Virioplankton Assemblage Structure in the Lower River and Ocean Continuum of the Amazon.

PubMed

Silva, Bruno S de O; Coutinho, Felipe H; Gregoracci, Gustavo B; Leomil, Luciana; de Oliveira, Louisi S; Fróes, Adriana; Tschoeke, Diogo; Soares, Ana Carolina; Cabral, Anderson S; Ward, Nicholas D; Richey, Jeffrey E; Krusche, Alex V; Yager, Patricia L; de Rezende, Carlos Eduardo; Thompson, Cristiane C; Thompson, Fabiano L

2017-01-01

The Amazon River watershed and its associated plume comprise a vast continental and oceanic area. The microbial activities along this continuum contribute substantially to global carbon and nutrient cycling, and yet there is a dearth of information on the diversity, abundance, and possible roles of viruses in this globally important river. The aim of this study was to elucidate the diversity and structure of virus assemblages of the Amazon River-ocean continuum. Environmental viral DNA sequences were obtained for 12 locations along the river's lower reach ( n = 5) and plume ( n = 7). Sequence assembly yielded 29,358 scaffolds, encoding 82,546 viral proteins, with 15 new complete viral genomes. Despite the spatial connectivity mediated by the river, virome analyses and physical-chemical water parameters clearly distinguished river and plume ecosystems. Bacteriophages were ubiquitous in the continuum and were more abundant in the transition region. Eukaryotic viruses occurred mostly in the river, while the plume had more viruses of autotrophic organisms ( Prochlorococcus , Synechococcus ) and heterotrophic bacteria ( Pelagibacter ). The viral families Microviridae and Myoviridae were the most abundant and occurred throughout the continuum. The major functions of the genes in the continuum involved viral structures and life cycles, and viruses from plume locations and Tapajós River showed the highest levels of functional diversity. The distribution patterns of the viral assemblages were defined not only by the occurrence of possible hosts but also by water physical and chemical parameters, especially salinity. The findings presented here help to improve understanding of the possible roles of viruses in the organic matter cycle along the river-ocean continuum. IMPORTANCE The Amazon River forms a vast plume in the Atlantic Ocean that can extend for more than 1,000 km. Microbial communities promote a globally relevant carbon sink system in the plume. Despite the

Virioplankton Assemblage Structure in the Lower River and Ocean Continuum of the Amazon

PubMed Central

Silva, Bruno S. de O.; Coutinho, Felipe H.; Gregoracci, Gustavo B.; Leomil, Luciana; de Oliveira, Louisi S.; Fróes, Adriana; Tschoeke, Diogo; Soares, Ana Carolina; Cabral, Anderson S.; Ward, Nicholas D.; Richey, Jeffrey E.; Krusche, Alex V.; Yager, Patricia L.; de Rezende, Carlos Eduardo; Thompson, Cristiane C.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT The Amazon River watershed and its associated plume comprise a vast continental and oceanic area. The microbial activities along this continuum contribute substantially to global carbon and nutrient cycling, and yet there is a dearth of information on the diversity, abundance, and possible roles of viruses in this globally important river. The aim of this study was to elucidate the diversity and structure of virus assemblages of the Amazon River-ocean continuum. Environmental viral DNA sequences were obtained for 12 locations along the river’s lower reach (n = 5) and plume (n = 7). Sequence assembly yielded 29,358 scaffolds, encoding 82,546 viral proteins, with 15 new complete viral genomes. Despite the spatial connectivity mediated by the river, virome analyses and physical-chemical water parameters clearly distinguished river and plume ecosystems. Bacteriophages were ubiquitous in the continuum and were more abundant in the transition region. Eukaryotic viruses occurred mostly in the river, while the plume had more viruses of autotrophic organisms (Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus) and heterotrophic bacteria (Pelagibacter). The viral families Microviridae and Myoviridae were the most abundant and occurred throughout the continuum. The major functions of the genes in the continuum involved viral structures and life cycles, and viruses from plume locations and Tapajós River showed the highest levels of functional diversity. The distribution patterns of the viral assemblages were defined not only by the occurrence of possible hosts but also by water physical and chemical parameters, especially salinity. The findings presented here help to improve understanding of the possible roles of viruses in the organic matter cycle along the river-ocean continuum. IMPORTANCE The Amazon River forms a vast plume in the Atlantic Ocean that can extend for more than 1,000 km. Microbial communities promote a globally relevant carbon sink system in the plume. Despite the

Improved continuum lowering calculations in screened hydrogenic model with l-splitting for high energy density systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Amjad; Shabbir Naz, G.; Saleem Shahzad, M.; Kouser, R.; Aman-ur-Rehman; Nasim, M. H.

2018-03-01

The energy states of the bound electrons in high energy density systems (HEDS) are significantly affected due to the electric field of the neighboring ions. Due to this effect bound electrons require less energy to get themselves free and move into the continuum. This phenomenon of reduction in potential is termed as ionization potential depression (IPD) or the continuum lowering (CL). The foremost parameter to depict this change is the average charge state, therefore accurate modeling for CL is imperative in modeling atomic data for computation of radiative and thermodynamic properties of HEDS. In this paper, we present an improved model of CL in the screened hydrogenic model with l-splitting (SHML) proposed by G. Faussurier and C. Blancard, P. Renaudin [High Energy Density Physics 4 (2008) 114] and its effect on average charge state. We propose the level charge dependent calculation of CL potential energy and inclusion of exchange and correlation energy in SHML. By doing this, we made our model more relevant to HEDS and free from CL empirical parameter to the plasma environment. We have implemented both original and modified model of SHML in our code named OPASH and benchmark our results with experiments and other state-of-the-art simulation codes. We compared our results of average charge state for Carbon, Beryllium, Aluminum, Iron and Germanium against published literature and found a very reasonable agreement between them.

Quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical/continuum style solvation model: second order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory.

PubMed

Thellamurege, Nandun M; Si, Dejun; Cui, Fengchao; Li, Hui

2014-05-07

A combined quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical/continuum (QM/MM/C) style second order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) method that incorporates induced dipole polarizable force field and induced surface charge continuum solvation model is established. The Z-vector method is modified to include induced dipoles and induced surface charges to determine the MP2 response density matrix, which can be used to evaluate MP2 properties. In particular, analytic nuclear gradient is derived and implemented for this method. Using the Assisted Model Building with Energy Refinement induced dipole polarizable protein force field, the QM/MM/C style MP2 method is used to study the hydrogen bonding distances and strengths of the photoactive yellow protein chromopore in the wild type and the Glu46Gln mutant.

Quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical/continuum style solvation model: Second order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory

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

Thellamurege, Nandun M.; Si, Dejun; Cui, Fengchao

A combined quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical/continuum (QM/MM/C) style second order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) method that incorporates induced dipole polarizable force field and induced surface charge continuum solvation model is established. The Z-vector method is modified to include induced dipoles and induced surface charges to determine the MP2 response density matrix, which can be used to evaluate MP2 properties. In particular, analytic nuclear gradient is derived and implemented for this method. Using the Assisted Model Building with Energy Refinement induced dipole polarizable protein force field, the QM/MM/C style MP2 method is used to study the hydrogen bonding distances and strengths ofmore » the photoactive yellow protein chromopore in the wild type and the Glu46Gln mutant.« less

CONTINUUM INTENSITY AND [O i] SPECTRAL LINE PROFILES IN SOLAR 3D PHOTOSPHERIC MODELS: THE EFFECT OF MAGNETIC FIELDS

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

Fabbian, D.; Moreno-Insertis, F., E-mail: damian@iac.es, E-mail: fmi@iac.es

2015-04-01

The importance of magnetic fields in three-dimensional (3D) magnetoconvection models of the Sun’s photosphere is investigated in terms of their influence on the continuum intensity at different viewing inclination angles and on the intensity profile of two [O i] spectral lines. We use the RH numerical radiative transfer code to perform a posteriori spectral synthesis on the same time series of magnetoconvection models used in our publications on the effect of magnetic fields on abundance determination. We obtain a good match of the synthetic disk-center continuum intensity to the absolute continuum values from the Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) observational spectrum; the matchmore » of the center-to-limb variation synthetic data to observations is also good, thanks, in part, to the 3D radiation transfer capabilities of the RH code. The different levels of magnetic flux in the numerical time series do not modify the quality of the match. Concerning the targeted [O i] spectral lines, we find, instead, that magnetic fields lead to nonnegligible changes in the synthetic spectrum, with larger average magnetic flux causing both of the lines to become noticeably weaker. The photospheric oxygen abundance that one would derive if instead using nonmagnetic numerical models would thus be lower by a few to several centidex. The inclusion of magnetic fields is confirmed to be important for improving the current modeling of the Sun, here in particular in terms of spectral line formation and of deriving consistent chemical abundances. These results may shed further light on the still controversial issue regarding the precise value of the solar oxygen abundance.« less

The evolution of organic matter along the lower Amazon River continuum - Óbidos to the ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ward, N. D.; Keil, R. G.; Medeiros, P. M.; Brito, D.; Cunha, A.; Sawakuchi, H. O.; Moura, J. S.; Yager, P. L.; Krusche, A. V.; Richey, J. E.

2013-12-01

The influence of the Amazon River on global hydrologic and biogeochemical cycling is well recognized. The Amazon River provides roughly 16% of the global freshwater supply to the ocean and is a significant source of CO2 to the atmosphere, outgassing 0.5 Pg C y-1 to the atmosphere--a flux roughly equivalent to the amount of carbon 'sequestered' by the Amazon rainforest (Field et al, 1998; Richey et al., 2002; Malhi et al., 2008). However, much of our understanding of the flux of matter from the Amazon River into the Atlantic Ocean (and atmosphere) is limited to measurements made at and upstream of Óbidos, 900 km upstream from the actual river mouth. Further, there are few to no observations documenting the transformation of organic matter in a parcel of water as it travels downstream of Óbidos into the ocean. Here we explore the hydrological and biogeochemical evolution of the lower Amazon River continuum, from Óbidos to the Atlantic Ocean. A suite of dissolved and particulate organic matter (OM) parameters were measured during a series of five river expeditions with stations at Óbidos, the Tapajós tributary, the mouth of the Lago Grande de Curuai floodplain lake, both the north and south channels of the Amazon River mouth near Macapá, and the confluence of the Amazon and Tocantins Rivers near Belém. In addition to bulk carbon isotopic signatures, a suite of biomarkers including dissolved and particulate lignin-derived phenols were measured to trace the sources and degradation history of terrestrial vascular plant derived OM throughout the continuum. Dissolved and particulate lignin phenol concentrations both correlated positively with river discharge in the Amazon River mainstem, with variable export patterns from the tributaries and floodplains. As organic matter travels along the continuum it is degraded by microbial composition, fuelling gross respiration and CO2 outgassing. The flux of organic carbon to the ocean is chemically recalcitrant as a result of

Continuum Mean-Field Theories for Molecular Fluids, and Their Validity at the Nanoscale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanna, C. B.; Peyronel, F.; MacDougall, C.; Marangoni, A.; Pink, D. A.; AFMNet-NCE Collaboration

2011-03-01

We present a calculation of the physical properties of solid triglyceride particles dispersed in an oil phase, using atomic- scale molecular dynamics. Significant equilibrium density oscillations in the oil appear when the interparticle distance, d , becomes sufficiently small, with a global minimum in the free energy found at d ~ 1.4 nm. We compare the simulation values of the Hamaker coefficient with those of models which assume that the oil is a homogeneous continuum: (i) Lifshitz theory, (ii) the Fractal Model, and (iii) a Lennard-Jones 6-12 potential model. The last-named yields a minimum in the free energy at d ~ 0.26 nm. We conclude that, at the nanoscale, continuum Lifshitz theory and other continuum mean-field theories based on the assumption of homogeneous fluid density can lead to erroneous conclusions. CBH supported by NSF DMR-0906618. DAP supported by NSERC. This work supported by AFMNet-NCE.

The influence of continuum radiation fields on hydrogen radio recombination lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prozesky, Andri; Smits, Derck P.

2018-05-01

Calculations of hydrogen departure coefficients using a model with the angular momentum quantum levels resolved that includes the effects of external radiation fields are presented. The stimulating processes are important at radio frequencies and can influence level populations. New numerical techniques with a solid mathematical basis have been incorporated into the model to ensure convergence of the solution. Our results differ from previous results by up to 20 per cent. A direct solver with a similar accuracy but more efficient than the iterative method is used to evaluate the influence of continuum radiation on the hydrogen population structure. The effects on departure coefficients of continuum radiation from dust, the cosmic microwave background, the stellar ionising radiation, and free-free radiation are quantified. Tables of emission and absorption coefficients for interpreting observed radio recombination lines are provided.

THMC Modeling of EGS Reservoirs -- Continuum through Discontinuum Representations. Capturing Reservoir Stimulation, Evolution and Induced Seismicity

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

Elsworth, Derek; Izadi, Ghazal; Gan, Quan

This work has investigated the roles of effective stress induced by changes in fluid pressure, temperature and chemistry in contributing to the evolution of permeability and induced seismicity in geothermal reservoirs. This work has developed continuum models [1] to represent the progress or seismicity during both stimulation [2] and production [3]. These methods have been used to resolve anomalous observations of induced seismicity at the Newberry Volcano demonstration project [4] through the application of modeling and experimentation. Later work then focuses on the occurrence of late stage seismicity induced by thermal stresses [5] including the codifying of the timing andmore » severity of such responses [6]. Furthermore, mechanistic linkages between observed seismicity and the evolution of permeability have been developed using data from the Newberry project [7] and benchmarked against field injection experiments. Finally, discontinuum models [8] incorporating the roles of discrete fracture networks have been applied to represent stimulation and then thermal recovery for new arrangements of geothermal wells incorporating the development of flow manifolds [9] in order to increase thermal output and longevity in EGS systems.« less

Double-gap Alfvén eigenmodes: revisiting eigenmode interaction with the alfvén continuum.

PubMed

Gorelenkov, N N

2005-12-31

A new type of global shear Alfvén eigenmode is found in tokamak plasmas where the mode localization is in the region intersecting the Alfvén continuum. The eigenmode is formed by the coupling of two solutions from two adjacent gaps (akin to potential wells) in the shear Alfvén continuum. For tokamak plasmas with reversed magnetic shear, it is shown that the toroidicity-induced solution tunnels through the continuum to match the ellipticity-induced Alfvén eigenmode so that the resulting solution is continuous at the point of resonance with the continuum. The existence of these double-gap Alfvén eigenmodes allows for potentially new ways of coupling edge fields to the plasma core in conditions where the core region is conventionally considered inaccessible. Implications include new approaches to heating and current drive in fusion plasmas as well as its possible use as a core diagnostic in burning plasmas.

Restoration of rotational symmetry in the continuum limit of lattice field theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davoudi, Zohreh; Savage, Martin J.

2012-09-01

We explore how rotational invariance is systematically recovered from calculations on hyper-cubic lattices through the use of smeared lattice operators that smoothly evolve into continuum operators with definite angular momentum as the lattice-spacing is reduced. Perturbative calculations of the angular momentum violation associated with such operators at tree level and at one loop are presented in λϕ4 theory and QCD. Contributions from these operators that violate rotational invariance occur at tree-level, with coefficients that are suppressed by O(a2) in the continuum limit. Quantum loops do not modify this behavior in λϕ4, nor in QCD if the gauge-fields are smeared over a comparable spatial region. Consequently, the use of this type of operator should, in principle, allow for Lattice QCD calculations of the higher moments of the hadron structure functions.

On deformation of complex continuum immersed in a plane space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovalev, V. A.; Murashkin, E. V.; Radayev, Y. N.

2018-05-01

The present paper is devoted to mathematical modelling of complex continua deformations considered as immersed in an external plane space. The complex continuum is defined as a differential manifold supplied with metrics induced by the external space. A systematic derivation of strain tensors by notion of isometric immersion of the complex continuum into a plane space of a higher dimension is proposed. Problem of establishing complete systems of irreducible objective strain and extrastrain tensors for complex continuum immersed in an external plane space is resolved. The solution to the problem is obtained by methods of the field theory and the theory of rational algebraic invariants. Strain tensors of the complex continuum are derived as irreducible algebraic invariants of contravariant vectors of the external space emerging as functional arguments in the complex continuum action density. Present analysis is restricted to rational algebraic invariants. Completeness of the considered systems of rational algebraic invariants is established for micropolar elastic continua. Rational syzygies for non-quadratic invariants are discussed. Objective strain tensors (indifferent to frame rotations in the external plane space) for micropolar continuum are alternatively obtained by properly combining multipliers of polar decompositions of deformation and extra-deformation gradients. The latter is realized only for continua immersed in a plane space of the equal mathematical dimension.

Ash Dispersal in Planetary Atmospheres: Continuum vs. Non-continuum Effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fagents, S. A.; Baloga, S. M.; Glaze, L. S.

2013-12-01

The dispersal of ash from a volcanic vent on any given planet is dictated by particle properties (density, shape, and size distribution), the intensity of the eruptive source, and the characteristics of the planetary environment (atmospheric structure, wind field, and gravity) into which the ash is erupted. Relating observations of potential pyroclastic deposits to source locations and eruption conditions requires a detailed quantitative understanding of the settling rates of individual particles under changing ambient conditions. For atmospheres that are well described by continuum mechanics, the conventional Newtonian description of particle motion allows particle settling velocities to be related to particle characteristics via a drag coefficient. However, under rarefied atmospheric conditions (i.e., on Mars and at high altitude on Earth), non-continuum effects become important for ash-sized particles, and an equation of motion based on statistical mechanics is required for calculating particle motion. We have developed a rigorous new treatment of particle settling under variable atmospheric conditions and applied it to Earth and Mars. When non-continuum effects are important (as dictated by the mean free path of atmospheric gas relative to the particle size), fall velocities are greater than those calculated by continuum mechanics. When continuum conditions (i.e., higher atmospheric densities) are reached during descent, our model switches to a conventional formulation that determines the appropriate drag coefficient as the particle transits varying atmospheric properties. The variation of settling velocity with altitude allows computation of particle trajectories, fall durations and downwind dispersal. Our theoretical and numerical analyses show that several key, competing factors strongly influence the downwind trajectories of ash particles and the extents of the resulting deposits. These factors include: the shape of the particles (non-spherical particles

Gyrokinetic continuum simulation of turbulence in a straight open-field-line plasma

DOE PAGES

Shi, E. L.; Hammett, G. W.; Stoltzfus-Dueck, T.; ...

2017-05-29

Here, five-dimensional gyrokinetic continuum simulations of electrostatic plasma turbulence in a straight, open-field-line geometry have been performed using a full- discontinuous-Galerkin approach implemented in the Gkeyll code. While various simplifications have been used for now, such as long-wavelength approximations in the gyrokinetic Poisson equation and the Hamiltonian, these simulations include the basic elements of a fusion-device scrape-off layer: localised sources to model plasma outflow from the core, cross-field turbulent transport, parallel flow along magnetic field lines, and parallel losses at the limiter or divertor with sheath-model boundary conditions. The set of sheath-model boundary conditions used in the model allows currentsmore » to flow through the walls. In addition to details of the numerical approach, results from numerical simulations of turbulence in the Large Plasma Device, a linear device featuring straight magnetic field lines, are presented.« less

Continuum and three-nucleon force effects on Be 9 energy levels

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

Langhammer, Joachim; Navrátil, Petr; Quaglioni, Sofia

2015-02-05

In this paper, we extend the recently proposed ab initio no-core shell model with continuum to include three-nucleon (3N) interactions beyond the few-body domain. The extended approach allows for the assessment of effects of continuum degrees of freedom as well as of the 3N force in ab initio calculations of structure and reaction observables of p- and lower-sd-shell nuclei. As a first application we concentrate on energy levels of the 9Be system for which all excited states lie above the n- 8Be threshold. For all energy levels, the inclusion of the continuum significantly improves the agreement with experiment, which wasmore » an issue in standard no-core shell model calculations. Furthermore, we find the proper treatment of the continuum indispensable for reliable statements about the quality of the adopted 3N interaction from chiral effective field theory. Finally, in particular, we find the 1/2 + resonance energy, which is of astrophysical interest, in good agreement with experiment.« less

Quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical/continuum style solvation model: linear response theory, variational treatment, and nuclear gradients.

PubMed

Li, Hui

2009-11-14

Linear response and variational treatment are formulated for Hartree-Fock (HF) and Kohn-Sham density functional theory (DFT) methods and combined discrete-continuum solvation models that incorporate self-consistently induced dipoles and charges. Due to the variational treatment, analytic nuclear gradients can be evaluated efficiently for these discrete and continuum solvation models. The forces and torques on the induced point dipoles and point charges can be evaluated using simple electrostatic formulas as for permanent point dipoles and point charges, in accordance with the electrostatic nature of these methods. Implementation and tests using the effective fragment potential (EFP, a polarizable force field) method and the conductorlike polarizable continuum model (CPCM) show that the nuclear gradients are as accurate as those in the gas phase HF and DFT methods. Using B3LYP/EFP/CPCM and time-dependent-B3LYP/EFP/CPCM methods, acetone S(0)-->S(1) excitation in aqueous solution is studied. The results are close to those from full B3LYP/CPCM calculations.

Measurements of continuum lowering in solid-density plasmas created from elements and compounds

DOE PAGES

Ciricosta, O.; Vinko, S. M.; Barbrel, B.; ...

2016-05-23

The effect of a dense plasma environment on the energy levels of an embedded ion is usually described in terms of the lowering of its continuum level. For strongly coupled plasmas, the phenomenon is intimately related to the equation of state; hence, an accurate treatment is crucial for most astrophysical and inertial-fusion applications, where the case of plasma mixtures is of particular interest. In this study, we present an experiment showing that the standard density-dependent analytical models are inadequate to describe solid-density plasmas at the temperatures studied, where the reduction of the binding energies for a given species is unaffectedmore » by the different plasma environment (ion density) in either the element or compounds of that species, and can be accurately estimated by calculations only involving the energy levels of an isolated neutral atom. Lastly, the results have implications for the standard approaches to the equation of state calculations.« less

Frequency chirpings in Alfven continuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ge; Berk, Herb; Breizman, Boris; Zheng, Linjin

2017-10-01

We have used a self-consistent mapping technique to describe both the nonlinear wave-energetic particle resonant interaction and its spatial mode structure that depends upon the resonant energetic particle pressure. At the threshold for the onset of the energetic particle mode (EPM), strong chirping emerges in the lower continuum close to the TAE gap and then, driven by strong continuum damping, chirps rapidly to lower frequencies in the Alfven continuum. An adiabatic theory was developed that accurately replicated the results from the simulation where the nonlinearity was only due to the EPM resonant particles. The results show that the EPM-trapped particles have their action conserved during the time of rapid chirping. This adiabaticity enabled wave trapped particles to be confined within their separatrix, and produce even larger resonant structures, that can produce a large amplitude mode far from linearly predicted frequencies. In the present work we describe the effect of additional MHD nonlinearity to this calculation. We studied how the zonal flow component and its nonlinear feedback to the fundamental frequency and found that the MHD nonlinearity doesn't significantly alter the frequency chirping response that is predicted by the calculation that neglects the MHD nonlinearity.

[Psychiatric Rehabilitation - From the Linear Continuum Approach Towards Supported Inclusion].

PubMed

Richter, Dirk; Hertig, Res; Hoffmann, Holger

2016-11-01

Background: For many decades, psychiatric rehabilitation in the German-speaking countries is following a conventional linear continuum approach. Methods: Recent developments in important fields related to psychiatric rehabilitation (UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, theory of rehabilitation, empirical research) are reviewed. Results: Common to all developments in the reviewed fields are the principles of choice, autonomy and social inclusion. These principles contradict the conventional linear continuum approach. Conclusions: The linear continuum approach of psychiatric rehabilitation should be replaced by the "supported inclusion"-approach. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Non-Gated Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Provides a Powerful Segmentation Tool on Concomitant Treatment of Characteristic and Continuum Emission

PubMed Central

Dasari, Ramachandra Rao; Barman, Ishan; Gundawar, Manoj Kumar

2014-01-01

We demonstrate the application of non-gated laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for characterization and classification of organic materials with similar chemical composition. While use of such a system introduces substantive continuum background in the spectral dataset, we show that appropriate treatment of the continuum and characteristic emission results in accurate discrimination of pharmaceutical formulations of similar stoichiometry. Specifically, our results suggest that near-perfect classification can be obtained by employing suitable multivariate analysis on the acquired spectra, without prior removal of the continuum background. Indeed, we conjecture that pre-processing in the form of background removal may introduce spurious features in the signal. Our findings in this report significantly advance the prior results in time-integrated LIBS application and suggest the possibility of a portable, non-gated LIBS system as a process analytical tool, given its simple instrumentation needs, real-time capability and lack of sample preparation requirements. PMID:25084522

Experimental Measurements of the Lower Hybrid Electric Field and Induced Neutral Flow in Tore Supra by Optical Emission Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, E. H.; Klepper, C. C.; Isler, R. C.; Goniche, M.; Caughman, J. B. O.

2014-10-01

Recently, the RF electric field vector (ELH) in front of a lower hybrid (LH) launcher, operating at 3.7 GHz, at the low field side of the Tore Supra tokamak was determined by spectroscopic analysis of passive Dβ spectral emission from the near-antenna plasma. The ELH was determined by globally minimizing the χ associated with the experimental and theoretical spectral line profile. The theoretical profile is calculated from a non-perturbative solution to the Schrödinger equation, which includes the magnetic and dynamic electric field vectors. The magnitude, the direction, and the scaling with LH power of the measured ELH were fairly consistent with those calculated from a full-wave LH model. In addition to ELH the inboard and an outboard neutral flow was determined from the Doppler shifts associated with the Dα and Dβ spectral profiles. It was found that excitation of the LH wave induced both an inboard and outboard co-current neutral flow, which is linearly dependent on injected power; preliminary results indicate ICRH decreases the LH wave-induced co-current neutral flow. Neutral flow velocities are consistent with measurements of ion flow velocities obtained by charge exchange recombination spectroscopy. Work supported by the US DOE under Contract No. DE-AC05-00OR22725 with UT-Battelle, LLC., and by the European Communities under the contract of Assoc. EURATOM-CEA and within the framework of the EFDA.

Continuum description of ionic and dielectric shielding for molecular-dynamics simulations of proteins in solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egwolf, Bernhard; Tavan, Paul

2004-01-01

We extend our continuum description of solvent dielectrics in molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations [B. Egwolf and P. Tavan, J. Chem. Phys. 118, 2039 (2003)], which has provided an efficient and accurate solution of the Poisson equation, to ionic solvents as described by the linearized Poisson-Boltzmann (LPB) equation. We start with the formulation of a general theory for the electrostatics of an arbitrarily shaped molecular system, which consists of partially charged atoms and is embedded in a LPB continuum. This theory represents the reaction field induced by the continuum in terms of charge and dipole densities localized within the molecular system. Because these densities cannot be calculated analytically for systems of arbitrary shape, we introduce an atom-based discretization and a set of carefully designed approximations. This allows us to represent the densities by charges and dipoles located at the atoms. Coupled systems of linear equations determine these multipoles and can be rapidly solved by iteration during a MD simulation. The multipoles yield the reaction field forces and energies. Finally, we scrutinize the quality of our approach by comparisons with an analytical solution restricted to perfectly spherical systems and with results of a finite difference method.

Lower Blood Pressure-Induced Renal Hypoperfusion Promotes Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity.

PubMed

Mizuno, Tomohiro; Hayashi, Takahiro; Shimabukuro, Yuka; Murase, Maho; Hayashi, Hiroki; Ishikawa, Kazuhiro; Takahashi, Kazuo; Yuzawa, Yukio; Yamada, Shigeki; Nagamatsu, Tadashi

2016-01-01

Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity primarily occurs in the proximal tubules, and tubular injuries reduce glomerular filtration rates. Lower blood pressure causes renal hypoperfusion, which promotes ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI). Our study examined the relationship between lower blood pressure-induced renal hypoperfusion and cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. The relationship between cisplatin use and hypoalbuminemia is not clear. This study consisted of Japanese patients who received cisplatin as the first-line chemotherapy at Fujita Health University Hospital from April 2006 to December 2012. Hypoalbuminemia was defined as serum albumin levels ≤3.5 mg/dl. Patients who experienced lower blood pressure during chemotherapy were included in the lower blood pressure group (n = 229), and those who did not were included in the normal blood pressure group (n = 743). Total cisplatin dose in the normal blood pressure and lower blood pressure groups was 58.9 ± 23.8 and 55.0 ± 20.4 mg/m2, respectively. The rate of severe nephrotoxicity was higher and overall survival was shorter in the lower blood pressure group than in the normal blood pressure group. In a multivariable analysis, lower blood pressure significantly correlated with hypoalbuminemia. To prevent ischemic AKI, nutrition and cachexia controlling are important parts of cancer treatment. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Discrete and continuum simulations of near-field ground motion from Source Physics Experiments (SPE) (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ezzedine, S. M.; Vorobiev, O.; Herbold, E. B.; Glenn, L. A.; Antoun, T.

2013-12-01

This work is focused on analysis of near-field measurements (up to 100 m from the source) recorded during Source Physics Experiments in a granitic formation. One of the main goals of these experiments is to investigate the possible mechanisms of shear wave generation in the nonlinear source region. SPE experiments revealed significant tangential motion (up to 30 % of the magnitude in the radial direction) at many locations. Furthermore, azimuthal variations in radial velocities were also observed which cannot be generated by a spherical source in isotropic materials. Understanding the nature of this non-radial motion is important for discriminating between the natural seismicity and underground explosions signatures. Possible mechanisms leading to such motion include, but not limited to, heterogeneities in the rock such as joints, faults and geologic layers as well as surface topography and vertical motion at the surface caused by material spall and gravity. We have performed a three dimensional computational studies considering all these effects. Both discrete and continuum methods have been employed to model heterogeneities. In the discrete method, the joints and faults were represented by cohesive contact elements. This enables us to examine various friction laws at the joints which include softening, dilatancy, water saturation and rate-dependent friction. Yet this approach requires the mesh to be aligned with joints, which may present technical difficulties in three dimensions when multiple non-persistent joints are present. In addition, the discrete method is more computationally expensive. The continuum approach assumes that the joints are stiff and the dilatancy and shear softening can be neglected. In this approach, the joints are modeled as weakness planes within the material, which are imbedded into and pass through many finite elements. The advantage of this approach is that it requires neither sophisticated meshing algorithms nor contact detection

Continuum theory of phase separation kinetics for active Brownian particles.

PubMed

Stenhammar, Joakim; Tiribocchi, Adriano; Allen, Rosalind J; Marenduzzo, Davide; Cates, Michael E

2013-10-04

Active Brownian particles (ABPs), when subject to purely repulsive interactions, are known to undergo activity-induced phase separation broadly resembling an equilibrium (attraction-induced) gas-liquid coexistence. Here we present an accurate continuum theory for the dynamics of phase-separating ABPs, derived by direct coarse graining, capturing leading-order density gradient terms alongside an effective bulk free energy. Such gradient terms do not obey detailed balance; yet we find coarsening dynamics closely resembling that of equilibrium phase separation. Our continuum theory is numerically compared to large-scale direct simulations of ABPs and accurately accounts for domain growth kinetics, domain topologies, and coexistence densities.

Airborne and satellite remote sensing of the mid-infrared water vapour continuum.

PubMed

Newman, Stuart M; Green, Paul D; Ptashnik, Igor V; Gardiner, Tom D; Coleman, Marc D; McPheat, Robert A; Smith, Kevin M

2012-06-13

Remote sensing of the atmosphere from space plays an increasingly important role in weather forecasting. Exploiting observations from the latest generation of weather satellites relies on an accurate knowledge of fundamental spectroscopy, including the water vapour continuum absorption. Field campaigns involving the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements research aircraft have collected a comprehensive dataset, comprising remotely sensed infrared radiance observations collocated with accurate measurements of the temperature and humidity structure of the atmosphere. These field measurements have been used to validate the strength of the infrared water vapour continuum in comparison with the latest laboratory measurements. The recent substantial changes to self-continuum coefficients in the widely used MT_CKD (Mlawer-Tobin-Clough-Kneizys-Davies) model between 2400 and 3200 cm(-1) are shown to be appropriate and in agreement with field measurements. Results for the foreign continuum in the 1300-2000 cm(-1) band suggest a weak temperature dependence that is not currently included in atmospheric models. A one-dimensional variational retrieval experiment is performed that shows a small positive benefit from using new laboratory-derived continuum coefficients for humidity retrievals.

Luminosity function of faint galaxies with ultraviolet continuum

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

Stepanyan, D.A.

1985-05-01

The spatial density of faint galaxies with ultraviolet continuum in the Second Survey of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory is determined. The luminosity function of galaxies with ultraviolet continuum can be extended to objects fainter by 1-1.5 magnitudes. The spatial density of such galaxies in the interval of luminosities -16 /sup m/ .5 to -21 /sup m/ .5 is on the average 0.08 of the total density of field galaxies in the same interval of absolute magnitudes. The spatial density of low-luminosity galaxies with ultraviolet continuum is very high. In the interval from -12 /sup m/ .5 to -15 /sup m/more » .5 it is 0.23 Mpc/sup -3/.« less

Practice, supervision, consultancy and appraisal: a continuum of learning.

PubMed Central

Launer, John

2003-01-01

I examine four different kinds of learning conversation: reflective practice, clinical supervision, work consultancy and performance appraisal. I propose that there is a close and reciprocal relationship between these kinds of conversation, and that they represent different aspects of a unified field, or continuum. I argue that appraisal should be seen as part of this learning continuum rather than as form of monitoring. PMID:14601347

Lyman continuum observations of solar flares

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Machado, M. E.; Noyes, R. W.

1978-01-01

A study is made of Lyman continuum observations of solar flares, using data obtained by the EUV spectroheliometer on the Apollo Telescope Mount. It is found that there are two main types of flare regions: an overall 'mean' flare coincident with the H-alpha flare region, and transient Lyman continuum kernels which can be identified with the H-alpha and X-ray kernels observed by other authors. It is found that the ground level hydrogen population in flares is closer to LTE than in the quiet sun and active regions, and that the level of Lyman continuum formation is lowered in the atmosphere from a mass column density .000005 g/sq cm in the quiet sun to .0003 g/sq cm in the mean flare, and to .001 g/sq cm in kernels. From these results the amount of chromospheric material 'evaporated' into the high temperature region is derived, which is found to be approximately 10 to the 15th g, in agreement with observations of X-ray emission measures.

Temperature Dependences of Mechanisms Responsible for the Water-Vapor Continuum Absorption

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ma, Qiancheng

2014-01-01

The water-vapor continuum absorption plays an important role in the radiative balance in the Earth's atmosphere. It has been experimentally shown that for ambient atmospheric conditions, the continuum absorption scales quadratically with the H2O number density and has a strong, negative temperature dependence (T dependence). Over the years, there have been three different theoretical mechanisms postulated: far-wings of allowed transition lines, water dimers, and collision-induced absorption. The first mechanism proposed was the accumulation of absorptions from the far-wings of the strong allowed transition lines. Later, absorption by water dimers was proposed, and this mechanism provides a qualitative explanation for the continuum characters mentioned above. Despite the improvements in experimental data, at present there is no consensus on which mechanism is primarily responsible for the continuum absorption.

Microstructural comparison of the kinematics of discrete and continuum dislocations models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandfeld, Stefan; Po, Giacomo

2015-12-01

The Continuum Dislocation Dynamics (CDD) theory and the Discrete Dislocation Dynamics (DDD) method are compared based on concise mathematical formulations of the coarse graining of discrete data. A numerical tool for converting from a discrete to a continuum representation of a given dislocation configuration is developed, which allows to directly compare both simulation approaches based on continuum quantities (e.g. scalar density, geometrically necessary densities, mean curvature). Investigating the evolution of selected dislocation configurations within analytically given velocity fields for both DDD and CDD reveals that CDD contains a surprising number of important microstructural details.

Polarizable Molecular Dynamics in a Polarizable Continuum Solvent

PubMed Central

Lipparini, Filippo; Lagardère, Louis; Raynaud, Christophe; Stamm, Benjamin; Cancès, Eric; Mennucci, Benedetta; Schnieders, Michael; Ren, Pengyu; Maday, Yvon; Piquemal, Jean-Philip

2015-01-01

We present for the first time scalable polarizable molecular dynamics (MD) simulations within a polarizable continuum solvent with molecular shape cavities and exact solution of the mutual polarization. The key ingredients are a very efficient algorithm for solving the equations associated with the polarizable continuum, in particular, the domain decomposition Conductor-like Screening Model (ddCOSMO), a rigorous coupling of the continuum with the polarizable force field achieved through a robust variational formulation and an effective strategy to solve the coupled equations. The coupling of ddCOSMO with non variational force fields, including AMOEBA, is also addressed. The MD simulations are feasible, for real life systems, on standard cluster nodes; a scalable parallel implementation allows for further speed up in the context of a newly developed module in Tinker, named Tinker-HP. NVE simulations are stable and long term energy conservation can be achieved. This paper is focused on the methodological developments, on the analysis of the algorithm and on the stability of the simulations; a proof-of-concept application is also presented to attest the possibilities of this newly developed technique. PMID:26516318

Continuum limit of electrostatic gyrokinetic absolute equilibrium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Jian-Zhou

2012-06-01

Electrostatic gyrokinetic absolute equilibria with continuum velocity field are obtained through the partition function and through the Green function of the functional integral. The new results justify and explain the prescription for quantization/discretization or taking the continuum limit of velocity. The mistakes in the Appendix D of our earlier work [J.-Z. Zhu and G. W. Hammett, Phys. Plasmas 17, 122307 (2010)] are explained and corrected. If the lattice spacing for discretizing velocity is big enough, all the invariants could concentrate at the lowest Fourier modes in a negative-temperature state, which might indicate a possible variation of the dual cascade picture in 2D plasma turbulence.

Polarizable continuum model associated with the self-consistent-reaction field for molecular adsorbates at the interface.

PubMed

Wang, Jing-Bo; Ma, Jian-Yi; Li, Xiang-Yuan

2010-01-07

In this work, a new procedure has been developed in order to realize the self-consistent-reaction field computation for interfacial molecules. Based on the extension of the dielectric polarizable continuum model, the quantum-continuum calculations for interfacial molecules have been carried out. This work presents an investigation into how the molecular structure influences the adsorbate-solvent interaction and consequently alters the orientation angle at the air/water interface. Taking both electrostatic and non-electrostatic energies into account, we investigate the orientation behavior of three interfacial molecules, 2,6-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile, 3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile and p-cyanophenol, at the air/water interface. The results show that the hydrophilic hydroxyl groups in 2,6-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile and in p-cyanophenol point from the air to the water side, but the hydroxyl group in 3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile takes the opposite direction. Our detailed analysis reveals that the opposite orientation of 3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile results mainly from the cavitation energy. The different orientations of the hydrophilic hydroxyl group indicate the competition of electrostatic and cavitation energies. The theoretical prediction gives a satisfied explanation of the most recent sum frequency generation measurement for these molecules at the interface.

Edge gyrokinetic theory and continuum simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, X. Q.; Xiong, Z.; Dorr, M. R.; Hittinger, J. A.; Bodi, K.; Candy, J.; Cohen, B. I.; Cohen, R. H.; Colella, P.; Kerbel, G. D.; Krasheninnikov, S.; Nevins, W. M.; Qin, H.; Rognlien, T. D.; Snyder, P. B.; Umansky, M. V.

2007-08-01

The following results are presented from the development and application of TEMPEST, a fully nonlinear (full-f) five-dimensional (3d2v) gyrokinetic continuum edge-plasma code. (1) As a test of the interaction of collisions and parallel streaming, TEMPEST is compared with published analytic and numerical results for endloss of particles confined by combined electrostatic and magnetic wells. Good agreement is found over a wide range of collisionality, confining potential and mirror ratio, and the required velocity space resolution is modest. (2) In a large-aspect-ratio circular geometry, excellent agreement is found for a neoclassical equilibrium with parallel ion flow in the banana regime with zero temperature gradient and radial electric field. (3) The four-dimensional (2d2v) version of the code produces the first self-consistent simulation results of collisionless damping of geodesic acoustic modes and zonal flow (Rosenbluth-Hinton residual) with Boltzmann electrons using a full-f code. The electric field is also found to agree with the standard neoclassical expression for steep density and ion temperature gradients in the plateau regime. In divertor geometry, it is found that the endloss of particles and energy induces parallel flow stronger than the core neoclassical predictions in the SOL.

77 FR 45367 - Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Grant Application; Continuum of Care Application

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-31

... DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR-5603-N-53] Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Grant Application; Continuum of Care Application AGENCY: Office of the Chief Information Officer..., called Continuums of Care (CoC), will complete the Exhibit 1 of the Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance...

Excitations in the field-induced quantum spin liquid state of α-RuCl3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banerjee, Arnab; Lampen-Kelley, Paula; Knolle, Johannes; Balz, Christian; Aczel, Adam Anthony; Winn, Barry; Liu, Yaohua; Pajerowski, Daniel; Yan, Jiaqiang; Bridges, Craig A.; Savici, Andrei T.; Chakoumakos, Bryan C.; Lumsden, Mark D.; Tennant, David Alan; Moessner, Roderich; Mandrus, David G.; Nagler, Stephen E.

2018-03-01

The celebrated Kitaev quantum spin liquid (QSL) is the paradigmatic example of a topological magnet with emergent excitations in the form of Majorana Fermions and gauge fluxes. Upon breaking of time-reversal symmetry, for example in an external magnetic field, these fractionalized quasiparticles acquire non-Abelian exchange statistics, an important ingredient for topologically protected quantum computing. Consequently, there has been enormous interest in exploring possible material realizations of Kitaev physics and several candidate materials have been put forward, recently including α-RuCl3. In the absence of a magnetic field this material orders at a finite temperature and exhibits low-energy spin wave excitations. However, at moderate energies, the spectrum is unconventional and the response shows evidence for fractional excitations. Here we use time-of-flight inelastic neutron scattering to show that the application of a sufficiently large magnetic field in the honeycomb plane suppresses the magnetic order and the spin waves, leaving a gapped continuum spectrum of magnetic excitations. Our comparisons of the scattering to the available calculations for a Kitaev QSL show that they are consistent with the magnetic field induced QSL phase.

Excitations in the field-induced quantum spin liquid state of α-RuCl 3

DOE PAGES

Banerjee, Arnab; Kelley, Paula J.; Knolle, Johannes; ...

2018-02-20

The celebrated Kitaev quantum spin liquid (QSL) is the paradigmatic example of a topological magnet with emergent excitations in the form of Majorana Fermions and gauge fluxes. Upon breaking of time-reversal symmetry, for example in an external magnetic field, these fractionalized quasiparticles acquire non-Abelian exchange statistics, an important ingredient for topologically protected quantum computing. Consequently, there has been enormous interest in exploring possible material realizations of Kitaev physics and several candidate materials have been put forward, recently including α-RuCl 3. In the absence of a magnetic field this material orders at a finite temperature and exhibits low-energy spin wave excitations.more » However, at moderate energies, the spectrum is unconventional and the response shows evidence for fractional excitations. Here in this paper, we use time-of-flight inelastic neutron scattering to show that the application of a sufficiently large magnetic field in the honeycomb plane suppresses the magnetic order and the spin waves, leaving a gapped continuum spectrum of magnetic excitations. Our comparisons of the scattering to the available calculations for a Kitaev QSL show that they are consistent with the magnetic field induced QSL phase.« less

Excitations in the field-induced quantum spin liquid state of α-RuCl 3

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

Banerjee, Arnab; Kelley, Paula J.; Knolle, Johannes

The celebrated Kitaev quantum spin liquid (QSL) is the paradigmatic example of a topological magnet with emergent excitations in the form of Majorana Fermions and gauge fluxes. Upon breaking of time-reversal symmetry, for example in an external magnetic field, these fractionalized quasiparticles acquire non-Abelian exchange statistics, an important ingredient for topologically protected quantum computing. Consequently, there has been enormous interest in exploring possible material realizations of Kitaev physics and several candidate materials have been put forward, recently including α-RuCl 3. In the absence of a magnetic field this material orders at a finite temperature and exhibits low-energy spin wave excitations.more » However, at moderate energies, the spectrum is unconventional and the response shows evidence for fractional excitations. Here in this paper, we use time-of-flight inelastic neutron scattering to show that the application of a sufficiently large magnetic field in the honeycomb plane suppresses the magnetic order and the spin waves, leaving a gapped continuum spectrum of magnetic excitations. Our comparisons of the scattering to the available calculations for a Kitaev QSL show that they are consistent with the magnetic field induced QSL phase.« less

Modelling of induced electric fields based on incompletely known magnetic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laakso, Ilkka; De Santis, Valerio; Cruciani, Silvano; Campi, Tommaso; Feliziani, Mauro

2017-08-01

Determining the induced electric fields in the human body is a fundamental problem in bioelectromagnetics that is important for both evaluation of safety of electromagnetic fields and medical applications. However, existing techniques for numerical modelling of induced electric fields require detailed information about the sources of the magnetic field, which may be unknown or difficult to model in realistic scenarios. Here, we show how induced electric fields can accurately be determined in the case where the magnetic fields are known only approximately, e.g. based on field measurements. The robustness of our approach is shown in numerical simulations for both idealized and realistic scenarios featuring a personalized MRI-based head model. The approach allows for modelling of the induced electric fields in biological bodies directly based on real-world magnetic field measurements.

ALMA BAND 8 CONTINUUM EMISSION FROM ORION SOURCE I

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

Hirota, Tomoya; Matsumoto, Naoko; Machida, Masahiro N.

2016-12-20

We have measured continuum flux densities of a high-mass protostar candidate, a radio source I in the Orion KL region (Orion Source I) using the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) at band 8 with an angular resolution of 0.″1. The continuum emission at 430, 460, and 490 GHz associated with Source I shows an elongated structure along the northwest–southeast direction perpendicular to the so-called low-velocity bipolar outflow. The deconvolved size of the continuum source, 90 au × 20 au, is consistent with those reported previously at other millimeter/submillimeter wavelengths. The flux density can be well fitted to the optically thick blackbody spectral energy distribution, and the brightness temperaturemore » is evaluated to be 700–800 K. It is much lower than that in the case of proton–electron or H{sup −} free–free radiations. Our data are consistent with the latest ALMA results by Plambeck and Wright, in which the continuum emission was proposed to arise from the edge-on circumstellar disk via thermal dust emission, unless the continuum source consists of an unresolved structure with a smaller beam filling factor.« less

Buckling of graded coatings: A continuum model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiu, Tz-Cheng

2000-12-01

Requirements for the protection of hot section components in many high temperature applications such as earth-to-orbit winged planes and advanced turbine systems have led to the application of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) that utilize ceramic coatings on metal substrates. An alternative concept to homogeneous ceramic coatings is the functionally graded materials (FGM) in which the composition of the coating is intentionally graded to improve the bonding strength and to reduce the magnitude of the residual and thermal stresses. A widely observed failure mode in such layered systems is known to be interface cracking that leads to spallation fracture. In most cases, the final stage of the failure process for a thin coating appears to be due to buckling instability under thermally or mechanically induced compressive stress. The objective of this study is to develop a solution to the buckling instability problem by using continuum elasticity rather than a structural mechanics approach. The emphasis in the solution will be on the investigation of the effect of material inhomogeneity in graded coatings on the instability load, the postbuckling behavior, and fracture mechanics parameters such as the stress intensity factors and strain energy release rate. In this analysis, a nonlinear continuum theory is employed to examine the interface crack problem. The analytical solution of the instability problem permits the study of the effect of material inhomogeneity upon the inception of buckling and establishes benchmark results for the numerical solutions of related problems. To study the postbuckling behavior and to calculate the stress intensity factors and strain energy release rate a geometrically nonlinear finite element procedure with enriched crack-tip element is developed. Both plane strain and axisymmetric interface crack problems in TBCs with either homogeneous or graded coating are then considered by using the finite element procedure. It is assumed that the

Using polarizable POSSIM force field and fuzzy-border continuum solvent model to calculate pK(a) shifts of protein residues.

