Sample records for year-round unitary single

  1. Evaluating the Promise of Single-Track Year-Round Schools.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Haenn, Joseph F.

    1996-01-01

    Describes two single-track year-round elementary schools in Durham, North Carolina, established in discrete attendance zones. Remediation and enrichment activities were provided during intersession. Low-SES students were overrepresented in remediation sessions. Student outcomes data (end-of-grade reading and math test scores) suggest that…

  2. Single-qubit unitary gates by graph scattering

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

    Blumer, Benjamin A.; Underwood, Michael S.; Feder, David L.

    2011-12-15

    We consider the effects of plane-wave states scattering off finite graphs as an approach to implementing single-qubit unitary operations within the continuous-time quantum walk framework of universal quantum computation. Four semi-infinite tails are attached at arbitrary points of a given graph, representing the input and output registers of a single qubit. For a range of momentum eigenstates, we enumerate all of the graphs with up to n=9 vertices for which the scattering implements a single-qubit gate. As n increases, the number of new unitary operations increases exponentially, and for n>6 the majority correspond to rotations about axes distributed roughly uniformlymore » across the Bloch sphere. Rotations by both rational and irrational multiples of {pi} are found.« less

  3. Year-Round versus Traditional Schools

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lyttle, LeighAnne

    2011-01-01

    This document serves as a literature review for the practicality and cost effectiveness of traditional versus year-round school systems. The differences in year-round and traditional schools are many, as the debate lingers on which type is best for students' learning. Generally conclusive, the literature indicates that year-round schools' benefits…

  4. Needed Research in Year-Round Education.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Parks, David J.; Leffel, Linda G.

    The current literature on year-round education is replete with feasibility studies; reports on operational programs; and thoughtful consideration of the potential effects of year-round education on the community, school, family, and child. Lay boards of education are frequently asked to make decisions on whether to implement year-round programs on…

  5. Year-Round School. Research Brief

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Walker, Karen

    2009-01-01

    Despite the numerous advantages of a year-round schedule, there are significant political hurdles to its implementation. The most successful year-round schools are those where leaders worked closely with staff and families to maximize the benefits, minimize the costs, and build support for modifying the traditional school calendar. The research on…

  6. Year-Round Schools.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McChesney, Jim

    1996-01-01

    One avenue being explored as a way to cut costs while maintaining the quality of programs and services is year-round education (YRE). In most cases, the known benefits and drawbacks of an existing component of traditional scheduling must be weighed against the theoretical advantages and disadvantages of YRE. The five articles reviewed in this…

  7. The Year-Round School: Where Learning Never Stops. Fastback 259.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ballinger, Charles E.; And Others

    This fastback examines the instructional and administrative benefits of year-round education and describes schools currently operating on a year-round schedule. Instructional benefits of year-round education for gifted, average, and remedial students are cited in a brief introductory article. Other benefits, discussed in more detail, include…

  8. Geometric characterization of separability and entanglement in pure Gaussian states by single-mode unitary operations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Adesso, Gerardo; Giampaolo, Salvatore M.; Illuminati, Fabrizio

    2007-10-01

    We present a geometric approach to the characterization of separability and entanglement in pure Gaussian states of an arbitrary number of modes. The analysis is performed adapting to continuous variables a formalism based on single subsystem unitary transformations that has been recently introduced to characterize separability and entanglement in pure states of qubits and qutrits [S. M. Giampaolo and F. Illuminati, Phys. Rev. A 76, 042301 (2007)]. In analogy with the finite-dimensional case, we demonstrate that the 1×M bipartite entanglement of a multimode pure Gaussian state can be quantified by the minimum squared Euclidean distance between the state itself and the set of states obtained by transforming it via suitable local symplectic (unitary) operations. This minimum distance, corresponding to a , uniquely determined, extremal local operation, defines an entanglement monotone equivalent to the entropy of entanglement, and amenable to direct experimental measurement with linear optical schemes.

  9. Characterization of separability and entanglement in (2xD)- and (3xD)-dimensional systems by single-qubit and single-qutrit unitary transformations

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

    Giampaolo, Salvatore M.; CNR-INFM Coherentia, Naples; CNISM Unita di Salerno and INFN Sezione di Napoli, Gruppo collegato di Salerno, Baronissi

    2007-10-15

    We investigate the geometric characterization of pure state bipartite entanglement of (2xD)- and (3xD)-dimensional composite quantum systems. To this aim, we analyze the relationship between states and their images under the action of particular classes of local unitary operations. We find that invariance of states under the action of single-qubit and single-qutrit transformations is a necessary and sufficient condition for separability. We demonstrate that in the (2xD)-dimensional case the von Neumann entropy of entanglement is a monotonic function of the minimum squared Euclidean distance between states and their images over the set of single qubit unitary transformations. Moreover, both inmore » the (2xD)- and in the (3xD)-dimensional cases the minimum squared Euclidean distance exactly coincides with the linear entropy [and thus as well with the tangle measure of entanglement in the (2xD)-dimensional case]. These results provide a geometric characterization of entanglement measures originally established in informational frameworks. Consequences and applications of the formalism to quantum critical phenomena in spin systems are discussed.« less

  10. Missouri School Superintendent Perceptions of Year-Round School Calendars

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cook, Becca Christine

    2016-01-01

    The purpose of this study is to synthesize perceptions of Missouri superintendents with regards to year-round school calendars and correlate them to the four themes of Time, Student Learning and Achievement, District Cost, and Family Cost and Support. The idea behind year-round school calendars is that by going to school throughout the year with…

  11. Geometric characterization of separability and entanglement in pure Gaussian states by single-mode unitary operations

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

    Adesso, Gerardo; CNR-INFM Coherentia, Naples; CNISM, Unita di Salerno, Salerno

    2007-10-15

    We present a geometric approach to the characterization of separability and entanglement in pure Gaussian states of an arbitrary number of modes. The analysis is performed adapting to continuous variables a formalism based on single subsystem unitary transformations that has been recently introduced to characterize separability and entanglement in pure states of qubits and qutrits [S. M. Giampaolo and F. Illuminati, Phys. Rev. A 76, 042301 (2007)]. In analogy with the finite-dimensional case, we demonstrate that the 1xM bipartite entanglement of a multimode pure Gaussian state can be quantified by the minimum squared Euclidean distance between the state itself andmore » the set of states obtained by transforming it via suitable local symplectic (unitary) operations. This minimum distance, corresponding to a, uniquely determined, extremal local operation, defines an entanglement monotone equivalent to the entropy of entanglement, and amenable to direct experimental measurement with linear optical schemes.« less

  12. Year-Round School: Here's What's Happening.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jensen, George M.

    The National Council on Year-round Education was formed in 1972 to aid professional schoolmen and supportive board members who feel that our traditional school attendance pattern is unsound from an educational, financial, and societal standpoint. The Council's president-elect cites here the past year's activities of the Council and presents…

  13. Prevent Heartworms in Pets Year-Round

    MedlinePlus

    ... Home For Consumers Consumer Updates Prevent Heartworms in Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets Year-Round Share Tweet Linkedin ... bad news: Heartworm disease can be fatal to dogs, cats, and ferrets. The good news: You can ...

  14. Optimal Synthesis of the Joint Unitary Evolutions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wei, Hai-Rui; Alsaedi, Ahmed; Hobiny, Aatef; Deng, Fu-Guo; Hu, Hui; Zhang, Dun

    2018-07-01

    Joint unitary operations play a central role in quantum communication and computation. We give a quantum circuit for implementing a type of unconstructed useful joint unitary evolutions in terms of controlled-NOT (CNOT) gates and single-qubit rotations. Our synthesis is optimal and possible in experiment. Two CNOT gates and seven R x , R y or R z rotations are required for our synthesis, and the arbitrary parameter contained in the evolutions can be controlled by local Hamiltonian or external fields.

  15. Optimal Synthesis of the Joint Unitary Evolutions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wei, Hai-Rui; Alsaedi, Ahmed; Hobiny, Aatef; Deng, Fu-Guo; Hu, Hui; Zhang, Dun

    2018-03-01

    Joint unitary operations play a central role in quantum communication and computation. We give a quantum circuit for implementing a type of unconstructed useful joint unitary evolutions in terms of controlled-NOT (CNOT) gates and single-qubit rotations. Our synthesis is optimal and possible in experiment. Two CNOT gates and seven R x , R y or R z rotations are required for our synthesis, and the arbitrary parameter contained in the evolutions can be controlled by local Hamiltonian or external fields.

  16. Year-Round Education: Change and Choice for Schools and Teachers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Haser, Shelly Gismondi; Nasser, Ilham

    2005-01-01

    Over the last 20 years, many districts and schools have begun to explore year-round education or a modified calendar in response to student under-achievement in low performing schools. Here, the authors detail their two-year study of Title I, year-round, or modified calendar schools that switched from a traditional to a modified schedule in order…

  17. Single-particle spectral density of the unitary Fermi gas: Novel approach based on the operator product expansion, sum rules and the maximum entropy method

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

    Gubler, Philipp, E-mail: pgubler@riken.jp; RIKEN Nishina Center, Wako, Saitama 351-0198; Yamamoto, Naoki

    2015-05-15

    Making use of the operator product expansion, we derive a general class of sum rules for the imaginary part of the single-particle self-energy of the unitary Fermi gas. The sum rules are analyzed numerically with the help of the maximum entropy method, which allows us to extract the single-particle spectral density as a function of both energy and momentum. These spectral densities contain basic information on the properties of the unitary Fermi gas, such as the dispersion relation and the superfluid pairing gap, for which we obtain reasonable agreement with the available results based on quantum Monte-Carlo simulations.

  18. Multiple multicontrol unitary operations: Implementation and applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, Qing

    2018-04-01

    The efficient implementation of computational tasks is critical to quantum computations. In quantum circuits, multicontrol unitary operations are important components. Here, we present an extremely efficient and direct approach to multiple multicontrol unitary operations without decomposition to CNOT and single-photon gates. With the proposed approach, the necessary two-photon operations could be reduced from O( n 3) with the traditional decomposition approach to O( n), which will greatly relax the requirements and make large-scale quantum computation feasible. Moreover, we propose the potential application to the ( n- k)-uniform hypergraph state.

  19. Unitary Root Music and Unitary Music with Real-Valued Rank Revealing Triangular Factorization

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-06-01

    AFRL-RY-WP-TP-2010-1213 UNITARY ROOT MUSIC AND UNITARY MUSIC WITH REAL-VALUED RANK REVEALING TRIANGULAR FACTORIZATION (Postprint) Nizar...DATES COVERED (From - To) June 2010 Journal Article Postprint 08 September 2006 – 31 August 2009 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE UNITARY ROOT MUSIC AND...UNITARY MUSIC WITH REAL-VALUED RANK REVEALING TRIANGULAR FACTORIZATION (Postprint) 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER FA8650-05-D-1912-0007 5c

  20. Transitioning to Year-Round Education: Satisfaction and Factors of Choice

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ramos, Barbara K.

    2012-01-01

    This study examines a mid-west elementary school transitioning from a school-within-a-school calendar, offering both year-round and traditional calendars, to a year-round only calendar. The satisfaction of teachers and families with the transition, and the factors that teachers and families consider in making a calendar selection, were examined…

  1. Implementing Year-Round School--Monroe Style.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cruz, John

    Planning for conversion to a year-round school in James Monroe School, Madera, California, began in 1984 as educators and community faced the fact that continued enrollment increases had reached a critical point. This report describes program development and implementation; an appendix with program worksheets comprises over one-half of the…

  2. Localization of Unitary Braid Group Representations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rowell, Eric C.; Wang, Zhenghan

    2012-05-01

    Governed by locality, we explore a connection between unitary braid group representations associated to a unitary R-matrix and to a simple object in a unitary braided fusion category. Unitary R-matrices, namely unitary solutions to the Yang-Baxter equation, afford explicitly local unitary representations of braid groups. Inspired by topological quantum computation, we study whether or not it is possible to reassemble the irreducible summands appearing in the unitary braid group representations from a unitary braided fusion category with possibly different positive multiplicities to get representations that are uniformly equivalent to the ones from a unitary R-matrix. Such an equivalence will be called a localization of the unitary braid group representations. We show that the q = e π i/6 specialization of the unitary Jones representation of the braid groups can be localized by a unitary 9 × 9 R-matrix. Actually this Jones representation is the first one in a family of theories ( SO( N), 2) for an odd prime N > 1, which are conjectured to be localizable. We formulate several general conjectures and discuss possible connections to physics and computer science.

  3. Legionella species in year-round vs. seasonal accommodation water supply systems.

    PubMed

    Rakić, Anita; Perić, Jelena; Štambuk-Giljanović, Nives; Mikrut, Antonija; Bakavić, Ana-Spomenka

    2011-12-01

    The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of hot water between eleven hotels in the Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia that are open year round and 10 summer season hotels and retirement homes with irregular use of water. We took 122 samples between May and December 2009. Water temperature and free residual chlorine were measured in situ. Physical and chemical analysis included pH, electrical conductivity, and concentrations of iron, manganese, copper, zinc, calcium, and magnesium that were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while the Legionella species were determined using a cultivation method on buffered charcoal yeast extract agar. Differences in metal concentrations between the seasonal and year-round accommodation facilities were negligible, save for zinc that was higher in year-round (0.341 mg L(-1)) than in seasonal facilities (0.130 mg L(-1)). Samples from all year-round and six summer season hotels were negative to the Legionella species, but four seasonal facilities turned up with positive samples to Legionella pneumophila. Our study has demonstrated that water quality differs between year-round and seasonal accommodation facilities. These findings suggest that metal plumbing components and associated corrosion products are important factors in the survival and growth of Legionella species in water distribution systems.

  4. Is Year-Round Schooling on Track?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dessoff, Alan

    2011-01-01

    For administrators, teachers, students and their families in some districts, summer isn't what it used to be. Trying to stem a "summer slide" of learning loss by students and also to avoid having to build more schools to cope with overcrowding, districts are operating on year-round schedules that shorten the traditional summer vacation…

  5. Piaget's Egocentrism: A Unitary Construct?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ruthven, Avis J.; Cunningham, William L.

    In order to determine whether egocentrism can be conceptualized as a unitary construct, 100 children (51 four-year-olds, 37 five-year-olds, and 12 six-year-olds) were administered a visual/spatial perspective task, a cognitive/communicative task, and an affective task. All tasks were designed to measure different facets of egocentrism. The 50…

  6. Year-Round Education: Learning More for Less.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ballinger, Charles

    1990-01-01

    Advantages and examples of year-round education are discussed in this publication. Advantages include instructional benefits, relief from overcrowding, savings on operational and capital costs, increased teacher flexibility, improved attendance, and reduced vandalism. Guidelines for implementation, calendar design, and descriptions of various…

  7. Compressor-fan unitary structure for air conditioning system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dreiman, N.

    2015-08-01

    An extremely compact, therefore space saving unitary structure of short axial length is produced by radial integration of a revolving piston rotary compressor and an impeller of a centrifugal fan. The unitary structure employs single motor to run as the compressor so the airflow fan and eliminates duality of motors, related power supply and control elements. Novel revolving piston rotary compressor which provides possibility for such integration comprises the following: a suction gas delivery system which provides cooling of the motor and supplies refrigerant into the suction chamber under higher pressure (supercharged); a modified discharge system and lubricating oil supply system. Axial passages formed in the stationary crankshaft are used to supply discharge gas to a condenser, to return vaporized cooling agent from the evaporator to the suction cavity of the compressor, to pass a lubricant and to accommodate wiring supplying power to the unitary structure driver -external rotor electric motor.

  8. Effects of Year-Round Education on Texas Middle School Student Performance

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Coopersmith, Michael

    2011-01-01

    This study was designed to investigate the effects of the year-round calendar on student performance in Texas middle schools as measured by achievement on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test. In the State of Texas, 15 schools served students in grades six through eight using the year-round calendar in 2009-2010. The 15…

  9. Teacher Job Satisfaction in a Year-Round School.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Haser, Shelly Gismondi; Nasser, Ilham

    2003-01-01

    Describes reasons for teacher job satisfaction at a year-round elementary school (Timber Lane) in Fairfax County, Virginia, such as flexible work schedules, reduced stress, and time for professional planning. (PKP)

  10. Unitary lens semiconductor device

    DOEpatents

    Lear, Kevin L.

    1997-01-01

    A unitary lens semiconductor device and method. The unitary lens semiconductor device is provided with at least one semiconductor layer having a composition varying in the growth direction for unitarily forming one or more lenses in the semiconductor layer. Unitary lens semiconductor devices may be formed as light-processing devices such as microlenses, and as light-active devices such as light-emitting diodes, photodetectors, resonant-cavity light-emitting diodes, vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers, and resonant cavity photodetectors.

  11. A Study of Year-Round Schools. Volume III: Handbook for Conducting Cost Analysis of Year-Round School Programs.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Burnett, Robert W.

    This manual is intended for use by district officials undertaking analysis of the costs of year-round school (YRS) programs. To analyze the budgetary impact of YRS, it is necessary to determine the actual costs incurred with the YRS program and to compare these costs to expenses that would be incurred without the YRS program. A simulated…

  12. Unitary lens semiconductor device

    DOEpatents

    Lear, K.L.

    1997-05-27

    A unitary lens semiconductor device and method are disclosed. The unitary lens semiconductor device is provided with at least one semiconductor layer having a composition varying in the growth direction for unitarily forming one or more lenses in the semiconductor layer. Unitary lens semiconductor devices may be formed as light-processing devices such as microlenses, and as light-active devices such as light-emitting diodes, photodetectors, resonant-cavity light-emitting diodes, vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers, and resonant cavity photodetectors. 9 figs.

  13. Year-Round Education: Does It Cost More?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brekke, Norman R.

    The cost-effective management of instructional programs and facilities will continue to be a fundamental educational issue in the 21st century. This handbook discusses issues to be considered in assessing the cost effectiveness of year-round education (YRE). YRE has the potential to enhance student retention of material, reduce teacher and student…

  14. Efficient Nonlocal M-Control and N-Target Controlled Unitary Gate Using Non-symmetric GHZ States

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Li-Bing; Lu, Hong

    2018-03-01

    Efficient local implementation of a nonlocal M-control and N-target controlled unitary gate is considered. We first show that with the assistance of two non-symmetric qubit(1)-qutrit(N) Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) states, a nonlocal 2-control and N-target controlled unitary gate can be constructed from 2 local two-qubit CNOT gates, 2 N local two-qutrit conditional SWAP gates, N local qutrit-qubit controlled unitary gates, and 2 N single-qutrit gates. At each target node, the two third levels of the two GHZ target qutrits are used to expose one and only one initial computational state to the local qutrit-qubit controlled unitary gate, instead of being used to hide certain states from the conditional dynamics. This scheme can be generalized straightforwardly to implement a higher-order nonlocal M-control and N-target controlled unitary gate by using M non-symmetric qubit(1)-qutrit(N) GHZ states as quantum channels. Neither the number of the additional levels of each GHZ target particle nor that of single-qutrit gates needs to increase with M. For certain realistic physical systems, the total gate time may be reduced compared with that required in previous schemes.

  15. Outdoor Cultivation of Marine Diatoms for Year-Round Production of Biofuels.

    PubMed

    Matsumoto, Mitsufumi; Nojima, Daisuke; Nonoyama, Tomomi; Ikeda, Kiichi; Maeda, Yoshiaki; Yoshino, Tomoko; Tanaka, Tsuyoshi

    2017-03-25

    Biofuel production using microalgae is believed to have the advantage of continuous year-round production over crop plants, which have strong seasonality. However, actual year-round production of microalgal lipids using outdoor mass cultivation has rarely been demonstrated. In our previous study, it was demonstrated that the oleaginous diatom, Fistulifera solaris , was culturable in outdoor bioreactors from spring to autumn, whereas biomass and lipid production in winter failed because F. solaris did not grow below 15 °C. Therefore, another candidate strain that is culturable in winter is required. In this study, a cold-tolerant diatom, Mayamaea sp. JPCC CTDA0820, was selected as a promising candidate for biofuel production in winter. Laboratory-scale characterization revealed that this diatom was culturable at temperatures as low as 10 °C. Subsequently, F. solaris (April-October) and Mayamaea sp. JPCC CTDA0820 (November-March) were cultured in outdoor open-pond bioreactors, wherein year-round production of diatom lipids was successfully demonstrated. The maximal values of areal productivities of biomass and lipids reached to 9.79 and 1.80 g/(m² day) for F. solaris , and 8.62 and 0.92 g/(m² day) for Mayamaea sp. JPCC CTDA0820, respectively. With the combined use of these two diatom species, stable year-round production of microalgal lipids became possible.

  16. Mesothelial Cysts of the Round Ligament of the Uterus in 9 Patients: a 15-year experience.

    PubMed

    Tirnaksiz, Mehmet; Erkan, Arman; Dogrul, Ahmet Bulent; Abbasoglu, Osman

    2016-04-04

    Aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristic features of patients with mesothelial cyst of the round ligament of the uterus and the incidence of this entity. This was a retrospective review of 3065 patients who underwent inguinal exploration for groin mass from 1998 to 2013. Clinical, radiological and histopathological features of patients with a diagnosis of mesothelial cyst of the round ligament were analyzed. Of the 405 female patients reviewed 9 mesothelial cysts of the round ligament were identified (2.2%). The median age was 37 (range 19-82 years). In all patients the groin mass was manually irreducible on physical examination. The lesions were on the right side in 6 (66.6%) patients. These were identified before surgery in 4 (all by groin ultrasonography). Three were misidentified as a hernia before surgery. The remaining 2 (22%) had both hernia and the mesothelial cyst of the round ligament. The cysts were identified after surgery at the time of histopathological examination in these two patients. In all patients histopathological examination revealed multilobular cystic lesion lined by a single layer of mesothelial cells. Cystic lesions arising from the round ligament were identified and excised along with the round ligament in 7 patients. In the remaining 2, a hernia repair was also performed. There was no recurrence at follow-up. Mesothelial cysts of the round ligament are rare. They are easily misidentified as groin hernia. An accurate diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and is greatly aided by preoperative imaging studies.

  17. Implementation of bipartite or remote unitary gates with repeater nodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yu, Li; Nemoto, Kae

    2016-08-01

    We propose some protocols to implement various classes of bipartite unitary operations on two remote parties with the help of repeater nodes in-between. We also present a protocol to implement a single-qubit unitary with parameters determined by a remote party with the help of up to three repeater nodes. It is assumed that the neighboring nodes are connected by noisy photonic channels, and the local gates can be performed quite accurately, while the decoherence of memories is significant. A unitary is often a part of a larger computation or communication task in a quantum network, and to reduce the amount of decoherence in other systems of the network, we focus on the goal of saving the total time for implementing a unitary including the time for entanglement preparation. We review some previously studied protocols that implement bipartite unitaries using local operations and classical communication and prior shared entanglement, and apply them to the situation with repeater nodes without prior entanglement. We find that the protocols using piecewise entanglement between neighboring nodes often require less total time compared to preparing entanglement between the two end nodes first and then performing the previously known protocols. For a generic bipartite unitary, as the number of repeater nodes increases, the total time could approach the time cost for direct signal transfer from one end node to the other. We also prove some lower bounds of the total time when there are a small number of repeater nodes. The application to position-based cryptography is discussed.

  18. Cost-Effects Analysis of Year-Round Education Programs.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hough, David; And Others

    This feasibility study was designed to gather and analyze data to determine the potential cost-effectiveness of year-round education (YRE) compared to traditional-schedule education in California. An expanded version of the Stanford Research Institute's cost model was used to fit a broad conceptualization that enabled school districts with…

  19. Entanglement quantification by local unitary operations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Monras, A.; Adesso, G.; Giampaolo, S. M.; Gualdi, G.; Davies, G. B.; Illuminati, F.

    2011-07-01

    Invariance under local unitary operations is a fundamental property that must be obeyed by every proper measure of quantum entanglement. However, this is not the only aspect of entanglement theory where local unitary operations play a relevant role. In the present work we show that the application of suitable local unitary operations defines a family of bipartite entanglement monotones, collectively referred to as “mirror entanglement.” They are constructed by first considering the (squared) Hilbert-Schmidt distance of the state from the set of states obtained by applying to it a given local unitary operator. To the action of each different local unitary operator there corresponds a different distance. We then minimize these distances over the sets of local unitary operations with different spectra, obtaining an entire family of different entanglement monotones. We show that these mirror-entanglement monotones are organized in a hierarchical structure, and we establish the conditions that need to be imposed on the spectrum of a local unitary operator for the associated mirror entanglement to be faithful, i.e., to vanish in and only in separable pure states. We analyze in detail the properties of one particularly relevant member of the family, the “stellar mirror entanglement” associated with the traceless local unitary operations with nondegenerate spectra and equispaced eigenvalues in the complex plane. This particular measure generalizes the original analysis of S. M. Giampaolo and F. Illuminati [Phys. Rev. APLRAAN1050-294710.1103/PhysRevA.76.042301 76, 042301 (2007)], valid for qubits and qutrits. We prove that the stellar entanglement is a faithful bipartite entanglement monotone in any dimension and that it is bounded from below by a function proportional to the linear entropy and from above by the linear entropy itself, coinciding with it in two- and three-dimensional spaces.

  20. Entanglement quantification by local unitary operations

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

    Monras, A.; Giampaolo, S. M.; Gualdi, G.

    2011-07-15

    Invariance under local unitary operations is a fundamental property that must be obeyed by every proper measure of quantum entanglement. However, this is not the only aspect of entanglement theory where local unitary operations play a relevant role. In the present work we show that the application of suitable local unitary operations defines a family of bipartite entanglement monotones, collectively referred to as ''mirror entanglement.'' They are constructed by first considering the (squared) Hilbert-Schmidt distance of the state from the set of states obtained by applying to it a given local unitary operator. To the action of each different localmore » unitary operator there corresponds a different distance. We then minimize these distances over the sets of local unitary operations with different spectra, obtaining an entire family of different entanglement monotones. We show that these mirror-entanglement monotones are organized in a hierarchical structure, and we establish the conditions that need to be imposed on the spectrum of a local unitary operator for the associated mirror entanglement to be faithful, i.e., to vanish in and only in separable pure states. We analyze in detail the properties of one particularly relevant member of the family, the ''stellar mirror entanglement'' associated with the traceless local unitary operations with nondegenerate spectra and equispaced eigenvalues in the complex plane. This particular measure generalizes the original analysis of S. M. Giampaolo and F. Illuminati [Phys. Rev. A 76, 042301 (2007)], valid for qubits and qutrits. We prove that the stellar entanglement is a faithful bipartite entanglement monotone in any dimension and that it is bounded from below by a function proportional to the linear entropy and from above by the linear entropy itself, coinciding with it in two- and three-dimensional spaces.« less

  1. Durability of Multi-Track Year-Round Elementary School Principals.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Borba, John A.

    2000-01-01

    A followup study surveyed 79 principals of year-round, multitrack California elementary schools. YRE principal persistence between 1993 and 1998 was lower than that of counterparts in traditional-schedule schools. YRE schools need increased administrative support; their principals need stress management strategies. (Contains 14 references.) (MLH)

  2. Engineering challenges of operating year-round portable seismic stations at high-latitude

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Beaudoin, Bruce; Carpenter, Paul; Hebert, Jason; Childs, Dean; Anderson, Kent

    2017-04-01

    Remote portable seismic stations are, in most cases, constrained by logistics and cost. High latitude operations introduce environmental, technical and logistical challenges that require substantially more engineering work to ensure robust, high quality data return. Since 2006, IRIS PASSCAL has been funded by NSF to develop, deploy, and maintain a pool of polar specific seismic stations. Here, we describe our latest advancements to mitigate the challenges of high-latitude, year-round station operation. The IRIS PASSCAL program has supported high-latitude deployments since the late 1980s. These early deployments were largely controlled source, summer only experiments. In early 2000 PASSCAL users began proposing year-round deployments of broadband stations in some of the harshest environments on the planet. These early year-round deployments were stand-alone (no telemetry) stations largely designed to operate during summer months and then run as long as possible during the winter with hopes the stations would revive come following summer. In 2006 and in collaboration with UNAVCO, we began developing communications, power systems, and enclosures to extend recording to year-round. Since this initial effort, PASSCAL continued refinement to power systems, enclosure design and manufacturability, and real-time data communications. Several sensor and data logger manufacturers have made advances in cold weather performance and delivered newly designed instruments that have furthered our ability to successfully run portable stations at high-latitude with minimal logistics - reducing size and weight of instruments and infrastructure. All PASSCAL polar engineering work is openly shared through our website: www.passcal.nmt.edu/content/polar

  3. Final screening round of the NELSON lung cancer screening trial: the effect of a 2.5-year screening interval.

    PubMed

    Yousaf-Khan, Uraujh; van der Aalst, Carlijn; de Jong, Pim A; Heuvelmans, Marjolein; Scholten, Ernst; Lammers, Jan-Willem; van Ooijen, Peter; Nackaerts, Kristiaan; Weenink, Carla; Groen, Harry; Vliegenthart, Rozemarijn; Ten Haaf, Kevin; Oudkerk, Matthijs; de Koning, Harry

    2017-01-01

    In the USA annual lung cancer screening is recommended. However, the optimal screening strategy (eg, screening interval, screening rounds) is unknown. This study provides results of the fourth screening round after a 2.5-year interval in the Dutch-Belgian Lung Cancer Screening trial (NELSON). Europe's largest, sufficiently powered randomised lung cancer screening trial was designed to determine whether low-dose CT screening reduces lung cancer mortality by ≥25% compared with no screening after 10 years of follow-up. The screening arm (n=7915) received screening at baseline, after 1 year, 2 years and 2.5 years. Performance of the NELSON screening strategy in the final fourth round was evaluated. Comparisons were made between lung cancers detected in the first three rounds, in the final round and during the 2.5-year interval. In round 4, 46 cancers were screen-detected and there were 28 interval cancers between the third and fourth screenings. Compared with the second round screening (1-year interval), in round 4 a higher proportion of stage IIIb/IV cancers (17.3% vs 6.8%, p=0.02) and higher proportions of squamous-cell, bronchoalveolar and small-cell carcinomas (p=0.001) were detected. Compared with a 2-year interval, the 2.5-year interval showed a higher non-significant stage distribution (stage IIIb/IV 17.3% vs 5.2%, p=0.10). Additionally, more interval cancers manifested in the 2.5-year interval than in the intervals of previous rounds (28 vs 5 and 28 vs 19). A 2.5-year interval reduced the effect of screening: the interval cancer rate was higher compared with the 1-year and 2-year intervals, and proportion of advanced disease stage in the final round was higher compared with the previous rounds. ISRCTN63545820. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

  4. Prospects and Problems of the Year-Round School in Contemporary American Education: A Sociological Examination.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ibsen, C. A.

    A number of school divisions have entered year-round education without fully realizing the effects of such a program on the family and the community. Family vacations, child care, and routine living are disrupted by year-round educational programs. Community recreational facilities, church activities, public service programs, police work, and…

  5. Policy Considerations in Conversion to Year-Round Schools. Policy Briefs of the Education Policy Studies Laboratory, No. 92-01.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Glass, Gene V.

    Increasing enrollments and budget problems have prompted many school districts nationwide to experiment with year-round school schedules. Year-round school schedules allow districts to serve more students without constructing more buildings. As in traditional 9-month schools, students in year-round schools attend classes about 180 days a year. The…

  6. A Year-Round Professional Development Model for World Language Educators

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Steele, Tracy M.; Peterson, Margaret D.; Silva, Duarte M.; Padilla, Amado M.

    2009-01-01

    The Bay Area Foreign Language Program (BAFLP), one of nine regional sites of the California Foreign Language Project, offers ongoing, year-round professional development programs for world language educators. In addition, its leadership program prepares selected educators to assume leadership positions at their school sites, building capacity for…

  7. Meditations on the unitary rhythm of dying-grieving.

    PubMed

    Malinski, Violet M

    2012-07-01

    When someone faces loss of a loved one, that person simultaneously grieves and dies a little, just as the one dying also grieves. The author's personal conceptualization of dying and grieving as a unitary rhythm is explored based primarily on her interpretation of Rogers' science of unitary human beings, along with selected examples from related nursing literature and from the emerging focus on continuing bonds in other disciplines. Examples from contemporary songwriters that depict such a unitary conceptualization are given along with personal examples. The author concludes with her description of the unitary rhythm of dying-grieving.

  8. Spectral stability of unitary network models

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Asch, Joachim; Bourget, Olivier; Joye, Alain

    2015-08-01

    We review various unitary network models used in quantum computing, spectral analysis or condensed matter physics and establish relationships between them. We show that symmetric one-dimensional quantum walks are universal, as are CMV matrices. We prove spectral stability and propagation properties for general asymptotically uniform models by means of unitary Mourre theory.

  9. Modified round block mastopexy versus traditional round block mastopexy.

    PubMed

    Sterodimas, A; Nicaretta, B; Boriani, F

    2015-01-01

    Breast ptosis may be caused by several factors, including significant weight loss, pregnancy, long breastfeeding periods, and involution of the postmenopausal breast tissue. The authors performed a prospective study to evaluate patient satisfaction and the rate of complications after modified round block mastopexy versus traditional round block mastopexy. Forty-four patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria for undergoing round block mastopexy in a prospective randomized controlled study performed from 2007 to 2008. All the patients received polyurethane silicone implants. Group A included patients who underwent the traditional round block technique described by Benelli. Group B included patients who underwent the traditional round block and 4 cardinal glando-glandular permanent sutures. The overall satisfaction with body appearance after breast mastopexy was rated on a scale of 1 (poor), 2 (fair), 3 (good), 4 (very good), and 5 (excellent). Group A patient ages ranged from 28 to 52 years and in Group B ranged from 29 to 49 years. The mean implant volume was 215 cc in both Groups. The complication and satisfaction rates for both Groups are reported. The combination of the cardinal glandulo-glandular sutures along with the traditional round block appears to be key to preventing the areolar enlargement and persistent breast ptosis. The satisfaction rates in patients who underwent the modified round mastopexy appear superior when compared to the traditional round block mastopexy. Furhter long-term follow-up need to be performed in order to confirm the favorable results seen in this series of cases.

  10. Ten-year results of quality assurance in radiotherapy chart round.

    PubMed

    Taghavi Bayat, Bardia; Gill, Suki; Siva, Shankar; Tai, Keen Hun; Joon, Michael Lim; Foroudi, Farshad

    2013-04-23

    The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) initiated a unique instrument to audit the quality of patient notes and radiotherapy prescriptions. We present our experience collected over ten years from the use of the RANZCR audit instrument. In this study, the results of data collected prospectively from January 1999 to June 2009 through the audit instrument were assessed. Radiotherapy chart rounds were held weekly in the uro-oncology tumour stream and real time feedback was provided. Electronic medical records were retrospectively assessed in September 2009 to see if any omissions were subsequently corrected. In total 2597 patients were audited. One hundred and thirty seven (5%) patients had one hundred and ninety nine omissions in documentation or radiotherapy prescription. In 79% of chart rounds no omissions were found at all, in 12% of chart rounds one omission was found and in 9% of chart rounds two or more omissions were found. Out of 199 omissions, 95% were of record keeping and 2% were omissions in the treatment prescription. Of omissions, 152 (76%) were unfiled investigation results of which 77 (51%) were subsequently corrected. Real-time audit with feedback is an effective tool in assessing the standards of radiotherapy documentation in our department, and also probably contributed to the high level of attentiveness. A large proportion of omissions were investigation results, which highlights the need for an improved system of retrieval of investigation results in the radiation oncology department.

  11. Natural resource theory of unitary taxation

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

    Johnston, J.L.; Reynolds, A.

    1985-01-01

    Empirical evidence supports the tentative hypothesis that unitary taxation encourages natural resource recovery in states well endowed with timber, fuels, and nonfuel minerals. Consequently, if combined apportionment is a stable institution in any state, it will remain so while extractive industries, with higher upstream than downstream profitability, continue to dominate the state's economy. Over time, however, nonproducing states will abandon unitary taxation to prevent integrated firms from disinvesting within their borders and expanding operations in states with a hospitable investment climate. Since states, like firms, must compete with one another, unitary taxation will become less important as state economies becomemore » less dependent on the recovery of natural resources. 43 references, 1 figure, 4 tables.« less

  12. Instrument development and the measurement of unitary constructs.

    PubMed

    Carboni, J T

    1992-01-01

    This article initiates needed dialogue on the development of instruments to measure unitary constructs. The concept of measurement is explored and current measurement in Rogerian research is considered in light of the issues raised in the discussion. The human field - environmental field relationship is presented as the clinical practice area serving as the basis for the development of a unitary instrument that purports to measure field pattern. The instrument entitled Mutual Exploration of the Healing Human Field - Environmental Field Relationship is offered as a beginning effort in constructing an instrument that measures a unitary phenomenon. Rogerian scholars are provided with the challenge to continue the debate regarding the whole field of measurement and the development of unitary tools.

  13. Year-round School Makes Good Business Sense, Says This Boardman-Businessman

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Howe, Paul H.

    1973-01-01

    Argues that year-round schools make good business sense by providing (1) a more efficient use of capital investments, (2) an alleviation of uneconomical and undesirable peaks in working and recreation, and (3) a more sensible way of looking at teacher salaries. (JF)

  14. The flexible focus: whether spatial attention is unitary or divided depends on observer goals.

    PubMed

    Jefferies, Lisa N; Enns, James T; Di Lollo, Vincent

    2014-04-01

    The distribution of visual attention has been the topic of much investigation, and various theories have posited that attention is allocated either as a single unitary focus or as multiple independent foci. In the present experiment, we demonstrate that attention can be flexibly deployed as either a unitary or a divided focus in the same experimental task, depending on the observer's goals. To assess the distribution of attention, we used a dual-stream Attentional Blink (AB) paradigm and 2 target pairs. One component of the AB, Lag-1 sparing, occurs only if the second target pair appears within the focus of attention. By varying whether the first-target-pair could be expected in a predictable location (always in-stream) or not (unpredictably in-stream or between-streams), observers were encouraged to deploy a divided or a unitary focus, respectively. When the second-target-pair appeared between the streams, Lag-1 sparing occurred for the Unpredictable group (consistent with a unitary focus) but not for the Predictable group (consistent with a divided focus). Thus, diametrically different outcomes occurred for physically identical displays, depending on the expectations of the observer about where spatial attention would be required.

  15. Polynomial approximation of non-Gaussian unitaries by counting one photon at a time

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Arzani, Francesco; Treps, Nicolas; Ferrini, Giulia

    2017-05-01

    In quantum computation with continuous-variable systems, quantum advantage can only be achieved if some non-Gaussian resource is available. Yet, non-Gaussian unitary evolutions and measurements suited for computation are challenging to realize in the laboratory. We propose and analyze two methods to apply a polynomial approximation of any unitary operator diagonal in the amplitude quadrature representation, including non-Gaussian operators, to an unknown input state. Our protocols use as a primary non-Gaussian resource a single-photon counter. We use the fidelity of the transformation with the target one on Fock and coherent states to assess the quality of the approximate gate.

  16. Multiqubit Clifford groups are unitary 3-designs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, Huangjun

    2017-12-01

    Unitary t -designs are a ubiquitous tool in many research areas, including randomized benchmarking, quantum process tomography, and scrambling. Despite the intensive efforts of many researchers, little is known about unitary t -designs with t ≥3 in the literature. We show that the multiqubit Clifford group in any even prime-power dimension is not only a unitary 2-design, but also a 3-design. Moreover, it is a minimal 3-design except for dimension 4. As an immediate consequence, any orbit of pure states of the multiqubit Clifford group forms a complex projective 3-design; in particular, the set of stabilizer states forms a 3-design. In addition, our study is helpful in studying higher moments of the Clifford group, which are useful in many research areas ranging from quantum information science to signal processing. Furthermore, we reveal a surprising connection between unitary 3-designs and the physics of discrete phase spaces and thereby offer a simple explanation of why no discrete Wigner function is covariant with respect to the multiqubit Clifford group, which is of intrinsic interest in studying quantum computation.

  17. Instructional Rounds in Action

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Roberts, John E.

    2012-01-01

    "Instructional Rounds in Action" is an invaluable guide for those involved in implementing instructional rounds as the foundation and framework for systemic improvement in schools. Over the past few years, districts across the United States, Canada, and Australia have begun implementing "instructional rounds," a set of ideas…

  18. Radio-Frequency-Controlled Cold Collisions and Universal Properties of Unitary Bose Gases

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ding, Yijue

    This thesis investigates two topics: ultracold atomic collisions in a radio-frequency field and universal properties of a degenerate unitary Bose gas. One interesting point of the unitary Bose gas is that the system has only one length scale, that is, the average interparticle distance. This single parameter determines all properties of the gas, which is called the universality of the system. We first introduce a renormalized contact interaction to extend the validity of the zero-range interaction to large scattering lengths. Then this renormalized interaction is applied to many-body theories to determined those universal relations of the system. From the few-body perspective, we discuss the scattering between atoms in a single-color radio-frequency field. Our motivation is proposing the radio-frequency field as an effective tool to control interactions between cold atoms. Such a technique may be useful in future experiments such as creating phase transitions in spinor condensates. We also discuss the formation of ultracold molecules using radio-freqency fields from a time-dependent approach.

  19. A unitary healing praxis model for women in despair.

    PubMed

    Cowling, W Richard

    2006-04-01

    The evolution of a unitary healing praxis model derived from three unitary appreciative inquiries of despair is described. Explication of unitary appreciative inquiry and how it informed and contributed to the development of the model is provided. The model is based on a conceptualization of healing as appreciating the inherent wholeness of life and provides knowledge specific to the individual lives of women in despair. The process of generative theorizing that led to the creation of the model is explicated. Unitary, appreciative, and participatory responses to despair are integrated in the model, praxis modalities are delineated, key concerns and perspectives of women in despair are addressed, and potentialities for healing are illustrated.

  20. Student Scheduling in a Year-Round Middle School. A Simulation Notebook.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Whitley, Alfred C.

    This paper presents a model of a successful student scheduling pattern for a 45-15 year-round middle school (grades 6-8). The model allows for scheduling 100 percent of resource lab teaching time for all the student population in attendance at any one time, and formulates a house design and team teaching structure that facilitates smooth ingress…

  1. Rebound Body Mass Index Growth in Year-Round Elementary Education Students of Largely Hispanic Descent Undergoing Obesity Interventions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Alexander, Andrew G.; Lyons, Paul E.

    2016-01-01

    Background: Body mass index (BMI) increases when students are away on summer vacation. Evaluation of serial BMI measurements on year-round students allows new insight into the reasons children gain weight seasonally. Methods: The 206 first and second graders of 2-year-round elementary schools with obesity intervention programs were weighed and…

  2. The Effects of Year-Round Schools on the Hospitality Industry's Seasonal Labor Force in the State of Tennessee.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pickeral, Lyn M.; Hubbard, Susan

    2002-01-01

    Data collected from 66 managers in Tennessee tourist attractions indicate that 53 percent of seasonal workers in Tennessee come from the school system. The proposal to implement year-round schools would drastically increase the tourism industry's labor shortage. An alternative labor force needs to be identified and the issue of year-round schools…

  3. Dynamical Localization for Unitary Anderson Models

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hamza, Eman; Joye, Alain; Stolz, Günter

    2009-11-01

    This paper establishes dynamical localization properties of certain families of unitary random operators on the d-dimensional lattice in various regimes. These operators are generalizations of one-dimensional physical models of quantum transport and draw their name from the analogy with the discrete Anderson model of solid state physics. They consist in a product of a deterministic unitary operator and a random unitary operator. The deterministic operator has a band structure, is absolutely continuous and plays the role of the discrete Laplacian. The random operator is diagonal with elements given by i.i.d. random phases distributed according to some absolutely continuous measure and plays the role of the random potential. In dimension one, these operators belong to the family of CMV-matrices in the theory of orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle. We implement the method of Aizenman-Molchanov to prove exponential decay of the fractional moments of the Green function for the unitary Anderson model in the following three regimes: In any dimension, throughout the spectrum at large disorder and near the band edges at arbitrary disorder and, in dimension one, throughout the spectrum at arbitrary disorder. We also prove that exponential decay of fractional moments of the Green function implies dynamical localization, which in turn implies spectral localization. These results complete the analogy with the self-adjoint case where dynamical localization is known to be true in the same three regimes.

  4. Non-unitary probabilistic quantum computing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gingrich, Robert M.; Williams, Colin P.

    2004-01-01

    We present a method for designing quantum circuits that perform non-unitary quantum computations on n-qubit states probabilistically, and give analytic expressions for the success probability and fidelity.

  5. Natrelle round silicone breast implants: Core Study results at 10 years.

    PubMed

    Spear, Scott L; Murphy, Diane K

    2014-06-01

    Allergan's Natrelle round silicone-filled breast implants were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2006 based on interim results from the Core Study; final 10-year study results are now available. Seven hundred fifteen subjects were implanted with smooth and Biocell textured Natrelle round silicone implants and attended clinic visits at 0 to 4 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and annually through 10 years. Approximately one-third of subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging at years 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 to assess rupture. Complication rates showed modest increases over the previously published 6-year rates. The Kaplan-Meier capsular contracture rate was 18.9 percent for augmentation, 28.7 percent for revision-augmentation, and 24.6 percent for reconstruction. Among augmentation subjects, capsular contracture was significantly lower (p = 0.023) for submuscular (15.7 percent) versus subglandular (26.3 percent) placement. The overall rupture rate in the magnetic resonance imaging cohort was 13.0 percent for subjects and 7.7 percent for implants. By the end of the study, 81.8 percent of augmentation subjects still had an original implant in place. Using a five-point scale, 94.2 percent of augmentation, 83.8 percent of revision-augmentation, and 90.7 percent of reconstruction subjects reported being satisfied or definitely satisfied with their implants. Significant improvement over baseline was also seen in overall breast satisfaction and satisfaction with breast size, shape, feel, and how well they matched. The 10-year data from the Natrelle Core Study, which can guide surgeons and patients in decision-making, demonstrate safety and high levels of patient satisfaction. Therapeutic, III.

  6. Inquiry in the Round? Education Rounds in an Teacher Residency Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Reagan, Emilie Mitescu; Roegman, Rachel; Goodwin, A. Lin

    2017-01-01

    In education, the Rounds model provides opportunities for engaging educators as communities of learners who examine instructional issues for purposes of understanding and improving them. Over the past 10 years, Rounds have been implemented in school-based experiences in teacher preparation programs across the nation. Yet despite recent interest,…

  7. The Impact of Year-Round Education on Fifth Grade African American Reading Achievement Scores in an Urban Illinois School

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Merrill, Carolyn Ann

    2012-01-01

    The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to determine the impact of the year-round education school calendar on the standardized test performance of fifth grade African American students, as measured by the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) in reading. The ISAT reading scores from two year-round education (YRE)…

  8. Year-Round Use Of Thermography In House Doctoring

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gadsby, Kenneth J.; Harrje, David T.; Dutt, Gautam S.

    1983-03-01

    There have been many presentations of thermographic residential building analyses at the past ThermosInse conferences. A number of these papers have dealt with evaluation of insulation voids and more recently a few have described air leakage detection 2,3 during the colder winter months. This paper will focus on the thermographic application in the House Doctor instrumented energy analysis approach as developed by Princeton University. The central theme will be the application to a year-round research or commercial activity. Some of the conditions that could create thermographic problems, as well as techniques that may be used to lessen these difficulties, thereby extending the thermographic "season" is discussed. Our experiences in summer thermography with and without the use of a building pressurization system is also covered.

  9. Teacher Perceptions Regarding the Relationship of Modified Year-Round School Calendars with Student Achievement, Student Behavior, and Teacher Efficacy

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Huffman, George Eugene

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to analyze demographic and school data, as well as data on the perceptions of teachers regarding the impact that a modified year-round school calendar has on student achievement, student behavior, and teacher efficacy. Prior research and literature examined the impact of year-round school calendars on student…

  10. Local unitary equivalence of quantum states and simultaneous orthogonal equivalence

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

    Jing, Naihuan, E-mail: jing@ncsu.edu; Yang, Min; Zhao, Hui, E-mail: zhaohui@bjut.edu.cn

    2016-06-15

    The correspondence between local unitary equivalence of bipartite quantum states and simultaneous orthogonal equivalence is thoroughly investigated and strengthened. It is proved that local unitary equivalence can be studied through simultaneous similarity under projective orthogonal transformations, and four parametrization independent algorithms are proposed to judge when two density matrices on ℂ{sup d{sub 1}} ⊗ ℂ{sup d{sub 2}} are locally unitary equivalent in connection with trace identities, Kronecker pencils, Albert determinants and Smith normal forms.

  11. Fast round-trip Mars trajectories

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wilson, Sam

    1990-01-01

    This paper is concerned with the effect of limiting the overall duration or else the one-way flight time of a round trip to Mars, as reflected in the sum of impulsive velocity increments required of the spacecraft propulsion system. Ignition-to-burnout mass ratios for a hypothetical single stage spacecraft, obtained from the rocket equation by combining these delta-V sums with appropriate values of specific impulse, are used to evaluate the relative effectiveness of four high-thrust propulsion alternatives. If the flight crew goes to the surface of Mars and stays there for the duration of their stopover, it is much cheaper (in terms of delta-V) to minimize their zero-g exposure by limiting the interplanetary transit time of a conjunction-class mission (round trip time = 800-1000 days, Mars stopover = 450-700 days) than to impose the same limit on an opposition-class mission (round trip time less than 600 days, stopover = 40 days). Using solid-core nuclear thermal propulsion to fly a conjunction-class mission, for a moderate mass penalty the interplanetary transit time (each way) probably could be limited to something in the range of 4 to 6 months, depending on the launch year.

  12. What Do Teachers Do When They Say They Are Doing Learning Rounds? Scotland's Experience of Instructional Rounds

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Philpott, Carey; Oates, Catriona

    2015-01-01

    This paper reports on research into the practice of learning rounds in Scotland. Learning rounds are a form of collaborative professional development for teachers based on the instructional rounds practice developed in the USA. In recent years learning rounds have gained high profile official support within education in Scotland. The research…

  13. Colorectal cancer in a second round after a negative faecal immunochemical test.

    PubMed

    Bujanda, Luis; Sarasqueta, Cristina; Castells, Antoni; Pellisé, María; Cubiella, Joaquín; Gil, Inés; Cosme, Angel; Arana-Arri, Eunate; Mar, Izaskun; Idigoras, Isabel; Portillo, Isabel

    2015-07-01

    The faecal immunochemical test is one of the tests recommended by scientific societies for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in average-risk populations. Our aim was to evaluate the characteristics of CRC detected in a second round of screening after negative results in a first round. We studied patients in whom CRC was detected in a screening programme. This programme included asymptomatic individuals between 50 and 69 years old and offered tests every 2 years. A total of 363,792 individuals were invited to participate in the first round of faecal immunochemical test screening and 100,135 individuals in the second round after a first negative result. The screening strategy consisted of faecal testing of a single sample using an automated semiquantitative kit, with a cut-off of 20 μg haemoglobin (Hb)/g faeces. The rate of positive results was 6.9% (16,467/238,647) in the first round and 4.8% (3359/69,193) in the second round (P < 0.0005). Overall, 860 (0.36%) cases of CRC were detected in the first round and 100 (0.14%) in the second round (P < 0.005). The location of the cancer was proximal in 12.5 and 24% of cases detected in the first and second rounds, respectively (P = 0.008). Hb concentrations were higher in the first round (211 vs. 109 μg Hb/g faeces in the second round; P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis confirmed that, in the second round, CRC diagnosed was more often proximal (hazard ratio vs. first round, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-4.4; P = 0.003) and the concentration of Hb/g faeces was lower (hazard ratio vs. first round, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-3.5; P = 0.003). The CRC detection rate is lower in the second round of screening. Further, in the second round, CRC detected is more often in a proximal location and Hb concentrations are lower.

  14. Building and using our sun-heated greenhouse. Grow vegetables all year-round

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

    Nearing, H.; Nearing, S.

    1977-01-01

    Experience with unheated greenhouses in Maine and Vermont is described from the viewpoint of vegetarian, homesteading organic gardeners. The necessity of extending the growing season in the north in order to have fresh vegetables year round is discussed. Locating, building, and maintaining soil and growing conditions in the greenhouse are included. Plants for each season in the greenhouse are discussed. (MHR)

  15. Probing non-unitary CP violation effects in neutrino oscillation experiments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Verma, Surender; Bhardwaj, Shankita

    2018-05-01

    In the present work, we have considered minimal unitarity violation scheme to obtain the general expression for ν _{μ }→ ν _{τ } oscillation probability in vacuum and matter. For this channel, we have investigated the sensitivities of short baseline experiments to non-unitary parameters |ρ _{μ τ }| and ω _{μ τ } for normal as well as inverted hierarchical neutrino masses and θ _{23} being above or below maximality. We find that for normal hierarchy, the 3σ sensitivity of |ρ _{μ τ }| is maximum for non-unitary phase ω _{μ τ }=0 whereas it is minimum for ω _{μ τ }=± π . For inverted hierarchy, the sensitivity is minimum at ω _{μ τ }=0 and maximum for ω _{μ τ }=± π . We observe that the sensitivity to measure non-unitarity remains unaffected for unitary CP phase δ =0 or δ =π /2 . We have, also, explored wide spectrum of L/E ratio to investigate the possibilities to observe CP-violation due to unitary (δ ) and non-unitary (ω _{μ τ } ) phases. We find that the both phases can be disentangled, in principle, from each other for L/E<200 km/GeV.

  16. FIBER AND INTEGRATED OPTICS: Optical anisotropy induced in a round trip through single-mode optical waveguides and methods for suppression of this anisotropy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gelikonov, V. M.; Leonov, V. I.; Novikov, M. A.

    1989-09-01

    An analysis is made of the characteristics of the transformation of the polarization of light in the course of a round trip in a single-mode fiber waveguide. The Poincaré equivalence theorems are generalized for a round trip through such fibers. An investigation is reported of round-trip anisotropic properties which can be used to compensate for a regular and an irregular anisotropy of a fiber waveguide. A description is given of a compensation system containing a Faraday cell and an experimental check of the theoretical conclusions is reported.

  17. Does Year Round Schooling Affect the Outcome and Growth of California's API Scores?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wu, Amery D.; Stone, Jake E.

    2010-01-01

    This paper examined whether year round schooling (YRS) in California had an effect upon the outcome and growth of schools' Academic Performance Index (API) scores. While many previous studies had examined the connection between YRS and academic achievement, most had lacked the statistical rigour required to provide reliable interpretations. As a…

  18. Quantum tomography of near-unitary processes in high-dimensional quantum systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lysne, Nathan; Sosa Martinez, Hector; Jessen, Poul; Baldwin, Charles; Kalev, Amir; Deutsch, Ivan

    2016-05-01

    Quantum Tomography (QT) is often considered the ideal tool for experimental debugging of quantum devices, capable of delivering complete information about quantum states (QST) or processes (QPT). In practice, the protocols used for QT are resource intensive and scale poorly with system size. In this situation, a well behaved model system with access to large state spaces (qudits) can serve as a useful platform for examining the tradeoffs between resource cost and accuracy inherent in QT. In past years we have developed one such experimental testbed, consisting of the electron-nuclear spins in the electronic ground state of individual Cs atoms. Our available toolkit includes high fidelity state preparation, complete unitary control, arbitrary orthogonal measurements, and accurate and efficient QST in Hilbert space dimensions up to d = 16. Using these tools, we have recently completed a comprehensive study of QPT in 4, 7 and 16 dimensions. Our results show that QPT of near-unitary processes is quite feasible if one chooses optimal input states and efficient QST on the outputs. We further show that for unitary processes in high dimensional spaces, one can use informationally incomplete QPT to achieve high-fidelity process reconstruction (90% in d = 16) with greatly reduced resource requirements.

  19. Identification and analysis of unitary pseudogenes: historic and contemporary gene losses in humans and other primates

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Background Unitary pseudogenes are a class of unprocessed pseudogenes without functioning counterparts in the genome. They constitute only a small fraction of annotated pseudogenes in the human genome. However, as they represent distinct functional losses over time, they shed light on the unique features of humans in primate evolution. Results We have developed a pipeline to detect human unitary pseudogenes through analyzing the global inventory of orthologs between the human genome and its mammalian relatives. We focus on gene losses along the human lineage after the divergence from rodents about 75 million years ago. In total, we identify 76 unitary pseudogenes, including previously annotated ones, and many novel ones. By comparing each of these to its functioning ortholog in other mammals, we can approximately date the creation of each unitary pseudogene (that is, the gene 'death date') and show that for our group of 76, the functional genes appear to be disabled at a fairly uniform rate throughout primate evolution - not all at once, correlated, for instance, with the 'Alu burst'. Furthermore, we identify 11 unitary pseudogenes that are polymorphic - that is, they have both nonfunctional and functional alleles currently segregating in the human population. Comparing them with their orthologs in other primates, we find that two of them are in fact pseudogenes in non-human primates, suggesting that they represent cases of a gene being resurrected in the human lineage. Conclusions This analysis of unitary pseudogenes provides insights into the evolutionary constraints faced by different organisms and the timescales of functional gene loss in humans. PMID:20210993

  20. Parent Attitudes Toward the Virginia Beach Year-Round School Pilot Project. Final Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schlechty, Phillip C.

    Part of the Virginia Beach year-round school program evaluation, this final report contains a detailed analysis of parental attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions. The data leads to the following conclusions: a majority (53.3 percent) of parents are dubious or negative toward the 45-15 pilot project; a slight majority of parents in the pilot schools…

  1. School Crowding, Year-Round Schooling, and Mobile Classroom Use: Evidence from North Carolina

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McMullen, Steven C.; Rouse, Kathryn E.

    2012-01-01

    This study exploits a unique policy environment and a large panel dataset to evaluate the impact of school crowding on student achievement in Wake County, NC. We also estimate the effects of two education policy initiatives that are often used to address crowding: multi-track year-round calendars and mobile classrooms. We estimate a multi-level…

  2. Multi-Track Year-Round Schooling as Cost Saving Reform: Not Just a Matter of Time

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Graves, Jennifer; McMullen, Steven; Rouse, Kathryn

    2013-01-01

    In the face of school crowding and fears about inequality-inducing summer learning loss, many schools have started to adopt multitrack year-round school calendars, which keep the same number of school days, but spread them more evenly across the calendar year. This change allows schools to support a larger student population by rotating which…

  3. Robust Learning Control Design for Quantum Unitary Transformations.

    PubMed

    Wu, Chengzhi; Qi, Bo; Chen, Chunlin; Dong, Daoyi

    2017-12-01

    Robust control design for quantum unitary transformations has been recognized as a fundamental and challenging task in the development of quantum information processing due to unavoidable decoherence or operational errors in the experimental implementation of quantum operations. In this paper, we extend the systematic methodology of sampling-based learning control (SLC) approach with a gradient flow algorithm for the design of robust quantum unitary transformations. The SLC approach first uses a "training" process to find an optimal control strategy robust against certain ranges of uncertainties. Then a number of randomly selected samples are tested and the performance is evaluated according to their average fidelity. The approach is applied to three typical examples of robust quantum transformation problems including robust quantum transformations in a three-level quantum system, in a superconducting quantum circuit, and in a spin chain system. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the SLC approach and show its potential applications in various implementation of quantum unitary transformations.

