Phase Space Tweezers for Tailoring Cavity Fields by Quantum Zeno Dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raimond, J. M.; Sayrin, C.; Gleyzes, S.; Dotsenko, I.; Brune, M.; Haroche, S.; Facchi, P.; Pascazio, S.

2010-11-01

We discuss an implementation of quantum Zeno dynamics in a cavity quantum electrodynamics experiment. By performing repeated unitary operations on atoms coupled to the field, we restrict the field evolution in chosen subspaces of the total Hilbert space. This procedure leads to promising methods for tailoring nonclassical states. We propose to realize “tweezers” picking a coherent field at a point in phase space and moving it towards an arbitrary final position without affecting other nonoverlapping coherent components. These effects could be observed with a state-of-the-art apparatus.

Dissipation Assisted Quantum Memory with Coupled Spin Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Liang; Verstraete, Frank; Cirac, Ignacio; Lukin, Mikhail

2009-05-01

Dissipative dynamics often destroys quantum coherences. However, one can use dissipation to suppress decoherence. A well-known example is the so-called quantum Zeno effect, in which one can freeze the evolution using dissipative processes (e.g., frequently projecting the system to its initial state). Similarly, the undesired decoherence of quantum bits can also be suppressed using controlled dissipation. We propose and analyze the use of this generalization of quantum Zeno effect for protecting the quantum information encoded in the coupled spin systems. This new approach may potentially enhance the performance of quantum memories, in systems such as nitrogen-vacancy color-centers in diamond.

Hand-Held Instrument Fights Acne, Tops Over-the-Counter Market

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2007-01-01

Tyrell Inc., a Houston-based medical technologies company, was able to access engineering support in redesigning a heating element for a hand-held acne-fighting device through SATOP, NASA's Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program. SATOP put Tyrell in contact with The Boeing Company, which assessed the design and made several major contributions. The product, named Zeno, is now the highest selling over-the-counter medical device for the treatment of acne, and in 2006, Zeno was named the "SATOP Texas, Success Story of the Year." Zeno employs proprietary ClearPoint technology to provide relief of mild to moderate inflammatory acne by delivering a precisely controlled low-level dosage of heat to the blemish, causing the bacteria at the root of more than 90 percent of acne to self-destruct. Within its first year on the market, Zeno was cited by various publications for several awards, including Allure's 2005 "Best of Beauty," Marie Claire's "10 Best Gadgets for Girls," and Popular Science's 2005 "Best of What's New." A variation of the Zeno for use in treating herpetic lesions such as cold sores, by killing the virus that causes them, is currently undergoing FDA trials.

All-Optical Control of Linear and Nonlinear Energy Transfer via the Zeno Effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Xiang; Zou, Chang-Ling; Jiang, Liang; Tang, Hong X.

2018-05-01

Microresonator-based nonlinear processes are fundamental to applications including microcomb generation, parametric frequency conversion, and harmonics generation. While nonlinear processes involving either second- (χ(2 )) or third- (χ(3 )) order nonlinearity have been extensively studied, the interaction between these two basic nonlinear processes has seldom been reported. In this paper we demonstrate a coherent interplay between second- and third- order nonlinear processes. The parametric (χ(2 ) ) coupling to a lossy ancillary mode shortens the lifetime of the target photonic mode and suppresses its density of states, preventing the photon emissions into the target photonic mode via the Zeno effect. Such an effect is then used to control the stimulated four-wave mixing process and realize a suppression ratio of 34.5.

Freezing Coherent Field Growth in a Cavity by the Quantum Zeno Effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernu, J.; Deléglise, S.; Sayrin, C.; Kuhr, S.; Dotsenko, I.; Brune, M.; Raimond, J. M.; Haroche, S.

2008-10-01

We have frozen the coherent evolution of a field in a cavity by repeated measurements of its photon number. We use circular Rydberg atoms dispersively coupled to the cavity mode for an absorption-free photon counting. These measurements inhibit the growth of a field injected in the cavity by a classical source. This manifestation of the quantum Zeno effect illustrates the backaction of the photon number determination onto the field phase. The residual growth of the field can be seen as a random walk of its amplitude in the two-dimensional phase space. This experiment sheds light onto the measurement process and opens perspectives for active quantum feedback.

State dragging using the quantum Zeno effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hacohen-Gourgy, Shay; Martin, Leigh; GarcíA-Pintos, Luis Pedro; Dressel, Justin; Siddiqi, Irfan

The quantum Zeno effect is the suppression of Hamiltonian evolution by continuous measurement. It arises as a consequence of the quantum back-action pushing the state towards an eigenstate of the measurement operator. Rotating the operator at a rate much slower than the measurement rate will effectively drag the state with it. We use our recently developed scheme, which enables dynamic control of the measurement operator, to demonstrate this dragging effect on a superconducting transmon qubit. Since the system is continuously measured, the deterministic trajectory can be monitored, and quantum jumps can be detected in real-time. Furthermore, we perform this with two observables that are set to be either commuting or non-commuting, demonstrating new quantum dynamics. This work was supported by the Army Research Office and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

Quantum communication complexity using the quantum Zeno effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tavakoli, Armin; Anwer, Hammad; Hameedi, Alley; Bourennane, Mohamed

2015-07-01

The quantum Zeno effect (QZE) is the phenomenon in which the unitary evolution of a quantum state is suppressed, e.g., due to frequent measurements. Here, we investigate the use of the QZE in a class of communication complexity problems (CCPs). Quantum entanglement is known to solve certain CCPs beyond classical constraints. However, recent developments have yielded CCPs for which superclassical results can be obtained using only communication of a single d -level quantum state (qudit) as a resource. In the class of CCPs considered here, we show quantum reduction of complexity in three ways: using (i) entanglement and the QZE, (ii) a single qudit and the QZE, and (iii) a single qudit. We have performed a proof of concept experimental demonstrations of three party CCP protocol based on single-qubit communication with and without QZE.

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

Shao Xiaoqiang; Wang Hongfu; Zhang Shou

We present an approach for implementation of a 1->3 orbital state quantum cloning machine based on the quantum Zeno dynamics via manipulating three rf superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) qubits to resonantly interact with a superconducting cavity assisted by classical fields. Through appropriate modulation of the coupling constants between rf SQUIDs and classical fields, the quantum cloning machine can be realized within one step. We also discuss the effects of decoherence such as spontaneous emission and the loss of cavity in virtue of master equation. The numerical simulation result reveals that the quantum cloning machine is especially robust against themore » cavity decay, since all qubits evolve in the decoherence-free subspace with respect to cavity decay due to the quantum Zeno dynamics.« less

Contemporary Criticism and the Return of Zeno.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, Wendell V.

1983-01-01

Suggests that contemporary critical literary theories such as hermaneutics, reader-response, speech-act, structuralism, and deconstructionism share with pre-Platonic Eleatic thought a distrust of cause-and-effect reasoning and an emphasis on paradox. (MM)

The quantum Zeno effect in double well tunnelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lerner, L.

2018-05-01

Measurement lies at the heart of quantum theory, and introductory textbooks in quantum mechanics cover the measurement problem in topics such as the Schrödinger’s cat thought experiment, the EPR problem, and the quantum Zeno effect (QZE). In this article we present a new treatment of the QZE suitable for undergraduate students, for the case of a particle tunnelling between two wells while being observed in one of the wells. The analysis shows that as the observation rate increases, the tunnelling rate tends towards zero, in accordance with Zeno’s maxim ‘a watched pot never boils’. The method relies on decoherence theory, which replaces aspects of quantum collapse by the Schrödinger evolution of an open system, and its recently simplified treatment for undergraduates. Our presentation uses concepts familiar to undergraduate students, so that calculations involving many-body theory and the formal properties of the density matrix are avoided.

Direct counterfactual communication via quantum Zeno effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Yuan; Li, Yu-Huai; Cao, Zhu; Yin, Juan; Chen, Yu-Ao; Yin, Hua-Lei; Chen, Teng-Yun; Ma, Xiongfeng; Peng, Cheng-Zhi; Pan, Jian-Wei

2017-05-01

Intuition from our everyday lives gives rise to the belief that information exchanged between remote parties is carried by physical particles. Surprisingly, in a recent theoretical study [Salih H, Li ZH, Al-Amri M, Zubairy MS (2013) Phys Rev Lett 110:170502], quantum mechanics was found to allow for communication, even without the actual transmission of physical particles. From the viewpoint of communication, this mystery stems from a (nonintuitive) fundamental concept in quantum mechanics—wave-particle duality. All particles can be described fully by wave functions. To determine whether light appears in a channel, one refers to the amplitude of its wave function. However, in counterfactual communication, information is carried by the phase part of the wave function. Using a single-photon source, we experimentally demonstrate the counterfactual communication and successfully transfer a monochrome bitmap from one location to another by using a nested version of the quantum Zeno effect.

Direct counterfactual communication via quantum Zeno effect.

PubMed

Cao, Yuan; Li, Yu-Huai; Cao, Zhu; Yin, Juan; Chen, Yu-Ao; Yin, Hua-Lei; Chen, Teng-Yun; Ma, Xiongfeng; Peng, Cheng-Zhi; Pan, Jian-Wei

2017-05-09

Intuition from our everyday lives gives rise to the belief that information exchanged between remote parties is carried by physical particles. Surprisingly, in a recent theoretical study [Salih H, Li ZH, Al-Amri M, Zubairy MS (2013) Phys Rev Lett 110:170502], quantum mechanics was found to allow for communication, even without the actual transmission of physical particles. From the viewpoint of communication, this mystery stems from a (nonintuitive) fundamental concept in quantum mechanics-wave-particle duality. All particles can be described fully by wave functions. To determine whether light appears in a channel, one refers to the amplitude of its wave function. However, in counterfactual communication, information is carried by the phase part of the wave function. Using a single-photon source, we experimentally demonstrate the counterfactual communication and successfully transfer a monochrome bitmap from one location to another by using a nested version of the quantum Zeno effect.

Direct counterfactual communication via quantum Zeno effect

PubMed Central

Cao, Yuan; Li, Yu-Huai; Cao, Zhu; Yin, Juan; Chen, Yu-Ao; Yin, Hua-Lei; Chen, Teng-Yun; Ma, Xiongfeng; Peng, Cheng-Zhi; Pan, Jian-Wei

2017-01-01

Intuition from our everyday lives gives rise to the belief that information exchanged between remote parties is carried by physical particles. Surprisingly, in a recent theoretical study [Salih H, Li ZH, Al-Amri M, Zubairy MS (2013) Phys Rev Lett 110:170502], quantum mechanics was found to allow for communication, even without the actual transmission of physical particles. From the viewpoint of communication, this mystery stems from a (nonintuitive) fundamental concept in quantum mechanics—wave-particle duality. All particles can be described fully by wave functions. To determine whether light appears in a channel, one refers to the amplitude of its wave function. However, in counterfactual communication, information is carried by the phase part of the wave function. Using a single-photon source, we experimentally demonstrate the counterfactual communication and successfully transfer a monochrome bitmap from one location to another by using a nested version of the quantum Zeno effect. PMID:28442568

ZENO: N-body and SPH Simulation Codes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barnes, Joshua E.

2011-02-01

The ZENO software package integrates N-body and SPH simulation codes with a large array of programs to generate initial conditions and analyze numerical simulations. Written in C, the ZENO system is portable between Mac, Linux, and Unix platforms. It is in active use at the Institute for Astronomy (IfA), at NRAO, and possibly elsewhere. Zeno programs can perform a wide range of simulation and analysis tasks. While many of these programs were first created for specific projects, they embody algorithms of general applicability and embrace a modular design strategy, so existing code is easily applied to new tasks. Major elements of the system include: Structured data file utilities facilitate basic operations on binary data, including import/export of ZENO data to other systems.Snapshot generation routines create particle distributions with various properties. Systems with user-specified density profiles can be realized in collisionless or gaseous form; multiple spherical and disk components may be set up in mutual equilibrium.Snapshot manipulation routines permit the user to sift, sort, and combine particle arrays, translate and rotate particle configurations, and assign new values to data fields associated with each particle.Simulation codes include both pure N-body and combined N-body/SPH programs: Pure N-body codes are available in both uniprocessor and parallel versions.SPH codes offer a wide range of options for gas physics, including isothermal, adiabatic, and radiating models. Snapshot analysis programs calculate temporal averages, evaluate particle statistics, measure shapes and density profiles, compute kinematic properties, and identify and track objects in particle distributions.Visualization programs generate interactive displays and produce still images and videos of particle distributions; the user may specify arbitrary color schemes and viewing transformations.

Engineering steady-state entanglement via dissipation and quantum Zeno dynamics in an optical cavity.

PubMed

Li, Dong-Xiao; Shao, Xiao-Qiang; Wu, Jin-Hui; Yi, X X

2017-10-01

A new mechanism is proposed for dissipatively preparing maximal Bell entangled state of two atoms in an optical cavity. This scheme integrates the spontaneous emission, the light shift of atoms in the presence of dispersive microwave field, and the quantum Zeno dynamics induced by continuous coupling, to obtain a unique steady state irrespective of initial state. Even for a large cavity decay, a high-fidelity entangled state is achievable at a short convergence time, since the occupation of the cavity mode is inhibited by the Zeno requirement. Therefore, a low single-atom cooperativity C=g 2 /(κγ) is good enough for realizing a high fidelity of entanglement in a wide range of decoherence parameters. As a straightforward extension, the feasibility for preparation of two-atom Knill-Laflamme-Milburn state with the same mechanism is also discussed.

Observing quantum trajectories: From Mott’s problem to quantum Zeno effect and back

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

Gosson, Maurice de, E-mail: maurice.de.gosson@univie.ac.at; Hiley, Basil; TPRU, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX

2016-11-15

The experimental results of Kocsis et al., Mahler et al. and the proposed experiments of Morley et al. show that it is possible to construct “trajectories” in interference regions in a two-slit interferometer. These results call for a theoretical re-appraisal of the notion of a “quantum trajectory” first introduced by Dirac and in the present paper we re-examine this notion from the Bohm perspective based on Hamiltonian flows. In particular, we examine the short-time propagator and the role that the quantum potential plays in determining the form of these trajectories. These trajectories differ from those produced in a typical particlemore » tracker and the key to this difference lies in the active suppression of the quantum potential necessary to produce Mott-type trajectories. We show, using a rigorous mathematical argument, how the active suppression of this potential arises. Finally we discuss in detail how this suppression also accounts for the quantum Zeno effect.« less

Rotations of a logical qubit using the quantum Zeno effect extended to a manifold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Touzard, S.; Grimm, A.; Leghtas, Z.; Mundhada, S. O.; Reinhold, P.; Heeres, R.; Axline, C.; Reagor, M.; Chou, K.; Blumoff, J.; Sliwa, K. M.; Shankar, S.; Frunzio, L.; Schoelkopf, R. J.; Mirrahimi, M.; Devoret, M. H.

Encoding Quantum Information in the large Hilbert space of a harmonic oscillator has proven to have advantages over encoding in a register of physical qubits, but has also provided new challenges. While recent experiments have demonstrated quantum error correction using such an encoding based on superpositions of coherent states, these codes are still susceptible to non-corrected errors and lack controllability: compared to physical qubits it is hard to make arbitrary states and to perform operations on them. Our approach is to engineer the dynamics and the dissipation of a microwave cavity to implement a continuous dissipative measurement yielding two degenerate outcomes. This extends the quantum Zeno effect to a manifold, which in our case is spanned by two coherent states of opposite phases. In this second talk we present the result and analysis of an experiment that performs rotations on a logical qubit encoded in this protected manifold. Work supported by: ARO, ONR, AFOSR and YINQE.

Rotations of a logical qubit using the quantum Zeno effect extended to a manifold - Part 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grimm, A.; Touzard, S.; Leghtas, Z.; Mundhada, S. O.; Reinhold, P.; Heeres, R.; Axline, C.; Reagor, M.; Chou, K.; Blumoff, J.; Sliwa, K. M.; Shankar, S.; Frunzio, L.; Schoelkopf, R. J.; Mirrahimi, M.; Devoret, M. H.

Encoding Quantum Information in the large Hilbert space of a harmonic oscillator has proven to have advantages over encoding in a register of physical qubits, but has also provided new challenges. While recent experiments have demonstrated quantum error correction using such an encoding based on superpositions of coherent states, these codes are still susceptible to non-corrected errors and lack controllability: compared to physical qubits it is hard to make arbitrary states and to perform operations on them. Our approach is to engineer the dynamics and the dissipation of a microwave cavity to implement a continuous dissipative measurement yielding two degenerate outcomes. This extends the quantum Zeno effect to a manifold, which in our case is spanned by two coherent states of opposite phases. In this first talk we present the concept and architecture of an experiment that performs rotations on a logical qubit encoded in this protected manifold. Work supported by: ARO, ONR, AFOSR and YINQE.

Preliminary flight results from the second U.S. Microgravity Payload (USMP-2)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Curreri, Peter; Reiss, Donald

1994-01-01

The second U.S. Microgravity Payload (USMP-2) was flown on the Space Shuttle in March 1994. It carried four major microgravity experiments plus a sophisticated accelerometer system to record the microgravity environment during USMP-2 operations. The USMP program is designed to accommodate experiments requiring extensive resources short of a full Spacelab mission, and the experiments are remotely operated and monitored. Results are reviewed from the four experiments: the Advanced Automated Directional Solidification Facility (AADSF), the Isothermal Dendrite Growth Experiment (IDGE), the Materiel por Etude des Phenomenes Interessant la Soldification sur Terre et en Orbite (MEPHISTO), and the Critical Fluid Light Scattering Experiment (Zeno). AASDF grew what is expected to be the largest steady-state sample ever of HgCdTe during 240 hours of operation. IDGE provided 60 growth cycles over a wide range of supercooling conditions studying the dendritic solidification of succinonitrile. MEPHISTO achieved 55 melt-solidify cycles and grew over 1 m of Bi/Sn alloy. Zeno located the critical point temperature for liquid Xe to 0.00001 K. IDGE and Zeno also provided the most extensive demonstrations to date of telescience.

Flexible and experimentally feasible shortcut to quantum Zeno dynamic passage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wenlin; Zhang, Fengyang; Jiang, Yunfeng; Li, Chong; Song, Heshan

2016-10-01

We propose and discuss a theoretical scheme to speed up Zeno dynamic passage by an external acceleration Hamiltonian. This scheme is a flexible and experimentally feasible acceleration because the acceleration Hamiltonian does not adhere rigidly to an invariant relationship, whereas it can be a more general form ∑uj (t)Hcj. Here Hcj can be arbitrarily selected without any limitation, and therefore one can always construct an acceleration Hamiltonian by only using realizable Hcj. Applying our scheme, we finally design an experimentally feasible Hamiltonian as an example to speed up an entanglement preparation passage.

Protocol for Direct Counterfactual Quantum Communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salih, Hatim; Li, Zheng-Hong; Al-Amri, M.; Zubairy, M. Suhail

2013-04-01

It has long been assumed in physics that for information to travel between two parties in empty space, “Alice” and “Bob,” physical particles have to travel between them. Here, using the “chained” quantum Zeno effect, we show how, in the ideal asymptotic limit, information can be transferred between Alice and Bob without any physical particles traveling between them.

Antibunched emission of photon pairs via quantum Zeno blockade.

PubMed

Huang, Yu-Ping; Kumar, Prem

2012-01-20

We propose a new methodology, namely, the "quantum Zeno blockade," for managing light scattering at a few-photon level in general nonlinear-optical media, such as crystals, fibers, silicon microrings, and atomic vapors. Using this tool, antibunched emission of photon pairs can be achieved, leading to potent quantum-optics applications such as deterministic entanglement generation without the need for heralding. In a practical implementation using an on-chip toroidal microcavity immersed in rubidium vapor, we estimate that high-fidelity entangled photons can be produced on-demand at MHz rates or higher, corresponding to an improvement of ≳10(7) times from the state-of-the-art. © 2012 American Physical Society

Aristotle Meets Zeno: Psychophysiological Evidence

PubMed Central

Papageorgiou, Charalabos; Stachtea, Xanthi; Papageorgiou, Panos; Alexandridis, Antonio T.

2016-01-01

This study, a tribute to Aristotle's 2400 years, used a juxtaposition of valid Aristotelian arguments to the paradoxes formulated by Zeno the Eleatic, in order to investigate the electrophysiological correlates of attentional and /or memory processing effects in the course of deductive reasoning. Participants undertook reasoning tasks based on visually presented arguments which were either (a) valid (Aristotelian) statements or (b) paradoxes. We compared brain activation patterns while participants maintained the premises / conclusions of either the valid statements or the paradoxes in working memory (WM). Event-related brain potentials (ERPs), specifically the P300 component of ERPs, were recorded during the WM phase, during which participants were required to draw a logical conclusion regarding the correctness of the valid syllogisms or the paradoxes. During the processing of paradoxes, results demonstrated a more positive event-related potential deflection (P300) across frontal regions, whereas processing of valid statements was associated with noticeable P300 amplitudes across parieto-occipital regions. These findings suggest that paradoxes mobilize frontal attention mechanisms, while valid deduction promotes parieto-occipital activity associated with attention and/or subsequent memory processing. PMID:28033333

Aristotle Meets Zeno: Psychophysiological Evidence.

PubMed

Papageorgiou, Charalabos; Stachtea, Xanthi; Papageorgiou, Panos; Alexandridis, Antonio T; Tsaltas, Eleftheria; Angelopoulos, Elias

2016-01-01

This study, a tribute to Aristotle's 2400 years, used a juxtaposition of valid Aristotelian arguments to the paradoxes formulated by Zeno the Eleatic, in order to investigate the electrophysiological correlates of attentional and /or memory processing effects in the course of deductive reasoning. Participants undertook reasoning tasks based on visually presented arguments which were either (a) valid (Aristotelian) statements or (b) paradoxes. We compared brain activation patterns while participants maintained the premises / conclusions of either the valid statements or the paradoxes in working memory (WM). Event-related brain potentials (ERPs), specifically the P300 component of ERPs, were recorded during the WM phase, during which participants were required to draw a logical conclusion regarding the correctness of the valid syllogisms or the paradoxes. During the processing of paradoxes, results demonstrated a more positive event-related potential deflection (P300) across frontal regions, whereas processing of valid statements was associated with noticeable P300 amplitudes across parieto-occipital regions. These findings suggest that paradoxes mobilize frontal attention mechanisms, while valid deduction promotes parieto-occipital activity associated with attention and/or subsequent memory processing.

Fast implementation of the 1\\rightarrow3 orbital state quantum cloning machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Jin-Zhong

2018-05-01

We present a scheme to implement a 1→3 orbital state quantum cloning machine assisted by quantum Zeno dynamics. By constructing shortcuts to adiabatic passage with transitionless quantum driving, we can complete this scheme effectively and quickly in one step. The effects of decoherence, including spontaneous emission and the decay of the cavity, are also discussed. The numerical simulation results show that high fidelity can be obtained and the feasibility analysis indicates that this can also be realized in experiments.

Quantum computation with trapped ions in an optical cavity.

PubMed

Pachos, Jiannis; Walther, Herbert

2002-10-28

Two-qubit logical gates are proposed on the basis of two atoms trapped in a cavity setup and commonly addressed by laser fields. Losses in the interaction by spontaneous transitions are efficiently suppressed by employing adiabatic transitions and the quantum Zeno effect. Dynamical and geometrical conditional phase gates are suggested. This method provides fidelity and a success rate of its gates very close to unity. Hence, it is suitable for performing quantum computation.

Counterfactual Assessment of Decoherence in Quantum Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Russo, Onofrio; Jiang, Liang

2013-03-01

Quantum Zeno effect occurs when the system is observed for unusually short observation times, t, where the probability of the transition between different quantum states is known to be proportional to t2. This results in a decrease in the probability of transitions between states and the consequent decrease in decoherence. We consider the conditions in which these observations are made counterfactual to assess whether this results in a significant change in decoherence.

Quantum Zeno Effect in the Strong Measurement Regime of Circuit Quantum Electrodynamics

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-17

andNV centers [16]. In driven superconducting qubits, the QZEhas been indirectly inferred from the transition between coherent Rabi oscillations and...qubit will undergo sinusoidal Rabi oscillations between states at frequency pW 2 , whereΩ depends on the strength of the resonant drive. Repeated...where the qubit dynamics dependmainly on qubit drive andmeasurement strength. Because of the presence of the Rabi drive, this treatment is only valid

Sensitivity of measurement-based purification processes to inner interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Militello, Benedetto; Napoli, Anna

2018-02-01

The sensitivity of a repeated measurement-based purification scheme to additional undesired couplings is analyzed, focusing on the very simple and archetypical system consisting of two two-level systems interacting with a repeatedly measured one. Several regimes are considered and in the strong coupling limit (i.e., when the coupling constant of the undesired interaction is very large) the occurrence of a quantum Zeno effect is proven to dramatically jeopardize the efficiency of the purification process.

SITE TECHNOLOGY CAPSULE: ZENOGEM™ WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESS

EPA Science Inventory

Zenon Environmental System's ZenoGem™ Wastewater Treatment Process treats aqueous media contaminated with volatile/semi-volatile organic compounds. This technology combines aerobic biological treatment to remove biodegradable organic compounds with ultrafiltration to separate res...

Deterministic generation of multiparticle entanglement by quantum Zeno dynamics.

PubMed

Barontini, Giovanni; Hohmann, Leander; Haas, Florian; Estève, Jérôme; Reichel, Jakob

2015-09-18

Multiparticle entangled quantum states, a key resource in quantum-enhanced metrology and computing, are usually generated by coherent operations exclusively. However, unusual forms of quantum dynamics can be obtained when environment coupling is used as part of the state generation. In this work, we used quantum Zeno dynamics (QZD), based on nondestructive measurement with an optical microcavity, to deterministically generate different multiparticle entangled states in an ensemble of 36 qubit atoms in less than 5 microseconds. We characterized the resulting states by performing quantum tomography, yielding a time-resolved account of the entanglement generation. In addition, we studied the dependence of quantum states on measurement strength and quantified the depth of entanglement. Our results show that QZD is a versatile tool for fast and deterministic entanglement generation in quantum engineering applications. Copyright © 2015, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Direct counterfactual transmission of a quantum state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zheng-Hong; Al-Amri, M.; Zubairy, M. Suhail

2015-11-01

We show that an unknown quantum state can be transferred with neither quantum nor classical particle traveling in the transmission channel. Our protocol does not require prearranged entangled photon pairs and Bell measurements. By utilizing quantum Zeno effect and counterfactuality, we can entangle and disentangle a photon and an atom by nonlocal interaction. It is shown that quantum information is completely transferred from an atom to photon due to controllable disentanglement processes. There is no need to cross-check the result via classical channels.

Strong Photoassociation in Ultracold Fermions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jing, Li; Jamison, Alan; Rvachov, Timur; Ebadi, Sepher; Son, Hyungmok; Jiang, Yijun; Zwierlein, Martin; Ketterle, Wolfgang

2016-05-01

Despite many studies there are still open questions about strong photoassociation in ultracold gases. Photoassociation occurs only at short range and thus can be used as a tool to probe and control the two-body correlation function in an interacting many-body system and to engineer Hamiltonians using dissipation. We propose the possibility to slow down decoherence by photoassociation through the quantum Zeno effect. This can realized by shining strong photoassociation light on the superposition of the lowest two hyperfine states of Lithium 6. NSF, ARO-MURI, Samsung, NSERC.

Maxwell’s demon in the quantum-Zeno regime and beyond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engelhardt, G.; Schaller, G.

2018-02-01

The long-standing paradigm of Maxwell’s demon is till nowadays a frequently investigated issue, which still provides interesting insights into basic physical questions. Considering a single-electron transistor, where we implement a Maxwell demon by a piecewise-constant feedback protocol, we investigate quantum implications of the Maxwell demon. To this end, we harness a dynamical coarse-graining method, which provides a convenient and accurate description of the system dynamics even for high measurement rates. In doing so, we are able to investigate the Maxwell demon in a quantum-Zeno regime leading to transport blockade. We argue that there is a measurement rate providing an optimal performance. Moreover, we find that besides building up a chemical gradient, there can be also a regime where the feedback loop additionally extracts energy, which results from the energy non-conserving character of the projective measurement.

Coherent triplet excitation suppresses the heading error of the avian compass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katsoprinakis, G. E.; Dellis, A. T.; Kominis, I. K.

2010-08-01

Radical-ion pair reactions are currently understood to underlie the biochemical magnetic compass of migratory birds. It was recently shown that radical-ion pair reactions form a rich playground for the application of quantum-information-science concepts and effects. We will show here that the intricate interplay between the quantum Zeno effect and the coherent excitation of radical-ion pairs leads to an exquisite angular sensitivity of the reaction yields. This results in a significant and previously unanticipated suppression of the avian compass heading error, opening the way to quantum engineering precision biological sensors.

ZENON ENVIRONMENTAL INC., ZENOGEM™ BIOLOGICAL AND ULTRAFILTRATION TECHNOLOGY; INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION REPORT

EPA Science Inventory

This report summarizes the results of a field demonstration conducted under the SITE Program. The technology which was demonstrated was a wastewater treatment technology developed by Zenon Environmental Inc. The process, named ZenoGem™, integrates biological treatment with memb...

Preparing Schrodinger cat states by parametric pumping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leghtas, Zaki; Touzard, Steven; Pop, Ioan; Vlastakis, Brian; Zalys-Geller, Evan; Albert, Victor V.; Jiang, Liang; Frunzio, Luigi; Schoelkopf, Robert J.; Mirrahimi, Mazyar; Devoret, Michel H.

2014-03-01

Maintaining a quantum superposition state of light in a cavity has important applications for quantum error correction. We present an experimental protocol based on parametric pumping and Josephson circuits, which could prepare a Schrodinger cat state in a cavity. This is achieved by engineering a dissipative environment, which exchanges only pairs or quadruples of photons with our cavity mode. The dissipative nature of this preparation would lead to the observation of a dynamical Zeno effect, where the competition between a coherent drive and the dissipation reveals non trivial dynamics. Work supported by: IARPA, ARO, and NSF.

Dissipative preparation of steady Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger states for Rydberg atoms with quantum Zeno dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shao, X. Q.; Wu, J. H.; Yi, X. X.; Long, Gui-Lu

2017-12-01

Inspired by a recent work [F. Reiter, D. Reeb, and A. S. Sørensen, Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 040501 (2016), 10.1103/PhysRevLett.117.040501], we present a simplified proposal for dissipatively preparing a Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) state of three Rydberg atoms in a cavity. The Z pumping is implemented under the action of the spontaneous emission of Λ -type atoms and the quantum Zeno dynamics induced by strong continuous coupling. In the meantime, a dissipative Rydberg pumping breaks up the stability of the state | GHZ+〉 in the process of Z pumping, making | GHZ-〉 the unique steady state of the system. Compared with the former scheme, the number of driving fields acting on atoms is greatly reduced and only a single-mode cavity is required. The numerical simulation of the full master equation reveals that a high fidelity ˜98 % can be obtained with the currently achievable parameters in the Rydberg-atom-cavity system.

Hazardous Waste Cleanup: Thermo King de Puerto Rico Incorporated in Arecibo, Puerto Rico

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Thermo King de Puerto Rico, Inc. facility is located in the Zeno Gandia Industrial Area in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Major features of the facility include six buildings used for manufacturing and storage, a wastewater treatment plant, a hazardous waste and no

Good Phonic Generalizations for Decoding

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gates, Louis

2007-01-01

An exhaustive analysis of 88,641 individual letters and letter combinations within 16,928 words drawn from the Zeno, et al. word list unveiled remarkable phonic transparency. The individual letter and letter combinations sorted into just six general categories: three basic categories of vowels (single vowels, vowel digraphs, and final…

Thermal baths as quantum resources: more friends than foes?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurizki, Gershon; Shahmoon, Ephraim; Zwick, Analia

2015-12-01

In this article we argue that thermal reservoirs (baths) are potentially useful resources in processes involving atoms interacting with quantized electromagnetic fields and their applications to quantum technologies. One may try to suppress the bath effects by means of dynamical control, but such control does not always yield the desired results. We wish instead to take advantage of bath effects, that do not obliterate ‘quantumness’ in the system-bath compound. To this end, three possible approaches have been pursued by us. (i) Control of a quantum system faster than the correlation time of the bath to which it couples: such control allows us to reveal quasi-reversible/coherent dynamical phenomena of quantum open systems, manifest by the quantum Zeno or anti-Zeno effects (QZE or AZE, respectively). Dynamical control methods based on the QZE are aimed not only at protecting the quantumness of the system, but also diagnosing the bath spectra or transferring quantum information via noisy media. By contrast, AZE-based control is useful for fast cooling of thermalized quantum systems. (ii) Engineering the coupling of quantum systems to selected bath modes: this approach, based on field-atom coupling control in cavities, waveguides and photonic band structures, allows one to drastically enhance the strength and range of atom-atom coupling through the mediation of the selected bath modes. More dramatically, it allows us to achieve bath-induced entanglement that may appear paradoxical if one takes the conventional view that coupling to baths destroys quantumness. (iii) Engineering baths with appropriate non-flat spectra: this approach is a prerequisite for the construction of the simplest and most efficient quantum heat machines (engines and refrigerators). We may thus conclude that often thermal baths are ‘more friends than foes’ in quantum technologies.

Tripartite counterfactual entanglement distribution.

PubMed

Chen, Yuanyuan; Gu, Xuemei; Jiang, Dong; Xie, Ling; Chen, Lijun

2015-08-10

We propose two counterfactual schemes for tripartite entanglement distribution without any physical particles travelling through the quantum channel. One scheme arranges three participators to connect with the absorption object by using switch. Using the "chained" quantum Zeno effect, three participators can accomplish the task of entanglement distribution with unique counterfactual interference probability. Another scheme uses Michelson-type interferometer to swap two entanglement pairs such that the photons of three participators are entangled. Moreover, the distance of entanglement distribution is doubled as two distant absorption objects are used. We also discuss the implementation issues to show that the proposed schemes can be realized with current technology.

Highlights of the Zeno Results from the USMP-2 Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gammon, Robert W.; Shaumeyer, J. N.; Briggs, Matthew E.; Boukari, Hacene; Gent, David A.; Wilkinson, R. Allen

1995-01-01

The Zeno instrument, a High-precision, light-scattering spectrometer, was built to measure the decay rates of density fluctuations in xenon near its liquid-vapor critical point in the low-gravity environment of the U.S. Space Shuttle. Eliminating the severe density gradients created in a critical fluid by Earth's gravity, we were able to make measurements to within 100 microKelvin of the critical point. The instrument flew for fourteen days in March, 1994 on the Space Shuttle Columbia, STS-62 flight, as part of the very successful USMP-2 payload. We describe the instrument and document its performance on orbit, showing that it comfortably reached the desired 3 microKelvin temperature control of the sample. Locating the critical temperature of the sample on orbit was a scientific challenge; we discuss the advantages and short-comings of the two techniques we used. Finally we discuss problems encountered with making measurements of the turbidity of the sample, and close with the results of the measurement of the decay rates of the critical-point fluctuations.

Quantum walks: The first detected passage time problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Friedman, H.; Kessler, D. A.; Barkai, E.

2017-03-01

Even after decades of research, the problem of first passage time statistics for quantum dynamics remains a challenging topic of fundamental and practical importance. Using a projective measurement approach, with a sampling time τ , we obtain the statistics of first detection events for quantum dynamics on a lattice, with the detector located at the origin. A quantum renewal equation for a first detection wave function, in terms of which the first detection probability can be calculated, is derived. This formula gives the relation between first detection statistics and the solution of the corresponding Schrödinger equation in the absence of measurement. We illustrate our results with tight-binding quantum walk models. We examine a closed system, i.e., a ring, and reveal the intricate influence of the sampling time τ on the statistics of detection, discussing the quantum Zeno effect, half dark states, revivals, and optimal detection. The initial condition modifies the statistics of a quantum walk on a finite ring in surprising ways. In some cases, the average detection time is independent of the sampling time while in others the average exhibits multiple divergences as the sampling time is modified. For an unbounded one-dimensional quantum walk, the probability of first detection decays like (time)(-3 ) with superimposed oscillations, with exceptional behavior when the sampling period τ times the tunneling rate γ is a multiple of π /2 . The amplitude of the power-law decay is suppressed as τ →0 due to the Zeno effect. Our work, an extended version of our previously published paper, predicts rich physical behaviors compared with classical Brownian motion, for which the first passage probability density decays monotonically like (time)-3 /2, as elucidated by Schrödinger in 1915.

Time evolution, Lamb shift, and emission spectra of spontaneous emission of two identical atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Da-Wei; Li, Zheng-Hong; Zheng, Hang; Zhu, Shi-Yao

2010-04-01

A unitary transformation method is used to investigate the dynamic evolution of two multilevel atoms, in the basis of symmetric and antisymmetric states, with one atom being initially prepared in the first excited state and the other in the ground state. The unitary transformation guarantees that our calculations are based on the ground state of the atom-field system and the self-energy is subtracted at the beginning. The total Lamb shifts of the symmetric and antisymmetric states are divided into transformed shift and dynamic shift. The transformed shift is due to emitting and reabsorbing of virtual photons, by a single atom (nondynamic single atomic shift) and between the two atoms (quasi-static shift). The dynamic shift is due to the emitting and reabsorbing of real photons, by a single atom (dynamic single atomic shift) and between the two atoms (dynamic interatomic shift). The emitting and reabsorbing of virtual and real photons between the two atoms result in the interatomic shift, which does not exist for the one-atom case. The spectra at the long-time limit are calculated. If the distance between the two atoms is shorter than or comparable to the wavelength, the strong coupling between the two atoms splits the spectrum into two peaks, one from the symmetric state and the other from the antisymmetric state. The origin of the red or blue shifts for the symmetric and antisymmetric states mainly lies in the negative or positive interaction energy between the two atoms. In the investigation of the short time evolution, we find the modification of the effective density of states by the interaction between two atoms can modulate the quantum Zeno and quantum anti-Zeno effects in the decays of the symmetric and antisymmetric states.

Optically controlled polarizer using a ladder transition for high speed Stokesmetric Imaging and Quantum Zeno Effect based optical logic.

PubMed

Krishnamurthy, Subramanian; Wang, Y; Tu, Y; Tseng, S; Shahriar, M S

2013-10-21

We demonstrate an optically controlled polarizer at ~1323 nm using a ladder transition in a Rb vapor cell. The lower leg of the 5S(1/2),F = 1->5P(1/2),F = 1,2->6S(1/2),F = 1,2 transitions is excited by a Ti:Sapphire laser locked to a saturated absorption signal, representing the control beam. A tunable fiber laser at ~1323 nm is used to excite the upper leg of the transitions, representing the signal beam. When the control beam is linearly polarized, it produces an excitation of the intermediate level with a particular orientation of the angular momentum. Under ideal conditions, this orientation is transparent to the signal beam if it has the same polarization as the control beam and is absorbed when it is polarized orthogonally. We also present numerical simulations of the system using a comprehensive model which incorporates all the relevant Zeeman sub-levels in the system, and identify means to improve the performance of the polarizer. A novel algorithm to compute the evolution of large scale quantum system enabled us to perform this computation, which may have been considered too cumbersome to carry out previously. We describe how such a polarizer may serve as a key component for high-speed Stokesmetric imaging. We also show how such a polarizer, combined with an optically controlled waveplate, recently demonstrated by us, can be used to realize a high speed optical logic gate by making use of the Quantum Zeno Effect. Finally, we describe how such a logic gate can be realized at an ultra-low power level using a tapered nanofiber embedded in a vapor cell.

Event-triggered consensus tracking of multi-agent systems with Lur'e nonlinear dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Na; Duan, Zhisheng; Wen, Guanghui; Zhao, Yu

2016-05-01

In this paper, distributed consensus tracking problem for networked Lur'e systems is investigated based on event-triggered information interactions. An event-triggered control algorithm is designed with the advantages of reducing controller update frequency and sensor energy consumption. By using tools of ?-procedure and Lyapunov functional method, some sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee that consensus tracking is achieved under a directed communication topology. Meanwhile, it is shown that Zeno behaviour of triggering time sequences is excluded for the proposed event-triggered rule. Finally, some numerical simulations on coupled Chua's circuits are performed to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical algorithms.

Output Consensus of Heterogeneous Linear Multi-Agent Systems by Distributed Event-Triggered/Self-Triggered Strategy.

PubMed

Hu, Wenfeng; Liu, Lu; Feng, Gang

2016-09-02

This paper addresses the output consensus problem of heterogeneous linear multi-agent systems. We first propose a novel distributed event-triggered control scheme. It is shown that, with the proposed control scheme, the output consensus problem can be solved if two matrix equations are satisfied. Then, we further propose a novel self-triggered control scheme, with which continuous monitoring is avoided. By introducing a fixed timer into both event- and self-triggered control schemes, Zeno behavior can be ruled out for each agent. The effectiveness of the event- and self-triggered control schemes is illustrated by an example.

Scientific Objectives of the Critical Viscosity Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berg, R. F.; Moldover, M. R.

1993-01-01

In microgravity, the Critical Viscosity Experiment will measure the viscosity of xenon 15 times closer to the critical point than is possible on earth. The results are expected to include the first direct observation of the predicted power-law divergence of viscosity in a pure fluid and they will test calculations of the value of the exponent associated with the divergence. The results, when combined with Zeno's decay-rate data, will strengthen the test of mode coupling theory. Without microgravity viscosity data, the Zeno test will require an extrapolation of existing 1-g viscosity data by as much as factor of 100 in reduced temperature. By necessity, the extrapolation would use an incompletely verified theory of viscosity crossover. With the microgravity viscosity data, the reliance on crossover models will be negligible allowing a more reliable extrapolation. During the past year, new theoretical calculations for the viscosity exponent finally achieved consistency with the best experimental data for pure fluids. This report gives the justification for the proposed microgravity Critical Viscosity Experiment in this new context. This report also combines for the first time the best available light scattering data with our recent viscosity data to demonstrate the current status of tests of mode coupling theory.

Distributed convex optimisation with event-triggered communication in networked systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jiayun; Chen, Weisheng

2016-12-01

This paper studies the distributed convex optimisation problem over directed networks. Motivated by practical considerations, we propose a novel distributed zero-gradient-sum optimisation algorithm with event-triggered communication. Therefore, communication and control updates just occur at discrete instants when some predefined condition satisfies. Thus, compared with the time-driven distributed optimisation algorithms, the proposed algorithm has the advantages of less energy consumption and less communication cost. Based on Lyapunov approaches, we show that the proposed algorithm makes the system states asymptotically converge to the solution of the problem exponentially fast and the Zeno behaviour is excluded. Finally, simulation example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

Neutrino mixing, oscillations and decoherence in astrophysics and cosmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ho, Chiu Man

2007-08-01

This thesis focuses on a finite-temperature field-theoretical treatment of neutrino oscillations in hot and dense media. By implementing the methods of real-time non-equilibrium field theory, we study the dynamics of neutrino mixing, oscillations, decoherence and relaxation in astrophysical and cosmological environments. We first study neutrino oscillations in the early universe in the temperature regime prior to the epoch of Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN). The dispersion relations and mixing angles in the medium are found to be helicity-dependent, and a resonance like the Mikheyev-Smirnov- Wolfenstein (MSW) effect is realized. The oscillation time scales are found to be longer near a resonance and shorter for off-resonance high-energy neutrinos. We then investigate the space-time propagation of neutrino wave-packets just before BBN. A phenomenon of " frozen coherence " is found to occur if the longitudinal dispersion catches up with the progressive separation between the mass eigenstates, before the coherence time limit has been reached. However, the transverse dispersion occurs at a much shorter scale than all other possible time scales in the medium, resulting in a large suppression in the transition probabilities from electron-neutrino to muon-neutrino. We also explore the possibility of charged lepton mixing as a consequence of neutrino mixing in the early Universe. We find that charged leptons, like electrons and muons, can mix and oscillate resonantly if there is a large lepton asymmetry in the neutrino sector. We study sterile neutrino production in the early Universe via active-sterile oscillations. We provide a quantum field theoretical reassessment of the quantum Zeno suppression on the active-to-sterile transition probability and its time average. We determine the complete conditions for quantum Zeno suppression. Finally, we examine the interplay between neutrino mixing, oscillations and equilibration in a thermal medium, and the corresponding non-equilibrium dynamics. The equilibrium density matrix is found to be nearly diagonal in the basis of eigenstates of an effective Hamiltonian that includes self-energy corrections in the medium.

Terrorism/Criminalogy/Sociology via Magnetism-Hamiltonian ``Models''?!: Black Swans; What Secrets Lie Buried in Magnetism?; ``Magnetism Will Conquer the Universe?''(Charles Middleton, aka ``His Imperial Majesty The Emperior Ming `The Merciless!!!''

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carrott, Anthony; Siegel, Edward Carl-Ludwig; Hoover, John-Edgar; Ness, Elliott

2013-03-01

Terrorism/Criminalogy//Sociology : non-Linear applied-mathematician (``nose-to-the grindstone / ``gearheadism'') ''modelers'': Worden,, Short, ...criminologists/counter-terrorists/sociologists confront [SIAM Conf. on Nonlinearity, Seattle(12); Canadian Sociology Conf,. Burnaby(12)]. ``The `Sins' of the Fathers Visited Upon the Sons'': Zeno vs Ising vs Heisenberg vs Stoner vs Hubbard vs Siegel ''SODHM''(But NO Y!!!) vs ...??? Magntism and it turn are themselves confronted BY MAGNETISM,via relatively magnetism/metal-insulator conductivity / percolation-phase-transitions critical-phenomena -illiterate non-linear applied-mathematician (nose-to-the-grindstone/ ``gearheadism'')''modelers''. What Secrets Lie Buried in Magnetism?; ``Magnetism Will Conquer the Universe!!!''[Charles Middleton, aka ``His Imperial Majesty The Emperior Ming `The Merciless!!!']'' magnetism-Hamiltonian phase-transitions percolation-``models''!: Zeno(~2350 BCE) to Peter the Pilgrim(1150) to Gilbert(1600) to Faraday(1815-1820) to Tate (1870-1880) to Ewing(1882) hysteresis to Barkhausen(1885) to Curie(1895)-Weiss(1895) to Ising-Lenz(r-space/Localized-Scalar/ Discrete/1911) to Heisenberg(r-space/localized-vector/discrete/1927) to Priesich(1935) to Stoner (electron/k-space/ itinerant-vector/discrete/39) to Stoner-Wohlfarth (technical-magnetism hysteresis /r-space/ itinerant-vector/ discrete/48) to Hubbard-Longuet-Higgins (k-space versus r-space/

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

Gabuda, S. P.; Kozlova, S. G.; Department of Natural Science, Novosibirsk State University, 2, Pirogova Str., Novosibirsk 630090

Hindering of inversion transitions and a violation of mirror symmetry of the right- and left-handed configurations of diazabizyclooctane (dabco, N{sub 2}C{sub 6}H{sub 12}) enantiomers has been studied with low-temperature adiabatic calorimetry. The dabco molecules were sandwiched in a high-porous layered structure of a metal organic framework (MOF) compound. We show from the data of low-temperature adiabatic calorimetry and {sup 1}H NMR spin relaxation method that hindering of inversion transitions of dabco molecules cannot be associated with the influence of the intracrystalline self-consistent molecular field as a continuously monitoring environment within the quantum Zeno effect. In addition, lack of another manifestationmore » of this effect associated with the collisional suppression of the inversion transitions in MOF samples impregnated by helium has been shown. These results lead to the conclusion that chiral polarization is related to the fundamental effect of parity nonconservation.« less

Probabilistic direct counterfactual quantum communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Sheng

2017-02-01

It is striking that the quantum Zeno effect can be used to launch a direct counterfactual communication between two spatially separated parties, Alice and Bob. So far, existing protocols of this type only provide a deterministic counterfactual communication service. However, this counterfactuality should be payed at a price. Firstly, the transmission time is much longer than a classical transmission costs. Secondly, the chained-cycle structure makes them more sensitive to channel noises. Here, we extend the idea of counterfactual communication, and present a probabilistic-counterfactual quantum communication protocol, which is proved to have advantages over the deterministic ones. Moreover, the presented protocol could evolve to a deterministic one solely by adjusting the parameters of the beam splitters. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 61300203).

The Experimental Demonstration of High Efficiency Interaction-free Measurement for Quantum Counterfactual-like Communication.

PubMed

Liu, Chao; Liu, Jinhong; Zhang, Junxiang; Zhu, Shiyao

2017-09-07

We present an interaction-free measurement with quantum Zeno effect and a high efficiency η = 74.6% ± 0.15%. As a proof-of-principle demonstration, this measurement can be used to implement a quantum counterfactual-like communication protocol. Instead of a single photon state, we use a coherent light as the input source and show that the output agrees with the proposed quantum counterfactual communication protocol according to Salih et al. Although the counterfactuality is not achieved due to the presence of a few photons in the public channel, we show that the signal light is nearly absent in the public channel, which exhibits a proof-of-principle quantum counterfactual-like property of communication.

Modelling and properties of a nonlinear autonomous switching system in fed-batch culture of glycerol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Juan; Sun, Qingying; Feng, Enmin

2012-11-01

A nonlinear autonomous switching system is proposed to describe the coupled fed-batch fermentation with the pH as the feedback parameter. We prove the non-Zeno behaviors of the switching system and some basic properties of its solution, including the existence, uniqueness, boundedness and regularity. Numerical simulation is also carried out, which reveals that the proposed system can describe the factual fermentation process properly.

Temporal nonlocality in bistable perception

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atmanspacher, Harald; Filk, Thomas

2012-12-01

A novel conceptual framework for theoretical psychology is presented and illustrated for the example of bistable perception. A basic formal feature of this framework is the non-commutativity of operations acting on mental states. A corresponding model for the bistable perception of ambiguous stimuli, the Necker-Zeno model, is sketched and some empirical evidence for it so far is described. It is discussed how a temporal nonlocality of mental states, predicted by the model, can be understood and tested.

High-efficiency interaction-free measurement with an unbalanced Mach–Zehnder interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chao, Liu; Jinhong, Liu; Junxiang, Zhang; Shiyao, Zhu

2018-06-01

The presence of an object can be detected without the absorption of photons in an interaction-free measurement (IFM) system based on the Zeno effect in chained Mach–Zehnder interferometers (MZIs). In this paper, we propose a scheme with an unbalanced MZI to perform the transmission of two frequency components of input light simultaneously. The two components are separated at two output ports of the MZI, achieving a high probability of asserting the absence of the object. The two final outputs of the MZI can also be extended to perform special information processing via IFM. As a result, this proposal contributes to the improvement of efficiency in interaction-free measurements with a very small number of interferometers for potential practical implementations of quantum information technology.

Experimental Realization of High-Efficiency Counterfactual Computation.

PubMed

Kong, Fei; Ju, Chenyong; Huang, Pu; Wang, Pengfei; Kong, Xi; Shi, Fazhan; Jiang, Liang; Du, Jiangfeng

2015-08-21

Counterfactual computation (CFC) exemplifies the fascinating quantum process by which the result of a computation may be learned without actually running the computer. In previous experimental studies, the counterfactual efficiency is limited to below 50%. Here we report an experimental realization of the generalized CFC protocol, in which the counterfactual efficiency can break the 50% limit and even approach unity in principle. The experiment is performed with the spins of a negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy color center in diamond. Taking advantage of the quantum Zeno effect, the computer can remain in the not-running subspace due to the frequent projection by the environment, while the computation result can be revealed by final detection. The counterfactual efficiency up to 85% has been demonstrated in our experiment, which opens the possibility of many exciting applications of CFC, such as high-efficiency quantum integration and imaging.