PubMed

Sharma, Ity; Kaminski, George A

2017-01-15

Our Fuzzy-Border (FB) continuum solvent model has been extended and modified to produce hydration parameters for small molecules using POlarizable Simulations Second-order Interaction Model (POSSIM) framework with an average error of 0.136 kcal/mol. It was then used to compute pK a shifts for carboxylic and basic residues of the turkey ovomucoid third domain (OMTKY3) protein. The average unsigned errors in the acid and base pK a values were 0.37 and 0.4 pH units, respectively, versus 0.58 and 0.7 pH units as calculated with a previous version of polarizable protein force field and Poisson Boltzmann continuum solvent. This POSSIM/FB result is produced with explicit refitting of the hydration parameters to the pK a values of the carboxylic and basic residues of the OMTKY3 protein; thus, the values of the acidity constants can be viewed as additional fitting target data. In addition to calculating pK a shifts for the OMTKY3 residues, we have studied aspartic acid residues of Rnase Sa. This was done without any further refitting of the parameters and agreement with the experimental pK a values is within an average unsigned error of 0.65 pH units. This result included the Asp79 residue that is buried and thus has a high experimental pK a value of 7.37 units. Thus, the presented model is capable or reproducing pK a results for residues in an environment that is significantly different from the solvated protein surface used in the fitting. Therefore, the POSSIM force field and the FB continuum solvent parameters have been demonstrated to be sufficiently robust and transferable. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Kilometric Continuum Radiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, James L.; Boardsen, Scott

2006-01-01

Kilometric continuum (KC) is the high frequency component (approximately 100 kHz to approximately 800 kHz) of nonthermal continuum (NTC). Unlike the lower frequency portion of NTC (approximately 5 kHz to approximately 100 kHz) whose source is around the dawn sector, the source of KC occurs at all magnetic local times. The latitudinal beaming of KC as observed by GEOTAIL is, for most events, restricted to plus or minus 15 degrees magnetic latitude. KC has been observed during periods of both low and strong geomagnetic activity, with no significant correlation of wave intensity with K(sub p), index. However statistically the maximum observed frequency of KC emission tends to increase with K(sub p) index, the effect is more pronounced around solar maximum, but is also detected near solar minimum. There is strong evidence that the source region of KC is from the equatorial plasmapause during periods when a portion of the plasmapause moves significantly inwards from its nominal position. Case studies have shown that KC emissions are nearly always associated with plasmaspheric notches, shoulders, and tails. There is a recent focus on trying to understand the banded frequency structure of this emission and its relationship to plasmaspheric density ducts and irregularities in the source region.

Predicted electric-field-induced hexatic structure in an ionomer membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allahyarov, Elshad; Taylor, Philip L.

2009-08-01

Coarse-grained molecular-dynamics simulations were used to study the morphological changes induced in a Nafion®-like ionomer by the imposition of a strong electric field. We observe the formation of structures aligned along the direction of the applied field. The polar head groups of the ionomer sidechains aggregate into clusters, which then form rodlike formations which assemble into a hexatic array aligned with the direction of the field. Occasionally these lines of sulfonates and protons form a helical structure. Upon removal of the electric field, the hexatic array of rodlike structures persists and has a lower calculated free energy than the original isotropic morphology.

Modeling the elastic energy of alloys: Potential pitfalls of continuum treatments.

PubMed

Baskaran, Arvind; Ratsch, Christian; Smereka, Peter

2015-12-01

Some issues that arise when modeling elastic energy for binary alloys are discussed within the context of a Keating model and density-functional calculations. The Keating model is a simplified atomistic formulation based on modeling elastic interactions of a binary alloy with harmonic springs whose equilibrium length is species dependent. It is demonstrated that the continuum limit for the strain field are the usual equations of linear elasticity for alloys and that they correctly capture the coarse-grained behavior of the displacement field. In addition, it is established that Euler-Lagrange equation of the continuum limit of the elastic energy will yield the same strain field equation. This is the same energy functional that is often used to model elastic effects in binary alloys. However, a direct calculation of the elastic energy atomistic model reveals that the continuum expression for the elastic energy is both qualitatively and quantitatively incorrect. This is because it does not take atomistic scale compositional nonuniformity into account. Importantly, this result also shows that finely mixed alloys tend to have more elastic energy than segregated systems, which is the exact opposite of predictions made by some continuum theories. It is also shown that for strained thin films the traditionally used effective misfit for alloys systematically underestimate the strain energy. In some models, this drawback is handled by including an elastic contribution to the enthalpy of mixing, which is characterized in terms of the continuum concentration. The direct calculation of the atomistic model reveals that this approach suffers serious difficulties. It is demonstrated that elastic contribution to the enthalpy of mixing is nonisotropic and scale dependent. It is also shown that such effects are present in density-functional theory calculations for the Si-Ge system. This work demonstrates that it is critical to include the microscopic arrangements in any elastic

Phase-field modeling of stress-induced instabilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kassner, Klaus; Misbah, Chaouqi; Müller, Judith; Kappey, Jens; Kohlert, Peter

2001-03-01

A phase-field approach describing the dynamics of a strained solid in contact with its melt is developed. Using a formulation that is independent of the state of reference chosen for the displacement field, we write down the elastic energy in an unambiguous fashion, thus obtaining an entire class of models. According to the choice of reference state, the particular model emerging from this class will become equivalent to one of the two independently constructed models on which brief accounts have been given recently [J. Müller and M. Grant, Phys. Rev. Lett. 82, 1736 (1999); K. Kassner and C. Misbah, Europhys. Lett. 46, 217 (1999)]. We show that our phase-field approach recovers the sharp-interface limit corresponding to the continuum model equations describing the Asaro-Tiller-Grinfeld instability. Moreover, we use our model to derive hitherto unknown sharp-interface equations for a situation including a field of body forces. The numerical utility of the phase-field approach is demonstrated by reproducing some known results and by comparison with a sharp-interface simulation. We then proceed to investigate the dynamics of extended systems within the phase-field model which contains an inherent lower length cutoff, thus avoiding cusp singularities. It is found that a periodic array of grooves generically evolves into a superstructure which arises from a series of imperfect period doublings. For wave numbers close to the fastest-growing mode of the linear instability, the first period doubling can be obtained analytically. Both the dynamics of an initially periodic array and a random initial structure can be described as a coarsening process with winning grooves temporarily accelerating whereas losing ones decelerate and even reverse their direction of motion. In the absence of gravity, the end state of a laterally finite system is a single groove growing at constant velocity, as long as no secondary instabilities arise (that we have not been able to see with our

Testing continuum descriptions of low-Mach-number shock structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pham-Van-diep, Gerald C.; Erwin, Daniel A.; Muntz, E. P.

1991-01-01

Numerical experiments have been performed on normal shock waves with Monte Carlo Direct Simulations (MCDS's) to investigate the validity of continuum theories at very low Mach numbers. Results from the Navier-Stokes and the Burnett equations are compared to MCDS's for both hard-sphere and Maxwell gases. It is found that the maximum-slope shock thicknesses are described equally well (within the MCDS computational scatter) by either of the continuum formulations for Mach numbers smaller than about 1.2. For Mach numbers greater that 1.2, the Burnett predictions are more accurate than the Navier-Stokes results. Temperature-density profile separations are best described by the Burnett equations for Mach numbers greater than about 1.3. At lower Mach numbers the MCDS scatter is too great to differentiate between the two continuum theories. For all Mach numbers above one, the shock shapes are more accurately described by the Burnett equations.

Mirrored continuum and molecular scale simulations of the ignition of gamma phase RDX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stewart, D. Scott; Chaudhuri, Santanu; Joshi, Kaushik; Lee, Kibaek

2017-01-01

We describe the ignition of an explosive crystal of gamma-phase RDX due to a thermal hot spot with reactive molecular dynamics (RMD), with first-principles trained, reactive force field based molecular potentials that represents an extremely complex reaction network. The RMD simulation is analyzed by sorting molecular product fragments into high and low molecular weight groups, to represent identifiable components that can be interpreted by a continuum model. A continuum model based on a Gibbs formulation has a single temperature and stress state for the mixture. The continuum simulation that mirrors the atomistic simulation allows us to study the atomistic simulation in the familiar physical chemistry framework and provides an essential, continuum/atomistic link.

Continuum Edge Gyrokinetic Theory and Simulations

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

Xu, X Q; Xiong, Z; Dorr, M R

The following results are presented from the development and application of TEMPEST, a fully nonlinear (full-f) five dimensional (3d2v) gyrokinetic continuum edge-plasma code. (1) As a test of the interaction of collisions and parallel streaming, TEMPEST is compared with published analytic and numerical results for endloss of particles confined by combined electrostatic and magnetic wells. Good agreement is found over a wide range of collisionality, confining potential, and mirror ratio; and the required velocity space resolution is modest. (2) In a large-aspect-ratio circular geometry, excellent agreement is found for a neoclassical equilibrium with parallel ion flow in the banana regimemore » with zero temperature gradient and radial electric field. (3) The four-dimensional (2d2v) version of the code produces the first self-consistent simulation results of collisionless damping of geodesic acoustic modes and zonal flow (Rosenbluth-Hinton residual) with Boltzmann electrons using a full-f code. The electric field is also found to agree with the standard neoclassical expression for steep density and ion temperature gradients in the banana regime. In divertor geometry, it is found that the endloss of particles and energy induces parallel flow stronger than the core neoclassical predictions in the SOL. (5) Our 5D gyrokinetic formulation yields a set of nonlinear electrostatic gyrokinetic equations that are for both neoclassical and turbulence simulations.« less

Atomistic to continuum modeling of solidification microstructures

DOE PAGES

Karma, Alain; Tourret, Damien

2015-09-26

We summarize recent advances in modeling of solidification microstructures using computational methods that bridge atomistic to continuum scales. We first discuss progress in atomistic modeling of equilibrium and non-equilibrium solid–liquid interface properties influencing microstructure formation, as well as interface coalescence phenomena influencing the late stages of solidification. The latter is relevant in the context of hot tearing reviewed in the article by M. Rappaz in this issue. We then discuss progress to model microstructures on a continuum scale using phase-field methods. We focus on selected examples in which modeling of 3D cellular and dendritic microstructures has been directly linked tomore » experimental observations. Finally, we discuss a recently introduced coarse-grained dendritic needle network approach to simulate the formation of well-developed dendritic microstructures. The approach reliably bridges the well-separated scales traditionally simulated by phase-field and grain structure models, hence opening new avenues for quantitative modeling of complex intra- and inter-grain dynamical interactions on a grain scale.« less

Coherent Detector Arrays for Continuum and Spectral Line Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaier, Todd C.

2006-01-01

This viewgraph presentation reviews the requirements for improved coherent detector arrays for use in continuum and spectral line applications. With detectors approaching fundamental limits, large arrays offer the only path to sensitivity improvement. Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) technology offers a straightforward path to massive focal plane millimeter wave arrays: The technology will readily support continuum imagers, polarimeters and spectral line receivers from 30-110 GHz. Science programs, particularly large field blind surveys will benefit from simultaneous observations of hundreds or thousands of pixels 1000 element array is competitive with a cost less than $2M.

Passing waves from atomistic to continuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xiang; Diaz, Adrian; Xiong, Liming; McDowell, David L.; Chen, Youping

2018-02-01

Progress in the development of coupled atomistic-continuum methods for simulations of critical dynamic material behavior has been hampered by a spurious wave reflection problem at the atomistic-continuum interface. This problem is mainly caused by the difference in material descriptions between the atomistic and continuum models, which results in a mismatch in phonon dispersion relations. In this work, we introduce a new method based on atomistic dynamics of lattice coupled with a concurrent atomistic-continuum method to enable a full phonon representation in the continuum description. This permits the passage of short-wavelength, high-frequency phonon waves from the atomistic to continuum regions. The benchmark examples presented in this work demonstrate that the new scheme enables the passage of all allowable phonons through the atomistic-continuum interface; it also preserves the wave coherency and energy conservation after phonons transport across multiple atomistic-continuum interfaces. This work is the first step towards developing a concurrent atomistic-continuum simulation tool for non-equilibrium phonon-mediated thermal transport in materials with microstructural complexity.

A singular finite element technique for calculating continuum damping of Alfvén eigenmodes

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

Bowden, G. W.; Hole, M. J.

2015-02-15

Damping due to continuum resonances can be calculated using dissipation-less ideal magnetohydrodynamics provided that the poles due to these resonances are properly treated. We describe a singular finite element technique for calculating the continuum damping of Alfvén waves. A Frobenius expansion is used to determine appropriate finite element basis functions on an inner region surrounding a pole due to the continuum resonance. The location of the pole due to the continuum resonance and mode frequency is calculated iteratively using a Galerkin method. This method is used to find the complex frequency and mode structure of a toroidicity-induced Alfvén eigenmode inmore » a large aspect ratio circular tokamak and is shown to agree closely with a complex contour technique.« less

Induced electric fields in workers near low-frequency induction heating machines.

PubMed

Kos, Bor; Valič, Blaž; Kotnik, Tadej; Gajšek, Peter

2014-04-01

Published data on occupational exposure to induction heating equipment are scarce, particularly in terms of induced quantities in the human body. This article provides some additional information by investigating exposure to two such machines-an induction furnace and an induction hardening machine. Additionally, a spatial averaging algorithm for measured fields we developed in a previous publication is tested on new data. The human model was positioned at distances where measured values of magnetic flux density were above the reference levels. All human exposure was below the basic restriction-the lower bound of the 0.1 top percentile induced electric field in the body of a worker was 0.193 V/m at 30 cm from the induction furnace. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lyman continuum escape fraction of faint galaxies at z 3.3 in the CANDELS/GOODS-North, EGS, and COSMOS fields with LBC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grazian, A.; Giallongo, E.; Paris, D.; Boutsia, K.; Dickinson, M.; Santini, P.; Windhorst, R. A.; Jansen, R. A.; Cohen, S. H.; Ashcraft, T. A.; Scarlata, C.; Rutkowski, M. J.; Vanzella, E.; Cusano, F.; Cristiani, S.; Giavalisco, M.; Ferguson, H. C.; Koekemoer, A.; Grogin, N. A.; Castellano, M.; Fiore, F.; Fontana, A.; Marchi, F.; Pedichini, F.; Pentericci, L.; Amorín, R.; Barro, G.; Bonchi, A.; Bongiorno, A.; Faber, S. M.; Fumana, M.; Galametz, A.; Guaita, L.; Kocevski, D. D.; Merlin, E.; Nonino, M.; O'Connell, R. W.; Pilo, S.; Ryan, R. E.; Sani, E.; Speziali, R.; Testa, V.; Weiner, B.; Yan, H.

2017-06-01

Context. The reionization of the Universe is one of the most important topics of present-day astrophysical research. The most plausible candidates for the reionization process are star-forming galaxies, which according to the predictions of the majority of the theoretical and semi-analytical models should dominate the H I ionizing background at z ≳ 3. Aims: We measure the Lyman continuum escape fraction, which is one of the key parameters used to compute the contribution of star-forming galaxies to the UV background. It provides the ratio between the photons produced at λ ≤ 912 Å rest-frame and those that are able to reach the inter-galactic medium, I.e. that are not absorbed by the neutral hydrogen or by the dust of the galaxy's inter-stellar medium. Methods: We used ultra-deep U-band imaging (U = 30.2 mag at 1σ) from Large Binocular Camera at the Large Binocular Telescope (LBC/LBT) in the CANDELS/GOODS-North field and deep imaging in the COSMOS and EGS fields in order to estimate the Lyman continuum escape fraction of 69 star-forming galaxies with secure spectroscopic redshifts at 3.27 ≤ z ≤ 3.40 to faint magnitude limits (L = 0.2L∗, or equivalently M1500 - 19). The narrow redshift range implies that the LBC U-band filter exclusively samples the λ ≤ 912 Å rest-frame wavelengths. Results: We measured through stacks a stringent upper limit (<1.7% at 1σ) for the relative escape fraction of H I ionizing photons from bright galaxies (L>L∗), while for the faint population (L = 0.2L∗) the limit to the escape fraction is ≲ 10%. We computed the contribution of star-forming galaxies to the observed UV background at z 3 and find that it is not sufficient to keep the Universe ionized at these redshifts unless their escape fraction increases significantly (≥ 10%) at low luminosities (M1500 ≥ - 19). Conclusions: We compare our results on the Lyman continuum escape fraction of high-z galaxies with recent estimates in the literature, and discuss

LH responses to single doses of exogenous GnRH by social Mashona mole-rats: a continuum of socially induced infertility in the family Bathyergidae.

PubMed Central

Bennett, N C; Faulkes, C G; Spinks, A C

1997-01-01

The Mashona mole-rat, Cryptomys darlingi, exhibits an extreme reproductive division of labour. Reproduction in the colony is restricted to a single breeding pair. The non-reproductive male and female colony members are restrained from sexual activity by being familiar and related to one another and the reproductive animals. Circulating basal concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) as well as LH levels measured in response to a single exogenous gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) challenge are not significantly different between the reproductive and non-reproductive groups of either sex. Socially induced infertility in both non-reproductive males and females does not result from a reduced pituitary secretion of LH or decreased sensitivity to hypothalamic GnRH, but rather appears to result from an inhibition of reproductive behaviour in these obligate outbreeders. The African mole-rats exhibit a continuum of socially induced infertility with differing social species inhabiting regions of varying degrees of aridity. In this continuum a transition from a predominantly behavioural repression in a social mesic-adapted species through to complete physiological suppression lacking incest avoidance in an arid-adapted eusocial species occurs in this endemic African family of rodents. PMID:9263467

LH responses to single doses of exogenous GnRH by social Mashona mole-rats: a continuum of socially induced infertility in the family Bathyergidae.

PubMed

Bennett, N C; Faulkes, C G; Spinks, A C

1997-07-22

The Mashona mole-rat, Cryptomys darlingi, exhibits an extreme reproductive division of labour. Reproduction in the colony is restricted to a single breeding pair. The non-reproductive male and female colony members are restrained from sexual activity by being familiar and related to one another and the reproductive animals. Circulating basal concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) as well as LH levels measured in response to a single exogenous gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) challenge are not significantly different between the reproductive and non-reproductive groups of either sex. Socially induced infertility in both non-reproductive males and females does not result from a reduced pituitary secretion of LH or decreased sensitivity to hypothalamic GnRH, but rather appears to result from an inhibition of reproductive behaviour in these obligate outbreeders. The African mole-rats exhibit a continuum of socially induced infertility with differing social species inhabiting regions of varying degrees of aridity. In this continuum a transition from a predominantly behavioural repression in a social mesic-adapted species through to complete physiological suppression lacking incest avoidance in an arid-adapted eusocial species occurs in this endemic African family of rodents.

Kinematic assumptions and their consequences on the structure of field equations in continuum dislocation theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silbermann, C. B.; Ihlemann, J.

2016-03-01

Continuum Dislocation Theory (CDT) relates gradients of plastic deformation in crystals with the presence of geometrically necessary dislocations. Therefore, the dislocation tensor is introduced as an additional thermodynamic state variable which reflects tensorial properties of dislocation ensembles. Moreover, the CDT captures both the strain energy from the macroscopic deformation of the crystal and the elastic energy of the dislocation network, as well as the dissipation of energy due to dislocation motion. The present contribution deals with the geometrically linear CDT. More precise, the focus is on the role of dislocation kinematics for single and multi-slip and its consequences on the field equations. Thereby, the number of active slip systems plays a crucial role since it restricts the degrees of freedom of plastic deformation. Special attention is put on the definition of proper, well-defined invariants of the dislocation tensor in order to avoid any spurious dependence of the resulting field equations on the coordinate system. It is shown how a slip system based approach can be in accordance with the tensor nature of the involved quantities. At first, only dislocation glide in one active slip system of the crystal is allowed. Then, the special case of two orthogonal (interacting) slip systems is considered and the governing field equations are presented. In addition, the structure and symmetry of the backstress tensor is investigated from the viewpoint of thermodynamical consistency. The results will again be used in order to facilitate the set of field equations and to prepare for a robust numerical implementation.

The Cotton-Mouton effect of liquid water. Part I: The dielectric continuum model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruud, Kenneth; Helgaker, Trygve; Rizzo, Antonio; Coriani, Sonia; Mikkelsen, Kurt V.

1997-07-01

We present a gauge-origin independent method for calculating the electric-field dependence of the molecular magnetizability—that is, the hypermagnetizability, related to the Cotton-Mouton Effect (CME)—of solvated molecules. In our approach, the solvated molecule is placed in a spherical cavity surrounded by a linear, homogeneous, and polarizable dielectric medium. We apply the model to investigate the dielectric-medium effects on the CME of liquid water. The effects of electron correlation, molecular geometry, and the surrounding dielectric continuum on the hypermagnetizability and the CME are investigated. The change induced in the hypermagnetizability anisotropy by the dielectric medium is the dominating effect, being almost twice as large as the correlation contribution. The combined effect of electron correlation and the dielectric continuum leads to a doubling of the hypermagnetizability anisotropy when going from the SCF gas phase value (Δη=17.89 a.u.) to the value obtained for the MCSCF wave function in the dielectric medium (Δη=39.74 a.u.). The effects of change in geometry are shown to be small. Our result for the static Cotton-Mouton constant averaged in the temperature range 283.15 K to 293.15 K, mC=15.2×10-20 G-2 cm3 mol-1, differs from experiment still by the sign and by a factor of almost 8. The major reason for this discrepancy is the neglect of short-range interactions such as hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions not accounted for by the continuum model.

Coupling discrete and continuum concentration particle models for multiscale and hybrid molecular-continuum simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petsev, Nikolai D.; Leal, L. Gary; Shell, M. Scott

2017-12-01

Hybrid molecular-continuum simulation techniques afford a number of advantages for problems in the rapidly burgeoning area of nanoscale engineering and technology, though they are typically quite complex to implement and limited to single-component fluid systems. We describe an approach for modeling multicomponent hydrodynamic problems spanning multiple length scales when using particle-based descriptions for both the finely resolved (e.g., molecular dynamics) and coarse-grained (e.g., continuum) subregions within an overall simulation domain. This technique is based on the multiscale methodology previously developed for mesoscale binary fluids [N. D. Petsev, L. G. Leal, and M. S. Shell, J. Chem. Phys. 144, 084115 (2016)], simulated using a particle-based continuum method known as smoothed dissipative particle dynamics. An important application of this approach is the ability to perform coupled molecular dynamics (MD) and continuum modeling of molecularly miscible binary mixtures. In order to validate this technique, we investigate multicomponent hybrid MD-continuum simulations at equilibrium, as well as non-equilibrium cases featuring concentration gradients.

Continuum limbed robots for locomotion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mutlu, Alper

This thesis focuses on continuum robots based on pneumatic muscle technology. We introduce a novel approach to use these muscles as limbs of lightweight legged robots. The flexibility of the continuum legs of these robots offers the potential to perform some duties that are not possible with classical rigid-link robots. Potential applications are as space robots in low gravity, and as cave explorer robots. The thesis covers the fabrication process of continuum pneumatic muscles and limbs. It also provides some new experimental data on this technology. Afterwards, the designs of two different novel continuum robots - one tripod, one quadruped - are introduced. Experimental data from tests using the robots is provided. The experimental results are the first published example of locomotion with tripod and quadruped continuum legged robots. Finally, discussion of the results and how far this technology can go forward is presented.

Rotational strain in Weyl semimetals: A continuum approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arjona, Vicente; Vozmediano, María A. H.

2018-05-01

We use a symmetry approach to derive the coupling of lattice deformations to electronic excitations in three-dimensional Dirac and Weyl semimetals in the continuum low-energy model. We focus on the effects of rotational strain and show that it can drive transitions from Dirac to Weyl semimetals, gives rise to elastic gauge fields, tilts the cones, and generates pseudo-Zeeman couplings. It also can generate a deformation potential in volume-preserving deformations. The associated pseudoelectric field contributes to the chiral anomaly.

Self-assembly of metal nanowires induced by alternating current electric fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Sánchez, Pablo; Arcenegui, Juan J.; Morgan, Hywel; Ramos, Antonio

2015-01-01

We describe the reversible assembly of an aqueous suspension of metal nanowires into two different 2-dimensional stable configurations. The assembly is induced by an AC electric field of magnitude around 10 kV/m. It is known that single metal nanowires orientate parallel to the electric field for all values of applied frequency, according to two different mechanisms depending on the frequency. These different mechanisms also govern the mutual interaction between nanowires, which leads to directed-assembly into distinctive structures, the shape of which depends on the frequency of the applied field. We show that for frequencies higher than the typical frequency for charging the electrical double layer at the metal-electrolyte interface, dipole-dipole interaction leads to the formation of chains of nanowires. For lower frequencies, the nanowires form wavy bands perpendicular to the electric field direction. This behavior appears to be driven by the electroosmotic flow induced on the metal surface of the nanowires. Remarkably, no similar structures have been reported in previous studies of nanowires.

Broadly continuously tunable slot waveguide quantum cascade lasers based on a continuum-to-continuum active region design

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

Meng, Bo; Zeng, Yong Quan; Liang, Guozhen

2015-09-14

We report our progress in the development of broadly tunable single-mode slot waveguide quantum cascade lasers based on a continuum-to-continuum active region design. The electroluminescence spectrum of the continuum-to-continuum active region design has a full width at half maximum of 440 cm{sup −1} at center wavelength ∼10 μm at room temperature (300 K). Devices using the optimized slot waveguide structure and the continuum-to-continuum design can be tuned continuously with a lasing emission over 42 cm{sup −1}, from 9.74 to 10.16 μm, at room temperature by using only current tuning scheme, together with a side mode suppression ratio of above 15 dB within the whole tuning range.

1.4 GHz continuum sources in the Cancer cluster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salpeter, E. E.; Dickey, J. M.

1987-01-01

Results of 1.4-GHz continuum observations are presented for 11 VLA fields, using the D-configuration, which contain the A group of the Cnc cluster (CC). Sixteen Zwicky spiral galaxies in the CC were detected, but no ellipticals, confirming the finding that spiral galaxies with close companions tend to have enhanced radio emission. Over 200 continuum sources beyond the CC are tabulated. The spectral index (relative to 610 MHz) is given for many of the sources, including some of the Zwicky galaxies. There is a suggestion for a nonuniform number surface-density distribution of the sources, not correlated with the CC. Possible predictions of such nonuniformities, from assumptions on 'super-superclusters', are discussed.

Considerations for the Development of a Substance-Related Care and Prevention Continuum Model

PubMed Central

Perlman, David C.; Jordan, Ashly E.

2017-01-01

There are significant gaps in the identification and engagement in care and prevention services of people who use illicit substances. Care continuum models have proven to be useful tools in the evaluation of care for HIV and other conditions; numerous issues in substance-related care and prevention resemble those identified in other continua models. Systems of care for substance misuse and substance use disorders (SUDs) can be viewed as consisting of a prevention and care continuum, reflecting incidence and prevalence of substance misuse and SUDs, screening and identification, medical and psychosocial evaluation for treatment, engagement in evidence-based treatment, treatment retention, relapse prevention, timeliness of step completion, and measures of overall and substance use-related specific morbidity and mortality. Care and prevention continuum models could potentially be applied at program, local, regional, state, and national levels. We discuss important lessons that can be drawn from applications of continuum models in other fields. The development and use of a substance-related care and prevention continuum may yield significant patient care, program evaluation and improvement, and population-level benefits. PMID:28770195

Coupling discrete and continuum concentration particle models for multiscale and hybrid molecular-continuum simulations

DOE PAGES

Petsev, Nikolai Dimitrov; Leal, L. Gary; Shell, M. Scott

2017-12-21

Hybrid molecular-continuum simulation techniques afford a number of advantages for problems in the rapidly burgeoning area of nanoscale engineering and technology, though they are typically quite complex to implement and limited to single-component fluid systems. We describe an approach for modeling multicomponent hydrodynamic problems spanning multiple length scales when using particle-based descriptions for both the finely-resolved (e.g. molecular dynamics) and coarse-grained (e.g. continuum) subregions within an overall simulation domain. This technique is based on the multiscale methodology previously developed for mesoscale binary fluids [N. D. Petsev, L. G. Leal, and M. S. Shell, J. Chem. Phys. 144, 84115 (2016)], simulatedmore » using a particle-based continuum method known as smoothed dissipative particle dynamics (SDPD). An important application of this approach is the ability to perform coupled molecular dynamics (MD) and continuum modeling of molecularly miscible binary mixtures. In order to validate this technique, we investigate multicomponent hybrid MD-continuum simulations at equilibrium, as well as non-equilibrium cases featuring concentration gradients.« less

Coupling discrete and continuum concentration particle models for multiscale and hybrid molecular-continuum simulations

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

Petsev, Nikolai Dimitrov; Leal, L. Gary; Shell, M. Scott

Hybrid molecular-continuum simulation techniques afford a number of advantages for problems in the rapidly burgeoning area of nanoscale engineering and technology, though they are typically quite complex to implement and limited to single-component fluid systems. We describe an approach for modeling multicomponent hydrodynamic problems spanning multiple length scales when using particle-based descriptions for both the finely-resolved (e.g. molecular dynamics) and coarse-grained (e.g. continuum) subregions within an overall simulation domain. This technique is based on the multiscale methodology previously developed for mesoscale binary fluids [N. D. Petsev, L. G. Leal, and M. S. Shell, J. Chem. Phys. 144, 84115 (2016)], simulatedmore » using a particle-based continuum method known as smoothed dissipative particle dynamics (SDPD). An important application of this approach is the ability to perform coupled molecular dynamics (MD) and continuum modeling of molecularly miscible binary mixtures. In order to validate this technique, we investigate multicomponent hybrid MD-continuum simulations at equilibrium, as well as non-equilibrium cases featuring concentration gradients.« less

Temperature and magnetic field induced multiple magnetic transitions in DyAg(2).

PubMed

Arora, Parul; Chattopadhyay, M K; Sharath Chandra, L S; Sharma, V K; Roy, S B

2011-02-09

The magnetic properties of the rare-earth intermetallic compound DyAg(2) are studied in detail with the help of magnetization and heat capacity measurements. It is shown that the multiple magnetic phase transitions can be induced in DyAg(2) both by temperature and magnetic field. The detailed magnetic phase diagram of DyAg(2) is determined experimentally. It was already known that DyAg(2) undergoes an incommensurate to commensurate antiferromagnetic phase transition close to 10 K. The present experimental results highlight the first order nature of this phase transition, and show that this transition can be induced by magnetic field as well. It is further shown that another isothermal magnetic field induced transition or metamagnetic transition exhibited by DyAg(2) at still lower temperatures is also of first order nature. The multiple magnetic phase transitions in DyAg(2) give rise to large peaks in the temperature dependence of the heat capacity below 17 K, which indicates its potential as a magnetic regenerator material for cryocooler related applications. In addition it is found that because of the presence of the temperature and field induced magnetic phase transitions, and because of short range magnetic correlations deep inside the paramagnetic regime, DyAg(2) exhibits a fairly large magnetocaloric effect over a wide temperature window, e.g., between 10 and 60 K.

Continuum electromechanical modeling of protein-membrane interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Y. C.; Lu, Benzhuo; Gorfe, Alemayehu A.

2010-10-01

A continuum electromechanical model is proposed to describe the membrane curvature induced by electrostatic interactions in a solvated protein-membrane system. The model couples the macroscopic strain energy of membrane and the electrostatic solvation energy of the system, and equilibrium membrane deformation is obtained by minimizing the electroelastic energy functional with respect to the dielectric interface. The model is illustrated with the systems with increasing geometry complexity and captures the sensitivity of membrane curvature to the permanent and mobile charge distributions.

Field induced gap infrared detector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elliott, C. Thomas (Inventor)

1990-01-01

A tunable infrared detector which employs a vanishing band gap semimetal material provided with an induced band gap by a magnetic field to allow intrinsic semiconductor type infrared detection capabilities is disclosed. The semimetal material may thus operate as a semiconductor type detector with a wavelength sensitivity corresponding to the induced band gap in a preferred embodiment of a diode structure. Preferred semimetal materials include Hg(1-x)Cd(x)Te, x is less than 0.15, HgCdSe, BiSb, alpha-Sn, HgMgTe, HgMnTe, HgZnTe, HgMnSe, HgMgSe, and HgZnSe. The magnetic field induces a band gap in the semimetal material proportional to the strength of the magnetic field allowing tunable detection cutoff wavelengths. For an applied magnetic field from 5 to 10 tesla, the wavelength detection cutoff will be in the range of 20 to 50 micrometers for Hg(1-x)Cd(x)Te alloys with x about 0.15. A similar approach may also be employed to generate infrared energy in a desired band gap and then operating the structure in a light emitting diode or semiconductor laser type of configuration.

Bound acoustic modes in the radiation continuum in isotropic layered systems without periodic structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maznev, A. A.; Every, A. G.

2018-01-01

We study the existence of guided acoustic modes in layered structures whose phase velocity is higher than that of bulk waves in a solid substrate or an adjacent fluid half space, which belong to the class of bound states in the radiation continuum (BICs). We demonstrate that in contrast to the electromagnetic case, non-symmetry-protected BICs exist in isotropic layered systems without periodic structures. Two systems supporting non-symmetry-protected sagittally polarized BICs have been identified: (i) a supported solid layer yields BICs whose phase velocity is higher than the transverse velocity of the substrate but lower than the longitudinal velocity; (ii) a supported solid layer loaded by a fluid half space supports BICs whose velocity is higher that the bulk velocity of the fluid but lower than acoustic velocities of the substrate. The latter case is a unique example of BICs in the sense that it does not involve an evanescent field in the fluid half space providing the radiation continuum. In either case, BICs are represented by isolated points in the dispersion relations located within "leaky" branches. We show that these BICs are robust with respect to small perturbations of the system parameters. Numerical results are provided for realistic materials combinations. We also show that no BICs exist in all-fluid layered structures, whereas in solid layered structures there are no shear horizontal BICs and no sagittally polarized BICs whose velocity exceeds the longitudinal velocity of the substrate.

Catalytic dimer nanomotors: continuum theory and microscopic dynamics.

PubMed

Reigh, Shang Yik; Kapral, Raymond

2015-04-28

Synthetic chemically-powered motors with various geometries have potentially new applications involving dynamics on very small scales. Self-generated concentration and fluid flow fields, which depend on geometry, play essential roles in motor dynamics. Sphere-dimer motors, comprising linked catalytic and noncatalytic spheres, display more complex versions of such fields, compared to the often-studied spherical Janus motors. By making use of analytical continuum theory and particle-based simulations we determine the concentration fields, and both the complex structure of the near-field and point-force dipole nature of the far-field behavior of the solvent velocity field that are important for studies of collective motor motion. We derive the dependence of motor velocity on geometric factors such as sphere size and dimer bond length and, thus, show how to construct motors with specific characteristics.

Extension of a hybrid particle-continuum method for a mixture of chemical species

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verhoff, Ashley M.; Boyd, Iain D.

2012-11-01

Due to the physical accuracy and numerical efficiency achieved by analyzing transitional, hypersonic flow fields with hybrid particle-continuum methods, this paper describes a Modular Particle-Continuum (MPC) method and its extension to include multiple chemical species. Considerations that are specific to a hybrid approach for simulating gas mixtures are addressed, including a discussion of the Chapman-Enskog velocity distribution function (VDF) for near-equilibrium flows, and consistent viscosity models for the individual CFD and DSMC modules of the MPC method. Representative results for a hypersonic blunt-body flow are then presented, where the flow field properties, surface properties, and computational performance are compared for simulations employing full CFD, full DSMC, and the MPC method.

Fundamentals of continuum mechanics – classical approaches and new trends

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altenbach, H.

2018-04-01

Continuum mechanics is a branch of mechanics that deals with the analysis of the mechanical behavior of materials modeled as a continuous manifold. Continuum mechanics models begin mostly by introducing of three-dimensional Euclidean space. The points within this region are defined as material points with prescribed properties. Each material point is characterized by a position vector which is continuous in time. Thus, the body changes in a way which is realistic, globally invertible at all times and orientation-preserving, so that the body cannot intersect itself and as transformations which produce mirror reflections are not possible in nature. For the mathematical formulation of the model it is also assumed to be twice continuously differentiable, so that differential equations describing the motion may be formulated. Finally, the kinematical relations, the balance equations, the constitutive and evolution equations and the boundary and/or initial conditions should be defined. If the physical fields are non-smooth jump conditions must be taken into account. The basic equations of continuum mechanics are presented following a short introduction. Additionally, some examples of solid deformable continua will be discussed within the presentation. Finally, advanced models of continuum mechanics will be introduced. The paper is dedicated to Alexander Manzhirov’s 60th birthday.

Continuum percolation of polydisperse rods in quadrupole fields: Theory and simulations.

PubMed

Finner, Shari P; Kotsev, Mihail I; Miller, Mark A; van der Schoot, Paul

2018-01-21

We investigate percolation in mixtures of nanorods in the presence of external fields that align or disalign the particles with the field axis. Such conditions are found in the formulation and processing of nanocomposites, where the field may be electric, magnetic, or due to elongational flow. Our focus is on the effect of length polydispersity, which-in the absence of a field-is known to produce a percolation threshold that scales with the inverse weight average of the particle length. Using a model of non-interacting spherocylinders in conjunction with connectedness percolation theory, we show that a quadrupolar field always increases the percolation threshold and that the universal scaling with the inverse weight average no longer holds if the field couples to the particle length. Instead, the percolation threshold becomes a function of higher moments of the length distribution, where the order of the relevant moments crucially depends on the strength and type of field applied. The theoretical predictions compare well with the results of our Monte Carlo simulations, which eliminate finite size effects by exploiting the fact that the universal scaling of the wrapping probability function holds even in anisotropic systems. Theory and simulation demonstrate that the percolation threshold of a polydisperse mixture can be lower than that of the individual components, confirming recent work based on a mapping onto a Bethe lattice as well as earlier computer simulations involving dipole fields. Our work shows how the formulation of nanocomposites may be used to compensate for the adverse effects of aligning fields that are inevitable under practical manufacturing conditions.

Solvent-Induced Shift of Spectral Lines in Polar-Polarizable Solvents.

PubMed

Matyushov, Dmitry V; Newton, Marshall D

2017-03-23

Solvent-induced shift of optical transition lines is traditionally described by the Lippert-McRae equation given in terms of the Onsager theory for dipole solvation. It splits the overall shift into the equilibrium solvation by induced dipoles and the reaction field by the permanent dipoles in equilibrium with the chromophore in the ground state. We have reconsidered this classical problem from the perspective of microscopic solvation theories. A microscopic solvation functional is derived, and continuum solvation is consistently introduced by taking the limit of zero wavevector in the reciprocal-space solvation susceptibility functions. We show that the phenomenological expression for the reaction field of permanent dipoles in the Lippert-McRae equation is not consistent with the microscopic theory. The main deficiency of the Lippert-McRae equation is the use of additivity of the response by permanent and induced dipoles of the liquid. An alternative closed-form equation for the spectral shift is derived. Its continuum limit allows a new, nonadditive functionality for the solvent-induced shift in terms of the high-frequency and static dielectric constants. The main qualitative outcome of the theory is a significantly weaker dependence of the spectral shift on the polarizability of the solvent than predicted by the Lippert-McRae formula.

Continuum limit of the vibrational properties of amorphous solids.

PubMed

Mizuno, Hideyuki; Shiba, Hayato; Ikeda, Atsushi

2017-11-14

The low-frequency vibrational and low-temperature thermal properties of amorphous solids are markedly different from those of crystalline solids. This situation is counterintuitive because all solid materials are expected to behave as a homogeneous elastic body in the continuum limit, in which vibrational modes are phonons that follow the Debye law. A number of phenomenological explanations for this situation have been proposed, which assume elastic heterogeneities, soft localized vibrations, and so on. Microscopic mean-field theories have recently been developed to predict the universal non-Debye scaling law. Considering these theoretical arguments, it is absolutely necessary to directly observe the nature of the low-frequency vibrations of amorphous solids and determine the laws that such vibrations obey. Herein, we perform an extremely large-scale vibrational mode analysis of a model amorphous solid. We find that the scaling law predicted by the mean-field theory is violated at low frequency, and in the continuum limit, the vibrational modes converge to a mixture of phonon modes that follow the Debye law and soft localized modes that follow another universal non-Debye scaling law.

The polarization of continuum radiation in sunspots. I - Rayleigh and Thomson scattering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Finn, G. D.; Jefferies, J. T.

1974-01-01

Expressions are derived for the Stokes parameters of light scattered by a layer of free electrons and hydrogen atoms in a sunspot. A physically reasonable sunspot model was found so that the direction of the calculated linear polarization agrees reasonably with observations. The magnitude of the calculated values of the linear polarization agrees generally with values observed in the continuum at 5830 A. Circular polarization in the continuum also accompanies electron scattering in spot regions; however for commonly accepted values of the longitudinal magnetic field, the predicted circular polarization is much smaller than observed.

Theoretical Calculation and Validation of the Water Vapor Continuum Absorption

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ma, Qiancheng; Tipping, Richard H.

1998-01-01

The primary objective of this investigation is the development of an improved parameterization of the water vapor continuum absorption through the refinement and validation of our existing theoretical formalism. The chief advantage of our approach is the self-consistent, first principles, basis of the formalism which allows us to predict the frequency, temperature and pressure dependence of the continuum absorption as well as provide insights into the physical mechanisms responsible for the continuum absorption. Moreover, our approach is such that the calculated continuum absorption can be easily incorporated into satellite retrieval algorithms and climate models. Accurate determination of the water vapor continuum is essential for the next generation of retrieval algorithms which propose to use the combined constraints of multispectral measurements such as those under development for EOS data analysis (e.g., retrieval algorithms based on MODIS and AIRS measurements); current Pathfinder activities which seek to use the combined constraints of infrared and microwave (e.g., HIRS and MSU) measurements to improve temperature and water profile retrievals, and field campaigns which seek to reconcile spectrally-resolved and broad-band measurements such as those obtained as part of FIRE. Current widely used continuum treatments have been shown to produce spectrally dependent errors, with the magnitude of the error dependent on temperature and abundance which produces errors with a seasonal and latitude dependence. Translated into flux, current water vapor continuum parameterizations produce flux errors of order 10 W/sq m, which compared to the 4 W/sq m magnitude of the greenhouse gas forcing and the 1-2 W/sq m estimated aerosol forcing is certainly climatologically significant and unacceptably large. While it is possible to tune the empirical formalisms, the paucity of laboratory measurements, especially at temperatures of interest for atmospheric applications, preclude

Theoretical Calculation and Validation of the Water Vapor Continuum Absorption

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ma, Qiancheng; Tipping, Richard H.

1998-01-01

The primary objective of this investigation is the development of an improved parameterization of the water vapor continuum absorption through the refinement and validation of our existing theoretical formalism. The chief advantage of our approach is the self-consistent, first principles, basis of the formalism which allows us to predict the frequency, temperature and pressure dependence of the continuum absorption as well as provide insights into the physical mechanisms responsible for the continuum absorption. Moreover, our approach is such that the calculated continuum absorption can be easily incorporated into satellite retrieval algorithms and climate models. Accurate determination of the water vapor continuum is essential for the next generation of retrieval algorithms which propose to use the combined constraints of multi-spectral measurements such as those under development for EOS data analysis (e.g., retrieval algorithms based on MODIS and AIRS measurements); current Pathfinder activities which seek to use the combined constraints of infrared and microwave (e.g., HIRS and MSU) measurements to improve temperature and water profile retrievals, and field campaigns which seek to reconcile spectrally-resolved and broad-band measurements such as those obtained as part of FIRE. Current widely used continuum treatments have been shown to produce spectrally dependent errors, with the magnitude of the error dependent on temperature and abundance which produces errors with a seasonal and latitude dependence. Translated into flux, current water vapor continuum parameterizations produce flux errors of order 10 W/ml, which compared to the 4 W/m' magnitude of the greenhouse gas forcing and the 1-2 W/m' estimated aerosol forcing is certainly climatologically significant and unacceptably large. While it is possible to tune the empirical formalisms, the paucity of laboratory measurements, especially at temperatures of interest for atmospheric applications, preclude tuning

Changing public stigma with continuum beliefs.

PubMed

Corrigan, Patrick W; Schmidt, Annie; Bink, Andrea B; Nieweglowski, Katherine; Al-Khouja, Maya A; Qin, Sang; Discont, Steve

2017-10-01

Given the egregious effect of public stigma on the lives of people with mental illness, researchers have sought to unpack and identify effective components of anti-stigma programs. We expect to show that continuum messages have more positive effect on stigma and affirming attitudes (beliefs that people with mental illness recover and should be personally empowered) than categorical perspectives. The effect of continuum beliefs will interact with contact strategies. A total of 598 research participants were randomly assigned to online presentations representing one of the six conditions: three messages (continuum, categorical, or neutral control) by two processes (education or contact). Participants completed measures of continuum beliefs (as a manipulation check), stigma and affirming attitudes after viewing the condition. Continuum messages had significantly better effect on views that people with mental illness are "different," a finding that interacted with contact. Continuum messages also had better effects on recovery beliefs, once again an effect that interacted significantly with contact. Implications of these findings for improving anti-stigma programs are discussed.

Mirrored continuum and molecular scale simulations of the ignition of gamma phase RDX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stewart, D. Scott; Chaudhuri, Santanu; Joshi, Kaushik; Lee, Kiabek

2015-06-01

We consider the ignition of a high-pressure gamma-phase of an explosive crystal of RDX which forms during overdriven shock initiation. Molecular dynamics (MD), with first-principles based or reactive force field based molecular potentials, provides a description of the chemistry as an extremely complex reaction network. The results of the molecular simulation is analyzed by sorting molecular product fragments into high and low molecular groups, to represent identifiable components that can be interpreted by a continuum model. A continuum model based on a Gibbs formulation, that has a single temperature and stress state for the mixture is used to represent the same RDX material and its chemistry. Each component in the continuum model has a corresponding Gibbs continuum potential, that are in turn inferred from molecular MD informed equation of state libraries such as CHEETAH, or are directly simulated by Monte Carlo MD simulations. Information about transport, kinetic rates and diffusion are derived from the MD simulation and the growth of a reactive hot spot in the RDX is studied with both simulations that mirror the other results to provide an essential, continuum/atomistic link. Supported by N000014-12-1-0555, subaward-36561937 (ONR).

Continuous Shape Estimation of Continuum Robots Using X-ray Images.

