Soybean seed compostion and quality: interactions of enviroment genotype and management practices

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Soybean seed is a major source of protein, oil, carbohydrates, isoflavones, and minerals for human and animal nutrition. Soybean seed contains approximately 40% protein, 20% oil, and 33% carbohydrates, 9% crude fiber. About one-third of the world's edible oils and two-thirds of its protein meal are ...

The Peninsula Academies. Third Yearly Interim Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reynolds, Dorothy F.

The performance of the Peninsula Academies of Electronics and Computer Technology was assessed for the program's third year of operation in two host schools in the Sequoia Union High School District. Data were collected for approximately 190 Academy students and for a comparison group of non-Academy students. Academies students missed fewer days…

Aspects of Psychological Resilience among Transgender Youth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grossman, Arnold H.; D'Augelli, Anthony R.; Frank, John A.

2011-01-01

Fifty-five transgender youth described their gender development and some of the stressful life experiences related to their gender identity and gender expression. More than two-thirds of youth reported past verbal abuse by their parents or peers related to their gender identity and nonconformity, and approximately one-fifth to one-third reported…

The speed-curvature power law of movements: a reappraisal.

PubMed

Zago, Myrka; Matic, Adam; Flash, Tamar; Gomez-Marin, Alex; Lacquaniti, Francesco

2018-01-01

Several types of curvilinear movements obey approximately the so called 2/3 power law, according to which the angular speed varies proportionally to the 2/3 power of the curvature. The origin of the law is debated but it is generally thought to depend on physiological mechanisms. However, a recent paper (Marken and Shaffer, Exp Brain Res 88:685-690, 2017) claims that this power law is simply a statistical artifact, being a mathematical consequence of the way speed and curvature are calculated. Here we reject this hypothesis by showing that the speed-curvature power law of biological movements is non-trivial. First, we confirm that the power exponent varies with the shape of human drawing movements and with environmental factors. Second, we report experimental data from Drosophila larvae demonstrating that the power law does not depend on how curvature is calculated. Third, we prove that the law can be violated by means of several mathematical and physical examples. Finally, we discuss biological constraints that may underlie speed-curvature power laws discovered in empirical studies.

Not by Labor Alone: Considerations for Value Influence Use of the Labor Rule in Ownership Transfers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kanngiesser, Patricia; Hood, Bruce

2014-01-01

People often assign ownership to the person who has invested labor into making an object (labor rule). However, labor usually improves objects and increases their value, and it has not been investigated whether these considerations underlie people's use of the labor rule. We presented participants with third-party ownership conflicts between…

Research Reports from the Fourth and Fifth National Conferences on Diagnostic and Prescriptive Mathematics. 1980 Research Monograph. Revised Third Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Romberg, Thomas A., Ed.

This document contains 15 research papers presented at the Fourth and Fifth Annual Conferences of the Research Council for Diagnostic and Prescriptive Mathematics. The papers are organized into four sections. In part I, four position papers by Romberg, Engelhardt, Ashlock, and Heddens reflect research ideas which underlie the Council. Part II…

Getting There: Despite Their Prevalence in Advancement, Women Still Trail Men in Pay and Titles

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scully, Maura King

2011-01-01

Advancement is a women-dominated profession. The numbers say so: Approximately two-thirds of Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) members are women, and one-third are men. What does this mean for women and the advancement profession as a whole? As anyone who has ever analyzed statistics can tell, it depends. The numbers…

Lower health related quality of life in U.S. military personnel is associated with service-related disorders and inflammation.

PubMed

Gill, Jessica; Lee, Hyunhwa; Barr, Taura; Baxter, Tristin; Heinzelmann, Morgan; Rak, Hannah; Mysliwiec, Vincent

2014-04-30

Military personnel who have combat exposures are at increased risk for the service-related disorders of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, sleep disturbances and decreased health related quality of life (HRQOL). Those with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at even greater risk. Inflammation is associated with these disorders and may underlie the risk for health declines. We evaluated 110 recently deployed, military personnel presenting with sleep disturbances for service-related disorders (TBI, PTSD, and depression) as well as HRQOL. ANOVA models were used to examine differences among military personnel with two or more service-related disorders (high comorbid group), or one or no disorders (low comorbid group). Logistic regression models were used to determine associations among interleukin-6 (IL-6) to HRQOL and service-related disorders. Approximately one-third of the sample had two or more service-related disorders. HRQOL was lower and IL-6 concentrations were higher in military personnel with PTSD or depression, with the most profound differences in those with more service-related disorders, regardless of sleep disorder. Having symptoms of depression and PTSD resulted in a 3.5-fold risk to be in the lower quartile of HRQOL and the highest quartile of IL-6. In a linear regression model, 41% of the relationship between HRQOL and IL-6 concentrations was mediated by PTSD and depression. Military personnel with PTSD and depression are at high risk for lower HRQOL, and higher IL-6 concentrations. Comprehensive treatment is required to address co-occurring service-related disorders in military personnel to promote health and well-being. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

National Climate Assessment

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-05-06

NASA Earth Science Division Director Michael Freilich shows meteorologists a model of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory during a media event for the release of the Third U.S. National Climate Assessment, South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, May 6, 2014. NASA Earth-observing satellite observations and analysis by the NASA-supported research community underlie many of the findings in the new climate change assessment. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The ethnic roots of class universalism: rethinking the "Russian" revolutionary elite.

PubMed

Riga, Liliana

2008-11-01

This article retrieves the ethnic roots that underlie a universalist class ideology. Focusing empirically on the emergence of Bolshevism, it provides biographical analysis of the Russian Revolution's elite, finding that two-thirds were ethnic minorities from across the Russian Empire. After exploring class and ethnicity as intersectional experiences of varying significance to the Bolsheviks' revolutionary politics, this article suggests that socialism's class universalism found affinity with those seeking secularism in response to religious tensions, a universalist politics where ethnic violence and sectarianism were exclusionary, and an ethnically neutral and tolerant "imperial" imaginary where Russification and geopolitics were particularly threatening or imperial cultural frameworks predominated. The claim is made that socialism's class universalism was as much a product of ethnic particularism as it was constituted by it.

Modified Taylor series method for solving nonlinear differential equations with mixed boundary conditions defined on finite intervals.

PubMed

Vazquez-Leal, Hector; Benhammouda, Brahim; Filobello-Nino, Uriel Antonio; Sarmiento-Reyes, Arturo; Jimenez-Fernandez, Victor Manuel; Marin-Hernandez, Antonio; Herrera-May, Agustin Leobardo; Diaz-Sanchez, Alejandro; Huerta-Chua, Jesus

2014-01-01

In this article, we propose the application of a modified Taylor series method (MTSM) for the approximation of nonlinear problems described on finite intervals. The issue of Taylor series method with mixed boundary conditions is circumvented using shooting constants and extra derivatives of the problem. In order to show the benefits of this proposal, three different kinds of problems are solved: three-point boundary valued problem (BVP) of third-order with a hyperbolic sine nonlinearity, two-point BVP for a second-order nonlinear differential equation with an exponential nonlinearity, and a two-point BVP for a third-order nonlinear differential equation with a radical nonlinearity. The result shows that the MTSM method is capable to generate easily computable and highly accurate approximations for nonlinear equations. 34L30.

Long-Term Synaptic Changes in Two Input Pathways into the Lateral Nucleus of the Amygdala Underlie Fear Extinction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Park, Junchol; Choi, June-Seek

2010-01-01

Plasticity in two input pathways into the lateral nucleus of the amygdala (LA), the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the sensory thalamus, have been suggested to underlie extinction, suppression of a previously acquired conditioned response (CR) following repeated presentations of the conditioned stimulus (CS). However, little is known about…

Examining the relationship between rapid automatized naming and arithmetic fluency in Chinese kindergarten children.

PubMed

Cui, Jiaxin; Georgiou, George K; Zhang, Yiyun; Li, Yixun; Shu, Hua; Zhou, Xinlin

2017-02-01

Rapid automatized naming (RAN) has been found to predict mathematics. However, the nature of their relationship remains unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to examine how RAN (numeric and non-numeric) predicts a subdomain of mathematics (arithmetic fluency) and (b) to examine what processing skills may account for the RAN-arithmetic fluency relationship. A total of 160 third-year kindergarten Chinese children (83 boys and 77 girls, mean age=5.11years) were assessed on RAN (colors, objects, digits, and dice), nonverbal IQ, visual-verbal paired associate learning, phonological awareness, short-term memory, speed of processing, approximate number system acuity, and arithmetic fluency (addition and subtraction). The results indicated first that RAN was a significant correlate of arithmetic fluency and the correlations did not vary as a function of type of RAN or arithmetic fluency tasks. In addition, RAN continued to predict addition and subtraction fluency even after controlling for all other processing skills. Taken together, these findings challenge the existing theoretical accounts of the RAN-arithmetic fluency relationship and suggest that, similar to reading fluency, multiple processes underlie the RAN-arithmetic fluency relationship. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Basic corrections to predictions of solar cell performance required by nonlinearities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindholm, F. A.; Fossum, J. G.; Burgess, E. L.

1976-01-01

The superposition principle is used to derive the approximation that the current-voltage characteristic of an illuminated solar cell is the dark current-voltage characteristic shifted by the short-circuit photocurrent. The derivation requires the linearity of the boundary value problems that underlie the electrical characteristics. The shifting approximation is invalid if considerable photocurrent and considerable dark current both occur within the junction space-charge region; it is invalid also if sizable series resistance is present or if high-injection concentrations of holes and electrons exist within the quasi-neutral regions.

A STUDY OF THE FACTORS THAT MAY INFLUENCE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A VOCATIONAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM AT THE UTAH STATE INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

HEGGEN, JAMES R.; IRVINE, FLEET

OF THE APPROXIMATELY 375 TO 400 YOUTHS CONFINED AT THE UTAH STATE INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL, 169 STUDENTS, ABOUT TWO-THIRDS MALES AND ONE-THIRD FEMALES, WITH AN AGE RANGE FROM 15.5 TO 18.5 YEARS, WERE STUDIED IN ORDER TO DEVELOP GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING VOCATIONAL TRAINING AREAS TO BE OFFERED IN THE SCHOOL. RELEVANT LITERATURE WAS REVIEWED, STUDENT…

75 FR 30753 - Regulated Navigation Area; Thea Foss and Wheeler-Osgood Waterways EPA Superfund Cleanup Site...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-02

... superfund cleanup remediation efforts. To more effectively protect those efforts, the Coast Guard is... cleanup remediation process in those waters. These caps consist of approximately three feet of sand and... remediation efforts that underlie the whole concept of the proposed RNA, and we would consult with the City of...

Detection and characterization of buried lunar craters with GRAIL data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sood, Rohan; Chappaz, Loic; Melosh, Henry J.; Howell, Kathleen C.; Milbury, Colleen; Blair, David M.; Zuber, Maria T.

2017-06-01

We used gravity mapping observations from NASA's Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) to detect, characterize and validate the presence of large impact craters buried beneath the lunar maria. In this paper we focus on two prominent anomalies detected in the GRAIL data using the gravity gradiometry technique. Our detection strategy is applied to both free-air and Bouguer gravity field observations to identify gravitational signatures that are similar to those observed over buried craters. The presence of buried craters is further supported by individual analysis of regional free-air gravity anomalies, Bouguer gravity anomaly maps, and forward modeling. Our best candidate, for which we propose the informal name of Earhart Crater, is approximately 200 km in diameter and forms part of the northwestern rim of Lacus Somniorum, The other candidate, for which we propose the informal name of Ashoka Anomaly, is approximately 160 km in diameter and lies completely buried beneath Mare Tranquillitatis. Other large, still unrecognized, craters undoubtedly underlie other portions of the Moon's vast mare lavas.

Distinct properties underlie flavin-based electron bifurcation in a novel electron transfer flavoprotein FixAB from Rhodopseudomonas palustris

DOE PAGES

Duan, H. Diessel; Lubner, Carolyn E.; Tokmina-Lukaszewska, Monika; ...

2018-02-09

A newly-recognized third fundamental mechanism of energy conservation in biology, electron bifurcation, uses free energy from exergonic redox reactions to drive endergonic redox reactions. Flavin-based electron bifurcation furnishes low potential electrons to demanding chemical reactions such as reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia. We employed the heterodimeric flavoenzyme FixAB from the diazotrophic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris to elucidate unique properties that underpin flavin-based electron bifurcation.

National Climate Assessment

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-05-06

NASA Earth Science Division Director Michael Freilich shows meteorologists an AERONET sun photometer, right, and a model of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory during a media event for the release of the Third U.S. National Climate Assessment, South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, May 6, 2014. NASA Earth-observing satellite observations and analysis by the NASA-supported research community underlie many of the findings in the new climate change assessment. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Speech analyzer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lokerson, D. C. (Inventor)

1977-01-01

A speech signal is analyzed by applying the signal to formant filters which derive first, second and third signals respectively representing the frequency of the speech waveform in the first, second and third formants. A first pulse train having approximately a pulse rate representing the average frequency of the first formant is derived; second and third pulse trains having pulse rates respectively representing zero crossings of the second and third formants are derived. The first formant pulse train is derived by establishing N signal level bands, where N is an integer at least equal to two. Adjacent ones of the signal bands have common boundaries, each of which is a predetermined percentage of the peak level of a complete cycle of the speech waveform.

75 FR 58404 - Government-Owned Inventions; Availability for Licensing

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-24

... sclerosis, CD74 deficiency, Ehlers Danlos syndrome (EDS), Marfan/Loewe Dietz syndrome, fibromuscular dysplasia, Kawasaki syndrome, pseudoxanthoma elasticum, and premature placental calcification. Applications... component of the addictive syndrome, with approximately two-thirds of patients relapsing within three months...

Iron status and its determinants in a nationally representative sample of pregnant women.

PubMed

Vandevijvere, Stefanie; Amsalkhir, Sihame; Van Oyen, Herman; Egli, Ines; Ines, Egli; Moreno-Reyes, Rodrigo

2013-05-01

Iron-deficiency anemia is associated with adverse neonatal health outcomes. Iron status and its determinants were assessed in a representative sample of Belgian pregnant women. Blood samples were collected and a questionnaire was completed face-to-face. Hemoglobin (Hb) and mean cell volume were measured using a Beckman Coulter Hematology Analyzer and serum ferritin (SF) and transferrin receptor (sTfr) concentrations by immunoassay. In total, 55 obstetric clinics and 1,311 pregnant women were included. Approximately 40% of third-trimester and 6% of first-trimester women had SF levels less than 15 μg/L. Approximately 21% of third-trimester and 4% of first-trimester women had anemia (Hb <110 g/L). Of the third-trimester women, 23% were iron-deficient nonanemic (SF <15 μg/L and Hb ≥110 g/L), 16% had iron-deficiency anemia (SF <15 μg/L and Hb <110 g/L), and approximately 7% had tissue iron deficiency (sTfr >8.5 mg/L). The median body iron stores were 8.1 mg/kg among first-trimester women, but only 3.6 mg/kg among third-trimester women. SF levels were significantly positively associated with age and education level, and were higher among nulliparous women and lower among North-African women. sTfr concentrations were significantly negatively associated with age and were lower among smokers, nulliparous women, and women who planned their pregnancy. Despite the fact that two thirds of Belgian pregnant women took iron-containing supplements, iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia were frequent in third-trimester women. The World Health Organization regards this as a moderate public health problem. National iron supplementation guidelines are needed in Belgium to optimize iron status during pregnancy. Copyright © 2013 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Recognising Value Tensions That Underlie Problems in Inclusive Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Norwich, Brahm

2014-01-01

This paper aims to examine some tensions that underlie inclusive education as regards pupils with disabilities and difficulties. Two key tensions are analysed: difference as enabling-stigmatising (dilemmas of difference) and participation-protection, both of which can lead to significant dilemmas. Berlin's hedgehog-fox distinction about the unity…

Epilepsy, behavior, and art (Epilepsy, Brain, and Mind, part 1).

PubMed

Rektor, Ivan; Schachter, Steven C; Arzy, Shahar; Baloyannis, Stavros J; Bazil, Carl; Brázdil, Milan; Engel, Jerome; Helmstaedter, Gerhard; Hesdorffer, Dale C; Jones-Gotman, Marilyn; Kesner, Ladislav; Komárek, Vladimír; Krämer, Günter; Leppik, Ilo E; Mann, Michael W; Mula, Marco; Risse, Gail L; Stoker, Guy W; Kasteleijn-Nolst Trenité, Dorothée G A; Trimble, Michael; Tyrliková, Ivana; Korczyn, Amos D

2013-08-01

Epilepsy is both a disease of the brain and the mind. Brain diseases, structural and/or functional, underlie the appearance of epilepsy, but the notion of epilepsy is larger and cannot be reduced exclusively to the brain. We can therefore look at epilepsy from two angles. The first perspective is intrinsic: the etiology and pathophysiology, problems of therapy, impact on the brain networks, and the "mind" aspects of brain functions - cognitive, emotional, and affective. The second perspective is extrinsic: the social interactions of the person with epilepsy, the influence of the surrounding environment, and the influences of epilepsy on society. All these aspects reaching far beyond the pure biological nature of epilepsy have been the topics of two International Congresses of Epilepsy, Brain, and Mind that were held in Prague, Czech Republic, in 2010 and 2012 (the third Congress will be held in Brno, Czech Republic on April 3-5, 2014; www.epilepsy-brain-mind2014.eu). Here, we present the first of two papers with extended summaries of selected presentations of the 2012 Congress that focused on epilepsy, behavior, and art. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc.

An audit of lamotrigine, levetiracetam and topiramate usage for epilepsy in a district general hospital.

PubMed

Chappell, Brian; Crawford, Pamela

2005-09-01

The aim of this audit was to ascertain outcomes for people who had taken or who were still taking three "new generation" broad-spectrum antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), namely lamotrigine, levetiracetam and topiramate. Thirteen percent of people became seizure free and approximately, one-third had a reduction of greater than 50% in their seizures. Two-thirds of people were still taking their audit AED. In addition, approximately one-third of people with a learning disability derived substantial benefit, although the rate of seizure freedom was lower. All three AEDs were most successful at treating primary generalised epilepsy and least successful with symptomatic generalised epilepsy. With some reservations the data suggests that levetiracetam and topiramate are the most efficacious AEDs, but topiramate is the least well tolerated. These results mean consideration of a "general prescribing policy" is important when using and choosing these AEDs. We conclude that lamotrigine, levetiracetam and topiramate are useful additions to the armamentarium of AEDs.

Odor-identity dependent motor programs underlie behavioral responses to odors

PubMed Central

Jung, Seung-Hye; Hueston, Catherine; Bhandawat, Vikas

2015-01-01

All animals use olfactory information to perform tasks essential to their survival. Odors typically activate multiple olfactory receptor neuron (ORN) classes and are therefore represented by the patterns of active ORNs. How the patterns of active ORN classes are decoded to drive behavior is under intense investigation. In this study, using Drosophila as a model system, we investigate the logic by which odors modulate locomotion. We designed a novel behavioral arena in which we could examine a fly’s locomotion under precisely controlled stimulus condition. In this arena, in response to similarly attractive odors, flies modulate their locomotion differently implying that odors have a more diverse effect on locomotion than was anticipated. Three features underlie odor-guided locomotion: First, in response to odors, flies modulate a surprisingly large number of motor parameters. Second, similarly attractive odors elicit changes in different motor programs. Third, different ORN classes modulate different subset of motor parameters. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.11092.001 PMID:26439011

Introduction (PSW-GTR-246)

Treesearch

James Halperin; David Ganz

2013-01-01

Globally, approximately two-thirds of the world's forests are considered degraded, but practical, cost-effective tools for monitoring forest quality remain elusive. Techniques for monitoring deforestation and changes to forest carbon stocks are widespread and well published. However, techniques for monitoring forest degradation are relatively untested in...

The Prophylactic Extraction of Third Molars: A Public Health Hazard

PubMed Central

Friedman, Jay W.

2007-01-01

Ten million third molars (wisdom teeth) are extracted from approximately 5 million people in the United States each year at an annual cost of over $3 billion. In addition, more than 11 million patient days of “standard discomfort or disability”—pain, swelling, bruising, and malaise—result postoperatively, and more than 11000 people suffer permanent paresthesia—numbness of the lip, tongue, and cheek—as a consequence of nerve injury during the surgery. At least two thirds of these extractions, associated costs, and injuries are unnecessary, constituting a silent epidemic of iatrogenic injury that afflicts tens of thousands of people with lifelong discomfort and disability. Avoidance of prophylactic extraction of third molars can prevent this public health hazard. PMID:17666691

What attitudes and beliefs underlie patients' decisions about participating in chemotherapy trials?

PubMed

Sutherland, H J; da Cunha, R; Lockwood, G A; Till, J E

1998-01-01

The theory of reasoned action, which postulates that personal attitudes and external social influences predict intentions to undertake a behavior, was used as a conceptual framework for developing a questionnaire to elicit beliefs and attitudes associated with the decision to participate in a hypothetical cancer chemotherapy trial. After completing the questionnaire, two-thirds of the 150 respondents indicated they would enroll in such a trial if it were available. Considerable variation existed in both "universal" and "trial-specific" beliefs and attitudes underpinning their intentions. A substantial amount of the variance in "intention" to participate was explained by "attitude" alone (75%). Social influences, although statistically significant, made a mere 1% additional contribution. One interpretation is that subjective expected-utility theory, which essentially predicts beliefs or "attitude," is a better model. The authors conclude that both theories may be criticized regarding how well they capture the rationality and nuances of decision behavior.

Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay: inter-individual variability and human disease

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Lam Son; Wilkinson, Miles; Gecz, Jozef

2013-01-01

Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay (NMD) is a regulatory pathway that functions to degrade transcripts containing premature termination codons (PTCs) and to maintain normal transcriptome homeostasis. Nonsense and frameshift mutations that generate PTCs cause approximately one-third of all known human genetic diseases and thus NMD has a potentially important role in human disease. In genetic disorders in which the affected genes carry PTC-generating mutations, NMD acts as a double-edge sword. While it can benefit the patient by degrading PTC-containing mRNAs that encode detrimental, dominant-negative truncated proteins, it can also make the disease worse when a PTC-containing mRNA is degraded that encodes a mutant but still functional protein. There is evidence that the magnitude of NMD varies between individuals, which, in turn, has been shown to correlate with both clinical presentations and the patients’ responses to drugs that promote read-through of PTCs. In this review, we examine the evidence supporting the existence of inter-individual variability in NMD efficiency and discuss the genetic factors that underlie this variability. We propose that inter-individual variability in NMD efficiency is a common phenomenon in human populations and that an individual’s NMD efficiency should be taken into consideration when testing, developing, and making therapeutic decisions for diseases caused by genes harboring PTCs. PMID:24239855

Defining the quality of soil organic matter

EPA Science Inventory

Soils represent the largest terrestrial pool of carbon (C) and hold approximately two-thirds of all C held in these ecosystems. However, not all C in soils is of equal quality. Some fractions of the organic forms, i.e., soil organic carbon (SOC) have long residence times while ...

Communication: Vibrational and vibronic coherences in the two dimensional spectroscopy of coupled electron-nuclear motion.

PubMed

Albert, Julian; Falge, Mirjam; Gomez, Sandra; Sola, Ignacio R; Hildenbrand, Heiko; Engel, Volker

2015-07-28

We theoretically investigate the photon-echo spectroscopy of coupled electron-nuclear quantum dynamics. Two situations are treated. In the first case, the Born-Oppenheimer (adiabatic) approximation holds. It is then possible to interpret the two-dimensional (2D) spectra in terms of vibrational motion taking place in different electronic states. In particular, pure vibrational coherences which are related to oscillations in the time-dependent third-order polarization can be identified. This concept fails in the second case, where strong non-adiabatic coupling leads to the breakdown of the Born-Oppenheimer-approximation. Then, the 2D-spectra reveal a complicated vibronic structure and vibrational coherences cannot be disentangled from the electronic motion.

Communication: Vibrational and vibronic coherences in the two dimensional spectroscopy of coupled electron-nuclear motion

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

Albert, Julian; Falge, Mirjam; Hildenbrand, Heiko

2015-07-28

We theoretically investigate the photon-echo spectroscopy of coupled electron-nuclear quantum dynamics. Two situations are treated. In the first case, the Born-Oppenheimer (adiabatic) approximation holds. It is then possible to interpret the two-dimensional (2D) spectra in terms of vibrational motion taking place in different electronic states. In particular, pure vibrational coherences which are related to oscillations in the time-dependent third-order polarization can be identified. This concept fails in the second case, where strong non-adiabatic coupling leads to the breakdown of the Born-Oppenheimer-approximation. Then, the 2D-spectra reveal a complicated vibronic structure and vibrational coherences cannot be disentangled from the electronic motion.

Heuristic errors in clinical reasoning.

PubMed

Rylander, Melanie; Guerrasio, Jeannette

2016-08-01

Errors in clinical reasoning contribute to patient morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine the types of heuristic errors made by third-year medical students and first-year residents. This study surveyed approximately 150 clinical educators inquiring about the types of heuristic errors they observed in third-year medical students and first-year residents. Anchoring and premature closure were the two most common errors observed amongst third-year medical students and first-year residents. There was no difference in the types of errors observed in the two groups. Errors in clinical reasoning contribute to patient morbidity and mortality Clinical educators perceived that both third-year medical students and first-year residents committed similar heuristic errors, implying that additional medical knowledge and clinical experience do not affect the types of heuristic errors made. Further work is needed to help identify methods that can be used to reduce heuristic errors early in a clinician's education. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Changes in cross-section geometry and channel volume in two reaches of the Kankakee River in Illinois, 1959-94

USGS Publications Warehouse

Terrio, Paul J.; Nazimek, John E.

1997-01-01

The upstream reaches of the Kankakee River in Indiana have been channelized, straightened, and ditched to facilitate agriculture; the downstream reaches of the river in Illinois have not been so altered. Concerns about the adjustments of this low-gradient river in response to these disturbances have led to studies of sedimentation along the Kankakee River in Illinois. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began a study in 1992 to determine sedimentation characteristics of the Kankakee River in Illinois. As part of this study, changes in channel cross-section geometry and channel volume were determined by comparing measurements of cross-section geometry over time in two reaches of the Kankakee River. The study documents some of the adjustments of the Kankakee River to land-use changes and channelization in the upstream drainage area. The timing, magnitude, and process of adjustment are of interest in developing a better understanding of how alluvial stream systems in agricultural areas respond to disturbances in the drainage area. The data used for the study included cross-section measurements made by two State of Illinois agencies from 1959 to 1980 and measurements made by the USGS in 1994. The analyses indicated a net aggradation of about 133,600 cubic yards (yd3) of sediment in the Momence Wetlands reach, a naturally meandering reach of the river, from 1980 to 1994. Aggradation occurred at 25 cross sections in this reach, and scour occurred at 10 cross sections. All but one of the cross sections in the upstream third of the reach indicated aggradation, whereas aggradation and scour were found in the middle and downstream thirds of the reach. The magnitude of change was greatest in the middle third of the reach and was least in the downstream third of the reach. A net aggradation of approximately 298,600 yd3 of sediment was indicated for the Six-Mile Pool, a pooled reach of the river upstream from a dam, from 1978 to 1994. Approximately 182,900 yd3 of sediment accumulated from 1980 to 1994, and approximately 115,700 yd3 of sediment accumulated from 1978 to 1980. Most of the aggradation occurred in the middle third of the Six-Mile Pool reach.

Modeling the global positioning system signal propagation through the ionosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bassiri, S.; Hajj, G. A.

1992-01-01

Based on realistic modeling of the electron density of the ionosphere and using a dipole moment approximation for the Earth's magnetic field, one is able to estimate the effect of the ionosphere on the Global Positioning System (GPS) signal for a ground user. The lowest order effect, which is on the order of 0.1-100 m of group delay, is subtracted out by forming a linear combination of the dual frequencies of the GPS signal. One is left with second- and third-order effects that are estimated typically to be approximately 0-2 cm and approximately 0-2 mm at zenith, respectively, depending on the geographical location, the time of day, the time of year, the solar cycle, and the relative geometry of the magnetic field and the line of sight. Given the total electron content along a line of sight, the authors derive an approximation to the second-order term which is accurate to approximately 90 percent within the magnetic dipole moment model; this approximation can be used to reduce the second-order term to the millimeter level, thus potentially improving precise positioning in space and on the ground. The induced group delay, or phase advance, due to second- and third-order effects is examined for two ground receivers located at equatorial and mid-latitude regions tracking several GPS satellites.

[Many faces of sarcoidosis].

PubMed

Prosch, H; Vonbank, K; Loewe, C; Beitzke, D

2016-01-01

Sarcoidosis is a systemic, inflammatory, granulomatous disease of unknown origin that can involve any organ. More than 90% of patients have thoracic sarcoidosis, which most frequently presents with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy. In approximately 20% of patients with thoracic sarcoidosis there is involvement of the lung parenchyma as well as mostly asymptomatic cardiac sarcoidosis in up to 55% of patients. Most patients are asymptomatic and the diagnosis is an incidental finding on chest X-ray or during clarification of unspecific symptoms, such as fatigue or cough. In approximately two thirds of patients the disease undergoes spontaneous remission and in one third the disease follows a chronic or even progressive course. Furthermore, sarcoidosis can also be manifested in the abdominal organs, the central nervous system (CNS) and the musculoskeletal system. These manifestations are frequently subclinical and require targeted diagnostics when sarcoidosis is clinically suspected.

Undergraduate Student Intentions for Postgraduate Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jepsen, Denise Mary; Neumann, Ruth

2010-01-01

Little is known of how and when undergraduate students decide to progress to postgraduate studies. This study examined the effect of a single semester on intentions to undertake postgraduate study. The study was conducted twice in two years using approximately 120 students enrolled in a third year "Behaviour in Organisations" unit at a…

The health of loblolly pine stands at Fort Benning, GA

Treesearch

Soung-Ryoul Ryu; G. Geoff Wang; Joan L. Walker

2013-01-01

Approximately two-thirds of the red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) (RCW) groups at Fort Benning, GA, depend on loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) stands for nesting or foraging. However, loblolly pine stands are suspected to decline. Forest managers want to replace loblolly pine with longleaf pine (P. palustris...

Music as Narrative in American College Football

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCluskey, John Michael

2016-01-01

American college football features an enormous amount of music woven into the fabric of the event, with selections accompanying approximately two-thirds of a game's plays. Musical selections are controlled by a number of forces, including audio and video technicians, university marketing departments, financial sponsors, and wind bands. These blend…

Benchmarking 2011: Trends in Education Philanthropy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grantmakers for Education, 2011

2011-01-01

The analysis in "Benchmarking 2011" is based on data from an unduplicated sample of 184 education grantmaking organizations--approximately two-thirds of Grantmakers for Education's (GFE's) network of grantmakers--who responded to an online survey consisting of fixed-choice and open-ended questions. Because a different subset of funders elects to…

Mothers' Repartnering after a Nonmarital Birth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bzostek, Sharon H.; McLanahan, Sara S.; Carlson, Marcia J.

2012-01-01

This article examines the prevalence, predictors and outcomes of unmarried mothers' repartnering patterns following a nonmarital birth. Results indicate that, within five years after a birth, approximately two-thirds of unmarried mothers end their relationship with the focal child's biological father, and more than half of these mothers enter new…

Imaging soil litter decomposition: Integrating sychrotron-based elemental and molecular imaging techniques

EPA Science Inventory

Forest ecosystems contain approximately one-half of the Earths terrestrial carbon (C) (1146 Pg), with two-thirds (787 Pg) of this pool residing in forest soils. Given the magnitude of the forest soil C pool, it is critical to understand the mechanisms that control soil organic ma...

Trivializing Teacher Education: The Accreditation Squeeze

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Dale D.; Johnson, Bonnie; Farenga, Stephen J.; Ness, Daniel

2005-01-01

This book presents a critical analysis of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This accreditation organization has been in existence for 50 years and claims to accredit approximately 700 teacher education programs that prepare two-thirds of the nation's teachers. There is no convincing research, however, that…

[Neurologic-psychiatric expert assessment in 1989 to 1991 social law].

PubMed

Ritter, G

1994-04-01

With 100 Social Court proceedings instituted in Germany (according to the territory of 1989), there could be shown the law-suits not being based on substantial arguments in two thirds and, therefore not having chances of success in foro. Among medical expert testimonies concerning with psychiatric matters female plaintiffs predominated; in contrast, neurologic testimonies were predominantly requested for males. The proportion of foreigners amounted to 5-15% depending from the matter on which testimony was requested. Mean age of the plaintiffs was approximately 50 years, they had been retired from business life on an average of 3 years before. Two thirds of the plaintiffs briefed an attorney or a representation of interests for instituting legal proceedings; the latter did not result in charges to the plaintiffs. Medical examinations to elaborate the testimony included tests employing technical measures such as neuroimaging in about one third of the cases. Relating to the latter, there is an increasing tendency obviously.

Effects of hippocampal lesions on the monkey's ability to learn large sets of object-place associations.

PubMed

Belcher, Annabelle M; Harrington, Rebecca A; Malkova, Ludise; Mishkin, Mortimer

2006-01-01

Earlier studies found that recognition memory for object-place associations was impaired in patients with relatively selective hippocampal damage (Vargha-Khadem et al., Science 1997; 277:376-380), but was unaffected after selective hippocampal lesions in monkeys (Malkova and Mishkin, J Neurosci 2003; 23:1956-1965). A potentially important methodological difference between the two studies is that the patients were required to remember a set of 20 object-place associations for several minutes, whereas the monkeys had to remember only two such associations at a time, and only for a few seconds. To approximate more closely the task given to the patients, we trained monkeys on several successive sets of 10 object-place pairs each, with each set requiring learning across days. Despite the increased associative memory demands, monkeys given hippocampal lesions were unimpaired relative to their unoperated controls, suggesting that differences other than set size and memory duration underlie the different outcomes in the human and animal studies. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Spectral methods in machine learning and new strategies for very large datasets

PubMed Central

Belabbas, Mohamed-Ali; Wolfe, Patrick J.

2009-01-01

Spectral methods are of fundamental importance in statistics and machine learning, because they underlie algorithms from classical principal components analysis to more recent approaches that exploit manifold structure. In most cases, the core technical problem can be reduced to computing a low-rank approximation to a positive-definite kernel. For the growing number of applications dealing with very large or high-dimensional datasets, however, the optimal approximation afforded by an exact spectral decomposition is too costly, because its complexity scales as the cube of either the number of training examples or their dimensionality. Motivated by such applications, we present here 2 new algorithms for the approximation of positive-semidefinite kernels, together with error bounds that improve on results in the literature. We approach this problem by seeking to determine, in an efficient manner, the most informative subset of our data relative to the kernel approximation task at hand. This leads to two new strategies based on the Nyström method that are directly applicable to massive datasets. The first of these—based on sampling—leads to a randomized algorithm whereupon the kernel induces a probability distribution on its set of partitions, whereas the latter approach—based on sorting—provides for the selection of a partition in a deterministic way. We detail their numerical implementation and provide simulation results for a variety of representative problems in statistical data analysis, each of which demonstrates the improved performance of our approach relative to existing methods. PMID:19129490

Law of the Sea, Resource Use, and International Understanding.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Earney, Fillmore C. F.

Examined are the mandates of the Law of the Sea (LOS) Convention (not ratified by the United States), which set aside approximately two-thirds of the world's oceans as a "common heritage of mankind" to further the establishment of a "new economic order." The convention established an International Seabed Authority designed to…

CDC School Health Guidelines to Prevent Unintentional Injuries and Violence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barrios, Lisa C.; Sleet, David A.; Mercy, James A.

2003-01-01

Approximately two-thirds of all deaths among children and adolescents aged five to 19 years results from injury-related causes: motor-vehicle crashes, all other unintentional injuries, homicide, and suicide. Schools have a responsibility to prevent injuries from occurring on school property and at school-sponsored events. In addition, schools can…

Multimedia Projects in Education: Designing, Producing, and Assessing, Third Edition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ivers, Karen S.; Barron, Ann E.

2005-01-01

Building on the materials in the two previous successful editions, this book features approximately 40% all new material and updates the previous information. The authors use the DDD-E model (Decide, Design, Develop--Evaluate) to show how to select and plan multimedia projects, use presentation and development tools, manage graphics, audio, and…

Lessons in Learning: More Education, Less Employment--Immigrants and the Labour Market

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Canadian Council on Learning, 2008

2008-01-01

Nearly one out of five Canadian residents was born outside of Canada and approximately two-thirds of Canada's population growth results from net international migration. Only Australia, where immigrants represent 24% of the population, has a greater percentage of immigrants than Canada (18%). Immigration is a major factor in Canada's economic…

Misdiagnosis of Thyroid Disorders in Down Syndrome: Time to Re-Examine the Myth?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Prasher, V.; Haque, M. S.

2005-01-01

There is a reported association between thyroid disorders and Down syndrome, but is this association based on valid and reliable research evidence? We evaluated thyroid function test results of 110 healthy adults with Down syndrome to determine biochemical thyroid status. Approximately two thirds were biochemically euthyroid when assessed by…

Effective quadrature formula in solving linear integro-differential equations of order two

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eshkuvatov, Z. K.; Kammuji, M.; Long, N. M. A. Nik; Yunus, Arif A. M.

2017-08-01

In this note, we solve general form of Fredholm-Volterra integro-differential equations (IDEs) of order 2 with boundary condition approximately and show that proposed method is effective and reliable. Initially, IDEs is reduced into integral equation of the third kind by using standard integration techniques and identity between multiple and single integrals then truncated Legendre series are used to estimate the unknown function. For the kernel integrals, we have applied Gauss-Legendre quadrature formula and collocation points are chosen as the roots of the Legendre polynomials. Finally, reduce the integral equations of the third kind into the system of algebraic equations and Gaussian elimination method is applied to get approximate solutions. Numerical examples and comparisons with other methods reveal that the proposed method is very effective and dominated others in many cases. General theory of existence of the solution is also discussed.

The roots of modern justice: cognitive and neural foundations of social norms and their enforcement.

PubMed

Buckholtz, Joshua W; Marois, René

2012-04-15

Among animals, Homo sapiens is unique in its capacity for widespread cooperation and prosocial behavior among large and genetically heterogeneous groups of individuals. This ultra-sociality figures largely in our success as a species. It is also an enduring evolutionary mystery. There is considerable support for the hypothesis that this facility is a function of our ability to establish, and enforce through sanctions, social norms. Third-party punishment of norm violations ("I punish you because you harmed him") seems especially crucial for the evolutionary stability of cooperation and is the cornerstone of modern systems of criminal justice. In this commentary, we outline some potential cognitive and neural processes that may underlie the ability to learn norms, to follow norms and to enforce norms through third-party punishment. We propose that such processes depend on several domain-general cognitive functions that have been repurposed, through evolution's thrift, to perform these roles.

Do First Generation Immigrant Adolescents Face Higher Rates of Bullying, Violence and Suicidal Behaviours Than Do Third Generation and Native Born?

PubMed

Pottie, Kevin; Dahal, Govinda; Georgiades, Katholiki; Premji, Kamila; Hassan, Ghayda

2015-10-01

We conducted a systematic review to examine first generation immigrant adolescents' likelihood of experiencing bullying, violence, and suicidal behaviours compared to their later-generation and native born counterparts, and to identify factors that may underlie these risks. Eighteen studies met full inclusion criteria. First generation immigrant adolescents experience higher rate of bullying and peer aggression compared to third generation and native counterparts. Refugee status and advanced parental age were associated with increased parent to child aggression among South East Asians. Family cohesion was associated with lower rates of violence. Suicidal ideation was lower across most immigrant adolescents' ethnicities, with the exception of Turkish and South Asian Surinamese female adolescents in the Netherlands. Bullying and peer aggression of immigrant children and adolescents and potential mitigating factors such as family cohesion warrant research and program attention by policymakers, teachers and parents.

ASP: Automated symbolic computation of approximate symmetries of differential equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jefferson, G. F.; Carminati, J.

2013-03-01

A recent paper (Pakdemirli et al. (2004) [12]) compared three methods of determining approximate symmetries of differential equations. Two of these methods are well known and involve either a perturbation of the classical Lie symmetry generator of the differential system (Baikov, Gazizov and Ibragimov (1988) [7], Ibragimov (1996) [6]) or a perturbation of the dependent variable/s and subsequent determination of the classical Lie point symmetries of the resulting coupled system (Fushchych and Shtelen (1989) [11]), both up to a specified order in the perturbation parameter. The third method, proposed by Pakdemirli, Yürüsoy and Dolapçi (2004) [12], simplifies the calculations required by Fushchych and Shtelen's method through the assignment of arbitrary functions to the non-linear components prior to computing symmetries. All three methods have been implemented in the new MAPLE package ASP (Automated Symmetry Package) which is an add-on to the MAPLE symmetry package DESOLVII (Vu, Jefferson and Carminati (2012) [25]). To our knowledge, this is the first computer package to automate all three methods of determining approximate symmetries for differential systems. Extensions to the theory have also been suggested for the third method and which generalise the first method to systems of differential equations. Finally, a number of approximate symmetries and corresponding solutions are compared with results in the literature.

Predictability of uncontrollable multifocal seizures - towards new treatment options

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lehnertz, Klaus; Dickten, Henning; Porz, Stephan; Helmstaedter, Christoph; Elger, Christian E.

2016-04-01

Drug-resistant, multifocal, non-resectable epilepsies are among the most difficult epileptic disorders to manage. An approach to control previously uncontrollable seizures in epilepsy patients would consist of identifying seizure precursors in critical brain areas combined with delivering a counteracting influence to prevent seizure generation. Predictability of seizures with acceptable levels of sensitivity and specificity, even in an ambulatory setting, has been repeatedly shown, however, in patients with a single seizure focus only. We did a study to assess feasibility of state-of-the-art, electroencephalogram-based seizure-prediction techniques in patients with uncontrollable multifocal seizures. We obtained significant predictive information about upcoming seizures in more than two thirds of patients. Unexpectedly, the emergence of seizure precursors was confined to non-affected brain areas. Our findings clearly indicate that epileptic networks, spanning lobes and hemispheres, underlie generation of seizures. Our proof-of-concept study is an important milestone towards new therapeutic strategies based on seizure-prediction techniques for clinical practice.

Transition Components of the Frost Center, a Model Program Background: The Frost Center and Its Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mosso, Janet L.

The Frost Center (Rockville, Maryland) is a private, nonprofit school and therapeutic day program that serves adolescents with emotional, learning, and behavioral disabilities and their families. Approximately two-thirds of each student's day is spent in academic classes, acquiring the skills and behavior necessary for a return to a less…

Oxygen production by urban trees in the United States

Treesearch

David J. Nowak; Robert Hoehn; Daniel E. Crane

2007-01-01

Urban forests in the coterminous United States are estimated to produce ≈61 million metric tons (67 million tons) of oxygen annually, enough oxygen to offset the annual oxygen consumption of approximately two-thirds of the U.S. opulation. Although oxygen production is often cited as a significant benefit of trees, this benefit is relatively insignificant and...

Promoting Children's Physical Activity in Physical Education: The Role of Active Video Gaming

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhang, Tao; Moore, William; Gu, Xiangli; Chu, Tsz Lun; Gao, Zan

2016-01-01

Approximately half of the children in the United States do not meet the global physical activity guidelines, and many children adopt sedentary lifestyles. Given the fact about two-thirds children are classified as overweight or obese, traditional video games have been blamed as a major contributor to children's sedentary behavior and excessive…

Weight-teasing and emotional well-being in adolescents: longitudinal findings from Project EAT.

PubMed

Eisenberg, Marla E; Neumark-Sztainer, Dianne; Haines, Jess; Wall, Melanie

2006-06-01

To determine if weight-teasing predicts subsequent low self-esteem, poor body image, and depressive symptoms; and to examine two mechanisms through which early teasing may influence later emotional health. A racially and socio-economically diverse sample of 2516 adolescents completed surveys for both Wave 1 (1998-99) and Wave 2 (2003-04) of the Project EAT study. Approximately one third of these were early adolescents who transitioned into middle adolescence, and two thirds were middle adolescents who transitioned into young adulthood. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted in three stages to test Model A: the total effect of Time 1 teasing on Time 2 emotional health; Model B: Model A, mediated by Time 2 teasing and body mass index (BMI); and Model C: Model B, also mediated by Time 1 emotional health. Approximately one third of males and slightly under half of females reported that they had been teased about their weight at Time 1. Time 1 teasing predicted lower self-esteem, lower body image, and higher depressive symptoms at Time 2 for males and females in the older and younger age groups. This relationship was fully mediated, however, by Time 2 teasing and BMI, and by Time 1 emotional health. Adjusted R2 statistics for the final models ranged from .11 to .36. Weight-teasing in adolescence affects emotional well-being at 5-year follow-up, and appears to function through two mechanisms. Reducing early teasing and its concurrent damages to emotional health may prevent longer-term emotional health consequences.

Breakdown of the single-exchange approximation in third-order symmetry-adapted perturbation theory.

PubMed

Lao, Ka Un; Herbert, John M

2012-03-22

We report third-order symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) calculations for several dimers whose intermolecular interactions are dominated by induction. We demonstrate that the single-exchange approximation (SEA) employed to derive the third-order exchange-induction correction (E(exch-ind)((30))) fails to quench the attractive nature of the third-order induction (E(ind)((30))), leading to one-dimensional potential curves that become attractive rather than repulsive at short intermolecular separations. A scaling equation for (E(exch-ind)((30))), based on an exact formula for the first-order exchange correction, is introduced to approximate exchange effects beyond the SEA, and qualitatively correct potential energy curves that include third-order induction are thereby obtained. For induction-dominated systems, our results indicate that a "hybrid" SAPT approach, in which a dimer Hartree-Fock calculation is performed in order to obtain a correction for higher-order induction, is necessary not only to obtain quantitative binding energies but also to obtain qualitatively correct potential energy surfaces. These results underscore the need to develop higher-order exchange-induction formulas that go beyond the SEA. © 2012 American Chemical Society

Computational Modeling of Proteins based on Cellular Automata: A Method of HP Folding Approximation.

PubMed

Madain, Alia; Abu Dalhoum, Abdel Latif; Sleit, Azzam

2018-06-01

The design of a protein folding approximation algorithm is not straightforward even when a simplified model is used. The folding problem is a combinatorial problem, where approximation and heuristic algorithms are usually used to find near optimal folds of proteins primary structures. Approximation algorithms provide guarantees on the distance to the optimal solution. The folding approximation approach proposed here depends on two-dimensional cellular automata to fold proteins presented in a well-studied simplified model called the hydrophobic-hydrophilic model. Cellular automata are discrete computational models that rely on local rules to produce some overall global behavior. One-third and one-fourth approximation algorithms choose a subset of the hydrophobic amino acids to form H-H contacts. Those algorithms start with finding a point to fold the protein sequence into two sides where one side ignores H's at even positions and the other side ignores H's at odd positions. In addition, blocks or groups of amino acids fold the same way according to a predefined normal form. We intend to improve approximation algorithms by considering all hydrophobic amino acids and folding based on the local neighborhood instead of using normal forms. The CA does not assume a fixed folding point. The proposed approach guarantees one half approximation minus the H-H endpoints. This lower bound guaranteed applies to short sequences only. This is proved as the core and the folds of the protein will have two identical sides for all short sequences.

Intersection of three-dimensional geometric surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crisp, V. K.; Rehder, J. J.; Schwing, J. L.

1985-01-01

Calculating the line of intersection between two three-dimensional objects and using the information to generate a third object is a key element in a geometry development system. Techniques are presented for the generation of three-dimensional objects, the calculation of a line of intersection between two objects, and the construction of a resultant third object. The objects are closed surfaces consisting of adjacent bicubic parametric patches using Bezier basis functions. The intersection determination involves subdividing the patches that make up the objects until they are approximately planar and then calculating the intersection between planes. The resulting straight-line segments are connected to form the curve of intersection. The polygons in the neighborhood of the intersection are reconstructed and put back into the Bezier representation. A third object can be generated using various combinations of the original two. Several examples are presented. Special cases and problems were encountered, and the method for handling them is discussed. The special cases and problems included intersection of patch edges, gaps between adjacent patches because of unequal subdivision, holes, or islands within patches, and computer round-off error.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation and potential cortical and trigeminothalamic mechanisms in migraine

PubMed Central

Andreou, Anna P.; Holland, Philip R.; Akerman, Simon; Summ, Oliver; Fredrick, Joe

2016-01-01

Abstract A single pulse of transcranial magnetic stimulation has been shown to be effective for the acute treatment of migraine with and without aura. Here we aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms of action of transcranial magnetic stimulation, using a transcortical approach, in preclinical migraine models. We tested the susceptibility of cortical spreading depression, the experimental correlate of migraine aura, and further evaluated the response of spontaneous and evoked trigeminovascular activity of second order trigemontothalamic and third order thalamocortical neurons in rats. Single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation significantly inhibited both mechanical and chemically-induced cortical spreading depression when administered immediately post-induction in rats, but not when administered preinduction, and when controlled by a sham stimulation. Additionally transcranial magnetic stimulation significantly inhibited the spontaneous and evoked firing rate of third order thalamocortical projection neurons, but not second order neurons in the trigeminocervical complex, suggesting a potential modulatory effect that may underlie its utility in migraine. In gyrencephalic cat cortices, when administered post-cortical spreading depression, transcranial magnetic stimulation blocked the propagation of cortical spreading depression in two of eight animals. These results are the first to demonstrate that cortical spreading depression can be blocked in vivo using single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation and further highlight a novel thalamocortical modulatory capacity that may explain the efficacy of magnetic stimulation in the treatment of migraine with and without aura. PMID:27246325

Knowledge of and attitudes to sports drinks of adolescents living in South Wales, UK.

PubMed

Fairchild, R M; Broughton, D; Morgan, M Z

2017-06-23

Background The UK sports drinks market has a turnover in excess of £200 million. Adolescents consume 15.6% of total energy as free sugars, much higher than the recommended 5%. Sugar sweetened beverages, including sports drinks, account for 30% of total free sugar intake for those aged 11-18 years.Objective To investigate children's knowledge and attitudes surrounding sports drinks.Method One hundred and eighty-three self-complete questionnaires were distributed to four schools in South Wales. Children aged 12-14 were recruited to take part. Questions focussed on knowledge of who sports drinks are aimed at; the role of sports drinks in physical activity; and the possible detrimental effects to oral health. Recognition of brand logo and sports ambassadors and the relationship of knowledge to respondents' consumption of sports drinks were assessed.Results There was an 87% (160) response rate and 89.4% (143) claimed to drink sports drinks. 45.9% thought that sports drinks were aimed at everyone; approximately a third (50) viewed teenagers as the target group. Over two thirds recognised the brand logos, yet less than a third could identify brand ambassadors. About half were aware that dental erosion may result from consumption and approximately two thirds knew that they were linked to dental caries and energy provision. Despite this the majority claimed to drink them. As previously reported most of those drinking sports drinks did so because of the taste.Conclusion Whilst most of the respondents had some understanding of the detrimental effects on health the majority of them were drinking them regularly despite this knowledge. Work is therefore needed at a macro level, with soft drink manufacturers, to consider marketing and reformulation of products for adolescent consumers who appear to enjoy them.

Tectonic map of Liberia based on geophysical and geological surveys

USGS Publications Warehouse

Behrendt, John Charles; Wotorson, Cletus S.

1972-01-01

Interpretation of the results of aeromagnetic, total-gamma radioactivity, and gravity surveys combined with geologic data for Western Liberia from White and Leo (1969) and other geologic information allows the construction of a tectonic map of Liberia. The map approximately delineates the boundaries between the Liberian (ca. 2700 m.y.) province in the northwestern two-thirds of the country, the Eburnean (ca. 2000 m.y.) province in the south-eastern one-third, and the Pan-African (ca. 550 m.y.) province in the coastal area of the northwestern two-thirds of the country. Rock follation and tectonic structural features trend northeastward in the Liberian province, east-northeastward to north-northeastward in the Eburnean province, and northwestward in the Pan-African age province. Linear residual magnetic anomailes 20-80 km wide and 200-600 gammas in amplitude and following the northeast structural trend typical of the Liberian age province cross the entire country and extend into Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast.

The association between sugar-sweetened beverages and dental caries among third-grade students in Georgia.

PubMed

Wilder, Jocelyn R; Kaste, Linda M; Handler, Arden; Chapple-McGruder, Theresa; Rankin, Kristin M

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study is to examine the association between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and caries experience among Georgia third graders. The 2010-2011 Georgia Third Grade Oral Health Study provided a school-based sample for analysis. Data were weighted to be representative of the state of Georgia's third graders. Log-binomial regression was used to assess the association between SSB consumption and caries experience after adjusting for socio-demographic and maternal and child oral health characteristics. Georgia third graders consumed approximately two servings of SSB per day on average (1.7, 95% CI 1.6-1.8). Fifty-two percent of Georgia third graders had caries experience. Daily consumption of SSB and prevalence of caries experience differed significantly by demographic characteristics. After adjustment for socio-demographic and maternal oral health characteristics, caries experience increased 22 percent (adjusted PR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.1, 1.3) for every additional reported serving of SSB consumed per day. Higher consumption of SSBs is associated with higher caries prevalence among Georgia third graders after adjustment for important covariates. Consequently, health messages about SSBs from dentists, physicians, and other healthcare providers as well as policy approaches at the school, state, and national levels to limit consumption of SSBs may collectively impact both the development of dental caries and obesity, leading to overall better health for children. © 2015 American Association of Public Health Dentistry.

Further reply to remarks of R Cross on ‘A comparative study of two types of ball-on-ball collision’

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, Colin

2018-03-01

In this letter, I show how a perceived approximation error in my first letter, White (2017 Phys. Ed. 53 016502) concerning my explanation of the dynamic motion of two interacting Newtons Cradle balls, proves to me insignificant. Although these second and third order errors described are shown to be minimal, they do raise the opportunity to discuss the precise and more intricate ball interactions in finer detail.

One-Dimensional Fokker-Planck Equation with Quadratically Nonlinear Quasilocal Drift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shapovalov, A. V.

2018-04-01

The Fokker-Planck equation in one-dimensional spacetime with quadratically nonlinear nonlocal drift in the quasilocal approximation is reduced with the help of scaling of the coordinates and time to a partial differential equation with a third derivative in the spatial variable. Determining equations for the symmetries of the reduced equation are derived and the Lie symmetries are found. A group invariant solution having the form of a traveling wave is found. Within the framework of Adomian's iterative method, the first iterations of an approximate solution of the Cauchy problem are obtained. Two illustrative examples of exact solutions are found.

An approximate Riemann solver for hypervelocity flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jacobs, Peter A.

1991-01-01

We describe an approximate Riemann solver for the computation of hypervelocity flows in which there are strong shocks and viscous interactions. The scheme has three stages, the first of which computes the intermediate states assuming isentropic waves. A second stage, based on the strong shock relations, may then be invoked if the pressure jump across either wave is large. The third stage interpolates the interface state from the two initial states and the intermediate states. The solver is used as part of a finite-volume code and is demonstrated on two test cases. The first is a high Mach number flow over a sphere while the second is a flow over a slender cone with an adiabatic boundary layer. In both cases the solver performs well.

Tobacco control education in pediatric anesthesiology fellowships.

PubMed

Peters, Shannon M; Pabelick, Christina M; Warner, David O

2013-12-01

Cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke exposure (SHS) increase the risk of perioperative complications. Traditionally, anesthesiologists have limited involvement in tobacco control. To develop and disseminate an educational curriculum that educates pediatric anesthesia fellows in tobacco control. After IRB approval, an online survey was disseminated to pediatric anesthesiology fellowship directors. Thirty-one surveys were completed. Most report that they ask pediatric patients about tobacco use. A majority advise their patients who smoke about the health effects of smoking, but only 40% advise children to quit, and the majority never provide educational materials to assist in smoking cessation. Half reported that they sometimes or always ask about SHS. Approximately one-third never advise about the ill effects of SHS, nearly half never advise parents to stop smoking, and the majority never provide educational material about quitting to parents. Two-thirds felt that it is their responsibility to advise pediatric patients not to smoke, but less than half felt the same sense of responsibility about advising parents not to smoke. Approximately two-thirds believe that fellowship programs should provide education about the effects of smoking in the perioperative period and the effects of SHS exposure, but few programs do. Almost all would implement a free teaching module about SHS exposure and tobacco control as part of fellowship education. Many pediatric anesthesiology fellowship directors agree that exposure to cigarette smoke adversely impacts patients in the perioperative period, but few participate in tobacco control, and issues germane to tobacco control are not consistently addressed. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Post-Newtonian and numerical calculations of the gravitational self-force for circular orbits in the Schwarzschild geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blanchet, Luc; Detweiler, Steven; Le Tiec, Alexandre; Whiting, Bernard F.

2010-03-01

The problem of a compact binary system whose components move on circular orbits is addressed using two different approximation techniques in general relativity. The post-Newtonian (PN) approximation involves an expansion in powers of v/c≪1, and is most appropriate for small orbital velocities v. The perturbative self-force analysis requires an extreme mass ratio m1/m2≪1 for the components of the binary. A particular coordinate-invariant observable is determined as a function of the orbital frequency of the system using these two different approximations. The post-Newtonian calculation is pushed up to the third post-Newtonian (3PN) order. It involves the metric generated by two point particles and evaluated at the location of one of the particles. We regularize the divergent self-field of the particle by means of dimensional regularization. We show that the poles ∝(d-3)-1 appearing in dimensional regularization at the 3PN order cancel out from the final gauge invariant observable. The 3PN analytical result, through first order in the mass ratio, and the numerical self-force calculation are found to agree well. The consistency of this cross cultural comparison confirms the soundness of both approximations in describing compact binary systems. In particular, it provides an independent test of the very different regularization procedures invoked in the two approximation schemes.

A Quantitative Study Examining the Differences in Motivation and Achievement between Traditional versus Team-Based Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ku, James Yu-Fan

2016-01-01

Obtaining a degree from a community college could be the opportunity for students to advance their education or career. Nevertheless, nearly two-thirds of first-time community college students in the U.S. were required to take developmental mathematics courses. The problem was that approximately three-fourth of those students did not successfully…

Dimensions of assertiveness: factor analysis of five assertion inventories.

PubMed

Henderson, M; Furnham, A

1983-09-01

Five self report assertiveness inventories were factor analyzed. In each case two major factors emerged, accounting for approximately one-quarter to a third of the variance. The findings emphasize the multidimensional nature of current measures of assertiveness, and suggest the construction of a more systematic and psychometrically evaluated scale that would yield subscale scores assessing the separate dimensions of assertiveness.

Implementing Quality Primary Education for Countries in Transition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cummings, William K.; Dall, Frank P.

In 1990, approximately 130 million children ages 6-11 (60% girls) were not attending school, and 1 in 4 adults (two-thirds women) could not read or write. The World Conference on Education for All, held in Jomtien, Thailand, in March 1990, was convened to provide educators a forum for reflecting on this inequity in the state of education. The…

Alberta's 2002 Teacher Strike: The Political Economy of Labor Relations in Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barnetson, Bob

2010-01-01

In 2002, approximately two thirds of school teachers in the Canadian province of Alberta went on strike. Drawing on media, government and union documents, this case study reveals some contours of the political economy of labor relations in education that are normally hidden from view. Among these features are that the state can react to worker…

Hydrogeologic reconnaissance of the San Miguel River basin, southwestern Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ackerman, D.J.; Rush, F.E.

