTRs (n = 35) with 572 AKs (grade I-III) in two similar areas on the face, scalp, dorsal hands or forearms were included. All patients received one MAL-PDT and one IMIQ session (three applications per week for 4 weeks) in each study area according to randomization. Treatments were repeated after 2 months (IMIQ) and 3 months (PDT) in skin with incomplete AK response. Outcome measures were complete lesion response (CR), skin reactions, laboratory results and treatment preference. The majority of study areas received two treatment sessions (PDT n = 25 patients; IMIQ n = 29 patients). At 3 months after two treatments, skin treated with PDT achieved a higher rate of CR (AK I-III median 78%; range 50-100) compared with IMIQ-treated skin areas (median 61%, range 33-100; P < 0·001). Fewer emergent AKs were seen in PDT-treated skin vs. IMIQ-treated skin (0·7 vs. 1·5 AKs, P = 0·04). Patients developed more intense inflammatory skin reactions following PDT, which resolved more rapidly compared with IMIQ (median 10 days vs. 18 days, P < 0·01). Patient preference (P = 0·47) and cosmesis (P > 0·30) were similar for PDT and IMIQ. Compared with IMIQ, PDT treatment obtained a higher rate of AK clearance at 3-month follow-up and achieved shorter-lasting, but more intense, short-term skin reactions. © 2017 British Association of Dermatologists.

  13. Utility of hepatic transaminases in children with concern for abuse.

    PubMed

    Lindberg, Daniel M; Shapiro, Robert A; Blood, Emily A; Steiner, R Daryl; Berger, Rachel P

    2013-02-01

    Routine testing of hepatic transaminases, amylase, and lipase has been recommended for all children evaluated for physical abuse, but rates of screening are widely variable, even among abuse specialists, and data for amylase and lipase testing are lacking. A previous study of screening in centers that endorsed routine transaminase screening suggested that using a transaminase threshold of 80 IU/L could improve injury detection. Our objectives were to prospectively validate the test characteristics of the 80-IU/L threshold and to determine the utility of amylase and lipase to detect occult abdominal injury. This was a retrospective secondary analysis of the Examining Siblings To Recognize Abuse research network, a multicenter study in children younger than 10 years old who underwent subspecialty evaluation for physical abuse. We determined rates of identified abdominal injuries and results of transaminase, amylase, and lipase testing. Screening studies were compared by using basic test characteristics (sensitivity, specificity) and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Abdominal injuries were identified in 82 of 2890 subjects (2.8%; 95% confidence interval: 2.3%-3.5%). Hepatic transaminases were obtained in 1538 (53%) subjects. Hepatic transaminases had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.87. A threshold of 80 IU/L yielded sensitivity of 83.8% and specificity of 83.1%. The areas under the curve for amylase and lipase were 0.67 and 0.72, respectively. Children evaluated for physical abuse with transaminase levels >80 IU/L should undergo definitive testing for abdominal injury.

  14. North Dakota geology school receives major gift

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Showstack, Randy

    2012-10-01

    Petroleum geology and related areas of study at the University of North Dakota (UND) received a huge financial boost with the announcement on 24 September of $14 million in private and public partnership funding. The university announced the naming of the Harold Hamm School of Geology and Geological Engineering, formerly a department within the College of Engineering and Mines, in recognition of $10 million provided as a gift by oilman Harold Hamm and Continental Resources, Inc. Hamm is the chair and chief executive officer of Continental, the largest leaseholder in the Bakken Play oil formation in North Dakota and Montana, and he is also an energy policy advisor to Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. UND also received $4 million from the Oil and Gas Research Program of the North Dakota Industrial Commission to support geology and geological engineering education and research.

  15. NASA aviation safety reporting system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Billings, C. E.; Lauber, J. K.; Funkhouser, H.; Lyman, E. G.; Huff, E. M.

    1976-01-01

    The origins and development of the NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) are briefly reviewed. The results of the first quarter's activity are summarized and discussed. Examples are given of bulletins describing potential air safety hazards, and the disposition of these bulletins. During the first quarter of operation, the ASRS received 1464 reports; 1407 provided data relevant to air safety. All reports are being processed for entry into the ASRS data base. During the reporting period, 130 alert bulletins describing possible problems in the aviation system were generated and disseminated. Responses were received from FAA and others regarding 108 of the alert bulletins. Action was being taken with respect to 70 of the 108 responses received. Further studies are planned of a number of areas, including human factors problems related to automation of the ground and airborne portions of the national aviation system.

  16. Lithospheric structure of the southern French Alps inferred from broadband analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bertrand, E.; Deschamps, A.

    2000-11-01

    Broadband receiver functions analysis is commonly used to evaluate the fine-scale S-velocity structure of the lithosphere. We analyse teleseismic P-waves and their coda from 30 selected teleseismic events recorded at three seismological stations of to the French TGRS network in the Alpes Maritimes. Receiver functions are computed in the time domain using an SVD matrix inversion method. Dipping Moho and lateral heterogeneities beneath the array are inferred from the amplitude, arrival time and polarity of locally-generated PS phases. We propose that the Moho dips 11° towards 25°±10°N below station CALF, in the outer part of the Alpine belt. At this station, we determine a Moho depth of about 20±2 km; the same depth is suggested below SAOF station also located in the fold-trust belt. Beneath station STET located in the inner part of the Alpine belt, the Moho depth increases to 30 km and dips towards the N-NW. Moreover, 1D-modelling of summed receiver function from STET station constrains a crustal structure significantly different from that observed at stations located in the outer part of the Alps. Indeed, beneath CALF and SAOF stations we need a 2 km thick shallow low velocity layer to fit best the observed receiver functions whereas this layer seems not to be present beneath STET station. Because recent P-coda studies have shown that near-receiver scattering can dominate teleseismic P-wave recordings in tectonically complicated areas, we account for effect of scattering energy in our records from array measurements. As the array aperture is wide relative to the heterogeneity scale length in the area, the array analysis produces only smooth imaging of scatterers beneath the stations.

  17. Analysis of stand basal area development of thinned and unthinned Acer rubrum forests in the upper Great Lakes region, USA

    Treesearch

    Justin L. Pszwaro; Anthony W. D' Amato; Thomas E. Burk; Matthew B. Russell; Brian J. Palik; Terry F. Strong

    2016-01-01

    Red maple (Acer rubrum L.), historically a common but not abundant tree species in North America, has increased in abundance throughout its range over the last several decades; however, it has received little attention in growth and yield studies. The objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate the effects of stocking level and stand density on...

  18. Health education and community participation in the control of urinary schistosomiasis in Ghana.

    PubMed

    Aryeetey, M E; Aholu, C; Wagatsuma, Y; Bentil, G; Nkrumah, F K; Kojima, S

    1999-06-01

    To study the role of health education and community participation for the provision of facilities necessary for the control of urinary schistosomiasis in southern Ghana. Health education facilitates community participation in the provision of facilities for the control of bilharzia. Three rural communities drained by the Densu river in southern Ghana. Individuals aged 14 years and above formed groups of 10-12 persons by age, sex, ethnic and educational background; 15-16 groups were formed. Based on existing structures, one community received active, another passive health education and the third had no education. All three communities received chemotherapy. Study was carried out in three phases: pre-intervention phase--during which baseline data on residents' knowledge, attitude, beliefs and perception about bilharzia were collected using focus group discussions (FGD) prior to the second phase, intervention. Another FGD was held after 18 months to evaluate the intervention--third phase. This study suggests that most community members were aware of schistosomiasis but not as a disease. Before the health education, some residents believed bilharzia was a sign of manhood while others attributed the red colour of the urine to the red colour of a variety of sugar cane eaten in the area. After the health education, residents in the three areas constructed hand-dug wells. In addition, those who received active health education constructed two toilets for the schools and weeded the banks of the rivers. Residents also associated the disease with the water snail. Health education was useful in changing community perception on bilharzia.