PubMed

Lobaton, Edgar J; Fu, Jinghua; Torres, Luis G; Alterovitz, Ron

2013-05-06

We present a new method for continuously and accurately estimating the shape of a continuum robot during a medical procedure using a small number of X-ray projection images (e.g., radiographs or fluoroscopy images). Continuum robots have curvilinear structure, enabling them to maneuver through constrained spaces by bending around obstacles. Accurately estimating the robot's shape continuously over time is crucial for the success of procedures that require avoidance of anatomical obstacles and sensitive tissues. Online shape estimation of a continuum robot is complicated by uncertainty in its kinematic model, movement of the robot during the procedure, noise in X-ray images, and the clinical need to minimize the number of X-ray images acquired. Our new method integrates kinematics models of the robot with data extracted from an optimally selected set of X-ray projection images. Our method represents the shape of the continuum robot over time as a deformable surface which can be described as a linear combination of time and space basis functions. We take advantage of probabilistic priors and numeric optimization to select optimal camera configurations, thus minimizing the expected shape estimation error. We evaluate our method using simulated concentric tube robot procedures and demonstrate that obtaining between 3 and 10 images from viewpoints selected by our method enables online shape estimation with errors significantly lower than using the kinematic model alone or using randomly spaced viewpoints.

Continuum percolation of polydisperse rods in quadrupole fields: Theory and simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finner, Shari P.; Kotsev, Mihail I.; Miller, Mark A.; van der Schoot, Paul

2018-01-01

We investigate percolation in mixtures of nanorods in the presence of external fields that align or disalign the particles with the field axis. Such conditions are found in the formulation and processing of nanocomposites, where the field may be electric, magnetic, or due to elongational flow. Our focus is on the effect of length polydispersity, which—in the absence of a field—is known to produce a percolation threshold that scales with the inverse weight average of the particle length. Using a model of non-interacting spherocylinders in conjunction with connectedness percolation theory, we show that a quadrupolar field always increases the percolation threshold and that the universal scaling with the inverse weight average no longer holds if the field couples to the particle length. Instead, the percolation threshold becomes a function of higher moments of the length distribution, where the order of the relevant moments crucially depends on the strength and type of field applied. The theoretical predictions compare well with the results of our Monte Carlo simulations, which eliminate finite size effects by exploiting the fact that the universal scaling of the wrapping probability function holds even in anisotropic systems. Theory and simulation demonstrate that the percolation threshold of a polydisperse mixture can be lower than that of the individual components, confirming recent work based on a mapping onto a Bethe lattice as well as earlier computer simulations involving dipole fields. Our work shows how the formulation of nanocomposites may be used to compensate for the adverse effects of aligning fields that are inevitable under practical manufacturing conditions.

Dielectric-spectroscopy approach to ferrofluid nanoparticle clustering induced by an external electric field.

PubMed

Rajnak, Michal; Kurimsky, Juraj; Dolnik, Bystrik; Kopcansky, Peter; Tomasovicova, Natalia; Taculescu-Moaca, Elena Alina; Timko, Milan

2014-09-01

An experimental study of magnetic colloidal particles cluster formation induced by an external electric field in a ferrofluid based on transformer oil is presented. Using frequency domain isothermal dielectric spectroscopy, we study the influence of a test cell electrode separation distance on a low-frequency relaxation process. We consider the relaxation process to be associated with an electric double layer polarization taking place on the particle surface. It has been found that the relaxation maximum considerably shifts towards lower frequencies when conducting the measurements in the test cells with greater electrode separation distances. As the electric field intensity was always kept at a constant value, we propose that the particle cluster formation induced by the external ac electric field accounts for that phenomenon. The increase in the relaxation time is in accordance with the Schwarz theory of electric double layer polarization. In addition, we analyze the influence of a static electric field generated by dc bias voltage on a similar shift in the relaxation maximum position. The variation of the dc electric field for the hysteresis measurements purpose provides understanding of the development of the particle clusters and their decay. Following our results, we emphasize the utility of dielectric spectroscopy as a simple, complementary method for detection and study of clusters of colloidal particles induced by external electric field.

Inhibition of agonist-induced smooth muscle contraction by picotamide in the male human lower urinary tract outflow region.

PubMed

Hennenberg, Martin; Tamalunas, Alexander; Wang, Yiming; Keller, Patrick; Schott, Melanie; Strittmatter, Frank; Herlemann, Annika; Yu, Qingfeng; Rutz, Beata; Ciotkowska, Anna; Stief, Christian G; Gratzke, Christian

2017-05-15

Male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to bladder outlet obstruction are characterized by abnormal smooth muscle contractions in the lower urinary tract. Alpha 1 -adrenoceptor antagonists may induce smooth muscle relaxation in the outflow region and represent the current gold standard of medical treatment. However, results may be unsatisfactory or inadequate. Apart from α 1 -adrenoceptor agonists, smooth muscle contraction in the outflow region may be induced by thromboxane A 2 (TXA 2 ), endothelins, or muscarinic receptor agonists. Here, we studied effects of the thromboxane A 2 receptor (TP receptor) antagonist picotamide on contraction in the human male bladder trigone and prostate. Carbachol, the α 1 -adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine, the thromboxane A 2 analog U46619, and electric field stimulation (EFS) induced concentration- or frequency-dependent contractions of trigone tissues in an organ bath. Picotamide (300µM) inhibited carbachol-, phenylephrine-, U46619-, and EFS-induced contractions. Endothelins 1-3 induced concentration-dependent contractions of prostate tissues, which were inhibited by picotamide. Analyses using real time polymerase chain reaction and antibodies suggested expression of thromboxane A 2 receptors and synthase in trigone smooth muscle cells. Thromboxane B 2 (the stable metabolite of thromboxane A 2 ) was detectable by enzyme immune assay in trigone samples, with most values ranging between 50 and 150pg/mg trigone protein. Picotamide inhibits contractions induced by different stimuli in the human lower urinary tract, including cholinergic, adrenergic, thromboxane A 2 - and endothelin-induced, and neurogenic contractions in different locations of the outflow region. This distinguishes picotamide from current medical treatments for LUTS, and suggests that picotamide may induce urodynamic effects in vivo. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Polarizable Force Fields and Polarizable Continuum Model: A Fluctuating Charges/PCM Approach. 1. Theory and Implementation.

PubMed

Lipparini, Filippo; Barone, Vincenzo

2011-11-08

We present a combined fluctuating charges-polarizable continuum model approach to describe molecules in solution. Both static and dynamic approaches are discussed: analytical first and second derivatives are shown as well as an extended lagrangian for molecular dynamics simluations. In particular, we use the polarizable continuum model to provide nonperiodic boundary conditions for molecular dynamics simulations of aqueous solutions. The extended lagrangian method is extensively discussed, with specific reference to the fluctuating charge model, from a numerical point of view by means of several examples, and a rationalization of the behavior found is presented. Several prototypical applications are shown, especially regarding solvation of ions and polar molecules in water.

Antiferromagnetic Resonance and Terahertz Continuum in α-RuCl_{3}.

PubMed

Little, A; Wu, Liang; Lampen-Kelley, P; Banerjee, A; Patankar, S; Rees, D; Bridges, C A; Yan, J-Q; Mandrus, D; Nagler, S E; Orenstein, J

2017-12-01

We report measurements of optical absorption in the zigzag antiferromagnet α-RuCl_{3} as a function of temperature T, magnetic field B, and photon energy ℏω in the range ∼0.3-8.3 meV, using time-domain terahertz spectroscopy. Polarized measurements show that threefold rotational symmetry is broken in the honeycomb plane from 2 to 300 K. We find a sharp absorption peak at 2.56 meV upon cooling below the Néel temperature of 7 K at B=0 that we identify as the magnetic-dipole excitation of a zero-wave-vector magnon, or antiferromagnetic resonance (AFMR). With the application of B, the AFMR broadens and shifts to a lower frequency as long-range magnetic order is lost in a manner consistent with transitioning to a spin-disordered phase. From a direct, internally calibrated measurement of the AFMR spectral weight, we place an upper bound on the contribution to the dc susceptibility from a magnetic excitation continuum.

Electric-Field-Induced Alignment of Block Copolymer/Nanoparticle Blends

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

Liedel, Clemens; Schindler, Kerstin; Pavan, Mariela J.

External electric fi elds readily align birefringent block-copolymer mesophases. In this study the effect of gold nanoparticles on the electric-fi eld-induced alignment of a lamellae-forming polystyrene- block -poly(2-vinylpyridine) copolymer is assessed. Nanoparticles are homogeneously dispersed in the styrenic phase and promote the quantitative alignment of lamellar domains by substantially lowering the critical field strength above which alignment proceeds. The results suggest that the electric-fi eldassisted alignment of nanostructured block copolymer/nanoparticle composites may offer a simple way to greatly mitigate structural and orientational defects of such fi lms under benign experimental conditions.

Calculations of the Electric Fields in Liquid Solutions

PubMed Central

Fried, Stephen D.; Wang, Lee-Ping; Boxer, Steven G.; Ren, Pengyu; Pande, Vijay S.

2014-01-01

The electric field created by a condensed phase environment is a powerful and convenient descriptor for intermolecular interactions. Not only does it provide a unifying language to compare many different types of interactions, but it also possesses clear connections to experimental observables, such as vibrational Stark effects. We calculate here the electric fields experienced by a vibrational chromophore (the carbonyl group of acetophenone) in an array of solvents of diverse polarities using molecular dynamics simulations with the AMOEBA polarizable force field. The mean and variance of the calculated electric fields correlate well with solvent-induced frequency shifts and band broadening, suggesting Stark effects as the underlying mechanism of these key solution phase spectral effects. Compared to fixed-charge and continuum models, AMOEBA was the only model examined that could describe non-polar, polar, and hydrogen bonding environments in a consistent fashion. Nevertheless, we found that fixed-charge force fields and continuum models were able to replicate some results of the polarizable simulations accurately, allowing us to clearly identify which properties and situations require explicit polarization and/or atomistic representations to be modeled properly, and for which properties and situations simpler models are sufficient. We also discuss the ramifications of these results for modeling electrostatics in complex environments, such as proteins. PMID:24304155

Photometric redshifts for the next generation of deep radio continuum surveys - I. Template fitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duncan, Kenneth J.; Brown, Michael J. I.; Williams, Wendy L.; Best, Philip N.; Buat, Veronique; Burgarella, Denis; Jarvis, Matt J.; Małek, Katarzyna; Oliver, S. J.; Röttgering, Huub J. A.; Smith, Daniel J. B.

2018-01-01

We present a study of photometric redshift performance for galaxies and active galactic nuclei detected in deep radio continuum surveys. Using two multiwavelength data sets, over the NOAO Deep Wide Field Survey Boötes and COSMOS fields, we assess photometric redshift (photo-z) performance for a sample of ∼4500 radio continuum sources with spectroscopic redshifts relative to those of ∼63 000 non-radio-detected sources in the same fields. We investigate the performance of three photometric redshift template sets as a function of redshift, radio luminosity and infrared/X-ray properties. We find that no single template library is able to provide the best performance across all subsets of the radio-detected population, with variation in the optimum template set both between subsets and between fields. Through a hierarchical Bayesian combination of the photo-z estimates from all three template sets, we are able to produce a consensus photo-z estimate that equals or improves upon the performance of any individual template set.

Numerical Simulation of Transitional, Hypersonic Flows using a Hybrid Particle-Continuum Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verhoff, Ashley Marie

Analysis of hypersonic flows requires consideration of multiscale phenomena due to the range of flight regimes encountered, from rarefied conditions in the upper atmosphere to fully continuum flow at low altitudes. At transitional Knudsen numbers there are likely to be localized regions of strong thermodynamic nonequilibrium effects that invalidate the continuum assumptions of the Navier-Stokes equations. Accurate simulation of these regions, which include shock waves, boundary and shear layers, and low-density wakes, requires a kinetic theory-based approach where no prior assumptions are made regarding the molecular distribution function. Because of the nature of these types of flows, there is much to be gained in terms of both numerical efficiency and physical accuracy by developing hybrid particle-continuum simulation approaches. The focus of the present research effort is the continued development of the Modular Particle-Continuum (MPC) method, where the Navier-Stokes equations are solved numerically using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques in regions of the flow field where continuum assumptions are valid, and the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method is used where strong thermodynamic nonequilibrium effects are present. Numerical solutions of transitional, hypersonic flows are thus obtained with increased physical accuracy relative to CFD alone, and improved numerical efficiency is achieved in comparison to DSMC alone because this more computationally expensive method is restricted to those regions of the flow field where it is necessary to maintain physical accuracy. In this dissertation, a comprehensive assessment of the physical accuracy of the MPC method is performed, leading to the implementation of a non-vacuum supersonic outflow boundary condition in particle domains, and more consistent initialization of DSMC simulator particles along hybrid interfaces. The relative errors between MPC and full DSMC results are greatly reduced as a

Field and energy relations in continuum electrodynamics.

PubMed

Crenshaw, Michael E

2005-09-01

The bare, or fundamental, electric and magnetic fields in a linear medium are identified. Through the energy relations for the bare fields, the electric permittivity is shown to combine the effects of the enhanced energy density and the polarization reaction field. The macroscopic Maxwell equations are modified to be consistent with the constitutive relations for the bare fields.

Defects in Nematic Shells: A Γ-Convergence Discrete-to-Continuum Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Canevari, Giacomo; Segatti, Antonio

2018-07-01

In this paper we rigorously investigate the emergence of defects on Nematic Shells with a genus different from one. This phenomenon is related to a non-trivial interplay between the topology of the shell and the alignment of the director field. To this end, we consider a discrete XY system on the shell M, described by a tangent vector field with unit norm sitting at the vertices of a triangulation of the shell. Defects emerge when we let the mesh size of the triangulation go to zero, namely in the discrete-to-continuum limit. In this paper we investigate the discrete-to-continuum limit in terms of Γ-convergence in two different asymptotic regimes. The first scaling promotes the appearance of a finite number of defects whose charges are in accordance with the topology of shell M, via the Poincaré-Hopf Theorem. The second scaling produces the so called Renormalized Energy that governs the equilibrium of the configurations with defects.

Continuous Shape Estimation of Continuum Robots Using X-ray Images

PubMed Central

Lobaton, Edgar J.; Fu, Jinghua; Torres, Luis G.; Alterovitz, Ron

2015-01-01

We present a new method for continuously and accurately estimating the shape of a continuum robot during a medical procedure using a small number of X-ray projection images (e.g., radiographs or fluoroscopy images). Continuum robots have curvilinear structure, enabling them to maneuver through constrained spaces by bending around obstacles. Accurately estimating the robot’s shape continuously over time is crucial for the success of procedures that require avoidance of anatomical obstacles and sensitive tissues. Online shape estimation of a continuum robot is complicated by uncertainty in its kinematic model, movement of the robot during the procedure, noise in X-ray images, and the clinical need to minimize the number of X-ray images acquired. Our new method integrates kinematics models of the robot with data extracted from an optimally selected set of X-ray projection images. Our method represents the shape of the continuum robot over time as a deformable surface which can be described as a linear combination of time and space basis functions. We take advantage of probabilistic priors and numeric optimization to select optimal camera configurations, thus minimizing the expected shape estimation error. We evaluate our method using simulated concentric tube robot procedures and demonstrate that obtaining between 3 and 10 images from viewpoints selected by our method enables online shape estimation with errors significantly lower than using the kinematic model alone or using randomly spaced viewpoints. PMID:26279960

Longitudinal Changes in Physical Habitat and Macroinvertebrate Assemblages Along a Neotropical Stream Continuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colon-Gaud, C.; Whiles, M. R.

2005-05-01

Information on the structure and function of upland Neotropical streams is lacking compared to many other regions. We examined habitat characteristics and macroinvertebrate assemblages along an 8-km stretch of a stream originating on the continental divide in central Panama in order to examine patterns along a stream continuum. Wetted width and discharge ranged from 1 m and 18 L/s, respectively in the uppermost headwaters to 12 m and 1,580 L/s, respectively at the lowest reach examined. Percent substrate composition showed a decrease in fine particle sizes from upper headwater reaches (38%) to the lowest reach (10%). A total of 61 macroinvertebrate taxa were identified along the continuum, with more taxa present in lower reaches (45) compared to headwaters (28), but responses of individual groups varied. Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera, and Diptera richness increased from headwaters to the lowest site, whereas Hemiptera and Coleoptera richness decreased along the gradient. Collector-gatherers and predators were the dominant functional groups (~70% of total abundance) and changed little across sites. Shredder abundance was highest in headwaters (15% of total), while scrapers (20%) and collector/filterers (11%) peaked in the lower reaches. These patterns suggest that upland streams in this region follow basic tenets of the River Continuum Concept.

Continuum limit of the vibrational properties of amorphous solids

PubMed Central

Mizuno, Hideyuki; Ikeda, Atsushi

2017-01-01

The low-frequency vibrational and low-temperature thermal properties of amorphous solids are markedly different from those of crystalline solids. This situation is counterintuitive because all solid materials are expected to behave as a homogeneous elastic body in the continuum limit, in which vibrational modes are phonons that follow the Debye law. A number of phenomenological explanations for this situation have been proposed, which assume elastic heterogeneities, soft localized vibrations, and so on. Microscopic mean-field theories have recently been developed to predict the universal non-Debye scaling law. Considering these theoretical arguments, it is absolutely necessary to directly observe the nature of the low-frequency vibrations of amorphous solids and determine the laws that such vibrations obey. Herein, we perform an extremely large-scale vibrational mode analysis of a model amorphous solid. We find that the scaling law predicted by the mean-field theory is violated at low frequency, and in the continuum limit, the vibrational modes converge to a mixture of phonon modes that follow the Debye law and soft localized modes that follow another universal non-Debye scaling law. PMID:29087941

The continuum of behavior guidance.

PubMed

Nelson, Travis

2013-01-01

Behavior guidance is a continuum of techniques, basic and advanced, fundamental to the provision of quality dental care for pediatric patients. This practice must be individualized, pairing the correct method of behavior guidance with each child. To select the appropriate technique, the clinician must have a thorough understanding of each aspect of the continuum and anticipate parental expectations, child temperament, and the technical procedures necessary to complete care. By effectively using techniques within the continuum of behavior guidance, a healing relationship with the family is maintained while addressing dental disease and empowering the child to receive dental treatment throughout their lifetime. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Solvent-Induced Shift of Spectral Lines in Polar–Polarizable Solvents

DOE PAGES

Matyushov, Dmitry V.; Newton, Marshall D.

2017-03-09

Solvent-induced shift of optical transition lines is traditionally described by the Lippert- McRae equation given in terms of the Onsager theory for dipole solvation. It splits the overall shift into the equilibrium solvation by induced dipoles and the reaction field by the permanent dipoles in equilibrium with the chromophore in the ground state. Here we have reconsidered this classical problem from the perspective of microscopic solvation theories. A microscopic solvation functional is derived and continuum solvation is consistently introduced by taking the limit of zero wavevector in the reciprocal-space solvation susceptibility functions. We show that the phenomenological expression for themore » reaction field of permanent dipoles in the Lippert-McRae equation is not consistent with the microscopic theory. The main deficiency of the Lippert- McRae equation equation is the use of additivity of the response by permanent and induced dipoles of the liquid. An alternative closed-form equation for the spectral shift is derived. Its continuum limit allows a new, non-additive functionality for the solvent-induced shift in terms of the high-frequency and static dielectric constants. Finally, the main qualitative outcome of the theory is a significantly weaker dependence of the spectral shift on the polarizability of the solvent than predicted by the Lippert-McRae formula.« less

A space-time tensor formulation for continuum mechanics in general curvilinear, moving, and deforming coordinate systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Avis, L. M.

1976-01-01

Tensor methods are used to express the continuum equations of motion in general curvilinear, moving, and deforming coordinate systems. The space-time tensor formulation is applicable to situations in which, for example, the boundaries move and deform. Placing a coordinate surface on such a boundary simplifies the boundary condition treatment. The space-time tensor formulation is also applicable to coordinate systems with coordinate surfaces defined as surfaces of constant pressure, density, temperature, or any other scalar continuum field function. The vanishing of the function gradient components along the coordinate surfaces may simplify the set of governing equations. In numerical integration of the equations of motion, the freedom of motion of the coordinate surfaces provides a potential for enhanced resolution of the continuum field function. An example problem of an incompressible, inviscid fluid with a top free surface is considered, where the surfaces of constant pressure (including the top free surface) are coordinate surfaces.

Discovery of a complex linearly polarized spectrum of Betelgeuse dominated by depolarization of the continuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aurière, M.; López Ariste, A.; Mathias, P.; Lèbre, A.; Josselin, E.; Montargès, M.; Petit, P.; Chiavassa, A.; Paletou, F.; Fabas, N.; Konstantinova-Antova, R.; Donati, J.-F.; Grunhut, J. H.; Wade, G. A.; Herpin, F.; Kervella, P.; Perrin, G.; Tessore, B.

2016-06-01

Context. Betelgeuse is an M supergiant that harbors spots and giant granules at its surface and presents linear polarization of its continuum. Aims: We have previously discovered linear polarization signatures associated with individual lines in the spectra of cool and evolved stars. Here, we investigate whether a similar linearly polarized spectrum exists for Betelgeuse. Methods: We used the spectropolarimeter Narval, combining multiple polarimetric sequences to obtain high signal-to-noise ratio spectra of individual lines, as well as the least-squares deconvolution (LSD) approach, to investigate the presence of an averaged linearly polarized profile for the photospheric lines. Results: We have discovered the existence of a linearly polarized spectrum for Betelgeuse, detecting a rather strong signal (at a few times 10-4 of the continuum intensity level), both in individual lines and in the LSD profiles. Studying its properties and the signal observed for the resonant Na I D lines, we conclude that we are mainly observing depolarization of the continuum by the absorption lines. The linear polarization of the Betelgeuse continuum is due to the anisotropy of the radiation field induced by brightness spots at the surface and Rayleigh scattering in the atmosphere. We have developed a geometrical model to interpret the observed polarization, from which we infer the presence of two brightness spots and their positions on the surface of Betelgeuse. We show that applying the model to each velocity bin along the Stokes Q and U profiles allows the derivation of a map of the bright spots. We use the Narval linear polarization observations of Betelgeuse obtained over a period of 1.4 yr to study the evolution of the spots and of the atmosphere. Conclusions: Our study of the linearly polarized spectrum of Betelgeuse provides a novel method for studying the evolution of brightness spots at its surface and complements quasi-simultaneous observations obtained with PIONIER at the

Calculation of induced current densities for humans by magnetic fields from electronic article surveillance devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gandhi, Om P.; Kang, Gang

2001-11-01

This paper illustrates the use of the impedance method to calculate the electric fields and current densities induced in millimetre resolution anatomic models of the human body, namely an adult and 10- and 5-year-old children, for exposure to nonuniform magnetic fields typical of two assumed but representative electronic article surveillance (EAS) devices at 1 and 30 kHz, respectively. The devices assumed for the calculations are a solenoid type magnetic deactivator used at store checkouts and a pass-by panel-type EAS system consisting of two overlapping rectangular current-carrying coils used at entry and exit from a store. The impedance method code is modified to obtain induced current densities averaged over a cross section of 1 cm2 perpendicular to the direction of induced currents. This is done to compare the peak current densities with the limits or the basic restrictions given in the ICNIRP safety guidelines. Because of the stronger magnetic fields at lower heights for both the assumed devices, the peak 1 cm2 area-averaged current densities for the CNS tissues such as the brain and the spinal cord are increasingly larger for smaller models and are the highest for the model of the 5-year-old child. For both the EAS devices, the maximum 1 cm2 area-averaged current densities for the brain of the model of the adult are lower than the ICNIRP safety guideline, but may approach or exceed the ICNIRP basic restrictions for models of 10- and 5-year-old children if sufficiently strong magnetic fields are used.

Calculation of induced current densities for humans by magnetic fields from electronic article surveillance devices.

PubMed

Gandhi, O P; Kang, G

2001-11-01

This paper illustrates the use of the impedance method to calculate the electric fields and current densities induced in millimetre resolution anatomic models of the human body, namely an adult and 10- and 5-year-old children, for exposure to nonuniform magnetic fields typical of two assumed but representative electronic article surveillance (EAS) devices at 1 and 30 kHz, respectively. The devices assumed for the calculations are a solenoid type magnetic deactivator used at store checkouts and a pass-by panel-type EAS system consisting of two overlapping rectangular current-carrying coils used at entry and exit from a store. The impedance method code is modified to obtain induced current densities averaged over a cross section of 1 cm2 perpendicular to the direction of induced currents. This is done to compare the peak current densities with the limits or the basic restrictions given in the ICNIRP safety guidelines. Because of the stronger magnetic fields at lower heights for both the assumed devices, the peak 1 cm2 area-averaged current densities for the CNS tissues such as the brain and the spinal cord are increasingly larger for smaller models and are the highest for the model of the 5-year-old child. For both the EAS devices, the maximum 1 cm2 area-averaged current densities for the brain of the model of the adult are lower than the ICNIRP safety guideline, but may approach or exceed the ICNIRP basic restrictions for models of 10- and 5-year-old children if sufficiently strong magnetic fields are used.

Continuum modeling of large lattice structures: Status and projections

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noor, Ahmed K.; Mikulas, Martin M., Jr.

1988-01-01

The status and some recent developments of continuum modeling for large repetitive lattice structures are summarized. Discussion focuses on a number of aspects including definition of an effective substitute continuum; characterization of the continuum model; and the different approaches for generating the properties of the continuum, namely, the constitutive matrix, the matrix of mass densities, and the matrix of thermal coefficients. Also, a simple approach is presented for generating the continuum properties. The approach can be used to generate analytic and/or numerical values of the continuum properties.

The Engineering Design Process: Conceptions along the Learning-To-Teach Continuum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Iveland, Ashley

2017-01-01

In this study, I sought to identify differences in the views and understandings of engineering design among individuals along the learning-to-teach continuum. To do so, I conducted a comprehensive review of literature to determine the various aspects of engineering design described in the fields of professional engineering and engineering…

Alpha channeling with high-field launch of lower hybrid waves

DOE PAGES

Ochs, I. E.; Bertelli, N.; Fisch, N. J.

2015-11-04

Although lower hybrid waves are effective at driving currents in present-day tokamaks, they are expected to interact strongly with high-energy particles in extrapolating to reactors. In the presence of a radial alpha particle birth gradient, this interaction can take the form of wave amplification rather than damping. While it is known that this amplification more easily occurs when launching from the tokamak high-field side, the extent of this amplification has not been made quantitative. Here, by tracing rays launched from the high- field-side of a tokamak, the required radial gradients to achieve amplification are calculated for a temperature and densitymore » regime consistent with a hot-ion-mode fusion reactor. As a result, these simulations, while valid only in the linear regime of wave amplification, nonetheless illustrate the possibilities for wave amplification using high-field launch of the lower hybrid wave.« less

Lyman-continuum leakage as dominant source of diffuse ionized gas in the Antennae galaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weilbacher, Peter M.; Monreal-Ibero, Ana; Verhamme, Anne; Sandin, Christer; Steinmetz, Matthias; Kollatschny, Wolfram; Krajnović, Davor; Kamann, Sebastian; Roth, Martin M.; Erroz-Ferrer, Santiago; Marino, Raffaella Anna; Maseda, Michael V.; Wendt, Martin; Bacon, Roland; Dreizler, Stefan; Richard, Johan; Wisotzki, Lutz

2018-04-01

The Antennae galaxy (NGC 4038/39) is the closest major interacting galaxy system and is therefore often studied as a merger prototype. We present the first comprehensive integral field spectroscopic dataset of this system, observed with the MUSE instrument at the ESO VLT. We cover the two regions in this system which exhibit recent star formation: the central galaxy interaction and a region near the tip of the southern tidal tail. In these fields, we detect HII regions and diffuse ionized gas to unprecedented depth. About 15% of the ionized gas was undetected by previous observing campaigns. This newly detected faint ionized gas is visible everywhere around the central merger, and shows filamentary structure. We estimate diffuse gas fractions of about 60% in the central field and 10% in the southern region. We are able to show that the southern region contains a significantly different population of HII regions, showing fainter luminosities. By comparing HII region luminosities with the HST catalog of young star clusters in the central field, we estimate that there is enough Lyman-continuum leakage in the merger to explain the amount of diffuse ionized gas that we detect. We compare the Lyman-continuum escape fraction of each HII region against emission line ratios that are sensitive to the ionization parameter. While we find no systematic trend between these properties, the most extreme line ratios seem to be strong indicators of density bounded ionization. Extrapolating the Lyman-continuum escape fractions to the southern region, we conclude that simply from the comparison of the young stellar populations to the ionized gas there is no need to invoke other ionization mechanisms than Lyman-continuum leaking HII regions for the diffuse ionized gas in the Antennae. FITS images and Table of HII regions are available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (http://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/611/A95 and at http://muse-vlt.eu/science/antennae/

Effect of dopaminergic drugs on the reserpine-induced lowering of hippocampal theta wave frequency in rats.

PubMed

Nakagawa, T; Ukai, K; Ohyama, T; Gomita, Y; Okamura, H

2000-05-01

The effects of dopaminergic drugs on the lowering of hippocampal theta wave frequency induced by reserpine 1 mg/kg s.c. were examined. Sibutramine (monoamine reuptake inhibitor) 10 mg/kg p.o., methamphetamine (monoamine releaser) 1 mg/kg, quinpirole (dopamine D2 receptor agonist) 10 mg/kg i.p., and SKF 38393 (dopamine D1 receptor agonist) 10 mg/kg i.p. each antagonized the reserpine-induced lowering of hippocampal theta wave frequency in rats. Moreover, the combined administration of SKF 38393 1 mg/kg i.p. and quinpirole 1 mg/kg i.p. synergistically antagonized a reserpine-induced lowering of this frequency. Dosulepin, amitriptyline, and desipramine, which are weak inhibitors of dopamine reuptake, each had little effect on the reserpine-induced lowering of theta wave frequency at a dose of 40 mg/kg p.o. Furthermore, atropine (muscarinic anticholinergic drug) 20 mg/kg p.o. decreased theta wave power in the low-frequency range following a shift to the lower range by reserpine. A positive correlation was observed for each of the above drugs between a reversal of reserpine-induced lowering of theta wave frequency and a reversal of impairment of reserpine-induced conditioned avoidance responses (ACAR) in rats. These results suggest that the reserpine-induced lowering of hippocampal theta wave frequency plays a role in the impairment of reserpine-induced ACAR, and that dopamine D1 and D2 receptors play important roles in antagonizing this lowering of frequency.

Carrier-envelope-phase control of asymmetries in the multiphoton ionization of xenon atoms by ultrashort bichromatic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kerbstadt, S.; Pengel, D.; Englert, L.; Bayer, T.; Wollenhaupt, M.

2018-06-01

We report on bichromatic multiphoton ionization of xenon atoms (Xe) to demonstrate carrier-envelope-phase (CEP) control of lateral asymmetries in the photoelectron momentum distribution. In the experiments, we employ a 4 f polarization pulse shaper to sculpture bichromatic fields with commensurable center frequencies ω1:ω2=7 :8 from an over-octave-spanning CEP-stable white light supercontinuum by spectral amplitude and phase modulation. The bichromatic fields are spectrally tailored to induce controlled interferences of 7- vs 8-photon quantum pathways in the 5 P3 /2 ionization continuum of Xe. The CEP sensitivity of the asymmetric final-state wave function arises from coherent superposition of continuum states with opposite parity. Our results demonstrate that shaper-generated bichromatic fields with tailored center frequency ratio are a suitable tool to localize CEP-sensitive asymmetries in a specific photoelectron kinetic-energy window.

Convective Flow Induced by Localized Traveling Magnetic Fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mazuruk, Konstantin; Rose, M. Franklin (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

An axisymmetric traveling magnetic field induces a meridional base flow in a cylindrical zone of an electrically conducting liquid. This remotely induced flow can be conveniently controlled, in magnitude and direction, and can have benefits for crystal growth applications. In particular, it can be used to offset natural convection. For long vertical cylinders, non-uniform and localized in the propagating direction, magnetic fields are required for this purpose. Here we investigate a particular form of this field, namely that induced by a set of a few electric current coils. An order of magnitude reduction of buoyancy convection is theoretically demonstrated for a vertical Bridgman crystal growth configuration.

Three-dimensional couette flow of dusty fluid with heat transfer in the presence of magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gayathri, R.; Govindarajan, A.; Sasikala, R.

2018-04-01

This paper is focused on the mathematical modelling of three-dimensional couette flow and heat transfer of a dusty fluid between two infinite horizontal parallel porous flat plates in the presence of an induced magnetic field. The problem is formulated using a continuum two-phase model and the resulting equations are solved analytically. The lower plate is stationary while the upper plate is undergoing uniform motion in its plane. These plates are, respectively subjected to transverse exponential injection and its corresponding removal by constant suction. Due to this type of injection velocity, the flow becomes three dimensional. The closed-form expressions for velocity and temperature fields of both the fluid and dust phase are obtained by solving the governing partial differentiation equations using the perturbation method. A selective set of graphical results is presented and discussed to show interesting features of the problem. It is found that the velocity profiles of both fluid and dust particles decrease due to the increase of (magnetic parameter) Hartmann number.

Optical field induced rotation of polarization in rubidium atoms with the additional magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ummal Momeen, M.; Hu, Jianping

2017-11-01

We present the magnetic and optical field induced rotation of polarization in 87Rb and 85Rb atoms at geophysical magnetic fields. The line shape varies considerably in the presence of a magnetic field of the order of a few mG. Multiple Zeeman sublevel EIT systems involving rubidium atoms are investigated. Theoretical formalism of optical field induced polarization rotation in the presence of a magnetic field is discussed by considering all the Zeeman sublevels. It is noted that the ground state population distribution also plays a major role.

PACCE: Perl Algorithm to Compute Continuum and Equivalent Widths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riffel, Rogério; Borges Vale, Tibério

2011-05-01

PACCE (Perl Algorithm to Compute continuum and Equivalent Widths) computes continuum and equivalent widths. PACCE is able to determine mean continuum and continuum at line center values, which are helpful in stellar population studies, and is also able to compute the uncertainties in the equivalent widths using photon statistics.

NREL Continuum

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Innovation Portal Bridging Information Gapa>
Database revolutionizes of NREL's ever-expanding analytical capabilities.

<a href=" ;http://www.nrel.gov/continuum/analysis/dan_says.html">Dan Saysa>

Stiffening Sheaths for Continuum Robots.

PubMed

Langer, Marlene; Amanov, Ernar; Burgner-Kahrs, Jessica

2018-06-01

Added to their high dexterity and ability to conform to complex shapes, continuum robots can be further improved to provide safer interaction with their environment. Indeed, controlling their stiffness is one of the most challenging yet promising research topics. We propose a tubular stiffening sheath as a replaceable cover for small-diameter continuum robots to temporarily increase the stiffness in a certain configuration. In this article, we assess and compare performances of two different stiffening modalities: granular and layer jamming, provide arguments for material selection and experimental results for stiffness with respect to lateral and axial applied forces. Furthermore, we detected empirically additional effects relating sheath stiffness to material parameters and added to recent investigations in the state of the art, which are based exclusively on material roughness. Finally, we integrated the selected layer jamming material in a miniaturized sheath (13 mm outer diameter, 2.5 mm wall thickness) and covered a tendon-actuated continuum robot with it. Experimental characterization of the behavior with respect to applied external forces was performed via stiffness measurements and proved that the initial tendon-actuated continuum robot stiffness can be improved by a factor up to 24.

Reversal of radial glow distribution in helicon plasma induced by reversed magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y.; Zhao, G.; Niu, C.; Liu, Z. W.; Ouyang, J. T.; Chen, Q.

2017-02-01

In this work, the reversal of radial glow distribution induced by reversed magnetic field is reported. Based on the Boswell antenna which is symmetric and insensitive to the magnetic field direction, it seems such a phenomenon in theory appears impossible. However, according to the diagnostic of the helicon waves by magnetic probe, it is found that the direction of magnetic field significantly affects the propagation characteristic of helicon waves, i.e., the interchange of the helicon waves at the upper and the lower half of tube was caused by reversing the direction of magnetic field. It is suggested that the variation of helicon wave against the direction of magnetic field causes the reversed radial glow distribution. The appearance of the traveling wave does not only improve the discharge strength, but also determines the transition of the discharge mode.

Cognitive Continuum Theory in nursing decision-making.

PubMed

Cader, Raffik; Campbell, Steve; Watson, Don

2005-02-01

The purpose of this paper is to analyse and evaluate Cognitive Continuum Theory and to provide evidence for its relevance to nurses' decision-making. It is critical that theories used in nursing are evaluated to provide an understanding of their aims, concepts and usefulness. With the advent of evidence-based care, theories on decision-making have acquired increased significance. The criteria identified by Fawcett's framework has been used to analyse and evaluate Hammond's Cognitive Continuum Theory. Findings. There is empirical evidence to support many of the concepts and propositions of Cognitive Continuum Theory. The theory has been applied to the decision-making process of many professionals, including medical practitioners and nurses. Existing evidence suggests that Cognitive Continuum Theory can provide the framework to explain decision-making in nursing. Cognitive Continuum Theory has the potential to make major contributions towards understanding the decision-making process of nurses in the clinical environment. Knowledge of the theory in nursing practice has become crucial.

Computational dosimetry of induced electric fields during realistic movements in the vicinity of a 3 T MRI scanner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laakso, Ilkka; Kännälä, Sami; Jokela, Kari

2013-04-01

Medical staff working near magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners are exposed both to the static magnetic field itself and also to electric currents that are induced in the body when the body moves in the magnetic field. However, there are currently limited data available on the induced electric field for realistic movements. This study computationally investigates the movement induced electric fields for realistic movements in the magnetic field of a 3 T MRI scanner. The path of movement near the MRI scanner is based on magnetic field measurements using a coil sensor attached to a human volunteer. Utilizing realistic models for both the motion of the head and the magnetic field of the MRI scanner, the induced fields are computationally determined using the finite-element method for five high-resolution numerical anatomical models. The results show that the time-derivative of the magnetic flux density (dB/dt) is approximately linearly proportional to the induced electric field in the head, independent of the position of the head with respect to the magnet. This supports the use of dB/dt measurements for occupational exposure assessment. For the path of movement considered herein, the spatial maximum of the induced electric field is close to the basic restriction for the peripheral nervous system and exceeds the basic restriction for the central nervous system in the international guidelines. The 99th percentile electric field is a considerably less restrictive metric for the exposure than the spatial maximum electric field; the former is typically 60-70% lower than the latter. However, the 99th percentile electric field may exceed the basic restriction for dB/dt values that can be encountered during tasks commonly performed by MRI workers. It is also shown that the movement-induced eddy currents may reach magnitudes that could electrically stimulate the vestibular system, which could play a significant role in the generation of vertigo-like sensations reported

Antiferromagnetic Resonance and Terahertz Continuum in α - RuCl 3

DOE PAGES

Little, A.; Wu, Liang; Lampen-Kelley, P.; ...

2017-11-28

We report measurements of optical absorption in the zigzag antiferromagnet α-RuCl 3 as a function of temperature T , magnetic field B , and photon energy ℏ ω in the range ~ 0.3 –8.3 meV, using time-domain terahertz spectroscopy. Polarized measurements show that threefold rotational symmetry is broken in the honeycomb plane from 2 to 300 K. We find a sharp absorption peak at 2.56 meV upon cooling below the Néel temperature of 7 K at B = 0 that we identify as the magnetic-dipole excitation of a zero-wave-vector magnon, or antiferromagnetic resonance (AFMR). With the application of B ,more » the AFMR broadens and shifts to a lower frequency as long-range magnetic order is lost in a manner consistent with transitioning to a spin-disordered phase. From a direct, internally calibrated measurement of the AFMR spectral weight, we place an upper bound on the contribution to the dc susceptibility from a magnetic excitation continuum.« less

Continuum description of solvent dielectrics in molecular-dynamics simulations of proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egwolf, Bernhard; Tavan, Paul

2003-02-01

We present a continuum approach for efficient and accurate calculation of reaction field forces and energies in classical molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations of proteins in water. The derivation proceeds in two steps. First, we reformulate the electrostatics of an arbitrarily shaped molecular system, which contains partially charged atoms and is embedded in a dielectric continuum representing the water. A so-called fuzzy partition is used to exactly decompose the system into partial atomic volumes. The reaction field is expressed by means of dipole densities localized at the atoms. Since these densities cannot be calculated analytically for general systems, we introduce and carefully analyze a set of approximations in a second step. These approximations allow us to represent the dipole densities by simple dipoles localized at the atoms. We derive a system of linear equations for these dipoles, which can be solved numerically by iteration. After determining the two free parameters of our approximate method we check its quality by comparisons (i) with an analytical solution, which is available for a perfectly spherical system, (ii) with forces obtained from a MD simulation of a soluble protein in water, and (iii) with reaction field energies of small molecules calculated by a finite difference method.

Doping enhanced barrier lowering in graphene-silicon junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xintong; Zhang, Lining; Chan, Mansun

2016-06-01

Rectifying properties of graphene-semiconductor junctions depend on the Schottky barrier height. We report an enhanced barrier lowering in graphene-Si junction and its essential doping dependence in this paper. The electric field due to ionized charge in n-type Si induces the same type doping in graphene and contributes another Schottky barrier lowering factor on top of the image-force-induced lowering (IFIL). We confirm this graphene-doping-induced lowering (GDIL) based on well reproductions of the measured reverse current of our fabricated graphene-Si junctions by the thermionic emission theory. Excellent matching between the theoretical predictions and the junction data of the doping-concentration dependent barrier lowering serves as another evidence of the GDIL. While both GDIL and IFIL are enhanced with the Si doping, GDIL exceeds IFIL with a threshold doping depending on the as-prepared graphene itself.

Magnetic field induced dynamical chaos.

PubMed

Ray, Somrita; Baura, Alendu; Bag, Bidhan Chandra

2013-12-01

In this article, we have studied the dynamics of a particle having charge in the presence of a magnetic field. The motion of the particle is confined in the x-y plane under a two dimensional nonlinear potential. We have shown that constant magnetic field induced dynamical chaos is possible even for a force which is derived from a simple potential. For a given strength of the magnetic field, initial position, and velocity of the particle, the dynamics may be regular, but it may become chaotic when the field is time dependent. Chaotic dynamics is very often if the field is time dependent. Origin of chaos has been explored using the Hamiltonian function of the dynamics in terms of action and angle variables. Applicability of the present study has been discussed with a few examples.

Continuum Thermodynamics - Part II: Applications and Examples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albers, Bettina; Wilmanski, Krzysztof

The intention by writing Part II of the book on continuum thermodynamics was the deepening of some issues covered in Part I as well as a development of certain skills in dealing with practical problems of oscopic processes. However, the main motivation for this part is the presentation of main facets of thermodynamics which appear when interdisciplinary problems are considered. There are many monographs on the subjects of solid mechanics and thermomechanics, on fluid mechanics and on coupled fields but most of them cover only special problems in great details which are characteristic for the chosen field. It is rather seldom that relations between these fields are discussed. This concerns, for instance, large deformations of the skeleton of porous materials with diffusion (e.g. lungs), couplings of deformable particles with the fluid motion in suspensions, couplings of adsorption processes and chemical reactions in immiscible mixtures with diffusion, various multi-component aspects of the motion, e.g. of avalanches, such as segregation processes, etc...

Large-scale, near-field magnetic fields from external sources and the corresponding induced internal field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Langel, R. A.; Estes, R. H.

1985-01-01

Data from Magsat analyzed as a function of the Dst index to determine the first degree/order spherical harmonic description of the near-earth external field and its corresponding induced field. The analysis was done separately for data from dawn and dusk. The Magsat data was compared with POGO data. A local time variation of the external field persists even during very quiet magnetic conditions; both a diurnal and 8-hour period are present. A crude estimate of Sq current in the 45 deg geomagnetic latitude range is obtained for 1966 to 1970. The current strength, located in the ionosphere and induced in the earth, is typical of earlier determinations from surface data, although its maximum is displaced in local time from previous results.

Continuum of Collaboration: Little Steps for Little Feet

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Powell, Gwynn M.

2013-01-01

This mini-article outlines a continuum of collaboration for faculty within a department of the same discipline. The goal of illustrating this continuum is showcase different stages of collaboration so that faculty members can assess where they are as a collective and consider steps to collaborate more. The separate points along a continuum of…

Progress toward bridging from atomistic to continuum modeling to predict nuclear waste glass dissolution.

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

Zapol, Peter; Bourg, Ian; Criscenti, Louise Jacqueline

2011-10-01

This report summarizes research performed for the Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) Subcontinuum and Upscaling Task. The work conducted focused on developing a roadmap to include molecular scale, mechanistic information in continuum-scale models of nuclear waste glass dissolution. This information is derived from molecular-scale modeling efforts that are validated through comparison with experimental data. In addition to developing a master plan to incorporate a subcontinuum mechanistic understanding of glass dissolution into continuum models, methods were developed to generate constitutive dissolution rate expressions from quantum calculations, force field models were selected to generate multicomponent glass structures and gel layers,more » classical molecular modeling was used to study diffusion through nanopores analogous to those in the interfacial gel layer, and a micro-continuum model (K{mu}C) was developed to study coupled diffusion and reaction at the glass-gel-solution interface.« less

Propulsion of Active Colloids by Self-Induced Field Gradients.

PubMed

Boymelgreen, Alicia; Yossifon, Gilad; Miloh, Touvia

2016-09-20

Previously, metallodielectric Janus particles have been shown to travel with their dielectric hemisphere forward under low frequency applied electric fields as a result of asymmetric induced-charge electroosmotic flow. Here, it is demonstrated that at high frequencies, well beyond the charge relaxation time of the electric double layer induced around the particle, rather than the velocity decaying to zero, the Janus particles reverse direction, traveling with their metallic hemisphere forward. It is proposed that such motion is the result of a surface force, arising from localized nonuniform electric field gradients, induced by the dual symmetry-breaking of an asymmetric particle adjacent to a wall, which act on the induced dipole of the particle to drive net motion even in a uniform AC field. Although the field is external, since the driving gradient is induced on the particle level, it may be considered an active colloid. We have thus termed this propulsion mechanism "self-dielectrophoresis", to distinguish from traditional dielectrophoresis where the driving nonuniform field is externally fixed and the particle direction is restricted. It is demonstrated theoretically and experimentally that the critical frequency at which the particle reverses direction can be characterized by a nondimensional parameter which is a function of electrolyte concentration and particle size.

Equivalent-Continuum Modeling of Nano-Structured Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Odegard, Gregory M.; Gates, Thomas S.; Nicholson, Lee M.; Wise, Kristopher E.

2001-01-01

A method has been developed for modeling structure-property relationships of nano-structured materials. This method serves as a link between computational chemistry and solid mechanics by substituting discrete molecular structures with an equivalent-continuum model. It has been shown that this substitution may be accomplished by equating the vibrational potential energy of a nano-structured material with the strain energy of representative truss and continuum models. As an important example with direct application to the development and characterization of single-walled carbon nanotubes, the model has been applied to determine the effective continuum geometry of a graphene sheet. A representative volume element of the equivalent-continuum model has been developed with an effective thickness. This effective thickness has been shown to be similar to, but slightly smaller than, the interatomic spacing of graphite.