  4. Stability of a Unitary Bose Gas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fletcher, Richard J.; Gaunt, Alexander L.; Navon, Nir; Smith, Robert P.; Hadzibabic, Zoran

    2013-09-01

    We study the stability of a thermal K39 Bose gas across a broad Feshbach resonance, focusing on the unitary regime, where the scattering length a exceeds the thermal wavelength λ. We measure the general scaling laws relating the particle-loss and heating rates to the temperature, scattering length, and atom number. Both at unitarity and for positive a≪λ we find agreement with three-body theory. However, for a<0 and away from unitarity, we observe significant four-body decay. At unitarity, the three-body loss coefficient, L3∝λ4, is 3 times lower than the universal theoretical upper bound. This reduction is a consequence of species-specific Efimov physics and makes K39 particularly promising for studies of many-body physics in a unitary Bose gas.

  5. Mesa Verde--A Year-Round High School. A Descriptive Report of 1980-81.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Housden, Terry; Holmes, Lynda

    Mesa Verde High School was constructed in 1974 and is the last high school built in the San Juan (California) Unified District. It serves students in grades 9 through 12 and has an open enrollment policy. Mesa Verde operates on a year-round schedule with students divided into three tracks. Basically, each track is in session for 9 weeks and then…

  6. Non-unitary probabilistic quantum computing circuit and method

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Williams, Colin P. (Inventor); Gingrich, Robert M. (Inventor)

    2009-01-01

    A quantum circuit performing quantum computation in a quantum computer. A chosen transformation of an initial n-qubit state is probabilistically obtained. The circuit comprises a unitary quantum operator obtained from a non-unitary quantum operator, operating on an n-qubit state and an ancilla state. When operation on the ancilla state provides a success condition, computation is stopped. When operation on the ancilla state provides a failure condition, computation is performed again on the ancilla state and the n-qubit state obtained in the previous computation, until a success condition is obtained.

  7. Consciousness, intentionality, and community: Unitary perspectives and research.

    PubMed

    Zahourek, Rothlyn P; Larkin, Dorothy M

    2009-01-01

    Consciousness and intentionality often have been related and studied together. These concepts also are readily viewed and understood for practice, research, and education in a unitary paradigm. How these ideas relate to community is less known. Considering the expansion of our capacity for communication through the World Wide Web and other technologic advances and appreciating recent research on the nonlocal character of intentionality and consciousness, it is more apparent how concepts of community can be seen in the same unitary context. The authors address these issues and review relevant nursing research.

  8. Alternative working fluids for unitary equipment: A research perspective

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

    Baxter, V.D.

    This paper deals with present and planned ORNL activities to characterize alternatives to R-22 for unitary heat pump and air-conditioning applications. Results of small-scale bread-board tests of potential alternatives R-32, R-134a, R-152a and R-143a are discussed. Portions of the AFEAS/DOE global warming impact study dealing with the unitary application are summarized. Methods for leak detection with the new refrigerants are discussed.

  9. An Examination of Year-Round Education: Pros and Cons That Challenge Schooling in America.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Howell, Vicki T.

    The idea of converting to year-round education (YRE) comes from different sources, such as communities concerned about idle youth and taxpayer groups upset about empty buildings during the summer. The most prevalent reasons are overcrowded schools and unavailable construction funds, due to failed school bond proposals or refusal to raise taxes.…

  10. Surface effects in the unitary Fermi gas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Salasnich, L.; Ancilotto, F.; Toigo, F.

    2010-01-01

    We study the extended Thomas-Fermi (ETF) density functional of the superfluid unitary Fermi gas. This functional includes a gradient term which is essential to describe accurately the surface effects of the system, in particular with a small number of atoms, where the Thomas-Fermi (local density) approximation fails. We find that our ETF functional gives density profiles which are in good agreement with recent Monte Carlo results and also with a more sophisticated superfluid density functional based on Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations. In addition, by using extended hydrodynamics equations of superfluids, we calculate the frequencies of collective surface oscillations of the unitary Fermi gas, showing that quadrupole and octupole modes strongly depend on the number of trapped atoms.

  11. A montane Mediterranean climate supports year-round photosynthesis and high forest biomass.

    PubMed

    Kelly, Anne E; Goulden, Michael L

    2016-04-01

    The mid-elevation forest of California's Sierra Nevada poses a bioclimatic paradox. Mid-elevation trees experience a montane Mediterranean climate, with near-freezing winter days and rain-free summers. The asynchrony between warmth and water input suggests low primary production, limited by photosynthetic dormancy in winter cold, and again in summer and early autumn with drought, yet this forest is characterized by tall trees and high biomass. We used eddy covariance in a mid-elevation Sierra stand to understand how winter cold and summer drought limit canopy photosynthesis and production. The trees exhibited canopy photosynthesis year-round. Trees avoided winter dormancy, and daytime CO2uptake continued despite a deep snowpack and near-freezing temperatures. Photosynthesis on sunny days continued at half of maximum rates when air temperature was 0 °C. Likewise, the vegetation avoided summer drought dormancy, and high rates of daytime CO2uptake and transpiration continued despite a 5-month period with only negligible water input. We attribute this drought avoidance to deep rooting and availability of deep soil water. Year-round photosynthesis helps explain the large biomass observed in the Sierra Nevada, and implies adaptive strategies that may contribute to the resiliency or vulnerability of Sierran vegetation to climate change. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  12. Representation and design of wavelets using unitary circuits

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Evenbly, Glen; White, Steven R.

    2018-05-01

    The representation of discrete, compact wavelet transformations (WTs) as circuits of local unitary gates is discussed. We employ a similar formalism as used in the multiscale representation of quantum many-body wave functions using unitary circuits, further cementing the relation established in the literature between classical and quantum multiscale methods. An algorithm for constructing the circuit representation of known orthogonal, dyadic, discrete WTs is presented, and the explicit representation for Daubechies wavelets, coiflets, and symlets is provided. Furthermore, we demonstrate the usefulness of the circuit formalism in designing WTs, including various classes of symmetric wavelets and multiwavelets, boundary wavelets, and biorthogonal wavelets.

  13. Effects of Year-Round Schooling on Disadvantaged Students and the Distribution of Standardized Test Performance

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Graves, Jennifer

    2011-01-01

    Using detailed longitudinal data for the state of California, this paper estimates the effect of year-round school calendars on nationally standardized test performance of traditionally disadvantaged students. The student subgroups studied in this paper are: low socioeconomic status, limited English proficiency, Hispanic and Latino, and African…

  14. Accurate and Robust Unitary Transformations of a High-Dimensional Quantum System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anderson, B. E.; Sosa-Martinez, H.; Riofrío, C. A.; Deutsch, Ivan H.; Jessen, Poul S.

    2015-06-01

    Unitary transformations are the most general input-output maps available in closed quantum systems. Good control protocols have been developed for qubits, but questions remain about the use of optimal control theory to design unitary maps in high-dimensional Hilbert spaces, and about the feasibility of their robust implementation in the laboratory. Here we design and implement unitary maps in a 16-dimensional Hilbert space associated with the 6 S1 /2 ground state of 133Cs, achieving fidelities >0.98 with built-in robustness to static and dynamic perturbations. Our work has relevance for quantum information processing and provides a template for similar advances on other physical platforms.

  15. A systems analysis of ward rounds in plastic surgery at a single center

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    Introduction: Ward rounds permeate health care delivery worldwide and form an important daily activity within all hospitals. In this study, the daily morning ward round in plastic surgery was examined from a teleological and systems point of view. Methods: Data were gathered from the following sources to inform the systems analysis: patient interviews, staff interviews, direct observations of the ward round on multiple occasions, and through process mapping. Results: To better understand the ward and its layout, a schematic of it was developed. Following observations of the ward round and the way in which decisions are made on it, an IDEF0 map was developed. Three patients were invited to take part in the study. Three members of staff were interviewed. The overarching themes from the interviews related to aspects of communication which this paper details. Conclusions: This small-scale study demonstrates how the ward round as a process can be assessed, including product quality, process quality, the measurement and management of capacity, the role of standardization, the role and significance of bottlenecks, the key information flows, including the role of feedback, and the motivation and incentives of system participants and ideas for improvement generated. PMID:29177228

  16. Unitary reconstruction of secret for stabilizer-based quantum secret sharing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Matsumoto, Ryutaroh

    2017-08-01

    We propose a unitary procedure to reconstruct quantum secret for a quantum secret sharing scheme constructed from stabilizer quantum error-correcting codes. Erasure correcting procedures for stabilizer codes need to add missing shares for reconstruction of quantum secret, while unitary reconstruction procedures for certain class of quantum secret sharing are known to work without adding missing shares. The proposed procedure also works without adding missing shares.

  17. Generation of a pair of independently binding DNA aptamers in a single round of selection using proximity ligation.

    PubMed

    Chumphukam, O; Le, T T; Piletsky, S; Cass, A E G

    2015-05-28

    The ability to rapidly generate a pair of aptamers that bind independently to a protein target would greatly extend their use as reagents for two site ('sandwich') assays. We describe here a method to achieve this through proximity ligation. Using lysozyme as a target we demonstrate that under optimal conditions such a pair of aptamers, with nanomolar affinities, can be generated in a single round.

  18. A mapping from the unitary to doubly stochastic matrices and symbols on a finite set

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Karabegov, Alexander V.

    2008-11-01

    We prove that the mapping from the unitary to doubly stochastic matrices that maps a unitary matrix (ukl) to the doubly stochastic matrix (|ukl|2) is a submersion at a generic unitary matrix. The proof uses the framework of operator symbols on a finite set.

  19. First unitary, then divided: the temporal dynamics of dividing attention.

    PubMed

    Jefferies, Lisa N; Witt, Joseph B

    2018-04-24

    Whether focused visual attention can be divided has been the topic of much investigation, and there is a compelling body of evidence showing that, at least under certain conditions, attention can be divided and deployed as two independent foci. Three experiments were conducted to examine whether attention can be deployed in divided form from the outset, or whether it is first deployed as a unitary focus before being divided. To test this, we adapted the methodology of Jefferies, Enns, and Di Lollo (Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance 40: 465, 2014), who used a dual-stream Attentional Blink paradigm and two letter-pair targets. One aspect of the AB, Lag-1 sparing, has been shown to occur only if the second target pair appears within the focus of attention. By presenting the second target pair at various spatial locations and assessing the magnitude of Lag-1 sparing, we probed the spatial distribution of attention. By systematically manipulating the stimulus-onset-asynchrony between the targets, we also tracked changes to the spatial distribution of attention over time. The results showed that even under conditions which encourage the division of attention, the attentional focus is first deployed in unitary form before being divided. It is then maintained in divided form only briefly before settling on a single location.

  20. It is the time for oceanic seabirds: Tracking year-round distribution of gadfly petrels across the Atlantic Ocean

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Ramos, Raul; Carlile, Nicholas; Madeiros, Jeremy; Ramirez, Ivan; Paiva, Vitor H.; Dinis, Herculano A.; Zino, Francis; Biscoito, Manuel; Leal, Gustavo R.; Bugoni, Leandro; Jodice, Patrick G.R.; Ryan, Peter G.; Gonzalez-Solis, Jacob

    2017-01-01

    AimAnthropogenic activities alter and constrain the structure of marine ecosystems with implications for wide-ranging marine vertebrates. In spite of the environmental importance of vast oceanic ecosystems, most conservation efforts mainly focus on neritic areas. To identify relevant oceanic areas for conservation, we assessed the year-round spatial distribution and spatio-temporal overlap of eight truly oceanic seabird species of gadfly petrels (Pterodroma spp.) inhabiting the Atlantic Ocean.LocationAtlantic Ocean.MethodsUsing tracking data (mostly from geolocators), we examined year-round distributions, the timing of life-cycle events, and marine habitat overlap of eight gadfly petrel species that breed in the Atlantic Ocean.ResultsWe compiled 125 year-round tracks. Movement strategies ranged from non-migratory to long-distance migrant species and from species sharing a common non-breeding area to species dispersing among multiple non-breeding sites. Gadfly petrels occurred throughout the Atlantic Ocean but tended to concentrate in subtropical regions. During the boreal summer, up to three species overlapped spatio-temporally over a large area around the Azores archipelago. During the austral summer, up to four species coincided in a core area in subtropical waters around Cape Verde, and three species shared habitat over two distinct areas off Brazil. The petrels used many national Exclusive Economic Zones, although they also exploited offshore international waters.Main conclusionsTracking movements of highly mobile vertebrates such as gadfly petrels can provide a powerful tool to evaluate and assess the potential need for and location of protected oceanic areas. As more multispecies, year-round data sets are collected from wide-ranging vertebrates, researchers and managers will have greater insight into the location of biodiversity hotspots. These can subsequently inform and guide marine spatial planning efforts that account for both conservation and

  1. Unitary Operators on the Document Space.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hoenkamp, Eduard

    2003-01-01

    Discusses latent semantic indexing (LSI) that would allow search engines to reduce the dimension of the document space by mapping it into a space spanned by conceptual indices. Topics include vector space models; singular value decomposition (SVD); unitary operators; the Haar transform; and new algorithms. (Author/LRW)

  2. Tunable arbitrary unitary transformer based on multiple sections of multicore fibers with phase control.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Junhe; Wu, Jianjie; Hu, Qinsong

    2018-02-05

    In this paper, we propose a novel tunable unitary transformer, which can achieve arbitrary discrete unitary transforms. The unitary transformer is composed of multiple sections of multi-core fibers with closely aligned coupled cores. Phase shifters are inserted before and after the sections to control the phases of the waves in the cores. A simple algorithm is proposed to find the optimal phase setup for the phase shifters to realize the desired unitary transforms. The proposed device is fiber based and is particularly suitable for the mode division multiplexing systems. A tunable mode MUX/DEMUX for a three-mode fiber is designed based on the proposed structure.

  3. An Informal Overview of the Unitary Group Approach

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

    Sonnad, V.; Escher, J.; Kruse, M.

    The Unitary Groups Approach (UGA) is an elegant and conceptually unified approach to quantum structure calculations. It has been widely used in molecular structure calculations, and holds the promise of a single computational approach to structure calculations in a variety of different fields. We explore the possibility of extending the UGA to computations in atomic and nuclear structure as a simpler alternative to traditional Racah algebra-based approaches. We provide a simple introduction to the basic UGA and consider some of the issues in using the UGA with spin-dependent, multi-body Hamiltonians requiring multi-shell bases adapted to additional symmetries. While the UGAmore » is perfectly capable of dealing with such problems, it is seen that the complexity rises dramatically, and the UGA is not at this time, a simpler alternative to Racah algebra-based approaches.« less

  4. Evaluation of testing strategies to identify infected animals at a single round of testing within dairy herds known to be infected with Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis.

    PubMed

    More, S J; Cameron, A R; Strain, S; Cashman, W; Ezanno, P; Kenny, K; Fourichon, C; Graham, D

    2015-08-01

    As part of a broader control strategy within herds known to be infected with Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP), individual animal testing is generally conducted to identify infected animals for action, usually culling. Opportunities are now available to quantitatively compare different testing strategies (combinations of tests) in known infected herds. This study evaluates the effectiveness, cost, and cost-effectiveness of different testing strategies to identify infected animals at a single round of testing within dairy herds known to be MAP infected. A model was developed, taking account of both within-herd infection dynamics and test performance, to simulate the use of different tests at a single round of testing in a known infected herd. Model inputs included the number of animals at different stages of infection, the sensitivity and specificity of each test, and the costs of testing and culling. Testing strategies included either milk or serum ELISA alone or with fecal culture in series. Model outputs included effectiveness (detection fraction, the proportion of truly infected animals in the herd that are successfully detected by the testing strategy), cost, and cost-effectiveness (testing cost per true positive detected, total cost per true positive detected). Several assumptions were made: MAP was introduced with a single animal and no management interventions were implemented to limit within-herd transmission of MAP before this test. In medium herds, between 7 and 26% of infected animals are detected at a single round of testing, the former using the milk ELISA and fecal culture in series 5 yr after MAP introduction and the latter using fecal culture alone 15 yr after MAP introduction. The combined costs of testing and culling at a single round of testing increases with time since introduction of MAP infection, with culling costs being much greater than testing costs. The cost-effectiveness of testing varied by testing strategy. It was also

  5. IRBM in Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1957-09-07

    L57-700 In the reentry flight path of this nose cone model of a Jupiter Intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM) was tested in the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. Photograph published in Engineer in Charge: A History of the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory, 1917-1958 by James R. Hansen. Page 475.

  6. Minimum impulse trajectories for Mars round trip missions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Horvat, Glen M.; Alexander, Stephen W.

    1992-01-01

    Data are presented for minimum-impulse earth-Mars round-trip trajectories for the 2010 to 2027 Mars launch opportunities. Round-trip mission times from 120 to 600 days, including a 30-day rendezvous at Mars, for direct trajectories and trajectories utilizing a Venus gravitational assist are considered. Optimal planetary launch and arrival dates and total impulse requirements are based on all maneuvers being performed propulsively with no finite burn or other losses. Direct trajectories have the lowest impulse requirements for shorter mission times and Venus gravitational assist trajectories have the lowest impulse requirements for longer mission times. It is shown that one can depart on trajectories to Mars, beginning with lower energy trajectories to the moon. The fuel savings varies, depending on the final energy level required and on the swingby procedure used. Procedures discussed include single lunar swingbys, double-powered or unpowered lunar swingbys, third lunar flybys a year later, and gravity assists by Venus and earth after the final lunar swingby.

  7. Scheduling double round-robin tournaments with divisional play using constraint programming

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

    Carlsson, Mats; Johansson, Mikael; Larson, Jeffrey

    We study a tournament format that extends a traditional double round-robin format with divisional single round-robin tournaments. Elitserien, the top Swedish handball league, uses such a format for its league schedule. We present a constraint programming model that characterizes the general double round-robin plus divisional single round-robin format. This integrated model allows scheduling to be performed in a single step, as opposed to common multistep approaches that decompose scheduling into smaller problems and possibly miss optimal solutions. In addition to general constraints, we introduce Elitserien-specific requirements for its tournament. These general and league-specific constraints allow us to identify implicit andmore » symmetry-breaking properties that reduce the time to solution from hours to seconds. A scalability study of the number of teams shows that our approach is reasonably fast for even larger league sizes. The experimental evaluation of the integrated approach takes considerably less computational effort to schedule Elitserien than does the previous decomposed approach. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved« less

  8. Vero/BC-F: an efficient packaging cell line stably expressing F protein to generate single round-infectious human parainfluenza virus type 2 vector.

    PubMed

    Ohtsuka, J; Fukumura, M; Tsurudome, M; Hara, K; Nishio, M; Kawano, M; Nosaka, T

    2014-08-01

    A stable packaging cell line (Vero/BC-F) constitutively expressing fusion (F) protein of the human parainfluenza virus type 2 (hPIV2) was established for production of the F-defective and single round-infectious hPIV2 vector in a strategy for recombinant vaccine development. The F gene expression has not evoked cytostatic or cytotoxic effects on the Vero/BC-F cells and the F protein was physiologically active to induce syncytial formation with giant polykaryocytes when transfected with a plasmid expressing hPIV2 hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN). Transduction of the F-defective replicon RNA into the Vero/BC-F cells led to the release of the infectious particles that packaged the replicon RNA (named as hPIV2ΔF) without detectable mutations, limiting the infectivity to a single round. The maximal titer of the hPIV2ΔF was 6.0 × 10(8) median tissue culture infections dose per ml. The influenza A virus M2 gene was inserted into hPIV2ΔF, and the M2 protein was found to be highly expressed in a human lung cancer cell line after transduction. Furthermore, in vivo airway infection experiments revealed that the hPIV2ΔF was capable of delivering transgenes to hamster tracheal cells. Thus, non-transmissible or single round-infectious hPIV2 vector will be potentially applicable to human gene therapy or recombinant vaccine development.

  9. Bringing Rounds Back to the Patient: A One-Year Evaluation of the Chiefs' Service Model for Inpatient Teaching.

    PubMed

    Bennett, Nadia L; Flesch, Judd D; Cronholm, Peter; Reilly, James B; Ende, Jack

    2017-04-01

    The Chiefs' Service (CS), a structured approach to inpatient teaching rounds, focuses on resident education and patient-centered care without disrupting patient census sizes or admitting cycles. It has five key elements: morning huddles; bedside rounds; diagnostic "time-outs"; day-of-discharge rounds; and postdischarge follow-up rounds. The authors hypothesized the CS model would be well received by residents and considered more effective than more-traditional rounds. The CS was implemented on Penn Presbyterian Medical Center's general medicine inpatient service using a quasi-experimental design. Its first year (January 2013-January 2014) was evaluated with a mixed-methods approach. Residents completed end-of-rotation evaluation questionnaires; 20 CS and 10 traditional service (TS) residents were interviewed. Measures of resident agreement on questionnaire items were compared across groups using independent sample t testing. A modified grounded theory approach was used to assess CS residents' perspectives on the CS elements and identify emergent themes. The questionnaires were completed by 183/188 residents (response rate 97%). Compared with TS residents, CS residents reported significantly greater satisfaction in the domains of resident education and patient care, and they rated the overall value of the rotation significantly higher. The majority of CS residents found the CS elements to be effective. CS residents described the CS as focused on resident education, patient-centered care, and collaboration with an interdisciplinary team. The CS approach to inpatient rounding is seen by residents as valuable and is associated with positive outcomes in terms of residents' perceptions of learning, interdisciplinary communication, and patient care.

  10. Detection of norovirus (GI, GII), Sapovirus and astrovirus in fecal samples using reverse transcription single-round multiplex PCR.

    PubMed

    Yan, Hainian; Yagyu, Fumihiro; Okitsu, Shoko; Nishio, Osamu; Ushijima, Hiroshi

    2003-12-01

    A reverse transcription (RT) single-round multiplex polymerase chain reaction (smPCR) assay was developed to detect simultaneously Norovirus genogroup I and II, Sapovirus and astrovirus. A total of 377 diarrhea stool samples (screened for rotavirus- and adenorivus-negative) from four regions in Japan during July 2000 to June 2001 were examined by RT-smPCR. The positive rate was 16.4% (62 out of 377 stool samples). Norovirus, Sapovirus and astrovirus were detected in 42, 16, 4 of 60 positive samples, respectively. Coinfection was not found in these samples. Infections occurred mainly in November, December and January. The key elements of the RT-smPCR are (i) the cDNA synthesis with the Superscript RTII and random primer at 42 degrees C for 1 h, at 99 degrees C for 5 min, and (ii) single-round multiplex PCR by using Taq polymerase mixed together with a mixture of four different primer pairs (G1-SKF/G1-SKR for Norovirus genogroup I, COG2F/G2-SKR for Norovirus genogroup II, SLV5317/SLV5749 for Sapovirus, PreCAP1/82b for astrovirus). All of the four primer pairs amplify the capsid region of target viral genome, produce four size-specific amplicons of 330, 387, 434, 719 bp for Norovirus genogroup I and II, Sapovirus and astrovirus, respectively. This assay provides a more rapid and efficient way to detect these viruses from fecal samples in a single test, and also offers the potential for their molecular detection in food and environmental samples.

  11. Implementability of two-qubit unitary operations over the butterfly network and the ladder network with free classical communication

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

    Akibue, Seiseki; Murao, Mio

    2014-12-04

    We investigate distributed implementation of two-qubit unitary operations over two primitive networks, the butterfly network and the ladder network, as a first step to apply network coding for quantum computation. By classifying two-qubit unitary operations in terms of the Kraus-Cirac number, the number of non-zero parameters describing the global part of two-qubit unitary operations, we analyze which class of two-qubit unitary operations is implementable over these networks with free classical communication. For the butterfly network, we show that two classes of two-qubit unitary operations, which contain all Clifford, controlled-unitary and matchgate operations, are implementable over the network. For the laddermore » network, we show that two-qubit unitary operations are implementable over the network if and only if their Kraus-Cirac number do not exceed the number of the bridges of the ladder.« less

  12. Black hole thermodynamics based on unitary evolutions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Feng, Yu-Lei; Chen, Yi-Xin

    2015-10-01

    In this paper, we try to construct black hole thermodynamics based on the fact that the formation and evaporation of a black hole can be described by quantum unitary evolutions. First, we show that the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy SBH may not be a Boltzmann or thermal entropy. To confirm this statement, we show that the original black hole's ‘first law’ may not simply be treated as the first law of thermodynamics formally, due to some missing metric perturbations caused by matter. Then, by including those (quantum) metric perturbations, we show that the black hole formation and evaporation can be described effectively in a unitary manner, through a quantum channel between the exterior and interior of the event horizon. In this way, the paradoxes of information loss and firewall can be resolved effectively. Finally, we show that black hole thermodynamics can be constructed in an ordinary way, by constructing statistical mechanics.

  13. Unitary synaptic connections among substantia nigra pars reticulata neurons

    PubMed Central

    Wilson, Charles J.

    2016-01-01

    Neurons in substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) are synaptically coupled by local axon collaterals, providing a potential mechanism for local signal processing. Because SNr neurons fire spontaneously, these synapses are constantly active. To investigate their properties, we recorded spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) from SNr neurons in brain slices, in which afferents from upstream nuclei are severed, and the cells fire rhythmically. The sIPSC trains contained a mixture of periodic and aperiodic events. Autocorrelation analysis of sIPSC trains showed that a majority of cells had one to four active unitary inputs. The properties of the unitary IPSCs (uIPSCs) were analyzed for cells with one unitary input, using a model of periodic presynaptic firing and stochastic synaptic transmission. The inferred presynaptic firing rates and coefficient of variation of interspike intervals (ISIs) corresponded well with direct measurements of spiking in SNr neurons. Methods were developed to estimate the success probability, amplitude distributions, and kinetics of the uIPSCs, while removing the contribution from aperiodic sIPSCs. The sIPSC amplitudes were not increased upon release from halorhodopsin silencing, suggesting that most synapses were not depressed at the spontaneous firing rate. Gramicidin perforated-patch recordings indicated that the average reversal potential of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic potentials was −64 mV. Because of the change in driving force across the ISI, the unitary inputs are predicted to have a larger postsynaptic impact when they arrive late in the ISI. Simulations of network activity suggest that this very sparse inhibitory coupling may act to desynchronize the activity of SNr neurons while having only a small effect on firing rate. PMID:26961101

  14. The return of bedside rounds: an educational intervention.

    PubMed

    Gonzalo, Jed D; Chuang, Cynthia H; Huang, Grace; Smith, Christopher

    2010-08-01

    Bedside rounds have decreased in frequency on teaching services. Perceived barriers toward bedside rounds are inefficiency and patient and house staff lack of preference for this mode of rounding. To evaluate the impact of a bedside rounding intervention on the frequency of bedside rounding, duration of patient encounters and rounding sessions, and patient and resident attitudes toward bedside rounds. A pre- and postintervention design, with a bedside rounding workshop midway through two consecutive internal medicine rotations, with daily resident interviews, patient surveys, and an end-of-the-year survey given to all Medicine house staff. Medicine house staff and medicine patients. Frequency of bedside rounds, duration of new patient encounters and rounding sessions, and patient and house staff attitudes regarding bedside rounds. Forty-four residents completed the bedside rounding workshop. Comparing the preintervention and postintervention phases, bedside rounds increased from <1% to 41% (p < 0.001). The average duration of walk rounding encounters was 16 min, and average duration of bedside rounding encounters was 15 min (p = 0.42). Duration of rounds was 95 and 98 min, respectively (p = 0.52). Patients receiving bedside rounds preferred bedside rounds (99% vs. 83%, p = 0.03) and perceived more time spent at the bedside by their team (p < 0.001). One hundred twelve house staff (71%) responded, with 73% reporting that bedside rounds are better for patient care. House staff performing bedside rounds were less likely to believe that bedside rounds were more educational (53% vs. 78%, p = 0.01). Bedside rounding increased after an educational intervention, and the time to complete bedside rounding encounters was similar to alternative forms of rounding. Patients preferred bedside rounds and perceived more time spent at the bedside when receiving bedside rounds. Medicine residents performing bedside rounds were less likely to believe bedside rounds were more

  15. The Return of Bedside Rounds: An Educational Intervention

    PubMed Central

    Gonzalo, Jed D.; Chuang, Cynthia H.; Huang, Grace

    2010-01-01

    Background Bedside rounds have decreased in frequency on teaching services. Perceived barriers toward bedside rounds are inefficiency and patient and house staff lack of preference for this mode of rounding. Objectives To evaluate the impact of a bedside rounding intervention on the frequency of bedside rounding, duration of patient encounters and rounding sessions, and patient and resident attitudes toward bedside rounds. Design A pre- and postintervention design, with a bedside rounding workshop midway through two consecutive internal medicine rotations, with daily resident interviews, patient surveys, and an end-of-the-year survey given to all Medicine house staff. Participants Medicine house staff and medicine patients. Measures Frequency of bedside rounds, duration of new patient encounters and rounding sessions, and patient and house staff attitudes regarding bedside rounds. Results Forty-four residents completed the bedside rounding workshop. Comparing the preintervention and postintervention phases, bedside rounds increased from <1% to 41% (p < 0.001). The average duration of walk rounding encounters was 16 min, and average duration of bedside rounding encounters was 15 min (p = 0.42). Duration of rounds was 95 and 98 min, respectively (p = 0.52). Patients receiving bedside rounds preferred bedside rounds (99% vs. 83%, p = 0.03) and perceived more time spent at the bedside by their team (p < 0.001). One hundred twelve house staff (71%) responded, with 73% reporting that bedside rounds are better for patient care. House staff performing bedside rounds were less likely to believe that bedside rounds were more educational (53% vs. 78%, p = 0.01). Conclusions Bedside rounding increased after an educational intervention, and the time to complete bedside rounding encounters was similar to alternative forms of rounding. Patients preferred bedside rounds and perceived more time spent at the bedside when receiving bedside rounds. Medicine

  16. Ward round template: enhancing patient safety on ward rounds.

    PubMed

    Gilliland, Niall; Catherwood, Natalie; Chen, Shaouyn; Browne, Peter; Wilson, Jacob; Burden, Helena

    2018-01-01

    Concerns had been raised at clinical governance regarding the safety of our inpatient ward rounds with particular reference to: documentation of clinical observations and National Early Warning Score (NEWS), compliance with Trust guidance for venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment, antibiotic stewardship, palliative care and treatment escalation plans (TEP). This quality improvement project was conceived to ensure these parameters were considered and documented during the ward round, thereby improving patient care and safety. These parameters were based on Trust patient safety guidance and CQUIN targets. The quality improvement technique of plan-do-study-act (PDSA) was used in this project. We retrospectively reviewed ward round entries to record baseline measurements, based on the above described parameters, prior to making any changes. Following this, the change applied was the introduction of a ward round template to include the highlighted important baseline parameters. Monthly PDSA cycles are performed, and baseline measurements are re-examined, then relevant changes were made to the ward round template. Documentation of baseline measurements was poor prior to introduction of the ward round template; this improved significantly following introduction of a standardised ward round template. Following three cycles, documentation of VTE risk assessments increased from 14% to 92%. Antibiotic stewardship documentation went from 0% to 100%. Use of the TEP form went from 29% to 78%. Following introduction of the ward round template, compliance improved significantly in all safety parameters. Important safety measures being discussed on ward rounds will lead to enhanced patient safety and will improve compliance to Trust guidance and comissioning for quality and innovation (CQUIN) targets. Ongoing change implementation will focus on improving compliance with usage of the template on all urology ward rounds.

  17. Matrix elements and duality for type 2 unitary representations of the Lie superalgebra gl(m|n)

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

    Werry, Jason L.; Gould, Mark D.; Isaac, Phillip S.

    The characteristic identity formalism discussed in our recent articles is further utilized to derive matrix elements of type 2 unitary irreducible gl(m|n) modules. In particular, we give matrix element formulae for all gl(m|n) generators, including the non-elementary generators, together with their phases on finite dimensional type 2 unitary irreducible representations which include the contravariant tensor representations and an additional class of essentially typical representations. Remarkably, we find that the type 2 unitary matrix element equations coincide with the type 1 unitary matrix element equations for non-vanishing matrix elements up to a phase.

  18. Three key regimes of single pulse generation per round trip of all-normal-dispersion fiber lasers mode-locked with nonlinear polarization rotation.

    PubMed

    Smirnov, Sergey; Kobtsev, Sergey; Kukarin, Sergey; Ivanenko, Aleksey

    2012-11-19

    We show experimentally and numerically new transient lasing regime between stable single-pulse generation and noise-like generation. We characterize qualitatively all three regimes of single pulse generation per round-trip of all-normal-dispersion fiber lasers mode-locked due to effect of nonlinear polarization evolution. We study spectral and temporal features of pulses produced in all three regimes as well as compressibility of such pulses. Simple criteria are proposed to identify lasing regime in experiment.

  19. A Focus Group Study of Community Members' Perceptions about Year-Round Education in Michigan's Copper Country

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Trewartha, Mollie Louise

    2007-01-01

    Restructuring of schools by means of revising the school calendar from the traditional 9-month calendar to a year-round calendar is one reform idea proposed to meet the diverse abilities and needs of students. Considering the sweeping changes influenced by No Child Left Behind and the trend toward excellence in education, this research focused…

  20. A Comparative Analysis of Texas Grade Five Student Achievement between Year-Round and Traditional School Calendars

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wilmore-Dafonte, Christy N.

    2013-01-01

    Purpose: The purpose of this dissertation was to determine the extent to which school instructional calendar configuration (i.e., year-round or traditional) influenced Grade 5 student academic performance as reflected on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test as a function of student ethnicity (i.e., Hispanic, White, and Black)…

  1. Unitary or Non-Unitary Nature of Working Memory? Evidence from Its Relation to General Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dang, Cai-Ping; Braeken, Johan; Ferrer, Emilio; Liu, Chang

    2012-01-01

    This study explored the controversy surrounding working memory: whether it is a unitary system providing general purpose resources or a more differentiated system with domain-specific sub-components. A total of 348 participants completed a set of 6 working memory tasks that systematically varied in storage target contents and type of information…

  2. The contact of a homogeneous unitary Fermi gas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mukherjee, Biswaroop; Patel, Parth; Yan, Zhenjie; Fletcher, Richard; Struck, Julian; Zwierlein, Martin

    2017-04-01

    The contact is a fundamental quantity that measures the strength of short-range correlations in quantum gases. As one of its most important implications, it provides a link between the microscopic two-particle correlation function at small distance and the macroscopic thermodynamic properties of the gas. In particular, pairing and superfluidity in a unitary Fermi gas can be expected to leave its mark in behavior of the contact. Here we present measurements on the temperature dependence of the contact of a unitary Fermi gas across the superfluid transition. By trapping ultracold 6Li atoms in a potential that is homogeneous in two directions and harmonic in the third, we obtain radiofrequency spectra of the homogeneous gas at a high signal-to-noise ratio. We compare our data to existing, but often mutually excluding theoretical calculations for the strongly interacting Fermi gas.

  3. Biophysically based mathematical modeling of interstitial cells of Cajal slow wave activity generated from a discrete unitary potential basis.

    PubMed

    Faville, R A; Pullan, A J; Sanders, K M; Koh, S D; Lloyd, C M; Smith, N P

    2009-06-17

    Spontaneously rhythmic pacemaker activity produced by interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) is the result of the entrainment of unitary potential depolarizations generated at intracellular sites termed pacemaker units. In this study, we present a mathematical modeling framework that quantitatively represents the transmembrane ion flows and intracellular Ca2+ dynamics from a single ICC operating over the physiological membrane potential range. The mathematical model presented here extends our recently developed biophysically based pacemaker unit modeling framework by including mechanisms necessary for coordinating unitary potential events, such as a T-Type Ca2+ current, Vm-dependent K+ currents, and global Ca2+ diffusion. Model simulations produce spontaneously rhythmic slow wave depolarizations with an amplitude of 65 mV at a frequency of 17.4 cpm. Our model predicts that activity at the spatial scale of the pacemaker unit is fundamental for ICC slow wave generation, and Ca2+ influx from activation of the T-Type Ca2+ current is required for unitary potential entrainment. These results suggest that intracellular Ca2+ levels, particularly in the region local to the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, significantly influence pacing frequency and synchronization of pacemaker unit discharge. Moreover, numerical investigations show that our ICC model is capable of qualitatively replicating a wide range of experimental observations.

  4. Biophysically Based Mathematical Modeling of Interstitial Cells of Cajal Slow Wave Activity Generated from a Discrete Unitary Potential Basis

    PubMed Central

    Faville, R.A.; Pullan, A.J.; Sanders, K.M.; Koh, S.D.; Lloyd, C.M.; Smith, N.P.

    2009-01-01

    Abstract Spontaneously rhythmic pacemaker activity produced by interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) is the result of the entrainment of unitary potential depolarizations generated at intracellular sites termed pacemaker units. In this study, we present a mathematical modeling framework that quantitatively represents the transmembrane ion flows and intracellular Ca2+ dynamics from a single ICC operating over the physiological membrane potential range. The mathematical model presented here extends our recently developed biophysically based pacemaker unit modeling framework by including mechanisms necessary for coordinating unitary potential events, such as a T-Type Ca2+ current, Vm-dependent K+ currents, and global Ca2+ diffusion. Model simulations produce spontaneously rhythmic slow wave depolarizations with an amplitude of 65 mV at a frequency of 17.4 cpm. Our model predicts that activity at the spatial scale of the pacemaker unit is fundamental for ICC slow wave generation, and Ca2+ influx from activation of the T-Type Ca2+ current is required for unitary potential entrainment. These results suggest that intracellular Ca2+ levels, particularly in the region local to the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, significantly influence pacing frequency and synchronization of pacemaker unit discharge. Moreover, numerical investigations show that our ICC model is capable of qualitatively replicating a wide range of experimental observations. PMID:19527643

  5. Year-Round Daylight Saving Time Study : Volume 1. Interim Report on the Operation and Effects of Daylight Saving Time

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1975-06-01

    The analyses of the effects of Year-Round Daylight Saving Time were not conslusive because they could not be reliablyseparated from other changes occuring simultaneously including fuel availability constraints, speed limit reductions, Sunday gasoline...

  6. Round pneumonia in an adult.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yi; Yu, Yong-Sheng; Tang, Zheng-Hao; Chen, Xiao-Hua; Zang, Guo-Qing

    2014-01-01

    Round pneumonia is an uncommon form of pulmonary infection usually found in children. It may resemble pulmonary neoplasm on radiographs. We present a case of round pneumonia in a 43-year-old male with a history of smoking and a family history of lung cancer. The patient was treated with antibiotics for more than two weeks, after which the infection resolved completely both clinically and radiologically. Clinicians should consider this uncommon type of pneumonia in the differential diagnosis of spherical pulmonary masses to avoid unnecessary diagnostic tests.

  7. Improving nurse-physician teamwork through interprofessional bedside rounding.

    PubMed

    Henkin, Stanislav; Chon, Tony Y; Christopherson, Marie L; Halvorsen, Andrew J; Worden, Lindsey M; Ratelle, John T

    2016-01-01

    Teamwork between physicians and nurses has a positive association with patient satisfaction and outcomes, but perceptions of physician-nurse teamwork are often suboptimal. To improve nurse-physician teamwork in a general medicine inpatient teaching unit by increasing face-to-face communication through interprofessional bedside rounds. From July 2013 through October 2013, physicians (attendings and residents) and nurses from four general medicine teams in a single nursing unit participated in bedside rounding, which involved the inclusion of nurses in morning rounds with the medicine teams at the patients' bedside. Based on stakeholder analysis and feedback, a checklist for key patient care issues was created and utilized during bedside rounds. To assess the effect of bedside rounding on nurse-physician teamwork, a survey of selected items from the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) was administered to participants before and after the implementation of bedside rounds. The number of pages to the general medicine teams was also measured as a marker of physician-nurse communication. Participation rate in bedside rounds across the four medicine teams was 58%. SAQ response rates for attendings, residents, and nurses were 36/36 (100%), 73/73 (100%), and 32/73 (44%) prior to implementation of bedside rounding and 36 attendings (100%), 72 residents (100%), and 14 (19%) nurses after the implementation of bedside rounding, respectively. Prior to bedside rounding, nurses provided lower teamwork ratings (percent agree) than residents and attendings on all SAQ items; but after the intervention, the difference remained significant only on SAQ item 2 ("In this clinical area, it is not difficult to speak up if I perceive a problem with patient care", 64% for nurses vs 79% for residents vs 94% for attendings, P=0.02). Also, resident responses improved on SAQ item 1 ("Nurse input is well received in this area", 62% vs 82%, P=0.01). Increasing face-to-face communication through

  8. Continuous-variable phase estimation with unitary and random linear disturbance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Delgado de Souza, Douglas; Genoni, Marco G.; Kim, M. S.

    2014-10-01

    We address the problem of continuous-variable quantum phase estimation in the presence of linear disturbance at the Hamiltonian level by means of Gaussian probe states. In particular we discuss both unitary and random disturbance by considering the parameter which characterizes the unwanted linear term present in the Hamiltonian as fixed (unitary disturbance) or random with a given probability distribution (random disturbance). We derive the optimal input Gaussian states at fixed energy, maximizing the quantum Fisher information over the squeezing angle and the squeezing energy fraction, and we discuss the scaling of the quantum Fisher information in terms of the output number of photons, nout. We observe that, in the case of unitary disturbance, the optimal state is a squeezed vacuum state and the quadratic scaling is conserved. As regards the random disturbance, we observe that the optimal squeezing fraction may not be equal to one and, for any nonzero value of the noise parameter, the quantum Fisher information scales linearly with the average number of photons. Finally, we discuss the performance of homodyne measurement by comparing the achievable precision with the ultimate limit imposed by the quantum Cramér-Rao bound.

  9. Quantum mechanics on periodic and non-periodic lattices and almost unitary Schwinger operators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Arik, Metin; Ildes, Medine

    2018-05-01

    In this work, we uncover the mathematical structure of the Schwinger algebra and introduce almost unitary Schwinger operators which are derived by considering translation operators on a finite lattice. We calculate mathematical relations between these algebras and show that the almost unitary Schwinger operators are equivalent to the Schwinger algebra. We introduce new representations for MN(C) in terms of these algebras.

  10. Developing non-technical ward-round skills.

    PubMed

    Harvey, Rachel; Mellanby, Edward; Dearden, Effie; Medjoub, Karima; Edgar, Simon

    2015-10-01

    Conducting clinical 'rounds' is one of the most onerous and important duties that every junior doctor is expected to perform. There is evidence that newly qualified doctors are not adequately prepared by their undergraduate experiences for this task. The aim of this study was to analyse the challenges pertaining to non-technical skills that students would face during ward rounds, and to create a model that facilitates the transition from medical student to doctor. A total of 217 final-year medical students completed a simulated ward round. Free-text responses were analysed using template analysis applying an a priori template developed from the literature by the research team. This drew on the generic categories of non-technical skills suggested by Flin et al. Ninety-seven per cent of students agreed or strongly agreed that the simulated ward round improved their insight into the challenges of ward rounds and their perceived ability to work efficiently as an active member of the ward round. The responding students (206) submitted written feedback describing the learning that they planned to use: 800 learning points were recorded, and all could be categorised into one of seven non-technical skills. Conducting clinical 'rounds' is one of the most onerous and important duties that every junior doctor is expected to perform We believe that improved task efficiency and insight into the challenges of the ward round gained by medical students will lead to an enhancement in performance during clinical rounds, and will have a positive impact on patient safety. We would suggest that undergraduate medical schools consider this model in the preparation for the clinical practice element of the curriculum. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  11. Transitioning to Low-GWP Alternatives in Unitary Air Conditioning

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    This fact sheet provides current information on low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant alternatives used in unitary air-conditioning equipment, relevant to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

  12. Non-Unitary Boson Mapping and Its Application to Nuclear Collective Motions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Takada, K.

    First, the general theory of boson mapping for even-number many-fermion systems is surveyed. In order to overcome the confusion concerning the so-called unphysical or spurious states in the boson mapping, the correct concept of the unphysical states is precisely given in a clear-cut way. Next, a method to apply the boson mapping to a truncated many-fermion Hilbert space consisting of collective phonons is proposed, by putting special emphasis on the Dyson-type non-unitary boson mapping. On the basis of this method, it becomes possible for the first time to apply the Dyson-type boson mapping to analyses of collective motions in realistic nuclei. This method is also extended to be applicable to odd-number-fermion systems. As known well, the Dyson-type boson mapping is a non-unitary transformation and it gives a non-Hermitian boson Hamiltonian. It is not easy (but not impossible) to solve the eigenstates of the non-Hermitian Hamiltonian. A Hermitian treatment of this non-Hermitian eigenvalue problem is discussed and it is shown that this treatment is a very good approximation. Using this Hermitian treatment, we can obtain the normal-ordered Holstein-Primakoff-type boson expansion in the multi-collective-phonon subspace. Thereby the convergence of the boson expansion can be tested. Some examples of application of the Dyson-type non-unitary boson mapping to simplified models and realistic nuclei are also shown, and we can see that it is quite useful for analysis of the collective motions in realistic nuclei. In contrast to the above-mentioned ordinary type of boson mapping, which may be called a ``static'' boson mapping, the Dyson-type non-unitary selfconsistent-collective-coordinate method is discussed. The latter is, so to speak, a ``dynamical'' boson mapping, which is a dynamical extension of the ordinary boson mapping to be capable to include the coupling effects from the non-collective degrees of freedom selfconsistently. Thus all of the Dyson-type non-unitary

  13. Reviving post-take surgical ward round teaching.

    PubMed

    Force, Jade; Thomas, Ian; Buckley, Frances

    2014-04-01

    Learning in the clinical environment is an important feature of medical education. Ward-round teaching leads to relevant, applied and lasting learning of knowledge, skills and attitudes; however, on fast-paced ward rounds in specialties such as general surgery, the student experience is often suboptimal, and teaching can be overlooked. Clinical teaching fellows (CTFs) are postgraduate doctors ranging from foundation year-2 (FY2) level through to specialty trainees, who have elected to spend up to 2 years out of the programme to teach medical undergraduates. This article explores whether CTFs can successfully support the regular delivery of undergraduate medical teaching on the busy post-take surgical ward round (PTSWR). The CTFs at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, planned and facilitated weekly, structured teaching sessions to accompany the PTSWR. This educational intervention was evaluated using pre- and post-intervention student questionnaires. The questionnaires focused on student enjoyment and depth of learning using Likert scales and free-text components. Students were also asked about barriers to learning on typical PTSWRs. The consultant surgeons leading on these rounds were issued separate questionnaires, to gauge their evaluation of CTF support. The main barrier to effective undergraduate ward round teaching was a lack of time on the part of clinical staff. Ward rounds accompanied by CTF support significantly increased student enjoyment (p < 0.0001) and perceived learning (p < 0.0001). Consultant surgeons were supportive of the teaching initiative. Support from CTFs on busy PTSWRs optimised student satisfaction, and was welcomed by clinical staff. CTF support could be widened to other busy ward rounds, e.g. acute medical takes, to enhance student learning and reduce the teaching burden on clinical faculty staff. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  14. Choroidal Round Hyporeflectivities in Geographic Atrophy.

    PubMed

    Corbelli, Eleonora; Sacconi, Riccardo; De Vitis, Luigi Antonio; Carnevali, Adriano; Rabiolo, Alessandro; Querques, Lea; Bandello, Francesco; Querques, Giuseppe

    2016-01-01

    In geographic atrophy (GA), choroidal vessels typically appear on structural optical coherence tomography (OCT) as hyperreflective round areas with highly reflective borders. We observed that some GA eyes show choroidal round hyporeflectivities with highly reflective borders beneath the atrophy, and futher investigated the charcteristcs by comparing structural OCT, indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and OCT angiography (OCT-A). Round hyporeflectivities were individuated from a pool of patients with GA secondary to non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration consecutively presenting between October 2015 and March 2016 at the Medical Retina & Imaging Unit of the University Vita-Salute San Raffaele. Patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination including ICGA, structural OCT and OCT-A. The correspondence between choroidal round hyporeflectivities beneath GA on structural OCT and ICGA and OCT-A imaging were analyzed. Fifty eyes of 26 consecutive patients (17 females and 9 males; mean age 76.8±6.2 years) with GA were included. Twenty-nine round hyporeflectivities have been found by OCT in choroidal layers in 21 eyes of 21 patients (42.0%; estimated prevalence of 57.7%). All 29 round hyporeflectivities showed constantly a hyperreflective border and a backscattering on structural OCT, and appeared as hypofluorescent in late phase ICGA and as dark foci with non detectable flow in the choroidal segmentation of OCT-A. Interestingly, the GA area was greater in eyes with compared to eyes without round hyporeflectivities (9.30±5.74 and 5.57±4.48mm2, respectively; p = 0.01). Our results suggest that most round hyporeflectivities beneath GA may represent non-perfused or hypo-perfused choroidal vessels with non-detectable flow.

  15. Nuclei and the Unitary Limit

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hammer, H.-W.

    2018-07-01

    Few-body systems with large scattering length display universal properties which are independent of the details of short-distance dynamics. These features include universal correlations between few-body observables and a geometric spectrum of three- and higher-body bound states. They can be observed in a wide range of systems from ultracold atoms to hadrons and nuclei. In this contribution, we review universality in nuclei dominated by few-body physics. In particular, we discuss halo nuclei and the description of light nuclei in a strict expansion around the unitary limit of infinite scattering length.

  16. A round trip from Caldirola to Bateman systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guerrero, J.; López-Ruiz, F. F.; Aldaya, V.; Cossío, F.

    2011-03-01

    For the quantum Caldirola-Kanai Hamiltonian, describing a quantum damped harmonic oscillator, a couple of constant of motion operators generating the Heisenberg algebra can be found. The inclusion in this algebra, in a unitary manner, of the standard time evolution generator , which is not a constant of motion, requires a non-trivial extension of this basic algebra and the physical system itself, which now includes a new dual particle. This enlarged algebra, when exponentiated, leads to a group, named the Bateman group, which admits unitary representations with support in the Hilbert space of functions satisfying the Schrodinger equation associated with the quantum Bateman Hamiltonian, either as a second order differential operator as well as a first order one. The classical Bateman Hamiltonian describes a dual system of a damped (losing energy) particle and a dual (gaining energy) particle. The classical Bateman system has a solution submanifold containing the trajectories of the original system as a submanifold. When restricted to this submanifold, the Bateman dual classical Hamiltonian leads to the Caldirola-Kanai Hamiltonian for a single damped particle. This construction can also be done at the quantum level, and the Caldirola-Kanai Hamiltonian operator can be derived from the Bateman Hamiltonian operator when appropriate constraints are imposed.

  17. Relationships, Instruction, Understandings: One District's Implementation of Rounds

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Roegman, Rachel; Hatch, Thomas; Hill, Kathryn; Kniewel, Victoria S.

    2015-01-01

    Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to show how instructional rounds contributes to shared understandings and facilitates the development of relationships among administrators. Design/methodology/approach: This mixed methods study draws on three years of data in a district engaged in rounds. Administrators annually completed a social network…

  18. Association Between ICU Admission During Morning Rounds and Mortality

    PubMed Central

    Gajic, Ognjen; Morales, Ian J.; Keegan, Mark T.; Peters, Steve G.; Hubmayr, Rolf D.

    2009-01-01

    Background: No previous study has evaluated the association between admission to ICUs during round time and patient outcome. The objective of this study was to determine the association between round-time ICU admission and patient outcome. Methods: This retrospective study included 49,844 patients admitted from October 1994 to December 2007 to four ICUs (two surgical, one medical, and one multispecialty) of an academic medical center. Of these patients, 3,580 were admitted to the ICU during round time (8:00 am to 10:59 am) and 46,264 were admitted during nonround time (from 1:00 pm to 6:00 am). The medical ICU had 24-h/7-day per week intensivist coverage during the last 2 years of the study. We compared the baseline characteristics and outcome of patients admitted to the ICU between the two groups. Data were abstracted from the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) III database. Results: The round-time and non-round-groups were similar in gender, ethnicity, and age. The predicted hospital mortality rate of the round time group was higher (17.4% vs 12.3% predicted, respectively; p < 0.001). The hospital length of stay was similar between the two groups. The round-time group had a higher hospital mortality rate (16.2% vs 8.8%, respectively; p < 0.001). Most of the round-time ICU admissions and deaths occurred in the medical ICU. Round-time admission was an independent risk factor for hospital death (odds ratio, 1.321; 95% CI, 1.178 to 1.481). This independent association was present for the whole study period except for the last 2 years. Conclusions: Patients admitted to the ICU during morning rounds have higher severity of illness and mortality rates. PMID:19505985

  19. Round cell sarcoma with CIC-DUX4 gene fusion: Discussion of the distinctive cytomorphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features in the differential diagnosis of round cell tumors.

    PubMed

    Chebib, Ivan; Jo, Vickie Y

    2016-05-01

    Undifferentiated round cell sarcomas are a heterogeneous group, and include tumors that resemble the Ewing sarcoma family. Although a subset defined by recurrent CIC-DUX4 gene fusion has been recently characterized, data regarding the cytomorphologic features are currently limited. Two recent fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cases prompted review of the spectrum of round cell tumors in the differential diagnosis to determine distinctive diagnostic features. Two genetically confirmed FNA cases were identified. Cytomorphologic features were evaluated on FNA smears and hematoxylin and eosin-stained cell block and concurrent needle biopsy sections, and immunohistochemical studies performed on cell block and biopsy sections were reviewed. The 2 patients were a 24-year-old man with a posterior mediastinal mass and a 69-year-old woman with a gluteal mass. FNA smears were cellular with tumor cells present in large groups and singly dispersed. Tumor cells had large, round-to-ovoid, hyperchromatic nuclei with irregular membranes, frequent large nucleoli, and a moderate amount of vacuolated cytoplasm. Both cases demonstrated necrosis, and one case had prominent myxoid stroma. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated focal-to-multifocal CD99 positivity and diffuse nuclear staining for WT1; staining for cytokeratin, desmin, S-100, CD34, CD45, and TdT were negative. Fluorescence in situ hybridization demonstrated CIC-DUX4 fusion in both cases. CIC-DUX4 round cell sarcoma differs from Ewing sarcoma in that it has more atypical cytologic features and lacks the diffuse membranous CD99 staining pattern characteristic of Ewing sarcoma. The differential diagnosis is broad, and requires the judicious use of ancillary studies. Focal-to-multifocal CD99 immunoreactivity and diffuse nuclear WT1 positivity is characteristic of CIC-DUX4 sarcoma, and should prompt molecular testing. Cancer Cytopathol 2016;124:350-61. © 2016 American Cancer Society. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

  20. A time-motion study of inpatient rounds using a family-centered rounds model.

    PubMed

    Bhansali, Priti; Birch, Sarah; Campbell, Joyce K; Agrawal, Dewesh; Hoffner, Wendy; Manicone, Paul; Shah, Kyle; Krieger, Evelina; Ottolini, Mary

    2013-01-01

    Family-centered rounds (FCR) have become increasingly prevalent in pediatric hospital settings. The objective of our study was to describe time use and discrete events during pediatric inpatient rounds by using a FCR model. We conducted a prospective observational study at Children's National Medical Center between September 2010 and February 2011. Investigators directly observed rounds on hospitalist and neurology services. Events were timed, and key features were recorded by using a Microsoft Access-based program. Associations with increased time spent during rounds were determined by using regression analyses. One hundred fifty-nine rounding encounters were observed. Rounds lasted 7.9 minutes on average per patient. An average of 1.3 minutes was spent between patients during rounds. Eighty-six (54%) encounters occurred outside the patient's room, 3% of the time because of the family's request. Infectious isolation was associated with rounds occurring outside the room (P<.0001). Participation of the parent, location of rounds inside or outside the patient's room, most teaching behaviors, and interruptions were not significantly associated with increased time spent during rounds. Teaching physical examination techniques by allowing multiple trainees to examine the patient was associated with increased rounding time (P= .02). The majority of rounds occurred outside the patient's room, yet rarely at the parent's request. Patients on infectious isolation were more likely to have rounds occur outside the patient's room. Neither parental participation nor most teaching behaviors were associated with increased time spent on rounds. These findings will enrich the evidence base needed to establish FCR best practices.

  1. Dynamics of Three-Body Correlations in Quenched Unitary Bose Gases

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Colussi, V. E.; Corson, J. P.; D'Incao, J. P.

    2018-03-01

    We investigate dynamical three-body correlations in the Bose gas during the earliest stages of evolution after a quench to the unitary regime. The development of few-body correlations is theoretically observed by determining the two- and three-body contacts. We find that the growth of three-body correlations is gradual compared to two-body correlations. The three-body contact oscillates coherently, and we identify this as a signature of Efimov trimers. We show that the growth of three-body correlations depends nontrivially on parameters derived from both the density and Efimov physics. These results demonstrate the violation of scaling invariance of unitary bosonic systems via the appearance of log-periodic modulation of three-body correlations.

  2. Maximizing efficiency on trauma surgeon rounds.

    PubMed

    Ramaniuk, Aliaksandr; Dickson, Barbara J; Mahoney, Sean; O'Mara, Michael S

    2017-01-01

    Rounding by trauma surgeons is a complex multidisciplinary team-based process in the inpatient setting. Implementation of lean methodology aims to increase understanding of the value stream and eliminate nonvalue-added (NVA) components. We hypothesized that analysis of trauma rounds with education and intervention would improve surgeon efficacy. Level 1 trauma center with 4300 admissions per year. Average non-intensive care unit census was 55. Five full-time attending trauma surgeons were evaluated. Value-added (VA) and NVA components of rounding were identified. The components of each patient interaction during daily rounds were documented. Summary data were presented to the surgeons. An action plan of improvement was provided at group and individual interventions. Change plans were presented to the multidisciplinary team. Data were recollected 6 mo after intervention. The percent of interactions with NVA components decreased (16.0% to 10.7%, P = 0.0001). There was no change between the two periods in time of evaluation of individual patients (4.0 and 3.5 min, P = 0.43). Overall time to complete rounds did not change. There was a reduction in the number of interactions containing NVA components (odds ratio = 2.5). The trauma surgeons were able to reduce the NVA components of rounds. We did not see a decrease in rounding time or individual patient time. This implies that surgeons were able to reinvest freed time into patient care, or that the NVA components were somehow not increasing process time. Direct intervention for isolated improvements can be effective in the rounding process, and efforts should be focused upon improving the value of time spent rather than reducing time invested. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. No difference in the graft shift between a round and a rounded rectangular femoral tunnel for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: an experimental study.