  19. WOUND HEALING ACTIVITY OF EXTRACT FROM THYMUS DAENENSIS IN BURN WOUND MODEL: AN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL STUDY.

    PubMed

    Babaeizadeh, Simin; Heydarnejhad, Saeed; Pirbalouti, Abdollah Ghasemi; Khamesipoor, Faham; Moghtadaei-Khorasgani, Elham; Heydari-Soureshjani, Parisa

    2016-11-01

    Bum wound is one of the most common complications and remains a major public health issue affecting all ages groups in both developed and developing countries. This study was aimed to evaluate the extract from Thymus daenensis and silver sulfadiazine on healing bum wounds in mice. In this experimental study, the ethanol extract from the aerial parts of T. daenensis (Lamiaceae) was used. Second-degree bum wounds were induced in three groups of eight Balb/C mice each. Group-I: the animals were treated with simple cream (control), Group-II: the animals were treated with simple cream containing the herb extract, and Group-III: the animals received the standard drug (silver sulfadiazine). The experimental groups were evaluated based on wound area, epithelialization time and histopathological characteristics. There were significant differences in surface area and the period of bum wound healing between the groups, particularly among Group-II when the animals received the extract of T. daenensis in comparison with control. At the 18" day, there was no significant improvement in healing percentage of the herb treated (94.6%) in comparison to the animals receiving the standard drug (95.8%). The best results of histopathological investigation were obtained with the extract of T. daenensis, when compared to the other group as well as to the control and standard drug. The herbal cream experimentally and histopathologically revealed a bum wound healing activity probably due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of its phytochemical contents, especially phenolic compounds. Therefore, T. daenensis accelerated wound healing in mice and thus supports its traditional use.

  20. Radiation countermeasure agents: an update (2011 – 2014)

    PubMed Central

    Newman, Victoria L; Romaine, Patricia LP; Wise, Stephen Y; Seed, Thomas M

    2014-01-01

    Introduction Despite significant scientific advances over the past 60 years towards the development of a safe, nontoxic and effective radiation countermeasure for the acute radiation syndrome (ARS), no drug has been approved by the US FDA. A radiation countermeasure to protect the population at large from the effects of lethal radiation exposure remains a significant unmet medical need of the US citizenry and, thus, has been recognized as a high priority area by the government. Area covered This article reviews relevant publications and patents for recent developments and progress for potential ARS treatments in the area of radiation countermeasures. Emphasis is placed on the advanced development of existing agents since 2011 and new agents identified as radiation countermeasure for ARS during this period. Expert opinion A number of promising radiation countermeasures are currently under development, seven of which have received US FDA investigational new drug status for clinical investigation. Four of these agents, CBLB502, Ex-RAD, HemaMax and OrbeShield, are progressing with large animal studies and clinical trials. G-CSF has high potential and well-documented therapeutic effects in countering myelosuppression and may receive full licensing approval by the US FDA in the future. PMID:25315070

  1. How does coconut oil affect cognitive performance in alzheimer patients?

    PubMed

    De la Rubia Ortí, José Enrique; Sánchez Álvarez, Carmen; Selvi Sabater, Pablo; Bueno Cayo, Alma María; Sancho Castillo, Sandra; Rochina, Mariano Julián; Hu Yang, Iván

    2017-03-30

    Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative dementia in developed world. This fact, coupled with the lack cure, makes new no pharmacological therapeutic strategies such as nutrient management to investigate. In this regard, it stresses the possible influence of coconut oil as alternative energy source capable of stopping the progressively neuronal death that occurs in this disease. Objectives: To assess the cognitive impact of coconut oil in Alzheimer’s patients, and specifically in orientation, language-building, fixing, calculation-concentration and memory areas. Methods: Prospective, longitudinal, qualitative, analytical and experimental study through a clinical trial where 44 patients with Alzheimer’s in region of Ribera (Valencia), of which half was selected to receive during 21 days, 40 ml coconut oil daily divided between breakfast (20 ml) and food (20 ml). Before and after administration of the oil, they were evaluated through cognitive test Mini-Mental State Examination to determine possible changes. Results: It was observed in patients who received coconut oil, that cognitive improvement after completion of the intervention, statistically significant improved in the orientation and language-construction areas. Conclusions: Coconut oil appears to improve cognitive abilities of Alzheimer’s patients, with different intensity depending on the cognitive area.

  2. Does subsidy work? Price elasticity of demand for influenza vaccination among the elderly in Japan.

    PubMed

    Kondo, Masahide; Hoshi, Shu-ling; Okubo, Ichiro

    2009-08-01

    Subsidy for influenza vaccination is often provided to the elderly in order to encourage them to receive a flu shot in developed countries. However, its effect on uptake rate, i.e., price elasticity of demand, has not been well studied. Japan's decentralised vaccination programme allows observation of various pairs in price and uptake rate of flu shots among the elderly by the municipality from 2001/2002 to 2004/2005 season. We combine our sample survey data (n=281), which monitor price, subsidy and uptake rate, with published data on local characteristics in order to estimate price elasticity of demand with panel model. We find price elasticity of demand for influenza vaccine: nearly zero in nationwide, nearly zero in urban area, and -1.07 in rural area. The results question the rationale for subsidy, especially in urban area. There are cases where maintaining or increasing the level of subsidy is not an efficient allocation of finite health care resources. When organising a vaccination programme, health manager should be careful about the balance between subsidy and other efforts in order to encourage the elderly to receive shots with price elasticity in mind.

  3. Effect of interactive metronome training on children with ADHD.

    PubMed

    Shaffer, R J; Jacokes, L E; Cassily, J F; Greenspan, S I; Tuchman, R F; Stemmer, P J

    2001-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a specific intervention, the Interactive Metronome, on selected aspects of motor and cognitive skills in a group of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study included 56 boys who were 6years to 12 years of age and diagnosed before they entered the study as having ADHD. The participants were pretested and randomly assigned to one of three matched groups. A group of 19 participants receiving 15 hr of Interactive Metronome training exercises were compared with a group receiving no intervention and a group receiving training on selected computer video games. A significant pattern of improvement across 53 of 58 variables favoring the Interactive Metronome treatment was found. Additionally, several significant differences were found among the treatment groups and between pretreatment and posttreatment factors on performance in areas of attention, motor control, language processing, reading, and parental reports of improvements in regulation of aggressive behavior. The Interactive Metronome training appears to facilitate a number of capacities, including attention, motor control, and selected academic skills, in boys with ADHD.

  4. a Precise, Low-Cost Rtk Gnss System for Uav Applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stempfhuber, W.; Buchholz, M.