An Optimization-based Atomistic-to-Continuum Coupling Method

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

Olson, Derek; Bochev, Pavel B.; Luskin, Mitchell

2014-08-21

In this paper, we present a new optimization-based method for atomistic-to-continuum (AtC) coupling. The main idea is to cast the latter as a constrained optimization problem with virtual Dirichlet controls on the interfaces between the atomistic and continuum subdomains. The optimization objective is to minimize the error between the atomistic and continuum solutions on the overlap between the two subdomains, while the atomistic and continuum force balance equations provide the constraints. Separation, rather then blending of the atomistic and continuum problems, and their subsequent use as constraints in the optimization problem distinguishes our approach from the existing AtC formulations. Finally,more » we present and analyze the method in the context of a one-dimensional chain of atoms modeled using a linearized two-body potential with next-nearest neighbor interactions.« less

Equivalent-Continuum Modeling With Application to Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Odegard, Gregory M.; Gates, Thomas S.; Nicholson, Lee M.; Wise, Kristopher E.

2002-01-01

A method has been proposed for developing structure-property relationships of nano-structured materials. This method serves as a link between computational chemistry and solid mechanics by substituting discrete molecular structures with equivalent-continuum models. It has been shown that this substitution may be accomplished by equating the vibrational potential energy of a nano-structured material with the strain energy of representative truss and continuum models. As important examples with direct application to the development and characterization of single-walled carbon nanotubes and the design of nanotube-based devices, the modeling technique has been applied to determine the effective-continuum geometry and bending rigidity of a graphene sheet. A representative volume element of the chemical structure of graphene has been substituted with equivalent-truss and equivalent continuum models. As a result, an effective thickness of the continuum model has been determined. This effective thickness has been shown to be significantly larger than the interatomic spacing of graphite. The effective thickness has been shown to be significantly larger than the inter-planar spacing of graphite. The effective bending rigidity of the equivalent-continuum model of a graphene sheet was determined by equating the vibrational potential energy of the molecular model of a graphene sheet subjected to cylindrical bending with the strain energy of an equivalent continuum plate subjected to cylindrical bending.

Criminal justice continuum for opioid users at risk of overdose.

PubMed

Brinkley-Rubinstein, Lauren; Zaller, Nickolas; Martino, Sarah; Cloud, David H; McCauley, Erin; Heise, Andrew; Seal, David

2018-02-24

The United States (US) is in the midst of an epidemic of opioid use; however, overdose mortality disproportionately affects certain subgroups. For example, more than half of state prisoners and approximately two-thirds of county jail detainees report issues with substance use. Overdose is one of the leading causes of mortality among individuals released from correctional settings. Even though the criminal justice (CJ) system interacts with a disproportionately high number of individuals at risk of opioid use and overdose, few CJ agencies screen for opioid use disorder (OUD). Even less provide access to medication assisted treatment (e.g. methadone, buprenorphine, and depot naltrexone), which is one of the most effective tools to combat addiction and lower overdose risk. However, there is an opportunity to implement programs across the CJ continuum in collaboration with law enforcement, courts, correctional facilities, community service providers, and probation and parole. In the current paper, we introduce the concept of a "CJ Continuum of Care for Opioid Users at Risk of Overdose", grounded by the Sequential Intercept Model. We present each step on the CJ Continuum and include a general overview and highlight opportunities for: 1) screening for OUD and overdose risk, 2) treatment and/or diversion, and 3) overdose prevention and naloxone provision. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

External magnetic field-induced selective biodistribution of magnetoliposomes in mice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Jimeno, Sonia; Escribano, Elvira; Queralt, Josep; Estelrich, Joan

2012-08-01

This study looked at the effect of an external magnet on the biodistribution of magnetoliposomes intravenously administrated in mice (8 mg iron/kg) with and without induced acute inflammation. Our results showed that due to enhanced vascular permeability, magnetoliposomes accumulated at the site of inflammation in the absence of an external magnetic field, but the amount of iron present increased under the effect of a magnet located at the inflammation zone. This increase was dependent on the time (20 or 60 min) of exposure of the external magnetic field. It was also observed that the presence of the magnet was associated with lower amounts of iron in the liver, spleen, and plasma than was found in mice in which a magnet had not been applied. The results of this study confirm that it is possible to target drugs encapsulated in magnetic particles by means of an external magnet.

Radio continuum from FU Orionis stars

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

Rodriguez, L.F.; Hartmann, L.W.; Chavira, E.

1990-12-01

Using the very large array a sensitive search is conducted for 3.6-cm continuum emission toward four FU Orionis objects: FU Ori, V1515 Cyg, V1057 Cyg, and Elias 1-12. V1057 Cyg and Elias 1-12 at the level of about 0.1 mJy is detected. The association of radio continuum emission with these FU Ori objects strengthens a possible relation between FU Ori stars and objects like L 1551 IRS 5 and Z CMa that are also sources of radio continuum emission and have been proposed as post-FU Ori objects. Whether the radio continuum emission is caused by free-free emission from ionized ejectamore » or if it is optically thin emission from a dusty disk is discussed. It was determined that, in the archives of the Tonantzintla Observatory, a plate taken in 1957 does not show Elias 1-12. This result significantly narrows the time range for the epoch of the outburst of this source to between 1957 and 1965. 38 refs.« less

Direct Measurement of Optical Force Induced by Near-Field Plasmonic Cavity Using Dynamic Mode AFM

PubMed Central

Guan, Dongshi; Hang, Zhi Hong; Marcet, Zsolt; Liu, Hui; Kravchenko, I. I.; Chan, C. T.; Chan, H. B.; Tong, Penger

2015-01-01

Plasmonic nanostructures have attracted much attention in recent years because of their potential applications in optical manipulation through near-field enhancement. Continuing experimental efforts have been made to develop accurate techniques to directly measure the near-field optical force induced by the plasmonic nanostructures in the visible frequency range. In this work, we report a new application of dynamic mode atomic force microscopy (DM-AFM) in the measurement of the enhanced optical force acting on a nano-structured plasmonic resonant cavity. The plasmonic cavity is made of an upper gold-coated glass sphere and a lower quartz substrate patterned with an array of subwavelength gold disks. In the near-field when the sphere is positioned close to the disk array, plasmonic resonance is excited in the cavity and the induced force by a 1550 nm infrared laser is found to be increased by an order of magnitude compared with the photon pressure generated by the same laser light. The experiment demonstrates that DM-AFM is a powerful tool for the study of light induced forces and their enhancement in plasmonic nanostructures. PMID:26586455

Direct measurement of optical force induced by near-field plasmonic cavity using dynamic mode AFM

DOE PAGES

Guan, Dongshi; Hang, Zhi Hong; Marset, Zsolt; ...

2015-11-20

Plasmonic nanostructures have attracted much attention in recent years because of their potential applications in optical manipulation through near-field enhancement. Continuing experimental efforts have been made to develop accurate techniques to directly measure the near-field optical force induced by the plasmonic nanostructures in the visible frequency range. In this work, we report a new application of dynamic mode atomic force microscopy (DM-AFM) in the measurement of the enhanced optical force acting on a nano-structured plasmonic resonant cavity. The plasmonic cavity is made of an upper gold-coated glass sphere and a lower quartz substrate patterned with an array of subwavelength goldmore » disks. In the near-field when the sphere is positioned close to the disk array, plasmonic resonance is excited in the cavity and the induced force by a 1550 nm infrared laser is found to be increased by an order of magnitude compared with the photon pressure generated by the same laser light. Lastly, the experiment demonstrates that DM-AFM is a powerful tool for the study of light induced forces and their enhancement in plasmonic nanostructures.« less

Electric-field-induced plasmon in AA-stacked bilayer graphene

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

Chuang, Y.C., E-mail: yingchih.chuang@gmail.com; Wu, J.Y., E-mail: yarst5@gmail.com; Lin, M.F., E-mail: mflin@mail.ncku.edu.tw

2013-12-15

The collective excitations in AA-stacked bilayer graphene for a perpendicular electric field are investigated analytically within the tight-binding model and the random-phase approximation. Such a field destroys the uniform probability distribution of the four sublattices. This drives a symmetry breaking between the intralayer and interlayer polarization intensities from the intrapair band excitations. A field-induced acoustic plasmon thus emerges in addition to the strongly field-tunable intrinsic acoustic and optical plasmons. At long wavelengths, the three modes show different dispersions and field dependence. The definite physical mechanism of the electrically inducible and tunable mode can be expected to also be present inmore » other AA-stacked few-layer graphenes. -- Highlights: •The analytical derivations are performed by the tight-binding model. •An electric field drives the non-uniformity of the charge distribution. •A symmetry breaking between the intralayer and interlayer polarizations is illustrated. •An extra plasmon emerges besides two intrinsic modes in AA-stacked bilayer graphene. •The mechanism of a field-induced mode is present in AA-stacked few-layer graphenes.« less

Lower Hybrid Wave Induced Rotation on Alcator C-Mod

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parker, Ron; Podpaly, Yuri; Rice, John; Schmidt, Andrea

2009-11-01

Injection of RF power in the vicinity of the lower hybrid frequency has been observed to cause strong counter current rotation in Alcator C-Mod plasmas [1,2]. The spin-up rate is consistent with the rate at which momentum is injected by the LH waves, and also the rate at which fast electron momentum is transferred to the ions. A momentum diffusivity of ˜ 0.1 m^2/s is sufficient to account for the observed steady-state rotation. This value is also comparable with that derived from an analysis of rotation induced by RF mode conversion [3]. Radial force balance requires a radial electric field, suggesting a buildup of negative charge in the plasma core. This may be the result of an inward pinch of the LH produced fast electrons, as would be expected for resonant trapped particles. Analysis of the fast-electron-produced bremsstrahlung during LH power modulation experiments yields an inward pinch velocity of ˜ 1 m/s, consistent with the estimated trapped particle pinch velocity. [4pt] [1] A. Ince-Cushman, et.al., Phys. Rev. Lett., 102, 035002 (2009)[0pt] [2] J. E. Rice, et. al., Nucl. Fusion 49, 025004 (2009)[0pt] [3] Y. Lin, et.al., this meeting

Continuum-wise expansiveness for generic diffeomorphisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Manseob

2018-06-01

Let M be a closed smooth manifold and let be a diffeomorphism. C 1-generically, a continuum-wise expansive satisfies Axiom A without cycles. Let and let . There are a C 1 neighborhood of and a residual set such that for any , g is not continuum-wise expansive, where is the set of all robustly transitive diffeomorphisms on

Mechanics of low-dimensional carbon nanostructures: Atomistic, continuum, and multi-scale approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahdavi, Arash

A new multiscale modeling technique called the Consistent Atomic-scale Finite Element (CAFE) method is introduced. Unlike traditional approaches for linking the atomic structure to its equivalent continuum, this method directly connects the atomic degrees of freedom to a reduced set of finite element degrees of freedom without passing through an intermediate homogenized continuum. As a result, there is no need to introduce stress and strain measures at the atomic level. The Tersoff-Brenner interatomic potential is used to calculate the consistent tangent stiffness matrix of the structure. In this finite element formulation, all local and non-local interactions between carbon atoms are taken into account using overlapping finite elements. In addition, a consistent hierarchical finite element modeling technique is developed for adaptively coarsening and refining the mesh over different parts of the model. This process is consistent with the underlying atomic structure and, by refining the mesh to the scale of atomic spacing, molecular dynamic results can be recovered. This method is valid across the scales and can be used to concurrently model atomistic and continuum phenomena so, in contrast with most other multi-scale methods, there is no need to introduce artificial boundaries for coupling atomistic and continuum regions. Effect of the length scale of the nanostructure is also included in the model by building the hierarchy of elements from bottom up using a finite size atom cluster as the building block. To be consistent with the bravais multi-lattice structure of sp2-bonded carbon, two independent displacement fields are used for reducing the order of the model. Sparse structure of the stiffness matrix of these nanostructures is exploited to reduce the memory requirement and to speed up the formation of the system matrices and solution of the equilibrium equations. Applicability of the method is shown with several examples of the nonlinear mechanics of carbon

Patients' experiences with continuum of care across hospitals. A multilevel analysis of Consumer Quality Index Continuum of Care.

PubMed

Kollen, Boudewijn J; Groenier, Klaas H; Berendsen, Annette J

2011-05-01

Communication between professionals is essential because it contributes to an optimal continuum of care. Whether patients experience adequate continuum of care is uncertain. To address this, a questionnaire was developed to elucidate this care process from a patients' perspective. In this study, the instrument's ability to measure differences in "Consumer Quality Index Continuum of Care" scores between hospitals was investigated. The questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 2159 patients and comprised of 22 items divided over four domains, GP approach, GP referral, specialist and collaboration. Multilevel analysis was conducted to identify case-mix and determine this questionnaire's ability to measure differences in domain scores between hospitals. Based on a 65% response rate, 1404 questionnaires were available for analysis. Case-mix of patient characteristics across hospitals could not be demonstrated. Some differences in scores between hospitals were observed. At most two in eight hospitals showed different domain scores. The ability of this questionnaire to measure differences in continuum of care scores between hospitals is limited. The outcome of this survey suggests that hospitals provide a similar level of continuum of care from a patient's perspective. This questionnaire is especially useful for measuring differences between patients. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Terahertz atmospheric attenuation and continuum effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slocum, David M.; Goyette, Thomas M.; Slingerland, Elizabeth J.; Giles, Robert H.; Nixon, William E.

2013-05-01

Remote sensing over long path lengths has become of greater interest in the terahertz frequency region. Applications such as pollution monitoring and detection of energetic chemicals are of particular interest. Although there has been much attention to atmospheric effects over narrow frequency windows, accurate measurements across a wide spectrum is lacking. The water vapor continuum absorption spectrum was investigated using Fourier Transform Spectroscopy. The continuum effect gives rise to an excess absorption that is unaccounted for in just a resonant line spectrum simulation. The transmission of broadband terahertz radiation from 0.300THz - 1.5THz through air with varying relative humidity levels was recorded for multiple path lengths. From these data, the absorption coefficient as a function of frequency was determined and compared with model calculations. The intensity and location of the strong absorption lines were in good agreement with spectral databases such as the 2008 HITRAN database and the JPL database. However, a noticeable continuum effect was observed particularly in the atmospheric transmission windows. A small discrepancy still remained even after accounting for continuum absorption using the best available data from the literature. This discrepancy, when projected over a one kilometer path length, typical of distances used in remote sensing, can cause a 30dB difference between calculated and observed attenuation. From the experimental and resonant line simulation spectra the air-broadening continuum parameter was calculated and compared with values available in the literature.

Parameterisation of multi-scale continuum perfusion models from discrete vascular networks.

PubMed

Hyde, Eoin R; Michler, Christian; Lee, Jack; Cookson, Andrew N; Chabiniok, Radek; Nordsletten, David A; Smith, Nicolas P

2013-05-01

Experimental data and advanced imaging techniques are increasingly enabling the extraction of detailed vascular anatomy from biological tissues. Incorporation of anatomical data within perfusion models is non-trivial, due to heterogeneous vessel density and disparate radii scales. Furthermore, previous idealised networks have assumed a spatially repeating motif or periodic canonical cell, thereby allowing for a flow solution via homogenisation. However, such periodicity is not observed throughout anatomical networks. In this study, we apply various spatial averaging methods to discrete vascular geometries in order to parameterise a continuum model of perfusion. Specifically, a multi-compartment Darcy model was used to provide vascular scale separation for the fluid flow. Permeability tensor fields were derived from both synthetic and anatomically realistic networks using (1) porosity-scaled isotropic, (2) Huyghe and Van Campen, and (3) projected-PCA methods. The Darcy pressure fields were compared via a root-mean-square error metric to an averaged Poiseuille pressure solution over the same domain. The method of Huyghe and Van Campen performed better than the other two methods in all simulations, even for relatively coarse networks. Furthermore, inter-compartment volumetric flux fields, determined using the spatially averaged discrete flux per unit pressure difference, were shown to be accurate across a range of pressure boundary conditions. This work justifies the application of continuum flow models to characterise perfusion resulting from flow in an underlying vascular network.

Statistical mechanical foundation of the peridynamic nonlocal continuum theory: energy and momentum conservation laws.

PubMed

Lehoucq, R B; Sears, Mark P

2011-09-01

The purpose of this paper is to derive the energy and momentum conservation laws of the peridynamic nonlocal continuum theory using the principles of classical statistical mechanics. The peridynamic laws allow the consideration of discontinuous motion, or deformation, by relying on integral operators. These operators sum forces and power expenditures separated by a finite distance and so represent nonlocal interaction. The integral operators replace the differential divergence operators conventionally used, thereby obviating special treatment at points of discontinuity. The derivation presented employs a general multibody interatomic potential, avoiding the standard assumption of a pairwise decomposition. The integral operators are also expressed in terms of a stress tensor and heat flux vector under the assumption that these fields are differentiable, demonstrating that the classical continuum energy and momentum conservation laws are consequences of the more general peridynamic laws. An important conclusion is that nonlocal interaction is intrinsic to continuum conservation laws when derived using the principles of statistical mechanics.

Epileptiform activity induced by lowering extracellular [Mg2+] in combined hippocampal-entorhinal cortex slices: modulation by receptors for norepinephrine and N-methyl-D-aspartate.

PubMed

Stanton, P K; Jones, R S; Mody, I; Heinemann, U

1987-01-01

Reduction of extracellular Mg2+ concentration induced spontaneous and evoked epileptiform activity in the entorhinal cortex (EC) and dentate gyrus (DG) of combined hippocampus (HC)-EC slices. Extracellular field potentials, as well as changes in extracellular Ca2+ and K+ concentrations, were measured in EC and DG with ion-selective/reference electrodes during both repetitive and single stimuli. In the EC, lowering extracellular [Mg2+] induces both spontaneous and single stimulus evoked ictal events consisting of extracellular negative potential shifts (up to 5 mV, 30 sec), decreases in [Ca2+]0 and increases in [K+]0. In the DG, spontaneous events were much shorter, but similar changes in [Ca2+]0, [K+]0 and field potentials (FPs) could be evoked by brief high-frequency stimulation. In both areas, the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist 2-aminophosphonovalerate (2-APV) completely blocked spontaneous as well as stimulus evoked epileptiform events. The neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE), which has previously been shown to modulate long-term potentiation in the DG, was found to exhibit differential modulation of epileptiform activity in the EC and DG. In the EC, NE, acting via alpha 1-receptors, completely blocked low Mg2+-induced epileptiform activity. In contrast, in the DG, NE exhibited a beta-receptor mediated prolongation of the low Mg2+-induced ictal events, and enhanced the stimulus-induced ionic and field potential changes. From these results, we conclude that lowering extracellular [Mg2+], acting in large part through the removal of the Mg2+ voltage-dependent blockade of NMDA receptors, leads to induction of epileptiform activity in both the EC and DG.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Open-ended formulation of self-consistent field response theory with the polarizable continuum model for solvation.

PubMed

Di Remigio, Roberto; Beerepoot, Maarten T P; Cornaton, Yann; Ringholm, Magnus; Steindal, Arnfinn Hykkerud; Ruud, Kenneth; Frediani, Luca

2016-12-21

The study of high-order absorption properties of molecules is a field of growing importance. Quantum-chemical studies can help design chromophores with desirable characteristics. Given that most experiments are performed in solution, it is important to devise a cost-effective strategy to include solvation effects in quantum-chemical studies of these properties. We here present an open-ended formulation of self-consistent field (SCF) response theory for a molecular solute coupled to a polarizable continuum model (PCM) description of the solvent. Our formulation relies on the open-ended, density matrix-based quasienergy formulation of SCF response theory of Thorvaldsen, et al., [J. Chem. Phys., 2008, 129, 214108] and the variational formulation of the PCM, as presented by Lipparini et al., [J. Chem. Phys., 2010, 133, 014106]. Within the PCM approach to solvation, the mutual solute-solvent polarization is represented by means of an apparent surface charge (ASC) spread over the molecular cavity defining the solute-solvent boundary. In the variational formulation, the ASC is an independent, variational degree of freedom. This allows us to formulate response theory for molecular solutes in the fixed-cavity approximation up to arbitrary order and with arbitrary perturbation operators. For electric dipole perturbations, pole and residue analyses of the response functions naturally lead to the identification of excitation energies and transition moments. We document the implementation of this approach in the Dalton program package using a recently developed open-ended response code and the PCMSolver libraries and present results for one-, two-, three-, four- and five-photon absorption processes of three small molecules in solution.

Quantum dynamics in continuum for proton transport—Generalized correlation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Duan; Wei, Guo-Wei

2012-04-01

As a key process of many biological reactions such as biological energy transduction or human sensory systems, proton transport has attracted much research attention in biological, biophysical, and mathematical fields. A quantum dynamics in continuum framework has been proposed to study proton permeation through membrane proteins in our earlier work and the present work focuses on the generalized correlation of protons with their environment. Being complementary to electrostatic potentials, generalized correlations consist of proton-proton, proton-ion, proton-protein, and proton-water interactions. In our approach, protons are treated as quantum particles while other components of generalized correlations are described classically and in different levels of approximations upon simulation feasibility and difficulty. Specifically, the membrane protein is modeled as a group of discrete atoms, while ion densities are approximated by Boltzmann distributions, and water molecules are represented as a dielectric continuum. These proton-environment interactions are formulated as convolutions between number densities of species and their corresponding interaction kernels, in which parameters are obtained from experimental data. In the present formulation, generalized correlations are important components in the total Hamiltonian of protons, and thus is seamlessly embedded in the multiscale/multiphysics total variational model of the system. It takes care of non-electrostatic interactions, including the finite size effect, the geometry confinement induced channel barriers, dehydration and hydrogen bond effects, etc. The variational principle or the Euler-Lagrange equation is utilized to minimize the total energy functional, which includes the total Hamiltonian of protons, and obtain a new version of generalized Laplace-Beltrami equation, generalized Poisson-Boltzmann equation and generalized Kohn-Sham equation. A set of numerical algorithms, such as the matched interface and

Continuum Level Density in Complex Scaling Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, R.; Myo, T.; Katō, K.

2005-11-01

A new calculational method of continuum level density (CLD) at unbound energies is studied in the complex scaling method (CSM). It is shown that the CLD can be calculated by employing the discretization of continuum states in the CSM without any smoothing technique.

Geometrically nonlinear continuum thermomechanics with surface energies coupled to diffusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McBride, A. T.; Javili, A.; Steinmann, P.; Bargmann, S.

2011-10-01

Surfaces can have a significant influence on the overall response of a continuum body but are often neglected or accounted for in an ad hoc manner. This work is concerned with a nonlinear continuum thermomechanics formulation which accounts for surface structures and includes the effects of diffusion and viscoelasticity. The formulation is presented within a thermodynamically consistent framework and elucidates the nature of the coupling between the various fields, and the surface and the bulk. Conservation principles are used to determine the form of the constitutive relations and the evolution equations. Restrictions on the jump in the temperature and the chemical potential between the surface and the bulk are not a priori assumptions, rather they arise from the reduced dissipation inequality on the surface and are shown to be satisfiable without imposing the standard assumptions of thermal and chemical slavery. The nature of the constitutive relations is made clear via an example wherein the form of the Helmholtz energy is explicitly given.

Lagrangian continuum dynamics in ALEGRA.

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

Wong, Michael K. W.; Love, Edward

Alegra is an ALE (Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian) multi-material finite element code that emphasizes large deformations and strong shock physics. The Lagrangian continuum dynamics package in Alegra uses a Galerkin finite element spatial discretization and an explicit central-difference stepping method in time. The goal of this report is to describe in detail the characteristics of this algorithm, including the conservation and stability properties. The details provided should help both researchers and analysts understand the underlying theory and numerical implementation of the Alegra continuum hydrodynamics algorithm.

Long Dynamics Simulations of Proteins Using Atomistic Force Fields and a Continuum Representation of Solvent Effects: Calculation of Structural and Dynamic Properties

PubMed Central

Li, Xianfeng; Hassan, Sergio A.; Mehler, Ernest L.

2006-01-01

Long dynamics simulations were carried out on the B1 immunoglobulin-binding domain of streptococcal protein G (ProtG) and bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) using atomistic descriptions of the proteins and a continuum representation of solvent effects. To mimic frictional and random collision effects, Langevin dynamics (LD) were used. The main goal of the calculations was to explore the stability of tens-of-nanosecond trajectories as generated by this molecular mechanics approximation and to analyze in detail structural and dynamical properties. Conformational fluctuations, order parameters, cross correlation matrices, residue solvent accessibilities, pKa values of titratable groups, and hydrogen-bonding (HB) patterns were calculated from all of the trajectories and compared with available experimental data. The simulations comprised over 40 ns per trajectory for ProtG and over 30 ns per trajectory for BPTI. For comparison, explicit water molecular dynamics simulations (EW/MD) of 3 ns and 4 ns, respectively, were also carried out. Two continuum simulations were performed on each protein using the CHARMM program, one with the all-atom PAR22 representation of the protein force field (here referred to as PAR22/LD simulations) and the other with the modifications introduced by the recently developed CMAP potential (CMAP/LD simulations). The explicit solvent simulations were performed with PAR22 only. Solvent effects are described by a continuum model based on screened Coulomb potentials (SCP) reported earlier, i.e., the SCP-based implicit solvent model (SCP–ISM). For ProtG, both the PAR22/LD and the CMAP/LD 40-ns trajectories were stable, yielding Cα root mean square deviations (RMSD) of about 1.0 and 0.8 Å respectively along the entire simulation time, compared to 0.8 Å for the EW/MD simulation. For BPTI, only the CMAP/LD trajectory was stable for the entire 30-ns simulation, with a Cα RMSD of ≈ 1.4 Å, while the PAR22/LD trajectory became unstable

High sensitivity electric field monitoring system for control of field-induced CD degradation in reticles (EFM)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sebald, Thomas; Rider, Gavin

2009-04-01

It has recently been reported [1] that production reticles are subject to progressive CD degradation during use and intense study is under way to try and identify the causes of it. One damage mechanism which has already been identified and quantified [2] is electric field induced migration of chrome (EFM). This can be caused by electric fields that are more than 100x weaker than those that cause ESD. Such low level electric fields can be experienced by a reticle during normal handling and processing steps, as well as coming from external sources during transportation and storage. The field strength of concern is lower than most electrostatic field meters are designed to measure and it can be difficult or impossible to measure such fields inside the cramped environment of equipment. To measure this risk a new sensor device ("E-Reticle") has been developed having the same materials of construction and form factor as a standard chrome-on-quartz reticle. It allows the electric field that a reticle would experience during normal use and handling to be measured and recorded. Results from testing of this device in a semiconductor production facility are reported, showing that certain processes like reticle washing are inherently hazardous. It also enables identification of problems with electrostatic protection measures inside equipment, such as unbalanced ionizers or poor load port grounding. The device is shown to be capable of recording electric fields in the reticle handling environment that are below the recommended maximum that is being proposed for the 2009 ITRS guidelines.

A continuum theory for two-phase flows of particulate solids: application to Poiseuille flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monsorno, Davide; Varsakelis, Christos; Papalexandris, Miltiadis V.

2015-11-01

In the first part of this talk, we present a novel two-phase continuum model for incompressible fluid-saturated granular flows. The model accounts for both compaction and shear-induced dilatancy and accommodates correlations for the granular rheology in a thermodynamically consistent way. In the second part of this talk, we exercise this two-phase model in the numerical simulation of a fully-developed Poiseuille flow of a dense suspension. The numerical predictions are shown to compare favorably against experimental measurements and confirm that the model can capture the important characteristics of the flow field, such as segregation and formation of plug zones. Finally, results from parametric studies with respect to the initial concentration, the magnitude of the external forcing and the width of the channel are presented and the role of these physical parameters is quantified. Financial Support has been provided by SEDITRANS, an Initial Training Network of the European Commission's 7th Framework Programme

Turbulent fluid motion 3: Basic continuum equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deissler, Robert G.

1991-01-01

A derivation of the continuum equations used for the analysis of turbulence is given. These equations include the continuity equation, the Navier-Stokes equations, and the heat transfer or energy equation. An experimental justification for using a continuum approach for the study of turbulence is given.

Soft X-ray continuum radiation from low-energy pinch discharges of hydrogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mills, R.; Booker, R.; Lu, Y.; Lu

2013-10-01

Under a study contracted by GEN3 Partners, spectra of high current pinch discharges in pure hydrogen and helium were recorded in the extreme ultraviolet radiation region at the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) in an attempt to reproduce experimental results published by BlackLight Power, Inc. (BLP) showing predicted continuum radiation due to hydrogen in the 10-30 nm region (Mills, R. L. and Lu, Y. 2010 Hydrino continuum transitions with cutoffs at 22.8 nm and 10.1 nm. Int. J. Hydrog. Energy 35, 8446-8456, doi:10.1016?j.ijhydene.2010.05.098). Alternative explanations were considered to the claimed interpretation of the continuum radiation as being that emitted during transitions of H to lower-energy states (hydrinos). Continuum radiation was observed at CfA in the 10-30 nm region that matched BLP's results. Considering the low energy of 5.2 J per pulse, the observed radiation in the energy range of about 120-40 eV, reference experiments and analysis of plasma gases, cryofiltration to remove contaminants, and spectra of the electrode metal, no conventional explanation was found in the prior or present work to be plausible including contaminants, electrode metal emission, and Bremsstrahlung, ion recombination, molecular or molecular ion band radiation, and instrument artifacts involving radicals and energetic ions reacting at the charge-coupled device and H2 re-radiation at the detector chamber. Moreover, predicted selective extraordinarily high-kinetic energy H was observed by the corresponding Doppler broadening of the Balmer α line.

Simple estimation of induced electric fields in nervous system tissues for human exposure to non-uniform electric fields at power frequency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarao, Hiroo; Miyamoto, Hironobu; Korpinen, Leena; Hayashi, Noriyuki; Isaka, Katsuo

2016-06-01

Most results regarding induced current in the human body related to electric field dosimetry have been calculated under uniform field conditions. We have found in previous work that a contact current is a more suitable way to evaluate induced electric fields, even in the case of exposure to non-uniform fields. If the relationship between induced currents and external non-uniform fields can be understood, induced electric fields in nervous system tissues may be able to be estimated from measurements of ambient non-uniform fields. In the present paper, we numerically calculated the induced electric fields and currents in a human model by considering non-uniform fields based on distortion by a cubic conductor under an unperturbed electric field of 1 kV m-1 at 60 Hz. We investigated the relationship between a non-uniform external electric field with no human present and the induced current through the neck, and the relationship between the current through the neck and the induced electric fields in nervous system tissues such as the brain, heart, and spinal cord. The results showed that the current through the neck can be formulated by means of an external electric field at the central position of the human head, and the distance between the conductor and the human model. As expected, there is a strong correlation between the current through the neck and the induced electric fields in the nervous system tissues. The combination of these relationships indicates that induced electric fields in these tissues can be estimated solely by measurements of the external field at a point and the distance from the conductor.

Mixing Dynamics Induced by Traveling Magnetic Fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grugel, Richard N.; Mazuruk, Konstantin

2000-01-01

Microstructural and compositional homogeneity in metals and alloys can only be achieved if the initial melt is homogeneous prior to the onset of solidification processing. Naturally induced convection may initially facilitate this requirement but upon the onset of solidification significant compositional variations generally arise leading to undesired segregation. Application of alternating magnetic fields to promote a uniform bulk liquid concentration during solidification processing has been suggested. To investigate such possibilities an initial study of using traveling magnetic fields (TMF) to promote melt homogenization is reported in this work. Theoretically, the effect of TMF-induced convection on mixing phenomena is studied in the laminar regime of flow. Experimentally, with and without applied fields, both: mixing dynamics by optically monitoring the spreading of an initially localized dye in transparent fluids and, compositional variations in metal alloys have been investigated.

Mixing Dynamics Induced by Traveling Magnetic Fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grugel, Richard N.; Mazuruk, Konstantin; Rose, M. Franklin (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Microstructural and compositional homogeneity in metals and alloys can only be achieved if the initial melt is homogeneous prior to the onset of solidification processing. Naturally induced convection may initially facilitate this requirement but upon the onset of solidification significant compositional variations generally arise leading to undesired segregation. Application of alternating magnetic fields to promote a uniform bulk liquid concentration during solidification processing has been suggested. To investigate such possibilities an initial study of using traveling magnetic fields (TMF) to promote melt homogenization is reported in this work. Theoretically, the effect of TMF-induced convection on mixing phenomena is studied in the laminar regime of flow. Experimentally, with and without applied fields, both 1) mixing dynamics by optically monitoring the spreading of an initially localized dye in transparent fluids and, 2) compositional variations in metal alloys have been investigated.

High-field instability of a field-induced triplon Bose-Einstein condensate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rakhimov, Abdulla; Sherman, E. Ya.; Kim, Chul Koo

2010-01-01

We study properties of magnetic field-induced Bose-Einstein condensate of triplons as a function of temperature and the field within the Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov approach including the anomalous density. We show that the magnetization is continuous across the transition, in agreement with the experiment. In sufficiently strong fields the condensate becomes unstable due to triplon-triplon repulsion. As a result, the system is characterized by two critical magnetic fields: one producing the condensate and the other destroying it. We show that nonparabolic triplon dispersion arising due to the gapped bare spectrum and the crystal structure has a strong influence on the phase diagram.

Stiffness Control of Surgical Continuum Manipulators

PubMed Central

Mahvash, Mohsen; Dupont, Pierre E.

2013-01-01

This paper introduces the first stiffness controller for continuum robots. The control law is based on an accurate approximation of a continuum robot’s coupled kinematic and static force model. To implement a desired tip stiffness, the controller drives the actuators to positions corresponding to a deflected robot configuration that produces the required tip force for the measured tip position. This approach provides several important advantages. First, it enables the use of robot deflection sensing as a means to both sense and control tip forces. Second, it enables stiffness control to be implemented by modification of existing continuum robot position controllers. The proposed controller is demonstrated experimentally in the context of a concentric tube robot. Results show that the stiffness controller achieves the desired stiffness in steady state, provides good dynamic performance, and exhibits stability during contact transitions. PMID:24273466

APPARENT CROSS-FIELD SUPERSLOW PROPAGATION OF MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC WAVES IN SOLAR PLASMAS

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

Kaneko, T.; Yokoyama, T.; Goossens, M.

2015-10-20

In this paper we show that the phase-mixing of continuum Alfvén waves and/or continuum slow waves in the magnetic structures of the solar atmosphere as, e.g., coronal arcades, can create the illusion of wave propagation across the magnetic field. This phenomenon could be erroneously interpreted as fast magnetosonic waves. The cross-field propagation due to the phase-mixing of continuum waves is apparent because there is no real propagation of energy across the magnetic surfaces. We investigate the continuous Alfvén and slow spectra in two-dimensional (2D) Cartesian equilibrium models with a purely poloidal magnetic field. We show that apparent superslow propagation acrossmore » the magnetic surfaces in solar coronal structures is a consequence of the existence of continuum Alfvén waves and continuum slow waves that naturally live on those structures and phase-mix as time evolves. The apparent cross-field phase velocity is related to the spatial variation of the local Alfvén/slow frequency across the magnetic surfaces and is slower than the Alfvén/sound velocities for typical coronal conditions. Understanding the nature of the apparent cross-field propagation is important for the correct analysis of numerical simulations and the correct interpretation of observations.« less

A Spectroscopic Search for Leaking Lyman Continuum at Zeta Approximately 0.7

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bridge, Carrie R.; Teplitz, Harry I.; Siana, Brian; Scarlata, Claudia; Rudie, Gwen C.; Colbert, James; Ferguson, Henry C.; Brown, Thomas M.; Conselice, Christopher J.; Armus, Lee;

Discrete and continuum modelling of soil cutting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coetzee, C. J.

2014-12-01

Both continuum and discrete methods are used to investigate the soil cutting process. The Discrete Element Method ( dem) is used for the discrete modelling and the Material-Point Method ( mpm) is used for continuum modelling. M pmis a so-called particle method or meshless finite element method. Standard finite element methods have difficulty in modelling the entire cutting process due to large displacements and deformation of the mesh. The use of meshless methods overcomes this problem. M pm can model large deformations, frictional contact at the soil-tool interface, and dynamic effects (inertia forces). In granular materials the discreteness of the system is often important and rotational degrees of freedom are active, which might require enhanced theoretical approaches like polar continua. In polar continuum theories, the material points are considered to possess orientations. A material point has three degrees-of-freedom for rigid rotations, in addition to the three classic translational degrees-of-freedom. The Cosserat continuum is the most transparent and straightforward extension of the nonpolar (classic) continuum. Two-dimensional dem and mpm (polar and nonpolar) simulations of the cutting problem are compared to experiments. The drag force and flow patterns are compared using cohesionless corn grains as material. The corn macro (continuum) and micro ( dem) properties were obtained from shear and oedometer tests. Results show that the dilatancy angle plays a significant role in the flow of material but has less of an influence on the draft force. Nonpolar mpm is the most accurate in predicting blade forces, blade-soil interface stresses and the position and orientation of shear bands. Polar mpm fails in predicting the orientation of the shear band, but is less sensitive to mesh size and mesh orientation compared to nonpolar mpm. dem simulations show less material dilation than observed during experiments.

Implications of Electron Momentum Relaxation Time Scales for Modeling of Transient Electric Fields in the Lower Ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pasko, V. P.

2009-12-01

observable optical emissions at lower ionospheric altitudes and therefore remain valid, in agreement with original conclusions reached by Glukhov et al. [1996] and Sukhorukov et al. [1996]. Two additional factors may have contributed to the low field magnitudes reported in [Thomas et al., 2008]: 1) The measurements were conducted on September 2, 1995 around evening hours (9:22 PM local time) at which the lower ionosphere likely exhibited enhancement of electron density in comparison with night time conditions employed in modeling; 2) The NLDN deduced peak currents were employed in modeling with lightning current rise time 60 microseconds while NLDN is generally sensitive to LF radiation, which for a typical -CG is emitted during the initial 1-5 microseconds from a vertical part of the return stroke channel a few tens to a few hundreds of meters above the ground [Krider et al., J. Appl. Meteorol., 15, 301, 1976; Orville, BAMS, 2, 180, 2008]. The low pass filtering with 18 kHz cutoff applied to data reported in [Thomas et al., 2008] may contributed to underestimation of magnitudes of observed lightning induced pulses. Modeling results will be presented which illustrate these effects and allow to reach a good agreement with observations in a subset of the cases reported in [Thomas et al., 2008].

Large enhancement of second harmonic generation from transition-metal dichalcogenide monolayer on grating near bound states in the continuum.

PubMed

Wang, Tiecheng; Zhang, Shihao

2018-01-08

Second harmonic generation from the two-layer structure where a transition-metal dichalcogenide monolayer is put on a one-dimensional grating has been studied. This grating supports bound states in the continuum which have no leakage lying within the continuum of radiation modes, we can enhance the second harmonic generation from the transition-metal dichalcogenide monolayer by more than four orders of magnitude based on the critical field enhancement near the bound states in the continuum. In order to complete this calculation, the scattering matrix theory has been extended to include the nonlinear effect and the scattering matrix of a two-dimensional material including nonlinear terms; furthermore, two methods to observe the bound states in the continuum are considered, where one is tuning the thickness of the grating and the other is changing the incident angle of the electromagnetic wave. We have also discussed various modulation of the second harmonic generation enhancement by adjusting the azimuthal angle of the transition-metal dichalcogenide monolayer.

Computational estimation of magnetically induced electric fields in a rotating head

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilvonen, Sami; Laakso, Ilkka

2009-01-01

Change in a magnetic field, or similarly, movement in a strong static magnetic field induces electric fields in human tissues, which could potentially cause harmful effects. In this paper, the fields induced by different rotational movements of a head in a strong homogeneous magnetic field are computed numerically. Average field magnitudes near the retinas and inner ears are studied in order to gain insight into the causes of phosphenes and vertigo-like effects, which are associated with extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields. The induced electric fields are calculated in four different anatomically realistic head models using an efficient finite-element method (FEM) solver. The results are compared with basic restriction limits by IEEE and ICNIRP. Under rotational movement of the head, with a magnetic flux rate of change of 1 T s-1, the maximum IEEE-averaged electric field and maximum ICNIRP-averaged current density were 337 mV m-1 and 8.84 mA m-2, respectively. The limits by IEEE seem significantly stricter than those by ICNIRP. The results show that a magnetic flux rate of change of 1 T s-1 may induce electric field in the range of 50 mV m-1 near retinas, and possibly even larger values near the inner ears. These results provide information for approximating the threshold electric field values of phosphenes and vertigo-like effects.

The Utility-Scale Future - Continuum Magazine | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Spring 2011 / Issue 1 Continuum. Clean Energy Innovation at NREL The Utility-Scale Future Continuum facility will lead the way. Wind Innovation Enables Utility-Scale 02 Wind Innovation Enables Utility-Scale Archives 9 Beyond R&D: Market Impact 8 NREL Analysis 7 Partnering: An Engine for Innovation 6 Energy

The Paranoid-Depressive Continuum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Betty J.

1977-01-01

Few investigators have attempted to lay a conceptual base for comparative studies of paranoia and depression within a single general framework. The paranoid-depressive continuum is an attempt to develop such a framework. (Author)

Interpreting angina: symptoms along a gender continuum.

PubMed

Kreatsoulas, Catherine; Crea-Arsenio, Mary; Shannon, Harry S; Velianou, James L; Giacomini, Mita

2016-01-01

'Typical' angina is often used to describe symptoms common among men, while 'atypical' angina is used to describe symptoms common among women, despite a higher prevalence of angina among women. This discrepancy is a source of controversy in cardiac care among women. To redefine angina by (1) qualitatively comparing angina symptoms and experiences in women and men and (2) to propose a more meaningful construct of angina that integrates a more gender-centred approach. Patients were recruited between July and December 2010 from a tertiary cardiac care centre and interviewed immediately prior to their first angiogram. Symptoms were explored through in-depth semi-structured interviews, transcribed verbatim and analysed concurrently using a modified grounded theory approach. Angiographically significant disease was assessed at ≥70% stenosis of a major epicardial vessel. Among 31 total patients, 13 men and 14 women had angiograpically significant CAD. Patients describe angina symptoms according to 6 symptomatic subthemes that array along a 'gender continuum'. Gender-specific symptoms are anchored at each end of the continuum. At the centre of the continuum, are a remarkably large number of symptoms commonly expressed by both men and women. The 'gender continuum' offers new insights into angina experiences of angiography candidates. Notably, there is more overlap of shared experiences between men and women than conventionally thought. The gender continuum can help researchers and clinicians contextualise patient symptom reports, avoiding the conventional 'typical' versus 'atypical' distinction that can misrepresent gendered angina experiences.

A sensitive continuum analysis method for gamma ray spectra

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thakur, Alakh N.; Arnold, James R.

1993-01-01

In this work we examine ways to improve the sensitivity of the analysis procedure for gamma ray spectra with respect to small differences in the continuum (Compton) spectra. The method developed is applied to analyze gamma ray spectra obtained from planetary mapping by the Mars Observer spacecraft launched in September 1992. Calculated Mars simulation spectra and actual thick target bombardment spectra have been taken as test cases. The principle of the method rests on the extraction of continuum information from Fourier transforms of the spectra. We study how a better estimate of the spectrum from larger regions of the Mars surface will improve the analysis for smaller regions with poorer statistics. Estimation of signal within the continuum is done in the frequency domain which enables efficient and sensitive discrimination of subtle differences between two spectra. The process is compared to other methods for the extraction of information from the continuum. Finally we explore briefly the possible uses of this technique in other applications of continuum spectra.

Humidity-Induced Charge Leakage and Field Attenuation in Electric Field Microsensors

PubMed Central

Zhang, Haiyan; Fang, Dongming; Yang, Pengfei; Peng, Chunrong; Wen, Xiaolong; Xia, Shanhong

2012-01-01

The steady-state zero output of static electric field measuring systems often fluctuates, which is caused mainly by the finite leakage resistance of the water film on the surface of the electric field microsensor package. The water adsorption has been calculated using the Boltzmann distribution equation at various relative humidities for borosilicate glass and polytetrafluoroethylene surfaces. At various humidities, water film thickness has been calculated, and the induced charge leakage and field attenuation have been theoretically investigated. Experiments have been performed with microsensors to verify the theoretical predictions and the results are in good agreement. PMID:22666077

Electric fields induced in the human body by time-varying magnetic field gradients in MRI: numerical calculations and correlation analysis.

PubMed

Bencsik, Martin; Bowtell, Richard; Bowley, Roger

2007-05-07

The spatial distributions of the electric fields induced in the human body by switched magnetic field gradients in MRI have been calculated numerically using the commercial software package, MAFIA, and the three-dimensional, HUGO body model that comprises 31 different tissue types. The variation of |J|, |E| and |B| resulting from exposure of the body model to magnetic fields generated by typical whole-body x-, y- and z-gradient coils has been analysed for three different body positions (head-, heart- and hips-centred). The magnetic field varied at 1 kHz, so as to produce a rate of change of gradient of 100 T m(-1) s(-1) at the centre of each coil. A highly heterogeneous pattern of induced electric field and current density was found to result from the smoothly varying magnetic field in all cases, with the largest induced electric fields resulting from application of the y-gradient, in agreement with previous studies. By applying simple statistical analysis to electromagnetic quantities within axial planes of the body model, it is shown that the induced electric field is strongly correlated to the local value of resistivity, and the induced current density exhibits even stronger correlation with the local conductivity. The local values of the switched magnetic field are however shown to bear little relation to the local values of the induced electric field or current density.

Modal kinematics for multisection continuum arms.

PubMed

Godage, Isuru S; Medrano-Cerda, Gustavo A; Branson, David T; Guglielmino, Emanuele; Caldwell, Darwin G

2015-05-13

This paper presents a novel spatial kinematic model for multisection continuum arms based on mode shape functions (MSF). Modal methods have been used in many disciplines from finite element methods to structural analysis to approximate complex and nonlinear parametric variations with simple mathematical functions. Given certain constraints and required accuracy, this helps to simplify complex phenomena with numerically efficient implementations leading to fast computations. A successful application of the modal approximation techniques to develop a new modal kinematic model for general variable length multisection continuum arms is discussed. The proposed method solves the limitations associated with previous models and introduces a new approach for readily deriving exact, singularity-free and unique MSF's that simplifies the approach and avoids mode switching. The model is able to simulate spatial bending as well as straight arm motions (i.e., pure elongation/contraction), and introduces inverse position and orientation kinematics for multisection continuum arms. A kinematic decoupling feature, splitting position and orientation inverse kinematics is introduced. This type of decoupling has not been presented for these types of robotic arms before. The model also carefully accounts for physical constraints in the joint space to provide enhanced insight into practical mechanics and impose actuator mechanical limitations onto the kinematics thus generating fully realizable results. The proposed method is easily applicable to a broad spectrum of continuum arm designs.

Warped conformal field theory as lower spin gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofman, Diego M.; Rollier, Blaise

2015-08-01

Two dimensional Warped Conformal Field Theories (WCFTs) may represent the simplest examples of field theories without Lorentz invariance that can be described holographically. As such they constitute a natural window into holography in non-AdS space-times, including the near horizon geometry of generic extremal black holes. It is shown in this paper that WCFTs posses a type of boost symmetry. Using this insight, we discuss how to couple these theories to background geometry. This geometry is not Riemannian. We call it Warped Geometry and it turns out to be a variant of a Newton-Cartan structure with additional scaling symmetries. With this formalism the equivalent of Weyl invariance in these theories is presented and we write two explicit examples of WCFTs. These are free fermionic theories. Lastly we present a systematic description of the holographic duals of WCFTs. It is argued that the minimal setup is not Einstein gravity but an SL (2, R) × U (1) Chern-Simons Theory, which we call Lower Spin Gravity. This point of view makes manifest the definition of boundary for these non-AdS geometries. This case represents the first step towards understanding a fully invariant formalism for WN field theories and their holographic duals.