    PubMed

    Takata, Yasushi; Nakase, Junsuke; Oshima, Takeshi; Shimozaki, Kengo; Asai, Kazuki; Tsuchiya, Hiroyuki

    2018-05-16

    We developed a novel technique of creating a rounded rectangular femoral bone tunnel for anatomical, single-bundle, autologous hamstring tendon anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Although this tunnel has many advantages, its non-circular shape has raised concerns regarding excessive graft shift within the bone tunnel. This study aimed to compare the graft shift between round and rounded rectangular tunnels using a graft diameter tester for simulating the femoral bone tunnel. Seven semitendinosus tendon grafts harvested from fresh-frozen cadavers were prepared by removing all excess soft tissue. The two ends of a double-fold hamstring tendon were sutured using a baseball stitch and then looped over a TightRope (Arthrex Co., Ltd., Naples, Florida, USA) to make a fourfold graft. The diameter of the graft was standardized to 8 mm using a round graft diameter tester. A round and an original rounded rectangular graft diameter tester were used for simulating the respective femoral bone tunnels. The graft was inserted into the tunnel, with the TightRope positioned on the outside of the tunnel. The distal end of the graft was tensioned to 40 N at an angle of 75° to reproduce the most severe graft bending angle. Digital photographs of the tunnel aperture taken at each simulated tunnel and the range of graft shift in the simulated tunnel were analyzed by ImageJ software. Statistical analyses were performed using the Tukey test. P < 0.05 was considered to be significant. There were no significant differences between the round and the rounded rectangular tunnel groups (P > 0.05) in terms of graft shift, gap area, and graft shift ratio. In a simulated ACL reconstruction, there is no difference in the graft shift between a round and a rounded rectangular bone tunnel.

  4. What makes Alpine swift ascend at twilight? Novel geolocators reveal year-round flight behaviour.

    PubMed

    Meier, Christoph M; Karaardıç, Hakan; Aymí, Raül; Peev, Strahil G; Bächler, Erich; Weber, Roger; Witvliet, Willem; Liechti, Felix

    2018-01-01

    Studying individual flight behaviour throughout the year is indispensable to understand the ecology of a bird species. Recent development in technology allows now to track flight behaviour of small long-distance bird migrants throughout its annual cycle. The specific flight behaviour of twilight ascents in birds has been documented in a few studies, but only during a short period of the year, and never quantified on the individual level. It has been suggested that twilight ascents might be a role in orientation and navigation. Previous studies had reported the behaviour only near the breeding site and during migration. We investigated year-round flight behaviour of 34 individual Alpine swifts ( Apus melba ) of four different populations in relation to twilight ascents. We recorded twilight ascents all around the year and found a twofold higher frequency in ascents during the non-breeding residence phase in Africa compared to all other phases of the year. Dawn ascents were twice as common as dusk ascents and occurred mainly when atmospheric conditions remained stable over a 24-h period. We found no conclusive support that twilight ascents are essential for recalibration of compass cues and landmarks. Data on the wing flapping intensity revealed that high activity at twilight occurred more regularly than the ascents. We therefore conclude that alpine swift generally increase flight activity-also horizontal flight-during the twilight period and we suppose that this increased flight activity, including ascents, might be part of social interactions between individuals. Year-round flight altitude tracking with a light-weight multi-sensor tag reveals that Alpine swifts ascend several hundred meters high at twilight regularly. The reason for this behaviour remains unclear and the low-light conditions at this time of the day preclude foraging as a possibility. The frequency and altitude of twilight ascents were highest during the non-breeding period, intermediate during

  5. The Irony of Year-Round Schools: Mexican Migrant Resistance in a California Community during the Civil Rights Era.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Donato, Ruben

    1996-01-01

    Examines the politics of year-round education in Brownfield, California, in the 1970s. Findings showed that Mexican Americans challenged the proposed 45-15 plan because they were excluded from the decision-making process and because the plan conflicted with migrant workers' employment patterns. Formal mechanisms must be activated to guard all…

  6. Blue and Fin Whale Habitat Modeling from Long-Term Year-Round Passive Acoustic Data from the Southern California Bight

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-09-30

    be used for habitat modeling include sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface height (SSH), chlorophyll a concentration, and primary production...1 DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. Blue and Fin Whale Habitat Modeling from Long-Term Year...predictive, year-round habitat models of the presence of calling blue and fin whales in the Southern California Bight, to facilitate Navy’s operational

  7. Consensus statement on round window vibroplasty.

    PubMed

    Beltrame, Achille M; Todt, Ingo; Sprinzl, Georg; Profant, Milan; Schwab, Burkhard

    2014-10-01

    This study aimed to review current knowledge regarding implantation of the Vibrant Soundbridge floating mass transducer (FMT) at the round window (round window vibroplasty) as well as to form a consensus on steps for a reliable, stable surgical procedure. Review of the literature and experimental observations by the authors. Round window (RW) vibroplasty has been established as a reliable procedure that produces good and stable results for patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss. The experience gained over the past few years of the authors' more than 200 implantations has led to consensus on several key points: (1) a wide and bloodless access to the middle ear with facial nerve monitoring, (2) the careful and correct identification and exposure of the round window membrane, (3) a good setup for efficient energy transition of the FMT, namely, perpendicular placement of the FMT with no contact to bone and the placement of cartilage behind the FMT to create a preloaded "spring" function, and (4) 4 points of FMT fixation: a rim of the round window bony overhang left intact both anterior and posterior to the FMT, conductor link stabilization, and cartilage behind the FMT. In addition, the FMT should be covered with soft tissue. © The Author(s) 2014.

  8. Single-longitudinal-mode, narrow bandwidth double-ring fiber laser stabilized by an efficiently taper-coupled high roundness microsphere resonator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wan, Hongdan; Liu, Linqian; Ding, Zuoqin; Wang, Jie; Xiao, Yu; Zhang, Zuxing

    2018-06-01

    This paper proposes and demonstrates a single-longitudinal-mode, narrow bandwidth fiber laser, using an ultra-high roundness microsphere resonator (MSR) with a stabilized package as the single-longitudinal-mode selector inside a double-ring fiber cavity. By improving the heating technology and surface cleaning process, MSR with high Q factor are obtained. With the optimized coupling condition, light polarization state and fiber taper diameter, we achieve whispering gallery mode (WGM) spectra with a high extinction ratio of 23 dB, coupling efficiency of 99.5%, a 3 dB bandwidth of 1 pm and a side-mode-suppression-ratio of 14.5 dB. The proposed fiber laser produces single-longitudinal-mode laser output with a 20-dB frequency linewidth of about 340 kHz, a signal-to-background ratio of 54 dB and a high long-term stability without mode-hopping, which is potential for optical communication and sensing applications.

  9. The Wheels of Stress Go 'Round and 'Round

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brey, Rebecca A.; Clark, Susan E.

    2012-01-01

    "The Wheels of Stress Go Round and Round" teaching idea uses three activity wheels to reinforce stress-related content and concepts. After presenting a definition of stress, the instructor assists students in identifying stressors, and aids in formulating a list of negative, reactive behaviors and a list of positive coping mechanisms. Using…

  10. Efimov-driven phase transitions of the unitary Bose gas.

    PubMed

    Piatecki, Swann; Krauth, Werner

    2014-03-20

    Initially predicted in nuclear physics, Efimov trimers are bound configurations of three quantum particles that fall apart when any one of them is removed. They open a window into a rich quantum world that has become the focus of intense experimental and theoretical research, as the region of 'unitary' interactions, where Efimov trimers form, is now accessible in cold-atom experiments. Here we use a path-integral Monte Carlo algorithm backed up by theoretical arguments to show that unitary bosons undergo a first-order phase transition from a normal gas to a superfluid Efimov liquid, bound by the same effects as Efimov trimers. A triple point separates these two phases and another superfluid phase, the conventional Bose-Einstein condensate, whose coexistence line with the Efimov liquid ends in a critical point. We discuss the prospects of observing the proposed phase transitions in cold-atom systems.

  11. Rounding the Regression

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Marland, Eric; Bossé, Michael J.; Rhoads, Gregory

    2018-01-01

    Rounding is a necessary step in many mathematical processes. We are taught early in our education about significant figures and how to properly round a number. So when we are given a data set and asked to find a regression line, we are inclined to offer the line with rounded coefficients to reflect our model. However, the effects are not as…

  12. Random unitary evolution model of quantum Darwinism with pure decoherence

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Balanesković, Nenad

    2015-10-01

    We study the behavior of Quantum Darwinism [W.H. Zurek, Nat. Phys. 5, 181 (2009)] within the iterative, random unitary operations qubit-model of pure decoherence [J. Novotný, G. Alber, I. Jex, New J. Phys. 13, 053052 (2011)]. We conclude that Quantum Darwinism, which describes the quantum mechanical evolution of an open system S from the point of view of its environment E, is not a generic phenomenon, but depends on the specific form of input states and on the type of S-E-interactions. Furthermore, we show that within the random unitary model the concept of Quantum Darwinism enables one to explicitly construct and specify artificial input states of environment E that allow to store information about an open system S of interest with maximal efficiency.

  13. Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel Landmark Dedication and Revitalization

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1990-01-01

    This video shows construction scenes of unitary plan wind tunnel, aerials, and views of various models, including an MD-II in the 11 ft, an Apollo in the 8x7, Dynasoar in the 8x7, a one inch scale shuttle in the 8x7, and an artist's concept of a 12 ft test section.

  14. Utilization of year round data in the estimation of genetic parameters for internal parasite resistance traits in Dorper sheep

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect on the estimates of heritability and permanent environmental effects as a proportion of phenotypic variance when year round records are used. Records from 1,008 Dorper sheep in a private South African flock comprised 17,711 FAMACHA scores, 3,758...

  15. Year-round Application of Water Curtain for Environmental Control in Greenhouse

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ibuki, R.; Sugita, E.

    2011-12-01

    In large area of Japan needs forced environmental control to cultivate yields in hard temperature condition. Water Curtain is applied in Japan for night time air temperature control of small greenhouse, making strawberry and covered by plastic film. Water is splayed on extended plastic film, located above strawberry and below roof film. Underground water is utilized for cooling in summer, and warming in winter. Heat exchange between water and ground, and also water and air in the greenhouse is occurring in this system. Furthermore, heat transfer by radiation effect is also controlled by water membrane. In winter night, infrared radiation through plastic film is reduced by water membrane because of its high absorption coefficient on wave length of infrared. Besides water has a high transparency on wave length of visible light. These features are useful on the daytime radiation control of greenhouse to maintain visible light level for photosynthesis and to reduce excess infrared, damages yields in summer. Also in daytime of sunny day in winter season, temperature is too high to cultivate yields in closed greenhouse. Under this situation, water curtain is useful to storage from broad area in greenhouse excess heat from air in the circulation water. Warm water is useful to maintain temperature in greenhouse. On the contrary, in summer season, water can storage heat in daytime and release in night time. Water curtain system will contribute to be a sustainable and low energy consumption system to maintain comfortable environment for yields growth. For this reason we are considering to use water curtain in year-round. At the first step of the year-round application, day time use in summer is experimentally investigated. General water curtain splays water on plastic film extended on metal pipe. In this situation water is gathered at valley part of the film. Then water membrane is partially made and radiation control is not effective at large area. Therefore we applied new

  16. Study of optical techniques for the Ames unitary wind tunnel, part 7

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lee, George

    1993-01-01

    A summary of optical techniques for the Ames Unitary Plan wind tunnels are discussed. Six optical techniques were studied: Schlieren, light sheet and laser vapor screen, angle of attack, model deformation, infrared imagery, and digital image processing. The study includes surveys and reviews of wind tunnel optical techniques, some conceptual designs, and recommendations for use of optical methods in the Ames Unitary Plan wind tunnels. Particular emphasis was placed on searching for systems developed for wind tunnel use and on commercial systems which could be readily adapted for wind tunnels. This final report is to summarize the major results and recommendations.

  17. The second law of thermodynamics under unitary evolution and external operations

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

    Ikeda, Tatsuhiko N., E-mail: ikeda@cat.phys.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp; Physics Department, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215; Sakumichi, Naoyuki

    The von Neumann entropy cannot represent the thermodynamic entropy of equilibrium pure states in isolated quantum systems. The diagonal entropy, which is the Shannon entropy in the energy eigenbasis at each instant of time, is a natural generalization of the von Neumann entropy and applicable to equilibrium pure states. We show that the diagonal entropy is consistent with the second law of thermodynamics upon arbitrary external unitary operations. In terms of the diagonal entropy, thermodynamic irreversibility follows from the facts that quantum trajectories under unitary evolution are restricted by the Hamiltonian dynamics and that the external operation is performed withoutmore » reference to the microscopic state of the system.« less

  18. Paired-pulse facilitation and depression at unitary synapses in rat hippocampus: quantal fluctuation affects subsequent release.

    PubMed Central

    Debanne, D; Guérineau, N C; Gähwiler, B H; Thompson, S M

    1996-01-01

    1. Excitatory synaptic transmission between pairs of monosynaptically coupled pyramidal cells was examined in rat hippocampal slice cultures. Action potentials were elicited in single CA3 pyramidal cells impaled with microelectrodes and unitary excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) were recorded in whole-cell voltage-clamped CA1 or CA3 cells. 2. The amplitude of successive unitary EPSCs in response to single action potentials varied. The amplitude of EPSCs was altered by adenosine or changes in the [Mg2+]/[CA2+] ratio. We conclude that single action potentials triggered the release of multiple quanta of glutamate. 3. When two action potentials were elicited in the presynaptic cell, the amplitude of the second EPSC was inversely related to the amplitude of the first. Paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) was observed when the first EPSC was small, i.e. the second EPSC was larger than the first, whereas paired-pulse depression (PPD) was observed when the first EPSC was large. 4. The number of trials displaying PPD was greater when release probability was increased, and smaller when release probability was decreased. 5. PPD was not postsynaptically mediated because it was unaffected by decreasing ionic flux with 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) or receptor desensitization with aniracetam. 6. PPF was maximal at an interstimulus interval of 70 ms and recovered within 500 ms. Recovery from PPD occurred within 5 s. 7. We propose that multiple release sites are formed by the axon of a CA3 pyramidal cell and a single postsynaptic CA1 or CA3 cell. PPF is observed if the first action potential fails to release transmitter at most release sites. PPD is observed if the first action potential successfully triggers release at most release sites. 8. Our observations of PPF are consistent with the residual calcium hypothesis. We conclude that PPD results from a decrease in quantal content, perhaps due to short-term depletion of readily releasable vesicles. PMID:9011608

  19. The evaluation of a framework for measuring the non-technical ward round skills of final year nursing students: An observational study.

    PubMed

    Murray, Kara; McKenzie, Karen; Kelleher, Michael

    2016-10-01

    The importance of non-technical skills (NTS) to patient outcomes is increasingly being recognised, however, there is limited research into how such skills can be taught and evaluated in student nurses in relation toward rounds. This pilot study describes an evaluation of a NTS framework that could potentially be used to measure ward round skills of student nurses. The study used an observational design. Potential key NTS were identified from existing literature and NTS taxonomies. The proposed framework was then used to evaluate whether the identified NTS were evident in a series of ward round simulations that final year general nursing students undertook as part of their training. Finally, the views of a small group of qualified nurse educators, qualified nurses and general nursing students were sought about whether the identified NTS were important and relevant to practice. The proposed NTS framework included seven categories: Communication, Decision Making, Situational Awareness, Teamwork and Task Management, Student Initiative and Responsiveness to Patient. All were rated as important and relevant to practice. The pilot study suggests that the proposed NTS framework could be used as a means of evaluating student nurse competencies in respect of many non-technical skills required for a successful ward round. Further work is required to establish the validity of the framework in educational settings and to determine the extent to which it is of use in a non-simulated ward round setting. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Spatial anatomy of the round ligament, gallbladder, and intrahepatic vessels in patients with right-sided round ligament of the liver.

    PubMed

    Ibukuro, Kenji; Takeguchi, Takaya; Fukuda, Hozumi; Abe, Shoko; Tobe, Kimiko

    2016-11-01

    To analyze the vascular structure of the liver in patients with a right-sided round ligament. We reviewed 16 patients with a right-sided round ligament and 3 polysplenia and situs inversus patients with a left-sided round ligament who underwent multidetector row CT with contrast media. The patient population consisted of 13 men and 6 women (mean 62 years). We analyzed the axial and volume-rendered images for the location of the round ligament, gallbladder, portal veins, hepatic veins, and hepatic artery. The following imaging findings for the patients with polysplenia and situs inversus were horizontally reversed. The prevalence of a right-sided round ligament with and without polysplenia was 75 and 0.11 %, respectively. The gallbladder was located to the right, below, and left of the round ligament in 27.7, 38.8 and 33.3 %, respectively. Independent branching of the right posterior portal vein was noted in 57.8 %. PV4 was difficult to identify in 36.8 %. The middle hepatic vein was located to the left of the round ligament. Two branching patterns for the lateral and medial branches of the right anterior hepatic artery were noted: the common (44.4 %) and separated types (55.5 %). Both of the right anterior hepatic artery and portal vein ramified into two segments; the lateral segment with many branches and the medial segment with a few branches. The right-sided round ligament divided the right anterior section into the lateral and medial segments based on the portal vein and hepatic artery anatomy.

  1. Establishing the Unitary Classroom: Organizational Change and School Culture.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Eddy, Elizabeth M.; True, Joan H.

    1980-01-01

    This paper examines the organizational changes introduced in two elementary schools to create unitary (desegregated) classrooms. The different models adopted by the two schools--departmentalization and team teaching--are considered as expressions of their patterns of interaction, behavior, and values. (Part of a theme issue on educational…

  2. Medical student appraisal: electronic resources for inpatient pre-rounding.

    PubMed

    Sampognaro, P J; Mitchell, S L; Weeks, S R; Khalifian, S; Markman, T M; Uebel, L W; Dattilo, J R

    2013-01-01

    Pre-rounding is essential to preparing for morning rounds. Despite its importance, pre-rounding is rarely formally taught within the medical school curriculum and more often informally learned by modeling residents. The evolution of mobile applications provides opportunities to optimize this process. To evaluate three options available to medical students while pre-rounding and promote adoption of mobile resources in clinical care. Six medical students formed the evaluation cohort. Students were surveyed to assess pre-rounding practices. Participants utilized paper-based pre-rounding templates for two weeks followed by two weeks of the electronic note-taking service Evernote. A review of mobile applications on the iTunes and Google Play stores was performed, with each application informally reviewed by a single student. The application Scutsheet was selected for formal review by all students. Data was collected from narrative responses supplied by students throughout the evaluation periods and aggregated to assess strengths and limitations of each application. Pre-study responses demonstrated two consistent processes: verbal sign-out of overnight events and template use to organize patient information. The paper-based template was praised for its organization and familiarity amongst residents, but perceived as limited by the requirement of re-copying data into the hospital's electronic medical record (EMR). Evernote excelled due to compatibility across multiple operating systems, including accessibility from clinical workstations and ability to copy notes into the hospital's EMR. Scutsheet allowed for retention of data across multiple hospital days, but was limited by inability to export data or modify the electronic template. Aggregated user feedback identified the abilities to customize templates and copy information into the EMR as two prevailing characteristics that enhanced the efficiency of pre-rounding. Mobile devices offer the potential to enhance pre-rounding

  3. On the construction of unitary quantum group differential calculus

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pyatov, Pavel

    2016-10-01

    We develop a construction of the unitary type anti-involution for the quantized differential calculus over {{GL}}q(n) in the case | q| =1. To this end, we consider a joint associative algebra of quantized functions, differential forms and Lie derivatives over {{GL}}q(n)/{{SL}}q(n), which is bicovariant with respect to {{GL}}q(n)/{{SL}}q(n) coactions. We define a specific non-central spectral extension of this algebra by the spectral variables of three matrices of the algebra generators. In the spectrally expended algebra, we construct a three-parametric family of its inner automorphisms. These automorphisms are used for the construction of the unitary anti-involution for the (spectrally extended) calculus over {{GL}}q(n). This work has been funded by the Russian Academic Excellence Project ‘5-100’. The results of section 5 (propositions 5.2, 5.3 and theorem 5.5) have been obtained under support of the RSF grant No.16-11-10160.

  4. Validating simple dynamical simulations of the unitary Fermi gas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Forbes, Michael McNeil; Sharma, Rishi

    2014-10-01

    We present a comparison between simulated dynamics of the unitary fermion gas using the superfluid local density approximation (SLDA) and a simplified bosonic model, the extended Thomas-Fermi (ETF) with a unitary equation of state. Small-amplitude fluctuations have similar dynamics in both theories for frequencies far below the pair-breaking threshold and wave vectors much smaller than the Fermi momentum. The low-frequency linear responses in both match well for surprisingly large wave vectors, even up to the Fermi momentum. For nonlinear dynamics such as vortex generation, the ETF provides a semiquantitative description of SLDA dynamics as long as the fluctuations do not have significant power near the pair-breaking threshold; otherwise the dynamics of the ETF cannot be trusted. Nonlinearities in the ETF tend to generate high-frequency fluctuations, and with no normal component to remove this energy from the superfluid, features such as vortex lattices cannot relax and crystallize as they do in the SLDA.

  5. Crypto-Unitary Forms of Quantum Evolution Operators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Znojil, Miloslav

    2013-06-01

    The description of quantum evolution using unitary operator {u}(t)=exp(-i{h}t) requires that the underlying self-adjoint quantum Hamiltonian {h} remains time-independent. In a way extending the so called {PT}-symmetric quantum mechanics to the models with manifestly time-dependent "charge" {C}(t) we propose and describe an extension of such an exponential-operator approach to evolution to the manifestly time-dependent self-adjoint quantum Hamiltonians {h}(t).

  6. Unitary subsector of generalized minimal models

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Behan, Connor

    2018-05-01

    We revisit the line of nonunitary theories that interpolate between the Virasoro minimal models. Numerical bootstrap applications have brought about interest in the four-point function involving the scalar primary of lowest dimension. Using recent progress in harmonic analysis on the conformal group, we prove the conjecture that global conformal blocks in this correlator appear with positive coefficients. We also compute many such coefficients in the simplest mixed correlator system. Finally, we comment on the status of using global conformal blocks to isolate the truly unitary points on this line.

  7. Wave functions of the Q .Q interaction in terms of unitary 9-j coefficients

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zamick, Larry; Harper, Matthew

    2015-03-01

    We obtain wave functions for two protons and two neutrons in the g9 /2 shell expressed as column vectors with amplitudes D (Jp,Jn) . When we use a quadrupole-quadrupole interaction (Q .Q ) we get, in many cases, a very strong overlap with wave functions given by a single set of unitary 9-j coefficients—U 9 j =<(jj ) 2 j(jjJB|(jj ) Jp(jj ) Jn) I> . Here JB=9 for even I T =0 states. For both even and odd T =1 states we take JB equal to 8 whilst for odd I ,T =0 we take JB to be 7. We compare the Q .Q results with those of a more realistic interaction.

  8. Parallel and pipeline computation of fast unitary transforms

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fino, B. J.; Algazi, V. R.

    1975-01-01

    The letter discusses the parallel and pipeline organization of fast-unitary-transform algorithms such as the fast Fourier transform, and points out the efficiency of a combined parallel-pipeline processor of a transform such as the Haar transform, in which (2 to the n-th power) -1 hardware 'butterflies' generate a transform of order 2 to the n-th power every computation cycle.

  9. Migratory monarchs wintering in California experience low infection risk compared to monarchs breeding year-round on non-native milkweed.

    PubMed

    Satterfield, Dara A; Villablanca, Francis X; Maerz, John C; Altizer, Sonia

    2016-08-01

    Long-distance migration can lower infection risk for animal populations by removing infected individuals during strenuous journeys, spatially separating susceptible age classes, or allowing migrants to periodically escape from contaminated habitats. Many seasonal migrations are changing due to human activities including climate change and habitat alteration. Moreover, for some migratory populations, sedentary behaviors are becoming more common as migrants abandon or shorten their journeys in response to supplemental feeding or warming temperatures. Exploring the consequences of reduced movement for host-parasite interactions is needed to predict future responses of animal pathogens to anthropogenic change. Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) and their specialist protozoan parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE) provide a model system for examining how long-distance migration affects infectious disease processes in a rapidly changing world. Annual monarch migration from eastern North America to Mexico is known to reduce protozoan infection prevalence, and more recent work suggests that monarchs that forego migration to breed year-round on non-native milkweeds in the southeastern and south central Unites States face extremely high risk of infection. Here, we examined the prevalence of OE infection from 2013 to 2016 in western North America, and compared monarchs exhibiting migratory behavior (overwintering annually along the California coast) with those that exhibit year-round breeding. Data from field collections and a joint citizen science program of Monarch Health and Monarch Alert showed that infection frequency was over nine times higher for monarchs sampled in gardens with year-round milkweed as compared to migratory monarchs sampled at overwintering sites. Results here underscore the importance of animal migrations for lowering infection risk and motivate future studies of pathogen transmission in migratory species affected by environmental change. © The

  10. Production of single-round infectious chimeric flaviviruses with DNA-based Japanese encephalitis virus replicon.

    PubMed

    Suzuki, Ryosuke; Ishikawa, Tomohiro; Konishi, Eiji; Matsuda, Mami; Watashi, Koichi; Aizaki, Hideki; Takasaki, Tomohiko; Wakita, Takaji

    2014-01-01

    A method for rapid production of single-round infectious particles (SRIPs) of flavivirus would be useful for viral mutagenesis studies. Here, we established a DNA-based production system for SRIPs of flavivirus. We constructed a Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) subgenomic replicon plasmid, which lacked the C-prM-E (capsid-pre-membrane-envelope) coding region, under the control of the cytomegalovirus promoter. When the JEV replicon plasmid was transiently co-transfected with a JEV C-prM-E expression plasmid into 293T cells, SRIPs were produced, indicating successful trans-complementation with JEV structural proteins. Equivalent production levels were observed when C and prM-E proteins were provided separately. Furthermore, dengue types 1-4, West Nile, yellow fever or tick-borne encephalitis virus prM-E proteins could be utilized for production of chimaeric flavivirus SRIPs, although the production was less efficient for dengue and yellow fever viruses. These results indicated that our plasmid-based system is suitable for investigating the life cycles of flaviviruses, diagnostic applications and development of safer vaccine candidates.

  11. Unitary scintillation detector and system

    DOEpatents

    McElhaney, Stephanie A.; Chiles, Marion M.

    1994-01-01

    The invention is a unitary alpha, beta, and gamma scintillation detector and system for sensing the presence of alpha, beta, and gamma radiations selectively or simultaneously. The scintillators are mounted in a light-tight housing provided with an entrance window for admitting alpha, beta, and gamma radiation and excluding ambient light from the housing. Light pulses from each scintillator have different decay constants that are converted by a photosensitive device into corresponding differently shaped electrical pulses. A pulse discrimination system identifies the electrical pulses by their respective pulse shapes which are determined by decay time. The identified electrical pulses are counted in separate channel analyzers to indicate the respective levels of sensed alpha, beta, and gamma radiations.

  12. Unitary scintillation detector and system

    DOEpatents

    McElhaney, S.A.; Chiles, M.M.

    1994-05-31

    The invention is a unitary alpha, beta, and gamma scintillation detector and system for sensing the presence of alpha, beta, and gamma radiations selectively or simultaneously. The scintillators are mounted in a light-tight housing provided with an entrance window for admitting alpha, beta, and gamma radiation and excluding ambient light from the housing. Light pulses from each scintillator have different decay constants that are converted by a photosensitive device into corresponding differently shaped electrical pulses. A pulse discrimination system identifies the electrical pulses by their respective pulse shapes which are determined by decay time. The identified electrical pulses are counted in separate channel analyzers to indicate the respective levels of sensed alpha, beta, and gamma radiations. 10 figs.

  13. Learning from Instructional Rounds

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    City, Elizabeth A.

    2011-01-01

    Instructional rounds are a disciplined way for educators to work together to improve a school's instructional core. The practice combines three common elements of improvement: classroom observation, an improvement strategy, and a network. Instructional rounds differ from supervision and evaluation in that people doing rounds learn something…

  14. Separability and Entanglement in the Hilbert Space Reference Frames Related Through the Generic Unitary Transform for Four Level System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Man'ko, V. I.; Markovich, L. A.

    2018-02-01

    Quantum correlations in the state of four-level atom are investigated by using generic unitary transforms of the classical (diagonal) density matrix. Partial cases of pure state, X-state, Werner state are studied in details. The geometrical meaning of unitary Hilbert reference-frame rotations generating entanglement in the initially separable state is discussed. Characteristics of the entanglement in terms of concurrence, entropy and negativity are obtained as functions of the unitary matrix rotating the reference frame.

  15. Analysis of Math and Reading Achievement Scores of Students Attending Year-Round Calendar Schools and Traditional Calendar Schools in Tennessee

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Abakwue, Chimaeze Ikechi

    2011-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to determine if there were a significant difference in math and reading academic achievement scores between eighth-grade students attending year-round calendar schools and eighth-grade students attending traditional calendar schools based on the TCAP. In addition, this study investigated math and reading achievement…

  16. Subsonic Round and Rectangular Twin Jet Flow Effects

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bozak, Rick; Wernet, Mark

    2014-01-01

    Subsonic and supersonic aircraft concepts proposed by NASAs Fundamental Aeronautics Program have integrated propulsion systems with asymmetric nozzles. The asymmetry in the exhaust of these propulsion systems creates asymmetric flow and acoustic fields. The flow asymmetries investigated in the current study are from two parallel round, 2:1, and 8:1 aspect ratio rectangular jets at the same nozzle conditions. The flow field was measured with streamwise and cross-stream particle image velocimetry (PIV). A large dataset of single and twin jet flow field measurements was acquired at subsonic jet conditions. The effects of twin jet spacing and forward flight were investigated. For round, 2:1, and 8:1 rectangular twin jets at their closest spacings, turbulence levels between the two jets decreased due to enhanced jet mixing at near static conditions. When the flight Mach number was increased to 0.25, the flow around the twin jet model created a velocity deficit between the two nozzles. This velocity deficit diminished the effect of forward flight causing an increase in turbulent kinetic energy relative to a single jet. Both of these twin jet flow field effects decreased with increasing twin jet spacing relative to a single jet. These variations in turbulent kinetic energy correlate with changes in far-field sound pressure level.

  17. Lipoma of round ligament on the intraperitoneal portion (abdominal site): a case report.

    PubMed

    Ozdemır, Ozhan; Sarı, Mustafa Erkan; Sakar, Vefa Selimova; Nebıoglu, Mehriban; Atalay, Cemal Resat

    2017-09-01

    Primary tumors of round ligament are rare, and when found are typically leiomyomas. Endometrioma, and mesothelial cysts are the benign lesions recognized as involving the round ligament. We report a case of lipoma of the round ligament in a 48-year-old premenopausal woman. Round ligament lipoma on the intraperitoneal portion (abdominal site) is very rare and it should be kept in the differential diagnosis of ovarian and abdominal masses.

  18. Weathering a Dynamic Seascape: Influences of Wind and Rain on a Seabird’s Year-Round Activity Budgets

    PubMed Central

    Pistorius, Pierre A.; Hindell, Mark A.; Tremblay, Yann; Rishworth, Gavin M.

    2015-01-01

    How animals respond to varying environmental conditions is fundamental to ecology and is a question that has gained impetus due to mounting evidence indicating negative effects of global change on biodiversity. Behavioural plasticity is one mechanism that enables individuals and species to deal with environmental changes, yet for many taxa information on behavioural parameters and their capacity to change are lacking or restricted to certain periods within the annual cycle. This is particularly true for seabirds where year-round behavioural information is intrinsically challenging to acquire due to their reliance on the marine environment where they are difficult to study. Using data from over 13,000 foraging trips throughout the annual cycle, acquired using new-generation automated VHF technology, we described sex-specific, year-round activity budgets in Cape gannets. Using these data we investigated the role of weather (wind and rain) on foraging activity and time allocated to nest attendance. Foraging activity was clearly influenced by wind speed, wind direction and rainfall during and outside the breeding season. Generally, strong wind conditions throughout the year resulted in relatively short foraging trips. Birds spent longer periods foraging when rainfall was moderate. Nest attendance, which was sex-specific outside of the breeding season, was also influenced by meteorological conditions. Large amounts of rainfall (> 2.5 mm per hour) and strong winds (> 13 m s-1) resulted in gannets spending shorter amounts of time at their nests. We discuss these findings in terms of life history strategies and implications for the use of seabirds as bio-indicators. PMID:26581108

  19. Requiem for the grand round.

    PubMed

    Stanyon, Maham; Khan, Shahid Anis

    2015-02-01

    The time-honoured tradition of Grand Round is firmly rooted in medical education, but has little evidence for its effectiveness or its impact on patient management. A mode of didactic teaching, Grand Round has lost its appeal in modern medical education with dwindling attendance at Grand Rounds worldwide. Once a platform for eminence-based medicine and a cross fertilisation of medical ideas, emphasis on sub-specialisation and clinical governance, combined with rota, trainee engagement and attendance failures has made Grand Round obsolete. To survive, Grand Round must have evidence for its effectiveness in medical education. It must be able to compete with other forms of teaching and adapt by using technology to reach trainees. Engaging the audience and encouraging participation needs to be woven into the fabric of the modern Grand Round, alongside learning clinical skills and developing clinical reasoning. Understanding the needs of today's trainees and their involvement in formulating the Grand Round programme is vital. Attendance at Grand Round is a recognised measure of its success and will be used in its evaluation. Questions still remain regarding the future of Grand Round. Its survival will depend upon its ability to change with time and reclaim its place as a credible tool to promote learning. © 2015 Royal College of Physicians.

  20. Interprofessional resuscitation rounds: a teamwork approach to ACLS education.

    PubMed

    Dagnone, Jeffrey Damon; McGraw, Robert C; Pulling, Cheryl A; Patteson, Ann K

    2008-01-01

    We developed and implemented a series of interprofessional resuscitation rounds targeting fourth year nursing and medical students, and junior residents from a variety of specialty programs. Each two hour session was conducted in our patient simulation lab, and was held weekly during the academic year. Students were given specific instruction on the roles and responsibilities of resuscitation team members, and then teams of five worked through pre-defined Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) scenarios on a high fidelity patient simulator. At the end of each session students completed an anonymous evaluation of the program via a standardized questionnaire using Likert rating scales. A total of 222 evaluations (101 nursing students, 42 medical students, and 79 junior residents) were submitted from October 2005 to April 2006. Mean scores reflected a strong consensus that these rounds were valuable for their training, provided a vehicle for understanding team roles in resuscitation, and that these rounds should be mandatory for all medical and nursing trainees. Participants also expressed a desire for additional interprofessional training. Despite challenges inherent in teaching a diverse group of learners, these interprofessional resuscitation rounds were rated highly by nursing and medical trainees as valuable learning experiences.

  1. Unitary-matrix models as exactly solvable string theories

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Periwal, Vipul; Shevitz, Danny

    1990-01-01

    Exact differential equations are presently found for the scaling functions of models of unitary matrices which are solved in a double-scaling limit, using orthogonal polynomials on a circle. For the case of the simplest, k = 1 model, the Painleve II equation with constant 0 is obtained; possible nonperturbative phase transitions exist for these models. Equations are presented for k = 2 and 3, and discussed with a view to asymptotic behavior.

  2. Optimal coupling and feasibility of a solar-powered year-round ejector air conditioner

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

    Sokolov, M.; Hershgal, D.

    1993-06-01

    An ejector refrigeration system that uses a conventional refrigerant (R-114) is introduced as a possible mechanism for providing solar-based air-conditioning. Optimal coupling conditions between the collectors' energy output and energy requirements of the cooling system, are investigated. Operation at such optimal conditions assures maximized overall efficiency. Procedures leading to the evaluation of the performance of a real system are disclosed. Design curves for such a system with R-114 as refrigerant are provided. A multi-ejectors arrangement that provides an efficient adjustment for variations of ambient conditions, is described. Year-round air-conditioning is facilitated by rerouting the refrigerant flow through a heating modemore » of the system. Calculations are carried out for illustrative configurations in which relatively low condensing temperature (water reservoirs, cooling towers, or moderate climate) can be maintained.« less

  3. Year-round Regional CO2 Fluxes from Boreal and Tundra Ecosystems in Alaska

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Commane, R.; Lindaas, J.; Benmergui, J. S.; Luus, K. A.; Chang, R. Y. W.; Daube, B. C.; Euskirchen, E. S.; Henderson, J.; Karion, A.; Miller, J. B.; Miller, S. M.; Parazoo, N.; Randerson, J. T.; Sweeney, C.; Tans, P. P.; Thoning, K. W.; Veraverbeke, S.; Miller, C. E.; Wofsy, S. C.

    2016-12-01

    High-latitude ecosystems could release large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere in a warmer climate. We derive temporally and spatially resolved year-round CO2 fluxes in Alaska from a synthesis of airborne and tower CO2 observations in 2012-2014. We find that tundra ecosystems were net sources of atmospheric CO2. We discuss these flux estimates in the context of long-term CO2 measurements at Barrow, AK, to asses the long term trend in carbon fluxes in the Arctic. Many Earth System Models incorrectly simulate net carbon uptake in Alaska presently. Our results imply that annual net emission of CO2 to the atmosphere may have increased markedly in this region of the Arctic in response to warming climate, supporting the view that climate-carbon feedback is strongly positive in the high Arctic.

  4. Caring science and the science of unitary human beings: a trans-theoretical discourse for nursing knowledge development.

    PubMed

    Watson, Jean; Smith, Marlaine C

    2002-03-01

    Two dominant discourses in contemporary nursing theory and knowledge development have evolved over the past few decades, in part by unitary science views and caring theories. Rogers' science of unitary human beings (SUHB) represents the unitary directions in nursing. Caring theories and related caring science (CS) scholarship represent the other. These two contemporary initiatives have generated two parallel, often controversial, seemingly separate and unrelated, trees of knowledge for nursing science. This paper explores the evolution of CS and its intersection with SUHB that have emerged in contemporary nursing literature. We present a case for integration, convergence, and creative synthesis of CS with SUHB. A trans-theoretical, trans-disciplinary context emerges, allowing nursing to sustain its caring ethic and ontology, within a unitary science. The authors critique and review the seminal, critical issues that have separated contemporary knowledge developments in CS and SUHB. Foundational issues of CS, and Watson's theory of transpersonal caring science (TCS), as a specific exemplar, are analysed, alongside parallel themes in SUHB. By examining hidden ethical-ontological and paradigmatic commonalities, trans-theoretical themes and connections are explored and revealed between TCS and SUHB. Through a creative synthesis of TCS and SUHB we explicate a distinct unitary view of human with a relational caring ontology and ethic that informs nursing as well as other sciences. The result: is a trans-theoretical, trans-disciplinary view for nursing knowledge development. Nursing's history has been to examine theoretical differences rather than commonalities. This trans-theoretical position moves nursing toward theoretical integration and creative synthesis, vs. separation, away from the 'Balkanization' of different theories. This initiative still maintains the integrity of different theories, while facilitating and inviting a new discourse for nursing science. The

  5. Extended Thomas-Fermi density functional for the unitary Fermi gas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Salasnich, Luca; Toigo, Flavio

    2008-11-01

    We determine the energy density ξ(3/5)nɛF and the gradient correction λℏ2(∇n)2/(8mn) of the extended Thomas-Fermi (ETF) density functional, where n is the number density and ɛF is the Fermi energy, for a trapped two-component Fermi gas with infinite scattering length (unitary Fermi gas) on the basis of recent diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) calculations [Phys. Rev. Lett. 99, 233201 (2007)]. In particular we find that ξ=0.455 and λ=0.13 give the best fit of the DMC data with an even number N of particles. We also study the odd-even splitting γN1/9ℏω of the ground-state energy for the unitary gas in a harmonic trap of frequency ω determining the constant γ . Finally we investigate the effect of the gradient term in the time-dependent ETF model by introducing generalized Galilei-invariant hydrodynamics equations.

  6. How many invariant polynomials are needed to decide local unitary equivalence of qubit states?

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

    Maciążek, Tomasz; Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, ul. Hoża 69, 00-681 Warszawa; Oszmaniec, Michał

    2013-09-15

    Given L-qubit states with the fixed spectra of reduced one-qubit density matrices, we find a formula for the minimal number of invariant polynomials needed for solving local unitary (LU) equivalence problem, that is, problem of deciding if two states can be connected by local unitary operations. Interestingly, this number is not the same for every collection of the spectra. Some spectra require less polynomials to solve LU equivalence problem than others. The result is obtained using geometric methods, i.e., by calculating the dimensions of reduced spaces, stemming from the symplectic reduction procedure.

  7. Determining the best forecasting method to estimate unitary charges price indexes of PFI data in central region Peninsular Malaysia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ahmad Kamaruddin, Saadi Bin; Md Ghani, Nor Azura; Mohamed Ramli, Norazan

    2013-04-01

    The concept of Private Financial Initiative (PFI) has been implemented by many developed countries as an innovative way for the governments to improve future public service delivery and infrastructure procurement. However, the idea is just about to germinate in Malaysia and its success is still vague. The major phase that needs to be given main attention in this agenda is value for money whereby optimum efficiency and effectiveness of each expense is attained. Therefore, at the early stage of this study, estimating unitary charges or materials price indexes in each region in Malaysia was the key objective. This particular study aims to discover the best forecasting method to estimate unitary charges price indexes in construction industry by different regions in the central region of Peninsular Malaysia (Selangor, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, and Melaka). The unitary charges indexes data used were from year 2002 to 2011 monthly data of different states in the central region Peninsular Malaysia, comprising price indexes of aggregate, sand, steel reinforcement, ready mix concrete, bricks and partition, roof material, floor and wall finishes, ceiling, plumbing materials, sanitary fittings, paint, glass, steel and metal sections, timber and plywood. At the end of the study, it was found that Backpropagation Neural Network with linear transfer function produced the most accurate and reliable results for estimating unitary charges price indexes in every states in central region Peninsular Malaysia based on the Root Mean Squared Errors, where the values for both estimation and evaluation sets were approximately zero and highly significant at p < 0.01. Therefore, artificial neural network is sufficient to forecast construction materials price indexes in Malaysia. The estimated price indexes of construction materials will contribute significantly to the value for money of PFI as well as towards Malaysian economical growth.

  8. An Investigation on Teacher Retention and Teachers' Perceptions of Cultural Leadership in Selected North Carolina Year Round and Traditional Elementary Schools

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Council, Ve-Lecia Selene

    2010-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to investigate teacher retention and teachers' perceptions of cultural leadership in select North Carolina elementary year round and traditional elementary schools. The participants in this study were North Carolina elementary teachers that participated in the 2008 North Carolina Teacher Working Conditions Survey…

  9. The Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel(UPWT) Test 1891 Space Launch System

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2014-10-15

    Stage Separation Test of the Space Launch System(SLS) in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel (UPWT). The model used High Pressure air blown through the solid rocket boosters. (SRB) to simulate the booster separation motors (BSM) firing.

  10. The Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel(UPWT) Test 1891 Space Launch System

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2014-10-14

    Stage Separation Test of the Space Launch System(SLS) in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel (UPWT). The model used High Pressure air blown through the solid rocket boosters. (SRB) to simulate the booster separation motors (BSM) firing.

  11. Operational flow visualization techniques in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Corlett, W. A.

    1982-01-01

    The unitary plan wind tunnel (UPWT) uses in daily operation are shown. New ideas for improving the quality of established flow visualization methods are developed and programs on promising new flow visualization techniques are pursued. The unitary plan wind tunnel is a supersonic facility, referred to as a production facility, although the majority of tests are inhouse basic research investigations. The facility has two 4 ft. by 4 ft. test sections which span a Mach range from 1.5 to 4.6. The cost of operation is about $10 per minute. Problems are the time required for a flow visualization test setup and investigation costs and the ability to obtain consistently repeatable results. Examples of sublimation, vapor screen, oil flow, minitufts, schlieren, and shadowgraphs taken in UPWT are presented. All tests in UPWT employ one or more of the flow visualization techniques.

  12. Students' Perceptions on an Interprofessional Ward Round Training - A Qualitative Pilot Study.

    PubMed

    Nikendei, C; Huhn, D; Pittius, G; Trost, Y; Bugaj, T J; Koechel, A; Schultz, J-H

    2016-01-01

    Ward rounds are an essential activity for interprofessional teams in hospital settings and represent complex tasks requiring not only medical knowledge but also communication skills, clinical technical skills, patient management skills and team-work skills. The present study aimed to analyse final year students', nurses' as well as physiotherapists' views on a simulation-based interprofessional ward round training. In two successive passes a total number of 29 final year students, nursing students and physiotherapy students (16 in the first run, 13 in the second) volunteered to participate in two standardized patient ward round scenarios: (1) patient with myocardial infarction, and (2) patient with poorly controlled diabetes. Views on the interprofessional ward round training were assessed using focus groups. Focus group based feedback contained two main categories (A) ward round training benefits and (B) difficulties. Positive aspects enfolded course preparation, setting of the training, the involvement of the participants during training and the positive learning atmosphere. Difficulties were seen in the flawed atmosphere and realization of ward rounds in the daily clinical setting with respect to inter-professional aspects, and course benefit for the different professional groups. The presented inter-professional ward round training represents a well received and valuable model of interprofessional learning. Further research should assess its effectiveness, processes of interprofessional interplay and transfer into clinical practice.

  13. Do antibody responses to the influenza vaccine persist year-round in the elderly? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Young, Barnaby; Zhao, Xiahong; Cook, Alex R; Parry, Christopher M; Wilder-Smith, Annelies; I-Cheng, Mark Chen

    2017-01-05

    The influenza vaccine is less immunogenic in older than younger adults, and the duration of protection is unclear. Determining if protection persists beyond a typical seasonal epidemic is important for climates where influenza virus activity is year-round. A systematic review protocol was developed and registered with PROSPERO [CRD42015023847]. Electronic databases were searched systematically for studies reporting haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) titres 180-360days following vaccination with inactivated trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine, in adults aged ⩾65years. Geometric mean titre (GMT) and seroprotection (HI titre ⩾1:40) at each time point was extracted. A Bayesian model was developed of titre trajectories from pre-vaccination to Day 360. In the meta-analysis, studies were aggregated using a random-effects model to compare pre-vaccination with post-vaccination HI titres at Day 21-42 ('seroconversion'), Day 180 and Day 360. Potential sources of bias were systematically assessed, and heterogeneity explored. 2864 articles were identified in the literature search, of which nineteen met study inclusion/exclusion criteria. Sixteen studies contained analysable data from 2565 subjects. In the Bayesian model, the proportion of subjects seroprotected increased from 41-51% pre-vaccination to 75-78% at seroconversion. Seroprotection subsequently fell below 60% for all serotypes by Day 360: A/H1 42% (95% CI 38-46), A/H3 59% (54-63), B 47% (42-52). The Bayesian model of GMT trajectories revealed a similar pattern. By Day 360, titres were similar to pre-vaccination levels. In the meta-analysis, no significant difference in proportion of subjects seroprotected, 0 (-0.11, 0.11) or in log 2 GMT 0.30 (-0.02, 0.63) was identified by Day 360 compared with pre-vaccination. The quality of this evidence was limited to moderate on account of significant participant dropout. The review found consistent evidence that HI antibody responses following influenza vaccination do not

  14. Single-round selection yields a unique retroviral envelope utilizing GPR172A as its host receptor.

    PubMed

    Mazari, Peter M; Linder-Basso, Daniela; Sarangi, Anindita; Chang, Yehchung; Roth, Monica J

    2009-04-07

    The recognition by a viral envelope of its cognate host-cell receptor is the initial critical step in defining the viral host-range and tissue specificity. This study combines a single-round of selection of a random envelope library with a parallel cDNA screen for receptor function to identify a distinct retroviral envelope/receptor pair. The 11-aa targeting domain of the modified feline leukemia virus envelope consists of a constrained peptide. Critical to the binding of the constrained peptide envelope to its cellular receptor are a pair of internal cysteines and an essential Trp required for maintenance of titers >10(5) lacZ staining units per milliliter. The receptor used for viral entry is the human GPR172A protein, a G-protein-coupled receptor isolated from osteosarcoma cells. The ability to generate unique envelopes capable of using tissue- or disease-specific receptors marks an advance in the development of efficient gene-therapy vectors.

  15. Schwarzschild fuzzball and explicitly unitary Hawking radiation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zeng, Ding-fang

    2018-05-01

    We provide a fuzzball picture for Schwarzschild black holes, in which matters and energy consisting the hole are not positioned on the central point exclusively but oscillate around there in a serial of eigen-modes, each of which features a special level of binding degrees and are quantum mechanically possible to be measured outside the horizon. By listing these modes explicitly for holes as large as 6Mpl, we find that their number increases exponentially with the area. Basing on these results, we construct a simple but explicitly unitary formulation of Hawking radiations.

  16. Arbitrary unitary transformations on optical states using a quantum memory

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

    Campbell, Geoff T.; Pinel, Olivier; Hosseini, Mahdi

    2014-12-04

    We show that optical memories arranged along an optical path can perform arbitrary unitary transformations on frequency domain optical states. The protocol offers favourable scaling and can be used with any quantum memory that uses an off-resonant Raman transition to reversibly transfer optical information to an atomic spin coherence.

  17. The Elusiveness of Equity: Evolution of Instructional Rounds in a Superintendent's Network

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Roegman, Rachel; Allen, David; Hatch, Thomas

    2017-01-01

    The practice of instructional rounds is a recent innovation in educational administration, intended to support administrators' understanding of instruction through the development of common language. This longitudinal study examines the rounds practice of a network of superintendents over 6 years to understand how rounds serves as a vehicle for…

  18. Age and growth of round gobies in Lake Huron: Implications for food web dynamics

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Duan, You J.; Madenjian, Charles P.; Xie, Cong X.; Diana, James S.; O'Brien, Timothy P.; Zhao, Ying M.; He, Ji X.; Farha, Steve A.; Huo, Bin

    2016-01-01

    Although the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) has become established throughout the Laurentian Great Lakes, information is scarce on spatial variation in round goby growth between and within lakes. Based on a sample of 754 specimens captured in 2014, age, growth, and mortality of round gobies at four locations in Lake Huron were assessed via otolith analysis. Total length (TL) of round gobies ranged from 44 to 111 mm for Saginaw Bay, from 45 to 115 mm for Rockport, from 50 to 123 mm for Hammond Bay, and from 51 to 118 mm for Thunder Bay. Estimated ages of round gobies ranged from 2 to 5 years for Saginaw Bay, from 2 to 6 years for Rockport, and from 2 to 7 years for Hammond Bay and Thunder Bay. Sex-specific, body–otolith relationships were used to back-calculate total lengths at age, which were then fitted to von Bertalanffy growth models. For each sex, round goby growth showed significant spatial variation among the four locations within Lake Huron. At all four locations in Lake Huron, males grew significantly faster than females and attained a larger asymptotic length than females. Annual mortality rate estimates were high (62 to 85%), based on catch-curve analysis, suggesting that round gobies may be under predatory control in Lake Huron.

  19. FACS selection of valuable mutant mouse round spermatids and strain rescue via round spermatid injection.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Lian; Zhou, Wei; Kong, Peng-Cheng; Wang, Mei-Shan; Zhu, Yan; Feng, Li-Xin; Chen, Xue-Jin; Jiang, Man-Xi

    2015-06-01

    Round spermatid injection (ROSI) into mammalian oocytes can result in the development of viable embryos and offspring. One current limitation to this technique is the identification of suitable round spermatids. In the current paper, round spermatids were selected from testicular cells with phase contrast microscopy (PCM) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and ROSI was performed in two strains of mice. The rates of fertilization, embryonic development and offspring achieved were the same in all strains. Significantly, round spermatids selected by PCM and FACS were effectively used to rescue the infertile Pten-null mouse. The current results indicate that FACS selection of round spermatids can not only provide high-purity and viable round spermatids for use in ROSI, but also has no harmful effects on the developmental capacity of subsequently fertilized embryos. It was concluded that round spermatids selected by FACS are useful for mouse strain rederivation and rescue of infertile males; ROSI should be considered as a powerful addition to the armamentarium of assisted reproduction techniques applicable in the mouse.

  20. Nonunitary Lagrangians and Unitary Non-Lagrangian Conformal Field Theories.

    PubMed

    Buican, Matthew; Laczko, Zoltan

    2018-02-23

    In various dimensions, we can sometimes compute observables of interacting conformal field theories (CFTs) that are connected to free theories via the renormalization group (RG) flow by computing protected quantities in the free theories. On the other hand, in two dimensions, it is often possible to algebraically construct observables of interacting CFTs using free fields without the need to explicitly construct an underlying RG flow. In this Letter, we begin to extend this idea to higher dimensions by showing that one can compute certain observables of an infinite set of unitary strongly interacting four-dimensional N=2 superconformal field theories (SCFTs) by performing simple calculations involving sets of nonunitary free four-dimensional hypermultiplets. These free fields are distant cousins of the Majorana fermion underlying the two-dimensional Ising model and are not obviously connected to our interacting theories via an RG flow. Rather surprisingly, this construction gives us Lagrangians for particular observables in certain subsectors of many "non-Lagrangian" SCFTs by sacrificing unitarity while preserving the full N=2 superconformal algebra. As a by-product, we find relations between characters in unitary and nonunitary affine Kac-Moody algebras. We conclude by commenting on possible generalizations of our construction.

  1. Nonunitary Lagrangians and Unitary Non-Lagrangian Conformal Field Theories

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Buican, Matthew; Laczko, Zoltan

    2018-02-01

    In various dimensions, we can sometimes compute observables of interacting conformal field theories (CFTs) that are connected to free theories via the renormalization group (RG) flow by computing protected quantities in the free theories. On the other hand, in two dimensions, it is often possible to algebraically construct observables of interacting CFTs using free fields without the need to explicitly construct an underlying RG flow. In this Letter, we begin to extend this idea to higher dimensions by showing that one can compute certain observables of an infinite set of unitary strongly interacting four-dimensional N =2 superconformal field theories (SCFTs) by performing simple calculations involving sets of nonunitary free four-dimensional hypermultiplets. These free fields are distant cousins of the Majorana fermion underlying the two-dimensional Ising model and are not obviously connected to our interacting theories via an RG flow. Rather surprisingly, this construction gives us Lagrangians for particular observables in certain subsectors of many "non-Lagrangian" SCFTs by sacrificing unitarity while preserving the full N =2 superconformal algebra. As a by-product, we find relations between characters in unitary and nonunitary affine Kac-Moody algebras. We conclude by commenting on possible generalizations of our construction.

  2. Why Are So Many Things in the Solar System Round?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Heilig, Steven J.

    2010-01-01

    Several years ago a student asked why so many things in the solar system were round. He noted that many objects in the solar system, although not all, are round. The standard answer, which he knew, is that the mutual gravitational attraction of the molecules pulls them into the shape that gets them as close to each other as possible: a sphere.…

  3. May a unitary autonomic index help assess autonomic cardiac regulation in elite athletes? Preliminary observations on the national Italian Olympic committee team.

    PubMed

    Sala, Roberto; Malacarne, Mara; Tosi, Fabio; Benzi, Manuela; Solaro, Nadia; Tamorri, Stefano; Spataro, Antonio; Pagani, Massimo; Lucini, Daniela

    2017-12-01

    Long term endurance training, as occurring in elite athletes, is associated to cardiac neural remodeling in favor of cardioprotective vagal mechanisms, resulting in resting bradycardia and augmented contribution of cardiac parasympathetic nerve activity. Autonomic assessment can be performed by way of heart rate variability. This technique however provides multiple indices, and there is not yet complete agreement on their specific significance. Purpose of the study was to assess whether a rank transformation and radar plot could provide a unitary autonomic index, capable to show a correlation between intensity of individual work and quality of autonomic regulation. We studied 711 (23.6±6.2 years) elite athletes that took part in the selection procedure for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games for the National Italian Olympic Committee (CONI). Indices from Heart Rate Variability HRV obtained at rest, during standing up and during recovery from an exercise test were used to compute a percent ranked unitary autonomic index for sport (ANSIs), taken as proxy of quality of autonomic regulation. Within the observed wide range of energy expenditure, the unitary autonomic index ANSIs appears significantly correlated to individual and discipline specific training workloads (r=0.25, P<0.001 and r=0.78, P<0.001, respectively), correcting for possible age and gender bias. ANSIs also positively correlates to lipid profile. Estimated intensity of physical activity correlates with quality of cardiac autonomic regulation, as expressed by a novel unitary index of cardiac autonomic regulation. ANSIs could provide a novel and convenient approach to individual autonomic evaluation in athletes.

  4. Attitudes and cognitive distances: On the non-unitary and flexible nature of cognitive maps.

    PubMed

    Carbon, Claus-Christian; Hesslinger, Vera M

    2013-01-01

    Spatial relations of our environment are represented in cognitive maps. These cognitive maps are prone to various distortions (e.g., alignment and hierarchical effects) caused by basic cognitive factors (such as perceptual and conceptual reorganization) but also by affectively loaded and attitudinal influences. Here we show that even differences in attitude towards a single person representing a foreign country (here Barack Obama and the USA) can be related to drastic differences in the cognitive representation of distances concerning that country. Europeans who had a positive attitude towards Obama's first presidential program estimated distances between US and European cities as being much smaller than did people who were skeptical or negative towards Obama's ideas. On the basis of this result and existing literature, arguments on the non-unitary and flexible nature of cognitive maps are discussed.

  5. Activity, aggression, and habitat use of ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus) and round goby (Apollonia melanostoma) under laboratory conditions

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Savino, J.F.; Riley, S.C.; Holuszko, M.J.

    2007-01-01

    Potential negative ecological interactions between ruffe Gymnocephalus cernuus and round gobyApollonia melanostoma (formerly Neogobius melanostomus) might affect the colonization dynamics of these invasive species where they are sympatric in the Great Lakes. In order to determine the potential for ecological interactions between these species, we examined the activity, aggression, and habitat use of round gobies and ruffe in single species and mixed species laboratory experiments. Trials included conditions in which food was concentrated (in light or darkness) or scattered. Results showed that ruffe were more active than gobies, particularly when food was scattered. Activity of both species was significantly lower during darkness. Round gobies were significantly more aggressive than ruffe, and total aggression was lower in mixed species trials. Habitat use by ruffe and round gobies overlapped considerably, but we observed significant differences between species in their use of specific habitats that depended on experimental conditions. Overall, ruffe used open habitats more often than did round gobies, primarily when food was scattered. Round gobies used rocks significantly more frequently than did ruffe, but their use of rock habitat decreased during dark conditions. Ruffe were found more often in plant habitats and less often near the wall of the pool in trials during daylight with concentrated food. Activity and habitat use of ruffe and round goby did not significantly differ between single and mixed species trials. Overall, we found little evidence for negative ecological interactions between ruffe and round goby in these laboratory experiments.

  6. Generalized graphs and unitary irrational central charge in the superconformal master equation

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

    Halpern, M.B.; Obers, N.A.

    1991-12-01

    For each magic basis of Lie {ital g}, it is known that the Virasoro master equation on affine {ital g} contains a generalized graph theory of conformal level-families. In this paper, it is found that the superconformal master equation on affine {ital g}{times}SO(dim {ital g}) similarly contains a generalized graph theory of superconformal level-families for each magic basis of {ital g}. The superconformal level-families satisfy linear equations on the generalized graphs, and the first exact unitary irrational solutions of the superconformal master equation are obtained on the sine-area graphs of {ital g}=SU({ital n}), including the simplest unitary irrational central chargesmore » {ital c}=6{ital nx}/({ital nx}+8 sin{sup 2}(rs{pi}/n)) yet observed in the program.« less

  7. Geographical and temporal variation in environmental conditions affects nestling growth but not immune function in a year-round breeding equatorial lark.