    2011-09-01

    High accuracy with real-time positioning of moving objects has been considered a standard task of engineering geodesy for 10 to 15 years. An absolute positioning accuracy of 1-3 cm is generally possible worldwide and is further used in many areas of machine guidance (machine control and guidance), and farming (precision farming) as well as for various special applications (e.g. railway trolley, mining, etc.). The cost of the measuring instruments required for the use of geodetic L1/L2 receivers with a local reference station amounts to approximately USD 30,000 to 50,000. Therefore, dual frequency RTK GNSS receivers are not used in the mass market. Affordable GPS/GNSS modules have already reached the mass market in various areas such as mobile phones, car navigation, the leisure industry, etc. Kinematic real-time positioning applications with centimetre or decimetre levels could also evolve into a mass product. In order for this to happen, the costs for such systems must lie between USD 1,000 to 2,000. What exactly low-cost means is determined by the precise specifications of the given individual application. Several university studies in geodesy focus on the approach of high-accuracy positioning by means of single frequency receivers for static applications [e.g. GLABSCH et. al. 2009, SCHWIEGER and GLÄSER 2005, ALKAN 2010, REALINI et. al. 2010, KORTH and HOFMANN 2011]. Although intelligent approaches have been developed that compute a trajectory in the post-processing mode [REALINI et. al., 2010], at present, there are only a very few GNSS Low-Cost Systems that enable real-time processing. This approach to precise position determination by means of the computation of static raw data with single frequency receivers is currently being explored in a research project at the Beuth Hochschule für Technik Berlin - and is being further developed for kinematic applications. The project is embedded in the European Social Fund. It is a follow-up project in the area of static positioning with single GNSS frequency receivers [KORTH and HOFMANN, 2011].

  5. Assessing the role of the medial preoptic area in ethanol-induced hypothermia.

    PubMed

    Westerman, Ashley T; Roma, Peter G; Price, Rebecca C; Dominguez, Juan M

    2010-05-07

    Administration of ethanol produces hypothermia. The preoptic area/anterior hypothalamus (POA/AH) contains warm- and cold-sensitive neurons that are important for temperature regulation. The present study evaluated the effect of ethanol on Fos immunoreactivity (Fos-ir) in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) and the effect of lesions to the MPOA on ethanol-induced hypothermia. Rats receiving 1.5-g/kg ethanol showed an increase in Fos-ir in the MPOA. However, lesions to the MPOA did not affect core body temperature. These findings indicate that ethanol increases neural activity in the MPOA, but this increased activity does not influence ethanol-induced changes in core body temperature. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. 7 CFR 1737.11 - Preapplication determinations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... application to RUS, the borrower should consider the following: (a) Area to be served. The proposed service area should neither include subscribers already receiving adequate service from another telephone... and are located between the proposed system and neighboring systems. See 7 CFR 1735.11 on Area...

  7. Lunches Packed by Caregivers for Children in Pre-School Day Care Centers.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Spillman, Diana

    1994-01-01

    Visited five preschools in the Cincinnati, Ohio, area on three occasions. At each visit, the content of the lunch provided to the children was studied. Found that all lunches were prepared by caregivers and all children received lunches. The lunches contained adequate protein, milk, bread, and fluid, but there was underutilization of vegetables…

  8. Closing the Classroom Door and the Achievement Gap: Teach for America Alumni Teachers' Appropriation of Arizona Language Policy

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Heineke, Amy J.; Cameron, Quanna

    2013-01-01

    This qualitative study explored Teach for America (TFA) alumni teachers' discourse on Arizona language policy, conducted with eight teachers in the Phoenix metropolitan area who received their professional teacher preparation from TFA, a national organization that uses alternative paths to certification to place teachers in low-income schools.…

  9. Equity in Educational Resources at the School Level in Korea

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Woo, Myung Suk

    2010-01-01

    This paper analyzed the equity of resources at the elementary school level in Korea using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM). The data included 2,327 Korean public elementary schools in 101 Local Governments within five Local Educational Offices (LEOs). This study found that schools in low property tax per resident areas receive fewer grants,…

  10. The Relationship between Principal Beliefs about Effective Leadership Practices and the Enactment of Those Beliefs Related to Literacy Instruction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Harrison, Sonya Elaine Somerville

    2012-01-01

    This exploratory study was prompted by mandated curricular change within the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) Empowerment Schools. Empowerment Schools are schools that receive highly targeted instructional and non-instructional resources to improve student learning. Supports and services are concentrated in four areas: instruction, student…

  11. The Transaction between Teachers' Comments and Students' Revisions: Catalysts and Obstacles.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Onore, Cynthia S.

    One area of the writing process that has received considerable attention is revision. A case study was conducted to generate a picture of the effects of revision on texts, the writers' intentions and perceptions, and readers' assessments of the written products. Three students--Dan, Alex, and Miranda--enrolled in a required expository writing…

  12. The Achievement Checkup: Tracking the Post-Elementary Outcomes of Baltimore Need-Based Scholarship Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schuh, Alex

    2015-01-01

    This study examined the high school experiences, graduation rates and post-secondary attendance rates of students who received need-based scholarships to attend private elementary schools from the Children's Scholarship Fund Baltimore (CSFB). CSFB provides funds to students from low-income families in the Baltimore area to attend the private or…

  13. Back to Africa: Tracing Dyslexia Genes in East Africa

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Grigorenko, Elena L.; Naples, Adam; Chang, Joseph; Romano, Christina; Ngorosho, Damaris; Kungulilo, Selemani; Jukes, Matthew; Bundy, Donald

    2007-01-01

    A sample of Swahili-speaking probands with reading difficulties was identified from a large representative sample of 1,500 school children in the rural areas of Tanzania. Families of these probands (n = 88) were invited to participate in the study. The proband and his/her siblings received a battery of reading-related tasks and performance on…

  14. Corrective Feedback (CF) and English-Major EFL Learners' Ability in Grammatical Error Detection and Correction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Asassfeh, Sahail M.

    2013-01-01

    Corrective feedback (CF), the implicit or explicit information learners receive indicating a gap between their current, compared to the desired, performance, has been an area of interest for EFL researchers during the last few decades. This study, conducted on 139 English-major prospective EFL teachers, assessed the impact of two CF types…

  15. Showing Your Pride: A National Survey of Queer Student Centres in Canadian Colleges and Universities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ecker, John; Rae, Jennifer; Bassi, Amandeep

    2015-01-01

    The presence of queer student centres (QSCs) across Canadian universities and colleges is largely unknown. It is an important area of investigation since queer-identified students have previously identified several benefits of these services, including receiving support from other queer individuals. The focus of the current study was to determine…

  16. Save Me from Myself: College Students' Fears of Losing Control and Acting Violently

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hayes, Jeffrey A.; Crane, Amy L.; Locke, Benjamin D.

    2010-01-01

    Violent behavior on college campuses has been a long-standing problem that has received increased attention due to recent shootings. At present, the factors that predict college students' violent behavior are not well understood. To increase knowledge in this area, two studies were conducted that examined the prevalence and predictors of college…

  17. Conifer regeneration in stand-replacement portions of a large mixed-severity wildfire in the Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains

    Treesearch

    Daniel C. Donato; Joseph B. Fontaine; John L. Campbell; W. Douglas Robinson; J. Boone Kauffman; Beverly E. Law

    2009-01-01

    Large-scale wildfires (~104-106 ha) have the potential to eliminate seed sources over broad areas and thus may lead to qualitatively different regeneration dynamics than in small burns; however, regeneration after such events has received little study in temperate forests. Following a 200 000 ha mixed-severity...