Experimental Realization of High-Efficiency Counterfactual Computation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kong, Fei; Ju, Chenyong; Huang, Pu; Wang, Pengfei; Kong, Xi; Shi, Fazhan; Jiang, Liang; Du, Jiangfeng

2015-08-01

Counterfactual computation (CFC) exemplifies the fascinating quantum process by which the result of a computation may be learned without actually running the computer. In previous experimental studies, the counterfactual efficiency is limited to below 50%. Here we report an experimental realization of the generalized CFC protocol, in which the counterfactual efficiency can break the 50% limit and even approach unity in principle. The experiment is performed with the spins of a negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy color center in diamond. Taking advantage of the quantum Zeno effect, the computer can remain in the not-running subspace due to the frequent projection by the environment, while the computation result can be revealed by final detection. The counterfactual efficiency up to 85% has been demonstrated in our experiment, which opens the possibility of many exciting applications of CFC, such as high-efficiency quantum integration and imaging.

Similarity law and critical properties in ionic systems.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desgranges, Caroline; Delhommelle, Jerome

2017-11-01

Using molecular simulations, we determine the locus of ideal compressibility, or Zeno line, for a series of ionic compounds. We find that the shape of this thermodynamic contour follows a linear law, leading to the determination of the Boyle parameters. We also show that a similarity law, based on the Boyle parameters, yields accurate critical data when compared to the experiment. Furthermore, we show that the Boyle density scales linearly with the size-asymmetry, providing a direct route to establish a correspondence between the thermodynamic properties of different ionic compounds.

The case of escape probability as linear in short time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marchewka, A.; Schuss, Z.

2018-02-01

We derive rigorously the short-time escape probability of a quantum particle from its compactly supported initial state, which has a discontinuous derivative at the boundary of the support. We show that this probability is linear in time, which seems to be a new result. The novelty of our calculation is the inclusion of the boundary layer of the propagated wave function formed outside the initial support. This result has applications to the decay law of the particle, to the Zeno behaviour, quantum absorption, time of arrival, quantum measurements, and more.

Automation of experiments at Dubna Gas-Filled Recoil Separator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsyganov, Yu. S.

2016-01-01

Approaches to solving the problems of automation of basic processes in long-term experiments in heavy ion beams of the Dubna Gas-Filled Recoil Separator (DGFRS) facility are considered. Approaches in the field of spectrometry, both of rare α decays of superheavy nuclei and those for constructing monitoring systems to provide accident-free experiment running with highly radioactive targets and recording basic parameters of experiment, are described. The specific features of Double Side Silicon Strip Detectors (DSSSDs) are considered, special attention is paid to the role of boundary effects of neighboring p-n transitions in the "active correlations" method. An example of an off-beam experiment attempting to observe Zeno effect is briefly considered. Basic examples for nuclear reactions of complete fusion at 48Ca ion beams of U-400 cyclotron (LNR, JINR) are given. A scenario of development of the "active correlations" method for the case of very high intensity beams of heavy ions at promising accelerators of LNR, JINR, is presented.

Entropy of the information retrieved from black holes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mersini-Houghton, Laura

2016-07-01

The retrieval of black hole information was recently presented in two interesting proposals in the ‘Hawking Radiation’ conference: a revised version by Hooft of a proposal he initially suggested 20 years ago and, a new proposal by Hawking. Both proposals address the problem of black hole information loss at the classical level and derive an expression for the scattering matrix. The former uses gravitation back reaction of incoming particles that imprints its information on the outgoing modes. The latter uses supertranslation symmetry of horizons to relate a phase delay of the outgoing wave packet compared to their incoming wave partners. The difficulty in both proposals is that the entropy obtained from them appears to be infinite. By including quantum effects into the Hawking and Hooft’s proposals, I show that a subtlety arising from the inescapable measurement process, the quantum Zeno effect, not only tames divergences but it actually recovers the correct 1/4 of the area Bekenstein-Hawking entropy law of black holes.

Generation of three-qubit Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger state of superconducting qubits via transitionless quantum driving

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xu; Chen, Ye-Hong; Wu, Qi-Cheng; Shi, Zhi-Cheng; Song, Jie; Xia, Yan

2017-01-01

We present an efficient scheme to quickly generate three-qubit Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) states by using three superconducting qubits (SQs) separated by two coplanar waveguide resonators (CPWRs) capacitively. The scheme is based on quantum Zeno dynamics and the approach of transitionless quantum driving to construct shortcuts to adiabatic passage. In order to highlight the advantages, we compare the present scheme with the traditional one with adiabatic passage. The comparison result shows the shortcut scheme is closely related to the adiabatic scheme but is better than it. Moreover, we discuss the influence of various decoherences with numerical simulation. The result proves that the present scheme is less sensitive to the energy relaxation, the decay of CPWRs and the deviations of the experimental parameters the same as the adiabatic passage. However, the shortcut scheme is effective and robust against the dephasing of SQs in comparison with the adiabatic scheme.

Exponential Synchronization of Networked Chaotic Delayed Neural Network by a Hybrid Event Trigger Scheme.

PubMed

Fei, Zhongyang; Guan, Chaoxu; Gao, Huijun; Zhongyang Fei; Chaoxu Guan; Huijun Gao; Fei, Zhongyang; Guan, Chaoxu; Gao, Huijun

2018-06-01

This paper is concerned with the exponential synchronization for master-slave chaotic delayed neural network with event trigger control scheme. The model is established on a network control framework, where both external disturbance and network-induced delay are taken into consideration. The desired aim is to synchronize the master and slave systems with limited communication capacity and network bandwidth. In order to save the network resource, we adopt a hybrid event trigger approach, which not only reduces the data package sending out, but also gets rid of the Zeno phenomenon. By using an appropriate Lyapunov functional, a sufficient criterion for the stability is proposed for the error system with extended ( , , )-dissipativity performance index. Moreover, hybrid event trigger scheme and controller are codesigned for network-based delayed neural network to guarantee the exponential synchronization between the master and slave systems. The effectiveness and potential of the proposed results are demonstrated through a numerical example.

Hydrodynamic radius fluctuations in model DNA-grafted nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vargas-Lara, Fernando; Starr, Francis W.; Douglas, Jack F.

2016-05-01

We utilize molecular dynamics simulations (MD) and the path-integration program ZENO to quantify hydrodynamic radius (Rh) fluctuations of spherical symmetric gold nanoparticles (NPs) decorated with single-stranded DNA chains (ssDNA). These results are relevant to understanding fluctuation-induced interactions among these NPs and macromolecules such as proteins. In particular, we explore the effect of varying the ssDNA-grafted NPs structural parameters, such as the chain length (L), chain persistence length (lp), NP core size (R), and the number of chains (N) attached to the nanoparticle core. We determine Rh fluctuations by calculating its standard deviation (σRh) of an ensemble of ssDNA-grafted NPs configurations generated by MD. For the parameter space explored in this manuscript, σR h shows a peak value as a function of N, the amplitude of which depends on L, lp and R, while the broadness depends on R.

Recent advances in the UltraScan SOlution MOdeller (US-SOMO) hydrodynamic and small-angle scattering data analysis and simulation suite.

PubMed

Brookes, Emre; Rocco, Mattia

2018-03-28

The UltraScan SOlution MOdeller (US-SOMO) is a comprehensive, public domain, open-source suite of computer programs centred on hydrodynamic modelling and small-angle scattering (SAS) data analysis and simulation. We describe here the advances that have been implemented since its last official release (#3087, 2017), which are available from release #3141 for Windows, Linux and Mac operating systems. A major effort has been the transition from the legacy Qt3 cross platform software development and user interface library to the modern Qt5 release. Apart from improved graphical support, this has allowed the direct implementation of the newest, almost two-orders of magnitude faster version of the ZENO hydrodynamic computation algorithm for all operating systems. Coupled with the SoMo-generated bead models with overlaps, ZENO provides the most accurate translational friction computations from atomic-level structures available (Rocco and Byron Eur Biophys J 44:417-431, 2015a), with computational times comparable with or faster than those of other methods. In addition, it has allowed us to introduce the direct representation of each atom in a structure as a (hydrated) bead, opening interesting new modelling possibilities. In the small-angle scattering (SAS) part of the suite, an indirect Fourier transform Bayesian algorithm has been implemented for the computation of the pairwise distance distribution function from SAS data. Finally, the SAS HPLC module, recently upgraded with improved baseline correction and Gaussian decomposition of not baseline-resolved peaks and with advanced statistical evaluation tools (Brookes et al. J Appl Cryst 49:1827-1841, 2016), now allows automatic top-peak frame selection and averaging.

Production of a sterile species via active-sterile mixing: An exactly solvable model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boyanovsky, D.

2007-11-01

The production of a sterile species via active-sterile mixing in a thermal medium is studied in an exactly solvable model. The exact time evolution of the sterile distribution function is determined by the dispersion relations and damping rates Γ1,2 for the quasiparticle modes. These depend on γ˜=Γaa/2ΔE, with Γaa the interaction rate of the active species in absence of mixing and ΔE the oscillation frequency in the medium without damping. γ˜≪1, γ˜≫1 describe the weak and strong damping limits, respectively. For γ˜≪1, Γ1=Γaacos⁡2θm; Γ2=Γaasin⁡2θm where θm is the mixing angle in the medium and the sterile distribution function does not obey a simple rate equation. For γ˜≫1, Γ1=Γaa and Γ2=Γaasin⁡22θm/4γ˜2, is the sterile production rate. In this regime sterile production is suppressed and the oscillation frequency vanishes at an Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein (MSW) resonance, with a breakdown of adiabaticity. These are consequences of quantum Zeno suppression. For active neutrinos with standard model interactions the strong damping limit is only available near an MSW resonance if sin⁡2θ≪αw with θ the vacuum mixing angle. The full set of quantum kinetic equations for sterile production for arbitrary γ˜ are obtained from the quantum master equation. Cosmological resonant sterile neutrino production is quantum Zeno suppressed relieving potential uncertainties associated with the QCD phase transition.

The Effects of Explicit Teaching of Strategies, Second-Order Concepts, and Epistemological Underpinnings on Students' Ability to Reason Causally in History

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stoel, Gerhard L.; van Drie, Jannet P.; van Boxtel, Carla A. M.

2017-01-01

This article reports an experimental study on the effects of explicit teaching on 11th grade students' ability to reason causally in history. Underpinned by the model of domain learning, explicit teaching is conceptualized as multidimensional, focusing on strategies and second-order concepts to generate and verbalize causal explanations and…

Extracting Work from Quantum Measurement in Maxwell's Demon Engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elouard, Cyril; Herrera-Martí, David; Huard, Benjamin; Auffèves, Alexia

2017-06-01

The essence of both classical and quantum engines is to extract useful energy (work) from stochastic energy sources, e.g., thermal baths. In Maxwell's demon engines, work extraction is assisted by a feedback control based on measurements performed by a demon, whose memory is erased at some nonzero energy cost. Here we propose a new type of quantum Maxwell's demon engine where work is directly extracted from the measurement channel, such that no heat bath is required. We show that in the Zeno regime of frequent measurements, memory erasure costs eventually vanish. Our findings provide a new paradigm to analyze quantum heat engines and work extraction in the quantum world.

Encoding quantum information in a stabilized manifold of a superconducting cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Touzard, S.; Leghtas, Z.; Mundhada, S. O.; Axline, C.; Reagor, M.; Chou, K.; Blumoff, J.; Sliwa, K. M.; Shankar, S.; Frunzio, L.; Schoelkopf, R. J.; Mirrahimi, M.; Devoret, M. H.

In a superconducting Josephson circuit architecture, we activate a multi-photon process between two modes by applying microwave drives at specific frequencies. This creates a pairwise exchange of photons between a high-Q cavity and the environment. The resulting open dynamical system develops a two-dimensional quasi-energy ground state manifold. Can we encode, protect and manipulate quantum information in this manifold? We experimentally investigate the convergence and escape rates in and out of this confined subspace. Finally, using quantum Zeno dynamics, we aim to perform gates which maintain the state in the protected manifold at all times. Work supported by: ARO, ONR, AFOSR and YINQE.

Dynamical decoupling of local transverse random telegraph noise in a two-qubit gate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Arrigo, A.; Falci, G.; Paladino, E.

2015-10-01

Achieving high-fidelity universal two-qubit gates is a central requisite of any implementation of quantum information processing. The presence of spurious fluctuators of various physical origin represents a limiting factor for superconducting nanodevices. Operating qubits at optimal points, where the qubit-fluctuator interaction is transverse with respect to the single qubit Hamiltonian, considerably improved single qubit gates. Further enhancement has been achieved by dynamical decoupling (DD). In this article we investigate DD of transverse random telegraph noise acting locally on each of the qubits forming an entangling gate. Our analysis is based on the exact numerical solution of the stochastic Schrödinger equation. We evaluate the gate error under local periodic, Carr-Purcell and Uhrig DD sequences. We find that a threshold value of the number, n, of pulses exists above which the gate error decreases with a sequence-specific power-law dependence on n. Below threshold, DD may even increase the error with respect to the unconditioned evolution, a behaviour reminiscent of the anti-Zeno effect.

Separation and conversion dynamics of nuclear-spin isomers of gaseous methanol

PubMed Central

Sun, Zhen-Dong; Ge, Meihua; Zheng, Yujun

2015-01-01

All symmetrical molecules with non-zero nuclear spin exist in nature as nuclear-spin isomers (NSIs). However, owing to the lack of experimental information, knowledge is rare about interconversions of NSIs of gaseous molecules with torsional symmetry. Here we report our separation and conversion observations on NSI-torsion-specific transition systems of gaseous methanol from a light-induced drift experiment involving partially spatial separation of the ortho and para isomers. We find that vibrationally excited molecules of the methanol spin isomer have a smaller collision cross-section than their ground-state counterparts. Interconversion of the enriched ortho isomer with the para isomer, which is generally considered improbable, has been quantitatively studied by sensitive detections of the spectral intensities. Rather counterintuitively, this reveals that the interconversion is inhibited with increasing pressure. Our results suggest that the spin conversion mechanism in methanol is via a quantum relaxation process with the quantum Zeno effect induced by molecular collisions. PMID:25880882

Fast Implementation of Quantum Phase Gates and Creation of Cluster States via Transitionless Quantum Driving

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chun-Ling; Liu, Wen-Wu

2018-05-01

In this paper, combining transitionless quantum driving and quantum Zeno dynamics, we propose an efficient scheme to fast implement a two-qubit quantum phase gate which can be used to generate cluster state of atoms trapped in distant cavities. The influence of various of various error sources including spontaneous emission and photon loss on the fidelity is analyzed via numerical simulation. The results show that this scheme not only takes less time than adiabatic scheme but also is not sensitive to both error sources. Additionally, a creation of N-atom cluster states is put forward as a typical example of the applications of the phase gates.

Lognormal-like statistics of a stochastic squeeze process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shapira, Dekel; Cohen, Doron

2017-10-01

We analyze the full statistics of a stochastic squeeze process. The model's two parameters are the bare stretching rate w and the angular diffusion coefficient D . We carry out an exact analysis to determine the drift and the diffusion coefficient of log(r ) , where r is the radial coordinate. The results go beyond the heuristic lognormal description that is implied by the central limit theorem. Contrary to the common "quantum Zeno" approximation, the radial diffusion is not simply Dr=(1 /8 ) w2/D but has a nonmonotonic dependence on w /D . Furthermore, the calculation of the radial moments is dominated by the far non-Gaussian tails of the log(r ) distribution.

Centralized and decentralized global outer-synchronization of asymmetric recurrent time-varying neural network by data-sampling.

PubMed

Lu, Wenlian; Zheng, Ren; Chen, Tianping

2016-03-01

In this paper, we discuss outer-synchronization of the asymmetrically connected recurrent time-varying neural networks. By using both centralized and decentralized discretization data sampling principles, we derive several sufficient conditions based on three vector norms to guarantee that the difference of any two trajectories starting from different initial values of the neural network converges to zero. The lower bounds of the common time intervals between data samples in centralized and decentralized principles are proved to be positive, which guarantees exclusion of Zeno behavior. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the efficiency of the theoretical results. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Shortcuts to adiabatic passage for fast generation of Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger states by transitionless quantum driving.

PubMed

Chen, Ye-Hong; Xia, Yan; Song, Jie; Chen, Qing-Qin

2015-10-28

Berry's approach on "transitionless quantum driving" shows how to set a Hamiltonian which drives the dynamics of a system along instantaneous eigenstates of a reference Hamiltonian to reproduce the same final result of an adiabatic process in a shorter time. In this paper, motivated by transitionless quantum driving, we construct shortcuts to adiabatic passage in a three-atom system to create the Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger states with the help of quantum Zeno dynamics and of non-resonant lasers. The influence of various decoherence processes is discussed by numerical simulation and the result proves that the scheme is fast and robust against decoherence and operational imperfection.

Fast generating Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger state via iterative interaction pictures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Bi-Hua; Chen, Ye-Hong; Wu, Qi-Cheng; Song, Jie; Xia, Yan

2016-10-01

We delve a little deeper into the construction of shortcuts to adiabatic passage for three-level systems by iterative interaction picture (multiple Schrödinger dynamics). As an application example, we use the deduced iterative based shortcuts to rapidly generate the Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) state in a three-atom system with the help of quantum Zeno dynamics. Numerical simulation shows the dynamics designed by the iterative picture method is physically feasible and the shortcut scheme performs much better than that using the conventional adiabatic passage techniques. Also, the influences of various decoherence processes are discussed by numerical simulation and the results prove that the scheme is fast and robust against decoherence and operational imperfection.

Counterfactual quantum computation through quantum interrogation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosten, Onur; Rakher, Matthew T.; Barreiro, Julio T.; Peters, Nicholas A.; Kwiat, Paul G.

2006-02-01

The logic underlying the coherent nature of quantum information processing often deviates from intuitive reasoning, leading to surprising effects. Counterfactual computation constitutes a striking example: the potential outcome of a quantum computation can be inferred, even if the computer is not run. Relying on similar arguments to interaction-free measurements (or quantum interrogation), counterfactual computation is accomplished by putting the computer in a superposition of `running' and `not running' states, and then interfering the two histories. Conditional on the as-yet-unknown outcome of the computation, it is sometimes possible to counterfactually infer information about the solution. Here we demonstrate counterfactual computation, implementing Grover's search algorithm with an all-optical approach. It was believed that the overall probability of such counterfactual inference is intrinsically limited, so that it could not perform better on average than random guesses. However, using a novel `chained' version of the quantum Zeno effect, we show how to boost the counterfactual inference probability to unity, thereby beating the random guessing limit. Our methods are general and apply to any physical system, as illustrated by a discussion of trapped-ion systems. Finally, we briefly show that, in certain circumstances, counterfactual computation can eliminate errors induced by decoherence.

Quantum measurement-induced dynamics of many-body ultracold bosonic and fermionic systems in optical lattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazzucchi, Gabriel; Kozlowski, Wojciech; Caballero-Benitez, Santiago F.; Elliott, Thomas J.; Mekhov, Igor B.

2016-02-01

Trapping ultracold atoms in optical lattices enabled numerous breakthroughs uniting several disciplines. Coupling these systems to quantized light leads to a plethora of new phenomena and has opened up a new field of study. Here we introduce an unusual additional source of competition in a many-body strongly correlated system: We prove that quantum backaction of global measurement is able to efficiently compete with intrinsic short-range dynamics of an atomic system. The competition becomes possible due to the ability to change the spatial profile of a global measurement at a microscopic scale comparable to the lattice period without the need of single site addressing. In coherence with a general physical concept, where new competitions typically lead to new phenomena, we demonstrate nontrivial dynamical effects such as large-scale multimode oscillations, long-range entanglement, and correlated tunneling, as well as selective suppression and enhancement of dynamical processes beyond the projective limit of the quantum Zeno effect. We demonstrate both the breakup and protection of strongly interacting fermion pairs by measurement. Such a quantum optical approach introduces into many-body physics novel processes, objects, and methods of quantum engineering, including the design of many-body entangled environments for open systems.

Decoherence control mechanisms of a charged magneto-oscillator in contact with different environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajesh, Asam; Bandyopadhyay, Malay; Jayannavar, Arun M.

2017-12-01

In this work, we consider two different techniques based on reservoir engineering process and quantum Zeno control method to analyze the decoherence control mechanism of a charged magneto-oscillator in contact with different type of environment. Our analysis reveals that both the control mechanisms are very much sensitive on the details of different environmental spectrum (J (ω)), and also on different system and reservoir parameters, e.g., external magnetic field (rc), confinement length (r0), temperature (T), cut-off frequency of reservoir spectrum (ωcut), and measurement interval (τ). We also demonstrate the manipulation scheme of the continuous passage from decay suppression to decay acceleration by tuning the above mentioned system or reservoir parameters, e.g., rc, r0, T and τ.

Coherent Oscillations inside a Quantum Manifold Stabilized by Dissipation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Touzard, S.; Grimm, A.; Leghtas, Z.; Mundhada, S. O.; Reinhold, P.; Axline, C.; Reagor, M.; Chou, K.; Blumoff, J.; Sliwa, K. M.; Shankar, S.; Frunzio, L.; Schoelkopf, R. J.; Mirrahimi, M.; Devoret, M. H.

2018-04-01

Manipulating the state of a logical quantum bit (qubit) usually comes at the expense of exposing it to decoherence. Fault-tolerant quantum computing tackles this problem by manipulating quantum information within a stable manifold of a larger Hilbert space, whose symmetries restrict the number of independent errors. The remaining errors do not affect the quantum computation and are correctable after the fact. Here we implement the autonomous stabilization of an encoding manifold spanned by Schrödinger cat states in a superconducting cavity. We show Zeno-driven coherent oscillations between these states analogous to the Rabi rotation of a qubit protected against phase flips. Such gates are compatible with quantum error correction and hence are crucial for fault-tolerant logical qubits.

Topological properties of a curved spacetime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agrawal, Gunjan; Shrivastava, Sampada; Godani, Nisha; Sinha, Soami Pyari

2017-12-01

The present paper aims at the study of a topology on Lorentzian manifolds, defined by Göbel [4] using the ideas of Zeeman [16]. Observing that on the Minkowski space it is the same as Zeeman's time topology, it has been found that a Lorentzian manifold with this topology is path connected, nonfirst countable and nonsimply connected while the Minkowski space with time topology is, in addition nonregular and separable. Furthermore, using the notion of Zeno sequences it is obtained that a compact set does not contain a nonempty open set and that a set is compact if and only if each of its infinite subsets has a limit point if and only if each of its sequences has a convergent subsequence.

Interaction-Free Effects Between Distant Atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aharonov, Yakir; Cohen, Eliahu; Elitzur, Avshalom C.; Smolin, Lee

2018-01-01

A Gedanken experiment is presented where an excited and a ground-state atom are positioned such that, within the former's half-life time, they exchange a photon with 50% probability. A measurement of their energy state will therefore indicate in 50% of the cases that no photon was exchanged. Yet other measurements would reveal that, by the mere possibility of exchange, the two atoms have become entangled. Consequently, the "no exchange" result, apparently precluding entanglement, is non-locally established between the atoms by this very entanglement. This quantum-mechanical version of the ancient Liar Paradox can be realized with already existing transmission schemes, with the addition of Bell's theorem applied to the no-exchange cases. Under appropriate probabilities, the initially-excited atom, still excited, can be entangled with additional atoms time and again, or alternatively, exert multipartite nonlocal correlations in an interaction free manner. When densely repeated several times, this result also gives rise to the Quantum Zeno effect, again exerted between distant atoms without photon exchange. We discuss these experiments as variants of interaction-free-measurement, now generalized for both spatial and temporal uncertainties. We next employ weak measurements for elucidating the paradox. Interpretational issues are discussed in the conclusion, and a resolution is offered within the Two-State Vector Formalism and its new Heisenberg framework.

Interaction-Free Effects Between Distant Atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aharonov, Yakir; Cohen, Eliahu; Elitzur, Avshalom C.; Smolin, Lee

2017-12-01

A Gedanken experiment is presented where an excited and a ground-state atom are positioned such that, within the former's half-life time, they exchange a photon with 50% probability. A measurement of their energy state will therefore indicate in 50% of the cases that no photon was exchanged. Yet other measurements would reveal that, by the mere possibility of exchange, the two atoms have become entangled. Consequently, the "no exchange" result, apparently precluding entanglement, is non-locally established between the atoms by this very entanglement. This quantum-mechanical version of the ancient Liar Paradox can be realized with already existing transmission schemes, with the addition of Bell's theorem applied to the no-exchange cases. Under appropriate probabilities, the initially-excited atom, still excited, can be entangled with additional atoms time and again, or alternatively, exert multipartite nonlocal correlations in an interaction free manner. When densely repeated several times, this result also gives rise to the Quantum Zeno effect, again exerted between distant atoms without photon exchange. We discuss these experiments as variants of interaction-free-measurement, now generalized for both spatial and temporal uncertainties. We next employ weak measurements for elucidating the paradox. Interpretational issues are discussed in the conclusion, and a resolution is offered within the Two-State Vector Formalism and its new Heisenberg framework.

Electronic Maxwell demon in the coherent strong-coupling regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaller, Gernot; Cerrillo, Javier; Engelhardt, Georg; Strasberg, Philipp

2018-05-01

We consider an external feedback control loop implementing the action of a Maxwell demon. Applying control actions that are conditioned on measurement outcomes, the demon may transport electrons against a bias voltage and thereby effectively converts information into electric power. While the underlying model—a feedback-controlled quantum dot that is coupled to two electronic leads—is well explored in the limit of small tunnel couplings, we can address the strong-coupling regime with a fermionic reaction-coordinate mapping. This exact mapping transforms the setup into a serial triple quantum dot coupled to two leads. We find that a continuous projective measurement of the central dot occupation would lead to a complete suppression of electronic transport due to the quantum Zeno effect. In contrast, by using a microscopic detector model we can implement a weak measurement, which allows for closure of the control loop without transport blockade. Then, in the weak-coupling regime, the energy flows associated with the feedback loop are negligible, and dominantly the information gained in the measurement induces a bound for the generated electric power. In the strong coupling limit, the protocol may require more energy for operating the control loop than electric power produced, such that the whole device is no longer information dominated and can thus not be interpreted as a Maxwell demon.

Event-triggered synchronization for reaction-diffusion complex networks via random sampling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Tao; Wang, Aijuan; Zhu, Huiyun; Liao, Xiaofeng

2018-04-01

In this paper, the synchronization problem of the reaction-diffusion complex networks (RDCNs) with Dirichlet boundary conditions is considered, where the data is sampled randomly. An event-triggered controller based on the sampled data is proposed, which can reduce the number of controller and the communication load. Under this strategy, the synchronization problem of the diffusion complex network is equivalently converted to the stability of a of reaction-diffusion complex dynamical systems with time delay. By using the matrix inequality technique and Lyapunov method, the synchronization conditions of the RDCNs are derived, which are dependent on the diffusion term. Moreover, it is found the proposed control strategy can get rid of the Zeno behavior naturally. Finally, a numerical example is given to verify the obtained results.

Continuous quantum error correction for non-Markovian decoherence

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

Oreshkov, Ognyan; Brun, Todd A.; Communication Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089

2007-08-15

We study the effect of continuous quantum error correction in the case where each qubit in a codeword is subject to a general Hamiltonian interaction with an independent bath. We first consider the scheme in the case of a trivial single-qubit code, which provides useful insights into the workings of continuous error correction and the difference between Markovian and non-Markovian decoherence. We then study the model of a bit-flip code with each qubit coupled to an independent bath qubit and subject to continuous correction, and find its solution. We show that for sufficiently large error-correction rates, the encoded state approximatelymore » follows an evolution of the type of a single decohering qubit, but with an effectively decreased coupling constant. The factor by which the coupling constant is decreased scales quadratically with the error-correction rate. This is compared to the case of Markovian noise, where the decoherence rate is effectively decreased by a factor which scales only linearly with the rate of error correction. The quadratic enhancement depends on the existence of a Zeno regime in the Hamiltonian evolution which is absent in purely Markovian dynamics. We analyze the range of validity of this result and identify two relevant time scales. Finally, we extend the result to more general codes and argue that the performance of continuous error correction will exhibit the same qualitative characteristics.« less

Action of multiple intra-QTL genes concerted around a co-localized transcription factor underpins a large effect QTL

PubMed Central

Dixit, Shalabh; Kumar Biswal, Akshaya; Min, Aye; Henry, Amelia; Oane, Rowena H.; Raorane, Manish L.; Longkumer, Toshisangba; Pabuayon, Isaiah M.; Mutte, Sumanth K.; Vardarajan, Adithi R.; Miro, Berta; Govindan, Ganesan; Albano-Enriquez, Blesilda; Pueffeld, Mandy; Sreenivasulu, Nese; Slamet-Loedin, Inez; Sundarvelpandian, Kalaipandian; Tsai, Yuan-Ching; Raghuvanshi, Saurabh; Hsing, Yue-Ie C.; Kumar, Arvind; Kohli, Ajay

2015-01-01

Sub-QTLs and multiple intra-QTL genes are hypothesized to underpin large-effect QTLs. Known QTLs over gene families, biosynthetic pathways or certain traits represent functional gene-clusters of genes of the same gene ontology (GO). Gene-clusters containing genes of different GO have not been elaborated, except in silico as coexpressed genes within QTLs. Here we demonstrate the requirement of multiple intra-QTL genes for the full impact of QTL qDTY12.1 on rice yield under drought. Multiple evidences are presented for the need of the transcription factor ‘no apical meristem’ (OsNAM12.1) and its co-localized target genes of separate GO categories for qDTY12.1 function, raising a regulon-like model of genetic architecture. The molecular underpinnings of qDTY12.1 support its effectiveness in further improving a drought tolerant genotype and for its validity in multiple genotypes/ecosystems/environments. Resolving the combinatorial value of OsNAM12.1 with individual intra-QTL genes notwithstanding, identification and analyses of qDTY12.1has fast-tracked rice improvement towards food security. PMID:26507552

Quantum Counterfactual Information Transmission Without a Weak Trace

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arvidsson Shukur, David; Barnes, Crispin

The classical theories of communication rely on the assumption that there has to be a flow of particles from Bob to Alice in order for him to send a message to her. We have developed a quantum protocol that allows Alice to perceive Bob's message ``counterfactually''. That is, without Alice receiving any particles that have interacted with Bob. By utilising a setup built on results from interaction-free measurements and the quantum Zeno effect, we outline a communication protocol in which the information travels in the opposite direction of the emitted particles. In comparison to previous attempts on such protocols, this one is such that a weak measurement at the message source would not leave a weak trace that could be detected by Alice's receiver. Whilst some interaction-free schemes require a large number of carefully aligned beam-splitters, our protocol is realisable with two or more beam-splitters. Furthermore, we outline how Alice's obtained classical Fisher information between a weak variable at Bob's laboratory is negligible in our scheme. We demonstrate this protocol by numerically solving the time-dependent Schrödinger Equation (TDSE) for a Hamiltonian that implements this quantum counterfactual phenomenon.

STS-75 Flight Day 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

On this first day of the STS-75 mission, the flight crew, Cmdr. Andrew Allen, Pilot Scott Horowitz, Payload Cmdr. Franklin Chang-Diaz, Payload Specialist Umberto Guidoni (Italy), and Mission Specialists Jeffrey Hoffman, Maurizio Cheli (ESA) and Claude Nicollier (ESA), were shown performing pre-launch and launching activities. This international space mission's primary objective is the deployment of the Tethered Satellite System Reflight (TSS-1R) to a 12 mile length from the shuttle, a variety of experiments, and the satellite retrieval. These experiments include: Research on Orbital Plasma Electrodynamics (ROPE); TSS Deployer Core Equipment and Satellite Core Equipment (DCORE/SCORE); Research on Electrodynamic Tether Effects (RETE); Magnetic Field Experiments for TSS Missions (TEMAG); Shuttle Electrodynamic Tether Systems (SETS); Shuttle Potential and Return Electron Experiment (SPREE); Tether Optical Phenomena Experiment (TOP); and Observations at the Earth's Surface of Electromagnetic Emissions by TSS (OESSE). The mission's secondary objectives were those experiments found in the United States Microgravity Payload-3 (USMP-3), which include: Advanced Automated Directional Solidification Furnace (AADSF); Material pour l'Etude des Phenomenes Interessant la Solidification sur Terre et en Orbite (MEPHISTO); Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS); Orbital Acceleration Research Experiment (OARE); Critical Fluid Scattering Experiment (ZENO); and Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment (IDGE).

Exploring Quantum Dynamics of Continuous Measurement with a Superconducting Qubit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jadbabaie, Arian; Forouzani, Neda; Tan, Dian; Murch, Kater

Weak measurements obtain partial information about a quantum state with minimal backaction. This enables state tracking without immediate collapse to eigenstates, of interest to both experimental and theoretical physics. State tomography and continuous weak measurements may be used to reconstruct the evolution of a single system, known as a quantum trajectory. We examine experimental trajectories of a two-level system at varied measurement strengths with constant unitary drive. Our analysis is applied to a transmon qubit dispersively coupled to a 3D microwave cavity in the circuit QED architecture. The weakly coupled cavity acts as pointer system for QND measurements in the qubit's energy basis. Our results indicate a marked difference in state purity between two approaches for trajectory reconstruction: the Bayesian and Stochastic Master Equation (SME) formalisms. Further, we observe the transition from diffusive to jump-like trajectories, state purity evolution, and a novel, tilted form of the Quantum Zeno effect. This work provides new insight into quantum behavior and prompts further comparison of SME and Bayesian formalisms to understand the nature of quantum systems. Our results are applicable to a variety of fields, from stochastic thermodynamics to quantum control.

Event-Based Robust Control for Uncertain Nonlinear Systems Using Adaptive Dynamic Programming.

PubMed

Zhang, Qichao; Zhao, Dongbin; Wang, Ding

2018-01-01

In this paper, the robust control problem for a class of continuous-time nonlinear system with unmatched uncertainties is investigated using an event-based control method. First, the robust control problem is transformed into a corresponding optimal control problem with an augmented control and an appropriate cost function. Under the event-based mechanism, we prove that the solution of the optimal control problem can asymptotically stabilize the uncertain system with an adaptive triggering condition. That is, the designed event-based controller is robust to the original uncertain system. Note that the event-based controller is updated only when the triggering condition is satisfied, which can save the communication resources between the plant and the controller. Then, a single network adaptive dynamic programming structure with experience replay technique is constructed to approach the optimal control policies. The stability of the closed-loop system with the event-based control policy and the augmented control policy is analyzed using the Lyapunov approach. Furthermore, we prove that the minimal intersample time is bounded by a nonzero positive constant, which excludes Zeno behavior during the learning process. Finally, two simulation examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.

Discrete Space-Time: History and Recent Developments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crouse, David

2017-01-01

Discussed in this work is the long history and debate of whether space and time are discrete or continuous. Starting from Zeno of Elea and progressing to Heisenberg and others, the issues with discrete space are discussed, including: Lorentz contraction (time dilation) of the ostensibly smallest spatial (temporal) interval, maintaining isotropy, violations of causality, and conservation of energy and momentum. It is shown that there are solutions to all these issues, such that discrete space is a viable model, yet the solution require strict non-absolute space (i.e., Mach's principle) and a re-analysis of the concept of measurement and the foundations of special relativity. In developing these solutions, the long forgotten but important debate between Albert Einstein and Henri Bergson concerning time will be discussed. Also discussed is the resolution to the Weyl tile argument against discrete space; however, the solution involves a modified version of the typical distance formula. One example effect of discrete space is then discussed, namely how it necessarily imposes order upon Wheeler's quantum foam, changing the foam into a gravity crystal and yielding crystalline properties of bandgaps, Brilluoin zones and negative inertial mass for astronomical bodies.

Ecological resilience in lakes and the conjunction fallacy.

PubMed

Spears, Bryan M; Futter, Martyn N; Jeppesen, Erik; Huser, Brian J; Ives, Stephen; Davidson, Thomas A; Adrian, Rita; Angeler, David G; Burthe, Sarah J; Carvalho, Laurence; Daunt, Francis; Gsell, Alena S; Hessen, Dag O; Janssen, Annette B G; Mackay, Eleanor B; May, Linda; Moorhouse, Heather; Olsen, Saara; Søndergaard, Martin; Woods, Helen; Thackeray, Stephen J

2017-11-01

There is a pressing need to apply stability and resilience theory to environmental management to restore degraded ecosystems effectively and to mitigate the effects of impending environmental change. Lakes represent excellent model case studies in this respect and have been used widely to demonstrate theories of ecological stability and resilience that are needed to underpin preventative management approaches. However, we argue that this approach is not yet fully developed because the pursuit of empirical evidence to underpin such theoretically grounded management continues in the absence of an objective probability framework. This has blurred the lines between intuitive logic (based on the elementary principles of probability) and extensional logic (based on assumption and belief) in this field.

Common heritable effects underpin concerns over norm maintenance and in-group favoritism: evidence from genetic analyses of right-wing authoritarianism and traditionalism.

PubMed

Lewis, Gary J; Bates, Timothy C

2014-08-01

Research has shown that in-group favoritism is associated with concerns over the maintenance of social norms. Here we present two studies examining whether genetic factors underpin this association. A classical twin design was used to decompose phenotypic variance into genetic and environmental components in two studies. Study 1 used 812 pairs of adult U.S. twins from the nationally representative MIDUS II sample. Study 2 used 707 pairs of middle-age twins from the Minnesota Twin Registry. In-group favoritism was measured with scales tapping preferences for in-group (vs. out-group) individuals; norm concerns were measured with the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire-Traditionalism (Study 1) and Right-Wing Authoritarianism (RWA; Study 2) scales. In Study 1, heritable effects underlying traditionalism were moderately (c. 35%) overlapping with the genetic variance underpinning in-group favoritism. In Study 2, heritable influences on RWA were entirely shared with the heritable effects on in-group favoritism. Moreover, we observed that Big Five Openness shared common genetic links to both RWA and in-group favoritism. These results suggest that, at the genetic level, in-group favoritism is linked with a system related to concern over normative social practices, which is, in turn, partially associated with trait Openness. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The management of cytotoxic chemotherapy extravasation: a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the evidence underpinning contemporary practice.

PubMed

Harrold, K; Gould, D; Drey, N

2015-11-01

Management of cytotoxic drug extravasation remains contentious, with differing views on the most effective management strategy. With the increasing drive to provide effective, evidence-based healthcare, while ensuring the patient experience of the treatment provided plays a significant part in the development of clinical practice guidelines, the purpose of this literature review was to both critically analyse the quality of evidence that underpins contemporary practice and to determine if the patient experience is taken into account. A literature search was undertaken sourcing publications from the 1960s to July 2014 identifying all studies detailing strategies aimed at preventing the need for surgical debridement and all studies evaluating extravasation management from the patient's perspective. No conclusive evidence was found to suggest one clinical strategy as more effective than the other. No studies were identified that evaluated outcome from the patient's perspective. It is therefore suggested that outcomes-based research should underpin contemporary extravasation management guidelines to determine what the final outcome or 'end result' is and how this impacts on the patient and that the current lack of research into the patient experience of extravasation management is an area that needs to be addressed. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Principles that underpin effective school-based drug education.

PubMed

Midford, Richard; Munro, Geoffrey; McBride, Nyanda; Snow, Pamela; Ladzinski, Ursula

2002-01-01

This study identifies the conceptual underpinnings of effective school-based drug education practice in light of contemporary research evidence and the practical experience of a broad range of drug education stakeholders. The research involved a review of the literature, a national survey of 210 Australian teachers and others involved in drug education, and structured interviews with 22 key Australian drug education policy stakeholders. The findings from this research have been distilled and presented as a list of 16 principles that underpin effective drug education. In broad terms, drug education should be evidence-based, developmentally appropriate, sequential, and contextual. Programs should be initiated before drug use commences. Strategies should be linked to goals and should incorporate harm minimization. Teaching should be interactive and use peer leaders. The role of the classroom teacher is central. Certain program content is important, as is social and resistance skills training. Community values, the social context of use, and the nature of drug harm have to be addressed. Coverage needs to be adequate and supported by follow-up. It is envisaged that these principles will provide all those involved in the drug education field with a set of up-to-date, research-based guidelines against which to reference decisions on program design, selection, implementation, and evaluation.

Event-based cluster synchronization of coupled genetic regulatory networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, Dandan; Guan, Zhi-Hong; Li, Tao; Liao, Rui-Quan; Liu, Feng; Lai, Qiang

2017-09-01

In this paper, the cluster synchronization of coupled genetic regulatory networks with a directed topology is studied by using the event-based strategy and pinning control. An event-triggered condition with a threshold consisting of the neighbors' discrete states at their own event time instants and a state-independent exponential decay function is proposed. The intra-cluster states information and extra-cluster states information are involved in the threshold in different ways. By using the Lyapunov function approach and the theories of matrices and inequalities, we establish the cluster synchronization criterion. It is shown that both the avoidance of continuous transmission of information and the exclusion of the Zeno behavior are ensured under the presented triggering condition. Explicit conditions on the parameters in the threshold are obtained for synchronization. The stability criterion of a single GRN is also given under the reduced triggering condition. Numerical examples are provided to validate the theoretical results.

Fast generations of tree-type three-dimensional entanglement via Lewis-Riesenfeld invariants and transitionless quantum driving

PubMed Central

Wu, Jin-Lei; Ji, Xin; Zhang, Shou

2016-01-01

Recently, a novel three-dimensional entangled state called tree-type entanglement, which is likely to have applications for improving quantum communication security, was prepared via adiabatic passage by Song et al. Here we propose two schemes for fast generating tree-type three-dimensional entanglement among three spatially separated atoms via shortcuts to adiabatic passage. With the help of quantum Zeno dynamics, two kinds of different but equivalent methods, Lewis-Riesenfeld invariants and transitionless quantum driving, are applied to construct shortcuts to adiabatic passage. The comparisons between the two methods are discussed. The strict numerical simulations show that the tree-type three-dimensional entangled states can be fast prepared with quite high fidelities and the two schemes are both robust against the variations in the parameters, atomic spontaneous emissions and the cavity-fiber photon leakages. PMID:27667583

A quantum probability perspective on borderline vagueness.

PubMed

Blutner, Reinhard; Pothos, Emmanuel M; Bruza, Peter

2013-10-01

The term "vagueness" describes a property of natural concepts, which normally have fuzzy boundaries, admit borderline cases, and are susceptible to Zeno's sorites paradox. We will discuss the psychology of vagueness, especially experiments investigating the judgment of borderline cases and contradictions. In the theoretical part, we will propose a probabilistic model that describes the quantitative characteristics of the experimental finding and extends Alxatib's and Pelletier's () theoretical analysis. The model is based on a Hopfield network for predicting truth values. Powerful as this classical perspective is, we show that it falls short of providing an adequate coverage of the relevant empirical results. In the final part, we will argue that a substantial modification of the analysis put forward by Alxatib and Pelletier and its probabilistic pendant is needed. The proposed modification replaces the standard notion of probabilities by quantum probabilities. The crucial phenomenon of borderline contradictions can be explained then as a quantum interference phenomenon. © 2013 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

Developing a pedagogy for nursing teaching-learning.

PubMed

Horsfall, Jan; Cleary, Michelle; Hunt, Glenn E

2012-11-01

Each nurse educator's pedagogy underpins their understanding of and approach to teaching and learning, regardless of whether this has been reflected upon or articulated. In this paper, we overview factors and issues that should be considered when developing a teaching philosophy of nursing education and set out broad differences between traditional and contemporary pedagogic models and various ways of knowing. As values underpin any teaching framework these are considered in relation to pedagogies, epistemologies and their relevance to nursing practice. Key teacher roles and strategies that are congruent with a contemporary pedagogy for teaching nursing in the classroom or the clinical setting are also outlined. A premise for writing this paper was that clarifying one's own understandings of education and knowledge and the implicit values held within those terms and processes will contribute to greater self-awareness and more effective teaching of nursing. Education approaches underpinned by a sound teaching philosophy and framework can facilitate an educationally sound and positive experience for learners. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanisms underpinning the beneficial effects of fluctuating thermal regimes in insect cold tolerance

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Insects exposed to low temperature often have high mortality or exhibit sublethal effects. A growing number of recent studies have shown beneficial effects of exposing insects to recurrent brief warm pulses during low temperature stress (fluctuating thermal regimes, FTR). The physiological underpinn...

Many-Body Physics in Long-Range Interacting Quantum Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Bihui

Ultracold atomic and molecular systems provide a useful platform for understanding quantum many-body physics. Recent progresses in AMO experiments enable access to systems exhibiting long-range interactions, opening a window for exploring the interplay between long-range interactions and dissipation. In this thesis, I develop theoretical approaches to study non-equilibrium dynamics in systems where such interplay is crucial. I first focus on a system of KRb molecules, where dipolar interactions and fast chemical reactions coexist. Using a classical kinetic theory and Monte Carlo methods, I study the evaporative cooling in a quasi-two-dimensional trap, and develop a protocol to reach quantum degeneracy. I also study the case where molecules are loaded into an optical lattice, and show that the strong dissipation induces a quantum Zeno effect, which suppresses the molecule loss. The analysis requires including multiple bands to explain recent experimental measurements, and can be used to determine the molecular filling fraction. I also investigate a system of radiating atoms, which experience long-range elastic and dissipative interactions. I explore the collective behavior of atoms and the role of atomic motion. The model is validated by comparison with a recent light scattering experiment using Sr atoms. I also show that incoherently pumped dipoles can undergo a dynamical phase transition to synchronization, and study its signature in the quantum regime.

Quantum Mechanics for Everybody: An autonomous MOOC on EdX for nonscientists

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freericks, James; Cutler, Dylan; Vieira-Barbosa, Lucas

2017-01-01

We have launched a MOOC for nonscientists that teaches quantum mechanics using the Feynman methodology as outlined in his QED book and in a similar book by Daniel Styer. Using a combination of videos, voice-over powerpoint animations, computer simulations and interactive tutorials, we teach the fundamentals of quantum mechanics employing a minimum of math (high school algebra, square roots, and a little trigonometry) but going into detail on a number of complex quantum ideas. We begin with the Stern-Gerlach experiment, including delayed choice and Bell's inequality variants. Then we focus on light developing the quantum theory for partial reflection and diffraction. At this point we demonstrate the complexity of quantum physics by showing how watched and unwatched two-slit experiments behave differently and how quantum particles interfere. The four week course ends with advanced topics in light where we cover the idea of an interaction free measurement, the quantum Zeno effect and indistinguishable particles via the Hong-Ou-Mandel experiment. We hope this MOOC will reach thousands of students interesting in learning quantum mechanics without any dumbing down or the need to learn complex math. It can also be used with undergraduates to help with conceptual understanding. Funded by the National Science Foundation under grants numbered PHY-1620555 and PHY-1314295 and by Georgetown University.

Stable Isotopes, Quantum Computing and Consciousness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berezin, Alexander A.

2000-10-01

Recent proposals of quantum computing/computers (QC) based on nuclear spins suggest that consciousness (CON) activity may be related (assisted) to subset of C13 atoms incorporated randomly, or quasirandomly, in neural structures. Consider two DNA chains. Even if they are completely identical chemically (same sequence of codons), patterns of 12C and 13C isotopes in them are different (possible origin of personal individuality). Perhaps it is subsystem of nuclear spins of 13C "sublattice" which forms dynamical system capable of QC and on which CON is "spanned". Some issues related to this hypothesis are: (1) existence of CON-driven positional correlations among C13 atoms, (2) motion (hopping) of C13 via enhanced neutron tunneling, cf. quantum "anti Zeno-effect", (3) possible optimization of concentration of QC-active C13 atoms above their standard isotopic abundance, (4) characteristic time-scales for operation of C13-based QC (perrhaps, broad range of scales), (5) reflection of QC dynamics of C13 on CON, (6) possibility that C13-based QC operates "above" level of "regular" CON (perhaps, Jungian sub/super-CON), (7) isotopicity as connector to universal Library of Patterns ("Platonic World"), (8) self-stabilization of coherence in C13 (sub)system. Some of this questions are, in principle, experimentally addressable through shifting of isotopic abundances.

Enhanced efficiency fertilizers: A multi-site comparison of the effects on nitrous oxide emissions and agronomic performance

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The need to understand the effects of enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEF) for their effect on nitrous oxide emissions and agronomic performance was the motivation underpinning this multi-location study across North America. Research locations participating in this study included Ames, IA; Auburn, ...

How good is the neurophysiology of pain questionnaire? A Rasch analysis of psychometric properties.

PubMed

Catley, Mark J; O'Connell, Neil E; Moseley, G Lorimer

2013-08-01

The Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) was devised to assess how an individual conceptualizes the biological mechanisms that underpin his or her pain. Despite its widespread use, its psychometric properties have not been comprehensively interrogated. Rasch analysis was undertaken on NPQ data from a convenience sample of 300 spinal pain patients, and test-retest reliability was assessed in a sample of 45 low back pain patients. The NPQ effectively targeted the ability of the sample and had acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability. However, some items functioned erratically for persons of differing abilities or were psychometrically redundant. The NPQ was reanalyzed with 7 questionable items excluded, and superior psychometric properties were observed. These findings suggest that the NPQ could be improved, but future prospective studies including qualitative measures are needed. In summary, the NPQ is a useful tool for assessing a patient's conceptualization of the biological mechanisms that underpin his or her pain and for evaluating the effects of cognitive interventions in clinical practice and research. These findings suggest that it has adequate psychometric properties for use with chronic spinal pain patients. Rasch analysis was used to analyze the NPQ. Despite several limitations, these results suggest that it is a useful tool with which to assess a patient's conceptualization of the biological mechanisms that underpin his or her pain and to evaluate the effects of cognitive interventions in clinical practice and research. Copyright © 2013 American Pain Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Error-Analysis for Correctness, Effectiveness, and Composing Procedure.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ewald, Helen Rothschild

The assumptions underpinning grammatical mistakes can often be detected by looking for patterns of errors in a student's work. Assumptions that negatively influence rhetorical effectiveness can similarly be detected through error analysis. On a smaller scale, error analysis can also reveal assumptions affecting rhetorical choice. Snags in the…

Effective Dementia Education and Training for the Health and Social Care Workforce: A Systematic Review of the Literature

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Surr, Claire A.; Gates, Cara; Irving, Donna; Oyebode, Jan; Smith, Sarah Jane; Parveen, Sahdia; Drury, Michelle; Dennison, Alison

2017-01-01

Ensuring an informed and effective dementia workforce is of international concern; however, there remains limited understanding of how this can be achieved. This review aimed to identify features of effective dementia educational programs. Critical interpretive synthesis underpinned by Kirkpatrick's return on investment model was applied. One…

Effective Dementia Education and Training for the Health and Social Care Workforce: A Systematic Review of the Literature

PubMed Central

Surr, Claire A.; Gates, Cara; Irving, Donna; Oyebode, Jan; Smith, Sarah Jane; Parveen, Sahdia; Drury, Michelle; Dennison, Alison

2017-01-01

Ensuring an informed and effective dementia workforce is of international concern; however, there remains limited understanding of how this can be achieved. This review aimed to identify features of effective dementia educational programs. Critical interpretive synthesis underpinned by Kirkpatrick’s return on investment model was applied. One hundred and fifty-two papers of variable quality were included. Common features of more efficacious educational programs included the need for educational programs to be relevant to participants’ role and experience, involve active face-to-face participation, underpin practice-based learning with theory, be delivered by an experienced facilitator, have a total duration of at least 8 hours with individual sessions of 90 minutes or more, support application of learning in practice, and provide a structured tool or guideline to guide care practice. Further robust research is required to develop the evidence base; however, the findings of this review have relevance for all working in workforce education. PMID:28989194

Discovery of Novel GPVI Receptor Antagonists by Structure-Based Repurposing

PubMed Central

Taylor, Lewis; Vasudevan, Sridhar R.; Jones, Chris I.; Gibbins, Jonathan M.; Churchill, Grant C.; Campbell, R. Duncan; Coxon, Carmen H.

