Spectral rate theory for projected two-state kinetics

Classical rate theories often fail in cases where the observable(s) or order parameter(s) used are poor reaction coordinates or the observed signal is deteriorated by noise, such that no clear separation between reactants and products is possible. Here, we present a general spectral two-state rate theory for ergodic dynamical systems in thermal equilibrium that explicitly takes into account how the system is observed. The theory allows the systematic estimation errors made by standard rate theories to be understood and quantified. We also elucidate the connection of spectral rate theory with the popular Markov state modeling (MSM) approach for molecular simulation studies. An optimal rate estimator is formulated that gives robust and unbiased results even for poor reaction coordinates and can be applied to both computer simulations and single-molecule experiments. No definition of a dividing surface is required. Another result of the theory is a model-free definition of the reaction coordinate quality (RCQ). The RCQ can be bounded from below by the directly computable observation quality (OQ), thus providing a measure allowing the RCQ to be optimized by tuning the experimental setup. Additionally, the respective partial probability distributions can be obtained for the reactant and product states along the observed order parameter, even when these strongly overlap. The effects of both filtering (averaging) and uncorrelated noise are also examined. The approach is demonstrated on numerical examples and experimental single-molecule force probe data of the p5ab RNA hairpin and the apo-myoglobin protein at low pH, here focusing on the case of two-state kinetics

Managing the Regulatory State: The Experience of the Bush Administration

This Article traces the history of Presidential management of the regulatory state up to the administration of President George W. Bush. It focuses on the latter\u27s implementation of smarter regulation, an approach to regulation based on unfunded mandates on the private sector implemented through the Office of Management and Budget, an organization within the Executive Office of the President. It finds cost-benefit analysis an essential, yet often neglected, tool for implementing efficient and effective regulations. It concludes the policies promoted under President Bush\u27s OMB have effectively cut costs by streamlining the rule-making process and discouraging adopting new federal rules, but cautions there is still a sea of overlapping regulations and conflict over turf among agencies causing the administrative state to steadily rise in cost

An Introduction to Inquiry Labs in Physics

AP Physics 1 is a new course for the 2014-2015 school year and the emphasis on inquiry-based laboratory experience will be new for our students, primarily juniors. Historically, our juniors have taken PreAP physics where they learn to use mathematics and graphs to model data and then learn a method to communicate their findings in a lab report format. Inquiry labs have been introduced primarily in AP Physics B, or senior level classes. Feedback from our AP Physics B classes indicates a need for more guidance on writing procedures, developing analysis methods, and ultimately posing questions that can be tested in the lab. Thus, we plan to begin the year in AP Physics 1 with two weeks dedicated to helping students develop procedure writing and data analysis skills that we will build throughout the year. By the end of the unit, we expect students to author procedures that can be followed by peers within the same class, and we expect them to increase their facility with the use of multiple modes for communicating and analyzing motion including observations, diagrams, verbal descriptions, graphs, and mathematical models

Workplace Spirituality in State Universities and Colleges: Its Relation to the Work Well-Being and Job Satisfaction of Faculty Members

This study determined the relationship of workplace spirituality, work well-being, and job satisfaction among faculty members in state universities and colleges (SUCs) in Region XII, Philippines. The descriptive survey and correlational design were used employing quantitative data. The data were gathered through the questionnaire and administered to the 234 respondents.  The gathered data were analyzed through frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and Pearson (r) Coefficient Correlation. The findings of the study revealed that faculty members agreed that their workplace spirituality has a “very high” positive correlation to work well-being (Ho₁). It was also found out that faculty members agreed that their workplace spirituality has a “very high” correlation to job satisfaction (Ho₂). Given the overall results, the study recommends sustaining the workplace spirituality of the faculty members to remain high in their work well-being and job satisfaction

Due Process and Management for Guidance Documents: Good Governance Long Overdue

On January 18, 2007, President Bush signed amendments to clarify and strengthen Executive Order (E.O.) 12,866, which President Clinton had issued to update principles for inter-agency planning and review of regulations. The most important provisions of President Bush\u27s E.O. 13,422 clearly extend interagency review to guidance documents. E.O. 13,422 was reinforced by a Bulletin for Agency Good Guidance Practices issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Together, E.O. 13,422 and the OMB Bulletin establish the first government-wide rules of the road to manage the development and use of guidance documents

Collaborative research:: A paradigm shift in architectural education?

The 2009 ARCC Spring Research Conference question, ". . . how can we foster a more integrated research culture between academia and the profession?” is an opportunity to examine the curriculum development at one School and stimulate discussion for expanded application. Since 1993 our School has endeavored to develop mutually valued connections with international professional leaders to meaningfully engage practicing professionals as teachers in a professional degree program. The concept of ‘leaders teaching leaders' with practitioners as teachers and research as a major component of the learning collaboration is one unique program focus. The strategic location of the School coupled with technological advances in the built environment process offer opportunities for students to experience global cultural influences, a second distinct program focus. The innovative approaches undertaken for over a decade were in part necessitated by the School's overarching goal to institute a new accredited doctoral first professional degree program which was accomplished in 2002. The effort to sustain credibility as a Doctor of Architecture (D. Arch.) program continues today. Innovations bring successes and risks. This paper examines the curriculum evolution to date and plans for future development from the viewpoint of the current Professional Practice Coordinator [Introduction, Professional Practice Curriculum, Program Evolution, Assessment, Conclusion] and the Doctorate Project Coordinator [Introduction, Program Evolution, Other D. Arch. Projects]. Reflections of the impact of our curriculum on one student's professional advancement relative to opportunities and challenges encountered while engaging in research collaboration with practicing architects is discussed by a graduate of the program, who is now a practicing intern. In addition, the paper offers an overview of other elucidating D. Arch. projects exemplifying the diversity of research topics and foci of the program on collaborative research, global culture, mentoring, and technology

Stand type affects fluxes of volatile organic compounds from the forest floor in hemiboreal and boreal climates

The forest floor is a significant contributor to the stand-scale fluxes of biogenic volatile organic compounds. In this study, the effect of tree species (Scots pine vs. Norway spruce) on forest floor fluxes of volatile organic compounds (VOC) was compared in boreal and hemiboreal climates.Peer reviewe