    PubMed

    Ndithia, Henry K; Bakari, Samuel N; Matson, Kevin D; Muchai, Muchane; Tieleman, B Irene

    2017-01-01

    Variation in growth and immune function within and among populations is often associated with specific environmental conditions. We compared growth and immune function in nestlings of year-round breeding equatorial Red - capped Lark Calandrella cinerea from South Kinangop, North Kinangop and Kedong (Kenya), three locations that are geographically close but climatically distinct. In addition, we studied growth and immune function of lark nestlings as a function of year - round variation in breeding intensity and rain within one location. We monitored mass, wing, and tarsus at hatching (day 1) and at 4, 7, and 10 days post - hatch, and we quantified four indices of immune function (haptoglobin, agglutination, lysis and nitric oxide) using blood samples collected on day 10. Nestling body mass and size at hatching, which presumably reflect the resources that females allocated to their eggs, were lowest in the most arid location, Kedong. Contrary to our predictions, nestlings in Kedong grew faster than nestlings in the two other cooler and wetter locations of South and North Kinangop. During periods of peak reproduction within Kedong, nestlings were heavier at hatching, but they did not grow faster over the first 10 days post - hatch. In contrast, rainfall, which did not relate to timing of breeding, had no effect on hatching mass, but more rain did coincide with faster growth post - hatch. Finally, we found no significant differences in nestling immune function, neither among locations nor with the year - round variation within Kedong. Based on these results, we hypothesize that female body condition determines nestling mass and size at hatching, but other independent environmental conditions subsequently shape nestling growth. Overall, our results suggest that environmental conditions related to food availability for nestlings are relatively unimportant to the timing of breeding in equatorial regions, while these same conditions do have consequences for nestling

  8. Palliative medicine Death Rounds: small group learning on a vital subject.

    PubMed

    Kitzes, Judith A; Kalishman, Summers; Kingsley, Darra D; Mines, Jan; Lawrence, Elizabeth

    The medical student's experience with patients' dying and death has profound impact on personal and professional development. Death Rounds at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine is a small group educational model that promotes student self-reflection, metacognition, professional growth, and collegial support. To describe the implementation and evaluation activities of a third year clerkship Death Rounds which are a structured, institutionally supported resource for helping students to understand the clinical, ethical, legal, professional, cultural, and spiritual aspects of death. Medical students attend 2 to 3 small group palliative medicine Death Rounds sessions, facilitated by the attending clerkship director, chief residents, and a palliative care physician. The students' assessment of their palliative medicine knowledge and skills in 5 categories before and after participation in Death Rounds rated their skills after Death Rounds higher with effect sizes ranging from 0.9 to 1.9. Evidence from both the Death Rounds Questionnaire and Facilitators' Logs demonstrates that multiple issues and topics were addressed and all associated with the School of Medicine's 6 core competencies. Death Rounds minimally affect on clerkship time and faculty resources.

  9. A self-consistency check for unitary propagation of Hawking quanta

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Baker, Daniel; Kodwani, Darsh; Pen, Ue-Li; Yang, I.-Sheng

    2017-11-01

    The black hole information paradox presumes that quantum field theory in curved space-time can provide unitary propagation from a near-horizon mode to an asymptotic Hawking quantum. Instead of invoking conjectural quantum-gravity effects to modify such an assumption, we propose a self-consistency check. We establish an analogy to Feynman’s analysis of a double-slit experiment. Feynman showed that unitary propagation of the interfering particles, namely ignoring the entanglement with the double-slit, becomes an arbitrarily reliable assumption when the screen upon which the interference pattern is projected is infinitely far away. We argue for an analogous self-consistency check for quantum field theory in curved space-time. We apply it to the propagation of Hawking quanta and test whether ignoring the entanglement with the geometry also becomes arbitrarily reliable in the limit of a large black hole. We present curious results to suggest a negative answer, and we discuss how this loss of naive unitarity in QFT might be related to a solution of the paradox based on the soft-hair-memory effect.

  10. Hypercellular round cell liposarcoma: A comprehensive cytomorphologic study and review of 8 cases.

    PubMed

    Chufal, Sanjay S; Chufal, Kundan S; Pant, Prabhat; Rizvi, Ghazala; Pandey, Hari S; Shahi, Kedar S

    2017-01-01

    Myxoid and round cell liposarcomas (RCL) are low and high-grade counterparts of a common subtype of liposarcomas (LPS), representing a histologic continuum. The aim was to study the cytomorphology of hypercellular RCL and to look for features that differentiate RCL from other sarcomas displaying round cells with myxoid change. Eight cases of hypercellular RCL were identified retrospectively in which round cell component constituted greater than 75% of the area. Cytomorphological features were studied in detail. Four cases were predominantly composed of round cells, out of which 2 were entirely composed of round cells. Myxoid metachromatic stroma was absent in 2 cases, while it was present in ample amounts in the remaining 6 cases. Spindle cells were completely absent in 5 cases and lipoblasts were observed in a single case of RCL. Plexiform vascular capillaries were seen in 4 cases. Adherence of neoplastic round cells around thin capillaries (ANAC) was observed in 7 cases. Plexiform capillary plexus and ANAC should be separately evaluated. The latter feature is the most consistent one, and is an important clue to the adipocytic nature of the neoplasm when hypercellular round cell areas are aspirated. Confident diagnosis of hypercellular RCL can be made on the basis of this feature. Lipoblasts, although specific, are seen in few cases. The rest of the features are nonspecific and useful only in combination.

  11. Round Cell Tumors: Classification and Immunohistochemistry.

    PubMed

    Sharma, Shweta; Kamala, R; Nair, Divya; Ragavendra, T Raju; Mhatre, Swapnil; Sabharwal, Robin; Choudhury, Basanta Kumar; Rana, Vivek

    2017-01-01

    Round cell tumors as the name suggest are comprised round cells with increased nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio. This group of tumor includes entities such as peripheral neuroectodermal tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, neuroblastoma, hepatoblastoma, Wilms' tumor, and desmoplastic small round cell tumor. These round cells tumors are characterized by typical histological pattern, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic features that can help in differential diagnosis. The present article describes the classification and explains the histopathology and immunohistochemistry of some important round cell tumors.

  12. Playing Doctor with Education: Considerations in Using Medical Rounds as a Model for Instructional Rounds

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Roegman, Rachel; Riehl, Carolyn

    2012-01-01

    This article examines the literature on medical rounds to inform the recent move toward instructional rounds as a practice of districtwide improvement and professional learning for superintendents and administrators. Based on the practice of medical rounds as a method for creating shared norms and understandings about medicine and patient care,…

  13. The Ξ* and Ωη Interaction Within a Chiral Unitary Approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Si-Qi; Xie, Ju-Jun; Chen, Xu-Rong; Jia, Duo-Jie

    2016-01-01

    In this work we study the interaction of the coupled channels Ωη and {\\Xi}\\ast\\bar{K} within the chiral unitary approach. The systems under consideration have total isospins 0, strangeness S = -3, and spin 3/2. We study the s wave interaction which implies that the possible resonances generated in the system can have spin-parity JP = 3/2-. The unitary amplitudes in coupled channels develop poles that can be associated with some known baryonic resonances. We find there is a dynamically generated 3/2- Ω state with mass around 1800 MeV, which is in agreement with the predictions of the five-quark model. Supported by the National Basic Research Program (973 Program Grant No. 2014CB845406), and the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos. 11475227, 11265014, and the Open Project Program of State Key Laboratory of Theoretical Physics, Institute of Theoretical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China No. Y5KF151CJ1

  14. Unitary plate electrode

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rowlette, John J. (Inventor); Clough, Thomas J. (Inventor); Josefowicz, Jack Y. (Inventor); Sibert, John W. (Inventor)

    1985-01-01

    The unitary electrode (10) comprises a porous sheet (12) of fiberglass the strands (14) of which contain a coating (16) of conductive tin oxide. The lower portion of the sheet contains a layer (18) of resin and the upper layer (20) contains lead dioxide forming a positive active electrode on an electrolyte-impervious layer. The strands (14) form a continuous conduction path through both layers (16, 18). Tin oxide is prevented from reduction by coating the surface of the plate facing the negative electrode with a conductive, impervious layer resistant to reduction such as a thin film (130) of lead or graphite filled resin adhered to the plate with a layer (31) of conductive adhesive. The plate (10) can be formed by casting a molten resin from kettle (60) onto a sheet of glass wool (56) overlying a sheet of lead foil and then applying positive active paste from hopper (64) into the upper layer (68). The plate can also be formed by passing an assembly of a sheet ( 80) of resin, a sheet (86) of sintered glass and a sheet (90) of lead between the nip (92) of heated rollers (93, 95) and then filling lead oxide into the pores (116) of the upper layer (118).

  15. Age and growth of round gobies in Lake Michigan, with preliminary mortality estimation

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Huo, Bin; Madenjian, Charles P.; Xie, Cong X.; Zhao, Yingming; O'Brien, Timothy P.; Czesny, Sergiusz J.

    2015-01-01

    The round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is a prevalent invasive species throughout Lake Michigan, as well as other Laurentian Great Lakes, yet little information is available on spatial variation in round goby growth within one body of water. Age and growth of round goby at three areas of Lake Michigan were studied by otolith analysis from a sample of 659 specimens collected from 2008 to 2012. Total length (TL) ranged from 48 to 131 mm for Sturgeon Bay, from 50 to 125 mm for Waukegan, and from 54 to 129 mm for Sleeping Bear Dunes. Ages ranged from 2 to 7 years for Sturgeon Bay, from 2 to 5 years for Waukegan, and from 2 to 6 years for Sleeping Bear Dunes. Area-specific and sex-specific body–otolith relationships were used to back-calculate estimates of total length at age, which were fitted to von Bertalanffy models to estimate growth rates. For both sexes, round gobies at Sleeping Bear Dunes and Waukegan grew significantly faster than those at Sturgeon Bay. However, round goby growth did not significantly differ between Sleeping Bear Dunes and Waukegan for either sex. At all three areas of Lake Michigan, males grew significantly faster than females. Based on catch curve analysis, estimates of annual mortality rates ranged from 0.79 to 0.84. These relatively high mortality rates suggested that round gobies may be under predatory control in Lake Michigan.

  16. 9+ The Year-Round School.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    American Association of School Administrators, Washington, DC.

    The 9-month school year with a 3-month summer vacation had its origin in our earlier agrarian life. Today's teacher shortages, overcrowded schools, and pressures to learn demand extensions of the school year. This publication analyzes five programs: (1) a staggered-vacation school year for all, (2) a full 48-week school year for all, (3) a…

  17. Electronic patient record use during ward rounds: a qualitative study of interaction between medical staff.

    PubMed

    Morrison, Cecily; Jones, Matthew; Blackwell, Alan; Vuylsteke, Alain

    2008-01-01

    Electronic patient records are becoming more common in critical care. As their design and implementation are optimized for single users rather than for groups, we aimed to understand the differences in interaction between members of a multidisciplinary team during ward rounds using an electronic, as opposed to paper, patient medical record. A qualitative study of morning ward rounds of an intensive care unit that triangulates data from video-based interaction analysis, observation, and interviews. Our analysis demonstrates several difficulties the ward round team faced when interacting with each other using the electronic record compared with the paper one. The physical setup of the technology may impede the consultant's ability to lead the ward round and may prevent other clinical staff from contributing to discussions. We discuss technical and social solutions for minimizing the impact of introducing an electronic patient record, emphasizing the need to balance both. We note that awareness of the effects of technology can enable ward-round teams to adapt their formations and information sources to facilitate multidisciplinary communication during the ward round.

  18. Electronic patient record use during ward rounds: a qualitative study of interaction between medical staff

    PubMed Central

    Morrison, Cecily; Jones, Matthew; Blackwell, Alan; Vuylsteke, Alain

    2008-01-01

    Introduction Electronic patient records are becoming more common in critical care. As their design and implementation are optimized for single users rather than for groups, we aimed to understand the differences in interaction between members of a multidisciplinary team during ward rounds using an electronic, as opposed to paper, patient medical record. Methods A qualitative study of morning ward rounds of an intensive care unit that triangulates data from video-based interaction analysis, observation, and interviews. Results Our analysis demonstrates several difficulties the ward round team faced when interacting with each other using the electronic record compared with the paper one. The physical setup of the technology may impede the consultant's ability to lead the ward round and may prevent other clinical staff from contributing to discussions. Conclusions We discuss technical and social solutions for minimizing the impact of introducing an electronic patient record, emphasizing the need to balance both. We note that awareness of the effects of technology can enable ward-round teams to adapt their formations and information sources to facilitate multidisciplinary communication during the ward round. PMID:19025662

  19. Local unitary invariants for N-qubit pure states

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sharma, S. Shelly; Sharma, N. K.

    2010-11-01

    The concept of negativity font, a basic unit of multipartite entanglement, is introduced. Transformation properties of determinants of negativity fonts under local unitary (LU) transformations are exploited to obtain relevant N-qubit polynomial invariants and construct entanglement monotones from first principles. It is shown that entanglement monotones that detect the entanglement of specific parts of the composite system may be constructed to distinguish between states with distinct types of entanglement. The structural difference between entanglement monotones for an odd and even number of qubits is brought out.

  20. Leading Instructional Rounds in Education: A Facilitator?'s Guide. Instructional Rounds Series

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fowler-Finn, Thomas

    2013-01-01

    Instructional rounds is a powerful form of professional learning aimed at helping schools and systems develop the capacity to educate all children to high levels. In this practical book, Thomas Fowler-Finn, an experienced consultant who has worked closely with the Harvard team that pioneered instructional rounds, discusses how facilitators can…

  1. Attitudes and cognitive distances: On the non-unitary and flexible nature of cognitive maps

    PubMed Central

    Carbon, Claus-Christian; Hesslinger, Vera M.

    2013-01-01

    Spatial relations of our environment are represented in cognitive maps. These cognitive maps are prone to various distortions (e.g., alignment and hierarchical effects) caused by basic cognitive factors (such as perceptual and conceptual reorganization) but also by affectively loaded and attitudinal influences. Here we show that even differences in attitude towards a single person representing a foreign country (here Barack Obama and the USA) can be related to drastic differences in the cognitive representation of distances concerning that country. Europeans who had a positive attitude towards Obama’s first presidential program estimated distances between US and European cities as being much smaller than did people who were skeptical or negative towards Obama’s ideas. On the basis of this result and existing literature, arguments on the non-unitary and flexible nature of cognitive maps are discussed. PMID:24155860

  2. Unitary easy quantum groups: Geometric aspects

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Banica, Teodor

    2018-03-01

    We discuss the classification problem for the unitary easy quantum groups, under strong axioms, of noncommutative geometric nature. Our main results concern the intermediate easy quantum groups ON ⊂ G ⊂ UN+ . To any such quantum group we associate its Schur-Weyl twist G ¯ , two noncommutative spheres S , S ¯ , a noncommutative torus T, and a quantum reflection group K. Studying (S , S ¯ , T , K , G , G ¯) leads then to some natural axioms, which can be used in order to investigate G itself. We prove that the main examples are covered by our formalism, and we conjecture that in what concerns the case UN ⊂ G ⊂ UN+ , our axioms should restrict the list of known examples.

  3. Matrix elements for type 1 unitary irreducible representations of the Lie superalgebra gl(m|n)

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

    Gould, Mark D.; Isaac, Phillip S.; Werry, Jason L.

    Using our recent results on eigenvalues of invariants associated to the Lie superalgebra gl(m|n), we use characteristic identities to derive explicit matrix element formulae for all gl(m|n) generators, particularly non-elementary generators, on finite dimensional type 1 unitary irreducible representations. We compare our results with existing works that deal with only subsets of the class of type 1 unitary representations, all of which only present explicit matrix elements for elementary generators. Our work therefore provides an important extension to existing methods, and thus highlights the strength of our techniques which exploit the characteristic identities.

  4. The unitary life pattern of persons experiencing serenity in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction.

    PubMed

    Rushing, Alison M

    2008-01-01

    People recovering from addiction to alcohol or drugs often acknowledge the need for complete change in life pattern orientation in a journey toward healing. Serenity is the hallmark of recovery according to the tenets of 12-step programs, but little is known about the actual experience of serenity in healing from addiction. From a perspective of unitary pattern appreciation and a method of unitary appreciative inquiry, this study explored the experience of serenity among 9 people recovering from alcohol and/or drug addiction. Results are portrayed in both individual and group profiles, depicted in a format that integrates empirical findings as poetry.

  5. Quantum Entanglement Growth under Random Unitary Dynamics

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

    Nahum, Adam; Ruhman, Jonathan; Vijay, Sagar

    Characterizing how entanglement grows with time in a many-body system, for example, after a quantum quench, is a key problem in nonequilibrium quantum physics. We study this problem for the case of random unitary dynamics, representing either Hamiltonian evolution with time-dependent noise or evolution by a random quantum circuit. Our results reveal a universal structure behind noisy entanglement growth, and also provide simple new heuristics for the “entanglement tsunami” in Hamiltonian systems without noise. In 1D, we show that noise causes the entanglement entropy across a cut to grow according to the celebrated Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ) equation. The mean entanglement growsmore » linearly in time, while fluctuations grow like (time) 1/3 and are spatially correlated over a distance ∝(time) 2/3. We derive KPZ universal behavior in three complementary ways, by mapping random entanglement growth to (i) a stochastic model of a growing surface, (ii) a “minimal cut” picture, reminiscent of the Ryu-Takayanagi formula in holography, and (iii) a hydrodynamic problem involving the dynamical spreading of operators. We demonstrate KPZ universality in 1D numerically using simulations of random unitary circuits. Importantly, the leading-order time dependence of the entropy is deterministic even in the presence of noise, allowing us to propose a simple coarse grained minimal cut picture for the entanglement growth of generic Hamiltonians, even without noise, in arbitrary dimensionality. We clarify the meaning of the “velocity” of entanglement growth in the 1D entanglement tsunami. We show that in higher dimensions, noisy entanglement evolution maps to the well-studied problem of pinning of a membrane or domain wall by disorder.« less

  6. Quantum Entanglement Growth under Random Unitary Dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nahum, Adam; Ruhman, Jonathan; Vijay, Sagar; Haah, Jeongwan

    2017-07-01

    Characterizing how entanglement grows with time in a many-body system, for example, after a quantum quench, is a key problem in nonequilibrium quantum physics. We study this problem for the case of random unitary dynamics, representing either Hamiltonian evolution with time-dependent noise or evolution by a random quantum circuit. Our results reveal a universal structure behind noisy entanglement growth, and also provide simple new heuristics for the "entanglement tsunami" in Hamiltonian systems without noise. In 1D, we show that noise causes the entanglement entropy across a cut to grow according to the celebrated Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ) equation. The mean entanglement grows linearly in time, while fluctuations grow like (time )1/3 and are spatially correlated over a distance ∝(time )2/3. We derive KPZ universal behavior in three complementary ways, by mapping random entanglement growth to (i) a stochastic model of a growing surface, (ii) a "minimal cut" picture, reminiscent of the Ryu-Takayanagi formula in holography, and (iii) a hydrodynamic problem involving the dynamical spreading of operators. We demonstrate KPZ universality in 1D numerically using simulations of random unitary circuits. Importantly, the leading-order time dependence of the entropy is deterministic even in the presence of noise, allowing us to propose a simple coarse grained minimal cut picture for the entanglement growth of generic Hamiltonians, even without noise, in arbitrary dimensionality. We clarify the meaning of the "velocity" of entanglement growth in the 1D entanglement tsunami. We show that in higher dimensions, noisy entanglement evolution maps to the well-studied problem of pinning of a membrane or domain wall by disorder.

  7. Quantum Entanglement Growth under Random Unitary Dynamics

    DOE PAGES

    Nahum, Adam; Ruhman, Jonathan; Vijay, Sagar; ...

    2017-07-24

    Characterizing how entanglement grows with time in a many-body system, for example, after a quantum quench, is a key problem in nonequilibrium quantum physics. We study this problem for the case of random unitary dynamics, representing either Hamiltonian evolution with time-dependent noise or evolution by a random quantum circuit. Our results reveal a universal structure behind noisy entanglement growth, and also provide simple new heuristics for the “entanglement tsunami” in Hamiltonian systems without noise. In 1D, we show that noise causes the entanglement entropy across a cut to grow according to the celebrated Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ) equation. The mean entanglement growsmore » linearly in time, while fluctuations grow like (time) 1/3 and are spatially correlated over a distance ∝(time) 2/3. We derive KPZ universal behavior in three complementary ways, by mapping random entanglement growth to (i) a stochastic model of a growing surface, (ii) a “minimal cut” picture, reminiscent of the Ryu-Takayanagi formula in holography, and (iii) a hydrodynamic problem involving the dynamical spreading of operators. We demonstrate KPZ universality in 1D numerically using simulations of random unitary circuits. Importantly, the leading-order time dependence of the entropy is deterministic even in the presence of noise, allowing us to propose a simple coarse grained minimal cut picture for the entanglement growth of generic Hamiltonians, even without noise, in arbitrary dimensionality. We clarify the meaning of the “velocity” of entanglement growth in the 1D entanglement tsunami. We show that in higher dimensions, noisy entanglement evolution maps to the well-studied problem of pinning of a membrane or domain wall by disorder.« less

  8. Single-photon three-qubit quantum logic using spatial light modulators.

    PubMed

    Kagalwala, Kumel H; Di Giuseppe, Giovanni; Abouraddy, Ayman F; Saleh, Bahaa E A

    2017-09-29

    The information-carrying capacity of a single photon can be vastly expanded by exploiting its multiple degrees of freedom: spatial, temporal, and polarization. Although multiple qubits can be encoded per photon, to date only two-qubit single-photon quantum operations have been realized. Here, we report an experimental demonstration of three-qubit single-photon, linear, deterministic quantum gates that exploit photon polarization and the two-dimensional spatial-parity-symmetry of the transverse single-photon field. These gates are implemented using a polarization-sensitive spatial light modulator that provides a robust, non-interferometric, versatile platform for implementing controlled unitary gates. Polarization here represents the control qubit for either separable or entangling unitary operations on the two spatial-parity target qubits. Such gates help generate maximally entangled three-qubit Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger and W states, which is confirmed by tomographical reconstruction of single-photon density matrices. This strategy provides access to a wide range of three-qubit states and operations for use in few-qubit quantum information processing protocols.Photons are essential for quantum information processing, but to date only two-qubit single-photon operations have been realized. Here the authors demonstrate experimentally a three-qubit single-photon linear deterministic quantum gate by exploiting polarization along with spatial-parity symmetry.

  9. Analysis of Trajectory Parameters for Probe and Round-Trip Missions to Venus

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dugan, James F., Jr.; Simsic, Carl R.

    1960-01-01

    For one-way transfers between Earth and Venus, charts are obtained that show velocity, time, and angle parameters as functions of the eccentricity and semilatus rectum of the Sun-focused vehicle conic. From these curves, others are obtained that are useful in planning one-way and round-trip missions to Venus. The analysis is characterized by circular coplanar planetary orbits, successive two-body approximations, impulsive velocity changes, and circular parking orbits at 1.1 planet radii. For round trips the mission time considered ranges from 65 to 788 days, while wait time spent in the parking orbit at Venus ranges from 0 to 467 days. Individual velocity increments, one-way travel times, and departure dates are presented for round trips requiring the minimum total velocity increment. For both single-pass and orbiting Venusian probes, the time span available for launch becomes appreciable with only a small increase in velocity-increment capability above the minimum requirement. Velocity-increment increases are much more effective in reducing travel time for single-pass probes than they are for orbiting probes. Round trips composed of a direct route along an ellipse tangent to Earth's orbit and an aphelion route result in the minimum total velocity increment for wait times less than 100 days and mission times ranging from 145 to 612 days. Minimum-total-velocity-increment trips may be taken along perihelion-perihelion routes for wait times ranging from 300 to 467 days. These wait times occur during missions lasting from 640 to 759 days.

  10. Immunohistochemical evaluation for outflow reconstruction using opened round ligament in living donor right posterior sector graft liver transplantation: A case report.

    PubMed

    Sanada, Yukihiro; Sakuma, Yasunaru; Sasanuma, Hideki; Miki, Atsushi; Katano, Takumi; Hirata, Yuta; Okada, Noriki; Yamada, Naoya; Ihara, Yoshiyuki; Urahashi, Taizen; Sata, Naohiro; Yasuda, Yoshikazu; Mizuta, Koichi

    2016-09-14

    Utilizing the opened round ligament as venous grafts during liver transplantation is useful but controversial, and there are no pathological analyses of this procedure. Herein, we describe the first reported case of a pathological analysis of an opened round ligament used as a venous patch graft in a living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). A 13-year-old female patient with biliary atresia underwent LDLT using a posterior segment graft from her mother. The graft had two hepatic veins (HVs), which included the right HV (RHV; 15 mm) and the inferior RHV (IRHV; 20 mm). The graft RHV and IRHV were formed into a single orifice using the donor's opened round ligament (60 mm × 20 mm) as a patch graft during bench surgery; it was then anastomosed end-to-side with the recipient inferior vena cava. The recipient had no post-transplant complications involving the HVs, but she died of septic shock with persistent cholangitis and jaundice 86 d after LDLT. The HV anastomotic site had no stenosis or thrombus on autopsy. On pathology, there was adequate patency and continuity between the recipient's HV and the donor's opened round ligament. In addition, the stains for CD31 and CD34 on the inner membrane of the opened round ligament were positive. Hepatic venous reconstruction using the opened round ligament as a venous patch graft is effective in LDLT, as observed on pathology.

  11. Eternal non-Markovianity: from random unitary to Markov chain realisations.

    PubMed

    Megier, Nina; Chruściński, Dariusz; Piilo, Jyrki; Strunz, Walter T

    2017-07-25

    The theoretical description of quantum dynamics in an intriguing way does not necessarily imply the underlying dynamics is indeed intriguing. Here we show how a known very interesting master equation with an always negative decay rate [eternal non-Markovianity (ENM)] arises from simple stochastic Schrödinger dynamics (random unitary dynamics). Equivalently, it may be seen as arising from a mixture of Markov (semi-group) open system dynamics. Both these approaches lead to a more general family of CPT maps, characterized by a point within a parameter triangle. Our results show how ENM quantum dynamics can be realised easily in the laboratory. Moreover, we find a quantum time-continuously measured (quantum trajectory) realisation of the dynamics of the ENM master equation based on unitary transformations and projective measurements in an extended Hilbert space, guided by a classical Markov process. Furthermore, a Gorini-Kossakowski-Sudarshan-Lindblad (GKSL) representation of the dynamics in an extended Hilbert space can be found, with a remarkable property: there is no dynamics in the ancilla state. Finally, analogous constructions for two qubits extend these results from non-CP-divisible to non-P-divisible dynamics.

  12. Ward rounds, participants, roles and perceptions: literature review.

    PubMed

    Walton, Victoria; Hogden, Anne; Johnson, Julie; Greenfield, David

    2016-05-09

    Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to classify and describe the purpose of ward rounds, who attends each round and their role, and participants' perception of each other's role during the respective ward rounds. Design/methodology/approach - A literature review of face-to-face ward rounds in medical wards was conducted. Peer reviewed journals and government publications published between 2000 and 2014 were searched. Articles were classified according to the type of round described in the study. Purposes were identified using keywords in the description of why the round was carried out. Descriptions of tasks and interactions with team members defined participant roles. Findings - Eight round classifications were identified. The most common were the generalised ward; multidisciplinary; and consultant rounds. Multidisciplinary rounds were the most collaborative round. Medical officers were the most likely discipline to attend any round. There was limited reference to allied health clinicians and patient involvement on rounds. Perceptions attendees held of each other reiterated the need to continue to investigate teamwork. Practical implications - A collaborative approach to care planning can occur by ensuring clinicians and patients are aware of different ward round processes and their role in them. Originality/value - Analysis fulfils a gap in the literature by identifying and analysing the different ward rounds being undertaken in acute medical wards. It identifies the complexities in the long established routine hospital processes of the ward round.

  13. A rare case of recurrent ovarian cancer presenting as a round ligament metastasis.

    PubMed

    Togami, Shinichi; Kato, Tomoyasu; Oi, Takateru; Ishikawa, Mitsuya; Onda, Takashi; Ikeda, Shun-ichi; Kasamatsu, Takahiro

    2011-11-07

    We report a rare case of recurrent ovarian cancer presenting as a round ligament metastasis. A 44-year-old woman presented with a lower abdominal mass. Computed tomography showed a pelvic mass. Primary surgery was performed. A histopathological examination showed an ovarian serous adenocarcinoma of Stage IIIb. The patient received 6 cycles of paclitaxel and carboplatin. Almost 2 years after the initial operation, the patient noticed a left inguinal mass. Computed tomography showed a left inguinal mass, 18 mm in size. An excisional biopsy was performed and the tumor was found to originate in the left round ligament. A histopathological examination showed serous adenocarcinoma and there was no evidence of lymph node tissue. Recurrence of ovarian cancer in the round ligament is extremely rare. This unique case suggests, however, that the round ligament in rare cases may be a recurrence site for ovarian cancer, and that accurate differentiation including confirmation by diagnostic imaging and excisional biopsy, is necessary for a definitive pathological diagnosis.

  14. Medical Student Self-Efficacy with Family-Centered Care during Bedside Rounds

    PubMed Central

    Young, Henry N.; Schumacher, Jayna B.; Moreno, Megan A.; Brown, Roger L.; Sigrest, Ted D.; McIntosh, Gwen K.; Schumacher, Daniel J.; Kelly, Michelle M.; Cox, Elizabeth D.

    2012-01-01

    Purpose Factors that support self-efficacy must be understood in order to foster family-centered care (FCC) during rounds. Based on social cognitive theory, this study examined (1) how 3 supportive experiences (observing role models, having mastery experiences, and receiving feedback) influence self-efficacy with FCC during rounds and (2) whether the influence of these supportive experiences was mediated by self-efficacy with 3 key FCC tasks (relationship building, exchanging information, and decision making). Method Researchers surveyed 184 students during pediatric clerkship rotations during the 2008–2011 academic years. Surveys assessed supportive experiences and students’ self-efficacy with FCC during rounds and with key FCC tasks. Measurement models were constructed via exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Composite indicator structural equation (CISE) models evaluated whether supportive experiences influenced self-efficacy with FCC during rounds and whether self-efficacy with key FCC tasks mediated any such influences. Results Researchers obtained surveys from 172 eligible students who were 76% (130) White and 53% (91) female. Observing role models and having mastery experiences supported self-efficacy with FCC during rounds (each p<0.01), while receiving feedback did not. Self-efficacy with two specific FCC tasks, relationship building and decision making (each p < 0.05), mediated the effects of these two supportive experiences on self-efficacy with FCC during rounds. Conclusions Observing role models and having mastery experiences foster students’ self-efficacy with FCC during rounds, operating through self-efficacy with key FCC tasks. Results suggest the importance of helping students gain self-efficacy in key FCC tasks before the rounds experience and helping educators implement supportive experiences during rounds. PMID:22534602

  15. Gauge-origin independent formalism of two-component relativistic framework based on unitary transformation in nuclear magnetic shielding constant

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hayami, Masao; Seino, Junji; Nakai, Hiromi

    2018-03-01

    This article proposes a gauge-origin independent formalism of the nuclear magnetic shielding constant in the two-component relativistic framework based on the unitary transformation. The proposed scheme introduces the gauge factor and the unitary transformation into the atomic orbitals. The two-component relativistic equation is formulated by block-diagonalizing the Dirac Hamiltonian together with gauge factors. This formulation is available for arbitrary relativistic unitary transformations. Then, the infinite-order Douglas-Kroll-Hess (IODKH) transformation is applied to the present formulation. Next, the analytical derivatives of the IODKH Hamiltonian for the evaluation of the nuclear magnetic shielding constant are derived. Results obtained from the numerical assessments demonstrate that the present formulation removes the gauge-origin dependence completely. Furthermore, the formulation with the IODKH transformation gives results that are close to those in four-component and other two-component relativistic schemes.

  16. Measuring ward round quality in urology.

    PubMed

    Darbyshire, Daniel; Barrett, Charlotte; Ross, David; Shackley, David

    2015-01-01

    Ward rounds are the traditional process by which clinical information is interpreted and management plans made in the inpatient setting and the only time during which patient-doctor interaction can reliably occur. Efforts to improve quality and safety have started looking at the ward round but this has mainly been in the acute medical setting. To begin the quality improvement process for Urological ward rounds. Twenty indicators thought to relate to quality were recorded for every weekday ward round by the Urology team for one month. Twenty ward rounds, 93 patient encounters, were reviewed. A consultant was present for 37% of the patient encounters. 84% of observation charts were reviewed; drug charts 28% and antibiotics 70%. Plans were communicated to the doctors, patient and nursing staff. All notes were typed directly onto the electronic system, 20% of notes were checked by the lead clinician. Mean time per patient was 6 minutes. By starting a discussion about ward rounds we aim to align the process with the broader values of the organisation. Ward rounds can be the cornerstone of delivering safe, clean and personal care and measuring this process is vital to understanding efforts to improve them.

  17. Simulated ward round: reducing costs, not outcomes.

    PubMed

    Ford, Helen; Cleland, Jennifer; Thomas, Ian

    2017-02-01

    Distractions and interruptions on the ward pose substantial patient safety risks, but medical students receive little training on their management. Although there is some evidence that medical students can be taught how to manage distractions and interruptions in a simulated ward environment, the only model to date is based on individual feedback, which is resource-expensive, mitigating curricular integration. Our aim was to assess the educational utility of a cost-efficient approach to a patient safety-focused simulated ward round. Twenty-three of 55 final-year medical students took part in a cost-reduced simulated ward round. Costs were minimised by providing group rather than individualised feedback, thereby shortening the duration of each simulation and reducing the number of interruptions. The utility of the simulation was assessed via student evaluation and performance on a patient safety station of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). The direct costs of the simulation were more than 50 per cent lower per student compared with the original study, mostly as a result of a reduction in the time that faculty members took to give feedback. Students managed distractions better and received higher scores in the OSCE station than those who had not undergone the ward round. Group feedback was evaluated positively by most participants: 94 per cent of those who provided feedback agreed or strongly agreed that the simulation would make them a safer doctor and would improve their handling of distractions. Our aim was to assess the educational utility of a cost-efficient approach to a patient safety-focused simulated ward round DISCUSSION: The costs of a simulated ward round can be significantly reduced whilst maintaining educational utility. These findings should encourage medical schools to integrate ward simulation into curricula. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  18. Procedures and requirements for testing in the Langley Research Center unitary plan wind tunnel

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wassum, Donald L.; Hyman, Curtis E., Jr.

    1988-01-01

    Information is presented to assist those interested in conducting wind-tunnel testing within the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. Procedures, requirements, forms and examples necessary for tunnel entry are included.

  19. Universal Scaling Laws in the Dynamics of a Homogeneous Unitary Bose Gas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Eigen, Christoph; Glidden, Jake A. P.; Lopes, Raphael; Navon, Nir; Hadzibabic, Zoran; Smith, Robert P.

    2017-12-01

    We study the dynamics of an initially degenerate homogeneous Bose gas after an interaction quench to the unitary regime at a magnetic Feshbach resonance. As the cloud decays and heats, it exhibits a crossover from degenerate- to thermal-gas behavior, both of which are characterized by universal scaling laws linking the particle-loss rate to the total atom number N . In the degenerate and thermal regimes, the per-particle loss rate is ∝N2 /3 and N26 /9, respectively. The crossover occurs at a universal kinetic energy per particle and at a universal time after the quench, in units of energy and time set by the gas density. By slowly sweeping the magnetic field away from the resonance and creating a mixture of atoms and molecules, we also map out the dynamics of correlations in the unitary gas, which display a universal temporal scaling with the gas density, and reach a steady state while the gas is still degenerate.

  20. Universal Scaling Laws in the Dynamics of a Homogeneous Unitary Bose Gas.

    PubMed

    Eigen, Christoph; Glidden, Jake A P; Lopes, Raphael; Navon, Nir; Hadzibabic, Zoran; Smith, Robert P

    2017-12-22

    We study the dynamics of an initially degenerate homogeneous Bose gas after an interaction quench to the unitary regime at a magnetic Feshbach resonance. As the cloud decays and heats, it exhibits a crossover from degenerate- to thermal-gas behavior, both of which are characterized by universal scaling laws linking the particle-loss rate to the total atom number N. In the degenerate and thermal regimes, the per-particle loss rate is ∝N^{2/3} and N^{26/9}, respectively. The crossover occurs at a universal kinetic energy per particle and at a universal time after the quench, in units of energy and time set by the gas density. By slowly sweeping the magnetic field away from the resonance and creating a mixture of atoms and molecules, we also map out the dynamics of correlations in the unitary gas, which display a universal temporal scaling with the gas density, and reach a steady state while the gas is still degenerate.

  1. Shear viscosity in an anisotropic unitary Fermi gas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Samanta, Rickmoy; Sharma, Rishi; Trivedi, Sandip P.

    2017-11-01

    We consider a system consisting of a strongly interacting, ultracold unitary Fermi gas under harmonic confinement. Our analysis suggests the possibility of experimentally studying, in this system, an anisotropic shear viscosity tensor driven by the anisotropy in the trapping potential. In particular, we suggest that this experimental setup could mimic some features of anisotropic geometries that have recently been studied for strongly coupled field theories which have a dual gravitational description. Results using the AdS/CFT (anti-de Sitter/conformal field theory correspondence) in these theories show that in systems with a background linear potential, certain viscosity components can be made much smaller than the entropy density, parametrically violating the bound proposed by Kovtun, Son, and Starinets (KSS). This intuition, along with results from a Boltzmann analysis that we perform, suggests that a violation of the KSS bound can perhaps occur in the unitary Fermi gas system when it is subjected to a suitable anisotropic trapping potential which may be approximated to be linear in a suitable range of parameters. We give a concrete proposal for an experimental setup where an anisotropic shear viscosity tensor may arise. In such situations, it may also be possible to observe a reduction in the spin-1 component of the shear viscosity from its lowest value observed so far in ultracold Fermi gases. In extreme anisotropic situations, the reduction may be enough to reduce the shear viscosity to entropy ratio below the proposed KSS bound, although this regime is difficult to analyze in a theoretically controlled manner.

  2. A Proposal to the President to Establish a Year-Round Operation and an Annual Assignment System for Omega College, Beginning Summer 1974.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Reda, Mario R.

    The purpose of this paper is the presentation of a proposal for a year-round operation and an annual assignment system (YRO/AAS) to the administrative officers of the College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Illinois. The proposal is comprised of four chapters. The first chapter deals with the significance of the study in terms of the College of DuPage's…

  3. Performance and economic analyses of year-round forage systems for forage-fed beef production in the Gulf Coast.

    PubMed

    Scaglia, G; Rodriguez, J; Gillespie, J; Bhandari, B; Wang, J J; McMillin, K W

    2014-12-01

    On a global scale, most beef is produced from grazing pastures or rangelands. Certain limitations exist, however, such as not having adequate animal rates of gain for marbling and availability of adequate forage nutritional value and quantity for constant animal weight gains. In the last 20 yr, there has been an increased interest in forage-fed beef for multiple reasons (health related, environmental concerns, and welfare issues). Starting on June 5, 13, 14, and 8 in 4 consecutive yr, 54 steers (initial BW=259±5.6 kg; average of 9 mo of age) were randomly allotted to 3 yr-round forage systems. Each system occupied 6 ha/replicate and had the same stocking rate. System 1 had annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) for winter grazing and bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) for summer grazing; while Systems 2 and 3 added rye and a clover mix to the ryegrass and diversified the use of pastures in the fall (dallisgrass [Paspalum dilatatum] and clovers [Trifolium spp.]). System 3 added the use of annual summer forages. During their respective growing season for each forage or forage mix, mass and height did not limit animal performance; however, there was a sampling date effect (P<0.05) for nutritive value variables since it decreased as forages became mature. The ADG observed (0.44 kg) for all systems (P=0.78) during summer was lower than expected and might have been limited by the observed temperature as well as forage nutritive value. Systems 1 and 2 had more grazing days (P=0.03) during summer (155 and 146 d, respectively) compared to System 3 (132 d) due to the greater pasture area of bermudagrass in those systems. Steers in System 3 were fed more hay for a longer period of time (P<0.05) than on the other 2 systems. System 1 and 2 produced more hay per hectare than System 3 (P<0.05). No differences (P>0.05) were detected between systems in ADG year round, during the winter season, or carcass characteristics. Return over total direct costs and total specified expenses were

  4. Differences by Ending Rounds and Other Rounds in Time-Motion Analysis of Mixed Martial Arts: Implications for Assessment and Training.

    PubMed

    Miarka, Bianca; Brito, Ciro J; Moreira, Danilo G; Amtmann, John

    2018-02-01

    Miarka, B, Brito, CJ, Moreira, DG, and Amtmann, J. Differences by ending rounds and other rounds in time-motion analysis of mixed martial arts: implications for assessment and training. J Strength Cond Res 32(2): 534-544, 2018-This study aimed to support training program development through the comparison of performance analysis of professionals mixed martial art (MMA) athletes in the bouts that were not finished by points. Using digital recordings of each bout, we analyzed 1,564 rounds (678 bouts) which were separated by ending and other rounds. Our results indicated that knockout/technical knockout is the main outcome that defines the ending round (≈60%); however, there is a higher frequency of ending by submission on the first and second rounds (>30%). Bouts ending during the first or second rounds had shorter total time and standing combat with low intensity than ending in the third round (91.5 ± 71.4, 93.4 ± 67.5, and 143.2 ± 87.4; for low intensity in the first, second, and third rounds, respectively; p ≤ 0.05), whereas standing combat time with high intensity was longer in the last round in comparison to bouts that finished in the first or second rounds (7.4 ± 9.2, 9.7 ± 18.0, and 17.7 ± 29.1 for high intensity in the first, second, and third rounds, respectively; p ≤ 0.05). The lower time dedicated to low-intensity stand-up combat actions, regardless of round, and forcefulness of the actions in groundwork in the first and second rounds seem to be elements that increase the probability of success in professional MMA bouts; these factors have essential implications related to training program design.

  5. Implementing controlled-unitary operations over the butterfly network

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Soeda, Akihito; Kinjo, Yoshiyuki; Turner, Peter S.; Murao, Mio

    2014-12-01

    We introduce a multiparty quantum computation task over a network in a situation where the capacities of both the quantum and classical communication channels of the network are limited and a bottleneck occurs. Using a resource setting introduced by Hayashi [1], we present an efficient protocol for performing controlled-unitary operations between two input nodes and two output nodes over the butterfly network, one of the most fundamental networks exhibiting the bottleneck problem. This result opens the possibility of developing a theory of quantum network coding for multiparty quantum computation, whereas the conventional network coding only treats multiparty quantum communication.

  6. Implementing controlled-unitary operations over the butterfly network

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

    Soeda, Akihito; Kinjo, Yoshiyuki; Turner, Peter S.

    2014-12-04

    We introduce a multiparty quantum computation task over a network in a situation where the capacities of both the quantum and classical communication channels of the network are limited and a bottleneck occurs. Using a resource setting introduced by Hayashi [1], we present an efficient protocol for performing controlled-unitary operations between two input nodes and two output nodes over the butterfly network, one of the most fundamental networks exhibiting the bottleneck problem. This result opens the possibility of developing a theory of quantum network coding for multiparty quantum computation, whereas the conventional network coding only treats multiparty quantum communication.

  7. Differential Detection of Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, and Entamoeba moshkovskii by a Single-Round PCR Assay

    PubMed Central

    Hamzah, Zulhainan; Petmitr, Songsak; Mungthin, Mathirut; Leelayoova, Saovanee; Chavalitshewinkoon-Petmitr, Porntip

    2006-01-01

    A single-round PCR assay was developed for detection and differential diagnosis of the three Entamoeba species found in humans, Entamoeba moshkovskii, Entamoeba histolytica, and Entamoeba dispar, that are morphologically identical as both cysts and trophozoites. A conserved forward primer was derived from the middle of the small-subunit rRNA gene, and reverse primers were designed from signature sequences specific to each of these three Entamoeba species. PCR generates a 166-bp product with E. histolytica DNA, a 752-bp product with E. dispar DNA, and a 580-bp product with E. moshkovskii DNA. Thirty clinical specimens were examined, and the species present were successfully detected and differentiated using this assay. It was possible to detect as little as 10 pg of E. moshkovskii and E. histolytica DNA, while for E. dispar the sensitivity was about 20 pg of DNA. Testing with DNA from different pathogens, including bacteria and other protozoa, confirmed the high specificity of the assay. We propose the use of this PCR assay as an accurate, rapid, and effective diagnostic method for the detection and discrimination of these three morphologically indistinguishable Entamoeba species in both routine diagnosis of amoebiasis and epidemiological surveys. PMID:16954247

  8. Shape-optimization of round-to-slot holes for improving film cooling effectiveness on a flat surface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Ying; Zhang, Jing-zhou; Wang, Chun-hua

    2018-01-01

    Single-objective optimization for improving adiabatic film cooling effectiveness is performed for single row of round-to-slot film cooling holes on a flat surface by using CFD analysis and surrogate approximation methods. Among the main geometric parameters, dimensionless hole-to-hole pitch (P/d) and slot length-to-diameter (l/d) are fixed as 2.4 and 2 respectively, and the other parameters (hole height-to-diameter ratio, slot width-to-diameter and inclination angle) are chosen as the design variables. Given a wide range of possible geometric variables, the geometric optimization of round-to-slot holes is carried out under two typical blowing ratios of M = 0.5 and M = 1.5 by selecting a spatially-averaged adiabatic film cooling effectiveness between x/d = 2 and x/d = 12 as the objective function to be maximized. Radial basis function neural network is applied for constructing the surrogate model and then the optimal design point is searched by a genetic algorithm. It is revealed that the optimal round-to-slot hole is of converging feature under a low blowing ratio but of diffusing feature under a high blowing ratio. Further, the influence principle of optimal round-to-slot geometry on film cooling performance is illustrated according to the detailed flow and thermal behaviors.

  9. Shape-optimization of round-to-slot holes for improving film cooling effectiveness on a flat surface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Ying; Zhang, Jing-zhou; Wang, Chun-hua

    2018-06-01

    Single-objective optimization for improving adiabatic film cooling effectiveness is performed for single row of round-to-slot film cooling holes on a flat surface by using CFD analysis and surrogate approximation methods. Among the main geometric parameters, dimensionless hole-to-hole pitch ( P/ d) and slot length-to-diameter ( l/ d) are fixed as 2.4 and 2 respectively, and the other parameters (hole height-to-diameter ratio, slot width-to-diameter and inclination angle) are chosen as the design variables. Given a wide range of possible geometric variables, the geometric optimization of round-to-slot holes is carried out under two typical blowing ratios of M = 0.5 and M = 1.5 by selecting a spatially-averaged adiabatic film cooling effectiveness between x/ d = 2 and x/ d = 12 as the objective function to be maximized. Radial basis function neural network is applied for constructing the surrogate model and then the optimal design point is searched by a genetic algorithm. It is revealed that the optimal round-to-slot hole is of converging feature under a low blowing ratio but of diffusing feature under a high blowing ratio. Further, the influence principle of optimal round-to-slot geometry on film cooling performance is illustrated according to the detailed flow and thermal behaviors.

  10. Implementing iRound: A Computer-Based Auditing Tool.

    PubMed

    Brady, Darcie

    Many hospitals use rounding or auditing as a tool to help identify gaps and needs in quality and process performance. Some hospitals are also using rounding to help improve patient experience. It is known that purposeful rounding helps improve Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems scores by helping manage patient expectations, provide service recovery, and recognize quality caregivers. Rounding works when a standard method is used across the facility, where data are comparable and trustworthy. This facility had a pen-and-paper process in place that made data reporting difficult, created a silo culture between departments, and most audits and rounds were completed differently on each unit. It was recognized that this facility needed to standardize the rounding and auditing process. The tool created by the Advisory Board called iRound was chosen as the tool this facility would use for patient experience rounds as well as process and quality rounding. The success of the iRound tool in this facility depended on several factors that started many months before implementation to current everyday usage.

  11. Unitary Quantum Relativity. (Work in Progress)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Finkelstein, David Ritz

    2017-01-01

    A quantum universe is expressed as a finite unitary relativistic quantum computer network. Its addresses are subject to quantum superposition as well as its memory. It has no exact mathematical model. It Its Hilbert space of input processes is also a Clifford algebra with a modular architecture of many ranks. A fundamental fermion is a quantum computer element whose quantum address belongs to the rank below. The least significant figures of its address define its spin and flavor. The most significant figures of it adress define its orbital variables. Gauging arises from the same quantification as space-time. This blurs star images only slightly, but perhaps measurably. General relativity is an approximation that splits nature into an emptiness with a high symmetry that is broken by a filling of lower symmetry. Action principles result from self-organization pf the vacuum.

  12. A note on parallel and pipeline computation of fast unitary transforms

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fino, B. J.; Algazi, V. R.

    1974-01-01

    The parallel and pipeline organization of fast unitary transform algorithms such as the Fast Fourier Transform are discussed. The efficiency is pointed out of a combined parallel-pipeline processor of a transform such as the Haar transform in which 2 to the n minus 1 power hardware butterflies generate a transform of order 2 to the n power every computation cycle.

  13. Shaped versus Round Implants in Breast Reconstruction: A Multi-Institutional Comparison of Surgical and Patient-Reported Outcomes.

    PubMed

    Khavanin, Nima; Clemens, Mark W; Pusic, Andrea L; Fine, Neil A; Hamill, Jennifer B; Kim, H Myra; Qi, Ji; Wilkins, Edwin G; Kim, John Y S

    2017-05-01

    Since the 2012 approval of shaped implants, their use in breast reconstruction has increased in the United States. However, large-scale comparisons of complications and patient-reported outcomes are lacking. The authors endeavored to compare surgical and patient-reported outcomes across implant types. The Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium database was queried for expander/implant reconstructions with at least 1-year postexchange follow-up (mean, 18.5 months). Outcomes of interest included postoperative complications, 1-year revisions, and patient-reported outcomes. Bivariate and mixed-effects regression analyses evaluated the effect of implant type on patient outcomes. Overall, 822 patients (73.5 percent) received round and 297 patients (26.5 percent) received shaped implants. Patients undergoing unilateral reconstructions with round implants underwent more contralateral symmetry procedures, including augmentations (round, 18.7 percent; shaped, 6.8 percent; p = 0.003) and reductions (round, 32.2 percent; shaped, 20.5 percent; p = 0.019). Shaped implants were associated with higher rates of infection (shaped, 6.1 percent; round, 2.3 percent; p = 0.002), that remained significant after multivariable adjustment. Other complication rates did not differ significantly between cohorts. Round and shaped implants experienced similar 2-year patient-reported outcome scores. This prospective, multicenter study is the largest evaluating outcomes of shaped versus round implants in breast reconstruction. Although recipients of round implants demonstrated lower infection rates compared with shaped implants, these patients were more likely to undergo contralateral symmetry procedures. Both implant types yielded comparable patient-reported outcome scores. With appropriate patient selection, both shaped and round implants can provide acceptable outcomes in breast reconstruction. Therapeutic, III.

  14. Desmoplastic small round cell tumor of the lung.

    PubMed

    Muramatsu, Takashi; Shimamura, Mie; Furuichi, Motohiko; Nishii, Tatsuhiko; Takeshita, Shinji; Shiono, Motomi

    2010-12-01

    We report a rare case of desmoplastic small round cell tumor, which arose from the left lung. A 25-year-old man was found to have an abnormal shadow during a routine physical examination and was admitted to our hospital. A thoracoscopic tumor biopsy was performed under general anesthesia. According to the histopathologic findings of permanent sections, the tumor was composed of sharply outlined nests, clusters, and trabeculae of small round to oval cells separated by a spindle-shaped desmoplastic stroma. A gene analysis revealed chimera genes of Ewing's sarcoma and Wilms' tumor by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Copyright © 2010 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Adherence to colorectal cancer screening: four rounds of faecal immunochemical test-based screening.

    PubMed

    van der Vlugt, Manon; Grobbee, Esmée J; Bossuyt, Patrick Mm; Bongers, Evelien; Spijker, Wolfert; Kuipers, Ernst J; Lansdorp-Vogelaar, Iris; Essink-Bot, Marie-Louise; Spaander, Manon C W; Dekker, Evelien

    2017-01-03

    The effectiveness of faecal immunochemical test (FIT)-based screening programs is highly dependent on consistent participation over multiple rounds. We evaluated adherence to FIT screening over four rounds and aimed to identify determinants of participation behaviour. A total of 23 339 randomly selected asymptomatic persons aged 50-74 years were invited for biennial FIT-based colorectal cancer screening between 2006 and 2014. All were invited for every consecutive round, except for those who had moved out of the area, passed the upper age limit, or had tested positive in a previous screening round. A reminder letter was sent to non-responders. We calculated participation rates per round, response rates to a reminder letter, and differences in participation between subgroups defined by age, sex, and socioeconomic status (SES). Over the four rounds, participation rates increased significantly, from 60% (95% CI 60-61), 60% (95% CI 59-60), 62% (95% CI 61-63) to 63% (95% CI 62-64; P for trend<0.001) with significantly higher participation rates in women in all rounds (P<0.001). Of the 17 312 invitees eligible for at least two rounds of FIT screening, 12 455 (72%) participated at least once, whereas 4857 (28%) never participated; 8271 (48%) attended all rounds when eligible. Consistent participation was associated with older age, female sex, and higher SES. Offering a reminder letter after the initial invite in the first round increased uptake with 12%; in subsequent screening rounds this resulted in an additional uptake of up to 10%. In four rounds of a pilot biennial FIT-screening program, we observed a consistently high and increasing participation rate, whereas sending reminders remain effective. The substantial proportion of inconsistent participants suggests the existence of incidental barriers to participation, which, if possible, should be identified and removed.

  16. [Intra-abdominal desmoplastic small round cell tumour].

    PubMed

    Briseño-Hernández, Andrés Alejandro; Quezada-López, Deissy Roxana; Corona-Cobián, Lilia Edith; Castañeda-Chávez, Agar; Duarte-Ojeda, Alfonso Tonatiuh; Macías-Amezcua, Michel Dassaejv

    2015-01-01

    The desmoplastic small round cell tumour is a rare and aggressive intra-abdominal neoplasia, with only 200 cases reported, and a higher incidence in men and predilection for the second decade of life. Histologically characterized by the presence of small nests of undifferentiated tumour cells, wrapped in fibrous desmoplastic stroma. A 24 year old male started with abdominal pain of 4 weeks onset in the right upper quadrant, colic type, sporadic, self-limiting and accompanied by early satiety, decreased appetite, and involuntary weight loss of 10 kg in 3 months. At the time of admission the abdomen was globular, with decreased peristalsis, soft, depressible. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the abdominal-pelvic cavity. A laparotomy was performed, with a subsequent omentum resection due to the presence of multiple tumours, which microscopically were characterised by groups of small, round, blue cells, separated by a desmoplastic stroma. The immunohistochemistry was positive for desmin (> 75%), epithelial membrane antigen (> 75%), CD99 (> 50%), and S100 (25%), concluding with an abdominal tumour of small, round, blue cells as a diagnosis. Chemotherapy treatment was initiated based on IMAP plus GM-CSF. The desmoplastic small round cell tumour is a rare neoplasia, with diagnostic complexity and a lethal course. Its clinical presentation is unspecific. Histologically, it is classified as an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma that shares similar characteristics with the family of the small and blue cells tumours. Copyright © 2015 Academia Mexicana de Cirugía A.C. Published by Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

  17. Mechanical grading of round timber beams

    Treesearch

    David W. Green; Thomas M. Gorman; James W. Evans; Joseph F. Murphy

    2006-01-01

    Current procedures used to sort round timber beams into structural grades rely on visual grading methods and property assignments based on modification of clear wood properties. This study provides the technical basis for mechanical grading of 228 mm (9 in.) diameter round timbers. Test results on 225 round Engelmann spruce–alpine fir–lodgepole pine beams demonstrate...

  18. Unitary cocycle representations of the Galilean line group: Quantum mechanical principle of equivalence

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

    MacGregor, B.R.; McCoy, A.E.; Wickramasekara, S., E-mail: wickrama@grinnell.edu

    2012-09-15

    We present a formalism of Galilean quantum mechanics in non-inertial reference frames and discuss its implications for the equivalence principle. This extension of quantum mechanics rests on the Galilean line group, the semidirect product of the real line and the group of analytic functions from the real line to the Euclidean group in three dimensions. This group provides transformations between all inertial and non-inertial reference frames and contains the Galilei group as a subgroup. We construct a certain class of unitary representations of the Galilean line group and show that these representations determine the structure of quantum mechanics in non-inertialmore » reference frames. Our representations of the Galilean line group contain the usual unitary projective representations of the Galilei group, but have a more intricate cocycle structure. The transformation formula for the Hamiltonian under the Galilean line group shows that in a non-inertial reference frame it acquires a fictitious potential energy term that is proportional to the inertial mass, suggesting the equivalence of inertial mass and gravitational mass in quantum mechanics. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A formulation of Galilean quantum mechanics in non-inertial reference frames is given. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The key concept is the Galilean line group, an infinite dimensional group. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Unitary, cocycle representations of the Galilean line group are constructed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A non-central extension of the group underlies these representations. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Quantum equivalence principle and gravity emerge from these representations.« less

  19. Why Are Buckyonions Round?

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bates, Kevin R.; Scuseria, Gustavo E.

    1997-01-01

    Multi-layered round carbon particles (onions) containing tens to hundreds of thousands of atoms form during electron irradiation of graphite carbon. However, theoretical models of large icosahedral fullerenes predict highly faceted shapes for molecules with more than a few hundred atoms. This discrepancy in shape may be explained by the presence of defects during the formation of carbon onions. Here, we use the semi-empirical tight-binding method for carbon to simulate the incorporation of pentagon-heptagon defects on to the surface of large icosahedral fullerenes. We show a simple mechanism that results in energetically competitive derivative structures and a global change in molecular shape from faceted to round. Our results provide a plausible explanation of the apparent discrepancy between experimental observations of round buckyonions and theoretical predictions of faceted icosahedral fullerenes.

  20. Why are Buckyonions Round?

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bates, Kevin R.; Scuseria, Gustavo E.

    1998-01-01

    Multi-layered round carbon particles (onions) containing tens to hundreds of thousands of atoms form during electron irradiation of graphite. However. theoretical models or large icosahedral fullerenes predict highly faceted shapes for molecules with more than a few hundred atoms. This discrepancy in shape may be explained by the presence of defects during the formation of carbon onions. Here, we use the semi-empirical tight-binding method for carbon to simulate the incorporation of pentagon-heptagon defects on to the surface of large icosahedral fullerenes. We show a simple mechanism that results in energetically competitive derivative structures and a global change in molecular shape from faceted to round. Our results provide a plausible explanation of the apparent discrepancy between experimental observations or round buckyonions and theoretical predictions of faceted icosahedral fullerenes.