2014-01-01

Inappropriate platelet aggregation creates a cardiovascular risk that is largely managed with thienopyridines and aspirin. Although effective, these drugs carry risks of increased bleeding and drug ‘resistance’, underpinning a drive for new antiplatelet agents. To discover such drugs, one strategy is to identify a suitable druggable target and then find small molecules that modulate it. A good and unexploited target is the platelet collagen receptor, GPVI, which promotes thrombus formation. To identify inhibitors of GPVI that are safe and bioavailable, we docked a FDA-approved drug library into the GPVI collagen-binding site in silico. We now report that losartan and cinanserin inhibit GPVI-mediated platelet activation in a selective, competitive and dose-dependent manner. This mechanism of action likely underpins the cardioprotective effects of losartan that could not be ascribed to its antihypertensive effects. We have, therefore, identified small molecule inhibitors of GPVI-mediated platelet activation, and also demonstrated the utility of structure-based repurposing. PMID:24971515

Effective Dementia Education and Training for the Health and Social Care Workforce: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

PubMed

Surr, Claire A; Gates, Cara; Irving, Donna; Oyebode, Jan; Smith, Sarah Jane; Parveen, Sahdia; Drury, Michelle; Dennison, Alison

2017-10-01

Ensuring an informed and effective dementia workforce is of international concern; however, there remains limited understanding of how this can be achieved. This review aimed to identify features of effective dementia educational programs. Critical interpretive synthesis underpinned by Kirkpatrick's return on investment model was applied. One hundred and fifty-two papers of variable quality were included. Common features of more efficacious educational programs included the need for educational programs to be relevant to participants' role and experience, involve active face-to-face participation, underpin practice-based learning with theory, be delivered by an experienced facilitator, have a total duration of at least 8 hours with individual sessions of 90 minutes or more, support application of learning in practice, and provide a structured tool or guideline to guide care practice. Further robust research is required to develop the evidence base; however, the findings of this review have relevance for all working in workforce education.

Why we should understand the patient experience: clinical empathy and medicines optimisation.

PubMed

Jubraj, Barry; Barnett, Nina L; Grimes, Lesley; Varia, Sneha; Chater, Angel; Auyeung, Vivian

2016-10-01

To critically discuss the need for pharmacists to underpin their consultations with appropriate 'clinical empathy' as part of effective medicines optimisation. Use of literature around empathy, consultation and pharmacy practice to develop a case for greater clinical empathy in pharmacy consultations. Clinical empathy is defined from the literature and applied to pharmacy consultations, with a comparison to empathy in other clinical professions. Historical barriers to the embedding of clinical empathy into pharmacy consultations are also explored. We challenge the pharmacy profession to consider how clinical empathy should underpin consultations with a series of introspective questions and provide some sample questions to support pharmacy consultations. We also make the case for appropriate education and professional development of consultation skills at undergraduate and postgraduate level. We contend that patients' relationships with practitioners are critical, and a lack of empathy can impact the effectiveness of care. © 2016 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Hydrodynamic Modeling and Its Application in AUC.

PubMed

Rocco, Mattia; Byron, Olwyn

2015-01-01

The hydrodynamic parameters measured in an AUC experiment, s(20,w) and D(t)(20,w)(0), can be used to gain information on the solution structure of (bio)macromolecules and their assemblies. This entails comparing the measured parameters with those that can be computed from usually "dry" structures by "hydrodynamic modeling." In this chapter, we will first briefly put hydrodynamic modeling in perspective and present the basic physics behind it as implemented in the most commonly used methods. The important "hydration" issue is also touched upon, and the distinction between rigid bodies versus those for which flexibility must be considered in the modeling process is then made. The available hydrodynamic modeling/computation programs, HYDROPRO, BEST, SoMo, AtoB, and Zeno, the latter four all implemented within the US-SOMO suite, are described and their performance evaluated. Finally, some literature examples are presented to illustrate the potential applications of hydrodynamics in the expanding field of multiresolution modeling. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An event-triggered control approach for the leader-tracking problem with heterogeneous agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia, Eloy; Cao, Yongcan; Casbeer, David W.

2018-05-01

This paper presents an event-triggered control and communication framework for the cooperative leader-tracking problem with communication constraints. Continuous communication among agents is not assumed in this work and decentralised event-based strategies are proposed for agents with heterogeneous linear dynamics. Also, the leader dynamics are unknown and only intermittent measurements of its states are obtained by a subset of the followers. The event-based method not only represents a way to restrict communication among agents, but it also provides a decentralised scheme for scheduling information broadcasts. Notably, each agent is able to determine its own broadcasting instants independently of any other agent in the network. In an extension, the case where transmission of information is affected by time-varying communication delays is addressed. Finally, positive lower-bounds on the inter-event time intervals are obtained in order to show that Zeno behaviour does not exist and, therefore, continuous exchange of information is never needed in this framework.

Simulations of RF capture with barrier bucket in booster at injection

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

Gardner, C.J.

2012-01-23

As part of the effort to increase the number of ions per bunch in RHIC, a new scheme for RF capture of EBIS ions in Booster at injection has been developed. The scheme was proposed by M. Blaskiewicz and J.M. Brennan. It employs a barrier bucket to hold a half turn of beam in place during capture into two adjacent harmonic 4 buckets. After acceleration, this allows for 8 transfers of 2 bunches from Booster into 16 buckets on the AGS injection porch. During the Fall of 2011 the necessary hardware was developed and implemented by the RF and Controlsmore » groups. The scheme is presently being commissioned by K.L. Zeno with Au32+ ions from EBIS. In this note we carry out simulations of the RF capture. These are meant to serve as benchmarks for what can be achieved in practice. They also allow for an estimate of the longitudinal emittance of the bunches on the AGS injection porch.« less

Twenty-Five Centuries of Quantum Physics: From Pythagoras to Us, and from Subjectivism to Realism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bunge, Mario

Three main theses are proposed. The first is that the idea of a quantum or minimal unit is not peculiar to quantum theory, since it already occurs in the classical theories of elasticity and electrolysis. Second, the peculiarities of the objects described by quantum theory are the following: their basic laws are probabilistic; some of their properties, such as position and energy, are blunt rather than sharp; two particles that were once together continue to be associated even after becoming spatially separated; and the vacuum has physical properties, so that it is a kind of matter. Third, the orthodox or Copenhagen interpretation of the theory is false, and may conveniently be replaced with a realist (though not classicist) interpretation. Heisenberg's inequality, Schrödinger's cat and Zeno's quantum paradox are discussed in the light of the two rival interpretations. It is also shown that the experiments that falsified Bell's inequality do not refute realism but the classicism inherent in hidden variables theories.

t-topology on the n-dimensional Minkowski space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agrawal, Gunjan; Shrivastava, Sampada

2009-05-01

In this paper, a topological study of the n-dimensional Minkowski space, n >1, with t-topology, denoted by Mt, has been carried out. This topology, unlike the usual Euclidean one, is more physically appealing being defined by means of the Lorentzian metric. It shares many topological properties with similar candidate topologies and it has the advantage of being first countable. Compact sets of Mt and continuous maps into Mt are studied using the notion of Zeno sequences besides characterizing those sets that have the same subspace topologies induced from the Euclidean and t-topologies on n-dimensional Minkowski space. A necessary and sufficient condition for a compact set in the Euclidean n-space to be compact in Mt is obtained, thereby proving that the n-cube, n >1, as a subspace of Mt, is not compact, while a segment on a timelike line is compact in Mt. This study leads to the nonsimply connectedness of Mt, for n =2. Further, Minkowski space with s-topology has also been dealt with.

Signatures of a quantum dynamical phase transition in a three-spin system in presence of a spin environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Álvarez, Gonzalo A.; Levstein, Patricia R.; Pastawski, Horacio M.

2007-09-01

We have observed an environmentally induced quantum dynamical phase transition in the dynamics of a two-spin experimental swapping gate [G.A. Álvarez, E.P. Danieli, P.R. Levstein, H.M. Pastawski, J. Chem. Phys. 124 (2006) 194507]. There, the exchange of the coupled states |↑,↓> and |↓,↑> gives an oscillation with a Rabi frequency b/ℏ (the spin-spin coupling). The interaction, ℏ/τSE with a spin-bath degrades the oscillation with a characteristic decoherence time. We showed that the swapping regime is restricted only to bτSE≳ℏ. However, beyond a critical interaction with the environment the swapping freezes and the system enters to a Quantum Zeno dynamical phase where relaxation decreases as coupling with the environment increases. Here, we solve the quantum dynamics of a two-spin system coupled to a spin-bath within a Liouville-von Neumann quantum master equation and we compare the results with our previous work within the Keldysh formalism. Then, we extend the model to a three interacting spin system where only one is coupled to the environment. Beyond a critical interaction the two spins not coupled to the environment oscillate with the bare Rabi frequency and relax more slowly. This effect is more pronounced when the anisotropy of the system-environment (SE) interaction goes from a purely XY to an Ising interaction form.

The effect of various primers on shear bond strength of zirconia ceramic and resin composite.

PubMed

Sanohkan, Sasiwimol; Kukiattrakoon, Boonlert; Larpboonphol, Narongrit; Sae-Yib, Taewalit; Jampa, Thibet; Manoppan, Satawat

2013-11-01

To determine the in vitro shear bond strengths (SBS) of zirconia ceramic to resin composite after various primer treatments. Forty zirconia ceramic (Zeno, Wieland Dental) specimens (10 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick) were prepared, sandblasted with 50 μm alumina, and divided into four groups (n = 10). Three experimental groups were surface treated with three primers; CP (RelyX Ceramic Primer, 3M ESPE), AP (Alloy Primer, Kuraray Medical), and MP (Monobond Plus, Ivoclar Vivadent AG). One group was not treated and served as the control. All specimens were bonded to a resin composite (Filtek Supreme XT, 3M ESPE) cylinder with an adhesive system (Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus Adhesive, 3M ESPE) and then stored in 100% humidity at 37°C for 24 h before SBS testing in a universal testing machine. Mean SBS (MPa) were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test (α = 0.05). Group AP yielded the highest mean and standard deviation (SD) value of SBS (16.8 ± 2.5 MPa) and Group C presented the lowest mean and SD value (15.4 ± 1.6 MPa). The SBS did not differ significantly among the groups (P = 0.079). Within the limitations of this study, the SBS values between zirconia ceramic to resin composite using various primers and untreated surface were not significantly different.

Quantum fluctuation theorems and power measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasanna Venkatesh, B.; Watanabe, Gentaro; Talkner, Peter

2015-07-01

Work in the paradigm of the quantum fluctuation theorems of Crooks and Jarzynski is determined by projective measurements of energy at the beginning and end of the force protocol. In analogy to classical systems, we consider an alternative definition of work given by the integral of the supplied power determined by integrating up the results of repeated measurements of the instantaneous power during the force protocol. We observe that such a definition of work, in spite of taking account of the process dependence, has different possible values and statistics from the work determined by the conventional two energy measurement approach (TEMA). In the limit of many projective measurements of power, the system’s dynamics is frozen in the power measurement basis due to the quantum Zeno effect leading to statistics only trivially dependent on the force protocol. In general the Jarzynski relation is not satisfied except for the case when the instantaneous power operator commutes with the total Hamiltonian at all times. We also consider properties of the joint statistics of power-based definition of work and TEMA work in protocols where both values are determined. This allows us to quantify their correlations. Relaxing the projective measurement condition, weak continuous measurements of power are considered within the stochastic master equation formalism. Even in this scenario the power-based work statistics is in general not able to reproduce qualitative features of the TEMA work statistics.

The Effect of Online Tasks for Algebra on Student Achievement in Grade 8

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Drijvers, Paul; Doorman, Michiel; Kirschner, Paul; Hoogveld, Bert; Boon, Peter

2014-01-01

Online resources are widely used for educational purposes, such as the training of skills. For algebra education in particular, online resources are expected to contribute to skill mastery in an efficient and effective way. However, studies that underpin these claims through a randomized experiment are scarce. To experimentally investigate the…

Early Career Teachers' Research Literacy: What Does It Look Like and What Elements Support Its Development in Practice?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Evans, Carol

2017-01-01

This article reviews the effectiveness of two projects: "NQT and Beyond; Developing Resilience in Learning and Teaching," and the underpinning conceptual framework (PLSP) in supporting early career teachers' (ECTs') development of their research literacy. Evidence of effective integration of research into practice is illustrated through…

Early Effects of Radical Position Legality in Chinese: An ERP Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yum, Yen Na; Su, I-Fan; Law, Sam-Po

2015-01-01

This study aimed to investigate the timecourse and neural underpinnings of the coding of radical positions in Chinese character reading. To isolate effects of radical positions, four types of pseudocharacters were created in which the constituent radicals appeared in positions varying in probability of occurrence, that is, Unique, Dominant,…

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Behaviour and Electrophysiology of Language Production

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wirth, Miranka; Rahman, Rasha Abdel; Kuenecke, Janina; Koenig, Thomas; Horn, Helge; Sommer, Werner; Dierks, Thomas

2011-01-01

Excitatory anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (A-tDCS) over the left dorsal prefrontal cortex (DPFC) has been shown to improve language production. The present study examined neurophysiological underpinnings of this effect. In a single-blinded within-subject design, we traced effects of A-tDCS compared to sham stimulation over the left…

Effective Practices in Continuing Professional Development: Lessons from Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Earley, Peter; Porritt, Vivienne

2009-01-01

This book presents case studies of schools' journeys towards effective CPD practice as part of a TDA national project. It tells the story of the goals set and achieved, and the challenges and successes along the way. Each case study makes specific reference to the nine factors or approaches to CPD identified in the book as underpinning effective…

A Qualitative Investigation into the Characteristics and Effects of Music Accompanying Exercise

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Priest, David-Lee; Karageorghis, Costas I.

2008-01-01

The purpose of the present study was to identify the characteristics of music used to accompany physical exercise and investigate the effects of such music using a qualitative approach. This work underpins the further development of a theoretical structure that is still relatively new. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of…

The Intentional Design of a SoTL Initiative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Amundsen, Cheryl; Emmioglu, Esma; Hotton, Veronica; Hum, Gregory; Xin, Cindy

2016-01-01

This chapter describes a SoTL program at Simon Fraser University that focuses on the importance of analyzing the internal coherence and alignment of the program design and the thinking underpinning the design as the first steps in evaluating effectiveness or impact.

Correlated gene expression and anatomical communication support synchronized brain activity in the mouse functional connectome.

PubMed

Mills, Brian D; Grayson, David S; Shunmugavel, Anandakumar; Miranda-Dominguez, Oscar; Feczko, Eric; Earl, Eric; Neve, Kim; Fair, Damien A

2018-05-22

Cognition and behavior depend on synchronized intrinsic brain activity that is organized into functional networks across the brain. Research has investigated how anatomical connectivity both shapes and is shaped by these networks, but not how anatomical connectivity interacts with intra-areal molecular properties to drive functional connectivity. Here, we present a novel linear model to explain functional connectivity by integrating systematically obtained measurements of axonal connectivity, gene expression, and resting state functional connectivity MRI in the mouse brain. The model suggests that functional connectivity arises from both anatomical links and inter-areal similarities in gene expression. By estimating these effects, we identify anatomical modules in which correlated gene expression and anatomical connectivity support functional connectivity. Along with providing evidence that not all genes equally contribute to functional connectivity, this research establishes new insights regarding the biological underpinnings of coordinated brain activity measured by BOLD fMRI. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Efforts at characterizing the functional connectome with fMRI have risen exponentially over the last decade. Yet despite this rise, the biological underpinnings of these functional measurements are still largely unknown. The current report begins to fill this void by investigating the molecular underpinnings of the functional connectome through an integration of systematically obtained structural information and gene expression data throughout the rodent brain. We find that both white matter connectivity and similarity in regional gene expression relate to resting state functional connectivity. The current report furthers our understanding of the biological underpinnings of the functional connectome and provides a linear model that can be utilized to streamline preclinical animal studies of disease. Copyright © 2018 the authors.

Establishing the values for patient engagement (PE) in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) research: an international, multiple-stakeholder perspective.

PubMed

Haywood, Kirstie; Lyddiatt, Anne; Brace-McDonnell, Samantha J; Staniszewska, Sophie; Salek, Sam

2017-06-01

Active patient engagement is increasingly viewed as essential to ensuring that patient-driven perspectives are considered throughout the research process. However, guidance for patient engagement (PE) in HRQoL research does not exist, the evidence-base for practice is limited, and we know relatively little about underpinning values that can impact on PE practice. This is the first study to explore the values that should underpin PE in contemporary HRQoL research to help inform future good practice guidance. A modified 'World Café' was hosted as a collaborative activity between patient partners, clinicians and researchers: self-nominated conference delegates participated in group discussions to explore values associated with the conduct and consequences of PE. Values were captured via post-it notes and by nominated note-takers. Data were thematically analysed: emergent themes were coded and agreement checked. Association between emergent themes, values and the Public Involvement Impact Assessment Framework were explored. Eighty participants, including 12 patient partners, participated in the 90-min event. Three core values were defined: (1) building relationships; (2) improving research quality and impact; and (3) developing best practice. Participants valued the importance of building genuine, collaborative and deliberative relationships-underpinned by honesty, respect, co-learning and equity-and the impact of effective PE on research quality and relevance. An explicit statement of values seeks to align all stakeholders on the purpose, practice and credibility of PE activities. An innovative, flexible and transparent research environment was valued as essential to developing a trustworthy evidence-base with which to underpin future guidance for good PE practice.

Uncovering the Dynamic in Static Assessment Interaction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muskett, Tom; Body, Richard; Perkins, Mick

2012-01-01

Traditional approaches to standardized assessment are underpinned by the assumption that between-assessor variation in delivery can effectively be eliminated. However, fine-grained analyses of the administration of such assessments (e.g. Maynard and Marlaire, 1992) have established that significant subtle interactional variations occur even in…

Organisational Learning and Employees' Intrinsic Motivation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Remedios, Richard; Boreham, Nick

2004-01-01

This study examined the effects of organisational learning initiatives on employee motivation. Four initiatives consistent with theories of organisational learning were a priori ranked in terms of concepts that underpin intrinsic-motivation theory. Eighteen employees in a UK petrochemical company were interviewed to ascertain their experiences of…

Designing Effective Supports for Causal Reasoning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jonassen, David H.; Ionas, Ioan Gelu

2008-01-01

Causal reasoning represents one of the most basic and important cognitive processes that underpin all higher-order activities, such as conceptual understanding and problem solving. Hume called causality the "cement of the universe" [Hume (1739/2000). Causal reasoning is required for making predictions, drawing implications and…

Eyes Closed for Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Statham, Mick

2016-01-01

A constructivist philosophy underpinning science teaching and learning for over 100 years in United Kingdom (UK) classrooms places "conceptual change" at the heart of classroom work in which children's scientific ideas form, strengthen and change. In this article, the author explains how the simple, effective method of "eyes…

Effects of Labeling on Preschoolers' Explicit False Belief Performance: Outcomes of Cognitive Flexibility or Inhibitory Control?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Low, Jason; Simpson, Samantha

2012-01-01

Executive function mechanisms underpinning language-related effects on theory of mind understanding were examined in a sample of 165 preschoolers. Verbal labels were manipulated to identify relevant perspectives on an explicit false belief task. In Experiment 1 with 4-year-olds (N = 74), false belief reasoning was superior in the fully and…

The Biological Underpinnings of Peer Victimization: Understanding Why and How the Effects of Bullying Can Last a Lifetime

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vaillancourt, Tracy; Hymel, Shelley; McDougall, Patricia

2013-01-01

Recent research in the areas of neuroscience, neuroendocrinology, and genetics is reviewed providing convincing evidence for why and how the effects of bullying can last a lifetime. Specifically, the research reviewed herein indicates that (a) the brain experiences peer victimization in a similar way to physical pain, (b) peer victimization is…

A Social Identity Approach to Understanding and Promoting Physical Activity.

PubMed

Stevens, Mark; Rees, Tim; Coffee, Pete; Steffens, Niklas K; Haslam, S Alexander; Polman, Remco

2017-10-01

Against the backdrop of a global physical inactivity crisis, attempts to both understand and positively influence physical activity behaviours are characterized by a focus on individual-level factors (e.g. cognitions, attitudes, motivation). We outline a new perspective, drawn from an emerging body of work exploring the applicability of social identity and self-categorization theories to domains of sport and health, from which to understand and address this pervasive problem. This social identity approach suggests that the groups to which people belong can be, and often are, incorporated into their sense of self and, through this, are powerful determinants of physical activity-related behaviour. We start by reviewing the current state of physical activity research and highlighting the potential for the social identity approach to help understand how social factors influence these behaviours. Next, we outline the theoretical underpinnings of the social identity approach and provide three key examples that speak to the analytical and practical value of the social identity approach in physical activity settings. Specifically, we argue that social identity (1) can be harnessed to promote engagement in physical activity, (2) underpins exercise group behaviour, and (3) underpins effective leadership in exercise settings. We conclude by identifying prospects for a range of theory-informed research developments.

The Retention of Tacit Knowledge in Higher Learning Administration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muniz, Andrew Everardo

2013-01-01

Higher education institutions (HEIs) could be among organizations without effective programs for preserving tacit knowledge (TK) when knowledge workers retire, quit, take a leave of absence, or are terminated. The theoretical underpinnings of this study were neuroscience related to brain learning physiology, transformational leadership theory,…

Lateral support systems and underpinning, volume I : design and construction.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1976-04-01

"This volume is a convenient reference on the design and construction of lateral support systems and underpinning which are often required in conjunction with cut-and-cover or soft ground tunneling. The design recommendations and construction methods...

"The Bean Files."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haq, Krystyna; Longnecker, Nancy; Hickey, Ruth

1999-01-01

Describes classroom use and effectiveness of "The Bean Files," an internet package that uses humorous stories to introduce students to life on a wheat-sheep farm in the Mediterranean climate areas of Australia. The focus of the program is on the role of legume-cereal rotations in the farming system and the science underpinning this…

Environment, Development and the Child.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

United Nations Children's Fund, New York, NY.

This publication discusses the effects of the physical environment on the maturation of children in developing nations. Part 1 examines the conceptual framework of a strategy for environmental improvement that includes the social, economic, and political underpinnings necessary for the success of such an approach. Part 2 discusses the quality of…

SCSEEC Successful School Attendance Strategies Evidence-Based Project: Literature Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2014

2014-01-01

Governments, schools, and communities throughout Australia are working to improve school attendance among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students using numerous strategies. Currently, however, little is known about the effectiveness of these strategies and the key factors which underpin programs and strategies which are successful. This…

Computer-Based Assessment in Safety-Critical Industries: The Case of Shipping

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gekara, Victor Oyaro; Bloor, Michael; Sampson, Helen

2011-01-01

Vocational education and training (VET) concerns the cultivation and development of specific skills and competencies, in addition to broad underpinning knowledge relating to paid employment. VET assessment is, therefore, designed to determine the extent to which a trainee has effectively acquired the knowledge, skills, and competencies required by…

iTEC: Conceptualising, Realising and Recognising Pedagogical and Technological Innovation in European Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cranmer, Sue; Lewin, Cathy

2017-01-01

Innovation, a complex concept, underpinned a four-year pan-European research project designed to increase the effective use of technology in school classrooms. This article revisits evaluation data collected during the project and explores the challenges of conceptualising, realising and researching "innovation." The authors describe how…

A Practical Guide, with Theoretical Underpinnings, for Creating Effective Virtual Reality Learning Environments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Connor, Eileen A.; Domingo, Jelia

2017-01-01

With the advent of open source virtual environments, the associated cost reductions, and the more flexible options, avatar-based virtual reality environments are within reach of educators. By using and repurposing readily available virtual environments, instructors can bring engaging, community-building, and immersive learning opportunities to…

The Cognitive Underpinnings of Incremental Rehearsal

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Varma, Sashank; Schleisman, Katrina B.

2014-01-01

Incremental rehearsal (IR) is a flashcard technique that has been developed and evaluated by school psychologists. We discuss potential learning and memory effects from cognitive psychology that may explain the observed superiority of IR over other flashcard techniques. First, we propose that IR is a form of "spaced practice" that…

Resiliency to Victimization: The Role of Genetic Factors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beaver, Kevin M.; Mancini, Christina; DeLisi, Matt; Vaughn, Michael G.

2011-01-01

There is a burgeoning line of criminological research examining the genetic underpinnings to a wide array of antisocial phenotypes. From this perspective, genes are typically viewed as risk factors that increase the odds of various maladaptive behaviors. However, genes can also have protective effects that insulate against the deleterious effects…

School Uniforms: A Critical Review of the Literature. From Inquiry to Practice.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brunsma, David L.

The debate surrounding the effectiveness of school-uniform policies, as well as discussions concerning when and how to implement them, is rooted in anecdote. This review summarizes anecdotal literature on which the current debate is based and critically reviews the empirical literature, including theoretical underpinnings, findings, and…

Engaging Professional Learning in Online Environments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bell, Amani; Morris, Gayle

2009-01-01

Much of what is regarded as effective professional learning is that which is situated, incorporates a social dimension and enables practitioners to converge in and around authentic practice. This article describes an inter-university online learning resource for tutors which is underpinned by a practice based approach to professional learning. The…

Cognitive Underpinnings of Preschool Literacy and Numeracy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kidd, Julie K.; Pasnak, Robert; Curby, Timothy W.; Ferhat, Caroline Boyer; Gadzichowski, K. Marinka; Gallington, Debbie A.; Machado, Jessica

2010-01-01

The present research represents a test of the effect of adding seriation instruction to oddity instruction to produce an advantage in both forms of abstraction. Pasnak et al. (2007) and Kidd, Pasnak, Gadzichowski, Ferral-Like, & Gallington (2008) have shown that at risk kindergartners profit academically from instruction in both oddity and…

Severity variation of clinical E.coli mastitis in cows: where do we stand?

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Neutrophils are key effector cells that underpin both defence and severity of clinical coliform mastitis. Increased turnover and viability of neutrophils in the lumen of the bovine mammary gland facilitate the physiological response and acute inflammation that fuel this effective mammary defence mec...

An Assessment of Reading Compliance Decisions among Undergraduate Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sharma, Amit; Van Hoof, Bert; Pursel, Barton

2013-01-01

Research suggests that reading compliance among undergraduate students is low. This study assesses the factors that influence students' decisions to comply with their assigned course readings using two theoretical underpinnings: students' self-rationing ability of time and construal effects on their decision process. Data collected through focus…

Looking Across and Within: Studying Ourselves as Teacher Educators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tannehill, Deborah; Parker, Melissa; Tindall, Daniel; Moody, Brigitte; MacPhail, Ann

2015-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to describe the ongoing self-study of a community of physical education teacher educators (PETE) striving to enhance their research capacity and program effectiveness. The underpinnings of the project reside within professional development/professional learning and self-study. Engaging in self-study projects…

Think about It: Philosophy and Dialogic Advising

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Colgan, Ann Lieberman

2017-01-01

Effective advising requires practitioners to engage in analysis of theory and practice. Philosophical underpinnings regarding notions of self can shape the advising encounter and determine the level of receptiveness of advisors toward the whole student. A brief review of Western philosophies of the self provides context for Martin Buber's radical…

Paternal Age Alters Social Development in Offspring.

PubMed

Janecka, Magdalena; Haworth, Claire M A; Ronald, Angelica; Krapohl, Eva; Happé, Francesca; Mill, Jonathan; Schalkwyk, Leonard C; Fernandes, Cathy; Reichenberg, Abraham; Rijsdijk, Frühling

2017-05-01

Advanced paternal age (APA) at conception has been linked with autism and schizophrenia in offspring, neurodevelopmental disorders that affect social functioning. The current study explored the effects of paternal age on social development in the general population. We used multilevel growth modeling to investigate APA effects on socioemotional development from early childhood until adolescence, as measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS) sample. We also investigated genetic and environmental underpinnings of the paternal age effects on development, using the Additive genetics, Common environment, unique Environment (ACE) and gene-environment (GxE) models. In the general population, both very young and advanced paternal ages were associated with altered trajectory of social development (intercept: p = .01; slope: p = .03). No other behavioral domain was affected by either young or advanced age at fatherhood, suggesting specificity of paternal age effects. Increased importance of genetic factors in social development was recorded in the offspring of older but not very young fathers, suggesting distinct underpinnings of the paternal age effects at these two extremes. Our findings highlight that the APA-related deficits that lead to autism and schizophrenia are likely continuously distributed in the population. Copyright © 2017 American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Optically controlled waveplate at a telecom wavelength using a ladder transition in Rb atoms for all-optical switching and high speed Stokesmetric imaging.

PubMed

Krishnamurthy, Subramanian; Tu, Y; Wang, Y; Tseng, S; Shahriar, M S

2014-11-17

We demonstrate an optically controlled waveplate at ~1323 nm using the 5S(1/2)-5P(1/2)-6S(1/2) ladder transition in a Rb vapor cell. The lower leg of the transitions represents the control beam, while the upper leg represents the signal beam. We show that we can place the signal beam in any arbitrary polarization state with a suitable choice of polarization of the control beam. Specifically, we demonstrate a differential phase retardance of ~180 degrees between the two circularly polarized components of a linearly polarized signal beam. We also demonstrate that the system can act as a Quarter Wave plate. The optical activity responsible for the phase retardation process is explained in terms of selection rules involving the Zeeman sublevels. As such, the system can be used to realize a fast Stokesmetric imaging system with a speed of ~3 MHz. When implemented using a tapered nano fiber embedded in a vapor cell, this system can be used to realize an ultra-low power all-optical switch as well as a Quantum Zeno Effect based all-optical logic gate by combining it with an optically controlled polarizer, previously demonstrated by us. We present numerical simulations of the system using a comprehensive model which incorporates all the relevant Zeeman sub-levels in the system, using a novel algorithm recently developed by us for efficient computation of the evolution of an arbitrary large scale quantum system.

Lateral Support Systems And Underpinning. Volume I: Design And Construction

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1976-04-01

This volume is a convenient reference on the design and construction of lateral support systems and underpining which are often required in conjunction with cut-and-cover or soft ground tunneling. The design recommendations and construction methods d...

The underpinnings.

PubMed

Fudge, L

2001-03-01

In last month's Journal, readers were introduced to the government's Improving Working Lives Strategy. This month some of the underpinning detail will be examined in order to show what is expected from employers and employees when getting the balance right between work and life away from work.

Quantum Kinetics and the Zeno Ansatz: Sterile Neutrino Dark Matter in the Early Universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dvornikov, Olexiy V.

We solved the quantum kinetic equations for the evolution of neutrino states in the early universe. Starting at high temperatures, we evolve neutrino states to observe the resonant conversion of active-to-sterile neutrinos in a lepton asymmetric (more neutrinos than anti-neutrinos) universe. We find that at high temperatures, the high neutrino scattering and oscillation rates enforce a local equilibrium that balances the growth of coherence at the oscillation rate and the damping of coherence through scattering. This equilibrium, which we call a "quantum kinetic equilibrium," appears to approximately hold throughout the neutrino evolution, from the initial conditions through resonances that may be non adiabatic. Using this quantum kinetic equilibrium informs a proper choice of the initial conditions of the neutrino state and the relaxation process that occurs to this equilibrium when the initial conditions (as are typically chosen in the literature) are not coincident with the equilibrium values. We also discuss how to use this equilibrium to reduce the computational expense of solving the full quantum kinetic equations for neutrino states evolving in the early universe.

Stoicism, the physician, and care of medical outliers

PubMed Central

Papadimos, Thomas J

2004-01-01

Background Medical outliers present a medical, psychological, social, and economic challenge to the physicians who care for them. The determinism of Stoic thought is explored as an intellectual basis for the pursuit of a correct mental attitude that will provide aid and comfort to physicians who care for medical outliers, thus fostering continued physician engagement in their care. Discussion The Stoic topics of good, the preferable, the morally indifferent, living consistently, and appropriate actions are reviewed. Furthermore, Zeno's cardinal virtues of Justice, Temperance, Bravery, and Wisdom are addressed, as are the Stoic passions of fear, lust, mental pain, and mental pleasure. These concepts must be understood by physicians if they are to comprehend and accept the Stoic view as it relates to having the proper attitude when caring for those with long-term and/or costly illnesses. Summary Practicing physicians, especially those that are hospital based, and most assuredly those practicing critical care medicine, will be emotionally challenged by the medical outlier. A Stoic approach to such a social and psychological burden may be of benefit. PMID:15588293

Improving the Critic Learning for Event-Based Nonlinear $H_{\\infty }$ Control Design.

PubMed

Wang, Ding; He, Haibo; Liu, Derong

2017-10-01

In this paper, we aim at improving the critic learning criterion to cope with the event-based nonlinear H ∞ state feedback control design. First of all, the H ∞ control problem is regarded as a two-player zero-sum game and the adaptive critic mechanism is used to achieve the minimax optimization under event-based environment. Then, based on an improved updating rule, the event-based optimal control law and the time-based worst-case disturbance law are obtained approximately by training a single critic neural network. The initial stabilizing control is no longer required during the implementation process of the new algorithm. Next, the closed-loop system is formulated as an impulsive model and its stability issue is handled by incorporating the improved learning criterion. The infamous Zeno behavior of the present event-based design is also avoided through theoretical analysis on the lower bound of the minimal intersample time. Finally, the applications to an aircraft dynamics and a robot arm plant are carried out to verify the efficient performance of the present novel design method.

The dimensional salience solution to the expectancy-value muddle: an extension.

PubMed

Newton, Joshua D; Newton, Fiona J; Ewing, Michael T

2014-01-01

The theory of reasoned action (TRA) specifies a set of expectancy-value, belief-based frameworks that underpin attitude (behavioural beliefs × outcome evaluations) and subjective norm (normative beliefs × motivation to comply). Unfortunately, the most common method for analysing these frameworks generates statistically uninterpretable findings, resulting in what has been termed the 'expectancy-value muddle'. Recently, however, a dimensional salience approach was found to resolve this muddle for the belief-based framework underpinning attitude. An online survey of 262 participants was therefore conducted to determine whether the dimensional salience approach could also be applied to the belief-based framework underpinning subjective norm. Results revealed that motivations to comply were greater for salient, as opposed to non-salient, social referents. The belief-based framework underpinning subjective norm was therefore represented by evaluating normative belief ratings for salient social referents. This modified framework was found to predict subjective norm, although predictions were greater when participants were forced to select five salient social referents rather than being free to select any number of social referents. These findings validate the use of the dimensional salience approach for examining the belief-based frameworks underpinning subjective norm. As such, this approach provides a complete solution to addressing the expectancy-value muddle in the TRA.

Assessment in CLIL: Test Development at Content and Language for Teaching Natural Science in English as a Foreign Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leal, Johanna P.

2016-01-01

On-going bilingual programs without regard to needs analysis; little research on the actual effects of CLIL in Colombia and vague awareness or knowledge about the necessary considerations for effective CLIL programs, underpin the need to address a particular issue of curriculum as it is summative assessment. This small scale study takes place in a…

Characteristic dynamics near two coalescing eigenvalues incorporating continuum threshold effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garmon, Savannah; Ordonez, Gonzalo

2017-06-01

It has been reported in the literature that the survival probability P(t) near an exceptional point where two eigenstates coalesce should generally exhibit an evolution P (t ) ˜t2e-Γ t, in which Γ is the decay rate of the coalesced eigenstate; this has been verified in a microwave billiard experiment [B. Dietz et al., Phys. Rev. E 75, 027201 (2007)]. However, the heuristic effective Hamiltonian that is usually employed to obtain this result ignores the possible influence of the continuum threshold on the dynamics. By contrast, in this work we employ an analytical approach starting from the microscopic Hamiltonian representing two simple models in order to show that the continuum threshold has a strong influence on the dynamics near exceptional points in a variety of circumstances. To report our results, we divide the exceptional points in Hermitian open quantum systems into two cases: at an EP2A two virtual bound states coalesce before forming a resonance, anti-resonance pair with complex conjugate eigenvalues, while at an EP2B two resonances coalesce before forming two different resonances. For the EP2B, which is the case studied in the microwave billiard experiment, we verify that the survival probability exhibits the previously reported modified exponential decay on intermediate time scales, but this is replaced with an inverse power law on very long time scales. Meanwhile, for the EP2A the influence from the continuum threshold is so strong that the evolution is non-exponential on all time scales and the heuristic approach fails completely. When the EP2A appears very near the threshold, we obtain the novel evolution P (t ) ˜1 -C1√{t } on intermediate time scales, while further away the parabolic decay (Zeno dynamics) on short time scales is enhanced.

Effect of in vitro aging on the flexural strength and probability to fracture of Y-TZP zirconia ceramics for all-ceramic restorations.

PubMed

Siarampi, Eleni; Kontonasaki, Eleana; Andrikopoulos, Konstantinos S; Kantiranis, Nikolaos; Voyiatzis, George A; Zorba, Triantafillia; Paraskevopoulos, Konstantinos M; Koidis, Petros

2014-12-01

Dental zirconia restorations should present long-term clinical survival and be in service within the oral environment for many years. However, low temperature degradation could affect their mechanical properties and survival. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of in vitro aging on the flexural strength of yttrium-stabilized (Y-TZP) zirconia ceramics for ceramic restorations. One hundred twenty bar-shaped specimens were prepared from two ceramics (ZENO Zr (WI) and IPS e.max(®) ZirCAD (IV)), and loaded until fracture according to ISO 6872. The specimens from each ceramic (nx=60) were divided in three groups (control, aged for 5h, aged for 10h). One-way ANOVA was used to assess statistically significant differences among flexural strength values (P<0.05). The variability of the flexural strength values was analyzed using the two-parameter Weibull distribution function, which was applied for the estimation of Weibull modulus (m) and characteristic strength (σ0). The crystalline phase polymorphs of the materials (tetragonal, t, and monoclinic, m, zirconia) were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. A slight increase of the flexural strength after 5h, and a decrease after 10h of aging, was recorded for both ceramics, however statistically significant was for the WI group (P<0.05). Both ceramics presented a t→m phase transformation, with the m-phase increasing from 4 to 5% at 5h to around 15% after 10h. The significant reduction of the flexural strength after 10h of in vitro aging, suggests high fracture probability for one of the zirconia ceramics tested. Copyright © 2014 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Preliminary evaluation of clinical effect of computer aided design and computer aided manufacture zirconia crown].

PubMed

Wang, Yu-guang; Xing, Yan-xi; Sun, Yu-chun; Zhao, Yi-jiao; Lü, Pei-jun; Wang, Yong

2013-06-01

To evaluate clinical effects of computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) milled zirconia crown in three aspects: aesthetic, contact wear and fracture. Sixty patients were divided into two groups.In one group, 35 full contour CAD/CAM zirconia crown were made on molars of 30 patients. The manufacturing process of zirconia crown was as follow. First, the three dimensional(3-D) data of working models, antagonist impression and check records were acquired by 3-D laser scanning Dental wings S50. Then full contour zirconia crowns, which had functional occlusal contacts with antagonistic teeth, and appropriate contact with adjacent teeth were designed with Zeno-CAD(V4.2.5.5.12919) software. ZENOSTAR Zr pure zirconia material was milled in digital controlled machine WIELAND 4030 M1.In the end, the zirconia crown were completed with the method of second sintering and polishing. After clinical try-in, the crown was cemented.In the control group, thirty gold alloy full crown were made and cemented on molars of 30 patients. According to the modified U S Public Health Service Criteria(USPHS) evaluation standard, all crowns were evaluated on the same day, at three months, half a year, one year and two years following delivery. There were three aspects we were focusing on in the evaluation: aesthetic, contact wear(restoration and antagonist), and fracture. In all the prosthesis we evaluated during the 24 months, no fracture was found. Contact wear of crowns varies according to different antagonist teeth. The zirconia crowns show privilege in aesthesis, toughness and anti-wearing.However, there is contact wear on antagonistic natural teeth. Thus it is a good choice when full zirconia crowns are indicated on two antagonistic teeth in both jaws.

It's more than literacy: the assimilation effect of the translation model.

PubMed

Saini, F; Rowling, L

1997-11-01

Availability and access to correct information is a pre-requisite for people to be able to make informed decisions about their health. This paper will examine the effect of the sole reliance on translation in producing health promotion materials for people from Non English Speaking Background (NESB). In Australia since 1978 there has been a considerable quantitative increase in health-related information translated from English into other languages. The translation of pamphlets from English into other languages presents health educators with a number of problematic issues which often drastically undermine the material's effectiveness. One of the main concerns this paper sets out to explore is that translated information is decontextualised from the sets of knowledge and meanings of the population group to whom the information is directed. Thus, the cultural context underpinning the original version is transferred to different cultural contexts which are treated as homogeneous groups. The paradox here is that the translation model developed as a means of redressing the inequities created by the assimilation policy of the Australian post-war period, in practice maintains the philosophy that underpinned that policy. This can result in a disempowering experience for the community.

The mechanisms underpinning peer support: a literature review.

PubMed

Watson, Emma

2017-12-20

The employment of Peer Support Workers, who themselves have experience of significant emotional distress, can promote recovery at an individual and organisational level. While research examining the benefits of peer support within mental health services continues to grow, an understanding of how, and through what processes, these benefits are reached remains under-developed. To review the published research literature relating to the process of peer support and its underpinning mechanisms to better understand how and why it works. A scoping review of published literature identified studies relating to peer support mechanisms, processes and relationships. Studies were summarised and findings analysed. Five mechanisms were found to underpin peer support relationships (lived experience, love labour, the liminal position of the peer worker, strengths-focussed social and practical support, and the helper role). The identified mechanisms can underpin both the success and difficulties associated with peer support relationships. Further research should review a broader range of literature and clarify how these mechanisms contribute to peer support in different contexts.

Regional Solutions for Regional Problems: East Timor and Solomon Islands

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-21

concludes that the key factors underpinning effective regional solutions are: a regional state willing to take a leadership role and committed to achieving...a regional state willing to take a leadership role and committed to achieving a successful outcome; legitimacy through host nation request and/or an...effective international action often turns on the political will of coalitions of countries that comprise regional or international institutions

Evaluating an Art-Based Intervention to Improve Practicing Nurses' Observation, Description, and Problem Identification Skills.

PubMed

Nease, Beth M; Haney, Tina S

Astute observation, description, and problem identification skills provide the underpinning for nursing assessment, surveillance, and prevention of failure to rescue events. Art-based education has been effective in nursing schools for improving observation, description, and problem identification. The authors describe a randomized controlled pilot study testing the effectiveness of an art-based educational intervention aimed at improving these skills in practicing nurses.

Urban tree database and allometric equations

Treesearch

E. Gregory McPherson; Natalie S. van Doorn; Paula J.  Peper

2016-01-01

Information on urban tree growth underpins models used to calculate the effects of trees on the environment and human well-being. Maximum tree size and other growth data are used by urban forest managers, landscape architects, and planners to select trees most suitable to the amount of growing space, thereby reducing costly future conflicts between trees and...

Imaginative Interaction with Internet Games. For Children and Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hannaford, Jeanette

2012-01-01

This article explores children's imaginative interaction with Internet games in the belief that an understanding of children's life experiences is essential to effective teaching and learning within the classroom. It is underpinned by the idea that imaginative play is, at least in some part, the work of children undertaking identity practice. It…

An Experimental Study of Instructor Immediacy in the Wimba Virtual Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bodie, Lorah Wood

2009-01-01

The social underpinnings of learning make it important to understand how people experience themselves and form relationships in web-based educational environments. Social presence is a critical factor of a communication medium that plays an important role in building community and improving the effectiveness of instruction. The components of…

Interactional Psychology and Organizational Behavior.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-02-01

effect and then argue, per- suasively, that situations control behavior. The fact that actual experimental treatments are typically non -representative of...Interactional psychology organizational design organization theory person x situation interaction work socialization person-environment interaction...and methodological underpinnings of situ- ationism, and (2) the presentation of the interactionist perspective. For purposes of the present paper

Assessing Learning in the Primary Classroom. Understanding Primary Education Series

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Sandra

2011-01-01

"Assessing Learning in the Primary Classroom" is an accessible introduction to the concepts critical to a professional understanding of this vital aspect of a teacher's role. It comprehensively considers the principles underpinning effective assessment, the different forms it can take and the different purposes it serves, both within and beyond…

Effect of Community Factors on Primary School Learners' Achievement in Rural Bangladesh

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alam, Shafiqul

2015-01-01

Community plays an important role in childhood education. This research has identified the community factors that affect learners' achievement through the use of case studies. Qualitative data were captured by semi-structured interview and data interpretation was underpinned by concepts derived from human capital and social capital theories. This…

Leadership Development in Social Housing: A Research Agenda

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ward, Carolyn; Blenkinsopp, John; McCauley-Smith, Catherine

2010-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to develop a research agenda to underpin leadership development activity in the social housing sector, in the light of an identified need for effective leadership in this sector owing to the continual reform and changes it faces. Design/methodology/approach: A literature review is conducted by searching a…

Education, Poverty and Development--Mapping Their Interconnections

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Colclough, Christopher

2012-01-01

Human capital and functionalist paradigms underpin the stance taken by most governments to education policy. These models have also had a profound effect upon the determination of education priorities in the poorest states and, indeed, upon aid policy. This paper argues, on the basis of evidence from the papers in this volume and from the wider…

Misalignments of Purpose and Power in an Early Canadian Interprofessional Education Initiative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Whyte, Sarah; Paradis, Elise; Cartmill, Carrie; Kuper, Ayelet; Boon, Heather; Hart, Corinne; Razack, Saleem; Pipher, Mandy; Whitehead, Cynthia R.

2017-01-01

Interprofessional education (IPE) has been widely incorporated into health professional curricula and accreditation standards despite an arguably thin base of evidence regarding its clinical effects, theoretical underpinnings, and social implications. To better understand how and why IPE first took root, but failed to grow, this study examines one…

Pedandragogy: A Way Forward to Self-Engaged Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Samaroo, Selwyn; Cooper, Eleanor; Green, Tim

2013-01-01

A debate that has engaged the attention of educators and scores of intellectuals is the longstanding issue of pedagogy versus andragogy. The nature of the debate, given the interdisciplinary theoretical assumptions that underpin the issue, has had a polarizing effect on these scholars; as a result, there has been the emergence of competing…

Washington State Community College Operating Budget, 1985-87. Management Summary.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Washington State Board for Community Coll. Education, Olympia.

A summary is presented of the 1985-87 community college operating budget request for the Washington State Community colleges, along with a description of the policy considerations inherent in the request and the anticipated effect of the request on community college programs. The philosophy and objectives underpinning the budget request are…

Using Technology to Facilitate Effective Assessment for Learning and Feedback in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Deeley, Susan J.

2018-01-01

The aims of this paper are to examine and critically evaluate a selection of different technological methods that were specifically chosen for their alignment with, and potential to enhance, extant assessment for learning practice. The underpinning perspectives are that: (a) both formative and summative assessment are valuable opportunities for…

Systematically Retrieving Research: A Case Study Evaluating Seven Databases

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, Brian; Wylie, Emma; Dempster, Martin; Donnelly, Michael

2007-01-01

Objective: Developing the scientific underpinnings of social welfare requires effective and efficient methods of retrieving relevant items from the increasing volume of research. Method: We compared seven databases by running the nearest equivalent search on each. The search topic was chosen for relevance to social work practice with older people.…

The Relevance of "Personal Mastery" to Leadership: The Case of School Principals in Singapore

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Retna, Kala S.

2011-01-01

School leadership literature suggests that school effectiveness and ongoing improvement rely on school leaders and principals. Despite significant contributions made by principals towards teaching and learning in schools, there have been few studies that explore principals' perceptions of the factors underpinning their successes and achievements.…

Through the Lens of Sensory Integration: A Different Way of Analyzing Challenging Behavior.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bakley, Sue

2001-01-01

Examines how sensory integration disorders contribute to behavioral difficulties in young children and how considering the neurological underpinnings to behavior problems can help to clarify their origins and lead to obtaining appropriate and effective help. Lists signs of sensory integration disorders. Delineates techniques to use when a child…

Extending Antecedents of Achievement Goals: The Double-Edged Sword Effect of Social-Oriented Achievement Motive and Gender Differences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nie, Youyan; Liem, Gregory Arief D.

2013-01-01

Underpinned by the hierarchical model of approach and avoidance motivation, the study examined the differential relations of individual-oriented and social-oriented achievement motives to approach and avoidance achievement goals (mastery-approach, performance-approach, mastery-avoidance, performance-avoidance). A total of 570 Chinese high school…

The Impact of Animal Rights on the Use of Animals for Biomedical Research, Product Testing and Evaluation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baier, Stephen W.

1993-01-01

Clarifies the issues of animal rights as they effect animal use in research and education through an examination of the current use of animals, a historical look at animal use, and a consideration of the philosophical underpinnings of the animal rights and pro-use viewpoints. (PR)

The Tyranny of Bureaucracy: Continuing Challenges of Leading and Managing from the Middle

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fitzgerald, Tanya

2009-01-01

Fiscal efficiency and organizational effectiveness were the primary objectives that underpinned the reform of educational administration in New Zealand in the late 1980s. The consequent re-organization of schools and schooling located responsibility and accountability for school performance, teachers' work and student outcomes firmly at the door…

An Empirical Study of Graduate Student Mobility Underpinning Research Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Furukawa, Takao; Shirakawa, Nobuyuki; Okuwada, Kumi

2013-01-01

The issue of international student mobility has had a profound effect on policy decision-making in the higher education system of essentially every country; however, the statistical data on this subject are insufficient, especially for graduate students. The purposes of this study are to substantiate the state of international mobility among…

A Review of Advancements in Particulate Matter Sampling and Analysis and its Application to Identifying Source Impacts at Receptor Locations

EPA Science Inventory

Time-integrated (typically 24-hr) filter-based methods (historical methods) form the underpinning of our understanding of the fate, impact of source emissions at receptor locations (source impacts), and potential health and welfare effects of particulate matter (PM) in air. Over...

Using Hierarchical Models of Studying To Evaluate the Character of Students' Study Activities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Warkentin, Robert W.; And Others

An instrument was developed to measure students' engagement in various classes of study activities within multiple study contexts. This instrument is to be used in a large, ongoing research project investigating the underpinnings of student study activities and effects on academic achievement. The computer-administered instrument used--the Study…

Effects of Transactional and Transformational Governance on Academic Teaching: Empirical Evidence from Two Types of Higher Education Institutions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilkesmann, Uwe

2013-01-01

The leadership literature distinguishes two modes of governance, which can also be applied to the governance of universities: transactional and transformational. Transactional governance encompasses all forms of managerial governance, including selective incentives and monitoring capacity. The theoretical underpinning of this mode can be found in…

Beyond face value: does involuntary emotional anticipation shape the perception of dynamic facial expressions?