  18. Diversity and Educational Challenges in Oslo and Los Angeles--A Metropolitan Perspective nr 2

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Özerk, Kamil; Kerchner, Charles Taylor

    2014-01-01

    Receiving, accommodation and education of children with immigrant background is one of the challenging issues in almost all the metropolitan areas in many countries. In our study we are exploring the impact of demographic changes on political agendas, legal frames, educational approaches, research findings and student achievement in the field of…

  19. Teaching Language Minority Students in Los Angeles and Oslo--A Metropolitan Perspective nr 1

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kerchner, Charles Taylor; Özerk, Kamil

    2014-01-01

    Receiving, accommodation and education of children with immigrant background is one of the challenging issues in almost all the metropolitan areas in many countries. In our study we are exploring the impact of demographic changes on political agendas, legal frames, educational approaches, research findings and student achievement in the field of…

  20. Creating Space for Teacher Activism in Environmental Education: Pre-Service Teachers' Experiences

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Campigotto, Rachelle; Barrett, Sarah E.

    2017-01-01

    Ontario, Canada mandates integrating environmental education (EE) into all subject areas from K-12, but pre-service teachers receive little to no instruction on how to do so. This study focusses on the experiences of 13 pre-service students who demonstrated their passion for EE through their own activism and volunteerism. Findings include the…

  1. Academia Cuauhtli and the Eagle: "Danza Mexica" and the Epistemology of the Circle

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Valenzuela, Angela; Zamora, Emilio; Rubio, Brenda

    2015-01-01

    English learners are best supported when they receive culturally relevant content-area instruction in their first language. Numerous studies (e.g., Lindholm-Leary 2001) support this approach, and bilingual and dual language teachers in the community of Austin, Texas, have called for curricular resources. In response, a group of researchers,…

  2. 20 CFR 901.12 - Eligibility for enrollment of individuals applying for enrollment before January 1, 1976.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... course of study in which the major area of concentration was actuarial science, or (2) Received a... mathematics, statistics, or computer science, and shall have successfully completed at least 6 semester hours or 9 quarter hours of courses in life contingencies at an accredited college or university. (e...

  3. Web Pages as an Interdisciplinary Tool in English for Architects Classes.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mansilla, Paloma Ubeda

    2002-01-01

    Proposes the use of web pages as an interdisciplinary tool in classes of English for professional and academic purposes. Languages and computing are two areas of knowledge that the graduate of the Polytechnic University of Madrid and its School of architecture need to study in order to supplement the education received during their degree with the…

  4. Evaluation of an employee assistance program.

    PubMed

    Nadolski, J N; Sandonato, C E

    1987-01-01

    The objective of the EAP effectiveness study was to determine the effectiveness of the EAP counseling services. The results demonstrate that employees who received help from the company's EAP subsequently improved their work performance. Although these results cannot be generalized to other EAPs, the results are encouraging and point toward a need for more research in this area.

  5. Coordinating Education & Industry in the 1990's: A Strategy for Managing a Food Service/Hospitality Program.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rogalla, Edward V.

    Research was conducted to determine areas of strengths and weaknesses of the Food Service/Hospitality Management program of Ferris State University (Michigan). The study examined graduates' perceptions of the preparation they received and of the adequacy of their preparation for the hospitality industry. A literature review focused on strategies…

  6. Affirmative Action in Employment: An Overview. Briefing Paper.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Burns, Jodi

    All but 3-4% of the 91,189 complaints of alleged discrimination received by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 1994 were dismissed for lack of sufficient proof of discrimination. A 1995 study of the extent of voluntary affirmative action found that 37% of a sample of 138 employers surveyed in the Philadelphia area had implemented steps…

  7. Educating Masters of Public Health Students on Tobacco Control and Prevention: An Integrated Curriculum Approach

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lowe, John; Aquilino, Mary; Abramsohn, Erin

    2007-01-01

    Objectives: Comprehensive training in the area of tobacco control and prevention has not been available to public health students receiving professional degrees. This study describes findings of a project designed to develop and evaluate an integrated approach to the education of Masters of Public Health (MPH) students at the University of Iowa…

  8. How Patient Interactions with a Computer-Based Video Intervention Affect Decisions to Test for HIV

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Aronson, Ian David; Rajan, Sonali; Marsch, Lisa A.; Bania, Theodore C.

    2014-01-01

    The current study examines predictors of HIV test acceptance among emergency department patients who received an educational video intervention designed to increase HIV testing. A total of 202 patients in the main treatment areas of a high-volume, urban hospital emergency department used inexpensive netbook computers to watch brief educational…

  9. 20 CFR 901.12 - Eligibility for enrollment of individuals applying for enrollment before January 1, 1976.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... course of study in which the major area of concentration was actuarial science, or (2) Received a... mathematics, statistics, or computer science, and shall have successfully completed at least 6 semester hours or 9 quarter hours of courses in life contingencies at an accredited college or university. (e...

  10. Bereavement and Loss: Developing a Memory Box to Support a Young Woman with Profound Learning Disabilities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Young, Hannah; Garrard, Brenda

    2016-01-01

    Supporting bereaved people with profound learning disabilities still remains an under-researched area. Moreover, the barriers of communication and disenfranchised grief mean that they often do not receive the support they require, leading to emotional and behavioural difficulties. This article describes research using a case study design, which…

  11. Career and Education Patterns of Rural Women.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lichtman, Marilyn; Rothschild, Susan J. S.

    Data drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972 and follow-up surveys through 1979 were used to explore career and educational patterns of two groups of women: those who received their high school education in rural areas and remained, and those who left for larger communities. Over 40% of the sample were…

  12. Young Adults' Perceptions of an Adolescent's Use of Marijuana and Alcohol

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nabors, Laura A.; Brubaker, Michael D.; Hoffman, Sarah; Shipley, Halley; Pangallo, Jordan; Strong, Amanda

    2012-01-01

    Adolescent substance use is a serious problem often invoking negative reactions. The current study extends the literature in this area. A total of 425 college students read one of five vignettes, each of which described an adolescent who used marijuana, hard liquor, or drank an occasional beer (control) and who had received or not received…

  13. Afferentation of the lateral nidopallium: A tracing study of a brain area involved in sexual imprinting in the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata).

    PubMed

    Sadananda, Monika; Bischof, Hans-Joachim

    2006-08-23

    The lateral forebrain of zebra finches that comprises parts of the lateral nidopallium and parts of the lateral mesopallium is supposed to be involved in the storage and processing of visual information acquired by an early learning process called sexual imprinting. This information is later used to select an appropriate sexual partner for courtship behavior. Being involved in such a complicated behavioral task, the lateral nidopallium should be an integrative area receiving input from many other regions of the brain. Our experiments indeed show that the lateral nidopallium receives input from a variety of telencephalic regions including the primary and secondary areas of both visual pathways, the globus pallidus, the caudolateral nidopallium functionally comparable to the prefrontal cortex, the caudomedial nidopallium involved in song perception and storage of song-related memories, and some parts of the arcopallium. There are also a number of thalamic, mesencephalic, and brainstem efferents including the catecholaminergic locus coeruleus and the unspecific activating reticular formation. The spatial distribution of afferents suggests a compartmentalization of the lateral nidopallium into several subdivisions. Based on its connections, the lateral nidopallium should be considered as an area of higher order processing of visual information coming from the tectofugal and the thalamofugal visual pathways. Other sensory modalities and also motivational factors from a variety of brain areas are also integrated here. These findings support the idea of an involvement of the lateral nidopallium in imprinting and the control of courtship behavior.