  1. Sustaining Nursing and Midwifery Grand Rounds in a Regional Australian Health Service.

    PubMed

    Smyth, Wendy; Abernethy, Gail

    2016-07-01

    This article reports the success, or otherwise, of strategies implemented to sustain nursing grand rounds in a large regional health service in North Queensland, Australia. Nursing grand rounds had been introduced in late 2010 to increase nurses' engagement with research and evidence-based practice. Although the format, topics, and purpose of grand rounds have changed, attendees continue to positively evaluate each presentation. However, after 5 years, the initiative has expanded and somewhat modified its focus. This article describes these changes and proposes options for the future progression of this professional development activity. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2016;47(7):316-320. Copyright 2016, SLACK Incorporated.

  2. Perspective: a business school view of medical interprofessional rounds: transforming rounding groups into rounding teams.

    PubMed

    Bharwani, Aleem M; Harris, G Chad; Southwick, Frederick S

    2012-12-01

    An effective interprofessional medical team can efficiently coordinate health care providers to achieve the collective outcome of improving each patient's health. To determine how current teams function, four groups of business students independently observed interprofessional work rounds on four different internal medicine services in a typical academic hospital and also interviewed the participants. In all instances, caregivers had formed working groups rather than working teams. Participants consistently exhibited parallel interdependence (individuals working alone and assuming their work would be coordinated with other caregivers) rather than reciprocal interdependence (individuals working together to actively coordinate patient care), the hallmark of effective teams. With one exception, the organization was hierarchical, with the senior attending physician possessing the authority. The interns exclusively communicated with the attending physician in one-on-one conversations that excluded all other members of the team. Although nurses and pharmacists were often present, they never contributed their ideas and rarely spoke.The authors draw on these observations to form recommendations for enhancing interprofessional rounding teams. These are to include the bedside nurse, pharmacist, and case manager as team members, begin with a formal team launch that encourages active participation by all team members, use succinct communication protocols, conduct work rounds in a quiet, distraction-free environment, have teams remain together for longer durations, and receive teamwork training and periodic coaching. High-performing businesses have effectively used teams for decades to achieve their goals, and health care professionals should follow this example.

  3. Round ligament leiomyoma: a rare manifestation of a common entity.

    PubMed

    Deol, Madhvi; Arleo, Elizabeth Kagan

    A 68-year-old woman with a history of multifocal uterine leiomyomas presented with left groin pain and was referred for cross-sectional imaging to assess for the presence of an inguinal hernia. In this patient, MRI demonstrated a round ligament leiomyoma encased in the proximal left inguinal canal. Leiomyomas are the most common benign gynecologic tumors, however round ligament leiomyomas are very rare. The purpose of this case report is to highlight a rare manifestation of a common entity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Patient Safety Leadership WalkRounds.

    PubMed

    Frankel, Allan; Graydon-Baker, Erin; Neppl, Camilla; Simmonds, Terri; Gustafson, Michael; Gandhi, Tejal K

    2003-01-01

    In the WalkRounds concept, a core group, which includes the senior executives and/or vice presidents, conducts weekly visits to different areas of the hospital. The group, joined by one or two nurses in the area and other available staff, asks specific questions about adverse events or near misses and about the factors or systems issues that led to these events. ANALYSIS OF EVENTS: Events in the Walkrounds are entered into a database and classified according to the contributing factors. The data are aggregated by contributing factors and priority scores to highlight the root issues. The priority scores are used to determine QI pilots and make best use of limited resources. Executives are surveyed quarterly about actions they have taken as a direct result of WalkRounds and are asked what they have learned from the rounds. As of September 2002, 47 Patient Safety Leadership WalkRounds visited a total of 48 different areas of the hospital, with 432 individual comments. The WalkRounds require not only knowledgeable and invested senior leadership but also a well-organized support structure. Quality and safety personnel are needed to collect data and maintain a database of confidential information, evaluate the data from a systems approach, and delineate systems-based actions to improve care delivery. Comments of frontline clinicians and executives suggested that WalkRounds helps educate leadership and frontline staff in patient safety concepts and will lead to cultural changes, as manifested in more open discussion of adverse events and an improved rate of safety-based changes.

  5. A Unitary-Transformative Nursing Science: From Angst to Appreciation.

    PubMed

    Cowling, W Richard

    2017-10-01

    The discord within nursing regarding the definition of nursing science has created great angst, particularly for those who view nursing science as a body of knowledge derived from theories specific to its unique concerns. The purpose of this brief article is to suggest a perspective and process grounded in appreciation of wholeness that may offer a way forward for proponents of a unitary-transformative nursing science that transcends the discord. This way forward is guided by principles of fostering dissent without contempt, generating a well-imagined future, and garnering appreciatively inspired action for change.

  6. Local unitary representation of braids and N-qubit entanglements

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yu, Li-Wei

    2018-03-01

    In this paper, by utilizing the idea of stabilizer codes, we give some relationships between one local unitary representation of braid group in N-qubit tensor space and the corresponding entanglement properties of the N-qubit pure state |Ψ >, where the N-qubit state |Ψ > is obtained by applying the braiding operation on the natural basis. Specifically, we show that the separability of |Ψ > =B|0> ^{⊗ N} is closely related to the diagrammatic version of the braid operator B. This may provide us more insights about the topological entanglement and quantum entanglement.

  7. Round-trip mission requirements for Asteroids 1976 AA and 1973 EC

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Niehoff, J. C.

    1977-01-01

    The feasibility of manned or unmanned missions to two recently discovered asteroids is assessed. Characteristics of a likely target for a round-trip exploratory excursion include: a period close to one year; and an orbit that is nearly circular and nearly coplanar with the ecliptic. Mass requirements and optimal times of launch are investigated for unmanned and manned missions to Asteroids 1976 AA and 1973 EC (recently numbered 1943); 365-day round-trip trajectories in the first half of the 1990s are proposed. However, since neither of the two targets considered entirely fulfills all the necessary orbital characteristics, neither can offer the opportunity for a fast low-energy round-trip mission; nevertheless, other minor planets crossing earth's orbit may be found to meet the requirements.

  8. An answer to Housing Discrimination: The Need for a Unitary Marketing System

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rosser, Lawrence; White, Beth

    1975-01-01

    Proposes that a central Clearinghouse be established to collect and disseminate information to inner city residents on available suburban units, noting that to be effective, this unitary marketing system would have to be able to identify and seek out those who most need rental vacancy data, and to deliver vacancy listings and related information…

  9. ARES I Aerodynamic Testing at the NASA Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Erickson, Gary E.; Wilcox, Floyd J.

    2011-01-01

    Small-scale force and moment and pressure models based on the outer mold lines of the Ares I design analysis cycle crew launch vehicle were tested in the NASA Langley Research Center Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel from May 2006 to September 2009. The test objectives were to establish supersonic ascent aerodynamic databases and to obtain force and moment, surface pressure, and longitudinal line-load distributions for comparison to computational predictions. Test data were obtained at low through high supersonic Mach numbers for ranges of the Reynolds number, angle of attack, and roll angle. This paper focuses on (1) the sensitivity of the supersonic aerodynamic characteristics to selected protuberances, outer mold line changes, and wind tunnel boundary layer transition techniques, (2) comparisons of experimental data to computational predictions, and (3) data reproducibility. The experimental data obtained in the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel captured the effects of evolutionary changes to the Ares I crew launch vehicle, exhibited good agreement with predictions, and displayed satisfactory within-test and tunnel-to-tunnel data reproducibility.

  10. An exploration of the perception of time from the perspective of the Science of Unitary Human Beings.

    PubMed

    Ring, Marcia E

    2009-01-01

    What is time? The science of unitary human beings describes pandimensional reality as a domain without spatial or temporal attributes. As part of this pandimensional reality, unitary human beings experience time as passing, and involving the past, present, and future. The theory of accelerating evolution describes changes in human and environmental energy fields that are always accelerating and are manifested as differences in the experience of time as being slow, fast, and still. Time, be it measured or experienced, has no meaning in and of itself, but can only be understood in terms of the ever-evolving life process.

  11. Adaptation of a hospital electronic referral system for antimicrobial stewardship prospective audit and feedback rounds.

    PubMed

    Rawlins, Matthew D M; Raby, Edward; Sanfilippo, Frank M; Douglass, Rae; Chambers, Jonathan; McLellan, Duncan; Dyer, John R

    2018-05-04

    To evaluate the impact of the adaptation of an existing electronic referral application for use in antimicrobial stewardship prospective audit and feedback rounds (antimicrobial rounds). Retrospective, single-centre observational study between March 2015 and February 2016. A new quaternary referral centre. Adults referred for antimicrobial rounds outside of the intensive care and haematology units. Adaptation of an electronic referral application used by medical and allied health staff. A questionnaire-style referral form was designed to capture patient clinical details using a combination of free text and dropdown menus. Clinical pharmacists were educated and granted access to the system. The proportion of completed electronic referrals of total round reviews by month for the 12 months after implementation. The time from request to completion of reviews. The impact on adherence to advice provided on rounds. The impact on the institutional usage of broad-spectrum antibiotics: glycopeptides, carbapenems, third and fourth generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and piperacillin/tazobactam. Over the study period, the proportion of electronic referrals of completed antimicrobial round reviews increased from 59% to 88% (P < 0.001); 75.7% of accepted electronic referrals were seen within 48 h of request. The proportion of advice ignored fell from 18% to 8.5% (P < 0.001). Piperacillin/tazobactam, fluoroquinolone and glycopeptide usage decreased. The adaptation of an electronic referral application for antimicrobial rounds was associated with increased adherence to advice and reduction in use in target antibiotics. Our model is now used at other institutions.

  12. Minimal unitary representation of SO∗(8)=SO(6,2) and its SU(2) deformations as massless 6D conformal fields and their supersymmetric extensions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fernando, Sudarshan; Günaydin, Murat

    2010-12-01

    We study the minimal unitary representation (minrep) of SO(6,2) over an Hilbert space of functions of five variables, obtained by quantizing its quasiconformal realization. The minrep of SO(6,2), which coincides with the minrep of SO(8) similarly constructed, corresponds to a massless conformal scalar field in six spacetime dimensions. There exists a family of "deformations" of the minrep of SO(8) labeled by the spin t of an SU(2 subgroup of the little group SO(4) of lightlike vectors. These deformations labeled by t are positive energy unitary irreducible representations of SO(8) that describe massless conformal fields in six dimensions. The SU(2 spin t is the six-dimensional counterpart of U(1) deformations of the minrep of 4D conformal group SU(2,2) labeled by helicity. We also construct the supersymmetric extensions of the minimal unitary representation of SO(8) to minimal unitary representations of OSp(8|2N) that describe massless six-dimensional conformal supermultiplets. The minimal unitary supermultiplet of OSp(8|4) is the massless supermultiplet of (2,0) conformal field theory that is believed to be dual to M-theory on AdS×S.

  13. An Evaluation of Family-Centered Rounds in the PICU: Room for Improvement Suggested by Families and Providers.

    PubMed

    Levin, Amanda B; Fisher, Kiondra R; Cato, Krista D; Zurca, Adrian D; October, Tessie W

    2015-11-01

    To identify areas for improvement in family-centered rounds from both the family and provider perspectives. Prospective, cross-sectional mixed-methods study, including an objective measure (direct observation of family-centered rounds) and subjective measures (surveys of English-speaking families and providers) of family-centered rounds. PICU in a single, tertiary children's hospital. Families of children admitted to the PICU, physicians, and nurses. None. Two hundred thirty-two family-centered round encounters were observed over a 10-week period. Family-centered round encounters averaged 10.5 minutes per child. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that family presence was independently associated with length of family-centered rounds (p < 0.002) despite family talk time accounting for an average of 25 seconds (4%) of the encounter. Non-English-speaking families were less likely to attend family-centered rounds compared with English-speaking families even when physically present at the patient's bedside (p < 0.001). Most commonly families and providers agreed that family-centered rounds keep the family informed and reported positive statements about family presence on family-centered rounds; however, PICU fellows did not agree that families provided pertinent information and nurses reported that family presence limited patient discussions. The primary advice families offered providers to improve family-centered rounds was to be more considerate and courteous, including accommodating family schedules, minimizing distractions, and limiting computer viewing. Family presence increased the length of family-centered rounds despite a small percentage of time spoken by families, suggesting longer rounds are due to changes in provider behavior when families are present. Also, non-English-speaking families may need more support to be able to attend and benefit from family-centered rounds. Lastly, in an era of full family-centered rounds acceptance, families and most

  14. Structure, development, and cytochemical properties of the nucleolus-associated "round body" in rat spermatocytes and early spermatids.

    PubMed

    Schultz, M C; Hermo, L; Leblond, C P

    1984-09-01

    The "round body," a spherical structure typically associated with a nucleolus in male germ cells of the rat, has been examined in the electron microscope using routine and cytochemical methods to determine its structure, composition, and mode of development. Cytochemical analysis indicates that the round body includes neither nucleic acid nor lipid, but is composed of nonhistone protein which appears in the form of 1.6-nm-wide fibrils. Development begins in late leptotene, when a single round body appears in each spermatocyte as an irregular spheroid located along the inner surface of the nuclear envelope. During subsequent stages of the meiotic prophase, the round body leaves the nuclear envelope, becomes a regular sphere, and gradually enlarges from a diameter of 0.4 micron in leptotene to 1.6 micron in diplotene. Concurrently, lacunae appear within its substance and enlarge. At each maturation division, the amount of round-body material is decreased by about half, presumably because the constituent proteins are dissociated at metaphase, distributed between the two daughter cells at telophase, and reconstituted into half-sized round bodies. As spermiogenesis proceeds, the round body shrinks gradually and disappears at step 8. Soon after its appearance at leptotene, the round body becomes associated with and is surrounded by the pars granulosa of one of the nucleoli. Moreover, 3H-uridine incorporation into nucleolar RNA is high as long as the size of the round body increases, but is low or absent when it decreases. It is possible, therefore, that the round body exerts some control on nucleolar activity in meiotic cells.

  15. In situ propellant production - A new potential for round-trip spacecraft

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stancati, M. L.; Niehoff, J. C.; Wells, W. C.; Ash, R. L.

    1979-01-01

    In situ propellant production (ISPP) greatly reduces the Earth escape requirements for some roundtrip missions, particularly Mars Sample Return. ISPP systems are described which produce oxygen or oxygen and methane from available atmospheric and surface materials. With ISPP, a 1 kg sample can be returned direct from Mars using a single Shuttle launch. Mars entry can be either direct or from orbit. Comet and asteroid sample return is also accomplished within a single Shuttle launch. Launch requirements for round-trip missions to Ganymede and Callisto are reduced by 15 to 40%.

  16. A Case of Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor.

    PubMed

    Reisner, David; Brahee, Deborah; Patel, Shweta; Hartman, Matthew

    2015-08-01

    Desmoplastic small round cell tumor is a rare, aggressive tumor primarily affecting young males. It is considered a childhood cancer, and is characterized by a unique chromosomal translocation which leads to failure to suppress tumor growth. It is classified as a soft tissue sarcoma, sharing some features with other small round cell tumors such as Ewing's Sarcoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumor. Typical imaging findings include multiple heterogeneous, lobular abdominal masses, which can grow very large. Often there is a dominant mass with additional peritoneal, omental, retroperitoneal and retrovesical masses. Prognosis is relatively poor with a 3 year survival rate of 50% in those treated aggressively with surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The clinical presentation, imaging characteristics and pathology are discussed in regards to a recent case.

  17. Associations between seasonal meteorological conditions and the daily step count of adults in Yokohama, Japan: Results of year-round pedometer measurements in a large population.

    PubMed

    Hino, Kimihiro; Lee, Jung Su; Asami, Yasushi

    2017-12-01

    People's year-round interpersonal step count variations according to meteorological conditions are not fully understood, because complete year-round data from a sufficient sample of the general population are difficult to acquire. This study examined the associations between meteorological conditions and objectively measured step counts using year-round data collected from a large cohort ( N  = 24,625) in Yokohama, Japan from April 2015 to March 2016. Two-piece linear regression analysis was used to examine the associations between the monthly median daily step count and three meteorological indices (mean values of temperature, temperature-humidity index (THI), and net effective temperature (NET)). The number of steps per day peaked at temperatures between 19.4 and 20.7 °C. At lower temperatures, the increase in steps per day was between 46.4 and 52.5 steps per 1 °C increase. At temperatures higher than those at which step counts peaked, the decrease in steps per day was between 98.0 and 187.9 per 1 °C increase. Furthermore, these effects were more obvious in elderly than non-elderly persons in both sexes. A similar tendency was seen when using THI and NET instead of temperature. Among the three meteorological indices, the highest R 2 value with step counts was observed with THI in all four groups. Both high and low meteorological indices discourage people from walking and higher values of the indices adversely affect step count more than lower values, particularly among the elderly. Among the three indices assessed, THI best explains the seasonal fluctuations in step counts.

  18. HRCT Correlation with Round Window Identification during Cochlear Implantation in Children.

    PubMed

    Pendem, Sai Kiran; Rangasami, Rajeswaran; Arunachalam, Ravi Kumar; Mohanarangam, Venkata Sai Pulivadulu; Natarajan, Paarthipan

    2014-01-01

    To determine the accuracy of High Resolution Computer Tomography (HRCT) temporal bone measurements in predicting the actual visualization of round window niche as viewed through posterior tympanotomy (i.e. facial recess). This is a prospective study of 37 cochlear implant candidates, aged between 1and 6 years, who were referred for HRCT temporal bone during the period December 2013 to July 2014. Cochlear implantation was done in 37 children (25 in the right ear and 12 in the left ear). The distance between the short process of incus and the round window niche and the distance between the oval window and the round window niche were measured preoperatively on sub-millimeter (0.7 mm) HRCT images. We classified the visibility of round window niche based on the surgical view (i.e. through posterior tympanotomy) during surgery into three types: 1) Type 1- fully visible, 2) Type 2- partially visible, and 3) Type 3- difficult to visualize. The preoperative HRCT measurements were used to predict the type of visualization of round window niche before surgery and correlated with the findings during surgery. The mean and standard deviation for the distance between the short process of incus and the round window niche and for the distance between the oval window and the round window niche for Types 1, 2, and 3 were 8.5 ± 0.2 mm and 3.2 ± 0.2 mm, 8.0 ± 0.4 mm and 3.8 ± 0.2 mm, 7.5 ± 0.2 mm and 4.4 ± 0.2 mm respectively, and showed statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) between them. The preoperative HRCT measurements had a sensitivity and specificity of 92.3% and 96.2%, respectively, in determining the actual visualization of round window niche. This study shows preoperative HRCT temporal bone measurements are useful in predicting the actual visualization of round window niche as viewed through posterior tympanotomy.

  19. In the Round: Supporting Teachers' Authentic Professional Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Strand, Matt

    2013-01-01

    This is a study of teachers' authentic professional learning at a public school in Poudre School District in northern Colorado. At Polaris Expeditionary Learning School, teachers and administrators have developed a form of school-based instructional rounds referred to herein as PLC rounds (professional learning community rounds). In PLC rounds,…

  20. Diet shift of double-crested cormorants in eastern Lake Ontario associated with the expansion of the invasive round goby

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Johnson, James H.; Ross, Robert M.; McCullough, Russell D.; Mathers, Alastair

    2010-01-01

    The proliferation of the invasive round goby (Apollonia melanostoma) in the Great Lakes has caused shifts in the trophic ecology in some areas. We examined the diet of double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritas) prior to, and immediately after, round goby population expansion at two colonies, Pigeon and Snake Islands, in eastern Lake Ontario from 1999 to 2007. Cormorant diet was determined from the examination of 10,167 pellets collected over the nine-year period. By the second year round gobies were found in the diet (2002 at Snake Island and 2003 at Pigeon Island) they were the main species consumed by cormorants at each colony. The dominance of round goby in cormorant diets had a significant effect on both daily fish consumption and seasonal trends in fish consumption compared to the pre-goby years. Seasonal differences that were observed during the pre-goby years were lost once gobies became the main diet component of cormorants. The rapid switch to a benthic prey such as round goby, from a largely limnetic fish diet demonstrates the adaptive foraging ability of cormorants. Round goby may act as a buffer for yellow perch and smallmouth bass, two sport fish impacted by cormorant predation in eastern Lake Ontario.

  1. Unitary circular code motifs in genomes of eukaryotes.

    PubMed

    El Soufi, Karim; Michel, Christian J

    A set X of 20 trinucleotides was identified in genes of bacteria, eukaryotes, plasmids and viruses, which has in average the highest occurrence in reading frame compared to its two shifted frames (Michel, 2015; Arquès and Michel, 1996). This set X has an interesting mathematical property as X is a circular code (Arquès and Michel, 1996). Thus, the motifs from this circular code X, called X motifs, have the property to always retrieve, synchronize and maintain the reading frame in genes. The origin of this circular code X in genes is an open problem since its discovery in 1996. Here, we first show that the unitary circular codes (UCC), i.e. sets of one word, allow to generate unitary circular code motifs (UCC motifs), i.e. a concatenation of the same motif (simple repeats) leading to low complexity DNA. Three classes of UCC motifs are studied here: repeated dinucleotides (D + motifs), repeated trinucleotides (T + motifs) and repeated tetranucleotides (T + motifs). Thus, the D + , T + and T + motifs allow to retrieve, synchronize and maintain a frame modulo 2, modulo 3 and modulo 4, respectively, and their shifted frames (1 modulo 2; 1 and 2 modulo 3; 1, 2 and 3 modulo 4 according to the C 2 , C 3 and C 4 properties, respectively) in the DNA sequences. The statistical distribution of the D + , T + and T + motifs is analyzed in the genomes of eukaryotes. A UCC motif and its comp lementary UCC motif have the same distribution in the eukaryotic genomes. Furthermore, a UCC motif and its complementary UCC motif have increasing occurrences contrary to their number of hydrogen bonds, very significant with the T + motifs. The longest D + , T + and T + motifs in the studied eukaryotic genomes are also given. Surprisingly, a scarcity of repeated trinucleotides (T + motifs) in the large eukaryotic genomes is observed compared to the D + and T + motifs. This result has been investigated and may be explained by two outcomes. Repeated trinucleotides (T + motifs) are identified

  2. Ethics rounds: An appreciated form of ethics support.

    PubMed

    Silén, Marit; Ramklint, Mia; Hansson, Mats G; Haglund, Kristina

    2016-03-01

    Ethics rounds are one way to support healthcare personnel in handling ethically difficult situations. A previous study in the present project showed that ethics rounds did not result in significant changes in perceptions of how ethical issues were handled, that is, in the ethical climate. However, there was anecdotal evidence that the ethics rounds were viewed as a positive experience and that they stimulated ethical reflection. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of how the ethics rounds were experienced and why the intervention in the form of ethics rounds did not succeed in improving the ethical climate for the staff. An exploratory and descriptive design with a qualitative approach was adopted, using individual interviews. A total of 11 healthcare personnel, working in two different psychiatry outpatient clinics and with experience of participating in ethics rounds, were interviewed. The study was based on informed consent and was approved by one of the Swedish Regional Ethical Review Boards. The participants were generally positive about the ethics rounds. They had experienced changes by participating in the ethics rounds in the form of being able to see things from different perspectives as well as by gaining insight into ethical issues. However, these changes had not affected daily work. A crucial question is whether or not increased reflection ability among the participants is a good enough outcome of ethics rounds and whether this result could have been measured in patient-related outcomes. Ethics rounds might foster cooperation among the staff and this, in turn, could influence patient care. By listening to others during ethics rounds, a person can learn to see things from a new angle. Participation in ethics rounds can also lead to better insight concerning ethical issues. © The Author(s) 2014.

  3. Collaborative Care for Children: A Grand Rounds Presentation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Foley, Michele; Dunbar, Nancy; Clancy, Jeanne

    2014-01-01

    At the end of the 2011-2012 school year, two collaborative initiatives took place in Springfield, MA, between the public school system and Baystate Medical Center, an affiliate of Tufts University. The success of these initiatives was highlighted during grand rounds that featured academic medical center physicians and nurses as well as public…

  4. Year-round simulated methane emissions from a permafrost ecosystem in Northeast Siberia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Castro-Morales, Karel; Kleinen, Thomas; Kaiser, Sonja; Zaehle, Sönke; Kittler, Fanny; Kwon, Min Jung; Beer, Christian; Göckede, Mathias

    2018-05-01

    Wetlands of northern high latitudes are ecosystems highly vulnerable to climate change. Some degradation effects include soil hydrologic changes due to permafrost thaw, formation of deeper active layers, and rising topsoil temperatures that accelerate the degradation of permafrost carbon and increase in CO2 and CH4 emissions. In this work we present 2 years of modeled year-round CH4 emissions into the atmosphere from a Northeast Siberian region in the Russian Far East. We use a revisited version of the process-based JSBACH-methane model that includes four CH4 transport pathways: plant-mediated transport, ebullition and molecular diffusion in the presence or absence of snow. The gas is emitted through wetlands represented by grid cell inundated areas simulated with a TOPMODEL approach. The magnitude of the summertime modeled CH4 emissions is comparable to ground-based CH4 fluxes measured with the eddy covariance technique and flux chambers in the same area of study, whereas wintertime modeled values are underestimated by 1 order of magnitude. In an annual balance, the most important mechanism for transport of methane into the atmosphere is through plants (61 %). This is followed by ebullition ( ˜ 35 %), while summertime molecular diffusion is negligible (0.02 %) compared to the diffusion through the snow during winter ( ˜ 4 %). We investigate the relationship between temporal changes in the CH4 fluxes, soil temperature, and soil moisture content. Our results highlight the heterogeneity in CH4 emissions at landscape scale and suggest that further improvements to the representation of large-scale hydrological conditions in the model will facilitate a more process-oriented land surface scheme and better simulate CH4 emissions under climate change. This is especially necessary at regional scales in Arctic ecosystems influenced by permafrost thaw.

  5. An unusual abdominal cystic mass in the round ligament of the uterus: a case report.

    PubMed

    Açmaz, Gökhan; Aksoy, Hüseyin; Aksoy, Ülkü; Özyurt, Sezin; Esin, Erkan; Gökahmetoğlu, Günhan

    2014-10-01

    Cystic tumor of the round ligament is extremely rare. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported in the literature of a round ligament giant serous cystadenoma. A 17-year-old adolescent who presented with massive abdominal swelling and was later identified as a serous cystadenomas of the round ligament with a size of approximately 50 cm. A multidisciplinary team including gynecologist, surgeon, and urologist performed the surgical cyst excision and she has recovered well without any complications. Round ligament serous cystadenomas could grow to any size when there is a diagnosis. In addition, even in unusual locations, round ligament serous cysts should be kept in the differential diagnosis of abdominal masses. Copyright © 2014 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. A pilot study of team learning on in-patient rounds.

    PubMed

    Colbert, James; Pelletier, Stephen; Xavier-Depina, Francisca; Shields, Helen

    2016-02-01

    Medical trainees often do not receive structured teaching during in-patient rounds. To assess whether the addition of a collaborative team learning technique would improve the learning experience on a general medicine in-patient team. Eight learners participated in this pilot study. Learning teams consisted of internal medicine residents and third-year medical students on a general medicine in-patient rotation. The experimental curriculum covered four common topics: cardiac stress testing; syncope; pneumonia; and valvular heart disease. Sessions had the following format: (1) each learner answered five self-assessment questions using an immediate feedback technique; (2) learners were divided into groups of two or three to discuss their answers; (3) the teaching doctor led a discussion to clarify and summarise, and also distributed a handout delineating key learning points. Control sessions consisted of the usual teaching rounds. Learners were e-mailed a daily online survey asking them to rate the rounds and handouts on a Likert scale. Medical trainees often do not receive structured teaching during in-patient rounds All of the learners rated the collaborative team learning intervention as either 'excellent' or 'very good'. Learners also indicated that they found the take-away handout valuable, and positive responses were also noted in the survey comments. A novel collaborative team learning technique resulted in high ratings of teaching rounds by medical residents and medical students. Learners found the sessions engaging, high yield, and educationally valuable. This interactive discussion-based teaching method could be used to enhance the learning experience during teaching rounds on medical, surgical and subspecialty services. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  7. 16 CFR 460.11 - Rounding off R-values.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 16 Commercial Practices 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Rounding off R-values. 460.11 Section 460.11... INSULATION § 460.11 Rounding off R-values. R-values shown in labels, fact sheets, ads, or other promotional materials must be rounded to the nearest tenth. However, R-values of 10 or more may be rounded to the...

  8. Kitaev honeycomb tensor networks: Exact unitary circuits and applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schmoll, Philipp; Orús, Román

    2017-01-01

    The Kitaev honeycomb model is a paradigm of exactly solvable models, showing nontrivial physical properties such as topological quantum order, Abelian and non-Abelian anyons, and chirality. Its solution is one of the most beautiful examples of the interplay of different mathematical techniques in condensed matter physics. In this paper, we show how to derive a tensor network (TN) description of the eigenstates of this spin-1/2 model in the thermodynamic limit, and in particular for its ground state. In our setting, eigenstates are naturally encoded by an exact 3d TN structure made of fermionic unitary operators, corresponding to the unitary quantum circuit building up the many-body quantum state. In our derivation we review how the different "solution ingredients" of the Kitaev honeycomb model can be accounted for in the TN language, namely, Jordan-Wigner transformation, braidings of Majorana modes, fermionic Fourier transformation, and Bogoliubov transformation. The TN built in this way allows for a clear understanding of several properties of the model. In particular, we show how the fidelity diagram is straightforward both at zero temperature and at finite temperature in the vortex-free sector. We also show how the properties of two-point correlation functions follow easily. Finally, we also discuss the pros and cons of contracting of our 3d TN down to a 2d projected entangled pair state (PEPS) with finite bond dimension. The results in this paper can be extended to generalizations of the Kitaev model, e.g., to other lattices, spins, and dimensions.

  9. Nozzle dam having a unitary plug

    DOEpatents

    Veronesi, L.; Wepfer, R.M.

    1992-12-15

    Apparatus for sealing the primary-side coolant flow nozzles of a nuclear steam generator is disclosed. The steam generator has relatively small diameter manway openings for providing access to the interior of the steam generator including the inside surface of each nozzle, the manway openings having a diameter substantially less than the inside diameter of each nozzle. The apparatus includes a bracket having an outside surface for matingly sealingly engaging the inside surface of the nozzle. The bracket also has a plurality of openings longitudinally therethrough and a plurality of slots transversely therein in communication with each opening. A plurality of unitary plugs sized to pass through the manway opening are matingly sealingly disposed in each opening of the bracket for sealingly plugging each opening. Each plug includes a plurality of arms operable to engage the slots of the bracket for connecting each plug to the bracket, so that the nozzle is sealed as the plugs seal the openings and are connected to the bracket. 16 figs.

  10. Nozzle dam having a unitary plug

    DOEpatents

    Veronesi, Luciano; Wepfer, Robert M.

    1992-01-01

    Apparatus for sealing the primary-side coolant flow nozzles of a nuclear steam generator. The steam generator has relatively small diameter manway openings for providing access to the interior of the steam generator including the inside surface of each nozzle, the manway openings having a diameter substantially less than the inside diameter of each nozzle. The apparatus includes a bracket having an outside surface for matingly sealingly engaging the inside surface of the nozzle. The bracket also has a plurality of openings longitudinally therethrough and a plurality of slots transversely therein in communication with each opening. A plurality of unitary plugs sized to pass through the manway opening are matingly sealingly disposed in each opening of the bracket for sealingly plugging each opening. Each plug includes a plurality of arms operable to engage the slots of the bracket for connecting each plug to the bracket, so that the nozzle is sealed as the plugs seal the openings and are connected to the bracket.

  11. The Final Stretch: An Analysis of the Race to the Top Round 2 Finalists

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Council on Teacher Quality, 2010

    2010-01-01

    The U.S. Department of Education recently announced the finalists for the second round of the Race to the Top (RTT) competition, with the winners to be announced in September. Round one of the competition yielded just two awards earlier this year, with Delaware and Tennessee claiming approximately $600 million of the available funds. Thirty-five…

  12. Why Are So Many Things in the Solar System Round?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Heilig, Steven J.

    2010-09-01

    Several years ago a student asked why so many things in the solar system were round. He noted that many objects in the solar system, although not all, are round. The standard answer, which he knew, is that the mutual gravitational attraction of the molecules pulls them into the shape that gets them as close to each other as possible: a sphere. This argument works fine for fluid bodies such as the Sun or Jupiter, but it isn't so simple for a solid object-we have all seen rocks that are not round. There is still a gravitational attraction acting between the rock's molecules, butfor small rocks that force does not overcome the strength of the bonds holding those molecules in their relative positions. Since the strength of the gravitational force grows with the size of the object, a large enough rock will have a strong enough gravitational attraction to force a deformation into a round shape. But how large is that? A simple model gives an answer to this question. There is also renewed interest in this topic as a result of the new definition of a planet approved by the International Astronomical Union, which says in part, ``A `planet' is a celestial body that... has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape.''1 What size object is large enough to satisfy this criterion? Where does Pluto fall regarding this question?

  13. Anesthesiology leadership rounding: identifying opportunities for improvement.

    PubMed

    Gravenstein, Dietrich; Ford, Susan; Enneking, F Kayser

    2012-01-01

    Rounding that includes participation of individuals with authority to implement changes has been advocated as important to the transformation of an institution into a high-quality and safe organization. We describe a Department of Anesthesiology's experience with leadership rounding. The Department Chair or other senior faculty designate, a quality coordinator, up to four residents, the ward charge nurse, and patient nurses participated in rounds at bedsides. During a 23-month period, 14 significant opportunities to improve care were identified. Nurses identified 5 of these opportunities, primary team physicians 2, the rounding team 4, and patients or their family members another 3. The anesthesiology service had sole or shared responsibility for 10 improvements. A variety of organizations track specific measures across all phases of the patient experience to gauge quality of care. Chart auditing tools for detecting threats to safety are often used. These measures and tools missed opportunities for improvement that were discovered only through rounding. We conclude that the introduction of leadership rounding by an anesthesiology service can identify opportunities for improving quality that are not captured by conventional efforts.

  14. Single cardiac ventricular myosins are autonomous motors

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Yihua; Yuan, Chen-Ching; Kazmierczak, Katarzyna; Szczesna-Cordary, Danuta

    2018-01-01

    Myosin transduces ATP free energy into mechanical work in muscle. Cardiac muscle has dynamically wide-ranging power demands on the motor as the muscle changes modes in a heartbeat from relaxation, via auxotonic shortening, to isometric contraction. The cardiac power output modulation mechanism is explored in vitro by assessing single cardiac myosin step-size selection versus load. Transgenic mice express human ventricular essential light chain (ELC) in wild- type (WT), or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy-linked mutant forms, A57G or E143K, in a background of mouse α-cardiac myosin heavy chain. Ensemble motility and single myosin mechanical characteristics are consistent with an A57G that impairs ELC N-terminus actin binding and an E143K that impairs lever-arm stability, while both species down-shift average step-size with increasing load. Cardiac myosin in vivo down-shifts velocity/force ratio with increasing load by changed unitary step-size selections. Here, the loaded in vitro single myosin assay indicates quantitative complementarity with the in vivo mechanism. Both have two embedded regulatory transitions, one inhibiting ADP release and a second novel mechanism inhibiting actin detachment via strain on the actin-bound ELC N-terminus. Competing regulators filter unitary step-size selection to control force-velocity modulation without myosin integration into muscle. Cardiac myosin is muscle in a molecule. PMID:29669825

  15. Summary of Round Table Session and Appendixes

    Treesearch

    1992-01-01

    The round table session was designed for interaction between the presenters and other round table participants. Twelve round tables, each capable of holding 10 participants were set up in one room. Presenters for the sessions were encouraged to lead discussions on one of many topics in these areas: a research idea that the presenter was just formulating; an unpublished...

  16. Multi-party quantum summation without a trusted third party based on single particles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Cai; Situ, Haozhen; Huang, Qiong; Yang, Pingle

    We propose multi-party quantum summation protocols based on single particles, in which participants are allowed to compute the summation of their inputs without the help of a trusted third party and preserve the privacy of their inputs. Only one participant who generates the source particles needs to perform unitary operations and only single particles are needed in the beginning of the protocols.

  17. Ball mounting fixture for a roundness gage

    DOEpatents

    Gauler, Allen L.; Pasieka, Donald F.

    1983-01-01

    A ball mounting fixture for a roundness gage is disclosed. The fixture includes a pair of chuck assemblies oriented substantially transversely with respect to one another and mounted on a common base. Each chuck assembly preferably includes a rotary stage and a wobble plate affixed thereto. A ball chuck affixed to each wobble plate is operable to selectively support a ball to be measured for roundness, with the wobble plate permitting the ball chuck to be tilted to center the ball on the axis of rotation of the rotary stage. In a preferred embodiment, each chuck assembly includes a vacuum chuck operable to selectively support the ball to be measured for roundness. The mounting fixture enables a series of roundness measurements to be taken with a conventional rotating gagehead roundness instrument, which measurements can be utilized to determine the sphericity of the ball.

  18. Novel round cells in urine sediment and their clinical implications.

    PubMed

    Shukuya, Kenichi; Ogura, Sayoko; Tokuhara, Yasunori; Okubo, Shigeo; Yatomi, Yutaka; Tozuka, Minoru; Shimosawa, Tatsuo

    2016-06-01

    Voided urine contains a variety of cells from the kidney and urinary tract and urinalysis provides us various information by investigating cellular components. We investigated urine sediment from renal impaired patients. We found 'round cell' to be distinct from known cells in sediment and is close to proximal convoluted tubule-derived cells based on morphology and molecular marker expression (GGT1 but not podocalyxin). Also it was positive for undifferentiated cell markers, including PAX2, WT1, OSR1, and SIX2. They were observed in end-stage renal failure patients and the number of cells was correlated with the severity of chronic kidney disease. A prospective analysis revealed that patients who had more round cells were more likely to require hemodialysis within a year. Round cells are a novel marker that can be used to predict the need for hemodialysis. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. A Unitary ESPRIT Scheme of Joint Angle Estimation for MOTS MIMO Radar

    PubMed Central

    Wen, Chao; Shi, Guangming

    2014-01-01

    The transmit array of multi-overlapped-transmit-subarray configured bistatic multiple-input multiple-output (MOTS MIMO) radar is partitioned into a number of overlapped subarrays, which is different from the traditional bistatic MIMO radar. In this paper, a new unitary ESPRIT scheme for joint estimation of the direction of departure (DOD) and the direction of arrival (DOA) for MOTS MIMO radar is proposed. In our method, each overlapped-transmit-subarray (OTS) with the identical effective aperture is regarded as a transmit element and the characteristics that the phase delays between the two OTSs is utilized. First, the measurements corresponding to all the OTSs are partitioned into two groups which have a rotational invariance relationship with each other. Then, the properties of centro-Hermitian matrices and real-valued rotational invariance factors are exploited to double the measurement samples and reduce computational complexity. Finally, the close-formed solution of automatically paired DOAs and DODs of targets is derived in a new manner. The proposed scheme provides increased estimation accuracy with the combination of inherent advantages of MOTS MIMO radar with unitary ESPRIT. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantage of the proposed scheme. PMID:25106023

  20. Direction of Arrival Estimation for MIMO Radar via Unitary Nuclear Norm Minimization

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Xianpeng; Huang, Mengxing; Wu, Xiaoqin; Bi, Guoan

    2017-01-01

    In this paper, we consider the direction of arrival (DOA) estimation issue of noncircular (NC) source in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar and propose a novel unitary nuclear norm minimization (UNNM) algorithm. In the proposed method, the noncircular properties of signals are used to double the virtual array aperture, and the real-valued data are obtained by utilizing unitary transformation. Then a real-valued block sparse model is established based on a novel over-complete dictionary, and a UNNM algorithm is formulated for recovering the block-sparse matrix. In addition, the real-valued NC-MUSIC spectrum is used to design a weight matrix for reweighting the nuclear norm minimization to achieve the enhanced sparsity of solutions. Finally, the DOA is estimated by searching the non-zero blocks of the recovered matrix. Because of using the noncircular properties of signals to extend the virtual array aperture and an additional real structure to suppress the noise, the proposed method provides better performance compared with the conventional sparse recovery based algorithms. Furthermore, the proposed method can handle the case of underdetermined DOA estimation. Simulation results show the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method. PMID:28441770

  1. A unitary ESPRIT scheme of joint angle estimation for MOTS MIMO radar.

    PubMed

    Wen, Chao; Shi, Guangming

    2014-08-07

    The transmit array of multi-overlapped-transmit-subarray configured bistatic multiple-input multiple-output (MOTS MIMO) radar is partitioned into a number of overlapped subarrays, which is different from the traditional bistatic MIMO radar. In this paper, a new unitary ESPRIT scheme for joint estimation of the direction of departure (DOD) and the direction of arrival (DOA) for MOTS MIMO radar is proposed. In our method, each overlapped-transmit-subarray (OTS) with the identical effective aperture is regarded as a transmit element and the characteristics that the phase delays between the two OTSs is utilized. First, the measurements corresponding to all the OTSs are partitioned into two groups which have a rotational invariance relationship with each other. Then, the properties of centro-Hermitian matrices and real-valued rotational invariance factors are exploited to double the measurement samples and reduce computational complexity. Finally, the close-formed solution of automatically paired DOAs and DODs of targets is derived in a new manner. The proposed scheme provides increased estimation accuracy with the combination of inherent advantages of MOTS MIMO radar with unitary ESPRIT. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantage of the proposed scheme.

  2. Analysis of Dynamic Data from Supersonic Retropropulsion Experiments in NASA Langley's Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Codoni, Joshua R.; Berry, Scott A.

    2012-01-01

    Recent experimental supersonic retropropulsion tests were conducted at the NASA Langley Research Center Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel Test Section 2 for a range of Mach numbers from 2.4 to 4.6. A 5-inch 70-degree sphere-cone forebody model with a 10-inch cylindrical aftbody experimental model was used which is capable of multiple retrorocket configurations. These configurations include a single central nozzle on the center point of the forebody, three nozzles at the forebody half-radius, and a combination of the first two configurations with no jets being plugged. A series of measurements were achieved through various instrumentation including forebody and aftbody pressure, internal pressures and temperatures, and high speed Schlieren visualization. Specifically, several high speed pressure transducers on the forebody and in the plenum were implemented to look at unsteady flow effects. The following work focuses on analyzing frequency traits due to the unsteady flow for a range of thrust coefficients for single, tri, and quad-nozzle test cases at freestream Mach 4.6 and angle of attack ranging from -8 degrees to +20 degrees. This analysis uses Matlab s fast Fourier transform, Welch's method (modified average of a periodogram), to create a power spectral density and analyze any high speed pressure transducer frequency traits due to the unsteady flow.

  3. Planetary Taxonomy: Label Round Bodies "Worlds"

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Margot, Jean-Luc; Levison, H. F.

    2009-05-01

    The classification of planetary bodies is as important to Astronomy as taxonomy is to other sciences. The etymological, historical, and IAU definitions of planet rely on a dynamical criterion, but some authors prefer a geophysical criterion based on "roundness". Although the former criterion is superior when it comes to classifying newly discovered objects, the conflict need not exist if we agree to identify the subset of "round" planetary objects as "worlds". This addition to the taxonomy would conveniently recognize that "round" objects such as Earth, Europa, Titan, Triton, and Pluto share some common planetary-type processes regardless of their distance from the host star. Some of these worlds are planets, others are not. Defining how round is round and handling the inevitable transition objects are non-trivial tasks. Because images at sufficient resolution are not available for the overwhelming majority of newly discovered objects, the degree of roundness is not a directly observable property and is inherently problematic as a basis for classification. We can tolerate some uncertainty in establishing the "world" status of a newly discovered object, and still establish its planet or satellite status with existing dynamical criteria. Because orbital parameters are directly observable, and because mass can often be measured either from orbital perturbations or from the presence of companions, the dynamics provide a robust and practical planet classification scheme. It may also be possible to determine which bodies are dynamically dominant from observations of the population magnitude/size distribution.

  4. Study of optical techniques for the Ames unitary wind tunnels. Part 3: Angle of attack

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lee, George

    1992-01-01

    A review of optical sensors that are capable of accurate angle of attack measurements in wind tunnels was conducted. These include sensors being used or being developed at NASA Ames and Langley Research Centers, Boeing Airplane Company, McDonald Aircraft Company, Arnold Engineering Development Center, National Aerospace Laboratory of the Netherlands, National Research Council of Canada, and the Royal Aircraft Establishment of England. Some commercial sensors that may be applicable to accurate angle measurements were also reviewed. It was found that the optical sensor systems were based on interferometers, polarized light detector, linear or area photodiode cameras, position sensing photodetectors, and laser scanners. Several of the optical sensors can meet the requirements of the Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. Two of these, the Boeing interferometer and the Complere lateral effect photodiode sensors are being developed for the Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel.

  5. Patient-Centered Bedside Rounds and the Clinical Examination.

    PubMed

    Lichstein, Peter R; Atkinson, Hal H

    2018-05-01

    Bedside hospital rounds promote patient-centered care in teaching and nonteaching settings. Patients and families prefer bedside rounds and provider acceptance is increasing. Efficient bedside rounds with an interprofessional team or with learners requires preparation of the patient and the rounding team. Bedside "choreography" provides structure and sets expectations for time spent in the room. By using relationship-centered communication, rounds can be both patient proximate and patient centered. The clinical examination can be integrated into the flow of the presentation and case discussion. Patient and provider experience can be enhanced through investing time at the bedside. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Ball mounting fixture for a roundness gage

    DOEpatents

    Gauler, A.L.; Pasieka, D.F.

    1983-11-15

    A ball mounting fixture for a roundness gage is disclosed. The fixture includes a pair of chuck assemblies oriented substantially transversely with respect to one another and mounted on a common base. Each chuck assembly preferably includes a rotary stage and a wobble plate affixed thereto. A ball chuck affixed to each wobble plate is operable to selectively support a ball to be measured for roundness, with the wobble plate permitting the ball chuck to be tilted to center the ball on the axis of rotation of the rotary stage. In a preferred embodiment, each chuck assembly includes a vacuum chuck operable to selectively support the ball to be measured for roundness. The mounting fixture enables a series of roundness measurements to be taken with a conventional rotating gagehead roundness instrument, which measurements can be utilized to determine the sphericity of the ball. 6 figs.

  7. THE DISTRIBUTION OF ROUNDS FIRED IN STOCHASTIC DUELS

    DTIC Science & Technology

    This paper continues the development of the theory of Stochastic Duels to include the distribution of the number of rounds fired. Most generally...the duel between two contestants who fire at each other with constant kill probabilities per round is considered. The time between rounds fired may be...at the beginning of the duel may be limited and is a discrete random variable. Besides the distribution of rounds fired, its first two moments and

  8. Primary desmoplastic small round cell tumor in the left orbit: a case report and literature review.

    PubMed

    He, Xue-Rui; Liu, Zheng; Wei, Jing; Li, Wan-Jun; Liu, Tao

    2018-01-30

    Desmoplastic small round cell tumor is a rare malignant neoplasm that most often occurs in the abdomen or pelvis of young men. We herein describe a rare case of desmoplastic small round cell tumor arising from the left orbit in a 16-year-old male. A biopsy was performed and the histology showed the nests of tumor cells with small round cell morphology. The tumor cells showed immunopositivity for desmin, CD99, CD56, SMA, NSE, CgA, SYN, Ki67 and vimentin. Fluorescence in situ hybridization study using EWSR1 break-apart probe was positive for EWSR1 gene rearrangement. After complete surgical resection of the tumor, we did not find tumor recurrence or metastasis with one-year follow-up. Furthermore, a review of the relevant English literature has been discussed. In the present study, for the first time, we report a case of desmoplastic small round cell tumor which is located in the orbital region.

  9. Energy-absorption spectroscopy of unitary Fermi gases in a uniform potential

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Pengfei; Yu, Zhenhua

    2018-04-01

    We propose to use the energy absorption spectroscopy to measure the kinetic coefficients of unitary Fermi gases in a uniform potential. We show that, in our scheme, the energy absorption spectrum is proportional to the dynamic structure factor of the system. The profile of the spectrum depends on the shear viscosity η , the thermal conductivity κ , and the superfluid bulk viscosity ξ3. We show that extraction of these coefficients from the spectrum is achievable in present experiments.

  10. Cognitive Load in Percentage Change Problems: Unitary, Pictorial, and Equation Approaches to Instruction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ngu, Bing Hiong; Yeung, Alexander Seeshing; Tobias, Stephen

    2014-01-01

    Eighth grade students in Australia (N = 60) participated in an experiment on learning how to solve percentage change problems in a regular classroom in three conditions: unitary, pictorial, and equation approaches. The procedure involved a pre-test, an acquisition phase, and a post-test. The main goal was to test the relative merits of the three…

  11. Third Structure Determination by Powder Diffractometery Round Robin (SDPDRR-3)

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

    Le Bail, A.; Cranswick, L; Adil, K

    2009-01-01

    The results from a third structure determination by powder diffractometry (SDPD) round robin are discussed. From the 175 potential participants having downloaded the powder data, nine sent a total of 12 solutions (8 and 4 for samples 1 and 2, respectively, a tetrahydrated calcium tartrate and a lanthanum tungstate). Participants used seven different computer programs for structure solution (ESPOIR, EXPO, FOX, PSSP, SHELXS, SUPERFLIP, and TOPAS), applying Patterson, direct methods, direct space methods, and charge flipping approach. It is concluded that solving a structure from powder data remains a challenge, at least one order of magnitude more difficult than solvingmore » a problem with similar complexity from single-crystal data. Nevertheless, a few more steps in the direction of increasing the SDPD rate of success were accomplished since the two previous round robins: this time, not only the computer program developers were successful but also some users. No result was obtained from crystal structure prediction experts.« less

  12. Single lens laser beam shaper

    DOEpatents

    Liu, Chuyu [Newport News, VA; Zhang, Shukui [Yorktown, VA

    2011-10-04

    A single lens bullet-shaped laser beam shaper capable of redistributing an arbitrary beam profile into any desired output profile comprising a unitary lens comprising: a convex front input surface defining a focal point and a flat output portion at the focal point; and b) a cylindrical core portion having a flat input surface coincident with the flat output portion of the first input portion at the focal point and a convex rear output surface remote from the convex front input surface.

  13. Nonunitary and unitary approach to Eigenvalue problem of Boson operators and squeezed coherent states

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wunsche, A.

    1993-01-01

    The eigenvalue problem of the operator a + zeta(boson creation operator) is solved for arbitrarily complex zeta by applying a nonunitary operator to the vacuum state. This nonunitary approach is compared with the unitary approach leading for the absolute value of zeta less than 1 to squeezed coherent states.

  14. Practical Unitary Simulator for Non-Markovian Complex Processes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Binder, Felix C.; Thompson, Jayne; Gu, Mile

    2018-06-01

    Stochastic processes are as ubiquitous throughout the quantitative sciences as they are notorious for being difficult to simulate and predict. In this Letter, we propose a unitary quantum simulator for discrete-time stochastic processes which requires less internal memory than any classical analogue throughout the simulation. The simulator's internal memory requirements equal those of the best previous quantum models. However, in contrast to previous models, it only requires a (small) finite-dimensional Hilbert space. Moreover, since the simulator operates unitarily throughout, it avoids any unnecessary information loss. We provide a stepwise construction for simulators for a large class of stochastic processes hence directly opening the possibility for experimental implementations with current platforms for quantum computation. The results are illustrated for an example process.

  15. Design for a Unitary Graphite Composite Instrument Boom

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Alexander, Wes; Carlos, Rene; Sturm, James; Rossoni, Peter

    2004-01-01

    This paper describes development of a Unitary graphite composite instrument boom that incorporates carpenter-tape like hinges for stowage. While light and stiff, graphite composite is not ordinarily thought of as a flexible material. This design has taken advantage of the stiffness of the composite in tubular geometry, yet leveraged its thin- section behavior to place flexibility at the required locations. Key is the proprietary layup, which results in a tough yet flexible hinge capable of rotating over 90 degrees in each direction. When the boom deploys, there is enough torque to overcome parasitic resistance from harness, etc. It will snap to the fully extended, rigid shape. The design has addressed materials issues such as out-of-plane bending, edge cracking, and interlaminar ply separation.

  16. Rounded atelectasis of the lung: A pictorial review

    PubMed Central

    Sobocińska, Magdalena; Sobociński, Bartosz; Jarzemska, Agnieszka; Serafin, Zbigniew

    2014-01-01

    Summary Rounded atelectasis of the lung is well described in medical literature, but still difficult to diagnose. Since lesions give no clinical symptoms in patients, radiologists are often the first to recognize the round lesion in an X-ray picture or a CT scan. Rounded atelectasis is an atypical form of lung collapse that usually occurs adjacent to scarred pleura and can be mistaken for lung cancer. Patients with rounded atelectasis have a history of asbestos exposure or pleural effusion due to various causes. When characteristic imaging findings are present, the diagnosis is rarely dubious and no further investigation is necessary. However, differential diagnosis of rounded atelectasis poses a challenge to pulmonary specialists and radiologists. PMID:25045412

  17. Strong Unitary and Overlap Uncertainty Relations: Theory and Experiment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bong, Kok-Wei; Tischler, Nora; Patel, Raj B.; Wollmann, Sabine; Pryde, Geoff J.; Hall, Michael J. W.

    2018-06-01

    We derive and experimentally investigate a strong uncertainty relation valid for any n unitary operators, which implies the standard uncertainty relation and others as special cases, and which can be written in terms of geometric phases. It is saturated by every pure state of any n -dimensional quantum system, generates a tight overlap uncertainty relation for the transition probabilities of any n +1 pure states, and gives an upper bound for the out-of-time-order correlation function. We test these uncertainty relations experimentally for photonic polarization qubits, including the minimum uncertainty states of the overlap uncertainty relation, via interferometric measurements of generalized geometric phases.

  18. Result of International Round Robin Test on Young's Modulus Measurement of 304L and 316L Steels at Cryogenic Temperatures

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

    Shibata, K.; Ogata, T.; Nyilas, A.

    2006-03-31

    Ogata et al. reported in 1996 results of international Round Robin tests on mechanical property measurement of several metals at cryogenic temperatures. Following the report, the standard deviation of Young's modulus of 316L steel is much larger than those of yield and tensile strengths, that is, 4.6 % of the mean value for Young's modulus, while 1.4 % and 1.6 % of the mean values for yield and for tensile strengths, respectively. Therefore, an international Round Robin test on Young's modulus of two austenitic stainless steels at cryogenic temperatures under the participation often institutes from four nations has been initiatedmore » within these two years. As a result, the ratios of standard deviation to the mean values are 4.2 % for 304L and 3.6 % for 316L. Such a drop in the standard deviation is attributable to the decrease in the number of institute owing to the application of single extensometer or direct strain gage technique.« less

  19. Pore dimensions and the role of occupancy in unitary conductance of Shaker K channels

    PubMed Central

    Díaz-Franulic, Ignacio; Sepúlveda, Romina V.; Navarro-Quezada, Nieves; González-Nilo, Fernando

    2015-01-01

    K channels mediate the selective passage of K+ across the plasma membrane by means of intimate interactions with ions at the pore selectivity filter located near the external face. Despite high conservation of the selectivity filter, the K+ transport properties of different K channels vary widely, with the unitary conductance spanning a range of over two orders of magnitude. Mutation of Pro475, a residue located at the cytoplasmic entrance of the pore of the small-intermediate conductance K channel Shaker (Pro475Asp (P475D) or Pro475Gln (P475Q)), increases Shaker’s reported ∼20-pS conductance by approximately six- and approximately threefold, respectively, without any detectable effect on its selectivity. These findings suggest that the structural determinants underlying the diversity of K channel conductance are distinct from the selectivity filter, making P475D and P475Q excellent probes to identify key determinants of the K channel unitary conductance. By measuring diffusion-limited unitary outward currents after unilateral addition of 2 M sucrose to the internal solution to increase its viscosity, we estimated a pore internal radius of capture of ∼0.82 Å for all three Shaker variants (wild type, P475D, and P475Q). This estimate is consistent with the internal entrance of the Kv1.2/2.1 structure if the effective radius of hydrated K+ is set to ∼4 Å. Unilateral exposure to sucrose allowed us to estimate the internal and external access resistances together with that of the inner pore. We determined that Shaker resistance resides mainly in the inner cavity, whereas only ∼8% resides in the selectivity filter. To reduce the inner resistance, we introduced additional aspartate residues into the internal vestibule to favor ion occupancy. No aspartate addition raised the maximum unitary conductance, measured at saturating [K+], beyond that of P475D, suggesting an ∼200-pS conductance ceiling for Shaker. This value is approximately one third of the maximum

  20. 7 CFR 1405.7 - Uruguay Round Agreements Act.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 10 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Uruguay Round Agreements Act. 1405.7 Section 1405.7... Uruguay Round Agreements Act. In the event the outlays by the United States for domestic support measures will exceed, in any required reporting period, the allowable levels under the Uruguay Round Agreements...

  1. 7 CFR 1405.7 - Uruguay Round Agreements Act.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 10 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Uruguay Round Agreements Act. 1405.7 Section 1405.7... Uruguay Round Agreements Act. In the event the outlays by the United States for domestic support measures will exceed, in any required reporting period, the allowable levels under the Uruguay Round Agreements...

  2. 7 CFR 1405.7 - Uruguay Round Agreements Act.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 10 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Uruguay Round Agreements Act. 1405.7 Section 1405.7... Uruguay Round Agreements Act. In the event the outlays by the United States for domestic support measures will exceed, in any required reporting period, the allowable levels under the Uruguay Round Agreements...

  3. 7 CFR 1405.7 - Uruguay Round Agreements Act.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 10 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Uruguay Round Agreements Act. 1405.7 Section 1405.7... Uruguay Round Agreements Act. In the event the outlays by the United States for domestic support measures will exceed, in any required reporting period, the allowable levels under the Uruguay Round Agreements...

  4. 7 CFR 1405.7 - Uruguay Round Agreements Act.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 10 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Uruguay Round Agreements Act. 1405.7 Section 1405.7... Uruguay Round Agreements Act. In the event the outlays by the United States for domestic support measures will exceed, in any required reporting period, the allowable levels under the Uruguay Round Agreements...

  5. Year-round behaviour of soil microarthropod communities under plant protection product application.

    PubMed

    Vaj, Claudia; Van Gestel, Cornelis A M; Vighi, Marco

    2014-07-01

    The use of plant protection products (PPPs) in agro-environments can lead to undesired exposure of non-target organisms in non-target compartments. A year-round field survey was conducted in a vineyard in Northern Italy, for monitoring the changes in the structure of soil microarthropod communities under the application of PPPs, focusing on springtails and mites, both inside and 4 and 10 m outside the vineyard. Exposure to PPPs was estimated as time-weighted average soil concentrations. The fluctuations in the abundances of the different organisms after the application of PPPs, especially insecticides, were recorded. A recovery in abundances was observed at the end of the productive season outside the field and at the beginning of the next spring within the vineyard. Using multivariate statistical tools, the behaviour of each taxon in relation to the stressors was assessed. Some organisms were affected by the stressors, while others were favoured because of low vulnerability to PPPs and the indirect effect of the absence of other taxa. The principal response curves (PRC) method was the most sensitive tool for assessing PPP effects on soil arthropod communities. Strong differences were evident in the structure of the communities inside and outside the vineyard, with the communities sampled 4 and 10 m outside the vineyard being fairly similar, the latter considered as control. The role of physical stressors on community composition is recognised. However, chemical stressors, and in particular PPP exposure seemed to have larger effects on structural and functional characteristics of soil arthropod communities than physical stressors.