1984-01-01

The San Miguel River Basin encompasses 4,130 square kilometers of which about two-thirds is in the southeastern part of the Paradox Basin. The Paradox Basin is a part of the Colorado Plateaus that is underlain by a thick sequence of evaporite beds of Pennsylvanian age. The rock units that underlie the area have been grouped into hydrogeologic units based on their water-transmitting ability. Evaporite beds of mostly salt are both overlain and underlain by confining beds. Aquifers are present above and below the confining-bed sequence. The principal element of ground-water outflow from the upper aquifer is flow to the San Miguel River and its tributaries; this averages about 90 million cubic meters per year. A water budget for the lower aquifer has only two equal, unestimated elements, subsurface outflow and recharge from precipitation. The aquifers are generally isolated from the evaporite beds by the bounding confining beds; as a result, most ground water has little if any contact with the evaporites. No brines have been sampled and no brine discharges have been identified in the basin. Salt water has been reported for petroleum-exploration wells, but no active salt solution has been identified. (USGS)

Exposing a deadly alliance: novel insights into the biological links between COPD and lung cancer.

PubMed

Vermaelen, K; Brusselle, G

2013-10-01

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects more than 200 million people worldwide and is expected to become the third leading cause of death in 2020. COPD is characterized by progressive airflow limitation, due to a combination of chronic inflammation and remodeling of the small airways (bronchiolitis) and loss of elastic recoil caused by destruction of the alveolar walls (emphysema). Lung cancer is the most important cause of cancer-related death in the world. (Cigarette) smoking is the principal culprit causing both COPD and lung cancer; in addition, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, biomass fuel smoke, coal smoke and outdoor air pollution have also been associated with an increased incidence of both diseases. Importantly, smokers with COPD--defined as either not fully reversible airflow limitation or emphysema--have a two- to four-fold increased risk to develop lung cancer. In this review, we highlight several of the genetic, epigenetic and inflammatory mechanisms, which link COPD and carcinogenesis in the lungs. Elucidating the biological pathways and networks, which underlie the increased susceptibility of lung cancer in patients with COPD, has important implications for screening, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these two devastating pulmonary diseases. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Medicaid's Role in the Many Markets for Health Care

PubMed Central

Quinn, Kevin; Kitchener, Martin

2007-01-01

To illuminate Medicaid's growing role as a health care purchaser, we estimated Medicaid spending and market shares for 30 markets defined by provider category of service. For approximately 15 markets, our estimates are more detailed than the data available from standard sources. Two-thirds of Medicaid spending occurs in markets where the program has a modest market share. The other one-third occurs in markets that Medicaid dominates, especially in the areas of long-term care (LTC), mental retardation, and mental health. We explore the implications of the different roles for payment policy, industry organization, data availability, and quality of care. PMID:17722752

Evaluation of point mutations in dystrophin gene in Iranian Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy patients: introducing three novel variants.

PubMed

Haghshenas, Maryam; Akbari, Mohammad Taghi; Karizi, Shohreh Zare; Deilamani, Faravareh Khordadpoor; Nafissi, Shahriar; Salehi, Zivar

2016-06-01

Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DMD and BMD) are X-linked neuromuscular diseases characterized by progressive muscular weakness and degeneration of skeletal muscles. Approximately two-thirds of the patients have large deletions or duplications in the dystrophin gene and the remaining one-third have point mutations. This study was performed to evaluate point mutations in Iranian DMD/BMD male patients. A total of 29 DNA samples from patients who did not show any large deletion/duplication mutations following multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) screening were sequenced for detection of point mutations in exons 50-79. Also exon 44 was sequenced in one sample in which a false positive deletion was detected by MLPA method. Cycle sequencing revealed four nonsense, one frameshift and two splice site mutations as well as two missense variants.

Studying Star and Planet Formation with the Submillimeter Probe of the Evolution of Cosmic Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rinehart, Stephen A.

2005-01-01

The Submillimeter Probe of the Evolution of Cosmic Structure (SPECS) is a far- infrared/submillimeter (40-640 micrometers) spaceborne interferometry concept, studied through the NASA Vision Missions program. SPECS is envisioned as a 1-km baseline Michelson interferometer with two 4- meter collecting mirrors. To maximize science return, SPECS will have three operational modes: a photometric imaging mode, an intermediate spectral resolution mode (R approximately equal to 1000-3000), and a high spectral resolution mode (R approximately equal to 3 x 10(exp 5)). The first two of these modes will provide information on all sources within a 1 arcminute field-of-view (FOV), while the the third will include sources in a small (approximately equal to 5 arcsec) FOV. With this design, SPECS will have angular resolution comparable to the Hubble Space Telescope (50 mas) and sensitivity more than two orders of magnitude better than Spitzer (5sigma in 10ks of approximately equal to 3 x 10(exp 7) Jy Hz). We present here some of the results of the recently-completed Vision Mission Study for SPECS, and discuss the application of this mission to future studies of star and planet formation.

Signaling Pathway in Early Brain Injury after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: News Update.

PubMed

Ji, Chengyuan; Chen, Gang

2016-01-01

The annual incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) caused by intracranial aneurysm rupture is approximately 10.5/10 million people in China, making SAH the third most frequently occurring hemorrhage of the intracranial type after cerebral embolism and hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage. SAH caused by ruptured aneurysm leads to a mortality rate as high as 67 %, and, because of the sudden onset of this disease, approximately 12-15 % of patients die before they can receive effective treatment. Early brain injury (EBI) is the brain damage occurring within the first 72 h after SAH. Two-thirds of mortality caused by SAH occurs within 48 h, mainly as a result of EBI. With the development of molecular biology and medicine microscopy techniques, various signaling pathways involved in EBI after SAH have been revealed. Understanding these signaling pathways may help clinicians treat EBI after SAH and improve long-term prognosis of SAH patients. This chapter summarizes several important signaling pathways implicated in EBI caused by SAH.

Smoking, drinking, and depression: comorbidity in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

PubMed

McCarter, Kristen; Baker, Amanda L; Britton, Benjamin; Wolfenden, Luke; Wratten, Chris; Bauer, Judith; Halpin, Sean A; Carter, Gregory; Beck, Alison K; Leigh, Lucy; Oldmeadow, Christopher

2018-04-19

We aimed to determine the prevalence and co-occurrence of tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and depressive symptoms among a sample of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing radiotherapy. A total of 307 HNC patients participated in a multi-site stepped-wedge randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness of a dietitian-delivered health behavior intervention in patients with HNC undergoing radiotherapy. During week one of radiotherapy patients completed measures of smoking, alcohol consumption, and level of depression. Approximately one-fifth (21%) of patients had two or more co-occurring problems: current smoking, hazardous alcohol use, and/or likely presence of a major depressive episode (MDE). Approximately one-third (34%) of the sample were current smokers, one-third (31%) were drinking hazardously and almost one-fifth (19%) had likely cases of depression. Comorbidity of smoking, hazardous alcohol use, and MDE is high in HNC patients, and interventions need to address this cluster of cancer risk factors. © 2018 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Communication: On the consistency of approximate quantum dynamics simulation methods for vibrational spectra in the condensed phase.

PubMed

Rossi, Mariana; Liu, Hanchao; Paesani, Francesco; Bowman, Joel; Ceriotti, Michele

2014-11-14

Including quantum mechanical effects on the dynamics of nuclei in the condensed phase is challenging, because the complexity of exact methods grows exponentially with the number of quantum degrees of freedom. Efforts to circumvent these limitations can be traced down to two approaches: methods that treat a small subset of the degrees of freedom with rigorous quantum mechanics, considering the rest of the system as a static or classical environment, and methods that treat the whole system quantum mechanically, but using approximate dynamics. Here, we perform a systematic comparison between these two philosophies for the description of quantum effects in vibrational spectroscopy, taking the Embedded Local Monomer model and a mixed quantum-classical model as representatives of the first family of methods, and centroid molecular dynamics and thermostatted ring polymer molecular dynamics as examples of the latter. We use as benchmarks D2O doped with HOD and pure H2O at three distinct thermodynamic state points (ice Ih at 150 K, and the liquid at 300 K and 600 K), modeled with the simple q-TIP4P/F potential energy and dipole moment surfaces. With few exceptions the different techniques yield IR absorption frequencies that are consistent with one another within a few tens of cm(-1). Comparison with classical molecular dynamics demonstrates the importance of nuclear quantum effects up to the highest temperature, and a detailed discussion of the discrepancies between the various methods let us draw some (circumstantial) conclusions about the impact of the very different approximations that underlie them. Such cross validation between radically different approaches could indicate a way forward to further improve the state of the art in simulations of condensed-phase quantum dynamics.

Functional and neurochemical characterization of angiotensin type 1A receptor-expressing neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract of the mouse.

PubMed

Carter, D A; Choong, Y-T; Connelly, A A; Bassi, J K; Hunter, N O; Thongsepee, N; Llewellyn-Smith, I J; Fong, A Y; McDougall, S J; Allen, A M

2017-10-01

Angiotensin II acts via two main receptors within the central nervous system, with the type 1A receptor (AT 1A R) most widely expressed in adult neurons. Activation of the AT 1 R in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), the principal nucleus receiving central synapses of viscerosensory afferents, modulates cardiovascular reflexes. Expression of the AT 1 R occurs in high density within the NTS of most mammals, including humans, but the fundamental electrophysiological and neurochemical characteristics of the AT 1A R-expressing NTS neurons are not known. To address this, we have used a transgenic mouse, in which the AT 1A R promoter drives expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP). Approximately one-third of AT 1A R-expressing neurons express the catecholamine-synthetic enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and a subpopulation of these stained for the transcription factor paired-like homeobox 2b (Phox2b). A third group, comprising approximately two-thirds of the AT 1A R-expressing NTS neurons, showed Phox2b immunoreactivity alone. A fourth group in the ventral subnucleus expressed neither TH nor Phox2b. In whole cell recordings from slices in vitro, AT 1A R-GFP neurons exhibited voltage-activated potassium currents, including the transient outward current and the M-type potassium current. In two different mouse strains, both AT 1A R-GFP neurons and TH-GFP neurons showed similar AT 1A R-mediated depolarizing responses to superfusion with angiotensin II. These data provide a comprehensive description of AT 1A R-expressing neurons in the NTS and increase our understanding of the complex actions of this neuropeptide in the modulation of viscerosensory processing. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

The Noisiness of Low-Frequency One-Third Octave Bands of Noise. M.S. Thesis - Southampton Univ.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lawton, B. W.

1975-01-01

This study examined the relative noisiness of low frequency one-third octave bands of noise bounded by the bands centered at 25 Hz and 200 Hz, with intensities ranging from 50 db sound pressure level (SPL) to 95 db SPL. The thirty-two subjects used a method-of-adjustment technique, producing comparison-band intensities as noisy as standard bands centered at 100 Hz and 200 Hz with intensities of 60 db SPL and 72 db SPL. Four contours of equal noisiness were developed for one-third octave bands, extending down to 25 Hz and ranging in intensity from approximately 58 db SPL to 86 db SPL. These curves were compared with the contours of equal noisiness of Kryter and Pearsons. In the region of overlap (between 50 Hz and 200 Hz) the agreement was good.

Determination of the temperature field of shell structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodionov, N. G.

1986-10-01

A stationary heat conduction problem is formulated for the case of shell structures, such as those found in gas-turbine and jet engines. A two-dimensional elliptic differential equation of stationary heat conduction is obtained which allows, in an approximate manner, for temperature changes along a third variable, i.e., the shell thickness. The two-dimensional problem is reduced to a series of one-dimensional problems which are then solved using efficient difference schemes. The approach proposed here is illustrated by a specific example.

A new compound, withangulatin A, promotes type II DNA topoisomerase-mediated DNA damage.

PubMed

Juang, J K; Huang, H W; Chen, C M; Liu, H J

1989-03-31

Withangulatin A, a new compound with a known chemical structure and from the antitumor Chinese herb Physalis angulata L, was found to act on topoisomerase II to induce topoisomerase II-mediated DNA damage in vitro. It has two effective dosage ranges of approximate 0.5 and 20 microM, with about one-third the activity of 20 microM VM-26.

Sustaining the grassland sea: Regional perspectives on identifying, protecting and restoring the Sky Island region's most intact grassland valley landscapes

Treesearch

Gitanjali S. Bodner; Peter Warren; David Gori; Karla Sartor; Steven Bassett

2013-01-01

Grasslands of the Sky Islands region once covered over 13 million acres in southeastern Arizona and adjacent portions of New Mexico, Sonora, and Chihuahua. Attempts to evaluate current ecological conditions suggest that approximately two thirds of these remain as intact or restorable grassland habitat. These grasslands provide watershed services such as flood control...

College Student and Inmate: A Narrative Ethnography of the Be the Change Program Participants at the Commonwealth Correctional Center

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hayes, Anne Carrington

2012-01-01

With approximately 2.3 million people behind bars, the United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world. Of those incarcerated, 95% will be released. The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that over two thirds of prisoners released from state and federal prisons will be arrested again within three years. Prison-based educational…

STANSBURY ROADLESS AREAS, UTAH.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sorensen, Martin L.; Kness, Richard F.

1984-01-01

A mineral-resource survey of the Stansbury Roadless Areas, Utah was conducted and showed that there is little likelihood for the occurrence of metallic mineral resources in the areas. Limestone and dolomite underlie approximately 50 acres in the roadless areas and constitute a nonmetallic mineral resource of undetermined value. The oil and gas potential is not known and cannot be assessed without exploratory geophysical and drilling programs. There are no known geothermal resources. An extensive program of geophysical exploration and exploratory drilling would be necessary to determine the potential for oil and gas in the Stansbury Roadless Areas.

The contribution of site to washout and rainout: Precipitation chemistry based on sample analysis from 0.5 mm precipitation increments and numerical simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aikawa, Masahide; Kajino, Mizuo; Hiraki, Takatoshi; Mukai, Hitoshi

2014-10-01

Datasets of precipitation chemistry at a precipitation resolution of 0.5 mm from three sites were studied to determine whether the washout and rainout mechanisms differed with site type (urban, suburban, rural). Rainout accounted for approximately one-third of the total NO3- deposition and washout contributed two-thirds, irrespective of the site type, although the washout contribution at the urban site (over 70%) was larger than that at the other two sites. The rainout mechanism and the washout mechanism both accounted for about half the total SO42- deposition at the suburban and rural sites, whereas at the urban site the rainout contribution was over 80%. A chemical transport model produced similar levels of washout and rainout contributions as the precipitation chemistry data.

Digestive tract evacuation in northern squawfish (Ptychocheilus oregonensis)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Beyer, J.M.; Lucchetti, G.; Gray, G.

1988-01-01

Digestive tract evacuation in northern squawfish (Ptychocheilus oregonensis) (170–1900 g) was studied in fish allowed to feed voluntarily on salmon (4–70 g) at three water temperatures (10, 15, and 20 °C). Squawfish were sacrificed at 1- or 2-h intervals until evacuation approximated 90%. Amount of food evacuated for a given time interval increased approximately three times as the temperature was increased and as the prey weight was increased and two times as the predator weight was increased. The 90% emptying time (ET90) decreased by about two thirds as the temperature doubled and by about one half as the predator weight increased 10 times, but approximately doubled when the prey weight increased 4 times. Two-fish meals (17–20 g each, 35–39 g total) were evacuated more slowly than meals of one fish weighing 17–20 g, but at the same rate as meals of one fish weighing 35–40 g. Equations derived are easily applied to a wide range of water temperatures, prey weights, and predator weights.

Finite dimensional approximation of a class of constrained nonlinear optimal control problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gunzburger, Max D.; Hou, L. S.

1994-01-01

An abstract framework for the analysis and approximation of a class of nonlinear optimal control and optimization problems is constructed. Nonlinearities occur in both the objective functional and in the constraints. The framework includes an abstract nonlinear optimization problem posed on infinite dimensional spaces, and approximate problem posed on finite dimensional spaces, together with a number of hypotheses concerning the two problems. The framework is used to show that optimal solutions exist, to show that Lagrange multipliers may be used to enforce the constraints, to derive an optimality system from which optimal states and controls may be deduced, and to derive existence results and error estimates for solutions of the approximate problem. The abstract framework and the results derived from that framework are then applied to three concrete control or optimization problems and their approximation by finite element methods. The first involves the von Karman plate equations of nonlinear elasticity, the second, the Ginzburg-Landau equations of superconductivity, and the third, the Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible, viscous flows.

Microscopic Lagrangian description of warm plasmas. IV - Macroscopic approximation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, H.; Crawford, F. W.

1983-01-01

The averaged-Lagrangian method is applied to linear wave propagation and nonlinear three-wave interaction in a warm magnetoplasma, in the macroscopic approximation. The microscopic Lagrangian treated by Kim and Crawford (1977) and by Galloway and Crawford (1977) is first expanded to third order in perturbation. Velocity integration is then carried out, before applying Hamilton's principle to obtain a general description of wave propagation and coupling. The results are specialized to the case of interaction between two electron plasma waves and an Alfven wave. The method is shown to be more powerful than the alternative possibility of working from the beginning with a macroscopic Lagrangian density.

A boundary value approach for solving three-dimensional elliptic and hyperbolic partial differential equations.

PubMed

Biala, T A; Jator, S N

2015-01-01

In this article, the boundary value method is applied to solve three dimensional elliptic and hyperbolic partial differential equations. The partial derivatives with respect to two of the spatial variables (y, z) are discretized using finite difference approximations to obtain a large system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) in the third spatial variable (x). Using interpolation and collocation techniques, a continuous scheme is developed and used to obtain discrete methods which are applied via the Block unification approach to obtain approximations to the resulting large system of ODEs. Several test problems are investigated to elucidate the solution process.

Multiparticle dynamics in an expanding universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, James L.

1995-11-01

Approximate equations of motion for multiparticle systems in an expanding Einstein-deSitter universe are derived from the Einstein-Maxwell field equations using the Einstein-Infeld-Hoffmann surface integral method. At the Newtonian level of approximation one finds that, in comoving coordinates, both the Newtonian gravitational and Coulomb interactions in these equations are multiplied by the inverse third power of the scale factor R(t) appearing in the Einstein-deSitter field and they acquire a cosmic ``drag'' term. Nevertheless, both the period and luminosity size of bound two-body systems whose period is small compared to the Hubble time are found to be independent of t.

Effects of exciton-plasmon strong coupling on third harmonic generation by two-dimensional WS2 at periodic plasmonic interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sukharev, Maxim; Pachter, Ruth

2018-03-01

We study theoretically the optical response of a WS2 monolayer located near periodic metal nanostructured arrays in two and three dimensions. The emphasis of the simulations is on the strong coupling between excitons supported by WS2 and surface plasmon-polaritons supported by various periodic plasmonic interfaces. It is demonstrated that a monolayer of WS2 placed in close proximity of periodic arrays of either slits or holes results in a Rabi splitting of the corresponding surface plasmon-polariton resonance as revealed in calculated transmission and reflection spectra. The nonlinear regime, at which the few-layer WS2 exhibits experimentally third harmonic generation (THG), is studied in detail. Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) do not exhibit THG because they are non-centrosymmetric, but here we use the monolayer as an approximation to a thin TMD nanostructure. We show that in the strong coupling regime the third harmonic signal is significantly affected by plasmon-polaritons and the symmetry of hybrid exciton-plasmon modes. It is also shown that the local electromagnetic field induced by plasmons is the major contributor to the enhancement of the third harmonic signal in three dimensions. The local electromagnetic fields resulting from the third harmonic generation are greatly localized and highly sensitive to the environment, thus making it a great tool for nano-probes.

Tephra-fall deposits from the 1992 eruption of Crater Peak, Alaska: implications of clast textures for eruptive processes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gardner, C.A.; Cashman, K.V.; Neal, C.A.

1998-01-01

The 1992 eruption of Crater Peak, Mount Spurr, Alaska, involved three subplinian tephra-producing events of similar volume and duration. The tephra consists of two dense juvenile clast types that are identified by color, one tan and one gray, of similar chemistry, mineral assemblage, and glass composition. In two of the eruptive events, the clast types are strongly stratified with tan clasts dominating the basal two thirds of the deposits and gray clasts the upper one third. Tan clasts have average densities between 1.5 and 1.7 g/cc and vesicularities (phenocryst free) of approximately 42%. Gray clasts have average densities between 2.1 and 2.3 g/cc, and vesicularities of approximately 20%; both contain abundant microlites. Average maximum plagioclase microlite lengths (13-15 ??m) in gray clasts in the upper layer are similar regardless of eruptive event (and therefore the repose time between them) and are larger than average maximum plagioclase microlite lengths (9-11 ???m) in the tan clasts in the lower layer. This suggests that microlite growth is a response to eruptive processes and not to magma reservoir heterogeneity or dynamics. Furthermore, we suggest that the low vesicularities of the clasts are due to syneruptive magmatic degassing resulting in microlitic growth prior to fragmentation and not to quenching of clasts by external groundwater.

Unified control/structure design and modeling research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mingori, D. L.; Gibson, J. S.; Blelloch, P. A.; Adamian, A.

1986-01-01

To demonstrate the applicability of the control theory for distributed systems to large flexible space structures, research was focused on a model of a space antenna which consists of a rigid hub, flexible ribs, and a mesh reflecting surface. The space antenna model used is discussed along with the finite element approximation of the distributed model. The basic control problem is to design an optimal or near-optimal compensator to suppress the linear vibrations and rigid-body displacements of the structure. The application of an infinite dimensional Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control theory to flexible structure is discussed. Two basic approaches for robustness enhancement were investigated: loop transfer recovery and sensitivity optimization. A third approach synthesized from elements of these two basic approaches is currently under development. The control driven finite element approximation of flexible structures is discussed. Three sets of finite element basic vectors for computing functional control gains are compared. The possibility of constructing a finite element scheme to approximate the infinite dimensional Hamiltonian system directly, instead of indirectly is discussed.

Earth Observation

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-07-29

ISS032-E-010482 (29 July 2012) --- Sutter Buttes in California are featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 32 crew member on the International Space Station. Sometimes called the ?smallest mountain range in the world?, the Sutter Buttes rise almost 610 meters above the surrounding flat agricultural fields of the Great Valley of central California. Scientists believe the Sutter Buttes are remnants of a volcano that was active approximately 1.6 ? 1.4 million years ago during the Pleistocene Epoch. The central core of the Buttes is characterized by lava domes?piles of viscous lava that erupted onto the surface, building higher with each successive layer. Today, these lava domes form the high central hills of the Buttes; shadows cast by the hills are visible at center. Surrounding the central core is an apron of fragmental material created by occasional eruptions of the lava domes ? this apron extends roughly 18 kilometers east-west and 16 kilometers north-south. The volcanic material was transported outwards from the central core during eruptions by hot gasses (pyroclastic flows) or by cooler water-driven flows (lahars). Later stream erosion of the debris apron is evident from the radial drainage pattern surrounding the central core. A third geomorphic region of valleys known as the ?moat? is present between the core and the debris apron, and was formed from erosion of older, exposed sedimentary rocks that underlie the volcanic rocks. The Sutter Buttes present a striking visual contrast with the surrounding green agricultural fields?here mostly rice, with some sunflower, winter wheat, tomato, and almonds?of the Great Valley. Urban areas such as Yuba City, CA (located 18 kilometers to the southeast) appear as light to dark gray stippled regions. Sacramento, CA (not shown) is located approximately 80 kilometers to the south-southeast. The image appears slightly distorted (oblique) due to the viewing angle from the space station.

Reaction mechanism of electrochemical-vapor deposition of yttria-stabilized zirconia film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasaki, Hirokazu; Yakawa, Chiori; Otoshi, Shoji; Suzuki, Minoru; Ippommatsu, Masamichi

1993-10-01

The reaction mechanism for electrochemical-vapor deposition of yttria-stabilized zirconia was studied. Yttria-stabilized zirconia films were deposited on porous La(Sr)MnOx using the electrochemical-vapor-deposition process. The distribution of yttria concentration through the film was investigated by means of secondary-ion-mass spectroscopy and x-ray microanalysis and found to be nearly constant. The deposition rate was approximately proportional to the minus two-thirds power of the film thickness, the one-third power of the partial pressure of ZrCl4/YCl3 mixed gas, and the two-thirds power of the product of the reaction temperature and the electronic conductivity of yttria-stabilized zirconia film. These experimental results were explained by a model for electron transport through the YSZ film and reaction between the surface oxygen and the metal chloride on the chloride side of the film, both of which affect the deposition rate. If the film thickness is very small, the deposition rate is thought to be controlled by the surface reaction step. On the other hand, if large, the electron transport step is rate controlling.

Early Detection of Neonatal Cholestasis: Inadequate Assessment of Stool Color by Parents and Primary Healthcare Doctors.

PubMed

Witt, Mauri; Lindeboom, Jeanet; Wijnja, Corry; Kesler, Anneke; Keyzer-Dekker, Claudia M G; Verkade, Henkjan J; Hulscher, Jan B F

2016-02-01

Early diagnosis and surgery (< 60 days of age) improve outcomes in children with biliary atresia. Only 56% of patients undergo timely surgery in the Netherlands. Lack of acquaintance with symptoms such as discolored stools might underlie this delay. We analyzed whether Dutch parents, youth healthcare doctors, or general practitioners recognized discolored stools and evaluated the effect of the Infant Stool Color Card (ISCC) on recognizing discolored stools. We asked 100 parents, 33 youth healthcare doctors, and 50 general practitioners to classify photographs of stools as "normal" or "abnormal." Subsequently, we asked whether parents would seek medical help and doctors would refer the patient for medical investigation. Finally, parents scored stools using the ISCC. Two-third of both parents and youth healthcare doctors recognized all discolored stools. Only half of them would seek medical help for all discolored stools resp. refer patient for medical investigation. Only one-third of the general practitioners recognized all discolored stools and would refer for medical investigation for all discolored stools. Using the ISCC, the percentage of parents recognizing all discolored stool increased from 66 to 87% (p < 0.01). Neither parents nor youth healthcare doctors nor general practitioners reliably recognize discolored stool. The ISCC is an effective screening method for discolored stool. Our data indicate that the ISCC should be accompanied by unequivocal advices regarding referral for medical investigation upon detection of discolored stools. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation and potential cortical and trigeminothalamic mechanisms in migraine.

PubMed

Andreou, Anna P; Holland, Philip R; Akerman, Simon; Summ, Oliver; Fredrick, Joe; Goadsby, Peter J

2016-07-01

A single pulse of transcranial magnetic stimulation has been shown to be effective for the acute treatment of migraine with and without aura. Here we aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms of action of transcranial magnetic stimulation, using a transcortical approach, in preclinical migraine models. We tested the susceptibility of cortical spreading depression, the experimental correlate of migraine aura, and further evaluated the response of spontaneous and evoked trigeminovascular activity of second order trigemontothalamic and third order thalamocortical neurons in rats. Single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation significantly inhibited both mechanical and chemically-induced cortical spreading depression when administered immediately post-induction in rats, but not when administered preinduction, and when controlled by a sham stimulation. Additionally transcranial magnetic stimulation significantly inhibited the spontaneous and evoked firing rate of third order thalamocortical projection neurons, but not second order neurons in the trigeminocervical complex, suggesting a potential modulatory effect that may underlie its utility in migraine. In gyrencephalic cat cortices, when administered post-cortical spreading depression, transcranial magnetic stimulation blocked the propagation of cortical spreading depression in two of eight animals. These results are the first to demonstrate that cortical spreading depression can be blocked in vivo using single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation and further highlight a novel thalamocortical modulatory capacity that may explain the efficacy of magnetic stimulation in the treatment of migraine with and without aura. © The Author (2016). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Guarantors of Brain.

Shared Resistance to Aging and ALS in Neuromuscular Junctions of Specific Muscles

PubMed Central

Valdez, Gregorio; Tapia, Juan C.; Lichtman, Jeff W.; Fox, Michael A.; Sanes, Joshua R.

2012-01-01

Normal aging and neurodegenerative diseases both lead to structural and functional alterations in synapses. Comparison of synapses that are generally similar but respond differently to insults could provide the basis for discovering mechanisms that underlie susceptibility or resistance to damage. Here, we analyzed skeletal neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in 16 mouse muscles to seek such differences. We find that muscles respond in one of three ways to aging. In some, including most limb and trunk muscles, age-related alterations to NMJs are progressive and extensive during the second postnatal year. NMJs in other muscles, such as extraocular muscles, are strikingly resistant to change. A third set of muscles, including several muscles of facial expression and the external anal sphinter, succumb to aging but not until the third postnatal year. We asked whether susceptible and resistant muscles differed in rostrocaudal or proximodistal position, source of innervation, motor unit size, or fiber type composition. Of these factors, muscle innervation by brainstem motor neurons correlated best with resistance to age-related decline. Finally, we compared synaptic alterations in normally aging muscles to those in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Patterns of resistance and susceptibility were strikingly correlated in the two conditions. Moreover, damage to NMJs in aged muscles correlated with altered expression and distribution of CRMP4a and TDP-43, which are both altered in motor neurons affected by ALS. Together, these results reveal novel structural, regional and molecular parallels between aging and ALS. PMID:22485182

High sensitivity operation of discrete solid state detectors at 4 K

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rieke, G. H.; Montgomery, E. F.; Lebofsky, M. J.; Eisenhardt, P. R.

1981-01-01

Techniques are described to allow operation of discrete, solid state detectors at 4 K with optimized JFET amplifiers. Three detector types cover the 0.6 to 4 mm spectral range with NEP approximately equal to 10 to the 16th power Hz (-1/2) for two of the types and potential improvement to this performance for the third. Lower NEP's are anticipated at longer infrared wavelengths.

Education and Libraries in the Solomon Islands: A Bibliography of English-Language Books, Documents, Papers, Theses and Dissertations and Journal Articles.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sperry, Robert

The Solomon Islands are a scattered Melanesian archipelago in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. There are 21 large islands and numerous smaller ones with a total population of 285,766 in 1986. About two-thirds of school-age children attend organized schools. The literacy rate of the islands was reported at 17 percent in 1980. Approximately 30…

WILD ROGUE WILDERNESS, OREGON.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gray, Floyd; Miller, Michael S.

1984-01-01

A geologic, geochemical, and geophysical investigation and a survey of mines, prospects, and quarries were conducted to evaluate the mineral-resource potential of the Wild Rogue Wilderness, Oregon. Approximately 800 mining claims, one-third of which are placer gold locations, exist in or adjacent to the area. The Wild Rogue Wilderness has one area of probable resource for copper, lead, zinc, silver, and gold and two area of probable resource potential for gold.

High-Order Central WENO Schemes for 1D Hamilton-Jacobi Equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bryson, Steve; Levy, Doron; Biegel, Bryan A. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

In this paper we derive fully-discrete Central WENO (CWENO) schemes for approximating solutions of one dimensional Hamilton-Jacobi (HJ) equations, which combine our previous works. We introduce third and fifth-order accurate schemes, which are the first central schemes for the HJ equations of order higher than two. The core ingredient is the derivation of our schemes is a high-order CWENO reconstructions in space.

Psychiatric Disorders and Substance Use in Homeless Youth: A Preliminary Comparison of San Francisco and Chicago

PubMed Central

Quimby, Ernika G.; Edidin, Jennifer P.; Ganim, Zoe; Gustafson, Erika; Hunter, Scott J.; Karnik, Niranjan S.

2012-01-01

Youth homelessness is a growing problem in the United States. The experience of homelessness appears to have numerous adverse consequences, including psychiatric and substance use disorders. This study compared the frequencies of psychiatric disorders, including substance use, between homeless youth (18–24 years-old) in San Francisco (N = 31) and Chicago (N = 56). Subjects were administered the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) to assess DSM-IV-TR diagnoses and substance use disorders. Eighty-seven percent of the San Francisco youth, and 81% of the Chicago youth met criteria for at least one M.I.N.I. psychiatric diagnosis. Nearly two-thirds of the youth in both samples met criteria for a mood disorder. Approximately one-third met criteria for an anxiety disorder. Thirty-two percent of the San Francisco sample and 18% of the Chicago met criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder. Approximately 84% of the San Francisco youth and 48% of the Chicago youth met criteria for a substance-related disorder, and more substances were used by San Francisco youth. In conclusion, the high rate of psychiatric disorders in homeless youth provides clear evidence that the mental health needs of this population are significant. Implications are discussed. PMID:25379220

Mentalizing the body: spatial and social cognition in anosognosia for hemiplegia

PubMed Central

Besharati, Sahba; Forkel, Stephanie J.; Kopelman, Michael; Solms, Mark; Jenkinson, Paul M.

2016-01-01

Abstract Following right-hemisphere damage, a specific disorder of motor awareness can occur called anosognosia for hemiplegia, i.e. the denial of motor deficits contralateral to a brain lesion. The study of anosognosia can offer unique insights into the neurocognitive basis of awareness. Typically, however, awareness is assessed as a first person judgement and the ability of patients to think about their bodies in more ‘objective’ (third person) terms is not directly assessed. This may be important as right-hemisphere spatial abilities may underlie our ability to take third person perspectives. This possibility was assessed for the first time in the present study. We investigated third person perspective taking using both visuospatial and verbal tasks in right-hemisphere stroke patients with anosognosia ( n = 15) and without anosognosia ( n = 15), as well as neurologically healthy control subjects ( n = 15). The anosognosic group performed worse than both control groups when having to perform the tasks from a third versus a first person perspective. Individual analysis further revealed a classical dissociation between most anosognosic patients and control subjects in mental (but not visuospatial) third person perspective taking abilities. Finally, the severity of unawareness in anosognosia patients was correlated to greater impairments in such third person, mental perspective taking abilities (but not visuospatial perspective taking). In voxel-based lesion mapping we also identified the lesion sites linked with such deficits, including some brain areas previously associated with inhibition, perspective taking and mentalizing, such as the inferior and middle frontal gyri, as well as the supramarginal and superior temporal gyri. These results suggest that neurocognitive deficits in mental perspective taking may contribute to anosognosia and provide novel insights regarding the relation between self-awareness and social cognition. PMID:26811254

The Mechanism and Function of Group II Chaperonins

DOE PAGES

Lopez, Tom; Dalton, Kevin; Frydman, Judith

2015-04-30

We report protein folding in the cell requires the assistance of enzymes collectively called chaperones. Among these, the chaperonins are 1-MDa ring-shaped oligomeric complexes that bind unfolded polypeptides and promote their folding within an isolated chamber in an ATP-dependent manner. Group II chaperonins, found in archaea and eukaryotes, contain a built-in lid that opens and closes over the central chamber. In eukaryotes, the chaperonin TRiC/CCT is hetero-oligomeric, consisting of two stacked rings of eight paralogous subunits each. TRiC facilitates folding of approximately 10% of the eukaryotic proteome, including many cytoskeletal components and cell cycle regulators. Folding of many cellular substratesmore » of TRiC cannot be assisted by any other chaperone. A complete structural and mechanistic understanding of this highly conserved and essential chaperonin remains elusive. However, recent work is beginning to shed light on key aspects of chaperonin function and how their unique properties underlie their contribution to maintaining cellular proteostasis.« less

Development of high repetition rate nitric oxide planar laser induced fluorescence imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Naibo

This thesis has documented the development of a MHz repitition rate pulse burst laser system. Second harmonic and third harmonic efficiencies are improved by adding a Phase Conjugate Mirror to the system. Some high energy fundamental, second harmonic, and third harmonic burst sequences consisting of 1--12 pulses separated in time by between 4 and 12 microseconds are now routinely obtained. The reported burst envelopes are quite uniform. We have also demonstrated the ability to generate ultra-high frequency sequences of broadly wavelength tunable, high intensity laser pulses using a home built injection seeded Optical Parametric Oscillator (OPO), pumped by the second and third harmonic output of the pulse burst laser. Typical OPO output burst sequences consist of 6--10 pulses, separated in time by between 6 and 10 microseconds. With third harmonic pumping of the OPO system, we studied four conditions, two-crystal Singly Resonant OPO (SRO) cavity, three-crystal OPO cavity, single pass two-crystal Doubly Resonant OPO (DRO) cavity and double pass two-crystal OPO cavity. The double pass two-crystal OPO cavity gives the best operation in burst mode. For single pass OPO, the average total OPO conversion efficiency is approximately 25%. For double pass OPO, the average total OPO conversion efficiency is approximately 35%. As a preliminary work, we studied 532nm pumping of a single crystal OPO cavity. With single pulse pumping, the conversion efficiency can reach 30%. For both 355nm and 532nm pumping OPO, we have demonstrated injection seeding. The OPO output light linewidth is significantly narrowed. Some preliminary etalon traces are also reported. By mixing the OPO signal output at 622nm with residual third harmonic at 355nm, we obtained 226nm burst sequences with average pulse energy of ˜0.2 mJ. Injection seeding of the OPO increases the energy achieved by a factor of ˜2. 226nm burst sequences with reasonably uniform burst envelopes are reported. Using the system we have obtained, for the first time by any known optical method, Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) image sequences at ultrahigh (≥100kHz) frame rates, in particular NO PLIF image sequences, have been obtained in a Mach 2 jet. We also studied the possibility of utilizing a 250 kHz pulsed Nd:YVO 4 laser as the master oscillator. 10-pulse-10-mus spacing burst sequences with reasonably uniform burst envelope have been obtained. The total energy of the burst sequence is ˜2.5J.

Who purchases nonprescription syringes? Characterizing customers of the Expanded Syringe Access Program (ESAP).

PubMed

Battles, Haven B; Rowe, Kirsten A; Ortega-Peluso, Christina; Klein, Susan J; Tesoriero, James M

2009-11-01

This study represents the first attempt in the USA to survey pharmacy nonprescription syringe customers at their point of purchase. We surveyed 62 individuals purchasing nonprescription syringes in seven pharmacies located in NYC and Albany, NY, USA. Three quarters of respondents purchased for illicit use, and 36% purchased for medical use, with differences found by race and gender. Half got their syringes from pharmacies "most of the time." Half had ever been refused a syringe purchase in a NYS pharmacy, with men, Blacks, and Hispanics reporting higher levels of refusals than women or whites. Two thirds reported syringe reuse but very few reported sharing. While approximately one quarter safely obtained and disposed of syringes "most of the time," two thirds used both safe and unsafe methods. Pharmacy-based syringe access programs are essential in areas not served by syringe exchanges.

Study of the photon remnant in resolved photoproduction at HERA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Derrick, M.; Krakauer, D.; Magill, S.; Mikunas, D.; Musgrave, B.; Repond, J.; Stanek, R.; Talaga, R. L.; Zhang, H.; Ayad, R.; Bari, G.; Basile, M.; Bellagamba, L.; Boscherini, D.; Bruni, A.; Bruni, G.; Bruni, P.; Cara Romeo, G.; Castellini, G.; Chiarini, M.; Cifarelli, L.; Cindolo, F.; Contin, A.; Corradi, M.; Gialas, I.; Giusti, P.; Iacobucci, G.; Laurenti, G.; Levi, G.; Margotti, A.; Massam, T.; Nania, R.; Nemoz, C.; Palmonari, F.; Polini, A.; Sartorelli, G.; Timellini, R.; Zamora Garcia, Y.; Zichichi, A.; Bargende, A.; Crittenden, J.; Desch, K.; Diekmann, B.; Doeker, T.; Eckert, M.; Feld, L.; Frey, A.; Geerts, M.; Geitz, G.; Grothe, M.; Haas, T.; Hartmann, H.; Heinloth, K.; Hilger, E.; Jakob, H.-P.; Katz, U. F.; Mari, S. M.; Mass, A.; Mengel, S.; Mollen, J.; Paul, E.; Rembser, Ch; Schramm, D.; Stamm, J.; Wedemeyer, R.; Campbell-Robson, S.; Cassidy, A.; Dyce, N.; Foster, B.; George, S.; Gilmore, R.; Heath, G. P.; Heath, H. F.; Llewellyn, T. J.; Morgado, C. J. S.; Norman, D. J. P.; O'Mara, J. A.; Tapper, R. J.; Wilson, S. S.; Yoshida, R.; Rau, R. R.; Arneodo, M.; Iannotti, L.; Schioppa, M.; Susinno, G.; Bernstein, A.; Caldwell, A.; Cartiglia, N.; Parsons, J. A.; Ritz, S.; Sciulli, F.; Straub, P. B.; Wai, L.; Yang, S.; Zhu, Q.; Borzemski, P.; Chwastowski, J.; Eskreys, A.; Piotrzkowski, K.; Zachara, M.; Zawiejski, L.; Adamczyk, L.; Bednarek, B.; Jeleń, K.; Kisielewska, D.; Kowalski, T.; Rulikowska-Zarȩbska, E.; Suszycki, L.; Zajaç, J.; Kotański, A.; Przybycień, M.; Bauerdick, L. A. T.; Behrens, U.; Beier, H.; Bienlein, J. K.; Coldewey, C.; Deppe, O.; Desler, K.; Drews, G.; Flasiński, M.; Gilkinson, D. J.; Glasman, C.; Göttlicher, P.; Große-Knetter, J.; Gutjahr, B.; Hain, W.; Hasell, D.; Heßling, H.; Iga, Y.; Joos, P.; Kasemann, M.; Klanner, R.; Koch, W.; Köpke, L.; Kötz, U.; Kowalski, H.; Labs, J.; Ladage, A.; Löhr, B.; Löwe, M.; Lüke, D.; Mainusch, J.; Mańczak, O.; Monteiro, T.; Ng, J. S. T.; Nickel, S.; Notz, D.; Ohrenberg, K.; Roco, M.; Rohde, M.; Roldán, J.; Schneekloth, U.; Schulz, W.; Selonke, F.; Stiliaris, E.; Surrow, B.; Voß, T.; Westphal, D.; Wolf, G.; Youngman, C.; Zhou, J. F.; Grabosch, H. J.; Kharchilava, A.; Leich, A.; Mattingly, M. C. K.; Meyer, A.; Schlenstedt, S.; Wulff, N.; Barbagli, G.; Pelfer, P.; Anzivino, G.; Maccarrone, G.; De Pasquale, S.; Votano, L.; Bamberger, A.; Eisenhardt, S.; Freidhof, A.; Söldner-Rembold, S.; Schroeder, J.; Trefzger, T.; Brook, N. H.; Bussey, P. J.; Doyle, A. T.; Fleck, J. I.; Saxon, D. H.; Utley, M. L.; Wilson, A. S.; Dannemann, A.; Holm, U.; Horstmann, D.; Neumann, T.; Sinkus, R.; Wick, K.; Badura, E.; Burow, B. D.; Hagge, L.; Lohrmann, E.; Milewski, J.; Nakahata, M.; Pavel, N.; Poelz, G.; Schott, W.; Zetsche, F.; Bacon, T. C.; Butterworth, I.; Gallo, E.; Harris, V. L.; Hung, B. Y. H.; Long, K. R.; Miller, D. B.; Morawitz, P. P. O.; Prinias, A.; Sedgbeer, J. K.; Whitfield, A. F.; Mallik, U.; McCliment, E.; Wang, M. Z.; Wang, S. M.; Wu, J. T.; Zhang, Y.; Cloth, P.; Filges, D.; An, S. H.; Hong, S. M.; Nam, S. W.; Park, S. K.; Suh, M. H.; Yon, S. H.; Imlay, R.; Kartik, S.; Kim, H.-J.; McNeil, R. R.; Metcalf, W.; Nadendla, V. K.; Barreiro, F.; Cases, G.; Fernandez, J. P.; Graciani, R.; Hernández, J. M.; Hervás, L.; Labarga, L.; Martinez, M.; del Peso, J.; Puga, J.; Terron, J.; de Trocóniz, J. F.; Smith, G. R.; Corriveau, F.; Hanna, D. S.; Hartmann, J.; Hung, L. W.; Lim, J. N.; Matthews, C. G.; Patel, P. M.; Sinclair, L. E.; Stairs, D. G.; St. Laurent, M.; Ullmann, R.; Zacek, G.; Bashkirov, V.; Dolgoshein, B. A.; Stifutkin, A.; Bashindzhagyan, G. L.; Ermolov, P. F.; Gladilin, L. K.; Golubkov, Y. A.; Kobrin, V. D.; Kuzmin, V. A.; Proskuryakov, A. S.; Savin, A. A.; Shcheglova, L. M.; Solomin, A. N.; Zotov, N. P.; Botje, M.; Chlebana, F.; Dake, A.; Engelen, J.; de Kamps, M.; Kooijman, P.; Kruse, A.; Tiecke, H.; Verkerke, W.; Vreeswijk, M.; Wiggers, L.; de Wolf, E.; van Woudenberg, R.; Acosta, D.; Bylsma, B.; Durkin, L. S.; Honscheid, K.; Li, C.; Ling, T. Y.; McLean, K. W.; Murray, W. N.; Park, I. H.; Romanowski, T. A.; Seidlein, R.; Bailey, D. S.; Byrne, A.; Cashmore, R. J.; Cooper-Sarkar, A. M.; Devenish, R. C. E.; Harnew, N.; Lancaster, M.; Lindemann, L.; McFall, J. D.; Nath, C.; Noyes, V. A.; Quadt, A.; Tickner, J. R.; Uijterwaal, H.; Walczak, R.; Waters, D. S.; Wilson, F. F.; Yip, T.; Abbiendi, G.; Bertolin, A.; Brugnera, R.; Carlin, R.; Dal Corso, F.; De Giorgi, M.; Dosselli, U.; Limentani, S.; Morandin, M.; Posocco, M.; Stanco, L.; Stroili, R.; Voci, C.; Bulmahn, J.; Butterworth, J. M.; Feild, R. G.; Oh, B. Y.; Whitmore, J. J.; D'Agostini, G.; Marini, G.; Nigro, A.; Tassi, E.; Hart, J. C.; McCubbin, N. A.; Prytz, K.; Shah, T. P.; Short, T. L.; Barberis, E.; Dubbs, T.; Heusch, C.; Van Hook, M.; Hubbard, B.; Lockman, W.; Rahn, J. T.; Sadrozinski, H. F.-W.; Seiden, A.; Biltzinger, J.; Seifert, R. J.; Schwarzer, O.; Walenta, A. H.; Zech, G.; Abramowicz, H.; Briskin, G.; Dagan, S.; Levy, A.; Hasegawa, T.; Hazumi, M.; Ishii, T.; Kuze, M.; Mine, S.; Nagasawa, Y.; Nakao, M.; Suzuki, I.; Tokushuku, K.; Yamada, S.; Yamazaki, Y.; Chiba, M.; Hamatsu, R.; Hirose, T.; Homma, K.; Kitamura, S.; Nakamitsu, Y.; Yamauchi, K.; Cirio, R.; Costa, M.; Ferrero, M. I.; Lamberti, L.; Maselli, S.; Peroni, C.; Sacchi, R.; Solano, A.; Staiano, A.; Dardo, M.; Bailey, D. C.; Bandyopadhyay, D.; Benard, F.; Brkic, M.; Crombie, M. B.; Gingrich, D. M.; Hartner, G. F.; Joo, K. K.; Levman, G. M.; Martin, J. F.; Orr, R. S.; Sampson, C. R.; Teuscher, R. J.; Catterall, C. D.; Jones, T. W.; Kaziewicz, P. B.; Lane, J. B.; Saunders, R. L.; Shulman, J.; Blankenship, K.; Lu, B.; Mo, L. W.; Bogusz, W.; Charchuła, K.; Ciborowski, J.; Gajewski, J.; Grzelak, G.; Kasprzak, M.; Krzyżanowski, M.; Muchorowski, K.; Nowak, R. J.; Pawlak, J. M.; Tymieniecka, T.; Wróblewski, A. K.; Zakrzewski, J. A.; Żarnecki, A. F.; Adamus, M.; Eisenberg, Y.; Karshon, U.; Revel, D.; Zer-Zion, D.; Ali, I.; Badgett, W. F.; Behrens, B.; Dasu, S.; Fordham, C.; Foudas, C.; Goussiou, A.; Loveless, R. J.; Reeder, D. D.; Silverstein, S.; Smith, W. H.; Vaiciulis, A.; Wodarczyk, M.; Tsurugai, T.; Bhadra, S.; Cardy, M. L.; Fagerstroem, C.-P.; Frisken, W. R.; Furutani, K. M.; Khakzad, M.; Schmidke, W. B.; ZEUS Collaboration

1995-02-01

Photoproduction at HERA is studied in ep collisions, with the ZEUS detector, for γp centre-of-mass energies ranging from 130-270 GeV. A sample of events with two high- pT jets ( pT > 6 GeV, η < 1.6) and a third cluster in the approximate direction of the electron beam is isolated using a clustering algorithm. These events are mostly due to resolved photoproduction. The third cluster is identified as the photon remnant. Its properties, such as the transverse and longitudinal energy flows around the axis of the cluster, are consistent with those commonly attributed to jets, and in particular with those found for the two jets in these events. The mean value of the photon remnant pT with respect to the beam axis is measured to be 2.1 ± 0.2 GeV, which demonstrates substantial mean transverse momenta for the photon remnant.

Estimate of higher order ionospheric errors in GNSS positioning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoque, M. Mainul; Jakowski, N.

2008-10-01

Precise navigation and positioning using GPS/GLONASS/Galileo require the ionospheric propagation errors to be accurately determined and corrected for. Current dual-frequency method of ionospheric correction ignores higher order ionospheric errors such as the second and third order ionospheric terms in the refractive index formula and errors due to bending of the signal. The total electron content (TEC) is assumed to be same at two GPS frequencies. All these assumptions lead to erroneous estimations and corrections of the ionospheric errors. In this paper a rigorous treatment of these problems is presented. Different approximation formulas have been proposed to correct errors due to excess path length in addition to the free space path length, TEC difference at two GNSS frequencies, and third-order ionospheric term. The GPS dual-frequency residual range errors can be corrected within millimeter level accuracy using the proposed correction formulas.

NASA's Advanced Space Transportation Hypersonic Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hueter, Uwe; McClinton, Charles; Cook, Stephen (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

NASA's has established long term goals for access-to-space. NASA's third generation launch systems are to be fully reusable and operational in approximately 25 years. The goals for third generation launch systems are to reduce cost by a factor of 100 and improve safety by a factor of 10,000 over current conditions. The Advanced Space Transportation Program Office (ASTP) at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL has the agency lead to develop third generation space transportation technologies. The Hypersonics Investment Area, part of ASTP, is developing the third generation launch vehicle technologies in two main areas, propulsion and airframes. The program's major investment is in hypersonic airbreathing propulsion since it offers the greatest potential for meeting the third generation launch vehicles. The program will mature the technologies in three key propulsion areas, scramjets, rocket-based combined cycle and turbine-based combination cycle. Ground and flight propulsion tests are being planned for the propulsion technologies. Airframe technologies will be matured primarily through ground testing. This paper describes NASA's activities in hypersonics. Current programs, accomplishments, future plans and technologies that are being pursued by the Hypersonics Investment Area under the Advanced Space Transportation Program Office will be discussed.

The ISO SWS on-line system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roelfsema, P. R.; Kester, D. J. M.; Wesselius, P. R.; Wieprech, E.; Sym, N.

1992-01-01

The software which is currently being developed for the Short Wavelength Spectrometer (SWS) of the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) is described. The spectrometer has a wide range of capabilities in the 2-45 micron infrared band. SWS contains two independent gratings, one for the long and one for the short wavelength section of the band. With the gratings a spectral resolution of approximately 1000 to approximately 2500 can be obtained. The instrument also contains two Fabry-Perault's yielding a resolution between approximately 1000 and approximately 20000. Software is currently being developed for the acquisition, calibration, and analysis of SWS data. The software is firstly required to run in a pipeline mode without human interaction, to process data as they are received from the telescope. However, both for testing and calibration of the instrument as well as for evaluation of the planned operating procedures the software should also be suitable for interactive use. Thirdly the same software will be used for long term characterization of the instrument. The software must work properly within the environment designed by the European Space Agency (ESA) for the spacecraft operations. As a result strict constraints are put on I/O devices, throughput etc.

A population of comets in the main asteroid belt.

PubMed

Hsieh, Henry H; Jewitt, David

2006-04-28

Comets are icy bodies that sublimate and become active when close to the Sun. They are believed to originate in two cold reservoirs beyond the orbit of Neptune: the Kuiper Belt (equilibrium temperatures of approximately 40 kelvin) and the Oort Cloud (approximately 10 kelvin). We present optical data showing the existence of a population of comets originating in a third reservoir: the main asteroid belt. The main-belt comets are unlike the Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud comets in that they likely formed where they currently reside and may be collisionally activated. The existence of the main-belt comets lends new support to the idea that main-belt objects could be a major source of terrestrial water.

Coastal hazards: hurricanes, tsunamis, coastal erosion

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vandas, Stephen; Mersfelder, Lynne; Farrar, Frank; France, Rigoberto Guardado; Yajimovich, Oscar Efraín González; Muñoz, Aurora R.; Rivera, María del C.

1996-01-01

Oceans are the largest geographic feature on the surface of the Earth, covering approximately 70% of the planet's surface. As a result, oceans have a tremendous impact on the Earth, its climate, and its inhabitants. The coast or shoreline is the boundary between ocean environments and land habitats. By the year 2025, it is estimated that approximately two-thirds of the world's population will be living within 200 kilometers of a coast. In many ways, we treat the coast just like any other type of land area, as a safe and stable place to live and play. However, coastal environments are dynamic, and they constantly change in response to natural processes and to human activities.

A generalized Uhlenbeck and Beth formula for the third cluster coefficient

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

Larsen, Sigurd Yves; Lassaut, Monique; Amaya-Tapia, Alejandro, E-mail: jano@icf.unam.mx

2016-11-15

Relatively recently (Amaya-Tapia et al., 2011), we presented a formula for the evaluation of the third Bose fugacity coefficient–leading to the third virial coefficient–in terms of three-body eigenphase shifts, for particles subject to repulsive forces. An analytical calculation for a 1-dim. model, for which the result is known, confirmed the validity of this approach. We now extend the formalism to particles with attractive forces, and therefore must allow for the possibility that the particles have bound states. We thus obtain a true generalization of the famous formula of Uhlenbeck and Beth (Uhlenbeck and Beth, 1936; Beth and Uhlenbeck, 1937) and ofmore » Gropper (Gropper, 1936, 1937) for the second virial. We illustrate our formalism by a calculation, in an adiabatic approximation, of the third cluster in one dimension, using McGuire’s model as in our previous paper, but with attractive forces. The inclusion of three-body bound states is trivial; taking into account states having asymptotically two particles bound, and one free, is not.« less

View of the Salt Lake City, Utah area

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

An oblique view of the Salt Lake City, Utah area as photographed from Earth orbit by one of the six lenses of the Itek-furnished S190-A Multispectral Photographic Facility Experiment aboard the Skylab space station. Approximately two-thirds of the Great Salt Lake is in view. The smaller body of water south of Salt Lake City is Utah Lake. The Wasatch Range is on the east side of the Great Salt Lake.

Toward Novel Vaccines Against Tuberculosis: Current Hopes and Obstacles

PubMed Central

Thaiss, Christoph A.; Kaufmann, Stefan H.E.

2010-01-01

Approximately 2 million people die of tuberculosis (TB) each year. The current vaccine, Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), albeit widely employed, does not protect against adult pulmonary disease, and new vaccines are urgently needed to reduce the incidence of TB worldwide. New insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the interactions between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its host have been exploited to develop novel vaccine candidates that recently have entered clinical trials. This review provides a brief overview of different approaches toward a new vaccination strategy and summarizes major challenges for the next decade. PMID:21165340

Geochemistry and stratigraphic correlation of basalt lavas beneath the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, Idaho National Engineering Laboratory

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reed, M.F.; Bartholomay, R.C.; Hughes, S.S.

1997-01-01

Thirty-nine samples of basaltic core were collected from wells 121 and 123, located approximately 1.8 km apart north and south of the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory. Samples were collected from depths ranging from 15 to 221 m below land surface for the purpose of establishing stratigraphic correlations between these two wells. Elemental analyses indicate that the basalts consist of three principal chemical types. Two of these types are each represented by a single basalt flow in each well. The third chemical type is represented by many basalt flows and includes a broad range of chemical compositions that is distinguished from the other two types. Basalt flows within the third type were identified by hierarchical K-cluster analysis of 14 representative elements: Fe, Ca, K, Na, Sc, Co, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Yb, Hf, Ta, and Th. Cluster analyses indicate correlations of basalt flows between wells 121 and 123 at depths of approximately 38-40 m, 125-128 m, 131-137 m, 149-158 m, and 183-198 m. Probable correlations also are indicated for at least seven other depth intervals. Basalt flows in several depth intervals do not correlate on the basis of chemical compositions, thus reflecting possible flow margins in the sequence between the wells. Multi-element chemical data provide a useful method for determining stratigraphic correlations of basalt in the upper 1-2 km of the eastern Snake River Plain.

The puzzle of self-reported weight gain in a month of fasting (Ramadan) among a cohort of Saudi families in Jeddah, Western Saudi Arabia.

PubMed

Bakhotmah, Balkees Abed

2011-08-10

During Ramadan fast, approximately one billion Muslims abstain from food and fluid between the hours of sunrise to sunset, and usually eat a large meal after sunset and another meal before sunrise. Many studies reported good health-related outcomes of fasting including weight loss. The objective of this study is to identify the local pattern of expenditure on food consumption, dietary habits during Ramadan and correlate that to self-reported weight gain after Ramadan in a group of families in Jeddah, Western Saudi Arabia. A Cross-section study using a pre-designed questionnaire to identify the local pattern of expenditure on food consumption, dietary habits during Ramadan and correlate that to self-reported weight gain after Ramadan in a representative cohort of Saudis living in Jeddah. It was piloted on 173 nutrition students and administered by them to their families. A total of 173 Saudi families were interviewed. One out of 5 indicated that their expenditure increases during Ramadan. Approximately two thirds of the respondents (59.5%) reported weight gain after Ramadan. When asked about their perspective explanations for that: 40% attributed that to types of foods being rich in fat and carbohydrates particularly date in (Sunset meal) 97.7% and rice in (Dawn meal) 80.9%. One third (31.2%) indicated that it was due to relative lack of physical exercise in Ramadan and 14.5% referred that to increase in food consumption. Two thirds (65.2%) of those with increased expenditure reported weight gain. Surprisingly weight gain and not weight loss was reported after Ramadan by Saudis which indicates timely needed life-style and dietary modification programs for a population which reports one of the highest prevalence rates of diabetes.

Conformer lifetimes of ethyl cyanoformate from exchange-averaged rotational spectra.

PubMed

True, Nancy S

2009-06-25

Ethyl cyanoformate exists as a mixture of two conformers but displays three R-branch a-type band series in its rotational spectrum. Simulations with population fractions 0.37 at 210 K and 0.70 at 297 K undergoing conformer exchange with average conformer lifetimes, , shorter than approximately 40 ps at approximately 210 K and shorter than approximately 37 ps at 297 K reproduce the experimental spectra between 26.5 and 38 GHz, the exchanging species accounting for the third set of bands. The upper-limit 's are 1 order of magnitude longer than RRKM theory predictions and the population fractions are consistent with the total population with energy above 700 cm(-1), approximately twice the conformer interconversion barrier height. Model calculations indicate that extensive K-sublevel mixing in individual molecular eigenstates can produce the large population and the narrow distribution of the rotational-constant sum, B + C, consistent with the observed exchange-averaged band series.