PubMed

Palumbo, Letizia; Jellema, Tjeerd

2013-01-01

Emotional facial expressions are immediate indicators of the affective dispositions of others. Recently it has been shown that early stages of social perception can already be influenced by (implicit) attributions made by the observer about the agent's mental state and intentions. In the current study possible mechanisms underpinning distortions in the perception of dynamic, ecologically-valid, facial expressions were explored. In four experiments we examined to what extent basic perceptual processes such as contrast/context effects, adaptation and representational momentum underpinned the perceptual distortions, and to what extent 'emotional anticipation', i.e. the involuntary anticipation of the other's emotional state of mind on the basis of the immediate perceptual history, might have played a role. Neutral facial expressions displayed at the end of short video-clips, in which an initial facial expression of joy or anger gradually morphed into a neutral expression, were misjudged as being slightly angry or slightly happy, respectively (Experiment 1). This response bias disappeared when the actor's identity changed in the final neutral expression (Experiment 2). Videos depicting neutral-to-joy-to-neutral and neutral-to-anger-to-neutral sequences again produced biases but in opposite direction (Experiment 3). The bias survived insertion of a 400 ms blank (Experiment 4). These results suggested that the perceptual distortions were not caused by any of the low-level perceptual mechanisms (adaptation, representational momentum and contrast effects). We speculate that especially when presented with dynamic, facial expressions, perceptual distortions occur that reflect 'emotional anticipation' (a low-level mindreading mechanism), which overrules low-level visual mechanisms. Underpinning neural mechanisms are discussed in relation to the current debate on action and emotion understanding.

Beyond Face Value: Does Involuntary Emotional Anticipation Shape the Perception of Dynamic Facial Expressions?

PubMed Central

Palumbo, Letizia; Jellema, Tjeerd

2013-01-01

Emotional facial expressions are immediate indicators of the affective dispositions of others. Recently it has been shown that early stages of social perception can already be influenced by (implicit) attributions made by the observer about the agent’s mental state and intentions. In the current study possible mechanisms underpinning distortions in the perception of dynamic, ecologically-valid, facial expressions were explored. In four experiments we examined to what extent basic perceptual processes such as contrast/context effects, adaptation and representational momentum underpinned the perceptual distortions, and to what extent ‘emotional anticipation’, i.e. the involuntary anticipation of the other’s emotional state of mind on the basis of the immediate perceptual history, might have played a role. Neutral facial expressions displayed at the end of short video-clips, in which an initial facial expression of joy or anger gradually morphed into a neutral expression, were misjudged as being slightly angry or slightly happy, respectively (Experiment 1). This response bias disappeared when the actor’s identity changed in the final neutral expression (Experiment 2). Videos depicting neutral-to-joy-to-neutral and neutral-to-anger-to-neutral sequences again produced biases but in opposite direction (Experiment 3). The bias survived insertion of a 400 ms blank (Experiment 4). These results suggested that the perceptual distortions were not caused by any of the low-level perceptual mechanisms (adaptation, representational momentum and contrast effects). We speculate that especially when presented with dynamic, facial expressions, perceptual distortions occur that reflect ‘emotional anticipation’ (a low-level mindreading mechanism), which overrules low-level visual mechanisms. Underpinning neural mechanisms are discussed in relation to the current debate on action and emotion understanding. PMID:23409112

Cognitive Underpinnings of Moral Reasoning in Adolescence: The Contribution of Executive Functions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vera-Estay, E.; Dooley, J. J.; Beauchamp, M. H.

2015-01-01

Adolescence is a developmental period characterized by intense changes, which impact the interaction between individuals and their environments. Moral reasoning (MR) is an important skill during adolescence because it guides social decisions between right and wrong. Identifying the cognitive underpinnings of MR is essential to understanding the…

The Mind's Staircase: Exploring the Conceptual Underpinnings of Children's Thought and Knowledge.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Case, Robbie; And Others

This book, which contains 19 chapters, examines children's learning processes in light of reconceptualizations of Piagetian theory. Part one traces the theoretical question underpinning this examination and includes three chapters: "General and Specific Views of the Mind, its Structure, and its Development"; "A Neo-Piagetian…

Assumption-Based Planning; A Planning Tool for Very Uncertain Times

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-01

Ansoff , Igor H,, "Conceptual Underpinnings of Systematic Strategic Management," European Journal of Operational Research, Vol. 1, 1985, pp. 2-19...2Ansoff, Igor fI., *Conceptual Underpinnings of Systematic Strategic Management," European Journal ofOperational Resarch, Vol. 1, 1995, pp. 2-19. 72

The Practical and Theoretical Underpinning of Inclusion for College Students amidst Diverse Intersectionality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jaymes, Mariyah

2017-01-01

American higher education is facing another major transition with escalating costs, an influx of diverse students, and an over all question about the return on investment for higher education. Within these complexities, this essay will consider the practical history and theoretical underpinning which inform the experience for students with complex…

Encountering Disregard in Australian Academe: The Subjective Perspective of a Disaffiliated Racial "Other"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coram, Stella

2009-01-01

This article proposes that progressive frameworks underpinned by diversity are contradictory to the inclusion of the "other" in Australian higher education. I integrate the critical race theory constructs of disregard and convergence with white privilege and indigenous lacking to claim that objective processes underpinned by merit embed…

Philosophical underpinnings of an emergent methodology for nursing as caring inquiry.

PubMed

Schoenhofer, Savina O

2002-10-01

Two research approaches congruent with the theory of nursing as caring are described: group interpretive phenomenology and nursing as caring research as praxis. The idea of praxis and the theory of communicative action are explored for congruence as philosophical underpinnings of a possible eventual methodology for developing knowledge of nursing as caring.

Epistemic Beliefs Underpinning Discourse within a Critical Literacy Intervention: A Multi-Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pennell, Colleen

2012-01-01

Reading is a complex act mediated by cognitive and sociocultural constructs that include classroom discourse and personal epistemology. This study explored the epistemic beliefs underpinning the discourse of four third-grade, male struggling readers and sought to understand how these beliefs unfolded during the critical-analytic reading…

An Assessment of the Theoretical Underpinnings of Practical Participatory Evaluation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smits, Pernelle A.; Champagne, Francois

2008-01-01

This article is concerned with the underpinnings of practical participatory evaluation (PPE). Evaluation approaches have long been criticized because their results are often not used. It is believed that PPE addresses this drawback. The article focuses on the mechanisms underlying the links between activities and consequences in PPE. A PPE theory…

The Impact of New Technologies on the Literacy Attainment of Deaf Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, Margaret

2015-01-01

To become successful readers, hearing children require competence in both decoding--the ability to read individual words, underpinned by phonological skills and letter-sound knowledge--and linguistic comprehension--the ability to understand what they read--underpinned by language skills, including vocabulary knowledge. Children who are born with a…

Ground-Based Research within NASA's Materials Science Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gillies, Donald C.; Curreri, Peter (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Ground-based research in Materials Science for NASA's Microgravity program serves several purposes, and includes approximately four Principal Investigators for every one in the flight program. While exact classification is difficult. the ground program falls roughly into the following categories: (1) Intellectual Underpinning of the Flight Program - Theoretical Studies; (2) Intellectual Underpinning of the Flight Program - Bringing to Maturity New Research; (3) Intellectual Underpinning of the Flight Program - Enabling Characterization; (4) Intellectual Underpinning of the Flight Program - Thermophysical Property Determination; (5) Radiation Shielding; (6) Preliminary In Situ Resource Utilization; (7) Biomaterials; (8) Nanostructured Materials; (9) Materials Science for Advanced Space Propulsion. It must be noted that while the first four categories are aimed at using long duration low gravity conditions, the other categories pertain more to more recent NASA initiatives in materials science. These new initiatives address NASA's future materials science needs in the realms of crew health and safety, and exploration, and have been included in the most recent NASA Research Announcements (NRA). A description of each of these nine categories will be given together with examples of the kinds of research being undertaken.

The Changing Academic Environment and Diversity in Students' Study Philosophy, Beliefs and Attitudes in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alauddin, Mohammad; Ashman, Adrian

2014-01-01

Student populations in higher education in Australia and elsewhere in the developed world have experienced significant diversity over the past two decades. The existing literature has provided limited clarity about the effects of this diversity on the dimensions underpinning students' study philosophy domain. Based on a large data set from a…

How Does Telling the Truth Help Educational Action Research?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blair, Erik

2010-01-01

A number of key constructs underpin educational action research. This paper focuses on the concept of "truth" and by doing so hopes to highlight some debate in this area. In reflecting upon what "truth" might mean to those involved in action research, I shall critically evaluate Thorndike's "Law of Effect" and Bruner's "Three Forms of…

What Makes Great Teaching? Review of the Underpinning Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coe, Robert; Aloisi, Cesare; Higgins, Steve; Major, Lee Elliot

2014-01-01

This report reviews over 200 pieces of research to identify the elements of teaching with the strongest evidence of improving attainment. It finds some common practices can be harmful to learning and have no grounding in research. Specific practices which are supported by good evidence of their effectiveness are also examined and six key factors…

Out of the Mouths of Babes: What Do Secondary Students Believe about Outstanding Teachers?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Patricia; Sullivan, Sam; Kohn, Lawrence

2012-01-01

Pre-service teachers taking a Human Growth and Learning course and graduate students enrolled in a Classroom Management course wrote letters to secondary students to gather responses on traits of an outstanding educator. A theoretical framework about teacher effectiveness and student voice underpins the study. Findings indicate that suburban and…

Does Knowing More Advanced Mathematics Ensure Effectiveness of Working towards Demonstrating Specialised Mathematical Content Knowledge of Second-Year Pre-Service Teachers?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Livy, Sharyn

2012-01-01

The theoretical understanding that underpins a teacher's foundation knowledge draws on their common content knowledge (CCK) and influences their mathematics' teaching (Rowland, Turner, Thwaites, & Huckstep, 2009). Teachers who have specialised content knowledge (SCK) demonstrate a unique kind of content knowledge which is more than knowing the…

The Magic of Magic: The Effect of Magic Tricks on Subsequent Engagement with Lecture Material

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moss, Simon A.; Irons, Melanie; Boland, Martin

2017-01-01

Background and aims: Lecturers often present entertaining videos, or organize a variety of amusing demonstrations, to foster student engagement or to encourage critical analysis. Magic tricks, in particular, have been shown to activate neural circuits that underpin motivation or problem-solving and, therefore, could be beneficial during lectures.…

The Contradictions of Impact: Action Learning and Power in Organizations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vince, Russ

2012-01-01

In this polemical essay, Professor Russ Vince argues that it is important to understand the contradictions that can be generated by action learning. This method is a powerful and effective approach to managers' learning that can underpin transformations of management practice. However, any method for learning, no matter how convinced we are of its…

[Physiology and physiopathology of sexuality].

PubMed

Cuzin, Béatrice

2016-01-01

From desire to orgasm, sexuality, in women and men, is underpinned by a complex organic, psychological and emotional function. Sexual dysfunction encompasses diverse aetiologies, including chronic diseases and iatrogenesis resulting from medication or surgery. The effects of a chronic disease can have an impact on all phases of the sexual response. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Applying Laser Cutting Techniques through Horology for Teaching Effective STEM in Design and Technology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Lewis C. R.; Tyrer, John R.; Zanker, Nigel P.

2013-01-01

This paper explores the pedagogy underpinning the use of laser manufacturing methods for the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at key stage 3 design and technology. Clock making (horology) has been a popular project in design and technology (D&T) found in many schools, typically it focuses on aesthetical…

An Overview of Peace Education in Turkey: Definitions, Difficulties, and Suggestions--A Qualitative Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Demir, Semra

2011-01-01

In modern world, advances and changes experienced in social, political, and economic domains cannot be effective in diminishing the unwanted behaviors displayed by individuals in a society. This underpins the need for creating a peace culture based on equality, justice, democracy, human rights, tolerance, and solidarity in a society. The purpose…

Crystallographic publishing in the electronic age

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strickland, P. R.; McMahon, B.

2008-01-01

The journal publishing activities of the IUCr over the past 60 years are described, together with the new technological, economic and cultural challenges faced by the journals. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of innovative publishing technologies in ensuring the quality of the published information and in providing effective access to the data underpinning the scientific results.

Nonlinear Pedagogy and Its Role in Encouraging Twenty-First Century Competencies through Physical Education: A Singapore Experience

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Miriam Chang Yi; Chow, Jia Yi; Button, Chris; Tan, Clara Wee Keat

2017-01-01

Nonlinear Pedagogy is an exploratory approach to teaching and learning Physical Education that can be potentially effective to help children acquire relevant twenty-first century competencies. Underpinned by Ecological Dynamics, the focus of Nonlinear Pedagogy is on the learner and includes the provision of less prescriptive instructions and…

Effects of Computer-Based Early-Reading Academic Learning Time on Early-Reading Achievement: A Dose-Response Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heuston, Edward Benjamin Hull

2010-01-01

Academic learning time (ALT) has long had the theoretical underpinnings sufficient to claim a causal relationship with academic achievement, but to this point empirical evidence has been lacking. This dearth of evidence has existed primarily due to difficulties associated with operationalizing ALT in traditional educational settings. Recent…

Sex Education, Liberalism, and Natural Law: Toward an Overlapping Consensus.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

D'Onofrio, Eve

From a political standpoint, the battle over sexuality education is not simply a dispute over the most effective means to promote the sexual and reproductive health of youth; but rather, a clash over the shape and direction of society itself. (McKay, 1999). This paper explores the theoretical underpinnings of the debate over the content and scope…

Parents and Communities as Partners in Teaching Writing in Canadian Middle Grades Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McClay, Jill Kedersha; Peterson, Shelley Stagg; Nixon, Rhonda

2012-01-01

Educators have long recognized that parental and community supports are important underpinnings for children's success in school. With respect to the teaching of writing, however, little research has been conducted to provide evidence of effective practices teachers use to involve parents and communities. As part of a national Canadian study of…

School-Based Sex Education and Neuroscience: What We Know about Sex, Romance, Marriage, and Adolescent Brain Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ballonoff Suleiman, Ahna; Johnson, Megan; Shirtcliff, Elizabeth A.; Galván, Adriana

2015-01-01

Background: Many school-based abstinence-only sex education curricula state that sexual activity outside of marriage is likely to have harmful psychological effects. Recent advances in neuroscience have expanded our understanding of the neural underpinnings of romantic love, marriage, sexual desire, and sexual behavior and improved our…

Effective Middle School Teacher Teams: A Ternary Model of Interdependency Rather than a Catch Phrase

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Main, Katherine

2012-01-01

The introduction of middle schooling in Australia has brought about changes to the working conditions of many teachers including finding themselves in teacher teams. The formation of such teams has been identified as critical to Australian middle school reform with teacher teams underpinning several of the fundamental components of a middle school…

Academic Persistence of Online Students in Higher Education Impacted by Student Progress Factors and Social Media

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lint, Anna H.

2013-01-01

This quantitative study evaluated and investigated the theoretical underpinnings of the Kember's (1995) student progress model that examines the direct or indirect effects of student persistence in online education by identifying the relationships between variables. The primary method of data collection in this study was a survey by exploring the…

Family Quality of Life: Moving from Measurement to Application

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zuna, Nina I.; Turnbull, Ann; Summers, Jean Ann

2009-01-01

Noting the absence of sound theoretical underpinnings for family quality of life (FQoL) research and work, the authors note that, to guide FQoL practice, research findings must be schematically organized so as to enable practitioners to implement empirical findings effectively. One way to meet this goal is to introduce a theoretical model that…

Reform-Oriented Teaching of Introductory Statistics in the Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences--Historical Context and Rationale

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hassad, Rossi A.

2009-01-01

There is widespread emphasis on reform in the teaching of introductory statistics at the college level. Underpinning this reform is a consensus among educators and practitioners that traditional curricular materials and pedagogical strategies have not been effective in promoting statistical literacy, a competency that is becoming increasingly…

The Sensory Nature of Episodic Memory: Sensory Priming Effects Due to Memory Trace Activation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brunel, Lionel; Labeye, Elodie; Lesourd, Mathieu; Versace, Remy

2009-01-01

The aim of this study was to provide evidence that memory and perceptual processing are underpinned by the same mechanisms. Specifically, the authors conducted 3 experiments that emphasized the sensory aspect of memory traces. They examined their predictions with a short-term priming paradigm based on 2 distinct phases: a learning phase consisting…

The Impact of Different Environmental Conditions on Cognitive Function: A Focused Review

PubMed Central

Taylor, Lee; Watkins, Samuel L.; Marshall, Hannah; Dascombe, Ben J.; Foster, Josh

2016-01-01

Cognitive function defines performance in objective tasks that require conscious mental effort. Extreme environments, namely heat, hypoxia, and cold can all alter human cognitive function due to a variety of psychological and/or biological processes. The aims of this Focused Review were to discuss; (1) the current state of knowledge on the effects of heat, hypoxic and cold stress on cognitive function, (2) the potential mechanisms underpinning these alterations, and (3) plausible interventions that may maintain cognitive function upon exposure to each of these environmental stressors. The available evidence suggests that the effects of heat, hypoxia, and cold stress on cognitive function are both task and severity dependent. Complex tasks are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat stress, whereas both simple and complex task performance appear to be vulnerable at even at moderate altitudes. Cold stress also appears to negatively impact both simple and complex task performance, however, the research in this area is sparse in comparison to heat and hypoxia. In summary, this focused review provides updated knowledge regarding the effects of extreme environmental stressors on cognitive function and their biological underpinnings. Tyrosine supplementation may help individuals maintain cognitive function in very hot, hypoxic, and/or cold conditions. However, more research is needed to clarify these and other postulated interventions. PMID:26779029

Learning from Cities: A Cautionary Note about Urban/Childhood/Nature Entanglements

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morgan, John

2017-01-01

This article examines the urban and pedagogical imaginations that underpin the Editors' call for papers in this special issue of EER. It raises two concerns. The first is that the view of the "urban" that underpins work in this field, whilst offering some new insights, tends to overlook the powerful forces and structures that produce…

Born This Way?: How U.S. College Students Make Sense of the Biosocial Underpinnings of Race and Other Identities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnston-Guerrero, Marc P.; Tran, Vu

2016-01-01

With advances in biotechnology come potential changes in how college students may understand the nature of identity. This study explores sensemaking around the biological underpinnings of proclaimed "social" identities (e.g., race, class, and gender). Based on interviews with 34 undergraduate students recruited from two large public…

Cognitive Skills Used to Solve Mathematical Word Problems and Numerical Operations: A Study of 6- to 7-Year-Old Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bjork, Isabel Maria; Bowyer-Crane, Claudine

2013-01-01

This study investigates the relationship between skills that underpin mathematical word problems and those that underpin numerical operations, such as addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. Sixty children aged 6-7 years were tested on measures of mathematical ability, reading accuracy, reading comprehension, verbal intelligence and…

From Chicken Breath to the Killers Lake of Cameroon: Uniting Seven Interesting Phenomena with a Single Chemical Underpinning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delorenzo, Ron

2001-02-01

By using a single equation prototype, seven interesting mysteries and phenomena can be seen as sharing a common chemical underpinning. The applications discussed are the Killer Lakes of Cameroon, chicken breath, the Permian Ocean, the snow line, boiler scale, the Fizz Keeper, and stalactites and stalagmites.

The Cognitive Underpinnings of Emerging Mathematical Skills: Executive Functioning, Patterns, Numeracy, and Arithmetic

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Kerry; Ng, Swee Fong; Pe, Madeline Lee; Ang, Su Yin; Hasshim, Muhammad Nabil Azhar Mohd; Bull, Rebecca

2012-01-01

Background: Exposure to mathematical pattern tasks is often deemed important for developing children's algebraic thinking skills. Yet, there is a dearth of evidence on the cognitive underpinnings of pattern tasks and how early competencies on these tasks are related to later development. Aims: We examined the domain-specific and domain-general…

Cathodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to the Right Cerebellar Hemisphere Affects Motor Adaptation During Gait.

PubMed

Fernandez, Lara; Albein-Urios, Natalia; Kirkovski, Melissa; McGinley, Jennifer L; Murphy, Anna T; Hyde, Christian; Stokes, Mark A; Rinehart, Nicole J; Enticott, Peter G

2017-02-01

The cerebellum appears to play a key role in the development of internal rules that allow fast, predictive adjustments to novel stimuli. This is crucial for adaptive motor processes, such as those involved in walking, where cerebellar dysfunction has been found to increase variability in gait parameters. Motor adaptation is a process that results in a progressive reduction in errors as movements are adjusted to meet demands, and within the cerebellum, this seems to be localised primarily within the right hemisphere. To examine the role of the right cerebellar hemisphere in adaptive gait, cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) was administered to the right cerebellar hemisphere of 14 healthy adults in a randomised, double-blind, crossover study. Adaptation to a series of distinct spatial and temporal templates was assessed across tDCS condition via a pressure-sensitive gait mat (ProtoKinetics Zeno walkway), on which participants walked with an induced 'limp' at a non-preferred pace. Variability was assessed across key spatial-temporal gait parameters. It was hypothesised that cathodal tDCS to the right cerebellar hemisphere would disrupt adaptation to the templates, reflected in a failure to reduce variability following stimulation. In partial support, adaptation was disrupted following tDCS on one of the four spatial-temporal templates used. However, there was no evidence for general effects on either the spatial or temporal domain. This suggests, under specific conditions, a coupling of spatial and temporal processing in the right cerebellar hemisphere and highlights the potential importance of task complexity in cerebellar function.

Development of veterinary laboratory networks for avian influenza and other emerging infectious disease control: the southeast asian experience.

PubMed

Daniels, Peter; Poermadjaja, Bagoes; Morrissy, Chris; Ngo, Thanh Long; Selleck, Paul; Kalpravidh, Wantanee; Weaver, John; Wong, Frank; Torchetti, Mia Kim; Allen, John; Padungtod, Parwin; Davis, Andrew; Suradhat, Sanipa; Morzaria, Subhash

2014-01-01

The outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, with its international spread, confirmed that emerging infectious disease control must be underpinned by effective laboratory services. Laboratory results are the essential data underpinning effective surveillance, case diagnosis, or monitoring of responses. Importantly, laboratories are best managed within national and international networks of technological support rather than in isolation. A well planned laboratory network can deliver both a geographical spread of testing capacity and also a cost effective hierarchy of capability. Hence in the international context regional networks can be particularly effective. Laboratories are an integral part of a country's veterinary services and their role and function should be clearly defined in the national animal health strategy and supporting government policies. Not every laboratory should be expected to deliver every possible service, and integration into regional and broader international networks should be a part of the overall strategy. The outputs required of each laboratory should be defined and then ensured through accredited quality assurance. The political and scientific environment in which laboratories operate changes continuously, not only through evolving national and regional animal health priorities but also through new test technologies and enhancements to existing technologies. Active networks help individual laboratories to monitor, evaluate, and respond to such challenges and opportunities. The end result is enhanced emerging infectious disease preparedness across the region.

Supersymmetrical bounding of asymmetric states and quantum phase transitions by anti-crossing of symmetric states

PubMed Central

Afzal, Muhammad Imran; Lee, Yong Tak

2016-01-01

Von Neumann and Wigner theorized the bounding and anti-crossing of eigenstates. Experiments have demonstrated that owing to anti-crossing and similar radiation rates, the graphene-like resonance of inhomogeneously strained photonic eigenstates can generate a pseudomagnetic field, bandgaps and Landau levels, whereas exponential or dissimilar rates induce non-Hermicity. Here, we experimentally demonstrate higher-order supersymmetry and quantum phase transitions by resonance between similar one-dimensional lattices. The lattices consisted of inhomogeneous strain-like phases of triangular solitons. The resonance created two-dimensional, inhomogeneously deformed photonic graphene. All parent eigenstates were annihilated. Eigenstates of mildly strained solitons were annihilated at similar rates through one tail and generated Hermitian bounded eigenstates. The strongly strained solitons with positive phase defects were annihilated at exponential rates through one tail, which bounded eigenstates through non-Hermitianally generated exceptional points. Supersymmetry was evident, with preservation of the shapes and relative phase differences of the parent solitons. Localizations of energies generated from annihilations of mildly and strongly strained soliton eigenstates were responsible for geometrical (Berry) and topological phase transitions, respectively. Both contributed to generating a quantum Zeno phase, whereas only strong twists generated topological (Anderson) localization. Anti-bunching-like condensation was also observed. PMID:27966596

Simulations of Merging Helion Bunches on the AGS Injection Porch

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

Gardner, C. J.

During the setup of helions for the FY2014 RHIC run it was discovered that the standard scheme for merging bunches on the AGS injection porch required an injection kicker pulse shorter than what was available. To overcome this difficulty, K. Zeno proposed and developed an interesting and unusual alternative which uses RF harmonic numbers 12, 4, 2 (rather than the standard 8, 4, 2) to merge 8 helion bunches into 2. In this note we carry out simulations that illustrate how the alternative scheme works and how it compares with the standard scheme. This is done in Sections 13 andmore » 14. A scheme in which 6 bunches are merged into 1 is simulated in Section 15. This may be useful if more helions per merged bunch are needed in future runs. General formulae for the simulations are given in Sections 9 through 12. For completeness, Sections 1 through 8 give a derivation of the turn-by-turn equations of longitudinal motion at constant magnetic field. The derivation is based on the work of MacLachlan. The reader may wish to skip over these Sections and start with Section 9.« less

Serial and Free Recall: Common Effects and Common Mechanisms? A Reply to Murdock (2008)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Gordon D. A.; Chater, Nick; Neath, Ian

2008-01-01

Reply to comments on an article "Issues With the SIMPLE Model: Comment on Brown, Neath, and Chater" (2007) by Bennet Murdock on the current authors' original article "A temporal ratio model of memory" by Brown, Neath, and Chater. Does a single mechanism underpin serial and free recall? B. Murdock (2008) argued against the claim, embodied in the…

Effects of Aversive Stimuli beyond Defensive Neural Circuits: Reduced Excitability in an Identified Neuron Critical for Feeding in "Aplysia"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shields-Johnson, Maria E.; Hernandez, John S.; Torno, Cody; Adams, Katherine M.; Wainwright, Marcy L.; Mozzachiodi, Riccardo

2013-01-01

In "Aplysia," repeated trials of aversive stimuli produce long-term sensitization (LTS) of defensive reflexes and suppression of feeding. Whereas the cellular underpinnings of LTS have been characterized, the mechanisms of feeding suppression remained unknown. Here, we report that LTS training induced a long-term decrease in the excitability of…

The Impact of Help Seeking on Individual Task Performance: The Moderating Effect of Help Seekers' Logics of Action

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Geller, Dvora; Bamberger, Peter A.

2012-01-01

Drawing from achievement-goal theory and the social psychological literature on help seeking, we propose that it is the variance in the logic underpinning employees' help seeking that explains divergent findings regarding the relationship between help seeking and task performance. Using a sample of 110 newly hired customer contact employees, a…

Voluntary Self-Control: Education Reform as a Governmental Strategy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pongratz, Ludwig A.

2006-01-01

This paper takes the vigorous political debate unleashed in Germany by the results of the PISA study as a stimulus to take a closer look at the strategic aims and effects of the current education reforms, of which the PISA study is only one example. It shows that the reform measures underpin a powerful process of normalisation. In this context,…

Career Development and Creative Arts Students: An Investigation into the Effectiveness of Career Theory and WIL Experiences on Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Daniel, Ryan

2010-01-01

This case study focuses on the implementation of a professional studies subject at a regional Australian institution of higher education. This subject, established in order to foster the development of links to graduate destinations, creative networks and employment outcomes, involves a curriculum that is underpinned by several career theories.…

Repurposing with a Purpose: A Story with a Happy Ending

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greaves, Lyn; Roller, Sibel; Bradley, Claire

2010-01-01

The work reported here forms part of a UK Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) funded project (BL4ACE) (http://bl4ace.tvu.ac.uk/). This project built on previous work that evaluated the effectiveness of a learning design to underpin academic competence in a Business Studies degree. A significant concern of the blended learning design was to…

Molecular basis of adaptation to high soil boron in wheat landraces and elite cultivars.

PubMed

Pallotta, Margaret; Schnurbusch, Thorsten; Hayes, Julie; Hay, Alison; Baumann, Ute; Paull, Jeff; Langridge, Peter; Sutton, Tim

2014-10-02

Environmental constraints severely restrict crop yields in most production environments, and expanding the use of variation will underpin future progress in breeding. In semi-arid environments boron toxicity constrains productivity, and genetic improvement is the only effective strategy for addressing the problem. Wheat breeders have sought and used available genetic diversity from landraces to maintain yield in these environments; however, the identity of the genes at the major tolerance loci was unknown. Here we describe the identification of near-identical, root-specific boron transporter genes underlying the two major-effect quantitative trait loci for boron tolerance in wheat, Bo1 and Bo4 (ref. 2). We show that tolerance to a high concentration of boron is associated with multiple genomic changes including tetraploid introgression, dispersed gene duplication, and variation in gene structure and transcript level. An allelic series was identified from a panel of bread and durum wheat cultivars and landraces originating from diverse agronomic zones. Our results demonstrate that, during selection, breeders have matched functionally different boron tolerance alleles to specific environments. The characterization of boron tolerance in wheat illustrates the power of the new wheat genomic resources to define key adaptive processes that have underpinned crop improvement.

On the evolution of specialization with a mechanistic underpinning in structured metapopulations.

PubMed

Nurmi, Tuomas; Parvinen, Kalle

2008-03-01

We analyze the evolution of specialization in resource utilization in a discrete-time metapopulation model using the adaptive dynamics approach. The local dynamics in the metapopulation are based on the Beverton-Holt model with mechanistic underpinnings. The consumer faces a trade-off in the abilities to consume two resources that are spatially heterogeneously distributed to patches that are prone to local catastrophes. We explore the factors favoring the spread of generalist or specialist strategies. Increasing fecundity or decreasing catastrophe probability favors the spread of the generalist strategy and increasing environmental heterogeneity enlarges the parameter domain where the evolutionary branching is possible. When there are no catastrophes, increasing emigration diminishes the parameter domain where the evolutionary branching may occur. Otherwise, the effect of emigration on evolutionary dynamics is non-monotonous: both small and large values of emigration probability favor the spread of the specialist strategies whereas the parameter domain where evolutionary branching may occur is largest when the emigration probability has intermediate values. We compare how different forms of spatial heterogeneity and different models of local growth affect the evolutionary dynamics. We show that even small changes in the resource dynamics may have outstanding evolutionary effects to the consumers.

Acting Smart: An Investigation of Assumptions and Principles Which Underpin Training and Assessment Within One Civil Construction Company.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Searle, Jean; Kelly, Ann

This report focuses on an investigation of assumptions and principles underpinning training and assessment programs offered by a civil construction company in Australia. Section 1 is an introduction. To conceptualize the new workplace and consider the role of literacy and numeracy in it, Section 2 addresses changing work conditions, features of a…

A Framework for Practical Work in Science and Scientific Literacy through Argumentation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gott, R.; Duggan, S.

2007-01-01

This paper draws on earlier work on ideas that underpin the collection and use of evidence in science in schools. It establishes that different types of practical work share the same procedural underpinnings. It then takes the work of Toulmin on argumentation to suggest that the idea of the "public claim" can be used to forge a link…

Exploring the Philosophical Underpinnings of Research: Relating Ontology and Epistemology to the Methodology and Methods of the Scientific, Interpretive, and Critical Research Paradigms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scotland, James

2012-01-01

This paper explores the philosophical underpinnings of three major educational research paradigms: scientific, interpretive, and critical. The aim was to outline and explore the interrelationships between each paradigm's ontology, epistemology, methodology and methods. This paper reveals and then discusses some of the underlying assumptions of…

Effective e-learning in surgical education: the core values underpinning effective e-learning environments and how these may be enhanced for future surgical education.

PubMed

Bamford, R; Coulston, J

2016-01-01

e-learning is a valuable tool that has a number of advantages for Surgical Oncology training and education. The rapidly evolving nature of, and limited clinical exposure to oncological practice creates challenges for surgical trainees to stay up to date and engaged. Online learning can be accessed anywhere at any time and allows trainees to develop, apply and be assessed on their learning. To be effective, it must be educationally sound and embrace technology to enhance learners' experience.

Directions for social research to underpin improved groundwater management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitchell, Michael; Curtis, Allan; Sharp, Emily; Mendham, Emily

2012-07-01

SummaryImprovements in groundwater management require strategies to change human behaviour, yet there has been limited social research in the broad arena of groundwater management. This paper provides a critical review of the small but expanding literature on that topic to identify future directions for social researchers. Comprehensive search methods identified almost three hundred potentially relevant publications, which were sorted thematically and assessed in terms of their theoretical underpinning and the evidence used to support key findings. This process enabled the authors to identify a small number of high quality publications and to identify future research opportunities. The latter includes analysing how concepts of risk and sustainable yield are constructed differently by stakeholders, especially related to divisive issues concerning coal seam gas developments and reforms that reduce irrigation allocations; how governance arrangements can be improved to achieve more effective collaborative management of groundwater, especially if managed aquifer recharge is to be more widely implemented in rural agricultural contexts; and the role that trust and social norms can play in changing groundwater use practices.

Empowerment and assessment: a dichotomy?

PubMed

Massey, Debbie; Osborne, Debora

2004-07-01

Institutions of higher education are sites where the rhetoric of learning increasingly collides with the diverse needs of both learners and educators. Demands on tertiary institutions from the workplace, students themselves and the increasing demand for skilled graduates in the face of diminishing resources strongly suggest that intelligent and creative approaches to learning play a pivotal role in the success of higher education. Throughout tertiary education the subject of assessment is central to the complex processes involved in student learning. Therefore, it is important that nursing academics and practitioners involved in assessing student learning develop insight and awareness of the theories and philosophies that underpin different assessment strategies. This will inform teaching and learning practice to the benefit of all stakeholders. This paper examines issues of assessment in higher education; it will locate and deconstruct some principles underpinning traditional and innovative methods associated with assessment and suggest that creative approaches that embrace adult learning principles will empower students and ultimately facilitate more effective learning.

CTC Sentinel, Volume 9, Issue 1, January 2016

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-01

malaise that ultimately underpins the jihad. The combination of unemployment, underemployment, corrup- tion, crumbling infrastructure, environmental ...Commons. It’s the second time we’ve tried to legislate on this issue. The legislation was not passed in the previous parliament. And obviously we’re...Lebanon as the main political winner, effectively countering the pro-Saudi March 14 coalition. Hezbollah has been pushing new electoral legislation

The Effects of Mobility: The Rights of the Child in Europe. Report of the Conference (Athens, Greece, April 14-16, 1994).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Sarah, Ed.

The European Forum for Child Welfare (EFCW) is committed to promoting the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention's views underpin and influence the work program of the EFCW. The 1994 EFCW Conference concentrated on articles within the Convention whereby mobility within Europe may have a…

U.S. Energy Security -- The Campaign We Must Win

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-23

population.2 Our industry, commerce, transportation and economic livelihood require the uninterrupted supply of energy. In all its forms, energy underpins...mitigate our vulnerability to unstable oil prices. Rising global demand and competition threatens our ability to secure long term economical access... economically while strengthening our enemies. This research paper addresses the effectiveness of U.S. energy policy and proposes a new approach that seeks to

A Place for Nouns and a Place for Verbs? A Critical Review of Neurocognitive Data on Grammatical-Class Effects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crepaldi, Davide; Berlingeri, Manuela; Paulesu, Eraldo; Luzzatti, Claudio

2011-01-01

It is generally held that noun processing is specifically sub-served by temporal areas, while the neural underpinnings of verb processing are located in the frontal lobe. However, this view is now challenged by a significant body of evidence accumulated over the years. Moreover, the results obtained so far on the neural implementation of noun and…

Youth Appraisals of Inter-Parental Conflict and Genetic and Environmental Contributions to Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Examination of GxE Effects in a Twin Sample

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nikolas, Molly; Klump, Kelly L.; Burt, S. Alexandra

2012-01-01

Identification of gene x environment interactions (GxE) for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a crucial component to understanding the mechanisms underpinning the disorder, as prior work indicates large genetic influences and numerous environmental risk factors. Building on prior research, children's appraisals of self-blame were…

[Review of the effects of mindfulness meditation on mental and physical health and its mechanisms of action].

PubMed

Ngô, Thanh-Lan

2013-01-01

Interventions based on mindfulness have become increasingly popular. This article reviews the empirical literature on its effects on mental and physical health, discusses presumed mechanisms of action as well as its proposed neurobiological underpinning. Mindfulness is associated with increased well-being as well as reduced cognitive reactivity and behavioral avoidance. It seems to contribute to enhance immune functions, diminish inflammation, diminish the reactivity of the autonomic nervous system, increase telomerase activity, lead to higher levels of plasmatic melatonin and serotonin. It enhances the quality of life for patients suffering from chronic pain, fibromylagia and HIV infection. It facilitates adaptation to the diagnosis of cancer and diabetes. It seems to lead to symptomatic improvement in irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, hot flashes, insomnia, stress related hyperphagia. It diminishes craving in substance abuse. The proposed mechanism of action are enhanced metacognitive conscience, interoceptive exposure, experiential acceptance, self-management, attention control, memory, relaxation. Six mechanism of actions for which neurological underpinnings have been published are: attention regulation (anterior cingulate cortex), body awareness (insula, temporoparietal junction), emotion regulation (modulation of the amygdala by the lateral prefrontal cortex), cognitive re-evaluation (activation of the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex or diminished activity in prefrontal regions), exposure/extinction/reconsolidation (ventromedial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala) and flexible self-concept (prefrontal median cortex, posterior cingulated cortex, insula, temporoparietal junction). The neurobiological effects of meditation are described. These are: (1) the deactivation of the default mode network that generates spontaneous thoughts, contributes to the maintenance of the autobiographical self and is associated with anxiety and depression; (2) the anterior cingulate cortex that underpins attention functions; (3) the anterior insula associated with the perception of visceral sensation, the detection of heartbeat and respiratory rate, and the affective response to pain; (4) the posterior cingulate cortex which helps to understand the context from which a stimulus emerges; (5) the temporoparietal junction which assumes a central role in empathy and compassion; (6) the amygdala implicated in fear responses. The article ends with a short review of the empirical basis supporting the efficacy for mindfulness based intervention and suggested directions for future research.

The Safe and Effective Use of Shared Data Underpinned by Stakeholder Engagement and Evaluation Practice.

PubMed

Georgiou, Andrew; Magrabi, Farah; Hypponen, Hannele; Wong, Zoie Shui-Yee; Nykänen, Pirkko; Scott, Philip J; Ammenwerth, Elske; Rigby, Michael

2018-04-22

 The paper draws attention to: i) key considerations involving the confidentiality, privacy, and security of shared data; and ii) the requirements needed to build collaborative arrangements encompassing all stakeholders with the goal of ensuring safe, secure, and quality use of shared data.  A narrative review of existing research and policy approaches along with expert perspectives drawn from the International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) Working Group on Technology Assessment and Quality Development in Health Care and the European Federation for Medical Informatics (EFMI) Working Group for Assessment of Health Information Systems.  The technological ability to merge, link, re-use, and exchange data has outpaced the establishment of policies, procedures, and processes to monitor the ethics and legality of shared use of data. Questions remain about how to guarantee the security of shared data, and how to establish and maintain public trust across large-scale shared data enterprises. This paper identifies the importance of data governance frameworks (incorporating engagement with all stakeholders) to underpin the management of the ethics and legality of shared data use. The paper also provides some key considerations for the establishment of national approaches and measures to monitor compliance with best practice. Data sharing endeavours can help to underpin new collaborative models of health care which provide shared information, engagement, and accountability amongst all stakeholders. We believe that commitment to rigorous evaluation and stakeholder engagement will be critical to delivering health data benefits and the establishment of collaborative models of health care into the future. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart.

Comorbid substance use disorder in schizophrenia: a selective overview of neurobiological and cognitive underpinnings.

PubMed

Thoma, Patrizia; Daum, Irene

2013-09-01

Although individuals with schizophrenia show a lifetime prevalence of 50% for suffering from a comorbid substance use disorder, substance abuse usually represents an exclusion criterion for studies on schizophrenia. This implies that surprisingly little is known about a large group of patients who are particularly difficult to treat. The aim of the present work is to provide a brief and non-exhaustive overview of the current knowledgebase about neurobiological and cognitive underpinnings for dual diagnosis schizophrenia patients. Studies published within the last 20 years were considered using computerized search engines. The focus was on nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, cannabis and cocaine being among the most common substances of abuse. All drugs of abuse target dopaminergic, glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission which are also involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Current literature suggests that neurocognitive function might beless disrupted in substance-abusing compared to non-abusing schizophrenia patients, but in particular the neuroimaging database on this topic is sparse. Detrimental effects on brain structure and function were shown for patients for whom alcohol is the main substance of abuse. It is as yet unclear whether this finding might be an artifact of age differences of patient subgroups with different substance abuse patterns. More research is warranted on the specific neurocognitive underpinnings of schizophrenia patients abusing distinct psychoactive substances. Treatment programs might either benefit from preserved cognitive function as a resource or specifically target cognitive impairment in different subgroups of addicted schizophrenia patients. © 2013 The Authors. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences © 2013 Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Working memory capacity and the spacing effect in cued recall.

PubMed

Delaney, Peter F; Godbole, Namrata R; Holden, Latasha R; Chang, Yoojin

2018-07-01

Spacing repetitions typically improves memory (the spacing effect). In three cued recall experiments, we explored the relationship between working memory capacity and the spacing effect. People with higher working memory capacity are more accurate on memory tasks that require retrieval relative to people with lower working memory capacity. The experiments used different retention intervals and lags between repetitions, but were otherwise similar. Working memory capacity and spacing of repetitions both improved memory in most of conditions, but they did not interact, suggesting additive effects. The results are consistent with the ACT-R model's predictions, and with a study-phase recognition process underpinning the spacing effect in cued recall.

Cost-utility and biological underpinnings of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) versus a psychoeducational programme (FibroQoL) for fibromyalgia: a 12-month randomised controlled trial (EUDAIMON study).

PubMed

Feliu-Soler, Albert; Borràs, Xavier; Peñarrubia-María, María T; Rozadilla-Sacanell, Antoni; D'Amico, Francesco; Moss-Morris, Rona; Howard, Matthew A; Fayed, Nicolás; Soriano-Mas, Carles; Puebla-Guedea, Marta; Serrano-Blanco, Antoni; Pérez-Aranda, Adrián; Tuccillo, Raffaele; Luciano, Juan V

2016-02-27

The EUDAIMON study focuses on fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), a prevalent chronic condition characterized by pain, fatigue, cognitive problems and distress. According to recent reviews and meta-analyses, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a promising therapeutic approach for patients with FMS. The measurement of biomarkers as part of the analysis of MBSR effects would help to identify the neurobiological underpinnings of MBSR and increase our knowledge of FMS pathophysiology. The main objectives of this 12-month RCT are: firstly, to examine the effectiveness and cost-utility for FMS patients of MBSR as an add-on to treatment as usual (TAU) versus TAU + the psychoeducational programme FibroQoL, and versus TAU only; secondly, to examine pre-post differences in brain structure and function, as well as levels of specific inflammatory markers in the three study arms and; thirdly, to analyse the role of some psychological variables as mediators of 12-month clinical outcomes. Effectiveness, cost-utility, and neurobiological analyses performed alongside a 12-month RCT. The participants will be 180 adult patients with FMS recruited at the Sant Joan de Déu hospital (St. Boi de Llobregat, Spain), randomly allocated to one of the three study arms: TAU + MBSR vs. TAU + FibroQol vs. TAU. A comprehensive assessment to collect functional, quality of life, distress, costs, and psychological variables will be conducted pre-, post-intervention, and at 12-month post-intervention. Fifty per cent of study participants will be evaluated at pre- and post-treatment using Voxel-Based Morphometry, Diffusion Tensor Imaging, pseudo-continuous Arterial Spin Labeling, and resting state fMRI. A cytokine multiplex kit of high-sensitivity will be applied (cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 + high-sensitivity CRP test). The findings obtained from this RCT will indicate whether MBSR is potentially cost-effective for FMS and contribute to knowledge of any brain and inflammatory changes associated with MBSR in FMS patients. Specifically, we will determine whether there are morphometric and functional changes associated with participation in MBSR in brain regions related to meta-awareness, body awareness, memory consolidation-reconsolidation, emotion regulation and in networks postulated to underpin the sensory-discriminative, cognitive-evaluative and affective-motivational aspects of the pain experience. NCT02561416 . Registered 23 September 2015.

Physical Characteristics Underpinning Repetitive Lunging in Fencing.

PubMed

Turner, Anthony N; Marshall, Geoff; Phillips, James; Noto, Angelo; Buttigieg, Conor; Chavda, Shyam; Downing, William; Atlay, Nathan; Dimitriou, Lygeri; Kilduff, Laim

2016-11-01

Turner, AN, Marshall, G, Phillips, J, Noto, A, Buttigieg, C, Chavda, S, Downing, W, Atlay, N, Dimitriou, L, and Kilduff, L. Physical characteristics underpinning repetitive lunging in fencing. J Strength Cond Res 30(11): 3134-3139, 2016-Given the repetitive demand to execute lunging and changes in direction within fencing, the ability to sustain these at maximal capacity is fundamental to performance. The aim of this study was threefold. First, to provide normative values for this variable referred to as repeat lunge ability (RLA) and second to identify the physical characteristics that underpin it. Third, was to establish if a cause and effect relationship existed by training the associated characteristics. Assessment of lower-body power, reactive strength, speed, change of direction speed (CODS), and a sport-specific RLA were conducted on senior and junior elite male fencers (n = 36). Fencers were on average (±SD) 18.9 ± 3.2 years of age, 174.35 ± 10.42 cm tall, 70.67 ± 7.35 kg in mass, and 8.5 ± 4.2 years fencing experience. The RLA test had average work times of 16.03 ± 1.40 seconds and demonstrated "large" to "very large" associations with all tested variables, but in particular CODS (r = 0.70) and standing broad jump (SBJ; r = -0.68). Through linear regression analysis, these also provided a 2-predictor model accounting for 61% of the common variance associated with RLA. A cause and effect relationship with SBJ and CODS was confirmed by the training group, where RLA performance in these fencers improved from 15.80 ± 1.07 to 14.90 ± 0.86 seconds, with the magnitude of change reported as "moderate" (effect size (ES) = 0.93). Concurrent improvements were also noted in both SBJ (216.86 ± 17.15 vs. 221.71 ± 17.59 cm) and CODS (4.44 ± 0.29 vs. 4.31 ± 0.09 seconds) and while differences were only significant in SBJ, magnitudes of change were classed as "small" (ES = 0.28) and "moderate" (ES = 0.61), respectively. In conclusion, to improve RLA strength and conditioning coaches should focus on improving lower-body power and reactive strength, noting that jump training and plyometrics designed to enhance horizontal propulsion may be most effective, and translate to improvement in CODS also.

Effective e-learning in surgical education: the core values underpinning effective e-learning environments and how these may be enhanced for future surgical education

PubMed Central

Bamford, R; Coulston, J

2016-01-01

e-learning is a valuable tool that has a number of advantages for Surgical Oncology training and education. The rapidly evolving nature of, and limited clinical exposure to oncological practice creates challenges for surgical trainees to stay up to date and engaged. Online learning can be accessed anywhere at any time and allows trainees to develop, apply and be assessed on their learning. To be effective, it must be educationally sound and embrace technology to enhance learners’ experience. PMID:26913075

The Portfolio Approach Developed to Underpin the Capital Investment Program Plan Review (CIPPR)

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-11-06

Basinger, Director, DCI, CFD Scientific Letter The PORTFOLIO APPROACH developed to underpin the Capital Investment Program Plan Review (CIPPR) To better...prepare senior management for meetings about CIPPR in November 2014, this scientific letter has been pre- pared upon request [1] to clarify some of...Research and Analysis in support of CIPPR was to: 1. Provide scientific support to the development of a traceable and sustainable approach and process by

Duty of care is underpinned by a range of obligations.

PubMed

Griffith, Richard

The courts have long established that nurses are in a duty situation and owe a duty of care to their patients (Kent v Griffiths [2001]). Traditionally, the profession set the standard of care and nurses were required to act in accordance with a practice accepted by a responsible body of their peers (Bolam v Friern HMC [1957]).The introduction of the Human Rights Act 1998 gave rise to a positive obligation on government to ensure that laws, policies and procedures are in place to protect violations of human rights. Nurses must now inform their practice with relevant statute law, common law and professional standards in order to properly discharge their duty of care. Richard Griffith considers the law that now underpins a nurse's duty of care and uses a recent report from the Health Service Ombudsman for England to illustrate the obligations that underpin the nurse-patient relationship.

Dependency of a therapy-resistant state of cancer cells on a lipid peroxidase pathway* | Office of Cancer Genomics

Cancer.gov

Plasticity of the cell state has been proposed to drive resistance to multiple classes of cancer therapies, thereby limiting their effectiveness. A high-mesenchymal cell state observed in human tumors and cancer cell lines has been associated with resistance to multiple treatment modalities across diverse cancer lineages, but the mechanistic underpinning for this state has remained incompletely understood.

French NATO Policy: The Next Five Years

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-06-01

tradeoffs on the ambitious French modernization programs. Most dramatic have been the projected strategic consequences of perestroika: France , like... project power into areas of French influence in the Third World. In the mid-I 980s, France was spending roughly 3.9 percent of gross domestic product on...policy environment and its effects on the basic assumptions underpinning French policy. He concludes that in the future, France will be easier to work

Theoretical Underpinnings of the Other Social Effects Account

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-01

and to help focus on areas where capacity building is needed. The Civic Index focuses on 12 key themes of civic health and provides 363 example...be used in the emerging collaborative planning framework (also termed the four-account framework to stress the importance of all accounts), discusses ...conducting scoping workshops, generally as part of the EIS process Four-account framework defines problems more broadly and focuses on the full

Chesapeake Bay recovery and factors affecting trends: Long-termmonitoring, indicators, and insights

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tango, Peter J.; Batiuk, Richard A.

2016-01-01

Monitoring the outcome of restoration efforts is the only way to identify the status of a recovery and the most effective management strategies. In this paper, we discuss Chesapeake Bay and watershed recovery and factors influencing water quality trends. For over 30 years, the Chesapeake Bay Program Partnership’s long-term tidal and watershed water quality monitoring networks have measured physical, chemical and biological parameters throughout the bay and its surrounding watershed underpinning an adaptive management process to drive ecosystem recovery. There are many natural and anthropogenic factors operating and interacting to affect the watershed and bay water quality recovery responses to management actions. Across habitats and indicators, the bay and its watershed continue to express a diverse spatial and temporal fabric of multiscale conditions, stressors and trends that show a range of health conditions and impairments, as well as evidence of progress and degradation. Recurrent independent reviews of the monitoring program have driven a culture of continued adaptation of the monitoring networks to reflect ever evolving management information needs. The adherence to bay and watershed-wide consistent monitoring protocols provides monitoring data supporting analyses and development of scientific syntheses that underpin indicator and model development, regulatory assessments, targeting of management actions, evaluation of management effectiveness, and directing of priorities and policies.

Beauty and the beast: Psychobiologic and evolutionary perspectives on body dysmorphic disorder.

PubMed

Stein, Dan J; Carey, Paul D; Warwick, James

2006-06-01

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is characterized by preoccupation with a defect in appearance. Concepts of beauty play a particularly crucial role in humans' mental and social life, and may have specific psychobiologic and evolutionary underpinnings. In particular, there is a growing literature on the neurocircuitry underpinning the body schema, body image and facial expression processing, and aesthetic and symmetry judgments. Speculatively, disruptions in cognitive-affective processes relevant to judgements about physical beauty lead to BDD.