  6. Regarding the unitary theory of agonist and antagonist action at presynaptic adrenoceptors.

    PubMed

    Kalsner, S; Abdali, S A

    2001-06-01

    1. The linkage between potentiation of field stimulation-induced noradrenaline release and blockade of the presynaptic inhibitory effect of exogenous noradrenaline by a presynaptic antagonist was examined in superfused rabbit aorta preparations. 2. Rauwolscine clearly potentiated the release of noradrenaline in response to 100 pulses at 2 Hz but reduced the capacity of noradrenaline to inhibit transmitter release to a questionable extent, and then only when comparisons were made with untreated, rather then to rauwolscine-treated, controls. 3. Aortic preparations exposed for 60 min to rauwolscine followed by superfusion with antagonist-free Krebs for 60 min retained the potentiation of stimulation-induced transmitter release but no antagonism of the noradrenaline-induced inhibition could be detected at either of two noradrenaline concentrations when comparisons were made with rauwolscine treated controls. 4. Comparisons of the inhibitory effect of exogenous noradrenaline (1.8 x 10-6 M) on transmitter efflux in the presence and absence of rauwolscine pretreatment revealed that the antagonist enhanced rather than antagonized the presynaptic inhibition by noradrenaline. 5 It is concluded that the unitary hypothesis that asserts that antagonist enhancement of transmitter release and its blockade of noradrenaline induced inhibition are manifestations of a unitary event are not supportable.

  7. Beyond the Tipping Point: Issues of Racial Diversity in Magnet Schools Following Unitary Status

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smrekar, Claire

    2009-01-01

    This article uses qualitative case study methodology to examine why the racial composition of magnet schools in Nashville, Tennessee, has shifted to predominantly African American in the aftermath of unitary status. The article compares the policy contexts and parents' reasons for choosing magnet schools at two points in time--under court order…

  8. Out of Round

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2011-10-26

    This unnamed crater in Terra Cimmeria is not as round in shape as other craters. Major landslides have occurred on the crater rim, resulting in the final shape as seen by NASA 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft.

  9. Hearing and the round goby: Understanding the auditory system of the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Belanger, Andrea J.; Higgs, Dennis M.

    2005-04-01

    The round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), is an invasive species in the Great Lakes watershed. Adult round gobies show behavioral responses to conspecific vocalizations but physiological investigations have not yet been conducted to quantify their hearing abilities. We have been examining the physiological and morphological development of the auditory system in the round goby. Various frequencies (100 Hz to 800 Hz and conspecific sounds), at various intensities (120 dB to 170 dB re 1 Pa) were presented to juveniles and adults and their auditory brain-stem responses (ABR) were recorded. Round gobies only respond physiologically to tones from 100-600 Hz, with threshold varying between 145 to 155 dB re 1 Pa. The response threshold to conspecific sounds was 140 dB re 1 Pa. There was no significant difference in auditory threshold between sizes of fish for either tones or conspecific sounds. Saccular epithelia were stained using phalloidin and there was a trend towards an increase in both hair cell number and density with an increase in fish size. These results represent a first attempt to quantify auditory abilities in this invasive species. This is an important step in understanding their reproductive physiology, which could potentially aid in their population control. [Funded by NSERC.

  10. Military Base Closures: Observations on Prior and Current BRAC Rounds

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    DOD indicates that recommendations from the previous BRAC rounds were implemented within the 6-year period mandated by law. As a result, DOD estimated that it reduced its domestic infrastructure by about 20 percent; about 90 percent of unneeded BRAC property is now available for reuse.

  11. Auditor recommendations resulting from three clinical audit rounds in Finnish radiology units.

    PubMed

    Miettunen, Kirsi; Metsälä, Eija

    2017-06-01

    Background The purpose of clinical audits performed in radiology units is to reduce the radiation dose of patients and staff and to implement evidence-based best practices. Purpose To describe auditor recommendations in three Finnish clinical audit rounds performed in 2002-2014, and to determine if auditor recommendations have had any impact on improving medical imaging practice. Material and Methods The retrospective observational study was performed in radiology units holding a radiation safety license issued by the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority. The data comprised a systematic sample (n = 120) of auditor reports produced in three auditing rounds in these units during the years 2002-2014. The data were analyzed by descriptive methods and by using the Friedman two-way ANOVA test. Results The number of auditor recommendations given varied between clinical audit rounds and according to the type of imaging unit, as well as according to calculation method. Proportionally, the most recommendations in all three clinical audit rounds were given about defining and using quality assurance functions and about guidelines and practices for carrying out procedures involving radiation exposure. Demanding radiology units improved their practices more than basic imaging units towards the third round. Conclusion Auditor recommendations help to address the deficiencies in imaging practices. There is a need to develop uniform guidelines and to provide tutoring for clinical auditors in order to produce comparable clinical audit results.

  12. PAs reduce rounding interruptions in the pediatric intensive care unit.

    PubMed

    Hascall, Rebecca L; Perkins, R Serene; Kmiecik, Lauren; Gupta, Priya R; Shelak, Carolyn F; Demirel, Shaban; Buchholz, Mark T

    2018-06-01

    We investigated the proportion of encounters that were interrupted during family-centered rounds in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) to determine whether the use of a physician assistant (PA) significantly affected the proportion of interrupted encounters. We evaluated 2,657 rounding encounters in our 24-bed regional referral unit. The duration of each rounding encounter and total rounding duration were recorded. The presence or absence of a PA during each rounding encounter, the occurrence of an interruption, and other potential predictors of interruptions were recorded. The presence of a PA during PICU rounds was significantly associated (P < .001) with a 35.4% lower likelihood of an interruption. Family-centered rounds in the PICU are less likely to be interrupted when a PA is present. PAs help physicians and improve rounding efficiency by safely and effectively handling certain interruptions.

  13. Configurable unitary transformations and linear logic gates using quantum memories.

    PubMed

    Campbell, G T; Pinel, O; Hosseini, M; Ralph, T C; Buchler, B C; Lam, P K

    2014-08-08

    We show that a set of optical memories can act as a configurable linear optical network operating on frequency-multiplexed optical states. Our protocol is applicable to any quantum memories that employ off-resonant Raman transitions to store optical information in atomic spins. In addition to the configurability, the protocol also offers favorable scaling with an increasing number of modes where N memories can be configured to implement arbitrary N-mode unitary operations during storage and readout. We demonstrate the versatility of this protocol by showing an example where cascaded memories are used to implement a conditional cz gate.

  14. Design of Round-trip Trajectories to Near-Earth Asteroids Utilizing a Lunar Flyby

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hernandez, Sonia; Barbee, Brent W.

    2011-01-01

    There are currently over 7,700 known Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs), and more are being discovered on a continual basis. Current models predict that the actual order of magnitude of the NEA population may range from 10' to 10 6 . The close proximity of NEA orbits to Earth's orbit makes it possible to design short duration round-trip trajectories to NEAs under the proper conditions. In previous work, 59 potentially accessible NEAs were identified for missions that depart Earth between the years 2016 and 2050 and have round-trip flight times of a year or less. We now present a new method for designing round-trip trajectories to NEAs in which the Moon's gravity aids the outbound trajectory via a lunar flyby. In some cases this gravity assist can reduce the overall spacecraft propellant required for the mission, which in turn can allow NEAs to be reached which would otherwise be inaccessible to a given mission architecture. Results are presented for a specific case study on NEA 2003 LN6.

  15. Evidence for predatory control of the invasive round goby

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Madenjian, C.P.; Stapanian, M.A.; Witzel, L.D.; Einhouse, D.W.; Pothoven, S.A.; Whitford, H.L.

    2011-01-01

    We coupled bioenergetics modeling with bottom trawl survey results to evaluate the capacity of piscivorous fish in eastern Lake Erie to exert predatory control of the invading population of round goby Neogobius melanostomus. In the offshore (>20 m deep) waters of eastern Lake Erie, burbot Lota lota is a native top predator, feeding on a suite of prey fishes. The round goby invaded eastern Lake Erie during the late 1990s, and round goby population size increased dramatically during 1999–2004. According to annual bottom trawl survey results, round goby abundance in offshore waters peaked in 2004, but then declined during 2004–2008. Coincidentally, round goby became an important component of burbot diet beginning in 2003. Using bottom trawling and gill netting, we estimated adult burbot abundance and age structure in eastern Lake Erie during 2007. Diet composition and energy density of eastern Lake Erie burbot were also determined during 2007. This information, along with estimates of burbot growth, burbot mortality, burbot water temperature regime, and energy densities of prey fish from the literature, were incorporated into a bioenergetics model application to estimate annual consumption of round goby by the adult burbot population. Results indicated that the adult burbot population in eastern Lake Erie annually consumed 1,361 metric tons of round goby. Based on the results of bottom trawling, we estimated the biomass of yearling and older round goby in offshore waters eastern Lake Erie during 2007–2008 to be 2,232 metric tons. Thus, the adult burbot population was feeding on round goby at an annual rate equal to 61% of the estimated round goby standing stock. We concluded that the burbot population had high potential to exert predatory control on round goby in offshore waters of eastern Lake Erie.

  16. 26 CFR 49.4264(e)-1 - Round trips.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 16 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Round trips. 49.4264(e)-1 Section 49.4264(e)-1... TAXES FACILITIES AND SERVICES EXCISE TAXES Transportation of Persons § 49.4264(e)-1 Round trips. (a) In general. For purposes of the regulations in this subpart, a round trip shall be considered to consist of...

  17. 26 CFR 49.4264(e)-1 - Round trips.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 16 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Round trips. 49.4264(e)-1 Section 49.4264(e)-1... TAXES FACILITIES AND SERVICES EXCISE TAXES Transportation of Persons § 49.4264(e)-1 Round trips. (a) In general. For purposes of the regulations in this subpart, a round trip shall be considered to consist of...

  18. 26 CFR 49.4264(e)-1 - Round trips.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 16 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Round trips. 49.4264(e)-1 Section 49.4264(e)-1... TAXES FACILITIES AND SERVICES EXCISE TAXES Transportation of Persons § 49.4264(e)-1 Round trips. (a) In general. For purposes of the regulations in this subpart, a round trip shall be considered to consist of...

  19. Roundness calibration standard

    DOEpatents

    Burrus, Brice M.

    1984-01-01

    A roundness calibration standard is provided with a first arc constituting the major portion of a circle and a second arc lying between the remainder of the circle and the chord extending between the ends of said first arc.

  20. Impact of coupling techniques of an active middle ear device to the round window membrane for the backward stimulation of the cochlea.

    PubMed

    Gostian, Antoniu-Oreste; Pazen, David; Ortmann, Magdalene; Luers, Jan-Christoffer; Anagiotos, Andreas; Hüttenbrink, Karl-Bernd; Beutner, Dirk

    2015-01-01

    Interposed cartilage and the round window coupler (RWC) increase the efficiency of cochlea stimulation with the floating mass transducer (FMT) of a single active middle ear implant (AMEI) placed against the round window membrane. Treatment of mixed and conductive hearing loss with an AMEI attached to the round window is effective, yet the best placement technique of its FMT for the most efficient stimulation of the cochlea remains to be determined. Experimental study on human temporal bones with the FMT placed against firstly the unaltered round window niche and then subsequently against the fully exposed round window membrane with and without interposed cartilage and the RWC. Cochlea stimulation is measured by the volume velocities of the stapes footplate using LASER vibrometry. At the undrilled round window niche, placement of the FMT by itself and with the RWC resulted in similar volume velocities. The response was significantly raised by interposing cartilage into the undrilled round window niche. Complete exposure of the round window membrane allowed for significantly increased volume velocities. Among these, coupling of the FMT with interposed cartilage yielded responses of similar magnitude compared with the RWC but significantly higher compared with the FMT by itself. Good contact to the round window membrane is essential for efficient stimulation of the cochlea. Therefore, interposing cartilage into the undrilled round window niche is a viable option. At the drilled round window membrane, the FMT with interposed cartilage and attached to the RWC are similarly effective.

  1. Monitoring Single-channel Water Permeability in Polarized Cells*

    PubMed Central

    Erokhova, Liudmila; Horner, Andreas; Kügler, Philipp; Pohl, Peter

    2011-01-01

    So far the determination of unitary permeability (pf) of water channels that are expressed in polarized cells is subject to large errors because the opening of a single water channel does not noticeably increase the water permeability of a membrane patch above the background. That is, in contrast to the patch clamp technique, where the single ion channel conductance may be derived from a single experiment, two experiments separated in time and/or space are required to obtain the single-channel water permeability pf as a function of the incremental water permeability (Pf,c) and the number (n) of water channels that contributed to Pf,c. Although the unitary conductance of ion channels is measured in the native environment of the channel, pf is so far derived from reconstituted channels or channels expressed in oocytes. To determine the pf of channels from live epithelial monolayers, we exploit the fact that osmotic volume flow alters the concentration of aqueous reporter dyes adjacent to the epithelia. We measure these changes by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, which allows the calculation of both Pf,c and osmolyte dilution within the unstirred layer. Shifting the focus of the laser from the aqueous solution to the apical and basolateral membranes allowed the FCS-based determination of n. Here we validate the new technique by determining the pf of aquaporin 5 in Madin-Darby canine kidney cell monolayers. Because inhibition and subsequent activity rescue are monitored on the same sample, drug effects on exocytosis or endocytosis can be dissected from those on pf. PMID:21940624

  2. Not Round Crater

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2012-08-07

    Not all images are round as shown by NASA 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft. Here, the surface likely had fractures or preexisting tectonic features that diverted some of the impact stresses along those features and resulted in the straighter east and north

  3. Generalised Pareto distribution: impact of rounding on parameter estimation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pasarić, Z.; Cindrić, K.

    2018-05-01

    Problems that occur when common methods (e.g. maximum likelihood and L-moments) for fitting a generalised Pareto (GP) distribution are applied to discrete (rounded) data sets are revealed by analysing the real, dry spell duration series. The analysis is subsequently performed on generalised Pareto time series obtained by systematic Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. The solution depends on the following: (1) the actual amount of rounding, as determined by the actual data range (measured by the scale parameter, σ) vs. the rounding increment (Δx), combined with; (2) applying a certain (sufficiently high) threshold and considering the series of excesses instead of the original series. For a moderate amount of rounding (e.g. σ/Δx ≥ 4), which is commonly met in practice (at least regarding the dry spell data), and where no threshold is applied, the classical methods work reasonably well. If cutting at the threshold is applied to rounded data—which is actually essential when dealing with a GP distribution—then classical methods applied in a standard way can lead to erroneous estimates, even if the rounding itself is moderate. In this case, it is necessary to adjust the theoretical location parameter for the series of excesses. The other solution is to add an appropriate uniform noise to the rounded data ("so-called" jittering). This, in a sense, reverses the process of rounding; and thereafter, it is straightforward to apply the common methods. Finally, if the rounding is too coarse (e.g. σ/Δx 1), then none of the above recipes would work; and thus, specific methods for rounded data should be applied.

  4. Rounding, work intensification and new public management.

    PubMed

    Willis, Eileen; Toffoli, Luisa; Henderson, Julie; Couzner, Leah; Hamilton, Patricia; Verrall, Claire; Blackman, Ian

    2016-06-01

    In this study, we argue that contemporary nursing care has been overtaken by new public management strategies aimed at curtailing budgets in the public hospital sector in Australia. Drawing on qualitative interviews with 15 nurses from one public acute hospital with supporting documentary evidence, we demonstrate what happens to nursing work when management imposes rounding as a risk reduction strategy. In the case study outlined rounding was introduced across all wards in response to missed care, which in turn arose as a result of work intensification produced by efficiency, productivity, effectiveness and accountability demands. Rounding is a commercially sponsored practice consistent with new public management. Our study illustrates the impact that new public management strategies such as rounding have on how nurses work, both in terms of work intensity and in who controls their labour. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  5. Unitary n -designs via random quenches in atomic Hubbard and spin models: Application to the measurement of Rényi entropies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vermersch, B.; Elben, A.; Dalmonte, M.; Cirac, J. I.; Zoller, P.

    2018-02-01

    We present a general framework for the generation of random unitaries based on random quenches in atomic Hubbard and spin models, forming approximate unitary n -designs, and their application to the measurement of Rényi entropies. We generalize our protocol presented in Elben et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 050406 (2018), 10.1103/PhysRevLett.120.050406] to a broad class of atomic and spin-lattice models. We further present an in-depth numerical and analytical study of experimental imperfections, including the effect of decoherence and statistical errors, and discuss connections of our approach with many-body quantum chaos.

  6. [Academic origin of round magnetic needle and standardization operation].

    PubMed

    Cheng, Yan-Ting; Zhang, Tian-Sheng; Meng, Li-Qiang; Shi, Rui-Qi; Ji, Lai-Xi

    2014-07-01

    The origin and development of round magnetic needle was explored, and the structure of round magnetic needle was introduced in detail, including the handle, the body and the tip of the needle. The clinical opera tion of round magnetic needle were standardized from the aspects of the methods of holding needle, manipulation skill, tapping position, strength of manipulation, application scope and matters needing attention, which laid foundation for the popularization and application of round magnetic needle.

  7. Integrated telemedicine workstation for intercontinental grand rounds

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Willis, Charles E.; Leckie, Robert G.; Brink, Linda; Goeringer, Fred

    1995-04-01

    The Telemedicine Spacebridge to Moscow was a series of intercontinental sessions sponsored jointly by NASA and the Moscow Academy of Medicine. To improve the quality of medical images presented, the MDIS Project developed a workstation for acquisition, storage, and interactive display of radiology and pathology images. The workstation was based on a Macintosh IIfx platform with a laser digitizer for radiographs and video capture capability for microscope images. Images were transmitted via the Russian Lyoutch Satellite which had only a single video channel available and no high speed data channels. Two workstations were configured -- one for use at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD. and the other for use at the Hospital of the Interior in Moscow, Russia. The two workstations were used may times during 16 sessions. As clinicians used the systems, we modified the original configuration to improve interactive use. This project demonstrated that numerous acquisition and output devices could be brought together in a single interactive workstation. The video images were satisfactory for remote consultation in a grand rounds format.

  8. Local quantum transformations requiring infinite rounds of classical communication.

    PubMed

    Chitambar, Eric

    2011-11-04

    In this Letter, we investigate the number of measurement and communication rounds needed to implement certain tasks by local quantum operations and classical communication (LOCC), a relatively unexplored topic. To demonstrate the possible strong dependence on the round number, we consider the problem of converting three-qubit entanglement into two-qubit form, specifically in the random distillation setting of [Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 260501 (2007)]. We find that the number of LOCC rounds needed for a transformation can depend on the amount of entanglement distilled. In fact, for a wide range of transformations, the required number of rounds is infinite (unbounded). This represents the first concrete example of a task needing an infinite number of rounds to implement.

  9. Year-round influenza immunisation during pregnancy in Nepal: a phase 4, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Steinhoff, Mark C; Katz, Joanne; Englund, Janet A; Khatry, Subarna K; Shrestha, Laxman; Kuypers, Jane; Stewart, Laveta; Mullany, Luke C; Chu, Helen Y; LeClerq, Steven C; Kozuki, Naoko; McNeal, Monica; Reedy, Adriana M; Tielsch, James M

    2017-09-01

    Influenza immunisation during pregnancy is recommended but not widely implemented in some low-income regions. We assessed the safety and efficacy in mothers and infants of year-round maternal influenza immunisation in Nepal, where influenza viruses circulate throughout the year. In this phase 4, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, we enrolled two consecutive sequential annual cohorts of pregnant women from the Sarlahi district in southern Nepal. We randomised mothers 1:1 to receive seasonally recommended trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine or saline placebo in blocks of eight, stratified by gestational age at enrolment (17-25 weeks vs 26-34 weeks). Women were eligible if they were married, 15-40 years of age, 17-34 weeks' gestation at enrolment, and had not previously received any influenza vaccine that season. We collected serum samples before and after immunisation, and cord blood from a subset of women and infants. Staff masked to allocation made home visits every week from enrolment to 6 months after delivery. Midnasal swabs for respiratory virus PCR testing were collected during maternal acute febrile respiratory infections, and from infants with any respiratory symptom. We assessed vaccine immunogenicity, safety, and three primary outcomes: the incidence of maternal influenza-like illness in pregnancy and 0-180 days postpartum, the incidence of low birthweight (<2500 g), and the incidence of laboratory-confirmed infant influenza disease from 0 to 180 days. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01034254. From April 25, 2011, to Sept 9, 2013, we enrolled 3693 women in two cohorts of 2090 (1041 assigned to placebo and 1049 to vaccine) and 1603 (805 assigned to placebo and 798 to vaccine), with 3646 liveborn infants (cohort 1, 999 in placebo group and 1010 in vaccine group; cohort 2, 805 in placebo group and 798 in vaccine group). Immunisation reduced maternal febrile influenza-like illness with an overall efficacy of 19% (95% CI 1 to

  10. 'Take Ten' improving the surgical post-take ward round: a quality improvement project.

    PubMed

    Banfield, Danielle Alice; Adamson, Carly; Tomsett, Amy; Povey, James; Fordham, Tony; Richards, Sarah Kathryn

    2018-01-01

    The surgical post-take ward round is a complex multidisciplinary interaction in which new surgical patients are reviewed and management plans formulated. Its fast-paced nature can lead to poor communication and inaccurate or incomplete documentation with potential detriment to patient safety. Junior team members often do not fully understand the diagnosis and management plan. The aims of this project were to improve both communication and documentation on the surgical post-take ward round, influencing patient safety. The ward round was deconstructed to identify individual roles and determine where intervention would have the most impact. Ten important points were identified that should be documented in the management of an acute surgical patient; observations, examination, impression, investigations, antibiotics, intravenous fluids, VTE assessment, nutrition status, estimated length of stay and ceiling of treatment. A 'Take Ten' checklist was devised with these items to be used as a 'time out' after each patient with the whole team for discussion, clarification and clear documentation. Four plan do study act cycles were completed over a period of a year. A retrospective review of post-take documentation preintervention and postintervention was performed, and the percentage of points that were accurately documented was calculated. For further clarification, 2 weekends were compared-one where the checklist was used and one where it was not. Results showed documentation postintervention varied between categories but there was improvement in documentation of VTE assessment, fluids, observations and investigations. On direct comparison of weekends the checklist showed improved documentation in all categories except length of stay. Junior team members found the checklist improved understanding of diagnosis and management plan, and encouraged a more effective ward round. The 'Take Ten' checklist has been well received. Three years on from its inception, the checklist

  11. A rare case of leiomyosarcoma originating from the left round ligament of the uterus.

    PubMed

    Kaba, Metin; Tokmak, Aytekin; Timur, Hakan; Özdal, Bülent; Şirvan, Levent; Güngör, Tayfun

    2016-07-01

    Uterine leiomyosarcomas (LMS) are rare malignancies with a poor prognosis. The incidence is reported to be 3-7/100.000 per year. Preoperative and intraoperative differentiation between LMS and large leiomyoma is always challenging. Therefore, LMS are often diagnosed during postoperative histologic evaluation of hysterectomy or myomectomy specimens. LMS of the round ligament of the uterus which can represent as an inguinal or pelvic mass is extremely rare. To our knowledge, there is only one case report of LMS arising from the round ligament available in the literature. Herein, we aimed to present the second case of LMS originating from the left round ligament of the uterus in a premenopausal woman initially misdiagnosed as an ovarian tumor. © 2016 Old City Publishing, Inc.

  12. Phage display screening without repetitious selection rounds.

    PubMed

    't Hoen, Peter A C; Jirka, Silvana M G; Ten Broeke, Bradley R; Schultes, Erik A; Aguilera, Begoña; Pang, Kar Him; Heemskerk, Hans; Aartsma-Rus, Annemieke; van Ommen, Gertjan J; den Dunnen, Johan T

    2012-02-15

    Phage display screenings are frequently employed to identify high-affinity peptides or antibodies. Although successful, phage display is a laborious technology and is notorious for identification of false positive hits. To accelerate and improve the selection process, we have employed Illumina next generation sequencing to deeply characterize the Ph.D.-7 M13 peptide phage display library before and after several rounds of biopanning on KS483 osteoblast cells. Sequencing of the naive library after one round of amplification in bacteria identifies propagation advantage as an important source of false positive hits. Most important, our data show that deep sequencing of the phage pool after a first round of biopanning is already sufficient to identify positive phages. Whereas traditional sequencing of a limited number of clones after one or two rounds of selection is uninformative, the required additional rounds of biopanning are associated with the risk of losing promising clones propagating slower than nonbinding phages. Confocal and live cell imaging confirms that our screen successfully selected a peptide with very high binding and uptake in osteoblasts. We conclude that next generation sequencing can significantly empower phage display screenings by accelerating the finding of specific binders and restraining the number of false positive hits. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. The impact of a single round of community mass treatment with azithromycin on disease severity and ocular Chlamydia trachomatis load in treatment-naïve trachoma-endemic island communities in West Africa.

    PubMed

    Last, Anna R; Burr, Sarah E; Harding-Esch, Emma; Cassama, Eunice; Nabicassa, Meno; Roberts, Chrissy H; Mabey, David C W; Holland, Martin J; Bailey, Robin L

    2017-12-28

    Trachoma, a neglected tropical disease, is caused by ocular infection with Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends three annual rounds of community mass drug treatment with azithromycin (MDA) if the prevalence of follicular trachoma in 1-9 year olds (TF 1-9 ) exceeds 10% at district level to achieve an elimination target of district-level TF 1-9 below 5% after. To evaluate this strategy in treatment-naïve trachoma-endemic island communities in Guinea Bissau, we conducted a cross-sectional population-based trachoma survey on four islands. The upper tarsal conjunctivae of each participant were clinically assessed for trachoma and conjunctival swabs were obtained (n = 1507). We used a droplet digital PCR assay to detect Ct infection and estimate bacterial load. We visited the same households during a second cross-sectional survey and repeated the ocular examination and obtained conjunctival swabs from these households one year after MDA (n = 1029). Pre-MDA TF 1-9 was 22.0% (136/618). Overall Ct infection prevalence (CtI) was 18.6% (25.4% in 1-9 year olds). Post-MDA (estimated coverage 70%), TF 1-9 and CtI were significantly reduced (7.4% (29/394, P < 0.001) and 3.3% (34/1029, P < 0.001) (6.6% in 1-9 year olds, P < 0.001), respectively. Median ocular Ct load was reduced from 2038 to 384 copies/swab (P < 0.001). Following MDA cases of Ct infection were highly clustered (Moran's I 0.27, P < 0.001), with fewer clusters of Ct infection overall, fewer clusters of cases with high load infections and less severe disease. Despite a significant reduction in the number of clusters of Ct infection, mean Ct load, disease severity and presence of clusters of cases of high load Ct infection suggesting the beginning of trachoma control in isolated island communities, following a single round of MDA we demonstrate that transmission is still ongoing. These detailed data are useful in understanding the epidemiology of ocular Ct infection in the

  14. Leadership rounds to reduce health care-associated infections.

    PubMed

    Knobloch, Mary Jo; Chewning, Betty; Musuuza, Jackson; Rees, Susan; Green, Christopher; Patterson, Erin; Safdar, Nasia

    2018-03-01

    Evidence-based guidelines exist to reduce health care-associated infections (HAIs). Leadership rounds are one tool leaders can use to ensure compliance with guidelines, but have not been studied specifically for the reduction of HAIs. This study examines HAI leadership rounds at one facility. We explored unit-based HAI leadership rounds led by 2 hospital leaders at a large academic hospital. Leadership rounds were observed on 19 units, recorded, and coded to identify themes. Themes were linked to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and used to guide interviews with frontline staff members. Staff members disclosed unit-specific problems and readily engaged in problem-solving with top hospital leaders. These themes appeared over 350 times within 22 rounds. Findings revealed that leaders used words that demonstrated fallibility and modeled curiosity, 2 factors associated with learning climate and psychologic safety. These 2 themes appeared 115 and 142 times, respectively. The flexible nature of the rounds appeared to be conducive for reflection and evaluation, which was coded 161 times. Each interaction between leaders and frontline staff can foster psychologic safety, which can lead to open problem-solving to reduce barriers to implementation. Discovering specific communication and structural factors that contribute to psychologic safety may be powerful in reducing HAIs. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  15. Triatomine Infestation in Guatemala: Spatial Assessment after Two Rounds of Vector Control

    PubMed Central

    Manne, Jennifer; Nakagawa, Jun; Yamagata, Yoichi; Goehler, Alexander; Brownstein, John S.; Castro, Marcia C.

    2012-01-01

    In 2000, the Guatemalan Ministry of Health initiated a Chagas disease program to control Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma dimidiata by periodic house spraying with pyrethroid insecticides to characterize infestation patterns and analyze the contribution of programmatic practices to these patterns. Spatial infestation patterns at three time points were identified using the Getis-Ord Gi*(d) test. Logistic regression was used to assess predictors of reinfestation after pyrethroid insecticide administration. Spatial analysis showed high and low clusters of infestation at three time points. After two rounds of spray, 178 communities persistently fell in high infestation clusters. A time lapse between rounds of vector control greater than 6 months was associated with 1.54 (95% confidence interval = 1.07–2.23) times increased odds of reinfestation after first spray, whereas a time lapse of greater than 1 year was associated with 2.66 (95% confidence interval = 1.85–3.83) times increased odds of reinfestation after first spray compared with localities where the time lapse was less than 180 days. The time lapse between rounds of vector control should remain under 1 year. Spatial analysis can guide targeted vector control efforts by enabling tracking of reinfestation hotspots and improved targeting of resources. PMID:22403315

  16. Hanging A "round."

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stewart, Barbara

    2000-01-01

    Discusses an art project for fifth and sixth grade that was inspired by a Laurel Burch plate with a jungle motif. Explains that students choose a project name, make lists of images associated with their chosen name, and use those images in their round designs. (CMK)

  17. Quench of non-Markovian coherence in the deep sub-Ohmic spin–boson model: A unitary equilibration scheme

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

    Yao, Yao, E-mail: yaoyao@fudan.edu.cn

    The deep sub-Ohmic spin–boson model shows a longstanding non-Markovian coherence at low temperature. Motivating to quench this robust coherence, the thermal effect is unitarily incorporated into the time evolution of the model, which is calculated by the adaptive time-dependent density matrix renormalization group algorithm combined with the orthogonal polynomials theory. Via introducing a unitary heating operator to the bosonic bath, the bath is heated up so that a majority portion of the bosonic excited states is occupied. It is found in this situation the coherence of the spin is quickly quenched even in the coherent regime, in which the non-Markovianmore » feature dominates. With this finding we come up with a novel way to implement the unitary equilibration, the essential term of the eigenstate-thermalization hypothesis, through a short-time evolution of the model.« less

  18. Clinical reasoning and knowledge management in final year medical students: the role of Student-led Grand Rounds.

    PubMed

    Kandiah, David Arumaisingam

    2017-01-01

    The development of clinical reasoning and decision-making skills is often limited in medical school curricula. In reality, medical graduates acquire these skills during their first few years of residency. For many, this can be stressful as they may be working under limited supervision as a part of their rotations. Student-led Grand Rounds was developed to transfer both explicit and tacit knowledge to final year medical students. This pilot project was to apply the principles of knowledge management to allow students to be exposed to the reasoning and decision making of common clinical presentations. Student feedback through questionnaires was collated at the end of the program. Based on feedback and focus groups, modifications were made to produce a stable program in subsequent clinical rotations. Formal feedback was collated from all the 76 students who participated in the first year. This represented 100% of the cohort for this clinical school for that year. There was a 100% response rate as the feedback forms were given and collected at the end of the last session per block. The student responses were both in ratings defined in a feedback forms and in written comments. A total of 74 of the 76 students rated the program highly. They enjoyed the nonthreatening interactions. The remaining two students preferred more didactic teaching. This initiative allows an efficient transfer and utilization of knowledge. This could maximize the acquisition of practical knowledge by medical students as they finish their course in the transition to graduate medical practice.

  19. Lifestyle predictors for non-participation and outcome in the second round of faecal immunochemical test in colorectal cancer screening.

    PubMed

    Knudsen, Markus Dines; Berstad, Paula; Hjartåker, Anette; Gulichsen, Elisabeth Haagensen; Hoff, Geir; de Lange, Thomas; Bernklev, Tomm; Botteri, Edoardo

    2017-08-08

    To reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality through population-based screening programmes using faecal tests, it is important that individuals continue to participate in the repeated rounds of screening. We aimed to identify lifestyle predictors for discontinuation of faecal immunochemical test (FIT) screening after the first round, as well as lifestyle predictors for colorectal neoplasia detected in the second-round FIT screening. In this longitudinal study, we invited 6959 individuals aged 50-74 years from south-east Norway for a first round of FIT screening and to complete a self-reported lifestyle questionnaire on demographic factors, body mass index (BMI, kg m -2 ), smoking habits, physical activity, consumption of alcohol and dietary items. Two years later, we estimated the associations between these factors, non-participation and screening results in the second round of FIT screening using adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Of the 3114 responders to the questionnaire who completed the first-round FIT and who were invited to participate in second-round FIT screening, 540 (17%) did not participate. The OR and (95% CI) for discontinuation of FIT screening after the first round was 1.61 (1.24-2.10) for current smoking compared with non-smoking; 2.01 (1.25-3.24) for BMI⩾35 kg m -2 compared with BMI 16.9-24.9 kg m -2 and 0.70 (0.52-0.94) for physical activity in the third quartile vs the first. Among participants, smoking, high BMI and high alcohol consumption were associated with an increased odds of detecting colorectal neoplasia (n=107). These results may indicate that Norwegian FIT screening participants who discontinue after the first round have lifestyle behaviours associated with increased risk of CRC.

  20. Microsurgical laser Doppler probe for simultaneous intraoperative monitoring of cochlear blood flow and electrocochleography from the round window

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abiy, Lidet; Telischi, Fred; Parel, Jean-Marie A.; Manns, Fabrice; Saettele, Ralph; Morawski, Krzysztof; Ozdamar, Ozcan; Borgos, John; Delgado, Rafael; Miskiel, Edward; Yavuz, Erdem

    2003-06-01

    The aim of this project is the development of a microsurgical laser Doppler (LD) probe that simultaneously monitors blood flow and Electrocochleography (ECochG) from the round window of the ear. The device will prevent neurosensory hearing loss during acoustic neuroma surgery by preventing damage to the internal auditory nerve and to the cochlear blood flow supply. A commercially available 0.5 mm diameter Laser-Doppler velocimetry probe (LaserFlo, Vasamedics) was modified to integrate an ECochG electrode. A tube for suction and irrigation was incorporated into a sheath of the probe shaft, to facilitate cleaning of the round window (RW) and allow drug delivery to the round window membrane. The prototype microprobe was calibrated on a single vessel model and tested in vivo in a rabbit model. Preliminary results indicate that the microprobe was able to measure changes in cochlear blood flow (CBF) and ECochG potentials from the round window of rabbits in vivo. The microprobe is suitable for monitoring cochlear blood flow and auditory cochlear potentials during human surgery.

  1. 47 CFR 65.102 - Petitions for exclusion from unitary treatment and for individual treatment in determining...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 47 Telecommunication 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Petitions for exclusion from unitary treatment and for individual treatment in determining authorized return for interstate exchange access service. 65.102 Section 65.102 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) COMMON CARRIER SERVICES (CONTINUED) INTERSTATE RATE OF RETURN...

  2. Clinical Immersion and Biomedical Engineering Design Education: "Engineering Grand Rounds".

    PubMed

    Walker, Matthew; Churchwell, André L

    2016-03-01

    Grand Rounds is a ritual of medical education and inpatient care comprised of presenting the medical problems and treatment of a patient to an audience of physicians, residents, and medical students. Traditionally, the patient would be in attendance for the presentation and would answer questions. Grand Rounds has evolved considerably over the years with most sessions being didactic-rarely having a patient present (although, in some instances, an actor will portray the patient). Other members of the team, such as nurses, nurse practitioners, and biomedical engineers, are not traditionally involved in the formal teaching process. In this study we examine the rapid ideation in a clinical setting to forge a system of cross talk between engineers and physicians as a steady state at the praxis of ideation and implementation.

  3. Discretization vs. Rounding Error in Euler's Method

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Borges, Carlos F.

    2011-01-01

    Euler's method for solving initial value problems is an excellent vehicle for observing the relationship between discretization error and rounding error in numerical computation. Reductions in stepsize, in order to decrease discretization error, necessarily increase the number of steps and so introduce additional rounding error. The problem is…

  4. Australia: round module handling and cotton classing

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Round modules of seed cotton produced via on-board module building harvesters are the reality of the cotton industry, worldwide. Although round modules have been available to the industry for almost a decade, there is still no consensus on the best method to handle the modules, particularly when th...

  5. A case study of healthcare providers' goals during interprofessional rounds.

    PubMed

    Prystajecky, Michael; Lee, Tiffany; Abonyi, Sylvia; Perry, Robert; Ward, Heather

    2017-07-01

    Daily interprofessional rounds enhance collaboration among healthcare providers and improve hospital performance measures. However, it is unclear how healthcare providers' goals influence the processes and outcomes of interprofessional rounds. The purpose of this case study was to explore the goals of healthcare providers attending interprofessional rounds in an internal medicine ward. The second purpose was to explore the challenges encountered by healthcare providers while pursuing these goals. Three focus groups were held with healthcare providers of diverse professional backgrounds. Focus group field notes and transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. The data indicated that there was no consensus among healthcare providers regarding the goals of interprofessional rounds. Discharge planning and patient care delivery were perceived as competing priorities during rounds, which limited the participation of healthcare providers. Nevertheless, study participants identified goals of rounds that were relevant to most care providers: developing shared perspectives of patients through direct communication, promoting collaborative decision making, coordinating care, and strengthening interprofessional relationships. Challenges in achieving the goals of interprofessional rounds included inconsistent attendance, exchange of irrelevant information, variable participation by healthcare providers, and inconsistent leadership. The findings of this study underscore the importance of shared goals in the context of interprofessional rounding.

  6. "Walking" Along a Free Rotating Bicycle Wheel (Round and Round)

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Güémez, J.; Fiolhais, M.

    2015-01-01

    We describe the kinematics, dynamics, and also some energy issues related to Marta mouse's motion when she walks on top of a horizontal bicycle wheel, which is free to rotate like a merry-go-round, as presented recently by Paul Hewitt in the "Figuring Physics" section of this journal. The situation is represented in Fig. 1, which was…

  7. Fifty Years of Promoting Library History: A Chronology of the ALA (American) Library History Round Table, 1947-1997.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wertheimer, Andrew B.; Marshall, John David

    2000-01-01

    Presents a chronology of the Library History Round Table of the American Library Association. Includes topics and presenters of programs; awards, including the Justin Winsor Prize and the Phyllis Dain Library Dissertation Award; and leadership. (LRW)

  8. The Effect of Family Presence on Rounding Duration in the PICU.

    PubMed

    Gupta, Priya R; Perkins, R Serene; Hascall, Rebecca L; Shelak, Carolyn F; Demirel, Shaban; Buchholz, Mark T

    2017-02-01

    The incorporation of family-centered rounds has become standard in PICUs across the United States. We compared rounding times in our institution, with and without family members present, to determine the effect on total rounding time and work flow. This observational study of a convenience sample was conducted over a 17-month period (May 2014-October 2015), accounting for typical seasonal variation in the PICU. The individual patient rounding times for 2657 encounters were recorded. The presence of family members, intubation status, physician assistant participation, interruptions during rounds, attending physician's full- or part-time status, and patient census were documented. The effect of family presence on per-patient rounding time was analyzed, while controlling for influential variables. Family members were present during 1743 of 2657 (66%) rounding encounters. The average per-patient rounding time with and without family members present was 8.6 minutes and 7.3 minutes, respectively, a difference of 1.3 minutes per patient. In statistical models that accounted for other influential variables, the presence of family members was associated with a highly significant (20.4%, P < .001) increase in the per-patient rounding time. The presence of family members increases per-patient rounding times in the PICU. Family presence on rounds may have benefits that outweigh the additional time required to complete each patient interaction. Copyright © 2017 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

  9. Age, growth, and maturity of round whitefish of the Apostle Islands and Isle Royale Regions, Lake Superior

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Bailey, Merryll M.

    1963-01-01

    The round whitefish has been of some commercial importance in the upper Great Lakes but production in Lake Superior has generally been small; the United States average was 26,600 pounds for 1929-59. This study is based on 1,173 fish collected in the Apostle Islands in 1958-60 and 103 collected at Isle Royale in 1958 and 1960. The average age of 6.0 years at Isle Royale was concluded to be significantly higher than the mean of 4.2 years in the Apostle Islands. The body-scale relation is a straight line with an intercept of 1.1 inches on the length axis. Weight of Apostle Islands round whitefish captured in several months increased as the 3.22 power of the length. Growth in length was relatively slow; nearly or fully 7 years were required to reach an acceptable commercial length of 14 inches in both the Apostle Islands and at Isle Royale. The calculated weights at the end of the seventh year were 12.6 ounces in the Apostle Islands and 13.8 ounces at Isle Royale. Minimum length at maturity of male round whitefish (7.0-7.4 inches) was less than that of females (8.5-8.9 inches). At age-group II, 11.1 percent of male round whitefish, but only 1.5 percent of the females were mature. All males were mature as age-group V and all females as age-group VI. Males dominated the younger age groups but females were more numerous in the older ones. Estimates of the number of eggs in 37 round whitefish ovaries yielded an average of 5,330 eggs for fish 10.5-17.4 inches long.

  10. Our Choice to Homeschool: Stepping off the Merry-Go-Round

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rivero, Lisa

    2004-01-01

    Today's after-school programs and sports are often year-round activities, and children are pressured to focus on one activity to the exclusion of others. Homework for students who attend highly competitive high schools can take three to five hours per night. Not only schools, but the whole culture is different. People listen to music through…

  11. The SNARC effect is not a unitary phenomenon.

    PubMed

    Basso Moro, Sara; Dell'Acqua, Roberto; Cutini, Simone

    2018-04-01

    Models of the spatial-numerical association of response codes (SNARC) effect-faster responses to small numbers using left effectors, and the converse for large numbers-diverge substantially in localizing the root cause of this effect along the numbers' processing chain. One class of models ascribes the cause of the SNARC effect to the inherently spatial nature of the semantic representation of numerical magnitude. A different class of models ascribes the effect's cause to the processing dynamics taking place during response selection. To disentangle these opposing views, we devised a paradigm combining magnitude comparison and stimulus-response switching in order to monitor modulations of the SNARC effect while concurrently tapping both semantic and response-related processing stages. We observed that the SNARC effect varied nonlinearly as a function of both manipulated factors, a result that can hardly be reconciled with a unitary cause of the SNARC effect.

  12. Collective modes of an imbalanced unitary Fermi gas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hofmann, Johannes; Chevy, Frédéric; Goulko, Olga; Lobo, Carlos

    2018-03-01

    We study theoretically the collective mode spectrum of a strongly imbalanced two-component unitary Fermi gas in a cigar-shaped trap, where the minority species forms a gas of polarons. We describe the collective breathing mode of the gas in terms of the Fermi-liquid kinetic equation taking collisions into account using the method of moments. Our results for the frequency and damping of the longitudinal in-phase breathing mode are in good quantitative agreement with an experiment by Nascimbène et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 170402 (2009), 10.1103/PhysRevLett.103.170402] and interpolate between a hydrodynamic and a collisionless regime as the polarization is increased. A separate out-of phase breathing mode, which for a collisionless gas is sensitive to the effective mass of the polaron, however, is strongly damped at finite temperature, whereas the experiment observes a well-defined oscillation.

  13. Validation of the Nurses' Perception of Patient Rounding Scale: An Exploratory Study of the Influence of Shift Work on Nurses' Perception of Patient Rounding.

    PubMed

    Neville, Kathleen; DiBona, Courtney; Mahler, Maureen

    2016-01-01

    Hourly rounds have re-emerged as standard practice among nurses in acute care settings, and there is the need to identify nurses' perceptions regarding this practice. Further use of the Nurses' Perception of Patient Rounding Scale (NPPRS) is needed to further validate this new instrument. In addition, there exists a dearth of literature that examines the impact of hours worked and shift on nurses' perceptions of patient rounding. The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore nurses' perception of the required practice of patient rounding, to examine the influence of nurses' shift on nurses' perception of rounding practice, and to provide additional psychometric support for the NPPRS. The NPPRS, a 42-item scale in 5-point Likert format, and a demographic information sheet were used in the study. The NPPRS yields three subscales: communication, patient benefits, and nurse benefits. Using a convenience sample of anonymous nurse participants, 76 nurses from five medical-surgical units at a medical center in the northeast corridor of the United States participated in the study. Further psychometric support for the NPPRS was demonstrated. Excellent reliability coefficients via Cronbach's alpha for the total scale (0.91) and each of the subscales were obtained. A statistically significant difference was noted among nurses working 8 hours versus 12 hours or combined 8- and 12-hour workloads. Perceptions of nurse benefits were statistically significantly higher for nurses working 8 hours. In addition, results indicated that nurses perceived rounding to be more beneficial to their own practice than to patients. Analyses revealed that leadership support was instrumental in successful rounding practice. Further support for the NPPRS was obtained through this study. Strong nursing leadership, supportive of rounding, is essential for successful rounding. Further research should examine the efficacy of nurse rounding-developed protocols specific to the shift and unit of

  14. 75 FR 67392 - Notice of Availability: HUD's Fiscal Year (FY) NOFA for the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative-Round...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-11-02

    ..., HUD. ACTION: Notice extension of deadline. SUMMARY: On August 26, 2010, HUD posted on http://www...--Round 1. Today's Federal Register notice announces that HUD has posted on http://www.Grants.gov a... to the Mapping Tool used to determine neighborhood eligibility. HUD will post on http://www.Grants...

  15. The History and Progression of Manual Rounds: A Structured Peer Observation Process for Teachers in Urban School Settings

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hunzicker, Jana; Tripses, Jenny; Wolffe, Robert; Jenkins, Taunya; Ewan-Skorczewski, Martha; Chrosniak, Patricia

    2017-01-01

    Research shows that half of all teachers working in urban school settings leave the profession within five years, and many who choose to leave are the ones who are most effective (Coggins & Diffenbaugh, 2013.) Manual Rounds, a structured peer observation process based on the established practice of instructional rounds, was implemented at…

  16. Strength of small-diameter round and tapered bending members

    Treesearch

    Ron Wolfe; Joe Murphy

    2005-01-01

    An early focus on structural use of processed rather than round timber resulted in an underestimation of the structural advantages of retaining the natural form of small-diameter round timber. In the round and tapered form, timbers are not susceptible to the strength-reducing effects of diving grain and exposed juvenile wood. Fiber continuity around knots on the...

  17. Strategies for improving family engagement during family-centered rounds.

    PubMed

    Kelly, Michelle M; Xie, Anping; Carayon, Pascale; DuBenske, Lori L; Ehlenbach, Mary L; Cox, Elizabeth D

    2013-04-01

    Family-centered rounds (FCR) are recommended as standard practice in the pediatric inpatient setting; however, limited data exist on best practices promoting family engagement during rounds. To identify strategies to enhance family engagement during FCR using a recognized systems engineering approach. In this qualitative study, stimulated recall interviews using video-recorded rounding sessions were conducted with participants representing the various stakeholders on rounds (15 parents/children and 22 healthcare team [HCT] members) from 4 inpatient services at a children's hospital in Wisconsin. On video review, participants were asked to provide strategies that would increase family engagement on FCR. Qualitative content analysis of interview transcripts was performed in an iterative process. We identified 21 categories of strategies corresponding to 2 themes related to the structure and process of FCR. Strategies related to the structure of FCR were associated with all five recognized work system elements: people (HCT composition), tasks (HCT roles), organization (scheduling of rounds and HCT training), environment (location of rounds and HCT positioning), and tools and technologies (computer use). Strategies related to the FCR process were associated with three rounding phases: before (HCT and family preparation), during (eg, introductions, presentation content, communication style), and after (follow-up) FCR. We identified a range of strategies to enhance family engagement during FCR. These strategies both confirm prior work on the importance of the content and style of communication on rounds and highlight other factors within the hospital work system, like scheduling and computer use, which may affect family engagement in care. Copyright © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine.

  18. Usefulness of a 50-meter round walking test for fall prediction in the elderly requiring long-term care

    PubMed Central

    Hachiya, Mizuki; Murata, Shin; Otao, Hiroshi; Ihara, Takehiko; Mizota, Katsuhiko; Asami, Toyoko

    2015-01-01

    [Purpose] This study aimed to verify the usefulness of a 50-m round walking test developed as an assessment method for walking ability in the elderly. [Subjects] The subjects were 166 elderly requiring long-term care individuals (mean age, 80.5 years). [Methods] In order to evaluate the factors that had affected falls in the subjects in the previous year, we performed the 50-m round walking test, functional reach test, one-leg standing test, and 5-m walking test and measured grip strength and quadriceps strength. [Results] The 50-m round walking test was selected as a variable indicating fall risk based on the results of multiple logistic regression analysis. The cutoff value of the 50-m round walking test for determining fall risk was 0.66 m/sec. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.64. The sensitivity of the cutoff value was 65.7%, the specificity was 63.6%, the positive predictive value was 55.0%, the negative predictive value was 73.3%, and the accuracy was 64.5%. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the 50-m round walking test is a potentially useful parameter for the determination of fall risk in the elderly requiring long-term care. PMID:26834327

  19. Usefulness of a 50-meter round walking test for fall prediction in the elderly requiring long-term care.

    PubMed

    Hachiya, Mizuki; Murata, Shin; Otao, Hiroshi; Ihara, Takehiko; Mizota, Katsuhiko; Asami, Toyoko

    2015-12-01

    [Purpose] This study aimed to verify the usefulness of a 50-m round walking test developed as an assessment method for walking ability in the elderly. [Subjects] The subjects were 166 elderly requiring long-term care individuals (mean age, 80.5 years). [Methods] In order to evaluate the factors that had affected falls in the subjects in the previous year, we performed the 50-m round walking test, functional reach test, one-leg standing test, and 5-m walking test and measured grip strength and quadriceps strength. [Results] The 50-m round walking test was selected as a variable indicating fall risk based on the results of multiple logistic regression analysis. The cutoff value of the 50-m round walking test for determining fall risk was 0.66 m/sec. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.64. The sensitivity of the cutoff value was 65.7%, the specificity was 63.6%, the positive predictive value was 55.0%, the negative predictive value was 73.3%, and the accuracy was 64.5%. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the 50-m round walking test is a potentially useful parameter for the determination of fall risk in the elderly requiring long-term care.

  20. Bridging Theory to Practice with Classroom Rounds

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bowman, Connie L.; Herrelko, Janet M.

    2014-01-01

    Pre-service candidates' perceptions of how to teach were challenged after going through the process of Classroom Rounds, the process that was used in this study. Classroom Rounds consisted of a pre-conference meeting with an inservice teacher, followed by a classroom observation of that teacher, and finally a discussion focusing on proven…

  1. The unitary convolution approximation for heavy ions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Grande, P. L.; Schiwietz, G.

    2002-10-01

    The convolution approximation for the impact-parameter dependent energy loss is reviewed with emphasis on the determination of the stopping force for heavy projectiles. In this method, the energy loss in different impact-parameter regions is well determined and interpolated smoothly. The physical inputs of the model are the projectile-screening function (in the case of dressed ions), the electron density and oscillators strengths of the target atoms. Moreover, the convolution approximation, in the perturbative mode (called PCA), yields remarkable agreement with full semi-classical-approximation (SCA) results for bare as well as for screened ions at all impact parameters. In the unitary mode (called UCA), the method contains some higher-order effects (yielding in some cases rather good agreement with full coupled-channel calculations) and approaches the classical regime similar as the Bohr model for large perturbations ( Z/ v≫1). The results are then used to compare with experimental values of the non-equilibrium stopping force as a function of the projectile charge as well as with the equilibrium energy loss under non-aligned and channeling conditions.

  2. Use of electrical barriers to deter movement of round goby

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Savino, Jacqueline F.; Jude, David J.; Kostich, Melissa J.; Coutant, Charles C.

    2001-01-01

    An electrical barrier was chosen as a possible means to deter movement of round goby Neogobius melanostomus. Feasibility studies in a 2.1-m donut-shaped tank determined the electrical parameters necessary to inhibit round goby from crossing the 1-m stretch of the benthic, electrical barrier. Increasing electrical pulse duration and voltage increased effectiveness of the barrier in deterring round goby movement through the barrier. Differences in activity of round goby during daytime and nocturnal tests did not change the effectiveness of the barrier. In field verification studies, an electrical barrier was placed between two blocking nets in the Shiawassee River, Michigan. The barrier consisted of a 6-m wide canvas on which were laid four cables carrying the electrical current. Seven experiments were conducted, wherein 25 latex paint-marked round goby were introduced upstream of the electrical barrier and recovered 24 h later upstream, on, and downstream of the barrier. During control studies, round goby moved across the barrier within 20 min from release upstream. With the barrier on and using the prescribed electrical settings shown to inhibit passage in the laboratory, the only marked round goby found below the barrier were dead. At reduced pulse durations, a few round goby (mean one/test) were found alive, but debilitated, below the barrier. The electrical barrier could be incorporated as part of a program in reducing movement of adult round goby through artificial connections between watersheds.

  3. Response of Biological Soil Crust Diazotrophs to Season, Altered Summer Precipitation, and Year-Round Increased Temperature in an Arid Grassland of the Colorado Plateau, USA

    DOE PAGES

    Yeager, Chris M.; Kuske, Cheryl R.; Carney, Travis D.; ...

    2012-01-01

    Biological soil crusts (biocrusts), which supply significant amounts of fixed nitrogen into terrestrial ecosystems worldwide (~33 Tg y -1), are likely to respond to changes in temperature and precipitation associated with climate change. Using nifH gene-based surveys, we explored variation in the diazotrophic community of biocrusts of the Colorado Plateau, USA in response to season (autumn vs. spring), as well as field manipulations that increased the frequency of small volume precipitation events and year-round soil temperature. Abundance of nifH genes in biocrusts ranged from 3 × 10 6 to 1 × 108 g -1 soil, and nifH from heterocystous cyanobacteriamore » closely related to Scytonema hyalinum, Spirirestis rafaelensis, and Nostoc commune comprised >98% of the total. Although there was no apparent seasonal effect on total nifH gene abundance in the biocrusts, T-RFLP analysis revealed a strong seasonal pattern in nifH composition. Spirirestis nifH abundance was estimated to oscillate 1 to >2 orders of magnitude between autumn (low) and spring (high). A year-round increase of soil temperature (2–3°C) had little effect on the diazotroph community structure over 2 years. Altered summer precipitation had little impact on diazotroph community structure over the first 1.5 years of the study, when natural background patterns across years and seasons superseded any treatment effects. However, after the second summer of treatments, nifH abundance was 2.6-fold lower in biocrusts receiving altered precipitation. Heterocystous cyanobacteria were apparently more resilient to altered precipitation than other cyanobacteria. The results demonstrate that diazotrophic community composition of biocrusts in this semi-arid grassland undergoes strong seasonal shifts and that the abundance of its dominant members decreased in response to more frequent, small volume precipitation events.« less

  4. Response of biological soil crust diazotrophs to season, altered summer precipitation, and year-round increased temperature in an arid grassland of the Colorado Plateau, USA

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Yeager, Chris M.; Kuske, Cheryl R.; Carney, Travis D.; Johnson, Shannon L.; Ticknor, Lawrence O.; Belnap, Jayne

    2012-01-01

    Biological soil crusts (biocrusts), which supply significant amounts of fixed nitrogen into terrestrial ecosystems worldwide (~33Tg y-1), are likely to respond to changes in temperature and precipitation associated with climate change. Using nifH gene-based surveys, we explored variation in the diazotrophic community of biocrusts of the Colorado Plateau, USA in response to season (autumn vs. spring), as well as field manipulations that increased the frequency of small volume precipitation events and year-round soil temperature. Abundance of nifH genes in biocrusts ranged from 3×106 to 1×8 g-1 soil, and nifH from heterocystous cyanobacteria closely related to Scytonema hyalinum, Spirirestis rafaelensis, and Nostoc commune comprised >98% of the total. Although there was no apparent seasonal effect on total nifH gene abundance in the biocrusts, T-RFLP analysis revealed a strong seasonal pattern in nifH composition. Spirirestis nifH abundance was estimated to oscillate 1 to >2 orders of magnitude between autumn (low) and spring (high). A year-round increase of soil temperature (2–3°C) had little effect on the diazotroph community structure over 2 years. Altered summer precipitation had little impact on diazotroph community structure over the first 1.5years of the study, when natural background patterns across years and seasons superseded any treatment effects. However, after the second summer of treatments, nifH abundance was 2.6-fold lower in biocrusts receiving altered precipitation. Heterocystous cyanobacteria were apparently more resilient to altered precipitation than other cyanobacteria. The results demonstrate that diazotrophic community composition of biocrusts in this semi-arid grassland undergoes strong seasonal shifts and that the abundance of its dominant members decreased in response to more frequent, small volume precipitation events.

  5. Response of biological soil crust diazotrophs to season, altered summer precipitation, and year-round increased temperature in an arid grassland of the colorado plateau, USA.

    PubMed

    Yeager, Chris M; Kuske, Cheryl R; Carney, Travis D; Johnson, Shannon L; Ticknor, Lawrence O; Belnap, Jayne

    2012-01-01

    Biological soil crusts (biocrusts), which supply significant amounts of fixed nitrogen into terrestrial ecosystems worldwide (∼33 Tg y(-1)), are likely to respond to changes in temperature and precipitation associated with climate change. Using nifH gene-based surveys, we explored variation in the diazotrophic community of biocrusts of the Colorado Plateau, USA in response to season (autumn vs. spring), as well as field manipulations that increased the frequency of small volume precipitation events and year-round soil temperature. Abundance of nifH genes in biocrusts ranged from 3 × 10(6) to 1 × 10(8) g(-1) soil, and nifH from heterocystous cyanobacteria closely related to Scytonema hyalinum, Spirirestis rafaelensis, and Nostoc commune comprised >98% of the total. Although there was no apparent seasonal effect on total nifH gene abundance in the biocrusts, T-RFLP analysis revealed a strong seasonal pattern in nifH composition. SpirirestisnifH abundance was estimated to oscillate 1 to >2 orders of magnitude between autumn (low) and spring (high). A year-round increase of soil temperature (2-3°C) had little effect on the diazotroph community structure over 2 years. Altered summer precipitation had little impact on diazotroph community structure over the first 1.5 years of the study, when natural background patterns across years and seasons superseded any treatment effects. However, after the second summer of treatments, nifH abundance was 2.6-fold lower in biocrusts receiving altered precipitation. Heterocystous cyanobacteria were apparently more resilient to altered precipitation than other cyanobacteria. The results demonstrate that diazotrophic community composition of biocrusts in this semi-arid grassland undergoes strong seasonal shifts and that the abundance of its dominant members decreased in response to more frequent, small volume precipitation events.