Multidimensionally constrained relativistic mean-field study of triple-humped barriers in actinides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Jie; Lu, Bing-Nan; Vretenar, Dario; Zhao, En-Guang; Zhou, Shan-Gui

2015-01-01

Background: Potential energy surfaces (PES's) of actinide nuclei are characterized by a two-humped barrier structure. At large deformations beyond the second barrier, the occurrence of a third barrier was predicted by macroscopic-microscopic model calculations in the 1970s, but contradictory results were later reported by a number of studies that used different methods. Purpose: Triple-humped barriers in actinide nuclei are investigated in the framework of covariant density functional theory (CDFT). Methods: Calculations are performed using the multidimensionally constrained relativistic mean field (MDC-RMF) model, with the nonlinear point-coupling functional PC-PK1 and the density-dependent meson exchange functional DD-ME2 in the particle-hole channel. Pairing correlations are treated in the BCS approximation with a separable pairing force of finite range. Results: Two-dimensional PES's of 226,228,230,232Th and 232,235,236,238U are mapped and the third minima on these surfaces are located. Then one-dimensional potential energy curves along the fission path are analyzed in detail and the energies of the second barrier, the third minimum, and the third barrier are determined. The functional DD-ME2 predicts the occurrence of a third barrier in all Th nuclei and 238U . The third minima in 230 ,232Th are very shallow, whereas those in 226 ,228Th and 238U are quite prominent. With the functional PC-PK1 a third barrier is found only in 226 ,228 ,230Th . Single-nucleon levels around the Fermi surface are analyzed in 226Th, and it is found that the formation of the third minimum is mainly due to the Z =90 proton energy gap at β20≈1.5 and β30≈0.7 . Conclusions: The possible occurrence of a third barrier on the PES's of actinide nuclei depends on the effective interaction used in multidimensional CDFT calculations. More pronounced minima are predicted by the DD-ME2 functional, as compared to the functional PC-PK1. The depth of the third well in Th isotopes decreases with increasing neutron number. The origin of the third minimum is due to the proton Z =90 shell gap at relevant deformations.

Quantification of inhaled aerosol particles composed of toxic household disinfectant using radioanalytical method.

PubMed

Shim, Ha Eun; Lee, Jae Young; Lee, Chang Heon; Mushtaq, Sajid; Song, Ha Yeon; Song, Lee; Choi, Seong-Jin; Lee, Kyuhong; Jeon, Jongho

2018-05-25

To assess the risk posed by a toxic chemical to human health, it is essential to quantify its uptake in a living subject. This study aims to investigate the biological distribution of inhaled polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG) aerosol particle, which is known to cause severe pulmonary damage. By labeling with indium-111 ( 111 In), we quantified the uptake of PHMG for up to 7 days after inhalation exposure in rats. The data demonstrate that PHMG is only slowly cleared, with approximately 74% of inhaled particles persisting in the lungs after 168 h. Approximately 5.3% of inhaled particles were also translocated to the liver after 168 h, although the level of redistribution to other tissues, including the kidneys and spleen, was minimal. These observations suggest that large uptake and slow clearance may underlie the fatal inhalation toxicity of PHMG in humans. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Two lozenges containing benzocaine assessed in the relief of sore throat.

PubMed

Kagan, G; Huddlestone, L; Wolstencroft, P

1982-01-01

A study has been conducted in general practice comparing two brands of lozenges, Merocaine (Merrell) and Tyrozets, (M.S.D.), in the management of acute sore throat and pharyngitis. Eighty-eight patients entered the between-patient study and each completed a diary card covering symptoms experienced and dosage used for each of the two drugs. The doctor reported upon the appearance of the throat and added antibiotics in cases of necessity, which was approximately for one-third of patients. Merocaine proved to be significantly superior to Tyrozets in producing rapid pain relief (within 15 minutes) and reduction of faucial and pharyngeal injection.

Frame-dependence of higher-order inflationary observables in scalar-tensor theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karam, Alexandros; Pappas, Thomas; Tamvakis, Kyriakos

2017-09-01

In the context of scalar-tensor theories of gravity we compute the third-order corrected spectral indices in the slow-roll approximation. The calculation is carried out by employing the Green's function method for scalar and tensor perturbations in both the Einstein and Jordan frames. Then, using the interrelations between the Hubble slow-roll parameters in the two frames we find that the frames are equivalent up to third order. Since the Hubble slow-roll parameters are related to the potential slow-roll parameters, we express the observables in terms of the latter which are manifestly invariant. Nevertheless, the same inflaton excursion leads to different predictions in the two frames since the definition of the number of e -folds differs. To illustrate this effect we consider a nonminimal inflationary model and find that the difference in the predictions grows with the nonminimal coupling, and it can actually be larger than the difference between the first and third order results for the observables. Finally, we demonstrate the effect of various end-of-inflation conditions on the observables. These effects will become important for the analyses of inflationary models in view of the improved sensitivity of future experiments.

77 FR 15006 - Special Local Regulations; Third Annual Space Coast Super Boat Grand Prix, Atlantic Ocean, Cocoa...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-14

...-AA08 Special Local Regulations; Third Annual Space Coast Super Boat Grand Prix, Atlantic Ocean, Cocoa..., Florida during the Third Annual Space Coast Super Boat Grand Prix, a series of high-speed boat races. The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 20, 2012. Approximately 30 high-speed race boats are...

Thinning of the lateral prefrontal cortex during adolescence predicts emotion regulation in females.

PubMed

Vijayakumar, Nandita; Whittle, Sarah; Yücel, Murat; Dennison, Meg; Simmons, Julian; Allen, Nicholas B

2014-11-01

Adolescence is a crucial period for the development of adaptive emotion regulation strategies. Despite the fact that structural maturation of the prefrontal cortex during adolescence is often assumed to underlie the maturation of emotion regulation strategies, no longitudinal studies have directly assessed this relationship. This study examined whether use of cognitive reappraisal strategies during late adolescence was predicted by (i) absolute prefrontal cortical thickness during early adolescence and (ii) structural maturation of the prefrontal cortex between early and mid-adolescence. Ninety-two adolescents underwent baseline and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging scans when they were aged approximately 12 and 16 years, respectively. FreeSurfer software was used to obtain cortical thickness estimates for three prefrontal regions [anterior cingulate cortex; dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC); ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC)]. The Emotion Regulation Questionnaire was completed when adolescents were aged approximately 19 years. Results showed that greater cortical thinning of the left dlPFC and left vlPFC during adolescence was significantly associated with greater use of cognitive reappraisal in females, though no such relationship was evident in males. Furthermore, baseline left dlPFC thickness predicted cognitive reappraisal at trend level. These findings suggest that cortical maturation may play a role in the development of adaptive emotion regulation strategies during adolescence. © The Author (2014). Published by Oxford University Press. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

[Music therapy as an effective method of neurorehabilitation].

PubMed

Yakupov, E Z; Nalbat, A V; Semenova, M V; Tlegenova, K A

To assess the role of music therapy in the recovery of motor, speech and autonomic functions in patients with ischemic stroke (II). Forty-five patients with II in the middle cerebral artery were examined. The patients were randomized into three groups (main, comparison and control) of 15 individuals each. With patients of the first and the second groups on the 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th days of the rehabilitation period the special set of exercises with music and without that respectively was fulfilled. The third group received a basic set of physical exercises (a control group).The third group was control. Dynamics of patients' state was estimated by the NIHSS, the Rivermead Mobility Index, the Action Research Arm Test and the modified scale for speech evaluation on the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th day of disease. A study of cardiorespiratory synchronization was conducted since the 6th day of stroke. The statistically significant efficacy of music therapy was shown for all parameters. The authors suggest that neuroplasticity may underlie the mechanisms of the programs used in the study.

The role of feedback information for calibration and attunement in perceiving length by dynamic touch.

PubMed

Withagen, Rob; Michaels, Claire F

2005-12-01

Two processes have been hypothesized to underlie improvement in perception: attunement and calibration. These processes were examined in a dynamic touch paradigm in which participants were asked to report the lengths of unseen, wielded rods differing in length, diameter, and material. Two experiments addressed whether feedback informs about the need for reattunement and recalibration. Feedback indicating actual length induced both recalibration and reattunement. Recalibration did not occur when feedback indicated only whether 2 rods were of the same length or of different lengths. Such feedback, however, did induce reattunement. These results suggest that attunement and calibration are dissociable processes and that feedback informs which is needed. The observed change in variable use has implications also for research on what mechanical variables underlie length perception by dynamic touch. (c) 2005 APA, all rights reserved.

Littoral and Coastal Management in Supporting Maritime Security for Realizing Indonesia as World Maritime Axis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brotosusilo, Agus; Wayan Agus Apriana, I.; Agung Satria, Afrizal; Jokopitoyo, Trisasono

2016-02-01

The Indonesian under President Joko Widodo has new goal to make Indonesia as the world maritime axis. This is supported by the geographic of Indonesia as the largest archipelagic country where the sea is two-thirds wide among the whole spacious. Indonesia is the world largest archipelagic state. More than two-third of its territory consist of seas. The ecosystem of littoral and coastal has correlative relationship with country development. There is no doubt of physically facts that Indonesian littoral and coastal with total wide of 5.8 million km2 is rich with various natural resources. Therefore, the condition of Indonesia with its world second longest coastline has several comparative advantages. Not only the country has an abundant natural resources, but it also blessed by demographic bonus advantage. The population of Indonesian is the fifth largest in the world which approximately 220 million people and approximately 60 percent among them live at coastal areas. The people in coastal area relies their live from its surrounding natural resource. Hence, most of their life and daily activity is related with the presence of natural resources. The dealing of conflict potential and attention to maritime security are important to be studied as a reference in preparing and facing the government policies that will lead to the development of maritime.

Prevalence of episiotomy in primiparas, related conditions, and effects of episiotomy on suture materials used, perineal pain, wound healing 3 weeks postpartum, in Turkey: A prospective follow-up study

PubMed Central

Karaçam, Zekiye; Ekmen, Hatice; Çalişır, Hüsniye; Şeker, Sibel

2013-01-01

Background: Despite current recommendations against routine use of episiotomy, its incidence is still high in Turkey. The study aimed to identify the prevalence of episiotomy in primiparas, related conditions, and effects of episiotomy on suture materials used, perineal pain, and wound healing 3 weeks postpartum. Materials and Methods: This study was designed as a prospective follow-up study. Data were collected via a questionnaire form between March 2007 and February 2009 in Aydın Government Hospital, Turkey. Three hundred ninety-six primiparas were included in the study by convenience sampling. Results: It was determined that 56.3% of the women had episiotomies. The results of the study revealed that the probability of receiving an episiotomy was decreased in women with lack of legal marriage and unplanned pregnancies, and increased in women who had ineffective pushing efforts approximately four times, miscellaneous two times and baby's head circumference 1.27 times. Moreover, the results of the study demonstrated that an episiotomy increased the number of the suture materials used by approximately five-fold, as well as the prevalence of pain on the first postpartum day. On the third postpartum week evaluation, it was determined that the probability of problems with wound healing and experiencing pain was approximately two times higher among women who received episiotomies than those who did not receive episiotomies. Conclusion: The study revealed that episiotomies in primiparas increased the number of suture materials used and the probability of having perineal pain on the first postpartum day, as well as perineal pain and wound-healing problems during the third postpartum week. PMID:23983762

Song pattern recognition in crickets based on a delay-line and coincidence-detector mechanism

PubMed Central

Sarmiento-Ponce, Edith Julieta

2017-01-01

Acoustic communication requires filter mechanisms to process and recognize key features of the perceived signals. We analysed such a filter mechanism in field crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus), which communicate with species-specific repetitive patterns of sound pulses and chirps. A delay-line and coincidence-detection mechanism, in which each sound pulse has an impact on the processing of the following pulse, is implicated to underlie the recognition of the species-specific pulse pattern. Based on this concept, we hypothesized that altering the duration of a single pulse or inter-pulse interval in three-pulse chirps will lead to different behavioural responses. Phonotaxis was tested in female crickets walking on a trackball exposed to different sound paradigms. Changing the duration of either the first, second or third pulse of the chirps led to three different characteristic tuning curves. Long first pulses decreased the phonotactic response whereas phonotaxis remained strong when the third pulse was long. Chirps with three pulses of increasing duration of 5, 20 and 50 ms elicited phonotaxis, but the chirps were not attractive when played in reverse order. This demonstrates specific, pulse duration-dependent effects while sequences of pulses are processed. The data are in agreement with a mechanism in which processing of a sound pulse has an effect on the processing of the subsequent pulse, as outlined in the flow of activity in a delay-line and coincidence-detector circuit. Additionally our data reveal a substantial increase in the gain of phonotaxis, when the number of pulses of a chirp is increased from two to three. PMID:28539524

Song pattern recognition in crickets based on a delay-line and coincidence-detector mechanism.

PubMed

Hedwig, Berthold; Sarmiento-Ponce, Edith Julieta

2017-05-31

Acoustic communication requires filter mechanisms to process and recognize key features of the perceived signals. We analysed such a filter mechanism in field crickets ( Gryllus bimaculatus ), which communicate with species-specific repetitive patterns of sound pulses and chirps. A delay-line and coincidence-detection mechanism, in which each sound pulse has an impact on the processing of the following pulse, is implicated to underlie the recognition of the species-specific pulse pattern. Based on this concept, we hypothesized that altering the duration of a single pulse or inter-pulse interval in three-pulse chirps will lead to different behavioural responses. Phonotaxis was tested in female crickets walking on a trackball exposed to different sound paradigms. Changing the duration of either the first, second or third pulse of the chirps led to three different characteristic tuning curves. Long first pulses decreased the phonotactic response whereas phonotaxis remained strong when the third pulse was long. Chirps with three pulses of increasing duration of 5, 20 and 50 ms elicited phonotaxis, but the chirps were not attractive when played in reverse order. This demonstrates specific, pulse duration-dependent effects while sequences of pulses are processed. The data are in agreement with a mechanism in which processing of a sound pulse has an effect on the processing of the subsequent pulse, as outlined in the flow of activity in a delay-line and coincidence-detector circuit. Additionally our data reveal a substantial increase in the gain of phonotaxis, when the number of pulses of a chirp is increased from two to three. © 2017 The Authors.

Uridine treatment protects against neonatal brain damage and long-term cognitive deficits caused by hyperoxia.

PubMed

Goren, Bulent; Cakir, Aysen; Sevinc, Cansu; Serter Kocoglu, Sema; Ocalan, Busra; Oy, Ceren; Minbay, Zehra; Kahveci, Nevzat; Alkan, Tulin; Cansev, Mehmet

2017-12-01

Exposure to excessive oxygen in survivors of preterm birth is one of the factors that underlie the adverse neurological outcome in later life. Various pathological changes including enhanced apoptotic activity, oxidative stress and inflammation as well as decreased neuronal survival has been demonstrated in animal models of neonatal hyperoxia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of administering uridine, an anti-apoptotic agent, on cellular, molecular and behavioral consequences of hyperoxia-induced brain damage in a neonatal rat model. For five days from birth, rat pups were either subjected continuously to room air (21% oxygen) or hyperoxia (80% oxygen) and received daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of saline (0.9% NaCl) or uridine (500mg/kg). Two-thirds of all pups were sacrificed on postnatal day 5 (P5) in order to investigate apoptotic cell death, myelination and number of surviving neurons. One-thirds of pups were raised through P40 in order to evaluate early reflexes, sensorimotor coordination and cognitive functions followed by investigation of neuron count and myelination. We show that uridine treatment reduces apoptotic cell death and hypomyelination while increasing the number of surviving neurons in hyperoxic pups on P5. In addition, uridine enhances learning and memory performances in periadolescent rats on P40. These data suggest that uridine administered during the course of hyperoxic insult enhances cognitive functions at periadolescent period probably by reducing apoptotic cell death and preventing hypomyelination during the neonatal period in a rat model of hyperoxia-induced brain injury. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A novel mechanism of renal blood flow autoregulation and the autoregulatory role of A1 adenosine receptors in mice.

PubMed

Just, Armin; Arendshorst, William J

2007-11-01

Autoregulation of renal blood flow (RBF) is mediated by a fast myogenic response (MR; approximately 5 s), a slower tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF; approximately 25 s), and potentially additional mechanisms. A1 adenosine receptors (A1AR) mediate TGF in superficial nephrons and contribute to overall autoregulation, but the impact on the other autoregulatory mechanisms is unknown. We studied dynamic autoregulatory responses of RBF to rapid step increases of renal artery pressure in mice. MR was estimated from autoregulation within the first 5 s, TGF from that at 5-25 s, and a third mechanism from 25-100 s. Genetic deficiency of A1AR (A1AR-/-) reduced autoregulation at 5-25 s by 50%, indicating a residual fourth mechanism resembling TGF kinetics but independent of A1AR. MR and third mechanism were unaltered in A1AR-/-. Autoregulation in A1AR-/- was faster at 5-25 than at 25-100 s suggesting two separate mechanisms. Furosemide in wild-type mice (WT) eliminated the third mechanism and enhanced MR, indicating TGF-MR interaction. In A1AR-/-, furosemide did not further impair autoregulation at 5-25 s, but eliminated the third mechanism and enhanced MR. The resulting time course was the same as during furosemide in WT, indicating that A1AR do not affect autoregulation during furosemide inhibition of TGF. We conclude that at least one novel mechanism complements MR and TGF in RBF autoregulation, that is slower than MR and TGF and sensitive to furosemide, but not mediated by A1AR. A fourth mechanism with kinetics similar to TGF but independent of A1AR and furosemide might also contribute. A1AR mediate classical TGF but not TGF-MR interaction.

Bariatric Surgery in Obese Women of Reproductive Age Improves Conditions That Underlie Fertility and Pregnancy Outcomes: Retrospective Cohort Study of UK National Bariatric Surgery Registry (NBSR).

PubMed

Edison, Eric; Whyte, Martin; van Vlymen, Jeremy; Jones, Simon; Gatenby, Piers; de Lusignan, Simon; Shawe, Jill

2016-12-01

The aims of this study are the following: to describe the female population of reproductive age having bariatric surgery in the UK, to assess the age and ethnicity of women accessing surgery, and to assess the effect of bariatric surgery on factors that underlie fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Demographic details, comorbidities, and operative type of women aged 18-45 years were extracted from the National Bariatric Surgery Registry (NBSR). A comparison was made with non-operative cases (aged 18-45 and BMI ≥40 kg/m 2 ) from the Health Survey for England (HSE, 2007-2013). Analyses were performed using "R" software. Data were extracted on 15,222 women from NBSR and 1073 from HSE. Women aged 18-45 comprised 53 % of operations. Non-Caucasians were under-represented in NBSR compared to HSE (10 vs 16 % respectively, p < 0.0001). The NBSR group was older than the HSE group-median 38 (IQR 32-42) vs 36 (IQR 30-41) years (Wilcoxon test p < 0.0001). Almost one third of women in NBSR had menstrual dysfunction at baseline (33.0 %). BMI fell in the first year postoperatively from 48.2 ± 8.3 to 37.4 ± 7.5 kg/m 2 (t test, p < 0.001). From NBSR, in the postoperative period, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes fell by 54 %, polycystic ovarian syndrome by 15 %, and any menstrual dysfunction by 12 %. Over half of all bariatric procedures are carried out on women of reproductive age. More work is required to provide prompt and equal access across ethnic groups. At least one in three women suffers from menstrual dysfunction at baseline. Bariatric surgery improves factors that underlie fertility and pregnancy outcomes. A prospective study is required to verify these effects.

Flight deck activity during flyaround of Mir Space Station

NASA Image and Video Library

1996-04-19

STS076-316-008 (23 March 1996) --- On the aft flight deck of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, astronaut Linda M. Godwin uses a hand-held laser instrument to check the range of Russia's Mir Space Station during docking operations. The two spacecraft were in the process of making their third docking in Earth-orbit. With the subsequent delivery of astronaut Shannon W. Lucid to the Mir, the Mir-21 crew grew from two to three, as the mission specialist quickly becomes a cosmonaut guest researcher. Lucid will spend approximately 140 days on Mir before returning to Earth.

From world war to class war: the rebound of the rich.

PubMed

Evans, Robert G

2006-07-01

Incomes in Canada, as in many other countries, are becoming increasingly unequal. In North America this process has several notable features. First, after 40 years of stability, income has since 1980 been increasingly concentrated in the hands of the top 0.01% of earners. Second, this concentration correlates with an explosion in the relative earnings of corporate CEOs, a sort of "corporate kleptocracy." Third, the top earners have appropriated most of the productivity gains over this period. The resources and political influence of the super-rich underlie the growing prominence of the "elite" agenda: lower taxes, smaller government and privatization or shrinkage of social programs. The marketing of this agenda may explain much of the nonsense that contaminates health policy debates.

Resisting Temptation: Tracking How Self-Control Conflicts Are Successfully Resolved in Real Time.

PubMed

Stillman, Paul E; Medvedev, Danila; Ferguson, Melissa J

2017-09-01

Across four studies, we used mouse tracking to identify the dynamic, on-line cognitive processes that underlie successful self-control decisions. First, we showed that individuals display real-time conflict when choosing options consistent with their long-term goal over short-term temptations. Second, we found that individuals who are more successful at self-control-whether measured or manipulated-show significantly less real-time conflict in only self-control-relevant choices. Third, we demonstrated that successful individuals who choose a long-term goal over a short-term temptation display movements that are smooth rather than abrupt, which suggests dynamic rather than stage-based resolution of self-control conflicts. These findings have important implications for contemporary theories of self-control.

Brains and Brawn: Toxoplasma Infections of the Central Nervous System and Skeletal Muscle.

PubMed

Wohlfert, Elizabeth A; Blader, Ira J; Wilson, Emma H

2017-07-01

Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread parasitic pathogen that infects over a third of the world's population. Following an acute infection, the parasite can persist within its mammalian host as intraneuronal or intramuscular cysts. Cysts will occasionally reactivate, and - depending on the host's immune status and site of reactivation - encephalitis or myositis can develop. Because these diseases have high levels of morbidity and can be lethal, it is important to understand how Toxoplasma traffics to these tissues, how the immune response controls parasite burden and contributes to tissue damage, and what mechanisms underlie neurological and muscular pathologies that toxoplasmosis patients present with. This review aims to summarize recent important developments addressing these critical topics. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polling Places, Pharmacies, and Public Health: Vote & Vax 2012

PubMed Central

Moore, Ryan T.; Benson, William; Anderson, Lynda A.

2015-01-01

US national elections, which draw sizable numbers of older voters, take place during flu-shot season and represent an untapped opportunity for large-scale delivery of vaccinations. In 2012, Vote & Vax deployed a total of 1585 clinics in 48 states; Washington, DC; Guam; Puerto Rico; and the US Virgin Islands. Approximately 934 clinics were located in pharmacies, and 651 were near polling places. Polling place clinics delivered significantly more vaccines than did pharmacies (5710 vs 3669). The delivery of vaccines was estimated at 9379, and approximately 45% of the recipients identified their race/ethnicity as African American or Hispanic. More than half of the White Vote & Vax recipients and more than two thirds of the non-White recipients were not regular flu shot recipients. PMID:25879150

Polling places, pharmacies, and public health: Vote & Vax 2012.

PubMed

Shenson, Douglas; Moore, Ryan T; Benson, William; Anderson, Lynda A

2015-06-01

US national elections, which draw sizable numbers of older voters, take place during flu-shot season and represent an untapped opportunity for large-scale delivery of vaccinations. In 2012, Vote & Vax deployed a total of 1585 clinics in 48 states; Washington, DC; Guam; Puerto Rico; and the US Virgin Islands. Approximately 934 clinics were located in pharmacies, and 651 were near polling places. Polling place clinics delivered significantly more vaccines than did pharmacies (5710 vs 3669). The delivery of vaccines was estimated at 9379, and approximately 45% of the recipients identified their race/ethnicity as African American or Hispanic. More than half of the White Vote & Vax recipients and more than two thirds of the non-White recipients were not regular flu shot recipients.

THIRD NATIONAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION EXAMINATION SURVEY (NHANES III)

EPA Science Inventory

The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), 1988-94, was conducted on a nationwide probability sample of approximately 33,994 persons 2 months and over. The survey was designed to obtain nationally representative information on the health and nutritio...

Feasibility study of launch vehicle ground cloud neutralization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vanderarend, P. C.; Stoy, S. T.; Kranyecz, T. E.

1976-01-01

The distribution of hydrogen chloride in the cloud was analyzed as a function of launch pad geometry and rate of rise of the vehicle during the first 24 sec of burn in order to define neutralization requirements. Delivery systems of various types were developed in order to bring the proposed chemical agents in close contact with the hydrogen chloride. Approximately one-third of the total neutralizing agent required can be delivered from a ground installed system at the launch pad; concentrated sodium carbonate solution is the preferred choice of agent for this launch pad system. Two-thirds of the neutralization requirement appears to need delivery by aircraft. Only one chemical agent (ammonia) may be reasonably considered for delivery by aircraft, because weight and bulk of all other agents are too large.

Expert music performance: cognitive, neural, and developmental bases.

PubMed

Brown, Rachel M; Zatorre, Robert J; Penhune, Virginia B

2015-01-01

In this chapter, we explore what happens in the brain of an expert musician during performance. Understanding expert music performance is interesting to cognitive neuroscientists not only because it tests the limits of human memory and movement, but also because studying expert musicianship can help us understand skilled human behavior in general. In this chapter, we outline important facets of our current understanding of the cognitive and neural basis for music performance, and developmental factors that may underlie musical ability. We address three main questions. (1) What is expert performance? (2) How do musicians achieve expert-level performance? (3) How does expert performance come about? We address the first question by describing musicians' ability to remember, plan, execute, and monitor their performances in order to perform music accurately and expressively. We address the second question by reviewing evidence for possible cognitive and neural mechanisms that may underlie or contribute to expert music performance, including the integration of sound and movement, feedforward and feedback motor control processes, expectancy, and imagery. We further discuss how neural circuits in auditory, motor, parietal, subcortical, and frontal cortex all contribute to different facets of musical expertise. Finally, we address the third question by reviewing evidence for the heritability of musical expertise and for how expertise develops through training and practice. We end by discussing outlooks for future work. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Study of the Vertical Structure of Tropical (20 deg S-20 deg N) Optically Thin Clouds from SAGE II Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Pi-Huan; Minnis, Patrick; McCormick, M. Patrick; Kent, Geoffrey S.; Yue, Glenn K.; Young, David F.; Skeens, Kristi M.

1998-01-01

The tropical cloud data obtained by the satellite instrument of the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE) II from October 1984 to May 1991 have been used to study cloud vertical distribution, including thickness and multilayer structure, and to estimate cloud optical depth. The results indicate that the SAGE-II-observed clouds are generally optically thin clouds, corresponding to a range of optical depth between approximately 8 x 10(exp -4) and 3 x 10(exp -1) with a mean of about 0.035. Two-thirds are classified as subvisual cirrus and one-third thin cirrus. Clouds between 2- to 3-km thick occur most frequently. Approximately 30% of the SAGE II cloud measurements are isolated single-layer clouds, while 65% are high clouds contiguous with an underlying opaque cloud that terminates the SAGE II profile. Thin clouds above detached opaque clouds at altitudes greater than 6.5 km occur less often. Only about 3% of the SAGE II single-layer clouds are located above the tropopause, while 58% of the cloud layers never reach the tropopause. More than one-third of the clouds appear at the tropopause. This study also shows that clouds occur more frequently and extend higher above the tropopause over the western Pacific than than over the eastern Pacific, especially during northern winter. The uncertainty of the derived results due to the SAGE II sampling constraints, data processing, and cloud characteristics is discussed.

6. NORTH SIDE, FROM APPROXIMATELY 25 FEET SOUTHEAST OF SOUTHWEST ...

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

6. NORTH SIDE, FROM APPROXIMATELY 25 FEET SOUTHEAST OF SOUTHWEST CORNER OF BUILDING 320, LOOKING SOUTH. - Oakland Naval Supply Center, Administration Building-Dental Annex-Dispensary, Between E & F Streets, East of Third Street, Oakland, Alameda County, CA

Single endoscopist-performed percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement.

PubMed

Erdogan, Askin

2013-07-14

To investigate whether single endoscopist-performed percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is safe and to compare the complications of PEG with those reported in the literature. Patients who underwent PEG placement between June 2001 and August 2011 at the Baskent University Alanya Teaching and Research Center were evaluated retrospectively. Patients whose PEG was placed for the first time by a single endoscopist were enrolled in the study. PEG was performed using the pull method. All of the patients were evaluated for their indications for PEG, major and minor complications resulting from PEG, nutritional status, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the use of antibiotic treatment or antibiotic prophylaxis prior to PEG. Comorbidities, rates, time and reasons for mortality were also evaluated. The reasons for PEG removal and PEG duration were also investigated. Sixty-two patients underwent the PEG procedure for the first time during this study. Eight patients who underwent PEG placement by 2 endoscopists were not enrolled in the study. A total of 54 patients were investigated. The patients' mean age was 69.9 years. The most common indication for PEG was cerebral infarct, which occurred in approximately two-thirds of the patients. The mean albumin level was 3.04 ± 0.7 g/dL, and 76.2% of the patients' albumin levels were below the normal values. The mean CRP level was high in 90.6% of patients prior to the procedure. Approximately two-thirds of the patients received antibiotics for either prophylaxis or treatment for infections prior to the PEG procedure. Mortality was not related to the procedure in any of the patients. Buried bumper syndrome was the only major complication, and it occurred in the third year. In such case, the PEG was removed and a new PEG tube was placed via surgery. Eight patients (15.1%) experienced minor complications, 6 (11.1%) of which were wound infections. All wound infections except one recovered with antibiotic treatment. Two patients had bleeding from the PEG site, one was resolved with primary suturing and the other with fresh frozen plasma transfusion. The incidence of major and minor complications is in keeping with literature. This finding may be noteworthy, especially in developing countries.

Sexual health problems and associated help-seeking behavior of people with physical disabilities and chronic diseases.

PubMed

Kedde, Harald; van de Wiel, Harry; Schultz, Willibrord Weijmar; Vanwesenbeeck, Ine; Bender, Jim

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate help-seeking behavior in relation to sexual problems among people with a disease or an impairment, as well as determining factors that promote people to seek professional sexological help. A total of 341 respondents (224 men, 117 women) participated. Approximately 50% wanted professional help with finding a sexual partner and sexual adjustment problems. Further, approximately 40% wanted professional help for problems in their sexual relationship, practical sexual problems, and the inability to enjoy their sexuality. In total, two third considered contacting a health care professional of which 35% had indeed had contact with a health care professional. Only a third of those evaluated these contacts as positive. To identify factors associated with the respondent's participation in psychosexual therapy, we performed a logistic regression analyses with a participation in a psychosexual intervention as the dependent variable. Sexual dissatisfaction was the strongest predictor of participation in psychosexual therapy. Furthermore, people who indicated that they wanted professional help for their sexual problems and people who had already discussed sexuality issues with a health care professional were more likely to participate. Disease and demographic characteristics did not influence one's decision to participate.

Senile dementia: treatment with deanol.

PubMed

Ferris, S H; Sathananthan, G; Gershon, S; Clark, C

1977-06-01

Recent research indicates a possible cholinergic involvement in memory processes and thus the possibility that acetylcholine deficiency may underlie memory impairment in senile dementia. Deanol (2-dimethylaminoethanol), which is assumed to increase brain acetylcholine, was given openly for 4 weeks to 14 senile outpatients, to determine the safety of the drug and whether or not it reduces cognitive impairment. The dosage was gradually increased to 600 mg three times daily during the first two weeks, with no adverse effects. Ten patients improved globally and 4 were unchanged (p less than .01). The total score on the Sandoz Clinical Assessment-Geriatric (SCAG) was lowered by the third week (p less than .01), primarily as a result of reduced depression, irritability and anxiety, and increased motivation-initiative. However, neither the clinical ratings nor an extensive pre- versus post-treatment series of cognitive tests revealed changes in memory or other cognitive functions. Since a similar separate study with a different compound produced no behavioral changes, it is unlikely that the improvement with deanol was due entirely to placebo effects. The results thus suggest that although deanol may not improve memory, it may produce positive behavioral changes in some senile patients.

Reactivity effects in VVER-1000 of the third unit of the kalinin nuclear power plant at physical start-up. Computations in ShIPR intellectual code system with library of two-group cross sections generated by UNK code

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

Zizin, M. N.; Zimin, V. G.; Zizina, S. N., E-mail: zizin@adis.vver.kiae.ru

2010-12-15

The ShIPR intellectual code system for mathematical simulation of nuclear reactors includes a set of computing modules implementing the preparation of macro cross sections on the basis of the two-group library of neutron-physics cross sections obtained for the SKETCH-N nodal code. This library is created by using the UNK code for 3D diffusion computation of first VVER-1000 fuel loadings. Computation of neutron fields in the ShIPR system is performed using the DP3 code in the two-group diffusion approximation in 3D triangular geometry. The efficiency of all groups of control rods for the first fuel loading of the third unit ofmore » the Kalinin Nuclear Power Plant is computed. The temperature, barometric, and density effects of reactivity as well as the reactivity coefficient due to the concentration of boric acid in the reactor were computed additionally. Results of computations are compared with the experiment.« less

Reactivity effects in VVER-1000 of the third unit of the kalinin nuclear power plant at physical start-up. Computations in ShIPR intellectual code system with library of two-group cross sections generated by UNK code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zizin, M. N.; Zimin, V. G.; Zizina, S. N.; Kryakvin, L. V.; Pitilimov, V. A.; Tereshonok, V. A.

2010-12-01

The ShIPR intellectual code system for mathematical simulation of nuclear reactors includes a set of computing modules implementing the preparation of macro cross sections on the basis of the two-group library of neutron-physics cross sections obtained for the SKETCH-N nodal code. This library is created by using the UNK code for 3D diffusion computation of first VVER-1000 fuel loadings. Computation of neutron fields in the ShIPR system is performed using the DP3 code in the two-group diffusion approximation in 3D triangular geometry. The efficiency of all groups of control rods for the first fuel loading of the third unit of the Kalinin Nuclear Power Plant is computed. The temperature, barometric, and density effects of reactivity as well as the reactivity coefficient due to the concentration of boric acid in the reactor were computed additionally. Results of computations are compared with the experiment.

Biogeochemistry Science and Education. Part One: Using Non-Traditional Stable Isotopes as Environmental Tracers. Part Two: Identifying and Measuring Undergraduate Misconceptions in Biogeochemistry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mead, Chris

2014-01-01

This dissertation is presented in two sections. First, I explore two methods of using stable isotope analysis to trace environmental and biogeochemical processes. Second, I present two related studies investigating student understanding of the biogeochemical concepts that underlie part one. Fe and Hg are each biogeochemically important elements in…

Active listening to cancer patients' stories.

PubMed

ten Kroode, H F

1998-08-01

Approximately two thirds of all Dutch cancer patients have severe emotional problems; shortly after their change from the treatment regime into the regime of medical controls. Half of them even need professional support. It is, therefore, important that a professional listens with empathy to the patient's version of the illness story. Story telling helps to overcome the existential crisis of being a cancer patient; it is an essential step in the revalidation process. Themes and open questions which structure the communication are suggested in this article.

UTC LIBERTY AND FREEDOM RETURN - SOLID ROCKET BOOSTER (SRB) - PORT CANAVERAL, FL

NASA Image and Video Library

1981-04-14

S81-31319 (14 April 1981) --- One of the STS-1 solid rocket boosters (SRB) is towed back to shore after landing in the Atlantic Ocean following the jettisoning of both of Columbia?s SRB en route to her Earth-orbital mission. The UTC Freedom and Liberty (pictured) were involved in the recovery of the reusable boosters. Astronauts John W. Young, commander, and Robert L. Crippen, pilot, are orbiting Earth for approximately two and a third days aboard Columbia. Photo credit: NASA

Third International Conference on Plant-Based Vaccines and Antibodies.

PubMed

Rybicki, Edward P

2009-09-01

This relatively new biennial meeting - the first was in Prague in 2005 - was chaired by Julian Ma (Guy's Hospital, London, UK), with Mario Pezzotti (University of Verona, Italy) as local organizer, and attracted approximately 180 delegates from 25 countries. The theme was 'Plant Expression Systems for Recombinant Pharmacologics': there were 46 talks gathered into two plenaries, 12 themed sessions and 72 posters. Topics covered included publicly funded and commercial developments, innovation, regulation and commercialization, competition with conventional technology, manufacture and new products.

Third-order nonlinear optical properties of organic azo dyes by using strength of nonlinearity parameter and Z-scan technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motiei, H.; Jafari, A.; Naderali, R.

2017-02-01

In this paper, two chemically synthesized organic azo dyes, 2-(2,5-Dichloro-phenyazo)-5,5-dimethyl-cyclohexane-1,3-dione (azo dye (i)) and 5,5-Dimethyl-2-tolylazo-cyclohexane-1,3-dione (azo dye (ii)), have been studied from optical Kerr nonlinearity point of view. These materials were characterized by Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Experiments were performed using a continous wave diode-pumped laser at 532 nm wavelength in three intensities of the laser beam. Nonlinear absorption (β), refractive index (n2) and third-order susceptibility (χ (3)) of dyes, were calculated. Nonlinear absorption coefficient of dyes have been calculated from two methods; 1) using theoretical fits and experimental data in the Z-scan technique, 2) using the strength of nonlinearity curves. The values of β obtained from both of the methods were approximately the same. The results demonstrated that azo dye (ii) displays better nonlinearity and has a lower two-photon absorption threshold than azo dye (i). Calculated parameter related to strength of nonlinearity for azo dye (ii) was higher than azo dye (i), It may be due to presence of methyl in azo dye (ii) instead of chlorine in azo dye (i). Furthermore, The measured values of third order susceptibility of azo dyes were from the order of 10-9 esu . These azo dyes can be suitable candidate for optical switching devices.

75 FR 78259 - Draft Guidance for Industry on Codevelopment of Two or More Unmarketed Investigational Drugs for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-15

... that underlie many complex diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and infectious diseases... used in combination to treat a disease or condition. This guidance provides recommendations and advice...

Disorders of compulsivity: a common bias towards learning habits

PubMed Central

Voon, V; Derbyshire, K; Rück, C; Irvine, M A; Worbe, Y; Enander, J; Schreiber, L R N; Gillan, C; Fineberg, N A; Sahakian, B J; Robbins, T W; Harrison, N A; Wood, J; Daw, N D; Dayan, P; Grant, J E; Bullmore, E T

2015-01-01

Why do we repeat choices that we know are bad for us? Decision making is characterized by the parallel engagement of two distinct systems, goal-directed and habitual, thought to arise from two computational learning mechanisms, model-based and model-free. The habitual system is a candidate source of pathological fixedness. Using a decision task that measures the contribution to learning of either mechanism, we show a bias towards model-free (habit) acquisition in disorders involving both natural (binge eating) and artificial (methamphetamine) rewards, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. This favoring of model-free learning may underlie the repetitive behaviors that ultimately dominate in these disorders. Further, we show that the habit formation bias is associated with lower gray matter volumes in caudate and medial orbitofrontal cortex. Our findings suggest that the dysfunction in a common neurocomputational mechanism may underlie diverse disorders involving compulsion. PMID:24840709

Parietal and frontal object areas underlie perception of object orientation in depth.

PubMed

Niimi, Ryosuke; Saneyoshi, Ayako; Abe, Reiko; Kaminaga, Tatsuro; Yokosawa, Kazuhiko

2011-05-27

Recent studies have shown that the human parietal and frontal cortices are involved in object image perception. We hypothesized that the parietal/frontal object areas play a role in differentiating the orientations (i.e., views) of an object. By using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we compared brain activations while human observers differentiated between two object images in depth-orientation (orientation task) and activations while they differentiated the images in object identity (identity task). The left intraparietal area, right angular gyrus, and right inferior frontal areas were activated more for the orientation task than for the identity task. The occipitotemporal object areas, however, were activated equally for the two tasks. No region showed greater activation for the identity task. These results suggested that the parietal/frontal object areas encode view-dependent visual features and underlie object orientation perception. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Disorders of compulsivity: a common bias towards learning habits.

PubMed

Voon, V; Derbyshire, K; Rück, C; Irvine, M A; Worbe, Y; Enander, J; Schreiber, L R N; Gillan, C; Fineberg, N A; Sahakian, B J; Robbins, T W; Harrison, N A; Wood, J; Daw, N D; Dayan, P; Grant, J E; Bullmore, E T

2015-03-01

Why do we repeat choices that we know are bad for us? Decision making is characterized by the parallel engagement of two distinct systems, goal-directed and habitual, thought to arise from two computational learning mechanisms, model-based and model-free. The habitual system is a candidate source of pathological fixedness. Using a decision task that measures the contribution to learning of either mechanism, we show a bias towards model-free (habit) acquisition in disorders involving both natural (binge eating) and artificial (methamphetamine) rewards, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. This favoring of model-free learning may underlie the repetitive behaviors that ultimately dominate in these disorders. Further, we show that the habit formation bias is associated with lower gray matter volumes in caudate and medial orbitofrontal cortex. Our findings suggest that the dysfunction in a common neurocomputational mechanism may underlie diverse disorders involving compulsion.

Reevaluating the impact of video games.

PubMed

Funk, J B

1993-02-01

The evolution of the video game phenomenon is reviewed and contemporary data are presented. A survey assessing frequency and location of play and game preference was completed by 357 seventh- and eighth-grade students. In this middle-class sample, about two thirds of girls played video games at least one to two hours per week at home, but only 20% played in arcades. About 90% of boys played in the home and about 50% in arcades. Approximately half of preferred games were from one of two categories of violent games, while 2% of preferred games were educational. Parent education about the influence of the media should include recommendations to monitor game playing and influence game selection.

Systematization of a set of closure techniques.

PubMed

Hausken, Kjell; Moxnes, John F

2011-11-01

Approximations in population dynamics are gaining popularity since stochastic models in large populations are time consuming even on a computer. Stochastic modeling causes an infinite set of ordinary differential equations for the moments. Closure models are useful since they recast this infinite set into a finite set of ordinary differential equations. This paper systematizes a set of closure approximations. We develop a system, which we call a power p closure of n moments, where 0≤p≤n. Keeling's (2000a,b) approximation with third order moments is shown to be an instantiation of this system which we call a power 3 closure of 3 moments. We present an epidemiological example and evaluate the system for third and fourth moments compared with Monte Carlo simulations. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Intraspecific variation of Centruroides sculpturatus scorpion venom from two regions of Arizona.

PubMed

Carcamo-Noriega, Edson Norberto; Olamendi-Portugal, Timoteo; Restano-Cassulini, Rita; Rowe, Ashlee; Uribe-Romero, Selene Jocelyn; Becerril, Baltazar; Possani, Lourival Domingos

2018-01-15

This study investigated geographic variability in the venom of Centruroides sculpturatus scorpions from different biotopes. Venom from scorpions collected from two different regions in Arizona; Santa Rita Foothills (SR) and Yarnell (Yar) were analyzed. We found differences between venoms, mainly in the two most abundant peptides; SR (CsEv2e and CsEv1f) and Yar (CsEv2 and CsEv1c) identified as natural variants of CsEv1 and CsEv2. Sequence analyses of these peptides revealed conservative amino acid changes between variants, which may underlie biological activity against arthropods. A third peptide (CsEv6) was highly abundant in the Yar venom compared to the SR venom. CsEv6 is a 67 amino acid peptide with 8 cysteines. CsEv6 did not exhibit toxicity to the three animal models tested. However, both venoms shared similarities in peptides that are predicted to deter predators. For example, both venoms expressed CsEI (lethal to chick) in similar abundance, while CsEd and CsEM1a (toxic to mammals) displayed only moderate variation in their abundance. Electrophysiological evaluation of CsEd and CsEM1a showed that both toxins act on the human sodium-channel subtype 1.6 (hNav 1.6). Complete sequencing revealed that both toxins are structurally similar to beta-toxins isolated from different Centruroides species that also target hNav 1.6. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Damping of collective modes and the echo effect in a confined Bose-Einstein condensate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuklov, A. B.; Chencinski, N.

1998-04-01

We discuss the reversible nature of two mechanisms of the apparent damping of the collective modes of a confined Bose-Einstein condensate -- Landau Damping (LD) and a dephasing caused by thermal fluctuations of the normal component. The reversibility of the damping in both cases can be tested by the echo effect, when two consecutive external pulses modulate the potential trapping the condensate and induce a third pulse -- the echo -- at the time approximately equal to twice the time interval between the first two pulses. This effect is similar to the phonon echo in powders (Koji Kajimura in Physical Acoustics), ed. W.P. Mason, V.XVI, Academic Press, NY, Toronto 1982.. Parameters of the echo for the isotropic condensate are calculated analytically in the adiabatic approximation for the case of the small external pulses. Numerical simulations for the arbitrary pulses are also presented. The echo in an anisotropic condensate, where the adaibatic approximation is not valid because of the LD, is described in terms of the model of a single oscillator interacting with a quasi-continuum of modes which constitutes the normal component. In both cases in the weak echo limit the echo amplitude turns out to be proportional to the amplitudes of the external pulses. We suggest to test these predictions experimentally.

Tracking the first two seconds: three stages of visual information processing?

PubMed

Jacob, Jane; Breitmeyer, Bruno G; Treviño, Melissa

2013-12-01

We compared visual priming and comparison tasks to assess information processing of a stimulus during the first 2 s after its onset. In both tasks, a 13-ms prime was followed at varying SOAs by a 40-ms probe. In the priming task, observers identified the probe as rapidly and accurately as possible; in the comparison task, observers determined as rapidly and accurately as possible whether or not the probe and prime were identical. Priming effects attained a maximum at an SOA of 133 ms and then declined monotonically to zero by 700 ms, indicating reliance on relatively brief visuosensory (iconic) memory. In contrast, the comparison effects yielded a multiphasic function, showing a maximum at 0 ms followed by a minimum at 133 ms, followed in turn by a maximum at 240 ms and another minimum at 720 ms, and finally a third maximum at 1,200 ms before declining thereafter. The results indicate three stages of prime processing that we take to correspond to iconic visible persistence, iconic informational persistence, and visual working memory, with the first two used in the priming task and all three in the comparison task. These stages are related to stages presumed to underlie stimulus processing in other tasks, such as those giving rise to the attentional blink.

Get the gist? The effects of processing depth on false recognition in short-term and long-term memory.

PubMed

Flegal, Kristin E; Reuter-Lorenz, Patricia A

2014-07-01

Gist-based processing has been proposed to account for robust false memories in the converging-associates task. The deep-encoding processes known to enhance verbatim memory also strengthen gist memory and increase distortions of long-term memory (LTM). Recent research has demonstrated that compelling false memory illusions are relatively delay-invariant, also occurring under canonical short-term memory (STM) conditions. To investigate the contributions of gist to false memory at short and long delays, processing depth was manipulated as participants encoded lists of four semantically related words and were probed immediately, following a filled 3- to 4-s retention interval, or approximately 20 min later, in a surprise recognition test. In two experiments, the encoding manipulation dissociated STM and LTM on the frequency, but not the phenomenology, of false memory. Deep encoding at STM increases false recognition rates at LTM, but confidence ratings and remember/know judgments are similar across delays and do not differ as a function of processing depth. These results suggest that some shared and some unique processes underlie false memory illusions at short and long delays.

Characterization of the excited states of a squaraine molecule with quadratic electroabsorption spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poga, C.; Brown, T. M.; Kuzyk, M. G.; Dirk, Carl W.

1995-04-01

We apply quadratic electroabsorption spectroscopy (QES) to thin-film solid solutions of squarylium dye molecules in poly(methyl methacrylate) polymer to study the dye's electronic excited states and to investigate the importance of these states with regard to their contribution to the third-order nonlinear-optical susceptibility. We first show that the room-temperature tensor ratio a= chi (3)3333/ chi (3)1133 \\approximately 3 throughout most of the visible region to establish that the electronic mechanism dominates. Because QES is a third-order nonlinear-optical susceptibility measurement, it can be used to identify two photon states. By obtaining good agreement between the quadratic electroabsorption spectrum and a three level model, we conclude that there are two dominant states that contribute to the near-resonant and a two-photon state that are separated by less than 0.2 eV in energy. QES is thus shown to be a versatile tool for measuring the nature of excited states in a molecule. Furthermore, by applying a Kramers-Kronig transformation to determine the real part of the response, we are able to assess the two-photon all-optical device figure of merit of these materials. Such an

The third order correction on Hawking radiation and entropy conservation during black hole evaporation process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Hao-Peng; Liu, Wen-Biao

2016-08-01

Using Parikh-Wilczek tunneling framework, we calculate the tunneling rate from a Schwarzschild black hole under the third order WKB approximation, and then obtain the expressions for emission spectrum and black hole entropy to the third order correction. The entropy contains four terms including the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy, the logarithmic term, the inverse area term, and the square of inverse area term. In addition, we analyse the correlation between sequential emissions under this approximation. It is shown that the entropy is conserved during the process of black hole evaporation, which consists with the request of quantum mechanics and implies the information is conserved during this process. We also compare the above result with that of pure thermal spectrum case, and find that the non-thermal correction played an important role.

Process analysis of regional aerosol pollution during spring in the Pearl River Delta region, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Qi; Lan, Jing; Liu, Yiming; Wang, Xuemei; Chan, Pakwai; Hong, Yingying; Feng, Yerong; Liu, Yexin; Zeng, Yanjun; Liang, Guixiong

2015-12-01

A numerical simulation analysis was performed for three air pollution episodes in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region during March 2012 using the third-generation air quality modeling system Models-3/CMAQ. The results demonstrated that particulate matter was the primary pollutant for all three pollution episodes and was accompanied by relatively low visibility in the first two episodes. Weather maps indicate that the first two episodes occurred under the influence of warm, wet southerly air flow systems that led to high humidity throughout the region. The liquid phase reaction of gaseous pollutants resulted in the generation of fine secondary particles, which were identified as the primary source of pollution in the first two episodes. The third pollution episode occurred during a warming period following a cold front. Relative humidity was lower during this episode, and coarse particles were the major pollution contributor. Results of process analysis indicated that emissions sources, horizontal transport and vertical transport were the primary factors affecting pollutant concentrations within the near-surface layer during all three episodes, while aerosol processes, cloud processes, horizontal transport and vertical transport had greater influence at approximately 900 m above ground. Cloud processes had a greater impact during the first two pollution episodes because of the higher relative humidity. In addition, by comparing pollution processes from different cities (Guangzhou and Zhongshan), the study revealed that the first two pollution episodes were the result of local emissions within the PRD region and transport between surrounding cities, while the third episode exhibited prominent regional pollution characteristics and was the result of regional pollutant transport.

Quantum dynamics in phase space: Moyal trajectories 2

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

Braunss, G.

Continuing a previous paper [G. Braunss, J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 43, 025302 (2010)] where we had calculated Planck-Constant-Over-Two-Pi {sup 2}-approximations of quantum phase space viz. Moyal trajectories of examples with one and two degrees of freedom, we present in this paper the calculation of Planck-Constant-Over-Two-Pi {sup 2}-approximations for four examples: a two-dimensional Toda chain, the radially symmetric Schwarzschild field, and two examples with three degrees of freedom, the latter being the nonrelativistic spherically Coulomb potential and the relativistic cylinder symmetrical Coulomb potential with a magnetic field H. We show in particular that an Planck-Constant-Over-Two-Pi {sup 2}-approximation of the nonrelativisticmore » Coulomb field has no singularity at the origin (r= 0) whereas the classical trajectories are singular at r= 0. In the third example, we show in particular that for an arbitrary function {gamma}(H, z) the expression {beta}{identical_to}p{sub z}+{gamma}(H, z) is classically ( Planck-Constant-Over-Two-Pi = 0) a constant of motion, whereas for Planck-Constant-Over-Two-Pi {ne} 0 this holds only if {gamma}(H, z) is an arbitrary polynomial of second order in z. This statement is shown to extend correspondingly to a cylinder symmetrical Schwarzschild field with a magnetic field. We exhibit in detail a number of properties of the radially symmetric Schwarzschild field. We exhibit finally the problems of the nonintegrable Henon-Heiles Hamiltonian and give a short review of the regular Hilbert space representation of Moyal operators.« less

Functional insights into the testis transcriptome of the edible sea urchin Loxechinus albus

PubMed Central

Gaitán-Espitia, Juan Diego; Sánchez, Roland; Bruning, Paulina; Cárdenas, Leyla

2016-01-01

The edible sea urchin Loxechinus albus (Molina, 1782) is a keystone species in the littoral benthic systems of the Pacific coast of South America. The international demand for high-quality gonads of this echinoderm has led to an extensive exploitation and decline of its natural populations. Consequently, a more thorough understanding of L. albus gonad development and gametogenesis could provide valuable resources for aquaculture applications, management, conservation and studies about the evolution of functional and structural pathways that underlie the reproductive toolkit of marine invertebrates. Using a high-throughput sequencing technology, we explored the male gonad transcriptome of this highly fecund sea urchin. Through a de novo assembly approach we obtained 42,530 transcripts of which 15,544 (36.6%) had significant alignments to known proteins in public databases. From these transcripts, approximately 73% were functionally annotated allowing the identification of several candidate genes that are likely to play a central role in developmental processes, nutrient reservoir activity, sexual reproduction, gamete generation, meiosis, sex differentiation, sperm motility, male courtship behavior and fertilization. Additionally, comparisons with the male gonad transcriptomes of other echinoderms revealed several conserved orthologous genes, suggesting that similar functional and structural pathways underlie the reproductive development in this group and other marine invertebrates. PMID:27805042

The interprofessional socialization and valuing scale: a tool for evaluating the shift toward collaborative care approaches in health care settings.

PubMed

King, Gillian; Shaw, Lynn; Orchard, Carole A; Miller, Stacy

2010-01-01

There is a need for tools by which to evaluate the beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes that underlie interprofessional socialization and collaborative practice in health care settings. This paper introduces the Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale (ISVS), a 24-item self-report measure based on concepts in the interprofessional literature concerning shifts in beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes that underlie interprofessional socialization. The ISVS was designed to measure the degree to which transformative learning takes place, as evidenced by changed assumptions and worldviews, enhanced knowledge and skills concerning interprofessional collaborative teamwork, and shifts in values and identities. The scales of the ISVS were determined using principal components analysis. The principal components analysis revealed three scales accounting for approximately 49% of the variance in responses: (a) Self-Perceived Ability to Work with Others, (b) Value in Working with Others, and (c) Comfort in Working with Others. These empirically derived scales showed good fit with the conceptual basis of the measure. The ISVS provides insight into the abilities, values, and beliefs underlying socio-cultural aspects of collaborative and authentic interprofessional care in the workplace, and can be used to evaluate the impact of interprofessional education efforts, in house team training, and workshops.

Qualitative evaluation of diets of students at the University of the Third Age at Koszalin University of Technology.

PubMed

Kwiatkowska, Małgorzata; Walczak, Zbigniew

2016-01-01

Nutrition plays an important role in the elderly stage of life. A proper proportion of the individual nutritional ingredients in a diet may positively impact the ageing body. This positive influence consists in slowing down the undesired and unfavourable physiological alterations leading inevitably to the general weakness of the body. The aim of the paper was to perform a qualitative analysis with the Starzyńska scoring system for diets, the daily food rations (DFR), among students of the University of the Third Age at the Koszalin University of Technology (Poland). The studied materials consisted of the 7-day current records made by 79 students (16 males and 63 females) of the University of the Third Age at the Koszalin University of Technology and the measurements of body weight, height and waistline. The records were qualitatively evaluated with Starzyńska's test. It was found that approximately half of the students were overweight or obese. The majority consumed the recommended number of meals. About 44% of the students consumed animal protein with all meals. Milk and cheese were ingested daily with at least two meals by approximately 11% of the students. Fruit and vegetables are eaten on a daily basis by about 60% of the students. Almost 40% ate wholegrain bread, groats, and dried legumes. The statistical analysis of the means for the points of individual indicators did not reveal any statistically significant difference between women and men (p>0.05). Approximately ¾ of the evaluated diets were inaccurately formulated and required radical modification. The low frequency of animal protein, milk and cheese, wholegrain bread, groats and dried legume consumption may result in deficiencies in certain nutrients. Nutritional education is recommended, focusing on the correct way to formulate meals. The recorded level of overweight and obesity in the students indicates a need for a quantitative assessment of consumption considering, among others, the energy input in their diets.

The hepatic bridge.

PubMed

Sugarbaker, Paul H

2018-07-01

The hepatic bridge forms a tunnel of liver parenchyma that may obscure peritoneal metastases associated with the round ligament. Visualization and then resection of nodules associated with this structure is necessary. The incidence of a hepatic bridge and the extent that it covered the round ligament was determined in consecutive patients. Extent of coverage of the round ligament by the hepatic bridge was determined: Class 1 indicates up to one-third of the round ligament obscured, Class 2 up to two-thirds and Class 3 more than two-thirds. In 102 patients in whom the round ligament of the liver could be completely visualized, 50 had a hepatic bridge. Class 1 was 22 (44%) of the bridges, Class 2 was 16 (32%) and Class 3 was 12 (24%). A hepatic bridge was more frequently present in 28 of 45 male patients (62%) vs. 22 of 57 female patients (38%). Approximately one-half of our patients having cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal metastases were observed to have a hepatic bridge. Up to 56% of these patients have Class 2 or 3 hepatic bridge and may require division of the hepatic bridge to completely visualize the contents of the tunnel created by this structure. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd, BASO ~ The Association for Cancer Surgery, and the European Society of Surgical Oncology. All rights reserved.

Large χ(3) of squarylium dye J aggregates measured using the Z-scan technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tatsuura, Satoshi; Wada, Osamu; Tian, Minquan; Furuki, Makoto; Sato, Yasuhiro; Iwasa, Izumi; Pu, Lyong Sun; Kawashima, Hitoshi

2001-10-01

Third-order nonlinear optical coefficients χ(3) were measured for the J aggregates of two types of squarylium dye derivatives at resonant and near-resonant wavelengths by using the Z-scan technique. The maximum χ(3) value evaluated at one-photon resonance was 2.9×10-6 e.s.u., which was greater than that of phthalocyanines by 4 orders of magnitude. χ(3) for one squarylium derivative was approximately two times as large as that of the other. This can be attributed to the difference of the number of molecules contributing to a coherent state in each J aggregate.

ACTPol: Status and preliminary CMB polarization results from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koopman, Brian

2014-03-01

The Atacama Cosmology Telescope Polarimeter (ACTPol) is a polarization sensitive upgrade for the Atacama Cosmology Telescope, located at an elevation of 5190 m on Cerro Toco in Chile. In summer 2013, ACTPol achieved first light with one third of the final detector configuration. The remaining two thirds of the detector array will be installed during spring 2014, enabling full sensitivity, high resolution, observations at both 90 GHz and 150 GHz. Using approximately 3,000 transition-edge sensor bolometers, ACTPol will enable measurements of small angular scale polarization anisotropies in the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). I will present a status update for the ACTPol receiver and some preliminary results. ACTPol measurements will allow us to probe the spectral index of inflation as well as to constrain early dark energy and the sum of neutrino masses.

The Boston Harbor Project, and large decreases in loadings of eutrophication-related materials to Boston Harbor.

PubMed

Taylor, David I

2010-04-01

Boston Harbor, a bay-estuary in the north-east USA, has recently been the site of one of the largest wastewater infrastructure projects conducted in the USA, the Boston Harbor Project (BHP). The BHP, which was conducted from 1991 to 2000, ended over a century of direct wastewater treatment facility discharges to the harbor. The BHP caused the loadings of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total suspended solids (TSS) and particulate organic carbon (POC) to the harbor, to decrease by between 80% and 90%. Approximately one-third of the decreases in TSS and POC loadings occurred between 1991 and 1992; the remaining two-thirds, between 1995 and 2000. For TN and TP, the bulk of the decreases occurred between 1997 or 1998, and 2000. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The evolutionary roots of human decision making.