An investigation into the induced electric fields from transcranial magnetic stimulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadimani, Ravi; Lee, Erik; Duffy, Walter; Waris, Mohammed; Siddiqui, Waquar; Islam, Faisal; Rajamani, Mahesh; Nathan, Ryan; Jiles, David; David C Jiles Team; Walter Duffy Collaboration

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a promising tool for noninvasive brain stimulation that has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder. To stimulate the brain, TMS uses large, transient pulses of magnetic field to induce an electric field in the head. This transient magnetic field is large enough to cause the depolarization of cortical neurons and initiate a synaptic signal transmission. For this study, 50 unique head models were created from MRI images. Previous simulation studies have primarily used a single head model, and thus give a limited image of the induced electric field from TMS. This study uses finite element analysis simulations on 50 unique, heterogeneous head models to better investigate the relationship between TMS and the electric field induced in brain tissues. Results showed a significant variation in the strength of the induced electric field in the brain, which can be reasonably predicted by the distance from the TMS coil to the stimulated brain. Further, it was seen that some models had high electric field intensities in over five times as much brain volume as other models.

A Continuum of Renin-Independent Aldosteronism in Normotension

PubMed Central

Baudrand, Rene; Guarda, Francisco J.; Fardella, Carlos; Hundemer, Gregory; Brown, Jenifer; Williams, Gordon; Vaidya, Anand

2017-01-01

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a severe form of autonomous aldosteronism. Milder forms of autonomous and renin-independent aldosteronism may be common, even in normotension. We characterized aldosterone secretion in 210 normotensives who had suppressed plasma renin activity (PRA<1.0 ng/mL/h), completed an oral sodium suppression test, received an infusion of angiotensin II (AngII), and had measurements of blood pressure (BP) and renal plasma flow (RPF). Continuous associations between urinary aldosterone excretion rate (AER), renin, and potassium handling were investigated. Severe autonomous aldosterone secretion that was consistent with confirmed PA was defined based on accepted criteria of an AER >12 mcg/24h with urinary sodium excretion >200 mmol/24h. Across the population, there were strong and significant associations between higher AER and higher urinary potassium excretion, higher AngII-stimulated aldosterone, and lower PRA, suggesting a continuum of renin-independent aldosteronism and mineralocorticoid receptor activity. Autonomous aldosterone secretion that fulfilled confirmatory criteria for PA was detected in 29 participants (14%). Normotensives with evidence suggestive of confirmed PA had higher 24h urinary AER (20.2±12.2 vs. 6.2±2.9 mcg/24h, P<0.001) as expected, but also higher AngII-stimulated aldosterone (12.4±8.6 vs. 6.6±4.3 ng/dL, P<0.001) and lower 24h urinary sodium-to-potassium excretion (2.69±0.65 vs. 3.69±1.50 mmol/mmol, P=0.001); however, there were no differences in age, aldosterone-to-renin ratio, BP, or RPF between the two groups. These findings indicate a continuum of renin-independent aldosteronism and mineralocorticoid receptor activity in normotension that ranges from subtle to overtly dysregulated and autonomous. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether this spectrum of autonomous aldosterone secretion contributes to hypertension and cardiovascular disease. PMID:28289182

Magnetic field dependence of the atomic collapse state in graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moldovan, D.; Ramezani Masir, M.; Peeters, F. M.

2018-01-01

Quantum electrodynamics predicts that heavy atoms (Z > Zc ≈ 170 ) will undergo the process of atomic collapse where electrons sink into the positron continuum and a new family of so-called collapsing states emerges. The relativistic electrons in graphene exhibit the same physics but at a much lower critical charge (Zc ≈ 1 ) which has made it possible to confirm this phenomenon experimentally. However, there exist conflicting predictions on the effect of a magnetic field on atomic collapse. These theoretical predictions are based on the continuum Dirac-Weyl equation, which does not have an exact analytical solution for the interplay of a supercritical Coulomb potential and the magnetic field. Approximative solutions have been proposed, but because the two effects compete on similar energy scales, the theoretical treatment varies depending on the regime which is being considered. These limitations are overcome here by starting from a tight-binding approach and computing exact numerical results. By avoiding special limit cases, we found a smooth evolution between the different regimes. We predict that the atomic collapse effect persists even after the magnetic field is activated and that the critical charge remains unchanged. We show that the atomic collapse regime is characterized: (1) by a series of Landau level anticrossings and (2) by the absence of \\sqrt{B} scaling of the Landau levels with regard to magnetic field strength.

Quantum theory of continuum optomechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rakich, Peter; Marquardt, Florian

2018-04-01

We present the basic ingredients of continuum optomechanics, i.e. the suitable extension of cavity-optomechanical concepts to the interaction of photons and phonons in an extended waveguide. We introduce a real-space picture and argue which coupling terms may arise in leading order in the spatial derivatives. This picture allows us to discuss quantum noise, dissipation, and the correct boundary conditions at the waveguide entrance. The connections both to optomechanical arrays as well as to the theory of Brillouin scattering in waveguides are highlighted. Among other examples, we analyze the ‘strong coupling regime’ of continuum optomechanics that may be accessible in future experiments.

Quantification and Compensation of Eddy-Current-Induced Magnetic Field Gradients

PubMed Central

Spees, William M.; Buhl, Niels; Sun, Peng; Ackerman, Joseph J.H.; Neil, Jeffrey J.; Garbow, Joel R.

2011-01-01

Two robust techniques for quantification and compensation of eddy-current-induced magnetic-field gradients and static magnetic-field shifts (ΔB0) in MRI systems are described. Purpose-built 1-D or 6-point phantoms are employed. Both procedures involve measuring the effects of a prior magnetic-field-gradient test pulse on the phantom’s free induction decay (FID). Phantom-specific analysis of the resulting FID data produces estimates of the time-dependent, eddy-current-induced magnetic field gradient(s) and ΔB0 shift. Using Bayesian methods, the time dependencies of the eddy-current-induced decays are modeled as sums of exponentially decaying components, each defined by an amplitude and time constant. These amplitudes and time constants are employed to adjust the scanner’s gradient pre-emphasis unit and eliminate undesirable eddy-current effects. Measurement with the six-point sample phantom allows for simultaneous, direct estimation of both on-axis and cross-term eddy-current-induced gradients. The two methods are demonstrated and validated on several MRI systems with actively-shielded gradient coil sets. PMID:21764614

Quantification and compensation of eddy-current-induced magnetic-field gradients.

PubMed

Spees, William M; Buhl, Niels; Sun, Peng; Ackerman, Joseph J H; Neil, Jeffrey J; Garbow, Joel R

2011-09-01

Two robust techniques for quantification and compensation of eddy-current-induced magnetic-field gradients and static magnetic-field shifts (ΔB0) in MRI systems are described. Purpose-built 1-D or six-point phantoms are employed. Both procedures involve measuring the effects of a prior magnetic-field-gradient test pulse on the phantom's free induction decay (FID). Phantom-specific analysis of the resulting FID data produces estimates of the time-dependent, eddy-current-induced magnetic field gradient(s) and ΔB0 shift. Using Bayesian methods, the time dependencies of the eddy-current-induced decays are modeled as sums of exponentially decaying components, each defined by an amplitude and time constant. These amplitudes and time constants are employed to adjust the scanner's gradient pre-emphasis unit and eliminate undesirable eddy-current effects. Measurement with the six-point sample phantom allows for simultaneous, direct estimation of both on-axis and cross-term eddy-current-induced gradients. The two methods are demonstrated and validated on several MRI systems with actively-shielded gradient coil sets. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Field-induced exciton condensation in LaCoO3

PubMed Central

Sotnikov, A.; Kuneš, J.

2016-01-01

Motivated by recent observation of magnetic field induced transition in LaCoO3 we study the effect of external field in systems close to instabilities towards spin-state ordering and exciton condensation. We show that, while in both cases the transition can be induced by an external field, temperature dependencies of the critical field have opposite slopes. Based on this result we argue that the experimental observations select the exciton condensation scenario. We show that such condensation is possible due to high mobility of the intermediate spin excitations. The estimated width of the corresponding dispersion is large enough to overrule the order of atomic multiplets and to make the intermediate spin excitation propagating with a specific wave vector the lowest excitation of the system. PMID:27461512

The lipid lowering drug lovastatin protects against doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity

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

Henninger, Christian; Institute of Toxicology, University Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty, Universitätsstrasse 1, D-40225 Duesseldorf; Huelsenbeck, Johannes

2012-05-15

Liver is the main detoxifying organ and therefore the target of high concentrations of genotoxic compounds, such as environmental carcinogens and anticancer drugs. Here, we investigated the usefulness of lovastatin, which is nowadays widely used for lipid lowering purpose, as a hepatoprotective drug following the administration of the anthracycline derivative doxorubicin in vivo. To this end, BALB/c mice were exposed to either a single high dose or three consecutive low doses of doxorubicin. Acute and subacute hepatotoxicities were analyzed with or without lovastatin co-treatment. Lovastatin protected the liver against doxorubicin-induced acute pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic stress responses as indicated by anmore » attenuated mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), respectively. Hepatoprotection by lovastatin was due to a reduced induction of DNA damage following doxorubicin treatment. The statin also mitigated subacute anthracycline-provoked hepatotoxicity as shown on the level of doxorubicin- and epirubicin-stimulated CTGF mRNA expression as well as histopathologically detectable fibrosis and serum concentration of marker enzymes of hepatotoxicity (GPT/GLDH). Kidney damage following doxorubicin exposure was not detectable under our experimental conditions. Moreover, lovastatin showed multiple inhibitory effects on doxorubicin-triggered hepatic expression of genes involved in oxidative stress response, drug transport, DNA repair, cell cycle progression and cell death. Doxorubicin also stimulated the formation of ceramides. Ceramide production, however, was not blocked by lovastatin, indicating that hepatoprotection by lovastatin is independent of the sphingolipid metabolism. Overall, the data show that lovastatin is hepatoprotective following genotoxic stress induced by anthracyclines. Based on the data, we hypothesize that statins might be suitable to lower hepatic injury following anthracycline

Disparities in the Population Distribution of African American and Non-Hispanic White Smokers Along the Quitting Continuum.

PubMed

Trinidad, Dennis R; Xie, Bin; Fagan, Pebbles; Pulvers, Kim; Romero, Devan R; Blanco, Lyzette; Sakuma, Kari-Lyn K

2015-12-01

To examine disparities and changes over time in the population-level distribution of smokers along a cigarette quitting continuum among African American smokers compared with non-Hispanic Whites. Secondary data analyses of the 1999, 2002, 2005, and 2008 California Tobacco Surveys (CTS). The CTS are large, random-digit-dialed, population-based surveys designed to assess changes in tobacco use in California. The number of survey respondents ranged from n = 6,744 to n = 12,876 across CTS years. Current smoking behavior (daily or nondaily smoking), number of cigarettes smoked per day, intention to quit in the next 6 months, length of most recent quit attempt among current smokers, and total length of time quit among former smokers were assessed and used to recreate the quitting continuum model. While current smoking rates were significantly higher among African Americans compared with non-Hispanic Whites across all years, cigarette consumption rates were lower among African Americans in all years. There were significant increases in the proportion of former smokers who had been quit for at least 12 months from 1999 (African Americans, 26.8% ± 5.5%; non-Hispanic Whites, 36.8% ± 1.6%) to 2008 (African Americans, 43.6% ± 4.1%; non-Hispanic Whites, 57.4% ± 2.9%). The proportion of African American former smokers in each CTS year was significantly lower than that of non-Hispanic Whites. Despite positive progression along the quitting continuum for both African American and non-Hispanic White smokers, the overall distribution was less favorable for African Americans. The lower smoking consumption levels among African Americans, combined with the lower rates of successful smoking cessation, suggest that cigarette addiction and the quitting process may be different for African American smokers. © 2015 Society for Public Health Education.

Investigation of dielectric pocket induced variations in tunnel field effect transistor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Upasana; Narang, Rakhi; Saxena, Manoj; Gupta, Mridula

2016-04-01

The performance of conventional Tunnel FETs struggling from ambipolar issues, insufficient on-current, lower transconductance value, higher delay and lower cut off frequency has been improved by introducing several material and device engineering concepts in past few years. Keeping this in view, another interesting and reliable option i.e. Dielectric Pocket TFET (featuring a dielectric pocket placement near tunneling junction) has been comprehensively and qualitatively demonstrated using ATLAS device simulator. The architecture has been explored in terms of various device electrostatic parameters such as potential, energy band profile, electron and hole concentration, electric field variation and band to band generation rate (GBTB) near the tunneling junction where the Dielectric Pocket (DP) has been introduced. Subsequently, a detailed investigation by changing the position and dielectric constant of pocket at respective junctions has been made where DP induced variations in drain current, transconductance and parasitic capacitance have been examined. The work highlights major improvements over conventional TFET in terms of lower subthreshold swing and threshold voltage, higher drain current and transconductance, improved on-to-off current ratio, suppressed ambipolar conduction and improved dynamic power dissipation issues for low voltage analog and digital applications.

SEACAS Theory Manuals: Part II. Nonlinear Continuum Mechanics

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

Attaway, S.W.; Laursen, T.A.; Zadoks, R.I.

1998-09-01

This report summarizes the key continuum mechanics concepts required for the systematic prescription and numerical solution of finite deformation solid mechanics problems. Topics surveyed include measures of deformation appropriate for media undergoing large deformations, stress measures appropriate for such problems, balance laws and their role in nonlinear continuum mechanics, the role of frame indifference in description of large deformation response, and the extension of these theories to encompass two dimensional idealizations, structural idealizations, and rigid body behavior. There are three companion reports that describe the problem formulation, constitutive modeling, and finite element technology for nonlinear continuum mechanics systems.

Effect of drug particle size in ultrasound compacted tablets. Continuum percolation model approach.

PubMed

Millán, Mónica; Caraballo, Isidoro

2006-03-09

The main objective of this work is to study the influence of the drug particle size on the pharmaceutical availability of ultrasound compacted tablets. Inert matrix systems containing different drug particle sizes were prepared using both, an ultrasound-assisted press and a traditional eccentric machine. Potassium chloride was used as drug model and Eudragit RS-PM as matrix forming excipient. The excipient particle size was kept constant. The cross-sectional microphotographs of ultrasound tablets show the existence of a quasi-continuum medium. Keeping constant the drug load, US-tablets showed very similar release rates, whereas for traditional tablets, an increase in the particle size resulted in a clear decrease in the release rate. In these tablets, the excipient forms an almost continuum medium. In an infinite theoretical system of these characteristics, the size of the drug particles will not modify the percolation threshold. The percolation of the excipient in this system can be assimilated to a continuum percolation model. In accordance with the proposed model, a lower influence of the drug particle size on the drug release rate was obtained for the US-tablets in comparison with traditional tablets. This fact can be indicative of the similarity of the drug percolation thresholds in these systems.

Different evolutionary stages in massive star formation. Centimeter continuum and H2O maser emission with ATCA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sánchez-Monge, Á.; Beltrán, M. T.; Cesaroni, R.; Fontani, F.; Brand, J.; Molinari, S.; Testi, L.; Burton, M.

2013-02-01

Aims: We present Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) observations of the H2O maser line and radio continuum at 18.0 GHz and 22.8 GHz toward a sample of 192 massive star-forming regions containing several clumps already imaged at 1.2 mm. The main aim of this study is to investigate the water maser and centimeter continuum emission (that likely traces thermal free-free emission) in sources at different evolutionary stages, using evolutionary classifications previously published. Methods: We used the recently comissioned Compact Array Broadband Backend (CABB) at ATCA that obtains images with ~20'' resolution in the 1.3 cm continuum and H2O maser emission in all targets. For the evolutionary analysis of the sources we used millimeter continuum emission from the literature and the infrared emission from the MSX Point Source Catalog. Results: We detect centimeter continuum emission in 88% of the observed fields with a typical rms noise level of 0.45 mJy beam-1. Most of the fields show a single radio continuum source, while in 20% of them we identify multiple components. A total of 214 cm continuum sources have been identified, that likely trace optically thin H ii regions, with physical parameters typical of both extended and compact H ii regions. Water maser emission was detected in 41% of the regions, resulting in a total of 85 distinct components. The low angular (~20'') and spectral (~14 km s-1) resolutions do not allow a proper analysis of the water maser emission, but suffice to investigate its association with the continuum sources. We have also studied the detection rate of H ii regions in the two types of IRAS sources defined in the literature on the basis of the IRAS colors: High and Low. No significant differences are found, with high detection rates (>90%) for both High and Low sources. Conclusions: We classify the millimeter and infrared sources in our fields in three evolutionary stages following the scheme presented previously: (Type 1) millimeter

A Behavioral Continuum: A Look at Personality Disorders.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, George; Kirk, Nancy A.

1985-01-01

Suggests that narcissistic, borderline, and antisocial personality disorders are not discrete diagnostic categories, but that they lie along a continuum and have in common the dimensions of degree of self-centeredness and degree of differentiation. Presents evidence supporting existence of continuum of behavior rather than discrete diagnostic…

A nonlinear generalized continuum approach for electro-elasticity including scale effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skatulla, S.; Arockiarajan, A.; Sansour, C.

2009-01-01

Materials characterized by an electro-mechanically coupled behaviour fall into the category of so-called smart materials. In particular, electro-active polymers (EAP) recently attracted much interest, because, upon electrical loading, EAP exhibit a large amount of deformation while sustaining large forces. This property can be utilized for actuators in electro-mechanical systems, artificial muscles and so forth. When it comes to smaller structures, it is a well-known fact that the mechanical response deviates from the prediction of classical mechanics theory. These scale effects are due to the fact that the size of the microscopic material constituents of such structures cannot be considered to be negligible small anymore compared to the structure's overall dimensions. In this context so-called generalized continuum formulations have been proven to account for the micro-structural influence to the macroscopic material response. Here, we want to adopt a strain gradient approach based on a generalized continuum framework [Sansour, C., 1998. A unified concept of elastic-viscoplastic Cosserat and micromorphic continua. J. Phys. IV Proc. 8, 341-348; Sansour, C., Skatulla, S., 2007. A higher gradient formulation and meshfree-based computation for elastic rock. Geomech. Geoeng. 2, 3-15] and extend it to also encompass the electro-mechanically coupled behaviour of EAP. The approach introduces new strain and stress measures which lead to the formulation of a corresponding generalized variational principle. The theory is completed by Dirichlet boundary conditions for the displacement field and its derivatives normal to the boundary as well as the electric potential. The basic idea behind this generalized continuum theory is the consideration of a micro- and a macro-space which together span the generalized space. As all quantities are defined in this generalized space, also the constitutive law, which is in this work conventional electro-mechanically coupled nonlinear

Vibronic structure and coupling of higher excited electronic states in carotenoids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krawczyk, Stanisław; Luchowski, Rafał

2013-03-01

Absorption spectra of all-trans carotenoids (lycopene, violaxanthin, ζ-carotene) at low temperature exhibit peculiar features in the UV range. The transition to the 11Ag+ state ('cis-band') weakens on cooling, indicating that it is induced by thermal deformations of the conjugated chain. The higher energy band has unique vibrational structure indicating the vibronic coupling of nBu with another electronic state. The electroabsorption spectra point to the electric field-induced mixing of the nBu state with the vibrational continuum of a lower-lying excited state (Fano effect). These observations widen the basis for elucidation of the vibronic coupling effects in the lower excited states.

Recent advances in measurement of the water vapour continuum in the far-infrared spectral region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Green, P. D.; Newman, S. M.; Beeby, R. J.; Murray, J. E.; Pickering, J. C.; Harries, J. E.

2012-06-01

We present a new derivation of the foreign-broadened water vapour continuum in the far-infrared (far-IR) pure rotation band between 24 μm and 120 μm (85-420 cm-1) from field data collected in flight campaigns of the Continuum Absorption by Visible and IR radiation and Atmospheric Relevance (CAVIAR) project with Imperial College's Tropospheric Airborne Fourier Transform Spectrometer (TAFTS) far-IR spectro-radiometer instrument onboard the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurement (FAAM) BAe-146 research aircraft; and compare this new derivation with those recently published in the literature in this spectral band. This new dataset validates the current Mlawer-Tobin-Clough-Kneizys-Davies (MT-CKD) 2.5 model parametrization above 300 cm-1, but indicates the need to strengthen the parametrization below 300 cm-1, by up to 50 per cent at 100 cm-1. Data recorded at a number of flight altitudes have allowed measurements within a wide range of column water vapour environments, greatly increasing the sensitivity of this analysis to the continuum strength.

A continuum theory for multicomponent chromatography modeling.

PubMed

Pfister, David; Morbidelli, Massimo; Nicoud, Roger-Marc

2016-05-13

A continuum theory is proposed for modeling multicomponent chromatographic systems under linear conditions. The model is based on the description of complex mixtures, possibly involving tens or hundreds of solutes, by a continuum. The present approach is shown to be very efficient when dealing with a large number of similar components presenting close elution behaviors and whose individual analytical characterization is impossible. Moreover, approximating complex mixtures by continuous distributions of solutes reduces the required number of model parameters to the few ones specific to the characterization of the selected continuous distributions. Therefore, in the frame of the continuum theory, the simulation of large multicomponent systems gets simplified and the computational effectiveness of the chromatographic model is thus dramatically improved. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

On the continuum mechanics approach for the analysis of single walled carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaudhry, M. S.; Czekanski, A.

2016-04-01

Today carbon nanotubes have found various applications in structural, thermal and almost every field of engineering. Carbon nanotubes provide great strength, stiffness resilience properties. Evaluating the structural behavior of nanoscale materials is an important task. In order to understand the materialistic behavior of nanotubes, atomistic models provide a basis for continuum mechanics modelling. Although the properties of bulk materials are consistent with the size and depends mainly on the material but the properties when we are in Nano-range, continuously change with the size. Such models start from the modelling of interatomic interaction. Modelling and simulation has advantage of cost saving when compared with the experiments. So in this project our aim is to use a continuum mechanics model of carbon nanotubes from atomistic perspective and analyses some structural behaviors of nanotubes. It is generally recognized that mechanical properties of nanotubes are dependent upon their structural details. The properties of nanotubes vary with the varying with the interatomic distance, angular orientation, radius of the tube and many such parameters. Based on such models one can analyses the variation of young's modulus, strength, deformation behavior, vibration behavior and thermal behavior. In this study some of the structural behaviors of the nanotubes are analyzed with the help of continuum mechanics models. Using the properties derived from the molecular mechanics model a Finite Element Analysis of carbon nanotubes is performed and results are verified. This study provides the insight on continuum mechanics modelling of nanotubes and hence the scope to study the effect of various parameters on some structural behavior of nanotubes.

Teaching Continuum Mechanics in a Mechanical Engineering Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liu, Yucheng

2011-01-01

This paper introduces a graduate course, continuum mechanics, which is designed for and taught to graduate students in a Mechanical Engineering (ME) program. The significance of continuum mechanics in engineering education is demonstrated and the course structure is described. Methods used in teaching this course such as topics, class…

Measurements of dynamo electric field and momentum transport induced by fluctuations on HIST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirono, H.; Hanao, T.; Hyobu, T.; Ito, K.; Matsumoto, K.; Nakayama, T.; Kikuchi, Y.; Fukumoto, N.; Nagata, M.

2012-10-01

Coaxial Helicity injection (CHI) is an efficient current-drive method used in spheromak and spherical torus (ST) experiments. It is an important issue to investigate dynamo effect to explore CHI current drive mechanisms. To establish the dynamo model with two-fluid Hall effects, we verify the parallel mean-field Ohm's law balance. The spatial profiles of the MHD/Hall dynamo electric fields are measured by using Mach probe and Hall probe involving 3-axis magnetic pick-up coils. The MHD/Hall fluctuation-induced electromotive forces are large enough to sustain the mean toroidal current against the resistive decay. We have measured the electron temperature and the density with great accuracy by using a new electrostatic probe with voltage sweeping. The result shows that the electron temperature is high in the core region and low in the central open flux column (OFC), and the electron density is highest in the OFC region. The Hall dynamo becomes more dominant in a lower density region compared to the MHD dynamo. In addition, the fluctuation-induced Maxwell and Reynolds stresses are calculated to examine the fast radial transport of momentum from the OFC to the core region during the dynamo drive.

Basinwide sedimentation and the continuum of paleoflow in an ancient river system: Kayenta Formation (Lower Jurassic), central portion Colorado Plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luttrell, Patty Rubick

1993-05-01

Utilizing detailed documentation of alluvial architecture to reconstruct the continuum of paleoflow (perennial, intermittent, ephemeral), a basinwide study of the Kayenta Formation (Lower Jurassic) reveals that the northern half of the basin is characterized by sandy, low-sinuosity fluvial systems which exhibit perennial (Assoc. 1) to intermittent (Assoc. 2) discharge indicators. The rivers had headwaters east of the Uncompahgre Highlands (western Colorado) and flowed southwest across the basin depositing a braidplain of channel sands with well-preserved 3-dimensional macroforms. One significant aspect of the macroform architecture is documentation of macroform climb in both an upstream and downstream direction. The macroforms aggrade vertically by climbing (maximum 10° dip in an upstream direction) and migrating over the backs (upstream ends) of underlying macroforms. The process of macroform climb records a minimum water depth of 8 m and a maximum of 16 m which places the Kayenta perennial waterways (Assoc. 1) within a mesothermal hydrologic regime. The southern portion of the basin contains intermittent (Assoc. 2) to ephemeral (Assoc. 3) fluvial deposits, extensive floodplain preservation and eolian dune and interdune/sandsheet deposition (Assoc. 4). A tributary drainage pattern to the northwest was established by smaller, low- to moderately-sinuous streams. Eolian dune and interdune deposits migrated across this more arid windswept portion of the basin. The range of alluvial architecture present in the Kayenta attests to the diversity that can be found in a small continental sedimentary basin.

Field-induced spin splitting and anomalous photoluminescence circular polarization in C H3N H3Pb I3 films at high magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chuang; Sun, Dali; Yu, Zhi-Gang; Sheng, Chuan-Xiang; McGill, Stephen; Semenov, Dmitry; Vardeny, Zeev Valy

2018-04-01

The organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites show excellent optical and electrical properties for photovoltaic and a myriad of other optoelectronics applications. Using high-field magneto-optical measurements up to 17.5 T at cryogenic temperatures, we have studied the spin-dependent optical transitions in the prototype C H3N H3Pb I3 , which are manifested in the field-induced circularly polarized photoluminescence emission. The energy splitting between left and right circularly polarized emission bands is measured to be ˜1.5 meV at 17.5 T, from which we obtained an exciton effective g factor of ˜1.32. Also from the photoluminescence diamagnetic shift we estimate the exciton binding energy to be ˜17 meV at low temperature. Surprisingly, the corresponding field-induced circular polarization is "anomalous" in that the photoluminescence emission of the higher split energy band is stronger than that of the lower split band. This "reversed" intensity ratio originates from the combination of long electron spin relaxation time and hole negative g factor in C H3N H3Pb I3 , which are in agreement with a model based on the k.p effective-mass approximation.

The limits of the nuclear landscape explored by the relativistic continuum Hartree-Bogoliubov theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, X. W.; Lim, Y.; Zhao, P. W.; Liang, H. Z.; Qu, X. Y.; Chen, Y.; Liu, H.; Zhang, L. F.; Zhang, S. Q.; Kim, Y.; Meng, J.

2018-05-01

The ground-state properties of nuclei with 8 ⩽ Z ⩽ 120 from the proton drip line to the neutron drip line have been investigated using the spherical relativistic continuum Hartree-Bogoliubov (RCHB) theory with the relativistic density functional PC-PK1. With the effects of the continuum included, there are totally 9035 nuclei predicted to be bound, which largely extends the existing nuclear landscapes predicted with other methods. The calculated binding energies, separation energies, neutron and proton Fermi surfaces, root-mean-square (rms) radii of neutron, proton, matter, and charge distributions, ground-state spins and parities are tabulated. The extension of the nuclear landscape obtained with RCHB is discussed in detail, in particular for the neutron-rich side, in comparison with the relativistic mean field calculations without pairing correlations and also other predicted landscapes. It is found that the coupling between the bound states and the continuum due to the pairing correlations plays an essential role in extending the nuclear landscape. The systematics of the separation energies, radii, densities, potentials and pairing energies of the RCHB calculations are also discussed. In addition, the α-decay energies and proton emitters based on the RCHB calculations are investigated.

Effects of continuum breakdown on hypersonic aerothermodynamics for reacting flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holman, Timothy D.; Boyd, Iain D.

2011-02-01

This study investigates the effects of continuum breakdown on the surface aerothermodynamic properties (pressure, stress, and heat transfer rate) of a sphere in a Mach 25 flow of reacting air in regimes varying from continuum to a rarefied gas. Results are generated using both continuum [computational fluid dynamics (CFD)] and particle [direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC)] approaches. The DSMC method utilizes a chemistry model that calculates the backward rates from an equilibrium constant. A preferential dissociation model is modified in the CFD method to better compare with the vibrationally favored dissociation model that is utilized in the DSMC method. Tests of these models are performed to confirm their validity and to compare the chemistry models in both numerical methods. This study examines the effect of reacting air flow on continuum breakdown and the surface properties of the sphere. As the global Knudsen number increases, the amount of continuum breakdown in the flow and on the surface increases. This increase in continuum breakdown significantly affects the surface properties, causing an increase in the differences between CFD and DSMC. Explanations are provided for the trends observed.

Lasing action from photonic bound states in continuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kodigala, Ashok; Lepetit, Thomas; Gu, Qing; Bahari, Babak; Fainman, Yeshaiahu; Kanté, Boubacar

2017-01-01

In 1929, only three years after the advent of quantum mechanics, von Neumann and Wigner showed that Schrödinger’s equation can have bound states above the continuum threshold. These peculiar states, called bound states in the continuum (BICs), manifest themselves as resonances that do not decay. For several decades afterwards the idea lay dormant, regarded primarily as a mathematical curiosity. In 1977, Herrick and Stillinger revived interest in BICs when they suggested that BICs could be observed in semiconductor superlattices. BICs arise naturally from Feshbach’s quantum mechanical theory of resonances, as explained by Friedrich and Wintgen, and are thus more physical than initially realized. Recently, it was realized that BICs are intrinsically a wave phenomenon and are thus not restricted to the realm of quantum mechanics. They have since been shown to occur in many different fields of wave physics including acoustics, microwaves and nanophotonics. However, experimental observations of BICs have been limited to passive systems and the realization of BIC lasers has remained elusive. Here we report, at room temperature, lasing action from an optically pumped BIC cavity. Our results show that the lasing wavelength of the fabricated BIC cavities, each made of an array of cylindrical nanoresonators suspended in air, scales with the radii of the nanoresonators according to the theoretical prediction for the BIC mode. Moreover, lasing action from the designed BIC cavity persists even after scaling down the array to as few as 8-by-8 nanoresonators. BIC lasers open up new avenues in the study of light-matter interaction because they are intrinsically connected to topological charges and represent natural vector beam sources (that is, there are several possible beam shapes), which are highly sought after in the fields of optical trapping, biological sensing and quantum information.

Simulation of neoclassical transport with the continuum gyrokinetic code COGENT

DOE PAGES

Dorf, M. A.; Cohen, R. H.; Dorr, M.; ...

2013-01-25

The development of the continuum gyrokinetic code COGENT for edge plasma simulations is reported. The present version of the code models a nonlinear axisymmetric 4D (R, v∥, μ) gyrokinetic equation coupled to the long-wavelength limit of the gyro-Poisson equation. Here, R is the particle gyrocenter coordinate in the poloidal plane, and v∥ and μ are the guiding center velocity parallel to the magnetic field and the magnetic moment, respectively. The COGENT code utilizes a fourth-order finite-volume (conservative) discretization combined with arbitrary mapped multiblock grid technology (nearly field-aligned on blocks) to handle the complexity of tokamak divertor geometry with high accuracy.more » Furthermore, topics presented are the implementation of increasingly detailed model collision operators, and the results of neoclassical transport simulations including the effects of a strong radial electric field characteristic of a tokamak pedestal under H-mode conditions.« less

The Creativity Continuum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walling, Donovan R.

2009-01-01

Children are innately creative, and the youngest often are the most original because they have yet to be influenced by the creativity of others. One way to think of creative expression is as a continuum. At one end is originality, or the creation of something wholly new, "original." At the other end is replication, or the re-creation of something…

Bacterial Biogeography across the Amazon River-Ocean Continuum

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

Doherty, Mary; Yager, Patricia L.; Moran, Mary Ann

Spatial and temporal patterns in microbial biodiversity across the Amazon river-ocean continuum were investigated along ~675 km of the lower Amazon River mainstem, in the Tapajos River tributary, and in the plume and coastal ocean during low and high river discharge using amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA genes in whole water and size-fractionated samples (0.2-2.0 μm and >2.0 μm). River communities varied among tributaries, but mainstem communities were spatially homogeneous and tracked seasonal changes in river discharge and co-varying factors. Co-occurrence network analysis identified strongly interconnected river assemblages during high (May) and low (December) discharge periods, and weakly interconnected transitionalmore » assemblages in September, suggesting that this system supports two seasonal microbial communities linked to river discharge. In contrast, plume communities showed little seasonal differences and instead varied spatially tracking salinity. However, salinity explained only a small fraction of community variability, and plume communities in blooms of diatom-diazotroph assemblages were strikingly different than those in other high salinity plume samples. This suggests that while salinity physically structures plumes through buoyancy and mixing, the composition of plume-specific communities is controlled by other factors including nutrients, phytoplankton community composition, and dissolved organic matter chemistry. Co-occurrence networks identified interconnected assemblages associated with the highly productive low salinity nearshore region, diatom-diazotroph blooms, and the plume edge region, and weakly interconnected assemblages in high salinity regions. This suggests that the plume supports a transitional community influenced by immigration of ocean bacteria from the plume edge, and by species sorting as these communities adapt to local environmental conditions. Few studies have explored patterns of microbial diversity in tropical rivers

Bacterial Biogeography across the Amazon River-Ocean Continuum.

PubMed

Doherty, Mary; Yager, Patricia L; Moran, Mary Ann; Coles, Victoria J; Fortunato, Caroline S; Krusche, Alex V; Medeiros, Patricia M; Payet, Jérôme P; Richey, Jeffrey E; Satinsky, Brandon M; Sawakuchi, Henrique O; Ward, Nicholas D; Crump, Byron C

2017-01-01

Spatial and temporal patterns in microbial biodiversity across the Amazon river-ocean continuum were investigated along ∼675 km of the lower Amazon River mainstem, in the Tapajós River tributary, and in the plume and coastal ocean during low and high river discharge using amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA genes in whole water and size-fractionated samples (0.2-2.0 μm and >2.0 μm). River communities varied among tributaries, but mainstem communities were spatially homogeneous and tracked seasonal changes in river discharge and co-varying factors. Co-occurrence network analysis identified strongly interconnected river assemblages during high (May) and low (December) discharge periods, and weakly interconnected transitional assemblages in September, suggesting that this system supports two seasonal microbial communities linked to river discharge. In contrast, plume communities showed little seasonal differences and instead varied spatially tracking salinity. However, salinity explained only a small fraction of community variability, and plume communities in blooms of diatom-diazotroph assemblages were strikingly different than those in other high salinity plume samples. This suggests that while salinity physically structures plumes through buoyancy and mixing, the composition of plume-specific communities is controlled by other factors including nutrients, phytoplankton community composition, and dissolved organic matter chemistry. Co-occurrence networks identified interconnected assemblages associated with the highly productive low salinity near-shore region, diatom-diazotroph blooms, and the plume edge region, and weakly interconnected assemblages in high salinity regions. This suggests that the plume supports a transitional community influenced by immigration of ocean bacteria from the plume edge, and by species sorting as these communities adapt to local environmental conditions. Few studies have explored patterns of microbial diversity in tropical rivers and

Bacterial Biogeography across the Amazon River-Ocean Continuum

DOE PAGES

Doherty, Mary; Yager, Patricia L.; Moran, Mary Ann; ...

2017-05-23

Spatial and temporal patterns in microbial biodiversity across the Amazon river-ocean continuum were investigated along ~675 km of the lower Amazon River mainstem, in the Tapajos River tributary, and in the plume and coastal ocean during low and high river discharge using amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA genes in whole water and size-fractionated samples (0.2-2.0 μm and >2.0 μm). River communities varied among tributaries, but mainstem communities were spatially homogeneous and tracked seasonal changes in river discharge and co-varying factors. Co-occurrence network analysis identified strongly interconnected river assemblages during high (May) and low (December) discharge periods, and weakly interconnected transitionalmore » assemblages in September, suggesting that this system supports two seasonal microbial communities linked to river discharge. In contrast, plume communities showed little seasonal differences and instead varied spatially tracking salinity. However, salinity explained only a small fraction of community variability, and plume communities in blooms of diatom-diazotroph assemblages were strikingly different than those in other high salinity plume samples. This suggests that while salinity physically structures plumes through buoyancy and mixing, the composition of plume-specific communities is controlled by other factors including nutrients, phytoplankton community composition, and dissolved organic matter chemistry. Co-occurrence networks identified interconnected assemblages associated with the highly productive low salinity nearshore region, diatom-diazotroph blooms, and the plume edge region, and weakly interconnected assemblages in high salinity regions. This suggests that the plume supports a transitional community influenced by immigration of ocean bacteria from the plume edge, and by species sorting as these communities adapt to local environmental conditions. Few studies have explored patterns of microbial diversity in tropical rivers

Bacterial Biogeography across the Amazon River-Ocean Continuum

PubMed Central

Doherty, Mary; Yager, Patricia L.; Moran, Mary Ann; Coles, Victoria J.; Fortunato, Caroline S.; Krusche, Alex V.; Medeiros, Patricia M.; Payet, Jérôme P.; Richey, Jeffrey E.; Satinsky, Brandon M.; Sawakuchi, Henrique O.; Ward, Nicholas D.; Crump, Byron C.

2017-01-01

Spatial and temporal patterns in microbial biodiversity across the Amazon river-ocean continuum were investigated along ∼675 km of the lower Amazon River mainstem, in the Tapajós River tributary, and in the plume and coastal ocean during low and high river discharge using amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA genes in whole water and size-fractionated samples (0.2–2.0 μm and >2.0 μm). River communities varied among tributaries, but mainstem communities were spatially homogeneous and tracked seasonal changes in river discharge and co-varying factors. Co-occurrence network analysis identified strongly interconnected river assemblages during high (May) and low (December) discharge periods, and weakly interconnected transitional assemblages in September, suggesting that this system supports two seasonal microbial communities linked to river discharge. In contrast, plume communities showed little seasonal differences and instead varied spatially tracking salinity. However, salinity explained only a small fraction of community variability, and plume communities in blooms of diatom-diazotroph assemblages were strikingly different than those in other high salinity plume samples. This suggests that while salinity physically structures plumes through buoyancy and mixing, the composition of plume-specific communities is controlled by other factors including nutrients, phytoplankton community composition, and dissolved organic matter chemistry. Co-occurrence networks identified interconnected assemblages associated with the highly productive low salinity near-shore region, diatom-diazotroph blooms, and the plume edge region, and weakly interconnected assemblages in high salinity regions. This suggests that the plume supports a transitional community influenced by immigration of ocean bacteria from the plume edge, and by species sorting as these communities adapt to local environmental conditions. Few studies have explored patterns of microbial diversity in tropical rivers and

Continuum Fatigue Damage Modeling for Use in Life Extending Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lorenzo, Carl F.

1994-01-01

This paper develops a simplified continuum (continuous wrp to time, stress, etc.) fatigue damage model for use in Life Extending Controls (LEC) studies. The work is based on zero mean stress local strain cyclic damage modeling. New nonlinear explicit equation forms of cyclic damage in terms of stress amplitude are derived to facilitate the continuum modeling. Stress based continuum models are derived. Extension to plastic strain-strain rate models are also presented. Application of these models to LEC applications is considered. Progress toward a nonzero mean stress based continuum model is presented. Also, new nonlinear explicit equation forms in terms of stress amplitude are also derived for this case.

Energy Saving Homes and Buildings - Continuum Magazine | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Spring 2014 / Issue 6 Continuum. Clean Energy Innovation at NREL Energy Saving Homes and Buildings Continuum showcases NREL's unique research capabilities and most impactful clean energy innovations. Dan Says From our director Dan says NREL Provides a Foundation for Home Energy Performance 01 NREL Provides

An oculomotor continuum from exploration to fixation

PubMed Central

Otero-Millan, Jorge; Macknik, Stephen L.; Langston, Rachel E.; Martinez-Conde, Susana

2013-01-01

During visual exploration, saccadic eye movements scan the scene for objects of interest. During attempted fixation, the eyes are relatively still but often produce microsaccades. Saccadic rates during exploration are higher than those of microsaccades during fixation, reinforcing the classic view that exploration and fixation are two distinct oculomotor behaviors. An alternative model is that fixation and exploration are not dichotomous, but are instead two extremes of a functional continuum. Here, we measured the eye movements of human observers as they either fixed their gaze on a small spot or scanned natural scenes of varying sizes. As scene size diminished, so did saccade rates, until they were continuous with microsaccadic rates during fixation. Other saccadic properties varied as function of image size as well, forming a continuum with microsaccadic parameters during fixation. This saccadic continuum extended to nonrestrictive, ecological viewing conditions that allowed all types of saccades and fixation positions. Eye movement simulations moreover showed that a single model of oculomotor behavior can explain the saccadic continuum from exploration to fixation, for images of all sizes. These findings challenge the view that exploration and fixation are dichotomous, suggesting instead that visual fixation is functionally equivalent to visual exploration on a spatially focused scale. PMID:23533278

Effects of Induced Electric Fields on Tissues and Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sequin, Emily Katherine

Cancer remains a substantial health burden in the United States. Traditional treatments for solid malignancies may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, or surgical resection. Improved surgical outcomes coincide with increased information regarding the tumor extent in the operating room. Furthermore, pathological examination and diagnosis is bettered when the pathologist has additional information about lesion locations on the large resected specimens from which they take a small sample for microscopic evaluation. Likewise, cancer metastasis is a leading cause of cancer death. Fully understanding why a particular tumor becomes metastatic as well as the mechanisms of cell migration are critical to both preventing metastasis and treating it. This dissertation utilizes the complex interactions of induced electric fields with tissues and cells to meet two complementary research goals. First, eddy currents are induced in tissues using a coaxial eddy current probe (8mm diameter) in order to distinguish tumor tissue from surrounding normal tissue to address the needs of surgeons performing curative cancer resections. Measurements on animal tissue phantoms characterize the eddy current measurement finding that the effective probing area corresponds to about twice the diameter of the probe and that the specimen temperature must be constant for reliable measurements. Measurements on ten fresh tissue specimens from human patients undergoing surgical resection for liver metastases from colorectal cancer showed that the eddy current measurement technique can be used to differentiate tumors from surrounding liver tissue in a non-destructive, non-invasive manner. Furthermore, the differentiation between the tumor and normal tissues required no use of contrast agents. Statistically significant differences between eddy current measurements in three tissue categories, tumor, normal, and interface, were found across patients using a Tukey's pairwise comparison

Mechanosensitive Channels: Insights from Continuum-Based Simulations

PubMed Central

Tang, Yuye; Yoo, Jejoong; Yethiraj, Arun; Cui, Qiang; Chen, Xi

2009-01-01

Mechanotransduction plays an important role in regulating cell functions and it is an active topic of research in biophysics. Despite recent advances in experimental and numerical techniques, the intrinsic multiscale nature imposes tremendous challenges for revealing the working mechanisms of mechanosensitive channels. Recently, a continuum-mechanics based hierarchical modeling and simulation framework has been established and applied to study the mechanical responses and gating behaviors of a prototypical mechanosensitive channel, the mechanosensitive channel of large conductance (MscL) in bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli), from which several putative gating mechanisms have been tested and new insights deduced. This article reviews these latest findings using the continuum mechanics framework and suggests possible improvements for future simulation studies. This computationally efficient and versatile continuum-mechanics based protocol is poised to make contributions to the study of a variety of mechanobiology problems. PMID:18787764

Continuum Absorption Coefficient of Atoms and Ions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Armaly, B. F.

1979-01-01

The rate of heat transfer to the heat shield of a Jupiter probe has been estimated to be one order of magnitude higher than any previously experienced in an outer space exploration program. More than one-third of this heat load is due to an emission of continuum radiation from atoms and ions. The existing computer code for calculating the continuum contribution to the total load utilizes a modified version of Biberman's approximate method. The continuum radiation absorption cross sections of a C - H - O - N ablation system were examined in detail. The present computer code was evaluated and updated by being compared with available exact and approximate calculations and correlations of experimental data. A detailed calculation procedure, which can be applied to other atomic species, is presented. The approximate correlations can be made to agree with the available exact and experimental data.

Comparison of shock structure solutions using independent continuum and kinetic theory approaches

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fiscko, Kurt A.; Chapman, Dean R.

1988-01-01

A vehicle traversing the atmosphere will experience flight regimes at high altitudes in which the thickness of a hypersonic shock wave is not small compared to the shock standoff distance from the hard body. When this occurs, it is essential to compute accurate flow field solutions within the shock structure. In this paper, one-dimensional shock structure is investigated for various monatomic gases from Mach 1.4 to Mach 35. Kinetic theory solutions are computed using the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo method. Steady-state solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations and of a slightly truncated form of the Burnett equations are determined by relaxation to a steady state of the time-dependent continuum equations. Monte Carlo results are in excellent agreement with published experimental data and are used as bases of comparison for continuum solutions. For a Maxwellian gas, the truncated Burnett equations are shown to produce far more accurate solutions of shock structure than the Navier-Stokes equations.