Pedagogical underpinnings of computer-based learning.

PubMed

Adams, Audrey M

2004-04-01

E-learning is becoming increasingly incorporated into educational programmes. Digital materials usually require a lot of investment in terms of time, money and human resources. With advances in technology, delivery of content has much improved in terms of multimedia elements. However, often only low-level learning is achieved as a result of using these materials. The purpose of this article is to give a comprehensive overview of some of the most important issues to consider when incorporating e-learning into educational programmes. Computer-based learning has three components: hardware, software and 'underware', the pedagogy that underpins its development. The latter is the most important, as the approach adopted will influence the creation of computer-based learning materials and determine the way in which students engage with subject matter. Teachers are responsible for the quality of their courses and have a vital role in helping to develop the most appropriate electronic learning activities that will facilitate students to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for clinical practice. Therefore, they need to have an awareness of what contributes to educationally effective, computer-based learning materials.

Whole-brain structural topology in adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Preserved global - disturbed local network organization.

PubMed

Sidlauskaite, Justina; Caeyenberghs, Karen; Sonuga-Barke, Edmund; Roeyers, Herbert; Wiersema, Jan R

2015-01-01

Prior studies demonstrate altered organization of functional brain networks in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the structural underpinnings of these functional disturbances are poorly understood. In the current study, we applied a graph-theoretic approach to whole-brain diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data to investigate the organization of structural brain networks in adults with ADHD and unaffected controls using deterministic fiber tractography. Groups did not differ in terms of global network metrics - small-worldness, global efficiency and clustering coefficient. However, there were widespread ADHD-related effects at the nodal level in relation to local efficiency and clustering. The affected nodes included superior occipital, supramarginal, superior temporal, inferior parietal, angular and inferior frontal gyri, as well as putamen, thalamus and posterior cerebellum. Lower local efficiency of left superior temporal and supramarginal gyri was associated with higher ADHD symptom scores. Also greater local clustering of right putamen and lower local clustering of left supramarginal gyrus correlated with ADHD symptom severity. Overall, the findings indicate preserved global but altered local network organization in adult ADHD implicating regions underpinning putative ADHD-related neuropsychological deficits.

User perceptions of the knowledge underpinning practice orientation dial (KUPOD) as a tool to enhance learning.

PubMed

Borlase, Jeanette; Abelson-Mitchell, Nadine

2008-01-01

The concern of academics and clinicians about the alleged dichotomy between theoretical concepts and the practice of nursing has been the catalyst for the development of a pocket-sized aid for nurses, known as the Knowledge Underpinning Practice Orientation Dial (KUPOD [N]/The Dial). A mixed method approach was used incorporating a questionnaire and a focus group of educators. The Dial was introduced, as part of a module, undertaken by a cohort of second-year Diploma in Nursing (Adult Branch) students. Twenty-eight students returned the questionnaire (response rate=85%). Results revealed that the Dial was easy to use in a variety of situations and locations. Respondents used the Dial within clinical and classroom settings and for self directed study. They reported that it was a practical and effective aid to learning, assisting in correlating theory and practice. It supported reflection and enhanced confidence in the clinical area, indicating that this economically produced tool helps to bridge the theory-practice gap. The Dial is now being introduced as a learning resource to a wider range of students.

The Regulation of Task Performance: A Trans-Disciplinary Review

PubMed Central

Clark, Ian; Dumas, Guillaume

2016-01-01

Definitions of meta-cognition typically have two components: (1) knowledge about one's own cognitive functioning; and, (2) control over one's own cognitive activities. Since Flavell and his colleagues provided the empirical foundation on which to build studies of meta-cognition and the autonoetic (self) knowledge required for effective learning, the intervening years have seen the extensive dissemination of theoretical and empirical research on meta-cognition, which now encompasses a variety of issues and domains including educational psychology and neuroscience. Nevertheless, the psychological and neural underpinnings of meta-cognitive predictions and reflections that determine subsequent regulation of task performance remain ill understood. This article provides an outline of meta-cognition in the science of education with evidence drawn from neuroimaging, psycho-physiological, and psychological literature. We will rigorously explore research that addresses the pivotal role of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in controlling the meta-cognitive processes that underpin the self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies learners employ to regulate task performance. The article delineates what those strategies are, and how the learning environment can facilitate or frustrate strategy use by influencing learners' self-efficacy. PMID:26779050

From emotion resonance to empathic understanding: a social developmental neuroscience account.

PubMed

Decety, Jean; Meyer, Meghan

2008-01-01

The psychological construct of empathy refers to an intersubjective induction process by which positive and negative emotions are shared, without losing sight of whose feelings belong to whom. Empathy can lead to personal distress or to empathic concern (sympathy). The goal of this paper is to address the underlying cognitive processes and their neural underpinnings that constitute empathy within a developmental neuroscience perspective. In addition, we focus on how these processes go awry in developmental disorders marked by impairments in social cognition, such as autism spectrum disorder, and conduct disorder. We argue that empathy involves both bottom-up and top-down information processing, underpinned by specific and interacting neural systems. We discuss data from developmental psychology as well as cognitive neuroscience in support of such a model, and highlight the impact of neural dysfunctions on social cognitive developmental behavior. Altogether, bridging developmental science and cognitive neuroscience helps approach a more complete understanding of social cognition. Synthesizing these two domains also contributes to a better characterization of developmental psychopathologies that impacts the development of effective treatment strategies.

Activation of PI3K/Akt signaling in rostral ventrolateral medulla impairs brain stem cardiovascular regulation that underpins circulatory depression during mevinphos intoxication.

PubMed

Tsai, Ching-Yi; Chang, Alice Y W; Chan, Julie Y H; Chan, Samuel H H

2014-03-01

As the most widely used pesticides in the globe, the organophosphate compounds are understandably linked with the highest incidence of suicidal poisoning. Whereas the elicited toxicity is often associated with circulatory depression, the underlying mechanisms require further delineation. Employing the pesticide mevinphos as our experimental tool, we evaluated the hypothesis that transcriptional upregulation of nitric oxide synthase II (NOS II) by NF-κB on activation of the PI3K/Akt cascade in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), the brain stem site that maintains blood pressure and sympathetic vasomotor tone, underpins the circulatory depressive effects of organophosphate poisons. Microinjection of mevinphos (10 nmol) bilaterally into the RVLM of anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats induced a progressive hypotension that was accompanied sequentially by an increase (Phase I) and a decrease (Phase II) of an experimental index for the baroreflex-mediated sympathetic vasomotor tone. There were also progressive augmentations in PI3K or Akt enzyme activity and phosphorylation of p85 or Akt(Thr308) subunit in the RVLM that were causally related to an increase in NF-κB transcription activity and elevation in NOS II or peroxynitrite expression. Loss-of-function manipulations of PI3K or Akt in the RVLM significantly antagonized the reduced baroreflex-mediated sympathetic vasomotor tone and hypotension during Phase II mevinphos intoxication, and blunted the increase in NF-κB/NOS II/peroxynitrite signaling. We conclude that activation of the PI3K/Akt cascade, leading to upregulation of NF-κB/NOS II/peroxynitrite signaling in the RVLM, elicits impairment of brain stem cardiovascular regulation that underpins circulatory depression during mevinphos intoxication. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Transcriptional reprogramming underpins enhanced plant growth promotion by the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma hamatum GD12 during antagonistic interactions with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in soil.

PubMed

Shaw, Sophie; Le Cocq, Kate; Paszkiewicz, Konrad; Moore, Karen; Winsbury, Rebecca; de Torres Zabala, Marta; Studholme, David J; Salmon, Deborah; Thornton, Christopher R; Grant, Murray R

2016-12-01

The free-living soil fungus Trichoderma hamatum strain GD12 is notable amongst Trichoderma strains in both controlling plant diseases and stimulating plant growth, a property enhanced during its antagonistic interactions with pathogens in soil. These attributes, alongside its markedly expanded genome and proteome compared with other biocontrol and plant growth-promoting Trichoderma strains, imply a rich potential for sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers for the control of plant disease and for increasing yields. The purpose of this study was to investigate the transcriptional responses of GD12 underpinning its biocontrol and plant growth promotion capabilities during antagonistic interactions with the pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in soil. Using an extensive mRNA-seq study capturing different time points during the pathogen-antagonist interaction in soil, we show that dynamic and biphasic signatures in the GD12 transcriptome underpin its biocontrol and plant (lettuce) growth-promoting activities. Functional predictions of differentially expressed genes demonstrate the enrichment of transcripts encoding proteins involved in transportation and oxidation-reduction reactions during both processes and an over-representation of siderophores. We identify a biphasic response during biocontrol characterized by a significant induction of transcripts encoding small-secreted cysteine-rich proteins, secondary metabolite-producing gene clusters and genes unique to GD12. These data support the hypothesis that Sclerotinia biocontrol is mediated by the synthesis and secretion of antifungal compounds and that GD12's unique reservoir of uncharacterized genes is actively recruited during the effective biological control of a plurivorous plant pathogen. © 2016 The Authors. Molecular Plant Pathology published by British Society for Plant Pathology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

INFOMAR - Ireland's National Seabed Mapping Programme: A Tool For Marine Spatial Planning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furey, T. M.

2016-02-01

INFOMAR is Ireland's national seabed mapping programme and is a key action in the national integrated marine plan, Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth. It comprises a multi-platform approach to delivering marine integrated mapping in 2 phases, over a projected 20 year timeline (2006-2026). The programme has three work strands; Data Acquisition, Data Exchange and Integration, and Value Added Exploitation. The Data Acquisition strand includes collection of hydrographic, oceanographic, geological, habitat and heritage datasets that will underpin future sustainable development and management of Ireland's marine resource. INFOMAR outputs are delivered through the Data Exchange and Integration strand. Uses of these outputs are wide ranging and multipurpose, from management plans for fisheries, aquaculture and coastal protection works, to environmental impact assessments, ocean renewable development and integrated coastal zone management. In order to address the evolution and diversification of maritime user requirements, the programme has realigned and developed outputs and new products, in part, through an innovative research funding initiative. Development is also fostered through the Value Added Exploitation strand. INFOMAR outputs and products serve to underpin delivery of Ireland's statutory obligations and enhance compliance with EU and national legislation. This is achieved through co-operation with the agencies responsible for supporting Ireland's international obligations and for the implementation of marine spatial planning. A strategic national seabed mapping programme such as INFOMAR, provides a critical baseline dataset which underpins development of the marine economy, and improves our understanding of the response of marine systems to pressures, and the effect of cumulative impacts. This paper will focus on the evolution and scope of INFOMAR, and look at examples of outputs being harnessed to serve approaches to the management of activities having an impact on the marine environment.

Reconsidering the safety in numbers effect for vulnerable road users: an application of agent-based modeling.

PubMed

Thompson, Jason; Savino, Giovanni; Stevenson, Mark

2015-01-01

Increasing levels of active transport provide benefits in relation to chronic disease and emissions reduction but may be associated with an increased risk of road trauma. The safety in numbers (SiN) effect is often regarded as a solution to this issue; however, the mechanisms underlying its influence are largely unknown. We aimed to (1) replicate the SiN effect within a simple, simulated environment and (2) vary bicycle density within the environment to better understand the circumstances under which SiN applies. Using an agent-based modeling approach, we constructed a virtual transport system that increased the number of bicycles from 9% to 35% of total vehicles over a period of 1,000 time units while holding the number of cars in the system constant. We then repeated this experiment under conditions of progressively decreasing bicycle density. We demonstrated that the SiN effect can be reproduced in a virtual environment, closely approximating the exponential relationships between cycling numbers and the relative risk of collision as shown in observational studies. The association, however, was highly contingent upon bicycle density. The relative risk of collisions between cars and bicycles with increasing bicycle numbers showed an association that is progressively linear at decreasing levels of density. Agent-based modeling may provide a useful tool for understanding the mechanisms underpinning the relationships previously observed between volume and risk under the assumptions of SiN. The SiN effect may apply only under circumstances in which bicycle density also increases over time. Additional mechanisms underpinning the SiN effect, independent of behavioral adjustment by drivers, are explored.

CYBERWAR-2012/13: Siegel 2011 Predicted Cyberwar Via ACHILLES-HEEL DIGITS BEQS BEC ZERO-DIGIT BEC of/in ACHILLES-HEEL DIGITS Log-Law Algebraic-Inversion to ONLY BEQS BEC Digit-Physics U Barabasi Network/Graph-Physics BEQS BEC JAMMING Denial-of-Access(DOA) Attacks 2012-Instantiations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huffmann, Master; Siegel, Edward Carl-Ludwig

2013-03-01

Newcomb-Benford(NeWBe)-Siegel log-law BEC Digit-Physics Network/Graph-Physics Barabasi et.al. evolving-``complex''-networks/graphs BEC JAMMING DOA attacks: Amazon(weekends: Microsoft I.E.-7/8(vs. Firefox): Memorial-day, Labor-day,...), MANY U.S.-Banks:WF,BoA,UB,UBS,...instantiations AGAIN militate for MANDATORY CONVERSION to PARALLEL ANALOG FAULT-TOLERANT but slow(er) SECURITY-ASSURANCE networks/graphs in parallel with faster ``sexy'' DIGITAL-Networks/graphs:``Cloud'', telecomm: n-G,..., because of common ACHILLES-HEEL VULNERABILITY: DIGITS!!! ``In fast-hare versus slow-tortoise race, Slow-But-Steady ALWAYS WINS!!!'' (Zeno). {Euler [#s(1732)] ∑- ∏()-Riemann[Monats. Akad. Berlin (1859)] ∑- ∏()- Kummer-Bernoulli (#s)}-Newcomb [Am.J.Math.4(1),39 (81) discovery of the QUANTUM!!!]-{Planck (01)]}-{Einstein (05)]-Poincar e [Calcul Probabilités,313(12)]-Weyl[Goett. Nach.(14); Math.Ann.77,313(16)]-(Bose (24)-Einstein(25)]-VS. -Fermi (27)-Dirac(27))-Menger [Dimensiontheorie(29)]-Benford [J.Am. Phil.Soc.78,115(38)]-Kac[Maths Stats.-Reason. (55)]- Raimi [Sci.Am.221,109(69)]-Jech-Hill [Proc.AMS,123,3,887(95)] log-function

Effects of chromatin decondensation on alternative NHEJ.

PubMed

Moscariello, Mario; Iliakis, George

2013-11-01

In cells of higher eukaryotes, repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) utilizes different forms of potentially error-prone non-homologous end joining (NHEJ): canonical DNA-PK-dependent (C-NHEJ) and alternative backup pathways (A-NHEJ). In contrast to C-NHEJ, A-NHEJ shows pronounced efficiency fluctuations throughout the cell cycle and is severely compromised as cells cease proliferating and enter the plateau phase (Windhofer et al., 2007 [23]). The molecular mechanisms underpinning this response remain unknown but changes in chromatin structure are prime candidate-A-NHEJ-modulators. Since parameters beyond chromatin acetylation appear to determine A-NHEJ efficiency (Manova et al., 2012 [42,76]), we study here the role of chromatin decondensation mediated either by treatment with 5'-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (AzadC) or growth in hypotonic conditions, on A-NHEJ. We report that both treatments have no detectable effect on C-NHEJ but provoke, specifically for A-NHEJ, cell-growth-dependent effects. These results uncover for the first time a link between A-NHEJ and chromatin organization and provide means for understanding the regulatory mechanisms underpinning the growth-state dependency of A-NHEJ. A-NHEJ is implicated in the formation of chromosomal translocations and in chromosome fusions that underlie genomic instability and carcinogenesis. The observations reported here may therefore contribute to the development of drug-based A-NHEJ suppression-strategies aiming at optimizing cancer treatment outcomes and possibly also at suppressing carcinogenesis. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Concurrent exercise training: do opposites distract?

PubMed Central

Coffey, Vernon G.

2016-01-01

Abstract Specificity is a core principle of exercise training to promote the desired adaptations for maximising athletic performance. The principle of specificity of adaptation is underpinned by the volume, intensity, frequency and mode of contractile activity and is most evident when contrasting the divergent phenotypes that result after undertaking either prolonged endurance or resistance training. The molecular profiles that generate the adaptive response to different exercise modes have undergone intense scientific scrutiny. Given divergent exercise induces similar signalling and gene expression profiles in skeletal muscle of untrained or recreationally active individuals, what is currently unclear is how the specificity of the molecular response is modified by prior training history. The time course of adaptation and when ‘phenotype specificity’ occurs has important implications for exercise prescription. This context is essential when attempting to concomitantly develop resistance to fatigue (through endurance‐based exercise) and increased muscle mass (through resistance‐based exercise), typically termed ‘concurrent training’. Chronic training studies provide robust evidence that endurance exercise can attenuate muscle hypertrophy and strength but the mechanistic underpinning of this ‘interference’ effect with concurrent training is unknown. Moreover, despite the potential for several key regulators of muscle metabolism to explain an incompatibility in adaptation between endurance and resistance exercise, it now seems likely that multiple integrated, rather than isolated, effectors or processes generate the interference effect. Here we review studies of the molecular responses in skeletal muscle and evidence for the interference effect with concurrent training within the context of the specificity of training adaptation. PMID:27506998

Inhalant abuse among adolescents: neurobiological considerations

PubMed Central

Lubman, D I; Yücel, M; Lawrence, A J

2008-01-01

Experimentation with volatile substances (inhalants) is common during early adolescence, yet limited work has been conducted examining the neurobiological impact of regular binge use during this key stage of development. Human studies consistently demonstrate that chronic use is associated with significant toxic effects, including neurological and neuropsychological impairment, as well as diffuse and subtle changes in white matter. However, most preclinical research has tended to focus on acute exposure, with limited work examining the neuropharmacological or toxicological mechanisms underpinning these changes or their potential reversibility with abstinence. Nevertheless, there is growing evidence that commonly abused inhalants share common cellular mechanisms, and have similar actions to other drugs of abuse. Indeed, the majority of acute behavioural effects appear to be underpinned by changes in receptor and/or ion channel activity (for example, GABAA, glycine and 5HT3 receptor activation, NMDA receptor inhibition), although nonspecific interactions can also arise at high concentrations. Recent studies examining the effects of toluene exposure during the early postnatal period are suggestive of long-term alterations in the function of NMDA and GABAA receptors, although limited work has been conducted investigating exposure during adolescence. Given the critical role of neurotransmitter systems in cognitive, emotional and brain development, future studies will need to take account of the substantial neuromaturational changes that are known to occur in the brain during childhood and adolescence, and to specifically investigate the neuropharmacological and toxicological profile of inhalant exposure during this period of development. PMID:18332858

Motivational interviewing interventions and alcohol abuse among college students: a systematic review.

PubMed

Appiah-Brempong, Emmanuel; Okyere, Paul; Owusu-Addo, Ebenezer; Cross, Ruth

2014-01-01

The study sought to assess the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing (MI) interventions in reducing alcohol consumption among college students, as compared to no intervention or alternative interventions. It also sought to identify the potential moderators to MI intervention effects. Database sources consulted included Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLE, PsycLIT, CINAHL, and MEDLINE. Included studies were (1) underpinned by experimental, quasi-experimental, and nonexperimental designs; (2) studies in which participants were either college males only or females only or both; and (3) studies in which adaptations of MI were based on key MI principles. Excluded studies were (1) non-English language studies; (2) studies not published from 2000-2012; (3) studies in which participants were not college students; (4) studies in which intervention was not delivered by face-to-face approach; and (5) studies that failed to embark on postintervention follow-ups. A total of 115 abstracts were screened. These were narrowed down to 13 studies from which data for the study were extracted. Selected studies were underpinned by experimental, quasi-experimental, and nonexperimental designs. Owing to the heterogeneity in selected studies, a narrative synthesis was used. MI interventions were found to be effective in reducing alcohol consumption among college students, when compared to alternative interventions or no intervention. Potential moderators of MI intervention effects were identified to include practitioner's adherence to MI techniques and individual's drinking motives. MI presents itself as a promising tool that can augment the many existing social-environmental strategies of health promotion.

Apple Pollination: Demand Depends on Variety and Supply Depends on Pollinator Identity

PubMed Central

Garratt, M. P. D.; Breeze, T. D.; Boreux, V.; Coston, D. J.; Jenner, N.; Dean, R.; Westbury, D. B.; Biesmeijer, J. C.; Potts, S. G.

2016-01-01

Insect pollination underpins apple production but the extent to which different pollinator guilds supply this service, particularly across different apple varieties, is unknown. Such information is essential if appropriate orchard management practices are to be targeted and proportional to the potential benefits pollinator species may provide. Here we use a novel combination of pollinator effectiveness assays (floral visit effectiveness), orchard field surveys (flower visitation rate) and pollinator dependence manipulations (pollinator exclusion experiments) to quantify the supply of pollination services provided by four different pollinator guilds to the production of four commercial varieties of apple. We show that not all pollinators are equally effective at pollinating apples, with hoverflies being less effective than solitary bees and bumblebees, and the relative abundance of different pollinator guilds visiting apple flowers of different varieties varies significantly. Based on this, the taxa specific economic benefits to UK apple production have been established. The contribution of insect pollinators to the economic output in all varieties was estimated to be £92.1M across the UK, with contributions varying widely across taxa: solitary bees (£51.4M), honeybees (£21.4M), bumblebees (£18.6M) and hoverflies (£0.7M). This research highlights the differences in the economic benefits of four insect pollinator guilds to four major apple varieties in the UK. This information is essential to underpin appropriate investment in pollination services management and provides a model that can be used in other entomolophilous crops to improve our understanding of crop pollination ecology. PMID:27152628

Apple Pollination: Demand Depends on Variety and Supply Depends on Pollinator Identity.

PubMed

Garratt, M P D; Breeze, T D; Boreux, V; Fountain, M T; McKerchar, M; Webber, S M; Coston, D J; Jenner, N; Dean, R; Westbury, D B; Biesmeijer, J C; Potts, S G

2016-01-01

Insect pollination underpins apple production but the extent to which different pollinator guilds supply this service, particularly across different apple varieties, is unknown. Such information is essential if appropriate orchard management practices are to be targeted and proportional to the potential benefits pollinator species may provide. Here we use a novel combination of pollinator effectiveness assays (floral visit effectiveness), orchard field surveys (flower visitation rate) and pollinator dependence manipulations (pollinator exclusion experiments) to quantify the supply of pollination services provided by four different pollinator guilds to the production of four commercial varieties of apple. We show that not all pollinators are equally effective at pollinating apples, with hoverflies being less effective than solitary bees and bumblebees, and the relative abundance of different pollinator guilds visiting apple flowers of different varieties varies significantly. Based on this, the taxa specific economic benefits to UK apple production have been established. The contribution of insect pollinators to the economic output in all varieties was estimated to be £92.1M across the UK, with contributions varying widely across taxa: solitary bees (£51.4M), honeybees (£21.4M), bumblebees (£18.6M) and hoverflies (£0.7M). This research highlights the differences in the economic benefits of four insect pollinator guilds to four major apple varieties in the UK. This information is essential to underpin appropriate investment in pollination services management and provides a model that can be used in other entomolophilous crops to improve our understanding of crop pollination ecology.

Are the Public Health Responsibility Deal alcohol pledges likely to improve public health? An evidence synthesis.

PubMed

Knai, Cécile; Petticrew, Mark; Durand, Mary Alison; Eastmure, Elizabeth; Mays, Nicholas

2015-08-01

The English Public Health Responsibility Deal (RD) is a public-private partnership involving voluntary pledges between industry, government and other actors in various areas including alcohol, and designed to improve public health. This paper reviews systematically the evidence underpinning four RD alcohol pledges. We conducted a systematic review of reviews of the evidence underpinning interventions proposed in four RD alcohol pledges, namely alcohol labelling, tackling underage alcohol sales, advertising and marketing alcohol, and alcohol unit reduction. In addition, we included relevant studies of interventions where these had not been covered by a recent review. We synthesized the evidence from 14 reviews published between 2002 and 2013. Overall, alcohol labelling is likely to be of limited effect on consumption: alcohol unit content labels can help consumers assess the alcohol content of drinks; however, labels promoting drinking guidelines and pregnancy warning labels are unlikely to influence drinking behaviour. Responsible drinking messages are found to be ambiguous, and industry-funded alcohol prevention campaigns can promote drinking instead of dissuading consumption. Removing advertising near schools can contribute to reducing underage drinking; however, community mobilization and law enforcement are most effective. Finally, reducing alcohol consumption is more likely to occur if there are incentives such as making lower-strength alcohol products cheaper. The most effective evidence-based strategies to reduce alcohol-related harm are not reflected consistently in the RD alcohol pledges. The evidence is clear that an alcohol control strategy should support effective interventions to make alcohol less available and more expensive. © 2015 Society for the Study of Addiction.

Innovation and problem solving: a review of common mechanisms.

PubMed

Griffin, Andrea S; Guez, David

2014-11-01

Behavioural innovations have become central to our thinking about how animals adjust to changing environments. It is now well established that animals vary in their ability to innovate, but understanding why remains a challenge. This is because innovations are rare, so studying innovation requires alternative experimental assays that create opportunities for animals to express their ability to invent new behaviours, or use pre-existing ones in new contexts. Problem solving of extractive foraging tasks has been put forward as a suitable experimental assay. We review the rapidly expanding literature on problem solving of extractive foraging tasks in order to better understand to what extent the processes underpinning problem solving, and the factors influencing problem solving, are in line with those predicted, and found, to underpin and influence innovation in the wild. Our aim is to determine whether problem solving can be used as an experimental proxy of innovation. We find that in most respects, problem solving is determined by the same underpinning mechanisms, and is influenced by the same factors, as those predicted to underpin, and to influence, innovation. We conclude that problem solving is a valid experimental assay for studying innovation, propose a conceptual model of problem solving in which motor diversity plays a more central role than has been considered to date, and provide recommendations for future research using problem solving to investigate innovation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cognition in the wild. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

New Wine in Old Bottles? A Critique of Sweden's New National Training Programme for Head Teachers: Does It Strengthen or Undermine School Equality and Students' Educational Rights and Guarantees?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rapp, Stephan

2012-01-01

This research seeks to look at the effect of the new Swedish training programme for head teachers by comparing it with the previous national training programme and does so primarily through an analysis of documents and texts that served to underpin the two different programmes. To put the Swedish teacher-training programme in an international…

Presentation skills for nurses.

PubMed

Foulkes, Mark

2015-02-20

This article emphasises the importance of effective presentation skills. Such skills allow nurses to share knowledge and expertise and to communicate clearly in a range of workplace scenarios. Nurses are increasingly being asked to present in formal and informal situations, such as conferences, poster presentations, job interviews, case reports and ward-based teaching. This article explores the principles underpinning the development of these skills, discusses the situations in which they could be applied and demonstrates how nurses might improve and develop as presenters.

Treatment of pseudobulbar affect with citalopram in a patient with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopthy.

PubMed

King, R R; Reiss, J P

2012-01-01

Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) manifests in a variety of neurologic illnesses suggesting a heterogeneous pathophysiology with common underpinnings. We report successful treatment of PBA with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) in a 54-year-old woman following progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). In light of recent focus on dextromethorphan/quinidine (DM/Q) for the treatment of PBA, the clinician is reminded of the effectiveness of SSRIs. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanics Methodology for Textile Preform Composite Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poe, Clarence C., Jr.

1996-01-01

NASA and its contractors have completed a program to develop a basic mechanics underpinning for textile composites. Three major deliverables were produced by the program: 1. A set of test methods for measuring material properties and design allowables; 2. Mechanics models to predict the effects of the fiber preform architecture and constituent properties on engineering moduli, strength, damage resistance, and fatigue life; and 3. An electronic data base of coupon type test data. This report describes these three deliverables.

Ontology-Driven Provenance Management in eScience: An Application in Parasite Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahoo, Satya S.; Weatherly, D. Brent; Mutharaju, Raghava; Anantharam, Pramod; Sheth, Amit; Tarleton, Rick L.

Provenance, from the French word "provenir", describes the lineage or history of a data entity. Provenance is critical information in scientific applications to verify experiment process, validate data quality and associate trust values with scientific results. Current industrial scale eScience projects require an end-to-end provenance management infrastructure. This infrastructure needs to be underpinned by formal semantics to enable analysis of large scale provenance information by software applications. Further, effective analysis of provenance information requires well-defined query mechanisms to support complex queries over large datasets. This paper introduces an ontology-driven provenance management infrastructure for biology experiment data, as part of the Semantic Problem Solving Environment (SPSE) for Trypanosoma cruzi (T.cruzi). This provenance infrastructure, called T.cruzi Provenance Management System (PMS), is underpinned by (a) a domain-specific provenance ontology called Parasite Experiment ontology, (b) specialized query operators for provenance analysis, and (c) a provenance query engine. The query engine uses a novel optimization technique based on materialized views called materialized provenance views (MPV) to scale with increasing data size and query complexity. This comprehensive ontology-driven provenance infrastructure not only allows effective tracking and management of ongoing experiments in the Tarleton Research Group at the Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases (CTEGD), but also enables researchers to retrieve the complete provenance information of scientific results for publication in literature.

The clinician's guide to composing effective business plans.

PubMed

Ettinger, Alan B; Blondell, Catherine

2011-01-01

In today's challenging healthcare environment, clinicians need to understand the fundamentals of financial analysis, which are the underpinnings of their clinical programs, especially when seeking administrative support for new initiatives. The business plan for new clinical program initiatives is composed of diverse elements such as the mission statement, market and competitive analyses, operations plan, and financial analysis. Armed with a basic knowledge of financial analysis of clinical programs, as well as forward-looking analysis of an initiative's added value, the healthcare provider can work much more effectively with administration in developing or creating new healthcare program initiatives.

Maternal depression and infant development: theory and current evidence.

PubMed

Miklush, Lisa; Connelly, Cynthia D

2013-01-01

Maternal depression (MD) is a condition that has wide-ranging effects on the woman, her family, and the broader global society. It is generally agreed that MD is associated with untoward effects on the developmental trajectory of offspring. The aim of this article is to review the historical and theoretical underpinnings informing current thought linking MD with infant development, and to highlight some of the neuroendocrine and epigenetic processes related to MD and its sequelae. A broad understanding of the association between MD and infant developmental outcomes can inform nursing care of the childbearing family.

Effects of pre-experimental knowledge on recognition memory.

PubMed

Bird, Chris M; Davies, Rachel A; Ward, Jamie; Burgess, Neil

2011-01-01

The influence of pre-experimental autobiographical knowledge on recognition memory was investigated using as memoranda faces that were either personally known or unknown to the participant. Under a dual process theory, such knowledge boosted both recollection- and familiarity-based recognition judgements. Under an unequal variance signal detection model, pre-experimental knowledge increased both the variance and the separation of the target and foil memory strength distributions, boosting hits and correct rejections. Thus, pre-experimental knowledge has profound effects on the multiple, interacting processes that subserve recognition memory, and likely in the neural systems that underpin them.

Using Learning Strategies to Inhibit the Nocebo Effect.

PubMed

Quinn, Veronica F; Colagiuri, Ben

2018-01-01

Learning is a key mechanism underpinning the development of the nocebo effect. The learning literature has cataloged and explored numerous ways in which the environment can be manipulated to prevent, reduce, or eradicate learning. Knowledge of these processes could be used to both inhibit the development of nocebo effects and reduce already established nocebo learning. This review describes the available evidence on how such learning strategies have, or could be, applied to reduce the nocebo effect in both healthy participants and patients to date. These learning strategies include overshadowing, latent inhibition, extinction, and contingency degradation. These strategies represent important new avenues for investigation and should be used by researchers to design and test interventions to reduce nocebo effects. © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Traceable Radiometry Underpinning Terrestrial and Helio Studies (TRUTHS) mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Green, Paul D.; Fox, Nigel P.; Lobb, Daniel; Friend, Jonathan

2015-10-01

TRUTHS (Traceable Radiometry Underpinning Terrestrial- and Helio-Studies) is a proposed small satellite mission to enable a space-based climate observing system capable of delivering data of the quality needed to provide the information needed by policy makers to make robust mitigation and adaptation decisions. This is achieved by embedding trust and confidence in the data and derived information (tied to international standards) from both its own measurements and by upgrading the performance and interoperability of other EO platforms, such as the Sentinels by in-flight reference calibration. TRUTHS would provide measurements of incoming (total and spectrally resolved) and global reflected spectrally and spatially (50 m) solar radiation at the 0.3% uncertainty level. These fundamental climate data products can be convolved into the building blocks for many ECVs and EO applications as envisaged by the 2015 ESA science strategy; in a cost effective manner. We describe the scientific drivers for the TRUTHS mission and how the requirements for the climate benchmarking and cross-calibration reference sensor are both complementary and simply implemented, with a small additional complexity on top of heritage calibration schemes. The calibration scheme components and the route to SI-traceable Earth-reflected solar spectral radiance and solar spectral irradiance are described.

The role of the staff MFF in distributing NHS funding: taking account of differences in local labour market conditions.

PubMed

Elliott, Robert; Ma, Ada; Sutton, Matt; Skatun, Diane; Rice, Nigel; Morris, Stephen; McConnachie, Alex

2010-05-01

The National Health Service (NHS) in England distributes substantial funds to health-care providers in different geographical areas to pay for the health care required by the populations they serve. The formulae that determine this distribution reflect populations' health needs and local differences in the prices of inputs. Labour is the most important input and area differences in the price of labour are measured by the Staff Market Forces Factor (MFF). This Staff MFF has been the subject of much debate. Though the Staff MFF has operated for almost 30 years this is the first academic paper to evaluate and test the theory and method that underpin the MFF. The theory underpinning the Staff MFF is the General Labour Market method. The analysis reported here reveals empirical support for this theory in the case of nursing staff employed by NHS hospitals, but fails to identify similar support for its application to medical staff. The paper demonstrates the extent of spatial variation in private sector and NHS wages, considers the choice of comparators and spatial geography, incorporates vacancy modelling and illustrates the effect of spatial smoothing.

Reflecting on the challenges of choosing and using a grounded theory approach.

PubMed

Markey, Kathleen; Tilki, Mary; Taylor, Georgina

2014-11-01

To explore three different approaches to grounded theory and consider some of the possible philosophical assumptions underpinning them. Grounded theory is a comprehensive yet complex methodology that offers a procedural structure that guides the researcher. However, divergent approaches to grounded theory present dilemmas for novice researchers seeking to choose a suitable research method. This is a methodology paper. This is a reflexive paper that explores some of the challenges experienced by a PhD student when choosing and operationalising a grounded theory approach. Before embarking on a study, novice grounded theory researchers should examine their research beliefs to assist them in selecting the most suitable approach. This requires an insight into the approaches' philosophical assumptions, such as those pertaining to ontology and epistemology. Researchers need to be clear about the philosophical assumptions underpinning their studies and the effects that different approaches will have on the research results. This paper presents a personal account of the journey of a novice grounded theory researcher who chose a grounded theory approach and worked within its theoretical parameters. Novice grounded theory researchers need to understand the different philosophical assumptions that influence the various grounded theory approaches, before choosing one particular approach.

Renewable energy technology from underpinning physics to engineering application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Infield, D. G.

2008-03-01

The UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) in it's submission to the DTI's 2006 Energy Review reminded us that the ''UK has abundant wind, wave and tidal resources available; its mild climate lends itself to bio-energy production, and solar radiation levels are sufficient to sustain a viable solar industry''. These technologies are at different stages of development but they all draw on basic and applied Science and Engineering. The paper will briefly review the renewable energy technologies and their potential for contributing to a sustainable energy supply. Three research topics will be highlighted that bridge the gap between the physics underpinning the energy conversion, and the engineering aspects of development and deployment; all three are highly relevant to the Government's programme on micro-generation. Two are these are taken from field of thin film photovoltaics (PV), one related to novel device development and the other to a measurement technique for assessing the manufacturing quality of PV modules and their performance. The third topic concerns the development of small building integrated wind turbines and examines the complex flow associated with such applications. The paper will conclude by listing key research challenges that are central to the search for efficient and cost-effective renewable energy generation.

Animal social learning: associations and adaptations.

PubMed

Reader, Simon M

2016-01-01

Social learning, learning from others, is a powerful process known to impact the success and survival of humans and non-human animals alike. Yet we understand little about the neurocognitive and other processes that underpin social learning. Social learning has often been assumed to involve specialized, derived cognitive processes that evolve and develop independently from other processes. However, this assumption is increasingly questioned, and evidence from a variety of organisms demonstrates that current, recent, and early life experience all predict the reliance on social information and thus can potentially explain variation in social learning as a result of experiential effects rather than evolved differences. General associative learning processes, rather than adaptive specializations, may underpin much social learning, as well as social learning strategies. Uncovering these distinctions is important to a variety of fields, for example by widening current views of the possible breadth and adaptive flexibility of social learning. Nonetheless, just like adaptationist evolutionary explanations, associationist explanations for social learning cannot be assumed, and empirical work is required to uncover the mechanisms involved and their impact on the efficacy of social learning. This work is being done, but more is needed. Current evidence suggests that much social learning may be based on 'ordinary' processes but with extraordinary consequences.

Generic skills in medical education: developing the tools for successful lifelong learning.

PubMed

Murdoch-Eaton, Deborah; Whittle, Sue

2012-01-01

Higher education has invested in defining the role of generic skills in developing effective, adaptable graduates fit for a changing workplace. Research confirms that the development of generic skills that underpin effectiveness and adaptability in graduates is highly context-dependent and is shaped by the discipline within which these skills are conceptualised, valued and taught. This places the responsibility for generic skills enhancement clearly within the remit of global medical education. Many factors will influence the skill set with which students begin their medical training and experience at entry needs to be taken into account. Learning and teaching environments enhance effective skill development through active learning, teaching for understanding, feedback, and teacher-student and student-student interaction. Medical curricula need to provide students with opportunities to practise and develop their generic skills in a range of discipline-specific contexts. Curricular design should include explicit and integrated generic skills objectives against which students' progress can be monitored. Assessment and feedback serve as valuable reinforcements of the professed importance of generic skills to both learner and teacher, and will encourage students to self-evaluate and take responsibility for their own skill development. The continual need for students to modify their practice in response to changes in their environment and the requirements of their roles will help students to develop the ability to transfer these skills at transition points in their training and future careers. If they are to take their place in an ever-changing profession, medical students need to be competent in the skills that underpin lifelong learning. Only then will the doctors of the future be well placed to adapt to changes in knowledge, update their practice in line with the changing evidence base, and continue to contribute effectively as societal needs change. © Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2012.

Muscle fascicle behavior during eccentric cycling and its relation to muscle soreness.

PubMed

Peñailillo, Luis; Blazevich, Anthony J; Nosaka, Kazunori

2015-04-01

A single bout of eccentric exercise confers a protective effect against muscle damage and soreness in subsequent eccentric exercise bouts, but the mechanisms underpinning this effect are unclear. This study compared vastus lateralis (VL) muscle-tendon behavior between two eccentric cycling bouts to test the hypothesis that muscle-tendon behavior would be different between bouts and would be associated with the protective effect. Eleven untrained men (27.1 ± 7.0 yr) performed two bouts of eccentric cycling (ECC1 and ECC2) separated by 2 wk for 10 min at 65% of maximal concentric workload (191.9 ± 44.2 W) each. Muscle soreness (by visual analog scale) and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) torque of the knee extensors were assessed before and 1-2 d after exercise. Using ultrasonography, VL fascicle length and angle changes during cycling were assessed, and tendinous tissue (TT) length changes were estimated. VL EMG amplitude, crank torque, and knee joint angles were measured during cycling. Soreness was greater (P < 0.0001) after ECC1 than ECC2, although MVC changes were not different between bouts (P = 0.47). No significant differences in peak EMG amplitude (normalized to EMG during MVC), crank peak torque, or knee angles were evident between bouts. However, fascicle elongation was 16% less during ECC2 than ECC1 (P < 0.01), indicating less fascicle strain in ECC2. Maximum TT length occurred at a smaller knee joint angle during ECC2 than ECC1 (P = 0.055). These results suggest that a lesser fascicle elongation and earlier TT elongation were associated with reduced muscle soreness after ECC2 than ECC1; thus, changes in muscle-tendon behavior may be an important mechanism underpinning the protective effect.

Recent odour regulation developments in Flanders: ambient odour quality standards based on dose-response relationships.

PubMed

Van Broeck, G; Van Langenhove, H; Nieuwejaers, B

2001-01-01

Until now there has been little uniformity in the approach of odour nuisance problems in Flanders. A switch to a standardised and scientifically underpinned approach is essential and is currently in full development. This paper mainly discusses the results of five year research on odour concentration standard developments in Flanders, executed in the period 1996-2000. The research was focused on five pilot sectors: pig farms, slaughterhouses, paint spray installations, sewage treatment plants and textile plants. The general approach of the method to determine the dose-response relation was found to be sufficient. The methodology used is fully described in the paper presented by Van Broeck and Van Langenhove at the CIWEM and IAWO Joint International Conference on Control and Prevention of Odours in the Water Industry in September 1999. For each location (16 locations in total) an unambiguous dose-response relation could be derived (rising nuisance for rising concentrations). In most cases, a "no effect" level could be determined. The background percentage nuisance fluctuated between 0 and 15%. For the sectors of the slaughterhouses, paint spray installations and sewage treatment plants a no effect level was 0.5, 2.0 and 0.5 sniffing units m(-3) as 98th percentile (sniffing units are odour concentrations measured by means of sniffing measurements on the field) was determined. For the sectors of the textile plants and pig farms, no unambiguous no effect level was found. Currently research is undertaken to translate the no effect levels to odour standards. Other initiatives, taken to underpin the Flemish odour regulations, such as the development of an odour source inventory and a complaint handling system, are also briefly discussed.

The genetics and cell biology of fertilization.

PubMed

Geldziler, Brian D; Marcello, Matthew R; Shakes, Diane C; Singson, Andrew

2011-01-01

Although the general events surrounding fertilization in many species are well described, the molecular underpinnings of fertilization are still poorly understood. Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as a powerful model system for addressing the molecular and cell biological mechanism of fertilization. A primary advantage is the ability to isolate and propagate mutants that effect gametes and no other cells. This chapter provides conceptual guidelines for the identification, maintenance, and experimental approaches for the study fertility mutants. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Building capacity in nursing: creating a leadership institute.

PubMed

Simpson, Beverley; Skelton-Green, Judith; Scott, Julia J; O'Brien-Pallas, Linda

2002-01-01

The authors describe the development of the Dorothy M. Wylie Nursing Leadership Institute, an innovative partnership of the Nursing Effectiveness, Outcomes and Utilization Research Unit at the University of Toronto site and nurse consultants with expertise in organizational and human resource development. The context for the initiative, needs and rationale, supporting literature and the coalition-building and planning activities are outlined. The program and its conceptual underpinnings, creation of a learning community, participant profiles, evaluation processes and future plans are described.

Science Underpinning TBC Design to Overcome the CMAS Threat to Progress in Gas Turbine Technology

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-30

34Infiltration-inhibiting reaction of Gadolinium Zirconate Thermal Barrier Coatings with CMAS melts," Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 91 [2...interactions of thermal barrier coatings with molten Ca0-Mg0-AI20 3-Si02 (CMAS) deposits," Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 89 [1 0] 3167...34Composition Effects of Thermal Barrier Coating Ceramics on their Interaction with Molten Ca-Mg-AI-Silicate (CMAS) Glass," Acta Materialia, 60 [15] 5437

Hypersomnia in Mood Disorders: a Rapidly Changing Landscape

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Hypersomnia is commonly comorbid with depressive illness and is associated with treatment resistance, symptomatic relapse, and functional impairment. This review highlights recent changes in nosological classifications of hypersomnia. In addition, emergent findings regarding the neurobiologic underpinnings, assessment, and treatment of hypersomnia in mood disorders are reviewed, as well as the effects of hypersomnolence on illness course. Future strategies for research are proposed that may elucidate the causes of hypersomnia in mood disorders and lead to the development of improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. PMID:26258003

Anxiety, Depression, and Cigarette Smoking: A Transdiagnostic Vulnerability Framework to Understanding Emotion-Smoking Comorbidity

PubMed Central

Leventhal, Adam M.; Zvolensky, Michael J.

2014-01-01

Research into the comorbidity between emotional psychopathology and cigarette smoking has often focused upon anxiety and depression’s manifest symptoms and syndromes, with limited theoretical and clinical advancement. This paper presents a novel framework to understanding emotion-smoking comorbidity. We propose that transdiagnostic emotional vulnerabilities—core biobehavioral traits reflecting maladaptive responses to emotional states that underpin multiple types of emotional psychopathology—link various anxiety and depressive psychopathologies to smoking. This framework is applied in a review and synthesis of the empirical literature on three trandiagnostic emotional vulnerabilities implicated in smoking: (1) anhedonia (Anh; diminished pleasure/interest in response to rewards); (2) anxiety sensitivity (AS; fear of anxiety-related sensations); and (3) distress tolerance (DT; ability to withstand distressing states). We conclude that Anh, AS, and DT collectively: (a) underpin multiple emotional psychopathologies; (b) amplify smoking’s anticipated and actual affect enhancing properties and other mechanisms underlying smoking; (c) promote progression across the smoking trajectory (i.e., initiation, escalation/progression, maintenance, cessation/relapse); and (d) are promising targets for smoking intervention. After existing gaps are identified, an integrative model of transdiagnostic processes linking emotional psychopathology to smoking is proposed. The model’s key premise is that Anh amplifies smoking’s anticipated and actual pleasure-enhancing effects, AS amplifies smoking’s anxiolytic effects, and poor DT amplifies smoking’s distress terminating effects. Collectively, these processes augment the reinforcing properties of smoking for individuals with emotional psychopathology to heighten risk of smoking initiation, progression, maintenance, cessation avoidance, and relapse. We conclude by drawing clinical and scientific implications from this framework that may generalize to other comorbidities. PMID:25365764

Concurrent exercise training: do opposites distract?

PubMed

Coffey, Vernon G; Hawley, John A

2017-05-01

Specificity is a core principle of exercise training to promote the desired adaptations for maximising athletic performance. The principle of specificity of adaptation is underpinned by the volume, intensity, frequency and mode of contractile activity and is most evident when contrasting the divergent phenotypes that result after undertaking either prolonged endurance or resistance training. The molecular profiles that generate the adaptive response to different exercise modes have undergone intense scientific scrutiny. Given divergent exercise induces similar signalling and gene expression profiles in skeletal muscle of untrained or recreationally active individuals, what is currently unclear is how the specificity of the molecular response is modified by prior training history. The time course of adaptation and when 'phenotype specificity' occurs has important implications for exercise prescription. This context is essential when attempting to concomitantly develop resistance to fatigue (through endurance-based exercise) and increased muscle mass (through resistance-based exercise), typically termed 'concurrent training'. Chronic training studies provide robust evidence that endurance exercise can attenuate muscle hypertrophy and strength but the mechanistic underpinning of this 'interference' effect with concurrent training is unknown. Moreover, despite the potential for several key regulators of muscle metabolism to explain an incompatibility in adaptation between endurance and resistance exercise, it now seems likely that multiple integrated, rather than isolated, effectors or processes generate the interference effect. Here we review studies of the molecular responses in skeletal muscle and evidence for the interference effect with concurrent training within the context of the specificity of training adaptation. © 2016 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2016 The Physiological Society.

Theory-Based Interventions to Improve Medication Adherence in Older Adults Prescribed Polypharmacy: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Patton, Deborah E; Hughes, Carmel M; Cadogan, Cathal A; Ryan, Cristín A

2017-02-01

Previous interventions have shown limited success in improving medication adherence in older adults, and this may be due to the lack of a theoretical underpinning. This review sought to determine the effectiveness of theory-based interventions aimed at improving medication adherence in older adults prescribed polypharmacy and to explore the extent to which psychological theory informed their development. Eight electronic databases were searched from inception to March 2015, and extensive hand-searching was conducted. Interventions delivered to older adults (populations with a mean/median age of ≥65 years) prescribed polypharmacy (four or more regular oral/non-oral medicines) were eligible. Studies had to report an underpinning theory and measure at least one adherence and one clinical/humanistic outcome. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers and included details of intervention content, delivery, providers, participants, outcomes and theories used. The theory coding scheme (TCS) was used to assess the extent of theory use. Five studies cited theory as the basis for intervention development (social cognitive theory, health belief model, transtheoretical model, self-regulation model). The extent of theory use and intervention effectiveness in terms of adherence and clinical/humanistic outcomes varied across studies. No study made optimal use of theory as recommended in the TCS. The heterogeneity observed and inclusion of pilot designs mean conclusions regarding effectiveness of theory-based interventions targeting older adults prescribed polypharmacy could not be drawn. Further primary research involving theory as a central component of intervention development is required. The review findings will help inform the design of future theory-based adherence interventions.

Committee on air pollution effects research: 40 years of UK air pollution.

PubMed

Fowler, David; Dise, Nancy; Sheppard, Lucy

2016-01-01

The UK Committee on Air Pollution Effects Research (CAPER) was established 40 years ago. This special section was compiled to mark this anniversary. During this time there have been dramatic changes in the composition of the air over the UK. The four papers in this special section of Environmental Pollution represent the current air pollution effects research focus on ozone and nitrogen deposition, two related issues and are proving from a policy perspective to be quite intractable issues. The UK CAPER research community continues to advance the underpinning science and engages closely with the user community in government departments. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The water sensitive city: principles for practice.

PubMed

Wong, T H F; Brown, R R

2009-01-01

With the widespread realisation of the significance of climate change, urban communities are increasingly seeking to ensure resilience to future uncertainties in urban water supplies, yet change seems slow with many cities facing ongoing investment in the conventional approach. This is because transforming cities to more sustainable urban water cities, or to Water Sensitive Cities, requires a major overhaul of the hydro-social contract that underpins conventional approaches. This paper provides an overview of the emerging research and practice focused on system resilience and principles of sustainable urban water management Three key pillars that need to underpin the development and practice of a Water Sensitive City are proposed: (i) access to a diversity of water sources underpinned by a diversity of centralised and decentralised infrastructure; (ii) provision of ecosystem services for the built and natural environment; and (iii) socio-political capital for sustainability and water sensitive behaviours. While there is not one example in the world of a Water Sensitive City, there are cities that lead on distinct and varying attributes of the water sensitive approach and examples from Australia and Singapore are presented.

The dual pathway model of AD/HD: an elaboration of neuro-developmental characteristics.

PubMed

Sonuga-Barke, Edmund J S

2003-11-01

The currently dominant neuro-cognitive model of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) presents the condition as executive dysfunction (EDF) underpinned by disturbances in the fronto-dorsal striatal circuit and associated dopaminergic branches (e.g. meso-cortical). In contrast, motivationally-based accounts focus on altered reward processes and implicate fronto-ventral striatal reward circuits and those meso-limbic branches that terminate in the ventral striatum especially the nucleus accumbens. One such account, delay aversion (DEL), presents AD/HD as a motivational style-characterised by attempts to escape or avoid delay-arising from fundamental disturbances in these reward centres. While traditionally regarded as competing, EDF and DEL models have recently been presented as complimentary accounts of two psycho-patho-physiological subtypes of AD/HD with different developmental pathways, underpinned by different cortico-striatal circuits and modulated by different branches of the dopamine system. In the current paper we describe the development of this model in more detail. We elaborate on the neuro-circuitry possibly underpinning these two pathways and explore their developmental significance within a neuro-ecological framework.