PubMed

Santos, Laurie R; Rosati, Alexandra G

2015-01-03

Humans exhibit a suite of biases when making economic decisions. We review recent research on the origins of human decision making by examining whether similar choice biases are seen in nonhuman primates, our closest phylogenetic relatives. We propose that comparative studies can provide insight into four major questions about the nature of human choice biases that cannot be addressed by studies of our species alone. First, research with other primates can address the evolution of human choice biases and identify shared versus human-unique tendencies in decision making. Second, primate studies can constrain hypotheses about the psychological mechanisms underlying such biases. Third, comparisons of closely related species can identify when distinct mechanisms underlie related biases by examining evolutionary dissociations in choice strategies. Finally, comparative work can provide insight into the biological rationality of economically irrational preferences.

Emotional reactions of mothers facing premature births: study of 100 mother-infant dyads 32 gestational weeks.

PubMed

Eutrope, Julien; Thierry, Aurore; Lempp, Franziska; Aupetit, Laurence; Saad, Stéphanie; Dodane, Catherine; Bednarek, Nathalie; De Mare, Laurence; Sibertin-Blanc, Daniel; Nezelof, Sylvie; Rolland, Anne-Catherine

2014-01-01

This current study has been conducted to clarify the relationship between the mother's post-traumatic reaction triggered by premature birth and the mother-infant interactions. In this article, the precocious maternal feelings are described. A multicenter prospective study was performed in three French hospitals. 100 dyads with 100 very premature infants and their mothers were recruited. Mothers completed, at two different times self-questionnaires of depression/anxiety, trauma and social support. The quality of interactions in the dyads was evaluated. Thirty-nine percent of the mothers obtained a score at HADS suggesting a high risk of depression at the first visit and approximately one-third at visit two. Seventy-five percent of the mothers were at risk of suffering from an anxiety disorder at visit one and half remained so at visit two. A "depressed" score at visits one and two correlated with a hospitalization for a threatened premature labor. We noted a high risk of trauma for 35% of the mothers and high interactional synchrony was observed for approximately two-thirds of the dyads. The mothers' psychological reactions such as depression and anxiety or postnatal depression correlate strongly with the presence of an initial trauma. At visit one and visit two, a high score of satisfaction concerning social support correlates negatively with presence of a trauma. A maternal risk of trauma is more frequent with a C-section delivery. Mothers' psychological reactions such as depression and anxiety correlate greatly with the presence of an initial trauma. The maternal traumatic reaction linked to premature birth does not correlate with the term at birth, but rather with the weight of the baby. Social support perceived by the mother is correlated with the absence of maternal trauma before returning home, and also seems to inhibit from depressive symptoms from the time of the infant's premature birth.

On approximation and energy estimates for delta 6-convex functions.

PubMed

Saleem, Muhammad Shoaib; Pečarić, Josip; Rehman, Nasir; Khan, Muhammad Wahab; Zahoor, Muhammad Sajid

2018-01-01

The smooth approximation and weighted energy estimates for delta 6-convex functions are derived in this research. Moreover, we conclude that if 6-convex functions are closed in uniform norm, then their third derivatives are closed in weighted [Formula: see text]-norm.

Evolution of Unit Fraction Conceptions in Two Fifth-Graders with a Learning Disability: An Exploratory Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hunt, Jessica Heather; Tzur, Ron; Westenskow, Arla

2016-01-01

The literature seems limited in what is known about conceptual processes that underlie evolution of students with learning disabilities (SLD) conceptions of fractions. This exploratory study examines how a foundational scheme of unit fractions (1/n) may evolve through the mathematical activity of two fifth grade girls. We analyze data segments…

How Do People Make Continence Care Happen? An Analysis of Organizational Culture in Two Nursing Homes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lyons, Stacie Salsbury

2010-01-01

Purpose: Although nursing homes (NHs) are criticized for offering poor quality continence care, little is known about the organizational processes that underlie this care. This study investigated the influence of organizational culture on continence care practices in two NHs. Design and Methods: This ethnographic study explored continence care…

African origins and chronic kidney disease susceptibility in the human immunodeficiency virus era

PubMed Central

Kasembeli, Alex N; Duarte, Raquel; Ramsay, Michèle; Naicker, Saraladevi

2015-01-01

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem worldwide with the estimated incidence growing by approximately 6% annually. There are striking ethnic differences in the prevalence of CKD such that, in the United States, African Americans have the highest prevalence of CKD, four times the incidence of end stage renal disease when compared to Americans of European ancestry suggestive of genetic predisposition. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are the major causes of CKD. HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is an irreversible form of CKD with considerable morbidity and mortality and is present predominantly in people of African ancestry. The APOL1 G1 and G2 alleles were more strongly associated with the risk for CKD than the previously examined MYH9 E1 risk haplotype in individuals of African ancestry. A strong association was reported in HIVAN, suggesting that 50% of African Americans with two APOL1 risk alleles, if untreated, would develop HIVAN. However these two variants are not enough to cause disease. The prevailing belief is that modifying factors or second hits (including genetic hits) underlie the pathogenesis of kidney disease. This work reviews the history of genetic susceptibility of CKD and outlines current theories regarding the role for APOL1 in CKD in the HIV era. PMID:25949944

Measurement of heat and moisture fluxes at the top of the rain forest during ABLE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fitzjarrald, David R.

1987-01-01

Observations are presented of turbulent heat, moisture, and momentum transport made at two levels, approximately 5 and 10 m above the Amazon rain forest canopy. Data acquired at 10 Hz included variances and some mixed third moments of vertical velocity, temperature, and humidity. Two features of the data appear to question the displacement height hypothesis: (1) The characteristic dissipation length scale in the near-canopy layer varied between 20 m in stable conditions to approximately 150 m during afternoon convective conditions, generally larger scales than would be expected; and (2) No appreciable difference in dissipation scales was seen at the two observed levels. Observed peaks in vertical velocity-temperature cospectra lead to similar length scale estimates for dominant eddies. Heat budgets on selected days show that frequent periods with negative heat flux concurrent with continuing positive moisture flux occur in early afternoon, and this is believed to indicate the patchy nature of canopy-atmosphere coupling. Vertical velocity skewness was observed to be negative on three successive days and exhibited a sharp positive gradient.

Two-dimensional electronic spectra from the hierarchical equations of motion method: Application to model dimers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Liping; Zheng, Renhui; Shi, Qiang; Yan, YiJing

2010-01-01

We extend our previous study of absorption line shapes of molecular aggregates using the Liouville space hierarchical equations of motion (HEOM) method [L. P. Chen, R. H. Zheng, Q. Shi, and Y. J. Yan, J. Chem. Phys. 131, 094502 (2009)] to calculate third order optical response functions and two-dimensional electronic spectra of model dimers. As in our previous work, we have focused on the applicability of several approximate methods related to the HEOM method. We show that while the second order perturbative quantum master equations are generally inaccurate in describing the peak shapes and solvation dynamics, they can give reasonable peak amplitude evolution even in the intermediate coupling regime. The stochastic Liouville equation results in good peak shapes, but does not properly describe the excited state dynamics due to the lack of detailed balance. A modified version of the high temperature approximation to the HEOM gives the best agreement with the exact result.

Basic features of the pion valence-quark distribution function

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

Chang, Lei; Mezrag, Cédric; Moutarde, Hervé

2014-10-07

The impulse-approximation expression used hitherto to define the pion's valence-quark distribution function is flawed because it omits contributions from the gluons which bind quarks into the pion. A corrected leading-order expression produces the model-independent result that quarks dressed via the rainbow–ladder truncation, or any practical analogue, carry all the pion's light-front momentum at a characteristic hadronic scale. Corrections to the leading contribution may be divided into two classes, responsible for shifting dressed-quark momentum into glue and sea-quarks. Working with available empirical information, we use an algebraic model to express the principal impact of both classes of corrections. This enables amore » realistic comparison with experiment that allows us to highlight the basic features of the pion's measurable valence-quark distribution, q π(x); namely, at a characteristic hadronic scale, q π(x)~(1-x) 2 for x≳0.85; and the valence-quarks carry approximately two-thirds of the pion's light-front momentum.« less

Accelerated increases observed for hydrochlorofluorocarbons since 2004 in the global atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montzka, S. A.; Hall, B. D.; Elkins, J. W.

2009-02-01

Tropospheric accumulation rates of the three most abundant hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) were up to two times faster during 2007 than measured in 2003-2004. Tropospheric chlorine from HCFCs increased at 10 pptCl/yr during 2006-2007, up from 6 pptCl/yr in 2003-2004, and offset declines in chlorine from other anthropogenic ozone-depleting substances in 2007 by approximately one-third. Derived global emissions for HCFCs increased by up to 60% since 2004, and, for HCFC-142b, emissions during 2007 were two times larger than projected recently. Measured tropospheric distributions suggest a shift in HCFC emissions to lower latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. These changes coincide with exponential increases in developing country production and consumption and decreases in other countries. When weighted by direct, 100-yr global warming potentials, HCFC emissions in 2007 amounted to 0.78 GtCO2-equivalents, or 30% larger than the average during 2000-2004, and were approximately 2.6% of fossil-fuel and cement related CO2 emissions.

Approximate analytical solutions of a pair of coupled anharmonic oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alam, Nasir; Mandal, Swapan; Öhberg, Patrik

2015-02-01

The Hamiltonian and the corresponding equations of motion involving the field operators of two quartic anharmonic oscillators indirectly coupled via a linear oscillator are constructed. The approximate analytical solutions of the coupled differential equations involving the non-commuting field operators are solved up to the second order in the anharmonic coupling. In the absence of nonlinearity these solutions are used to calculate the second order variances and hence the squeezing in pure and in mixed modes. The higher order quadrature squeezing and the amplitude squared squeezing of various field modes are also investigated where the squeezing in pure and in mixed modes are found to be suppressed. Moreover, the absence of a nonlinearity prohibits the higher order quadrature and higher ordered amplitude squeezing of the input coherent states. It is established that the mere coupling of two oscillators through a third one is unable to produce any squeezing effects of input coherent light, but the presence of a nonlinear interaction may provide squeezed states and other nonclassical phenomena.

Chemical compass model of avian magnetoreception.

PubMed

Maeda, Kiminori; Henbest, Kevin B; Cintolesi, Filippo; Kuprov, Ilya; Rodgers, Christopher T; Liddell, Paul A; Gust, Devens; Timmel, Christiane R; Hore, P J

2008-05-15

Approximately 50 species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, crustaceans and insects, are known to use the Earth's magnetic field for orientation and navigation. Birds in particular have been intensively studied, but the biophysical mechanisms that underlie the avian magnetic compass are still poorly understood. One proposal, based on magnetically sensitive free radical reactions, is gaining support despite the fact that no chemical reaction in vitro has been shown to respond to magnetic fields as weak as the Earth's ( approximately 50 muT) or to be sensitive to the direction of such a field. Here we use spectroscopic observation of a carotenoid-porphyrin-fullerene model system to demonstrate that the lifetime of a photochemically formed radical pair is changed by application of < or =50 microT magnetic fields, and to measure the anisotropic chemical response that is essential for its operation as a chemical compass sensor. These experiments establish the feasibility of chemical magnetoreception and give insight into the structural and dynamic design features required for optimal detection of the direction of the Earth's magnetic field.

46 CFR 310.64 - Privileges.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... leave of absence of approximately four (4) weeks after completing each of the first, second and third years of training. (b) Classes and exercises are suspended on New Year's Day, Washington's Birthday... may be granted approximately 2 weeks leave during the period which includes Christmas Day and New Year...

Underdevelopment and the political economy of malnutrition and ill health.

PubMed

Chossudovsky, M

1983-01-01

This article applies Marx's abstract subdivision of social consumption to the prevailing patterns of capital accumulation in the Third World. Built-in scarcities in the availability of necessary consumer goods, alongside patterns of overconsumption and social waste by the upper-income groups, are conducive to conditions of mass poverty, malnutrition, and disease that coexist with small pockets of social privilege and affluence. Malnutrition and ill health must be understood and analyzed in relation to the dual and divided structure of social consumption: necessities of life as opposed to luxury and semi-luxury goods. The relationship between capital accumulation, the distribution of money income, and patterns of malnutrition and ill health is analyzed. It is shown that patterns of malnutrition and ill health are socially differentiated, and the core disease pattern in Third World social formations is discussed in relation to the material and social conditions of life which generate ill health and which underlie particular patterns of peripheral capital accumulation. The study focuses on empirical procedures for analyzing the relationship between levels of money income and levels of calorie and protein intake. An appendix outlines a methodology for estimating undernourishment in urban areas from household budget surveys.

The puzzle of self-reported weight gain in a month of fasting (Ramadan) among a cohort of Saudi families in Jeddah, Western Saudi Arabia

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background During Ramadan fast, approximately one billion Muslims abstain from food and fluid between the hours of sunrise to sunset, and usually eat a large meal after sunset and another meal before sunrise. Many studies reported good health-related outcomes of fasting including weight loss. The objective of this study is to identify the local pattern of expenditure on food consumption, dietary habits during Ramadan and correlate that to self-reported weight gain after Ramadan in a group of families in Jeddah, Western Saudi Arabia. Methods A Cross-section study using a pre-designed questionnaire to identify the local pattern of expenditure on food consumption, dietary habits during Ramadan and correlate that to self-reported weight gain after Ramadan in a representative cohort of Saudis living in Jeddah. It was piloted on 173 nutrition students and administered by them to their families. Results A total of 173 Saudi families were interviewed. One out of 5 indicated that their expenditure increases during Ramadan. Approximately two thirds of the respondents (59.5%) reported weight gain after Ramadan. When asked about their perspective explanations for that: 40% attributed that to types of foods being rich in fat and carbohydrates particularly date in (Sunset meal) 97.7% and rice in (Dawn meal) 80.9%. One third (31.2%) indicated that it was due to relative lack of physical exercise in Ramadan and 14.5% referred that to increase in food consumption. Two thirds (65.2%) of those with increased expenditure reported weight gain. Conclusion Surprisingly weight gain and not weight loss was reported after Ramadan by Saudis which indicates timely needed life-style and dietary modification programs for a population which reports one of the highest prevalence rates of diabetes. PMID:21831261

Rural Youth Education Project: Third Wave

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Center for Rural Pennsylvania, 2010

2010-01-01

This study is designed to include four waves of data collection, conducted approximately every other year, beginning in 2004 and continuing through 2011. This report briefly describes the procedures used for the third wave of data collection, completed in 2008-2009, and the results from a sample of Pennsylvania's rural 11th grade youth and youth…

Kaleidoscope: A Multicultural Booklist for Grades K-8. Third Edition. NCTE Bibliography Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yokota, Junko, Ed.

The third edition of this annotated bibliography collection offers students, teachers, and librarians a helpful guide to the best multicultural literature (published between 1996 and 1998) for elementary and middle school readers. With approximately 600 annotations on topics and formats including picture story books, realistic fiction, history and…

Contextual view of Warner's Ranch. Third of three sequential views ...

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

Contextual view of Warner's Ranch. Third of three sequential views (from west to east) of the buildings in relation to the surrounding geography. Note approximate location of Overland Trail crossing left to right. Camera facing northeast - Warner Ranch, Ranch House, San Felipe Road (State Highway S2), Warner Springs, San Diego County, CA

The Third International Standard for Corticotrophin

PubMed Central

Bangham, D. R.; Mussett, M. V.; Stack-Dunne, M. P.

1962-01-01

At its meeting in September 1957, the WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardization agreed with the recommendation of the International Conference on Corticotrophin, held in July 1957, that a new international standard for corticotrophin should be set up, since the Second International Standard was made from crude material and was unsuitable for the assay of the purer preparations of corticotrophin now in general clinical use. In this paper, the authors describe the steps taken to establish the Third International Standard for Corticotrophin, from the preparation and international collaborative assay of the new material to the choice of the ”subcutaneous assay” for deriving the potency. The clinical and pharmacological implications of this choice are discussed. Since the preparation, characterization and exact quantitative assay of standards for corticotrophin are so difficult, several batches of approximately 3500 ampoules were prepared in a similar way from the same material to serve as an international Working Standard. Samples from two batches were included in the collaborative assay and found to have the same potency as the Third Standard. Sufficient ampoules of the Working Standard are available for use as national and laboratory standards. PMID:13966359

A Longitudinal Analysis of Stepfamily Relationship Quality and Adolescent Physical Health.

PubMed

Jensen, Todd M; Harris, Kathleen Mullan

2017-10-01

Approximately one third of youth are estimated to live with a biological parent and stepparent before reaching adulthood. Additional research is warranted whereby stepfamily processes are identified that drive variation in youth adjustment, particularly physical health. We examined stepfather-child, mother-child, and stepcouple relationship quality as predictors of levels and changes in adolescent physical health over time. We used a nationally representative sample of 1,233 adolescents living in biological mother-stepfather families from waves I (1994-1995) and II (1996) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. We incorporated measures of stepfather-child, mother-child, and stepcouple relationship quality, as well as adolescent reports of 10 physical health symptoms at waves I and II. Structural equation modeling was used to examine associations between wave I stepfamily relationships and adolescent physical symptoms at waves I and II. We used a zero-inflated negative binomial model to establish the validity of wave II adolescent physical symptoms as a predictor of an index of diagnosed chronic illnesses by wave IV (ages 26-32 years). Stepfather-child and mother-child relationship quality were negatively correlated with concurrent levels of adolescent physical symptoms. Stepfather-child relationship quality was negatively associated with change in adolescent physical symptoms over time. Adolescents with higher levels of physical symptoms at wave II were more likely to report chronic illnesses by adulthood. Stepfather-child relationship quality is a robust predictor of adolescent physical health throughout adolescence and is linked to chronic illness diagnoses in young adulthood. Future research should explore further the mechanisms that underlie this association. Copyright © 2017 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Remote distractor effects and saccadic inhibition: spatial and temporal modulation.

PubMed

Walker, Robin; Benson, Valerie

2013-09-12

The onset of a visual distractor remote from a saccade target is known to increase saccade latency (the remote distractor effect [RDE]). In addition, distractors may also selectively inhibit saccades that would be initiated about 90 ms after distractor onset (termed saccadic inhibition [SI]). Recently, it has been proposed that the transitory inhibition of saccades (SI) may underlie the increase in mean latency (RDE). In a first experiment, the distractor eccentricity was manipulated, and a robust RDE that was strongly modulated by distractor eccentricity was observed. However, the underlying latency distributions did not reveal clear evidence of SI. A second experiment manipulated distractor spatial location and the timing of the distractor onset in relation to the target. An RDE was again observed with remote distractors away from the target axis and under conditions with early-onset distractors that would be unlikely to produce SI, whereas later distractor onsets produced an RDE along with some evidence of an SI effect. A third experiment using a mixed block of target-distractor stimulus-onset asynchronies (SOAs) revealed an RDE that varied with both distractor eccentricity and SOA and changes to latency distributions consistent with the timing of SI. We argue that the notion that SI underpins the RDE is similar to the earlier argument that express saccades underlie the fixation offset (gap) effect and that changes in mean latency and to the shape of the underlying latency distributions following a visual onset may involve more than one inhibitory process.

Two-Photon Transitions in Hydrogen-Like Atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinis, Mladen; Stojić, Marko

Different methods for evaluating two-photon transition amplitudes in hydrogen-like atoms are compared with the improved method of direct summation. Three separate contributions to the two-photon transition probabilities in hydrogen-like atoms are calculated. The first one coming from the summation over discrete intermediate states is performed up to nc(max) = 35. The second contribution from the integration over the continuum states is performed numerically. The third contribution coming from the summation from nc(max) to infinity is calculated in an approximate way using the mean level energy for this region. It is found that the choice of nc(max) controls the numerical error in the calculations and can be used to increase the accuracy of the results much more efficiently than in other methods.

Third-order dissipative hydrodynamics from the entropy principle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El, Andrej; Xu, Zhe; Greiner, Carsten

2010-06-01

We review the entropy based derivation of third-order hydrodynamic equations and compare their solutions in one-dimensional boost-invariant geometry with calculations by the partonic cascade BAMPS. We demonstrate that Grad's approximation, which underlies the derivation of both Israel-Stewart and third-order equations, describes the transverse spectra from BAMPS with high accuracy. At the same time solutions of third-order equations are much closer to BAMPS results than solutions of Israel-Stewart equations. Introducing a resummation scheme for all higher-oder corrections to one-dimensional hydrodynamic equation we demonstrate the importance of higher-order terms if the Knudsen number is large.

What's fair is fair--or is it? Value differences underlying public views about social justice.

PubMed

Rasinski, K A

1987-07-01

Individual differences in judgments of the fairness of various sociopolitical phenomena were examined in three surveys. Scales measuring two value dimensions thought to underlie the meaning of fairness were constructed, and survey respondents endorsing these different values were compared on their evaluation of the procedural and distributive fairness of political objects. Those endorsing the value of proportionality, hypothesized by equity theorists to underlie fairness judgments, judged equity-based public policies to be fairer than equality-based policies and judged that Ronald Reagan would be a fairer president than Walter Mondale. These people also emphasized the procedural aspects of government when judging government fairness. Respondents endorsing the value of egalitarianism, hypothesized by developmental theorists and some political philosophers to underlie fairness judgments, judged equality-based public policies to be fairer than equity-based policies and judged that Mondale would be a fairer president than Reagan. These people emphasized the distributive aspects of government when judging government fairness. Results support the naive moral philosopher image of the individual as judge of political objects (Tyler, 1984a). Political fairness judgments are ideological responses and are subject to the influence of the value structure of the judge (Tetlock, 1986).

On the Rate of Relaxation for the Landau Kinetic Equation and Related Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bobylev, Alexander; Gamba, Irene M.; Zhang, Chenglong

2017-08-01

We study the rate of relaxation to equilibrium for Landau kinetic equation and some related models by considering the relatively simple case of radial solutions of the linear Landau-type equations. The well-known difficulty is that the evolution operator has no spectral gap, i.e. its spectrum is not separated from zero. Hence we do not expect purely exponential relaxation for large values of time t>0. One of the main goals of our work is to numerically identify the large time asymptotics for the relaxation to equilibrium. We recall the work of Strain and Guo (Arch Rat Mech Anal 187:287-339 2008, Commun Partial Differ Equ 31:17-429 2006), who rigorously show that the expected law of relaxation is \\exp (-ct^{2/3}) with some c > 0. In this manuscript, we find an heuristic way, performed by asymptotic methods, that finds this "law of two thirds", and then study this question numerically. More specifically, the linear Landau equation is approximated by a set of ODEs based on expansions in generalized Laguerre polynomials. We analyze the corresponding quadratic form and the solution of these ODEs in detail. It is shown that the solution has two different asymptotic stages for large values of time t and maximal order of polynomials N: the first one focus on intermediate asymptotics which agrees with the "law of two thirds" for moderately large values of time t and then the second one on absolute, purely exponential asymptotics for very large t, as expected for linear ODEs. We believe that appearance of intermediate asymptotics in finite dimensional approximations must be a generic behavior for different classes of equations in functional spaces (some PDEs, Boltzmann equations for soft potentials, etc.) and that our methods can be applied to related problems.

THE THIRD FERMI GBM GAMMA-RAY BURST CATALOG: THE FIRST SIX YEARS

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

Bhat, P. Narayana; Meegan, Charles A.; Briggs, Michael S.

2016-04-01

Since its launch in 2008, the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) has triggered and located on average approximately two γ -ray bursts (GRBs) every three days. Here, we present the third of a series of catalogs of GRBs detected by GBM, extending the second catalog by two more years through the middle of 2014 July. The resulting list includes 1405 triggers identified as GRBs. The intention of the GBM GRB catalog is to provide information to the community on the most important observables of the GBM-detected GRBs. For each GRB, the location and main characteristics of the prompt emission, themore » duration, peak flux, and fluence are derived. The latter two quantities are calculated for the 50–300 keV energy band where the maximum energy release of GRBs in the instrument reference system is observed, and also for a broader energy band from 10 to 1000 keV, exploiting the full energy range of GBM's low-energy [Nai[Tl)] detectors. Using statistical methods to assess clustering, we find that the hardness and duration of GRBs are better fit by a two-component model with short-hard and long-soft bursts than by a model with three components. Furthermore, information is provided on the settings and modifications of the triggering criteria and exceptional operational conditions during years five and six in the mission. This third catalog is an official product of the Fermi GBM science team, and the data files containing the complete results are available from the High-Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center.« less

A root-mean-square pressure fluctuations model for internal flow applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Y. S.

1985-01-01

A transport equation for the root-mean-square pressure fluctuations of turbulent flow is derived from the time-dependent momentum equation for incompressible flow. Approximate modeling of this transport equation is included to relate terms with higher order correlations to the mean quantities of turbulent flow. Three empirical constants are introduced in the model. Two of the empirical constants are estimated from homogeneous turbulence data and wall pressure fluctuations measurements. The third constant is determined by comparing the results of large eddy simulations for a plane channel flow and an annulus flow.

Mir Space Station survey pre- and post-docking during STS-76 mission

NASA Image and Video Library

1996-03-24

STS076-705-019 (23 March 1996) --- Backdropped against the darkness of space, Russia's Mir Space Station is seen from the aft flight deck window of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. The two spacecraft were about to make their third docking in Earth-orbit. With the subsequent delivery of astronaut Shannon W. Lucid to the Mir Space Station, the Mir-21 crew grew to three, as the mission specialist quickly becomes a cosmonaut guest researcher. She will spend approximately 140 days on Mir before returning to Earth.

Evaluation of Savings in Energy-Efficient Public Housing in the Pacific Northwest

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

Gordon, A.; Lubliner, M.; Howard, L.

2013-10-01

This report presents the results of an energy performance and cost-effectiveness analysis. The Salishan phase 7 and demonstration homes were compared to Salishan phase 6 homes built to 2006 Washington State Energy Code specifications 2. Predicted annual energy savings (over Salishan phase 6) was 19% for Salishan phase 7, and between 19-24% for the demonstration homes (depending on ventilation strategy). Approximately two-thirds of the savings are attributable to the DHP. Working with the electric utility provider, Tacoma Public Utilities, researchers conducted a billing analysis for Salishan phase 7.

Exact optics - III. Schwarzschild's spectrograph camera revised

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Willstrop, R. V.

2004-03-01

Karl Schwarzschild identified a system of two mirrors, each defined by conic sections, free of third-order spherical aberration, coma and astigmatism, and with a flat focal surface. He considered it impractical, because the field was too restricted. This system was rediscovered as a quadratic approximation to one of Lynden-Bell's `exact optics' designs which have wider fields. Thus the `exact optics' version has a moderate but useful field, with excellent definition, suitable for a spectrograph camera. The mirrors are strongly aspheric in both the Schwarzschild design and the exact optics version.

Utilization of biocatalysts in cellulose waste minimization

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

Woodward, J.; Evans, B.R.

1996-09-01

Cellulose, a polymer of glucose, is the principal component of biomass and, therefore, a major source of waste that is either buried or burned. Examples of biomass waste include agricultural crop residues, forestry products, and municipal wastes. Recycling of this waste is important for energy conservation as well as waste minimization and there is some probability that in the future biomass could become a major energy source and replace fossil fuels that are currently used for fuels and chemicals production. It has been estimated that in the United States, between 100-450 million dry tons of agricultural waste are produced annually,more » approximately 6 million dry tons of animal waste, and of the 190 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated annually, approximately two-thirds is cellulosic in nature and over one-third is paper waste. Interestingly, more than 70% of MSW is landfilled or burned, however landfill space is becoming increasingly scarce. On a smaller scale, important cellulosic products such as cellulose acetate also present waste problems; an estimated 43 thousand tons of cellulose ester waste are generated annually in the United States. Biocatalysts could be used in cellulose waste minimization and this chapter describes their characteristics and potential in bioconversion and bioremediation processes.« less

Scalar and tensor perturbations in loop quantum cosmology: high-order corrections

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

Zhu, Tao; Wang, Anzhong; Wu, Qiang

2015-10-01

Loop quantum cosmology (LQC) provides promising resolutions to the trans-Planckian issue and initial singularity arising in the inflationary models of general relativity. In general, due to different quantization approaches, LQC involves two types of quantum corrections, the holonomy and inverse-volume, to both of the cosmological background evolution and perturbations. In this paper, using the third-order uniform asymptotic approximations, we derive explicitly the observational quantities of the slow-roll inflation in the framework of LQC with these quantum corrections. We calculate the power spectra, spectral indices, and running of the spectral indices for both scalar and tensor perturbations, whereby the tensor-to-scalar ratiomore » is obtained. We expand all the observables at the time when the inflationary mode crosses the Hubble horizon. As the upper error bounds for the uniform asymptotic approximation at the third-order are ∼< 0.15%, these results represent the most accurate results obtained so far in the literature. It is also shown that with the inverse-volume corrections, both scalar and tensor spectra exhibit a deviation from the usual shape at large scales. Then, using the Planck, BAO and SN data we obtain new constraints on quantum gravitational effects from LQC corrections, and find that such effects could be within the detection of the forthcoming experiments.« less

Causes of Adult Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis in the Mediterranean Area

PubMed Central

De Stefano, Valerio; Za, Tommaso; Ciminello, Angela; Betti, Silvia; Rossi, Elena

2011-01-01

The term splanchnic vein thrombosis encompasses Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS), extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO), and mesenteric vein thrombosis. Risk factors can be local or systemic. A local precipitating factor is rare in BCS, while it is common in patients with portal vein thrombosis. Chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are the leading systemic cause of splanchnic vein thrombosis, and are diagnosed in half BCS patients and one-third of EHPVO patients; the somatic mutation JAK2 V617F is detectable in a large majority of patients with overt MPN, and up to 40% of patients without overt MPN. Inherited thrombophilia is present in at least one-third of patients, and the factor V Leiden or the prothrombin G20210A mutations are the most common mutations found in BCS or EHPVO patients, respectively. Multiple factors are present in approximately one-third of patients with BCS and two- thirds of patients with portal vein thrombosis. In a few patient series from the Southern Mediterranean area the high prevalence of MPN and thrombophilia as underlying cause of BCS is confirmed, although the data should be considered preliminary. Peculiar risk factors present in the area are Behçet’s disease and hydatidosis; moreover, membraneous webs, typically found in Asian patients, are present in a significant portion of cases. PMID:22220260

Finding Mass Constraints Through Third Neutrino Mass Eigenstate Decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gangolli, Nakul; de Gouvêa, André; Kelly, Kevin

2018-01-01

In this paper we aim to constrain the decay parameter for the third neutrino mass utilizing already accepted constraints on the other mixing parameters from the Pontecorvo-Maki-Nakagawa-Sakata matrix (PMNS). The main purpose of this project is to determine the parameters that will allow the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) to observe a decay parameter with some statistical significance. Another goal is to determine the parameters that JUNO could detect in the case that the third neutrino mass is lighter than the first two neutrino species. We also replicate the results that were found in the JUNO Conceptual Design Report (CDR). By utilizing Χ2-squared analysis constraints have been put on the mixing angles, mass squared differences, and the third neutrino decay parameter. These statistical tests take into account background noise and normalization corrections and thus the finalized bounds are a good approximation for the true bounds that JUNO can detect. If the decay parameter is not included in our models, the 99% confidence interval lies within The bounds 0s to 2.80x10-12s. However, if we account for a decay parameter of 3x10-5 ev2, then 99% confidence interval lies within 8.73x10-12s to 8.73x10-11s.

Obstetric Pharmacokinetic Dosing Studies are Urgently Needed

PubMed Central

McCormack, Shelley A.; Best, Brookie M.

2014-01-01

Use of pharmacotherapy during pregnancy is common and increasing. Physiologic changes during pregnancy may significantly alter the overall systemic drug exposure, necessitating dose changes. A search of PubMed for pharmacokinetic clinical trials showed 494 publications during pregnancy out of 35,921 total pharmacokinetic published studies (1.29%), from the late 1960s through August 31, 2013. Closer examination of pharmacokinetic studies in pregnant women published since 2008 (81 studies) revealed that about a third of the trials were for treatment of acute labor and delivery issues, a third included studies of infectious disease treatment during pregnancy, and the remaining third were for varied ante-partum indications. Approximately, two-thirds of these recent studies were primarily funded by government agencies worldwide, one-quarter were supported by private non-profit foundations or combinations of government and private funding, and slightly <10% were supported by pharmaceutical industry. As highlighted in this review, vast gaps exist in pharmacology information and evidence for appropriate dosing of medications in pregnant women. This lack of knowledge and understanding of drug disposition throughout pregnancy place both the mother and the fetus at risk for avoidable therapeutic misadventures – suboptimal efficacy or excess toxicity – with medication use in pregnancy. Increased efforts to perform and support obstetric dosing and pharmacokinetic studies are greatly needed. PMID:24575394

Why Two Heads Apart Are Better than Two Heads Together: Multiple Mechanisms Underlie the Collaborative Inhibition Effect in Memory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barber, Sarah J.; Harris, Celia B.; Rajaram, Suparna

2015-01-01

Although a group of people working together remembers more than any one individual, they recall less than their predicted potential. This finding is known as collaborative inhibition and is generally thought to arise due to retrieval disruption. However, there is growing evidence that is inconsistent with the retrieval disruption account,…

Linking Metatraits of the Big Five to Well-Being and Ill-Being: Do Basic Psychological Needs Matter?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simsek, Omer Faruk; Koydemir, Selda

2013-01-01

There is considerable evidence that two higher order factors underlie the Big-Five dimensions and that these two factors provide a parsimonious taxonomy. However, not much empirical evidence has been documented as to the extent to which these traits relate to certain psychological constructs. In this study, we tested a structural model to…

Quantum dynamics in phase space: Moyal trajectories 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braunss, G.

2013-01-01

Continuing a previous paper [G. Braunss, J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 43, 025302 (2010), 10.1088/1751-8113/43/2/025302] where we had calculated ℏ2-approximations of quantum phase space viz. Moyal trajectories of examples with one and two degrees of freedom, we present in this paper the calculation of ℏ2-approximations for four examples: a two-dimensional Toda chain, the radially symmetric Schwarzschild field, and two examples with three degrees of freedom, the latter being the nonrelativistic spherically Coulomb potential and the relativistic cylinder symmetrical Coulomb potential with a magnetic field H. We show in particular that an ℏ2-approximation of the nonrelativistic Coulomb field has no singularity at the origin (r = 0) whereas the classical trajectories are singular at r = 0. In the third example, we show in particular that for an arbitrary function γ(H, z) the expression β ≡ pz + γ(H, z) is classically (ℏ = 0) a constant of motion, whereas for ℏ ≠ 0 this holds only if γ(H, z) is an arbitrary polynomial of second order in z. This statement is shown to extend correspondingly to a cylinder symmetrical Schwarzschild field with a magnetic field. We exhibit in detail a number of properties of the radially symmetric Schwarzschild field. We exhibit finally the problems of the nonintegrable Hénon-Heiles Hamiltonian and give a short review of the regular Hilbert space representation of Moyal operators.

Evidence that the antioxidant flavonoids in tea and cocoa are beneficial for cardiovascular health.

PubMed

Kris-Etherton, Penny M; Keen, Carl L

2002-02-01

Epidemiologic studies suggest an inverse association of tea consumption with cardiovascular disease. The antioxidant effects of flavonoids in tea (including preventing oxidative damage to LDL) are among the potential mechanisms that could underlie the protective effects. Other possible mechanisms include attenuating the inflammatory process in atherosclerosis, reducing thrombosis, promoting normal endothelial function, and blocking expression of cellular adhesion molecules. Cocoa and chocolate can also be rich sources of flavonoids. Flavanols and procyanidins isolated from cocoa exhibit strong antioxidant properties in-vitro. In acute feeding studies, flavanol-rich cocoa and chocolate increased plasma antioxidant capacity and reduced platelet reactivity. Based on limited data, approximately 150 mg of flavonoids is needed to trigger a rapid antioxidant effect and changes in prostacyclin. Some dose-response evidence demonstrates an antioxidant effect with approximately 500 mg flavonoids. Brewed tea typically contains approximately 172 mg total flavonoids per 235 ml (brewed for 2 min); hence, consumption of 1 and 3.5 cups of tea would be expected to elicit acute and chronic physiologic effects, respectively. Chocolate is more variable with some products containing essentially no flavonoids (0.09 mg procyanidin/g), whereas others are high in flavonoids (4 mg procyanidin/g). Thus, approximate estimates of flavonoid rich chocolate needed to exert acute and chronic effects are 38 and 125 g, respectively. Collectively, the antioxidant effects of flavonoid-rich foods may reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

Do psychiatric patients know what is good for them?

PubMed Central

Babiker, I E; Thorne, P

1993-01-01

The paper reports the findings of a medical audit exercise which monitored 192 consecutive psychiatric admissions. Approximately two-thirds of patients, consultants and referrers provided information on admission objectives and the degree to which they were attained. One-third of the patients furnished information on social problems and satisfaction with treatment. Sanctuary was rated as an important admission objective by patients but neglected by consultants and referrers. Patient satisfaction with treatment was significantly correlated with attainment of patient as well as consultant objectives, and negatively correlated with social problems. Agreement between consultant and patient on admission objectives was inversely related to both duration of contact with psychiatric services and number of previous admissions suggesting that congruence with consultants may be lost over time. The limitations imposed by variable response rates are acknowledged. It is concluded that serious note should be taken of psychiatric patients' own treatment objectives. PMID:8423572

Molecular shifts in limb identity underlie development of feathered feet in two domestic avian species

PubMed Central

Domyan, Eric T; Kronenberg, Zev; Infante, Carlos R; Vickrey, Anna I; Stringham, Sydney A; Bruders, Rebecca; Guernsey, Michael W; Park, Sungdae; Payne, Jason; Beckstead, Robert B; Kardon, Gabrielle; Menke, Douglas B; Yandell, Mark; Shapiro, Michael D

2016-01-01

Birds display remarkable diversity in the distribution and morphology of scales and feathers on their feet, yet the genetic and developmental mechanisms governing this diversity remain unknown. Domestic pigeons have striking variation in foot feathering within a single species, providing a tractable model to investigate the molecular basis of skin appendage differences. We found that feathered feet in pigeons result from a partial transformation from hindlimb to forelimb identity mediated by cis-regulatory changes in the genes encoding the hindlimb-specific transcription factor Pitx1 and forelimb-specific transcription factor Tbx5. We also found that ectopic expression of Tbx5 is associated with foot feathers in chickens, suggesting similar molecular pathways underlie phenotypic convergence between these two species. These results show how changes in expression of regional patterning genes can generate localized changes in organ fate and morphology, and provide viable molecular mechanisms for diversity in hindlimb scale and feather distribution. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.12115.001 PMID:26977633

Replace-approximation method for ambiguous solutions in factor analysis of ultrasonic hepatic perfusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ji; Ding, Mingyue; Yuchi, Ming; Hou, Wenguang; Ye, Huashan; Qiu, Wu

2010-03-01

Factor analysis is an efficient technique to the analysis of dynamic structures in medical image sequences and recently has been used in contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) of hepatic perfusion. Time-intensity curves (TICs) extracted by factor analysis can provide much more diagnostic information for radiologists and improve the diagnostic rate of focal liver lesions (FLLs). However, one of the major drawbacks of factor analysis of dynamic structures (FADS) is nonuniqueness of the result when only the non-negativity criterion is used. In this paper, we propose a new method of replace-approximation based on apex-seeking for ambiguous FADS solutions. Due to a partial overlap of different structures, factor curves are assumed to be approximately replaced by the curves existing in medical image sequences. Therefore, how to find optimal curves is the key point of the technique. No matter how many structures are assumed, our method always starts to seek apexes from one-dimensional space where the original high-dimensional data is mapped. By finding two stable apexes from one dimensional space, the method can ascertain the third one. The process can be continued until all structures are found. This technique were tested on two phantoms of blood perfusion and compared to the two variants of apex-seeking method. The results showed that the technique outperformed two variants in comparison of region of interest measurements from phantom data. It can be applied to the estimation of TICs derived from CEUS images and separation of different physiological regions in hepatic perfusion.

WDR36 and P53 Gene Variants and Susceptibility to Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: Analysis of Gene-Gene Interactions

PubMed Central

Blanco-Marchite, Cristina; Sánchez-Sánchez, Francisco; López-Garrido, María-Pilar; Iñigez-de-Onzoño, Mercedes; López-Martínez, Francisco; López-Sánchez, Enrique; Alvarez, Lydia; Rodríguez-Calvo, Pedro-Pablo; Méndez-Hernández, Carmen; Fernández-Vega, Luis; García-Sánchez, Julián; Coca-Prados, Miguel; García-Feijoo, Julián

2011-01-01

Purpose. To investigate the role of WDR36 and P53 sequence variations in POAG susceptibility. Methods. The authors performed a case-control genetic association study in 268 unrelated Spanish patients (POAG1) and 380 control subjects matched for sex, age, and ethnicity. WDR36 sequence variations were screened by either direct DNA sequencing or denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography. P53 polymorphisms p.R72P and c.97–147ins16bp were analyzed by single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping and PCR, respectively. Positive SNP and haplotype associations were reanalyzed in a second sample of 211 patients and in combined cases (n = 479). Results. The authors identified almost 50 WDR36 sequence variations, of which approximately two-thirds were rare and one-third were polymorphisms. Approximately half the variants were novel. Eight patients (2.9%) carried rare mutations that were not identified in the control group (P = 0.001). Six Tag SNPs were expected to be structured in three common haplotypes. Haplotype H2 was consistently associated with the disease (P = 0.0024 in combined cases). According to a dominant model, genotypes containing allele P of the P53 p.R72P SNP slightly increased glaucoma risk. Glaucoma susceptibility associated with different WDR36 genotypes also increased significantly in combination with the P53 RP risk genotype, indicating the existence of a genetic interaction. For instance, the OR of the H2 diplotype estimated for POAG1 and combined cases rose approximately 1.6 times in the two-locus genotype H2/RP. Conclusions. Rare WDR36 variants and the P53 p.R72P polymorphism behaved as moderate glaucoma risk factors in Spanish patients. The authors provide evidence for a genetic interaction between WDR36 and P53 variants in POAG susceptibility, although this finding must be confirmed in other populations. PMID:21931130

We Mutually Pledge: Proceedings of the Third National Hispanic Leadership Conference (Washington, DC, April 15-17, 1984).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Council of La Raza, Washington, DC.

These proceedings summarize the events and discussion which occurred during the Third National Hispanic Leadership Conference, and present the recommendations in 12 separate issue areas which were developed by working panels and adopted by the plenary body. The conference was attended by approximately 150 Hispanic leaders from throughout the…

The first research plantings of third-generation, third-backcross American chestnut (Castanea dentata) in the southeastern United States

Treesearch

Stacy Clark; S.E. Schlarbaum; F,V Saxton

2014-01-01

Production of American chestnut (Castanea dentata) resistant to the chestnut blight fungus (Cryphonectria parasitica) is being conducted currently through traditional breeding and genetic transformation. Sufficient material for field testing is currently available from The American Chestnut Foundation’s backcross breeding program. We planted approximately 4500 chestnut...

Perceptions of Father Involvement Patterns in Teenage-Mother Families: Predictors and Links to Mothers' Psychological Adjustment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kalil, Ariel; Ziol-Guest, Kathleen M.; Coley, Rebekah Levine

2005-01-01

Based on adolescent mothers' reports, longitudinal patterns of involvement of young, unmarried biological fathers (n=77) in teenage-mother families using cluster analytic techniques were examined. Approximately one third of fathers maintained high levels of involvement over time, another third demonstrated low involvement at both time points, and…

Prenatal exposure to antibiotics, cesarean section and risk of childhood obesity.

PubMed

Mueller, N T; Whyatt, R; Hoepner, L; Oberfield, S; Dominguez-Bello, M G; Widen, E M; Hassoun, A; Perera, F; Rundle, A

2015-04-01

Cesarean section (CS) and antibiotic use during pregnancy may alter normal maternal-offspring microbiota exchange, thereby contributing to aberrant microbial colonization of the infant gut and increased susceptibility to obesity later in life. We hypothesized that (i) maternal use of antibiotics in the second or third trimester of pregnancy and (ii) CS are independently associated with higher risk of childhood obesity in the offspring. Of the 727 mothers enrolled in the Northern Manhattan Mothers and Children Study, we analyzed the 436 mother-child dyads followed until 7 years of age with complete data. We ascertained prenatal antibiotic use by a questionnaire administered late in the third trimester, and delivery mode by medical record. We derived age- and sex-specific body mass index (BMI) z-scores using the CDC SAS Macro, and defined obesity as BMI z⩾95th percentile. We used binary regression with robust variance and linear regression models adjusted for maternal age, ethnicity, pre-gravid BMI, maternal receipt of public assistance, birth weight, sex, breastfeeding in the first year and gestational antibiotics or delivery mode. Compared with children not exposed to antibiotics during the second or third trimester, those exposed had 84% (33-154%) higher risk of obesity, after multivariable adjustment. Second or third trimester antibiotic exposure was also positively associated with BMI z-scores, waist circumference and % body fat (all P<0.05). Independent of prenatal antibiotic usage, CS was associated with 46% (8-98%) higher offspring risk of childhood obesity. Associations were similar for elective and non-elective CS. In our cohort, CS and exposure to antibiotics in the second or third trimester were associated with higher offspring risk of childhood obesity. Future studies that address the limitations of our study are warranted to determine if prenatal antibiotic use is associated with offspring obesity. Research is also needed to determine if alterations in neonatal gut microbiota underlie the observed associations.

Do medical students watch video clips in eLearning and do these facilitate learning?

PubMed

Romanov, Kalle; Nevgi, Anne

2007-06-01

There is controversial evidence of the impact of individual learning style on students' performance in computer-aided learning. We assessed the association between the use of multimedia materials, such as video clips, and collaborative communication tools with learning outcome among medical students. One hundred and twenty-one third-year medical students attended a course in medical informatics (0.7 credits) consisting of lectures, small group sessions and eLearning material. The eLearning material contained six learning modules with integrated video clips and collaborative learning tools in WebCT. Learning outcome was measured with a course exam. Approximately two-thirds of students (68.6%) viewed two or more videos. Female students were significantly more active video-watchers. No significant associations were found between video-watching and self-test scores or the time used in eLearning. Video-watchers were more active in WebCT; they loaded more pages and more actively participated in discussion forums. Video-watching was associated with a better course grade. Students who watched video clips were more active in using collaborative eLearning tools and achieved higher course grades.

Autonomous manipulation on a robot: Summary of manipulator software functions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewis, R. A.

1974-01-01

A six degree-of-freedom computer-controlled manipulator is examined, and the relationships between the arm's joint variables and 3-space are derived. Arm trajectories using sequences of third-degree polynomials to describe the time history of each joint variable are presented and two approaches to the avoidance of obstacles are given. The equations of motion for the arm are derived and then decomposed into time-dependent factors and time-independent coefficients. Several new and simplifying relationships among the coefficients are proven. Two sample trajectories are analyzed in detail for purposes of determining the most important contributions to total force in order that relatively simple approximations to the equations of motion can be used.

Single endoscopist-performed percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement

PubMed Central

Erdogan, Askin

2013-01-01

AIM: To investigate whether single endoscopist-performed percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is safe and to compare the complications of PEG with those reported in the literature. METHODS: Patients who underwent PEG placement between June 2001 and August 2011 at the Baskent University Alanya Teaching and Research Center were evaluated retrospectively. Patients whose PEG was placed for the first time by a single endoscopist were enrolled in the study. PEG was performed using the pull method. All of the patients were evaluated for their indications for PEG, major and minor complications resulting from PEG, nutritional status, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the use of antibiotic treatment or antibiotic prophylaxis prior to PEG. Comorbidities, rates, time and reasons for mortality were also evaluated. The reasons for PEG removal and PEG duration were also investigated. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients underwent the PEG procedure for the first time during this study. Eight patients who underwent PEG placement by 2 endoscopists were not enrolled in the study. A total of 54 patients were investigated. The patients’ mean age was 69.9 years. The most common indication for PEG was cerebral infarct, which occurred in approximately two-thirds of the patients. The mean albumin level was 3.04 ± 0.7 g/dL, and 76.2% of the patients’ albumin levels were below the normal values. The mean CRP level was high in 90.6% of patients prior to the procedure. Approximately two-thirds of the patients received antibiotics for either prophylaxis or treatment for infections prior to the PEG procedure. Mortality was not related to the procedure in any of the patients. Buried bumper syndrome was the only major complication, and it occurred in the third year. In such case, the PEG was removed and a new PEG tube was placed via surgery. Eight patients (15.1%) experienced minor complications, 6 (11.1%) of which were wound infections. All wound infections except one recovered with antibiotic treatment. Two patients had bleeding from the PEG site, one was resolved with primary suturing and the other with fresh frozen plasma transfusion. CONCLUSION: The incidence of major and minor complications is in keeping with literature. This finding may be noteworthy, especially in developing countries. PMID:23864780

Turbulence measurements using tethered balloon instrumentation during FIRE 1987

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hignett, Phillip

1990-01-01

As part of the surface-based observations conducted on San Nicolas Island, the U.K. Meteorological Office operated a set of turbulence probes attached to a balloon tether cable. Typically six probes were used, each capable of measuring momentum, heat, and humidity fluxes. Two probes were fitted with net radiometers, one positioned above cloud and the other below; a third probe carried a Lyman-alpha hygrometer fitted with a pre-heater for the measurement of total water content. Some preliminary results are presented from the 14th July describing the variation in structure of the cloudy boundary layer during the daytime. This day was characterized by a complete cloud cover, an inversion height of approximately 600 m. and north-westerly winds of approximately 6 m.s(-1). As an illustration the equivalent potential temperature derived from a profile ascent made between approximately 0830 and 0930 (PDT) is shown. The data has been smoothed to a height resolution of about 4 metres. At this time the cloud base was approximately 200 m. and very light drizzle was reaching the surface. The vertical velocity variance and potential temperature flux for two periods are shown; the first (shown by full lines) immediately follows the profile and the second (shown by dashed lines) is central around 1400 (PDT). The data have been normalized by their maximum values in the first period. Cloud base has now risen to approximately 300 m. There is a marked variation during the morning, particularly in sigma w. The net radiative flux above cloud top has by now reached its maximum value.

The Evolutionary Roots of Human Decision Making

PubMed Central

Santos, Laurie R.; Rosati, Alexandra G.

2015-01-01

Humans exhibit a suite of biases when making economic decisions. We review recent research on the origins of human decision making by examining whether similar choice biases are seen in nonhuman primates, our closest phylogenetic relatives. We propose that comparative studies can provide insight into four major questions about the nature of human choice biases that cannot be addressed by studies of our species alone. First, research with other primates can address the evolution of human choice biases and identify shared versus human-unique tendencies in decision making. Second, primate studies can constrain hypotheses about the psychological mechanisms underlying such biases. Third, comparisons of closely related species can identify when distinct mechanisms underlie related biases by examining evolutionary dissociations in choice strategies. Finally, comparative work can provide insight into the biological rationality of economically irrational preferences. PMID:25559115

From Lexical Tone to Lexical Stress: A Cross-Language Mediation Model for Cantonese Children Learning English as a Second Language

PubMed Central

Choi, William; Tong, Xiuli; Singh, Leher

2017-01-01

This study investigated how Cantonese lexical tone sensitivity contributed to English lexical stress sensitivity among Cantonese children who learned English as a second language (ESL). Five-hundred-and-sixteen second-to-third grade Cantonese ESL children were tested on their Cantonese lexical tone sensitivity, English lexical stress sensitivity, general auditory sensitivity, and working memory. Structural equation modeling revealed that Cantonese lexical tone sensitivity contributed to English lexical stress sensitivity both directly, and indirectly through the mediation of general auditory sensitivity, in which the direct pathway had a larger relative contribution to English lexical stress sensitivity than the indirect pathway. These results suggest that the tone-stress association might be accounted for by joint phonological and acoustic processes that underlie lexical tone and lexical stress perception. PMID:28408898

Variation with socioeconomic status of indoor radon levels in Great Britain: The less affluent have less radon.

PubMed

Kendall, Gerald M; Miles, Jon C H; Rees, David; Wakeford, Richard; Bunch, Kathryn J; Vincent, Tim J; Little, Mark P

2016-11-01

We demonstrate a strong correlation between domestic radon levels and socio-economic status (SES) in Great Britain, so that radon levels in homes of people with lower SES are, on average, only about two thirds of those of the more affluent. This trend is apparent using small area measures of SES and also using individual social classes. The reasons for these differences are not known with certainty, but may be connected with greater underpressure in warmer and better-sealed dwellings. There is also a variation of indoor radon levels with the design of the house (detached, terraced, etc.). In part this is probably an effect of SES, but it appears to have other causes as well. Data from other countries are also reviewed, and broadly similar effects seen in the United States for SES, and in other European countries for detached vs other types of housing. Because of correlations with smoking, this tendency for the lower SES groups to experience lower radon levels may underlie the negative association between radon levels and lung cancer rates in a well-known ecological study based on US Counties. Those conducting epidemiological studies of radon should be alert for this effect and control adequately for SES. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Focusing on task conflict in the Stroop effect.

PubMed

Entel, Olga; Tzelgov, Joseph

2018-03-01

Two types of conflict underlie performance in the Stroop task-informational (between the incongruent word and its ink color) and task (between the relevant color-naming task and the irrelevant word-reading task). We manipulated congruent-to-neutral trial ratio in an attempt to reveal whether task conflict can be monitored and controlled in the absence of an informational conflict. In our first experiment, no incongruent trials were included, thus allowing examination of a pure task conflict situation. The results revealed an impressively large facilitation when most of the stimuli were congruent and a smaller yet significant facilitation when most of the stimuli were neutrals. In Experiments 2, exposing participants to incongruent trials during pre-experimental practice (but not during the experimental blocks) slowed down the responses to congruent trials, resulting in a reduced facilitation effect in the mostly congruent condition, and in a negative facilitation in the mostly neutral condition. In our third experiment, we replicated our results, eliminating possible contingency and frequency biases. Overall, our findings show that experiencing, or at least expecting, informational conflict is essential to reveal conflict, while control is recruited through task demands. This challenges previous findings and points out that additional research is needed to clarify the necessity of informational conflict for conflict detection.

Z-dependence of mean excitation energies for second and third row atoms and their ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sauer, Stephan P. A.; Sabin, John R.; Oddershede, Jens

2018-05-01

All mean excitation energies for second and third row atoms and their ions are calculated in the random-phase approximation using large basis sets. To a very good approximation, it turns out that mean excitation energies within an isoelectronic series are a quadratic function of the nuclear charge. It is demonstrated that this behavior is linked to the fact that the contributions from continuum electronic states give the dominate contributions to the mean excitation energies and that these contributions for atomic ions appear hydrogen-like. We argue that this finding may present a method to get a first estimate of mean excitation energies also for other non-relativistic atomic ions.

Multi-pass light amplifier

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Plaessmann, Henry (Inventor); Grossman, William M. (Inventor); Olson, Todd E. (Inventor)

1996-01-01

A multiple-pass laser amplifier that uses optical focusing between subsequent passes through a single gain medium so that a reproducibly stable beam size is achieved within the gain region. A resonator or a White Cell cavity is provided, including two or more mirrors (planar or curvilinearly shaped) facing each other along a resonator axis and an optical gain medium positioned on a resonator axis between the mirrors or adjacent to one of the mirrors. In a first embodiment, two curvilinear mirrors, which may include adjacent lenses, are configured so that a light beam passing through the gain medium and incident on the first mirror is reflected by that mirror toward the second mirror in a direction approximately parallel to the resonator axis. A light beam translator, such as an optical flat of transparent material, is positioned to translate this light beam by a controllable amount toward or away from the resonator axis for each pass of the light beam through the translator. A second embodiment uses two curvilinear mirrors and one planar mirror, with a gain medium positioned in the optical path between each curvilinear mirror and the planar mirror. A third embodiment uses two curvilinear mirrors and two planar mirrors, with a gain medium positioned adjacent to a planar mirror. A fourth embodiment uses a curvilinear mirror and three planar mirrors, with a gain medium positioned adjacent to a planar mirror. A fourth embodiment uses four planar mirrors and a focusing lens system, with a gain medium positioned between the four mirrors. A fifth embodiment uses first and second planar mirrors, a focusing lens system and a third mirror that may be planar or curvilinear, with a gain medium positioned adjacent to the third mirror. A sixth embodiment uses two planar mirrors and a curvilinear mirror and a fourth mirror that may be planar or curvilinear, with a gain medium positioned adjacent to the fourth mirror. In a seventh embodiment, first and second mirrors face a third mirror, all curvilinear, in a White Cell configuration, and a gain medium is positioned adjacent to one of the mirrors.

Misplaced Blame?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, Kelley R.

2010-01-01

This article discusses whether school officials or districts can be held liable for student suicides. Generally speaking, there are two legal theories that underlie suicide-related lawsuits: (1) negligence--a claim that the school failed to uphold a particular duty to the student and that such failure contributed to the student's death (legally…

Approximating Multilinear Monomial Coefficients and Maximum Multilinear Monomials in Multivariate Polynomials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhixiang; Fu, Bin

This paper is our third step towards developing a theory of testing monomials in multivariate polynomials and concentrates on two problems: (1) How to compute the coefficients of multilinear monomials; and (2) how to find a maximum multilinear monomial when the input is a ΠΣΠ polynomial. We first prove that the first problem is #P-hard and then devise a O *(3 n s(n)) upper bound for this problem for any polynomial represented by an arithmetic circuit of size s(n). Later, this upper bound is improved to O *(2 n ) for ΠΣΠ polynomials. We then design fully polynomial-time randomized approximation schemes for this problem for ΠΣ polynomials. On the negative side, we prove that, even for ΠΣΠ polynomials with terms of degree ≤ 2, the first problem cannot be approximated at all for any approximation factor ≥ 1, nor "weakly approximated" in a much relaxed setting, unless P=NP. For the second problem, we first give a polynomial time λ-approximation algorithm for ΠΣΠ polynomials with terms of degrees no more a constant λ ≥ 2. On the inapproximability side, we give a n (1 - ɛ)/2 lower bound, for any ɛ> 0, on the approximation factor for ΠΣΠ polynomials. When the degrees of the terms in these polynomials are constrained as ≤ 2, we prove a 1.0476 lower bound, assuming Pnot=NP; and a higher 1.0604 lower bound, assuming the Unique Games Conjecture.

Regularization and computational methods for precise solution of perturbed orbit transfer problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woollands, Robyn Michele

The author has developed a suite of algorithms for solving the perturbed Lambert's problem in celestial mechanics. These algorithms have been implemented as a parallel computation tool that has broad applicability. This tool is composed of four component algorithms and each provides unique benefits for solving a particular type of orbit transfer problem. The first one utilizes a Keplerian solver (a-iteration) for solving the unperturbed Lambert's problem. This algorithm not only provides a "warm start" for solving the perturbed problem but is also used to identify which of several perturbed solvers is best suited for the job. The second algorithm solves the perturbed Lambert's problem using a variant of the modified Chebyshev-Picard iteration initial value solver that solves two-point boundary value problems. This method converges over about one third of an orbit and does not require a Newton-type shooting method and thus no state transition matrix needs to be computed. The third algorithm makes use of regularization of the differential equations through the Kustaanheimo-Stiefel transformation and extends the domain of convergence over which the modified Chebyshev-Picard iteration two-point boundary value solver will converge, from about one third of an orbit to almost a full orbit. This algorithm also does not require a Newton-type shooting method. The fourth algorithm uses the method of particular solutions and the modified Chebyshev-Picard iteration initial value solver to solve the perturbed two-impulse Lambert problem over multiple revolutions. The method of particular solutions is a shooting method but differs from the Newton-type shooting methods in that it does not require integration of the state transition matrix. The mathematical developments that underlie these four algorithms are derived in the chapters of this dissertation. For each of the algorithms, some orbit transfer test cases are included to provide insight on accuracy and efficiency of these individual algorithms. Following this discussion, the combined parallel algorithm, known as the unified Lambert tool, is presented and an explanation is given as to how it automatically selects which of the three perturbed solvers to compute the perturbed solution for a particular orbit transfer. The unified Lambert tool may be used to determine a single orbit transfer or for generating of an extremal field map. A case study is presented for a mission that is required to rendezvous with two pieces of orbit debris (spent rocket boosters). The unified Lambert tool software developed in this dissertation is already being utilized by several industrial partners and we are confident that it will play a significant role in practical applications, including solution of Lambert problems that arise in the current applications focused on enhanced space situational awareness.