Water Vapor Self-Continuum by Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy in the 1.6 Micron Transparency Window

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campargue, Alain; Kassi, Samir; Mondelain, Didier

2014-06-01

Since its discovery one century ago, a deep and unresolved controversy remains on the nature of the water vapor continuum. Several interpretations are proposed: accumulated effect of the distant wings of many individual spectral lines, metastable or true bound water dimers, collision-induced absorption. The atmospheric science community has largely sidestepped this controversy, and has adopted a pragmatic approach: most radiative transfer codes used in climate modelling, numerical weather prediction and remote sensing use the MT_CKD model which is a semi-empirical formulation of the continuum The MT_CKD cross-sections were tuned to available observations in the mid-infrared but in the absence of experimental constraints, the extrapolated near infrared (NIR) values are much more hazardous. Due to the weakness of the broadband absorption signal to be measured, very few measurements of the water vapor continuum are available in the NIR windows especially for temperature conditions relevant for our atmosphere. This is in particular the case for the 1.6 μm window where the very few available measurements show a large disagreement. Here we present the first measurements of the water vapor self-continuum cross-sections in the 1.6 μm window by cavity ring down spectroscopy (CRDS). The pressure dependence of the absorption continuum was investigated during pressure cycles up to 12 Torr for selected wavenumber values. The continuum level is observed to deviate from the expected quadratic dependence with pressure. This deviation is interpreted as due to a significant contribution of water adsorbed on the super mirrors to the cavity loss rate. The pressure dependence is well reproduced by a second order polynomial. We interpret the linear and quadratic terms as the adsorbed water and vapour water contribution, respectively. The derived self-continuum cross sections, measured between 5875 and 6450 wn, shows a minimum value around 6300 wn. These cross sections will be compared

Electric field studies: TLE-induced waveforms and ground conductivity impact on electric field propagation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farges, Thomas; Garcia, Geraldine; Blanc, Elisabeth

2010-05-01

We review in this paper main results obtained from electric field (from VLF to HF) measurement campaigns realized by CEA in the framework of the Eurosprite program [Neubert et al., 2005, 2008] from 2003 to 2009 in France in different configurations. Two main topics have been studied: sprite or elve induced phenomena (radiation or perturbation) and wave propagation. Using a network of 4 stations, VLF radiations from sprite have been successfully located at 10 km from the sprite parent lightning, in agreement with possible sprite location, generally displaced from the parent lightning. The MF (300 kHz - 3 MHz) source bursts were identified simultaneously with the occurrence of sprites observed with cameras [Farges et al., 2004; Neubert et al., 2008]. These observations are compared to recent broadband measurements, assumed to be due to relativistic electron beam radiation related to sprites [Fullekrug et al., 2009]. Recently, in 2009, with a new instrumentation, an ELF tail has been clearly measured after the lightning waveform, while sprites were observed at about 500 km from our station. This ELF tail is usually observed at distances higher than thousand km and is associated to sprite generation. This opens the capacity to measure the charge moment of the parent-lightning, using such measurement close to the source. Farges et al. [2007] showed that just after a lightning return stroke, a strong transient attenuation is very frequently observed in the MF waves of radio transmissions. They showed that this perturbation is due to heating of the lower ionosphere by the lightning-induced EMP during few milliseconds. These perturbations are then the MF radio signature of the lightning EMP effects on the lower ionosphere, in the same way as elves correspond to their optical signature. The experiment also provided the electric field waveforms directly associated to elves, while lightning were not detected by Météorage. Many of them present a double peak feature. The

Bipotential continuum models for granular mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goddard, Joe

2014-03-01

Most currently popular continuum models for granular media are special cases of a generalized Maxwell fluid model, which describes the evolution of stress and internal variables such as granular particle fraction and fabric,in terms of imposed strain rate. It is shown how such models can be obtained from two scalar potentials, a standard elastic free energy and a ``dissipation potential'' given rigorously by the mathematical theory of Edelen. This allows for a relatively easy derivation of properly invariant continuum models for granular media and fluid-particle suspensions within a thermodynamically consistent framework. The resulting continuum models encompass all the prominent regimes of granular flow, ranging from the quasi-static to rapidly sheared, and are readily extended to include higher-gradient or Cosserat effects. Models involving stress diffusion, such as that proposed recently by Kamrin and Koval (PRL 108 178301), provide an alternative approach that is mentioned in passing. This paper provides a brief overview of a forthcoming review articles by the speaker (The Princeton Companion to Applied Mathematics, and Appl. Mech. Rev.,in the press, 2013).

DSMC computations of hypersonic flow separation and re-attachment in the transition to continuum regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prakash, Ram; Gai, Sudhir L.; O'Byrne, Sean; Brown, Melrose

2016-11-01

The flow over a `tick' shaped configuration is performed using two Direct Simulation Monte Carlo codes: the DS2V code of Bird and the code from Sandia National Laboratory, called SPARTA. The configuration creates a flow field, where the flow is expanded initially but then is affected by the adverse pressure gradient induced by a compression surface. The flow field is challenging in the sense that the full flow domain is comprised of localized areas spanning continuum and transitional regimes. The present work focuses on the capability of SPARTA to model such flow conditions and also towards a comparative evaluation with results from DS2V. An extensive grid adaptation study is performed using both the codes on a model with a sharp leading edge and the converged results are then compared. The computational predictions are evaluated in terms of surface parameters such as heat flux, shear stress, pressure and velocity slip. SPARTA consistently predicts higher values for these surface properties. The skin friction predictions of both the codes don't give any indication of separation but the velocity slip plots indicate an incipient separation behavior at the corner. The differences in the results are attributed towards the flow resolution at the leading edge that dictates the downstream flow characteristics.

Spectral structure and stability studies on microstructure-fiber continuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Xun; Kimmel, Mark; Zeek, Erik; Shreenath, Aparna P.; Trebino, Rick P.; Windeler, Robert S.

2003-07-01

Although previous direct measurements of the microstructure-fiber continuum have all showed a smooth and stable spectrum, our cross-correlation frequency-resolved optical gating (XFROG) full-intensity-and-phase characterization of the continuum pulse, utilizing sum-frequency-generation with a pre-characterized reference pulse and the angle-dithered-crystal technique, indicates that fine-scale spectral structure exists on a single-shot basis, contrary to previous observations. In particular, deep and fine oscillations are found in the retrieved spectrum, and the retrieved trace contains a "measles" pattern, whereas the measured trace and the independently-measured spectrum are rather smooth. The discrepancy is shown to be the result of unstable single-shot spectral structure. Although the XFROG measurement is not able to directly measure the single-shot fine structure in the trace, the redundancy of information in FROG traces enables the retrieval algorithm to correctly recognize the existence of the spectral fine structure, and restore the structure in the retrieved trace and spectrum. Numerical simulations have supported our hypothesis, and we directly observed the fine spectral structure in single-shot measurements of the continuum spectrum and the structure was seen to be highly unstable, the continuum spectrum appearing smooth only when many shots are averaged. Despite the structure and instability in the continuum spectrum, coherence experiments also reveal that the spectral phase is rather stable, being able to produce well-defined spectral fringes across the entire continuum bandwidth.

Relativistic corrections and non-Gaussianity in radio continuum surveys

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

Maartens, Roy; Zhao, Gong-Bo; Bacon, David

Forthcoming radio continuum surveys will cover large volumes of the observable Universe and will reach to high redshifts, making them potentially powerful probes of dark energy, modified gravity and non-Gaussianity. We consider the continuum surveys with LOFAR, WSRT and ASKAP, and examples of continuum surveys with the SKA. We extend recent work on these surveys by including redshift space distortions and lensing convergence in the radio source auto-correlation. In addition we compute the general relativistic (GR) corrections to the angular power spectrum. These GR corrections to the standard Newtonian analysis of the power spectrum become significant on scales near andmore » beyond the Hubble scale at each redshift. We find that the GR corrections are at most percent-level in LOFAR, WODAN and EMU surveys, but they can produce O(10%) changes for high enough sensitivity SKA continuum surveys. The signal is however dominated by cosmic variance, and multiple-tracer techniques will be needed to overcome this problem. The GR corrections are suppressed in continuum surveys because of the integration over redshift — we expect that GR corrections will be enhanced for future SKA HI surveys in which the source redshifts will be known. We also provide predictions for the angular power spectra in the case where the primordial perturbations have local non-Gaussianity. We find that non-Gaussianity dominates over GR corrections, and rises above cosmic variance when f{sub NL}∼>5 for SKA continuum surveys.« less

Translational research: understanding the continuum from bench to bedside.

PubMed

Drolet, Brian C; Lorenzi, Nancy M

2011-01-01

The process of translating basic scientific discoveries to clinical applications, and ultimately to public health improvements, has emerged as an important, but difficult, objective in biomedical research. The process is best described as a "translation continuum" because various resources and actions are involved in this progression of knowledge, which advances discoveries from the bench to the bedside. The current model of this continuum focuses primarily on translational research, which is merely one component of the overall translation process. This approach is ineffective. A revised model to address the entire continuum would provide a methodology to identify and describe all translational activities (eg, implementation, adoption translational research, etc) as well their place within the continuum. This manuscript reviews and synthesizes the literature to provide an overview of the current terminology and model for translation. A modification of the existing model is proposed to create a framework called the Biomedical Research Translation Continuum, which defines the translation process and describes the progression of knowledge from laboratory to health gains. This framework clarifies translation for readers who have not followed the evolving and complicated models currently described. Authors and researchers may use the continuum to understand and describe their research better as well as the translational activities within a conceptual framework. Additionally, the framework may increase the advancement of knowledge by refining discussions of translation and allowing more precise identification of barriers to progress. Copyright © 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Generation of nonthermal continuum radiation in the magnetosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Okuda, H.; Chance, M. S.; Ashour-Abdalla, M.; Kurth, W. S.

1982-01-01

Generation of electromagnetic continuum radiation from electrostatic fluctuations near the upper hybrid resonance frequency has been calculated by using cold plasma theory in an inhomogeneous plasma near the plasmapause. It is shown that both the polarization and the amplitude of electromagnetic radiation are in good quantitative agreement with spacecraft observations for nonthermal continuum radiation.

Comparison of cardiac and 60 Hz magnetically induced electric fields measured in anesthetized rats

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

Miller, D.L.; Creim, J.A.

1997-06-01

Extremely low frequency magnetic fields interact with an animal by inducing internal electric fields, which are in addition to the normal endogenous fields present in living animals. Male rats weighing about 560 g each were anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine. Small incisions were made in the ventral body wall at the chest and upper abdomen to position a miniature probe for measuring internal electric fields. The calibration constant for the probe size was 5.7 mm, with a flat response from at least 12 Hz to 20 kHz. A cardiac signal, similar to the normal electrocardiogram with a heart rate ofmore » about 250 bpm, was readily obtained at the chest. Upon analysis of its spectrum, the cardiac field detected by the probe had a broad maximum at 32--95 Hz. When the rates were exposed to a 1 mT, 60 Hz magnetic field, a spike appeared in the spectrum at 60 Hz. The peak-to-peak magnitudes of electric fields associated with normal heart function were comparable to fields induced by a 1 mT magnetic field at 60 Hz for those positions measured on the body surface. Within the body, or in different directions relative to the applied field, the induced fields were reduced. The cardiac field increased near the heart, becoming much larger than the induced field. Thus, the cardiac electric field, together with the other endogenous fields, combine with induced electric fields and help to provide reference levels for the induced-field dosimetry of ELF magnetic field exposures of living animals.« less

An ab initio time-dependent Hartree Fock study of solvent effects on the polarizability and second hyperpolarizability of polyacetylene chains within the polarizable continuum model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Champagne, Benoı̂t; Mennucci, Benedetta; Cossi, Maurizio; Cammi, Roberto; Tomasi, Jacopo

1998-11-01

The solvent effects upon the longitudinal polarizability ( αL) and second hyperpolarizability ( γL) of small all-trans polyacetylene (PA) chains ranging from C 2H 4 to C 10H 12 have been evaluated at the time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) level within the framework of the polarizable continuum model. The solvent effects, which correspond to the solvent-induced modifications of the solute properties, result in large increases of the linear and nonlinear responses even for solvents with low dielectric constants. When the dielectric constant is increased, the αL values tend to saturate at values 30%-40% larger than in vacuo, whereas for γL it ranges from 100% to 400% depending upon the nonlinear optical process and the length of the PA chain. These solvent-induced αL and γL enhancements can partially be accounted for by the corresponding decrease of the energy of the lowest optically-allowed electronic excitation. The geometrical parameters of the ground state of the PA chains are almost unaffected by the solvent. This shows that the solvent effects are mainly of electronic nature. In addition, the local field factors, which relate the macroscopic or Maxwell field to the field experienced by the solute, tend towards unity with increasing chain length for the longitudinal PA axis.

Application of parametric equations of motion to study the laser induced multiphoton dissociation of H2+ in intense laser field.

PubMed

Kalita, Dhruba J; Rao, Akshay; Rajvanshi, Ishir; Gupta, Ashish K

2011-06-14

We have applied parametric equations of motion (PEM) to study photodissociation dynamics of H(2)(+). The resonances are extracted using smooth exterior scaling method. This is the first application of PEM to non-Hermitian Hamiltonian that includes resonances and the continuum. Here, we have studied how the different resonance states behave with respect to the change in field amplitude. The advantage of this method is that one can easily trace the different states that are changing as the field parameter changes.

Continuum limit and symmetries of the periodic gℓ(1|1) spin chain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gainutdinov, A. M.; Read, N.; Saleur, H.

2013-06-01

This paper is the first in a series devoted to the study of logarithmic conformal field theories (LCFT) in the bulk. Building on earlier work in the boundary case, our general strategy consists in analyzing the algebraic properties of lattice regularizations (quantum spin chains) of these theories. In the boundary case, a crucial step was the identification of the space of states as a bimodule over the Temperley-Lieb (TL) algebra and the quantum group Uqsℓ(2). The extension of this analysis in the bulk case involves considerable difficulties, since the Uqsℓ(2) symmetry is partly lost, while the TL algebra is replaced by a much richer version (the Jones-Temperley-Lieb — JTL — algebra). Even the simplest case of the gℓ(1|1) spin chain — corresponding to the c=-2 symplectic fermions theory in the continuum limit — presents very rich aspects, which we will discuss in several papers. In this first work, we focus on the symmetries of the spin chain, that is, the centralizer of the JTL algebra in the alternating tensor product of the gℓ(1|1) fundamental representation and its dual. We prove that this centralizer is only a subalgebra of Uqsℓ(2) at q=i that we dub Uqoddsℓ(2). We then begin the analysis of the continuum limit of the JTL algebra: using general arguments about the regularization of the stress-energy tensor, we identify families of JTL elements going over to the Virasoro generators Ln,L in the continuum limit. We then discuss the sℓ(2) symmetry of the (continuum limit) symplectic fermions theory from the lattice and JTL point of view. The analysis of the spin chain as a bimodule over Uqoddsℓ(2) and JTLN is discussed in the second paper of this series.

Multifrequency observations of the radio continuum emission from NGC 253. 1: Magnetic fields and rotation measures in the bar and halo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beck, R.; Carilli, C. L.; Holdaway, M. A.; Klein, U.

1994-12-01

Radio continuum observations of the spiral galaxy NGC 253 with the Effelsberg and Very Large Array (VLA) telescopes reveal polarized emission from the bar and halo regions. Within the bar Faraday depolarization is strong at 1.5 and 5 GHz, due to ionized gas with ne approximately equal 0.1 - 3/cu cm which is mixed with turbulent magnetic fields of approximately equal 17 microG estimated strength. Even at 10 GHz the degree of polarization in the bar is low (only approximately equal 5% east and approximately equal 2% west of the nucleus) due to beam depolarization by unresolved tangled fields. In contrast, the magnetic fields in the halo are highly uniform, as indicated by fractional polarizations up to 40% at 10 GHz. Faraday depolarization in the halo at 1.5 GHz calls for a warm, clumpy gas component with ne approximately equal 0.02/cu cm and approximately equal 6 microG turbulent fields. We detected Faraday rotation in the bar, with rotation measures absolute value of RM approximately equal 100 rad/sq m (between 10 and 5 GHz) having different signs east and west of the nucleus. Below 5 GHz Faraday rotation is strongly reduced by the limited transparency for polarized emission in the bar. Faraday rotation in the halo in two regions at approximately 5 kpc above and below the plane with RM approximately equal -7 rad/sq m between 10 and 1.5 GHz can be ascribed to hot gas with mean value of ne approximately equal 0.002/cu cm and uniform fields along the line of sight of mean value of Bu parallel approximately equal -2 microG. The magnetic field structure in the bar and halo of NGC 253 is best described by the quadrupole-type dynamo mode SO, with a ring-like field in the bar and a field mainly parallel to the plane in a co-rotating halo. A major perturbation occurs in the east where the field is perpendicular to the plane and follows a 'spur'. The galactic wind is suppressed by the dominating plane-parallel field, except along the spur.

The Effects of Thunderstorm Static and Quasi-Static Electric Fields on the Lower Ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salem, Mohammad Ahmad

Thunderstorms and their lightning discharges are of great interest to many areas of geophysics and atmospheric electricity. A thunderstorm is an electric generator; it can produce both electrostatic and quasi-electrostatic fields in the overhead atmospheric D region. The D region is the lower part of the ionosphere that extends from about 40-90 km altitude where the electrons and ions are sufficient enough to affect the propagation of radio waves. In contrast to the electrostatic field, the quasi-electrostatic fields can be much stronger in magnitude, but shorter in duration, and can trigger halos. A halo is one type of the transient luminous events (TLEs) and typically appears within 1-2 ms after an intense cloud to ground lightning discharge. It looks like a relatively homogeneous glow in the shape of a pancake that is centered around 75-80 km altitude with a horizontal extent of tens of kilometers and vertical thickness of several kilometers. The goals of this dissertation research are to investigate the electrical effects of thunderstorm electrostatic and quasi-electrostatic fields on the nighttime lower ionosphere, and their covert relation to the formation of atmospheric halos. This work entails numerical and theoretical modeling analyses, and comparison of current theory and simulation results with the actual observations. For the first part of this study we have demonstrated that, under steady state conditions, electrostatic fields of <0.4Ek values (not strong enough to produce TLEs) can be established in the lower ionosphere due to underlying thunderstorms. We utilized the simplified nighttime ion chemistry model described in the work of Liu [2012] to investigate how these fields affect the lower ionosphere ion density profile. The three-body electron attachment, through which electrons can be converted to negative ions, is the only process whose rate constant depends on the field values within the above-mentioned limit. As a result of the variation of the

Consideration of magnetically-induced and conservative electric fields within a loaded gradient coil.

PubMed

Mao, Weihua; Chronik, Blaine A; Feldman, Rebecca E; Smith, Michael B; Collins, Christopher M

2006-06-01

We present a method to calculate the electric (E)-fields within and surrounding a human body in a gradient coil, including E-fields induced by the changing magnetic fields and "conservative" E-fields originating with the scalar electrical potential in the coil windings. In agreement with previous numerical calculations, it is shown that magnetically-induced E-fields within the human body show no real concentration near the surface of the body, where nerve stimulation most often occurs. Both the magnetically-induced and conservative E-fields are shown to be considerably stronger just outside the human body than inside it, and under some circumstances the conservative E-fields just outside the body can be much larger than the magnetically-induced E-fields there. The order of gradient winding and the presence of conductive RF shield can greatly affect the conservative E-field distribution in these cases. Though the E-fields against the outer surface of the body are not commonly considered, understanding gradient E-fields may be important for reasons other than peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), such as potential interaction with electrical equipment. Copyright 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

STATCONT: A statistical continuum level determination method for line-rich sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sánchez-Monge, Á.; Schilke, P.; Ginsburg, A.; Cesaroni, R.; Schmiedeke, A.

2018-01-01

STATCONT is a python-based tool designed to determine the continuum emission level in spectral data, in particular for sources with a line-rich spectrum. The tool inspects the intensity distribution of a given spectrum and automatically determines the continuum level by using different statistical approaches. The different methods included in STATCONT are tested against synthetic data. We conclude that the sigma-clipping algorithm provides the most accurate continuum level determination, together with information on the uncertainty in its determination. This uncertainty can be used to correct the final continuum emission level, resulting in the here called `corrected sigma-clipping method' or c-SCM. The c-SCM has been tested against more than 750 different synthetic spectra reproducing typical conditions found towards astronomical sources. The continuum level is determined with a discrepancy of less than 1% in 50% of the cases, and less than 5% in 90% of the cases, provided at least 10% of the channels are line free. The main products of STATCONT are the continuum emission level, together with a conservative value of its uncertainty, and datacubes containing only spectral line emission, i.e., continuum-subtracted datacubes. STATCONT also includes the option to estimate the spectral index, when different files covering different frequency ranges are provided.

Investigations on magnetic field induced optical transparency in magnetic nanofluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohapatra, Dillip Kumar; Philip, John

2018-02-01

We study the magnetic field induced optical transparency and its origin in magnetic nanoemulsion of droplets of average size ∼200 nm containing superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. Beyond a certain volume fraction (Φ > 0.0021) of magnetic nanoemulsion and a critical magnetic field (Hc1), the transmitted light intensity increases drastically and reaches a maximum at another critical magnetic field (Hc2), beyond which the transmitted light intensity decreases and reaches a plateau. Interestingly, the transmitted light intensity at Hc2 is found to increase linearly with Φ and the critical magnetic fields Hc1 and Hc2 follow power law decay with Φ (i.e. Hc ∼ Φ-x), with exponents 0.48 and 0.27, respectively. The light intensity recovers to its initial value when the magnetic field is switched off, indicating the perfect reversibility of the field induced transparency process. The observed straight line scattered patterns above Hc2, on a screen placed perpendicular to the incident beam, confirms the formation of rod like anisotropic nanostructures perpendicular to the direction of light propagation. The magneto-optical measurements in the emulsion confirm that the observed field induced transparency in magnetic emulsions for Φ > 0.0021 is due to the optical birefringence caused by the rod like nanostructures. The reduced birefringence is found to be proportional to the square of the applied magnetic field. This finding offers several possibilities in using magnetic nanofluids in tunable optical devices.

Hubble induced mass after inflation in spectator field models

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

Fujita, Tomohiro; Harigaya, Keisuke, E-mail: tomofuji@stanford.edu, E-mail: keisukeh@icrr.u-tokyo.ac.jp

2016-12-01

Spectator field models such as the curvaton scenario and the modulated reheating are attractive scenarios for the generation of the cosmic curvature perturbation, as the constraints on inflation models are relaxed. In this paper, we discuss the effect of Hubble induced masses on the dynamics of spectator fields after inflation. We pay particular attention to the Hubble induced mass by the kinetic energy of an oscillating inflaton, which is generically unsuppressed but often overlooked. In the curvaton scenario, the Hubble induced mass relaxes the constraint on the property of the inflaton and the curvaton, such as the reheating temperature andmore » the inflation scale. We comment on the implication of our discussion for baryogenesis in the curvaton scenario. In the modulated reheating, the predictions of models e.g. the non-gaussianity can be considerably altered. Furthermore, we propose a new model of the modulated reheating utilizing the Hubble induced mass which realizes a wide range of the local non-gaussianity parameter.« less

Assembly of ordered colloidal aggregrates by electric-field-induced fluid flow

PubMed Central

Yeh, Syun-Ru; Seul, Michael; Shraiman, Boris I.

2017-01-01

Suspensions of colloidal particles form a variety of ordered planar structures at an interface in response to an a.c. or d.c. electric field applied normal to the interface1–3. This field-induced pattern formation can be useful, for example, in the processing of materials. Here we explore the origin of the ordering phenomenon. We present evidence suggesting that the long-ranged attraction between particles which causes aggregation is mediated by electric-field-induced fluid flow. We have imaged an axially symmetric flow field around individual particles on a uniform electrode surface. The flow is induced by distortions in the applied electric field owing to inhomogeneities in the ‘double layer’ of ions and counterions at the electrode surface. The beads themselves can create these inhomogeneities, or alternatively, we can modify the electrode surfaces by lithographic patterning so as to introduce specified patterns into the aggregated structures. PMID:28943661

Statistical field estimators for multiscale simulations.

PubMed

Eapen, Jacob; Li, Ju; Yip, Sidney

2005-11-01

We present a systematic approach for generating smooth and accurate fields from particle simulation data using the notions of statistical inference. As an extension to a parametric representation based on the maximum likelihood technique previously developed for velocity and temperature fields, a nonparametric estimator based on the principle of maximum entropy is proposed for particle density and stress fields. Both estimators are applied to represent molecular dynamics data on shear-driven flow in an enclosure which exhibits a high degree of nonlinear characteristics. We show that the present density estimator is a significant improvement over ad hoc bin averaging and is also free of systematic boundary artifacts that appear in the method of smoothing kernel estimates. Similarly, the velocity fields generated by the maximum likelihood estimator do not show any edge effects that can be erroneously interpreted as slip at the wall. For low Reynolds numbers, the velocity fields and streamlines generated by the present estimator are benchmarked against Newtonian continuum calculations. For shear velocities that are a significant fraction of the thermal speed, we observe a form of shear localization that is induced by the confining boundary.

The significance of turbulent flow representation in single-continuum models

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reimann, T.; Rehrl, C.; Shoemaker, W.B.; Geyer, T.; Birk, S.

2011-01-01

Karst aquifers exhibit highly conductive features caused from rock dissolution processes. Flow within these structures can become turbulent and therefore can be expressed by nonlinear gradient functions. One way to account for these effects is by coupling a continuum model with a conduit network. Alternatively, turbulent flow can be considered by adapting the hydraulic conductivity within the continuum model. Consequently, the significance of turbulent flow on the dynamic behavior of karst springs is investigated by an enhanced single-continuum model that results in conduit-type flow in continuum cells (CTFC). The single-continuum approach CTFC represents laminar and turbulent flow as well as more complex hybrid models that require additional programming and numerical efforts. A parameter study is conducted to investigate the effects of turbulent flow on the response of karst springs to recharge events using the new CTFC approach, existing hybrid models, and MODFLOW-2005. Results reflect the importance of representing (1) turbulent flow in karst conduits and (2) the exchange between conduits and continuum cells. More specifically, laminar models overestimate maximum spring discharge and underestimate hydraulic gradients within the conduit. It follows that aquifer properties inferred from spring hydrographs are potentially impaired by ignoring flow effects due to turbulence. The exchange factor used for hybrid models is necessary to account for the scale dependency between hydraulic properties of the matrix continuum and conduits. This functionality, which is not included in CTFC, can be mimicked by appropriate use of the Horizontal Flow Barrier package for MODFLOW. Copyright 2011 by the American Geophysical Union.

Large-scale, near-Earth, magnetic fields from external sources and the corresponding induced internal field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Langel, R. A.; Estes, R. H.

1983-01-01

Data from MAGSAT analyzed as a function of the Dst index to determine the first degree/order spherical harmonic description of the near-Earth external field and its corresponding induced field. The analysis was done separately for data from dawn and dusk. The MAGSAT data was compared with POGO data. A local time variation of the external field persists even during very quiet magnetic conditions; both a diurnal and 8-hour period are present. A crude estimate of Sq current in the 45 deg geomagnetic latitude range is obtained for 1966 to 1970. The current strength, located in the ionosphere and induced in the Earth, is typical of earlier determinations from surface data, although its maximum is displaced in local time from previous results.

Field induced transient current in one-dimensional nanostructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sako, Tokuei; Ishida, Hiroshi

2018-07-01

Field-induced transient current in one-dimensional nanostructures has been studied by a model of an electron confined in a 1D attractive Gaussian potential subjected both to electrodes at the terminals and to an ultrashort pulsed oscillatory electric field with the central frequency ω and the FWHM pulse width Γ. The time-propagation of the electron wave packet has been simulated by integrating the time-dependent Schrödinger equation directly relying on the second-order symplectic integrator method. The transient current has been calculated as the flux of the probability density of the escaping wave packet emitted from the downstream side of the confining potential. When a static bias-field E0 is suddenly applied, the resultant transient current shows an oscillatory decay behavior with time followed by a minimum structure before converging to a nearly constant value. The ω-dependence of the integrated transient current induced by the pulsed electric field has shown an asymmetric resonance line-shape for large Γ while it shows a fringe pattern on the spectral line profile for small Γ. These observations have been rationalized on the basis of the energy-level structure and lifetime of the quasibound states in the bias-field modified confining potential obtained by the complex-scaling Fourier grid Hamiltonian method.

Isostaticity in Cosserat Continuum

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

Geotech . Eng. Div. 106(4), 419–433 (1980) 13. Walker, D.M., Tordesillas, A., Thornton, C., Behringer, R.P., Zhang, J., Peters, J.F.: Percolating contact...thermomicromechanical approach to multiscale continuum modeling of dense granular materials. Acta Geotech . 3, 225–240 (2008) 17. Oda, M., Takemura, T

Temperature dependence of lower critical field of YBCO superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rani, Poonam; Hafiz, A. K.; Awana, V. P. S.

2018-05-01

We report the detailed study of the temperature dependence of the lower critical field (Hc1) of the YBa2Cu3O7 superconductor by magnetization measurements. The curve shows the multiband gap behavior of the sample. It is found that the sample is not a single BCS type superconductor. Hc1 is measured as the point at which the curve deviates from a Meissner-like linear M(H) curve to a nonlinear path. The Hc1 for YBCO at different temperatures from 10K to 85K has been determined by magnetization measurements M(H) with applied field parallel to the c-axis. The sample phase purity has been confirmed by Rietveld fitted X-ray diffraction data. The amplitude (1-17Oe) dependent AC susceptibility confirms the granular nature of superconducting compound. Using Bean model we calculated the temperature dependency of inter-grain critical current density and Jc(0) is found as 699.14kAcm-2.

A 700 V narrow channel nJFET with low pinch-off voltage and suppressed drain-induced barrier lowering effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Kun; Qiao, Ming; Zhang, WenTong; Zhang, Bo; Li, Zhaoji

2014-11-01

This paper proposes a 700 V narrow channel region triple-RESURF (reduced surface field) n-type junction field-effect transistor (NCT-nJFET). Compared to traditional structures, low pinch-off voltage (VP) with unobvious drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL) effect and large saturated current (IDsat) are achieved. This is because p-type buried layer (Pbury) and PWELL are introduced to shape narrow n-type channel in JFET channel region. DIBL sensitivity (SDIBL) is firstly introduced in this paper to analyze the DIBL effect of high-voltage long-channel JFET. Ultra-high breakdown voltage is obtained by triple RESURF technology. Experimental results show that proposed NCT-nJFET achieves 24-V VP, 3.5% SDIBL, 2.3-mA IDsat, 800-V OFF-state breakdown voltage (OFF-BV) and 650-V ON-state breakdown voltage when VGS equals 0 V (ON-BV).

Characterization of double continuum formulations of transport through pore-scale information

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porta, G.; Ceriotti, G.; Bijeljic, B.

2016-12-01

Information on pore-scale characteristics is becoming increasingly available at unprecedented levels of detail from modern visualization/data-acquisition techniques. These advancements are not completely matched by corresponding developments of operational procedures according to which we can engineer theoretical findings aiming at improving our ability to reduce the uncertainty associated with the outputs of continuum-scale models to be employed at large scales. We present here a modeling approach which rests on pore-scale information to achieve a complete characterization of a double continuum model of transport and fluid-fluid reactive processes. Our model makes full use of pore-scale velocity distributions to identify mobile and immobile regions. We do so on the basis of a pointwise (in the pore space) evaluation of the relative strength of advection and diffusion time scales, as rendered by spatially variable values of local Péclet numbers. After mobile and immobile regions are demarcated, we build a simplified unit cell which is employed as a representative proxy of the real porous domain. This model geometry is then employed to simplify the computation of the effective parameters embedded in the double continuum transport model, while retaining relevant information from the pore-scale characterization of the geometry and velocity field. We document results which illustrate the applicability of the methodology to predict transport of a passive tracer within two- and three-dimensional media upon comparison with direct pore-scale numerical simulation of transport in the same geometrical settings. We also show preliminary results about the extension of this model to fluid-fluid reactive transport processes. In this context, we focus on results obtained in two-dimensional porous systems. We discuss the impact of critical quantities required as input to our modeling approach to obtain continuum-scale outputs. We identify the key limitations of the proposed

Infrasonic attenuation in the upper mesosphere-lower thermosphere: a comparison between Navier-Stokes and Burnett predictions.

PubMed

Akintunde, Akinjide; Petculescu, Andi

2014-10-01

This paper presents the results of a pilot study comparing the use of continuum and non-continuum fluid dynamics to predict infrasound attenuation in the rarefied lower thermosphere. The continuum approach is embodied by the Navier-Stokes equations, while the non-continuum method is implemented via the Burnett equations [Proc. London Math. Soc. 39, 385-430 (1935); 40, 382-435 (1936)]. In the Burnett framework, the coupling between stress tensor and heat flux affects the dispersion equation, leading to an attenuation coefficient smaller than its Navier-Stokes counterpart by amounts of order 0.1 dB/km at 0.1 Hz, 10 dB/km at 1 Hz, and 100 dB/km at 10 Hz. It has been observed that many measured thermospheric arrivals are stronger than current predictions based on continuum mechanics. In this context, the consistently smaller Burnett-based absorption is cautiously encouraging.

Continuum Thinking and the Contexts of Personal Information Management

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huvila, Isto; Eriksen, Jon; Häusner, Eva-Maria; Jansson, Ina-Maria

2014-01-01

Introduction: Recent personal information management literature has underlined the significance of the contextuality of personal information and its use. The present article discusses the applicability of the records continuum model and its generalisation, continuum thinking, as a theoretical framework for explicating the overlap and evolution of…

Steering continuum electron dynamics by low-energy attosecond streaking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geng, Ji-Wei; Xiong, Wei-Hao; Xiao, Xiang-Ru; Gong, Qihuang; Peng, Liang-You

2016-08-01

A semiclassical model is developed to understand the electronic dynamics in the low-energy attosecond streaking. Under a relatively strong infrared (IR) pulse, the low-energy part of photoelectrons initialized by a single attosecond pulse (SAP) can either rescatter with the ionic core and induce interferences structures in the momentum spectra of the ionized electrons or be recaptured into the Rydberg states. The Coulomb potential plays essential roles in both the electron rescattering and recapturing processes. We find that by changing the time delay between the SAP and the IR pulse, the photoelectrons yield or the population of the Rydberg states can be effectively controlled. The present study demonstrates a fascinating way to steer the electron motion in the continuum.

Continuum beliefs and stigmatising beliefs about mental illness: results from an Asian community survey

PubMed Central

Subramaniam, Mythily; Abdin, Edimansyah; Picco, Louisa; Shahwan, Shazana; Jeyagurunathan, Anitha; Vaingankar, Janhavi Ajit; Chong, Siow Ann

2017-01-01

Objectives To establish the prevalence and correlates of continuum beliefs for five mental illnesses in a multiethnic population and to explore its association with stigma. Design A community-based, cross-sectional study. Setting A national study in a multiethnic Asian country. Participants A comprehensive study of 3006 Singapore residents (Singapore citizens and permanent residents) aged 18–65 years who were living in Singapore at the time of the survey. Outcome measures Parameters assessed included belief in a continuum of symptom experience, stigma dimensions and causal beliefs in mental illness. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression (MLR). Results About half of the population indicated agreement with a continuum of symptoms for depression (57.9%) and dementia (46.8%), whereas only about one in three respondents agreed with it for alcohol abuse (35.6%), schizophrenia (32.7%) and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) (36.8%). MLR analyses revealed that students (β=0.28; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.50; p=0.018) and those who were unemployed (β=0.60; 95% CI 0.26 to 0.95; p=0.001) (vs employed) as well as those who had previous contact with people with mental illness (β = 0.31; 95% CI 0.18 to 0.45; p<0.001) and believed stress, family arguments, difficulties at work or financial difficulties to be a cause for mental illness (β=0.43; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.73; p=0.005) were associated with a higher belief in a continuum of symptom experience. Continuum beliefs were related to lower desire for social distance in alcohol abuse, OCD and schizophrenia; however, they were associated with higher scores on ‘weak-not-sick’ stigma dimension in dementia and schizophrenia. Conclusions Perceiving that a person with a mental illness is similar to themselves may reduce social distancing by the public. Thus, the approach may lend itself well to public education aimed at reducing stigma. PMID:28381420

Parallel algorithm for multiscale atomistic/continuum simulations using LAMMPS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavia, F.; Curtin, W. A.

2015-07-01

Deformation and fracture processes in engineering materials often require simultaneous descriptions over a range of length and time scales, with each scale using a different computational technique. Here we present a high-performance parallel 3D computing framework for executing large multiscale studies that couple an atomic domain, modeled using molecular dynamics and a continuum domain, modeled using explicit finite elements. We use the robust Coupled Atomistic/Discrete-Dislocation (CADD) displacement-coupling method, but without the transfer of dislocations between atoms and continuum. The main purpose of the work is to provide a multiscale implementation within an existing large-scale parallel molecular dynamics code (LAMMPS) that enables use of all the tools associated with this popular open-source code, while extending CADD-type coupling to 3D. Validation of the implementation includes the demonstration of (i) stability in finite-temperature dynamics using Langevin dynamics, (ii) elimination of wave reflections due to large dynamic events occurring in the MD region and (iii) the absence of spurious forces acting on dislocations due to the MD/FE coupling, for dislocations further than 10 Å from the coupling boundary. A first non-trivial example application of dislocation glide and bowing around obstacles is shown, for dislocation lengths of ∼50 nm using fewer than 1 000 000 atoms but reproducing results of extremely large atomistic simulations at much lower computational cost.

77 FR 44653 - Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Grant Application-Technical Submission

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-30

... DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR-5603-N-50] Continuum of Care Homeless... obtain more detailed technical information not contained in the original Continuum of Care Homeless...: Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Grant Application--Technical Submission. OMB Approval Number: 2506...

A CONTINUUM HARD-SPHERE MODEL OF PROTEIN ADSORPTION

PubMed Central

Finch, Craig; Clarke, Thomas; Hickman, James J.

2012-01-01

Protein adsorption plays a significant role in biological phenomena such as cell-surface interactions and the coagulation of blood. Two-dimensional random sequential adsorption (RSA) models are widely used to model the adsorption of proteins on solid surfaces. Continuum equations have been developed so that the results of RSA simulations can be used to predict the kinetics of adsorption. Recently, Brownian dynamics simulations have become popular for modeling protein adsorption. In this work a continuum model was developed to allow the results from a Brownian dynamics simulation to be used as the boundary condition in a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. Brownian dynamics simulations were used to model the diffusive transport of hard-sphere particles in a liquid and the adsorption of the particles onto a solid surface. The configuration of the adsorbed particles was analyzed to quantify the chemical potential near the surface, which was found to be a function of the distance from the surface and the fractional surface coverage. The near-surface chemical potential was used to derive a continuum model of adsorption that incorporates the results from the Brownian dynamics simulations. The equations of the continuum model were discretized and coupled to a CFD simulation of diffusive transport to the surface. The kinetics of adsorption predicted by the continuum model closely matched the results from the Brownian dynamics simulation. This new model allows the results from mesoscale simulations to be incorporated into micro- or macro-scale CFD transport simulations of protein adsorption in practical devices. PMID:23729843

The limits of the nuclear landscape explored by the relativistic continuum Hartree–Bogoliubov theory

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

Xia, X. W.; Lim, Y.; Zhao, P. W.

The ground-state properties of nuclei with 8more » $$\\leqslant$$ Z $$\\leqslant$$ 120 from the proton drip line to the neutron drip line have been investigated using the relativistic continuum Hartree-Bogoliubov (RCHB) theory with the relativistic density functional PC-PK1. With the effects of the continuum included, there are totally 9035 nuclei predicted to be bound, which largely extends the existing nuclear landscapes predicted with other methods. The calculated binding energies, separation energies, neutron and proton Fermi surfaces, root-mean-square (rms) radii of neutron, proton, matter, and charge distributions, ground-state spins and parities are tabulated. The extension of the nuclear landscape obtained with RCHB is discussed in detail, in particular for the neutron-rich side, in comparison with the relativistic mean field calculations without pairing correlations and also other predicted landscapes. Here, it is found that the coupling between the bound states and the continuum due to the pairing correlations plays an essential role in extending the nuclear landscape. The systematics of the separation energies, radii, densities, potentials and pairing energies of the RCHB calculations are also discussed. In addition, the α-decay energies and proton emitters based on the RCHB calculations are investigated.« less

The limits of the nuclear landscape explored by the relativistic continuum Hartree–Bogoliubov theory

DOE PAGES

Xia, X. W.; Lim, Y.; Zhao, P. W.; ...

2017-11-01

The ground-state properties of nuclei with 8more » $$\\leqslant$$ Z $$\\leqslant$$ 120 from the proton drip line to the neutron drip line have been investigated using the relativistic continuum Hartree-Bogoliubov (RCHB) theory with the relativistic density functional PC-PK1. With the effects of the continuum included, there are totally 9035 nuclei predicted to be bound, which largely extends the existing nuclear landscapes predicted with other methods. The calculated binding energies, separation energies, neutron and proton Fermi surfaces, root-mean-square (rms) radii of neutron, proton, matter, and charge distributions, ground-state spins and parities are tabulated. The extension of the nuclear landscape obtained with RCHB is discussed in detail, in particular for the neutron-rich side, in comparison with the relativistic mean field calculations without pairing correlations and also other predicted landscapes. Here, it is found that the coupling between the bound states and the continuum due to the pairing correlations plays an essential role in extending the nuclear landscape. The systematics of the separation energies, radii, densities, potentials and pairing energies of the RCHB calculations are also discussed. In addition, the α-decay energies and proton emitters based on the RCHB calculations are investigated.« less

Optical Realization of Double-Continuum Fano Interference and Coherent Control in Plasmonic Metasurfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arju, Nihal; Ma, Tzuhsuan; Khanikaev, Alexander; Purtseladze, David; Shvets, Gennady

2015-06-01

Classical realization of a ubiquitous quantum mechanical phenomenon of double-continuum Fano interference using metasurfaces is experimentally demonstrated by engineering the near-field interaction between two bright and one dark plasmonic modes. The competition between the bright modes, one of them effectively suppressing the Fano interference for the orthogonal light polarization, is discovered. Coherent control of optical energy concentration and light absorption by the ellipticity of the incident light is theoretically predicted.

Temperature and field induced strain measurements in single crystal Gd 5Si 2Ge 2

DOE PAGES

McCall, S. K.; Nersessian, N.; Carman, G. P.; ...

2016-03-29

The first-order magneto-structural transformation that occurs in Gd 5Si 2Ge 2 near room temperature makes it a strong candidate for many energy harvesting applications. Understanding the single crystal properties is crucial for allowing simulations of device performance. In this study, magnetically and thermally induced transformation strains were measured in a single crystal of Gd 5Si 2.05Ge 1.95 as it transforms from a high-temperature monoclinic paramagnet to a lower-temperature orthorhombic ferromagnet. Thermally induced transformation strains of –8500 ppm, +960 ppm and +1800 ppm, and magnetically induced transformation strains of –8500 ppm, +900 ppm and +2300 ppm were measured along the a,more » b and c axes, respectively. Furthermore, using experimental data coupled with general thermodynamic considerations, a universal phase diagram was constructed showing the transition from the monoclinic to the orthorhombic phase as a function of temperature and magnetic field.« less

Reply to "Comment on 'Hydrodynamics of fractal continuum flow' and 'Map of fluid flow in fractal porous medium into fractal continuum flow'".

PubMed

Balankin, Alexander S; Elizarraraz, Benjamin Espinoza

2013-11-01

The aim of this Reply is to elucidate the difference between the fractal continuum models used in the preceding Comment and the models of fractal continuum flow which were put forward in our previous articles [Phys. Rev. E 85, 025302(R) (2012); 85, 056314 (2012)]. In this way, some drawbacks of the former models are highlighted. Specifically, inconsistencies in the definitions of the fractal derivative, the Jacobian of transformation, the displacement vector, and angular momentum are revealed. The proper forms of the Reynolds' transport theorem and angular momentum principle for the fractal continuum are reaffirmed in a more illustrative manner. Consequently, we emphasize that in the absence of any internal angular momentum, body couples, and couple stresses, the Cauchy stress tensor in the fractal continuum should be symmetric. Furthermore, we stress that the approach based on the Cartesian product measured and used in the preceding Comment cannot be employed to study the path-connected fractals, such as a flow in a fractally permeable medium. Thus, all statements of our previous works remain unchallenged.

Soap-film flow induced by electric fields in asymmetric frames.

PubMed

Mollaei, S; Nasiri, M; Soltanmohammadi, N; Shirsavar, R; Ramos, A; Amjadi, A

2018-04-01

Net fluid flow of soap films induced by (ac or dc) electric fields in asymmetric frames is presented. Previous experiments of controllable soap film flow required the simultaneous use of an electrical current passing through the film and an external electric field or the use of nonuniform ac electric fields. Here a single voltage difference generates both the electrical current going through the film and the electric field that actuates on the charge induced on the film. The film is set into global motion due to the broken symmetry that appears by the use of asymmetric frames. If symmetric frames are used, the film flow is not steady but time dependent and irregular. Finally, we study numerically these film flows by employing the model of charge induction in ohmic liquids.

Soap-film flow induced by electric fields in asymmetric frames

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mollaei, S.; Nasiri, M.; Soltanmohammadi, N.; Shirsavar, R.; Ramos, A.; Amjadi, A.

2018-04-01

Net fluid flow of soap films induced by (ac or dc) electric fields in asymmetric frames is presented. Previous experiments of controllable soap film flow required the simultaneous use of an electrical current passing through the film and an external electric field or the use of nonuniform ac electric fields. Here a single voltage difference generates both the electrical current going through the film and the electric field that actuates on the charge induced on the film. The film is set into global motion due to the broken symmetry that appears by the use of asymmetric frames. If symmetric frames are used, the film flow is not steady but time dependent and irregular. Finally, we study numerically these film flows by employing the model of charge induction in ohmic liquids.

Brain insulin lowers circulating BCAA levels by inducing hepatic BCAA catabolism

DOE PAGES

Shin, Andrew C.; Fasshauer, Martin; Filatova, Nika; ...

2014-10-09

Circulating branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) levels are elevated in obesity and diabetes and are a sensitive predictor for type 2 diabetes. Here we show in rats that insulin dose-dependently lowers plasma BCAA levels through induction of protein expression and activity of branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH), the rate-limiting enzyme in the BCAA degradation pathway in the liver. Selective induction of hypothalamic insulin signaling in rats as well as inducible and lifelong genetic modulation of brain insulin receptor expression in mice both demonstrate that brain insulin signaling is a major regulator of BCAA metabolism by inducing hepatic BCKDH. Further, short-term overfeedingmore » impairs the ability of brain insulin to lower circulating BCAA levels in rats. Chronic high-fat feeding in primates and obesity and/or type 2 diabetes in humans is associated with reduced BCKDH protein expression in liver, further supporting the concept that decreased hepatic BCKDH is a primary cause of increased plasma BCAA levels in insulin-resistant states. These findings demonstrate that neuroendocrine pathways control BCAA homeostasis and that hypothalamic insulin resistance can be a cause of impaired BCAA metabolism in obesity and diabetes.« less

Brain insulin lowers circulating BCAA levels by inducing hepatic BCAA catabolism

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

Shin, Andrew C.; Fasshauer, Martin; Filatova, Nika

Circulating branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) levels are elevated in obesity and diabetes and are a sensitive predictor for type 2 diabetes. Here we show in rats that insulin dose-dependently lowers plasma BCAA levels through induction of protein expression and activity of branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH), the rate-limiting enzyme in the BCAA degradation pathway in the liver. Selective induction of hypothalamic insulin signaling in rats as well as inducible and lifelong genetic modulation of brain insulin receptor expression in mice both demonstrate that brain insulin signaling is a major regulator of BCAA metabolism by inducing hepatic BCKDH. Further, short-term overfeedingmore » impairs the ability of brain insulin to lower circulating BCAA levels in rats. Chronic high-fat feeding in primates and obesity and/or type 2 diabetes in humans is associated with reduced BCKDH protein expression in liver, further supporting the concept that decreased hepatic BCKDH is a primary cause of increased plasma BCAA levels in insulin-resistant states. These findings demonstrate that neuroendocrine pathways control BCAA homeostasis and that hypothalamic insulin resistance can be a cause of impaired BCAA metabolism in obesity and diabetes.« less

Continuum Vlasov Simulation in Four Phase-space Dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cohen, B. I.; Banks, J. W.; Berger, R. L.; Hittinger, J. A.; Brunner, S.