The philosophical and pedagogical underpinnings of Active Learning in Engineering Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christie, Michael; de Graaff, Erik

2017-01-01

In this paper the authors draw on three sequential keynote addresses that they gave at Active Learning in Engineering Education (ALE) workshops in Copenhagen (2012), Caxias do Sol (2014) and San Sebastian (2015). Active Learning in Engineering Education is an informal international network of engineering educators dedicated to improving engineering education through active learning (http://www.ale-net.org/). The paper reiterates themes from those keynotes, namely, the philosophical and pedagogical underpinnings of Active Learning in Engineering Education, the scholarly questions that inspire engineering educators to go on improving their practice and exemplary models designed to activate the learning of engineering students. This paper aims to uncover the bedrock of established educational philosophies and theories that define and support active learning. The paper does not claim to present any new or innovative educational theory. There is already a surfeit of them. Rather, the aim is to assist Engineering Educators who wish to research how they can best activate the learning of their students by providing a readable, reasonable and solid underpinning for best practice in this field.

Toward a psychopathology of self-control theory: the importance of narcissistic traits.

PubMed

Vaughn, Michael G; DeLisi, Matt; Beaver, Kevin M; Wright, John Paul; Howard, Matthew O

2007-01-01

Research on self-control and related constructs is central to individual-level explanations of antisocial behavior. However, less research attention has been paid to the psychopathological underpinnings of self-control. The current study explores relationships between self-control and psychiatric symptoms, head injury, trauma history, substance use, guiltlessness and narcissistic traits in a statewide population of juvenile offenders. Results support the importance of these variables, in particular narcissistic traits, in better explicating theories of self-control. Implications for research on the psychopathological underpinnings of self-control are highlighted. Copyright (c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Evaluation of the grand-canonical partition function using expanded Wang-Landau simulations. V. Impact of an electric field on the thermodynamic properties and ideality contours of water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desgranges, Caroline; Delhommelle, Jerome

2016-11-01

Using molecular simulation, we assess the impact of an electric field on the properties of water, modeled with the SPC/E potential, over a wide range of states and conditions. Electric fields of the order of 0.1 V/Å and beyond are found to have a significant impact on the grand-canonical partition function of water, resulting in shifts in the chemical potential at the vapor-liquid coexistence of up to 20%. This, in turn, leads to an increase in the critical temperatures by close to 7% for a field of 0.2 V/Å, to lower vapor pressures, and to much larger entropies of vaporization (by up to 35%). We interpret these results in terms of the greater density change at the transition and of the increased structural order resulting from the applied field. The thermodynamics of compressed liquids and of supercritical water are also analyzed over a wide range of pressures, leading to the determination of the Zeno line and of the curve of ideal enthalpy that span the supercritical region of the phase diagram. Rescaling the phase diagrams obtained for the different field strengths by their respective critical properties allows us to draw a correspondence between these systems for fields of up to 0.2 V/Å.

Science Requirements for a Space Flight Experiment Entitled Critical Viscosity of Xenon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berg, Robert F.; Moldover, Michael R.

1993-01-01

We propose to measure in low gravity the viscosity of xenon close to its critical point. The accuracy will be sufficient to eliminate uncertainties currently associated with the analysis of l-g experiments. The measurements will provide the first direct observation of the predicted power-law divergence of viscosity in a pure fluid. The measurements will also strengthen Zeno's test of mode coupling theory by greatly increasing the reliability of the extrapolation of viscosity to low reduced temperatures. Our scientific objectives are described in more detail in one of the attached reports. The low-gravity experiment will be the final stage of a program whose completed ground-based stages are: (1) theoretical studies by one of the principal investigators (MRM) and coworkers, (2) critical viscosity measurements of binary liquid mixtures, (3) critical viscosity measurements of pure fluids in l-g, and development of a suitable vibration-insensitive viscometer. Our technical approach is described in the draft Science Requirements Document. One of us (MRM) has reviewed opportunities for critical phenomena research in low gravity. Both of us were co-principal investigators in the Thermal Equilibration Experiment in the Critical Point Facility, flown on IML-1 in 1992. From this experience, and from the technical maturity of our ground-based work, we believe our critical point viscometer is ready for development as a flight experiment.

Germanium oxide removal by citric acid and thiol passivation from citric acid-terminated Ge(100).

PubMed

Collins, Gillian; Aureau, Damien; Holmes, Justin D; Etcheberry, Arnaud; O'Dwyer, Colm

2014-12-02

Many applications of germanium (Ge) are underpinned by effective oxide removal and surface passivation. This important surface treatment step often requires H-X (X = Cl, Br, I) or HF etchants. Here, we show that aqueous citric acid solutions are effective in the removal of GeOx. The stability of citric acid-treated Ge(100) is compared to HF and HCl treated surfaces and analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Further Ge surface passivation was investigated by thiolation using alkane monothiols and dithiols. The organic passivation layers show good stability with no oxide regrowth observed after 3 days of ambient exposure.

Biogeochemical cycles and biodiversity as key drivers of ecosystem services provided by soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, P.; Cotrufo, M. F.; Rumpel, C.; Paustian, K.; Kuikman, P. J.; Elliott, J. A.; McDowell, R.; Griffiths, R. I.; Asakawa, S.; Bustamante, M.; House, J. I.; Sobocká, J.; Harper, R.; Pan, G.; West, P. C.; Gerber, J. S.; Clark, J. M.; Adhya, T.; Scholes, R. J.; Scholes, M. C.

2015-11-01

Soils play a pivotal role in major global biogeochemical cycles (carbon, nutrient, and water), while hosting the largest diversity of organisms on land. Because of this, soils deliver fundamental ecosystem services, and management to change a soil process in support of one ecosystem service can either provide co-benefits to other services or result in trade-offs. In this critical review, we report the state-of-the-art understanding concerning the biogeochemical cycles and biodiversity in soil, and relate these to the provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural ecosystem services which they underpin. We then outline key knowledge gaps and research challenges, before providing recommendations for management activities to support the continued delivery of ecosystem services from soils. We conclude that, although soils are complex, there are still knowledge gaps, and fundamental research is still needed to better understand the relationships between different facets of soils and the array of ecosystem services they underpin, enough is known to implement best practices now. There is a tendency among soil scientists to dwell on the complexity and knowledge gaps rather than to focus on what we do know and how this knowledge can be put to use to improve the delivery of ecosystem services. A significant challenge is to find effective ways to share knowledge with soil managers and policy makers so that best management can be implemented. A key element of this knowledge exchange must be to raise awareness of the ecosystems services underpinned by soils and thus the natural capital they provide. We know enough to start moving in the right direction while we conduct research to fill in our knowledge gaps. The lasting legacy of the International Year of Soils in 2015 should be for soil scientists to work together with policy makers and land managers to put soils at the centre of environmental policy making and land management decisions.

Cognitive and Anatomical Underpinnings of the Conceptual Knowledge for Common Objects and Familiar People: A Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Study

PubMed Central

Campanella, Fabio; Fabbro, Franco; Urgesi, Cosimo

2013-01-01

Several studies have addressed the issue of how knowledge of common objects is organized in the brain, whereas the cognitive and anatomical underpinnings of familiar people knowledge have been less explored. Here we applied repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the left and right temporal poles before asking healthy individuals to perform a speeded word-to-picture matching task using familiar people and common objects as stimuli. We manipulated two widely used semantic variables, namely the semantic distance and the familiarity of stimuli, to assess whether the semantic organization of familiar people knowledge is similar to that of common objects. For both objects and faces we reliably found semantic distance and familiarity effects, with less accurate and slower responses for stimulus pairs that were more closely related and less familiar. However, the effects of semantic variables differed across categories, with semantic distance effects larger for objects and familiarity effects larger for faces, suggesting that objects and faces might share a partially comparable organization of their semantic representations. The application of rTMS to the left temporal pole modulated, for both categories, semantic distance, but not familiarity effects, revealing that accessing object and face concepts might rely on overlapping processes within left anterior temporal regions. Crucially, rTMS of the left temporal pole affected only the recognition of pairs of stimuli that could be discriminated at specific levels of categorization (e.g., two kitchen tools or two famous persons), with no effect for discriminations at either superordinate or individual levels. Conversely, rTMS of the right temporal pole induced an overall slowing of reaction times that positively correlated with the visual similarity of the stimuli, suggesting a more perceptual rather than semantic role of the right anterior temporal regions. Results are discussed in the light of current models of face and object semantic representations in the brain. PMID:23704999

Social determinants of health, universal health coverage, and sustainable development: case studies from Latin American countries.

PubMed

de Andrade, Luiz Odorico Monteiro; Pellegrini Filho, Alberto; Solar, Orielle; Rígoli, Félix; de Salazar, Lígia Malagon; Serrate, Pastor Castell-Florit; Ribeiro, Kelen Gomes; Koller, Theadora Swift; Cruz, Fernanda Natasha Bravo; Atun, Rifat

2015-04-04

Many intrinsically related determinants of health and disease exist, including social and economic status, education, employment, housing, and physical and environmental exposures. These factors interact to cumulatively affect health and disease burden of individuals and populations, and to establish health inequities and disparities across and within countries. Biomedical models of health care decrease adverse consequences of disease, but are not enough to effectively improve individual and population health and advance health equity. Social determinants of health are especially important in Latin American countries, which are characterised by adverse colonial legacies, tremendous social injustice, huge socioeconomic disparities, and wide health inequities. Poverty and inequality worsened substantially in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s in these countries. Many Latin American countries have introduced public policies that integrate health, social, and economic actions, and have sought to develop health systems that incorporate multisectoral interventions when introducing universal health coverage to improve health and its upstream determinants. We present case studies from four Latin American countries to show the design and implementation of health programmes underpinned by intersectoral action and social participation that have reached national scale to effectively address social determinants of health, improve health outcomes, and reduce health inequities. Investment in managerial and political capacity, strong political and managerial commitment, and state programmes, not just time-limited government actions, have been crucial in underpinning the success of these policies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The potential use of genetics to increase the effectiveness of treatment programs for criminal offenders.

PubMed

Beaver, Kevin M; Jackson, Dylan B; Flesher, Dillon

2014-01-01

During the past couple of decades, the amount of research examining the genetic underpinnings to antisocial behaviors, including crime, has exploded. Findings from this body of work have generated a great deal of information linking genetics to criminal involvement. As a partial result, there is now a considerable amount of interest in how these findings should be integrated into the criminal justice system. In the current paper, we outline the potential ways that genetic information can be used to increase the effectiveness of treatment programs designed to reduce recidivism among offenders. We conclude by drawing attention to how genetic information can be used by rehabilitation programs to increase program effectiveness, reduce offender recidivism rates, and enhance public safety.

Perception of intentions and actions: gender stereotype susceptibility.

PubMed

Pavlova, Marina A; Wecker, Matthias; Krombholz, Kerstin; Sokolov, Arseny A

2010-01-22

Gender differences are evident in the comprehension of social signals, but the underlying basis for these differences is unclear. There is some indication that gender effects have neurobiological sources. Here we manipulated stereotype messages about gender differences in a social cognition task, on which no gender gap has previously been documented. The outcome indicates that manipulation of stereotype messages elicits gender effects. A positive message enhances performance, whereas a negative message diminishes it. Furthermore, this effect is more pronounced in females, with a greater force of a negative stereotype message. The study provides novel insights into the possible sources of gender related fluctuations in social cognition. The findings are discussed in terms of behavioral components and brain mechanisms underpinning gender effects in social cognition. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Neural Correlates of Glucocorticoids Effects on Autobiographical Memory Retrieval in Healthy Women.

PubMed

Fleischer, Juliane; Metz, Sophie; Düsenberg, Moritz; Grimm, Simone; Golde, Sabrina; Roepke, Stefan; Renneberg, Babette; Wolf, Oliver T; Otte, Christian; Wingenfeld, Katja

2018-06-22

It is well known that elevated cortisol after stress or after exogenous administration impairs episodic memory retrieval including autobiographical memory (AM) retrieval. This impairment might be mediated by deactivation of a neural network associated with memory retrieval including the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and limbic structures. However, the neural underpinnings of these cortisol effects on AM retrieval have not been investigated yet. In this study, thirty-three healthy women received either placebo or 10 mg hydrocortisone in a double blind cross-over design before completing an AM test during fMRI. In this test, participants are asked to recall specific events from their own past in response to a cue word. In a first step, we analyzed the neural underpinnings of AM retrieval in the placebo condition. We found an activation pattern consistent with core regions involved in autobiographical memory recall, including the ventromedial PFC, anterior medial (am)PFC, inferior frontal gyrus, the posterior cingulate cortex, the tempoparietal junction, the middle temporal gyrus and the hippocampus. Further, we analyzed brain activation during AM retrieval after hydrocortisone compared to placebo. Region of interest (ROI) analyses revealed a hydrocortisone-induced deactivation during AM retrieval in the right amPFC. Results of the ROI analyses were non-significant in the left and right hippocampus, the left and right vmPFC and the left amPFC In sum, during AM retrieval hydrocortisone had the most pronounced effects on the amPFC. This might be explained by the strong involvement of this brain region in self-referential behavior, which is essential for recalling autobiographic information. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Reflection: moving from a mandatory ritual to meaningful professional development.

PubMed

Murdoch-Eaton, Deborah; Sandars, John

2014-03-01

Reflection has become established as a key principle underpinning maintenance of standards within professional education and practice. A requirement to evidence reflection within performance review is intended to develop a transformative approach to practice, identify developmental goals, and ultimately, improve healthcare. However, some applications have taken an excessively instrumental approach to the evidencing of reflection, and while they have provided useful templates or framing devices for recording individualistic reflective practice, they potentially have distorted the original intentions. This article revisits the educational theory underpinning the importance of reflection for enhancing performance and considers how to enhance its value within current paediatric practice.

The role of proletarianization in physical education teacher attrition.

PubMed

Macdonald, D

1995-06-01

As the quality of education provisions continues to come under scrutiny, so too have the conditions for teachers' work. The purpose of this study was to ascertain what were the dissatisfactions for beginning physical education teachers in Australian schools. Qualitative data were collected using interviews, journals, photographs, and field notes. Data yielded five main categories underpinning teacher dissatisfaction: (a) lack of status, (b) repetitive nature of physical education work, (c) limited decision making, (d) personal and professional surveillance, and (e) unprofessional staffroom culture. The construct of proletarianization was employed to explain the patterns that shape teachers' occupational socialization and underpin teachers' decisions to leave the profession.

Challenges facing lithium batteries and electrical double-layer capacitors.

PubMed

Choi, Nam-Soon; Chen, Zonghai; Freunberger, Stefan A; Ji, Xiulei; Sun, Yang-Kook; Amine, Khalil; Yushin, Gleb; Nazar, Linda F; Cho, Jaephil; Bruce, Peter G

2012-10-01

Energy-storage technologies, including electrical double-layer capacitors and rechargeable batteries, have attracted significant attention for applications in portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, bulk electricity storage at power stations, and "load leveling" of renewable sources, such as solar energy and wind power. Transforming lithium batteries and electric double-layer capacitors requires a step change in the science underpinning these devices, including the discovery of new materials, new electrochemistry, and an increased understanding of the processes on which the devices depend. The Review will consider some of the current scientific issues underpinning lithium batteries and electric double-layer capacitors. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The Q sort theory and technique.

PubMed

Nyatanga, L

1989-10-01

This paper is based on the author's experience of using the Q sort technique with BA Social Sciences (BASS) students, and the community psychiatric nursing (CPN, ENB No 811 course). The paper focuses on two main issues: 1. The theoretical assumptions underpinning the Q Sort technique. Carl Rogers' self theory and some of the values of humanistic psychology are summarised. 2. The actual technique procedure and meaning of results are highlighted. As the Q Sort technique is potentially useful in a variety of sittings some of which are listed in this paper, the emphasis has deliberately been placed in understanding the theoretical underpinning and the operationalisation (sensitive interpretation) of the theory to practice.

Public health ethics theory: review and path to convergence.

PubMed

Lee, Lisa M

2012-01-01

Public health ethics is a nascent field, emerging over the past decade as an applied field merging concepts of clinical and research ethics. Because the "patient" in public health is the population rather than the individual, existing principles might be weighted differently, or there might be different ethical principles to consider. This paper reviewed the evolution of public health ethics, the use of bioethics as its model, and the proposed frameworks for public health ethics through 2010. Review of 13 major public health ethics frameworks published over the past 15 years yields a wide variety of theoretical approaches, some similar foundational values, and a few similar operating principles. Coming to a consensus on the reach, purpose, and ends of public health is necessary if we are to agree on what ethical underpinnings drive us, what foundational values bring us to these underpinnings, and what operating principles practitioners must implement to make ethical decisions. If public health is distinct enough from clinical medicine to warrant its own set of ethical and philosophical underpinnings, then a decision must be made as to whether a single approach is warranted or we can tolerate a variety of equal but different perspectives. © 2012 American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics, Inc.

Maternity care: a narrative overview of what women expect across their care continuum.

PubMed

Clark, Kim; Beatty, Shelley; Reibel, Tracy

2015-04-01

to provide a narrative overview of the values schema underpinning women׳s expectations of public maternity-care services using an episodes-of-care framework. focus-group discussions and in-depth interviews were undertaken with Western Australian women who had opted for public maternity care to determine the values schema apparent in their expectations of their care. public maternity-care services in metropolitan (i.e. Armadale, Osborne Park and Rockingham) and regional (i.e. Broome, Geraldton, Bunbury) Western Australia. women interviewed were found to have consistent values schema underpinning their maternity-care expectations and evaluations. the current study suggests that while women׳s choices and experiences of maternity care may differ on a range of dimensions, the values schema underlying their care expectations and subsequent evaluations are similar. The study findings resonate with past Australian research regarding women׳s expectations of public maternity care, but complement it by providing a coherent narrative of core underpinning stage-specific values schema. These may assist maternity-care policy makers, practitioners and researchers seeking to better understand and comprehensively respond to women׳s maternity-care expectations. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Identifying the latent failures underpinning medication administration errors: an exploratory study.

PubMed

Lawton, Rebecca; Carruthers, Sam; Gardner, Peter; Wright, John; McEachan, Rosie R C

2012-08-01

The primary aim of this article was to identify the latent failures that are perceived to underpin medication errors. The study was conducted within three medical wards in a hospital in the United Kingdom. The study employed a cross-sectional qualitative design. Interviews were conducted with 12 nurses and eight managers. Interviews were transcribed and subject to thematic content analysis. A two-step inter-rater comparison tested the reliability of the themes. Ten latent failures were identified based on the analysis of the interviews. These were ward climate, local working environment, workload, human resources, team communication, routine procedures, bed management, written policies and procedures, supervision and leadership, and training. The discussion focuses on ward climate, the most prevalent theme, which is conceptualized here as interacting with failures in the nine other organizational structures and processes. This study is the first of its kind to identify the latent failures perceived to underpin medication errors in a systematic way. The findings can be used as a platform for researchers to test the impact of organization-level patient safety interventions and to design proactive error management tools and incident reporting systems in hospitals. © Health Research and Educational Trust.

The role of cognitive effort in subjective reward devaluation and risky decision-making.

PubMed

Apps, Matthew A J; Grima, Laura L; Manohar, Sanjay; Husain, Masud

2015-11-20

Motivation is underpinned by cost-benefit valuations where costs-such as physical effort or outcome risk-are subjectively weighed against available rewards. However, in many environments risks pertain not to the variance of outcomes, but to variance in the possible levels of effort required to obtain rewards (effort risks). Moreover, motivation is often guided by the extent to which cognitive-not physical-effort devalues rewards (effort discounting). Yet, very little is known about the mechanisms that underpin the influence of cognitive effort risks or discounting on motivation. We used two cost-benefit decision-making tasks to probe subjective sensitivity to cognitive effort (number of shifts of spatial attention) and to effort risks. Our results show that shifts of spatial attention when monitoring rapidly presented visual stimuli are perceived as effortful and devalue rewards. Additionally, most people are risk-averse, preferring safe, known amounts of effort over risky offers. However, there was no correlation between their effort and risk sensitivity. We show for the first time that people are averse to variance in the possible amount of cognitive effort to be exerted. These results suggest that cognitive effort sensitivity and risk sensitivity are underpinned by distinct psychological and neurobiological mechanisms.

A Population Consequence of Acoustic Disturbance Model for Cuviers beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) in Southern California

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-30

two sources. The energetics model that will underpin both PCoD models for Md and Zc has also been published (New et al 2013). The full PCoD model...to Zc on SCORE. We will also be able to use the simplified PCoD model for beaked whales currently being developed under the ONR-funded project...34Using an interim PCoD protocol to assess the effects of disturbance associated with US Navy exercises on marine mammal populations”. This project will

Clinical transformation: the key to green nephrology.

PubMed

Connor, Andrew; Mortimer, Frances; Tomson, Charles

2010-01-01

Climate change represents a major global public health threat. The very provision of healthcare itself has a significant untoward effect on the environment, to which kidney care is likely to contribute disproportionately. In this article we describe the four principles we believe will underpin a successful transformation to lower carbon kidney care: disease prevention, patient empowerment, lean service delivery and the preferential use of low-carbon technologies. We illustrate their application and their co-benefits, such as improvements in patient care and reductions in cost, with examples. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Haloperidol.

PubMed

Tyler, Marshall W; Zaldivar-Diez, Josefa; Haggarty, Stephen J

2017-03-15

The discovery of haloperidol catalyzed a breakthrough in our understanding of the biochemical basis of schizophrenia, improved the treatment of psychosis, and facilitated deinstitutionalization. In doing so, it solidified the role for chemical neuroscience as a means to elucidate the molecular underpinnings of complex neuropsychiatric disorders. In this Review, we will cover aspects of haloperidol's synthesis, manufacturing, metabolism, pharmacology, approved and off-label indications, and adverse effects. We will also convey the fascinating history of this classic molecule and the influence that it has had on the evolution of neuropsychopharmacology and neuroscience.

A framework for extracting and representing project knowledge contexts using topic models and dynamic knowledge maps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jin; Li, Zheng; Li, Shuliang; Zhang, Yanyan

2015-07-01

There is still a lack of effective paradigms and tools for analysing and discovering the contents and relationships of project knowledge contexts in the field of project management. In this paper, a new framework for extracting and representing project knowledge contexts using topic models and dynamic knowledge maps under big data environments is proposed and developed. The conceptual paradigm, theoretical underpinning, extended topic model, and illustration examples of the ontology model for project knowledge maps are presented, with further research work envisaged.

Managing safety and quality through the red meat chain.

PubMed

Desmarchelier, P; Fegan, N; Smale, N; Small, A

2007-09-01

To successfully manage food safety and quality risks in meat production, a holistic approach is required. The ideal would be a fully integrated assurance system, with effective controls applied at all stages. However, the red meat industry is by nature somewhat fragmented, and a truly integrated system is not at present achievable in all but a few operations. This paper describes a variety of assurance initiatives, and explores how targeted research and development can be used to augment assurance programmes by providing underpinning knowledge, using the Australian beef and lamb industry as an example.

Basic Strategies of Dynamic Supportive Therapy

PubMed Central

Misch, Donald A.

2000-01-01

Supportive therapy is the psychotherapeutic approach employed with the majority of mentally ill individuals. Nevertheless, most mental health professional training programs dedicate little time and effort to the teaching and learning of supportive therapy, and many mental health professionals are unable to clearly and concisely articulate the nature or process of supportive work. Although supportive therapy incorporates many specific techniques from a wide variety of psychotherapy schools, it can be conceptualized as consisting of a more limited number of underlying strategies. The fundamental strategies that underpin effective supportive therapy with mentally ill individuals are described. PMID:11069130

Patient-centered interviewing is associated with decreased responses to painful stimuli: an initial fMRI study.

PubMed

Sarinopoulos, Issidoros; Hesson, Ashley M; Gordon, Chelsea; Lee, Seungcheol A; Wang, Lu; Dwamena, Francesca; Smith, Robert C

2013-02-01

To identify the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) changes associated with a patient-centered interview (PCI) and a positive provider-patient relationship (PPR). Nine female patients participated, five randomly selected to undergo a replicable, evidence-based PCI, the other four receiving standard clinician-centered interviews (CCI). To verify that PCI differed from CCI, we rated the interviews and administered a patient satisfaction with the provider-patient relationship (PPR) questionnaire. Patients were then scanned as they received painful stimulation while viewing pictures of the interviewing doctor and control images (unknown doctor). Interview ratings and questionnaire results confirmed that PCIs and CCIs were performed as planned and PCIs led to a much more positive PPR. We found significantly reduced pain-related neural activation in the left anterior insula region in the PCI group when the interviewing doctor's picture was shown. This study identifies an association between a PCI that produced a positive PPR and reduced pain-related neural responses in the anterior insula. This is an initial step in understanding the neural underpinnings of a PCI. If confirmed, our results indicate one neurobiological underpinning of an effective PCI, providing an additional scientific rationale for its use clinically. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Neuromodulation can reduce aggressive behavior elicited by violent video games.

PubMed

Riva, Paolo; Gabbiadini, Alessandro; Romero Lauro, Leonor J; Andrighetto, Luca; Volpato, Chiara; Bushman, Brad J

2017-04-01

Research has shown that exposure to violent media increases aggression. However, the neural underpinnings of violent-media-related aggression are poorly understood. Additionally, few experiments have tested hypotheses concerning how to reduce violent-media-related aggression. In this experiment, we focused on a brain area involved in the regulation of aggressive impulses-the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (rVLPFC). We tested the hypothesis that brain polarization through anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over rVLPFC reduces aggression related to violent video games. Participants (N = 79) were randomly assigned to play a violent or a nonviolent video game while receiving anodal or sham stimulation. Afterward, participants aggressed against an ostensible partner using the Taylor aggression paradigm (Taylor Journal of Personality, 35, 297-310, 1967), which measures both unprovoked and provoked aggression. Among those who received sham stimulation, unprovoked aggression was significantly higher for violent-game players than for nonviolent-game players. Among those who received anodal stimulation, unprovoked aggression did not differ for violent- and nonviolent-game players. Thus, anodal stimulation reduced unprovoked aggression in violent-game players. No significant effects were found for provoked aggression, suggesting tit-for-tat responding. This experiment sheds light on one possible neural underpinning of violent-media-related aggression-the rVLPFC, a brain area involved in regulating negative feelings and aggressive impulses.

Distinct molecular underpinnings of Drosophila olfactory trace conditioning

PubMed Central

Shuai, Yichun; Hu, Ying; Qin, Hongtao; Campbell, Robert A. A.; Zhong, Yi

2011-01-01

Trace conditioning is valued as a simple experimental model to assess how the brain associates events that are discrete in time. Here, we adapted an olfactory trace conditioning procedure in Drosophila melanogaster by training fruit flies to avoid an odor that is followed by foot shock many seconds later. The molecular underpinnings of the learning are distinct from the well-characterized simultaneous conditioning, where odor and punishment temporally overlap. First, Rutabaga adenylyl cyclase (Rut-AC), a putative molecular coincidence detector vital for simultaneous conditioning, is dispensable in trace conditioning. Second, dominant-negative Rac expression, thought to sustain early labile memory, significantly enhances learning of trace conditioning, but leaves simultaneous conditioning unaffected. We further show that targeting Rac inhibition to the mushroom body (MB) but not the antennal lobe (AL) suffices to achieve the enhancement effect. Moreover, the absence of trace conditioning learning in D1 dopamine receptor mutants is rescued by restoration of expression specifically in the adult MB. These results suggest the MB as a crucial neuroanatomical locus for trace conditioning, which may harbor a Rac activity-sensitive olfactory “sensory buffer” that later converges with the punishment signal carried by dopamine signaling. The distinct molecular signature of trace conditioning revealed here shall contribute to the understanding of how the brain overcomes a temporal gap in potentially related events. PMID:22123966

Fundamental limits to frequency estimation: a comprehensive microscopic perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haase, J. F.; Smirne, A.; Kołodyński, J.; Demkowicz-Dobrzański, R.; Huelga, S. F.

2018-05-01

We consider a metrology scenario in which qubit-like probes are used to sense an external field that affects their energy splitting in a linear fashion. Following the frequency estimation approach in which one optimizes the state and sensing time of the probes to maximize the sensitivity, we provide a systematic study of the attainable precision under the impact of noise originating from independent bosonic baths. Specifically, we invoke an explicit microscopic derivation of the probe dynamics using the spin-boson model with weak coupling of arbitrary geometry. We clarify how the secular approximation leads to a phase-covariant (PC) dynamics, where the noise terms commute with the field Hamiltonian, while the inclusion of non-secular contributions breaks the PC. Moreover, unless one restricts to a particular (i.e., Ohmic) spectral density of the bath modes, the noise terms may contain relevant information about the frequency to be estimated. Thus, by considering general evolutions of a single probe, we study regimes in which these two effects have a non-negligible impact on the achievable precision. We then consider baths of Ohmic spectral density yet fully accounting for the lack of PC, in order to characterize the ultimate attainable scaling of precision when N probes are used in parallel. Crucially, we show that beyond the semigroup (Lindbladian) regime the Zeno limit imposing the 1/N 3/2 scaling of the mean squared error, recently derived assuming PC, generalises to any dynamics of the probes, unless the latter are coupled to the baths in the direction perfectly transversal to the frequency encoding—when a novel scaling of 1/N 7/4 arises. As our microscopic approach covers all classes of dissipative dynamics, from semigroup to non-Markovian ones (each of them potentially non-phase-covariant), it provides an exhaustive picture, in which all the different asymptotic scalings of precision naturally emerge.

The Hall Technique for managing carious primary molars.

PubMed

Innes, Nicola; Evans, Dafydd; Hall, Norna

2009-10-01

The Hall Technique, a method of managing carious primary molars effectively with preformed metal crowns, without the use of local anaesthesia, caries removal or tooth preparation of any kind, is described.The technique is illustrated with a case report.The evidence underpinning the technique is discussed, along with indications and contra-indications for its use, and details of where clinicians can obtain further information on the technique if they are considering using it. Research evidence has indicated that the Hall Technique is effective in managing dental caries in primary molar teeth when used by General Dental Practitioners, and is preferred by them, their child patients and the children's parents to conventional restorative methods for these teeth.

Health behavior change: can genomics improve behavioral adherence?

PubMed

McBride, Colleen M; Bryan, Angela D; Bray, Molly S; Swan, Gary E; Green, Eric D

2012-03-01

The National Human Genome Research Institute recommends pursuing "genomic information to improve behavior change interventions" as part of its strategic vision for genomics. The limited effectiveness of current behavior change strategies may be explained, in part, by their insensitivity to individual variation in adherence responses. The first step in evaluating whether genomics can inform customization of behavioral recommendations is evidence reviews to identify adherence macrophenotypes common across behaviors and individuals that have genetic underpinnings. Conceptual models of how biological, psychological, and environmental factors influence adherence also are needed. Researchers could routinely collect biospecimens and standardized adherence measurements of intervention participants to enable understanding of genetic and environmental influences on adherence, to guide intervention customization and prospective comparative effectiveness studies.

Overcoming Barriers to HIV Treatment Adherence: A Brief Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for HIV-Positive Adults on Antiretroviral Treatment

PubMed Central

Olem, David; Sharp, Kelly M.; Taylor, Jonelle M.; Johnson, Mallory O.

2014-01-01

Maximizing HIV treatment adherence is critical in efforts to optimize health outcomes and to prevent further HIV transmission. The Balance Project intervention uses cognitive behavioral approaches to improve antiretroviral medication adherence through promoting adaptive coping with medication side effect and distress related to HIV. This 5-session intervention has been documented to prevent nonadherence among persons living with HIV who experience high levels of distress associated with their antiretroviral medication side effects. We describe the theoretical underpinnings of the intervention, provide details of the training and session protocols with a case example, and discuss implications for future applications of the intervention in both research and clinical settings. PMID:24855332

Optically Discriminating Carrier-Induced Quasiparticle Band Gap and Exciton Energy Renormalization in Monolayer MoS2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Kaiyuan; Yan, Aiming; Kahn, Salman; Suslu, Aslihan; Liang, Yufeng; Barnard, Edward S.; Tongay, Sefaattin; Zettl, Alex; Borys, Nicholas J.; Schuck, P. James

2017-08-01

Optoelectronic excitations in monolayer MoS2 manifest from a hierarchy of electrically tunable, Coulombic free-carrier and excitonic many-body phenomena. Investigating the fundamental interactions underpinning these phenomena—critical to both many-body physics exploration and device applications—presents challenges, however, due to a complex balance of competing optoelectronic effects and interdependent properties. Here, optical detection of bound- and free-carrier photoexcitations is used to directly quantify carrier-induced changes of the quasiparticle band gap and exciton binding energies. The results explicitly disentangle the competing effects and highlight longstanding theoretical predictions of large carrier-induced band gap and exciton renormalization in two-dimensional semiconductors.

Why do depressed individuals have difficulties in their parenting role?

PubMed

Psychogiou, L; Parry, E

2014-05-01

Although existing research has shown that depression in parents has a negative effect on parent-child interactions, the mechanisms underpinning impaired parenting are still unknown. In this editorial, we review core difficulties that have been noted in depressed individuals including reduced positive and increased negative affect, poor emotion regulation, executive function deficits, reduced motivation and rumination, and discuss how each of these can alter parenting. We suggest that these causal processes are inter-related and can interact with one another in affecting parenting. We conclude that an improved understanding of these processes will have implications for the development of more specific and potentially more effective treatments that have the potential to break the intergenerational transmission of psychopathology.

[The history of Chagas' disease in Argentina: conceptual, institutional, and political evolution].

PubMed

Zabala, Juan Pablo

2009-07-01

In the one hundred years since the identification of Chagas disease, major changes have occurred in its scientific conception, institutional recognition, and political weight. From a medical perspective, it was seen as the cause of goiter, next its acute effects were emphasized, and then its effects on cardiac health received greater attention. In similar fashion, sanitary policy first downplayed the disease's importance, then elevated it to the role of a national cause, and gradually relegated it to the bottom of the agenda. The article briefly presents the key points of this historical trajectory in Argentina, exploring the cognitive, political, and institutional underpinnings of the disease as both a social and biological fact.

Optically Discriminating Carrier-Induced Quasiparticle Band Gap and Exciton Energy Renormalization in Monolayer MoS_{2}.

PubMed

Yao, Kaiyuan; Yan, Aiming; Kahn, Salman; Suslu, Aslihan; Liang, Yufeng; Barnard, Edward S; Tongay, Sefaattin; Zettl, Alex; Borys, Nicholas J; Schuck, P James

2017-08-25

Optoelectronic excitations in monolayer MoS_{2} manifest from a hierarchy of electrically tunable, Coulombic free-carrier and excitonic many-body phenomena. Investigating the fundamental interactions underpinning these phenomena-critical to both many-body physics exploration and device applications-presents challenges, however, due to a complex balance of competing optoelectronic effects and interdependent properties. Here, optical detection of bound- and free-carrier photoexcitations is used to directly quantify carrier-induced changes of the quasiparticle band gap and exciton binding energies. The results explicitly disentangle the competing effects and highlight longstanding theoretical predictions of large carrier-induced band gap and exciton renormalization in two-dimensional semiconductors.

Additivity pretraining and cue competition effects: developmental evidence for a reasoning-based account of causal learning.

PubMed

Simms, Victoria; McCormack, Teresa; Beckers, Tom

2012-04-01

The effect of additivity pretraining on blocking has been taken as evidence for a reasoning account of human and animal causal learning. If inferential reasoning underpins this effect, then developmental differences in the magnitude of this effect in children would be expected. Experiment 1 examined cue competition effects in children's (4- to 5-year-olds and 6- to 7-year-olds) causal learning using a new paradigm analogous to the food allergy task used in studies of human adult causal learning. Blocking was stronger in the older than the younger children, and additivity pretraining only affected blocking in the older group. Unovershadowing was not affected by age or by pretraining. In experiment 2, levels of blocking were found to be correlated with the ability to answer questions that required children to reason about additivity. Our results support an inferential reasoning explanation of cue competition effects. (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved.

A practical guide to ethical and effective delivery of geoscience for the service of society

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allington, Ruth

2017-04-01

Competence, integrity, accountability and high ethical standards - judged peer-to-peer - are the hallmarks of what it means to be a professional and part of a professional community. The geoscience profession is no different and professionalism is relevant in all of its constituent communities - academia, industry, government etc There are three propositions that illustrate the importance of professionalism in the delivery of geoscience across the board. The first: Without understanding the skills and expertise needed by 'industry', how can educators prepare students for the workplace? Most of those graduating in geoscience will not stay in universities - do we not owe it to them to develop a realistic idea of what a non-academic career might look like? This is done very well in some institutions and not at all in others and the author's impression is that the latter is the norm. The second: Without understanding societal needs, how can researchers design research which is truly relevant to those needs? A more connected geoscience community that is, in turn, more connected to the needs and wants of Society will develop research agendas that are truly relevant. And finally…… Without access to high quality graduates and excellent underpinning fundamental and applied research, how can geoscientists in 'industry' or public service deliver their expertise effectively? This contribution, which draws on ideas set out in the author's plenary speech at 35IGC, will consider the practical skills, experience, ethical and behavioural regulatory frameworks, codes and norms that underpin success in meeting these challenges.

Effective self-management strategies for bipolar disorder: A community-engaged Delphi Consensus Consultation study.

PubMed

Michalak, Erin E; Suto, Melinda J; Barnes, Steven J; Hou, Sharon; Lapsley, Sara; Scott, Mike W; Murray, Greg; Austin, Jehannine; Elliott, Nusha Balram; Berk, Lesley; Crest Bd

2016-12-01

Self-management represents an important complement to psychosocial treatments for bipolar disorder (BD), but research is limited. Specifically, little is known about self-management approaches for elevated mood states; this study investigated self-management strategies for: (1) maintaining balance in mood, and (2) stopping progression into hypomania/mania. To identify the common components of BD self-management, Delphi Consensus Consultation methods were combined with a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach across five study phases: (1) Qualitative dataset content analysis; (2) Academic/grey literature reviews; (3) Content analysis; (4) Two Delphi rounds (rating strategies on a 5-point Likert scale, Very Unhelpful-Very Helpful), and; (5) Quantitative analysis and interpretation. Participants were people with BD and healthcare providers. Phases 1 and 2 identified 262 and 3940 candidate strategies, respectively; 3709 were discarded as duplicates/unintelligible. The remaining 493 were assessed via Delphi methods in Phase 4: 101 people with BD and 52 healthcare providers participated in Round 1; 83 of the BD panel (82%) and 43 of the healthcare provider panel (83%) participated in Round 2-exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted on Round 2 results. EFA was underpowered and sample was not ethnically diverse, limiting generalizability. High concordance was observed in ratings of strategy effectiveness between the two panels. Future research could usefully investigate the provisional discovery here of underlying factors which link individual strategies. For example, 'maintaining hope' underpinned strategies for maintaining balance, and 'decreasing use of stimulants' underpinned strategies to interrupt hypo/manic ascent. There is merit in combining CBPR and Delphi methods. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cracks and crevices: globalization discourse and medical education.

PubMed

Hodges, Brian David; Maniate, Jerry M; Martimianakis, Maria Athina Tina; Alsuwaidan, Mohammad; Segouin, Christophe

2009-10-01

Globalization discourse, and its promises of a 'flat world', 'borderless economy' and 'mobility of ideas and people', has become very widespread in all fields. In medical education this discourse is underpinned by assumptions that medical competence has universal elements and that medical education can therefore develop 'global standards' for accreditation, curricula and examinations. Yet writers in the field other than medicine have raised a number of concerns about an overemphasis on the economic aspects of globalization. This article explores the notion that it is time to study and embrace differences and discontinuities in goals, practices and values that underpin medical competence in different countries and to critically examine the promises-realized or broken-of globalization discourse in medical education.

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

Shade, Ashley

Local diversity (within-sample or alpha diversity) is often implicated as a cause of success or failure of a microbial community. However, the relationships between diversity and emergent properties of a community, such as its stability, productivity or invasibility, are much more nuanced. In this paper, I argue that diversity without context provides limited insights into the mechanisms underpinning community patterns. I provide examples from traditional and microbial ecology to discuss common complications and assumptions about within-sample diversity that may prevent us from digging deeper into the more specific mechanisms underpinning community outcomes. I suggest that measurement of diversity should servemore » as a starting point for further inquiry of ecological mechanisms rather than an 'answer' to community outcomes.« less

Second Chances: Investigating Athletes’ Experiences of Talent Transfer

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Talent transfer initiatives seek to transfer talented, mature individuals from one sport to another. Unfortunately talent transfer initiatives seem to lack an evidence-based direction and a rigorous exploration of the mechanisms underpinning the approach. The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify the factors which successfully transferring athletes cite as facilitative of talent transfer. In contrast to the anthropometric and performance variables that underpin current talent transfer initiatives, participants identified a range of psycho-behavioral and environmental factors as key to successful transfer. We argue that further research into the mechanisms of talent transfer is needed in order to provide a strong evidence base for the methodologies employed in these initiatives. PMID:26600303

Second Chances: Investigating Athletes' Experiences of Talent Transfer.

PubMed

MacNamara, Áine; Collins, Dave

2015-01-01

Talent transfer initiatives seek to transfer talented, mature individuals from one sport to another. Unfortunately talent transfer initiatives seem to lack an evidence-based direction and a rigorous exploration of the mechanisms underpinning the approach. The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify the factors which successfully transferring athletes cite as facilitative of talent transfer. In contrast to the anthropometric and performance variables that underpin current talent transfer initiatives, participants identified a range of psycho-behavioral and environmental factors as key to successful transfer. We argue that further research into the mechanisms of talent transfer is needed in order to provide a strong evidence base for the methodologies employed in these initiatives.

Use of sediment quality guidelines

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wenning, R. J.; Batley, G. E.; Ingersoll, Christopher G.; Moore, David W.

2005-01-01

Are sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) adequately able to predict the presence or absence of chronic toxicity to sediment-dwelling organisms in field-collected sediments? Can SQGs predict effects resulting from the bioaccumulation of sediment-associated contaminants? Do SQGs define cause-and-effect relationships? Can they predict effects on organisms exposed in the field on the basis of amphipod mortality measured in the laboratory?These and other questions brought together 55 scientists from 8 countries for a Pellston Workshop convened by the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) in Fairmont, Montana, USA. In this book, these experts in ecology, ecotoxicology, engineering, environmental regulation, and risk assessment examine the scientific underpinnings of sediment quality guidelines and provide recommendations on the appropriate use of SQGs in the assessment and management of contaminated sediments.

The TFOS International Workshop on Contact Lens Discomfort: Report of the Subcommittee on Neurobiology

PubMed Central

Stapleton, Fiona; Marfurt, Carl; Golebiowski, Blanka; Rosenblatt, Mark; Bereiter, David; Begley, Carolyn; Dartt, Darlene; Gallar, Juana; Belmonte, Carlos; Hamrah, Pedram; Willcox, Mark

2013-01-01

This report characterizes the neurobiology of the ocular surface and highlights relevant mechanisms that may underpin contact lens–related discomfort. While there is limited evidence for the mechanisms involved in contact lens–related discomfort, neurobiological mechanisms in dry eye disease, the inflammatory pathway, the effect of hyperosmolarity on ocular surface nociceptors, and subsequent sensory processing of ocular pain and discomfort have been at least partly elucidated and are presented herein to provide insight in this new arena. The stimulus to the ocular surface from a contact lens is likely to be complex and multifactorial, including components of osmolarity, solution effects, desiccation, thermal effects, inflammation, friction, and mechanical stimulation. Sensory input will arise from stimulation of the lid margin, palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, and the cornea. PMID:24058137

The School of Virtual Knocks: Learning from Doing--Without Pain of Mistakes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Darby, Michael

2008-01-01

The present day educational process, as currently practiced, is no longer necessarily synonymous with learning, and the concept of learning is becoming disassociated with knowledge acquisition. True, learning is not accidental, nor is the absence of learning normally by choice. It is the result, intended or otherwise, of decisions made by government, researchers, educators, students, parents, and the wider community. It is underpinned by the quality of teaching, the relevancy of the instruction to the student's world, and the perseverance of the student's desire to learn. It is these choices that are driving the wedge between teaching and learning. The learning outcomes are derived by curriculum developers, educational psychologists, government and industry.Yet as advances in understanding how students learn have been made, the advances in technology, specifically models and simulation, which are able to underpin complex knowledge domains, have been left behind if not ignored. While a majority of stakeholders in education agree that the current educational environment is missing the mark, it is important to underpin those impressions with a basis of knowledge. This paper reviews education in order to foster the conclusion that education must change and that the enabling methodologies and technologies already exist in the form of models and simulation.

Cross-National Moral Beliefs: The Influence of National Religious Context

PubMed Central

Finke, Roger; Adamczyk, Amy

2014-01-01

International surveys have documented wide variation in religious beliefs and practices across nations, but does this variation in the national religious context make a difference? Building on existing theory we explain why religion should have both micro and macro-level effects on morality not sanctioned by the state and why the effects of religion differ from other forms of culture. Using two international surveys and Hierarchical Linear Modeling Techniques (HLM) we sort out the effects of national context and personal beliefs on morality with and without legal underpinnings. We find that national religious context, the respondent’s age, and religious beliefs and practices are the most consistent predictors of the sexual morality index. For morality sanctioned by the state, however, the effects for personal beliefs and practices are attenuated and the effects of the national religious context are no longer significant. PMID:25097270

Physiological basis of climate change impacts on North American inland fishes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Whitney, James E.; Al-Chokhachy, Robert K.; Bunnell, David B.; Caldwell, Colleen A.; Cooke, Steven J.; Eliason, Erika J.; Rogers, Mark W.; Lynch, Abigail J.; Paukert, Craig P.

2016-01-01

Global climate change is altering freshwater ecosystems and affecting fish populations and communities. Underpinning changes in fish distribution and assemblage-level responses to climate change are individual-level physiological constraints. In this review, we synthesize the mechanistic effects of climate change on neuroendocrine, cardiorespiratory, immune, osmoregulatory, and reproductive systems of freshwater and diadromous fishes. Observed climate change effects on physiological systems are varied and numerous, including exceedance of critical thermal tolerances, decreased cardiorespiratory performance, compromised immune function, and altered patterns of individual reproductive investment. However, effects vary widely among and within species because of species, population, and even sex-specific differences in sensitivity and resilience and because of habitat-specific variation in the magnitude of climate-related environmental change. Research on the interactive effects of climate change with other environmental stressors across a broader range of fish diversity is needed to further our understanding of climate change effects on fish physiology.

[Effect of Radix scutellariae on the growth and form of Porphyromanus endodontics in vitro].

PubMed

Tan, Hong; Tang, Yaling; Zhou, Xuedong; Xiao, Xiaorong; Li, Jiyao

2003-07-01

To provide scientific evidence for underpinning the use of Radix Scutellariae in the treatment of pulp and periapical diseases. Using minute amount serial dilution test, this study assessed the minimal inhibitory concentration of Radix Scutellariae extreact against Porphyromanus Endodontics. The forms of Porphyromanus endodontics treated with Radix Scutellariae extract at different concentrations were observed by use of SEM. The MIC of Radix Scutellariae extract was determined to be 1 mg/ml. Radix Scutellariae changed the forms of Porphyromanus endodontics, making them become bigger, longer and crumbled. Radix Scutellariae could inhibit the growth of Porphyromanus Endodontics.

Type 2 responses at the interface between immunity and fat metabolism.

PubMed

Odegaard, Justin I; Chawla, Ajay

2015-10-01

Adipose tissue resident leukocytes are often cast solely as the effectors of obesity and its attendant pathologies; however, recent observations have demonstrated that these cells support and effect 'healthy' physiologic function as well as pathologic dysfunction. Importantly, these two disparate outcomes are underpinned by similarly disparate immune programs; type 2 responses instruct and promote metabolic normalcy, while type 1 responses drive tissue dysfunction. In this Review, we summarize the literature regarding type 2 immunity's role in adipose tissue physiology and allude to its potential therapeutic implications. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Exposure therapy in eating disorders revisited.

PubMed

Koskina, Antonia; Campbell, Iain C; Schmidt, Ulrike

2013-02-01

Exposure therapy is a widely used and effective form of treatment in anxiety disorders and addictions but evidence for its usefulness in eating disorders (ED) is inconsistent. This paper systematically reviews the literature on the use of exposure therapy in ED, the theory underpinning its use, and the deficits in current knowledge. Databases were searched to 2012. In addition, potential improvements in the use of exposure techniques in ED are considered by drawing upon theory and research involving neuropharmacology, basic and clinical neuroscience, contemporary behavioural and neurobiological research, and technologies such as virtual reality (VR). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

New developments in osteoarthritis and cartilage biology.

PubMed

Poulet, Blandine; Staines, Katherine A

2016-06-01

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease and the most common form of arthritis. Characterised by articular cartilage loss, subchondral bone thickening and osteophyte formation, the OA joint afflicts much pain and disability. Whilst OA has been associated with many contributing factors, its underpinning molecular mechanisms are, nevertheless, not fully understood. Clinical management of OA is largely palliative and there is an ever growing need for an effective disease modifying treatment. This review discusses some of the recent progress in OA therapies in the different joint tissues affected by OA pathology. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

The Robust Running Ape: Unraveling the Deep Underpinnings of Coordinated Human Running Proficiency

PubMed Central

Kiely, John

2017-01-01

In comparison to other mammals, humans are not especially strong, swift or supple. Nevertheless, despite these apparent physical limitations, we are among Natures most superbly well-adapted endurance runners. Paradoxically, however, notwithstanding this evolutionary-bestowed proficiency, running-related injuries, and Overuse syndromes in particular, are widely pervasive. The term ‘coordination’ is similarly ubiquitous within contemporary coaching, conditioning, and rehabilitation cultures. Various theoretical models of coordination exist within the academic literature. However, the specific neural and biological underpinnings of ‘running coordination,’ and the nature of their integration, remain poorly elaborated. Conventionally running is considered a mundane, readily mastered coordination skill. This illusion of coordinative simplicity, however, is founded upon a platform of immense neural and biological complexities. This extensive complexity presents extreme organizational difficulties yet, simultaneously, provides a multiplicity of viable pathways through which the computational and mechanical burden of running can be proficiently dispersed amongst expanded networks of conditioned neural and peripheral tissue collaborators. Learning to adequately harness this available complexity, however, is a painstakingly slowly emerging, practice-driven process, greatly facilitated by innate evolutionary organizing principles serving to constrain otherwise overwhelming complexity to manageable proportions. As we accumulate running experiences persistent plastic remodeling customizes networked neural connectivity and biological tissue properties to best fit our unique neural and architectural idiosyncrasies, and personal histories: thus neural and peripheral tissue plasticity embeds coordination habits. When, however, coordinative processes are compromised—under the integrated influence of fatigue and/or accumulative cycles of injury, overuse, misuse, and disuse—this spectrum of available ‘choice’ dysfunctionally contracts, and our capacity to safely disperse the mechanical ‘stress’ of running progressively diminishes. Now the running work burden falls increasingly on reduced populations of collaborating components. Accordingly our capacity to effectively manage, dissipate and accommodate running-imposed stress diminishes, and vulnerability to Overuse syndromes escalates. Awareness of the deep underpinnings of running coordination enhances conceptual clarity, thereby informing training and rehabilitation insights designed to offset the legacy of excessive or progressively accumulating exposure to running-imposed mechanical stress. PMID:28659838

Reducing the time-lag between onset of chest pain and seeking professional medical help: a theory-based review

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Research suggests that there are a number of factors which can be associated with delay in a patient seeking professional help following chest pain, including demographic and social factors. These factors may have an adverse impact on the efficacy of interventions which to date have had limited success in improving patient action times. Theory-based methods of review are becoming increasingly recognised as important additions to conventional systematic review methods. They can be useful to gain additional insights into the characteristics of effective interventions by uncovering complex underlying mechanisms. Methods This paper describes the further analysis of research papers identified in a conventional systematic review of published evidence. The aim of this work was to investigate the theoretical frameworks underpinning studies exploring the issue of why people having a heart attack delay seeking professional medical help. The study used standard review methods to identify papers meeting the inclusion criterion, and carried out a synthesis of data relating to theoretical underpinnings. Results Thirty six papers from the 53 in the original systematic review referred to a particular theoretical perspective, or contained data which related to theoretical assumptions. The most frequently mentioned theory was the self-regulatory model of illness behaviour. Papers reported the potential significance of aspects of this model including different coping mechanisms, strategies of denial and varying models of treatment seeking. Studies also drew attention to the potential role of belief systems, applied elements of attachment theory, and referred to models of maintaining integrity, ways of knowing, and the influence of gender. Conclusions The review highlights the need to examine an individual’s subjective experience of and response to health threats, and confirms the gap between knowledge and changed behaviour. Interventions face key challenges if they are to influence patient perceptions regarding seriousness of symptoms; varying processes of coping; and obstacles created by patient perceptions of their role and responsibilities. A theoretical approach to review of these papers provides additional insight into the assumptions underpinning interventions, and illuminates factors which may impact on their efficacy. The method thus offers a useful supplement to conventional systematic review methods. PMID:23388093

Health Behavior Change: Can Genomics Improve Behavioral Adherence?