Pricing and reimbursement of drugs in Ireland.

PubMed

Barry, Michael; Tilson, Lesley; Ryan, Máirín

2004-06-01

Expenditure on healthcare in Ireland, which is mainly derived from taxation, has increased considerably in recent years to an estimated 9.2 billion euro in 2003. Pharmaceuticals account for approximately 10% of total healthcare expenditure. Approximately one-third of patients receive their medications free of charge whilst the remaining two-thirds are subject to a co-payment threshold of 78 euro per month, i.e. 936 euro per year. The price of medications in Ireland is linked to those of five other member states where the price to the wholesaler of any medication will not exceed the lesser of the currency-adjusted wholesale price in the United Kingdom or the average of wholesale prices in Denmark, France, Germany, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom. A price freeze at the introduction price has been in existence since 1993. Despite the price freeze, expenditure on medicines on the community drugs scheme has increased from 201 million euro in 1993 to 898 million euro in 2002. The two main factors contributing to the increased expenditure on medicines include "product mix", the prescribing of new and more expensive medication, and "volume effect" comprising growth in the number of prescription items. Changing demographics and the extension of the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme to provide free medicines for all those over the age of 70 years have also contributed. Prior to reimbursement under the community drugs schemes, a medicine must be included in the GMS code book or positive list. A demonstration of cost-effectiveness is not a pre-requisite for reimbursement.

Two functionally distinct members of the MATE (multidrug and toxic compound extrusion) family of transporters potentially underlie two major Al tolerance QTL in maize

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Crop yields are significantly reduced by aluminum (Al) toxicity on acidic soils, which comprise up to 50% of the world’s arable land. Al-activated release of ligands (such as organic acids) from the roots is a major plant Al tolerance mechanism. In maize, Al-activated root citrate exudation plays an...

Different occupations associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: is diesel exhaust the link?

PubMed

Pamphlett, Roger; Rikard-Bell, Anna

2013-01-01

The cause of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SALS) remains unknown. We attempted to find out if occupational exposure to toxicants plays a part in the pathogenesis of this disease. In an Australia-wide case-control study we compared the lifetime occupations of 611 SALS and 775 control individuals. Occupations were coded using country-specific as well as international classifications. The risk of SALS for each occupation was calculated with odds ratios using logistic regression. In addition, the literature was searched for possible toxicant links between our findings and previously-reported occupational associations with SALS. Male occupations in our study that required lower skills and tasks tended to have increased risks of SALS, and conversely, those occupations that required higher skills and tasks had decreased risks of SALS. Of all the occupations, only truck drivers, where exposure to diesel exhaust is common, maintained an increased risk of SALS throughout all occupational groups. Another large case-control study has also found truck drivers to be at risk of SALS, and almost two-thirds of occupations, as well as military duties, that have previously been associated with SALS have potential exposure to diesel exhaust. In conclusion, two of the largest case-control studies of SALS have now found that truck drivers have an increased risk of SALS. Since exposure to diesel exhaust is common in truck drivers, as well as in other occupations that have been linked to SALS, exposure to this toxicant may underlie some of the occupations that are associated with SALS.

Substance use among women receiving post-rape medical care, associated post-assault concerns and current substance abuse: Results from a national telephone household probability sample

PubMed Central

McCauley, Jenna L.; Kilpatrick, Dean G.; Walsh, Kate; Resnick, Heidi S.

2013-01-01

Objective To examine post-rape substance use, associated post rape medical and social concern variables, and past year substance abuse among women reporting having received medical care following a most recent or only lifetime incident of rape. Method Using a subsample of women who received post-rape medical care following a most recent or only rape incident (n=104) drawn from a national household probability sample of U.S. women, the current study described the extent of peritraumatic substance use, past year substance misuse behaviors, post-rape HIV and pregnancy concerns, and lifetime mental health service utilization as a function of substance use at time of incident. Results One-third (33%) of women seeking post-rape medical attention reported consuming alcohol or drugs at the time of their rape incident. Nearly one in four (24.7%) and one in seven (15%) women seeking medical attention following their most recent rape incident endorsed drug (marijuana, illicit, non-medical use of prescription drugs, or club drug) use or met substance abuse criteria, respectively, in the past year. One in twelve (8.4%) women reported at least monthly binge drinking in the past year. Approximately two-thirds of women reported seeking services for mental health needs in their lifetime. Post-rape concerns among women reporting peritraumatic substance use were not significantly different from those of women not reporting such use. Conclusions Substance use was reported by approximately one-third of women and past year substance abuse was common among those seeking post-rape medical care. Implications for service delivery, intervention implementation, and future research are discussed. PMID:23380490

Substance use among women receiving post-rape medical care, associated post-assault concerns and current substance abuse: results from a national telephone household probability sample.

PubMed

McCauley, Jenna L; Kilpatrick, Dean G; Walsh, Kate; Resnick, Heidi S

2013-04-01

To examine post-rape substance use, associated post rape medical and social concern variables, and past year substance abuse among women reporting having received medical care following a most recent or only lifetime incident of rape. Using a subsample of women who received post-rape medical care following a most recent or only rape incident (n=104) drawn from a national household probability sample of U.S. women, the current study described the extent of peritraumatic substance use, past year substance misuse behaviors, post-rape HIV and pregnancy concerns, and lifetime mental health service utilization as a function of substance use at time of incident. One-third (33%) of women seeking post-rape medical attention reported consuming alcohol or drugs at the time of their rape incident. Nearly one in four (24.7%) and one in seven (15%) women seeking medical attention following their most recent rape incident endorsed drug (marijuana, illicit, non-medical use of prescription drugs, or club drug) use or met substance abuse criteria, respectively, in the past year. One in twelve (8.4%) women reported at least monthly binge drinking in the past year. Approximately two-thirds of women reported seeking services for mental health needs in their lifetime. Post-rape concerns among women reporting peritraumatic substance use were not significantly different from those of women not reporting such use. Substance use was reported by approximately one-third of women and past year substance abuse was common among those seeking post-rape medical care. Implications for service delivery, intervention implementation, and future research are discussed. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Alcohol and other substance use among medical and law students at a UK university: a cross-sectional questionnaire survey.

PubMed

Bogowicz, Paul; Ferguson, Jennifer; Gilvarry, Eilish; Kamali, Farhad; Kaner, Eileen; Newbury-Birch, Dorothy

2018-03-01

To examine the use of alcohol and other substances among medical and law students at a UK university. Anonymous cross-sectional questionnaire survey of first, second and final year medical and law students at a single UK university. 1242 of 1577 (78.8%) eligible students completed the questionnaire. Over half of first and second year medical students (first year 53.1%, second year 59.7%, final year 35.9%) had an Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score suggestive of an alcohol use disorder (AUDIT≥8), compared with over two-thirds of first and second year law students (first year 67.2%, second year 69.5%, final year 47.3%). Approximately one-quarter of medical students (first year 26.4%, second year 28.4%, final year 23.7%) and over one-third of first and second year law students (first year 39.1%, second year 42.4%, final year 18.9%) reported other substance use within the past year. Over one-third of medical students (first year 34.4%, second year 35.6%, final year 46.3%) and approximately half or more of law students (first year 47.2%, second year 52.7%, final year 59.5%) had a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety score suggestive of a possible anxiety disorder. Study participants had high levels of substance misuse and anxiety. Some students' fitness to practice may be impaired as a result of their substance misuse or symptoms of psychological distress. Further efforts are needed to reduce substance misuse and to improve the mental well-being of students. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Just Say Know? Schooling the Knowledge Society

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Willinsky, John

2005-01-01

This review essay challenges the practice of rooting educational theory in the economic assumptions that underlie the current championing of a knowledge society. It examines the approaches of three recent works: one book, Andy Hargreaves's Teaching in a Knowledge Society, and two edited collections, Barry Smith's Liberal Education in a Knowledge…

Psychotherapy and Culture: Healing in the Indian Tradition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kakar, Sudhir

The study of various Indian traditions for the healing of emotional disorders has clarified two issues: the universality of human concerns that underlie emotional illness and the relativity of all psychotherapeutic endeavors, Eastern and Western. It is increasingly evident that Indian patients--whether Hindu, Muslim, or tribal--are engaged in the…

Did College Choice Change during the Seventies?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jackson, Gregory A.

1988-01-01

Despite steady enrollment growth and external shocks to U.S. higher education system, high school graduates' college-going decisions in 1980, as much as in 1972, depended on their social, academic, and financial attributes. Analyses of two national longitudinal surveys underlie this finding, implying traditional students' college decisions are…

Biological Components of Colour Preference in Infancy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Franklin, Anna; Bevis, Laura; Ling, Yazhu; Hurlbert, Anya

2010-01-01

Adult colour preference has been summarized quantitatively in terms of weights on the two fundamental neural processes that underlie early colour encoding: the S-(L+M) ("blue-yellow") and L-M ("red-green") cone-opponent contrast channels ( Ling, Hurlbert & Robinson, 2006; Hurlbert & Ling, 2007). Here, we investigate whether colour preference in…

Enrollment Management: An Introduction to Concepts and Structures

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bontrager, Bob

2004-01-01

In the increasingly complex world of managing enrollments, success or failure hinges on building a solid foundation of concepts, structures, and strategies. This first of a two-part series reviews the core concepts and structural considerations that underlie successful enrollment management organizations. The purpose of this article is to…

Dimensions of Acculturation in Native American College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reynolds, Amy L.; Sodano, Sandro M.; Ecklund, Timothy R.; Guyker, Wendy

2012-01-01

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were applied to the responses of two respective independent samples of Native American college students on the Native American Acculturation Scale (NAAS). Three correlated dimensions were found to underlie NAAS items and these dimensions may also comprise a broader higher order dimension of Native…

Concreteness and Imagery Effects in the Written Composition of Definitions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sadoski, Mark; Kealy, William A.; Goetz, Ernest T.; Paivio, Allan

1997-01-01

In two experiments, undergraduates (n=48 and n=50) composed written definitions of concrete and abstract nouns that were matched for frequency of use and meaningfulness. Results support previous research suggesting that common cognitive mechanisms underlie production of spoken and written language as explained by dual coding theory. (SLD)

Electronic structures and nonlinear optical properties of trinuclear transition metal clusters M-(mu-S)-M' (M = Mo, W; M' = Cu, Ag, Au).

PubMed

Chen, Xihua; Wu, Kechen; Snijders, Jaap G; Lin, Chensheng

2003-01-27

A series of trinuclear metal clusters MS4(M'PPh3)2(M'PPh3) (M = Mo, W; M' = Cu, Ag, Au) have been studied using the density functional theory (DFT) method. The static polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities of the model clusters have been calculated using the finite-field (F-F) method. The model clusters, divided into two groups, are alike in the structure of two fragments of rhombic units M-(mu-S)2-M' (M = Mo, W; M' = Cu, Ag, Au), perpendicular to each other, which are joined by sharing the bridge metal M. It is the charge transfer from one of these moieties to the other in these characteristic sulfido-transitional metal cores that is responsible for the polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities. This kind of electronic delocalization, different from that of the planar pi-system, is interesting and warrants further investigation. The structural effects on properties are important. In these models, considerable third-order nonlinearities are exhibited. The element substitution effect of Mo and W is weak, while that of Cu and Ag is relatively substantial. An overall order is gamma xxxx(Mo-Ag) > gamma xxxx(W-Ag) > gamma xxxx(Mo-Au) > gamma xxxx(W-Au) > gamma xxxx (Mo-Cu) > gamma xxxx(W-Cu) and gamma av(Mo-Ag) approximately gamma av(W-Ag) > gamma av(Mo-Au) approximately gamma av(W-Au) approximately gamma av (Mo-Cu) approximately gamma av(W-Cu).

Assessment of Dental Fluorosis in Mmp20+/− Mice

PubMed Central

Sharma, R.; Tye, C.E.; Arun, A.; MacDonald, D.; Chatterjee, A.; Abrazinski, T.; Everett, E.T.; Whitford, G.M.; Bartlett, J.D.

2011-01-01

The molecular mechanisms that underlie dental fluorosis are poorly understood. The retention of enamel proteins hallmarking fluorotic enamel may result from impaired hydrolysis and/or removal of enamel proteins. Previous studies have suggested that partial inhibition of Mmp20 expression is involved in the etiology of dental fluorosis. Here we ask if mice expressing only one functional Mmp20 allele are more susceptible to fluorosis. We demonstrate that Mmp20+/− mice express approximately half the amount of MMP20 as do wild-type mice. The Mmp20 heterozygous mice have normal-appearing enamel, with Vickers microhardness values similar to those of wild-type control enamel. Therefore, reduced MMP20 expression is not solely responsible for dental fluorosis. With 50-ppm-fluoride (F−) treatment ad libitum, the Mmp20+/− mice had F− tissue levels similar to those of Mmp20+/+ mice. No significant difference in enamel hardness was observed between the F−-treated heterozygous and wild-type mice. Interestingly, we did find a small but significant difference in quantitative fluorescence between these two groups, which may be attributable to slightly higher protein content in the Mmp20+/− mouse enamel. We conclude that MMP20 plays a nominal role in dental enamel fluorosis. PMID:21386097

Urbanization and human health in urban India: institutional analysis of water-borne diseases in Ahmedabad.

PubMed

Saravanan, V S; Ayessa Idenal, Marissa; Saiyed, Shahin; Saxena, Deepak; Gerke, Solvay

2016-10-01

Diseases are rapidly urbanizing. Ageing infrastructures, high levels of inequality, poor urban governance, rapidly growing economies and highly dense and mobile populations all create environments rife for water-borne diseases. This article analyzes the role of institutions as crosscutting entities among a myriad of factors that breed water-borne diseases in the city of Ahmedabad, India. It applies 'path dependency' and a 'rational choice' perspective to understand the factors facilitating the breeding of diseases. This study is based on household surveys of approximately 327 households in two case study wards and intermittent interviews with key informants over a period of 2 years. Principle component analysis is applied to reduce the data and convert a set of observations, which potentially correlate with each other, into components. Institutional analyses behind these components reveal the role of social actors in exploiting the deeply rooted inefficiencies affecting urban health. This has led to a vicious cycle; breaking this cycle requires understanding the political dynamics that underlie the exposure and prevalence of diseases to improve urban health. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

A new rapid methodological strategy to assess BRCA mutational status.

PubMed

Vuttariello, Emilia; Borra, Marco; Calise, Celeste; Mauriello, Elvira; Greggi, Stefano; Vecchione, Aldo; Biffali, Elio; Chiappetta, Gennaro

2013-07-01

Hereditary cancers account for approximately 10 % of breast and ovarian cancers. Mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, encoding two proteins involved in DNA repair, underlie most cases of such hereditary cancers. Women with BRCA mutations develop breast cancer in 50-80 % of cases and ovarian cancer in 10-40 % of cases. Assessing BRCA mutational status is needed to direct the clinical management of women with predisposition to these hereditary cancers. However, BRCA screening constitutes a bottleneck in terms of costs and time to deliver results. We developed a PCR-based assay using 73 primer pairs covering the entire coding regions of BRCA1 and BRCA2. PCR primers, containing at the 5' end the universal M13 primer sequences, were pre-spotted in 96-well plates. Following PCR, direct sequencing was performed using M13 primers, allowing to standardize the conditions. PCR amplification and sequencing were successful for each amplicon. We tested and validated the assay on 10 known gDNAs from patients with Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). Our strategy is a promising time and cost-effective method to detect BRCA mutations in the clinical setting, which is essential to formulate a personalized therapy for patients with HBOC.

Feature selection gait-based gender classification under different circumstances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabir, Azhin; Al-Jawad, Naseer; Jassim, Sabah

2014-05-01

This paper proposes a gender classification based on human gait features and investigates the problem of two variations: clothing (wearing coats) and carrying bag condition as addition to the normal gait sequence. The feature vectors in the proposed system are constructed after applying wavelet transform. Three different sets of feature are proposed in this method. First, Spatio-temporal distance that is dealing with the distance of different parts of the human body (like feet, knees, hand, Human Height and shoulder) during one gait cycle. The second and third feature sets are constructed from approximation and non-approximation coefficient of human body respectively. To extract these two sets of feature we divided the human body into two parts, upper and lower body part, based on the golden ratio proportion. In this paper, we have adopted a statistical method for constructing the feature vector from the above sets. The dimension of the constructed feature vector is reduced based on the Fisher score as a feature selection method to optimize their discriminating significance. Finally k-Nearest Neighbor is applied as a classification method. Experimental results demonstrate that our approach is providing more realistic scenario and relatively better performance compared with the existing approaches.

Two-key concurrent responding: response-reinforcement dependencies and blackouts1

PubMed Central

Herbert, Emily W.

1970-01-01

Two-key concurrent responding was maintained for three pigeons by a single variable-interval 1-minute schedule of reinforcement in conjunction with a random number generator that assigned feeder operations between keys with equal probability. The duration of blackouts was varied between keys when each response initiated a blackout, and grain arranged by the variable-interval schedule was automatically presented after a blackout (Exp. I). In Exp. II every key peck, except for those that produced grain, initiated a blackout, and grain was dependent upon a response following a blackout. For each pigeon in Exp. I and for one pigeon in Exp. II, the relative frequency of responding on a key approximated, i.e., matched, the relative reciprocal of the duration of the blackout interval on that key. In a third experiment, blackouts scheduled on a variable-interval were of equal duration on the two keys. For one key, grain automatically followed each blackout; for the other key, grain was dependent upon a response and never followed a blackout. The relative frequency of responding on the former key, i.e., the delay key, better approximated the negative exponential function obtained by Chung (1965) than the matching function predicted by Chung and Herrnstein (1967). PMID:16811458

Implications of Eighth Grade Algebra I on High School Mathematics Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bayard, Robert

2012-01-01

As of 2008, approximately 40% of eighth grade students in the United States enroll in Algebra I (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2008). Although research has shown that students have more opportunities to take advanced mathematics courses by taking eighth grade Algebra I, in the United States, approximately only one-third to one-half…

The effects of text messaging on young drivers.

PubMed

Hosking, Simon G; Young, Kristie L; Regan, Michael A

2009-08-01

This study investigated the effects of using a cell phone to retrieve and send text messages on the driving performance of young novice drivers. Young drivers are particularly susceptible to driver distraction and have an increased risk of distraction-related crashes. Distractions from in-vehicle devices, particularly, those that require manual input, are known to cause decrements in driving performance. Twenty young novice drivers used a cell phone to retrieve and send text messages while driving a simulator. The amount of time that drivers spent not looking at the road when text messaging was up to approximately 400% greater than that recorded in baseline (notext-messaging) conditions. Furthermore, drivers' variability in lane position increased up to approximately 50%, and missed lane changes increased 140%. There was also an increase of up to approximately 150% in drivers' variability in following distances to lead vehicles. Previous research has shown that the risk of crashing while dialing a handheld device, such as when text messaging and driving, is more than double that of conversing on a cell phone. The present study has identified the detrimental effects of text messaging on driving performance that may underlie such increased crash risk. More effective road safety measures are needed to prevent and mitigate the adverse effects on driving performance of using cell phones to retrieve and send text messages.

Girls' physical activity levels during organized sports in Australia.

PubMed

Guagliano, Justin M; Rosenkranz, Richard R; Kolt, Gregory S

2013-01-01

The primary aim of this study was to objectively examine the physical activity (PA) levels of girls during organized sports (OS) and to compare the levels between games and practices for the same participants. The secondary aims of this study were to document lesson context and coach behavior during practices and games. Participants were 94 girls recruited from 10 teams in three OS (netball, basketball, and soccer) from the western suburbs of Sydney. Each participant wore an ActiGraph GT3X monitor for the duration of one practice and one game. The System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time was concurrently used to document lesson context and coach behavior. Girls spent a significantly higher percentage of time in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) during practices compared with games (33.8% vs 30.6%; t = 2.94, P < 0.05). Girls spent approximately 20 min·h(-1) in MVPA during practices and approximately 18 min·h(-1) in MVPA during games. An average of 2957 and 2702 steps per hour were accumulated during practices and games, respectively. However, girls spent roughly two-thirds of their OS time in light PA or sedentary. On the basis of the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time findings, coaches spent a large proportion of practice time in management (15.0%) and knowledge delivery (18.5%). An average of 13.0 and 15.8 occurrences per hour were observed during games and practices where coaches promoted PA. For every hour of game play or practice time, girls accumulated approximately one third of the recommended 60 min of MVPA time and approximately one quarter of the 12,000 steps that girls are recommended to accumulate daily. For this population, OS seems to make a substantial contribution to the recommended amounts of MVPA and steps for participating girls. OS alone, however, does not provide amounts of PA sufficient to meet daily recommendations for adolescent girls.

Quantum calculations for one-dimensional cooling of helium

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

Vredenbregt, E.; Doery, M.; Bergeman, T.

1993-05-01

We report theoretical velocity distributions for sub-Doppler laser cooling of metastable He*(2{sup 3}S), calculated with the Density Matrix and Monte Carlo Wavefunction approaches. For low-field (B = 50 mG) magnetic-field induced laser cooling on the 2{sup 3}S {yields} (2{sup 3}P, J = 2) transition ({lambda} = 1083 nm), we get a narrow, sub-Doppler structure, consisting of three, {approximately}1 photon recoil wide peaks, spaced {approximately}1 recoil apart. With increasing field, this three-peak structure develops into two velocity-selective resonance (VSR) peaks, each {approximately}2 recoils wide. For the 2{sup 3}S {yields} (3{sup 3}P, J = 2) transition ({lambda} 389 nm), VSR peaks aremore » predicted to appear at low field without the third, central peak, which only develops at higher field (B = 200 mG). Additional computations deal with polarization-gradient cooling. In general, we find that for one-dimensional cooling calculations, the Density Matrix method is more efficient than the Monte Carlo Wavefunction approach. Experiments are currently under way to test the results.« less

Clinical presentation and management of drug-induced agranulocytosis.

PubMed

Andrès, Emmanuel; Zimmer, Jacques; Mecili, Mustapha; Weitten, Thierry; Alt, Martine; Maloisel, Frédéric

2011-04-01

In this article, we report and discuss the clinical presentation and management of idiosyncratic drug-induced agranulocytosis (neutrophil count <0.5 × 10(9)/l). Idiosyncratic drug-induced agranulocytosis remains a potentially serious adverse event owing to the frequency of severe sepsis with severe deep tissue infections (e.g., pneumonia), septicemia and septic shock in approximately two-thirds of all hospitalized patients. However, several prognostic factors have recently been identified that may be helpful in practice to identify 'susceptible' patients. Old age (>65 years), septicemia or shock, metabolic disorders such as renal failure and a neutrophil count below 0.1 × 10(9)/l are currently consensually accepted as poor prognostic factors. In this potentially life-threatening disorder, modern management with broad-spectrum antibiotics and hematopoietic growth factors (particularly granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) is likely to improve prognosis. Thus, with appropriate management, the mortality rate from idiosyncratic drug-induced agranulocytosis is currently approximately 5%.

The Influence of Model Complexity on the Impact Response of a Shuttle Leading-Edge Panel Finite Element Simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Lisa E. (Technical Monitor); Stockwell, Alan E.

2005-01-01

LS-DYNA simulations were conducted to study the influence of model complexity on the response of a typical Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panel to a foam impact at a location approximately midway between the ribs. A structural model comprised of Panels 10, 11, and TSeal 11 was chosen as the baseline model for the study. A simulation was conducted with foam striking Panel 10 at Location 4 at an alpha angle of 10 degrees, with an impact velocity of 1000 ft/sec. A second simulation was conducted after removing Panel 11 from the model, and a third simulation was conducted after removing both Panel 11 and T-Seal 11. All three simulations showed approximately the same response for Panel 10, and the simplified simulation model containing only Panel 10 was shown to be significantly less expensive to execute than the other two more complex models.

Nationwide Analysis of U.S. Commercial Building Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Breakeven Conditions

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

Davidson, Carolyn; Gagnon, Pieter; Denholm, Paul

2015-10-01

The commercial sector offers strong potential for solar photovoltaics (PV) owing to abundant available roof space suitable for PV and the opportunity to offset the sector's substantial retail electricity purchases. This report evaluated the breakeven price of PV for 15 different building types and various financing options by calculating electricity savings based on detailed rate structures for most U.S. utility territories (representing approximately two thirds of U.S. commercial customers). We find that at current capital costs, an estimated 1/3 of U.S. commercial customers break even in the cash scenario and approximately 2/3 break even in the loan scenario. Variation inmore » retail rates is a stronger driver of breakeven prices than is variation in building load or solar generation profiles. At the building level, variation in the average breakeven price is largely driven by the ability for a PV system to reduce demand charges.« less

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of possible methods for the treatment of contaminated soil at an environmentally degraded site.

PubMed

Mauko Pranjić, Alenka; Oprčkal, Primož; Mladenovič, Ana; Zapušek, Peter; Urleb, Marjan; Turk, Janez

2018-07-15

This study reports on the assessment of the environmental sustainability of different management practices for an environmentally degraded site in Slovenia: the Old Zinc-Works in the town of Celje. Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) were applied in order to evaluate possible trade-offs by comparing a proposed in situ remediation scenario with two other reclamation scenarios (scenario 2: incineration, metal extraction, underground disposal and reclamation of the site by refilling it with replacement material, and scenario 3: underground disposal and reclamation of the site by refilling it with replacement material) and with a no-action scenario. The results of the comparisons performed show that in the case of the in situ remediation scenario, the consumption of resources is smaller by a factor of 51 compared to that in the second scenario and by a factor of 7 compared to that in the third scenario. The impacts on human health and ecosystem quality are approximately 30 and 3.5 times less in the first scenario than in the second and third scenarios, respectively. Compared to the impact of the no-action scenario, the impact on human health of the in situ soil remediation scenario is approximately 6 times less, whereas its impact on the ecosystem is approximately 4 times less. The results confirmed that the in situ soil remediation scenario is the most sustainable practice from an environmental point of view. Its main advantage lies in the achieved conservation of natural resources. Despite the recovery of valuable metals (Zn, Pb, Cu, and Ni) from the bottom ash, the second scenario is significantly more environmentally burdensome compared to both the first and third scenarios. This outcome is due to the significantly high impacts related to the consumption of fuels needed to support the incineration of low-calorific contaminated soil and to electricity consumption. The present study demonstrates that the results of LCA studies, in addition to technological, economic and social indicators, yield important information about the sustainability of different management practices and therefore should be an important part of decision-making when approaching the reclamation of environmentally degraded sites. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anomalous transport from holography: part II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bu, Yanyan; Lublinsky, Michael; Sharon, Amir

2017-03-01

This is a second study of chiral anomaly-induced transport within a holographic model consisting of anomalous U(1)_V× U(1)_A Maxwell theory in Schwarzschild-AdS_5 spacetime. In the first part, chiral magnetic/separation effects (CME/CSE) are considered in the presence of a static spatially inhomogeneous external magnetic field. Gradient corrections to CME/CSE are analytically evaluated up to third order in the derivative expansion. Some of the third order gradient corrections lead to an anomaly-induced negative B^2-correction to the diffusion constant. We also find modifications to the chiral magnetic wave nonlinear in B. In the second part, we focus on the experimentally interesting case of the axial chemical potential being induced dynamically by a constant magnetic and time-dependent electric fields. Constitutive relations for the vector/axial currents are computed employing two different approximations: (a) derivative expansion (up to third order) but fully nonlinear in the external fields, and (b) weak electric field limit but resuming all orders in the derivative expansion. A non-vanishing nonlinear axial current (CSE) is found in the first case. The dependence on magnetic field and frequency of linear transport coefficient functions is explored in the second.

Genetic dissection of hybrid incompatibilities between Drosophila simulans and D. mauritiana. II. Mapping hybrid male sterility loci on the third chromosome.

PubMed

Tao, Yun; Zeng, Zhao-Bang; Li, Jian; Hartl, Daniel L; Laurie, Cathy C

2003-08-01

Hybrid male sterility (HMS) is a rapidly evolving mechanism of reproductive isolation in Drosophila. Here we report a genetic analysis of HMS in third-chromosome segments of Drosophila mauritiana that were introgressed into a D. simulans background. Qualitative genetic mapping was used to localize 10 loci on 3R and a quantitative trait locus (QTL) procedure (multiple-interval mapping) was used to identify 19 loci on the entire chromosome. These genetic incompatibilities often show dominance and complex patterns of epistasis. Most of the HMS loci have relatively small effects and generally at least two or three of them are required to produce complete sterility. Only one small region of the third chromosome of D. mauritiana by itself causes a high level of infertility when introgressed into D. simulans. By comparison with previous studies of the X chromosome, we infer that HMS loci are only approximately 40% as dense on this autosome as they are on the X chromosome. These results are consistent with the gradual evolution of hybrid incompatibilities as a by-product of genetic divergence in allopatric populations.

Genetic dissection of hybrid incompatibilities between Drosophila simulans and D. mauritiana. II. Mapping hybrid male sterility loci on the third chromosome.

PubMed Central

Tao, Yun; Zeng, Zhao-Bang; Li, Jian; Hartl, Daniel L; Laurie, Cathy C

2003-01-01

Hybrid male sterility (HMS) is a rapidly evolving mechanism of reproductive isolation in Drosophila. Here we report a genetic analysis of HMS in third-chromosome segments of Drosophila mauritiana that were introgressed into a D. simulans background. Qualitative genetic mapping was used to localize 10 loci on 3R and a quantitative trait locus (QTL) procedure (multiple-interval mapping) was used to identify 19 loci on the entire chromosome. These genetic incompatibilities often show dominance and complex patterns of epistasis. Most of the HMS loci have relatively small effects and generally at least two or three of them are required to produce complete sterility. Only one small region of the third chromosome of D. mauritiana by itself causes a high level of infertility when introgressed into D. simulans. By comparison with previous studies of the X chromosome, we infer that HMS loci are only approximately 40% as dense on this autosome as they are on the X chromosome. These results are consistent with the gradual evolution of hybrid incompatibilities as a by-product of genetic divergence in allopatric populations. PMID:12930748

Psychosocial needs of older cancer patients: a pilot study abstract.

PubMed

Houldin, A D; Wasserbauer, N

1996-08-01

Approximately 50% of all cancers occur in persons aged 65 and over (American Cancer Society, 1994). However, the special psychological problems of these patients have been inadequately addressed (Massie & Holland, 1989). The psychosocial needs of older cancer patients were surveyed in this pilot study. Two-thirds of the older adults surveyed experienced concerns or problems. Almost 50% of the sample did not receive adequate assistance in dealing with their emotional needs and 69% did not receive sufficient spiritual support. Older cancer patients experience psychosocial distress and may benefit from professional assistance in dealing with these concerns.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders in Youth

PubMed Central

Seligman, Laura D.; Ollendick, Thomas H.

2011-01-01

Synopsis Cognitive behavioral therapies (CBTs) have been shown to be efficacious for the treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. Randomized clinical trials indicate that approximately two-thirds of children treated with CBT will be free of their primary diagnosis at posttreatment. Although several CBT treatment packages have been investigated in youth with diverse anxiety disorders, common core components have been identified. A comprehensive assessment, development of a good therapeutic relationship and working alliance, cognitive restructuring, repeated exposure with reduction of avoidance behavior, and skills training comprise the core procedures for the treatment of anxiety disorders in youth. PMID:21440852

Modifications to the NASA SP-8072 Distributed Source Method II for Ares I Lift-off Environment Predictions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haynes, Jared; Kenny, Jeremy

2009-01-01

Lift-off acoustic environments for NASA's Ares I - Crew Launch Vehicle are predicted using the second source distribution methodology described in the NASA SP-8072. Three modifications made to the model include a shorter core length approximation, a core termination procedure upon plume deflection, and a new set of directivity indices measured from static test firings of the Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM). The modified sound pressure level predictions increased more than 5 dB overall, and the peak levels shifted two third-octave bands higher in frequency.

Kirchhoff Index of Cyclopolyacenes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yan; Zhang, Wenwen

2010-10-01

The resistance distance between two vertices of a connected graph G is computed as the effective resistance between them in the corresponding network constructed from G by replacing each edge with a unit resistor. The Kirchhoff index of G is the sum of resistance distances between all pairs of vertices. In this paper, following the method of Y. J. Yang and H. P. Zhang in the proof of the Kirchhoff index of the linear hexagonal chain, we obtain the Kirchhoff index of cyclopolyacenes, denoted by HRn, in terms of its Laplacian spectrum. We show that the Kirchhoff index of HRnis approximately one third of its Wiener index.

Fiber optic-based optical coherence tomography (OCT) for dental applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Everett, Matthew J.; Colston, Bill W., Jr.; Da Silva, Luiz B.; Otis, Linda L.

1998-09-01

We have developed a hand-held fiber optic based optical coherence tomography (OCT) system for scanning of the oral cavity. We have produced, using this scanning device, in vivo cross-sectional images of hard and soft dental tissues in human volunteers. Clinically relevant anatomical structures, including the gingival margin, periodontal sulcus, and dento- enamel junction, were visible in all the images. The cemento- enamel junction and the alveolar bone were identified in approximately two thirds of the images. These images represent, or our knowledge, the first in vivo OCT images of human dental tissue.

ROSAT observations of compact groups of galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pildis, Rachel A.; Bregman, Joel N.; Evrard, August E.

1995-01-01

We have systematically analyzed a sample of 13 new and archival ROSAT Position Sensitive Proportional Counter (PSPC) observations of compact groups of galaxies: 12 Hickson compact groups plus the NCG 2300 group. We find that approximately two-thirds of the groups have extended X-ray emission and, in four of these, the emission is resolved into diffuse emission from gas at a temperature of kT approximately 1 keV in the group potential. All but one of the groups with extended emission have a spiral fraction of less than 50%. The baryon fraction of groups with diffuse emission is 5%-19%, similar to the values in clusters of galaxies. However, with a single exception (HCG 62), the gas-to-stellar mass ratio in our groups has a median value near 5%, somewhat greater than the values for individual early-type galaxies and two orders of magnitude than in clusters of galaxies. The X-ray luminosities of individual group galaxies are comparable to those of similar field galaxies, although the L(sub X)-L(sub B) relation for early-type galaxies may be flatter in compact groups than in the field.

Sensorimotor simulations underlie conceptual representations: modality-specific effects of prior activation.

PubMed

Pecher, Diane; Zeelenberg, René; Barsalou, Lawrence W

2004-02-01

According to the perceptual symbols theory (Barsalou, 1999), sensorimotor simulations underlie the representation of concepts. Simulations are componential in the sense that they vary with the context in which the concept is presented. In the present study, we investigated whether representations are affected by recent experiences with a concept. Concept names (e.g., APPLE) were presented twice in a property verification task with a different property on each occasion. The two properties were either from the same perceptual modality (e.g., green, shiny) or from different modalities (e.g., tart, shiny). All stimuli were words. There was a lag of several intervening trials between the first and second presentation. Verification times and error rates for the second presentation of the concept were higher if the properties were from different modalities than if they were from the same modality.

Nonempirical electron-correlation calculations on ALi/sub k/ and Ali/sub k+1//sup +/ clusters formed with elements from the second and third periods

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

Mebel', A.M.; Klimenko, N.M.; Charkin, O.P.

Several basic sets have been used (from 3-21 G/sub A//asterisk/ to DZHD + P/sub A/) with electron correlation in the Meller-Plesset MP3 approximation in nonempirical calculations on ALi/sub k+1//sup +/ and ALi/sub K+1//sup +/ lithium clusters (CLi/sub 2/, CLi/sub 3//sup +/, NLi/sub 3/, NLi/sub 4//sup +/, OLi/sub 2/, OLi/sub 3//sup +/, etc.) formed with elements from the second and third periods in the lowest singlet states. A study has been made on the effects of the approximation on the results. Several reference systems are used to show that the SCF/3-21G/sub A//asterisk/ approximation describes the lithide geometry satisfactorily, while MP3/DZHD +more » P/sub A/ gives a satisfactory description of the affinity of Ali/sub k/ for Li/sup +/. These approximations have been taken as optimal for calculations on the other compounds. The Li/sup +/ affinities are highest for NLi/sub 3/ and PLi/sub 3/ (90 and 84 kcal correspondingly) and decrease as A varies along the subgroups from the second to the third and the lower sp periods, as well as when A varies in each period from the middle to the start or end. The affinities of the analogous compounds for Na/sup +/ are less by 5-10 kcal than those for Li/sup +/. The values are compared with the proton affinities for the related hydrides AK/sub k/.« less

The Mirror Neuron System: A Fresh View

PubMed Central

Casile, Antonino; Caggiano, Vittorio; Ferrari, Pier Francesco

2013-01-01

Mirror neurons are a class of visuomotor neurons in the monkey premotor and parietal cortices that discharge during the execution and observation of goal-directed motor acts. They are deemed to be at the basis of primates’ social abilities. In this review, the authors provide a fresh view about two still open questions about mirror neurons. The first question is their possible functional role. By reviewing recent neurophysiological data, the authors suggest that mirror neurons might represent a flexible system that encodes observed actions in terms of several behaviorally relevant features. The second question concerns the possible developmental mechanisms responsible for their initial emergence. To provide a possible answer to question, the authors review two different aspects of sensorimotor development: facial and hand movements, respectively. The authors suggest that possibly two different “mirror” systems might underlie the development of action understanding and imitative abilities in the two cases. More specifically, a possibly prewired system already present at birth but shaped by the social environment might underlie the early development of facial imitative abilities. On the contrary, an experience-dependent system might subserve perception-action couplings in the case of hand movements. The development of this latter system might be critically dependent on the observation of own movements. PMID:21467305

State Assessment of Educational Progress in North Carolina, 1973-74, Health and Physical Education, Grade 3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

North Carolina State Dept. of Public Instruction, Raleigh. Div. of Research.

In the 1973-74 North Carolina State Assessment approximately 2,500 third-graders took a health test and a physical education test. The students were randomly selected to represent the third-grade population in the state as a whole and in the three geographic regions: Mountains, Piedmont, and Costal Plains. Both sexes were about evenly represented.…

Iowa Test of Basic Skills, 2000-2001. Measuring Up. E&R Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tyler, Doris

In the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), North Carolina, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) is administered to all third grade students each year. The ITBS, which is one of the assessments used as a screening tool for the Academically Gifted Program, was given to approximately 7,700 third graders in 2000. The ITBS can be given as a…

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third and -Fourth Edition: Predictors of Academic Achievement in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mayes, Susan Dickerson; Calhoun, Susan L.

2007-01-01

IQ and achievement scores were analyzed for 678 children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; 6-16 years of age, IQ=80) administered the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition (WISC-III; n=586) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV, n=92). Approximately 76% of children in both samples…

The Law of Higher Education: A Comprehensive Guide to Legal Implications of Administrative Decision Making. Third Edition. Jossey-Bass Higher and Adult Education Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaplin, William A.; Lee, Barbara A.

This volume is the third edition of a comprehensive treatment of higher education law and is current through approximately August 1994. The nine chapters are divided into numerous sections and subsections. Chapter 1 provides a framework for understanding and integrating what is presented in subsequent chapters and a perspective for future…

Peristaltic blood flow with gold nanoparticles as a third grade nanofluid in catheter: Application of cancer therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mekheimer, Kh. S.; Hasona, W. M.; Abo-Elkhair, R. E.; Zaher, A. Z.

2018-01-01

Cancer is dangerous and deadly to most of its patients. Recent studies have shown that gold nanoparticles can cure and overcome it, because these particles have a high atomic number which produce the heat and leads to treatment of malignancy tumors. A motivation of this article is to study the effect of heat transfer with the blood flow (non-Newtonian model) containing gold nanoparticles in a gap between two coaxial tubes, the outer tube has a sinusoidal wave traveling down its wall and the inner tube is rigid. The governing equations of third-grade fluid along with total mass, thermal energy and nanoparticles are simplified by using the assumption of long wavelength. Exact solutions have been evaluated for temperature distribution and nanoparticles concentration, while approximate analytical solutions are found for the velocity distribution using the regular perturbation method with a small third grade parameter. Influence of the physical parameters such as third grade parameter, Brownian motion parameter and thermophoresis parameter on the velocity profile, temperature distribution and nanoparticles concentration are considered. The results pointed to that the gold nanoparticles are effective for drug carrying and drug delivery systems because they control the velocity through the Brownian motion parameter Nb and thermophoresis parameter Nt. Gold nanoparticles also increases the temperature distribution, making it able to destroy cancer cells.

Hybrid-dimensional modelling of two-phase flow through fractured porous media with enhanced matrix fracture transmission conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brenner, Konstantin; Hennicker, Julian; Masson, Roland; Samier, Pierre

2018-03-01

In this work, we extend, to two-phase flow, the single-phase Darcy flow model proposed in [26], [12] in which the (d - 1)-dimensional flow in the fractures is coupled with the d-dimensional flow in the matrix. Three types of so called hybrid-dimensional two-phase Darcy flow models are proposed. They all account for fractures acting either as drains or as barriers, since they allow pressure jumps at the matrix-fracture interfaces. The models also permit to treat gravity dominated flow as well as discontinuous capillary pressure at the material interfaces. The three models differ by their transmission conditions at matrix fracture interfaces: while the first model accounts for the nonlinear two-phase Darcy flux conservations, the second and third ones are based on the linear single phase Darcy flux conservations combined with different approximations of the mobilities. We adapt the Vertex Approximate Gradient (VAG) scheme to this problem, in order to account for anisotropy and heterogeneity aspects as well as for applicability on general meshes. Several test cases are presented to compare our hybrid-dimensional models to the generic equi-dimensional model, in which fractures have the same dimension as the matrix, leading to deep insight about the quality of the proposed reduced models.

Time-lapse crystallography snapshots of a double-strand break repair polymerase in action.

PubMed

Jamsen, Joonas A; Beard, William A; Pedersen, Lars C; Shock, David D; Moon, Andrea F; Krahn, Juno M; Bebenek, Katarzyna; Kunkel, Thomas A; Wilson, Samuel H

2017-08-15

DNA polymerase (pol) μ is a DNA-dependent polymerase that incorporates nucleotides during gap-filling synthesis in the non-homologous end-joining pathway of double-strand break repair. Here we report time-lapse X-ray crystallography snapshots of catalytic events during gap-filling DNA synthesis by pol μ. Unique catalytic intermediates and active site conformational changes that underlie catalysis are uncovered, and a transient third (product) metal ion is observed in the product state. The product manganese coordinates phosphate oxygens of the inserted nucleotide and PP i . The product metal is not observed during DNA synthesis in the presence of magnesium. Kinetic analyses indicate that manganese increases the rate constant for deoxynucleoside 5'-triphosphate insertion compared to magnesium. The likely product stabilization role of the manganese product metal in pol μ is discussed. These observations provide insight on structural attributes of this X-family double-strand break repair polymerase that impact its biological function in genome maintenance.DNA polymerase (pol) μ functions in DNA double-strand break repair. Here the authors use time-lapse X-ray crystallography to capture the states of pol µ during the conversion from pre-catalytic to product complex and observe a third transiently bound metal ion in the product state.

Nectar bacteria, but not yeast, weaken a plant-pollinator mutualism.

PubMed

Vannette, Rachel L; Gauthier, Marie-Pierre L; Fukami, Tadashi

2013-02-07

Mutualistic interactions are often subject to exploitation by species that are not directly involved in the mutualism. Understanding which organisms act as such 'third-party' species and how they do so is a major challenge in the current study of mutualistic interactions. Here, we show that even species that appear ecologically similar can have contrasting effects as third-party species. We experimentally compared the effects of nectar-inhabiting bacteria and yeasts on the strength of a mutualism between a hummingbird-pollinated shrub, Mimulus aurantiacus, and its pollinators. We found that the common bacterium Gluconobacter sp., but not the common yeast Metschnikowia reukaufii, reduced pollination success, seed set and nectar consumption by pollinators, thereby weakening the plant-pollinator mutualism. We also found that the bacteria reduced nectar pH and total sugar concentration more greatly than the yeasts did and that the bacteria decreased glucose concentration and increased fructose concentration whereas the yeasts affected neither. These distinct changes to nectar chemistry may underlie the microbes' contrasting effects on the mutualism. Our results suggest that it is necessary to understand the determinants of microbial species composition in nectar and their differential modification of floral rewards to explain the mutual benefits that plants and pollinators gain from each other.

Nectar bacteria, but not yeast, weaken a plant–pollinator mutualism

PubMed Central

Vannette, Rachel L.; Gauthier, Marie-Pierre L.; Fukami, Tadashi

2013-01-01

Mutualistic interactions are often subject to exploitation by species that are not directly involved in the mutualism. Understanding which organisms act as such ‘third-party’ species and how they do so is a major challenge in the current study of mutualistic interactions. Here, we show that even species that appear ecologically similar can have contrasting effects as third-party species. We experimentally compared the effects of nectar-inhabiting bacteria and yeasts on the strength of a mutualism between a hummingbird-pollinated shrub, Mimulus aurantiacus, and its pollinators. We found that the common bacterium Gluconobacter sp., but not the common yeast Metschnikowia reukaufii, reduced pollination success, seed set and nectar consumption by pollinators, thereby weakening the plant–pollinator mutualism. We also found that the bacteria reduced nectar pH and total sugar concentration more greatly than the yeasts did and that the bacteria decreased glucose concentration and increased fructose concentration whereas the yeasts affected neither. These distinct changes to nectar chemistry may underlie the microbes' contrasting effects on the mutualism. Our results suggest that it is necessary to understand the determinants of microbial species composition in nectar and their differential modification of floral rewards to explain the mutual benefits that plants and pollinators gain from each other. PMID:23222453

Hydrogeology for land-use planning: the Peters Creek area, Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brunett, Jilann O.; Lee, Michael

1983-01-01

Wells currently provide all water supplies in the area. Most wells obtain enough water for individual household needs from unconsolidated, principally glacial and glacioalluvial deposits. In some places, however, wells must be drilled into the underlying bedrock to obtain adequate supplies. It may be possible to develop small community supplies--for individual trailer courts or subdivisions--in areas where yields of 20 gallons per minute or greater are reported for private, domestic wells. Peters Creek is a potential source of surface-water supply, but it would have to be treated to remove glacial silt during summer months. The chemical quality of both ground water and surface water in the area in generally acceptable for most uses. Foundation and excavation conditions, the potential for water pollution from onsite disposal of wastewater through septic tank systems, and the suitability of specific areas for certain types of development may be affected by the following factors: wetlands and areas of shallow ground water underlie about 30 percent of the study area; landslope exceeds 20 percent in about a third of the area; areas of fine-grained, low-permeability sediments are present locally; bedrock is within 25 feet of the land surface in about a third of the area. (USGS)

A fresh look at the photoelectron spectrum of bromobenzene: A third-order non-Dyson electron propagator study.

PubMed

Schneider, M; Soshnikov, D Yu; Holland, D M P; Powis, I; Antonsson, E; Patanen, M; Nicolas, C; Miron, C; Wormit, M; Dreuw, A; Trofimov, A B

2015-10-14

The valence-shell ionization spectrum of bromobenzene, as a representative halogen substituted aromatic, was studied using the non-Dyson third-order algebraic-diagrammatic construction [nD-ADC(3)] approximation for the electron propagator. This method, also referred to as IP-ADC(3), was implemented as a part of the Q-Chem program and enables large-scale calculations of the ionization spectra, where the computational effort scales as n(5) with respect to the number of molecular orbitals n. The IP-ADC(3) scheme is ideally suited for investigating low-lying ionization transitions, so fresh insight could be gained into the cationic state manifold of bromobenzene. In particular, the present IP-ADC(3) calculations with the cc-pVTZ basis reveal a whole class of low-lying low-intensity two-hole-one-particle (2h-1p) doublet and quartet states, which are relevant to various photoionization processes. The good qualitative agreement between the theoretical spectral profile for the valence-shell ionization transitions generated with the smaller cc-pVDZ basis set and the experimental photoelectron spectrum measured at a photon energy of 80 eV on the PLÉIADES beamline at the Soleil synchrotron radiation source allowed all the main features to be assigned. Some theoretical aspects of the ionization energy calculations concerning the use of various approximation schemes and basis sets are discussed.

A fresh look at the photoelectron spectrum of bromobenzene: A third-order non-Dyson electron propagator study

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

Schneider, M.; Wormit, M.; Dreuw, A.

2015-10-14

The valence-shell ionization spectrum of bromobenzene, as a representative halogen substituted aromatic, was studied using the non-Dyson third-order algebraic-diagrammatic construction [nD-ADC(3)] approximation for the electron propagator. This method, also referred to as IP-ADC(3), was implemented as a part of the Q-Chem program and enables large-scale calculations of the ionization spectra, where the computational effort scales as n{sup 5} with respect to the number of molecular orbitals n. The IP-ADC(3) scheme is ideally suited for investigating low-lying ionization transitions, so fresh insight could be gained into the cationic state manifold of bromobenzene. In particular, the present IP-ADC(3) calculations with the cc-pVTZmore » basis reveal a whole class of low-lying low-intensity two-hole-one-particle (2h-1p) doublet and quartet states, which are relevant to various photoionization processes. The good qualitative agreement between the theoretical spectral profile for the valence-shell ionization transitions generated with the smaller cc-pVDZ basis set and the experimental photoelectron spectrum measured at a photon energy of 80 eV on the PLÉIADES beamline at the Soleil synchrotron radiation source allowed all the main features to be assigned. Some theoretical aspects of the ionization energy calculations concerning the use of various approximation schemes and basis sets are discussed.« less

Paraneoplastic hypercalcemia.

PubMed

Bergman, Philip J

2012-11-01

Paraneoplastic syndromes (PNSs) are neoplasm-associated alterations in bodily structure or function or both that occur distant to the tumor. They are an extremely diverse group of clinical aberrations that are associated with the noninvasive actions of the tumor. In many situations, the PNS parallels the underlying malignancy, and therefore, successful treatment of the tumor leads to disappearance of the PNS. Alternatively, recurrence of the PNS after successful treatment signals recurrence of the tumor, and the return of the PNS often significantly precedes the detectable recurrence of the tumor. This is often the case with paraneoplastic hypercalcemia, often referred to as hypercalcemia of malignancy (HM). The most common cause of hypercalcemia in dogs is cancer. Neoplasia is diagnosed in approximately two-thirds of dogs with hypercalcemia vs. approximately one-third in cats. A variety of tumors have been associated with HM. Lymphoma is the most common cause of HM, and the most common anatomical site for dogs with lymphoma-associated HM is the cranial mediastinum. Other tumors associated with HM in dogs and cats include anal sac apocrine gland adenocarcinoma, thyroid carcinoma, multiple myeloma, bone tumors, thymoma, squamous cell carcinoma, mammary gland carcinoma/adenocarcinoma, melanoma, primary lung tumors, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, renal angiomyxoma, and parathyroid gland tumors. As HM is a potential medical emergency, the primary goal in cases of HM is the elucidation of the underlying cause and thereby instituting the appropriate specific therapy. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A portrait of pediatric radiologists in the United States.

PubMed

Merewitz, Leonard; Sunshine, Jonathan H

2006-01-01

In recognition of the importance of pediatric radiology and the apparent shortage of radiologists in the field, the purpose of this study was to provide an extensive and detailed portrait of pediatric radiologists, their professional activities, and the practices in which they work. We tabulated data from the American College of Radiology's 2003 Survey of Radiologists, a stratified random sample survey that achieved a 63% response rate with a total of 1,924 responses. Responses were weighted to make them representative of all radiologists in the United States. We compare information about pediatric radiologists with that for other radiologists. Approximately 3% of radiologists, some 800-900 physicians, are pediatric radiologists. Depending on how pediatric radiologist is defined, two thirds to three quarters of them spend 70% or more of their clinical work time doing pediatric radiology. Unlike other radiologists, a greater percentage of pediatric radiologists desire a reduction in workload (with a corresponding reduction in income) than desire an increase in workload. Pediatric radiologists who spend 70% or more of their clinical work time in their field are older than radiologists in general (average age, 55 vs 51 years), and the fraction of pediatric radiologists younger than 45 years is lower than for other subspecialists ( approximately 20% vs 37%). Pediatric radiologists are disproportionately women (one third or more, depending on definition, are women, vs 19% for other subspecialists and 15% for nonsubspecialists), hospital-based, in academic practices (approximately half vs one fifth for other subspecialists), and in the main cities of large metropolitan areas. A shortage of pediatric radiologists exists and is likely to intensify. Access to pediatric radiologists is probably a problem except for children in large metropolitan areas who connect readily to academic hospitals. Means to overcome these problems need to be actively sought.

A feasibility study on laxative-free bowel preparation for virtual colonoscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Zhengrong; Chen, Dongqing; Wax, Mark; Lakare, Sarang; Li, Lihong; Anderson, Joseph; Kaufman, Arie; Harrington, Donald

2005-04-01

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of laxative-free bowel preparation to relieve the patient stress in colon cleansing for virtual colonoscopy. Materials and Methods: Three different bowel-preparation protocols were investigated by 60 study cases from 35 healthy male volunteers. All the protocols utilize low-residue diet for two days and differ in diet for the third day - the day just prior to image acquisition in the fourth day morning. Protocol Diet-1 utilizes fluid or liquid diet in the third day, Diet-2 utilizes a food kit, and Diet-3 remains the low-residue diet. Oral contrast of barium sulfate (2.1%, 250 ml) was added respectively to the dinner in the second day and the three meals in the third day. Two doses of MD-Gastroview (60 ml) were ingested each in the evening of the third day and in the morning before image acquisition. Images were acquired by a single-slice detector spiral CT (computed tomography) scanner with 5 mm collimation, 1 mm reconstruction, 1.5-2.0:1.0 pitch, 100-150 mA, and 120 kVp after the colons were inflated by CO2. The contrasted colonic residue materials were electronically removed from the CT images by specialized computer-segmentation algorithms. Results: By assumptions that the healthy young volunteers have no polyp and the image resolution is approximately 4 mm, a successful electronic cleansing is defined as "no more than five false positives and no removal of a colon fold part greater than 4 mm" for each study case. The successful rate is 100% for protocol Diet-1, 77% for Diet-2 and 57% for Diet-3. Conclusion: A laxative-free bowel preparation is feasible for virtual colonoscopy.

Darwin's mistake: explaining the discontinuity between human and nonhuman minds.

PubMed

Penn, Derek C; Holyoak, Keith J; Povinelli, Daniel J

2008-04-01

Over the last quarter century, the dominant tendency in comparative cognitive psychology has been to emphasize the similarities between human and nonhuman minds and to downplay the differences as "one of degree and not of kind" (Darwin 1871). In the present target article, we argue that Darwin was mistaken: the profound biological continuity between human and nonhuman animals masks an equally profound discontinuity between human and nonhuman minds. To wit, there is a significant discontinuity in the degree to which human and nonhuman animals are able to approximate the higher-order, systematic, relational capabilities of a physical symbol system (PSS) (Newell 1980). We show that this symbolic-relational discontinuity pervades nearly every domain of cognition and runs much deeper than even the spectacular scaffolding provided by language or culture alone can explain. We propose a representational-level specification as to where human and nonhuman animals' abilities to approximate a PSS are similar and where they differ. We conclude by suggesting that recent symbolic-connectionist models of cognition shed new light on the mechanisms that underlie the gap between human and nonhuman minds.

Rhenium Complexes and Clusters Supported on c-Al2O3: Effects of Rhenium Oxidation State and Rhenium Cluster Size on Catalytic Activity for n-butane Hydrogenolysis

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

Lobo Lapidus, R.; Gates, B

2009-01-01

Supported metals prepared from H{sub 3}Re{sub 3}(CO){sub 12} on {gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} were treated under conditions that led to various rhenium structures on the support and were tested as catalysts for n-butane conversion in the presence of H{sub 2} in a flow reactor at 533 K and 1 atm. After use, two samples were characterized by X-ray absorption edge positions of approximately 5.6 eV (relative to rhenium metal), indicating that the rhenium was cationic and essentially in the same average oxidation state in each. But the Re-Re coordination numbers found by extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (2.2 and 5.1)more » show that the clusters in the two samples were significantly different in average nuclearity despite their indistinguishable rhenium oxidation states. Spectra of a third sample after catalysis indicate approximately Re{sub 3} clusters, on average, and an edge position of 4.5 eV. Thus, two samples contained clusters approximated as Re{sub 3} (on the basis of the Re-Re coordination number), on average, with different average rhenium oxidation states. The data allow resolution of the effects of rhenium oxidation state and cluster size, both of which affect the catalytic activity; larger clusters and a greater degree of reduction lead to increased activity.« less

Two-tint pump-probe measurements using a femtosecond laser oscillator and sharp-edged optical filters.

PubMed

Kang, Kwangu; Koh, Yee Kan; Chiritescu, Catalin; Zheng, Xuan; Cahill, David G

2008-11-01

We describe a simple approach for rejecting unwanted scattered light in two types of time-resolved pump-probe measurements, time-domain thermoreflectance (TDTR) and time-resolved incoherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (TRIARS). Sharp edged optical filters are used to create spectrally distinct pump and probe beams from the broad spectral output of a femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser oscillator. For TDTR, the diffusely scattered pump light is then blocked by a third optical filter. For TRIARS, depolarized scattering created by the pump is shifted in frequency by approximately 250 cm(-1) relative to the polarized scattering created by the probe; therefore, spectral features created by the pump and probe scattering can be easily distinguished.

Mismatches in genetic markers in a large family study.

PubMed Central

Ashton, G C

1980-01-01

The Hawaii Family Study of Cognition provided an opportunity to investigate the frequency and implications of non-agreement, or mismatches, between observed and expected genetic marker phenotypes of husbands, wives, and children. Mismatch data from 68 families in which one or both spouses were known not to be a biological parent were used to determine the rate of undeclared nonparentage in 1,748 families in which conventional relationships were claimed. Two independent approaches gave consistent estimates, suggesting that approximately 2.3% of the 2,839 tested children from these families were probably the result of infidelity, concealed adoption, or another event. About two-thirds of the mismatches detected were probably due to properties of the techniques employed. PMID:6930820

Microseisms at Palisades. III - Microseisms and microbaroms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rind, D.

1980-01-01

Microseisms (seismic surface waves) in the frequency range of 0.1-1 Hz recorded at Palisades, N.Y., are compared with microbaroms (infrasound) in the same frequency range recorded simultaneously. Both are thought to be generated by interfering ocean waves, and the question addressed is how often does their comparison imply that they have the same source. Compared were their approximate regions of formation, the formation conditions (both meteorological and oceanographic), amplitude variations, and frequency spectra. It is concluded that for the signals recorded at this location the two phenomena appear to have the same ocean wave sources two-thirds of the times and at least some of the remaining times one of the signals is prevented from arriving owing to propagation difficulties.

Kuru

MedlinePlus

... The NINDS funds research to better understand the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms that underlie the TSE diseases. ... The NINDS funds research to better understand the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms that underlie the TSE diseases. ...

Availability of Ground-water in Marion County, Indiana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Meyer, William R.; Reussow, J.P.; Gillies, D.C.; Shampine, W.J.