2010-11-01

In the VALHALLA project, we are developing scalable algorithms for the continuum solution of the Vlasov-Maxwell equations in two spatial and two velocity dimensions. We use fourth-order temporal and spatial discretizations of the conservative form of the equations and a finite-volume representation to enable adaptive mesh refinement and nonlinear oscillation control [1]. The code has been implemented with and without adaptive mesh refinement, and with electromagnetic and electrostatic field solvers. A goal is to study the efficacy of continuum Vlasov simulations in four phase-space dimensions for laser-plasma interactions. We have verified the code in examples such as the two-stream instability, the weak beam-plasma instability, Landau damping, electron plasma waves with electron trapping and nonlinear frequency shifts [2]^ extended from 1D to 2D propagation, and light wave propagation.^ We will report progress on code development, computational methods, and physics applications. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. DOE by LLNL under contract no. DE-AC52-07NA27344. This work was funded by the Lab. Dir. Res. and Dev. Prog. at LLNL under project tracking code 08-ERD-031. [1] J.W. Banks and J.A.F. Hittinger, to appear in IEEE Trans. Plas. Sci. (Sept., 2010). [2] G.J. Morales and T.M. O'Neil, Phys. Rev. Lett. 28,417 (1972); R. L. Dewar, Phys. Fluids 15,712 (1972).

Manipulation of resonant Auger processes with strong optical fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Picón, Antonio; Buth, Christian; Doumy, Gilles; Krässig, Bertold; Young, Linda; Southworth, Stephen

2013-05-01

We recently reported on the optical control of core-excited states of a resonant Auger process in neon. We have focused on the resonant excitation 1 s --> 1s-1 3 p , while a strong optical field may resonantly couple two core-excited states (1s-1 3 p and 1s-1 3 s) in the Rydberg manifold as well as dressing the continuum. There is a clear signature in the Auger electron spectrum of the inner-shell dynamics induced by the strong optical field: i) the Auger electron spectrum is modified by the rapid optical-induced population transfer from the 1s-1 3 p state to the 1s-1 3 s state during their decay. ii) The angular anisotropy parameter, defining the angular distribution of the Auger electron, is manifested in the envelope of the (angle-integrated) sidebands. This work is funded by the Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Office of Science, U.S. Department of Energy, under Contract No. DE-AC02-06CH11357.

Constraining Lyman continuum escape using Machine Learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giri, Sambit K.; Zackrisson, Erik; Binggeli, Christian; Pelckmans, Kristiaan; Cubo, Rubén; Mellema, Garrelt

2018-05-01

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will observe the rest-frame ultraviolet/optical spectra of galaxies from the epoch of reionization (EoR) in unprecedented detail. While escaping into the intergalactic medium, hydrogen-ionizing (Lyman continuum; LyC) photons from the galaxies will contribute to the bluer end of the UV slope and make nebular emission lines less prominent. We present a method to constrain leakage of the LyC photons using the spectra of high redshift (z >~ 6) galaxies. We simulate JWST/NIRSpec observations of galaxies at z =6-9 by matching the fluxes of galaxies observed in the Frontier Fields observations of galaxy cluster MACS-J0416. Our method predicts the escape fraction fesc with a mean absolute error Δfesc ~ 0.14. The method also predicts the redshifts of the galaxies with an error .

A computational continuum model of poroelastic beds

PubMed Central

Zampogna, G. A.

2017-01-01

Despite the ubiquity of fluid flows interacting with porous and elastic materials, we lack a validated non-empirical macroscale method for characterizing the flow over and through a poroelastic medium. We propose a computational tool to describe such configurations by deriving and validating a continuum model for the poroelastic bed and its interface with the above free fluid. We show that, using stress continuity condition and slip velocity condition at the interface, the effective model captures the effects of small changes in the microstructure anisotropy correctly and predicts the overall behaviour in a physically consistent and controllable manner. Moreover, we show that the performance of the effective model is accurate by validating with fully microscopic resolved simulations. The proposed computational tool can be used in investigations in a wide range of fields, including mechanical engineering, bio-engineering and geophysics. PMID:28413355

Uses of continuum radiation in the AXAF calibration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kolodziejczak, J. J.; Austin, R. A.; Elsner, R. F.; O'Dell, S. L.; Sulkanen, M. E.; Swartz, D. A.; Tennant, A. F.; Weisskopf, M. C.; Zirnstein, G.; McDermott, W. C.

1997-01-01

X-ray calibration of the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) observatory at the MSFC X-Ray Calibration Facility (XRCF) made novel use of the x-ray continuum from a conventional electron-impact source. Taking advantage of the good spectral resolution of solid-state detectors, continuum measurements proved advantageous in calibrating the effective area of AXAF's High-Resolution Mirror Assembly (HRMA) and in verifying its alignment to the XRCF's optical axis.

The Continuum of Health Professions

PubMed Central

Jensen, Clyde B.

2015-01-01

The large number of health care professions with overlapping scopes of practice is intimidating to students, confusing to patients, and frustrating to policymakers. As abundant and diverse as the hundreds of health care professions are, they possess sufficient numbers of common characteristics to warrant their placement on a common continuum of health professions that permits methodical comparisons. From 2009–2012, the author developed and delivered experimental courses at 2 community colleges for the purposes of creating and validating a novel method for comparing health care professions. This paper describes the bidirectional health professions continuum that emerged from these courses and its potential value in helping students select a health care career, motivating health care providers to seek interprofessional collaboration, assisting patients with the selection of health care providers, and helping policymakers to better understand the health care professions they regulate. PMID:26770147

Block versus continuum deformation in the Western United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

King, G.; Oppenheimer, D.; Amelung, F.

1994-01-01

The relative role of block versus continuum deformation of continental lithosphere is a current subject of debate. Continuous deformation is suggested by distributed seismicity at continental plate margins and by cumulative seismic moment sums which yield slip estimates that are less than estimates from plate motion studies. In contrast, block models are favored by geologic studies of displacement in places like Asia. A problem in this debate is a lack of data from which unequivocal conclusions may be reached. In this paper we apply the techniques of study used in regions such as the Alpine-Himalayan belt to an area with a wealth of instrumental data-the Western United States. By comparing plate rates to seismic moment release rates and assuming a typical seismogenic layer thickness of 15 km it appears that since 1850 about 60% of the Pacific-North America motion across the plate boundary in California and Nevada has occurred seismically and 40% aseismically. The San Francisco Bay area shows similar partitioning between seismic and aseismic deformation, and it can be shown that within the seismogenic depth range aseismic deformation is concentrated near the surface and at depth. In some cases this deformation can be located on creeping surface faults, but elsewhere it is spread over a several kilometer wide zone adjacent to the fault. These superficial creeping deformation zones may be responsible for the palaeomagnetic rotations that have been ascribed elsewhere to the surface expression of continuum deformation in the lithosphere. Our results support the dominant role of non-continuum deformation processes with the implication that deformation localization by strain softening must occur in the lower crust and probably the upper mantle. Our conclusions apply only to the regions where the data are good, and even within the Western United States (i.e., the Basin and Range) deformation styles remain poorly resolved. Nonetheless, we maintain that block motion is the

The urban watershed continuum: evolving spatial and temporal dimensions

Treesearch

Sujay S. Kaushal; Kenneth T. Belt

2012-01-01

Urban ecosystems are constantly evolving, and they are expected to change in both space and time with active management or degradation. An urban watershed continuum framework recognizes a continuum of engineered and natural hydrologic flowpaths that expands hydrologic networks in ways that are seldom considered. It recognizes that the nature of hydrologic connectivity...

Electric field induced spin-polarized current

DOEpatents

Murakami, Shuichi; Nagaosa, Naoto; Zhang, Shoucheng

2006-05-02

A device and a method for generating an electric-field-induced spin current are disclosed. A highly spin-polarized electric current is generated using a semiconductor structure and an applied electric field across the semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure can be a hole-doped semiconductor having finite or zero bandgap or an undoped semiconductor of zero bandgap. In one embodiment, a device for injecting spin-polarized current into a current output terminal includes a semiconductor structure including first and second electrodes, along a first axis, receiving an applied electric field and a third electrode, along a direction perpendicular to the first axis, providing the spin-polarized current. The semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor material whose spin orbit coupling energy is greater than room temperature (300 Kelvin) times the Boltzmann constant. In one embodiment, the semiconductor structure is a hole-doped semiconductor structure, such as a p-type GaAs semiconductor layer.

The Vector Magnetic Fields and Thermodynamics of Sunspot Light Bridges: The Case for Field-free Disruptions in Sunspots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leka, K. D.

1997-07-01

We present observations with the Advanced Stokes Polarimeter of 11 light bridges in sunspots of various ages and sizes, all very close to disk center. Full vector spectropolarimetry and a nonlinear least-squares inversion algorithm allows us to determine not only the vector magnetic field in the bridges and host sunspots but also thermodynamic parameters such as continuum brightness, Doppler shifts, Doppler widths, opacity ratio, and the source function parameters. We can also separate the magnetic and nonmagnetic components of the spectral signal within each resolution element. We find that there is a disruption of the magnetic fields in light bridges, relative both to neighboring umbrae and to normal, undisturbed penumbrae. This change takes the form of lower intrinsic field strength and sparser, more horizontal fields in the bridges relative to umbrae. The magnetic fields in the bridges remain more vertically oriented, however, than those in undisturbed penumbra. There are systematic upflows observed in the bridge plasma relative to the neighboring umbrae, and the evidence points toward a component that is heated and departs from radiative equilibrium. In four cases, we follow a light bridge over several days and find that as the bridges age, they grow wider and brighter, the fields weaken and become sparser, and the heating increases. We also find some evidence that the magnetic field begins to reorganize itself to accommodate the (now) two azimuth centers before there are strong signals of a light bridge in the thermodynamic parameters. This paper presents the first systematic look at sunspot light bridges with full vector polarimetry and thermodynamic determination. The results show that there is an intrusion of field-free, possibly convective material into an otherwise stable, magnetic sunspot. The departure from stability is seen in the magnetic field orientation prior to its appearance in continuum intensity, and the effects of this disruption are evident

Electric toothbrushes induce electric current in fixed dental appliances by creating magnetic fields.

PubMed

Kameda, Takashi; Ohkuma, Kazuo; Ishii, Nozomu; Sano, Natsuki; Ogura, Hideo; Terada, Kazuto

2012-01-01

Magnetic fields can represent a health problem, especially low frequency electromagnetic fields sometimes induced by electric current in metallic objects worn or used in or on the body (as opposed to high frequency electromagnetic fields that produce heat). Electric toothbrushes are widely used because of their convenience, but the electric motors that power them may produce electromagnetic waves. In this study, we showed that electric toothbrushes generate low frequency (1-2000 Hz) magnetic fields and induce electric current in dental appliances (e. g. orthodontic and prosthetic appliances and dental implants). Current induced by electric toothbrushes might be dependent on the quantity and types of metals used, and the shape of the appliances. Furthermore, these induced currents in dental appliances could impact upon human oral health, producing pain and discomfort.

Lower cost offshore field development utilizing autonomous vehicles

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

Frisbie, F.R.; Vie, K.J.; Welch, D.W.

1996-12-31

The offshore oil and gas industry has the requirement to inspect offshore oil and gas pipelines for scour, corrosion and damage as well as inspect and intervene on satellite production facilities. This task is currently performed with Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) operated from dynamically positioned (DP) offshore supply or diving support boats. Currently, these tasks are expensive due to the high day rates for DP ships and the slow, umbilical impeded, 1 knot inspection rates of the tethered ROVs, Emerging Autonomous Undersea Vehicle (AUV) technologies offer opportunities to perform these same inspection tasks for 50--75% lower cost, with comparable ormore » improved quality. The new generation LAPV (Linked Autonomous Power Vehicles) will operate from fixed facilities such as TLPs or FPFs and cover an operating field 10 kms in diameter.« less

Water vapour foreign-continuum absorption in near-infrared windows from laboratory measurements.

PubMed

Ptashnik, Igor V; McPheat, Robert A; Shine, Keith P; Smith, Kevin M; Williams, R Gary

2012-06-13

For a long time, it has been believed that atmospheric absorption of radiation within wavelength regions of relatively high infrared transmittance (so-called 'windows') was dominated by the water vapour self-continuum, that is, spectrally smooth absorption caused by H(2)O--H(2)O pair interaction. Absorption due to the foreign continuum (i.e. caused mostly by H(2)O--N(2) bimolecular absorption in the Earth's atmosphere) was considered to be negligible in the windows. We report new retrievals of the water vapour foreign continuum from high-resolution laboratory measurements at temperatures between 350 and 430 K in four near-infrared windows between 1.1 and 5 μm (9000-2000 cm(-1)). Our results indicate that the foreign continuum in these windows has a very weak temperature dependence and is typically between one and two orders of magnitude stronger than that given in representations of the continuum currently used in many climate and weather prediction models. This indicates that absorption owing to the foreign continuum may be comparable to the self-continuum under atmospheric conditions in the investigated windows. The calculated global-average clear-sky atmospheric absorption of solar radiation is increased by approximately 0.46 W m(-2) (or 0.6% of the total clear-sky absorption) by using these new measurements when compared with calculations applying the widely used MTCKD (Mlawer-Tobin-Clough-Kneizys-Davies) foreign-continuum model.

The Somma Vesuvius stress field induced by regional tectonics: evidences from seismological and mesostructural data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bianco, F.; Castellano, M.; Milano, G.; Ventura, G.; Vilardo, G.

1998-06-01

A detailed structural and geophysical study of the Somma-Vesuvius volcanic complex was carried out by integrating mesostructural measurements, focal mechanisms and shear-wave splitting analysis. Fault-slip and focal mechanism analysis indicate that the volcano is affected by NW-SE-, NE-SW-trending oblique-slip faults and by E-W-trending normal faults. Magma chamber(s) responsible for plinian/sub-plinian eruptions (i.e. A.D. 79 and 1631) formed inside the area bounded by E-W-trending normal faults. The post-1631 fissural eruptions (i.e. 1794 and 1861) occurred along the main oblique-slip fault segments. The movements of the Vesuvius faults are mainly related to the regional stress field. A local stress field superposed to the regional one is also present but evidences of magma or gravity induced stresses are lacking. The local stress field acts inside the caldera area being related to fault reactivation processes. The present-day Vesuvius seismic activity is due to both regional and local stress fields. Shear-wave splitting analysis reveals an anisotropic volume due to stress induced cracks NW-SE aligned by faulting processes. Since the depth extent of the anisotropic volume is at least 6 km b.s.l., we deduce the NW-SE-trending oblique-slip fault system represents the main discontinuity on which lies the volcano. This discontinuity is responsible for the morphological lowering of the edifice in its southwestern side.

Models of Uranium continuum radio emission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Romig, Joseph H.; Evans, David R.; Sawyer, Constance B.; Schweitzer, Andrea E.; Warwick, James W.

1987-01-01

Uranium continuum radio emission detected by the Voyager 2 Planetary Radio Astronomy experiment during the January 1986 encounter is considered. The continuum emissions comprised four components (equatorial emissions, anomaly emissions, strong nightside emissions, and weak nightside emissions) associated with different sources. The equatorial emissions appeared most prominently during the days before closest approach and extended from 40 kHz or below to about 120 kHz. The anomaly emissions were seen about 12 hours before closest approach and extended to about 250 kHz. The agreement found between Miranda's phase and strong radio emission at 20.4 kHz, just after closest approach, suggests intense dynamic activity on the Miranda L shell.

Continuum of Counseling Goals: A Framework for Differentiating Counseling Strategies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bruce, Paul

1984-01-01

Presents counseling goals in a developmental continuum similar in concept to Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Discusses ego development goals, socialization goals, developmental goals, self-esteem goals, and self-realization goals and describes characteristics and implications of the continuum. (JAC)

HIV continuum of care in Europe and Central Asia.

PubMed

Drew, R S; Rice, B; Rüütel, K; Delpech, V; Attawell, K A; Hales, D K; Velasco, C; Amato-Gauci, A J; Pharris, A; Tavoschi, L; Noori, T

2017-08-01

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) supports countries to monitor progress in their response to the HIV epidemic. In line with these monitoring responsibilities, we assess how, and to what extent, the continuum of care is being measured across countries. The ECDC sent out questionnaires to 55 countries in Europe and Central Asia in 2014. Nominated country representatives were questioned on how they defined and measured six elements of the continuum. We present our results using three previously described frameworks [breakpoints; Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 targets; diagnosis and treatment quadrant]. Forty countries provided data for at least one element of the continuum. Countries reported most frequently on the number of people diagnosed with HIV infection (37; 93%), and on the number in receipt of antiretroviral therapy (ART) (35; 88%). There was little consensus across countries in their approach to defining linkage to, and retention in, care. The most common breakpoint (>19% reduction between two adjacent elements) related to the estimated number of people living with HIV who were diagnosed (18 of 23; 78%). We present continuum data from multiple countries that provide both a snapshot of care provision and a baseline against which changes over time in care provision across Europe and Central Asia may be measured. To better inform HIV testing and treatment programmes, standard data collection approaches and definitions across the HIV continuum of care are needed. If countries wish to ensure an unbroken HIV continuum of care, people living with HIV need to be diagnosed promptly, and ART needs to be offered to all those diagnosed. © 2017 The Authors. HIV Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British HIV Association.

The HIV care continuum: no partial credit given.

PubMed

McNairy, Margaret L; El-Sadr, Wafaa M

2012-09-10

Despite significant scale-up of HIV care and treatment across the world, overall effectiveness of HIV programs is severely undermined by attrition of patients across the HIV care continuum, both in resource-rich and resource-limited settings. The care continuum has four essential steps: linkage from testing to enrollment in care, determination of antiretroviral therapy (ART) eligibility, ART initiation, and adherence to medications to achieve viral suppression. In order to substantially improve health outcomes for the individual and potentially for prevention of transmission to others, each of the steps of the entire care continuum must be achieved. This will require the adoption of interventions that address the multiplicity of barriers and social contexts faced by individuals and populations across each step, a reconceptualization of services to maximize engagement in care, and ambitious evaluation of program performance using all-or-none measurement.

Prediction of Size Effects in Notched Laminates Using Continuum Damage Mechanics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Camanho, D. P.; Maimi, P.; Davila, C. G.

2007-01-01

This paper examines the use of a continuum damage model to predict strength and size effects in notched carbon-epoxy laminates. The effects of size and the development of a fracture process zone before final failure are identified in an experimental program. The continuum damage model is described and the resulting predictions of size effects are compared with alternative approaches: the point stress and the inherent flaw models, the Linear-Elastic Fracture Mechanics approach, and the strength of materials approach. The results indicate that the continuum damage model is the most accurate technique to predict size effects in composites. Furthermore, the continuum damage model does not require any calibration and it is applicable to general geometries and boundary conditions.

Improvements in continuum modeling for biomolecular systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Qiao; Ben-Zhuo, Lu

2016-01-01

Modeling of biomolecular systems plays an essential role in understanding biological processes, such as ionic flow across channels, protein modification or interaction, and cell signaling. The continuum model described by the Poisson- Boltzmann (PB)/Poisson-Nernst-Planck (PNP) equations has made great contributions towards simulation of these processes. However, the model has shortcomings in its commonly used form and cannot capture (or cannot accurately capture) some important physical properties of the biological systems. Considerable efforts have been made to improve the continuum model to account for discrete particle interactions and to make progress in numerical methods to provide accurate and efficient simulations. This review will summarize recent main improvements in continuum modeling for biomolecular systems, with focus on the size-modified models, the coupling of the classical density functional theory and the PNP equations, the coupling of polar and nonpolar interactions, and numerical progress. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 91230106) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences Program for Cross & Cooperative Team of the Science & Technology Innovation.

On the Validity of Continuum Computational Fluid Dynamics Approach Under Very Low-Pressure Plasma Spray Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivchenko, Dmitrii; Zhang, Tao; Mariaux, Gilles; Vardelle, Armelle; Goutier, Simon; Itina, Tatiana E.

2018-01-01

Plasma spray physical vapor deposition aims to substantially evaporate powders in order to produce coatings with various microstructures. This is achieved by powder vapor condensation onto the substrate and/or by deposition of fine melted powder particles and nanoclusters. The deposition process typically operates at pressures ranging between 10 and 200 Pa. In addition to the experimental works, numerical simulations are performed to better understand the process and optimize the experimental conditions. However, the combination of high temperatures and low pressure with shock waves initiated by supersonic expansion of the hot gas in the low-pressure medium makes doubtful the applicability of the continuum approach for the simulation of such a process. This work investigates (1) effects of the pressure dependence of thermodynamic and transport properties on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) predictions and (2) the validity of the continuum approach for thermal plasma flow simulation under very low-pressure conditions. The study compares the flow fields predicted with a continuum approach using CFD software with those obtained by a kinetic-based approach using a direct simulation Monte Carlo method (DSMC). It also shows how the presence of high gradients can contribute to prediction errors for typical PS-PVD conditions.

Absolute high spectral resolution measurements of surface solar radiation for detection of water vapour continuum absorption.

PubMed

Gardiner, T D; Coleman, M; Browning, H; Tallis, L; Ptashnik, I V; Shine, K P

2012-06-13

Solar-pointing Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy offers the capability to measure both the fine scale and broadband spectral structure of atmospheric transmission simultaneously across wide spectral regions. It is therefore suited to the study of both water vapour monomer and continuum absorption behaviours. However, in order to properly address this issue, it is necessary to radiatively calibrate the FTIR instrument response. A solar-pointing high-resolution FTIR spectrometer was deployed as part of the 'Continuum Absorption by Visible and Infrared radiation and its Atmospheric Relevance' (CAVIAR) consortium project. This paper describes the radiative calibration process using an ultra-high-temperature blackbody and the consideration of the related influence factors. The result is a radiatively calibrated measurement of the solar irradiation at the ground across the IR region from 2000 to 10 000 cm(-1) with an uncertainty of between 3.3 and 5.9 per cent. This measurement is shown to be in good general agreement with a radiative-transfer model. The results from the CAVIAR field measurements are being used in ongoing studies of atmospheric absorbers, in particular the water vapour continuum.

A continuum theory of edge dislocations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berdichevsky, V. L.

2017-09-01

Continuum theory of dislocation aims to describe the behavior of large ensembles of dislocations. This task is far from completion, and, most likely, does not have a "universal solution", which is applicable to any dislocation ensemble. In this regards it is important to have guiding lines set by benchmark cases, where the transition from a discrete set of dislocations to a continuum description is made rigorously. Two such cases have been considered recently: equilibrium of dislocation walls and screw dislocations in beams. In this paper one more case is studied, equilibrium of a large set of 2D edge dislocations placed randomly in a 2D bounded region. The major characteristic of interest is energy of dislocation ensemble, because it determines the structure of continuum equations. The homogenized energy functional is obtained for the periodic dislocation ensembles with a random contents of the periodic cell. Parameters of the periodic structure can change slowly on distances of order of the size of periodic cells. The energy functional is obtained by the variational-asymptotic method. Equilibrium positions are local minima of energy. It is confirmed the earlier assertion that energy density of the system is the sum of elastic energy of averaged elastic strains and microstructure energy, which is elastic energy of the neutralized dislocation system, i.e. the dislocation system placed in a constant dislocation density field making the averaged dislocation density zero. The computation of energy is reduced to solution of a variational cell problem. This problem is solved analytically. The solution is used to investigate stability of simple dislocation arrays, i.e. arrays with one dislocation in the periodic cell. The relations obtained yield two outcomes: First, there is a state parameter of the system, dislocation polarization; averaged stresses affect only dislocation polarization and cannot change other characteristics of the system. Second, the structure of

Patterns and determinants of dropout from maternity care continuum in Nigeria.

PubMed

Akinyemi, Joshua O; Afolabi, Rotimi F; Awolude, Olutosin A

2016-09-27

, dropouts are high in South east and South south as well as in the Northern regions. Intervention programs focusing on community outreach about the benefits of continuum of maternal healthcare package should be introduced especially for women in rural areas and lower socio-economic strata.

Continuum analogues of contragredient Lie algebras (Lie algebras with a Cartan operator and nonlinear dynamical systems)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saveliev, M. V.; Vershik, A. M.

1989-12-01

We present an axiomatic formulation of a new class of infinitedimensional Lie algebras-the generalizations of Z-graded Lie algebras with, generally speaking, an infinite-dimensional Cartan subalgebra and a contiguous set of roots. We call such algebras “continuum Lie algebras.” The simple Lie algebras of constant growth are encapsulated in our formulation. We pay particular attention to the case when the local algebra is parametrized by a commutative algebra while the Cartan operator (the generalization of the Cartan matrix) is a linear operator. Special examples of these algebras are the Kac-Moody algebras, algebras of Poisson brackets, algebras of vector fields on a manifold, current algebras, and algebras with differential or integro-differential cartan operator. The nonlinear dynamical systems associated with the continuum contragredient Lie algebras are also considered.

Continuum simulation of the discharge of the granular silo: a validation test for the μ(I) visco-plastic flow law.

PubMed

Staron, L; Lagrée, P-Y; Popinet, S

2014-01-01

Using a continuum Navier-Stokes solver with the μ(I) flow law implemented to model the viscous behavior, and the discrete Contact Dynamics algorithm, the discharge of granular silos is simulated in two dimensions from the early stages of the discharge until complete release of the material. In both cases, the Beverloo scaling is recovered. We first do not attempt a quantitative comparison, but focus on the qualitative behavior of velocity and pressure at different locations in the flow. A good agreement for the velocity is obtained in the regions of rapid flows, while areas of slow creep are not entirely captured by the continuum model. The pressure field shows a general good agreement, while bulk deformations are found to be similar in both approaches. The influence of the parameters of the μ(I) flow law is systematically investigated, showing the importance of the dependence on the inertial number I to achieve quantitative agreement between continuum and discrete discharge. However, potential problems involving the systems size, the configuration and "non-local" effects, are suggested. Yet the general ability of the continuum model to reproduce qualitatively the granular behavior is found to be very encouraging.

Contrast Induced by a Static Magnetic Field for Improved Detection in Nanodiamond Fluorescence Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singam, Shashi K. R.; Motylewski, Jaroslaw; Monaco, Antonina; Gjorgievska, Elena; Bourgeois, Emilie; Nesládek, Milos; Giugliano, Michele; Goovaerts, Etienne

2016-12-01

Diamond nanoparticles with negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers are highly efficient nonblinking emitters that exhibit spin-dependent intensity. An attractive application of these emitters is background-free fluorescence microscopy exploiting the fluorescence quenching induced either by resonant microwaves (RMWs) or by an applied static magnetic field (SMF). Here, we compare RMW- and SMF-induced contrast measurements over a wide range of optical excitation rates for fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) and for NV centers shallowly buried under the (100)-oriented surface of a diamond single crystal (SC). Contrast levels are found to be systematically lower in the FNDs than in the SC. At low excitation rates, the RMW contrast initially rises to a maximum (up to 7% in FNDs and 13% in the SC) but then decreases steadily at higher intensities. Conversely, the SMF contrast increases from approximately 12% at low excitation rates to high values of 20% and 38% for the FNDs and SC, respectively. These observations are well described in a rate-equations model for the charged NV defect using parameters in good agreement with the literature. The SMF approach yields higher induced contrast in image collection under commonly applied optical excitation. Unlike the RMW method, there is no thermal load exerted on the aqueous media in biological samples in the SMF approach. We demonstrate imaging by SMF-induced contrast in neuronal cultures incorporating FNDs (i) in a setup for patch-clamp experiments in parallel with differential-interference-contrast microscopy, (ii) after a commonly used staining procedure as an illustration of the high selectivity against background fluorescence, and (iii) in a confocal fluorescence microscope in combination with bright-field microscopy.

Combined binary collision and continuum mechanics model applied to focused ion beam milling of a silicon membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hobler, Gerhard

2015-06-01

Many experiments indicate the importance of stress and stress relaxation upon ion implantation. In this paper, a model is proposed that is capable of describing ballistic effects as well as stress relaxation by viscous flow. It combines atomistic binary collision simulation with continuum mechanics. The only parameters that enter the continuum model are the bulk modulus and the radiation-induced viscosity. The shear modulus can also be considered but shows only minor effects. A boundary-fitted grid is proposed that is usable both during the binary collision simulation and for the spatial discretization of the force balance equations. As an application, the milling of a slit into an amorphous silicon membrane with a 30 keV focused Ga beam is studied, which demonstrates the relevance of the new model compared to a more heuristic approach used in previous work.

Complete Moment Tensor Determination of Induced Seismicity in Unconventional and Conventional Oil/Gas Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, C.; Li, J.; Toksoz, M. N.

2013-12-01

Induced seismicity occurs both in conventional oil/gas fields due to production and water injection and in unconventional oil/gas fields due to hydraulic fracturing. Source mechanisms of these induced earthquakes are of great importance for understanding their causes and the physics of the seismic processes in reservoirs. Previous research on the analysis of induced seismic events in conventional oil/gas fields assumed a double couple (DC) source mechanism. However, recent studies have shown a non-negligible percentage of a non-double-couple (non-DC) component of source moment tensor in hydraulic fracturing events (Šílený et al., 2009; Warpinski and Du, 2010; Song and Toksöz, 2011). In this study, we determine the full moment tensor of the induced seismicity data in a conventional oil/gas field and for hydrofrac events in an unconventional oil/gas field. Song and Toksöz (2011) developed a full waveform based complete moment tensor inversion method to investigate a non-DC source mechanism. We apply this approach to the induced seismicity data from a conventional gas field in Oman. In addition, this approach is also applied to hydrofrac microseismicity data monitored by downhole geophones in four wells in US. We compare the source mechanisms of induced seismicity in the two different types of gas fields and explain the differences in terms of physical processes.

Four-Dimensional Continuum Gyrokinetic Code: Neoclassical Simulation of Fusion Edge Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, X. Q.

2005-10-01

We are developing a continuum gyrokinetic code, TEMPEST, to simulate edge plasmas. Our code represents velocity space via a grid in equilibrium energy and magnetic moment variables, and configuration space via poloidal magnetic flux and poloidal angle. The geometry is that of a fully diverted tokamak (single or double null) and so includes boundary conditions for both closed magnetic flux surfaces and open field lines. The 4-dimensional code includes kinetic electrons and ions, and electrostatic field-solver options, and simulates neoclassical transport. The present implementation is a Method of Lines approach where spatial finite-differences (higher order upwinding) and implicit time advancement are used. We present results of initial verification and validation studies: transition from collisional to collisionless limits of parallel end-loss in the scrape-off layer, self-consistent electric field, and the effect of the real X-point geometry and edge plasma conditions on the standard neoclassical theory, including a comparison of our 4D code with other kinetic neoclassical codes and experiments.

Neoclassical simulation of tokamak plasmas using the continuum gyrokinetic code TEMPEST.

PubMed

Xu, X Q

2008-07-01

We present gyrokinetic neoclassical simulations of tokamak plasmas with a self-consistent electric field using a fully nonlinear (full- f ) continuum code TEMPEST in a circular geometry. A set of gyrokinetic equations are discretized on a five-dimensional computational grid in phase space. The present implementation is a method of lines approach where the phase-space derivatives are discretized with finite differences, and implicit backward differencing formulas are used to advance the system in time. The fully nonlinear Boltzmann model is used for electrons. The neoclassical electric field is obtained by solving the gyrokinetic Poisson equation with self-consistent poloidal variation. With a four-dimensional (psi,theta,micro) version of the TEMPEST code, we compute the radial particle and heat fluxes, the geodesic-acoustic mode, and the development of the neoclassical electric field, which we compare with neoclassical theory using a Lorentz collision model. The present work provides a numerical scheme for self-consistently studying important dynamical aspects of neoclassical transport and electric field in toroidal magnetic fusion devices.

Neoclassical simulation of tokamak plasmas using the continuum gyrokinetic code TEMPEST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, X. Q.

2008-07-01

We present gyrokinetic neoclassical simulations of tokamak plasmas with a self-consistent electric field using a fully nonlinear (full- f ) continuum code TEMPEST in a circular geometry. A set of gyrokinetic equations are discretized on a five-dimensional computational grid in phase space. The present implementation is a method of lines approach where the phase-space derivatives are discretized with finite differences, and implicit backward differencing formulas are used to advance the system in time. The fully nonlinear Boltzmann model is used for electrons. The neoclassical electric field is obtained by solving the gyrokinetic Poisson equation with self-consistent poloidal variation. With a four-dimensional (ψ,θ,γ,μ) version of the TEMPEST code, we compute the radial particle and heat fluxes, the geodesic-acoustic mode, and the development of the neoclassical electric field, which we compare with neoclassical theory using a Lorentz collision model. The present work provides a numerical scheme for self-consistently studying important dynamical aspects of neoclassical transport and electric field in toroidal magnetic fusion devices.

Retrieval of target structure information from laser-induced photoelectrons by few-cycle bicircular laser fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoang, Van-Hung; Le, Van-Hoang; Lin, C. D.; Le, Anh-Thu

2017-03-01

By analyzing theoretical results from a numerical solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation for atoms in few-cycle bicircular laser pulses, we show that high-energy photoelectron momentum spectra can be used to extract accurate elastic scattering differential cross sections of the target ion with free electrons. We find that the retrieval range for a scattering angle with bicircular pulses is wider than with linearly polarized pulses, although the retrieval method has to be modified to account for different returning directions of the electron in the continuum. This result can be used to extend the range of applicability of ultrafast imaging techniques such as laser-induced electron diffraction and for the accurate characterization of laser pulses.

Continuum radiation in planetary magnetospheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kurth, W. S.

1991-01-01

With the completion of the Voyager tour of the outer planets, radio and plasma wave instruments have executed the first survey of the wave spectra of Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. One of the most notable conclusions of this survey is that there is a great deal of qualitative similarity in both the plasma wave and radio wave spectra from one magnetosphere to the next. In particular, in spite of detailed differences, most of the radio emissions at each of the planets have been tentatively classified into two primary categories. First, the most intense emissions are generally associated with the cyclotron maser instability. Second, a class of weaker emissions can be found at each of the magnetospheres which appears to be the result of conversion from intense electrostatic emissions at the upper hybrid resonance frequency into (primarily) ordinary mode radio emission. It is this second category, often referred to as nonthermal continuum radiation, which we will discuss in this review. We review the characteristics of the continuum spectrum at each of the planets, discuss the source region and direct observations of the generation of the emissions where available, and briefly describe the theories for the generation of the emissions. Over the past few years evidence has increased that the linear mode conversion of electrostatic waves into the ordinary mode can account for at least some of the continuum radiation observed. There is no definitive evidence which precludes the possibility that a nonlinear mechanism may also be important.

Modes of self-organization of diluted bubbly liquids in acoustic fields: One-dimensional theory.

PubMed

Gumerov, Nail A; Akhatov, Iskander S

2017-02-01

The paper is dedicated to mathematical modeling of self-organization of bubbly liquids in acoustic fields. A continuum model describing the two-way interaction of diluted polydisperse bubbly liquids and acoustic fields in weakly-nonlinear approximation is studied analytically and numerically in the one-dimensional case. It is shown that the regimes of self-organization of monodisperse bubbly liquids can be controlled by only a few dimensionless parameters. Two basic modes, clustering and propagating shock waves of void fraction (acoustically induced transparency), are identified and criteria for their realization in the space of parameters are proposed. A numerical method for solving of one-dimensional self-organization problems is developed. Computational results for mono- and polydisperse systems are discussed.

Hubble Space Telescope  Wide Field Camera 3 Observations of Escaping Lyman Continuum Radiation from Galaxies and Weak AGN at Redshifts z ∼ 2.3–4.1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Brent M.; Windhorst, Rogier A.; Jansen, Rolf A.; Cohen, Seth H.; Jiang, Linhua; Dijkstra, Mark; Koekemoer, Anton M.; Bielby, Richard; Inoue, Akio K.; MacKenty, John W.; O’Connell, Robert W.; Silk, Joseph I.

2018-02-01

We present observations of escaping Lyman Continuum (LyC) radiation from 34 massive star-forming galaxies (SFGs) and 12 weak AGN with reliably measured spectroscopic redshifts at z≃ 2.3{--}4.1. We analyzed Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) mosaics of the Early Release Science (ERS) field in three UVIS filters to sample the rest-frame LyC over this redshift range. With our best current assessment of the WFC3 systematics, we provide 1σ upper limits for the average LyC emission of galaxies at < z> = 2.35, 2.75, and 3.60 to ∼28.5, 28.1, and 30.7 mag in image stacks of 11–15 galaxies in the WFC3/UVIS F225W, F275W, and F336W, respectively. The LyC flux of weak AGN at < z> = 2.62 and 3.32 are detected at 28.3 and 27.4 mag with S/Ns of ∼2.7 and 2.5 in F275W and F336W for stacks of 7 and 3 AGN, respectively, while AGN at < z> = 2.37 are constrained to ≳27.9 mag at 1σ in a stack of 2 AGN. The stacked AGN LyC light profiles are flatter than their corresponding non-ionizing UV continuum profiles out to radii of r≲ 0\\buildrel{\\prime\\prime}\\over{.} 9, which may indicate a radial dependence of porosity in the ISM. With synthetic stellar SEDs fit to UV continuum measurements longward of {{Ly}}α and IGM transmission models, we constrain the absolute LyC escape fractions to {f}{esc}{abs}≃ {22}-22+44% at < z> = 2.35 and ≲55% at < z> = 2.75 and 3.60, respectively. All available data for galaxies, including published work, suggests a more sudden increase of {f}{esc} with redshift at z≃ 2. Dust accumulating in (massive) galaxies over cosmic time correlates with increased H I column density, which may lead to reducing {f}{esc} more suddenly at z≲ 2. This may suggest that SFGs collectively contributed to maintaining cosmic reionization at redshifts z≳ 2{--}4, while AGN likely dominated reionization at z≲ 2.

Quasiparticle-continuum level repulsion in a quantum magnet

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

Plumb, K. W.; Hwang, Kyusung; Qiu, Y.

2015-11-30

When the energy eigenvalues of two coupled quantum states approach each other in a certain parameter space, their energy levels repel each other and level crossing is avoided. Such level repulsion, or avoided level crossing, is commonly used to describe the dispersion relation of quasiparticles in solids. But, little is known about the level repulsion when more than two quasiparticles are present; for example, in a strongly interacting quantum system where a quasiparticle can spontaneously decay into a many-particle continuum. Here we show that even in this case level repulsion exists between a long-lived quasiparticle state and a continuum. Here,more » we observe a renormalization of the quasiparticle dispersion relation due to the presence of the continuum of multi-quasiparticle states, in our fine-resolution neutron spectroscopy study of magnetic quasiparticles in the frustrated quantum magnet BiCu 2PO 6.« less

Cross-continuum Care Continuity: Achieving Seamless Care and Managing Comorbidities.

PubMed

Boston-Fleischhauer, Carol; Rose, Robert; Hartwig, Laurie

As healthcare systems continue to design care models responsive to payment changes and the assumption of clinical and financial risk, the need exists for a comprehensive approach to address cross-continuum care transitions. This article will highlight key learnings from the Nurse Executive Center's research on achieving care continuity. The business case for developing a cross-continuum care transition strategy will be discussed, as well as systemic enablers for the achievement of seamless care. A case study example of 1 system's solution for supporting the multiple comorbid patient population as part of its cross-continuum care transition strategy will be examined.

Reducing Actuator Requirements in Continuum Robots Through Optimized Cable Routing.

PubMed

Case, Jennifer C; White, Edward L; SunSpiral, Vytas; Kramer-Bottiglio, Rebecca

2018-02-01

Continuum manipulators offer many advantages compared to their rigid-linked counterparts, such as increased degrees of freedom and workspace volume. Inspired by biological systems, such as elephant trunks and octopus tentacles, many continuum manipulators are made of multiple segments that allow large-scale deformations to be distributed throughout the body. Most continuum manipulators currently control each segment individually. For example, a planar cable-driven system is typically controlled by a pair of cables for each segment, which implies two actuators per segment. In this article, we demonstrate how highly coupled crossing cable configurations can reduce both actuator count and actuator torque requirements in a planar continuum manipulator, while maintaining workspace reachability and manipulability. We achieve highly coupled actuation by allowing cables to cross through the manipulator to create new cable configurations. We further derive an analytical model to predict the underactuated manipulator workspace and experimentally verify the model accuracy with a physical system. We use this model to compare crossing cable configurations to the traditional cable configuration using workspace performance metrics. Our work here focuses on a simplified planar robot, both in simulation and in hardware, with the goal of extending this to spiraling-cable configurations on full 3D continuum robots in future work.

Neoclassical Simulation of Tokamak Plasmas using Continuum Gyrokinetc Code TEMPEST

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

Xu, X Q

We present gyrokinetic neoclassical simulations of tokamak plasmas with self-consistent electric field for the first time using a fully nonlinear (full-f) continuum code TEMPEST in a circular geometry. A set of gyrokinetic equations are discretized on a five dimensional computational grid in phase space. The present implementation is a Method of Lines approach where the phase-space derivatives are discretized with finite differences and implicit backwards differencing formulas are used to advance the system in time. The fully nonlinear Boltzmann model is used for electrons. The neoclassical electric field is obtained by solving gyrokinetic Poisson equation with self-consistent poloidal variation. Withmore » our 4D ({psi}, {theta}, {epsilon}, {mu}) version of the TEMPEST code we compute radial particle and heat flux, the Geodesic-Acoustic Mode (GAM), and the development of neoclassical electric field, which we compare with neoclassical theory with a Lorentz collision model. The present work provides a numerical scheme and a new capability for self-consistently studying important aspects of neoclassical transport and rotations in toroidal magnetic fusion devices.« less

In-vitro mapping of E-fields induced near pacemaker leads by simulated MR gradient fields

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with implanted cardiac pacemakers is generally contraindicated but some clinicians condone scanning certain patients. We assessed the risk of inducing unintended cardiac stimulation by measuring electric fields (E) induced near lead tips by a simulated MRI gradient system. The objectives of this study are to map magnetically induced E near distal tips of leads in a saline tank to determine the spatial distribution and magnitude of E and compare them with E induced by a pacemaker pulse generator (PG). Methods We mapped magnetically induced E with 0.1 mm resolution as close as 1 mm from lead tips. We used probes with two straight electrodes (e.g. wire diameter of 0.2 mm separated by 0.9 mm). We generated magnetic flux density (B) with a Helmholtz coil throughout 0.6% saline in a 24 cm diameter tank with (dB/dt) of 1 T/sec (1 kHz sinusoidal waveform). Separately, we measured E near the tip of leads when connected to a PG set to a unipolar mode. Measurements were non-invasive (not altering the leads or PG under study). Results When scaled to 30 T/s (a clinically relevant value), magnetically-induced E exceeded the E produced by a PG. The magnetically-induced E only occurred when B was coincident with or within 15 msec of implantable pacemaker's pulse. Conclusions Potentially hazardous situations are possible during an MR scan due to gradient fields. Unintended stimulation can be induced via abandoned leads and leads connected to a pulse generator with loss of hermetic seal at the connector. Also, pacemaker-dependent patients can receive drastically altered pacing pulses. PMID:20003479

77 FR 33229 - Notice of Proposed Information Collection for Public Comment; Continuum of Care Homeless...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-05

... Information Collection for Public Comment; Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Grant Application--Continuum of Care Application AGENCY: Office of Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development... collection for public comment entitled Continuum of Care of Homeless Assistance Grant Application- Continuum...

On the role of self-adjointness in the continuum formulation of topological quantum phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanhayi Ahari, Mostafa; Ortiz, Gerardo; Seradjeh, Babak

2016-11-01

Topological quantum phases of matter are characterized by an intimate relationship between the Hamiltonian dynamics away from the edges and the appearance of bound states localized at the edges of the system. Elucidating this correspondence in the continuum formulation of topological phases, even in the simplest case of a one-dimensional system, touches upon fundamental concepts and methods in quantum mechanics that are not commonly discussed in textbooks, in particular the self-adjoint extensions of a Hermitian operator. We show how such topological bound states can be derived in a prototypical one-dimensional system. Along the way, we provide a pedagogical exposition of the self-adjoint extension method as well as the role of symmetries in correctly formulating the continuum, field-theory description of topological matter with boundaries. Moreover, we show that self-adjoint extensions can be characterized generally in terms of a conserved local current associated with the self-adjoint operator.

Managing Innovation to Maximize Value Along the Discovery-Translation-Application Continuum.

PubMed

Waldman, S A; Terzic, A

2017-01-01

Success in pharmaceutical development led to a record 51 drugs approved in the past year, surpassing every previous year since 1950. Technology innovation enabled identification and exploitation of increasingly precise disease targets ensuring next generation diagnostic and therapeutic products for patient management. The expanding biopharmaceutical portfolio stands, however, in contradistinction to the unsustainable costs that reflect remarkable challenges of clinical development programs. This annual Therapeutic Innovations issue juxtaposes advances in translating molecular breakthroughs into transformative therapies with essential considerations for lowering attrition and improving the cost-effectiveness of the drug-development paradigm. Realizing the discovery-translation-application continuum mandates a congruent approval, adoption, and access triad. © 2016 ASCPT.

Managing Innovation to Maximize Value Along the Discovery-Translation-Application Continuum

PubMed Central

Waldman, SA; Terzic, A

2017-01-01

Success in pharmaceutical development led to a record 51 drug approved in the past year, surpassing every previous year since 1950. Technology innovation enabled identification and exploitation of increasingly precise disease targets ensuring a next generation diagnostic and therapeutic products for patient management. The expanding biopharmaceutical portfolio stands however in contradistinction to the unsustainable costs that reflect remarkable challenges of clinical development programs. This annual Therapeutic Innovations issue juxtaposes advances in translating molecular breakthroughs into transformative therapies with essential considerations for lowering attrition and improving the cost-effectiveness of the drug development paradigm. Realizing the discovery-translation-application continuum mandates a congruent approval, adoption and access triad. PMID:27869291

Motionally-induced electromagnetic fields generated by idealized ocean currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tyler, R. H.; Mysak, L. A.

Using the induction equation, we investigate the generation of electromagnetic fields by the motional electromagnetic induction due to ocean currents. In this paper, solutions are presented for a linear induction equation for the magnetic flux density vector which contains prescribed time-independent ocean current and conductivity fields. Once the magnetic flux density is known, the electric field and electric current density are easily obtained by differentiation. Solutions are given for several examples of idealized flow which include: 1) Vertically and horizontally sheared plane-parallel flow with depth-dependent conductivity; 2) A simple Stommel circulation gyre; and 3) Symmetric gyres. The results indicate that typical ocean current features induce magnetic fields with magnitudes reaching 100's of nT within the water and about 1-10 outside of the water. For the case of a field of gyres, the ocean-induced magnetic fields decay away from the ocean on spatial scales set by the horizontal scale of the ocean feature. At the altitudes of magnetic field satellite surveys, ocean-induced magnetic fields may retain values of a few nT, which are strong enough to be detected. Thus it is concluded that satellite observations of the earth's main magnetic field and, in particular, the observed temporal variations, could be affected by the ocean circulation. Summary and discussion In Section 3, we found exact solutions to the induction equation for idealized flows. The results gave magnitudes of about tens to hundreds of nT for the magnetic fields bH, about 10-5 V/m for the electric fields E, and about 10-5 A/m2 for the electric current density J induced by the ocean currents. These figures are in general agreement with the calculations of Lilley et al. (1993). In Section 4.2 we obtained solutions for the magnetic field above the ocean surface for the case of a Stommel gyre and a field of symmetric gyres. It was found in the last case that ocean gyres with a total transport

Mid-IR super-continuum generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Islam, Mohammed N.; Xia, Chenan; Freeman, Mike J.; Mauricio, Jeremiah; Zakel, Andy; Ke, Kevin; Xu, Zhao; Terry, Fred L., Jr.