  14. Pollution loads in urban runoff and sanitary wastewater.

    PubMed

    Taebi, Amir; Droste, Ronald L

    2004-07-05

    While more attention has been paid in recent years to urban point source pollution control through the establishment of wastewater treatment plants in many developing countries, no considerable planning nor any serious measures have been taken to control urban non-point source pollution (urban stormwater runoff). The present study is a screening analysis to investigate the pollution loads in urban runoff compared to point source loads as a first prerequisite for planning and management of receiving water quality. To compare pollutant loads from point and non-point urban sources, the pollutant load is expressed as the weight of pollutant per hectare area per year (kg/ha.year). Unit loads were estimated in stormwater runoff, raw sanitary wastewater and secondary treatment effluents in Isfahan, Iran. Results indicate that the annual pollution load in urban runoff is lower than the annual pollution load in sanitary wastewater in areas with low precipitation but it is higher in areas with high precipitation. Two options, namely, advanced treatment (in lieu of secondary treatment) of sanitary wastewater and urban runoff quality control systems (such as detention ponds) were investigated as controlling systems for pollution discharges into receiving waters. The results revealed that for Isfahan, as a low precipitation urban area, advanced treatment is a more suitable option, but for high precipitation urban areas, urban surface runoff quality control installations were more effective for suspended solids and oxygen-demanding matter controls, and that advanced treatment is the more effective option for nutrient control.

  15. Stereological estimation of ovarian oocyte volume, surface area and number: application on mice treated with nandrolone decanoate.

    PubMed

    Karbalay-Doust, Saied; Noorafshan, Ali

    2012-07-05

    Changes in the number and size of oocytes can lead to fertilization problems. The present study aimed to evaluate the number, volume, and surface area of oocytes in healthy as well as nandrolone decanoate-treated (ND) mice using stereological methods. Five control mice received vehicle, and five ND-treated mice received ND. Using the 'isotropic Cavalieri' design', the ovary was sectioned. The volume of the ovary (cortex and medulla) was estimated. The oocytes' volume and surface area were estimated using the invariator. The number of the oocytes was estimated using an optical disector. The volumes of the ovary, cortex, and medulla decreased ~50% in the ND-treated mice. The mean number (coefficient of variation) of preantral, antral, and atretic oocytes in the control ovary were 1,690 (0.29), 2,100 (0.52), and 3,900 (0.2), respectively, which decreased ~54%, ~87%, and ~91%, respectively in the ND-treated animals. The mean volume (coefficient of variation) of the preantral, antral, and atretic oocytes were 86,000 (0.27), 110,000 (0.48), and 27,000 (0.33) μm³, respectively. The mean surface area (coefficient of variation) of the three types of oocytes were 9,000 (0.24), 9,900 (0.28), and 4,700 (0.21) μm², respectively. These parameters remained unchanged in the ND-treated mice. ND induces reduction in the number of oocytes, but not in the volume or the surface area.

  16. The Effect of Food or Omeprazole on the Pharmacokinetics of Osimertinib in Patients With Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer and in Healthy Volunteers.

    PubMed

    Vishwanathan, Karthick; Dickinson, Paul A; Bui, Khanh; Cassier, Philippe A; Greystoke, Alastair; Lisbon, Eleanor; Moreno, Victor; So, Karen; Thomas, Karen; Weilert, Doris; Yap, Timothy A; Plummer, Ruth

    2018-04-01

    Two phase 1, open-label studies assessed the impact of food or gastric pH modification (omeprazole) on the exposure and safety/tolerability of osimertinib and its metabolites. The food effect study was an open-label, 2-period crossover study in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, randomized into 2 treatment sequences: single-dose osimertinib 80 mg in a fed then fasted state or fasted then fed. The gastric pH study was an open-label, 2-period fixed sequence study assessing the effect of omeprazole on osimertinib exposure in healthy male volunteers. In period 1, volunteers received omeprazole 40 mg (days 1-4), then omeprazole 40 mg plus osimertinib 80 mg (day 5). In period 2, volunteers received osimertinib 80 mg alone (single dose). Blood samples were collected at prespecified time points for pharmacokinetic analyses. Safety/tolerability was also assessed. In the food effect study 38 patients were randomized to fed/fasted (n = 18) or fasted/fed (n = 20) sequences with all patients completing treatment. Coadministration with food did not affect osimertinib exposure (geometric least-squares mean ratios [90% confidence intervals]: 106.05% [94.82%, 118.60%] [area under the plasma concentration time curve from zero to 72 hours] and 92.75% [81.40%, 105.68%] [maximum plasma concentration]). In the gastric pH study (n = 68 received treatment, n = 47 completed the study), coadministration with omeprazole did not affect osimertinib exposure (geometric least-squares mean ratios 106.66% [100.26%, 113.46%] [area under the concentration-time curve], 101.65% [94.65%, 109.16%] [peak concentration]). Osimertinib was well tolerated in both studies. Osimertinib may be administered without regard to food. Dose restriction is not required in patients whose gastric pH may be altered by concomitant agents or medical conditions. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02224053, NCT02163733. © 2017, The American College of Clinical Pharmacology.

  17. Assessment of a severe-weather warning system and disaster preparedness, Calhoun County, Alabama, 1994.

    PubMed Central

    Liu, S; Quenemoen, L E; Malilay, J; Noji, E; Sinks, T; Mendlein, J

    1996-01-01

    Tornado preparedness warning system effectiveness, and shelter-seeking behavior were examined in two Alabama areas after tornado warnings. In the area without sirens, only 28.9% of 194 respondents heard a tornado warning of these, 73.2% first received the warning from radios or television. In the area with sirens, 88.1% of 193 respondents heard a warning, and 61.8% first received the warning from a siren. Knowledge of warnings, access to shelter, and education were key predictors for seeking shelter. Our findings indicate that installing sirens, providing access to shelter, and teaching appropriate responses to warnings are important elements of an effective disaster prevention system. PMID:8561251

  18. Quantifying changes in nigrosomes using quantitative susceptibility mapping and neuromelanin imaging for the diagnosis of early-stage Parkinson's disease.

    PubMed

    Takahashi, Hiroto; Watanabe, Yoshiyuki; Tanaka, Hisashi; Mihara, Masahito; Mochizuki, Hideki; Liu, Tian; Wang, Yi; Tomiyama, Noriyuki

    2018-06-01

    To quantify nigral changes with a focus on their spatial variation within the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) for diagnosing early-stage Parkinson's disease (PD). The study participants were 18 patients with early-stage PD (PD group) and 18 healthy controls (HC group) who underwent quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and neuromelanin imaging. The QSM and neuromelanin values in each whole SNpc containing the entire nigrosome and dorsolateral SNpc containing nigrosome 1 were calculated. The neuromelanin area was defined as the volume with a signal-to-noise ratio higher than that of the background region. The significance of intergroup differences in the QSM value and neuromelanin area in each SNpc region was tested. Logit (p) was used to estimate the probability of PD in relation to the QSM value and the neuromelanin area, and receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed for each value. In both SNpc, QSM values were significantly higher and neuromelanin areas were significantly lower in the PD group compared with the HC group (p < 0.05). The respective areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the two groups were 0.70/0.73 for the QSM value, 0.81/0.78 for the neuromelanin area in the whole/dorsolateral SNpc, and 0.86 for logit (p) in relation to the QSM value of the dorsolateral SNpc and the neuromelanin area of the whole SNpc. Comprehensive MRI assessment of the abnormality involving the nigrosomes can yield a high diagnostic performance for early-stage PD. Advances in knowledge: Focusing on spatial differences in nigral changes within the SNpc can increase the sensitivity of the detection of PD-related neurodegenerative changes.