1975-01-01

A series of model experiments were carried out to test the capacity of the aquifers to sustain increases in pumpage. In all of these, a new equilibrium was established within 6 years of simulated pumpage. In two of these experiments, water levels in the discharging wells were allowed to draw down to approximately half of the saturated thickness of the glacial-outwash aquifer. At this drawdown limit, the total discharge of wells in the system was found to be 59 million gallons per day (2.6 cubic second) assuming that the streams were fully connected to the upper third of the glacial-outwash aquifer. In two other experiments, discharging wells were allowed to drawdown an average of two-thirds of the saturated thickness of the glacial-outwash aquifer. At this limit, the total discharge was found to be 72 million gallons per day (3.2 cubic metres per second) using the conservative stream-aquifer connection, and 103 million gallons per day (4.5 cubic metres per second) assuming a full connection. Some dewatering of the aquifer was associated with the 72 million gallons per day (3.2 cubic metres per second) discharge. In all experiments, the amount that could be pumped from the confined aquifers without disturbing existing domestic wells was found to be small.

Functional photoreceptor loss revealed with adaptive optics: an alternate cause of color blindness.

PubMed

Carroll, Joseph; Neitz, Maureen; Hofer, Heidi; Neitz, Jay; Williams, David R

2004-06-01

There is enormous variation in the X-linked L/M (long/middle wavelength sensitive) gene array underlying "normal" color vision in humans. This variability has been shown to underlie individual variation in color matching behavior. Recently, red-green color blindness has also been shown to be associated with distinctly different genotypes. This has opened the possibility that there may be important phenotypic differences within classically defined groups of color blind individuals. Here, adaptive optics retinal imaging has revealed a mechanism for producing dichromatic color vision in which the expression of a mutant cone photopigment gene leads to the loss of the entire corresponding class of cone photoreceptor cells. Previously, the theory that common forms of inherited color blindness could be caused by the loss of photoreceptor cells had been discounted. We confirm that remarkably, this loss of one-third of the cones does not impair any aspect of vision other than color.

Environmental consequences of oil production from oil sands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosa, Lorenzo; Davis, Kyle F.; Rulli, Maria C.; D'Odorico, Paolo

2017-02-01

Crude oil from oil sands will constitute a substantial share of future global oil demand. Oil sands deposits account for a third of globally proven oil reserves, underlie large natural forested areas, and have extraction methods requiring large volumes of freshwater. Yet little work has been done to quantify some of the main environmental impacts of oil sands operations. Here we examine forest loss and water use for the world's major oil sands deposits. We calculate actual and potential rates of water use and forest loss both in Canadian deposits, where oil sands extraction is already taking place, and in other major deposits worldwide. We estimated that their exploitation, given projected production trends, could result in 1.31 km3 yr-1 of freshwater demand and 8700 km2 of forest loss. The expected escalation in oil sands extraction thus portends extensive environmental impacts.

The changing demographic, legal, and technological contexts of political representation.

PubMed

Forest, Benjamin

2005-10-25

Three developments have created challenges for political representation in the U.S. and particularly for the use of territorially based representation (election by district). First, the demographic complexity of the U.S. population has grown both in absolute terms and in terms of residential patterns. Second, legal developments since the 1960s have recognized an increasing number of groups as eligible for voting rights protection. Third, the growing technical capacities of computer technology, particularly Geographic Information Systems, have allowed political parties and other organizations to create election districts with increasingly precise political and demographic characteristics. Scholars have made considerable progress in measuring and evaluating the racial and partisan biases of districting plans, and some states have tried to use Geographic Information Systems technology to produce more representative districts. However, case studies of Texas and Arizona illustrate that such analytic and technical advances have not overcome the basic contradictions that underlie the American system of territorial political representation.

Neural syntax: cell assemblies, synapsembles and readers

PubMed Central

Buzsáki, György

2010-01-01

Summary A widely discussed hypothesis in neuroscience is that transiently active ensembles of neurons, known as ‘cell assemblies’, underlie numerous operations of the brain, from encoding memories to reasoning. However, the mechanisms responsible for the formation and disbanding of cell assemblies and temporal evolution of cell assembly sequences are not well understood. I introduce and review three interconnected topics, which could facilitate progress in defining cell assemblies, identifying their neuronal organization and revealing causal relationships between assembly organization and behavior. First, I hypothesize that cell assemblies are best understood in light of their output product, as detected by ‘reader-actuator’ mechanisms. Second, I suggest that the hierarchical organization of cell assemblies may be regarded as a neural syntax. Third, constituents of the neural syntax are linked together by dynamically changing constellations of synaptic weights (‘synapsembles’). Existing support for this tripartite framework is reviewed and strategies for experimental testing of its predictions are discussed. PMID:21040841

Neuromusicology or Musiconeurology? “Omni-art” in Alexander Scriabin as a Fount of Ideas

PubMed Central

Triarhou, Lazaros C.

2016-01-01

Science can uncover neural mechanisms by looking at the work of artists. The ingenuity of a titan of classical music, the Russian composer Alexander Scriabin (1872–1915), in combining all the sensory modalities into a polyphony of aesthetical experience, and his creation of a chord based on fourths rather than the conventional thirds are proposed as putative points of departure for insight, in future studies, into the neural processes that underlie the perception of beauty, individually or universally. Scriabin’s “Omni-art” was a new synthesis of music, philosophy and religion, and a new aesthetic language, a unification of music, vision, olfaction, drama, poetry, dance, image, and conceptualization, all governed by logic, in the quest for the integrative action of the human mind toward a “higher reality” of which music is only a component. PMID:27014167

High Resolution Mapping of Genetic Factors Affecting Abdominal Bristle Number in Drosophila Melanogaster

PubMed Central

Long, A. D.; Mullaney, S. L.; Reid, L. A.; Fry, J. D.; Langley, C. H.; Mackay, TFC.

1995-01-01

Factors responsible for selection response for abdominal bristle number and correlated responses in sternopleural bristle number were mapped to the X and third chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster. Lines divergent for high and low abdominal bristle number were created by 25 generations of artificial selection from a large base population, with an intensity of 25 individuals of each sex selected from 100 individuals of each sex scored per generation. Isogenic chromosome substitution lines in which the high (H) X or third chromosome were placed in an isogenic low (L) background were derived from the selection lines and from the 93 recombinant isogenic (RI) HL X and 67 RI chromosome 3 lines constructed from them. Highly polymorphic neutral r00 transposable elements were hybridized in situ to the polytene chromosomes of the RI lines to create a set of cytogenetic markers. These techniques yielded a dense map with an average spacing of 4 cM between informative markers. Factors affecting bristle number, and relative viability of the chromosome 3 RI lines, were mapped using a multiple regression interval mapping approach, conditioning on all markers >/=10 cM from the tested interval. Two factors with large effects on abdominal bristle number were mapped on the X chromosome and five factors on the third chromosome. One factor with a large effect on sternopleural bristle number was mapped to the X and two were mapped to the third chromosome; all factors with sternopleural effects corresponded to those with effects on abdominal bristle number. Two of the chromosome 3 factors with large effects on abdominal bristle number were also associated with reduced viability. Significant sex-specific effects and epistatic interactions between mapped factors of the same order of magnitude as the additive effects were observed. All factors mapped to the approximate positions of likely candidate loci (ASC, bb, emc, h, mab, Dl and E(spl)), previously characterized by mutations with large effects on bristle number. PMID:7768438

The Social Construction of Gender and Sexuality: Learning from Two Spirit Traditions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sheppard, Maia; Mayo, J. B., Jr.

2013-01-01

The authors encourage teachers to make use of existing, standard social studies curriculum to uncover and to make visible the normative assumptions that underlie American cultural beliefs about gender and sexuality. The article provides an overview of how some cultures within the various Native American nations conceptualize gender and sexuality…

Music in the Early Years: Pathways into the Social World

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ilari, Beatriz

2016-01-01

Two assumptions that underlie much research in early childhood music education are that music is a social endeavor and musical participation is beneficial to children's overall social development. As members of cultural and social groups, young children engage with music in a multitude of ways and with different companions. This article examines…

A Description and Analysis of Rising Health Care Expenditures. Extension Studies 77.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cordes, Sam M.

Two concerns that underlie preoccupation with health care costs are that society may not be getting a "reasonable return" from increased expenditures and that the quantity of services per expenditure could be provided more cheaply. Concern arises because the "market" for health care deviates significantly from other "free enterprise" markets, it…

78 FR 35940 - Guidance for Industry on Codevelopment of Two or More New Investigational Drugs for Use in...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-14

... underlie many complex diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and infectious diseases. This...., ``new investigational drugs'') to be used in combination to treat a disease or condition. The guidance... (i.e., ``new investigational drugs'') to be used in combination to treat a disease or condition...

Birth Planning Values and Decisions: Preliminary Findings.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Townes, Brenda D.; And Others

The values and processes which underlie people's birth planning decisions were studied via decision theory. Sixty-three married couples including 23 with no children, 33 with one child, and 27 with two children were presented with a large set of personal values related to birth planning decisions. Individuals rated the importance or utility of…

The Human Genome Project: Biology, Computers, and Privacy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cutter, Mary Ann G.; Drexler, Edward; Gottesman, Kay S.; Goulding, Philip G.; McCullough, Laurence B.; McInerney, Joseph D.; Micikas, Lynda B.; Mural, Richard J.; Murray, Jeffrey C.; Zola, John

This module, for high school teachers, is the second of two modules about the Human Genome Project (HGP) produced by the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS). The first section of this module provides background information for teachers about the structure and objectives of the HGP, aspects of the science and technology that underlie the…

Lifespan Differences in the Social Networks of Prison Inmates

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bond, Gary D.; Thompson, Laura A.; Malloy, Daniel M.

2005-01-01

Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (SST) (Carstensen, 1992, 1993) accounts for lifespan changes in human social networks and for the motivations which underlie those changes. SST is applied in this research with 256 prison inmates and non-inmates, ages 18-84, from Mississippi, Kansas, and New Mexico. Two research questions sought to identify (a)…

Students' Interpersonal Trust and Attitudes towards Standardised Tests: Exploring Affective Variables Related to Student Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chu, Man-Wai; Guo, Qi; Leighton, Jacqueline P.

2014-01-01

Cognitive and psychometric variables have directed research on student test performance. However, student learning involves a substantial affective component. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between two kinds of affective variables--interpersonal trust and attitudes towards standardised tests--likely to underlie student…

Early Tracking or Finally Leaving? Determinants of Early Study Success in First-Year University Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brouwer, Jasperina; Jansen, Ellen; Hofman, Adriaan; Flache, Andreas

2016-01-01

Two theoretical approaches underlie this investigation of the determinants of early study success among first-year university students. Specifically, to extend Walberg's educational productivity model, this study draws on the expectancy-value theory of achievement motivation in a contemporary university context. The survey data came from 407…

Spatial Language, Visual Attention, and Perceptual Simulation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coventry, Kenny R.; Lynott, Dermot; Cangelosi, Angelo; Monrouxe, Lynn; Joyce, Dan; Richardson, Daniel C.

2010-01-01

Spatial language descriptions, such as "The bottle is over the glass", direct the attention of the hearer to particular aspects of the visual world. This paper asks how they do so, and what brain mechanisms underlie this process. In two experiments employing behavioural and eye tracking methodologies we examined the effects of spatial language on…

How Does Parental Reading Influence Children's Reading? A Study of Cognitive Mediation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van Bergen, Elsje; Bishop, Dorothy; van Zuijen, Titia; de Jong, Peter F.

2015-01-01

Cognitive processes underlying a behavioural outcome (like reading ability) and the impact of familial risk (e.g., for dyslexia) have been studied in isolation. We present a novel design, linking the two avenues. How do familial influences impact on children's cognitive skills, which subsequently underlie reading development? Participants from the…

Hard Lessons: Why Rational Number Arithmetic Is so Difficult for so Many People

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Siegler, Robert S.; Lortie-Forgues, Hugues

2017-01-01

Fraction and decimal arithmetic pose large difficulties for many children and adults. This is a serious problem, because proficiency with these skills is crucial for learning more advanced mathematics and science and for success in many occupations. This review identifies two main classes of difficulties that underlie poor understanding of…

Cognitive Mechanisms Underlying Action Prediction in Children and Adults with Autism Spectrum Condition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schuwerk, Tobias; Sodian, Beate; Paulus, Markus

2016-01-01

Recent research suggests that impaired action prediction is at the core of social interaction deficits in autism spectrum condition (ASC). Here, we targeted two cognitive mechanisms that are thought to underlie the prediction of others' actions: statistical learning and efficiency considerations. We measured proactive eye movements of 10-year-old…

View Combination: A Generalization Mechanism for Visual Recognition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Friedman, Alinda; Waller, David; Thrash, Tyler; Greenauer, Nathan; Hodgson, Eric

2011-01-01

We examined whether view combination mechanisms shown to underlie object and scene recognition can integrate visual information across views that have little or no three-dimensional information at either the object or scene level. In three experiments, people learned four "views" of a two dimensional visual array derived from a three-dimensional…

Parental Employment and Child Behaviors: Do Parenting Practices Underlie These Relationships?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hadzic, Renata; Magee, Christopher A.; Robinson, Laura

2013-01-01

This study examined whether hours of parental employment were associated with child behaviors via parenting practices. The sample included 2,271 Australian children aged 4-5 years at baseline. Two-wave panel mediation models tested whether parenting practices that were warm, hostile, or characterized by inductive reasoning linked parent's hours of…

Dependency, impulsivity, and self-harm: traits hypothesized to underlie the association between cluster B personality and substance use disorders.

PubMed

Casillas, Alex; Clark, Lee Anna

2002-10-01

Cluster B personality disorders (PDs) (i.e., antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic) typically show a high degree of comorbidity with substance use disorders (SUDs). Previous research suggests that the broad-based personality domains of Disinhibition and Negative Temperament/Neuroticism may be common factors to both types of disorders. Using a two-phase process (i.e., screening and follow-up), this study examined three lower-order personality traits (i.e., dependency, impulsivity, and self-harm) that fall within the Disinhibition and Neuroticism domains. The study evaluated the hypotheses that these traits (a) are related both to cluster B PDs and to SUDs; and (b) underlie the association between the two types of disorders. Results indicate that impulsivity and self-harm play a significant role in cluster B PDs and SUDs, as well as in their association with each other. However, dependency was not associated with either type of disorder. These results indicate that sets of individual traits can be of significant utility in understanding the comorbidity between PDs and SUDs.

Calculation of Thermal Conductivity Coefficients of Electrons in Magnetized Dense Matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bisnovatyi-Kogan, G. S.; Glushikhina, M. V.

2018-04-01

The solution of Boltzmann equation for plasma in magnetic field with arbitrarily degenerate electrons and nondegenerate nuclei is obtained by Chapman-Enskog method. Functions generalizing Sonine polynomials are used for obtaining an approximate solution. Fully ionized plasma is considered. The tensor of the heat conductivity coefficients in nonquantized magnetic field is calculated. For nondegenerate and strongly degenerate plasma the asymptotic analytic formulas are obtained and compared with results of previous authors. The Lorentz approximation with neglecting of electron-electron encounters is asymptotically exact for strongly degenerate plasma. For the first time, analytical expressions for the heat conductivity tensor for nondegenerate electrons in the presence of a magnetic field are obtained in the three-polynomial approximation with account of electron-electron collisions. Account of the third polynomial improved substantially the precision of results. In the two-polynomial approximation, the obtained solution coincides with the published results. For strongly degenerate electrons, an asymptotically exact analytical solution for the heat conductivity tensor in the presence of a magnetic field is obtained for the first time. This solution has a considerably more complicated dependence on the magnetic field than those in previous publications and gives a several times smaller relative value of the thermal conductivity across the magnetic field at ωτ * 0.8.

Generation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against Giardia muris trophozoites.

PubMed

Heyworth, M F; Ho, K E; Pappo, J

1989-11-01

Mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were produced against Giardia muris trophozoite surface antigens. To generate B-cell hybridomas, P3/NS1/1-Ag4-1 myeloma cells were fused with splenic lymphocytes from BALB/c mice that had been immunized parenterally with G. muris trophozoites. Hybridoma culture supernatants were screened for mAb by flow cytometry of G. muris trophozoites incubated with culture supernatant followed by fluorescein-conjugated anti-mouse IgG and IgM. Flow cytometry showed three types of trophozoite staining by mAb: (i) bright staining of greater than 90% of trophozoites, with aggregation of the organisms; (ii) bright staining of approximately 90% of trophozoites, with little or no aggregation; (iii) dull staining of approximately 20% of trophozoites, without aggregation. Western blotting of mAb on G. muris trophozoite antigens separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that a mAb exhibiting the third of these flow cytometry staining patterns recognized trophozoite antigens of MW approximately 31,000 and 35,000. Immunoprecipitation studies indicated that the same mAb specifically precipitated two 125I-labelled trophozoite surface antigens of MW approximately 30,000. Monoclonal antibodies generated in this study may facilitate the purification and biochemical characterization of trophozoite antigens that are targets for protective intestinal antibody in G. muris-infected mice.

Third-order Zeeman effect in highly charged ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varentsova, A. S.; Agababaev, V. A.; Volchkova, A. M.; Glazov, D. A.; Volotka, A. V.; Shabaev, V. M.; Plunien, G.

2017-10-01

The contribution of the third order in magnetic field to the Zeeman splitting of the ground state of hydrogenlike, lithiumlike, and boronlike ions in the range Z = 6 - 82 is investigated within the relativistic approach. Both perturbative and non-perturbative methods of calculation are employed and found to be in agreement. For lithiumlike and boronlike ions the interelectronic-interaction effects are taken into account within the approximation of the local screening potential. The contribution of the third-order effect in low- and medium-Z boronlike ions is found to be important for anticipated high-precision measurements.

Acute respiratory alkalosis occurring after endoscopic third ventriculostomy -A case report-.

PubMed

Sung, Hui-Jin; Sohn, Ju-Tae; Kim, Jae-Gak; Shin, Il-Woo; Ok, Seong-Ho; Lee, Heon-Keun; Chung, Young-Kyun

2010-12-01

An endoscopic third ventriculostomy was performed in a 55-year-old man with an obstructive hydrocephalus due to aqueductal stenosis. The vital signs and laboratory studies upon admission were within the normal limits. Anesthesia was maintained with nitrous oxide in oxygen and 6% desflurane. The patient received irrigation with approximately 3,000 ml normal saline during the procedure. Anesthesia and operation were uneventful. However, he developed postoperative hyperventilation in the recovery room, and arterial blood gas analysis revealed acute respiratory alkalosis. We report a rare respiratory alkalosis that occurred after an endoscopic third ventriculostomy.

Trends in the use of echocardiography and left ventriculography to assess left ventricular ejection fraction in patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction

PubMed Central

Joffe, Samuel W.; Chalian, Armen; Tighe, Dennis A.; Aurigemma, Gerard P.; Yarzebski, Jorge; Gore, Joel M.; Lessard, Darleen; Goldberg, Robert J.

2009-01-01

Background While current guidelines strongly recommend the measurement of ejection fraction (EF) in all patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), there are little data available describing trends in the use of diagnostic modalities to assess EF in these patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate trends in the use of ventriculography and echocardiography to measure EF in a community sample of patients hospitalized with AMI. Methods The medical records of 5,380 residents of the Worcester (MA) metropolitan area hospitalized with AMI at 11 greater Worcester medical centers between 1997 and 2005 were reviewed. Results Between 1997 and 2005, the proportion of patients hospitalized with AMI undergoing measurement of EF by both ventriculography and echocardiography increased from 11% to 18%, while the percentage of patients who did not receive an evaluation of EF by either modality decreased from 37% to 27%. The percentage of patients undergoing measurement of EF by ventriculography alone increased from 14% to 20%, while the percentage of patients undergoing measurement of EF by echocardiography alone remained stable at 37%. In 1997, echocardiography was performed prior to ventriculography in approximately two-thirds of hospitalized patients, while in 2005, ventriculography was performed prior to echocardiography in approximately two-thirds of patients with AMI. Conclusions The use of left ventriculography, and the concurrent use of both ventriculography and echocardiography, to assess EF in patients with AMI is increasing. While the proportion of patients who do not have their EF assessed has declined during recent years, many still do not receive a determination of their EF. PMID:19619693

Drug Use among Seniors on Public Drug Programs in Canada, 2012.

PubMed

Proulx, Jeff; Hunt, Jordan

2015-01-01

Seniors take more drugs than younger Canadians because, on average, they have a higher number of chronic conditions. Although taking multiple medications may be necessary to manage these conditions, it is important to consider the benefits and risks of each medication and the therapeutic goals of the patient. This article provides an in-depth look at the number and types of drugs used by seniors using drug claims data from the CIHI's National Prescription Drug Utilization Information System Database, representing approximately 70% of seniors in Canada. In 2012, almost two-thirds (65.9%) of seniors on public drug programs had claims for five or more drug classes, while 27.2% had claims for 10 or more, and 8.6% had claims for 15 or more. The most commonly used drug class was statins, used by nearly half (46.6%) of seniors. Nearly two-thirds (60.9%) of seniors living in long-term care (LTC) facilities had claims for 10 or more drug classes. Proton pump inhibitors were the most commonly used drug class among seniors living in LTC facilities (used by 37.0% of seniors in LTC facilities), while statins ranked seventh (29.8%).

Acid-Base Homeostasis

PubMed Central

Nakhoul, Nazih; Hering-Smith, Kathleen S.

2015-01-01

Acid-base homeostasis and pH regulation are critical for both normal physiology and cell metabolism and function. The importance of this regulation is evidenced by a variety of physiologic derangements that occur when plasma pH is either high or low. The kidneys have the predominant role in regulating the systemic bicarbonate concentration and hence, the metabolic component of acid-base balance. This function of the kidneys has two components: reabsorption of virtually all of the filtered HCO3− and production of new bicarbonate to replace that consumed by normal or pathologic acids. This production or generation of new HCO3− is done by net acid excretion. Under normal conditions, approximately one-third to one-half of net acid excretion by the kidneys is in the form of titratable acid. The other one-half to two-thirds is the excretion of ammonium. The capacity to excrete ammonium under conditions of acid loads is quantitatively much greater than the capacity to increase titratable acid. Multiple, often redundant pathways and processes exist to regulate these renal functions. Derangements in acid-base homeostasis, however, are common in clinical medicine and can often be related to the systems involved in acid-base transport in the kidneys. PMID:26597304

Nitrogen oxides in the troposphere - Global and regional budgets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Logan, J. A.

1983-01-01

The cycle of nitrogen oxides in the troposphere is discussed from both global and regional perspectives. Global sources for NO(x) are estimated to be of magnitude 50 (+ or - 25) x 10 to the 12th gm N/yr. Nitrogen oxides are derived from combustion of fossil fuels (40 percent) and biomass burning (25 percent) with the balance from lightning and microbial activity in soils. Estimates for the rate of removal of NOx based on recent atmospheric and precipitation chemistry data are consistent with global source strengths derived here. Industrial and agricultural activities provide approximately two thirds of the global source for NOx. In North America, sources from combustion of fossil fuels exceed natural sources by a factor of 3-13. Wet deposition removes about one third of the combustion source of NOx over North America, while dry deposition removes a similar amount. The balance is exported from the continent. Deposition of nitrate in precipitation over eastern Canada and the western Atlantic is clearly influenced by sources of NOx in the eastern United States.

Vibroacoustic Response Data of Stiffened Panels and Cylinders

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cabell, Randolph; Klos, Jake; Buehrle, Ralph; Schiller, Noah

2008-01-01

NASA has collected vibroacoustic response data on a variety of complex, aerospace structures to support research into numerical modeling of such structures. This data is being made available to the modeling community to promote the development and validation of analysis methods for these types of structures. Existing data from two structures is described, as well as plans for a data set from a third structure. The first structure is a 1.22 m by 1.22 m stiffened aluminum panel, typical of a commercial aircraft sidewall section. The second is an enclosed, stiffened aluminum cylinder, approximately 3.66 m long and 1.22 m in diameter, constructed to resemble a small aircraft fuselage with no windows and a periodic structure. The third structure is a filament-wound composite cylinder with composite stiffeners. Numerous combinations of excitation and response variables were measured on the structures, including: shaker excitation; diffuse acoustic field; velocity response from a laser vibrometer; intensity scans; and point acceleration.

Contact Tracing Activities during the Ebola Virus Disease Epidemic in Kindia and Faranah, Guinea, 2014

PubMed Central

Taylor, Melanie M.; Dee, Jacob; Hakim, Avi; Cantey, Paul; Lim, Travis; Bah, Hawa; Camara, Sékou Mohamed; Ndongmo, Clement B.; Togba, Mory; Touré, Leonie Yvonne; Bilivogui, Pepe; Sylla, Mohammed; Kinzer, Michael; Coronado, Fátima; Tongren, Jon Eric; Swaminathan, Mahesh; Mandigny, Lise; Diallo, Boubacar; Seyler, Thomas; Rondy, Marc; Rodier, Guénaël; Perea, William A.; Dahl, Benjamin

2015-01-01

The largest recorded Ebola virus disease epidemic began in March 2014; as of July 2015, it continued in 3 principally affected countries: Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Control efforts include contact tracing to expedite identification of the virus in suspect case-patients. We examined contact tracing activities during September 20–December 31, 2014, in 2 prefectures of Guinea using national and local data about case-patients and their contacts. Results show less than one third of case-patients (28.3% and 31.1%) were registered as contacts before case identification; approximately two thirds (61.1% and 67.7%) had no registered contacts. Time to isolation of suspected case-patients was not immediate (median 5 and 3 days for Kindia and Faranah, respectively), and secondary attack rates varied by relationships of persons who had contact with the source case-patient and the type of case-patient to which a contact was exposed. More complete contact tracing efforts are needed to augment control of this epidemic. PMID:26488116

Contact Tracing Activities during the Ebola Virus Disease Epidemic in Kindia and Faranah, Guinea, 2014.

PubMed

Dixon, Meredith G; Taylor, Melanie M; Dee, Jacob; Hakim, Avi; Cantey, Paul; Lim, Travis; Bah, Hawa; Camara, Sékou Mohamed; Ndongmo, Clement B; Togba, Mory; Touré, Leonie Yvonne; Bilivogui, Pepe; Sylla, Mohammed; Kinzer, Michael; Coronado, Fátima; Tongren, Jon Eric; Swaminathan, Mahesh; Mandigny, Lise; Diallo, Boubacar; Seyler, Thomas; Rondy, Marc; Rodier, Guénaël; Perea, William A; Dahl, Benjamin

2015-11-01

The largest recorded Ebola virus disease epidemic began in March 2014; as of July 2015, it continued in 3 principally affected countries: Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Control efforts include contact tracing to expedite identification of the virus in suspect case-patients. We examined contact tracing activities during September 20-December 31, 2014, in 2 prefectures of Guinea using national and local data about case-patients and their contacts. Results show less than one third of case-patients (28.3% and 31.1%) were registered as contacts before case identification; approximately two thirds (61.1% and 67.7%) had no registered contacts. Time to isolation of suspected case-patients was not immediate (median 5 and 3 days for Kindia and Faranah, respectively), and secondary attack rates varied by relationships of persons who had contact with the source case-patient and the type of case-patient to which a contact was exposed. More complete contact tracing efforts are needed to augment control of this epidemic.

Primary school accident reporting in one education authority

PubMed Central

Latif, A; Williams, W; Sibert, J

2002-01-01

Background: Studies have shown a correlation between increased accident rates and levels of deprivation in the community. School accident reporting is one area where an association might be expected. Aims: To investigate differences in primary school accident rates in deprived and more affluent wards, in an area managed by one education authority. Methods: Statistical analysis of accident form returns for 100 primary schools in one education authority in Wales over a two year period, in conjunction with visits to over one third of school sites. Results: Accident report rates from schools in deprived wards were three times higher than those from schools in more affluent wards. School visits showed that this discrepancy was attributable primarily to differences in reporting procedures. One third of schools did not report accidents and approximately half did not keep records of minor accidents. Conclusions: The association between school accident report rates and deprivation in the community is complex. School accident data from local education authorities may be unreliable for most purposes of collection. PMID:11827900

Primary school accident reporting in one education authority.

PubMed

Latif, A H A; Williams, W R; Sibert, J

2002-02-01

Studies have shown a correlation between increased accident rates and levels of deprivation in the community. School accident reporting is one area where an association might be expected. To investigate differences in primary school accident rates in deprived and more affluent wards, in an area managed by one education authority. Statistical analysis of accident form returns for 100 primary schools in one education authority in Wales over a two year period, in conjunction with visits to over one third of school sites. Accident report rates from schools in deprived wards were three times higher than those from schools in more affluent wards. School visits showed that this discrepancy was attributable primarily to differences in reporting procedures. One third of schools did not report accidents and approximately half did not keep records of minor accidents. The association between school accident report rates and deprivation in the community is complex. School accident data from local education authorities may be unreliable for most purposes of collection.

Decomposing trends in attitudes toward gay marriage, 1988–2006.

PubMed

Baunach, Dawn Michelle

2011-01-01

Objective. The objective of this article is to examine the trend in attitudes toward gay marriage through the analysis of data from the General Social Survey. Methods. Using linear decomposition techniques, I explain the change in attitudes toward gay marriage from 1988 to 2006. Results. Attitudes significantly liberalized over time; 71 percent opposed gay marriage in 1988, but by 2006, this figure dropped to 52 percent. Approximately two-thirds of this change was due to an intracohort change effect, or individuals' modifying their views over time, and one-third was due to a cohort succession effect, or later cohorts replacing earlier ones. This pattern was replicated across many subgroups of the U.S. public, including age, sex, residential, educational, and religious groups. Conclusion. The results suggest that the use of the “equality/tolerance” framing of gay marriage by its supporters and other societal events or “moments” may have convinced some people who used to disapprove of gay marriage in 1988 to approve of it by 2006.

Identifying Social Determinants of Health and Legal Needs for Children With Special Health Care Needs.

PubMed

DeJong, Neal A; Wood, Charles T; Morreale, Madlyn C; Ellis, Cameron; Davis, Darragh; Fernandez, Jorge; Steiner, Michael J

2016-03-01

Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) require comprehensive care with high levels of community and government assistance. Medical-legal partnerships may be particularly suited to address needs for this population. To explore this, we conducted in-depth telephone interviews of families of CSHCN cared for in the primary care practice of our tertiary care children's hospital. The majority of the sample (N = 46) had been late on housing payments and 17% of homeowners had been threatened with foreclosure. Families frequently reported denial of public benefits. Approximately 10% had executed advance planning documents such as guardianship plans for the children or wills for the parents. A minority of families had sought help from community agencies or lawyers. Less than one third had ever discussed any of the issues with health care providers, but two thirds were likely or very likely to in the future. CSHCN may especially benefit from the social support of a medical-legal partnership. © The Author(s) 2015.

A parametric experimental investigation of a scramjet nozzle at Mach 6 with Freon and argon or air used for exhaust simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cubbage, James M.; Monta, William J.

1991-01-01

A parametric experimental investigation of a scramjet nozzle was conducted with a gas mixture used to simulate the scramjet engine exhaust flow at a free-stream Reynolds number of approximately 6.5 x 10(exp 6) per foot. External nozzle surface angles of 16, 20, and 24 deg were tested with a fixed-length ramp and for cowl internal surface angles of 6 and 12 deg. Pressure data on the external nozzle surface were obtained for mixtures of Freon and argon gases with a ratio of specific heats of about 1.23, which matches that of a scramjet exhaust. Forces and moments were determined by integration of the pressure data. Two nozzle configurations were also tested with air used to simulate the exhaust flow. On the external nozzle surface, lift and thrust forces for air exhaust simulation were approximately half of those for Freon-argon exhaust simulation and the pitching moment was approximately a third. These differences were primarily due to the difference in the ratios of specific heats between the two exhaust simulation gases. A 20 deg external surface angle produced the greatest thrust for a 6 deg cowl internal surface angle. A flow fence significantly increased lift and thrust forces over those for the nozzle without a flow fence.

Rapid Long-Range Disynaptic Inhibition Explains the Formation of Cortical Orientation Maps

PubMed Central

Antolík, Ján

2017-01-01

Competitive interactions are believed to underlie many types of cortical processing, ranging from memory formation, attention and development of cortical functional organization (e.g., development of orientation maps in primary visual cortex). In the latter case, the competitive interactions happen along the cortical surface, with local populations of neurons reinforcing each other, while competing with those displaced more distally. This specific configuration of lateral interactions is however in stark contrast with the known properties of the anatomical substrate, i.e., excitatory connections (mediating reinforcement) having longer reach than inhibitory ones (mediating competition). No satisfactory biologically plausible resolution of this conflict between anatomical measures, and assumed cortical function has been proposed. Recently a specific pattern of delays between different types of neurons in cat cortex has been discovered, where direct mono-synaptic excitation has approximately the same delay, as the combined delays of the disynaptic inhibitory interactions between excitatory neurons (i.e., the sum of delays from excitatory to inhibitory and from inhibitory to excitatory neurons). Here we show that this specific pattern of delays represents a biologically plausible explanation for how short-range inhibition can support competitive interactions that underlie the development of orientation maps in primary visual cortex. We demonstrate this statement analytically under simplifying conditions, and subsequently show using network simulations that development of orientation maps is preserved when long-range excitation, direct inhibitory to inhibitory interactions, and moderate inequality in the delays between excitatory and inhibitory pathways is added. PMID:28408869

The broad band X-ray spectrum of SN 1978k and two other luminous X-ray sources in the spiral galaxy NGC 1313

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Petre, Robert; Okada, Kyoko; Mihara, Tatehiro; Makishima, Kazuo; Colbert, Edward J. M.

1994-01-01

We present preliminary results of our analysis of the Advanced Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics (ASCA) PV phase observation of the nearby spiral galaxy NGC 1313. ASCA cleanly resolves the three previously known luminous sources, one of which is the very luminous supernova, SN 1978k. The spectrum of SN 1978k is described by either a power law with a photon index gamma approximately 2.2 or a thermal model with temperature kT approximately 3.0 keV and abundances Z approximately 0.2 Z(sun). There is no evidence for strong line emission from it or from the other two sources. The spectrum of SN 1978k arises either in shocked gas in extreme departure from ionization equilibrium or from synchrotron processes associated with a newborn pulsar. A second source, near the galactic center, is well-fit by a power-law with a photon index of approximately 1.8. It is possibly an active nucleus-like source, but physically displaced from the optical nucleus of the galaxy. The spectrum of the third source, located 8 kpc south of the nucleus, along with the absence of an optical counterpart, suggests that it is a low mass X-ray binary; but its high X-ray luminosity clouds this interpretation. This observation demonstrates the ability of ASCA to perform effective broad band spectroscopic measurements of sources at a 2-10 keV flux level of 5 x 10(exp -13) erg cm(exp -2) s(exp -1).

Water 16-mers and hexamers: assessment of the three-body and electrostatically embedded many-body approximations of the correlation energy or the nonlocal energy as ways to include cooperative effects.

PubMed

Qi, Helena W; Leverentz, Hannah R; Truhlar, Donald G

2013-05-30

This work presents a new fragment method, the electrostatically embedded many-body expansion of the nonlocal energy (EE-MB-NE), and shows that it, along with the previously proposed electrostatically embedded many-body expansion of the correlation energy (EE-MB-CE), produces accurate results for large systems at the level of CCSD(T) coupled cluster theory. We primarily study water 16-mers, but we also test the EE-MB-CE method on water hexamers. We analyze the distributions of two-body and three-body terms to show why the many-body expansion of the electrostatically embedded correlation energy converges faster than the many-body expansion of the entire electrostatically embedded interaction potential. The average magnitude of the dimer contributions to the pairwise additive (PA) term of the correlation energy (which neglects cooperative effects) is only one-half of that of the average dimer contribution to the PA term of the expansion of the total energy; this explains why the mean unsigned error (MUE) of the EE-PA-CE approximation is only one-half of that of the EE-PA approximation. Similarly, the average magnitude of the trimer contributions to the three-body (3B) term of the EE-3B-CE approximation is only one-fourth of that of the EE-3B approximation, and the MUE of the EE-3B-CE approximation is one-fourth that of the EE-3B approximation. Finally, we test the efficacy of two- and three-body density functional corrections. One such density functional correction method, the new EE-PA-NE method, with the OLYP or the OHLYP density functional (where the OHLYP functional is the OptX exchange functional combined with the LYP correlation functional multiplied by 0.5), has the best performance-to-price ratio of any method whose computational cost scales as the third power of the number of monomers and is competitive in accuracy in the tests presented here with even the electrostatically embedded three-body approximation.

Second-order closure PBL model with new third-order moments: Comparison with LES data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Canuto, V. M.; Minotti, F.; Ronchi, C.; Ypma, R. M.; Zeman, O.

1994-01-01

This paper contains two parts. In the first part, a new set of diagnostic equations is derived for the third-order moments for a buoyancy-driven flow, by exact inversion of the prognostic equations for the third-order moment equations in the stationary case. The third-order moments exhibit a universal structure: they all are a linear combination of the derivatives of all the second-order moments, bar-w(exp 2), bar-w theta, bar-theta(exp 2), and bar-q(exp 2). Each term of the sum contains a turbulent diffusivity D(sub t), which also exhibits a universal structure of the form D(sub t) = a nu(sub t) + b bar-w theta. Since the sign of the convective flux changes depending on stable or unstable stratification, D(sub t) varies according to the type of stratification. Here nu(sub t) approximately equal to wl (l is a mixing length and w is an rms velocity) represents the 'mechanical' part, while the 'buoyancy' part is represented by the convective flux bar-w theta. The quantities a and b are functions of the variable N(sub tau)(exp 2), where N(exp 2) = g alpha derivative of Theta with respect to z and tau is the turbulence time scale. The new expressions for the third-order moments generalize those of Zeman and Lumley, which were subsequently adopted by Sun and Ogura, Chen and Cotton, and Finger and Schmidt in their treatments of the convective boundary layer. In the second part, the new expressions for the third-order moments are used to solve the ensemble average equations describing a purely convective boundary laye r heated from below at a constant rate. The computed second- and third-order moments are then compared with the corresponding Large Eddy Simulation (LES) results, most of which are obtained by running a new LES code, and part of which are taken from published results. The ensemble average results compare favorably with the LES data.

A Simulation Study of Mutations in the Genetic Regulatory Hierarchy for Butterfly Eyespot Focus Determination

PubMed Central

Marcus, Jeffrey M.; Evans, Travis M.

2008-01-01

The color patterns on the wings of butterflies have been an important model system in evolutionary developmental biology. A recent computational model tested genetic regulatory hierarchies hypothesized to underlie the formation of butterfly eyespot foci (Evans and Marcus, 2006). The computational model demonstrated that one proposed hierarchy was incapable of reproducing the known patterns of gene expression associated with eyespot focus determination in wild-type butterflies, but that two slightly modified alternative hierarchies were capable of reproducing all of the known gene expressions patterns. Here we extend the computational models previously implemented in Delphi 2.0 to two mutants derived from the squinting bush brown butterfly (Bicyclus anynana). These two mutants, comet and Cyclops, have aberrantly shaped eyespot foci that are produced by different mechanisms. The comet mutation appears to produce a modified interaction between the wing margin and the eyespot focus that results in a series of comet-shaped eyespot foci. The Cyclops mutation causes the failure of wing vein formation between two adjacent wing-cells and the fusion of two adjacent eyespot foci to form a single large elongated focus in their place. The computational approach to modeling pattern formation in these mutants allows us to make predictions about patterns of gene expression, which are largely unstudied in butterfly mutants. It also suggests a critical experiment that will allow us to distinguish between two hypothesized genetic regulatory hierarchies that may underlie all butterfly eyespot foci. PMID:18586070

Structural optimization with approximate sensitivities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patnaik, S. N.; Hopkins, D. A.; Coroneos, R.

1994-01-01

Computational efficiency in structural optimization can be enhanced if the intensive computations associated with the calculation of the sensitivities, that is, gradients of the behavior constraints, are reduced. Approximation to gradients of the behavior constraints that can be generated with small amount of numerical calculations is proposed. Structural optimization with these approximate sensitivities produced correct optimum solution. Approximate gradients performed well for different nonlinear programming methods, such as the sequence of unconstrained minimization technique, method of feasible directions, sequence of quadratic programming, and sequence of linear programming. Structural optimization with approximate gradients can reduce by one third the CPU time that would otherwise be required to solve the problem with explicit closed-form gradients. The proposed gradient approximation shows potential to reduce intensive computation that has been associated with traditional structural optimization.

Evaluation of stability of osteosynthesis with K-wires on an artificial model of tibial malleolus fracture.

PubMed

Bumči, Igor; Vlahović, Tomislav; Jurić, Filip; Žganjer, Mirko; Miličić, Gordana; Wolf, Hinko; Antabak, Anko

2015-11-01

Paediatric ankle fractures comprise approximately 4% of all paediatric fractures and 30% of all epiphyseal fractures. Integrity of the ankle "mortise", which consists of tibial and fibular malleoli, is significant for stability and function of the ankle joint. Tibial malleolar fractures are classified as SH III or SH IV intra-articular fractures and, in cases where the fragments are displaced, anatomic reposition and fixation is mandatory. Type SH III-IV fractures of the tibial malleolus are usually treated with open reduction and fixation with cannulated screws that are parallel to the physis. Two K-wires are used for temporary stabilisation of fragments during reduction. A third "guide wire" for the screw is then placed parallel with the physis. Considering the rules of mechanics, it is assumed that the two temporary pins with the additional third pin placed parallel to the physis create a strong triangle and thus provide strong fracture fixation. To prove this hypothesis, an experiment was conducted on the artificial models of the lower end of the tibia from the company "Sawbones". Each model had been sawn in a way that imitates the fracture of medial malleoli and then reattached with 1.8mm pins in various combinations. Prepared models were then tested for tensile and pressure forces. The least stable model was that in which the fractured pieces were attached with only two parallel pins. The most stable model comprised three pins, where two crossed pins were inserted in the opposite compact bone and the third pin was inserted through the epiphysis parallel with and below the growth plate. A potential method of choice for fixation of tibial malleolar fractures comprises three K-wires, where two crossed pins are placed in the opposite compact bone and one is parallel with the growth plate. The benefits associated with this method include shorter operating times and avoidance of a second operation for screw removal. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[FUNCTIONAL TRAJECTORIES BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER ACUTE HOSPITALIZATION OF OLDER ADULTS IN INTERNAL MEDICINE WARDS].

PubMed

Zisberg, Anna; Tonkikh, Orly; Sinoff, Gary; Admi, Hanna; Shapira, Chen; Gur-Yaish, Nurit; Shadmi, Efrat

2018-01-01

Hospital-associated functional decline (HAFD) is recognized as a leading cause of adverse hospitalization outcomes, such as prolonged hospitalization, falls, readmission, and mortality. Since most patients hospitalized in internal medicine wards are older-adults, HAFD presents a major challenge to internal medicine. Describe functional trajectories of older-adults (aged ≥70 years) before, during and after acute hospitalization in internal-medicine units. A prospective cohort study was conducted of 741 older-adults, hospitalized in two tertiary hospitals in Israel during the period 2009-2011. Basic functional status two weeks before admission, on-admission, at-discharge and one-month post-discharge was assessed using the modified Barthel Index (BI). Eight trajectories were identified. Two-thirds of the participants were completely or almost independent at the pre-morbid period. About a half of the older-adults were hospitalized with pre-admission functional decline, a quarter deteriorated or died during hospitalization, and one-third improved during hospitalization. Most of the older-adults who were stable in functioning at the pre-admission period (57.1%) remained stable during and post-hospitalization; however, about a third of them did not return to their pre-morbid functioning levels. Approximately half of those with pre-morbid functional decline experienced additional deterioration of at least 5 points on the BI scale. Pre-morbid instrumental functional status, comorbidity and depressive symptoms have been found to distinguish older adults with similar pre-admission and in-hospital functional trends. Eight functional trajectories describe the hospitalization period of older-adults in internal-medicine units. On-admission personal characteristics may be used to identify older-adults who are at risk of unwarranted hospitalization outcomes and thus allow intervention in the hospital-community interface.

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

Rogers, R.

During May 1996, archaeologists from Espey, Huston & Associates, Inc. conducted National Register of Historic Places testing at four archaeological sites within the Dolet Hills Lignite Mine, 1998-2002 Environmental/Operations Narrative Area, in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of the investigations at one of these sites, 16DS228, which represents the Third Phase of the Civil War battle known as the Battle of Mansfield, fought on April 8, 1864. The Battle of Mansfield represented the culmination of the Federal Red River Campaign, which was designed to destroy the Confederate Army west of the Mississippi,more » and to enter and occupy Texas. The Federal strategy was based on a two-pronged attack by the land-naval force under General Nathaniel Banks and Admiral David Porter. The battle was fought in three phases. Initially, the advance segments of the Federal Army encountered Confederate forces commanded by General Richard Taylor, a few miles south of Mansfield. The Confederates overwhelmed the northerners in two successive engagements, forcing them back several miles to the farm of Joshua Chapman, where they made a final stand. During the fighting at Chapman`s farm, now known as the Third Phase of the battle, the U.S. Nineteenth Corps succeeded in stopping the Confederate advance, and allowed the badly mauled Federal Army to retreat southward to Pleasant Hill, where they again fought Taylor`s Confederates on the following afternoon. The archaeological investigations at the Third Phase battlefield examined an area of approximately 40 acres. Numerous historic maps and records from both northern and southern sources suggested that the investigated area included positions of two brigades of the U.S. Nineteenth Corps.« less

Survey of methods used to determine if a patient has a deep vein thrombosis: An exploratory research report.

PubMed

Heick, John D; Farris, James W

2017-09-01

The use of evidence-based practice (EBP) is encouraged in the physical therapy profession, but integrating evidence into practice can be difficult for clinicians because of lack of time and other constraints. To survey physical therapy clinical instructors and determine the methods they use for screening for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a type of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the lower extremities. Exploratory survey. Twelve survey questions written specifically for this study were sent to a convenience sample of clinical instructors associated with seven universities across 43 states. Eight hundred fifty clinical instructors (22.4% response rate) completed the survey. Of those who responded, 80.5% were taught to use Homans sign to screen for a possible DVT in their entry-level education and 67.9% continued to use Homans sign in clinical practice. Regardless of post-graduate education, respondents were more likely to choose Homans sign than a clinical decision rule (CDR) to screen for a suspected DVT. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of respondents failed to correctly identify one or more of the major risk factors for developing a DVT/VTE. The response rate was 22.4% and therefore may not fully represent the population of physical therapy clinical instructors in the United States. Results from this exploratory survey indicated that approximately two-thirds of physical therapy clinical instructors used outdated DVT/VTE screening methods that they were taught in their entry-level education and nearly two-thirds did not identify the major risk factors associated with DVT/VTE. These results suggest that change is necessary in physical therapy education, clinical practice, and continuing professional development to ensure a more evidenced-based identification of DVT and VTE.

Working Memory, Short-Term Memory, and Naming Speed as Predictors of Children's Mathematical Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swanson, Lee; Kim, Kenny

2007-01-01

Working memory (WM) has been associated with the acquisition of arithmetic skills, however, the components of WM that underlie this acquisition have not been explored. This study explored the contribution of two WM systems (the phonological loop and the central executive) to mathematical performance in young children. The results showed that a…

Applying Prevention and Positive Youth Development Theory to Predict Depressive Symptoms among Young People

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olson, Jonathan R.; Goddard, H. Wallace

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of depressive symptoms among adolescents using concepts drawn from two theoretical models that underlie popular youth-focused programs. Specifically, we assessed the degree to which family-level risk factors increase the likelihood of depressive symptoms, and the degree to which community and/or…

The Family Adaptation Model: A Life Course Perspective. Technical Report 880.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bowen, Gary L.

This conceptual model for explaining the factors and processes that underlie family adaptation in the Army relies heavily upon two traditions: the "Double ABCX" model of family stress and adaptation and the "Person-Environment Fit" model. The new model has three major parts: the environmental system, the personal system, and family adaptation.…

Acquisition of the Korean Imperfective Aspect Markers "-ko iss-" and "-a iss-" by Japanese Learners: A Multiple-Factor Account

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ryu, Ju-Yeon; Horie, Kaoru; Shirai, Yasuhiro

2015-01-01

Although cross-linguistic research on second language tense-aspect acquisition has uncovered universal tendencies concerning the association between verbal semantics and tense-aspect markers, it is still unclear what mechanisms underlie this link. This study investigates the acquisition of two imperfective aspect markers ("-ko iss-" and…

The Jingle-Jangle Fallacy in Adolescent Autonomy in the Family: In Search of an Underlying Structure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Petegem, Stijn; Vansteenkiste, Maarten; Beyers, Wim

2013-01-01

The construct of autonomy has a rich, though quite controversial, history in adolescent psychology. The present investigation aimed to clarify the meaning and measurement of adolescent autonomy in the family. Based on theory and previous research, we examined whether two dimensions would underlie a wide range of autonomy-related measures, using…

Biomedical and Social-Environmental Influences on Cognitive and Verbal Abilities in Children 1-3 Years of Age.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Molfese, Victoria J; And Others

1994-01-01

Investigated the effects of biomedical and social-environmental conditions on cognitive and language development in children toddlers. Hypothesized a strong effect of biomedical factors in first two years and a strong environmental influence at three years. Used analysis approach to estimate variables assumed to underlie measurement data. Results…

Mechanisms of Reference Frame Selection in Spatial Term Use: Computational and Empirical Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schultheis, Holger; Carlson, Laura A.

2017-01-01

Previous studies have shown that multiple reference frames are available and compete for selection during the use of spatial terms such as "above." However, the mechanisms that underlie the selection process are poorly understood. In the current paper we present two experiments and a comparison of three computational models of selection…

New shoreline change data and analysis for the Massachusetts shore with emphasis on Cape Cod and the islands: Mid-1800s to 1994

USGS Publications Warehouse

O'Connell, James F.; Thieler, E. Robert; Schupp, Courtney

2002-01-01

That shorelines change, oftentimes dramatically in short periods of time, is an accepted fact for those who live along the shore. However, when two-thirds or approximately 512 miles of a state's ocean-facing shore exhibits a long-term erosional trend, in some locations eroding at an average annual rate of 12 feet per year, as is the case in Massachusetts, shoreline property owners, prospective shorefront property owners, and coastal managers need to pay particular attention to the future location of the shoreline to avoid physical and economic disasters. The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Sea Grant Program, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension recently completed an update and statistical analysis of historical shoreline change along approximately 1,000 miles of Massachusetts' ocean-facing shore, of which 754 miles were statistically analyzed (Thieler, O'Connell and Schupp, 2001; Schupp, Thieler & O'Connell, 2001). The project was funded by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management. In general, four to five shoreline positions mapped between the mid-1800s to 1994 were used to analyze changes along the Massachusetts shore. Seventy-six shoreline change maps with accompanying data tables and a Technical Report were produced. The results of this study reveal that approximately two-thirds of the Massachusetts shore is eroding, with 68% of the shore exhibiting a long-term erosional trend, 30% showing long-term accretion, and 2% showing no net change. ln some areas, erosion rates have accelerated based on a comparison study of previous data that was conducted in 1997 (O'Connell, 1997). Ironically, coastal property that commands some of the highest real estate values in the Commonwealth also exhibits the highest consistent long-term average annual erosion rates. This paper describes the data sources used to map historic shorelines in Massachusetts, the methodology used to both plot a new shoreline and analyze the long-term historical data, and describes cautions necessary when interpreting and applying shoreline change data, with site-specific examples along the Massachusetts shore.

Third Annual Workshop on Space Operations Automation and Robotics (SOAR 1989)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Griffin, Sandy (Editor)

1990-01-01

Papers presented at the Third Annual Workshop on Space Operations Automation and Robotics (SOAR '89), hosted by the NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center at Houston, Texas, on July 25 to 27, 1989, are given. Approximately 100 technical papers were presented by experts from NASA, the USAF, universities, and technical companies. Also held were panel discussions on Air Force/NASA Artificial Intelligence Overview and Expert System Verification and Validation.

Nanoengineering Testbed for Nanosolar Cell and Piezoelectric Compounds

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-29

element mesh. The third model was a 3D finite element mesh that included complete geometric representation of Berkovich tip. This model allows for a...height of the specimen. These simulations suggest the proper specimen size to approximate a body of semi-infinite extent for a given indentation depth...tip nanoindentation model was the third and final finite element mesh created for analysis and comparison. The material model and the finite element

Determining which phenotypes underlie a pleiotropic signal

PubMed Central

Majumdar, Arunabha; Haldar, Tanushree; Witte, John S.

2016-01-01

Discovering pleiotropic loci is important to understand the biological basis of seemingly distinct phenotypes. Most methods for assessing pleiotropy only test for the overall association between genetic variants and multiple phenotypes. To determine which specific traits are pleiotropic, we evaluate via simulation and application three different strategies. The first is model selection techniques based on the inverse regression of genotype on phenotypes. The second is a subset-based meta-analysis ASSET [Bhattacharjee et al., 2012], which provides an optimal subset of non-null traits. And the third is a modified Benjamini-Hochberg (B-H) procedure of controlling the expected false discovery rate [Benjamini and Hochberg, 1995] in the framework of phenome-wide association study. From our simulations we see that an inverse regression based approach MultiPhen [O’Reilly et al., 2012] is more powerful than ASSET for detecting overall pleiotropic association, except for when all the phenotypes are associated and have genetic effects in the same direction. For determining which specific traits are pleiotropic, the modified B-H procedure performs consistently better than the other two methods. The inverse regression based selection methods perform competitively with the modified B-H procedure only when the phenotypes are weakly correlated. The efficiency of ASSET is observed to lie below and in between the efficiency of the other two methods when the traits are weakly and strongly correlated, respectively. In our application to a large GWAS, we find that the modified B-H procedure also performs well, indicating that this may be an optimal approach for determining the traits underlying a pleiotropic signal. PMID:27238845

Seismic Signatures of Hydrothermal Pathways Along the East Pacific Rise Between 9°16' and 9°56'N

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marjanović, Milena; Fuji, Nobuaki; Singh, Satish C.; Belahi, Thomas; Escartín, Javier

2017-12-01

We apply wave equation-based techniques to 2-D seismic data to characterize the nature of zero-age upper crust at the East Pacific Rise from 9°16' to 9°56'N. The final velocity model reveals a number of low-velocity anomalies, complex in shape, extending down to 1 km below the seafloor. We attribute them to the presence of hydrothermal flow. Depending on their spatial correlation with the previously identified tectonic discontinuities in bathymetry and presence of venting, we classify them as downgoing and upgoing pathways, respectively. This distinction is not always clear; within the third-order discontinuities at 9°20' and 9°37'N, both pathways may be present. The region north of 9°44'N, known for its magmatic robustness and volcanic activity, is represented by five low-velocity perturbations. Three of these anomalies are spatially correlated with the fourth-order discontinuities and attributed to the presence of the on-axis recharge zones. The remaining two anomalies underlie two vent clusters, marked as hydrothermally active sites after the last documented eruption event. These velocity anomalies can be thus identified as the up-flow pathways or at least their remnants. By comparing our results to the available interdisciplinary data sets, we show that the interaction between the tectono-magmatic and hydrothermal processes is not straightforward due to different timescales at which they operate. However, for developing, maintaining, and driving vigorous, high-temperature hydrothermal flow, the high crustal permeability and high thermal regime must coexist in time and space.

Different Occupations Associated with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Is Diesel Exhaust the Link?

PubMed Central

Pamphlett, Roger; Rikard-Bell, Anna

2013-01-01

The cause of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SALS) remains unknown. We attempted to find out if occupational exposure to toxicants plays a part in the pathogenesis of this disease. In an Australia-wide case-control study we compared the lifetime occupations of 611 SALS and 775 control individuals. Occupations were coded using country-specific as well as international classifications. The risk of SALS for each occupation was calculated with odds ratios using logistic regression. In addition, the literature was searched for possible toxicant links between our findings and previously-reported occupational associations with SALS. Male occupations in our study that required lower skills and tasks tended to have increased risks of SALS, and conversely, those occupations that required higher skills and tasks had decreased risks of SALS. Of all the occupations, only truck drivers, where exposure to diesel exhaust is common, maintained an increased risk of SALS throughout all occupational groups. Another large case-control study has also found truck drivers to be at risk of SALS, and almost two-thirds of occupations, as well as military duties, that have previously been associated with SALS have potential exposure to diesel exhaust. In conclusion, two of the largest case-control studies of SALS have now found that truck drivers have an increased risk of SALS. Since exposure to diesel exhaust is common in truck drivers, as well as in other occupations that have been linked to SALS, exposure to this toxicant may underlie some of the occupations that are associated with SALS. PMID:24244728

Both pre- and post-lesion experiential therapy is beneficial in 6-hydroxydopamine dopamine-depleted female rats.

PubMed

Jadavji, N M; Metz, G A

2009-01-23

Experiential therapies, such as enriched environment (EE), have been shown to influence the neurodegenerative processes that underlie Parkinson's disease. We have previously demonstrated that EE promotes functional improvement in dopamine-depleted rats. Here we compare the influence of exposure to EE prior to versus after dopamine depletion in the 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson's disease. Two groups of female rats were placed in an EE while two groups were housed in a standard environment (SE) for 6 weeks prior to receiving a unilateral nigrostriatal bundle infusion of the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine. After the lesion, one group remained in EE, while the second EE group (Pre-Lesion EE) was moved into SE conditions. In addition, a third group of rats was now moved into EE (Post-lesion EE). A fourth group remained in SE throughout the experimental period. Rats were tested in skilled reaching and skilled walking tasks and in non-skilled motor function up to 4 weeks after lesion. The observations demonstrated beneficial effects of both pre- and post-lesion exposure to EE on skilled movement performance by promoting compensatory limb use and partial protection or restoration of skilled movement. Exposure to pre-lesion EE in particular promoted structural plasticity as indicated by increased expression of the main cytoskeletal component microtubule associated protein-2 in the lesion dorsal striatum. Continuous EE showed absence of rotational bias suggesting attenuated dopamine loss. These data indicate that enriched lifestyle before the onset of motor symptoms and rehabilitation programs after diagnosis might be beneficial in patients with Parkinson's disease.

German Anxiety Barometer—Clinical and Everyday-Life Anxieties in the General Population

PubMed Central

Adolph, Dirk; Schneider, Silvia; Margraf, Jürgen

2016-01-01

The objective of this study was to test a time-efficient screening instrument to assess clinically relevant and everyday-life (e.g., economic, political, personal) anxieties. Furthermore, factors influencing these anxieties, correlations between clinical and everyday anxieties and, for the first time, anxiety during different stages of life were assessed in a representative sample of the general population (N = 2229). Around 30% of the respondents manifested at least one disorder-specific key symptom within 1 year (women > men), 8% reported severe anxiety symptoms. Two thirds of respondents reported minor everyday anxieties and 5% were strongly impaired, whereby persons with severe clinical symptoms were more frequently affected. A variety of potential influencing factors could be identified. These include, in addition to socioeconomic status, gender, general health, risk-taking, and leisure behavior, also some up to now little investigated possible protective factors, such as everyday-life mental activity. The observed effects are rather small, which, however, given the heterogeneity of the general population seems plausible. Although the correlative design of the study does not allow direct causal conclusions, it can, however, serve as a starting point for experimental intervention studies in the future. Together with time series from repeated representative surveys, we expect these data to provide a better understanding of the processes that underlie everyday-life and clinical anxieties. PMID:27667977

Toxigenic Fungi in Food

PubMed Central

Davis, N. D.; Wagener, R. E.; Dalby, D. K.; Morgan-Jones, G.; Diener, U. L.