PubMed Central

Bryan, Angela D.; Bray, Molly S.; Swan, Gary E.; Green, Eric D.

2012-01-01

The National Human Genome Research Institute recommends pursuing “genomic information to improve behavior change interventions” as part of its strategic vision for genomics. The limited effectiveness of current behavior change strategies may be explained, in part, by their insensitivity to individual variation in adherence responses. The first step in evaluating whether genomics can inform customization of behavioral recommendations is evidence reviews to identify adherence macrophenotypes common across behaviors and individuals that have genetic underpinnings. Conceptual models of how biological, psychological, and environmental factors influence adherence also are needed. Researchers could routinely collect biospecimens and standardized adherence measurements of intervention participants to enable understanding of genetic and environmental influences on adherence, to guide intervention customization and prospective comparative effectiveness studies. PMID:22390502

The malleability of intertemporal choice

PubMed Central

Lempert, Karolina M.; Phelps, Elizabeth A.

2015-01-01

Intertemporal choices are ubiquitous: people often have to choose between outcomes realized at different times. Although it is generally believed that people have stable tendencies toward being impulsive or patient, an emerging body of evidence indicates that intertemporal choice is malleable and can be profoundly influenced by context. How the choice is framed, or the state of the decision-maker at the time of choice, can induce a shift in preference. Framing effects are underpinned by: allocation of attention to choice attributes, reference-dependence and time construal. Incidental affective states and prospection also influence intertemporal choice. We advocate that intertemporal choice models account for these context effects, and encourage the use of this knowledge to nudge people toward making more advantageous choices. PMID:26483153

Informed Consent for Electroconvulsive Therapy--Finding Balance.

PubMed

Mankad, Mehul

2015-09-01

Informed consent underpins all medical decisions, including the decision to undergo electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Written informed consent remains the standard before the initiation of ECT and requires the inclusion of several components to be considered valid. Prospective patients must be aware of risks and benefits of ECT as well as risks and benefits of alternate, and potentially less effective, interventions. Patients must also possess adequate decision-making capacity to make an informed choice about treatment. Consent for ECT may present unique issues, such as the interplay between potential cognitive adverse effects and informed consent. Options to address this concern include thorough explanation of this topic before the initiation of ECT, continued reassessment of consent during ECT, or some combination of approaches.

Search For Effects of an Electrostatic Potential on Clocks in the Frame of Reference of a Charged Particle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ringermacher, Harry I.; Conradi, Mark S.; Cassenti, Brice N.; Millis, Marc G. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The Program Planning meeting was held on Jan 27-28 at the Washington University, Dept. of Physics. Experiment strategies and details were discussed and milestones mapped. Dr. Ringermacher, the program technical leader and Co-Principal Investigator, presented a Physics Department seminar on the theory and experiment in progress. Following the meeting Professor Conradi (CO-PI) and his students designed the NMR probe and electronics required for the experiment and submitted the drawings to the shop for fabrication. Dr. Cassenti, at UTRC, initiated analytic and computer analysis of the experimental conditions in order to anticipate possible classical effects. Dr. Ringermacher, at KRONOTRAN, re-evaluated the experiment interpretation from the theory and continued working to secure its underpinnings.

Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of budesonide in asthma.

PubMed

Pelaia, Girolamo; Vatrella, Alessandro; Busceti, Maria Teresa; Fabiano, Francesco; Terracciano, Rosa; Matera, Maria Gabriella; Maselli, Rosario

2016-10-01

Inhaled glucocorticoids are the mainstay of asthma treatment. Indeed, such therapeutic agents effectively interfere with many pathogenic circuits underpinning asthma. Among these drugs, during the last decades budesonide has been probably the most used molecule in both experimental studies and clinical practice. Therefore, a large body of evidence clearly shows that budesonide, either alone or in combination with long-acting bronchodilators, provides a successful control of asthma in many patients ranging throughout the overall spectrum of disease severity. These excellent therapeutic properties of budesonide basically depend on its molecular mechanisms of action, capable of inhibiting within the airways the activity of multiple immune-inflammatory and structural cells involved in asthma pathobiology. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

What can economics add to health technology assessment? Please not just another cost-effectiveness analysis!

PubMed

Bridges, John Fp

2006-02-01

Evidence based medicine is not only important for clinical practice, but national governments have embraced it through health technology assessment (HTA). HTA combines data from randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies with an economic component (among other issues). HTA, however, is not taking full advantage of economics. This paper presents five areas in which economics may improve not only HTA, but the RCT methods that underpin it. HTA needs to live up to its original agenda of being a interdisciplinary field and draw methods not just from biostatistics, but from a range of discipline, including economics. By focusing only on cost effectiveness analysis (CEA), however, we go nowhere close to fulfilling this potential.

Inter-professional work based learning within an MSc in Advanced Practice: lessons from one UK higher education programme.

PubMed

Gaskell, Lynne; Beaton, Susan

2010-09-01

This paper will describe the implementation of inter-professional work based education (IPE) in one postgraduate Advanced Practitioner programme in the UK. The concept of Advanced Practice has developed as a response of a number of drivers including change in junior doctor training; government policy and increasing demands on the central government funded UK health service (the NHS). The programme was commissioned by the then greater Manchester Strategic Health Authority (now NHS North West) to meet service needs. The educational philosophy underpinning the MSc Advanced Practice (health and social care) provided by the University of Salford is IPE linked to work based learning. The process of work based learning (WBL) and inter-professional learning underpinning the programme will be discussed in relation to feedback from university staff, Advanced Practitioner (AP) students and employer feedback taken from programme and module evaluations. We argue that IPE at this level facilitates a greater understanding of the connectivity between professionals working in the health care system in the UK; a better understanding of the skills and knowledge base of colleagues; more inter-professional working and appropriate referrals in the work place. This has raised the profile of Advanced Practice (AP) in the region and ultimately resulted in better patient care with more effective and efficient use of resources (Acton Shapiro, 2006, 2008). (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation and Incremental Sentence Comprehension: Computational Dependencies during Language Learning as Revealed by Neuronal Oscillations

PubMed Central

Cross, Zachariah R.; Kohler, Mark J.; Schlesewsky, Matthias; Gaskell, M. G.; Bornkessel-Schlesewsky, Ina

2018-01-01

We hypothesize a beneficial influence of sleep on the consolidation of the combinatorial mechanisms underlying incremental sentence comprehension. These predictions are grounded in recent work examining the effect of sleep on the consolidation of linguistic information, which demonstrate that sleep-dependent neurophysiological activity consolidates the meaning of novel words and simple grammatical rules. However, the sleep-dependent consolidation of sentence-level combinatorics has not been studied to date. Here, we propose that dissociable aspects of sleep neurophysiology consolidate two different types of combinatory mechanisms in human language: sequence-based (order-sensitive) and dependency-based (order-insensitive) combinatorics. The distinction between the two types of combinatorics is motivated both by cross-linguistic considerations and the neurobiological underpinnings of human language. Unifying this perspective with principles of sleep-dependent memory consolidation, we posit that a function of sleep is to optimize the consolidation of sequence-based knowledge (the when) and the establishment of semantic schemas of unordered items (the what) that underpin cross-linguistic variations in sentence comprehension. This hypothesis builds on the proposal that sleep is involved in the construction of predictive codes, a unified principle of brain function that supports incremental sentence comprehension. Finally, we discuss neurophysiological measures (EEG/MEG) that could be used to test these claims, such as the quantification of neuronal oscillations, which reflect basic mechanisms of information processing in the brain. PMID:29445333

Amino acids implicated in plant defense are higher in Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus-tolerant citrus varieties

PubMed Central

Killiny, Nabil; Hijaz, Faraj

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening, has been threatening the citrus industry since the early 1900's and up to this date there are no effective cures for this disease. Field observations and greenhouse controlled studies demonstrated that some citrus genotypes are more tolerant to Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) pathogen than others. However, the mechanisms underpinning tolerance has not been determined yet. The phloem sap composition of CLas-tolerant and sensitive citrus varieties was studied to identify metabolites that could be responsible for their tolerance to CLas. The citrus phloem sap was collected by centrifugation and was analyzed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after methyl chloroformate derivatization. Thirty-three metabolites were detected in the phloem sap of the studied varieties: twenty 20 amino acids, eight 8 organic acids, and five 5 fatty acids. Interestingly, the levels of most amino acids, especially those implicated in plantdefense to pathogens such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, lysine, and asparagine were higher in tolerant varieties. Although the level of organic acids varied between cultivars, this variation was not correlated with citrus resistance to CLas and could be cultivar specific. The fatty acids were found in trace amounts and in most cases their levels were not significantly different among varieties. Better understanding of the mechanisms underpinning citrus tolerance to CLas will help in developing economically tolerant varieties. PMID:27057814

Amino acids implicated in plant defense are higher in Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus-tolerant citrus varieties.

PubMed

Killiny, Nabil; Hijaz, Faraj

2016-01-01

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening, has been threatening the citrus industry since the early 1900's and up to this date there are no effective cures for this disease. Field observations and greenhouse controlled studies demonstrated that some citrus genotypes are more tolerant to Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) pathogen than others. However, the mechanisms underpinning tolerance has not been determined yet. The phloem sap composition of CLas-tolerant and sensitive citrus varieties was studied to identify metabolites that could be responsible for their tolerance to CLas. The citrus phloem sap was collected by centrifugation and was analyzed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after methyl chloroformate derivatization. Thirty-three metabolites were detected in the phloem sap of the studied varieties: twenty 20 amino acids, eight 8 organic acids, and five 5 fatty acids. Interestingly, the levels of most amino acids, especially those implicated in plantdefense to pathogens such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, lysine, and asparagine were higher in tolerant varieties. Although the level of organic acids varied between cultivars, this variation was not correlated with citrus resistance to CLas and could be cultivar specific. The fatty acids were found in trace amounts and in most cases their levels were not significantly different among varieties. Better understanding of the mechanisms underpinning citrus tolerance to CLas will help in developing economically tolerant varieties.

Self-efficacy: a useful construct to promote physical activity in people with stable chronic heart failure.

PubMed

Du, HuiYun; Everett, Bronwyn; Newton, Phillip J; Salamonson, Yenna; Davidson, Patricia M

2012-02-01

To explore the conceptual underpinnings of self-efficacy to address the barriers to participating in physical activity and propose a model of intervention. The benefits of physical activity in reducing cardiovascular risk have led to evidence-based recommendations for patients with heart disease, including those with chronic heart failure. However, adherence to best practice recommendations is often suboptimal, particularly in those individuals who experience high symptom burden and feel less confident to undertake physical activity. Self-efficacy is the degree of confidence an individual has in his/her ability to perform behaviour under several specific circumstances. Four factors influence an individual's level of self-efficacy: (1) past performance, (2) vicarious experience, (3) verbal persuasion and (4) physiological arousal. Discursive. Using the method of a discursive paper, this article seeks to explore the conceptual underpinnings of self-efficacy to address the barriers to participating in physical activity and proposes a model of intervention, the Home-Heart-Walk, to promote physical activity and monitor functional status. Implementing effective interventions to promote physical activities require appreciation of factors impacting on behaviour change. Addressing concepts relating to self-efficacy in physical activity interventions may promote participation and adherence in the longer term. The increasing burden of chronic disease and the emphasis on self-management strategies underscore the importance of promoting adherence to recommendations, such as physical activity. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Use of compression garments by women with lymphoedema secondary to breast cancer treatment.

PubMed

Longhurst, E; Dylke, E S; Kilbreath, S L

2018-02-19

This aim of this study was to determine the use of compression garments by women with lymphoedema secondary to breast cancer treatment and factors which underpin use. An online survey was distributed to the Survey and Review group of the Breast Cancer Network Australia. The survey included questions related to the participants' demographics, breast cancer and lymphoedema medical history, prescription and use of compression garments and their beliefs about compression and lymphoedema. Data were analysed using principal component analysis and multivariable logistic regression. Compression garments had been prescribed to 83% of 201 women with lymphoedema within the last 5 years, although 37 women had discontinued their use. Even when accounting for severity of swelling, type of garment(s) and advice given for use varied across participants. Use of compression garments was driven by women's beliefs that they were vulnerable to progression of their disease and that compression would prevent its worsening. Common reasons given as to why women had discontinued their use included discomfort, and their lymphoedema was stable. Participant characteristics associated with discontinuance of compression garments included their belief that (i) the garments were not effective in managing their condition, (ii) experienced mild-moderate swelling and/or (iii) had experienced swelling for greater than 5 years. The prescription of compression garments for lymphoedema is highly varied and may be due to lack of underpinning evidence to inform treatment.

Counterfactual reasoning in surrogate decision making -- another look.

PubMed

Johansson, Mats; Broström, Linus

2011-06-01

Incompetent patients need to have someone else make decisions on their behalf. According to the Substituted Judgment Standard the surrogate decision maker ought to make the decision that the patient would have made, had he or she been competent. Objections have been raised against this traditional construal of the standard on the grounds that it involves flawed counterfactual reasoning, and amendments have been suggested within the framework of possible worlds semantics. The paper shows that while this approach may circumvent the alleged problem, the way it has so far been elaborated reflects insufficient understanding of the moral underpinnings of the idea of substituted judgment. Proper recognition of these moral underpinnings has potentially far-reaching implications for our normative assumptions about accuracy and objectivity in surrogate decision making.

A Tradition in Transition: Factors Perpetuating and Hindering the Continuance of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) Summarized in a Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Berg, Rigmor C.; Denison, Eva

2013-01-01

Understanding the forces underpinning female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a necessary first step to prevent the continuation of a practice that is associated with health complications and human rights violations. To this end, a systematic review of 21 studies was conducted. Based on this review, the authors reveal six key factors that underpin FGM/C: cultural tradition, sexual morals, marriageability, religion, health benefits, and male sexual enjoyment. There were four key factors perceived to hinder FGM/C: health consequences, it is not a religious requirement, it is illegal, and the host society discourse rejects FGM/C. The results show that FGM/C appears to be a tradition in transition. PMID:23489149

Diversity is the question, not the answer

DOE PAGES

Shade, Ashley

2016-09-16

Local diversity (within-sample or alpha diversity) is often implicated as a cause of success or failure of a microbial community. However, the relationships between diversity and emergent properties of a community, such as its stability, productivity or invasibility, are much more nuanced. In this paper, I argue that diversity without context provides limited insights into the mechanisms underpinning community patterns. I provide examples from traditional and microbial ecology to discuss common complications and assumptions about within-sample diversity that may prevent us from digging deeper into the more specific mechanisms underpinning community outcomes. I suggest that measurement of diversity should servemore » as a starting point for further inquiry of ecological mechanisms rather than an 'answer' to community outcomes.« less

Law, autonomy and advance directives.

PubMed

Willmott, Lindy; White, Ben; Mathews, Ben

2010-12-01

The principle of autonomy underpins legal regulation of advance directives that refuse life-sustaining medical treatment. The primacy of autonomy in this domain is recognised expressly in the case law, through judicial pronouncement, and implicitly in most Australian jurisdictions, through enactment into statute of the right to make an advance directive. This article seeks to justify autonomy as an appropriate principle for regulating advance directives and relies on three arguments: the necessity of autonomy in a liberal democracy; the primacy of autonomy in medical ethics discourse; and the uncontested importance of autonomy in the law on contemporaneous refusal of medical treatment. This article also responds to key criticisms that autonomy is not an appropriate organising principle to underpin legal regulation of advance directives.

The relational underpinnings of quality internal auditing in medical clinics in Israel.

PubMed

Carmeli, Abraham; Zisu, Malka

2009-03-01

Internal auditing is a key mechanism in enhancing organizational reliability. However, research on the ways quality internal auditing is enabled through learning, deterrence, motivation and process improvement is scant. In particular, the relational underpinnings of internal auditing have been understudied. This study attempts to address this need by examining how organizational trust, perceived organizational support and psychological safety enable internal auditing. Data collected from employees in medical clinics of one of the largest healthcare organizations in Israel at two points in time six months apart. Our results show that organizational trust and perceived organizational support are positively related to psychological safety (measured at time 1), which, in turn, is associated with internal auditing (measured at time 2).

Development and evaluation of an audiovisual information resource to promote self-management of chemotherapy side-effects.

PubMed

Carey, Mariko; Jefford, Michael; Schofield, Penelope; Kelly, Siobhan; Krishnasamy, Meinir; Aranda, Sanchia

2006-04-01

Based on a theoretical framework, we developed an audiovisual resource to promote self-management of eight common chemotherapy side-effects. A patient needs analysis identified content domains, best evidence for preparing patients for threatening medical procedures and a systematic review of effective self-care strategies informed script content. Patients and health professionals were invited to complete a written evaluation of the video. A 25-min video was produced. Fifty health professionals and 37 patients completed the evaluation. All considered the video informative and easy to understand. The majority believed the video would reduce anxiety and help patients prepare for chemotherapy. Underpinned by a robust theoretical framework, we have developed an evidence-based resource that is perceived by both patients and health professionals as likely to enhance preparedness for chemotherapy.

Palliative Sedation for Existential Suffering: A Systematic Review of Argument-Based Ethics Literature.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Paulo; Crokaert, Jasper; Gastmans, Chris

2018-06-01

Although unanimity exists on using palliative sedation (PS) for controlling refractory physical suffering in end-of-life situations, using it for controlling refractory existential suffering (PS-ES) is controversial. Complicating the debate is that definitions and terminology for existential suffering are unclear, ambiguous, and imprecise, leading to a lack of consensus for clinical practice. To systematically identify, describe, analyze, and discuss ethical arguments and concepts underpinning the argument-based bioethics literature on PS-ES. We conducted a systematic search of the argument-based bioethics literature in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase ® , The Philosopher's Index, PsycINFO ® , PsycARTICLES ® , Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Pascal-Francis, and Cairn. We included articles published in peer-reviewed journals till December 31, 2016, written in English or French, which focused on ethical arguments related to PS-ES. We used Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies protocol, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, and The Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven for data extraction and synthesis of themes. We identified 18 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Our analysis revealed mind-body dualism, existential suffering, refractoriness, terminal condition, and imminent death as relevant concepts in the ethical debate on PS-ES. The ethical principles of double effect, proportionality, and the four principles of biomedical ethics were used in argumentations in the PS-ES debate. There is a clear need to better define the terminology used in discussions of PS-ES and to ground ethical arguments in a more effective way. Anthropological presuppositions such as mind-body dualism underpin the debate and need to be more clearly elucidated using an interdisciplinary approach. Copyright © 2018 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Shared genetic contributions of fruit and vegetable consumption with BMI in families 20 y after sharing a household.

PubMed

Martin, Lisa J; Lee, Seung-Yeon; Couch, Sarah C; Morrison, John; Woo, Jessica G

2011-10-01

Obesity has a strong genetic basis, but the identification of genetic variants has not resulted in improved clinical care. However, phenotypes that influence weight, such as diet, may have shared underpinnings with obesity. Interestingly, diet also has a genetic basis. Thus, we hypothesized that the genetic underpinnings of diet may partially overlap with the genetics of obesity. Our objective was to determine whether dietary intake and BMI share heritable components in adulthood. We used a cross-sectional cohort of parents and adult offspring (n = 1410) from the Princeton Follow-up Study. Participants completed Block food-frequency questionnaires 15-27 y after sharing a household. Heritability of dietary intakes was estimated by using variance components analysis. Bivariate genetic analyses were used to estimate the shared effects between BMI and heritable dietary intakes. Fruit, vegetable, and protein consumption exhibited moderate heritability [(mean ± SE) 0.26 ± 0.06, 0.32 ± 0.06, and 0.21 ± 0.06, respectively; P < 0.001], but other dietary intakes were modest (h(2) < 0.2). Only fruit and vegetable consumption exhibited genetic correlations with BMI (ρ(g) = -0.28 ± 0.13 and -0.30 ± 0.13, respectively; P < 0.05). Phenotypic correlations with BMI were not significant. We showed that fruit, vegetable, and protein intakes are moderately heritable and that fruit and vegetable consumption shares underlying genetic effects with BMI in adulthood, which suggests that individuals genetically predisposed to low fruit and vegetable consumption may be predisposed to higher BMI. Thus, obese individuals who have low fruit and vegetable consumption may require targeted interventions that go beyond low-calorie, plant-based programs for weight management.

Physiological adaptations to weight loss and factors favouring weight regain

PubMed Central

Greenway, F L

2015-01-01

Obesity is a major global health problem and predisposes individuals to several comorbidities that can affect life expectancy. Interventions based on lifestyle modification (for example, improved diet and exercise) are integral components in the management of obesity. However, although weight loss can be achieved through dietary restriction and/or increased physical activity, over the long term many individuals regain weight. The aim of this article is to review the research into the processes and mechanisms that underpin weight regain after weight loss and comment on future strategies to address them. Maintenance of body weight is regulated by the interaction of a number of processes, encompassing homoeostatic, environmental and behavioural factors. In homoeostatic regulation, the hypothalamus has a central role in integrating signals regarding food intake, energy balance and body weight, while an ‘obesogenic' environment and behavioural patterns exert effects on the amount and type of food intake and physical activity. The roles of other environmental factors are also now being considered, including sleep debt and iatrogenic effects of medications, many of which warrant further investigation. Unfortunately, physiological adaptations to weight loss favour weight regain. These changes include perturbations in the levels of circulating appetite-related hormones and energy homoeostasis, in addition to alterations in nutrient metabolism and subjective appetite. To maintain weight loss, individuals must adhere to behaviours that counteract physiological adaptations and other factors favouring weight regain. It is difficult to overcome physiology with behaviour. Weight loss medications and surgery change the physiology of body weight regulation and are the best chance for long-term success. An increased understanding of the physiology of weight loss and regain will underpin the development of future strategies to support overweight and obese individuals in their efforts to achieve and maintain weight loss. PMID:25896063

Concept formation: a supportive process for early career nurses.

PubMed

Thornley, Tracey; West, Sandra

2010-09-01

Individuals come to understand abstract constructs such as that of the 'expert' through the formation of concepts. Time and repeated opportunity for observation to support the generalisation and abstraction of the developing concept are essential if the concept is to form successfully. Development of an effective concept of the 'expert nurse' is critical for early career nurses who are attempting to integrate theory, values and beliefs as they develop their clinical practice. This study explores the use of a concept development framework in a grounded theory study of the 'expert nurse'. Qualitative. Using grounded theory methods for data collection and analysis, semi-structured interviews were conducted with registered nurses. The participants were asked to describe their concept of the 'expert nurse' and to discuss their experience of developing this. Participants reported forming their concept of the 'expert nurse', after multiple opportunities to engage with nurses identified as 'expert'. This identification did not necessarily relate to the designated position of the 'expert nurse' or assigned mentors. When the early career nurse does not successfully form a concept of the 'expert nurse', difficulties in personal and professional development including skill/knowledge development may arise. To underpin development of their clinical practice effectively, early career nurses need to be provided with opportunities that facilitate the purposive formation of their own concept of the 'expert nurse'. Formation of this concept is not well supported by the common practice of assigning mentors. Early career nurses must be provided with the time and the opportunity to individually develop and refine their concept of the 'expert nurse'. To achieve this, strategies including providing opportunities to engage with expert nurses and discussion of the process of concept formation and its place in underpinning personal judgments may be of assistance. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Transcriptomic and behavioural characterisation of a mouse model of burn pain identify the cholecystokinin 2 receptor as an analgesic target

PubMed Central

Yin, Kathleen; Deuis, Jennifer R; Lewis, Richard J

2016-01-01

Burn injury is a cause of significant mortality and morbidity worldwide and is frequently associated with severe and long-lasting pain that remains difficult to manage throughout recovery. We characterised a mouse model of burn-induced pain using pharmacological and transcriptomic approaches. Mechanical allodynia elicited by burn injury was partially reversed by meloxicam (5 mg/kg), gabapentin (100 mg/kg) and oxycodone (3 and 10 mg/kg), while thermal allodynia and gait abnormalities were only significantly improved by amitriptyline (3 mg/kg) and oxycodone (10 mg/kg). The need for relatively high opioid doses to elicit analgesia suggested a degree of opioid resistance, similar to that shown clinically in burn patients. We thus assessed the gene expression changes in dorsal root ganglion neurons and pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning burn injury-induced pain using a transcriptomic approach. Burn injury was associated with significantly increased expression of genes associated with axon guidance, neuropeptide signalling, behavioural defence response and extracellular signalling, confirming a mixed neuropathic and inflammatory aetiology. Notably, among the pain-related genes that were upregulated post-injury was the cholecystokinin 2 receptor (Cckbr), a G protein-coupled receptor known as a pain target involved in reducing opioid effectiveness. Indeed, the clinically used cholecystokinin receptor antagonist proglumide (30 mg/kg) was effective at reversing mechanical allodynia, with additional analgesia evident in combination with low-dose oxycodone (1 mg/kg), including significant reversal of thermal allodynia. These findings highlight the complex pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning burn injury-induced pain and suggest that cholecystokinin-2 receptor antagonists may be useful clinically as adjuvants to decrease opioid requirements and improve analgesic management. PMID:27573516

The ICF has made a difference to functioning and disability measurement and statistics.

PubMed

Madden, Rosamond H; Bundy, Anita

2018-02-12

Fifteen years after the publication of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), we investigated: How ICF applications align with ICF aims, contents and principles, and how the ICF has been used to improve measurement of functioning and related statistics. In a scoping review, we investigated research published 2001-2015 relating to measurement and statistics for evidence of: a change in thinking; alignment of applications with ICF specifications and philosophy; and the emergence of new knowledge. The ICF is used in diverse applications, settings and countries, with processes largely aligned with the ICF and intended to improve measurement and statistics: new national surveys, information systems and ICF-based instruments; and international efforts to improve disability data. Knowledge is growing about the components and interactions of the ICF model, the diverse effects of the environment on functioning, and the meaning and measurement of participation. The ICF provides specificity and a common language in the complex world of functioning and disability and is stimulating new thinking, new applications in measurement and statistics, and the assembling of new knowledge. Nevertheless, the field needs to mature. Identified gaps suggest ways to improve measurement and statistics to underpin policies, services and outcomes. Implications for Rehabilitation The ICF offers a conceptualization of functioning and disability that can underpin assessment and documentation in rehabilitation, with a growing body of experience to draw on for guidance. Experience with the ICF reminds practitioners to consider all the domains of participation, the effect of the environment on participation and the importance of involving clients/patients in assessment and service planning. Understanding the variability of functioning within everyday environments and designing interventions for removing barriers in various environments is a vital part of rehabilitation planning.

Neurosarcoidosis

MedlinePlus

... and fund research into the disease mechanisms of sarcoidosis, predisposing factors, genetic underpinnings, and the potential for ... better ways to diagnose, treat, and ultimately cure sarcoidosis and neurosarcardoisis. Information from the National Library of ...

FGF–2 is required to prevent astrogliosis in the facial nucleus after facial nerve injury and mechanical stimulation of denervated vibrissal muscles

PubMed Central

Hizay, Arzu; Seitz, Mark; Grosheva, Maria; Sinis, Nektarios; Kaya, Yasemin; Bendella, Habib; Sarikcioglu, Levent; Dunlop, Sarah A.; Angelov, Doychin N.

2016-01-01

Abstract Recently, we have shown that manual stimulation of paralyzed vibrissal muscles after facial-facial anastomosis reduced the poly-innervation of neuromuscular junctions and restored vibrissal whisking. Using gene knock outs, we found a differential dependence of manual stimulation effects on growth factors. Thus, insulin-like growth factor-1 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor are required to underpin manual stimulation-mediated improvements, whereas FGF-2 is not. The lack of dependence on FGF-2 in mediating these peripheral effects prompted us to look centrally, i.e. within the facial nucleus where increased astrogliosis after facial-facial anastomosis follows "synaptic stripping". We measured the intensity of Cy3-fluorescence after immunostaining for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as an indirect indicator of synaptic coverage of axotomized neurons in the facial nucleus of mice lacking FGF-2 (FGF-2-/- mice). There was no difference in GFAP-Cy3-fluorescence (pixel number, gray value range 17–103) between intact wildtype mice (2.12± 0.37×107) and their intact FGF-2-/- counterparts (2.12± 0.27×107) nor after facial-facial anastomosis +handling (wildtype: 4.06± 0.32×107; FGF-2-/-: 4.39±0.17×107). However, after facial-facial anastomosis, GFAP-Cy3-fluorescence remained elevated in FGF-2-/--animals (4.54±0.12×107), whereas manual stimulation reduced the intensity of GFAP-immunofluorescence in wild type mice to values that were not significantly different from intact mice (2.63± 0.39×10 ). We conclude that FGF-2 is not required to underpin the beneficial effects of manual stimulation at the neuro-muscular junction, but it is required to minimize astrogliosis in the brainstem and, by implication, restore synaptic coverage of recovering facial motoneurons. PMID:28276669

Opening the Black Box of Electronic Health: Collecting, Analyzing, and Interpreting Log Data

PubMed Central

Kelders, Saskia; Poel, Mannes; van Gemert-Pijnen, Lisette

2017-01-01

In electronic health (eHealth) research, limited insight has been obtained on process outcomes or how the use of technology has contributed to the users’ ability to have a healthier life, improved well-being, or activate new attitudes in their daily tasks. As a result, eHealth is often perceived as a black box. To open this black box of eHealth, methodologies must extend beyond the classic effect evaluations. The analyses of log data (anonymous records of real-time actions performed by each user) can provide continuous and objective insights into the actual usage of the technology. However, the possibilities of log data in eHealth research have not been exploited to their fullest extent. The aim of this paper is to describe how log data can be used to improve the evaluation and understand the use of eHealth technology with a broader approach than only descriptive statistics. This paper serves as a starting point for using log data analysis in eHealth research. Here, we describe what log data is and provide an overview of research questions to evaluate the system, the context, the users of a technology, as well as the underpinning theoretical constructs. We also explain the requirements for log data, the starting points for the data preparation, and methods for data collection. Finally, we describe methods for data analysis and draw a conclusion regarding the importance of the results for both scientific and practical applications. The analysis of log data can be of great value for opening the black box of eHealth. A deliberate log data analysis can give new insights into how the usage of the technology contributes to found effects and can thereby help to improve the persuasiveness and effectiveness of eHealth technology and the underpinning behavioral models. PMID:28784592

Genomic underpinnings of brain tumors - TCGA

Cancer.gov

TCGA researchers analyzed nearly 300 cases of diffuse low- and intermediate-grade gliomas, which together comprise lower-grade gliomas. LGGs occur mainly in adults and include astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas and oligoastrocytomas.

Unified underpinning of human mobility in the real world and cyberspace

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yi-Ming; Zeng, An; Yan, Xiao-Yong; Wang, Wen-Xu; Lai, Ying-Cheng

2016-05-01

Human movements in the real world and in cyberspace affect not only dynamical processes such as epidemic spreading and information diffusion but also social and economical activities such as urban planning and personalized recommendation in online shopping. Despite recent efforts in characterizing and modeling human behaviors in both the real and cyber worlds, the fundamental dynamics underlying human mobility have not been well understood. We develop a minimal, memory-based random walk model in limited space for reproducing, with a single parameter, the key statistical behaviors characterizing human movements in both cases. The model is validated using relatively big data from mobile phone and online commerce, suggesting memory-based random walk dynamics as the unified underpinning for human mobility, regardless of whether it occurs in the real world or in cyberspace.

Using theories of learning in workplaces to enhance physiotherapy clinical education.

PubMed

Patton, Narelle; Higgs, Joy; Smith, Megan

2013-10-01

Clinical education has long been accepted as integral to the education of physiotherapy students and their preparation for professional practice. The clinical environment, through practice immersion, situates students in a powerful learning context and plays a critical role in students' construction of professional knowledge. Despite this acknowledged centrality of practice and clinical environments to the students' experiential construction of professional knowledge, there has been limited exploration of learning theories underpinning clinical education in the literature. In this paper, we explore a selection of learning theories underpinning physiotherapy clinical education with a view to providing clinical educators with a firm foundation on which to base wise educational practices and potentially enhance physiotherapy students' clinical learning experiences. This exploration has drawn from leading thinkers in the field of education over the past century.

Internationalization of higher education: potentials and pitfalls for nursing education.

PubMed

Allen, M; Ogilvie, L

2004-06-01

Internationalization, an integral part of strategic planning initiatives in universities around the world, is occurring within the context of globalization. As we move toward greater internationalization in nursing education, we must understand the ideologies that currently underpin globalization and their fit with the vision and mission of nursing. To outline the current debates surrounding internationalization and globalization and their potential consequences for universities. The historical and current interest in internationalization and globalization are reviewed briefly in order to set the context for this discussion. What emerges from an analysis of current internationalization directions is the complexity of the relationship between internationalization and the conflicting ideologies underpinning globalization. Nursing can play a key role within universities to ensure that varying viewpoints are debated and the implications of varying internationalization decisions are understood.

Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystem Functions.

PubMed

Oliver, Tom H; Heard, Matthew S; Isaac, Nick J B; Roy, David B; Procter, Deborah; Eigenbrod, Felix; Freckleton, Rob; Hector, Andy; Orme, C David L; Petchey, Owen L; Proença, Vânia; Raffaelli, David; Suttle, K Blake; Mace, Georgina M; Martín-López, Berta; Woodcock, Ben A; Bullock, James M

2015-11-01

Accelerating rates of environmental change and the continued loss of global biodiversity threaten functions and services delivered by ecosystems. Much ecosystem monitoring and management is focused on the provision of ecosystem functions and services under current environmental conditions, yet this could lead to inappropriate management guidance and undervaluation of the importance of biodiversity. The maintenance of ecosystem functions and services under substantial predicted future environmental change (i.e., their 'resilience') is crucial. Here we identify a range of mechanisms underpinning the resilience of ecosystem functions across three ecological scales. Although potentially less important in the short term, biodiversity, encompassing variation from within species to across landscapes, may be crucial for the longer-term resilience of ecosystem functions and the services that they underpin. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Emerging model systems for functional genomics analysis of Crassulacean acid metabolism

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

Hartwell, James; Dever, Louisa V.; Boxall, Susanna F.

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is one of three main pathways of photosynthetic carbon dioxide fixation found in higher plants. It stands out for its ability to underpin dramatic improvements in plant water use efficiency, which in turn has led to a recent renaissance in CAM research. The current ease with which candidate CAM-associated genes and proteins can be identified through high-throughput sequencing has opened up a new horizon for the development of diverse model CAM species that are amenable to genetic manipulations. The adoption of these model CAM species is underpinning rapid advances in our understanding of the complete genemore » set for CAM. Here, we highlight recent breakthroughs in the functional characterisation of CAM genes that have been achieved through transgenic approaches.« less

Emerging model systems for functional genomics analysis of Crassulacean acid metabolism

DOE PAGES

Hartwell, James; Dever, Louisa V.; Boxall, Susanna F.

2016-04-12

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is one of three main pathways of photosynthetic carbon dioxide fixation found in higher plants. It stands out for its ability to underpin dramatic improvements in plant water use efficiency, which in turn has led to a recent renaissance in CAM research. The current ease with which candidate CAM-associated genes and proteins can be identified through high-throughput sequencing has opened up a new horizon for the development of diverse model CAM species that are amenable to genetic manipulations. The adoption of these model CAM species is underpinning rapid advances in our understanding of the complete genemore » set for CAM. Here, we highlight recent breakthroughs in the functional characterisation of CAM genes that have been achieved through transgenic approaches.« less

Effects of bilateral eye movements on the retrieval of item, associative, and contextual information.

PubMed

Parker, Andrew; Relph, Sarah; Dagnall, Neil

2008-01-01

Two experiments are reported that investigate the effects of saccadic bilateral eye movements on the retrieval of item, associative, and contextual information. Experiment 1 compared the effects of bilateral versus vertical versus no eye movements on tests of item recognition, followed by remember-know responses and associative recognition. Supporting previous research, bilateral eye movements enhanced item recognition by increasing the hit rate and decreasing the false alarm rate. Analysis of remember-know responses indicated that eye movement effects were accompanied by increases in remember responses. The test of associative recognition found that bilateral eye movements increased correct responses to intact pairs and decreased false alarms to rearranged pairs. Experiment 2 assessed the effects of eye movements on the recall of intrinsic (color) and extrinsic (spatial location) context. Bilateral eye movements increased correct recall for both types of context. The results are discussed within the framework of dual-process models of memory and the possible neural underpinnings of these effects are considered.

Diagnosing and Resolving Conflict Created by Strategic Plans: Where Outreach Strategies and Execution Meet at an Academic Health Center.

PubMed

Edwards, Robert L; Wollner, Samuel B; Weddle, Jessica; Zembrodt, James W; Birdwhistell, Mark D

2017-01-01

The imperative for strategic change at academic health centers has never been stronger. Underpinning the success of strategic change is an effective process to implement a strategy. Healthcare organizations, however, often fail to execute on strategy because they do not activate the requisite capabilities and management processes. The University of Kentucky HealthCare recently defined its 2020 strategic plan to adapt to emerging market conditions. The authors outline the strategic importance of strengthening partnership networks and the initial challenges faced in executing their strategy. The findings are a case study in how one academic health center has approached strategy implementation.

A comprehensive model for diagnosing the causes of individual medical performance problems: skills, knowledge, internal, past and external factors (SKIPE).

PubMed

Norfolk, Tim; Siriwardena, A Niroshan

2013-01-01

This discussion paper describes a new and comprehensive model for diagnosing the causes of individual medical performance problems: SKIPE (skills, knowledge, internal, past and external factors). This builds on a previous paper describing a unifying theory of clinical practice, the RDM-p model, which captures the primary skill sets required for effective medical performance (relationship, diagnostics and management), and the professionalism that needs to underpin them. The SKIPE model is currently being used, in conjunction with the RDM-p model, for the in-depth assessment and management of doctors whose performance is a cause for concern.

Understanding the Role of Numeracy in Health: Proposed Theoretical Framework and Practical Insights

PubMed Central

Lipkus, Isaac M.; Peters, Ellen

2009-01-01

Numeracy, that is how facile people are with mathematical concepts and their applications, is gaining importance in medical decision making and risk communication. This paper proposes six critical functions of health numeracy. These functions are integrated into a theoretical framework on health numeracy that has implications for risk-communication and medical-decision-making processes. We examine practical underpinnings for targeted interventions aimed at improving such processes as a function of health numeracy. It is hoped that the proposed functions and theoretical framework will spur more research to determine how an understanding of health numeracy can lead to more effective communication and decision outcomes. PMID:19834054

A cross-generational study of contraception and reproductive health among Sudanese and Eritrean women in Brisbane, Australia.

PubMed

Rogers, Claire; Earnest, Jaya

2014-01-01

This study conducted in Brisbane, Australia, was undertaken with a cross-section of Sudanese and Eritrean mothers and daughters. We explored and documented the women's intergenerational experiences and knowledge of reproductive health and contraception. Underpinned by a qualitative approach, focus group discussions were undertaken along with key informant interviews with health and multicultural sector professionals. Through examination of knowledge shared, the analysis distilled key aspects of intergenerational fears, cultural safety, and health. Participants proposed recommendations on how refugee and migrant women in Australia and resettled countries globally can more effectively and holistically exercise their sexual and reproductive health rights.

Using Education Technology as a Proactive Approach to Healthy Ageing.

PubMed

Rodger, Daragh; Spencer, Anne; Hussey, Pamela

2016-01-01

Bone Health in the Park was created in Ireland and is an online health promotion education resource focussing on bone health, healthy ageing and falls prevention. The programme was designed by an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in collaboration with an Education Technologist and primarily uses storytelling to promote education specifically on bone health and falls risk prevention for health care professionals, clients, families and informal carers. This paper reports on core deliverables from this programme from 2010 to 2015, and provides insight into their development, in addition to details on its clinical effectiveness by using technology enhanced learning to underpin health promotion initiatives.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression: trends and developments.

PubMed

MacKenzie, Meagan B; Kocovski, Nancy L

2016-01-01

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) was developed as a psychological intervention for individuals at risk of depressive relapse. Possible mechanisms of change for this intervention are in line with its theoretical underpinnings, and include increases in mindfulness and/or decreases in negative repetitive thoughts. This review provides an overview of current trends in MBCT research, including efficacy and questions regarding the specific effects of MBCT in light of recent comparisons with structurally equivalent control conditions, mechanisms of change, and moderators of treatment outcome. In addition, future directions are discussed, such as challenges with training an adequate number of therapists and disseminating this therapy.

Obesity, insulin resistance and breast cancer outcomes.

PubMed

Goodwin, Pamela J

2015-11-01

There is growing evidence that obesity is associated with poor outcomes in early stage breast cancer. This paper addresses four current areas of focus: 1. Is obesity associated with poor outcomes in all biologic subtypes of breast cancer? 2. Does obesity effect AI efficacy or estrogen suppression in the adjuvant setting? 3. What are the potential biologic underpinnings of the obesity-breast cancer association? 4. Are intervention studies warranted? If so, which interventions in which populations? Research is needed to resolve these questions; intervention trials involving lifestyle interventions or targeting the biology postulated to link obesity and cancer are recommended. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Assessing the mental frame syncing in the elderly: a virtual reality protocol.

PubMed

Serino, Silvia; Cipresso, Pietro; Gaggioli, Andrea; Riva, Giuseppe

2014-01-01

Decline in spatial memory in the elderly is often underestimated, and it is crucial to fully investigate the cognitive underpinnings of early spatial impairment. A virtual reality-based procedure was developed to assess deficit in the "mental frame syncing", namely the cognitive ability that allows an effective orientation by synchronizing the allocentric view-point independent representation with the allocentric view-point dependent representation. A pilot study was carried out to evaluate abilities in the mental frame syncing in a sample of 16 elderly participants. Preliminary results indicated that the general cognitive functioning was associated with the ability in the synchronization between these two allocentric references frames.

Opioid dependence - management in general practice.

PubMed

Frei, Matthew

2010-08-01

Addiction to opioids, or opioid dependence, encompasses the biopsychosocial dysfunction seen in illicit heroin injectors, as well as aberrant behaviours in patients prescribed opioids for chronic nonmalignant pain. To outline the management of opioid dependence using opioid pharmacotherapy as part of a comprehensive chronic illness management strategy. The same principles and skills general practitioners employ in chronic illness management underpin the care of patients with opioid dependence. Opioid pharmacotherapy, with the substitution medications methadone and buprenorphine, is an effective management of opioid dependence. Training and regulatory requirements for prescribing opioid pharmacotherapies vary between jurisdictions, but this treatment should be within the scope of most Australian GPs.

Aging, memory, and nonhierarchical energy landscape of spin jam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samarakoon, Anjana; Sato, Taku J.; Chen, Tianran; Chern, Gai-Wei; Yang, Junjie; Klich, Israel; Sinclair, Ryan; Zhou, Haidong; Lee, Seung-Hun

2016-10-01

The notion of complex energy landscape underpins the intriguing dynamical behaviors in many complex systems ranging from polymers, to brain activity, to social networks and glass transitions. The spin glass state found in dilute magnetic alloys has been an exceptionally convenient laboratory frame for studying complex dynamics resulting from a hierarchical energy landscape with rugged funnels. Here, we show, by a bulk susceptibility and Monte Carlo simulation study, that densely populated frustrated magnets in a spin jam state exhibit much weaker memory effects than spin glasses, and the characteristic properties can be reproduced by a nonhierarchical landscape with a wide and nearly flat but rough bottom. Our results illustrate that the memory effects can be used to probe different slow dynamics of glassy materials, hence opening a window to explore their distinct energy landscapes.

Equity - some theory and its policy implications

PubMed Central

Culyer, A.

2001-01-01

This essay seeks to characterise the essential features of an equitable health care system in terms of the classical Aristotelian concepts of horizontal and vertical equity, the common (but ill-defined) language of "need" and the economic notion of cost-effectiveness as a prelude to identifying some of the more important issues of value that policy-makers will have to decide for themselves; the characteristics of health (and what determines it) that can cause policy to be ineffective (or have undesired consequences); the information base that is required to support a policy directed at securing greater equity, and the kinds of research (theoretical and empirical) that are needed to underpin such a policy. Key Words: Health care systems • equity • horizontal equity • vertical equity • cost-effectiveness PMID:11479360

The Philosophical Underpinnings of Public School Funding Jurisprudence.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hackney, James R., Jr.

1993-01-01

Uses the theories of John Rawls (democratic/egalitarian) and Robert Nozick (libertarian) as prisms through which to analyze judicial opinions underlying court decisions regarding public education financing. (302 footnotes) (MLF)

Lateral Support Systems And Underpinning. Volume III: Construction Methods

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-03-01

Contains the proceedings of the National Freight Planning Applications Conference held October 1996 and the proceedings of the Urban Goods Movement and Freight Forecasting Conference held in September 1997.

ESCOLEX: a grade-level lexical database from European Portuguese elementary to middle school textbooks.

PubMed

Soares, Ana Paula; Medeiros, José Carlos; Simões, Alberto; Machado, João; Costa, Ana; Iriarte, Álvaro; de Almeida, José João; Pinheiro, Ana P; Comesaña, Montserrat

2014-03-01

In this article, we introduce ESCOLEX, the first European Portuguese children's lexical database with grade-level-adjusted word frequency statistics. Computed from a 3.2-million-word corpus, ESCOLEX provides 48,381 word forms extracted from 171 elementary and middle school textbooks for 6- to 11-year-old children attending the first six grades in the Portuguese educational system. Like other children's grade-level databases (e.g., Carroll, Davies, & Richman, 1971; Corral, Ferrero, & Goikoetxea, Behavior Research Methods, 41, 1009-1017, 2009; Lété, Sprenger-Charolles, & Colé, Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers, 36, 156-166, 2004; Zeno, Ivens, Millard, Duvvuri, 1995), ESCOLEX provides four frequency indices for each grade: overall word frequency (F), index of dispersion across the selected textbooks (D), estimated frequency per million words (U), and standard frequency index (SFI). It also provides a new measure, contextual diversity (CD). In addition, the number of letters in the word and its part(s) of speech, number of syllables, syllable structure, and adult frequencies taken from P-PAL (a European Portuguese corpus-based lexical database; Soares, Comesaña, Iriarte, Almeida, Simões, Costa, …, Machado, 2010; Soares, Iriarte, Almeida, Simões, Costa, França, …, Comesaña, in press) are provided. ESCOLEX will be a useful tool both for researchers interested in language processing and development and for professionals in need of verbal materials adjusted to children's developmental stages. ESCOLEX can be downloaded along with this article or from http://p-pal.di.uminho.pt/about/databases .

Neural underpinnings of the identifiable victim effect: affect shifts preferences for giving.

PubMed

Genevsky, Alexander; Västfjäll, Daniel; Slovic, Paul; Knutson, Brian

2013-10-23

The "identifiable victim effect" refers to peoples' tendency to preferentially give to identified versus anonymous victims of misfortune, and has been proposed to partly depend on affect. By soliciting charitable donations from human subjects during behavioral and neural (i.e., functional magnetic resonance imaging) experiments, we sought to determine whether and how affect might promote the identifiable victim effect. Behaviorally, subjects gave more to orphans depicted by photographs versus silhouettes, and their shift in preferences was mediated by photograph-induced feelings of positive arousal, but not negative arousal. Neurally, while photographs versus silhouettes elicited activity in widespread circuits associated with facial and affective processing, only nucleus accumbens activity predicted and could statistically account for increased donations. Together, these findings suggest that presenting evaluable identifiable information can recruit positive arousal, which then promotes giving. We propose that affect elicited by identifiable stimuli can compel people to give more to strangers, even despite costs to the self.

Advanced paternal age effects in neurodevelopmental disorders-review of potential underlying mechanisms.

PubMed

Janecka, M; Mill, J; Basson, M A; Goriely, A; Spiers, H; Reichenberg, A; Schalkwyk, L; Fernandes, C

2017-01-31

Multiple epidemiological studies suggest a relationship between advanced paternal age (APA) at conception and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring, particularly with regard to increased risk for autism and schizophrenia. Conclusive evidence about how age-related changes in paternal gametes, or age-independent behavioral traits affect neural development is still lacking. Recent evidence suggests that the origins of APA effects are likely to be multidimensional, involving both inherited predisposition and de novo events. Here we provide a review of the epidemiological and molecular findings to date. Focusing on the latter, we present the evidence for genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underpinning the association between late fatherhood and disorder in offspring. We also discuss the limitations of the APA literature. We propose that different hypotheses relating to the origins of the APA effects are not mutually exclusive. Instead, multiple mechanisms likely contribute, reflecting the etiological complexity of neurodevelopmental disorders.

A specific role for serotonin in overcoming effort cost.

PubMed

Meyniel, Florent; Goodwin, Guy M; Deakin, Jf William; Klinge, Corinna; MacFadyen, Christine; Milligan, Holly; Mullings, Emma; Pessiglione, Mathias; Gaillard, Raphaël

2016-11-08

Serotonin is implicated in many aspects of behavioral regulation. Theoretical attempts to unify the multiple roles assigned to serotonin proposed that it regulates the impact of costs, such as delay or punishment, on action selection. Here, we show that serotonin also regulates other types of action costs such as effort. We compared behavioral performance in 58 healthy humans treated during 8 weeks with either placebo or the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor escitalopram. The task involved trading handgrip force production against monetary benefits. Participants in the escitalopram group produced more effort and thereby achieved a higher payoff. Crucially, our computational analysis showed that this effect was underpinned by a specific reduction of effort cost, and not by any change in the weight of monetary incentives. This specific computational effect sheds new light on the physiological role of serotonin in behavioral regulation and on the clinical effect of drugs for depression. ISRCTN75872983.