  19. High-order motor cortex in rats receives somatosensory inputs from the primary motor cortex via cortico-cortical pathways.

    PubMed

    Kunori, Nobuo; Takashima, Ichiro

    2016-12-01

    The motor cortex of rats contains two forelimb motor areas; the caudal forelimb area (CFA) and the rostral forelimb area (RFA). Although the RFA is thought to correspond to the premotor and/or supplementary motor cortices of primates, which are higher-order motor areas that receive somatosensory inputs, it is unknown whether the RFA of rats receives somatosensory inputs in the same manner. To investigate this issue, voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) imaging was used to assess the motor cortex in rats following a brief electrical stimulation of the forelimb. This procedure was followed by intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) mapping to identify the motor representations in the imaged cortex. The combined use of VSD imaging and ICMS revealed that both the CFA and RFA received excitatory synaptic inputs after forelimb stimulation. Further evaluation of the sensory input pathway to the RFA revealed that the forelimb-evoked RFA response was abolished either by the pharmacological inactivation of the CFA or a cortical transection between the CFA and RFA. These results suggest that forelimb-related sensory inputs would be transmitted to the RFA from the CFA via the cortico-cortical pathway. Thus, the present findings imply that sensory information processed in the RFA may be used for the generation of coordinated forelimb movements, which would be similar to the function of the higher-order motor cortex in primates. © 2016 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  20. Report on the Status of Students and Families Who Received Mental Health and Case Management Services at Linkages to Learning Sites, 2013-2014

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wade, Julie; Maina, Nyambura

    2016-01-01

    Students who received mental health services at a Linkages to Learning (LTL) site showed improvement on some measures of well-being and school engagement, including self-ratings of self-concept and attendance. Families who received case management services showed improvement on multiple areas of self-sufficiency, and large percentages of…

  1. Operational Reconnaissance for the Anti-Access /Area Denial environment

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-04-01

    locations, the Air Force Distributed Common Ground System ( DCGS ) collects, processes, analyzes, and disseminates over 1.3 million megabits of... DCGS ; satellite data link between the aircraft and ground based receiver; and fiber- optic connection between the receiver, RPA crew, and DCGS . This...analysts and end users. DCGS Integration The Air Force global ISR enterprise is not configured to efficiently receive, exploit, or disseminate fighter

  2. Effect of blood transfusion on outcome after major burn injury: a multicenter study.

    PubMed

    Palmieri, Tina L; Caruso, Daniel M; Foster, Kevin N; Cairns, Bruce A; Peck, Michael D; Gamelli, Richard L; Mozingo, David W; Kagan, Richard J; Wahl, Wendy; Kemalyan, Nathan A; Fish, Joel S; Gomez, Manuel; Sheridan, Robert L; Faucher, Lee D; Latenser, Barbara A; Gibran, Nicole S; Klein, Robert L; Solem, Lynn D; Saffle, Jeffrey R; Morris, Stephen E; Jeng, James C; Voigt, David; Howard, Pamela A; Molitor, Fred; Greenhalgh, David G

    2006-06-01

    To delineate blood transfusion practices and outcomes in patients with major burn injury. Patients with major burn injury frequently require multiple blood transfusions; however, the effect of blood transfusion after major burn injury has had limited study. Multicenter retrospective cohort analysis. Regional burn centers throughout the United States and Canada. Patients admitted to a participating burn center from January 1 through December 31, 2002, with acute burn injuries of >or=20% total body surface area. Outcome measurements included mortality, number of infections, length of stay, units of blood transfused in and out of the operating room, number of operations, and anticoagulant use. A total of 21 burn centers contributed data on 666 patients; 79% of patients survived and received a mean of 14 units of packed red blood cells during their hospitalization. Mortality was related to patient age, total body surface area burn, inhalation injury, number of units of blood transfused outside the operating room, and total number of transfusions. The number of infections per patient increased with each unit of blood transfused (odds ratio, 1.13; p<.001). Patients on anticoagulation during hospitalization received more blood than patients not on anticoagulation (16.3+/-1.5 vs. 12.3+/-1.5, p<.001). The number of transfusions received was associated with mortality and infectious episodes in patients with major burns even after factoring for indices of burn severity. The utilization of blood products in the treatment of major burn injury should be reserved for patients with a demonstrated physiologic need.

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

    Kelly, V.A.; Beach, J.A.; Statham, W.H.

    The Savannah River Site (SRS) is a Department of Energy (DOE) facility located near Aiken, South Carolina which is currently operated and managed by Westinghouse Savannah River Company (WSRC). The Sanitary Landfill (Sanitary Landfill) at the SRS is located approximately 2,000 feet Northwest of Upper Three Runs Creek (UTRC) on an approximately 70 acre site located south of Road C between the SRS B-Area and UTRC. The Sanitary Landfill has been receiving wastes since 1974 and operates as an unlined trench and fill operation. The original landfill site was 32 acres. This area reached its capacity around 1987 and amore » Northern Expansion of 16 acres and a Southern Expansion of 22 acres were added in 1987. The Northern Expansion has not been used for waste disposal to date and the Southern Expansion is expected to reach capacity in 1992 or 1993. The waste received at the Sanitary Landfill is predominantly paper, plastics, rubber, wood, metal, cardboard, rags saturated with degreasing solvents, pesticide bags, empty cans, and asbestos in bags. The landfill is not supposed to receive any radioactive wastes. However, tritium has been detected in the groundwater at the site. Gross alpha and gross beta are also evaluated at the landfill. The objectives of this modeling study are twofold: (1) to create a local scale Sanitary Landfill flow model to study hydraulic effects resulting from capping the Sanitary Landfill; and (2) to create a Sanitary Landfill local scale transport model to support ACL Demonstrations for a RCRA Part B Permit Renewal.« less

  4. Mercury and methylmercury concentrations and loads in the Cache Creek watershed, California

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Domagalski, Joseph L.; Alpers, Charles N.; Slotton, D.G.; Suchanek, T.H.; Ayers, S.M.

    2004-01-01

    Concentrations and loads of total mercury and methylmercury were measured in streams draining abandoned mercury mines and in the proximity of geothermal discharge in the Cache Creek watershed of California during a 17-month period from January 2000 through May 2001. Rainfall and runoff were lower than long-term averages during the study period. The greatest loading of mercury and methylmercury from upstream sources to downstream receiving waters, such as San Francisco Bay, generally occurred during or after winter rainfall events. During the study period, loads of mercury and methylmercury from geothermal sources tended to be greater than those from abandoned mining areas, a pattern attributable to the lack of large precipitation events capable of mobilizing significant amounts of either mercury-laden sediment or dissolved mercury and methylmercury from mine waste. Streambed sediments of Cache Creek are a significant source of mercury and methylmercury to downstream receiving bodies of water. Much of the mercury in these sediments is the result of deposition over the last 100-150 years by either storm-water runoff, from abandoned mines, or continuous discharges from geothermal areas. Several geochemical constituents were useful as natural tracers for mining and geothermal areas, including the aqueous concentrations of boron, chloride, lithium and sulfate, and the stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen in water. Stable isotopes of water in areas draining geothermal discharges showed a distinct trend toward enrichment of 18O compared with meteoric waters, whereas much of the runoff from abandoned mines indicated a stable isotopic pattern more consistent with local meteoric water. ?? 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. 7 CFR 989.105 - Inspection point.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... any area(s) in which he receives grapes or raisins for dehydration unless he keeps his raisin dehydration business separate, physically and by records, from his business of handling raisins. [31 FR 16305...