  6. Description and calibration of the Langley unitary plan wind tunnel

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jackson, C. M., Jr.; Corlett, W. A.; Monta, W. J.

    1981-01-01

    The two test sections of the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel were calibrated over the operating Mach number range from 1.47 to 4.63. The results of the calibration are presented along with a a description of the facility and its operational capability. The calibrations include Mach number and flow angularity distributions in both test sections at selected Mach numbers and tunnel stagnation pressures. Calibration data are also presented on turbulence, test-section boundary layer characteristics, moisture effects, blockage, and stagnation-temperature distributions. The facility is described in detail including dimensions and capacities where appropriate, and example of special test capabilities are presented. The operating parameters are fully defined and the power consumption characteristics are discussed.

  7. Quality Teaching Rounds in Mathematics Teacher Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Prieto, Elena; Howley, Peter; Holmes, Kathryn; Osborn, Judy-anne; Roberts, Malcolm; Kepert, Andrew

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of the study reported in this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of an implementation of teaching rounds as a practice-based approach to pre-service teacher education in mathematics. The teaching rounds implemented in the study utilised the NSW Quality Teaching model pedagogical framework as a tool for learning about and reflecting…

  8. Year-round record of Dry Valley soil CO2 flux provides insights into Antarctic soil dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Risk, D. A.; Lee, C.; Macintyre, C. M.; Cary, C.

    2012-12-01

    The McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica host extreme soil microbial communities that have been extensively studied within the past decade. Activity of microbial communities is routinely measured via soil CO2 flux, and some useful Antarctic measurements have been made during short Austral summers. These studies are mostly spatial in nature, but temporal patterns are also valuable and may provide insights into critical thresholds and the interplay between various mechanisms that drive CO2 flux and its variation. New membrane-based Forced Diffusion (FD) soil efflux techniques offer promise for this application. The purpose of this study was to use a specially designed FD instrument in Hidden Valley of the Antarctic Dry Valleys to evaluate hardware performance in year-round deployments, and to identify features of interest with respect to soil CO2 flux variation. Overall, the deployment was successful. Small but sustained positive fluxes were present only twice during the year. The first such event was small but consistent and of long duration, occurring in the Austral winter. The second was more volatile and likely of microbial origin, and appeared for roughly a month at the end of the calendar year within the Austral summer. The observed patterns suggest that Hidden Valley soil CO2 fluxes are not solely biological in nature, but likely modulated by a combination of biological, geological, and physical processes, which will be discussed in this presentation. In future studies, additional measurement locations, and simultaneous subsurface and lower atmospheric gradient concentration measurements (power-permitting) would be extremely valuable for interpreting measured fluxes, to help identify advective depletion events, the depth source of fluxes, and changes in soil and atmospheric diffusivities.

  9. Comparative analysis of fabrication methods for achieving rounded microchannels in PDMS

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bartlett, Nicholas W.; Wood, Robert J.

    2016-11-01

    Many microfluidic applications demand control over channel cross-sectional geometry. In particular, rounded microchannels are essential to the function of microfluidic valves, which have played an integral part in the success of microfluidics over the past fifteen years. Here we investigate the relative strengths and weaknesses of different strategies for fabricating rounded microchannels in PDMS, systematically examining five common strategies. We consider the appropriateness of the fabrication strategies for microchannels of differing sizes and aspect ratios, and evaluate these various strategies on a number of metrics ranging from microchannel resolution to fabrication difficulty. We discuss the merits of the different strategies for a range of applications, and make recommendations on which strategy to use based on the driving constraints of the device.

  10. The Schwartz Center Rounds: evaluation of an interdisciplinary approach to enhancing patient-centered communication, teamwork, and provider support.

    PubMed

    Lown, Beth A; Manning, Colleen F

    2010-06-01

    To assess the impact of Schwartz Center Rounds, an interdisciplinary forum where attendees discuss psychosocial and emotional aspects of patient care. The authors investigated changes in attendees' self-reported behaviors and beliefs about patient care, sense of teamwork, stress, and personal support. In 2006-2007, researchers conducted retrospective surveys of attendees at six sites offering Schwartz Center Rounds ("the Rounds") for > or =3 years and prospective surveys of attendees at 10 new Rounds sites that have held > or =7 Rounds. Most of the retrospective survey respondents indicated that attending Rounds enhanced their likelihood of attending to psychosocial and emotional aspects of care and enhanced their beliefs about the importance of empathy. Respondents reported better teamwork, including heightened appreciation of the roles and contributions of colleagues. There were significant decreases in perceived stress (P < .001) and improvements in the ability to cope with the psychosocial demands of care (P < .05). In the prospective study, after control for presurvey differences, the more Rounds one attended, the greater the impact on postsurvey insights into psychosocial aspects of care and teamwork (both: P < .05). Respondents to both retrospective and prospective surveys described changes in institutional culture and greater focus on patient-centered care and institution-specific initiatives. Schwartz Center Rounds may foster enhanced communication, teamwork, and provider support. The impact on measured outcomes increased with the number of Rounds attended. The Rounds represent an effective strategy for providing support to health care professionals and for enhancing relationships among them and with their patients.

  11. Use of foreslope rounding by departments of transportation.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2011-09-11

    "To enhance driver safety, departments of transportation sometimes round the foreslopes of highway shoulders at the : intersection of the shoulder and its side slope. WisDOT was interested in learning about foreslope rounding practices : used by othe...

  12. Medical ward round competence in internal medicine - an interview study towards an interprofessional development of an Entrustable Professional Activity (EPA).

    PubMed

    Wölfel, Teresa; Beltermann, Esther; Lottspeich, Christian; Vietz, Elisa; Fischer, Martin R; Schmidmaier, Ralf

    2016-07-11

    The medical ward round is a central but complex activity that is of relevance from the first day of work. However, difficulties for young doctors have been reported. Instruction of ward round competence in medical curricula is hampered by the lack of a standardized description of the procedure. This paper aims to identify and describe physicians' tasks and relevant competences for conducting a medical ward round on the first day of professional work. A review of recent literature revealed known important aspects of medical ward rounds. These were used for the development of a semi-structured interview schedule. Medical ward round experts working at different hospitals were interviewed. The sample consisted of 14 ward physicians (M = 8.82 years of work experience) and 12 nurses (M = 14.55 years of work experience) working in different specializations of internal medicine. All interviews were audiotaped, fully transcribed, and analyzed using an inductive-deductive coding scheme. Nine fields of competences with 18 related sub-competences and 62 observable tasks were identified as relevant for conducting a medical ward round. Over 70 % of the experts named communication, collaborative clinical reasoning and organization as essential competences. Deeper analysis further unveiled the importance of self-management, management of difficult situations, error management and teamwork. The study is the first to picture ward round competences and related tasks in detail and to define an EPA "Conducting an internal medicine ward round" based on systematic interprofessional expert interviews. It thus provides a basis for integration of ward round competences in the medical curricula in an evidence based manner and gives a framework for the development of instructional intervention studies and comparative studies in other medical fields.

  13. Electronic Printed Ward Round Proformas: Freeing Up Doctors' Time.

    PubMed

    Fernandes, Darren; Eneje, Philip

    2017-01-01

    The role of a junior doctor involves preparing for the morning ward round. At a time when there are gaps on rotas and doctors' time is more stretched, this can be a source of significant delay and thus a loss of working time. We therefore looked at ways in which we could make the ward round a more efficient place by introducing specific electronic, printed ward round proformas. We used the average time taken to write proformas per patient and the average time taken per patient on the ward round. This would then enable us to make fair comparisons with future changes that were made using the plan, do, study, and act principles of quality improvement. Our baseline measurement found that the average time taken to write up the proforma for each patient was 1 minute 9 seconds and that the average time taken per patient on the ward round was 8 minutes 30 seconds. With the changes we made during our 3 PDSA cycles and the implementation of an electronic, printed ward round proforma, we found that we were able to reduce the average time spent per patient on the ward round to 6 minutes 32 seconds, an improvement of 1 min 58 seconds per patient. The project has thus enabled us to reduce the time taken per patient during the ward round. This improved efficiency will enable patients to be identified earlier for discharge. It will also aid in freeing up the time of junior doctors, allowing them to complete discharge letters sooner, order investigations earlier and enable them to complete their allocated tasks within contracted hours.

  14. 19 CFR 159.3 - Rounding of fractions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 19 Customs Duties 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Rounding of fractions. 159.3 Section 159.3 Customs... (CONTINUED) LIQUIDATION OF DUTIES General Provisions § 159.3 Rounding of fractions. (a) Value. In the... cents or more, the lower fractions shall be dropped, and if it is necessary to take up as whole dollars...

  15. Powder-driven-nail connections for round timber

    Treesearch

    Ronald W. Wolfe; KugBo Shim; Marshall Begel

    2003-01-01

    In an effort to encourage the development of value-added engineered applications for small diameter round timber, research is being conducted at the US Forest Products Laboratory to develop and verify design guidelines for connections with specific application to round timbers. The objective of this work is to provide potential users with a number of viable connection...

  16. The Continuous School Year. The Cranston Quadricycle Plan for a Continuous School Year. Project Pacesetter.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cranston School Dept., RI.

    Acting on instructions from the Cranston School Committee, a committee comprised of educational professional staff, community leaders, citizens, and students was organized to consider the methods and feasibility of year-round schools. The year round concept and its application in various plans throughout the country was the subject of…

  17. Efficient Round-Trip Time Optimization for Replica-Exchange Enveloping Distribution Sampling (RE-EDS).

    PubMed

    Sidler, Dominik; Cristòfol-Clough, Michael; Riniker, Sereina

    2017-06-13

    Replica-exchange enveloping distribution sampling (RE-EDS) allows the efficient estimation of free-energy differences between multiple end-states from a single molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. In EDS, a reference state is sampled, which can be tuned by two types of parameters, i.e., smoothness parameters(s) and energy offsets, such that all end-states are sufficiently sampled. However, the choice of these parameters is not trivial. Replica exchange (RE) or parallel tempering is a widely applied technique to enhance sampling. By combining EDS with the RE technique, the parameter choice problem could be simplified and the challenge shifted toward an optimal distribution of the replicas in the smoothness-parameter space. The choice of a certain replica distribution can alter the sampling efficiency significantly. In this work, global round-trip time optimization (GRTO) algorithms are tested for the use in RE-EDS simulations. In addition, a local round-trip time optimization (LRTO) algorithm is proposed for systems with slowly adapting environments, where a reliable estimate for the round-trip time is challenging to obtain. The optimization algorithms were applied to RE-EDS simulations of a system of nine small-molecule inhibitors of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT). The energy offsets were determined using our recently proposed parallel energy-offset (PEOE) estimation scheme. While the multistate GRTO algorithm yielded the best replica distribution for the ligands in water, the multistate LRTO algorithm was found to be the method of choice for the ligands in complex with PNMT. With this, the 36 alchemical free-energy differences between the nine ligands were calculated successfully from a single RE-EDS simulation 10 ns in length. Thus, RE-EDS presents an efficient method for the estimation of relative binding free energies.

  18. International Technical Working Group Round Robin Tests

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

    Dudder, Gordon B.; Hanlen, Richard C.; Herbillion, Georges M.

    The goal of nuclear forensics is to develop a preferred approach to support illicit trafficking investigations. This approach must be widely understood and accepted as credible. The principal objectives of the Round Robin Tests are to prioritize forensic techniques and methods, evaluate attribution capabilities, and examine the utility of database. The HEU (Highly Enriched Uranium) Round Robin, and previous Plutonium Round Robin, have made tremendous contributions to fulfilling these goals through a collaborative learning experience that resulted from the outstanding efforts of the nine participating internal laboratories. A prioritized list of techniques and methods has been developed based on thismore » exercise. Current work is focused on the extent to which the techniques and methods can be generalized. The HEU Round Robin demonstrated a rather high level of capability to determine the important characteristics of the materials and processes using analytical methods. When this capability is combined with the appropriate knowledge/database, it results in a significant capability to attribute the source of the materials to a specific process or facility. A number of shortfalls were also identified in the current capabilities including procedures for non-nuclear forensics and the lack of a comprehensive network of data/knowledge bases. The results of the Round Robin will be used to develop guidelines or a ''recommended protocol'' to be made available to the interested authorities and countries to use in real cases.« less

  19. Effectiveness of piscicides for controlling round gobies (Neogobius melanostomus)

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Schreier, Theresa M.; Dawson, V.K.; Larson, W.

    2008-01-01

    Round gobies (Neogobius melanostomus) were introduced to the Great Lakes presumably as a result of ballast water releases from seagoing freighters returning from European water bodies. These unwelcome fish have become established in the Great Lakes region and are expanding their range to suitable portions of other interior drainage basins including the Mississippi River traversing the central United States and the Trent-Severn waterway spanning south-central Ontario. If the invasion continues, use of chemical toxicants as a control measure may be necessary. Toxicity tests of the currently registered piscicides antimycin, rotenone, 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM), and Bayluscide?? were conducted with three fish species native to the Great Lakes and round gobies collected from the Illinois Waterway. Tests indicated that round gobies are sensitive to all of the piscicides, however, the level of sensitivity is similar to that of the native fish species tested. Therefore, currently registered piscicides have limited potential to selectively remove round gobies. Bottom-release formulations of Bayluscide?? and antimycin were also evaluated as control agents for the normally bottom-dwelling round goby. Avoidance behavior tests demonstrated that the round goby did not react to the presence of either chemical. Therefore, the bottom-release formulations may have some application for the selective removal of round gobies, and may be one of the few tools presently available to fishery managers to help limit the range expansion of this invasive fish.

  20. Mesoscopic Fluctuations for the Thinned Circular Unitary Ensemble

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Berggren, Tomas; Duits, Maurice

    2017-09-01

    In this paper we study the asymptotic behavior of mesoscopic fluctuations for the thinned Circular Unitary Ensemble. The effect of thinning is that the eigenvalues start to decorrelate. The decorrelation is stronger on the larger scales than on the smaller scales. We investigate this behavior by studying mesoscopic linear statistics. There are two regimes depending on the scale parameter and the thinning parameter. In one regime we obtain a CLT of a classical type and in the other regime we retrieve the CLT for CUE. The two regimes are separated by a critical line. On the critical line the limiting fluctuations are no longer Gaussian, but described by infinitely divisible laws. We argue that this transition phenomenon is universal by showing that the same transition and their laws appear for fluctuations of the thinned sine process in a growing box. The proofs are based on a Riemann-Hilbert problem for integrable operators.

  1. Invasion strategies in round goby (Neogobius melanostomus): Is bigger really better?

    PubMed Central

    Schliewen, Ulrich K.

    2018-01-01

    Few studies have systematically investigated mid- or long-term temporal changes of biological characteristics in invasive alien species considering the different phases of an invasion. We studied the invasion performance of one of the most invasive species worldwide, the round goby Neogobius melanostomus, from total absence over first occurrence until establishment from 2010 to 2015 in the upper Danube River. After an upstream movement of the invasion front of about 30 river km within four years, the pattern that round goby pioneering populations significantly differ from longer established ones has been confirmed: Pioneering populations at the invasion front comprised more females than males, and adult specimens with a larger body size compared to those at longer inhabited areas. On the population-level, the proportion of juveniles increased with time since invasion. The results of this study provide support for the previously postulated ´bigger is better´ and ´individual trait utility´ hypotheses explaining invasion success in round goby. Pioneering invaders with their greater exploratory behavior, highly adaptive phenotypic plasticity and increased competitive ability seem to act as prime emperors of new habitats, strongly following and benefiting from man-made river-bank structures. PMID:29304159

  2. Testing of the Crew Exploration Vehicle in NASA Langley's Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Murphy, Kelly J.; Borg, Stephen E.; Watkins, Anthony N.; Cole, Daniel R.; Schwartz, Richard J.

    2007-01-01

    As part of a strategic, multi-facility test program, subscale testing of NASA s Crew Exploration Vehicle was conducted in both legs of NASA Langley s Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. The objectives of these tests were to generate aerodynamic and surface pressure data over a range of supersonic Mach numbers and reentry angles of attack for experimental and computational validation and aerodynamic database development. To provide initial information on boundary layer transition at supersonic test conditions, transition studies were conducted using temperature sensitive paint and infrared thermography optical techniques. To support implementation of these optical diagnostics in the Unitary Wind Tunnel, the experiment was first modeled using the Virtual Diagnostics Interface software. For reentry orientations of 140 to 170 degrees (heat shield forward), windward surface flow was entirely laminar for freestream unit Reynolds numbers equal to or less than 3 million per foot. Optical techniques showed qualitative evidence of forced transition on the windward heat shield with application of both distributed grit and discreet trip dots. Longitudinal static force and moment data showed the largest differences with Mach number and angle of attack variations. Differences associated with Reynolds number variation and/or laminar versus turbulent flow on the heat shield were very small. Static surface pressure data supported the aforementioned trends with Mach number, Reynolds number, and angle of attack.

  3. Genuine multipartite entanglement of symmetric Gaussian states: Strong monogamy, unitary localization, scaling behavior, and molecular sharing structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Adesso, Gerardo; Illuminati, Fabrizio

    2008-10-01

    We investigate the structural aspects of genuine multipartite entanglement in Gaussian states of continuous variable systems. Generalizing the results of Adesso and Illuminati [Phys. Rev. Lett. 99, 150501 (2007)], we analyze whether the entanglement shared by blocks of modes distributes according to a strong monogamy law. This property, once established, allows us to quantify the genuine N -partite entanglement not encoded into 2,…,K,…,(N-1) -partite quantum correlations. Strong monogamy is numerically verified, and the explicit expression of the measure of residual genuine multipartite entanglement is analytically derived, by a recursive formula, for a subclass of Gaussian states. These are fully symmetric (permutation-invariant) states that are multipartitioned into blocks, each consisting of an arbitrarily assigned number of modes. We compute the genuine multipartite entanglement shared by the blocks of modes and investigate its scaling properties with the number and size of the blocks, the total number of modes, the global mixedness of the state, and the squeezed resources needed for state engineering. To achieve the exact computation of the block entanglement, we introduce and prove a general result of symplectic analysis: Correlations among K blocks in N -mode multisymmetric and multipartite Gaussian states, which are locally invariant under permutation of modes within each block, can be transformed by a local (with respect to the partition) unitary operation into correlations shared by K single modes, one per block, in effective nonsymmetric states where N-K modes are completely uncorrelated. Due to this theorem, the above results, such as the derivation of the explicit expression for the residual multipartite entanglement, its nonnegativity, and its scaling properties, extend to the subclass of non-symmetric Gaussian states that are obtained by the unitary localization of the multipartite entanglement of symmetric states. These findings provide strong

  4. How unitary cosmology generalizes thermodynamics and solves the inflationary entropy problem

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tegmark, Max

    2012-06-01

    We analyze cosmology assuming unitary quantum mechanics, using a tripartite partition into system, observer, and environment degrees of freedom. This generalizes the second law of thermodynamics to “The system’s entropy cannot decrease unless it interacts with the observer, and it cannot increase unless it interacts with the environment.” The former follows from the quantum Bayes theorem we derive. We show that because of the long-range entanglement created by cosmological inflation, the cosmic entropy decreases exponentially rather than linearly with the number of bits of information observed, so that a given observer can reduce entropy by much more than the amount of information her brain can store. Indeed, we argue that as long as inflation has occurred in a non-negligible fraction of the volume, almost all sentient observers will find themselves in a post-inflationary low-entropy Hubble volume, and we humans have no reason to be surprised that we do so as well, which solves the so-called inflationary entropy problem. An arguably worse problem for unitary cosmology involves gamma-ray-burst constraints on the “big snap,” a fourth cosmic doomsday scenario alongside the “big crunch,” “big chill,” and “big rip,” where an increasingly granular nature of expanding space modifies our life-supporting laws of physics. Our tripartite framework also clarifies when the popular quantum gravity approximation Gμν≈8πG⟨Tμν⟩ is valid, and how problems with recent attempts to explain dark energy as gravitational backreaction from superhorizon scale fluctuations can be understood as a failure of this approximation.

  5. Environmental heterogeneity associated with European perch (Perca fluviatilis) predation on invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus).

    PubMed

    Liversage, Kiran; Nurkse, Kristiina; Kotta, Jonne; Järv, Leili

    2017-12-01

    Spatiotemporal environmental variation affects fish feeding behaviour and capacity for piscivorous control of prey populations, which is important for management when prey include invasive species causing ecosystem impacts. We assessed gut-contents of an important piscivore (European perch Perca fluviatilis) over two years, and analysed variables affecting initiation and amounts of feeding, focusing on an important invasive prey species, round goby (Neogobius melanostomus). We show that predation is primarily controlled by variation of physical and habitat characteristics surrounding perch. Fish prey began being incorporated in diets of perch that were >150 mm, with temperature conditions controlling initiation of their feeding. Total amounts of fish in perch diets, and amounts of round goby individually, were strongly affected by macrophyte cover; seldom were fish present in perch stomachs when macrophyte cover was >40%. Environmental densities of round goby were related to multivariate diet composition in ways that suggest predation of some native species may be relaxed in areas of dense round goby populations. There was evidence that perch predation is unlikely to limit populations of the invader, as there was only a weak relationship between round goby densities and amounts in gut contents. The results have ecosystem management implications, because some variables found to be important could be manipulated to control round goby or other similar invaders e.g. fisheries management of native piscivore stock-density and body-size, or modification of benthic environment structure. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. A new way to experience the International Gastric Cancer Association Congress: the Web Round Tables.

    PubMed

    Morgagni, Paolo; Verlato, Giuseppe; Marrelli, Daniele; Roviello, Franco; de Manzoni, Giovanni

    2014-10-01

    In an attempt to attract a wider diversity of professionals to the 10th International Gastric Cancer Association Congress (IGCC) held in June 2013, the Scientific Committee of the conference organized a number of pre-congress Web Round Tables to discuss cutting-edge topics relating to gastric cancer treatment. Twenty Web Round Tables, each coordinated by a different chairman, were proposed on the IGCC Website 1 year before the congress. Each chairman identified a number of studies related to the theme of his/her Round Table and invited corresponding authors to send an update of their conclusions in light of their subsequent experience, which would then form the basis of discussion of the Web Round Tables. The chairmen posted several questions regarding these updates on the web and opened a forum for a period of 1-2 months. The forum was free and specifically intended for congress participants. Fifty-one (9.9 %) of the 516 authors contacted took part in the initiative. Two hundred fifty participants from 21 countries joined the forum discussion and posted 671 comments. The Web Round Tables were viewed 15,810 times while the forum was open. Overall, the Web Round Tables aroused considerable interest, especially among young professionals working in the area of gastric cancer who had the opportunity to contact and interact with experts in what often turned out to be an interesting and lively exchange of views. All the discussions are now freely available for consultation on the IGCC website. The Web Round Table experience was presented, with great success, during the conference at special afternoon sessions.

  7. Investigating Discourses for Administrators' Learning within Instructional Rounds

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Allen, David; Roegman, Rachel; Hatch, Thomas

    2016-01-01

    Instructional rounds is a professional learning practice for supporting school and district leaders' understanding of the instructional core, the interaction among curricular content, instruction, and student learning, which is a foundation for instructional leadership practices. This article examines instructional rounds visits within a network…

  8. School-Based Instructional Rounds: Improving Teaching and Learning across Classrooms

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Teitel, Lee

    2013-01-01

    In "School-Based Instructional Rounds," Teitel offers detailed case studies of five different models of school-based rounds and investigates critical learning from each. Instructional rounds--one of the most innovative and powerful approaches to improving teaching and learning--has been taken up by districts across the country and around…

  9. Round window closure affects cochlear responses to suprathreshold stimuli.

    PubMed

    Cai, Qunfeng; Whitcomb, Carolyn; Eggleston, Jessica; Sun, Wei; Salvi, Richard; Hu, Bo Hua

    2013-12-01

    The round window acts as a vent for releasing inner ear pressure and facilitating basilar membrane vibration. Loss of this venting function affects cochlear function, which leads to hearing impairment. In an effort to identify functional changes that might be used in clinical diagnosis of round window atresia, the current investigation was designed to examine how the cochlea responds to suprathreshold stimuli following round window closure. Prospective, controlled, animal study. A rat model of round window occlusion (RWO) was established. With this model, the thresholds of auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and the input/output (IO) functions of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and acoustic startle responses were examined. Round window closure caused a mild shift in the thresholds of the auditory brainstem response (13.5 ± 9.1 dB). It also reduced the amplitudes of the distortion product otoacoustic emissions and the slope of the input/output functions. This peripheral change was accompanied by a significant reduction in the amplitude, but not the threshold, of the acoustic startle reflex, a motor response to suprathreshold sounds. In addition to causing mild increase in the threshold of the auditory brainstem response, round window occlusion reduced the slopes of both distortion product otoacoustic emissions and startle reflex input/output functions. These changes differ from those observed for typical conductive or sensory hearing loss, and could be present in patients with round window atresia. However, future clinical observations in patients are needed to confirm these findings. Copyright © 2013 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

  10. Unitary limit of two-nucleon interactions in strong magnetic fields

    DOE PAGES

    Detmold, William; Orginos, Kostas; Parreño, Assumpta; ...

    2016-03-14

    In this study, two-nucleon systems are shown to exhibit large scattering lengths in strong magnetic fields at unphysical quark masses, and the trends toward the physical values indicate that such features may exist in nature. Lattice QCD calculations of the energies of one and two nucleons systems are performed at pion masses of m π ~ 450 and 806 MeV in uniform, time-independent magnetic fields of strength |B| ~ 10 19 – 10 20 Gauss to determine the response of these hadronic systems to large magnetic fields. Fields of this strength may exist inside magnetars and in peripheral relativistic heavymore » ion collisions, and the unitary behavior at large scattering lengths may have important consequences for these systems.« less

  11. Effects of an Educational Workshop on Pediatric Nurses' Attitudes and Beliefs About Family-Centered Bedside Rounds.

    PubMed

    Montgomery, Lara; Benzies, Karen; Barnard, Chantelle

    2016-01-01

    This pilot study evaluated the effects of an educational workshop on nurses' (N=36) attitudes and beliefs toward family-centered bedside rounds (FBR) using a single group, pretest/posttest design on two pediatric inpatient units at an academic tertiary-care center in Western Canada. The theory of planned behavior was used to develop the Nurses Attitudes and Behaviors about Rounds (NABAR) questionnaire. There were statistically significant increases between pretest and posttest scores on nurses' intentions, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control related to FBR, and on providing education to families about FBR. A brief, educational workshop can positively affect nurses' attitudes and beliefs about FBR. Future research should include additional psychometric evaluation of the NABAR. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Patterns of interaction during rounds: implications for work-based learning.

    PubMed

    Walton, Jennifer M; Steinert, Yvonne

    2010-06-01

    OBJECTIVES In-patient rounds are a major educational and patient care-related activity in teaching hospitals. This exploratory study was conducted to gain better understanding of team interactions during rounds and to assess student and resident perceptions of the utility of this activity. METHODS Data were collected by a non-participant observer using a novel, personal digital assistant (PDA)-based data collection system. Medical students and residents completed surveys related to the utility of rounds for patient care, education and ward administration. Analyses included descriptive and correlational statistics and the use of social network analysis to describe and measure patterns of interaction. RESULTS Eighteen different rounds were observed. On average, rounds were 106 minutes long and included discussion of 22.1 patients. Three different patterns of verbal interaction were observed. In most cases, the attending physician was most talkative and many students and residents spoke infrequently. More time was devoted to patients discussed earlier in the round, regardless of diagnosis. Observed teaching was primarily factual and teacher-centred. Attending physician-dominated sessions were rated more highly for educational utility than those that were more interactive. CONCLUSIONS In-patient rounds are an example of an opportunity for powerful work-based learning. In this study, we used a novel method of observational data collection and analysis to examine this activity and found that it may not always live up to its educational potential. Rounds are time-consuming and are generally dominated by the attending physician. Individuals who are not directly involved in a case are often minimally involved. Participants felt that rounds were most useful for patient care and, contrary to expectations, students and residents viewed attending physician-dominated sessions as more educational. To improve the educational impact of rounds, the order of patient discussion should

  13. Lower antibiotic costs attributable to clinical microbiology rounds.

    PubMed

    Huang, Richard S P; Guervil, David J; Hunter, Robert L; Wanger, Audrey

    2015-09-01

    At our institution, our microbiologist, pharmacist, and infectious disease (ID) team meet to discuss ID patients, and this meeting is referred to as microbiology rounds. We hypothesized that our microbiology rounds reduce antibiotic costs. The study involved a review of 80 patients with an ID consultation order at each of the 3 hospitals: hospital A (HA) (only HA has microbiology rounds), hospital B (HB), and hospital C (HC). Of this population, we included patients with a positive blood culture. Thirty-six patients who met the above criteria were included in the study. The average antibiotic cost/patient/day at HA, HB, and HC were $66.0, $123, and $109, respectively. Also, we found that change in antibiotics was appropriate when compared to the final microbiology results in 90%, 44%, and 40% of the time at HA, HB, and HC, respectively. Herein, we found an association between conducting microbiology rounds and reduction of antibiotic cost. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Round versus rectangular: Does the plot shape matter?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Iserloh, Thomas; Bäthke, Lars; Ries, Johannes B.

    2016-04-01

    Field rainfall simulators are designed to study soil erosion processes and provide urgently needed data for various geomorphological, hydrological and pedological issues. Due to the different conditions and technologies applied, there are several methodological aspects under review of the scientific community, particularly concerning design, procedures and conditions of measurement for infiltration, runoff and soil erosion. Extensive discussions at the Rainfall Simulator Workshop 2011 in Trier and the Splinter Meeting at EGU 2013 "Rainfall simulation: Big steps forward!" lead to the opinion that the rectangular shape is the more suitable plot shape compared to the round plot. A horizontally edging Gerlach trough is installed for sample collection without forming unnatural necks as is found at round or triangle plots. Since most research groups did and currently do work with round plots at the point scale (<1m²), a precise analysis of the differences between the output of round and square plots are necessary. Our hypotheses are: - Round plot shapes disturb surface runoff, unnatural fluvial dynamics for the given plot size such as pool development especially directly at the plot's outlet occur. - A square plot shape prevent these problems. A first comparison between round and rectangular plots (Iserloh et al., 2015) indicates that the rectangular plot could indeed be the more suitable, but the rather ambiguous results make a more elaborate test setup necessary. The laboratory test setup includes the two plot shapes (round, square), a standardised silty substrate and three inclinations (2°, 6°, 12°). The analysis of the laboratory test provide results on the best performance concerning undisturbed surface runoff and soil/water sampling at the plot's outlet. The analysis of the plot shape concerning its influence on runoff and erosion shows that clear methodological standards are necessary in order to make rainfall simulation experiments comparable. Reference

  15. [Desmoplastic small round cell tumor in children, adolescents and young adults].

    PubMed

    de Marcellus, Charles; Sarnacki, Sabine; Pierron, Gaëlle; Ranchère-Vince, Dominique; Scalabre, Aurélien; Bolle, Stéphanie; Minard-Colin, Véronique; Corradini, Nadège; Fayard, Cindy; Orbach, Daniel

    2018-05-01

    Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare sarcoma that typically affects pediatric and young adult patients with a median age in the general and in the pediatric population of 24.6 years (range 4-58 years) and 15.0 years (range 0-21 years) respectively, with a strong male predominance. This tumor is characterized by a specific t(11;22)(p13;q12) that results in fusion of EWS and WT1 genes which can be demonstrated by RT-PCR or by FISH. DSRCT most frequently presents as an intra-abdominal primary mass associated with peritoneal seeding and a highly aggressive pattern of spread. Generally, all tumors showed the typical histologic findings of variably sized clusters of poly-phenotypic small, round, or spindled cells lying in a desmoplastic stroma. Treatment of this malignancy remains a challenge. The combination of polychemotherapy regimens and aggressive surgery followed by whole abdomen radiation therapy represents nowadays a classical protocol for DSRCT. The survival rate of DSRCT patients is still disappointing around 20 %. However, the survival of patients who had complete resection of the tumor appears better. Hopes are turning to targeted therapeutics against this simple genomic sarcoma. Authors summarize medical knowledge of this rare tumor. Copyright © 2018 Société Française du Cancer. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  16. Recommended Protocol for Round Robin Studies in Additive Manufacturing

    PubMed Central

    Moylan, Shawn; Brown, Christopher U.; Slotwinski, John

    2016-01-01

    One way to improve confidence and encourage proliferation of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies and parts is by generating more high quality data describing the performance of AM processes and parts. Many in the AM community see round robin studies as a way to generate large data sets while distributing the cost among the participants, thereby reducing the cost to individual users. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has conducted and participated in several of these AM round robin studies. While the results of these studies are interesting and informative, many of the lessons learned in conducting these studies concern the logistics and methods of the study and unique issues presented by AM. Existing standards for conducting interlaboratory studies of measurement methods, along with NIST’s experience, form the basis for recommended protocols for conducting AM round robin studies. The role of round robin studies in AM qualification, some of the limitations of round robin studies, and the potential benefit of less formal collaborative experiments where multiple factors, AM machine being only one, are varied simultaneously are also discussed. PMID:27274602

  17. Recommended Protocol for Round Robin Studies in Additive Manufacturing.

    PubMed

    Moylan, Shawn; Brown, Christopher U; Slotwinski, John

    2016-03-01

    One way to improve confidence and encourage proliferation of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies and parts is by generating more high quality data describing the performance of AM processes and parts. Many in the AM community see round robin studies as a way to generate large data sets while distributing the cost among the participants, thereby reducing the cost to individual users. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has conducted and participated in several of these AM round robin studies. While the results of these studies are interesting and informative, many of the lessons learned in conducting these studies concern the logistics and methods of the study and unique issues presented by AM. Existing standards for conducting interlaboratory studies of measurement methods, along with NIST's experience, form the basis for recommended protocols for conducting AM round robin studies. The role of round robin studies in AM qualification, some of the limitations of round robin studies, and the potential benefit of less formal collaborative experiments where multiple factors, AM machine being only one, are varied simultaneously are also discussed.

  18. Accumulation and detoxication responses of the gastropod Lymnaea stagnalis to single and combined exposures to natural (cyanobacteria) and anthropogenic (the herbicide RoundUp(®) Flash) stressors.

    PubMed

    Lance, Emilie; Desprat, Julia; Holbech, Bente Frost; Gérard, Claudia; Bormans, Myriam; Lawton, Linda A; Edwards, Christine; Wiegand, Claudia

    2016-08-01

    Freshwater gastropods are increasingly exposed to multiple stressors in the field such as the herbicide glyphosate in Roundup formulations and cyanobacterial blooms either producing or not producing microcystins (MCs), potentially leading to interacting effects. Here, the responses of Lymnaea stagnalis to a 21-day exposure to non-MC or MC-producing (33μgL(-1)) Planktothrix agardhii alone or in combination with the commercial formulation RoundUp(®) Flash at a concentration of 1μgL(-1) glyphosate, followed by 14days of depuration, were studied via i) accumulation of free and bound MCs in tissues, and ii) activities of anti-oxidant (catalase CAT) and biotransformation (glutathione-S-transferase GST) enzymes. During the intoxication, the cyanobacterial exposure induced an early increase of CAT activity, independently of the MC content, probably related to the production of secondary cyanobacterial metabolites. The GST activity was induced by RoundUp(®) Flash alone or in combination with non MC-producing cyanobacteria, but was inhibited by MC-producing cyanobacteria with or without RoundUp(®) Flash. Moreover, MC accumulation in L. stagnalis was 3.2 times increased when snails were concomitantly exposed to MC-producing cyanobacteria with RoundUp(®), suggesting interacting effects of MCs on biotransformation processes. The potent inhibition of detoxication systems by MCs and RoundUp(®) Flash was reversible during the depuration, during which CAT and GST activities were significantly higher in snails previously exposed to MC-producing cyanobacteria with or without RoundUp(®) Flash than in other conditions, probably related to the oxidative stress caused by accumulated MCs remaining in tissues. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Surgical anatomy of the round window-Implications for cochlear implantation.

    PubMed

    Luers, J C; Hüttenbrink, K B; Beutner, D

    2018-04-01

    The round window is an important portal for the application of active hearing aids and cochlear implants. The anatomical and topographical knowledge about the round window region is a prerequisite for successful insertion for a cochlear implant electrode. To sum up current knowledge about the round window anatomy and to give advice to the cochlear implant surgeon for optimal placement of an electrode. Systematic Medline search. Search term "round window[Title]" with no date restriction. Only publications in the English Language were included. All abstracts were screened for relevance, that is a focus on surgical anatomy of the round window. The search results were supplemented with hand searching of selected reviews and reference lists from included studies. Subjective assessment. There is substantial variability in size and shape of the round window. The round window is regarded as the most reliable surgical landmark to safely locate the scala tympani. Factors affecting the optimal trajectory line for atraumatic electrode insertion are anatomy of the round window, the anatomy of the intracochlear hook region and the variable orientation and size of the cochlea's basal turn. The very close relation to the sensitive inner ear structures necessitates a thorough anatomic knowledge and careful insertion technique, especially when implanting patients with residual hearing. In order to avoid electrode migration between the scalae and to achieve protect the modiolus and the basilar membrane, it is recommended to aim for an electrode insertion vector from postero-superior to antero-inferior. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  20. Nine-Year Core Study Data for Sientra's FDA-Approved Round and Shaped Implants with High-Strength Cohesive Silicone Gel.

    PubMed

    Stevens, W Grant; Calobrace, M Bradley; Harrington, Jennifer; Alizadeh, Kaveh; Zeidler, Kamakshi R; d'Incelli, Rosalyn C

    2016-04-01

    Since approval in March 2012, data on Sientra's (Santa Barbara, CA) silicone gel implants have been updated and published regularly to provide immediate visibility to the continued safety and performance of these devices. The 9 year follow-up data support the previously published data confirming the ongoing safety and efficacy of Sientra silicone gel breast implants. The authors provide updated 9 year study data for Sientra's round and shaped silicone gel breast implants. The Core Study is an ongoing 10 year study that enrolled 1788 patients with 3506 Sientra implants across four indications (primary augmentation, revision-augmentation, primary reconstruction, and revision-reconstruction). For the safety analysis, Kaplan-Meier risk rates were calculated to evaluate postoperative complications, including all breast implant-related adverse effects. For the effectiveness analyses, results were presented through 8 years as patient satisfaction scores were assessed at even years. Through 9 years, the overall risk of capsular contracture was 12.6%. Smooth devices (16.6%, 95% CI, 14.2%, 19.5%) had a statistically significantly higher rate of capsular contracture compared to textured devices (8.0%, 95% CI, 6.2%, 10.4%). Out of the 610 reoperations in 477 patients, over half of all reoperations were due to cosmetic reasons (n = 315; 51.6%). Patient satisfaction remains high through 8 years, with 90% of primary augmentation patients indicating their breast implants look natural and feel soft. The 9-year follow-up data from the ongoing Core Study of the Sientra portfolio of HSC and HSC+ silicone gel breast implants reaffirm the very strong safety profile as well as continued patient satisfaction. 2 Therapeutic. © 2016 The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc. Reprints and permission: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  1. A unitary convolution approximation for the impact-parameter dependent electronic energy loss

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schiwietz, G.; Grande, P. L.

    1999-06-01

    In this work, we propose a simple method to calculate the impact-parameter dependence of the electronic energy loss of bare ions for all impact parameters. This perturbative convolution approximation (PCA) is based on first-order perturbation theory, and thus, it is only valid for fast particles with low projectile charges. Using Bloch's stopping-power result and a simple scaling, we get rid of the restriction to low charge states and derive the unitary convolution approximation (UCA). Results of the UCA are then compared with full quantum-mechanical coupled-channel calculations for the impact-parameter dependent electronic energy loss.

  2. 38 CFR 3.29 - Rounding.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ..., Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation General § 3.29 Rounding. (a) Annual rates. Where the... countable income, and parents' dependency and indemnity compensation benefit rates and annual income...

  3. 38 CFR 3.29 - Rounding.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ..., Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation General § 3.29 Rounding. (a) Annual rates. Where the... countable income, and parents' dependency and indemnity compensation benefit rates and annual income...

  4. 38 CFR 3.29 - Rounding.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ..., Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation General § 3.29 Rounding. (a) Annual rates. Where the... countable income, and parents' dependency and indemnity compensation benefit rates and annual income...

  5. 38 CFR 3.29 - Rounding.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ..., Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation General § 3.29 Rounding. (a) Annual rates. Where the... countable income, and parents' dependency and indemnity compensation benefit rates and annual income...

  6. 38 CFR 3.29 - Rounding.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ..., Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation General § 3.29 Rounding. (a) Annual rates. Where the... countable income, and parents' dependency and indemnity compensation benefit rates and annual income...

  7. Minimal unitary representation of 5d superconformal algebra F(4) and AdS 6/CFT 5 higher spin (super)-algebras

    DOE PAGES

    Fernando, Sudarshan; Günaydin, Murat

    2014-11-28

    We study the minimal unitary representation (minrep) of SO(5, 2), obtained by quantization of its geometric quasiconformal action, its deformations and supersymmetric extensions. The minrep of SO(5, 2) describes a massless conformal scalar field in five dimensions and admits a unique “deformation” which describes a massless conformal spinor. Scalar and spinor minreps of SO(5, 2) are the 5d analogs of Dirac’s singletons of SO(3, 2). We then construct the minimal unitary representation of the unique 5d supercon-formal algebra F(4) with the even subalgebra SO(5, 2) ×SU(2). The minrep of F(4) describes a massless conformal supermultiplet consisting of two scalar andmore » one spinor fields. We then extend our results to the construction of higher spin AdS 6/CFT 5 (super)-algebras. The Joseph ideal of the minrep of SO(5, 2) vanishes identically as operators and hence its enveloping algebra yields the AdS 6/CFT 5 bosonic higher spin algebra directly. The enveloping algebra of the spinor minrep defines a “deformed” higher spin algebra for which a deformed Joseph ideal vanishes identically as operators. These results are then extended to the construction of the unique higher spin AdS 6/CFT 5 superalgebra as the enveloping algebra of the minimal unitary realization of F(4) obtained by the quasiconformal methods.« less

  8. Transition and Damping of Collective Modes in a Trapped Fermi Gas between BCS and Unitary Limits near the Phase Transition

    PubMed Central

    Dong, Hang; Zhang, Wenyuan; Zhou, Li; Ma, Yongli

    2015-01-01

    We investigate the transition and damping of low-energy collective modes in a trapped unitary Fermi gas by solving the Boltzmann-Vlasov kinetic equation in a scaled form, which is combined with both the T-matrix fluctuation theory in normal phase and the mean-field theory in order phase. In order to connect the microscopic and kinetic descriptions of many-body Feshbach scattering, we adopt a phenomenological two-fluid physical approach, and derive the coupling constants in the order phase. By solving the Boltzmann-Vlasov steady-state equation in a variational form, we calculate two viscous relaxation rates with the collision probabilities of fermion’s scattering including fermions in the normal fluid and fermion pairs in the superfluid. Additionally, by considering the pairing and depairing of fermions, we get results of the frequency and damping of collective modes versus temperature and s-wave scattering length. Our theoretical results are in a remarkable agreement with the experimental data, particularly for the sharp transition between collisionless and hydrodynamic behaviour and strong damping between BCS and unitary limits near the phase transition. The sharp transition originates from the maximum of viscous relaxation rate caused by fermion-fermion pair collision at the phase transition point when the fermion depair, while the strong damping due to the fast varying of the frequency of collective modes from BCS limit to unitary limit. PMID:26522094

  9. Rounds Process: Puts Teachers in Charge of Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Troen, Vivian; Boles, Katherine C.

    2014-01-01

    Most people are familiar with the practice of medical rounds, in which interns and mentoring physicians visit patients in an institutional setting, observe their various conditions, discuss what they observed, and analyze possible treatment options and outcomes. In the medical profession, making these rounds is viewed as a significant and highly…

  10. Desmoplastic small round cell tumor of the middle ear: A case report.

    PubMed

    Xu, Jing; Yao, Mengwei; Yang, Xinxin; Liu, Tao; Wang, Shaohua; Ma, Dengdian; Li, Xiaoyu

    2018-04-01

    Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare, aggressive and malignant tumor. This report describes a case involving DSRCT of the middle ear which no case has been reported in the literature till date. A 59-year-old Chinese man with a 40-year history of repeated suppuration of his right ear and 1-year history of drooping of the angle of mouth. The CT of the middle ear and brain scan and enhanced MRI showed space occupying lesion in the right middle ear. Desmoplastic small round cell tumor of the middle ear. After relevant examinations, radical mastoidectomy and subtotal temporal bone resection were performed on the right ear under general anesthesia. The patient underwent postoperative adjuvant chemoradiation therapy. The patient was counterchecked regularly,there was norecurrence of DSRCT of the middle ear. Four years after surgery, the CT and MRI of the middle ear mastoid showed right middle ear soft tissue shadow,but postoperative pathological results showed proliferative fibrous and vascular tissues with chronic inflammatory cell infiltration and necrosis. DSRCT is a relatively aggressive, malignant mesenchymal tumor, with a very poor prognosis.The diagnosis of DSRCT relies on immunohistological data. Early diagnosis, radical surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are considered a reasonable way to prolong survival.

  11. Round window chamber and fustis: endoscopic anatomy and surgical implications.

    PubMed

    Marchioni, Daniele; Soloperto, Davide; Colleselli, Elena; Tatti, Maria Fatima; Patel, Nirmal; Jufas, Nicholas

    2016-11-01

    The round window region is of critical importance in the anatomy of the middle ear. The aim of this paper is to describe its anatomy from an endoscopic point of view, emphasizing structures that have important surgical implications, in particular the fustis and the subcochlear canaliculus. The fustis, a smooth bony structure that forms the floor of the round window region, is a constant and important structure. It seems to indicate the round window membrane and the correct position of scala tympani. A structure connecting the round window region to the petrous apex, named the subcochlear canaliculus, is also described. A retrospective review of video recordings of endoscopic dissection and surgical procedures, carried out between June 2014 and February 2015, was conducted across two Tertiary university referral centers. A total of 42 dissections were analyzed in the study. We observed the fustis in all the cases and we identify two different anatomical conformations. The subcochlear canaliculus was found in 81.0 %, with a pneumatization direct to the petrous apex in 47.7 %. Conformation and limits of the round window niche may influence the surgical view of the round window membrane. Endoscopic approaches allow a very detailed view, which enables a comprehensive exploration of the round window region. Accurate knowledge of the anatomical relationships of this region has important advantages during middle ear surgery.

  12. Array-based DNA-methylation profiling in sarcomas with small blue round cell histology provides valuable diagnostic information.

    PubMed

    Koelsche, Christian; Hartmann, Wolfgang; Schrimpf, Daniel; Stichel, Damian; Jabar, Susanne; Ranft, Andreas; Reuss, David E; Sahm, Felix; Jones, David T W; Bewerunge-Hudler, Melanie; Trautmann, Marcel; Klingebiel, Thomas; Vokuhl, Christian; Gessler, Manfred; Wardelmann, Eva; Petersen, Iver; Baumhoer, Daniel; Flucke, Uta; Antonescu, Cristina; Esteller, Manel; Fröhling, Stefan; Kool, Marcel; Pfister, Stefan M; Mechtersheimer, Gunhild; Dirksen, Uta; von Deimling, Andreas

    2018-03-23

    Undifferentiated solid tumors with small blue round cell histology and expression of CD99 mostly resemble Ewing sarcoma. However, they also may include other tumors such as mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, or small cell osteosarcoma. Definitive classification usually requires detection of entity-specific mutations. While this approach identifies the majority of Ewing sarcomas, a subset of lesions remains unclassified and, therefore, has been termed "Ewing-like sarcomas" or small blue round cell tumors not otherwise specified. We developed an approach for further characterization of small blue round cell tumors not otherwise specified using an array-based DNA-methylation profiling approach. Data were analyzed by unsupervised clustering and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding analysis and compared with a reference methylation data set of 460 well-characterized prototypical sarcomas encompassing 18 subtypes. Verification was performed by additional FISH analyses, RNA sequencing from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded material or immunohistochemical marker analyses. In a cohort of more than 1,000 tumors assumed to represent Ewing sarcomas, 30 failed to exhibit the typical EWS translocation. These tumors were subjected to methylation profiling and could be assigned to Ewing sarcoma in 14 (47%), to small blue round cell tumors with CIC alteration in 6 (20%), to small blue round cell tumors with BCOR alteration in 4 (13%), to synovial sarcoma and to malignant rhabdoid tumor in 2 cases each. One single case each was allotted to mesenchymal chondrosarcoma and adamantinoma. 12/14 tumors classified as Ewing sarcoma could be verified by demonstrating either a canonical EWS translocation evading initial testing, by identifying rare breakpoints or fusion partners. The methylation-based assignment of the remaining small blue round cell tumors not otherwise specified also could be verified by entity-specific molecular alterations in 13/16 cases. In conclusion

  13. Cost-Effectiveness of Three Rounds of Mammography Breast Cancer Screening in Iranian Women

    PubMed Central

    Haghighat, Shahpar; Akbari, Mohammad Esmaeil; Yavari, Parvin; Javanbakht, Mehdi; Ghaffari, Shahram

    2016-01-01

    Background Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Iranian women as is worldwide. Mammography screening has been introduced as a beneficial method for reducing mortality and morbidity of this disease. Objectives We developed an analytical model to assess the cost effectiveness of an organized mammography screening program in Iran for early detection of the breast cancer. Patients and Methods This study is an economic evaluation of mammography screening program among Iranian woman aged 40 - 70 years. A decision tree and Markov model were applied to estimate total quality adjusted life years (QALY) and lifetime costs. Results The results revealed that the incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) of mammography screening in Iranian women in the first round was Int. $ 37,350 per QALY gained. The model showed that the ICER in the second and third rounds of screening program were Int. $ 141,641 and Int. $ 389,148 respectively. Conclusions Study results identified that mammography screening program was cost-effective in 53% of the cases, but incremental cost per QALY in the second and third rounds of screening are much higher than the accepted payment threshold of Iranian health system. Thus, evaluation of other screening strategies would be useful to identify more cost-effective program. Future studies with new national data can improve the accuracy of our finding and provide better information for health policy makers for decision making. PMID:27366315

  14. Rounding Technique for High-Speed Digital Signal Processing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wechsler, E. R.

    1983-01-01

    Arithmetic technique facilitates high-speed rounding of 2's complement binary data. Conventional rounding of 2's complement numbers presents problems in high-speed digital circuits. Proposed technique consists of truncating K + 1 bits then attaching bit in least significant position. Mean output error is zero, eliminating introducing voltage offset at input.

  15. Rounds Today: A Qualitative Study of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Resident Perceptions.

    PubMed

    Rabinowitz, Raphael; Farnan, Jeanne; Hulland, Oliver; Kearns, Lisa; Long, Michele; Monash, Bradley; Bhansali, Priti; Fromme, H Barrett

    2016-10-01

    Attending rounds is a key component of patient care and education at teaching hospitals, yet there is an absence of studies addressing trainees' perceptions of rounds. To determine perceptions of pediatrics and internal medicine residents about the current and ideal purposes of inpatient rounds on hospitalist services. In this multi-institutional qualitative study, the authors conducted focus groups with a purposive sample of internal medicine and pediatrics residents at 4 teaching hospitals. The constant comparative method was used to identify themes and codes. The study identified 4 themes: patient care, clinical education, patient/family involvement, and evaluation. Patient care included references to activities on rounds that forwarded care of the patient. Clinical education pertained to teaching/learning on rounds. Patient/family involvement encompassed comments about incorporating patients and families on rounds. Evaluation described residents demonstrating skill for attendings. Resident perceptions of the purposes of rounds aligned with rounding activities described by prior observational studies of rounds. The influence of time pressures and the divergent needs of participants on today's rounds placed these identified purposes in tension, and led to resident dissatisfaction in the achievement of all of them. Suboptimal congruency exists between perceived resident clinical education and specialty-specific milestones. These findings suggest a need for education of multiple stakeholders by (1) enhancing faculty teaching strategies to maximize clinical education while minimizing inefficiencies; (2) informing residents about the value of patient interactions and family-centered rounds; and (3) educating program directors in proper alignment of inpatient rotational objectives to the milestones.

  16. Engaging diverse community college students in the geosciences through a year-round career mentoring and research workforce program

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sloan, V.; Barge, L. M.; Smith, M.

    2017-12-01

    Student attrition from STEM majors most often occurs in the first or second year of college. To retain underrepresented minority students who are largely enrolled in community colleges in STEM pathways, it is critical to provide hands-on experiences and exposure to STEM occupations in a supportive community, before the students transfer to four-year colleges. The goal of the Bridge to the Geosciences is to provide community college students with year-round career mentoring, exposure to different fields and organizations in the geosciences through small field or research experiences, and community-building within the cohort and in connection with a broader community of scientists. Each year, 20 students from Citrus College in Glendora, California participate in research "geomodules" organized around the planetary, atmospheric, ocean, and environmental science subfields of the geosciences at: (1) the Oak Crest Institute of Science, a chemistry research and diversity-oriented education organization in Monrovia, CA; (2) the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a NASA center in Pasadena, CA; (3) the University of Southern California's (USC) Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies, a research center on Catalina Island; and (4) the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) in Boulder, CO. A peak experience of the program is a ten-day mini-internship at UCAR in Colorado where the students are immersed in atmospheric research, training, fieldwork, and presenting at a premier facility. Professional development, mentoring, science communication and cohort-development are woven across all four geomodules and throughout the year. This program is funded by the National Science Foundation's Improving Undergraduate STEM Education or IUSE program. Preliminary results indicate that the students' interest in the geosciences, confidence in their skills and identify as a scientist, and their sense of belonging to a cohort are increased by participation in this program.

  17. ASBESTOS-CONTAINING MATERIALS IN SCHOOL BUILDINGS: BULK SAMPLE ANALYSIS QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM-BULK SAMPLE ROUNDS 9, 10, 11 AND BLIND ROUND 2

    EPA Science Inventory

    The report presents the results of laboratories participating in the nineth, tenth, eleventh and second blind round(s) of the bulk sample analysis quality assurance program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Two hundred fifty-four, 320, 318, and 50 laboratorie...

  18. Contrasting responses of male and female foraging effort to year-round wind conditions.

    PubMed

    Lewis, Sue; Phillips, Richard A; Burthe, Sarah J; Wanless, Sarah; Daunt, Francis

    2015-11-01

    There is growing interest in the effects of wind on wild animals, given evidence that wind speeds are increasing and becoming more variable in some regions, particularly at temperate latitudes. Wind may alter movement patterns or foraging ability, with consequences for energy budgets and, ultimately, demographic rates. These effects are expected to vary among individuals due to intrinsic factors such as sex, age or feeding proficiency. Furthermore, this variation is predicted to become more marked as wind conditions deteriorate, which may have profound consequences for population dynamics as the climate changes. However, the interaction between wind and intrinsic effects has not been comprehensively tested. In many species, in particular those showing sexual size dimorphism, males and females vary in foraging performance. Here, we undertook year-round deployments of data loggers to test for interactions between sex and wind speed and direction on foraging effort in adult European shags Phalacrocorax aristotelis, a pursuit-diving seabird in which males are c. 18% heavier. We found that foraging time was lower at high wind speeds but higher during easterly (onshore) winds. Furthermore, there was an interaction between sex and wind conditions on foraging effort, such that females foraged for longer than males when winds were of greater strength (9% difference at high wind speeds vs. 1% at low wind speeds) and when winds were easterly compared with westerly (7% and 4% difference, respectively). The results supported our prediction that sex-specific differences in foraging effort would become more marked as wind conditions worsen. Since foraging time is linked to demographic rates in this species, our findings are likely to have important consequences for population dynamics by amplifying sex-specific differences in survival rates. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Animal Ecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the British Ecological Society.

  19. The role of immunohistochemistry in the analysis of the spectrum of small round cell tumours at a tertiary care centre.

    PubMed

    D'cruze, Lawrence; Dutta, Ruma; Rao, Shalinee; R, Anuradha; Varadarajan, Suresh; Kuruvilla, Sarah

    2013-07-01

    The term, "Small Round - Cell Tumours" (SRCT) describes a group of highly aggressive malignant neoplasms which are composed predominantly of small and monotonous undifferentiated cells with high nucleocytoplasmic ratios. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) plays a crucial role in catagorizing the small round - cell tumours. This study was done to analyse the spectrum of small round cell tumours over a period of five years at a tertiary care centre and to study the relevance of immunohistochemistry in making precise diagnoses of the small round cell tumours. Formalin - fixed, paraffin - embedded sections of tumours which were diagnosed as small round cell tumours on small biopsies and resected specimens were retrieved from the files of the Department of Pathology of Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research institute, in the period from January 2005 to December 2009. This study was confined to the bone and the soft tissues. Decalcification was performed on the bony tissues before the routine processing was done. The patients belonging to all age groups were included in this study. The small round cell tumours of the bone marrow, the spleen and the lymph node was excluded from our study. Immunohistochemical stains were performed to differentiate and categorise the small round blue cell tumours. The immunomarkers which were utilised in this study included CD45/LCA (the lymphocyte common antigen), CD20, CD3, CD99 (cluster of differentiation 99 also known as MIC2), desmin, EMA (epithelial membrane antigen), CK(cytokeratin), synaptophysin, chromogranin and GFAP (Glial fibrillary acidic protein). Forty three cases of small round cell tumours were analysed, which included 19 cases of NHL (non Hodgkin's lymphoma), 6 cases of Ewing/PNETs (primitive neuroectodermal tumours), 3 cases of atypical carcinoid, 3 cases of olfactory neuroblastoma, 2 cases each of rhabdomyosarcoma, Wilms tumour, neuroblastoma and synovial sarcoma and 1 case each of small cell osteosarcoma, small (oat) cell

  20. The value of case-based teaching vignettes in clinical microbiology rounds.

    PubMed

    Spicer, Jennifer O; Kraft, Colleen S; Burd, Eileen M; Armstrong, Wendy S; Guarner, Jeannette

    2014-03-01

    To describe the implementation and evaluation of a case-based microbiology curriculum during daily microbiology rounds. Vignettes consist of short cases with images and questions that facilitate discussion among microbiologists, pathologists, infectious disease physicians, and trainees (residents and fellows). We performed a survey to assess the value of these vignettes to trainees. Motivation to come to rounds on time increased from 60% to 100%. Trainees attending rounds after implementation of the vignettes perceived the value of microbiology rounds to be significantly higher compared with those who attended rounds before implementation (P = .04). Pathology residents found that vignettes were helpful for retaining knowledge (8.3 of 10 points). The vignettes have enhanced the value of microbiology rounds by serving as a formalized curriculum exposing trainees from multiple specialties to various microbiology topics. Emphasis on interdisciplinary interactions between clinical and laboratory personnel was highlighted with this case-based curriculum.