1975-01-01

Forty-five fungal isolates from moldy supermarket foods were tested for toxicity to brine shrimp, and twenty-two of these isolates were subsequently tested for toxicity to chicken embryos. Highly toxigenic fungi were Cladosporium sphaerospermum from a bakery product, Fusarium oxysporum from carrots, F. solani from cabbage, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium corylophilum from bread, P. cyclopium and P. herquei from corn meal, P. lanosum from onions, P. steckii from chocolate syrup, Penicillium sp. from jelly, and Rhizopus nigricans isolates from sweet potato, applesauce, and strawberries. Approximately one-third of the fungal cultures were moderately to highly toxigenic to brine shrimp and chicken embryos, while several additional cultures were slightly toxigenic. PMID:1147614

A composite large-scale CO survey at high Galactic latitudes in the second quadrant

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heithausen, A.; Stacy, J. G.; Thaddeus, P.

1990-01-01

Surveys of the second quadrant of the Galaxy undertaken with the CfA 1.2-m telescope have been combined to produce a map of approximately 620 sq deg in the 2.6-mm CO (J = 1-0) line at high Galactic latitudes. CO was detected over about 13 percent of the region surveyed, an order of magnitude more gas by area than previously estimated. In contrast, only 26 percent of the area predicted by Desert et al. (1988) to contain molecular gas actually reveals CO, and about two-thirds of the clouds detected are not listed in their catalog of IR excess clouds.

Some bottled water may be salubrious.

PubMed

Klevay, Leslie M

2018-07-01

Hard drinking water seems protective against cardiovascular disease compared to soft water. Published data on calcium and magnesium in bottled water products were evaluated to determine water hardness. Data on water chemistry of thirty-three products were obtained from the internet and hardness, as calcium carbonate, was calculated. Approximately two thirds of the products were soft according to criteria of the US Geological Survey; only one fifth were very hard. Beer and wine also were found to be very hard. Consumers and suppliers should avoid soft water. Some beneficial, cardiovascular effects of beer and wine may be the result of hard water. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Absorption and resonance Raman spectra of Pb2, Pb3, and Pb4 in xenon matrices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stranz, D. D.; Khanna, R. K.

1981-01-01

Matrix isolation techniques are used to investigate the spectra of lead molecules and, in particular, to obtain resonance Raman spectra of lead vapors isolated in solid xenon matrices. The presence of Pb2 is confirmed by the visible adsorption, and Raman spectra yield a vibrational frequency for the ground state of 108 per cm and a dissociation energy of 8200 per cm. A second resonance Raman progression indicates a Pb3 species of D3h symmetry. Finally, two additional Raman features at approximately 111 per cm spacing are evidence for a third species, tentatively identified as Pb4.

Brain mechanisms that underlie the effects of motivational audiovisual stimuli on psychophysiological responses during exercise.

PubMed

Bigliassi, Marcelo; Silva, Vinícius B; Karageorghis, Costas I; Bird, Jonathan M; Santos, Priscila C; Altimari, Leandro R

2016-05-01

Motivational audiovisual stimuli such as music and video have been widely used in the realm of exercise and sport as a means by which to increase situational motivation and enhance performance. The present study addressed the mechanisms that underlie the effects of motivational stimuli on psychophysiological responses and exercise performance. Twenty-two participants completed fatiguing isometric handgrip-squeezing tasks under two experimental conditions (motivational audiovisual condition and neutral audiovisual condition) and a control condition. Electrical activity in the brain and working muscles was analyzed by use of electroencephalography and electromyography, respectively. Participants were asked to squeeze the dynamometer maximally for 30s. A single-item motivation scale was administered after each squeeze. Results indicated that task performance and situational motivational were superior under the influence of motivational stimuli when compared to the other two conditions (~20% and ~25%, respectively). The motivational stimulus downregulated the predominance of low-frequency waves (theta) in the right frontal regions of the cortex (F8), and upregulated high-frequency waves (beta) in the central areas (C3 and C4). It is suggested that motivational sensory cues serve to readjust electrical activity in the brain; a mechanism by which the detrimental effects of fatigue on the efferent control of working muscles is ameliorated. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Size-Sensitive Perceptual Representations Underlie Visual and Haptic Object Recognition

PubMed Central

Craddock, Matt; Lawson, Rebecca

2009-01-01

A variety of similarities between visual and haptic object recognition suggests that the two modalities may share common representations. However, it is unclear whether such common representations preserve low-level perceptual features or whether transfer between vision and haptics is mediated by high-level, abstract representations. Two experiments used a sequential shape-matching task to examine the effects of size changes on unimodal and crossmodal visual and haptic object recognition. Participants felt or saw 3D plastic models of familiar objects. The two objects presented on a trial were either the same size or different sizes and were the same shape or different but similar shapes. Participants were told to ignore size changes and to match on shape alone. In Experiment 1, size changes on same-shape trials impaired performance similarly for both visual-to-visual and haptic-to-haptic shape matching. In Experiment 2, size changes impaired performance on both visual-to-haptic and haptic-to-visual shape matching and there was no interaction between the cost of size changes and direction of transfer. Together the unimodal and crossmodal matching results suggest that the same, size-specific perceptual representations underlie both visual and haptic object recognition, and indicate that crossmodal memory for objects must be at least partly based on common perceptual representations. PMID:19956685

Habitat segregation and ecological character displacement in cryptic African malaria mosquitoes

PubMed Central

Tene Fossog, Billy; Ayala, Diego; Acevedo, Pelayo; Kengne, Pierre; Ngomo Abeso Mebuy, Ignacio; Makanga, Boris; Magnus, Julie; Awono-Ambene, Parfait; Njiokou, Flobert; Pombi, Marco; Antonio-Nkondjio, Christophe; Paupy, Christophe; Besansky, Nora J; Costantini, Carlo

2015-01-01

Understanding how divergent selection generates adaptive phenotypic and population diversification provides a mechanistic explanation of speciation in recently separated species pairs. Towards this goal, we sought ecological gradients of divergence between the cryptic malaria vectors Anopheles coluzzii and An. gambiae and then looked for a physiological trait that may underlie such divergence. Using a large set of occurrence records and eco-geographic information, we built a distribution model to predict the predominance of the two species across their range of sympatry. Our model predicts two novel gradients along which the species segregate: distance from the coastline and altitude. Anopheles coluzzii showed a ‘bimodal’ distribution, predominating in xeric West African savannas and along the western coastal fringe of Africa. To test whether differences in salinity tolerance underlie this habitat segregation, we assessed the acute dose–mortality response to salinity of thirty-two larval populations from Central Africa. In agreement with its coastal predominance, Anopheles coluzzii was overall more tolerant than An. gambiae. Salinity tolerance of both species, however, converged in urban localities, presumably reflecting an adaptive response to osmotic stress from anthropogenic pollutants. When comparing degree of tolerance in conjunction with levels of syntopy, we found evidence of character displacement in this trait. PMID:25926878

A microstructural approach to cytoskeletal mechanics based on tensegrity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stamenovic, D.; Fredberg, J. J.; Wang, N.; Butler, J. P.; Ingber, D. E.

1996-01-01

Mechanical properties of living cells are commonly described in terms of the laws of continuum mechanics. The purpose of this report is to consider the implications of an alternative approach that emphasizes the discrete nature of stress bearing elements in the cell and is based on the known structural properties of the cytoskeleton. We have noted previously that tensegrity architecture seems to capture essential qualitative features of cytoskeletal shape distortion in adherent cells (Ingber, 1993a; Wang et al., 1993). Here we extend those qualitative notions into a formal microstructural analysis. On the basis of that analysis we attempt to identify unifying principles that might underlie the shape stability of the cytoskeleton. For simplicity, we focus on a tensegrity structure containing six rigid struts interconnected by 24 linearly elastic cables. Cables carry initial tension ("prestress") counterbalanced by compression of struts. Two cases of interconnectedness between cables and struts are considered: one where they are connected by pin-joints, and the other where the cables run through frictionless loops at the junctions. At the molecular level, the pinned structure may represent the case in which different cytoskeletal filaments are cross-linked whereas the looped structure represents the case where they are free to slip past one another. The system is then subjected to uniaxial stretching. Using the principal of virtual work, stretching force vs. extension and structural stiffness vs. stretching force relationships are calculated for different prestresses. The stiffness is found to increase with increasing prestress and, at a given prestress, to increase approximately linearly with increasing stretching force. This behavior is consistent with observations in living endothelial cells exposed to shear stresses (Wang & Ingber, 1994). At a given prestress, the pinned structure is found to be stiffer than the looped one, a result consistent with data on mechanical behavior of isolated, cross-linked and uncross-linked actin networks (Wachsstock et al., 1993). On the basis of our analysis we concluded that architecture and the prestress of the cytoskeleton might be key features that underlie a cell's ability to regulate its shape.

Application of human reliability analysis to nursing errors in hospitals.

PubMed

Inoue, Kayoko; Koizumi, Akio

2004-12-01

Adverse events in hospitals, such as in surgery, anesthesia, radiology, intensive care, internal medicine, and pharmacy, are of worldwide concern and it is important, therefore, to learn from such incidents. There are currently no appropriate tools based on state-of-the art models available for the analysis of large bodies of medical incident reports. In this study, a new model was developed to facilitate medical error analysis in combination with quantitative risk assessment. This model enables detection of the organizational factors that underlie medical errors, and the expedition of decision making in terms of necessary action. Furthermore, it determines medical tasks as module practices and uses a unique coding system to describe incidents. This coding system has seven vectors for error classification: patient category, working shift, module practice, linkage chain (error type, direct threat, and indirect threat), medication, severity, and potential hazard. Such mathematical formulation permitted us to derive two parameters: error rates for module practices and weights for the aforementioned seven elements. The error rate of each module practice was calculated by dividing the annual number of incident reports of each module practice by the annual number of the corresponding module practice. The weight of a given element was calculated by the summation of incident report error rates for an element of interest. This model was applied specifically to nursing practices in six hospitals over a year; 5,339 incident reports with a total of 63,294,144 module practices conducted were analyzed. Quality assurance (QA) of our model was introduced by checking the records of quantities of practices and reproducibility of analysis of medical incident reports. For both items, QA guaranteed legitimacy of our model. Error rates for all module practices were approximately of the order 10(-4) in all hospitals. Three major organizational factors were found to underlie medical errors: "violation of rules" with a weight of 826 x 10(-4), "failure of labor management" with a weight of 661 x 10(-4), and "defects in the standardization of nursing practices" with a weight of 495 x 10(-4).

The minor third communicates sadness in speech, mirroring its use in music.

PubMed

Curtis, Meagan E; Bharucha, Jamshed J

2010-06-01

There is a long history of attempts to explain why music is perceived as expressing emotion. The relationship between pitches serves as an important cue for conveying emotion in music. The musical interval referred to as the minor third is generally thought to convey sadness. We reveal that the minor third also occurs in the pitch contour of speech conveying sadness. Bisyllabic speech samples conveying four emotions were recorded by 9 actresses. Acoustic analyses revealed that the relationship between the 2 salient pitches of the sad speech samples tended to approximate a minor third. Participants rated the speech samples for perceived emotion, and the use of numerous acoustic parameters as cues for emotional identification was modeled using regression analysis. The minor third was the most reliable cue for identifying sadness. Additional participants rated musical intervals for emotion, and their ratings verified the historical association between the musical minor third and sadness. These findings support the theory that human vocal expressions and music share an acoustic code for communicating sadness.

An evaluation of "informed consent" with volunteer prisoner subjects.

PubMed

Marini, J L; Sheard, M H; Bridges, C I

1976-11-01

"Informed consent" sets a goal for investigators experimenting with human subjects, but little is known about how to achieve or evaluate it in an experiment. In a 3-year, double-blind study with incarcerated men, we attempted to provide a "free and informed consent" and evaluated our efforts with an unannounced questionnaire administered to subjects after they completed the experiment. At that time, approximately two-thirds had sufficient information for an informed consent, but only one-third was well informed about all key aspects of the experiment and one-third was insufficiently informed to give an informed consent. We found that institution- or study-based coercion was minimal in our experiment. From our evaluation of the questionnaire and experience at the study institution, we conclude that an experiment with human subjects should be designed to include an ongoing evaluation of informed consent, and active attempts should be made to avoid or minimize coercive inducements. Experiments with significant risk, which require a long duration and/or large sample size relative to the institution's population, should probably not be performed on prisoner subjects. The experimenter should be independent of the penal institution's power structure. Presenting and explaining a consent form to volunteers on one occasion is probably an in adequate procedure for obtaining and maintaining an informed consent.

Calculated Third Order Rate Constants for Interpreting the Mechanisms of Hydrolyses of Chloroformates, Carboxylic Acid Halides, Sulfonyl Chlorides and Phosphorochloridates

PubMed Central

Bentley, T. William

2015-01-01

Hydrolyses of acid derivatives (e.g., carboxylic acid chlorides and fluorides, fluoro- and chloroformates, sulfonyl chlorides, phosphorochloridates, anhydrides) exhibit pseudo-first order kinetics. Reaction mechanisms vary from those involving a cationic intermediate (SN1) to concerted SN2 processes, and further to third order reactions, in which one solvent molecule acts as the attacking nucleophile and a second molecule acts as a general base catalyst. A unified framework is discussed, in which there are two reaction channels—an SN1-SN2 spectrum and an SN2-SN3 spectrum. Third order rate constants (k3) are calculated for solvolytic reactions in a wide range of compositions of acetone-water mixtures, and are shown to be either approximately constant or correlated with the Grunwald-Winstein Y parameter. These data and kinetic solvent isotope effects, provide the experimental evidence for the SN2-SN3 spectrum (e.g., for chloro- and fluoroformates, chloroacetyl chloride, p-nitrobenzoyl p-toluenesulfonate, sulfonyl chlorides). Deviations from linearity lead to U- or V-shaped plots, which assist in the identification of the point at which the reaction channel changes from SN2-SN3 to SN1-SN2 (e.g., for benzoyl chloride). PMID:26006228

Calculated third order rate constants for interpreting the mechanisms of hydrolyses of chloroformates, carboxylic Acid halides, sulfonyl chlorides and phosphorochloridates.

PubMed

Bentley, T William

2015-05-08

Hydrolyses of acid derivatives (e.g., carboxylic acid chlorides and fluorides, fluoro- and chloroformates, sulfonyl chlorides, phosphorochloridates, anhydrides) exhibit pseudo-first order kinetics. Reaction mechanisms vary from those involving a cationic intermediate (SN1) to concerted SN2 processes, and further to third order reactions, in which one solvent molecule acts as the attacking nucleophile and a second molecule acts as a general base catalyst. A unified framework is discussed, in which there are two reaction channels-an SN1-SN2 spectrum and an SN2-SN3 spectrum. Third order rate constants (k3) are calculated for solvolytic reactions in a wide range of compositions of acetone-water mixtures, and are shown to be either approximately constant or correlated with the Grunwald-Winstein Y parameter. These data and kinetic solvent isotope effects, provide the experimental evidence for the SN2-SN3 spectrum (e.g., for chloro- and fluoroformates, chloroacetyl chloride, p-nitrobenzoyl p-toluenesulfonate, sulfonyl chlorides). Deviations from linearity lead to U- or V-shaped plots, which assist in the identification of the point at which the reaction channel changes from SN2-SN3 to SN1-SN2 (e.g., for benzoyl chloride).

MSTI-3 sensor package optical design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horton, Richard F.; Baker, William G.; Griggs, Michael; Nguyen, Van; Baker, H. Vernon

1995-06-01

The MSTI-3 sensor package is a three band imaging telescope for military and dual use sensing missions. The MSTI-3 mission is one of the Air Force Phillips Laboratory's Pegasus launched space missions, a third in the series of state-of-the-art lightweight sensors on low cost satellites. The satellite is planned for launch into a 425 Km orbit in late 1995. The MSTI- 3 satellite is configured with a down looking two axis gimbal and gimbal mirror. The gimbal mirror is an approximately 13 cm by 29 cm mirror which allows a field of regard approximately 100 degrees by 180 degrees. The optical train uses several novel optical features to allow for compactness and light weight. A 105 mm Ritchey Chretien Cassegrain imaging system with a CaF(subscript 2) dome astigmatism corrector is followed by a CaF(subscript 2) beamsplitter cube assembly at the systems first focus. The dichroic beamsplitter cube assembly separates the light into a visible and two IR channels of approximately 2.5 to 3.3, (SWIR), and 3.5 to 4.5, (MWIR), micron wavelength bands. The two IR imaging channels each consist of unity power re-imaging lens cluster, a cooled seven position filter wheel, a cooled Lyot stop and an Amber 256 X 256 InSb array camera. The visible channel uses a unity power re- imaging system prior to a linear variable filter with a Sony CCD array, which allows for a multispectral imaging capability in the 0.5 to 0.8 micron region. The telescope field of view is 1.4 degrees square.

Site characterization in densely fractured dolomite: comparison of methods.

PubMed

Muldoon, Maureen; Bradbury, Ken R

2005-01-01

One of the challenges in characterizing fractured-rock aquifers is determining whether the equivalent porous medium approximation is valid at the problem scale. Detailed hydrogeologic characterization completed at a small study site in a densely fractured dolomite has yielded an extensive data set that was used to evaluate the utility of the continuum and discrete-fracture approaches to aquifer characterization. There are two near-vertical sets of fractures at the site; near-horizontal bedding-plane partings constitute a third fracture set. Eighteen boreholes, including five coreholes, were drilled to a depth of approximately 10.6 m. Borehole geophysical logs revealed several laterally extensive horizontal fractures and dissolution zones. Flowmeter and short-interval packer testing identified which of these features were hydraulically important. A monitoring system, consisting of short-interval piezometers and multilevel samplers, was designed to monitor four horizontal fractures and two dissolution zones. The resulting network consisted of >70 sampling points and allowed detailed monitoring of head distributions in three dimensions. Comparison of distributions of hydraulic head and hydraulic conductivity determined by these two approaches suggests that even in a densely fractured-carbonate aquifer, a characterization approach using traditional long-interval monitoring wells is inadequate to characterize ground water movement for the purposes of regulatory monitoring or site remediation. In addition, traditional multiwell pumping tests yield an average or bulk hydraulic conductivity that is not adequate for predicting rapid ground water travel times through the fracture network, and the pumping test response does not appear to be an adequate tool for assessing whether the porous medium approximation is valid.

Speeding up spin-component-scaled third-order pertubation theory with the chain of spheres approximation: the COSX-SCS-MP3 method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Izsák, Róbert; Neese, Frank

2013-07-01

The 'chain of spheres' approximation, developed earlier for the efficient evaluation of the self-consistent field exchange term, is introduced here into the evaluation of the external exchange term of higher order correlation methods. Its performance is studied in the specific case of the spin-component-scaled third-order Møller--Plesset perturbation (SCS-MP3) theory. The results indicate that the approximation performs excellently in terms of both computer time and achievable accuracy. Significant speedups over a conventional method are obtained for larger systems and basis sets. Owing to this development, SCS-MP3 calculations on molecules of the size of penicillin (42 atoms) with a polarised triple-zeta basis set can be performed in ∼3 hours using 16 cores of an Intel Xeon E7-8837 processor with a 2.67 GHz clock speed, which represents a speedup by a factor of 8-9 compared to the previously most efficient algorithm. Thus, the increased accuracy offered by SCS-MP3 can now be explored for at least medium-sized molecules.

Rapid perfusion quantification using Welch-Satterthwaite approximation and analytical spectral filtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krishnan, Karthik; Reddy, Kasireddy V.; Ajani, Bhavya; Yalavarthy, Phaneendra K.

2017-02-01

CT and MR perfusion weighted imaging (PWI) enable quantification of perfusion parameters in stroke studies. These parameters are calculated from the residual impulse response function (IRF) based on a physiological model for tissue perfusion. The standard approach for estimating the IRF is deconvolution using oscillatory-limited singular value decomposition (oSVD) or Frequency Domain Deconvolution (FDD). FDD is widely recognized as the fastest approach currently available for deconvolution of CT Perfusion/MR PWI. In this work, three faster methods are proposed. The first is a direct (model based) crude approximation to the final perfusion quantities (Blood flow, Blood volume, Mean Transit Time and Delay) using the Welch-Satterthwaite approximation for gamma fitted concentration time curves (CTC). The second method is a fast accurate deconvolution method, we call Analytical Fourier Filtering (AFF). The third is another fast accurate deconvolution technique using Showalter's method, we call Analytical Showalter's Spectral Filtering (ASSF). Through systematic evaluation on phantom and clinical data, the proposed methods are shown to be computationally more than twice as fast as FDD. The two deconvolution based methods, AFF and ASSF, are also shown to be quantitatively accurate compared to FDD and oSVD.

Detection of MgCn in IRC + 10216: A new metal-bearing free radical

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ziurys, L. M.; Apponi, A. J.; Guelin, M.; Cernicharo, J.

1995-01-01

A new metal-containing molecule, MgCN, has been detected toward the late-type star IRC + 10216, using the NRAO 12 m and IRAM 30 m telescopes. The N = 11 approaches 10, 10 approaches 9, and 9 approaches 8 transtions of this species which has a (sup 2)Sigma(sup +) ground state, have been observed in the outer envelope of this object at 3 mm. For the N = 11 approaches 10 transitions, the two spin-rotation components are clearly resolved and conclusively identify this new radical. These measurements imply a column of density for MgCN of N(sub tot) approximately 10(exp 12)/sq cm in the outer shell, which corresponds to a fractional abundance of f approximately 7x10(exp -10). This molecule, the metastable isomer of MgNC, is the third metal-bearing species thus far identified in the outer shell of IRC + 10216, and its detection implies a ratio of MgNC/MgCN approximately 22/1. MgCN may be formed through a reaction scheme involving magnesium and HNC or CN, both prominent outer shell molecules, or through synthesis on grains.

Some problems of nonlinear waves in solid propellant rocket motors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Culick, F. E. C.

1979-01-01

An approximate technique for analyzing nonlinear waves in solid propellant rocket motors is presented which inexpensively provides accurate results up to amplitudes of ten percent. The connection with linear stability analysis is shown. The method is extended to third order in the amplitude of wave motion in order to study nonlinear stability, or triggering. Application of the approximate method to the behavior of pulses is described.

Smart teens don't have sex (or kiss much either).

PubMed

Halpern, C T; Joyner, K; Udry, J R; Suchindran, C

2000-03-01

To examine the relationship between an intelligence measure and a wide spectrum of partnered sexual activity ranging from holding hands to sexual intercourse among adolescents. Analyses are based on two separate samples of adolescents. The core sample of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) includes approximately 12,000 adolescents enrolled in the 7th to 12th grades. The Biosocial Factors in Adolescent Development projects followed approximately 100 white males and 200 black and white females over 3- and 2-year periods, respectively. Both studies used the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT) as an intelligence measure, and confidential self-reports of sexual activity. Logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between PPVT scores and coital status in Add Health data; proportional hazard models were used to examine the timing of initiation of noncoital and coital activities as a function of PPVT scores in the Biosocial Factors sample. Controlling for age, physical maturity, and mother's education, a significant curvilinear relationship between intelligence and coital status was demonstrated; adolescents at the upper and lower ends of the intelligence distribution were less likely to have sex. Higher intelligence was also associated with postponement of the initiation of the full range of partnered sexual activities. An expanded model incorporating a variety of control and mediator variables was tested to identify mechanisms by which the relationship operates. Higher intelligence operates as a protective factor against early sexual activity during adolescence, and lower intelligence, to a point, is a risk factor. More systematic investigation of the implications of individual differences in cognitive abilities for sexual activities and of the processes that underlie those activities is warranted.

Microtensile bond strength of eleven contemporary adhesives to enamel.

PubMed

Inoue, Satoshi; Vargas, Marcos A; Abe, Yasuhiko; Yoshida, Yasuhiro; Lambrechts, Paul; Vanherle, Guido; Sano, Hidehiko; Van Meerbeek, Bart

2003-10-01

To compare the microtensile bond strength (microTBS) to enamel of 10 contemporary adhesives, including three one-step self-etch systems, four two-step self-etch systems and three two-step total-etch systems, with that of a conventional three-step total-etch adhesive. Resin composite (Z100, 3M) was bonded to flat, #600-grit wet-sanded enamel surfaces of 18 extracted human third molars using the adhesives strictly according to the respective manufacturer's instructions. After storage overnight in 37 degrees C water, the bonded specimens were sectioned into 2-4 thin slabs of approximately 1 mm thickness and 2.5 mm width. They were then trimmed into an hourglass shape with an interface area of approximately 1 mm2, and subsequently subjected to microTBS-testing with a cross-head speed of 1 mm/minute. The microTBS to enamel varied from 3.2 MPa for the experimental one-step self-etch adhesive PQ/Universal (self-etch) to 43.9 MPa for the two-step total-etch adhesive Scotchbond 1. When compared with the conventional three-step total-etch adhesive OptiBond FL, the bond strengths of most adhesives with simplified application procedures were not significantly different, except for two one-step self-etch adhesives, experimental PQ/Universal (self-etch) and One-up Bond F, that showed lower bond strengths. Specimen failures during sample preparation were recorded for the latter adhesives as well.

A time correlation function theory describing static field enhanced third order optical effects at interfaces.

PubMed

Neipert, Christine; Space, Brian

2006-12-14

Sum vibrational frequency spectroscopy, a second order optical process, is interface specific in the dipole approximation. At charged interfaces, there exists a static field, and as a direct consequence, the experimentally detected signal is a combination of enhanced second and static field induced third order contributions. There is significant evidence in the literature of the importance/relative magnitude of this third order contribution, but no previous molecularly detailed approach existed to separately calculate the second and third order contributions. Thus, for the first time, a molecularly detailed time correlation function theory is derived here that allows for the second and third order contributions to sum frequency vibrational spectra to be individually determined. Further, a practical, molecular dynamics based, implementation procedure for the derived correlation functions that describe the third order phenomenon is also presented. This approach includes a novel generalization of point atomic polarizability models to calculate the hyperpolarizability of a molecular system. The full system hyperpolarizability appears in the time correlation functions responsible for third order contributions in the presence of a static field.

Close to Home: Employment Outcomes for Recent Radiation Oncology Graduates

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

Ahmed, Awad A.; Holliday, Emma B.; Ileto, Jan

Purpose: To characterize the practice type and location of radiation oncology (RO) residents graduating in 2013. Methods and Materials: Graduates completing RO residency in 2013 were identified, and for each, postgraduate practice setting (academic vs private practice) and location were identified. Characteristics of the graduates, including details regarding their institutions of medical school and residency education, were collected and analyzed. Results: Data were obtained from 146 of the 154 RO graduates from the class of 2013. Employment data were available for 142 graduates. Approximately one-third of graduates were employed in the same state as residency (36.6%), approximately two-thirds (62.0%) in themore » same region as residency, and nearly three-fourths (73.9%) in the same region as medical school or residency completion. Of the 66 graduates (46.5%) working in academics, 40.9% were at the same institution where they completed residency. Most trainees (82.4%) attended medical schools with RO residency programs. Conclusions: Although personal factors may attract students to train in a particular area, the location of medical school and residency experiences may influence RO graduate practice location choice. Trends in the geographic distribution of graduating radiation oncologists can help identify and better understand disparities in access to RO care. Steps to improve access to RO care may include interventions at the medical student or resident level, such as targeting students at medical schools without associated residency programs and greater resident exposure to underserved areas.« less

Close to Home: Employment Outcomes for Recent Radiation Oncology Graduates.

PubMed

Ahmed, Awad A; Holliday, Emma B; Ileto, Jan; Yoo, Stella K; Green, Michael; Orman, Amber; Deville, Curtiland; Jagsi, Reshma; Haffty, Bruce G; Wilson, Lynn D

2016-07-01

To characterize the practice type and location of radiation oncology (RO) residents graduating in 2013. Graduates completing RO residency in 2013 were identified, and for each, postgraduate practice setting (academic vs private practice) and location were identified. Characteristics of the graduates, including details regarding their institutions of medical school and residency education, were collected and analyzed. Data were obtained from 146 of the 154 RO graduates from the class of 2013. Employment data were available for 142 graduates. Approximately one-third of graduates were employed in the same state as residency (36.6%), approximately two-thirds (62.0%) in the same region as residency, and nearly three-fourths (73.9%) in the same region as medical school or residency completion. Of the 66 graduates (46.5%) working in academics, 40.9% were at the same institution where they completed residency. Most trainees (82.4%) attended medical schools with RO residency programs. Although personal factors may attract students to train in a particular area, the location of medical school and residency experiences may influence RO graduate practice location choice. Trends in the geographic distribution of graduating radiation oncologists can help identify and better understand disparities in access to RO care. Steps to improve access to RO care may include interventions at the medical student or resident level, such as targeting students at medical schools without associated residency programs and greater resident exposure to underserved areas. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Circularly polarized few-cycle optical rogue waves: rotating reduced Maxwell-Bloch equations.

PubMed

Xu, Shuwei; Porsezian, K; He, Jingsong; Cheng, Yi

2013-12-01

The rotating reduced Maxwell-Bloch (RMB) equations, which describe the propagation of few-cycle optical pulses in a transparent media with two isotropic polarized electronic field components, are derived from a system of complete Maxwell-Bloch equations without using the slowly varying envelope approximations. Two hierarchies of the obtained rational solutions, including rogue waves, which are also called few-cycle optical rogue waves, of the rotating RMB equations are constructed explicitly through degenerate Darboux transformation. In addition to the above, the dynamical evolution of the first-, second-, and third-order few-cycle optical rogue waves are constructed with different patterns. For an electric field E in the three lower-order rogue waves, we find that rogue waves correspond to localized large amplitude oscillations of the polarized electric fields. Further a complementary relationship of two electric field components of rogue waves is discussed in terms of analytical formulas as well as numerical figures.

Partial transpose of random quantum states: Exact formulas and meanders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fukuda, Motohisa; Śniady, Piotr

2013-04-01

We investigate the asymptotic behavior of the empirical eigenvalues distribution of the partial transpose of a random quantum state. The limiting distribution was previously investigated via Wishart random matrices indirectly (by approximating the matrix of trace 1 by the Wishart matrix of random trace) and shown to be the semicircular distribution or the free difference of two free Poisson distributions, depending on how dimensions of the concerned spaces grow. Our use of Wishart matrices gives exact combinatorial formulas for the moments of the partial transpose of the random state. We find three natural asymptotic regimes in terms of geodesics on the permutation groups. Two of them correspond to the above two cases; the third one turns out to be a new matrix model for the meander polynomials. Moreover, we prove the convergence to the semicircular distribution together with its extreme eigenvalues under weaker assumptions, and show large deviation bound for the latter.

New data supporting a Sm-146,147-Nd-142,143 formation interval for the lunar mantle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nyquist, L. E.; Wiesmann, H.; Bansal, B. M.; Shih, C.-Y.

1994-01-01

Very small variations in Nd-142 abundance in SNC meteorites lunar basalts, and a terrestrial supracrustal rock, have been attributed to the decay of 103 Ma Sm-146 initially present in basalt source regions in varying abundances as a result of planetary differentiation. We previously interpreted variations in Nd-142 abundances in two Apollo 17 high-Ti basalts, three Apollo 12 low-Ti basalts, and two KREEP basalts as defining an isochron giving a formation interval of approximately 94 Ma for the lunar mantle. Here we report new data for a third Apollo 17 high-Ti basalt, two Apollo 15 low-Ti basalts, the VLT basaltic lunar meteorite A881757 (formerly Asuka 31), basalt-like KREEP impact melt rocks 14310 and 14078, and three terrestrial rock standards. Those lunar samples which were not exposed to large lunar surface thermal neutron fluences yield a revised mantle formation interval of 237 +/- 64 Ma.

Mapping project on land use changes in the carboniferous region of Santa Catarina

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Valeriano, D. D.; Pereira, M. D. B.

1983-01-01

The utilization of remote sensing data for monitoring land use changes by means of digital image analysis is described. The following data were utilized: LANDSAT data from September 4, 1975, April 24, 1978, and September 8, 1981; LANDSAT paper photography data; area IV color photographs; IBGE topography maps, and auxiliary data about the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. Three kinds of analyses of digital images were carried out. The project identified and mapped major classes of land use areas including urban areas, coal deposits, agricultural areas, forests, lakes, and flood plains. Five areas directly affected by coal exploration southeast of Santa Catarina are identified and described. In addition, the classification system used for organizing data about land cover in a hierarchical arrangement is presented. The project made use of two remote sensing data sources: data of MSS spectral (Mulitspectral Scanner System)/LANDSAT on a scale of 1:100,000 with approximately 80 m resolution, and infrared color aerial photographs on a scale of 1:45,000 with approximately 5 m resolution. Therefore, the classification system included three levels, two selected to be compatible with aerial photography data and the third to conform to the resolution of MSS/LANDSAT.

Modelling the spatial distribution of SO2 and NOx emissions in Ireland.

PubMed

de Kluizenaar, Y; Aherne, J; Farrell, E P

2001-01-01

The spatial distributions of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions are essential inputs to models of atmospheric transport and deposition. Information of this type is required for international negotiations on emission reduction through the critical load approach. High-resolution emission maps for the Republic of Ireland have been created using emission totals and a geographical information system, supported by surrogate statistics and landcover information. Data have been subsequently allocated to the EMEP 50 x 50-km grid, used in long-range transport models for the investigation of transboundary air pollution. Approximately two-thirds of SO2 emissions in Ireland emanate from two grid-squares. Over 50% of total SO2 emissions originate from one grid-square in the west of Ireland, where the largest point sources of SO2 are located. Approximately 15% of the total SO2 emissions originate from the grid-square containing Dublin. SO2 emission densities for the remaining areas are very low, < 1 t km-2 year-1 for most grid-squares. NOx emissions show a very similar distribution pattern. However, NOx emissions are more evenly spread over the country, as about 40% of total NOx emissions originate from road transport.

Neural-network-based state feedback control of a nonlinear discrete-time system in nonstrict feedback form.

PubMed

Jagannathan, Sarangapani; He, Pingan

2008-12-01

In this paper, a suite of adaptive neural network (NN) controllers is designed to deliver a desired tracking performance for the control of an unknown, second-order, nonlinear discrete-time system expressed in nonstrict feedback form. In the first approach, two feedforward NNs are employed in the controller with tracking error as the feedback variable whereas in the adaptive critic NN architecture, three feedforward NNs are used. In the adaptive critic architecture, two action NNs produce virtual and actual control inputs, respectively, whereas the third critic NN approximates certain strategic utility function and its output is employed for tuning action NN weights in order to attain the near-optimal control action. Both the NN control methods present a well-defined controller design and the noncausal problem in discrete-time backstepping design is avoided via NN approximation. A comparison between the controller methodologies is highlighted. The stability analysis of the closed-loop control schemes is demonstrated. The NN controller schemes do not require an offline learning phase and the NN weights can be initialized at zero or random. Results show that the performance of the proposed controller schemes is highly satisfactory while meeting the closed-loop stability.

Third-order interelectronic-interaction correction to the 2 p1/2-2 s transition energy in lithiumlike ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zherebtsov, O. M.; Shabaev, V. M.; Yerokhin, V. A.

2000-12-01

Third-order interelectronic-interaction correction to the energies of (1 s) 22 s and (1 s) 22 p1/2 states of high- Z lithiumlike ions is evaluated within the Breit approximation in the range 20⩽ Z⩽100. The calculation is carried out using both the relativistic configuration-interaction method and perturbation theory. The correction is shown to be important for the comparison of theory and experiment.

Ontogeny of flight initiation in the fly Drosophila melanogaster: implications for the giant fibre system.

PubMed

Hammond, Sarah; O'Shea, Michael

2007-11-01

There are two modes of flight initiation in Drosophila melanogaster-escape and voluntary. Although the circuitry underlying escape is accounted for by the Giant fibre (GF) system, the system underlying voluntary flight initiation is unknown. The GF system is functionally complete before the adult fly ecloses, but immature adults initially fail to react to a stimulus known to reliably evoke escape in mature adults. This suggests that escape in early adulthood, approximately 2-h post-eclosion, is not automatically triggered by the hard-wired GF system. Indeed, we reveal that escape behaviour displays a staged emergence during the first hour post-eclosion, suggesting that the GF system is subject to declining levels of suppression. Voluntary flight initiations are not observed at all during the period when the GF system is released from its suppression, nor indeed for some time after. We addressed the question whether voluntary flight initiation requires the GF system by observing take-off in Shak-B ( 2 ) mutant flies, in which the GF system is defunct. While the escape response is severely impaired in these mutants, they displayed normal voluntary flight initiation. Thus, the escape mechanism is subject to developmental modulation following eclosion and the GF system does not underlie voluntary flight.

Sensitivity of ocean oxygenation to variations in tropical zonal wind stress magnitude

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ridder, Nina N.; England, Matthew H.

2014-09-01

Ocean oxygenation has been observed to have changed over the past few decades and is projected to change further under global climate change due to an interplay of several mechanisms. In this study we isolate the effect of modified tropical surface wind stress conditions on the evolution of ocean oxygenation in a numerical climate model. We find that ocean oxygenation varies inversely with low-latitude surface wind stress. Approximately one third of this response is driven by sea surface temperature anomalies; the remaining two thirds result from changes in ocean circulation and marine biology. Global mean O2 concentration changes reach maximum values of +4 μM and -3.6 μM in the two most extreme perturbation cases of -30% and +30% wind change, respectively. Localized changes lie between +92 μM under 30% reduced winds and -56 μM for 30% increased winds. Overall, we find that the extent of the global low-oxygen volume varies with the same sign as the wind perturbation; namely, weaker winds reduce the low-oxygen volume on the global scale and vice versa for increased trade winds. We identify two regions, one in the Pacific Ocean off Chile and the other in the Indian Ocean off Somalia, that are of particular importance for the evolution of oxygen minimum zones in the global ocean.

Mothers' depressive symptoms in infancy and children's adjustment in grade school: The role of children's sustained attention and executive function.

PubMed

Wang, Yiji; Dix, Theodore

2017-09-01

On the basis of longitudinal data across 9 years, this study examined the contribution of sustained attention and executive function to the poor cognitive and socioemotional adjustment of school-age children whose mothers had depressive symptoms during the child's infancy. Mothers (N = 1,364) reported depressive symptoms across their child's infancy and early childhood. Maternal sensitivity was observed during laboratory interactions at 36 months. At school entry children's sustained attention and executive function were measured with computer-generated tasks. In third grade, cognitive and socioemotional adjustment was assessed with standardized tests and the reports of fathers and teachers. Using structural equation modeling, findings showed that (a) exposure to mothers' depressive symptoms during the child's infancy, independent of later exposure, uniquely predicted children's poor sustained attention and executive function at school entry; (b) deficits in children's sustained attention and executive function occurred because of depressed mothers' tendencies to display insensitive parenting behavior; and (c) these deficits explained in part relations between exposure to mothers' depressive symptoms in infancy and children's poor cognitive and socioemotional adjustment in third grade. Findings highlight the potential importance of children's exposure to mothers' depressive symptoms specifically during the child's infancy for disrupting the development of fundamental cognitive processes that may underlie the adjustment problems children of depressed mothers display in middle childhood. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Addressing Criticisms of Large-Scale Marine Protected Areas.

PubMed

O'Leary, Bethan C; Ban, Natalie C; Fernandez, Miriam; Friedlander, Alan M; García-Borboroglu, Pablo; Golbuu, Yimnang; Guidetti, Paolo; Harris, Jean M; Hawkins, Julie P; Langlois, Tim; McCauley, Douglas J; Pikitch, Ellen K; Richmond, Robert H; Roberts, Callum M

2018-05-01

Designated large-scale marine protected areas (LSMPAs, 100,000 or more square kilometers) constitute over two-thirds of the approximately 6.6% of the ocean and approximately 14.5% of the exclusive economic zones within marine protected areas. Although LSMPAs have received support among scientists and conservation bodies for wilderness protection, regional ecological connectivity, and improving resilience to climate change, there are also concerns. We identified 10 common criticisms of LSMPAs along three themes: (1) placement, governance, and management; (2) political expediency; and (3) social-ecological value and cost. Through critical evaluation of scientific evidence, we discuss the value, achievements, challenges, and potential of LSMPAs in these arenas. We conclude that although some criticisms are valid and need addressing, none pertain exclusively to LSMPAs, and many involve challenges ubiquitous in management. We argue that LSMPAs are an important component of a diversified management portfolio that tempers potential losses, hedges against uncertainty, and enhances the probability of achieving sustainably managed oceans.

Addressing Criticisms of Large-Scale Marine Protected Areas

PubMed Central

Ban, Natalie C; Fernandez, Miriam; Friedlander, Alan M; García-Borboroglu, Pablo; Golbuu, Yimnang; Guidetti, Paolo; Harris, Jean M; Hawkins, Julie P; Langlois, Tim; McCauley, Douglas J; Pikitch, Ellen K; Richmond, Robert H; Roberts, Callum M

2018-01-01

Abstract Designated large-scale marine protected areas (LSMPAs, 100,000 or more square kilometers) constitute over two-thirds of the approximately 6.6% of the ocean and approximately 14.5% of the exclusive economic zones within marine protected areas. Although LSMPAs have received support among scientists and conservation bodies for wilderness protection, regional ecological connectivity, and improving resilience to climate change, there are also concerns. We identified 10 common criticisms of LSMPAs along three themes: (1) placement, governance, and management; (2) political expediency; and (3) social–ecological value and cost. Through critical evaluation of scientific evidence, we discuss the value, achievements, challenges, and potential of LSMPAs in these arenas. We conclude that although some criticisms are valid and need addressing, none pertain exclusively to LSMPAs, and many involve challenges ubiquitous in management. We argue that LSMPAs are an important component of a diversified management portfolio that tempers potential losses, hedges against uncertainty, and enhances the probability of achieving sustainably managed oceans. PMID:29731514

The distribution of stars most likely to harbor intelligent life.

PubMed

Whitmire, Daniel P; Matese, John J

2009-09-01

Simple heuristic models and recent numerical simulations show that the probability of habitable planet formation increases with stellar mass. We combine those results with the distribution of main-sequence stellar masses to obtain the distribution of stars most likely to possess habitable planets as a function of stellar lifetime. We then impose the self-selection condition that intelligent observers can only find themselves around a star with a lifetime greater than the time required for that observer to have evolved, T(i). This allows us to obtain the stellar timescale number distribution for a given value of T(i). Our results show that for habitable planets with a civilization that evolved at time T(i) = 4.5 Gyr the median stellar lifetime is 13 Gyr, corresponding approximately to a stellar type of G5, with two-thirds of the stars having lifetimes between 7 and 30 Gyr, corresponding approximately to spectral types G0-K5. For other values of T(i) the median stellar lifetime changes by less than 50%.

Annual Report: Photovoltaic Subcontract Program FY 1990

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

Summers, K. A.

1991-03-01

This report summarizes the progress of the Photovoltaic (PV) Subcontract Program of the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) from October 1, 1989 through September 30, 1990. The PV Subcontract Program is responsible for managing the subcontracted portion of SERI's PV Advanced Research and Development Project. In fiscal year 1990, this included more than 54 subcontracts with a total annualized funding of approximately $11.9 million. Approximately two-thirds of the subcontracts were with universities at a total funding of nearly $3.3 million. The six technical sections of the report cover the main areas of the subcontract program: the Amorphous Silicon Research Project,more » Polycrystalline Thin Films, Crystalline Silicon Materials Research, High-Efficiency Concepts, the New Ideas Program, and the University Participation Program. Technical summaries of each of the subcontracted programs provide a discussion of approaches, major accomplishments in FY 1990, and future research directions. Another section introduces the PVMaT project and reports on its progress.« less

United States transuranium and uranium registries. Annual report, October 1, 1995--September 30, 1996

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

Kathren, R.L.; Ehrhart, S.M.

1997-04-01

This Annual Report covers the period October 1, 1995 through September 30, 1996, and includes both scientific and administrative activities. As of September 30, 1996, the Registries had a total of 886 registrants of whom 350 were deceased and 292 classified as active. An anticipated funding cut of approximately 35% for the period beginning October 1, 1996, necessitated some staff cuts, but it is anticipated that the Registries core research will be maintained albeit at a somewhat slower pace. The Registries received approximately 60 public information requests or inquiries ranging over a wide range of topics, about a third ofmore » which came from the media or official agencies, including Congress. Specific noteworthy inquiries were received from the President`s Advisory Committee on the Gulf War Veterans with regard to uranium biokinetics and toxicity, and from the County of Los Angeles and the State of California with regard to the management and dosimetry of two separate instances of acute accidental intakes of {sup 241}Am.« less

Use of Electronic Health Records in Disaster Response: The Experience of Department of Veterans Affairs After Hurricane Katrina

PubMed Central

Brown, Steven H.; Fischetti, Linda F.; Graham, Gail; Bates, Jack; Lancaster, Anne E.; McDaniel, David; Gillon, Joseph; Darbe, Melody; Kolodner, Robert M.

2007-01-01

Objectives. We describe electronic health data use by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the month after Katrina, including supporting technologies, the extent and nature of information accessed, and lessons learned. Methods. We conducted a retrospective study using cross-sectional panels of data collected sequentially over time. Results. By September 30, 2005, clinical data were accessed electronically for at least 38% (14941 of 39910) of patients cared for prior to Hurricane Katrina by New Orleans–area VA medical facilities. Approximately 1000 patients per day had data accessed during the month following Hurricane Katrina, a rate approximately two thirds of pre-Katrina values. Health care data were transmitted to more than 200 sites in 48 states and to at least 2300 users. Conclusions. The VA electronic health records supported continuity of care for evacuated veterans after Katrina. Our findings suggest that pharmacy and laboratory computerization alone will not be sufficient for future disaster support systems. PMID:17413082

A designed bifunctional laccase/β-1,3-1,4-glucanase enzyme shows synergistic sugar release from milled sugarcane bagasse.

PubMed

Furtado, G P; Ribeiro, L F; Lourenzoni, M R; Ward, R J

2013-01-01

A bifunctional enzyme has been created by fusing two Bacillus subtilis enzymes: the β-1,3-1,4-glucanase (BglS, EC 3.2.1.73) that hydrolyzes plant cell wall β-glucans and the copper-dependent oxidase laccase (CotA, EC 1.10.3.2) that catalyzes the oxidation of aromatic compounds with simultaneous reduction of oxygen to water. The chimeric laccase/β-1,3-1,4-glucanase was created by insertion fusion of the bglS and cotA genes, and expressed in Escherichia coli. The affinity-purified recombinant chimeric enzyme showed both laccase and glucanase activities, with a maximum laccase activity at pH 4.5 and 75°C that showed a V(max) 30% higher than observed for the parental laccase. The maximum glucanase activity in the chimeric enzyme was at pH 6.0 and 50°C, with a slight reduction in V(max) by ∼10% compared with the parental glucanase. A decreased K(M) resulted in an overall increase in the K(cat)/K(M) value for the glucanase activity of the chimeric enzyme. The hydrolytic activity of the chimera was 20% higher against natural milled sugarcane bagasse as compared with equimolar mixtures of the separate parental enzymes. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated the approximation of the two catalytic domains in the chimeric enzyme, and the formation of an inter-domain interface may underlie the improved catalytic function.

Knaves, Knights or Networks: Which Assumption of Lecturer and Manager Motivation Should Underlie Further Education Policy?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boocock, Andrew

2015-01-01

Julian Le Grand, a well-known economist, identifies two types of public sector employee: knights (with altruistic motives) and knaves (with self-interested motives). He argues that the quasi-market, predicated on the assumption of knavish behaviour (or agent self-interest), is the most effective way of directing school managers and teachers…

Detection of Q-Matrix Misspecification Using Two Criteria for Validation of Cognitive Structures under the Least Squares Distance Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Romero, Sonia J.; Ordoñez, Xavier G.; Ponsoda, Vincente; Revuelta, Javier

2014-01-01

Cognitive Diagnostic Models (CDMs) aim to provide information about the degree to which individuals have mastered specific attributes that underlie the success of these individuals on test items. The Q-matrix is a key element in the application of CDMs, because contains links item-attributes representing the cognitive structure proposed for solve…

The Role of Collaborative Reflection in Developing a Culture of Inquiry in a School-University Partnership: A U.S. Perspective.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Osguthorpe, Russell T.

This paper describes two cases that illustrate the role of collaborative reflection in developing a culture of inquiry and individual and organizational renewal in school-university partnerships. Three assertions underlie the study: that individual renewal leads to organizational renewal; that developing a culture of inquiry is a prerequisite to…

A Computational Method to Quantify Fly Circadian Activity.

PubMed

Lazopulo, Andrey; Syed, Sheyum

2017-10-28

In most animals and plants, circadian clocks orchestrate behavioral and molecular processes and synchronize them to the daily light-dark cycle. Fundamental mechanisms that underlie this temporal control are widely studied using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. In flies, the clock is typically studied by analyzing multiday locomotor recording. Such a recording shows a complex bimodal pattern with two peaks of activity: a morning peak that happens around dawn, and an evening peak that happens around dusk. These two peaks together form a waveform that is very different from sinusoidal oscillations observed in clock genes, suggesting that mechanisms in addition to the clock have profound effects in producing the observed patterns in behavioral data. Here we provide instructions on using a recently developed computational method that mathematically describes temporal patterns in fly activity. The method fits activity data with a model waveform that consists of four exponential terms and nine independent parameters that fully describe the shape and size of the morning and evening peaks of activity. The extracted parameters can help elucidate the kinetic mechanisms of substrates that underlie the commonly observed bimodal activity patterns in fly locomotor rhythms.

Multi-resolution integrated modeling for basin-scale water resources management and policy analysis

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

Gupta, Hoshin V.; Brookshire, David S.; Springer, E. P.

Approximately one-third of the land surface of the Earth is considered to be arid or semi-arid with an annual average of less than 12-14 inches of rainfall. The availability of water in such regions is of course, particularly sensitive to climate variability while the demand for water is experiencing explosive population growth. The competition for available water is exerting considerable pressure on the water resources management. Policy and decision makers in the southwestern U.S. increasingly have to cope with over-stressed rivers and aquifers as population and water demands grow. Other factors such as endangered species and Native American water rightsmore » further complicate the management problems. Further, as groundwater tables are drawn down due to pumping in excess of natural recharge, considerable (potentially irreversible) environmental impacts begin to be felt as, for example, rivers run dry for significant portions of the year, riparian habitats disappear (with consequent effects on the bio-diversity of the region), aquifers compact resulting in large scale subsidence, and water quality begins to suffer. The current drought (1999-2002) in the southwestern U.S. is raising new concerns about how to sustain the combination of agricultural, urban and in-stream uses of water that underlie the socio-economic and ecological structure in the region. The water stressed nature of arid and semi-arid environments means that competing water uses of various kinds vie for access to a highly limited resource. If basin-scale water sustainability is to be achieved, managers must somehow achieve a balance between supply and demand throughout the basin, not just for the surface water or stream. The need to move water around a basin such as the Rio Grande or Colorado River to achieve this balance has created the stimulus for water transfers and water markets, and for accurate hydrologic information to sustain such institutions [Matthews et al. 2002; Brookshire et al 2003; Krause, Chermak Brookshire, 2003].« less

Admixture in Humans of Two Divergent Plasmodium knowlesi Populations Associated with Different Macaque Host Species

PubMed Central

Divis, Paul C. S.; Singh, Balbir; Anderios, Fread; Hisam, Shamilah; Matusop, Asmad; Kocken, Clemens H.; Assefa, Samuel A.; Duffy, Craig W.; Conway, David J.

2015-01-01

Human malaria parasite species were originally acquired from other primate hosts and subsequently became endemic, then spread throughout large parts of the world. A major zoonosis is now occurring with Plasmodium knowlesi from macaques in Southeast Asia, with a recent acceleration in numbers of reported cases particularly in Malaysia. To investigate the parasite population genetics, we developed sensitive and species-specific microsatellite genotyping protocols and applied these to analysis of samples from 10 sites covering a range of >1,600 km within which most cases have occurred. Genotypic analyses of 599 P. knowlesi infections (552 in humans and 47 in wild macaques) at 10 highly polymorphic loci provide radical new insights on the emergence. Parasites from sympatric long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) and pig-tailed macaques (M. nemestrina) were very highly differentiated (FST = 0.22, and K-means clustering confirmed two host-associated subpopulations). Approximately two thirds of human P. knowlesi infections were of the long-tailed macaque type (Cluster 1), and one third were of the pig-tailed-macaque type (Cluster 2), with relative proportions varying across the different sites. Among the samples from humans, there was significant indication of genetic isolation by geographical distance overall and within Cluster 1 alone. Across the different sites, the level of multi-locus linkage disequilibrium correlated with the degree of local admixture of the two different clusters. The widespread occurrence of both types of P. knowlesi in humans enhances the potential for parasite adaptation in this zoonotic system. PMID:26020959

Economics of an adolescent meningococcal conjugate vaccination catch-up campaign in the United States.

PubMed

Ortega-Sanchez, Ismael R; Meltzer, Martin I; Shepard, Colin; Zell, Elizabeth; Messonnier, Mark L; Bilukha, Oleg; Zhang, Xinzhi; Stephens, David S; Messonnier, Nancy E

2008-01-01

In June 2005, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended the newly licensed quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine for routine use among all US children aged 11 years. A 1-time catch-up vaccination campaign for children and adolescents aged 11-17 years, followed by routine annual immunization of each child aged 11 years, could generate immediate herd immunity benefits. The objective of our study was to analyze the cost-effectiveness of a catch-up vaccination campaign with quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine for children and adolescents aged 11-17 years. We built a probabilistic model of disease burden and economic impacts for a 10-year period with and without a program of adolescent catch-up meningococcal vaccination, followed by 9 years of routine immunization of children aged 11 years. We used US age- and serogroup-specific surveillance data on incidence and mortality. Assumptions related to the impact of herd immunity were drawn from experience with routine meningococcal vaccination in the United Kingdom. We estimated costs per case, deaths prevented, life-years saved, and quality-adjusted life-years saved. With herd immunity, the catch-up and routine vaccination program for adolescents would prevent 8251 cases of meningococcal disease in a 10-year period (a 48% decrease). Excluding program costs, this catch-up and routine vaccination program would save US$551 million in direct costs and $920 million in indirect costs, including costs associated with permanent disability and premature death. At $83 per vaccinee, the catch-up vaccination would cost society approximately $223,000 per case averted, approximately $2.6 million per death prevented, approximately $127,000 per life-year saved, and approximately $88,000 per quality-adjusted life-year saved. Targeting counties with a high incidence of disease decreased the cost per life-year saved by two-thirds. Although costly, catch-up and routine vaccination of adolescents can have a substantial impact on meningococcal disease burden. Because of herd immunity, catch-up and routine vaccination cost per life-year saved could be up to one-third less than that previously assessed for routine vaccination of children aged 11 years.

Characterization of slowly inactivating KV{alpha} current in rabbit pulmonary neuroepithelial bodies: effects of hypoxia and nicotine.

PubMed

Fu, Xiao Wen; Nurse, Colin; Cutz, Ernest

2007-10-01

Pulmonary neuroepithelial bodies (NEB) form innervated cell clusters that express voltage-activated currents and function as airway O(2) sensors. We investigated A-type K(+) currents in NEB cells using neonatal rabbit lung slice preparation. The whole cell K(+) current was slowly inactivating with activation threshold of approximately -30 mV. This current was blocked approximately 27% by blood-depressing substance I (BDS-I; 3 microM), a selective blocker of Kv3.4 subunit, and reduced approximately 20% by tetraethylammonium (TEA; 100 microM). The BDS-I-sensitive component had an average peak value of 189 +/- 14 pA and showed fast inactivation kinetics that could be fitted by one-component exponential function with a time constant of (tau1) 77 +/- 10 ms. This Kv slowly inactivating current was also blocked by heteropodatoxin-2 (HpTx-2; 0.2 microM), a blocker of Kv4 subunit. The HpTx-2-sensitive current had an average peak value of 234 +/- 23 pA with a time constant (tau) 82 +/- 11 ms. Hypoxia (Po(2) = 15-20 mmHg) inhibited the slowly inactivating K(+) current by approximately 47%, during voltage steps from -30 to +30 mV, and no further inhibition occurred when TEA was combined with hypoxia. Nicotine at concentrations of 50 and 100 microM suppressed the slowly inactivating K(+) current by approximately 24 and approximately 40%, respectively. This suppression was not reversed by mecamylamine suggesting a direct effect of nicotine on these K(+) channels. In situ hybridization experiments detected expression of mRNAs for Kv3.4 and Kv4.3 subunits, while double-label immunofluorescence confirmed membrane localization of respective channel proteins in NEB cells. These studies suggest that the hypoxia-sensitive current in NEB cells is carried by slowly inactivating A-type K(+) channels, which underlie their oxygen-sensitive potassium currents, and that exposure to nicotine may directly affect their function, contributing to smoking-related lung disease.

San Diego Supercomputer Center

Science.gov Websites

Nile and Zika virusLearn More image Variants in Non-Coding DNA Contribute to Inherited Autism RiskGene mutations appearing for the first time contribute to approximately one-third of cases of autism spectrum

Investigating sub-spine actin dynamics in rat hippocampal neurons with super-resolution optical imaging.

PubMed

Tatavarty, Vedakumar; Kim, Eun-Ji; Rodionov, Vladimir; Yu, Ji

2009-11-09

Morphological changes in dendritic spines represent an important mechanism for synaptic plasticity which is postulated to underlie the vital cognitive phenomena of learning and memory. These morphological changes are driven by the dynamic actin cytoskeleton that is present in dendritic spines. The study of actin dynamics in these spines traditionally has been hindered by the small size of the spine. In this study, we utilize a photo-activation localization microscopy (PALM)-based single-molecule tracking technique to analyze F-actin movements with approximately 30-nm resolution in cultured hippocampal neurons. We were able to observe the kinematic (physical motion of actin filaments, i.e., retrograde flow) and kinetic (F-actin turn-over) dynamics of F-actin at the single-filament level in dendritic spines. We found that F-actin in dendritic spines exhibits highly heterogeneous kinematic dynamics at the individual filament level, with simultaneous actin flows in both retrograde and anterograde directions. At the ensemble level, movements of filaments integrate into a net retrograde flow of approximately 138 nm/min. These results suggest a weakly polarized F-actin network that consists of mostly short filaments in dendritic spines.

Phase Coupling Between Spectral Components of Collapsing Langmuir Solitons in Solar Type III Radio Bursts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thejappa, G.; MacDowall, R. J.; Bergamo, M.

2012-01-01

We present the high time resolution observations of one of the Langmuir wave packets obtained in the source region of a solar type III radio burst. This wave packet satisfies the threshold condition of the supersonic modulational instability, as well as the criterion of a collapsing Langmuir soliton, i.e., the spatial scale derived from its peak intensity is less than that derived from its short time scale. The spectrum of t his wave packet contains an intense spectral peak at local electron plasma frequency, f(sub pe) and relatively weaker peaks at 2f(sub pe) and 3f(sub pe). We apply the wavelet based bispectral analysis technique on this wave packet and compute the bicoherence between its spectral components. It is found that the bicoherence exhibits two peaks at (approximately f(sub pe), approximately f(sub pe)) and (approximately f(sub pe) approximately 2f(sub pe)), which strongly suggest that the spectral peak at 2f(sub pe) probably corresponds to the second harmonic radio emission, generated as a result of the merging of antiparallel propagating Langmuir waves trapped in the collapsing Langmuir soliton, and, the spectral peak at 3f(sub pe) probably corresponds to the third harmonic radio emission, generated as a result of merging of a trapped Langmuir wave and a second harmonic electromagnetic wave.

Generation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against Giardia muris trophozoites.