  6. 7 CFR 989.105 - Inspection point.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... any area(s) in which he receives grapes or raisins for dehydration unless he keeps his raisin dehydration business separate, physically and by records, from his business of handling raisins. [31 FR 16305...

  7. 7 CFR 989.105 - Inspection point.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... any area(s) in which he receives grapes or raisins for dehydration unless he keeps his raisin dehydration business separate, physically and by records, from his business of handling raisins. [31 FR 16305...

  8. 7 CFR 989.105 - Inspection point.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... any area(s) in which he receives grapes or raisins for dehydration unless he keeps his raisin dehydration business separate, physically and by records, from his business of handling raisins. [31 FR 16305...

  9. Factors associated with diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy screening in Korea: the Third and Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES III and IV).

    PubMed

    Rim, Tyler Hyung Taek; Byun, Il Hwan; Kim, Han Sang; Lee, Sang Yeul; Yoon, Jin Sook

    2013-06-01

    This cross-sectional study was done to identify and determine the socio-demographic and health-related factors associated with diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy screening in Korea. Participants included 2,660 adults, aged 40 or older, with diabetes. Of the 2,660 adults, 998 (37%) and 1,226 (46.1%) had received a diabetic retinopathy and a nephropathy screening within one year, respectively. Regarding retinopathy, subjects older than 65, living in urban areas, with high educational levels, and with self-reported "unhealthy" status were likely to receive annual screening. Subjects living in urban areas, with higher educational levels, with self-reported "fair" or "unhealthy" status, and with 1 to 2 co-morbidities were likely to receive annual nephropathy screening. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) continued to rise until 2007 when it started to decline over the subsequent years, following the same curve as the diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy screening rates during that time. Together with the financial matter, lack of patient education proved to be a hindrance to diabetes-related screening. The relatively low screening rates in Korea compared to the Western countries are likely to be due to the difference in the health system, economic situations and national demographics.

  10. Synergistic effects of Combined Therapy: nonfocused ultrasound plus Aussie current for noninvasive body contouring

    PubMed Central

    Canela, Vivianne Carvalho; Crivelaro, Cinthia Nicoletti; Ferla, Luciane Zacchi; Pelozo, Gisele Marques; Azevedo, Juliana; Liebano, Richard Eloin; Nogueira, Caroline; Guidi, Renata Michelini; Grecco, Clóvis; Sant’Ana, Estela

    2018-01-01

    Background and objectives Nowadays, there are several noninvasive technologies being used for improving of body contouring. The objectives of this pilot study were to verify the effectiveness of the Heccus® device, emphasizing the synergism between nonfocused ultrasound plus Aussie current in the improvement of body contour, and to determine if the association of this therapy with whole-body vibration exercises can have additional positive effects in the results of the treatments. Subjects and methods Twenty healthy women aged 20–40 years participated in the study. Ten patients received Combined Therapy treatment (G1) and the other 10 participants received Combined Therapy with additional vibratory platform treatment (G2). Anthropometric and standardized photography analysis, ultrasonography, cutometry and self-adminestered questionnaires of tolerance and satisfaction levels with the treatment were used. Results Compared with baseline values, reduction of fat thickness was observed by ultrasonography in the posterior thigh area in the G1 group (P<0.05) and in the buttocks (P<0.05) and the posterior thigh areas (P<0.05) in the G2. All the treated areas in both groups showed reduction in cellulite degree in the buttocks, G1 (P<0.05) and G2 (P<0.05), and in posterior thigh areas, G1 (P<0.05) and G2 (P<0.05). Optimal improvement of skin firmness (G1, P<0.0001; G2, P=0.0034) in the treated areas was observed in both groups. Conclusion We conclude that the synergistic effects of the Combined Therapy (nonfocused ultrasound plus Aussie current) might be a good option with noninvasive body contouring treatment for improving the aspect of the cellulite, skin firmness and localized fat. If used in association with the whole-body vibratory platform, the results can be better, especially in the treatment of localized fat. Further studies with larger sample size should be performed to confirm these results. PMID:29731654

  11. Synergistic effects of Combined Therapy: nonfocused ultrasound plus Aussie current for noninvasive body contouring.

    PubMed

    Canela, Vivianne Carvalho; Crivelaro, Cinthia Nicoletti; Ferla, Luciane Zacchi; Pelozo, Gisele Marques; Azevedo, Juliana; Liebano, Richard Eloin; Nogueira, Caroline; Guidi, Renata Michelini; Grecco, Clóvis; Sant'Ana, Estela

    2018-01-01

    Nowadays, there are several noninvasive technologies being used for improving of body contouring. The objectives of this pilot study were to verify the effectiveness of the Heccus ® device, emphasizing the synergism between nonfocused ultrasound plus Aussie current in the improvement of body contour, and to determine if the association of this therapy with whole-body vibration exercises can have additional positive effects in the results of the treatments. Twenty healthy women aged 20-40 years participated in the study. Ten patients received Combined Therapy treatment (G1) and the other 10 participants received Combined Therapy with additional vibratory platform treatment (G2). Anthropometric and standardized photography analysis, ultrasonography, cutometry and self-adminestered questionnaires of tolerance and satisfaction levels with the treatment were used. Compared with baseline values, reduction of fat thickness was observed by ultrasonography in the posterior thigh area in the G1 group ( P <0.05) and in the buttocks ( P <0.05) and the posterior thigh areas ( P <0.05) in the G2. All the treated areas in both groups showed reduction in cellulite degree in the buttocks, G1 ( P <0.05) and G2 ( P <0.05), and in posterior thigh areas, G1 ( P <0.05) and G2 ( P <0.05). Optimal improvement of skin firmness (G1, P <0.0001; G2, P =0.0034) in the treated areas was observed in both groups. We conclude that the synergistic effects of the Combined Therapy (nonfocused ultrasound plus Aussie current) might be a good option with noninvasive body contouring treatment for improving the aspect of the cellulite, skin firmness and localized fat. If used in association with the whole-body vibratory platform, the results can be better, especially in the treatment of localized fat. Further studies with larger sample size should be performed to confirm these results.

  12. Russell Sage Foundation Annual Report, 1974-1975.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Russell Sage Foundation, New York, NY.

    During the year the foundation staff completed the formation of eight program areas in which to concentrate future research. Four of these areas are major, and it is expected that they will receive larger appropriations in the next few years than the four minor program areas. The major program areas are: Age and Aging; Evaluation Research and…

  13. 75 FR 34923 - General Schedule Locality Pay Areas

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-06-21

    ...;Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each #0;week. #0; #0; #0; #0;#0... area to the New York locality pay area. We received no comments on the interim rule and adopt the final... Philadelphia locality pay area while Lakehurst, in Ocean County, New Jersey, was in the New York locality pay...

  14. Spread Spectrum Receiver Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Test Guide

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wheeler, M. L.