  1. Are family characteristics associated with attendance at family centered rounds in the PICU?.

    PubMed

    Drago, Matthew J; Aronson, Paul L; Madrigal, Vanessa; Yau, Jennifer; Morrison, Wynne

    2013-02-01

    The objective of this study was to identify if family characteristics or opinions affected participation in family centered rounds. Observational study of 431 patient encounters on daily work rounds, followed by 100 questionnaires completed by family members of patients in the unit during observation. PICU at a tertiary care, academic, free-standing children's hospital. Patients and families admitted to the PICU during the observation period. None. The most frequent family members present for rounds were mothers (40%). Race, educational level, age of the family member, age of the child, whether the admission was expected, and whether the family member was a medical professional had no association with whether the family member attended rounds. Both family members who were present and those who were not present felt being at rounds would improve the care of their child (87% vs. 100%, p = 0.57). A family's response that they preferred to attend rounds was the only factor associated with a higher likelihood of attending rounds (odds ratio 3.4, 95% confidence interval 1.1-10.8, p = 0.03). Families feel that participating in family centered rounds improves the care of their children. Those that like attending rounds are more likely to participate in family centered rounds, but family demographic characteristics were not associated with rounds attendance. Future studies are needed to identify barriers to family participation in family centered rounds.

  2. Transient Three-Dimensional Side Load Analysis of Out-of-Round Film Cooled Nozzles

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wang, Ten-See; Lin, Jeff; Ruf, Joe; Guidos, Mike

    2010-01-01

    The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of nozzle out-of-roundness on the transient startup side loads at a high altitude, with an anchored computational methodology. The out-of-roundness could be the result of asymmetric loads induced by hardware attached to the nozzle, asymmetric internal stresses induced by previous tests, and deformation, such as creep, from previous tests. The rocket engine studied encompasses a regeneratively cooled thrust chamber and a film cooled nozzle extension with film coolant distributed from a turbine exhaust manifold. The computational methodology is based on an unstructured-grid, pressure-based computational fluid dynamics formulation, and a transient inlet history based on an engine system simulation. Transient startup computations were performed with the out-of-roundness achieved by four different degrees of ovalization: one perfectly round, one slightly out-of-round, one more out-of-round, and one significantly out-of-round. The results show that the separation-line-jump is the peak side load physics for the round, slightly our-of-round, and more out-of-round cases, and the peak side load increases as the degree of out-of-roundness increases. For the significantly out-of-round nozzle, however, the peak side load reduces to comparable to that of the round nozzle and the separation line jump is not the peak side load physics. The counter-intuitive result of the significantly out-of-round case is found to be related to a side force reduction mechanism that splits the effect of the separation-line-jump into two parts, not only in the circumferential direction and most importantly in time.

  3. Summary of the ACAT Round Table Discussion: Open-source, knowledge sharing and scientific collaboration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Carminati, Federico; Perret-Gallix, Denis; Riemann, Tord

    2014-06-01

    Round table discussions are in the tradition of ACAT. This year's plenary round table discussion was devoted to questions related to the use of scientific software in High Energy Physics and beyond. The 90 minutes of discussion were lively, and quite a lot of diverse opinions were spelled out. Although the discussion was, in part, controversial, the participants agreed unanimously on several basic issues in software sharing: • The importance of having various licensing models in academic research; • The basic value of proper recognition and attribution of intellectual property, including scientific software; • The user respect for the conditions of use, including licence statements, as formulated by the author. The need of a similar discussion on the issues of data sharing was emphasized and it was recommended to cover this subject at the conference round table discussion of next ACAT. In this contribution, we summarise selected topics that were covered in the introductory talks and in the following discussion.

  4. Quality assessment program for EuroFlow protocols: summary results of four-year (2010-2013) quality assurance rounds.

    PubMed

    Kalina, Tomas; Flores-Montero, Juan; Lecrevisse, Quentin; Pedreira, Carlos E; van der Velden, Vincent H J; Novakova, Michaela; Mejstrikova, Ester; Hrusak, Ondrej; Böttcher, Sebastian; Karsch, Dennis; Sędek, Łukasz; Trinquand, Amelie; Boeckx, Nancy; Caetano, Joana; Asnafi, Vahid; Lucio, Paulo; Lima, Margarida; Helena Santos, Ana; Bonaccorso, Paola; van der Sluijs-Gelling, Alita J; Langerak, Anton W; Martin-Ayuso, Marta; Szczepański, Tomasz; van Dongen, Jacques J M; Orfao, Alberto

    2015-02-01

    Flow cytometric immunophenotyping has become essential for accurate diagnosis, classification, and disease monitoring in hemato-oncology. The EuroFlow Consortium has established a fully standardized "all-in-one" pipeline consisting of standardized instrument settings, reagent panels, and sample preparation protocols and software for data analysis and disease classification. For its reproducible implementation, parallel development of a quality assurance (QA) program was required. Here, we report on the results of four consecutive annual rounds of the novel external QA EuroFlow program. The novel QA scheme aimed at monitoring the whole flow cytometric analysis process (cytometer setting, sample preparation, acquisition and analysis) by reading the median fluorescence intensities (MedFI) of defined lymphocytes' subsets. Each QA participant applied the predefined reagents' panel on blood cells of local healthy donors. A uniform gating strategy was applied to define lymphocyte subsets and to read MedFI values per marker. The MedFI values were compared with reference data and deviations from reference values were quantified using performance score metrics. In four annual QA rounds, we analyzed 123 blood samples from local healthy donors on 14 different instruments in 11 laboratories from nine European countries. The immunophenotype of defined cellular subsets appeared sufficiently standardized to permit unified (software) data analysis. The coefficient of variation of MedFI for 7 of 11 markers performed repeatedly below 30%, average MedFI in each QA round ranged from 86 to 125% from overall median. Calculation of performance scores was instrumental to pinpoint standardization failures and their causes. Overall, the new EuroFlow QA system for the first time allowed to quantify the technical variation that is introduced in the measurement of fluorescence intensities in a multicentric setting over an extended period of time. EuroFlow QA is a proficiency test specific for

  5. The fine structure of the sperm of the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus)

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Allen, Jeffrey D.; Walker, Glenn K.; Nichols, Susan J.; Sorenson, Dorothy

    2004-01-01

    The fine structural details of the spermatozoon of the round goby are presented for the first time in this study. Scanning and transmission electron microscopic examination of testis reveals an anacrosomal spermatozoon with a slightly elongate head and uniformly compacted chromatin. The midpiece contains a single, spherical mitochondrion. Two perpendicularly oriented centrioles lie in a deep, eccentric nuclear fossa with no regularly observed connection to the nucleus. The flagellum develops bilateral fins soon after emerging from the fossa; each extends approximately 1 A?m from the axoneme and persists nearly the length of the flagellum.

  6. The pressure and entropy of a unitary Fermi gas with particle-hole fluctuation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gong, Hao; Ruan, Xiao-Xia; Zong, Hong-Shi

    2018-01-01

    We calculate the pressure and entropy of a unitary Fermi gas based on universal relations combined with our previous prediction of energy which was calculated within the framework of the non-self-consistent T-matrix approximation with particle-hole fluctuation. The resulting entropy and pressure are compared with the experimental data and the theoretical results without induced interaction. For entropy, we find good agreement between our results with particle-hole fluctuation and the experimental measurements reported by ENS group and MIT experiment. For pressure, our results suffer from a systematic upshift compared to MIT data.

  7. Study of optical techniques for the Ames unitary wind tunnels. Part 1: Schlieren

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lee, George

    1992-01-01

    Alignment procedures and conceptual designs for the rapid alignment of the Ames Unitary Wind Tunnel schlieren systems were devised. The schlieren systems can be aligned by translating the light source, the mirrors, and the knife edge equal distances. One design for rapid alignment consists of a manual pin locking scheme. The other is a motorized electronic position scheme. A study of two optical concepts which can be used with the schlieren system was made. These are the 'point diffraction interferometers' and the 'focus schlieren'. Effects of vibrations were studied.

  8. Identification and analysis of unitary loss of long-established protein-coding genes in Poaceae shows evidences for biased gene loss and putatively functional transcription of relics.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Yi; Tang, Liang; Li, Zhe; Jin, Jinpu; Luo, Jingchu; Gao, Ge

    2015-04-18

    Long-established protein-coding genes may lose their coding potential during evolution ("unitary gene loss"). Members of the Poaceae family are a major food source and represent an ideal model clade for plant evolution research. However, the global pattern of unitary gene loss in Poaceae genomes as well as the evolutionary fate of lost genes are still less-investigated and remain largely elusive. Using a locally developed pipeline, we identified 129 unitary gene loss events for long-established protein-coding genes from four representative species of Poaceae, i.e. brachypodium, rice, sorghum and maize. Functional annotation suggested that the lost genes in all or most of Poaceae species are enriched for genes involved in development and response to endogenous stimulus. We also found that 44 mutated genomic loci of lost genes, which we referred as relics, were still actively transcribed, and of which 84% (37 of 44) showed significantly differential expression across different tissues. More interestingly, we found that there were totally five expressed relics may function as competitive endogenous RNA in brachypodium, rice and sorghum genome. Based on comparative genomics and transcriptome data, we firstly compiled a comprehensive catalogue of unitary gene loss events in Poaceae species and characterized a statistically significant functional preference for these lost genes as well showed the potential of relics functioning as competitive endogenous RNAs in Poaceae genomes.

  9. A unitary model of the black hole evaporation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Feng, Yu-Lei; Chen, Yi-Xin

    2014-12-01

    A unitary effective field model of the black hole evaporation is proposed to satisfy almost the four postulates of the black hole complementarity (BHC). In this model, we enlarge a black hole-scalar field system by adding an extra radiation detector that couples with the scalar field. After performing a partial trace over the scalar field space, we obtain an effective entanglement between the black hole and the detector (or radiation in it). As the whole system evolves, the S-matrix formula can be constructed formally step by step. Without local quantum measurements, the paradoxes of the information loss and AMPS's firewall can be resolved. However, the information can be lost due to quantum decoherence, as long as some local measurement has been performed on the detector to acquire the information of the radiation in it. But unlike Hawking's completely thermal spectrum, some residual correlations can be found in the radiations. All these considerations can be simplified in a qubit model that provides a modified quantum teleportation to transfer the information via an EPR pairs.

  10. Mesothelial cyst in the liver round ligament: A case report and review of the literature.

    PubMed

    Feo, Claudio F; Ginesu, Giorgio C; Cherchi, Giuseppe; Fancellu, Alessandro; Cossu, M Laura; Porcu, Alberto

    2017-01-01

    Cysts of the liver round ligament are rare and they are benign in the majority of cases. Current literature has been reviewed on this subject. A 22-year-old woman with a history of epigastric pain was admitted at our institution. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed a 14-mm cystic lesion in the epigastrium. A large cyst of the liver round ligament was successfully removed during exploratory laparoscopy and histopathology revealed a benign mesothelial cyst. Mesothelial cysts of the liver round ligament are rare entities and we found a total of 5 cases from the literature. Diameter varies from 5 to 14cm. Most patients were asymptomatic or may complain abdominal pain in the upper quadrants. Ultrasonography and CT scan are the most useful diagnostic tools, however differential diagnosis between various abdominal cystic lesions can be difficult. Treatment is usually surgical excision. Mesothelial cysts of the liver round ligament are extremely rare but should be taken in consideration in the differential diagnosis of intra-abdominal cystic lesions. We stress the importance of exploratory laparoscopy that can allow both diagnosis and radical surgical excision. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  11. Introduction of a new ward round approach in a cardiothoracic critical care unit.

    PubMed

    Shaughnessy, Liz; Jackson, Jo

    2015-07-01

    Francis (2013) described inconsistent ward rounds and failures to conduct ward rounds properly as contributing factors to the poor care seen at the Mid Staffordshire Foundation Trust. He suggested that the absence of a nurse at the bedside had clear consequences for communication, ward round efficiency and patient safety. He recommended that nurses should be actively involved in ward rounds and linked this to high quality patient care. To share an experience of introducing a ward round checklist, a bedside nurse verbal summary and the development of standard operating procedure for Ward Rounds in cardiothoracic critical care unit to improve patient safety and care. Semi structured interviews of six registered nurses. A questionnaire to 69 registered nurses. An electronic questionnaire sent to 23 members of the MDT. An observational audit of seven ward rounds reviewing 69 patients. 97% of nurses agreed that verbal summarizing had improved clarity and 90% felt that it had improved patient care. 87% of the MDT respondents stated that they had noticed an improvement in the attendance of the bedside nurse at the ward round review. The ward round checklist reduced omissions. Communication with patients during ward rounds was an area which needed to be improved. The introduction of a new ward round approach and audit of its practice has enabled an improvement in the quality of patient care by: Giving more opportunity for the nurse to participate and feel part of the ward round. Reduction of omissions through the use of a ward round checklist. Improved clarity among the MDT by the use of bedside nurse verbal summarizing of the plan of care. Nurses' full participation in ward rounds is essential to ensure effective communication and enhance patient safety. © 2015 British Association of Critical Care Nurses.

  12. Attitudes of nursing staff toward interprofessional in-patient-centered rounding.

    PubMed

    Sharma, Umesh; Klocke, David

    2014-09-01

    Historically, medicine and nursing has had a hierarchical and patriarchal relationship, with physicians holding monopoly over knowledge-based practice of medical care, thus impeding interprofessional collaboration. Power gradient prevents nurses from demanding cooperative patient rounding. We surveyed attitudes of nursing staff at our tertiary care community hospital, before and after implementation of a patient-centered interprofessional (hospitalist-nurse) rounding process for patients. There was a substantial improvement in nursing staff satisfaction related to the improved communication (7%-54%, p < 0.001) and rounding (3%-49%, p < 0.001) by hospitalist providers. Patient-centered rounding also positively impacted nursing workflow (5%-56%, p < 0.001), nurses' perceptions of value as a team member (26%-56%, p = 0.018) and their job satisfaction (43%-59%, p = 0.010). Patient-centered rounding positively contributed to transforming the hospitalist-nurse hierarchical model to a team-based collaborative model, thus enhancing interprofessional relationships.

  13. Study of optical techniques for the Ames unitary wind tunnel. Part 5: Infrared imagery

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lee, George

    1992-01-01

    A survey of infrared thermography for aerodynamics was made. Particular attention was paid to boundary layer transition detection. IR thermography flow visualization of 2-D and 3-D separation was surveyed. Heat transfer measurements and surface temperature measurements were also covered. Comparisons of several commercial IR cameras were made. The use of a recently purchased IR camera in the Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnels was studied. Optical access for these facilities and the methods to scan typical models was investigated.

  14. Introducing electron capture into the unitary-convolution-approximation energy-loss theory at low velocities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schiwietz, G.; Grande, P. L.

    2011-11-01

    Recent developments in the theoretical treatment of electronic energy losses of bare and screened ions in gases are presented. Specifically, the unitary-convolution-approximation (UCA) stopping-power model has proven its strengths for the determination of nonequilibrium effects for light as well as heavy projectiles at intermediate to high projectile velocities. The focus of this contribution will be on the UCA and its extension to specific projectile energies far below 100 keV/u, by considering electron-capture contributions at charge-equilibrium conditions.

  15. Stabilization of flow past a rounded cylinder

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Samtaney, Ravi; Zhang, Wei

    2016-11-01

    We perform global linear stability analysis on low-Re flow past a rounded cylinder. The cylinder corners are rounded with a radius R, normalized as R+ = R / D where D is the cylinder diameter, and its effect on the flow stability characteristics is investigated. We compute the critical Reynolds number (Recr) for the onset of first instability, and quantify the perturbation growth rate for the super-critical flows. It is found that the flow can be stabilized by partially rounding the cylinder. Compared with the square and circular cylinders, the partially rounded cylinder has a higher Recr , attaining a maximum at around R+ = 0 . 30 , and the perturbation growth rate of the super-critical flows is reduced for Re <= 100 . We perform sensitivity analysis to explore the source of the stabilization. The growth rate sensitivity to base flow modification has two different spatial structures: the growth rate is sensitive to the wake backflow in a large region for square-like cylinders (R+ -> 0 . 00), while only the near-wake backflow is crucial for circular-like cylinders (R+ -> 0 . 50). The stability analysis results are also verified with those of the direct simulations and very good agreement is achieved. Supported by the KAUST Office of Competitive Research Funds under Award No. URF/1/1394-01. The supercomputer Shaheen at KAUST was utilized for the simulations.

  16. Fourteen babies born after round spermatid injection into human oocytes

    PubMed Central

    Tanaka, Atsushi; Nagayoshi, Motoi; Takemoto, Youichi; Tanaka, Izumi; Kusunoki, Hiroshi; Watanabe, Seiji; Kuroda, Keiji; Takeda, Satoru; Ito, Masahiko; Yanagimachi, Ryuzo

    2015-01-01

    During the human in vitro fertilization procedure in the assisted reproductive technology, intracytoplasmic sperm injection is routinely used to inject a spermatozoon or a less mature elongating spermatid into the oocyte. In some infertile men, round spermatids (haploid male germ cells that have completed meiosis) are the most mature cells visible during testicular biopsy. The microsurgical injection of a round spermatid into an oocyte as a substitute is commonly referred to as round spermatid injection (ROSI). Currently, human ROSI is considered a very inefficient procedure and of no clinical value. Herein, we report the birth and development of 14 children born to 12 women following ROSI of 734 oocytes previously activated by an electric current. The round spermatids came from men who had been diagnosed as not having spermatozoa or elongated spermatids by andrologists at other hospitals after a first Micro-TESE. A key to our success was our ability to identify round spermatids accurately before oocyte injection. As of today, all children born after ROSI in our clinic are without any unusual physical, mental, or epigenetic problems. Thus, for men whose germ cells are unable to develop beyond the round spermatid stage, ROSI can, as a last resort, enable them to have their own genetic offspring. PMID:26575628

  17. Fourteen babies born after round spermatid injection into human oocytes.

    PubMed

    Tanaka, Atsushi; Nagayoshi, Motoi; Takemoto, Youichi; Tanaka, Izumi; Kusunoki, Hiroshi; Watanabe, Seiji; Kuroda, Keiji; Takeda, Satoru; Ito, Masahiko; Yanagimachi, Ryuzo

    2015-11-24

    During the human in vitro fertilization procedure in the assisted reproductive technology, intracytoplasmic sperm injection is routinely used to inject a spermatozoon or a less mature elongating spermatid into the oocyte. In some infertile men, round spermatids (haploid male germ cells that have completed meiosis) are the most mature cells visible during testicular biopsy. The microsurgical injection of a round spermatid into an oocyte as a substitute is commonly referred to as round spermatid injection (ROSI). Currently, human ROSI is considered a very inefficient procedure and of no clinical value. Herein, we report the birth and development of 14 children born to 12 women following ROSI of 734 oocytes previously activated by an electric current. The round spermatids came from men who had been diagnosed as not having spermatozoa or elongated spermatids by andrologists at other hospitals after a first Micro-TESE. A key to our success was our ability to identify round spermatids accurately before oocyte injection. As of today, all children born after ROSI in our clinic are without any unusual physical, mental, or epigenetic problems. Thus, for men whose germ cells are unable to develop beyond the round spermatid stage, ROSI can, as a last resort, enable them to have their own genetic offspring.

  18. a Perspective on the Magic Square and the "special Unitary" Realization of Real Simple Lie Algebras

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Santander, Mariano

    2013-07-01

    This paper contains the last part of the minicourse "Spaces: A Perspective View" delivered at the IFWGP2012. The series of three lectures was intended to bring the listeners from the more naive and elementary idea of space as "our physical Space" (which after all was the dominant one up to the 1820s) through the generalization of the idea of space which took place in the last third of the 19th century. That was a consequence of first the discovery and acceptance of non-Euclidean geometry and second, of the views afforded by the works of Riemann and Klein and continued since then by many others, outstandingly Lie and Cartan. Here we deal with the part of the minicourse which centers on the classification questions associated to the simple real Lie groups. We review the original introduction of the Magic Square "á la Freudenthal", putting the emphasis in the role played in this construction by the four normed division algebras ℝ, ℂ, ℍ, 𝕆. We then explore the possibility of understanding some simple real Lie algebras as "special unitary" over some algebras 𝕂 or tensor products 𝕂1 ⊗ 𝕂2, and we argue that the proper setting for this construction is not to confine only to normed division algebras, but to allow the split versions ℂ‧, ℍ‧, 𝕆‧ of complex, quaternions and octonions as well. This way we get a "Grand Magic Square" and we fill in all details required to cover all real forms of simple real Lie algebras within this scheme. The paper ends with the complete lists of all realizations of simple real Lie algebras as "special unitary" (or only unitary when n = 2) over some tensor product of two *-algebras 𝕂1, 𝕂2, which in all cases are obtained from ℝ, ℂ, ℂ‧, ℍ, ℍ‧, 𝕆, 𝕆‧ as sets, endowing them with a *-conjugation which usually but not always is the natural complex, quaternionic or octonionic conjugation.

  19. Transient Three-Dimensional Side Load Analysis of Out-of-Round Film Cooled Nozzles

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wang, Ten-See; Lin, Jeff; Ruf, Joe; Guidos, Mike

    2010-01-01

    The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of nozzle out-of-roundness on the transient startup side loads. The out-of-roundness could be the result of asymmetric loads induced by hardware attached to the nozzle, asymmetric internal stresses induced by previous tests and/or deformation, such as creep, from previous tests. The rocket engine studied encompasses a regeneratively cooled thrust chamber and a film cooled nozzle extension with film coolant distributed from a turbine exhaust manifold. The computational methodology is based on an unstructured-grid, pressure-based computational fluid dynamics formulation, and a transient inlet history based on an engine system simulation. Transient startup computations were performed with the out-of-roundness achieved by four degrees of ovalization of the nozzle: one perfectly round, one slightly out-of-round, one more out-of-round, and one significantly out-of-round. The computed side load physics caused by the nozzle out-of-roundness and its effect on nozzle side load are reported and discussed.

  20. Implant-supported single-tooth restorations. A 12-year prospective study.

    PubMed

    Donati, Mauro; Ekestubbe, Annika; Lindhe, Jan; Wennström, Jan L

    2016-10-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively the 12-year outcome of implant-supported single-tooth restorations. Originally 45 self-tapping Astra Tech TiOblast ® ST-implants were installed by a two-stage protocol in 40 subjects requiring single-tooth prosthetic replacement for a missing tooth. Clinical and radiologic examinations were performed at completion of the prosthetic treatment 4-7 months after implant installation surgery and after 5 and 12 years in function. At 12 years 31 patients and 35 implants were available for evaluation. The overall failure rate after 12 years was 10.3% on the subject level and 9.1% on the implant level. The mean bone loss amounted to 0.67 mm (SD 2.20) on a subject level and 0.47 mm (1.72) on an implant level. Three subjects (10%) and three implants (8.6%) were diagnosed with peri-implantitis. Five subjects had experienced technical complications; three incidences of loosening of the abutment retention screw during the first 5 years and two minor porcelain fracture of the crown (two patients) between 5- and 12-years of follow-up. The findings reported in this 12-year prospective case series suggest that the use of the Astra Tech dental implants may be a valid treatment alternative for single-tooth replacement prostheses. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  1. Prevalence of newly isolated, cytopathic small round virus (Aichi strain) in Japan.

    PubMed Central

    Yamashita, T; Sakae, K; Ishihara, Y; Isomura, S; Utagawa, E

    1993-01-01

    Cytopathic small round virus (Aichi strain), isolated from a patient with oyster-associated gastroenteritis, showed no reaction in the polymerase chain reaction method for enteroviruses or in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the five serotypes of astroviruses. Our ELISA was sensitive in detecting the Aichi strain antigen in stool samples, but there was no reaction in this ELISA with any non-Aichi strains of enteric viruses, with such origins as enterovirus, rotavirus, Norwalk virus, calicivirus, or astrovirus. In the ELISA, 13 of 47 stool samples from adult patients in five of nine oyster-associated gastroenteritis outbreaks were positive, but only 1 of 397 pediatric stool samples in Aichi Prefecture was positive. The prevalence rate for Aichi strain antibody was found to be 7.2% for persons aged 7 months to 4 years. The prevalence rate for antibody to Aichi strain increased with age, to about 80% in persons 35 years old. On the basis of the results of the present study, it was hypothesized that Aichi strain could be a new type of small round virus that mainly produces diarrhea in patients in the 15- to 34-year-old age group, 50 to 76% of whom possess neutralizing antibody. Images PMID:8263178

  2. CT features of rounded atelectasis of the lung

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

    Doyle, T.C.; Lawler, G.A.

    1984-08-01

    Rounded atelectasis is an uncommon but increasingly recognized benign form of peripheral lung collapse. The three patients described here had pleural-based lung masses considered initially to represent carcinoma. On computed tomography, a characteristics appearance of eight major and five minor signs of rounded atelectasis of the lung were found. In conjunction with other radiologic evaluations, these allowed the patients to be confidently managed without exploratory thoracotomy.

  3. Nursing students' viewpoints toward two methods of clinical conference and clinical nursing round.

    PubMed

    Gheidanzadeh, Maryam; Baghersad, Zahra; Abazari, Parvaneh

    2017-01-01

    Clinical education provides a chance to combine theoretical knowledge and clinical skills. Students are the key elements in the evaluation of clinical education efficacy. The present study was aimed to define nursing students' viewpoints concerning conformity to the characteristics of clinical conference and clinical round. This descriptive analytical study was conducted on the bachelor's students of the 4 th -6 th semester of nursing. Sampling was conducted using census sampling method during the 2 nd semester of 2014-2015 school year. Data collection tool was a three-section researcher-made questionnaire containing demographic, nursing round, and clinical conference characteristics. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests (independent t -test, ANOVA, and Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficients) were used for data analysis. Participants were 134 bachelor's students of the 4 th -6 th semester of nursing. According to half of the participants, conformity to the characteristics of clinical conference (45.5%, 53%) and clinical round (44%, 51.5%) were poor and medium, respectively. Paired t -test showed a significant difference between students' viewpoints toward the planning of clinical conference and clinical nursing round ( P = 0.006, t = 2.77). According to the results of the present study on students' viewpoints, clinical education faces a serious challenge with regard to clinical education methods. Considering the necessity and importance of clinical education, more investigation should be conducted to detect its relevant factors and plan for its improvement.

  4. Firearm equipped with live round inhibiting means and method of making same

    DOEpatents

    Baehr, Donald G.

    1990-01-01

    A firearm is disclosed having live round inhibiting means mounted in the barrel of the firearm which permits a blank cartridge to be loaded into a firearm and fired while preventing the loading and firing of a live round. The live round inhibiting means comprise shaft means mounted in the barrel of the firearm and which extends a sufficient length into the barrel at a point just beyond the chamber portion of the firearm to engage the bullet portion of a live round to prevent it from properly chambering, while permitting a blank cartridge to be loaded into the firearm and fired without engaging the live round-inhibiting shaft means.

  5. Round timbers and ties

    Treesearch

    Ronald W. Wolfe

    1999-01-01

    Round timbers and ties represent some of the most efficient uses of our forest resources. They require a minimum of processing between harvesting the tree and marketing the structural commodity. Poles and piles are debarked or peeled, seasoned, and often treated with preservative prior to use as structural members. Construction logs are usually shaped to facilitate...

  6. 40 CFR 86.1837-01 - Rounding of emission measurements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... subpart to one additional significant figure, in accordance with the Rounding-Off Method specified in ASTM E29-93a, Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with... credits generated or needed as follows: manufacturers must round to the same number of significant figures...

  7. 40 CFR 86.1837-01 - Rounding of emission measurements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... subpart to one additional significant figure, in accordance with the Rounding-Off Method specified in ASTM E29-93a, Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with... credits generated or needed as follows: manufacturers must round to the same number of significant figures...

  8. 40 CFR 86.1837-01 - Rounding of emission measurements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... subpart to one additional significant figure, in accordance with the Rounding-Off Method specified in ASTM E29-93a, Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with... credits generated or needed as follows: manufacturers must round to the same number of significant figures...

  9. 40 CFR 86.1837-01 - Rounding of emission measurements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... subpart to one additional significant figure, in accordance with the Rounding-Off Method specified in ASTM E29-93a, Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with... credits generated or needed as follows: manufacturers must round to the same number of significant figures...

  10. Langley Research Center's Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel: Testing Capabilities and Recent Modernization Activities

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Micol, John R.

    2001-01-01

    Description, capabilities, initiatives, and utilization of the NASA Langley Research Center's Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel are presented. A brief overview of the facility's operational capabilities and testing techniques is provided. A recent Construction of Facilities (CoF) project to improve facility productivity and efficiency through facility automation has been completed and is discussed. Several new and maturing thrusts are underway that include systematic efforts to provide credible assessment for data quality, modifications to the new automation control system for increased compatibility with the Modern Design Of Experiments (MDOE) testing methodology, and process improvements for better test coordination, planning, and execution.

  11. Langley Research Center's Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel: Testing Capabilities and Recent Modernization Activities

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Micol, John R.

    2001-01-01

    Description, capabilities, initiatives, and utilization of the NASA Langley Research Center's Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel are presented. A brief overview of the facility's operational capabilities and testing techniques is provided. A recent Construction of Facilities (Car) project to improve facility productivity and efficiency through facility automation has been completed and is discussed. Several new and maturing thrusts are underway that include systematic efforts to provide credible assessment for data quality, modifications to the new automation control system for increased compatibility with the Modern Design of Experiments (MDOE) testing methodology, and process improvements for better test coordination, planning, and execution.

  12. Round-the-table teaching: a novel approach to resuscitation education

    PubMed Central

    McGarvey, Kathryn; Scott, Karen; O'Leary, Fenton

    2014-01-01

    Background Effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation saves lives. Health professionals who care for acutely unwell children need to be prepared to care for a child in arrest. Hospitals must ensure that their staff have the knowledge, confidence and ability to respond to a child in cardiac arrest. RESUS4KIDS is a programme designed to teach paediatric resuscitation to health care professionals who care for acutely unwell children. The programme is delivered in two components: an e–learning component for pre-learning, followed by a short, practical, face-to-face course that is taught using the round-the-table teaching approach. Context Round-the-table teaching is a novel, evidence-based small group teaching approach designed to teach paediatric resuscitation skills and knowledge. Round-the-table teaching uses a structured approach to managing a collapsed child, and ensures that each participant has the opportunity to practise the essential resuscitation skills of airway manoeuvres, bag mask ventilation and cardiac compressions. Innovation Round-the-table teaching is an engaging, non-threatening approach to delivering interdisciplinary paediatric resuscitation education. The methodology ensures that all participants have the opportunity to practise each of the different essential skills associated with the Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Defibrillation or rhythm recognition (DRSABCD) approach to the collapsed child. Implications Round-the-table teaching is based on evidence-based small group teaching methods. The methodology of round-the-table teaching can be applied to any topic where participants must demonstrate an understanding of a sequential approach to a clinical skill. Round-the-table teaching uses a structured approach to managing a collapsed child PMID:25212931

  13. Study of optical techniques for the Ames unitary wind tunnel: Digital image processing, part 6

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lee, George

    1993-01-01

    A survey of digital image processing techniques and processing systems for aerodynamic images has been conducted. These images covered many types of flows and were generated by many types of flow diagnostics. These include laser vapor screens, infrared cameras, laser holographic interferometry, Schlieren, and luminescent paints. Some general digital image processing systems, imaging networks, optical sensors, and image computing chips were briefly reviewed. Possible digital imaging network systems for the Ames Unitary Wind Tunnel were explored.

  14. Weapon Performance Testing and Analysis: The MODI-PAC Round, the Number 4 Lead-Shot Round, and the Flying Baton

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1976-01-01

    items. The items tested were the MODI-PAC, a proprietary item of Reming)on Arms Company, a standard 12 - gauge round of No. 4 lead shot, and an...to refrain from testing this item. Therefore, the final selection of items for testing were (1) the MODI-PAC, (2) a standard 12 - gauge shotgun round of...The first item evaluated was the MODI-PAC5. The MOQ1-PAC which standsfor “modified impact “ is a 12 - gauge shotgun shell loaded with approximately 320

  15. Solitary Fibrous Tumor in the Round Ligament of the Liver: A Fortunate Intraoperative Discovery

    PubMed Central

    Beyer, Laura; Delpero, Jean-Robert; Chetaille, Bruno; Sarran, Anthony; Perrot, Delphine; Moureau-Zabotto, Laurence; Guiramand, Jérôme; Bertucci, François

    2012-01-01

    Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are mesenchymal neoplasms of fibroblastic origin, most commonly found in the pleura. Numerous extrathoracic locations have been reported during the last 2 decades. Herein, we report the first case of an SFT in the round ligament of the liver. A 46-year-old Caucasian man presented with a 12-month history of abdominal pain. An ultrasonography-guided microbiopsy first revealed a desmoid tumor. After failure of first- and second-line medical treatments (celecoxib and tamoxifen, then imatinib), histological reexamination was suspicious for a low-grade sarcoma. MRI was also suspicious for a malignant process. Hence, surgery was decided. Laparotomy found a huge and well-limited tumor that, unexpectedly, was appended to the round ligament of the liver and free from any other intra-abdominal contact. The tumor was easily removed. Excision was monobloc and macroscopically complete. Histological analysis diagnosed an SFT arising from the round ligament of the liver. No adjuvant treatment was given. Ten months after surgery, the patient is alive without any signs or symptoms of relapse. This is the first report of SFT arising from the round ligament of the liver. It illustrates the difficulty in diagnosing such tumors. Whilst diagnosis of SFT is rare, it should be kept in mind to allow early diagnosis and complete surgical resection, which provide the best chance for recovery. PMID:22666211

  16. Solitary fibrous tumor in the round ligament of the liver: a fortunate intraoperative discovery.

    PubMed

    Beyer, Laura; Delpero, Jean-Robert; Chetaille, Bruno; Sarran, Anthony; Perrot, Delphine; Moureau-Zabotto, Laurence; Guiramand, Jérôme; Bertucci, François

    2012-01-01

    Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are mesenchymal neoplasms of fibroblastic origin, most commonly found in the pleura. Numerous extrathoracic locations have been reported during the last 2 decades. Herein, we report the first case of an SFT in the round ligament of the liver. A 46-year-old Caucasian man presented with a 12-month history of abdominal pain. An ultrasonography-guided microbiopsy first revealed a desmoid tumor. After failure of first- and second-line medical treatments (celecoxib and tamoxifen, then imatinib), histological reexamination was suspicious for a low-grade sarcoma. MRI was also suspicious for a malignant process. Hence, surgery was decided. Laparotomy found a huge and well-limited tumor that, unexpectedly, was appended to the round ligament of the liver and free from any other intra-abdominal contact. The tumor was easily removed. Excision was monobloc and macroscopically complete. Histological analysis diagnosed an SFT arising from the round ligament of the liver. No adjuvant treatment was given. Ten months after surgery, the patient is alive without any signs or symptoms of relapse. This is the first report of SFT arising from the round ligament of the liver. It illustrates the difficulty in diagnosing such tumors. Whilst diagnosis of SFT is rare, it should be kept in mind to allow early diagnosis and complete surgical resection, which provide the best chance for recovery.

  17. 47 CFR 73.31 - Rounding of nominal power specified on applications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... power of an existing station shall specify nominal power rounded to two significant figures as follows: Nominal power (kW) Rounded down to nearest figure (kW) Below 0.25 0.001 0.25 to 0.99 0.01 1 to 9.9 0.1 10... shall be adjusted accordingly. If rounding upward to the nearest figure would result in objectionable...

  18. 47 CFR 73.31 - Rounding of nominal power specified on applications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... power of an existing station shall specify nominal power rounded to two significant figures as follows: Nominal power (kW) Rounded down to nearest figure (kW) Below 0.25 0.001 0.25 to 0.99 0.01 1 to 9.9 0.1 10... shall be adjusted accordingly. If rounding upward to the nearest figure would result in objectionable...

  19. 47 CFR 73.31 - Rounding of nominal power specified on applications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... power of an existing station shall specify nominal power rounded to two significant figures as follows: Nominal power (kW) Rounded down to nearest figure (kW) Below 0.25 0.001 0.25 to 0.99 0.01 1 to 9.9 0.1 10... shall be adjusted accordingly. If rounding upward to the nearest figure would result in objectionable...

  20. 47 CFR 73.31 - Rounding of nominal power specified on applications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... power of an existing station shall specify nominal power rounded to two significant figures as follows: Nominal power (kW) Rounded down to nearest figure (kW) Below 0.25 0.001 0.25 to 0.99 0.01 1 to 9.9 0.1 10... shall be adjusted accordingly. If rounding upward to the nearest figure would result in objectionable...

  1. 47 CFR 73.31 - Rounding of nominal power specified on applications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... power of an existing station shall specify nominal power rounded to two significant figures as follows: Nominal power (kW) Rounded down to nearest figure (kW) Below 0.25 0.001 0.25 to 0.99 0.01 1 to 9.9 0.1 10... shall be adjusted accordingly. If rounding upward to the nearest figure would result in objectionable...

  2. Margaret Newman's Theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness and a Nursing Intervention from a Unitary Perspective

    PubMed Central

    Endo, Emiko

    2017-01-01

    This mini-review aims to introduce Margaret Newman's theory of health as expanding consciousness and caring partnership as a nursing intervention. Emanating from a unitary and transformative perspective of nursing, caring partnership enables nurses to identify with cancer patients as well as to help the patients find meaning in their situation and their lives. In genuine patient–nurse interactions, both patients and nurses experience higher levels of consciousness. PMID:28217730

  3. Organized colorectal cancer screening in Serbia - the first round within 2013-2014.

    PubMed

    Banković Lazarević, Dušica; Krivokapić, Zoran; Barišić, Goran; Jovanović, Verica; Ilić, Dragan; Veljković, Marko

    2016-04-01

    The National Organized Colorectal Cancer Screening Program was conducted in the Republic of Serbia during 2013-2014 covering the population of both genders, aged 50 to 74 years, in 28 municipalities out of 180, with the target population of 651,445 people. This organized colorectal cancer screening aims to reduce mortality from colorectal cancer in the target population. The aim of this study was to show the results of organized screening for colorectal cancer during the first biannual round in Serbia. General practitioners from the primary health centers, invited target population by letters and by phone to perform immunochemical fecal occult blood test. Persons with a positive test results were referred to the colonoscopy. The database of health insurance and other citizens of the target population was used for invitation for screening in primary health centers. Descriptive statistical analysis of the results in organized colorectal cancer screening in the first round was performed for the key screening indicators. In the first round, a total of 99,592 persons were invited. The participation rate was 62.5%. Colonoscopy was performed in 1,554 persons. Adenomas were found in 586 persons (0.9% of all the tested), e.g. 37.7 % of all colonoscopied. In 129 persons colorectal cancer was diagnosed (0.2% of all the tested), e.g. 8.3% of all the colonoscopied. In the left half of the colon (rectum, sigmoid and descending colon) there were 70.4% diagnosed polyps and 77.3% carcinomas, while 29.6% of polyps and 22.7% carcinomas were found in the proximal parts of the colon. In the first round of the organized colorectal cancer screening in Serbia the participation rate of the targeted population was high and gave encouraging result. It was expected that in the forthcoming rounds even higher coverage of the target population would be accomplished. A positive predictive value of the completed colonoscopies showed that further work on observing the stages of diagnosed adenomas

  4. The Association Between Sensemaking During Physician Team Rounds and Hospitalized Patients' Outcomes.

    PubMed

    Leykum, Luci K; Chesser, Hannah; Lanham, Holly J; Carla, Pezzia; Palmer, Ray; Ratcliffe, Temple; Reisinger, Heather; Agar, Michael; Pugh, Jacqueline

    2015-12-01

    Sensemaking is the social act of assigning meaning to ambiguous events. It is recognized as a means to achieve high reliability. We sought to assess sensemaking in daily patient care through examining how inpatient teams round and discuss patients. Our purpose was to assess the association between inpatient physician team sensemaking and hospitalized patients' outcomes, including length of stay (LOS), unnecessary length of stay (ULOS), and complication rates. Eleven inpatient medicine teams' daily rounds were observed for 2 to 4 weeks. Rounds were audiotaped, and field notes taken. Four patient discussions per team were assessed using a standardized Situation, Task, Intent, Concern, Calibrate (STICC) framework. Inpatient physician teams at the teaching hospitals affiliated with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio participated in the study. Outcomes of patients admitted to the teams were included. Sensemaking was assessed based on the order in which patients were seen, purposeful rounding, patient-driven rounding, and individual patient discussions. We assigned teams a score based on the number of STICC elements used in the four patient discussions sampled. The association between sensemaking and outcomes was assessed using Kruskal-Wallis sum rank and Dunn's tests. Teams rounded in several different ways. Five teams rounded purposefully, and four based rounds on patient-driven needs. Purposeful and patient-driven rounds were significantly associated with lower complication rates. Varying the order in which patients were seen and purposefully rounding were significantly associated with lower LOS, and purposeful and patient-driven rounds associated with lower ULOS. Use of a greater number of STICC elements was associated with significantly lower LOS (4.6 vs. 5.7, p = 0.01), ULOS (0.3 vs. 0.6, p = 0.02), and complications (0.2 vs. 0.5, p = 0.0001). Improving sensemaking may be a strategy for improving patient outcomes, fostering a

  5. Creating a Cycle of Continuous Improvement through Instructional Rounds

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Meyer-Looze, Catherine L.

    2015-01-01

    Instructional Rounds is a continuous improvement strategy that focuses on the technical core of educational systems as well as educators collaborating side-by-side. Concentrating on collective learning, this process only makes sense within an overall strategy of improvement. This case study examined the Instructional Rounds process in a northern…

  6. 1. HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPH, VIEW OF ROUND HILL ROAD BRIDGE, LOOKING ...

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

    1. HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPH, VIEW OF ROUND HILL ROAD BRIDGE, LOOKING WEST, CA. 1940. CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. - Merritt Parkway, Round Hill Road Bridge, Spanning Merritt Parkway at 3.5 mile mark, Greenwich, Fairfield County, CT

  7. Smartphone use during inpatient attending rounds: prevalence, patterns and potential for distraction.

    PubMed

    Katz-Sidlow, Rachel J; Ludwig, Allison; Miller, Scott; Sidlow, Robert

    2012-10-01

    While there are numerous benefits of smartphone use for physicians, little is known about the negative effects of using these devices in the context of patient care. To assess resident and faculty smartphone use during inpatient attending rounds and its potential as a source of distraction during transfer of clinical information. Cross-sectional survey. University-affiliated public teaching hospital. All housestaff and inpatient faculty in the departments of Medicine and Pediatrics. Participants were asked about smartphone ownership, usage patterns during attending rounds, and whether team members had ever missed important data during rounds due to distraction from smartphones. Attendings were asked whether policies should be established for smartphone use during rounds. The overall response rate was 73%. Device ownership was prevalent (89% residents, 98% faculty), as was use of smartphones during inpatient rounds (57% residents, 28% attendings). According to self-reports, smartphones were used during rounds for patient care (85% residents, 48% faculty), reading/responding to personal texts/e-mails (37% residents, 12% faculty), and other non-patient care uses (15% residents, 0% faculty). Nineteen percent of residents and 12% of attendings believed they had missed important information because of distraction from smartphones. Residents and faculty agreed that smartphones "can be a serious distraction during attending rounds," and nearly 80% of faculty believed that smartphone policies should be established. Smartphone use during attending rounds is prevalent and can distract users during important information transfer. Attendings strongly favored the institution of formal policies governing appropriate smartphone use during inpatient rounds. Copyright © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine.

  8. On a constructive procedure for verifying whether a matrix can be made real by a unitary similarity transformation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ikramov, Kh. D.

    2010-03-01

    There are well-known conditions under which a complex n × n matrix A can be made real by a similarity transformation. Under the additional assumption that A has a simple real spectrum, a constructive answer is given to the question whether this transformation can be realized via a unitary rather than arbitrary similarity.

  9. Firearm equipped with live round inhibiting means and method of making same

    DOEpatents

    Baehr, D.G.

    1990-11-13

    A firearm is disclosed having live round inhibiting means mounted in the barrel of the firearm which permits a blank cartridge to be loaded into a firearm and fired while preventing the loading and firing of a live round. The live round inhibiting means comprise shaft means mounted in the barrel of the firearm and which extends a sufficient length into the barrel at a point just beyond the chamber portion of the firearm to engage the bullet portion of a live round to prevent it from properly chambering, while permitting a blank cartridge to be loaded into the firearm and fired without engaging the live round-inhibiting shaft means. 9 figs.

  10. 1. Entrance to Heintooga Round Bottom Road and sign looking ...

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

    1. Entrance to Heintooga Round Bottom Road and sign looking N. - Great Smoky Mountains National Park Roads & Bridges, Heintooga Round Bottom Road & Balsam Mountain Road, Between Blue Ridge Parkway & Big Cove Road, Gatlinburg, Sevier County, TN

  11. The impact of a lean rounding process in a pediatric intensive care unit.

    PubMed

    Vats, Atul; Goin, Kristin H; Villarreal, Monica C; Yilmaz, Tuba; Fortenberry, James D; Keskinocak, Pinar

    2012-02-01

    Poor workflow associated with physician rounding can produce inefficiencies that decrease time for essential activities, delay clinical decisions, and reduce staff and patient satisfaction. Workflow and provider resources were not optimized when a pediatric intensive care unit increased by 22,000 square feet (to 33,000) and by nine beds (to 30). Lean methods (focusing on essential processes) and scenario analysis were used to develop and implement a patient-centric standardized rounding process, which we hypothesize would lead to improved rounding efficiency, decrease required physician resources, improve satisfaction, and enhance throughput. Human factors techniques and statistical tools were used to collect and analyze observational data for 11 rounding events before and 12 rounding events after process redesign. Actions included: 1) recording rounding events, times, and patient interactions and classifying them as essential, nonessential, or nonvalue added; 2) comparing rounding duration and time per patient to determine the impact on efficiency; 3) analyzing discharge orders for timeliness; 4) conducting staff surveys to assess improvements in communication and care coordination; and 5) analyzing customer satisfaction data to evaluate impact on patient experience. Thirty-bed pediatric intensive care unit in a children's hospital with academic affiliation. Eight attending pediatric intensivists and their physician rounding teams. Eight attending physician-led teams were observed for 11 rounding events before and 12 rounding events after implementation of a standardized lean rounding process focusing on essential processes. Total rounding time decreased significantly (157 ± 35 mins before vs. 121 ± 20 mins after), through a reduction in time spent on nonessential (53 ± 30 vs. 9 ± 6 mins) activities. The previous process required three attending physicians for an average of 157 mins (7.55 attending physician man-hours), while the new process required two

  12. FAST TRACK COMMUNICATION Quantum entanglement: the unitary 8-vertex braid matrix with imaginary rapidity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chakrabarti, Amitabha; Chakraborti, Anirban; Jedidi, Aymen

    2010-12-01

    We study quantum entanglements induced on product states by the action of 8-vertex braid matrices, rendered unitary with purely imaginary spectral parameters (rapidity). The unitarity is displayed via the 'canonical factorization' of the coefficients of the projectors spanning the basis. This adds one more new facet to the famous and fascinating features of the 8-vertex model. The double periodicity and the analytic properties of the elliptic functions involved lead to a rich structure of the 3-tangle quantifying the entanglement. We thus explore the complex relationship between topological and quantum entanglement.

  13. Supersonic Retropropulsion CFD Validation with Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel Test Data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Schauerhamer, Daniel G.; Zarchi, Kerry A.; Kleb, William L.; Edquist, Karl T.

    2013-01-01

    A validation study of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for Supersonic Retropropulsion (SRP) was conducted using three Navier-Stokes flow solvers (DPLR, FUN3D, and OVERFLOW). The study compared results from the CFD codes to each other and also to wind tunnel test data obtained in the NASA Ames Research Center 90 70 Unitary PlanWind Tunnel. Comparisons include surface pressure coefficient as well as unsteady plume effects, and cover a range of Mach numbers, levels of thrust, and angles of orientation. The comparisons show promising capability of CFD to simulate SRP, and best agreement with the tunnel data exists for the steadier cases of the 1-nozzle and high thrust 3-nozzle configurations.

  14. Mass Treatment with Azithromycin for Trachoma: When Is One Round Enough? Results from the PRET Trial in The Gambia

    PubMed Central

    Harding-Esch, Emma M.; Sillah, Ansumana; Edwards, Tansy; Burr, Sarah E.; Hart, John D.; Joof, Hassan; Laye, Mass; Makalo, Pateh; Manjang, Ahmed; Molina, Sandra; Sarr-Sissoho, Isatou; Quinn, Thomas C.; Lietman, Tom; Holland, Martin J.; Mabey, David; West, Sheila K.; Bailey, Robin

    2013-01-01

    Background The World Health Organization has recommended three rounds of mass drug administration (MDA) with antibiotics in districts where the prevalence of follicular trachoma (TF) is ≥10% in children aged 1–9 years, with treatment coverage of at least 80%. For districts at 5–10% TF prevalence it was recommended that TF be assessed in 1–9 year olds in each community within the district, with three rounds of MDA provided to any community where TF≥10%. Worldwide, over 40 million people live in districts whose TF prevalence is estimated to be between 5 and 10%. The best way to treat these districts, and the optimum role of testing for infection in deciding whether to initiate or discontinue MDA, are unknown. Methods In a community randomized trial with a factorial design, we randomly assigned 48 communities in four Gambian districts, in which the prevalence of trachoma was known or suspected to be above 10%, to receive annual mass treatment with expected coverage of 80–89% (“Standard”), or to receive an additional visit in an attempt to achieve coverage of 90% or more (“Enhanced”). The same 48 communities were randomised to receive mass treatment annually for three years (“3×”), or to have treatment discontinued if Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection was not detected in a sample of children in the community after mass treatment (stopping rule(“SR”)). Primary outcomes were the prevalence of TF and of Ct infection in 0–5 year olds at 36 months. Results The baseline prevalence of TF and of Ct infection in the target communities was 6.5% and 0.8% respectively. At 36 months the prevalence of TF was 2.8%, and that of Ct infection was 0.5%. No differences were found between the arms in TF or Ct infection prevalence either at baseline (Standard-3×: TF 5.6%, Ct 0.7%; Standard-SR: TF 6.1%, Ct 0.2%; Enhanced-3×: TF 7.4%, Ct 0.9%; and Enhanced-SR: TF 6.2%, Ct 1.2%); or at 36 months (Standard-3×: TF 2.3%, Ct 1.0%; Standard-SR TF 2.5%, Ct 0

  15. CADNA: a library for estimating round-off error propagation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jézéquel, Fabienne; Chesneaux, Jean-Marie

    2008-06-01

    The CADNA library enables one to estimate round-off error propagation using a probabilistic approach. With CADNA the numerical quality of any simulation program can be controlled. Furthermore by detecting all the instabilities which may occur at run time, a numerical debugging of the user code can be performed. CADNA provides new numerical types on which round-off errors can be estimated. Slight modifications are required to control a code with CADNA, mainly changes in variable declarations, input and output. This paper describes the features of the CADNA library and shows how to interpret the information it provides concerning round-off error propagation in a code. Program summaryProgram title:CADNA Catalogue identifier:AEAT_v1_0 Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEAT_v1_0.html Program obtainable from:CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions:Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.html No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.:53 420 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.:566 495 Distribution format:tar.gz Programming language:Fortran Computer:PC running LINUX with an i686 or an ia64 processor, UNIX workstations including SUN, IBM Operating system:LINUX, UNIX Classification:4.14, 6.5, 20 Nature of problem:A simulation program which uses floating-point arithmetic generates round-off errors, due to the rounding performed at each assignment and at each arithmetic operation. Round-off error propagation may invalidate the result of a program. The CADNA library enables one to estimate round-off error propagation in any simulation program and to detect all numerical instabilities that may occur at run time. Solution method:The CADNA library [1] implements Discrete Stochastic Arithmetic [2-4] which is based on a probabilistic model of round-off errors. The program is run several times with a random rounding mode generating different results each

  16. Round-the-table teaching: a novel approach to resuscitation education.

    PubMed

    McGarvey, Kathryn; Scott, Karen; O'Leary, Fenton

    2014-10-01

    Effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation saves lives. Health professionals who care for acutely unwell children need to be prepared to care for a child in arrest. Hospitals must ensure that their staff have the knowledge, confidence and ability to respond to a child in cardiac arrest. RESUS4KIDS is a programme designed to teach paediatric resuscitation to health care professionals who care for acutely unwell children. The programme is delivered in two components: an e-learning component for pre-learning, followed by a short, practical, face-to-face course that is taught using the round-the-table teaching approach. Round-the-table teaching is a novel, evidence-based small group teaching approach designed to teach paediatric resuscitation skills and knowledge. Round-the-table teaching uses a structured approach to managing a collapsed child, and ensures that each participant has the opportunity to practise the essential resuscitation skills of airway manoeuvres, bag mask ventilation and cardiac compressions. Round-the-table teaching is an engaging, non-threatening approach to delivering interdisciplinary paediatric resuscitation education. The methodology ensures that all participants have the opportunity to practise each of the different essential skills associated with the Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Defibrillation or rhythm recognition (DRSABCD) approach to the collapsed child. Round-the-table teaching is based on evidence-based small group teaching methods. The methodology of round-the-table teaching can be applied to any topic where participants must demonstrate an understanding of a sequential approach to a clinical skill. Round-the-table teaching uses a structured approach to managing a collapsed child. © 2014 The Authors. The Clinical Teacher published by Association for the Study of Medical Education and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  17. Uncovering paradoxes from physicians' experiences of patient-centered ward-round.

    PubMed

    Bååthe, Fredrik; Ahlborg, Gunnar; Edgren, Lars; Lagström, Annica; Nilsson, Kerstin

    2016-05-03

    Purpose The purpose of this paper is to uncover paradoxes emerging from physicians' experiences of a patient-centered and team-based ward round, in an internal medicine department. Design/methodology/approach Abductive reasoning relates empirical material to complex responsive processes theory in a dialectical process to further understandings. Findings This paper found the response from physicians, to a patient-centered and team-based ward round, related to whether the new demands challenged or confirmed individual physician's professional identity. Two empirically divergent perspectives on enacting the role of physician during ward round emerged: We-perspective and I-perspective, based on where the physician's professional identity was centered. Physicians with more of a We-perspective experienced challenges with the new round, while physicians with more of an I-perspective experienced alignment with their professional identity and embraced the new round. When identity is challenged, anxiety is aroused, and if anxiety is not catered to, then resistance is likely to follow and changes are likely to be hampered. Practical implications For change processes affecting physicians' professional identity, it is important for managers and change leaders to acknowledge paradox and find a balance between new knowledge that needs to be learnt and who the physician is becoming in this new procedure. Originality/value This paper provides increased understanding about how physicians' professional identity is interacting with a patient-centered ward round. It adds to the knowledge about developing health care in line with recent societal requests and with sustainable physician engagement.

  18. Year-round spatiotemporal distribution of harbour porpoises within and around the Maryland wind energy area

    PubMed Central

    O’Brien, Michael; Lyubchich, Vyacheslav; Roberts, Jason J.; Halpin, Patrick N.; Rice, Aaron N.; Bailey, Helen

    2017-01-01

    Offshore windfarms provide renewable energy, but activities during the construction phase can affect marine mammals. To understand how the construction of an offshore windfarm in the Maryland Wind Energy Area (WEA) off Maryland, USA, might impact harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), it is essential to determine their poorly understood year-round distribution. Although habitat-based models can help predict the occurrence of species in areas with limited or no sampling, they require validation to determine the accuracy of the predictions. Incorporating more than 18 months of harbour porpoise detection data from passive acoustic monitoring, generalized auto-regressive moving average and generalized additive models were used to investigate harbour porpoise occurrence within and around the Maryland WEA in relation to temporal and environmental variables. Acoustic detection metrics were compared to habitat-based density estimates derived from aerial and boat-based sightings to validate the model predictions. Harbour porpoises occurred significantly more frequently during January to May, and foraged significantly more often in the evenings to early mornings at sites within and outside the Maryland WEA. Harbour porpoise occurrence peaked at sea surface temperatures of 5°C and chlorophyll a concentrations of 4.5 to 7.4 mg m-3. The acoustic detections were significantly correlated with the predicted densities, except at the most inshore site. This study provides insight into previously unknown fine-scale spatial and temporal patterns in distribution of harbour porpoises offshore of Maryland. The results can be used to help inform future monitoring and mitigate the impacts of windfarm construction and other human activities. PMID:28467455

  19. Year-round spatiotemporal distribution of harbour porpoises within and around the Maryland wind energy area.

    PubMed

    Wingfield, Jessica E; O'Brien, Michael; Lyubchich, Vyacheslav; Roberts, Jason J; Halpin, Patrick N; Rice, Aaron N; Bailey, Helen

    2017-01-01

    Offshore windfarms provide renewable energy, but activities during the construction phase can affect marine mammals. To understand how the construction of an offshore windfarm in the Maryland Wind Energy Area (WEA) off Maryland, USA, might impact harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), it is essential to determine their poorly understood year-round distribution. Although habitat-based models can help predict the occurrence of species in areas with limited or no sampling, they require validation to determine the accuracy of the predictions. Incorporating more than 18 months of harbour porpoise detection data from passive acoustic monitoring, generalized auto-regressive moving average and generalized additive models were used to investigate harbour porpoise occurrence within and around the Maryland WEA in relation to temporal and environmental variables. Acoustic detection metrics were compared to habitat-based density estimates derived from aerial and boat-based sightings to validate the model predictions. Harbour porpoises occurred significantly more frequently during January to May, and foraged significantly more often in the evenings to early mornings at sites within and outside the Maryland WEA. Harbour porpoise occurrence peaked at sea surface temperatures of 5°C and chlorophyll a concentrations of 4.5 to 7.4 mg m-3. The acoustic detections were significantly correlated with the predicted densities, except at the most inshore site. This study provides insight into previously unknown fine-scale spatial and temporal patterns in distribution of harbour porpoises offshore of Maryland. The results can be used to help inform future monitoring and mitigate the impacts of windfarm construction and other human activities.

  20. Medieval Round Churches and the Shape of the Earth.

    PubMed

    Haagensen, Erling; Lind, Niels C

    2015-12-01

    There is a unique cluster of four medieval round churches, linked by a simple geometry, on Bornholm Island in the Baltic Sea. Why so many and why so close together? Immediate simple answers are "Just by chance" and "For no reason." Why are the churches round? "Defense." This essay proposes another hypothesis for this unique situation: the churches are astronomical observatories, meant to solve a scientific problem (Is the Earth really spherical?) and a practical problem (How far is it to sail west to the Orient?). The capacity and desire to find answers, together with other practical needs related to astronomy, can better explain these round churches' special architecture. The geometry that connects them fits the ideal pattern with an angular accuracy of 1 minute of a degree. The round churches may be the earliest astronomical observatories in Christian Europe; other hypotheses have been shown to be untenable. Their location provides for a good method to estimate the Earth's extent in the east-west direction, seemingly the earliest such measurements.