Sirtuins: Novel targets for metabolic disease in drug development

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

Jiang Weijian

2008-08-29

Calorie restriction extends lifespan and produces a metabolic profile desirable for treating diseases such as type 2 diabetes. SIRT1, an NAD{sup +}-dependent deacetylase, is a principal modulator of pathways downstream of calorie restriction that produces beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. Activation of SIRT1 leads to enhanced activity of multiple proteins, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator-1{alpha} (PGC-1{alpha}) and FOXO which helps to mediate some of the in vitro and in vivo effects of sirtuins. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic SIRT1 activator, mimics the effects of calorie restriction in lower organisms and in mice fed a high-fat diet ameliorates insulin resistance.more » In this review, we summarize recent research advances in unveiling the molecular mechanisms that underpin sirtuin as therapeutic candidates and discuss the possibility of using resveratrol as potential drug for treatment of diabetes.« less

Prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and the immune system: experimental data and clinical evidence.

PubMed

Frei, Remo; Akdis, Mübeccel; O'Mahony, Liam

2015-03-01

The intestinal immune system is constantly exposed to foreign antigens, which for the most part should be tolerated. Certain probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics are able to influence immune responses. In this review, we highlight the recent publications (within the last 2 years) that have substantially progressed this field. The immunological mechanisms underpinning probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics effects continue to be better defined with novel mechanisms being described for dendritic cells, epithelial cells, T regulatory cells, effector lymphocytes, natural killer T cells, and B cells. Many of the mechanisms being described are bacterial strain or metabolite specific, and should not be extrapolated to other probiotics or prebiotics. In addition, the timing of intervention seems to be important, with potentially the greatest effects being observed early in life. In this review, we discuss the recent findings relating to probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, specifically their effects on immunological functions.

The neurocircuitry of illicit psychostimulant addiction: acute and chronic effects in humans

PubMed Central

Taylor, Sara B; Lewis, Candace R; Olive, M Foster

2013-01-01

Illicit psychostimulant addiction remains a significant problem worldwide, despite decades of research into the neural underpinnings and various treatment approaches. The purpose of this review is to provide a succinct overview of the neurocircuitry involved in drug addiction, as well as the acute and chronic effects of cocaine and amphetamines within this circuitry in humans. Investigational pharmacological treatments for illicit psychostimulant addiction are also reviewed. Our current knowledge base clearly demonstrates that illicit psychostimulants produce lasting adaptive neural and behavioral changes that contribute to the progression and maintenance of addiction. However, attempts at generating pharmacological treatments for psychostimulant addiction have historically focused on intervening at the level of the acute effects of these drugs. The lack of approved pharmacological treatments for psychostimulant addiction highlights the need for new treatment strategies, especially those that prevent or ameliorate the adaptive neural, cognitive, and behavioral changes caused by chronic use of this class of illicit drugs. PMID:24648786

Molecular Mechanisms of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Signaling: Integrating Cyclic Nucleotides into the Network

PubMed Central

Perrett, Rebecca M.; McArdle, Craig A.

2013-01-01

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is the primary regulator of mammalian reproductive function in both males and females. It acts via G-protein coupled receptors on gonadotropes to stimulate synthesis and secretion of the gonadotropin hormones luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. These receptors couple primarily via G-proteins of the Gq/ll family, driving activation of phospholipases C and mediating GnRH effects on gonadotropin synthesis and secretion. There is also good evidence that GnRH causes activation of other heterotrimeric G-proteins (Gs and Gi) with consequent effects on cyclic AMP production, as well as for effects on the soluble and particulate guanylyl cyclases that generate cGMP. Here we provide an overview of these pathways. We emphasize mechanisms underpinning pulsatile hormone signaling and the possible interplay of GnRH and autocrine or paracrine regulatory mechanisms in control of cyclic nucleotide signaling. PMID:24312080

Effects of Four-Week Supplementation with a Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Preparation on Mood and Blood Biomarkers in Young Adults: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

PubMed

White, David J; Cox, Katherine H M; Peters, Riccarda; Pipingas, Andrew; Scholey, Andrew B

2015-10-30

This study explored the effects of four-week multi-vitamin and mineral (MVM) supplementation on mood and neurocognitive function in healthy, young adults. Fifty-eight healthy adults, 18-40 years of age (M = 25.82 years, SD = 4.87) participated in this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, in which mood and blood biomarkers were assessed at baseline and after four weeks of supplementation. Compared to placebo, MVM supplementation was associated with significantly lowered homocysteine and increased blood B-vitamin levels (p < 0.01). MVM treatment was also associated with significantly improved mood, as measured by reduced scores on the "depression-dejection" subscale of the Profile of Mood States (p = 0.018). These findings suggest that the four weeks of MVM supplementation may have beneficial effects on mood, underpinned by elevated B-vitamins and lowered homocysteine in healthy young adults.

Exploring the psychological underpinnings of the moral mandate effect: motivated reasoning, group differentiation, or anger?

PubMed

Mullen, Elizabeth; Skitka, Linda J

2006-04-01

When people have strong moral convictions about outcomes, their judgments of both outcome and procedural fairness become driven more by whether outcomes support or oppose their moral mandates than by whether procedures are proper or improper (the moral mandate effect). Two studies tested 3 explanations for the moral mandate effect. In particular, people with moral mandates may (a) have a greater motivation to seek out procedural flaws when outcomes fail to support their moral point of view (the motivated reasoning hypothesis), (b) be influenced by in-group distributive biases as a result of identifying with parties that share rather than oppose their moral point of view (the group differentiation hypothesis), or (c) react with anger when outcomes are inconsistent with their moral point of view, which, in turn, colors perceptions of both outcomes and procedures (the anger hypothesis). Results support the anger hypothesis.

Advanced paternal age effects in neurodevelopmental disorders—review of potential underlying mechanisms

PubMed Central

Janecka, M; Mill, J; Basson, M A; Goriely, A; Spiers, H; Reichenberg, A; Schalkwyk, L; Fernandes, C

2017-01-01

Multiple epidemiological studies suggest a relationship between advanced paternal age (APA) at conception and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring, particularly with regard to increased risk for autism and schizophrenia. Conclusive evidence about how age-related changes in paternal gametes, or age-independent behavioral traits affect neural development is still lacking. Recent evidence suggests that the origins of APA effects are likely to be multidimensional, involving both inherited predisposition and de novo events. Here we provide a review of the epidemiological and molecular findings to date. Focusing on the latter, we present the evidence for genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underpinning the association between late fatherhood and disorder in offspring. We also discuss the limitations of the APA literature. We propose that different hypotheses relating to the origins of the APA effects are not mutually exclusive. Instead, multiple mechanisms likely contribute, reflecting the etiological complexity of neurodevelopmental disorders. PMID:28140401

Spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking in metamaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Mingkai; Powell, David A.; Shadrivov, Ilya V.; Lapine, Mikhail; Kivshar, Yuri S.

2014-07-01

Spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking underpins a variety of areas such as subatomic physics and biochemistry, and leads to an impressive range of fundamental phenomena. Here we show that this prominent effect is now available in artificial electromagnetic systems, enabled by the advent of magnetoelastic metamaterials where a mechanical degree of freedom leads to a rich variety of strong nonlinear effects such as bistability and self-oscillations. We report spontaneous symmetry breaking in torsional chiral magnetoelastic structures where two or more meta-molecules with opposite handedness are electromagnetically coupled, modifying the system stability. Importantly, we show that chiral symmetry breaking can be found in the stationary response of the system, and the effect is successfully demonstrated in a microwave pump-probe experiment. Such symmetry breaking can lead to a giant nonlinear polarization change, energy localization and mode splitting, which provides a new possibility for creating an artificial phase transition in metamaterials, analogous to that in ferrimagnetic domains.

Spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking in metamaterials.

PubMed

Liu, Mingkai; Powell, David A; Shadrivov, Ilya V; Lapine, Mikhail; Kivshar, Yuri S

2014-07-18

Spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking underpins a variety of areas such as subatomic physics and biochemistry, and leads to an impressive range of fundamental phenomena. Here we show that this prominent effect is now available in artificial electromagnetic systems, enabled by the advent of magnetoelastic metamaterials where a mechanical degree of freedom leads to a rich variety of strong nonlinear effects such as bistability and self-oscillations. We report spontaneous symmetry breaking in torsional chiral magnetoelastic structures where two or more meta-molecules with opposite handedness are electromagnetically coupled, modifying the system stability. Importantly, we show that chiral symmetry breaking can be found in the stationary response of the system, and the effect is successfully demonstrated in a microwave pump-probe experiment. Such symmetry breaking can lead to a giant nonlinear polarization change, energy localization and mode splitting, which provides a new possibility for creating an artificial phase transition in metamaterials, analogous to that in ferrimagnetic domains.

Childhood Adversity and Epigenetic Regulation of Glucocorticoid Signaling Genes: Associations in Children and Adults

PubMed Central

Tyrka, Audrey R.; Ridout, Kathryn K.; Parade, Stephanie H.

2017-01-01

Early childhood experiences have lasting effects on development, including the risk for psychiatric disorders. Research examining the biologic underpinnings of these associations has revealed the impact of childhood maltreatment on the physiologic stress response and activity of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. A growing body of literature supports the hypothesis that environmental exposures mediate their biological effects via epigenetic mechanisms. Methylation, which is thought to be the most stable form of epigenetic change, is a likely mechanism by which early life exposures has lasting effects. In this review, we present recent evidence related to epigenetic regulation of genes involved in HPA axis regulation, namely the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) and FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP5), after childhood adversity and associations with risk for psychiatric disorders. Implications for the development of interventions and future research are discussed. PMID:27691985

Effects of Maternal Obesity on Fetal Programming: Molecular Approaches

PubMed Central

Neri, Caterina; Edlow, Andrea G.

2016-01-01

Maternal obesity has become a worldwide epidemic. Obesity and a high-fat diet have been shown to have deleterious effects on fetal programming, predisposing offspring to adverse cardiometabolic and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Although large epidemiological studies have shown an association between maternal obesity and adverse outcomes for offspring, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Molecular approaches have played a key role in elucidating the mechanistic underpinnings of fetal malprogramming in the setting of maternal obesity. These approaches include, among others, characterization of epigenetic modifications, microRNA expression, the gut microbiome, the transcriptome, and evaluation of specific mRNA expression via quantitative reverse transcription polmerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in fetuses and offspring of obese females. This work will review the data from animal models and human fluids/cells regarding the effects of maternal obesity on fetal and offspring neurodevelopment and cardiometabolic outcomes, with a particular focus on molecular approaches. PMID:26337113

Genetic Underpinnings of Alopecia Areata

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The Impact of Fat and Obesity on Bone Microarchitecture and Strength in Children

PubMed Central

Farr, Joshua N.; Dimitri, Paul

2016-01-01

A complex interplay of genetic, environmental, hormonal, and behavioral factors affect skeletal development, several of which are associated with childhood fractures. Given the rise in obesity worldwide, it is of particular concern that excess fat accumulation during childhood appears to be a risk factor for fractures. Plausible explanations for this higher fracture risk include a greater propensity for falls, greater force generation upon fall impact, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and excessive adipose tissue that may have direct or indirect detrimental effects on skeletal development. To date, there remains little resolution or agreement about the impact of obesity and adiposity on skeletal development as well as the mechanisms underpinning these changes. Limitations of imaging modalities, short duration of follow-up in longitudinal studies, and differences among cohorts examined may all contribute to conflicting results. Nonetheless, a linear relationship between increasing adiposity and skeletal development seems unlikely. Fat mass may confer advantages to the developing cortical and trabecular bone compartments, provided that gains in fat mass are not excessive. However, when fat mass accumulation reaches excessive levels, unfavorable metabolic changes may impede skeletal development. Mechanisms underpinning these changes may relate to changes in the hormonal milieu, with adipokines potentially playing a central role, but again findings have been confounding. Changes in the relationship between fat and bone also appear to be age and sex dependent. Clearly, more work is needed to better understand the controversial impact of fat and obesity on skeletal development and fracture risk during childhood. PMID:28013362

Why do participants initiate free recall of short lists of words with the first list item? Toward a general episodic memory explanation.

PubMed

Spurgeon, Jessica; Ward, Geoff; Matthews, William J

2014-11-01

Participants who are presented with a short list of words for immediate free recall (IFR) show a strong tendency to initiate their recall with the 1st list item and then proceed in forward serial order. We report 2 experiments that examined whether this tendency was underpinned by a short-term memory store, of the type that is argued by some to underpin recency effects in IFR. In Experiment 1, we presented 3 groups of participants with lists of between 2 and 12 words for IFR, delayed free recall, and continuous-distractor free recall. The to-be-remembered words were simultaneously spoken and presented visually, and the distractor task involved silently solving a series of self-paced, visually presented mathematical equations (e.g., 3 + 2 + 4 = ?). The tendency to initiate recall at the start of short lists was greatest in IFR but was also present in the 2 other recall conditions. This finding was replicated in Experiment 2, where the to-be-remembered items were presented visually in silence and the participants spoke aloud their answers to computer-paced mathematical equations. Our results necessitate that a short-term buffer cannot be fully responsible for the tendency to initiate recall from the beginning of a short list; rather, they suggest that the tendency represents a general property of episodic memory that occurs across a range of time scales. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved.

The Impact of Fat and Obesity on Bone Microarchitecture and Strength in Children.

PubMed

Farr, Joshua N; Dimitri, Paul

2017-05-01

A complex interplay of genetic, environmental, hormonal, and behavioral factors affect skeletal development, several of which are associated with childhood fractures. Given the rise in obesity worldwide, it is of particular concern that excess fat accumulation during childhood appears to be a risk factor for fractures. Plausible explanations for this higher fracture risk include a greater propensity for falls, greater force generation upon fall impact, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and excessive adipose tissue that may have direct or indirect detrimental effects on skeletal development. To date, there remains little resolution or agreement about the impact of obesity and adiposity on skeletal development as well as the mechanisms underpinning these changes. Limitations of imaging modalities, short duration of follow-up in longitudinal studies, and differences among cohorts examined may all contribute to conflicting results. Nonetheless, a linear relationship between increasing adiposity and skeletal development seems unlikely. Fat mass may confer advantages to the developing cortical and trabecular bone compartments, provided that gains in fat mass are not excessive. However, when fat mass accumulation reaches excessive levels, unfavorable metabolic changes may impede skeletal development. Mechanisms underpinning these changes may relate to changes in the hormonal milieu, with adipokines potentially playing a central role, but again findings have been confounding. Changes in the relationship between fat and bone also appear to be age and sex dependent. Clearly, more work is needed to better understand the controversial impact of fat and obesity on skeletal development and fracture risk during childhood.

Preserving the 'commons': addressing the sustainable use of antibiotics through an economic lens.

PubMed

Morel, C M; Edwards, S E; Harbarth, S

2017-10-01

As the growth of antibiotic resistance has resulted in large part from widespread use of antibiotics, every effort must be made to ensure their sustainable use. This narrative review aims to assess the potential contribution of health economic analyses to sustainable use efforts. The work draws on existing literature and experience with health economic tools. The study examines some of the weaknesses in the health, regulatory, and industry arenas that could contribute to inappropriate or suboptimal prescribing of antibiotics and describes how economic analysis could be used to improve current practice by comparing both costs and health outcomes to maximize societal wellbeing over the longer-term. It finds that economic considerations underpinning current antibiotic prescribing strategies are incomplete and short-termist, with the result that they may foster suboptimal use. It also stresses that perverse incentives that drive antibiotic sales and inappropriate prescribing practices must be dis-entangled for sustainable use policies to gain traction. Finally, payment structures can be used to re-align incentives and promote optimal prescribing and sustainable use more generally. In particular, eliminating or altering reimbursement differentials could help steer clinical practice more deliberately towards the minimization of selection pressure and the resulting levels of antibiotic resistance. This work highlights the need for appropriately designed cost-effectiveness analyses, incentives analysis, and novel remuneration systems to underpin sustainable use policies both within and beyond the health sector. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Combined Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Transcriptomic Analysis Identifies the P3/P4 Transition as a Key Stage in Rice Leaf Photosynthetic Development1[OPEN

PubMed Central

Yaapar, Muhammad N.; Wanchana, Samart; Thakur, Vivek; Quick, W. Paul

2016-01-01

Leaves are derived from heterotrophic meristem tissue that, at some point, must make the transition to autotrophy via the initiation of photosynthesis. However, the timing and spatial coordination of the molecular and cellular processes underpinning this switch are poorly characterized. Here, we report on the identification of a specific stage in rice (Oryza sativa) leaf development (P3/P4 transition) when photosynthetic competence is first established. Using a combined physiological and molecular approach, we show that elements of stomatal and vascular differentiation are coordinated with the onset of measurable light absorption for photosynthesis. Moreover, by exploring the response of the system to environmental perturbation, we show that the earliest stages of rice leaf development have significant plasticity with respect to elements of cellular differentiation of relevance for mature leaf photosynthetic performance. Finally, by performing an RNA sequencing analysis targeted at the early stages of rice leaf development, we uncover a palette of genes whose expression likely underpins the acquisition of photosynthetic capability. Our results identify the P3/P4 transition as a highly dynamic stage in rice leaf development when several processes for the initiation of photosynthetic competence are coordinated. As well as identifying gene targets for future manipulation of rice leaf structure/function, our data highlight a developmental window during which such manipulations are likely to be most effective. PMID:26813793

Combined Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Transcriptomic Analysis Identifies the P3/P4 Transition as a Key Stage in Rice Leaf Photosynthetic Development.

PubMed

van Campen, Julia C; Yaapar, Muhammad N; Narawatthana, Supatthra; Lehmeier, Christoph; Wanchana, Samart; Thakur, Vivek; Chater, Caspar; Kelly, Steve; Rolfe, Stephen A; Quick, W Paul; Fleming, Andrew J

2016-03-01

Leaves are derived from heterotrophic meristem tissue that, at some point, must make the transition to autotrophy via the initiation of photosynthesis. However, the timing and spatial coordination of the molecular and cellular processes underpinning this switch are poorly characterized. Here, we report on the identification of a specific stage in rice (Oryza sativa) leaf development (P3/P4 transition) when photosynthetic competence is first established. Using a combined physiological and molecular approach, we show that elements of stomatal and vascular differentiation are coordinated with the onset of measurable light absorption for photosynthesis. Moreover, by exploring the response of the system to environmental perturbation, we show that the earliest stages of rice leaf development have significant plasticity with respect to elements of cellular differentiation of relevance for mature leaf photosynthetic performance. Finally, by performing an RNA sequencing analysis targeted at the early stages of rice leaf development, we uncover a palette of genes whose expression likely underpins the acquisition of photosynthetic capability. Our results identify the P3/P4 transition as a highly dynamic stage in rice leaf development when several processes for the initiation of photosynthetic competence are coordinated. As well as identifying gene targets for future manipulation of rice leaf structure/function, our data highlight a developmental window during which such manipulations are likely to be most effective. © 2016 American Society of Plant Biologists. All Rights Reserved.

Emerging model systems for functional genomics analysis of Crassulacean acid metabolism.

PubMed

Hartwell, James; Dever, Louisa V; Boxall, Susanna F

2016-06-01

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is one of three main pathways of photosynthetic carbon dioxide fixation found in higher plants. It stands out for its ability to underpin dramatic improvements in plant water use efficiency, which in turn has led to a recent renaissance in CAM research. The current ease with which candidate CAM-associated genes and proteins can be identified through high-throughput sequencing has opened up a new horizon for the development of diverse model CAM species that are amenable to genetic manipulations. The adoption of these model CAM species is underpinning rapid advances in our understanding of the complete gene set for CAM. We highlight recent breakthroughs in the functional characterisation of CAM genes that have been achieved through transgenic approaches. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Sustainability. Planetary boundaries: guiding human development on a changing planet.

PubMed

Steffen, Will; Richardson, Katherine; Rockström, Johan; Cornell, Sarah E; Fetzer, Ingo; Bennett, Elena M; Biggs, Reinette; Carpenter, Stephen R; de Vries, Wim; de Wit, Cynthia A; Folke, Carl; Gerten, Dieter; Heinke, Jens; Mace, Georgina M; Persson, Linn M; Ramanathan, Veerabhadran; Reyers, Belinda; Sörlin, Sverker

2015-02-13

The planetary boundaries framework defines a safe operating space for humanity based on the intrinsic biophysical processes that regulate the stability of the Earth system. Here, we revise and update the planetary boundary framework, with a focus on the underpinning biophysical science, based on targeted input from expert research communities and on more general scientific advances over the past 5 years. Several of the boundaries now have a two-tier approach, reflecting the importance of cross-scale interactions and the regional-level heterogeneity of the processes that underpin the boundaries. Two core boundaries—climate change and biosphere integrity—have been identified, each of which has the potential on its own to drive the Earth system into a new state should they be substantially and persistently transgressed. Copyright © 2015, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Deliberately casual? Workers' agency, health, and nonstandard employment relations in Australia.

PubMed

Keuskamp, Dominic; Mackenzie, Catherine R M; Ziersch, Anna M; Baum, Fran E

2013-06-01

We explored Australian workers' experiences of nonstandard employment, how it related to health and well-being, and the role that Bourdieu's forms of capital (cultural, economic, and social resources) played in underpinning workers' agency. Qualitative data from semistructured interviews with 32 causal workers were analyzed on the basis of framework analysis. Most participants were "deliberate casuals" who had chosen casual over permanent employment, with half of that group naming improved health and well-being as motivation. Those with greater access to capital felt more able to exercise choice, whereas those with fewer capital resources felt constrained to be casual. Gendered structures and labor market dynamics were also significant in shaping agency. Access to capital and a buoyant labor market underpinned workers' agency in Australia, enabling some to gain health and well-being benefits from nonstandard employment.

Human skin wetness perception: psychophysical and neurophysiological bases.

PubMed

Filingeri, Davide; Havenith, George

2015-01-01

The ability to perceive thermal changes in the surrounding environment is critical for survival. However, sensing temperature is not the only factor among the cutaneous sensations to contribute to thermoregulatory responses in humans. Sensing skin wetness (i.e. hygrosensation) is also critical both for behavioral and autonomic adaptations. Although much has been done to define the biophysical role of skin wetness in contributing to thermal homeostasis, little is known on the neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning the ability to sense skin wetness. Humans are not provided with skin humidity receptors (i.e., hygroreceptors) and psychophysical studies have identified potential sensory cues (i.e. thermal and mechanosensory) which could contribute to sensing wetness. Recently, a neurophysiological model of human wetness sensitivity has been developed. In helping clarifying the peripheral and central neural mechanisms involved in sensing skin wetness, this model has provided evidence for the existence of a specific human hygrosensation strategy, which is underpinned by perceptual learning via sensory experience. Remarkably, this strategy seems to be shared by other hygroreceptor-lacking animals. However, questions remain on whether these sensory mechanisms are underpinned by specific neuromolecular pathways in humans. Although the first study on human wetness perception dates back to more than 100 years, it is surprising that the neurophysiological bases of such an important sensory feature have only recently started to be unveiled. Hence, to provide an overview of the current knowledge on human hygrosensation, along with potential directions for future research, this review will examine the psychophysical and neurophysiological bases of human skin wetness perception.

CD44-mediated activation of α5β1-integrin, cortactin and paxillin signaling underpins adhesion of basal-like breast cancer cells to endothelium and Fibronectin-enriched matrices

PubMed Central

McFarlane, Suzanne; McFarlane, Cheryl; Montgomery, Nicola; Hill, Ashleigh; Waugh, David J.J.

2015-01-01

CD44 expression is elevated in basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) tissue, and correlates with increased efficiency of distant metastasis in patients and experimental models. We sought to characterize mechanisms underpinning CD44-promoted adhesion of BLBC cells to vascular endothelial monolayers and extracellular matrix (ECM) substrates. Stimulation with hyaluronan (HA), the native ligand for CD44, increased expression and activation of β1-integrin receptors, and increased α5-integrin subunit expression. Adhesion assays confirmed that CD44-signalling potentiated BLBC cell adhesion to endothelium and Fibronectin in an α5B1-integrin-dependent mechanism. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed HA-promoted association of CD44 with talin and the β1-integrin chain in BLBC cells. Knockdown of talin inhibited CD44 complexing with β1-integrin and repressed HA-induced, CD44-mediated activation of β1-integrin receptors. Immunoblotting confirmed that HA induced rapid phosphorylation of cortactin and paxillin, through a CD44-dependent and β1-integrin-dependent mechanism. Knockdown of CD44, cortactin or paxillin independently attenuated the adhesion of BL-BCa cells to endothelial monolayers and Fibronectin. Accordingly, we conclude that CD44 induced, integrin-mediated signaling not only underpins efficient adhesion of BLBC cells to BMECs to facilitate extravasation but initiates their adhesion to Fibronectin, enabling penetrant cancer cells to adhere more efficiently to underlying Fibronectin-enriched matrix present within the metastatic niche. PMID:26447611

Evaluating a multicomponent social behaviour change communication strategy to reduce intimate partner violence among married couples: study protocol for a cluster randomized trial in Nepal.

PubMed

Clark, Cari Jo; Spencer, Rachael A; Shrestha, Binita; Ferguson, Gemma; Oakes, J Michael; Gupta, Jhumka

2017-01-13

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue that affects 1 in 3 women globally and a similarly large number of women in Nepal. Over the past decade, important policy and programmatic steps have been taken to address violence against women in Nepal. There remains a dearth of evidence on the effectiveness of primary violence prevention strategies. The Change Starts at Home study begins to fill this gap by utilizing a multi-component social behaviour change communication (SBCC) strategy involving a radio drama and community mobilization to shift attitudes, norms and behaviours that underpin IPV perpetration in Nepal. The study uses a concurrent mixed-methods design. The quantitative aspect of the evaluation is a pair-matched, repeated cross-sectional 2-armed, single-blinded cluster trial (RCT: N = 36 clusters, 1440 individuals), comparing a social behaviour change communication (SBCC) strategy to radio programming alone for its impact on physical and / or sexual IPV at the end of programming (12 months' post-baseline) and 6-months post the cessation of project activities (18-months post baseline). The qualitative aspects of the design include several longitudinal approaches to understand the impact of the intervention and to examine mechanisms of change including in-depth interviews with participants (N = 18 couples), and focus group discussions with community leaders (N = 3 groups), and family members of participants (N = 12 groups). Treatment effects will be estimated with generalized logistic mixed models specified to compare differences in primary outcome from baseline to 12-month follow-up, and baseline to 18-months follow-up in accordance with intention-to-treat principles. The study rigorously evaluates the effectiveness of a promising strategy to prevent IPV. The results of the trial will be immediately useful for governmental, nongovernmental, and donor funded programs targeting partner violence or social norms that underpin it. Findings of the study will also contribute to global knowledge on the effectiveness of media and community engagement as a primary prevention strategy for IPV. Trial was registered in clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02942433 , 10/13/2016, retrospectively registered.

Systematic review of evidence underpinning non-pharmacological therapies in dementia.

PubMed

Olley, Richard; Morales, Andrea

2017-05-15

Objective Dementia is one of the most common illnesses worldwide, and is one of the most important causes of disability in older people. Currently, dementia affects over 35million people around the globe. It is expected that this number will increase to 65.7million by 2030. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment to control the principal behaviour symptoms may help reduce these numbers and delay the progression to more advanced and dangerous stages of this disorder with resultant increase quality of life for those affected. The main goal of the present systematic literature review was to examine contemporary evidence relating to non-pharmacological therapy in the treatment of dementia. Methods To achieve the study goal, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was used. Results This study identified the five most common behaviours in patients with dementia as aggression, wandering, agitation, apathy and sleep disturbances. Two non-pharmacological therapies were the most studied treatment: music therapy and aromatherapy. Ten other non-pharmacological therapies were also identified, but these lack a sufficient evidence-base. Conclusion Although all the therapies identified could be used as part of the treatment of behavioural symptoms, there is insufficient evidence relating to the indications, appropriate use and effectiveness of these therapies to apply in each behavioural treatment. Thus, the present study has demonstrated a significant research gap. What is known about the topic? Despite the widespread use of many different types of therapies, there is limited evidence regarding the efficacy of non-pharmaceutical therapies deployed in the management of behaviours of concern manifested by some people who suffer with dementia in all its forms. What does this paper add? This systematic review examines contemporary evidence from the literature to determine whether there is an evidence base available that would underpin the use of these therapies. This report on a PRISMA systematic review of the available literature demonstrates that only two therapies have some evidence to underpin the use of these non-pharmaceutical therapies and that a significant research gap is exists. What are the implications for practitioners? The implications for practitioners is that significant research effort is required to determine the efficacy of many of the therapies that are currently deployed, and thus many of the therapies used lack an evidence base at this time.

Coherent control of diamond defects for quantum information science and quantum sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maurer, Peter

Quantum mechanics, arguably one of the greatest achievements of modern physics, has not only fundamentally changed our understanding of nature but is also taking an ever increasing role in engineering. Today, the control of quantum systems has already had a far-reaching impact on time and frequency metrology. By gaining further control over a large variety of different quantum systems, many potential applications are emerging. Those applications range from the development of quantum sensors and new quantum metrological approaches to the realization of quantum information processors and quantum networks. Unfortunately most quantum systems are very fragile objects that require tremendous experimental effort to avoid dephasing. Being able to control the interaction between a quantum system with its local environment embodies therefore an important aspect for application and hence is at the focus of this thesis. Nitrogen Vacancy (NV) color centers in diamond have recently attracted attention as a room temperature solid state spin system that expresses long coherence times. The electronic spin associated with NV centers can be efficiently manipulated, initialized and readout using microwave and optical techniques. Inspired by these extraordinary properties, much effort has been dedicated to use NV centers as a building block for scalable room temperature quantum information processing and quantum communication as well as a quantum sensing. In the first part of this thesis we demonstrate that by decoupling the spin from the local environment the coherence time of a NV quantum register can be extended by three order of magnitudes. Employing a novel dissipative mechanism in combination with dynamical decoupling, memory times exceeding one second are observed. The second part shows that, based on quantum control, NV centers in nano-diamonds provide a nanoscale temperature sensor with unprecedented accuracy enabling local temperature measurements in living biological cells. This opens the door for the engineering of nano-scaled chemical reactions to the study of temperature dependent biological processes. Finally, a novel technique is introduced that facilitates optical spin detection with nanoscale resolution based on an optical far-field technique; by combining this with a 'quantum Zeno' like effect coherent manipulation of nominally identical spins at a nanoscale is achieved.

Enhanced Optical and Electric Manipulation of a Quantum Gas of KRb Molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Covey, Jacob P.

Polar molecules are an ideal platform for studying quantum information and quantum simulation due to their long-range dipolar interactions. However, they have many degrees of freedom at disparate energy scales and thus are difficult to cool. Ultracold KRb molecules near quantum degeneracy were first produced in 2008. Nevertheless, it was found that even when prepared in the absolute lowest state chemical reactions can make the gas unstable. During my PhD we worked to mitigate these limitations by loading molecules into an optical lattice where the tunneling rates, and thus the chemistry, can be exquisitely controlled. This setting allowed us to start using the rotational degree of freedom as a pseudo-spin, and paved the way for studying models of quantum magnetism, such as the t-J model and the XXZ model. Further, by allowing molecules of two "spin''-states to tunnel in the lattice, we were able to observe a continuous manifestion of the quantum Zeno effect, where increased mobility counterintuitively suppresses dissipation from inelastic collisions. In a deep lattice we observed dipolar spin-exchange interactions, and we were able to elucidate their truly many-body nature. These two sets of experiments informed us that the filling fraction of the molecules in the lattice was only 5-10%, and so we implemented a quantum synthesis approach where atomic insulators were used to maximize the number of sites with one K and one Rb, and then these "doublons'' were converted to molecules with a filling of 30%. Despite these successes, a number of tools such as high resolution detection and addressing as well as large, stable electric fields were unavailable. Also during my PhD I led efforts to design, build, test, and implement a new apparatus which provides access to these tools and more. We have successfully produced ultracold molecules in this new apparatus, and we are now applying AC and DC electric fields with in vacuum electrodes. This apparatus will allow us to study quantum magnetism in a large electric field, and to detect the dynamics of out-of-equilibrium many-body states.

Alternative transportation options, well-being & livable communities.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-08-01

Transportation is critical to everyday activities and is also the underpinning of wellbeing. Well-beingoften related to happinesscan be defined in many ways and while : happiness is often considered an important element of well-being, it ...

Theoretical Principles of Distance Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keegan, Desmond, Ed.

This book contains the following papers examining the didactic, academic, analytic, philosophical, and technological underpinnings of distance education: "Introduction"; "Quality and Access in Distance Education: Theoretical Considerations" (D. Randy Garrison); "Theory of Transactional Distance" (Michael G. Moore);…

U.S. Naval War College Strategic Plan 2014-2018

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats ( SWOT ) ............ 23   Strengths...27   SWOT Net Assessment...enterprise underpins excellence in other mission endeavors. Sophisticated war gaming, research, and analysis will continue to support the Navy’s

Test plan : I-40 TTIS focus groups and personal interview

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1976-04-01

This provides specific design recommendations, design considerations, and construction techniques for the construction of lateral support systems and underpinning. The design considerations are presented for each technique or method (solider piles, s...

Our underpinnings: a bicentennial view. The 1975 Harvey Cushing oration.

PubMed

McCracken, P W

1975-11-01

The author describes the emergence of the liberal traditions which is the foundation of the political and economic systems in this country and considers policies that may affect our social and economic future.

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA): The next stage - TCGA

Cancer.gov

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the NIH research program that has helped set the standards for characterizing the genomic underpinnings of dozens of cancers on a large scale, is moving to its next phase.

Understanding Collaborative Leadership in Theory and Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lawrence, Randee Lipson

2017-01-01

This final chapter provides a synthesis and analysis of the major themes in the previous chapters. Definitions of collaborative leadership are explored along with theoretical underpinnings, characteristics, and common themes. Implications for adult education are discussed.

Atomism, Pragmatism, Holism.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, John P.

1986-01-01

Examines three world views influencing curriculum development--atomism (underpinning competency-based education), pragmatism (promoting inquiry-based approaches), amd holism (associated with confluent or Waldorf education). Holism embodies the perennial philosophy and attempts to integrate cognitive, affective, and transpersonal dimensions,…

Endometrial and acute myeloid leukemia cancer genomes characterized

Cancer.gov

Two studies from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) program reveal details about the genomic landscapes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and endometrial cancer. Both provide new insights into the molecular underpinnings of these cancers.

Food science and food ingredients: the need for reliable scientific approaches and correct communication, Florence, 24 March 2015.

PubMed

Ruxton, Carrie Helen

2016-01-01

This report summarises the proceedings of a conference organised by the Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists. The aim was to consider the process by which dietary guidelines (DG) are developed and the quality of evidence underpinning these guidelines, as well as debating whether or not this has resulted in DG that are effective in terms of health improvement. Key points were a caution about false positives in research, the importance of holistic DG rather than single nutrient targets, the need for appropriate disease endpoints in studies and control of confounders, a plea for less reliance on observational studies which cannot address cause-and-effect relationships and a need to bear in mind unintended consequences. Options for improving the system and the quality of evidence were discussed.

The beneficial role of memory reactivation for language learning during sleep: A review.

PubMed

Schreiner, Thomas; Rasch, Björn

2017-04-01

Sleep is essential for diverse aspects of language learning. According to a prominent concept these beneficial effects of sleep rely on spontaneous reactivation processes. A series of recent studies demonstrated that inducing such reactivation processes by re-exposure to memory cues during sleep enhances foreign vocabulary learning. Building upon these findings, the present article reviews recent models and empirical findings concerning the beneficial effects of sleep on language learning. Consequently, the memory function of sleep, its neural underpinnings and the role of the sleeping brain in language learning will be summarized. Finally, we will propose a working model concerning the oscillatory requirements for successful reactivation processes and future research questions to advance our understanding of the role of sleep on language learning and memory processes in general. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Two sides of the story? Smad4 loss in pancreatic cancer versus head-and-neck cancer

PubMed Central

Malkoski, Stephen P.; Wang, Xiao-Jing

2012-01-01

TGFβ signaling Smads (Smad2, 3, and 4) were suspected tumor suppressors soon after their discovery. Nearly two decades of research confirmed this role and revealed other divergent and cancer-specific functions including paradoxical tumor promotion effects. Although Smad4 is the most potent tumor suppressor, its functions are highly context-specific as exemplified by pancreatic cancer and head-and-neck cancer: in pancreatic cancer, Smad4 loss cannot initiate tumor formation but promotes metastases while in head-and-neck cancer Smad4 loss promotes cancer progression but also initiates tumor formation, likely through effects on genomic instability. The differing consequences of impaired Smad signaling in human cancers and the molecular mechanisms that underpin these differences will have important implications for the design and application of novel targeted therapies. PMID:22321641

Aging, memory, and nonhierarchical energy landscape of spin jam

PubMed Central

Samarakoon, Anjana; Sato, Taku J.; Chen, Tianran; Chern, Gai-Wei; Yang, Junjie; Klich, Israel; Sinclair, Ryan; Zhou, Haidong; Lee, Seung-Hun

2016-01-01

The notion of complex energy landscape underpins the intriguing dynamical behaviors in many complex systems ranging from polymers, to brain activity, to social networks and glass transitions. The spin glass state found in dilute magnetic alloys has been an exceptionally convenient laboratory frame for studying complex dynamics resulting from a hierarchical energy landscape with rugged funnels. Here, we show, by a bulk susceptibility and Monte Carlo simulation study, that densely populated frustrated magnets in a spin jam state exhibit much weaker memory effects than spin glasses, and the characteristic properties can be reproduced by a nonhierarchical landscape with a wide and nearly flat but rough bottom. Our results illustrate that the memory effects can be used to probe different slow dynamics of glassy materials, hence opening a window to explore their distinct energy landscapes. PMID:27698141

Creating order out of chaos: a leadership approach.

PubMed

Chadwick, Maureen Melia

2010-01-01

Communication is of the utmost importance for effective teamwork, yet promoting effective communication and overcoming the cultural belief that conflict is "bad" are key challenges for leaders. To provide optimal patient care, perioperative nurse leaders should assess the culture in which they work and develop strategies to build solid credible relationships within their teams. This article introduces the Complex Adaptive Leadership Model, which has underpinnings in complexity science, as a means to promote culture change and promote productive conflict. The concepts and relationships presented in this model reflect real-world situations and provide strategies for leadership and team development. This model was implemented at one Pennsylvania facility and led to improved outcomes in the perioperative arena related to the Surgical Care Improvement Project indicators during a one-year period. Copyright 2010 AORN, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Traumatic memories, eye movements, phobia, and panic: a critical note on the proliferation of EMDR.

PubMed

Muris, P; Merckelbach, H

1999-01-01

In the past years, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has become increasingly popular as a treatment method for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The current article critically evaluates three recurring assumptions in EMDR literature: (a) the notion that traumatic memories are fixed and stable and that flashbacks are accurate reproductions of the traumatic incident; (b) the idea that eye movements, or other lateralized rhythmic behaviors have an inhibitory effect on emotional memories; and (c) the assumption that EMDR is not only effective in treating PTSD, but can also be successfully applied to other psychopathological conditions. There is little support for any of these three assumptions. Meanwhile, the expansion of the theoretical underpinnings of EMDR in the absence of a sound empirical basis casts doubts on the massive proliferation of this treatment method.

The electrophysiological underpinnings of processing gender stereotypes in language.

PubMed

Siyanova-Chanturia, Anna; Pesciarelli, Francesca; Cacciari, Cristina

2012-01-01

Despite the widely documented influence of gender stereotypes on social behaviour, little is known about the electrophysiological substrates engaged in the processing of such information when conveyed by language. Using event-related brain potentials (ERPs), we examined the brain response to third-person pronouns (lei "she" and lui "he") that were implicitly primed by definitional (passeggera(FEM) "passenger", pensionato(MASC) "pensioner"), or stereotypical antecedents (insegnante "teacher", conducente "driver"). An N400-like effect on the pronoun emerged when it was preceded by a definitionally incongruent prime (passeggera(FEM)--lui; pensionato(MASC)--lei), and a stereotypically incongruent prime for masculine pronouns only (insegnante--lui). In addition, a P300-like effect was found when the pronoun was preceded by definitionally incongruent primes. However, this effect was observed for female, but not male participants. Overall, these results provide further evidence for on-line effects of stereotypical gender in language comprehension. Importantly, our results also suggest a gender stereotype asymmetry in that male and female stereotypes affected the processing of pronouns differently.

The Physiology and Molecular Underpinnings of the Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Obesity and Diabetes.

PubMed

Evers, Simon S; Sandoval, Darleen A; Seeley, Randy J

2017-02-10

Bariatric surgeries, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and vertical sleeve gastrectomy, produce significant and durable weight loss in both humans and rodents. Recently, these surgical interventions have also been termed metabolic surgery because they result in profound metabolic improvements that often surpass the expected improvement due to body weight loss alone. In this review we focus on the weight-loss independent effects of bariatric surgery, which encompass energy expenditure and macronutrient preference, the luminal composition of the gut (i.e., the microbiota and bile acids), the transformation of the gastrointestinal lining, increases in postprandial gut hormone secretions, glycemic control, pancreas morphology, and micronutrient and mineral absorption. Taken together, these data point to several important physiological changes that contribute to the profound benefits of these surgical procedures. Identifying the underlying molecular mechanisms for these physiological effects will allow better utilization of these existing procedures to help patients and develop new treatments that harness these surgical effects with less invasive interventions.

Bioremediation of PAHs and VOCs: Advances in clay mineral-microbial interaction.

PubMed

Biswas, Bhabananda; Sarkar, Binoy; Rusmin, Ruhaida; Naidu, Ravi

2015-12-01

Bioremediation is an effective strategy for cleaning up organic contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Advanced bioremediation implies that biotic agents are more efficient in degrading the contaminants completely. Bioremediation by microbial degradation is often employed and to make this process efficient, natural and cost-effective materials can serve as supportive matrices. Clay/modified clay minerals are effective adsorbents of PAHs/VOCs, and readily available substrate and habitat for microorganisms in the natural soil and sediment. However, the mechanism underpinning clay-mediated biodegradation of organic compounds is often unclear, and this requires critical investigation. This review describes the role of clay/modified clay minerals in hydrocarbon bioremediation through interaction with microbial agents in specific scenarios. The vision is on a faster, more efficient and cost-effective bioremediation technique using clay-based products. This review also proposes future research directions in the field of clay modulated microbial degradation of hydrocarbons. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The amygdala as a hub in brain networks that support social life

PubMed Central

Bickart, Kevin C.; Dickerson, Bradford C.; Barrett, Lisa Feldman

2016-01-01

A growing body of evidence suggests that the amygdala is central to handling the demands of complex social life in primates. In this paper, we synthesize extant anatomical and functional data from rodents, monkeys, and humans to describe the topography of three partially distinct large-scale brain networks anchored in the amygdala that each support unique functions for effectively managing social interactions and maintaining social relationships. These findings provide a powerful componential framework for parsing social behavior into partially distinct neural underpinnings that differ among healthy people and disintegrate or fail to develop in neuropsychiatric populations marked by social impairment, such as autism, antisocial personality disorder, and frontotemporal dementia. PMID:25152530

Translating context to causality in cardiovascular disparities research.

PubMed

Benn, Emma K T; Goldfeld, Keith S

2016-04-01

Moving from a descriptive focus to a comprehensive analysis grounded in causal inference can be particularly daunting for disparities researchers. However, even a simple model supported by the theoretical underpinnings of causality gives researchers a better chance to make correct inferences about possible interventions that can benefit our most vulnerable populations. This commentary provides a brief description of how race/ethnicity and context relate to questions of causality, and uses a hypothetical scenario to explore how different researchers might analyze the data to estimate causal effects of interest. Perhaps although not entirely removed of bias, these causal estimates will move us a step closer to understanding how to intervene. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Evolutionary Determinants of Cancer

PubMed Central

Greaves, Mel

2015-01-01

‘Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution’ Th. Dobzhansky, 1973 Our understanding of cancer is being transformed by exploring clonal diversity, drug resistance and causation within an evolutionary framework. The therapeutic resilience of advanced cancer is a consequence of its character as complex, dynamic and adaptive ecosystem engendering robustness, underpinned by genetic diversity and epigenetic plasticity. The risk of mutation-driven escape by self-renewing cells is intrinsic to multicellularity but is countered by multiple restraints facilitating increasing complexity and longevity of species. But our own has disrupted this historical narrative by rapidly escalating intrinsic risk. Evolutionary principles illuminate these challenges and provide new avenues to explore for more effective control. PMID:26193902

Appraisal underpinnings of affective chronometry: the role of appraisals in emotion habituation.

PubMed

Tong, Eddie M W; Bishop, George D; Enkelmann, Hwee Chong; Why, Yong Peng; Diong, Siew Maan; Khader, Majeed; Ang, Jansen

2009-08-01

In light of the lack of studies examining the cognitive components of affective chronometry, this research examined the appraisals associated with emotion habituation, using anger as the emotion of focus. Anger and its appraisals were assessed repeatedly over a day in the participants' naturalistic contexts. The trajectory of decline in anger over time after its first appearance was found to be a function of chronic coping styles. More importantly, the trajectories of anger-related appraisals generally corresponded to that of anger and were also moderated by coping styles in ways consistent with the moderating effects of coping styles on anger. Implications of these results for affective chronometry research and for appraisal research are discussed.

Malthusian dynamics in a diverging Europe: Northern Italy, 1650-1881.

PubMed

Fernihough, Alan

2013-02-01

Recent empirical research questions the validity of using Malthusian theory in preindustrial England. Using real wage and vital rate data for the years 1650-1881, I provide empirical estimates for a different region: Northern Italy. The empirical methodology is theoretically underpinned by a simple Malthusian model, in which population, real wages, and vital rates are determined endogenously. My findings strongly support the existence of a Malthusian economy wherein population growth decreased living standards, which in turn influenced vital rates. However, these results also demonstrate how the system is best characterized as one of weak homeostasis. Furthermore, there is no evidence of Boserupian effects given that increases in population failed to spur any sustained technological progress.

Neonatal exposure to fenoterol and betamethasone: effects on the behavioral development in the rat.

PubMed

Pitzer, Martina; Schmidt, Martin H

2009-01-01

We investigated longitudinally the behavioral development in the rat following exposure to beta-agonists and glucocorticoids (GC). Neonatal rats received either 1 mg/kg fenoterol (FEN), 0.3 mg/kg betamethasone (BET), or saline (SAL). Weanling and young adult rats were tested in the open field, the elevated-plus maze, and the water maze. FEN-treated as well as BET-treated animals displayed increased anxiety-like behavior. Furthermore, BET-treated adult animals showed a reduced locomotor activity. An enhanced 24-h memory in the water maze in both treatment groups may be facilitated by emotional arousal due to the increased anxiety levels. The possible neurobiological underpinnings are discussed in detail.

Knowledge Value Creation Characteristics of Virtual Teams: A Case Study in the Construction Sector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vorakulpipat, Chalee; Rezgui, Yacine

Any knowledge environment aimed at virtual teams should promote identification, access, capture and retrieval of relevant knowledge anytime / anywhere, while nurturing the social activities that underpin the knowledge sharing and creation process. In fact, socio-cultural issues play a critical role in the successful implementation of Knowledge Management (KM), and constitute a milestone towards value creation. The findings indicate that Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) promote value creation when they embed and nurture the social conditions that bind and bond team members together. Furthermore, technology assets, human networks, social capital, intellectual capital, and change management are identified as essential ingredients that have the potential to ensure effective knowledge value creation.

The Role of Universities in a Vigorous National Space Weather Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baker, Daniel N.

2011-05-01

It is increasingly clear that U.S. economic vitality and development, as well as global competitiveness, have strong and enduring ties to the space segment. Remote sensing, communications, surveillance, and a host of other areas of U.S. leadership are underpinned by space technology. Moreover, our national pursuit of robotic and human space exploration remains a cornerstone of U.S. aspirations. As was made clear in the U.S. National Space Policy (NSP) issued by President Barack Obama on 28 June 2010, a central overlay of the U.S. space program is that we must understand, be able to forecast, and, if possible, mitigate the effects of the space environment on technological systems.

Opportunities and pitfalls in clinical proof-of-concept: principles and examples.

PubMed

Chen, Chao

2018-04-01

Clinical proof-of-concept trials crucially inform major resource deployment decisions. This paper discusses several mechanisms for enhancing their rigour and efficiency. The importance of careful consideration when using a surrogate endpoint is illustrated; situational effectiveness of run-in patient enrichment is explored; a versatile tool is introduced to ensure a strong pharmacological underpinning; the benefits of dose-titration are revealed by simulation; and the importance of adequately scheduled observations is shown. The general process of model-based trial design and analysis is described and several examples demonstrate the value in historical data, simulation-guided design, model-based analysis and trial adaptation informed by interim analysis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

New genes as drivers of phenotypic evolution

PubMed Central

Chen, Sidi; Krinsky, Benjamin H.; Long, Manyuan

2014-01-01

During the course of evolution, genomes acquire novel genetic elements as sources of functional and phenotypic diversity, including new genes that originated in recent evolution. In the past few years, substantial progress has been made in understanding the evolution and phenotypic effects of new genes. In particular, an emerging picture is that new genes, despite being present in the genomes of only a subset of species, can rapidly evolve indispensable roles in fundamental biological processes, including development, reproduction, brain function and behaviour. The molecular underpinnings of how new genes can develop these roles are starting to be characterized. These recent discoveries yield fresh insights into our broad understanding of biological diversity at refined resolution. PMID:23949544

New genes as drivers of phenotypic evolution.

PubMed

Chen, Sidi; Krinsky, Benjamin H; Long, Manyuan

2013-09-01

During the course of evolution, genomes acquire novel genetic elements as sources of functional and phenotypic diversity, including new genes that originated in recent evolution. In the past few years, substantial progress has been made in understanding the evolution and phenotypic effects of new genes. In particular, an emerging picture is that new genes, despite being present in the genomes of only a subset of species, can rapidly evolve indispensable roles in fundamental biological processes, including development, reproduction, brain function and behaviour. The molecular underpinnings of how new genes can develop these roles are starting to be characterized. These recent discoveries yield fresh insights into our broad understanding of biological diversity at refined resolution.

Equity - some theory and its policy implications.

PubMed

Culyer, A J

2001-08-01

This essay seeks to characterise the essential features of an equitable health care system in terms of the classical Aristotelian concepts of horizontal and vertical equity, the common (but ill-defined) language of "need" and the economic notion of cost-effectiveness as a prelude to identifying some of the more important issues of value that policy-makers will have to decide for themselves; the characteristics of health (and what determines it) that can cause policy to be ineffective (or have undesired consequences); the information base that is required to support a policy directed at securing greater equity, and the kinds of research (theoretical and empirical) that are needed to underpin such a policy.

Practical Team-Based Learning from Planning to Implementation

PubMed Central

Bell, Edward; Eng, Marty; Fuentes, David G.; Helms, Kristen L.; Maki, Erik D.; Vyas, Deepti

2015-01-01

Team-based learning (TBL) helps instructors develop an active teaching approach for the classroom through group work. The TBL infrastructure engages students in the learning process through the Readiness Assessment Process, problem-solving through team discussions, and peer feedback to ensure accountability. This manuscript describes the benefits and barriers of TBL, and the tools necessary for developing, implementing, and critically evaluating the technique within coursework in a user-friendly method. Specifically, the manuscript describes the processes underpinning effective TBL development, preparation, implementation, assessment, and evaluation, as well as practical techniques and advice from authors’ classroom experiences. The paper also highlights published articles in the area of TBL in education, with a focus on pharmacy education. PMID:26889061