PubMed Central

Heyworth, M F; Ho, K E; Pappo, J

1989-01-01

Mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were produced against Giardia muris trophozoite surface antigens. To generate B-cell hybridomas, P3/NS1/1-Ag4-1 myeloma cells were fused with splenic lymphocytes from BALB/c mice that had been immunized parenterally with G. muris trophozoites. Hybridoma culture supernatants were screened for mAb by flow cytometry of G. muris trophozoites incubated with culture supernatant followed by fluorescein-conjugated anti-mouse IgG and IgM. Flow cytometry showed three types of trophozoite staining by mAb: (i) bright staining of greater than 90% of trophozoites, with aggregation of the organisms; (ii) bright staining of approximately 90% of trophozoites, with little or no aggregation; (iii) dull staining of approximately 20% of trophozoites, without aggregation. Western blotting of mAb on G. muris trophozoite antigens separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that a mAb exhibiting the third of these flow cytometry staining patterns recognized trophozoite antigens of MW approximately 31,000 and 35,000. Immunoprecipitation studies indicated that the same mAb specifically precipitated two 125I-labelled trophozoite surface antigens of MW approximately 30,000. Monoclonal antibodies generated in this study may facilitate the purification and biochemical characterization of trophozoite antigens that are targets for protective intestinal antibody in G. muris-infected mice. Images Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 PMID:2592009

Value Contestations in Development Intervention: Community Development and Sustainable Livelihoods Approaches.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arce, Alberto

2003-01-01

Both community development and sustainable livelihood approaches ignore value contestations that underlie people's interests and experiences. A case from Bolivia demonstrates that local values, social relations, actions, and language strategies must underlie policy and method in development. (Contains 28 references.) (SK)

Conformational properties of glucose-based disaccharides investigated using molecular dynamics simulations with local elevation umbrella sampling.

PubMed

Perić-Hassler, Lovorka; Hansen, Halvor S; Baron, Riccardo; Hünenberger, Philippe H

2010-08-16

Explicit-solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the 11 glucose-based disaccharides in water at 300K and 1bar are reported. The simulations were carried out with the GROMOS 45A4 force-field and the sampling along the glycosidic dihedral angles phi and psi was artificially enhanced using the local elevation umbrella sampling (LEUS) method. The trajectories are analyzed in terms of free-energy maps, stable and metastable conformational states (relative free energies and estimated transition timescales), intramolecular H-bonds, single molecule configurational entropies, and agreement with experimental data. All disaccharides considered are found to be characterized either by a single stable (overwhelmingly populated) state ((1-->n)-linked disaccharides with n=1, 2, 3, or 4) or by two stable (comparably populated and differing in the third glycosidic dihedral angle omega ; gg or gt) states with a low interconversion barrier ((1-->6)-linked disaccharides). Metastable (anti-phi or anti-psi) states are also identified with relative free energies in the range of 8-22 kJ mol(-1). The 11 compounds can be classified into four families: (i) the alpha(1-->1)alpha-linked disaccharide trehalose (axial-axial linkage) presents no metastable state, the lowest configurational entropy, and no intramolecular H-bonds; (ii) the four alpha(1-->n)-linked disaccharides (n=1, 2, 3, or 4; axial-equatorial linkage) present one metastable (anti-psi) state, an intermediate configurational entropy, and two alternative intramolecular H-bonds; (iii) the four beta(1-->n)-linked disaccharides (n=1, 2, 3, or 4; equatorial-equatorial linkage) present two metastable (anti-phi and anti-psi) states, an intermediate configurational entropy, and one intramolecular H-bond; (iv) the two (1-->6)-linked disaccharides (additional glycosidic dihedral angle) present no (isomaltose) or a pair of (gentiobiose) metastable (anti-phi) states, the highest configurational entropy, and no intramolecular H-bonds. The observed conformational preferences appear to be dictated by four main driving forces (ring conformational preferences, exo-anomeric effect, steric constraints, and possible presence of a third glycosidic dihedral angle), leaving a secondary role to intramolecular H-bonding and specific solvation effects. In spite of the weak conformational driving force attributed to solvent-exposed H-bonds in water (highly polar protic solvent), intramolecular H-bonds may still have a significant influence on the physico-chemical properties of the disaccharide by decreasing its hydrophilicity. Along with previous work, the results also complete the suggestion of a spectrum of approximate transition timescales for carbohydrates up to the disaccharide level, namely: approximately 30 ps (hydroxyl groups), approximately 1 ns (free lactol group, free hydroxymethyl groups, glycosidic dihedral angleomega in (1-->6)-linked disaccharides), approximately 10 ns to 2 micros (ring conformation, glycosidic dihedral angles phi and psi). The calculated average values of the glycosidic torsional angles agree well with the available experimental data, providing validation for the force-field and simulation methodology employed. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A simulation study of mutations in the genetic regulatory hierarchy for butterfly eyespot focus determination.

PubMed

Marcus, Jeffrey M; Evans, Travis M

2008-09-01

The color patterns on the wings of butterflies have been an important model system in evolutionary developmental biology. A recent computational model tested genetic regulatory hierarchies hypothesized to underlie the formation of butterfly eyespot foci [Evans, T.M., Marcus, J.M., 2006. A simulation study of the genetic regulatory hierarchy for butterfly eyespot focus determination. Evol. Dev. 8, 273-283]. The computational model demonstrated that one proposed hierarchy was incapable of reproducing the known patterns of gene expression associated with eyespot focus determination in wild-type butterflies, but that two slightly modified alternative hierarchies were capable of reproducing all of the known gene expressions patterns. Here we extend the computational models previously implemented in Delphi 2.0 to two mutants derived from the squinting bush brown butterfly (Bicyclus anynana). These two mutants, comet and Cyclops, have aberrantly shaped eyespot foci that are produced by different mechanisms. The comet mutation appears to produce a modified interaction between the wing margin and the eyespot focus that results in a series of comet-shaped eyespot foci. The Cyclops mutation causes the failure of wing vein formation between two adjacent wing-cells and the fusion of two adjacent eyespot foci to form a single large elongated focus in their place. The computational approach to modeling pattern formation in these mutants allows us to make predictions about patterns of gene expression, which are largely unstudied in butterfly mutants. It also suggests a critical experiment that will allow us to distinguish between two hypothesized genetic regulatory hierarchies that may underlie all butterfly eyespot foci.

Information Graph Flow: A Geometric Approximation of Quantum and Statistical Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vanchurin, Vitaly

2018-05-01

Given a quantum (or statistical) system with a very large number of degrees of freedom and a preferred tensor product factorization of the Hilbert space (or of a space of distributions) we describe how it can be approximated with a very low-dimensional field theory with geometric degrees of freedom. The geometric approximation procedure consists of three steps. The first step is to construct weighted graphs (we call information graphs) with vertices representing subsystems (e.g., qubits or random variables) and edges representing mutual information (or the flow of information) between subsystems. The second step is to deform the adjacency matrices of the information graphs to that of a (locally) low-dimensional lattice using the graph flow equations introduced in the paper. (Note that the graph flow produces very sparse adjacency matrices and thus might also be used, for example, in machine learning or network science where the task of graph sparsification is of a central importance.) The third step is to define an emergent metric and to derive an effective description of the metric and possibly other degrees of freedom. To illustrate the procedure we analyze (numerically and analytically) two information graph flows with geometric attractors (towards locally one- and two-dimensional lattices) and metric perturbations obeying a geometric flow equation. Our analysis also suggests a possible approach to (a non-perturbative) quantum gravity in which the geometry (a secondary object) emerges directly from a quantum state (a primary object) due to the flow of the information graphs.

Information Graph Flow: A Geometric Approximation of Quantum and Statistical Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vanchurin, Vitaly

2018-06-01

Given a quantum (or statistical) system with a very large number of degrees of freedom and a preferred tensor product factorization of the Hilbert space (or of a space of distributions) we describe how it can be approximated with a very low-dimensional field theory with geometric degrees of freedom. The geometric approximation procedure consists of three steps. The first step is to construct weighted graphs (we call information graphs) with vertices representing subsystems (e.g., qubits or random variables) and edges representing mutual information (or the flow of information) between subsystems. The second step is to deform the adjacency matrices of the information graphs to that of a (locally) low-dimensional lattice using the graph flow equations introduced in the paper. (Note that the graph flow produces very sparse adjacency matrices and thus might also be used, for example, in machine learning or network science where the task of graph sparsification is of a central importance.) The third step is to define an emergent metric and to derive an effective description of the metric and possibly other degrees of freedom. To illustrate the procedure we analyze (numerically and analytically) two information graph flows with geometric attractors (towards locally one- and two-dimensional lattices) and metric perturbations obeying a geometric flow equation. Our analysis also suggests a possible approach to (a non-perturbative) quantum gravity in which the geometry (a secondary object) emerges directly from a quantum state (a primary object) due to the flow of the information graphs.

Clinical Evaluation of Dental Restorative Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-08-01

approximately one- third of both sexes possessed fixed prostheses made with identified nickel-chromium dental base-metal alloys, VERABOND, ALPHA MS, and...incidence of nickel sensitivity increased to one- third of this age group. In view of the very significant correlation of pierced ears with the incidence...UNREI.ATED (U) 0 4 0 3 ENDODONTIC TREATMENT (V) 0 4 0 1 CROWN & PRIDGE (W) 0 0 0 0 TOOTH MISSING (X) 0 0 0 0 OumE.R UNRELATED (Y) 0 2 0 0 (PATIENT

Weak ferromagnetism along the third-order axis of the FeBO3 crystals caused by Fe2+ impurity ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ovchinnikov, S. G.; Rudenko, V. V.; Vorotynov, A. M.

2018-05-01

Using the single-ion approximation, the weak ferromagnetic moment σZ(Fe2+) along the third-order axis of FeBO3 crystals, which is caused by the contribution of Fe2+ ions, has been investigated in the framework of the model Fe2+ impurity ion -BO3 vacancy. The extreme low-temperature behavior of the total magnetic moment due to the strong dependence of the Fe2+ion contribution is predicted.

Cognitive Processes that Underlie Mathematical Precociousness in Young Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swanson, H. Lee

2006-01-01

The working memory (WM) processes that underlie young children's (ages 6-8 years) mathematical precociousness were examined. A battery of tests that assessed components of WM (phonological loop, visual-spatial sketchpad, and central executive), naming speed, random generation, and fluency was administered to mathematically precocious and…

Two-thirds of methodological research remained unpublished after presentation at Cochrane Colloquia: an empirical analysis.

PubMed

Chapman, Sarah; Eisinga, Anne; Hopewell, Sally; Clarke, Mike

2012-05-01

To determine the extent to which abstracts of methodology research, initially presented at annual meetings of The Cochrane Collaboration, have been published as full reports and over what period of time. A secondary aim was to explore whether full publication varied in different methodological subject areas. The Cochrane Methodology Register (CMR) was searched for all abstracts reporting methodology research, presented at the 11 Cochrane Colloquia from 1997 to 2007. EMBASE, PubMed, and CMR were searched for full publications of the same research. We identified 908 eligible conference abstracts and found full publications for 312 (34.4%) of these, almost half of which (47.1%) had appeared by the end of the first year after the relevant Colloquium. The proportion of abstracts that had not been published by 3 years was 69.7%, falling to 66.2% at 5 years. Publication varied considerably between different methodological areas. Approximately two-thirds of methodological research studies presented at Cochrane Colloquia remain unpublished as full papers at least 5 years later. This highlights the importance of searching conference abstracts if one wishes to find as comprehensive and complete a sample of methodological research as possible. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Extension of relativistic dissipative hydrodynamics to third order

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El, Andrej; Xu, Zhe; Greiner, Carsten

2010-04-01

Following the procedure introduced by Israel and Stewart, we expand the entropy current up to the third order in the shear stress tensor παβ and derive a novel third-order evolution equation for παβ. This equation is solved for the one-dimensional Bjorken boost-invariant expansion. The scaling solutions for various values of the shear viscosity to the entropy density ratio η/s are shown to be in very good agreement with those obtained from kinetic transport calculations. For the pressure isotropy starting with 1 at τ0=0.4 fm/c, the third-order corrections to Israel-Stewart theory are approximately 10% for η/s=0.2 and more than a factor of 2 for η/s=3. We also estimate all higher-order corrections to Israel-Stewart theory and demonstrate their importance in describing highly viscous matters.

Quantum treatment of field propagation in a fiber near the zero dispersion wavelength

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Safaei, A.; Bassi, A.; Bolorizadeh, M. A.

2018-05-01

In this report, we present a quantum theory describing the propagation of the electromagnetic radiation in a fiber in the presence of the third order dispersion coefficient. We obtained the quantum photon-polariton field, hence, we provide herein a coupled set of operator forms for the corresponding nonlinear Schrödinger equations when the third order dispersion coefficient is included. Coupled stochastic nonlinear Schrödinger equations were obtained by applying a positive P-representation that governs the propagation and interaction of quantum solitons in the presence of the third-order dispersion term. Finally, to reduce the fluctuations near solitons in the first approximation, we developed coupled stochastic linear equations.

Maxwell's second- and third-order equations of transfer for non-Maxwellian gases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baganoff, D.

1992-01-01

Condensed algebraic forms for Maxwell's second- and third-order equations of transfer are developed for the case of molecules described by either elastic hard spheres, inverse-power potentials, or by Bird's variable hard-sphere model. These hardly reduced, yet exact, equations provide a new point of origin, when using the moment method, in seeking approximate solutions in the kinetic theory of gases for molecular models that are physically more realistic than that provided by the Maxwell model. An important by-product of the analysis when using these second- and third-order relations is that a clear mathematical connection develops between Bird's variable hard-sphere model and that for the inverse-power potential.

NODAL in the Uterus Is Necessary for Proper Placental Development and Maintenance of Pregnancy1

PubMed Central

Park, Craig B.; DeMayo, Francesco J.; Lydon, John P.; Dufort, Daniel

2012-01-01

Preterm birth is the single leading cause of perinatal mortality in developed countries, affecting approximately 12% of pregnancies and accounting for 75% of neonatal loss in the United States. Despite the prevalence and severity of premature delivery, the causes and mechanisms that underlie spontaneous and idiopathic preterm birth remain unknown. Our inability to elucidate these fundamental causes has been attributed to a poor understanding of the signaling pathways associated with the premature induction of parturition and a lack of suitable animal models available for preterm birth research. In this study, we describe the generation and analysis of a novel conditional knockout of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) superfamily member, Nodal, from the maternal reproductive tract of mice. Strikingly, uterine Nodal knockout females exhibited a severe malformation of the maternal decidua basalis during placentation, leading to significant intrauterine growth restriction, and ultimately preterm birth and fetal loss on Day 17.5 of gestation. Using several approaches, we characterized aberrant placental development and demonstrated that reduced proliferation combined with increased apoptosis resulted in a diminished decidua basalis and compromised maternal-fetal interface. Last, we evaluated various components of the established parturition cascade and determined that preterm birth derived from the maternal Nodal knockout occurs prior to PTGS2 (COX-2) upregulation at the placental interface. Taken together, the results presented in this study highlight an in vivo role for maternal NODAL during placentation, present an interesting link between disrupted decidua basalis formation and premature parturition, and describe a potentially valuable model toward elucidating the complex processes that underlie preterm birth. PMID:22378764

Hearing loss research from NIH | NIH MedlinePlus the Magazine

MedlinePlus

... loss affects millions Follow us By the Numbers: Hearing Loss Affects Millions Approximately 15 percent of American ... million) aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing. That makes it the third most chronic health ...

Fatigue Testing of Ring-Stiffened Traffic Signal Structures.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-10-09

Based on in-service inspection of poles with traditional designs, the inventory of Wyoming Department of Transportation ?WYDOT? exhibited approximately a one-third cracking rate. A ring-stiffened connection is presently used. Sixteen fatigue tests we...

Cognitive mechanisms underlying third graders' arithmetic skills: Expanding the pathways to mathematics model.

PubMed

Träff, Ulf; Olsson, Linda; Skagerlund, Kenny; Östergren, Rickard

2018-03-01

A modified pathways to mathematics model was used to examine the cognitive mechanisms underlying arithmetic skills in third graders. A total of 269 children were assessed on tasks tapping the four pathways and arithmetic skills. A path analysis showed that symbolic number processing was directly supported by the linguistic and approximate quantitative pathways. The direct contribution from the four pathways to arithmetic proficiency varied; the linguistic pathway supported single-digit arithmetic and word problem solving, whereas the approximate quantitative pathway supported only multi-digit calculation. The spatial processing and verbal working memory pathways supported only arithmetic word problem solving. The notion of hierarchical levels of arithmetic was supported by the results, and the different levels were supported by different constellations of pathways. However, the strongest support to the hierarchical levels of arithmetic were provided by the proximal arithmetic skills. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysis of Recorded Biomedical Book and Journal Use in the Yale Medical Library Part I: Date and Subject Relations*

PubMed Central

Stangl, Peter; Kilgour, Frederick G.

1967-01-01

Analysis of book and journal circulation is based on cancelled charge slips collected over a one-year period in the Yale Medical Library. About two-fifths of material circulated were monographs. Books and journals in seven subject fields provided over half of the circulation. Approximately two-thirds of both books and journals used had been published during the most recent nine years. A subject-by-subject examination of the ratio of books to journals circulating revealed that, in subjects where proportionally more journals than books were taken out of the Library, books were of more recent imprint dates than were journals, contrary to the overall pattern. Date distribution of books and journals by subject was also studied. Results are illustrated with graphs and tables. PMID:6041834

Note: Modified anvil design for improved reliability in DT-Cup experiments.

PubMed

Hunt, Simon A; Dobson, David P

2017-12-01

The Deformation T-Cup (DT-Cup) is a modified 6-8 multi-anvil apparatus capable of controlled strain-rate deformation experiments at pressures greater than 18 GPa. Controlled strain-rate deformation was enabled by replacing two of the eight cubic "second-stage" anvils with hexagonal cross section deformation anvils and modifying the "first-stage" wedges. However, with these modifications approximately two-thirds of experiments end with rupture of the hexagonal anvils. By replacing the hexagonal anvils with cubic anvils and, split, deformation wedge extensions, we restore the massive support to the deformation anvils that were inherent in the original multi-anvil design and prevent deformation anvil failure. With the modified parts, the DT-Cup has an experimental success rate that is similar to that of a standard hydrostatic 6-8 multi-anvil apparatus.

Clinicopathologic findings, sensitivity to house dust mites and efficacy of milbemycin oxime treatment of dogs with Cheyletiella sp. infestation.

PubMed

White, S D; Rosychuk, R A; Fieseler, K V

2001-02-01

Twenty-three dogs with positive skin scrapings for Cheyletiella sp. were treated with milbemycin oxime using a protocol approximating 2 mg kg-1 orally once weekly for three weeks. Nineteen of these dogs belonged to a household of 41 dogs and two dogs were in households with one other dog. All in-contact dogs were treated. Pre-treatment intradermal skin tests showed positive reactions to D. farinae in 13 dogs and to D. pteronyssinus in 12 dogs; these became negative post-treatment in four and seven dogs, respectively. All dogs showed a dramatic reduction in clinical signs one week after the third treatment. Eighteen dogs no longer had mites on skin scrapings, three had dead mites and two had deformed eggs. Recurrence of clinical signs necessitated two additional courses of the protocol in the multiple dog household and for a dog receiving immunosuppressive treatment for pemphigus foliaceus. Possible adverse reactions to the milbemycin (vomiting, lethargy) were noted once in two dogs.

Structure Building Predicts Grades in College Psychology and Biology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arnold, Kathleen M.; Daniel, David B.; Jensen, Jamie L.; McDaniel, Mark A.; Marsh, Elizabeth J.

2016-01-01

Knowing what skills underlie college success can allow students, teachers, and universities to identify and to help at-risk students. One skill that may underlie success across a variety of subject areas is structure building, the ability to create mental representations of narratives (Gernsbacher, Varner, & Faust, 1990). We tested if…

Description of core samples returned by Apollo 12

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindsay, J. F.; Fryxell, R.

1971-01-01

Three core samples were collected by the Apollo 12 astronauts. Two are single cores, one of which (sample 12026) was collected close to the lunar module during the first extravehicular activity period and is 19.3 centimeters long. The second core (sample 12027) was collected at Sharp Crater during the second extravehicular activity period and is 17.4 centimeters long. The third sample is a double core (samples 12025 and 12028), which was collected near Halo Crater during the second extravehicular activity period. Unlike the other cores, the double-drive-tube core sample has complex layering with at least 10 clearly defined stratigraphic units. This core sample is approximately 41 centimeters long.

Plasma osmotic changes during major abdominal surgery.

PubMed

Malone, R A; McLeavey, C A; Arens, J F

1977-12-01

Fluid balance across the capillary membrane is maintained normally by a balance of hydrostatic and colloid osmotic pressures (COP). In 12 patients having major intra-abdominal procedures, the COP was followed during the operative and immediate postoperative periods. The patients' intraoperative fluid management consisted of replacing shed blood with blood and following Shires' concept of crystalloid replacement. Significant decreases in COP to approximately two thirds of the initial value occurred in patients having intra-abdominal procedures versus only a 10 percent decrease in those having peripheral procedures (greater than .001). As a result of this decrease in COP, the balance between hydrostatic and colloid osmotic pressures is lost and risk of pulmonary intersitial edema is increased.

Delineation of soil temperature regimes from HCMM data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Day, R. L.; Petersen, G. W. (Principal Investigator)

1982-01-01

The subsetting of HCMM data into ORSER format was completed for four dates using a modified SUBSET program. Large areas (approximately 2500 scan lines, 1680 elements) were selected to increase the occurrence of suitable control points for registration. Average daily temperatures (ADT) were calculated for each date. The MERGE program combined registered daytime temperature (DAY-IR) with nighttime temperature (NIGHT-IR) to form a separate two-channel data set. The SUBTRAN program averaged the DAY-IR and NIGHT-IR creating a third ADT channel. Registration equations for the four ADT data sets were generated. A one dimensional soil heat flow equation was modified to allow for mean annual soil temperature predictions using merged ADT data sets.

New image-stabilizing system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yuejin

1996-06-01

In this paper, a new method for image stabilization with a three-axis image- stabilizing reflecting prism assembly is presented, and the principle of image stabilization in this prism assembly, formulae for image stabilization and working formulae with an approximation up to the third power are given in detail. In this image-stabilizing system, a single chip microcomputer is used to calculate value of compensating angles and thus to control the prism assembly. Two gyroscopes act as sensors from which information of angular perturbation is obtained, three stepping motors drive the prism assembly to compensate for the movement of image produced by angular perturbation. The image-stabilizing device so established is a multifold system which involves optics, mechanics, electronics and computer.

ATLAS-3 correlative measurement opportunities with UARS and surface observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harrison, Edwin F.; Denn, Fred M.; Gibson, Gary G.

1995-01-01

The third ATmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS-3) mission was flown aboard the Space Shuttle launched on November 3, 1994. The mission length was approximately 10 days and 22 hours. The ATLAS-3 Earth-viewing instruments provided a large number of measurements which were nearly coincident with observations from experiments on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS). Based on ATLAS-3 instrument operating schedules, simulations were performed to determine when and where correlative measurements occurred between ATLAS and UARS instruments, and between ATLAS and surface observations. Results of these orbital and instrument simulations provide valuable information for scientists to compare measurements between various instruments on the two satellites and at selected surface sites.

Longitudinal patterns of California Medicaid recipients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

PubMed Central

Andrews, Roxanne; Keyes, Margaret; Pine, Penelope

1991-01-01

In this study, the authors examine the longitudinal experience, annual trends, and subpopulation differences in Medicaid use and expenditures for persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in California from 1983 through 1986. About two-thirds of adult males were enrolled in Medicaid within 1 month of their AIDS diagnosis. These recipients averaged approximately 20-percent higher lifetime expenditures than those enrolled at a later time. Monthly expenditures were higher in the beginning of enrollment and prior to death than in the months in between. From 1983 through 1986, there was a shift of care from inpatient to outpatient settings. In 1986, children and adult females had higher median expenditures than did adult males. PMID:10122357

Optimal control of Formula One car energy recovery systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Limebeer, D. J. N.; Perantoni, G.; Rao, A. V.

2014-10-01

The utility of orthogonal collocation methods in the solution of optimal control problems relating to Formula One racing is demonstrated. These methods can be used to optimise driver controls such as the steering, braking and throttle usage, and to optimise vehicle parameters such as the aerodynamic down force and mass distributions. Of particular interest is the optimal usage of energy recovery systems (ERSs). Contemporary kinetic energy recovery systems are studied and compared with future hybrid kinetic and thermal/heat ERSs known as ERS-K and ERS-H, respectively. It is demonstrated that these systems, when properly controlled, can produce contemporary lap time using approximately two-thirds of the fuel required by earlier generation (2013 and prior) vehicles.

What factors underlie children's susceptibility to semantic and phonological false memories? investigating the roles of language skills and auditory short-term memory.

PubMed

McGeown, Sarah P; Gray, Eleanor A; Robinson, Jamey L; Dewhurst, Stephen A

2014-06-01

Two experiments investigated the cognitive skills that underlie children's susceptibility to semantic and phonological false memories in the Deese/Roediger-McDermott procedure (Deese, 1959; Roediger & McDermott, 1995). In Experiment 1, performance on the Verbal Similarities subtest of the British Ability Scales (BAS) II (Elliott, Smith, & McCulloch, 1997) predicted correct and false recall of semantic lures. In Experiment 2, performance on the Yopp-Singer Test of Phonemic Segmentation (Yopp, 1988) did not predict correct recall, but inversely predicted the false recall of phonological lures. Auditory short-term memory was a negative predictor of false recall in Experiment 1, but not in Experiment 2. The findings are discussed in terms of the formation of gist and verbatim traces as proposed by fuzzy trace theory (Reyna & Brainerd, 1998) and the increasing automaticity of associations as proposed by associative activation theory (Howe, Wimmer, Gagnon, & Plumpton, 2009). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DNA Replication Control During Drosophila Development: Insights into the Onset of S Phase, Replication Initiation, and Fork Progression

PubMed Central

Hua, Brian L.; Orr-Weaver, Terry L.

2017-01-01

Proper control of DNA replication is critical to ensure genomic integrity during cell proliferation. In addition, differential regulation of the DNA replication program during development can change gene copy number to influence cell size and gene expression. Drosophila melanogaster serves as a powerful organism to study the developmental control of DNA replication in various cell cycle contexts in a variety of differentiated cell and tissue types. Additionally, Drosophila has provided several developmentally regulated replication models to dissect the molecular mechanisms that underlie replication-based copy number changes in the genome, which include differential underreplication and gene amplification. Here, we review key findings and our current understanding of the developmental control of DNA replication in the contexts of the archetypal replication program as well as of underreplication and differential gene amplification. We focus on the use of these latter two replication systems to delineate many of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the developmental control of replication initiation and fork elongation. PMID:28874453

Individual differences reveal the basis of consonance.

PubMed

McDermott, Josh H; Lehr, Andriana J; Oxenham, Andrew J

2010-06-08

Some combinations of musical notes are consonant (pleasant), whereas others are dissonant (unpleasant), a distinction central to music. Explanations of consonance in terms of acoustics, auditory neuroscience, and enculturation have been debated for centuries. We utilized individual differences to distinguish the candidate theories. We measured preferences for musical chords as well as nonmusical sounds that isolated particular acoustic factors--specifically, the beating and the harmonic relationships between frequency components, two factors that have long been thought to potentially underlie consonance. Listeners preferred stimuli without beats and with harmonic spectra, but across more than 250 subjects, only the preference for harmonic spectra was consistently correlated with preferences for consonant over dissonant chords. Harmonicity preferences were also correlated with the number of years subjects had spent playing a musical instrument, suggesting that exposure to music amplifies preferences for harmonic frequencies because of their musical importance. Harmonic spectra are prominent features of natural sounds, and our results indicate that they also underlie the perception of consonance. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Children's Sharing Behavior in Mini-Dictator Games: The Role of In-Group Favoritism and Theory of Mind

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yu, Jing; Zhu, Liqi; Leslie, Alan M.

2016-01-01

This study investigated the motivational and social-cognitive foundations (i.e., inequality aversion, in-group bias, and theory of mind) that underlie the development of sharing behavior among 3- to 9-year-old Chinese children (N = 122). Each child played two mini-dictator games against an in-group member (friend) and an out-group member…

Biochemical acclimation, stomatal limitation and precipitation patterns underlie decreases in photosynthetic stimulation of Soybean (Glycine max) at elevated [CO2] and temperatures under fully open air field conditions

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The net effect of elevated [CO2] and temperature on photosynthetic acclimation and plant productivity is poorly resolved. We assessed the effects of canopy warming and fully open air [CO2] enrichment on 1) the acclimation of two biochemical parameters that frequently limit photosynthesis (A), the ma...

The Effect of Shyness on Children's Formation and Retention of Novel Word-Object Mappings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hilton, Matt; Westermann, Gert

2017-01-01

This study set out to examine whether shyness, an aversion to novelty and unfamiliar social situations, can affect the processes that underlie early word learning. Twenty-four-month-old children (n = 32 ) were presented with sets of one novel and two familiar objects, and it was found that shyer children were less likely to select a novel object…

Understanding and preventing contrast-induced acute kidney injury.

PubMed

Fähling, Michael; Seeliger, Erdmann; Patzak, Andreas; Persson, Pontus B

2017-03-01

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) occurs in up to 30% of patients who receive iodinated contrast media and is generally considered to be the third most common cause of hospital-acquired AKI. Accurate assessment of the incidence of CIAKI is obscured, however, by the use of various definitions for diagnosis, the different populations studied and the prophylactic measures put in place. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms that underlie CIAKI is required to enable reliable risk assessment for individual patients, as their medical histories will determine the specific pathways by which contrast media administration might lead to kidney damage. Here, we highlight common triggers that prompt the development of CIAKI and the subsequent mechanisms that ultimately cause kidney damage. We also discuss effective protective measures, such as rapidly acting oral hydration schemes and loop diuretics, in the context of CIAKI pathophysiology. Understanding of how CIAKI arises in different patient groups could enable a marked reduction in incidence and improved outcomes. The ultimate goal is to shape CIAKI prevention strategies for individual patients.

Colorectal cancer, screening and primary care: A mini literature review.

PubMed

Hadjipetrou, Athanasios; Anyfantakis, Dimitrios; Galanakis, Christos G; Kastanakis, Miltiades; Kastanakis, Serafim

2017-09-07

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common health problem, representing the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and causing a significant burden in terms of morbidity and mortality, with annual deaths estimated at 700000. The western way of life, that is being rapidly adopted in many regions of the world, is a well discussed risk factor for CRC and could be targeted in terms of primary prevention. Furthermore, the relatively slow development of this cancer permits drastic reduction of incidence and mortality through secondary prevention. These facts underlie primary care physicians (PCPs) being assigned a key role in health strategies that enhance prevention and prompt diagnosis. Herein, we review the main topics of CRC in the current literature, in order to better understand its pathogenesis, risk and protective factors, as well as screening techniques. Furthermore, we discuss preventive and screening policies to combat CRC and the crucial role served by PCPs in their successful implementation. Relevant articles were identified through electronic searches of MEDLINE and through manual searches of reference lists.

Predictive genetic testing for adult-onset disorders in minors: a critical analysis of the arguments for and against the 2013 ACMG guidelines.

PubMed

Anderson, J A; Hayeems, R Z; Shuman, C; Szego, M J; Monfared, N; Bowdin, S; Zlotnik Shaul, R; Meyn, M S

2015-04-01

The publication of the ACMG recommendations has reignited the debate over predictive testing for adult-onset disorders in minors. Response has been polarized. With this in mind, we review and critically analyze this debate. First, we identify long-standing inconsistencies between consensus guidelines and clinical practice regarding risk assessment for adult-onset genetic disorders in children using family history and molecular analysis. Second, we discuss the disparate assumptions regarding the nature of whole genome and exome sequencing underlying arguments of both supporters and critics, and the role these assumptions play in the arguments for and against reporting. Third, we suggest that implicit differences regarding the definition of best interests of the child underlie disparate conclusions as to the best interests of children in this context. We conclude by calling for clarity and consensus concerning the central foci of this debate. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Plasticity in the Interoceptive System.

PubMed

Torrealba, Fernando; Madrid, Carlos; Contreras, Marco; Gómez, Karina

2017-01-01

The most outstanding manifestations of the plastic capacities of brain circuits and their neuronal and synaptic components in the adult CNS are learning and memory. A reduced number of basic plastic mechanisms underlie learning capacities at many levels and regions of the brain. The interoceptive system is no exception, and some of the most studied behavioral changes that involve learning and memory engage the interoceptive pathways at many levels of their anatomical and functional organization.In this chapter, we will review four examples of learning, mostly in rats, where the interoceptive system has a role. In the case of conditioned taste aversion, the interoceptive system is of outstanding importance. In drug addiction, the role of the insular cortex - the highest level of the interoceptive system- is unusual and complex, as many forebrain regions are engaged by the process of addiction. In the third example, neophobia, the gustatory region of the insular cortex plays a major role. Finally, the role of different areas of the insular cortex in different processes of aversive memory, particularly fear conditioning, will be reviewed.

Hyperconnectivity of local neocortical microcircuitry induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid.

PubMed

Rinaldi, Tania; Silberberg, Gilad; Markram, Henry

2008-04-01

Exposure to valproic acid (VPA) during embryogenesis can cause several teratogenic effects, including developmental delays and in particular autism in humans if exposure occurs during the third week of gestation. We examined the postnatal effects of embryonic exposure to VPA on microcircuit properties of juvenile rat neocortex using in vitro electrophysiology. We found that a single prenatal injection of VPA on embryonic day 11.5 causes a significant enhancement of the local recurrent connectivity formed by neocortical pyramidal neurons. The study of the biophysical properties of these connections revealed weaker excitatory synaptic responses. A marked decrease of the intrinsic excitability of pyramidal neurons was also observed. Furthermore, we demonstrate a diminished number of putative synaptic contacts in connection between layer 5 pyramidal neurons. Local hyperconnectivity may render cortical modules more sensitive to stimulation and once activated, more autonomous, isolated, and more difficult to command. This could underlie some of the core symptoms observed in humans prenatally exposed to valproic acid.

The changing demographic, legal, and technological contexts of political representation

PubMed Central

Forest, Benjamin

2005-01-01

Three developments have created challenges for political representation in the U.S. and particularly for the use of territorially based representation (election by district). First, the demographic complexity of the U.S. population has grown both in absolute terms and in terms of residential patterns. Second, legal developments since the 1960s have recognized an increasing number of groups as eligible for voting rights protection. Third, the growing technical capacities of computer technology, particularly Geographic Information Systems, have allowed political parties and other organizations to create election districts with increasingly precise political and demographic characteristics. Scholars have made considerable progress in measuring and evaluating the racial and partisan biases of districting plans, and some states have tried to use Geographic Information Systems technology to produce more representative districts. However, case studies of Texas and Arizona illustrate that such analytic and technical advances have not overcome the basic contradictions that underlie the American system of territorial political representation. PMID:16230615

Tensor hypercontraction density fitting. I. Quartic scaling second- and third-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hohenstein, Edward G.; Parrish, Robert M.; Martínez, Todd J.

2012-07-01

Many approximations have been developed to help deal with the O(N4) growth of the electron repulsion integral (ERI) tensor, where N is the number of one-electron basis functions used to represent the electronic wavefunction. Of these, the density fitting (DF) approximation is currently the most widely used despite the fact that it is often incapable of altering the underlying scaling of computational effort with respect to molecular size. We present a method for exploiting sparsity in three-center overlap integrals through tensor decomposition to obtain a low-rank approximation to density fitting (tensor hypercontraction density fitting or THC-DF). This new approximation reduces the 4th-order ERI tensor to a product of five matrices, simultaneously reducing the storage requirement as well as increasing the flexibility to regroup terms and reduce scaling behavior. As an example, we demonstrate such a scaling reduction for second- and third-order perturbation theory (MP2 and MP3), showing that both can be carried out in O(N4) operations. This should be compared to the usual scaling behavior of O(N5) and O(N6) for MP2 and MP3, respectively. The THC-DF technique can also be applied to other methods in electronic structure theory, such as coupled-cluster and configuration interaction, promising significant gains in computational efficiency and storage reduction.

IgM nephropathy; can we still ignore it.

PubMed

Vanikar, Aruna

2013-04-01

IgM nephropathy (IgMN) is a relatively less recognized clinico-immunopathological entity in the domain of glomerulonephritis , often thought to be a bridge between minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Google Scholar, Pubmed (NLM), LISTA (EBSCO) and Web of Science has been searched. IgM nephropathy can present as nephritic syndrome or less commonly with subnephrotic proteinuria or rarely hematuria. About 30% patients respond to steroids whereas others are steroid dependent / resistant. They should be given a trial of Rituximab or stem cell therapy. IgM nephropathy (IgMN) is an important and rather neglected pathology responsible for renal morbidity in children and adults in developing countries as compared to developed nations with incidence of 2-18.5% of native biopsies. Abnormal T-cell function with hyperfunctioning suppressor T-cells are believed to be responsible for this disease entity. Approximately one third of the patients are steroid responders where as the remaining two thirds are steroid resistant or dependent. Therapeutic trials including cell therapies targeting suppressor T-cells are required.

IgM nephropathy; can we still ignore it

PubMed Central

Vanikar, Aruna

2013-01-01

Context:IgM nephropathy (IgMN) is a relatively less recognized clinico-immunopathological entity in the domain of glomerulonephritis , often thought to be a bridge between minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Evidence Acquisitions: Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Google Scholar, Pubmed (NLM), LISTA (EBSCO) and Web of Science has been searched. Results: IgM nephropathy can present as nephritic syndrome or less commonly with subnephrotic proteinuria or rarely hematuria. About 30% patients respond to steroids whereas others are steroid dependent / resistant. They should be given a trial of Rituximab or stem cell therapy. Conclusions:IgM nephropathy (IgMN) is an important and rather neglected pathology responsible for renal morbidity in children and adults in developing countries as compared to developed nations with incidence of 2-18.5% of native biopsies. Abnormal T-cell function with hyperfunctioning suppressor T-cells are believed to be responsible for this disease entity. Approximately one third of the patients are steroid responders where as the remaining two thirds are steroid resistant or dependent. Therapeutic trials including cell therapies targeting suppressor T-cells are required. PMID:24475434

Interannual Variability and Trends of Extratropical Ozone, Part II: Southern Hemisphere. Part 2; Southern Hemisphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yung, Y. L.

2008-01-01

A principal component analysis (PCA) is applied to the Southern Hemisphere (SH) total column ozone following the method established for analyzing the data in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) in a companion paper. The interannual variability (IAV) of extratropical O-3 in the SH is characterized by four main modes, which account for 75% of the total variance. The first two leading modes are approximately zonally symmetric and relate to the Southern Hemisphere annular mode and the quasi-biennial oscillation. The third and fourth modes exhibit wavenumber-1 structures. Contrary to the Northern Hemisphere, the third and fourth are nor related to stationary waves. Similar results obtained for the 30 100-hPa geopotential thickness.The decreasing O3 trend in the SH is captured in the first mode. The largest trend is at the South Pole, with value similar to-2 Dobson Units (DU)/yr. Both the spatial pattern and trends in the column ozone are captured by the Goddard Earth Observation System chemistry-climate model (GEOS-CCM) in the SH.

Electron-Impact Excitation of Ions Effects of Presence of Another Ion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohsaki, Akihiko; Nagasaki, Satoshi; Uramoto, Sei-iti; Takayanagi, Kazuo

2000-02-01

Present work gives for the first time the formulation of the two-center Coulomb-Born approximation (TCCBA) and presents some calculations for the electron-impact excitations in electron-ion-ion systems.The effect of the third body was relatively small in the cases studied so far. However, if the third body is a bare ion with a charge larger than the target ion, there will be a marked influence of the three-body collisions.Utilizing TCCBA we present the total and partial cross sections of hydrogen-like ions He+(Z=2), and C5+(Z=6) in the hydrogen plasma from the ground states 1s to the excited states 2s and 2p0, 2p± for the collision energies from 0.4Z2 to 2Z2 a.u.; for the excited states of the target ions, Stark effect is also studied.It is found that the presence of another ion have little effect on the 1s-2s transition and the 2s-2p Stark mixing has a prominent effect.

Moclobemide treatment of clozapine-induced hypersalivation: pilot open study.

PubMed

Kreinin, Anatoly; Miodownik, Chanoch; Libov, Igor; Shestakova, Diana; Lerner, Vladimir

2009-01-01

Clozapine-induced hypersalivation (CIHS) affects a mean of approximately 30% patients and is a troublesome adverse effect that leads to massive compliance problems in patients with schizophrenia. For the management of this distressing adverse effect, different pharmacological agents have been recommended, yet none of them have been proven to be effective. The aim of our study was to investigate moclobemide, a reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor-A, as an additional possibility for controlling or at least minimizing CIHS. We enrolled 14 patients with schizophrenia who experienced CIHS. Moclobemide (150-300 mg/d) was added to their conventional regular treatment during 14 days. Hypersalivation was assessed at the start of the treatment and at its end point by the 5-point Nocturnal Hypersalivation Rating Scale. Two thirds of the subjects who experienced CIHS have demonstrated a beneficial effect after the addition of moclobemide, whereas one third of them have been nonresponders. None of the patients had any adverse effects. We assume that moclobemide can be another additional and safe medication for the treatment of CIHS; however, more data, based on controlled studies, are needed.

Diagnosis Blog: Checking Up on Health Blogs in the Blogosphere

PubMed Central

Pole, Antoinette

2010-01-01

Objectives. We analyzed the content and characteristics of influential health blogs and bloggers to provide a more thorough understanding of the health blogosphere than was previously available. Methods. We identified, through a purposive–snowball approach, 951 health blogs in 2007 and 2008. All blogs were US focused and updated regularly. We described their features, topics, perspectives, and blogger demographics. Results. Approximately half of the bloggers in our sample were employed in the health field. A majority were female, aged in their 30s, and highly educated. Two thirds posted at least weekly; one quarter accepted advertisements. Most blogs were established after 2004. They typically focused on bloggers' experiences with 1 disease or condition or on the personal experiences of health professionals. Half were written from a professional perspective, one third from a patient–consumer perspective, and a few from the perspective of an unpaid caregiver. Conclusions. Data collected from health blogs could be aggregated for large-scale empirical investigations. Future research should assess the quality of the information posted and identify what blog features and elements best reflect adherence to prevailing norms of conduct. PMID:20558802

Explicit formulation of second and third order optical nonlinearity in the FDTD framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varin, Charles; Emms, Rhys; Bart, Graeme; Fennel, Thomas; Brabec, Thomas

2018-01-01

The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is a flexible and powerful technique for rigorously solving Maxwell's equations. However, three-dimensional optical nonlinearity in current commercial and research FDTD softwares requires solving iteratively an implicit form of Maxwell's equations over the entire numerical space and at each time step. Reaching numerical convergence demands significant computational resources and practical implementation often requires major modifications to the core FDTD engine. In this paper, we present an explicit method to include second and third order optical nonlinearity in the FDTD framework based on a nonlinear generalization of the Lorentz dispersion model. A formal derivation of the nonlinear Lorentz dispersion equation is equally provided, starting from the quantum mechanical equations describing nonlinear optics in the two-level approximation. With the proposed approach, numerical integration of optical nonlinearity and dispersion in FDTD is intuitive, transparent, and fully explicit. A strong-field formulation is also proposed, which opens an interesting avenue for FDTD-based modelling of the extreme nonlinear optics phenomena involved in laser filamentation and femtosecond micromachining of dielectrics.

Host status of Meyer and Eureka lemons for Anastrepha ludens.

PubMed

Mangan, Robert L; Moreno, Aleena Tarshis

2012-04-01

Host status for Mexican fruit fly (Anastrepha ludens (Loew)) was examined under laboratory conditions in cage infested Eureka and Meyer lemons. Our approach was to allow females to oviposit on the two cultivars in separate laboratory cages with aluminum foil covering to restrict the areas where females had access to fruit surface. Fruit of each cultivar were placed in covered trays for incubations and at approximately weekly intervals, fruit were removed, dissected, and live and dead eggs and larvae tabulated in each tissue of the fruit. Infestation and survival were tabulated and analyzed for the effects of harvest date, fruit color and brix indices, postoviposition period, and cultivar. Infestation rate, determined by counts of total eggs and larvae was significantly higher in Meyer lemons. In both cultivars, females deposited eggs into both albedo and pulp tissue but not into flavedo. Both cultivars showed high resistance (> 90% mortality) to egg and first instars survival in albedo and pulp. Second and third instars surviving in the pulp had high survival rates (> 60%) in both cultivars in fruit dissected at weeks 2-4 after infestation. Total adults produced were slightly higher, and total second and third stage larvae were also higher for Meyer lemons. Numbers of adults and total second and third stage larvae increased in Eureka lemons in more mature fruit, but the higher numbers in Meyer lemons were not associated with fruit maturity, at time of infestation. Numbers of second and third stage larvae were significantly correlated with some fruit color indices in Eureka but not in Meyer lemons. Application of these results to quarantine risk analysis is discussed.

A third-order moving mesh cell-centered scheme for one-dimensional elastic-plastic flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Jun-Bo; Huang, Weizhang; Jiang, Song; Tian, Baolin

2017-11-01

A third-order moving mesh cell-centered scheme without the remapping of physical variables is developed for the numerical solution of one-dimensional elastic-plastic flows with the Mie-Grüneisen equation of state, the Wilkins constitutive model, and the von Mises yielding criterion. The scheme combines the Lagrangian method with the MMPDE moving mesh method and adaptively moves the mesh to better resolve shock and other types of waves while preventing the mesh from crossing and tangling. It can be viewed as a direct arbitrarily Lagrangian-Eulerian method but can also be degenerated to a purely Lagrangian scheme. It treats the relative velocity of the fluid with respect to the mesh as constant in time between time steps, which allows high-order approximation of free boundaries. A time dependent scaling is used in the monitor function to avoid possible sudden movement of the mesh points due to the creation or diminishing of shock and rarefaction waves or the steepening of those waves. A two-rarefaction Riemann solver with elastic waves is employed to compute the Godunov values of the density, pressure, velocity, and deviatoric stress at cell interfaces. Numerical results are presented for three examples. The third-order convergence of the scheme and its ability to concentrate mesh points around shock and elastic rarefaction waves are demonstrated. The obtained numerical results are in good agreement with those in literature. The new scheme is also shown to be more accurate in resolving shock and rarefaction waves than an existing third-order cell-centered Lagrangian scheme.

Multi-Instrument Analysis of a Traveling Convection Vortex Event on July 24, 1996 Coordinated with the Polar UVI

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sitar, R. J.; Clauer, C. R.; Baker, J. B.; Ridley, A. J.; Cumnock, J.; Germany, G. A.; Spann, J. F., Jr.; Brittnacher, M. J.; Parks, G. K.

1998-01-01

We present the analysis of a coordinated set of observations from the POLAR Ultraviolet Imager (UVI), ground magnetometers, incoherent scatter radar, solar wind monitors, DMSP and GOES satellites, focused on a traveling convection vortex (TCV) event on 24th July 1996. Starting at approximately 10:48 UT, around magnetometers in Greenland and northern Canada observe pulsations consistent with the passing overhead of a series of alternating TCV filed-aligned current pairs. Azimuthal scans by the Sondrestrom incoherent scatter radar located near Kangerlussuaq (formerly Sondrestrom), Greenland, at this time show strong modulation in the strength and direction of ionospheric plasma flow. The magnetometer pulsations grow in magnitude over the next hour, peaking in intensity at 11:39 UT, at which time images form the UVI instrument show a localized intensification of auroral emissions over central and western Greenland. Subsequent images show the intensification grow in strength and propagate westward (tailward) until approximately 11:58 UT at which time the intensification fades. These observations are consistent with the westward passage of two pairs of moderately intense TCVs over central Greenland followed by a third very intense TCV pair. The intensification of auroral emissions at 11:39 UT is associated with the trailing vortex of the third TCV pair, thought to be the result of an upward field aligned current. The modulated flow observed by the radar is the result of the strong electric fields associated with the impulsive TCV related field aligned current systems as they pass through the field of view of the radar. Measurements of the solar wind from the V;IND and IMP-8 spacecraft suggest that a pressure change may be responsible for triggering the first two pairs of TCVS, and that a subsequent sudden change in the orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field may have produced the intensification of the third TCV pair and the associated auroral brightening. Magnetometer data from the GOES satellite located over the eastern United States at geostationary orbit is consistent with a series of field-aligned moving tailward past the satellite. DMSP particle data indicated that the TCVs occur on field lines which map to the boundary plasma sheet (BPS).

An international marine-atmospheric {sup 222}Rn measurement intercomparison in Bermuda. Part 2: Results for the participating laboratories

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

Colle, R.; Unterweger, M.P.; Hutchinson, J.M.R.

1996-01-01

As part of an international measurement intercomparison of instruments used to measure atmospheric {sup 222}Rn, four participating laboratories made nearly simultaneous measurements of {sup 222}Rn activity concentration in commonly sampled, ambient air over approximately a 2 week period, and three of these four laboratories participated in the measurement comparison of 14 introduced samples with known, but undisclosed (blind) {sup 222}Rn activity concentration. The exercise was conducted in Bermuda in October 1991. The {sup 222}Rn activity concentrations in ambient Bermudian air over the course of the intercomparison ranged from a few hundredths of a Bq {center_dot} m{sup {minus}3} to about 2more » Bq {center_dot} m{sup {minus}3}, while the standardized sample additions covered a range from approximately 2.5 Bq {center_dot} m{sup {minus}3} to 35 Bq {center_dot} m{sup {minus}3}. The overall uncertainty in the latter concentrations was in the general range of 10%, approximating a 3 standard deviation uncertainty interval. The results of the intercomparison indicated that two of the laboratories were within very good agreement with the standard additions, and almost within expected statistical variations. These same two laboratories, however, at lower ambient concentrations, exhibited a systematic difference with an averaged offset of roughly 0.3 Bq {center_dot} m{sup {minus}3}. The third laboratory participating in the measurement of standardized sample additions was systematically low by about 65% to 70%, with respect to the standard addition which was also confirmed in their ambient air concentration measurements. The fourth laboratory, participating in only the ambient measurement part of the intercomparison, was also systematically low by at least 40% with respect to the first two laboratories.« less

Bilateral cervical lung hernia with T1 nerve compression.

PubMed

Rahman, Mesbah; Buchan, Keith G; Mandana, Kyapanda M; Butchart, Eric G

2006-02-01

Lung hernia is a rare condition. Approximately one third of cases occur in the cervical position. We report a case of bilateral cervical lung hernia associated with neuralgic pain that was repaired using bovine pericardium and biological glue.

Grassland degradation

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

There are approximately 1.5 million square kilometers of prairie communities (grasslands)in North America, a majority of which are native grasslands. Grasslands serve ecological functions that cannot be replaced by other land uses. Examples of ecological benefits and services include the third lar...

Anisotropic nonequilibrium hydrodynamic attractor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strickland, Michael; Noronha, Jorge; Denicol, Gabriel S.

2018-02-01

We determine the dynamical attractors associated with anisotropic hydrodynamics (aHydro) and the DNMR equations for a 0 +1 d conformal system using kinetic theory in the relaxation time approximation. We compare our results to the nonequilibrium attractor obtained from the exact solution of the 0 +1 d conformal Boltzmann equation, the Navier-Stokes theory, and the second-order Mueller-Israel-Stewart theory. We demonstrate that the aHydro attractor equation resums an infinite number of terms in the inverse Reynolds number. The resulting resummed aHydro attractor possesses a positive longitudinal-to-transverse pressure ratio and is virtually indistinguishable from the exact attractor. This suggests that an optimized hydrodynamic treatment of kinetic theory involves a resummation not only in gradients (Knudsen number) but also in the inverse Reynolds number. We also demonstrate that the DNMR result provides a better approximation of the exact kinetic theory attractor than the Mueller-Israel-Stewart theory. Finally, we introduce a new method for obtaining approximate aHydro equations which relies solely on an expansion in the inverse Reynolds number. We then carry this expansion out to the third order, and compare these third-order results to the exact kinetic theory solution.

Direct and octave-shifted pitch matching during nonword imitations in men, women, and children

PubMed Central

Peter, Beate; Foster, Bronsyn; Haas, Heather; Middleton, Kyle; McKibben, Kiersten

2014-01-01

Summary Objectives To evaluate whether children, women, and men match the speaker’s fundamental frequency (F0) during nonword imitation directly when the target F0 is within the responders’ vocal ranges and at octave-shifted levels when the target is outside their vocal ranges. To evaluate the role of a history of speech sound disorder (SSD) in the adult participants. Study Design Observational. Methods Nonword sets spoken by a man and a woman were imitated by 14 men, 21 women, and 19 children. Approximately half of the adults and two thirds of the children had a history of SSD. F0 in the imitations was compared to that in the targets and in the participants’ non-imitated control word productions. Results When the target F0 was within the responders’ vocal ranges, the imitations approximated the target F0. Men imitating a woman’s voice approximated F0 levels one octave below the target F0. Children imitating a man’s voice approximated F0 levels one octave above the target F0. Women imitating a man’s voice approximated the target F0 at a ratio of 1.5, known as the perfect fifth in music. A history of SSD did not influence the results. Conclusions This study replicates previous findings showing that target F0 was a salient aspect of the stimuli that was imitated along with the targets’ segmental and prosodic components without explicit prompting. It is the first to show F0 convergence not only directly but also at relevant target/imitation intervals including the octave interval. PMID:25439509

Rates and predictors of seizure freedom in resective epilepsy surgery: an update

PubMed Central

Englot, Dario J.; Chang, Edward F.

2017-01-01

Epilepsy is a debilitating neurological disorder affecting approximately 1 % of the world’s population. Drug-resistant focal epilepsies are potentially surgically remediable. Although epilepsy surgery is dramatically underutilized among medically refractory patients, there is an expanding collection of evidence supporting its efficacy which may soon compel a paradigm shift. Of note is that a recent randomized controlled trial demonstrated that early resection leads to considerably better seizure outcomes than continued medical therapy in patients with pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy. In the present review, we provide a timely update of seizure freedom rates and predictors in resective epilepsy surgery, organized by the distinct pathological entities most commonly observed. Class I evidence, meta-analyses, and individual observational case series are considered, including the experiences of both our institution and others. Overall, resective epilepsy surgery leads to seizure freedom in approximately two thirds of patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy and about one half of individuals with focal neocortical epilepsy, although only the former observation is supported by class I evidence. Two common modifiable predictors of postoperative seizure freedom are early operative intervention and, in the case of a discrete lesion, gross total resection. Evidence-based practice guidelines recommend that epilepsy patients who continue to have seizures after trialing two or more medication regimens should be referred to a comprehensive epilepsy center for multidisciplinary evaluation, including surgical consideration. PMID:24497269

Adaptive emotional memory: the key hippocampal-amygdalar interaction.

PubMed

Desmedt, Aline; Marighetto, Aline; Richter-Levin, Gal; Calandreau, Ludovic

2015-01-01

For centuries philosophical and clinical studies have emphasized a fundamental dichotomy between emotion and cognition, as, for instance, between behavioral/emotional memory and explicit/representative memory. However, the last few decades cognitive neuroscience have highlighted data indicating that emotion and cognition, as well as their underlying neural networks, are in fact in close interaction. First, it turns out that emotion can serve cognition, as exemplified by its critical contribution to decision-making or to the enhancement of episodic memory. Second, it is also observed that reciprocally cognitive processes as reasoning, conscious appraisal or explicit representation of events can modulate emotional responses, like promoting or reducing fear. Third, neurobiological data indicate that reciprocal amygdalar-hippocampal influences underlie such mutual regulation of emotion and cognition. While supporting this view, the present review discusses experimental data, obtained in rodents, indicating that the hippocampal and amygdalar systems not only regulate each other and their functional outcomes, but also qualify specific emotional memory representations through specific activations and interactions. Specifically, we review consistent behavioral, electrophysiological, pharmacological, biochemical and imaging data unveiling a direct contribution of both the amygdala and hippocampal-septal system to the identification of the predictor of a threat in different situations of fear conditioning. Our suggestion is that these two brain systems and their interplay determine the selection of relevant emotional stimuli, thereby contributing to the adaptive value of emotional memory. Hence, beyond the mutual quantitative regulation of these two brain systems described so far, we develop the idea that different activations of the hippocampus and amygdala, leading to specific configurations of neural activity, qualitatively impact the formation of emotional memory representations, thereby producing either adaptive or maladaptive fear memories.

Patch testing in non-immediate cutaneous adverse drug reactions: value of extemporaneous patch tests.

PubMed

Assier, Haudrey; Valeyrie-Allanore, Laurence; Gener, Gwendeline; Verlinde Carvalh, Muriel; Chosidow, Olivier; Wolkenstein, Pierre

2017-11-01

Patch testing following a standardized protocol is reliable for identifying the culprit drug in cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs). However, these patch tests (PTs) require pharmaceutical material and staff, which are not always easily available. To evaluate an extemporaneous PT method in CADRs. We retrospectively analysed data for all patients referred to our department between March 2009 and June 2013 for patch testing after a non-immediate CADR. The patients who supplied their own suspected drugs were tested both with extemporaneous PTs and with conventional PTs. Extemporaneous PTs involved a nurse crushing and diluting the drug in pet. in a ratio of approximately one-third to two-thirds. Standardized PTs were performed according to guidelines, with commercial drugs diluted to 30% or with active ingredients diluted to 10%. We analysed the data for the two PT methods in terms of the number of positive test reactions, drugs tested, and type of CADR for patients in whom the two PT methods were used. In total, 75 of 156 patients underwent the two PT procedures, including 91 double tests. Overall, 21 tests gave positive reactions with the two methods, and 69 other tests gave negative results with the two methods. Our series yielded results similar to those of published series concerning the types of CADR and the drugs responsible. Our results suggest that, for CADRs, if a patient supplies a suspected drug but if the pharmaceutical material and staff are not available for conventional PTs, extemporaneous PTs performed by the nurse with the commercial drug used by the patient can be useful and reliable. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with aminosidine (paromomycin) ointment: double-blind, randomized trial in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

PubMed Central

Asilian, A.; Jalayer, T.; Nilforooshzadeh, M.; Ghassemi, R. L.; Peto, R.; Wayling, S.; Olliaro, P.; Modabber, F.

2003-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To compare the parasitological and clinical efficacy of four weeks versus two weeks of treatment with aminosidine (paromomycin) ointment in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major in the Islamic Republic of Iran. METHODS: Double-blind, randomized trial of four weeks of aminosidine ointment (n = 108) vs two weeks of aminosidine ointment and two weeks of placebo (n = 108). Patients were assessed on days 15, 29, 45, and 105 for clinical cures and clinical and parasitological cures. FINDINGS: Four weeks' treatment gave significantly better cure rates than two weeks' treatment: on day 29, there were 80/108 (74%) vs 64/108 (59%) clinical cures (P = 0.05) and 47 (44%) vs 26 (24%) clinical and parasitological cures (P = 0.005). By day 45, fewer patients who received four weeks' treatment had required rescue treatment with antimonials than those who received two weeks' treatment: 20 (19%) vs 36 (33%) (P = 0.02). On day 105, the results still favoured those who had been allocated four weeks of active treatment, but the differences were no longer as clearly significant. No side-effects were observed or reported. CONCLUSION: Approximately two-thirds of patients given ointment for four weeks were cured clinically. Although about half of those cured might have recovered spontaneously even without treatment, four weeks of aminosidine ointment could become the first-line treatment for uncomplicated cutaneous leishmaniasis due to L. major, with antimonials needed in only the one-third of patients not cured by the end of treatment with aminosidine. This would considerably reduce the costs and side-effects associated with antimonial drugs. PMID:12856053