    1998-01-01

    The objective of this test guide is to document appropriate unit level test methods and techniques for the performance of EMI testing of Direct Sequence (DS) spread spectrum receivers. Consideration of EMI test methods tailored for spread spectrum receivers utilizing frequency spreading, techniques other than direct sequence (such as frequency hopping, frequency chirping, and various hybrid methods) is beyond the scope of this test guide development program and is not addressed as part of this document EMI test requirements for NASA programs are primarily developed based on the requirements contained in MIL-STD-46 1 D (or earlier revisions of MIL-STD-46 1). The corresponding test method guidelines for the MIL-STD-461 D tests are provided in MIL-STD-462D. These test methods are well documented with the exception of the receiver antenna port susceptibility tests (intermodulation, cross modulation, and rejection of undesired signals) which must be tailored to the specific type of receiver that is being tested. Thus, test methods addressed in this guide consist only of antenna port tests designed to evaluate receiver susceptibility characteristics. MIL-STD-462D should be referred for guidance pertaining to test methods for EMI tests other than the antenna port tests. The scope of this test guide includes: (1) a discussion of generic DS receiver performance characteristics; (2) a summary of S-band TDRSS receiver operation; (3) a discussion of DS receiver EMI susceptibility mechanisms and characteristics; (4) a summary of military standard test guidelines; (5) recommended test approach and methods; and (6) general conclusions and recommendations for future studies in the area of spread spectrum receiver testing.

  15. A randomised controlled trial of a lengthened and multi-disciplinary consultation model in a socially deprived community: a study protocol.

    PubMed

    Whitford, David L; Chan, Wai-Sun

    2007-06-28

    There has been little development of the general practice consultation over the years, and many aspects of the present consultation do not serve communities with multiple health and social problems well. Many of the problems presenting to general practitioners in socio-economically disadvantaged areas are not amenable to a purely medical solution, and would particularly benefit from a multidisciplinary approach. Socio-economic deprivation is also associated with those very factors (more psychosocial problems, greater need for health promotion, more chronic diseases, more need for patient enablement) that longer consultations have been shown to address. This paper describes our study protocol, which aims to evaluate whether a lengthened multidisciplinary primary care team consultation with families in a socially deprived area can improve the psychological health of mothers in the families. In a randomised controlled trial, families with a history of social problems, substance misuse or depression are randomly allocated to an intervention or control group. The study is based in three general practices in a highly deprived area of North Dublin. Primary health care teams will be trained in conducting a multidisciplinary lengthened consultation. Families in the intervention group will participate in the new style multidisciplinary consultation. Outcomes of families receiving the intervention will be compared to the control group who will receive only usual general practitioner care. The primary outcome is the psychological health of mothers of the families and secondary outcomes include general health status, quality of life measures and health service usage. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a lengthened multidisciplinary team consultation in primary care. The embedded nature of this study in general practices in a highly deprived area ensures generalisability to other deprived communities, but more particularly it promises relevance to primary care. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN70578736.

  16. DISINFECTION, Chapter 4

    EPA Science Inventory

    Wet-weather flow has been shown to be a significant contributor to microbial contamination of receiving waters. The presence of pathogens in SW and CSO, as well as their potential release into receiving waters, are the main reasons for growing interest in the area of WWF disinfe...

  17. EPA Provides Brownfields Grants to Woonsocket and Providence, Rhode Island

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Today, the USEPA celebrated the recipients of four Brownfields grants in Rhode Island. This year, RI entities in Woonsocket received $600,000 for cleanup of brownfield sites, &the City of Providence received $200,000 for an Area Wide Planning grant.

  18. Three screening methods for cognitive dysfunction using the Mini-Mental State Examination and Korean Dementia Screening Questionnaire.

    PubMed

    Choi, Seong Hye; Park, Moon Ho

    2016-02-01

    To screen for and determine cognitive dysfunction, cognitive tests and/or informant reports are commonly used. However, these cognitive tests and informant reports are not always available. The present study investigated three screening methods using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) as the cognitive test, and the Korean dementia screening questionnaire (KDSQ) as the informant report. Participants were recruited from the Korea Clinical Research Center for Dementia of South Korea, and included 2861 patients with Alzheimer's disease (dementia), 3519 patients with mild cognitive impairment and 1375 controls with no cognitive dysfunction. Three screening methods were tested: (i) MMSE alone (MMSE(cut-off) ); (ii) a conventional combination of MMSE and KDSQ (MMSE+KDSQ(cut-off) ); and (iii) a decision tree with MMSE and KDSQ (MMSE+KDSQ(decision tree) ). For discriminating any cognitive dysfunction from controls, MMSE+KDSQ(cut-off) had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.784). For discriminating dementia from controls, MMSE+KDSQ(cut-off) had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.899). For discriminating mild cognitive impairment from controls, MMSE(cut-off) had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.683). MMSE+KDSQ(decision tree) showed the highest sensitivity for all discriminations. For overall classification accuracy, MMSE+KDSQ(decision tree) had the highest value (70.0%). These three methods had different advantageous properties for screening and staging cognitive dysfunction. As there might be different availability across clinical settings, these three methods can be selected and used according to situational needs. © 2015 Japan Geriatrics Society.

  19. Improving care for patients on antiretroviral therapy through a gap analysis framework.

    PubMed

    Massoud, M Rashad; Shakir, Fazila; Livesley, Nigel; Muhire, Martin; Nabwire, Juliana; Ottosson, Amanda; Jean-Baptiste, Rachel; Megere, Humphrey; Karamagi-Nkolo, Esther; Gaudreault, Suzanne; Marks, Pamela; Jennings, Larissa

    2015-07-01

    To improve quality of care through decreasing existing gaps in the areas of coverage, retention, and wellness of patients receiving HIV care and treatment. The antiretroviral therapy (ART) Framework utilizes improvement methods and the Chronic Care Model to address the coverage, retention, and wellness gaps in HIV care and treatment. This is a time-series study. The ART Framework was applied in five health centers in Buikwe District, Uganda. Quality improvement teams, consisting of healthcare workers and expert patients, were established in each of the five healthcare facilities. The intervention period was October 2010 to September 2012. It consisted of quality improvement teams analyzing their facility and systems of care from the perspective of the Chronic Care Model to identify areas of improvement. They implemented the ART Framework, collected data and assessed outcomes, focused on self-management support for patients, to improve coverage, retention, and wellness gaps in HIV care and treatment. Coverage was defined as every patient who needs ART in the catchment area, receives it. Retention was defined as every patient who receives ART stays on ART, and wellness defined as having a positive clinical, immunological, and/or virological response to treatment without intolerable or unmanageable side-effects. Results from Buikwe show the gaps in coverage, retention, and wellness greatly decreased a gap in coverage of 44-19%, gap in retention of 49-24%, and gap in wellness of 53-14% during a 2-year intervention period. The ART Framework is an innovative and practical tool for HIV program managers to improve HIV care and treatment.

  20. Identifying a largest logical plane from a plurality of logical planes formed of compute nodes of a subcommunicator in a parallel computer

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

    Davis, Kristan D.; Faraj, Daniel A.

    In a parallel computer, a largest logical plane from a plurality of logical planes formed of compute nodes of a subcommunicator may be identified by: identifying, by each compute node of the subcommunicator, all logical planes that include the compute node; calculating, by each compute node for each identified logical plane that includes the compute node, an area of the identified logical plane; initiating, by a root node of the subcommunicator, a gather operation; receiving, by the root node from each compute node of the subcommunicator, each node's calculated areas as contribution data to the gather operation; and identifying, bymore » the root node in dependence upon the received calculated areas, a logical plane of the subcommunicator having the greatest area.« less

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