2009-02-01

A Mid-InfraRed FIber Laser (MIRFIL) has been developed that generates super-continuum covering the spectral range from 0.8 to 4.5 microns with a time-averaged power as high as 10.5W. The MIRFIL is an all-fiber integrated laser with no moving parts and no mode-locked lasers that uses commercial off-the-shelf parts and leverages the mature telecom/fiber optics platform. The MIRFIL power can be easily scaled by changing the repetition rate and modifying the erbium-doped fiber amplifier. Some of the applications using the super-continuum laser will be described in defense, homeland security and healthcare. For example, the MIRFIL is being applied to a catheter-based medical diagnostic system to detect vulnerable plaque, which is responsible for most heart attacks resulting from hardening-of-the-arteries or atherosclerosis. More generally, the MIRFIL can be a platform for selective ablation of lipids without damaging normal protein or smooth muscle tissue.

Recurrent active regions related to metric radio continuum emissions and the interplanetary magnetic sector structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sakurai, K.

1972-01-01

Active heliographic longitudes at the sun are investigated by using the observational data for long-lived metric continuum noise sources. It is shown that, for the period from 1963 to 1969, the number of such longitudes was four in general and these longitudes were very stable for this radio activity since 1963. A discussion is given on the relationship between those longitudes and the sector structure of the interplanetary magnetic field.

Micropolar continuum modelling of bi-dimensional tetrachiral lattices

PubMed Central

Chen, Y.; Liu, X. N.; Hu, G. K.; Sun, Q. P.; Zheng, Q. S.

2014-01-01

The in-plane behaviour of tetrachiral lattices should be characterized by bi-dimensional orthotropic material owing to the existence of two orthogonal axes of rotational symmetry. Moreover, the constitutive model must also represent the chirality inherent in the lattices. To this end, a bi-dimensional orthotropic chiral micropolar model is developed based on the theory of irreducible orthogonal tensor decomposition. The obtained constitutive tensors display a hierarchy structure depending on the symmetry of the underlying microstructure. Eight additional material constants, in addition to five for the hemitropic case, are introduced to characterize the anisotropy under Z2 invariance. The developed continuum model is then applied to a tetrachiral lattice, and the material constants of the continuum model are analytically derived by a homogenization process. By comparing with numerical simulations for the discrete lattice, it is found that the proposed continuum model can correctly characterize the static and wave properties of the tetrachiral lattice. PMID:24808754

MIRO Continuum Calibration for Asteroid Mode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Seungwon

2011-01-01

MIRO (Microwave Instrument for the Rosetta Orbiter) is a lightweight, uncooled, dual-frequency heterodyne radiometer. The MIRO encountered asteroid Steins in 2008, and during the flyby, MIRO used the Asteroid Mode to measure the emission spectrum of Steins. The Asteroid Mode is one of the seven modes of the MIRO operation, and is designed to increase the length of time that a spectral line is in the MIRO pass-band during a flyby of an object. This software is used to calibrate the continuum measurement of Steins emission power during the asteroid flyby. The MIRO raw measurement data need to be calibrated in order to obtain physically meaningful data. This software calibrates the MIRO raw measurements in digital units to the brightness temperature in Kelvin. The software uses two calibration sequences that are included in the Asteroid Mode. One sequence is at the beginning of the mode, and the other at the end. The first six frames contain the measurement of a cold calibration target, while the last six frames measure a warm calibration target. The targets have known temperatures and are used to provide reference power and gain, which can be used to convert MIRO measurements into brightness temperature. The software was developed to calibrate MIRO continuum measurements from Asteroid Mode. The software determines the relationship between the raw digital unit measured by MIRO and the equivalent brightness temperature by analyzing data from calibration frames. The found relationship is applied to non-calibration frames, which are the measurements of an object of interest such as asteroids and other planetary objects that MIRO encounters during its operation. This software characterizes the gain fluctuations statistically and determines which method to estimate gain between calibration frames. For example, if the fluctuation is lower than a statistically significant level, the averaging method is used to estimate the gain between the calibration frames. If the

Lorentz Body Force Induced by Traveling Magnetic Fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Volz, M. P.; Mazuruk, K.

2003-01-01

The Lorentz force induced by a traveling magnetic field (TMF) in a cylindrical container has been calculated. The force can be used to control flow in dectrically conducting melts and the direction of the magnetic field and resulting flow can be reversed. A TMF can be used to partially cancel flow driven by buoyancy. The penetration of the field into the cylinder decreases as the frequency increases, and there exists an optimal value of frequency for which the resulting force is a maximum. Expressions for the Lorentz force in the limiting cases of low frequency and infinite cylinder are also given and compared to the numerical calculations.

Energy absorption due to spatial resonance of Alfven waves at continuum tip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Eugene; Berk, Herb; Breizman, Boris; Zheng, Linjin

2011-10-01

We investigate the response of tokamak plasma to an external driving source. An impedance-like function depending on the driving frequency that is growing at a small rate, is calculated and interpreted with different source profiles. Special attention is devoted to the case where driving frequency approaches that of the TAE continuum tip. The calculation can be applied to the estimation of TAE damping rate by analytically continuing the inverse of the impedance function to the lower half plane. The root of the analytic continuation corresponds to the existence of a quasi-mode, from which the damping rate can be found.

Multi-phase-field method for surface tension induced elasticity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schiedung, Raphael; Steinbach, Ingo; Varnik, Fathollah

2018-01-01

A method, based on the multi-phase-field framework, is proposed that adequately accounts for the effects of a coupling between surface free energy and elastic deformation in solids. The method is validated via a number of analytically solvable problems. In addition to stress states at mechanical equilibrium in complex geometries, the underlying multi-phase-field framework naturally allows us to account for the influence of surface energy induced stresses on phase transformation kinetics. This issue, which is of fundamental importance on the nanoscale, is demonstrated in the limit of fast diffusion for a solid sphere, which melts due to the well-known Gibbs-Thompson effect. This melting process is slowed down when coupled to surface energy induced elastic deformation.

Lower critical field measurements in YBa2Cu3O(6+x) single crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaiser, D. L.; Swartzendruber, L. J.; Gayle, F. W.; Bennett, L. H.

1991-01-01

The temperature dependence of the lower critical field in YBa2Cu3O(6+x) single crystals was determined by magnetization measurements with the applied field parallel and perpendicular to the c-axis. Results are compared with data from the literature and fitted to Ginzberg-Landau equations by assuming a linear dependence of the parameter kappa on temperature. A value of 7 plus or minus 2 kOe was estimated for the thermodynamic critical field at T = O by comparison of calculated H (sub c2) values with experimental data from the literature.

A quantum mechanical approach to establishing the magnetic field orientation from a maser Zeeman profile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Green, J. A.; Gray, M. D.; Robishaw, T.; Caswell, J. L.; McClure-Griffiths, N. M.

2014-06-01

Recent comparisons of magnetic field directions derived from maser Zeeman splitting with those derived from continuum source rotation measures have prompted new analysis of the propagation of the Zeeman split components, and the inferred field orientation. In order to do this, we first review differing electric field polarization conventions used in past studies. With these clearly and consistently defined, we then show that for a given Zeeman splitting spectrum, the magnetic field direction is fully determined and predictable on theoretical grounds: when a magnetic field is oriented away from the observer, the left-hand circular polarization is observed at higher frequency and the right-hand polarization at lower frequency. This is consistent with classical Lorentzian derivations. The consequent interpretation of recent measurements then raises the possibility of a reversal between the large-scale field (traced by rotation measures) and the small-scale field (traced by maser Zeeman splitting).

Bed failure induced by internal solitary waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rivera-Rosario, Gustavo A.; Diamessis, Peter J.; Jenkins, James T.

2017-07-01

The pressure field inside a porous bed induced by the passage of an Internal Solitary Wave (ISW) of depression is examined using high-accuracy numerical simulations. The velocity and density fields are obtained by solving the Dubreil-Jacotin-Long Equation, for a two-layer, continuously stratified water column. The total wave-induced pressure across the surface of the bed is computed by vertically integrating for the hydrostatic and nonhydrostatic contributions. The bed is assumed to be a continuum composed of either sand or silt, with a small amount of trapped gas. Results show variations in pore-water pressure penetrating deeper into more conductive materials and remaining for a prolonged period after the wave has passed. In order to quantify the potential for failure, the vertical pressure gradient is compared against the buoyant weight of the bed. The pressure gradient exceeds this weight for weakly conductive materials. Failure is further enhanced by a decrease in bed saturation, consistent with studies in surface-wave induced failure. In deeper water, the ISW-induced pressure is stronger, causing failure only for weakly conductive materials. The pressure associated with the free-surface displacement that accompanies ISWs is significant, when the water depth is less than 100 m, but has little influence when it is greater than 100 m, where the hydrostatic pressure due to the pycnocline displacement is much larger. Since the pore-pressure gradient reduces the specific weight of the bed, results show that particles are easier for the flow to suspend, suggesting that pressure contributes to the powerful resuspension events observed in the field.

Nonlinear bubble nucleation and growth following filament and white-light continuum generation induced by a single-shot femtosecond laser pulse into dielectrics based on consideration of the time scale

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

Mizushima, Yuki; Saito, Takayuki, E-mail: saito.takayuki@shizuoka.ac.jp

Bubble nucleation and growth following plasma channeling (filament) and white-light continuum in liquid irradiated by a single-shot fs-pulse were experimentally investigated with close observation of the time scale. Making full use of a new confocal system and time-resolved visualization techniques, we obtained evidence suggestive of a major/minor role of the non-linear/thermal effects during the fs-pulse-induced bubble's fountainhead (10{sup −13} s) and growth (10{sup −7} s), which was never observed with the use of the ns-pulse (i.e., optic cavitation). In this context, the fs-pulse-induced bubble is not an ordinary optic cavitation but rather is nonlinear-optic cavitation. We present the intrinsic differencesmore » in the dominant-time domain of the fs-pulse and ns-pulse excitation, and intriguingly, a mere hundred femtoseconds' excitation predetermines the size of the bubble appearing several microseconds after irradiation. That is, the nucleation happens temporally beyond a six-order-of-magnitude difference.« less

Applicability of the Continuum-Shell Theories to the Mechanics of Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harik, V. M.; Gates, T. S.; Nemeth, M. P.

2002-01-01

Validity of the assumptions relating the applicability of continuum shell theories to the global mechanical behavior of carbon nanotubes is examined. The present study focuses on providing a basis that can be used to qualitatively assess the appropriateness of continuum-shell models for nanotubes. To address the effect of nanotube structure on their deformation, all nanotube geometries are divided into four major classes that require distinct models. Criteria for the applicability of continuum models are presented. The key parameters that control the buckling strains and deformation modes of these classes of nanotubes are determined. In an analogy with continuum mechanics, mechanical laws of geometric similitude are presented. A parametric map is constructed for a variety of nanotube geometries as a guide for the applicability of different models. The continuum assumptions made in representing a nanotube as a homogeneous thin shell are analyzed to identify possible limitations of applying shell theories and using their bifurcation-buckling equations at the nano-scale.

Application of Phase-Field Techniques to Hydraulically- and Deformation-Induced Fracture.

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

Culp, David; Miller, Nathan; Schweizer, Laura

Phase-field techniques provide an alternative approach to fracture problems which mitigate some of the computational expense associated with tracking the crack interface and the coalescence of individual fractures. The technique is extended to apply to hydraulically driven fracture such as would occur during fracking or CO 2 sequestration. Additionally, the technique is applied to a stainless steel specimen used in the Sandia Fracture Challenge. It was found that the phase-field model performs very well, at least qualitatively, in both deformation-induced fracture and hydraulically-induced fracture, though spurious hourglassing modes were observed during coupled hydralically-induced fracture. Future work would include performing additionalmore » quantitative benchmark tests and updating the model as needed.« less

Combining phase-field crystal methods with a Cahn-Hilliard model for binary alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balakrishna, Ananya Renuka; Carter, W. Craig

2018-04-01

Diffusion-induced phase transitions typically change the lattice symmetry of the host material. In battery electrodes, for example, Li ions (diffusing species) are inserted between layers in a crystalline electrode material (host). This diffusion induces lattice distortions and defect formations in the electrode. The structural changes to the lattice symmetry affect the host material's properties. Here, we propose a 2D theoretical framework that couples a Cahn-Hilliard (CH) model, which describes the composition field of a diffusing species, with a phase-field crystal (PFC) model, which describes the host-material lattice symmetry. We couple the two continuum models via coordinate transformation coefficients. We introduce the transformation coefficients in the PFC method to describe affine lattice deformations. These transformation coefficients are modeled as functions of the composition field. Using this coupled approach, we explore the effects of coarse-grained lattice symmetry and distortions on a diffusion-induced phase transition process. In this paper, we demonstrate the working of the CH-PFC model through three representative examples: First, we describe base cases with hexagonal and square symmetries for two composition fields. Next, we illustrate how the CH-PFC method interpolates lattice symmetry across a diffuse phase boundary. Finally, we compute a Cahn-Hilliard type of diffusion and model the accompanying changes to lattice symmetry during a phase transition process.

The First Interlaced Continuum Robot, Devised to Intrinsically Follow the Leader

PubMed Central

Kang, Byungjeon; Kojcev, Risto; Sinibaldi, Edoardo

2016-01-01

Flexible probes that are safely deployed to hard-to-reach targets while avoiding critical structures are strategic in several high-impact application fields, including the biomedical sector and the sector of inspections at large. A critical problem for these tools is the best approach for deploying an entire tool body, not only its tip, on a sought trajectory. A probe that achieves this deployment is considered to follow the leader (or to achieve follow-the-leader deployment) because its body sections follow the track traced by its tip. Follow-the-leader deployment through cavities is complicated due to a lack of external supports. Currently, no definitive implementation for a probe that is intrinsically able to follow the leader, i.e., without relying on external supports, has been achieved. In this paper, we present a completely new device, namely the first interlaced continuum robot, devised to intrinsically follow the leader. We developed the interlaced configuration by pursuing a conceptual approach irrespective of application-specific constraints and assuming two flexible tools with controllable stiffness. We questioned the possibility of solving the previously mentioned deployment problem by harnessing probe symmetry during the design process. This study examines the entire development of the novel interlaced probe: model-based conceptual design, detailed design and prototyping, and preliminary experimental assessment. Our probe can build a track with a radius of curvature that is as small as twice the probe diameter, which enables it to outperform state-of-the-art tools that are aimed at follow-the-leader deployment. Despite the limitations that are inherently associated with its original character, this study provides a prototypical approach to the design of interlaced continuum systems and demonstrates the first interlaced continuum probe, which is intrinsically able to follow the leader. PMID:26914328

The First Interlaced Continuum Robot, Devised to Intrinsically Follow the Leader.

PubMed

Kang, Byungjeon; Kojcev, Risto; Sinibaldi, Edoardo

2016-01-01

Flexible probes that are safely deployed to hard-to-reach targets while avoiding critical structures are strategic in several high-impact application fields, including the biomedical sector and the sector of inspections at large. A critical problem for these tools is the best approach for deploying an entire tool body, not only its tip, on a sought trajectory. A probe that achieves this deployment is considered to follow the leader (or to achieve follow-the-leader deployment) because its body sections follow the track traced by its tip. Follow-the-leader deployment through cavities is complicated due to a lack of external supports. Currently, no definitive implementation for a probe that is intrinsically able to follow the leader, i.e., without relying on external supports, has been achieved. In this paper, we present a completely new device, namely the first interlaced continuum robot, devised to intrinsically follow the leader. We developed the interlaced configuration by pursuing a conceptual approach irrespective of application-specific constraints and assuming two flexible tools with controllable stiffness. We questioned the possibility of solving the previously mentioned deployment problem by harnessing probe symmetry during the design process. This study examines the entire development of the novel interlaced probe: model-based conceptual design, detailed design and prototyping, and preliminary experimental assessment. Our probe can build a track with a radius of curvature that is as small as twice the probe diameter, which enables it to outperform state-of-the-art tools that are aimed at follow-the-leader deployment. Despite the limitations that are inherently associated with its original character, this study provides a prototypical approach to the design of interlaced continuum systems and demonstrates the first interlaced continuum probe, which is intrinsically able to follow the leader.

Psychostimulants and Cognition: A Continuum of Behavioral and Cognitive Activation

PubMed Central

Wood, Suzanne; Sage, Jennifer R.; Shuman, Tristan

2014-01-01

Psychostimulants such as cocaine have been used as performance enhancers throughout recorded history. Although psychostimulants are commonly prescribed to improve attention and cognition, a great deal of literature has described their ability to induce cognitive deficits, as well as addiction. How can a single drug class be known to produce both cognitive enhancement and impairment? Properties of the particular stimulant drug itself and individual differences between users have both been suggested to dictate the outcome of stimulant use. A more parsimonious alternative, which we endorse, is that dose is the critical determining factor in cognitive effects of stimulant drugs. Herein, we review several popular stimulants (cocaine, amphetamine, methylphenidate, modafinil, and caffeine), outlining their history of use, mechanism of action, and use and abuse today. One common graphic depiction of the cognitive effects of psychostimulants is an inverted U–shaped dose-effect curve. Moderate arousal is beneficial to cognition, whereas too much activation leads to cognitive impairment. In parallel to this schematic, we propose a continuum of psychostimulant activation that covers the transition from one drug effect to another as stimulant intake is increased. Low doses of stimulants effect increased arousal, attention, and cognitive enhancement; moderate doses can lead to feelings of euphoria and power, as well as addiction and cognitive impairment; and very high doses lead to psychosis and circulatory collapse. This continuum helps account for the seemingly disparate effects of stimulant drugs, with the same drug being associated with cognitive enhancement and impairment. PMID:24344115

Creating and optimizing interfaces for electric-field and photon-induced charge transfer.

PubMed

Park, Byoungnam; Whitham, Kevin; Cho, Jiung; Reichmanis, Elsa

2012-11-27

We create and optimize a structurally well-defined electron donor-acceptor planar heterojunction interface in which electric-field and/or photon-induced charge transfer occurs. Electric-field-induced charge transfer in the dark and exciton dissociation at a pentacene/PCBM interface were probed by in situ thickness-dependent threshold voltage shift measurements in field-effect transistor devices during the formation of the interface. Electric-field-induced charge transfer at the interface in the dark is correlated with development of the pentacene accumulation layer close to PCBM, that is, including interface area, and dielectric relaxation time in PCBM. Further, we demonstrate an in situ test structure that allows probing of both exciton diffusion length and charge transport properties, crucial for optimizing optoelectronic devices. Competition between the optical absorption length and the exciton diffusion length in pentacene governs exciton dissociation at the interface. Charge transfer mechanisms in the dark and under illumination are detailed.

Detection of radio continuum emission from Herbig-Haro objects 1 and 2 and from their central exciting source

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pravdo, S. H.; Rodriguez, L. F.; Curiel, S.; Canto, J.; Torrelles, J. M.; Becker, R. H.; Sellgren, K.

1985-01-01

The region in Orion containing HH 1 and HH 2 was observed with the VLA at 20, 6, and 2 cm on several occasions from 1981 to 1984. At lower resolution, four continuum sources were detected. Two of these sources coincide positionally with HH 1 and HH 2. At 6 cm and higher resolution, HH 1 is resolved into at least two components. The emission is probably bremsstrahlung originating in the same region where the visible line emission is produced. This is the first detection of radio continuum from classic Herbig-Haro objects. At a position closely centered between HH 1 and HH 2, an object that can be interpreted as the energy source of the system was detected. The central source spectrum is S(nu) of about nu to the alpha power, where alpha = 0.4 + or - 0.2, suggesting a stellar wind. Finally, the fourth radio continuum source coincides positionally with an H2O maser and is probably excited by an independent star. There is evidence of time variability in its radio flux. No emission was detected from the Cohen-Schwartz (1979) star at the 0.1 mJy level.

HYDROGEN BALMER CONTINUUM IN SOLAR FLARES DETECTED BY THE INTERFACE REGION IMAGING SPECTROGRAPH (IRIS)

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

Heinzel, P.; Kleint, L., E-mail: pheinzel@asu.cas.cz

We present a novel observation of the white light flare (WLF) continuum, which was significantly enhanced during the X1 flare on 2014 March 29 (SOL2014-03-29T17:48). Data from the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) in its near-UV channel show that at the peak of the continuum enhancement, the contrast at the quasi-continuum window above 2813 Å reached 100%-200% and can be even larger closer to Mg II lines. This is fully consistent with the hydrogen recombination Balmer-continuum emission, which follows an impulsive thermal and non-thermal ionization caused by the precipitation of electron beams through the chromosphere. However, a less probable photosphericmore » continuum enhancement cannot be excluded. The light curves of the Balmer continuum have an impulsive character with a gradual fading, similar to those detected recently in the optical region on the Solar Optical Telescope on board Hinode. This observation represents a first Balmer-continuum detection from space far beyond the Balmer limit (3646 Å), eliminating seeing effects known to complicate the WLF detection. Moreover, we use a spectral window so far unexplored for flare studies, which provides the potential to study the Balmer continuum, as well as many metallic lines appearing in emission during flares. Combined with future ground-based observations of the continuum near the Balmer limit, we will be able to disentangle various scenarios of the WLF origin. IRIS observations also provide a critical quantitative measure of the energy radiated in the Balmer continuum, which constrains various models of the energy transport and deposit during flares.« less

Inducing Lift on Spherical Particles by Traveling Magnetic Fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mazuruk, Konstantin; Grugel, Richard N.; Rose, M. Franklin (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Gravity induced sedimentation of suspensions is a serious drawback to many materials and biotechnology processes, a factor that can, in principle, be overcome by utilizing an opposing Lorentz body force. In this work we demonstrate the utility of employing a traveling magnetic field (TMF) to induce a lifting force on particles dispersed in the fluid. Theoretically, a model has been developed to ascertain the net force, induced by TMF, acting on a spherical body as a function of the fluid medium's electrical conductivity and other parameters. Experimentally, the model is compared to optical observations of particle motion in the presence of TMF.

Inducing Lift on Spherical Particles by Traveling Magnetic Fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mazuruk, Konstantin; Grugel, Richard N.; Rose, M. Franklin (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

Gravity induced sedimentation of suspensions is a serious drawback to many materials and biotechnology processes, a factor that can, in principle, be overcome by utilizing an opposing Lorentz body force. In this work we demonstrate the utility of employing a traveling magnetic field (TMF) to induce a lifting force on particles dispersed in the fluid. Theoretically, a model has been developed to ascertain the net force, induced by TMF, acting on a spherical body as a function of the fluid medium's electrical conductivity and other parameters. Experimentally, the model is compared to optical observations of particle motion in the presence of TMF.

Modeling of Continuum Manipulators Using Pythagorean Hodograph Curves.

PubMed

Singh, Inderjeet; Amara, Yacine; Melingui, Achille; Mani Pathak, Pushparaj; Merzouki, Rochdi

2018-05-10

Research on continuum manipulators is increasingly developing in the context of bionic robotics because of their many advantages over conventional rigid manipulators. Due to their soft structure, they have inherent flexibility, which makes it a huge challenge to control them with high performances. Before elaborating a control strategy of such robots, it is essential to reconstruct first the behavior of the robot through development of an approximate behavioral model. This can be kinematic or dynamic depending on the conditions of operation of the robot itself. Kinematically, two types of modeling methods exist to describe the robot behavior; quantitative methods describe a model-based method, and qualitative methods describe a learning-based method. In kinematic modeling of continuum manipulator, the assumption of constant curvature is often considered to simplify the model formulation. In this work, a quantitative modeling method is proposed, based on the Pythagorean hodograph (PH) curves. The aim is to obtain a three-dimensional reconstruction of the shape of the continuum manipulator with variable curvature, allowing the calculation of its inverse kinematic model (IKM). It is noticed that the performances of the PH-based kinematic modeling of continuum manipulators are considerable regarding position accuracy, shape reconstruction, and time/cost of the model calculation, than other kinematic modeling methods, for two cases: free load manipulation and variable load manipulation. This modeling method is applied to the compact bionic handling assistant (CBHA) manipulator for validation. The results are compared with other IKMs developed in case of CBHA manipulator.

Evidence against the continuum structure underlying motivation measures derived from self-determination theory.

PubMed

Chemolli, Emanuela; Gagné, Marylène

2014-06-01

Self-determination theory (SDT) proposes a multidimensional conceptualization of motivation in which the different regulations are said to fall along a continuum of self-determination. The continuum has been used as a basis for using a relative autonomy index as a means to create motivational scores. Rasch analysis was used to verify the continuum structure of the Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale and of the Academic Motivation Scale. We discuss the concept of continuum against SDT's conceptualization of motivation and argue against the use of the relative autonomy index on the grounds that evidence for a continuum structure underlying the regulations is weak and because the index is statistically problematic. We suggest exploiting the full richness of SDT's multidimensional conceptualization of motivation through the use of alternative scoring methods when investigating motivational dynamics across life domains.

Shape Sensing Techniques for Continuum Robots in Minimally Invasive Surgery: A Survey.

PubMed

Shi, Chaoyang; Luo, Xiongbiao; Qi, Peng; Li, Tianliang; Song, Shuang; Najdovski, Zoran; Fukuda, Toshio; Ren, Hongliang

2017-08-01

Continuum robots provide inherent structural compliance with high dexterity to access the surgical target sites along tortuous anatomical paths under constrained environments and enable to perform complex and delicate operations through small incisions in minimally invasive surgery. These advantages enable their broad applications with minimal trauma and make challenging clinical procedures possible with miniaturized instrumentation and high curvilinear access capabilities. However, their inherent deformable designs make it difficult to realize 3-D intraoperative real-time shape sensing to accurately model their shape. Solutions to this limitation can lead themselves to further develop closely associated techniques of closed-loop control, path planning, human-robot interaction, and surgical manipulation safety concerns in minimally invasive surgery. Although extensive model-based research that relies on kinematics and mechanics has been performed, accurate shape sensing of continuum robots remains challenging, particularly in cases of unknown and dynamic payloads. This survey investigates the recent advances in alternative emerging techniques for 3-D shape sensing in this field and focuses on the following categories: fiber-optic-sensor-based, electromagnetic-tracking-based, and intraoperative imaging modality-based shape-reconstruction methods. The limitations of existing technologies and prospects of new technologies are also discussed.

Induced seismicity in a salt mine environment evaluated by a coupled continuum-discrete modelling.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mercerat, E.; Souley, M.; Driad, L.; Bernard, P.

2005-12-01

Within the framework of a research project launched to assess the feasibility of seismic monitoring of underground growing cavities, this specific work focus on two main complementary axis: the validation of seismic monitoring techniques in salt mine environments, and the numerical modelling of deformation and failure mechanisms with their associated acoustic emissions, the induced microseismicity. The underground cavity under monitoring is located at Cerville (Lorraine, France) within a salt layer 180 m deep and it presents a rather regular cylindrical shape of 100 m diameter. Typically, the overburden is characterized by the presence of two competent layers with elasto-brittle behaviour and located 50 m above the salt layer. When the salt exploitation restarts, the cavity will progressively grow causing irreversible damage of the upper layers until its final collapse at a time scale of the order of one year. Numerical modelling of such a complex process requires a large scale model which takes into account both the growing cavity within the salt layer and the mechanical behaviour of the overburden where high deformation and fracturing is expected. To keep the elasto-brittle behaviour of the competent layers where most seismic damage is expected, we use the PFC code (Itasca Cons). To approach the other layers (mainly composed of marls and salt) which present more ductile and/or viscoplastic behaviour, a continuum approach based on the FLAC code (Itasca Cons) is employed. Numerous calibration process were needed to estimate the microproperties used in PFC to reproduce the macroscopic behaviour from laboratory tests performed on samples extracted from the competent layers. As long as the size of the PFC inclusion representing the brittle material is much higher than the core sample sizes, the scale effect of microproperties is examined. The next stage is to perform calculations on the basis of previous macroscopic and microproperties calibration results, and compare

Linking Measures of Adult Nicotine Dependence to a Common Latent Continuum and a Comparison with Adolescent Patterns

PubMed Central

Strong, David R.; Schonbrun, Yael Chatav; Schaffran, Christine; Griesler, Pamela C.; Kandel, Denise

2012-01-01

Background An ongoing debate regarding the nature of Nicotine Dependence (ND) is whether the same instrument can be applied to measure ND among adults and adolescents. Using a hierarchical item response model (IRM), we examined evidence for a common continuum underlying ND symptoms among adults and adolescents. Method The analyses are based on two waves of interviews with subsamples of parents and adolescents from a multi-ethnic longitudinal cohort of 1,039 6th–10th graders from the Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Adults and adolescents who reported smoking cigarettes the last 30 days prior to waves 3 and 5 completed three common instruments measuring ND symptoms and one item measuring loss of autonomy. Results A stable continuum of ND, first identified among adolescents, was replicated among adults. However, some symptoms, such as tolerance and withdrawal, differed markedly across adults and adolescents. The majority of mFTQ items were observed within the highest levels of ND, the NDSS items within the lowest levels, and the DSM-IV items were arrayed in the middle and upper third of the continuum of dependence severity. Loss of Autonomy was positioned at the lower end of the continuum. We propose a ten-symptom measure of ND for adolescents and adults. Conclusions Despite marked differences in the relative severity of specific ND symptoms in each group, common instrumentation of ND can apply to adults and adolescents. The results increase confidence in the ability to describe phenotypic heterogeneity in ND across important developmental periods. PMID:21855236

On the classification of elliptic foliations induced by real quadratic fields with center

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puchuri, Liliana; Bueno, Orestes

2016-12-01

Related to the study of Hilbert's infinitesimal problem, is the problem of determining the existence and estimating the number of limit cycles of the linear perturbation of Hamiltonian fields. A classification of the elliptic foliations in the projective plane induced by the fields obtained by quadratic fields with center was already studied by several authors. In this work, we devise a unified proof of the classification of elliptic foliations induced by quadratic fields with center. This technique involves using a formula due to Cerveau & Lins Neto to calculate the genus of the generic fiber of a first integral of foliations of these kinds. Furthermore, we show that these foliations induce several examples of linear families of foliations which are not bimeromorphically equivalent to certain remarkable examples given by Lins Neto.

Validation of the Continuum of Care Conceptual Model for Athletic Therapy

PubMed Central

Lafave, Mark R.; Butterwick, Dale; Eubank, Breda

2015-01-01

Utilization of conceptual models in field-based emergency care currently borrows from existing standards of medical and paramedical professions. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a comprehensive conceptual model that could account for injuries ranging from nonurgent to catastrophic events including events that do not follow traditional medical or prehospital care protocols. The conceptual model should represent the continuum of care from the time of initial injury spanning to an athlete's return to participation in their sport. Finally, the conceptual model should accommodate both novices and experts in the AT profession. This paper chronicles the content validation steps of the Continuum of Care Conceptual Model for Athletic Therapy (CCCM-AT). The stages of model development were domain and item generation, content expert validation using a three-stage modified Ebel procedure, and pilot testing. Only the final stage of the modified Ebel procedure reached a priori 80% consensus on three domains of interest: (1) heading descriptors; (2) the order of the model; (3) the conceptual model as a whole. Future research is required to test the use of the CCCM-AT in order to understand its efficacy in teaching and practice within the AT discipline. PMID:26464897

Multistable orientation in a nematic liquid crystal cell induced by external field and interfacial interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ong, Hiap Liew; Meyer, Robert B.; Hurd, Alan J.

1984-04-01

The effects of a short-range, arbitrary strength interfacial potential on the magnetic field, electric field, and optical field induced Freedericksz transition in a nematic liquid crystal cell are examined and the exact solution is obtained. By generalizing the criterion for the existence of a first-order optical field induced Freedericksz transition that was obtained previously [H. L. Ong, Phys. Rev. A 28, 2393 (1983)], the general criterion for the transition to be first order is obtained. Based on the existing experimental results, the possibility of surface induced first-order transitions is discussed and three simple empirical approaches are suggested for observing multistable orientation. The early results on the magnetic and electric fields induced Freedericksz transition and the inadequacy of the usual experimental observation methods (phase shift and capacitance measurements) are also discussed.

Evaluating component effects of a prison-based treatment continuum.

PubMed

Butzin, Clifford A; Martin, Steven S; Inciardi, James A

2002-03-01

A continuum of correctional-based therapeutic community (TC) treatment programs for drug-involved offenders has been functioning for several years in Delaware. Previous evaluations have shown the efficacy of the full continuum for up to three years posttreatment, though there has been some question of the benefits of treatment within prison. The particular focus here is on the relative impact of the within-prison, transitional, and aftercare treatment components upon criminal recidivism and relapse to illicit drug use. The relative benefit of participation in each component is supported, over and above the effects of differences in demographics and histories of criminal behavior and illicit substance use. However, the residential transitional program effects are generally larger and more long lasting. Additionally, the two outcomes appear differentially sensitive to the degree of completion of the continuum. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science Inc.

Lowering Effects of Onion Intake on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

PubMed Central

Azuma, Keiko; Minami, Yuko; Ippoushi, Katsunari; Terao, Junji

2007-01-01

The protective effect of onion against oxidative stress in streptozotosin-induced diabetic rats was investigated in comparison with that of quercetin aglycone. We measured oxidative stress biomarkers involving the susceptibility of the plasma against copper ion-induced lipid peroxidation, which was estimated by the amounts of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and cholesteryl ester hydroperoxides, and urine TBARS and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine contents. After the 12-week feeding period, plasma glucose levels and these biomarkers increased in diabetic rats compared to normal rats. In diabetic rats fed a 6.0% onion diet (quercetin equivalent: 0.023%), quercetin metabolites accumulated in the plasma at concentrations of approximately 35 µM. Onion intake decreased plasma glucose levels and lowered the oxidative stress biomarkers. On the other hand, quercetin metabolites in the plasma of rats fed a diet with 0.023% quercetin aglycone were found at lower concentrations (14.2 µM) than the rats fed the onion diet. Furthermore, oxidative stress biomarkers were higher in the quercetin diet group compared to the onion diet group. These results strongly suggest that onion intake suppresses diabetes-induced oxidative stress more effectively than the intake of the same amount of quercetin aglycone alone. PMID:18188415

Field-scale and wellbore modeling of compaction-induced casing failures

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

Hilbert, L.B. Jr.; Gwinn, R.L.; Moroney, T.A.

1999-06-01

Presented in this paper are the results and verification of field- and wellbore-scale large deformation, elasto-plastic, geomechanical finite element models of reservoir compaction and associated casing damage. The models were developed as part of a multidisciplinary team project to reduce the number of costly well failures in the diatomite reservoir of the South Belridge Field near Bakersfield, California. Reservoir compaction of high porosity diatomite rock induces localized shearing deformations on horizontal weak-rock layers and geologic unconformities. The localized shearing deformations result in casing damage or failure. Two-dimensional, field-scale finite element models were used to develop relationships between field operations, surfacemore » subsidence, and shear-induced casing damage. Pore pressures were computed for eighteen years of simulated production and water injection, using a three-dimensional reservoir simulator. The pore pressures were input to the two-dimensional geomechanical field-scale model. Frictional contact surfaces were used to model localized shear deformations. To capture the complex casing-cement-rock interaction that governs casing damage and failure, three-dimensional models of a wellbore were constructed, including a frictional sliding surface to model localized shear deformation. Calculations were compared to field data for verification of the models.« less

Stonefly (Plecoptera) Feeding Modes: Variation Along a California River Continuum

Treesearch

Richard L. Bottorff; Allen W. Knight

1989-01-01

The distribution of Plecoptera along a California river was used to test several predictions of the River Continuum Concept about how functional feeding groups should change along a stream's length. Stoneflies were collected from stream orders 1-6 (123 km) of the Cosumnes River continuum in the central Sierra Nevada. The 69 stonefly species collected were...

Field-induced cluster spin glass and inverse symmetry breaking enhanced by frustration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, M.; Zimmer, F. M.; Magalhaes, S. G.

2018-03-01

We consider a cluster disordered model to study the interplay between short- and long-range interactions in geometrically frustrated spin systems under an external magnetic field (h). In our approach, the intercluster long-range disorder (J) is analytically treated to get an effective cluster model that is computed exactly. The clusters follow a checkerboard lattice with first-neighbor (J1) and second-neighbor (J2) interactions. We find a reentrant transition from the cluster spin-glass (CSG) state to a paramagnetic (PM) phase as the temperature decreases for a certain range of h. This inverse symmetry breaking (ISB) appears as a consequence of both quenched disorder with frustration and h, that introduce a CSG state with higher entropy than the polarized PM phase. The competitive scenario introduced by antiferromagnetic (AF) short-range interactions increases the CSG state entropy, leading to continuous ISB transitions and enhancing the ISB regions, mainly in the geometrically frustrated case (J1 =J2). Remarkably, when strong AF intracluster couplings are present, field-induced CSG phases can be found. These CSG regions are strongly related to the magnetization plateaus observed in this cluster disordered system. In fact, it is found that each field-induced magnetization jump brings a CSG region. We notice that geometrical frustration, as well as cluster size, play an important role in the magnetization plateaus and, therefore, are also relevant in the field-induced glassy states. Our findings suggest that competing interactions support ISB and field-induced CSG phases in disordered cluster systems under an external magnetic field.

Evidence and modeling of 3D divertor footprint induced by lower hybrid waves on EAST with tungsten divertor operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, W.; Wang, L.; Rack, M.; Liang, Y.; Guo, H. Y.; Xu, G. S.; Xu, J. C.; Liu, J. B.; Sun, Y. W.; Jia, M. N.; Yang, Q. Q.; Zhang, B.; Zou, X. L.; Liu, H.; Zhang, T.; Ding, F.; Chen, J. B.; Duan, Y. M.; Zheng, X. W.; Dai, S. Y.; Deng, G. Z.; Chen, R.; Hu, G. H.; Yan, N.; Si, H.; Liu, S. C.; Xu, S.; Wang, M.; Li, M. H.; Ding, B. J.; Wingen, A.; Huang, J.; Gao, X.; Luo, G. N.; Gong, X. Z.; Garofalo, A. M.; Li, J.; Wan, B. N.; the EAST Team

2017-12-01

Three dimensional (3D) divertor particle flux footprints induced by the lower hybrid wave (LHW) have been systematically investigated in the EAST superconducting tokamak during the recent experimental campaign. We find that the striated particle flux (SPF) peaks away from the strike point (SP) closely fit the pitch of the edge magnetic field line for different safety factors q 95, as predicted by a field line tracing code taking into account the helical current filaments (HCFs) in the scrape-off-layer (SOL). As LHW power increases, it requires the fuelling to be increased e.g. by super molecular beam injection (SMBI), to maintain a similar plasma density, which may be attributed to the pump-out effect due to LHW, and may thus be beneficial for EAST steady state operations. The 3D SPF structure is observed with a LHW power threshold (P LHW ~ 0.9 MW). The ratio of the particle fluxes between SPF and outer strike point (OSP), i.e. {{Γ }ion,SPF}/{{Γ }ion,OSP} , increases with the LHW power. Upon transition to divertor detachment, the particle flux at the main OSP decreases, as expected, however, the particle flux at SPF continues increasing, in contrast to the RMP-induced striations that vanish with increasing divertor density. In addition, we also find that the in-out asymmetry of the 3D particle flux footprint pattern exhibits a clear dependence on the toroidal field direction (B  ×    ∇   B  ↓  and B  ×    ∇   B↑). Experiments using neon impurity seeding show a promising capability in 3D particle and heat flux control on EAST. LHW-induced particle and heat flux striations are also present in the H-mode plasmas, reducing the peak heat flux and erosion at the main strike point, thus facilitating long-pulse operation with a new steady-state H-mode over 60 s being recently achieved in EAST.

Forms of null Lagrangians in field theories of continuum mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovalev, V. A.; Radaev, Yu. N.

2012-02-01

The divergence representation of a null Lagrangian that is regular in a star-shaped domain is used to obtain its general expression containing field gradients of order ≤ 1 in the case of spacetime of arbitrary dimension. It is shown that for a static three-component field in the three-dimensional space, a null Lagrangian can contain up to 15 independent elements in total. The general form of a null Lagrangian in the four-dimensional Minkowski spacetime is obtained (the number of physical field variables is assumed arbitrary). A complete theory of the null Lagrangian for the n-dimensional spacetime manifold (including the four-dimensional Minkowski spacetime as a special case) is given. Null Lagrangians are then used as a basis for solving an important variational problem of an integrating factor. This problem involves searching for factors that depend on the spacetime variables, field variables, and their gradients and, for a given system of partial differential equations, ensure the equality between the scalar product of a vector multiplier by the system vector and some divergence expression for arbitrary field variables and, hence, allow one to formulate a divergence conservation law on solutions to the system.

A comparative study of discrete fracture network and equivalent continuum models for simulating flow and transport in the far field of a hypothetical nuclear waste repository in crystalline host rock

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

Hadgu, Teklu; Karra, Satish; Kalinina, Elena

One of the major challenges of simulating flow and transport in the far field of a geologic repository in crystalline host rock is related to reproducing the properties of the fracture network over the large volume of rock with sparse fracture characterization data. Various approaches have been developed to simulate flow and transport through the fractured rock. The approaches can be broadly divided into Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) and Equivalent Continuum Model (ECM). The DFN explicitly represents individual fractures, while the ECM uses fracture properties to determine equivalent continuum parameters. In this paper, we compare DFN and ECM in termsmore » of upscaled observed transport properties through generic fracture networks. The major effort was directed on making the DFN and ECM approaches similar in their conceptual representations. This allows for separating differences related to the interpretation of the test conditions and parameters from the differences between the DFN and ECM approaches. The two models are compared using a benchmark test problem that is constructed to represent the far field (1 × 1 × 1 km 3) of a hypothetical repository in fractured crystalline rock. The test problem setting uses generic fracture properties that can be expected in crystalline rocks. The models are compared in terms of the: 1) effective permeability of the domain, and 2) nonreactive solute breakthrough curves through the domain. The principal differences between the models are mesh size, network connectivity, matrix diffusion and anisotropy. We demonstrate how these differences affect the flow and transport. Finally, we identify the factors that should be taken in consideration when selecting an approach most suitable for the site-specific conditions.« less

A comparative study of discrete fracture network and equivalent continuum models for simulating flow and transport in the far field of a hypothetical nuclear waste repository in crystalline host rock

DOE PAGES

Hadgu, Teklu; Karra, Satish; Kalinina, Elena; ...

2017-07-28

One of the major challenges of simulating flow and transport in the far field of a geologic repository in crystalline host rock is related to reproducing the properties of the fracture network over the large volume of rock with sparse fracture characterization data. Various approaches have been developed to simulate flow and transport through the fractured rock. The approaches can be broadly divided into Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) and Equivalent Continuum Model (ECM). The DFN explicitly represents individual fractures, while the ECM uses fracture properties to determine equivalent continuum parameters. In this paper, we compare DFN and ECM in termsmore » of upscaled observed transport properties through generic fracture networks. The major effort was directed on making the DFN and ECM approaches similar in their conceptual representations. This allows for separating differences related to the interpretation of the test conditions and parameters from the differences between the DFN and ECM approaches. The two models are compared using a benchmark test problem that is constructed to represent the far field (1 × 1 × 1 km 3) of a hypothetical repository in fractured crystalline rock. The test problem setting uses generic fracture properties that can be expected in crystalline rocks. The models are compared in terms of the: 1) effective permeability of the domain, and 2) nonreactive solute breakthrough curves through the domain. The principal differences between the models are mesh size, network connectivity, matrix diffusion and anisotropy. We demonstrate how these differences affect the flow and transport. Finally, we identify the factors that should be taken in consideration when selecting an approach most suitable for the site-specific conditions.« less

A comparative study of discrete fracture network and equivalent continuum models for simulating flow and transport in the far field of a hypothetical nuclear waste repository in crystalline host rock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadgu, Teklu; Karra, Satish; Kalinina, Elena; Makedonska, Nataliia; Hyman, Jeffrey D.; Klise, Katherine; Viswanathan, Hari S.; Wang, Yifeng

2017-10-01

One of the major challenges of simulating flow and transport in the far field of a geologic repository in crystalline host rock is related to reproducing the properties of the fracture network over the large volume of rock with sparse fracture characterization data. Various approaches have been developed to simulate flow and transport through the fractured rock. The approaches can be broadly divided into Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) and Equivalent Continuum Model (ECM). The DFN explicitly represents individual fractures, while the ECM uses fracture properties to determine equivalent continuum parameters. We compare DFN and ECM in terms of upscaled observed transport properties through generic fracture networks. The major effort was directed on making the DFN and ECM approaches similar in their conceptual representations. This allows for separating differences related to the interpretation of the test conditions and parameters from the differences between the DFN and ECM approaches. The two models are compared using a benchmark test problem that is constructed to represent the far field (1 × 1 × 1 km3) of a hypothetical repository in fractured crystalline rock. The test problem setting uses generic fracture properties that can be expected in crystalline rocks. The models are compared in terms of the: 1) effective permeability of the domain, and 2) nonreactive solute breakthrough curves through the domain. The principal differences between the models are mesh size, network connectivity, matrix diffusion and anisotropy. We demonstrate how these differences affect the flow and transport. We identify the factors that should be taken in consideration when selecting an approach most suitable for the site-specific conditions.

Electric-field-induced modification in Curie temperature of Co monolayer on Pt(111)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, Kohji; Oba, Mikito; Akiyama, Toru; Ito, Tomonori; Weinert, Michael

2015-03-01

Magnetism induced by an external electric field (E-field) has received much attention as a potential approach for controlling magnetism at the nano-scale with the promise of ultra-low energy power consumption. Here, the E-field-induced modification of the Curie temperature for a prototypical transition-metal thin layer of a Co monolayer on Pt(111) is investigated by first-principles calculations by using the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method that treats spin-spiral structures in an E-field. An applied E-field modifies the magnon (spin-spiral formation) energies by a few meV, which leads to a modification of the exchange pair interaction parameters within the classical Heisenberg model. With inclusion of the spin-orbit coupling (SOC), the magnetocrystalline anisotropy and the Dzyaloshinskii-Morita interaction are obtained by the second variation SOC method. An E-field-induced modification of the Curie temperature is demonstrated by Monte Carlo simulations, in which a change in the exchange interaction is found to play a key role.

A Framework for Health Communication Across the HIV Treatment Continuum

PubMed Central

Van Lith, Lynn M.; Mallalieu, Elizabeth C.; Packman, Zoe R.; Myers, Emily; Ahanda, Kim Seifert; Harris, Emily; Gurman, Tilly; Figueroa, Maria-Elena

2017-01-01

Background: As test and treat rolls out, effective interventions are needed to address the determinants of outcomes across the HIV treatment continuum and ensure that people infected with HIV are promptly tested, initiate treatment early, adhere to treatment, and are virally suppressed. Communication approaches offer viable options for promoting relevant behaviors across the continuum. Conceptual Framework: This article introduces a conceptual framework, which can guide the development of effective health communication interventions and activities that aim to impact behaviors across the HIV treatment continuum in low- and medium-income countries. The framework includes HIV testing and counseling, linkage to care, retention in pre-antiretroviral therapy and antiretroviral therapy initiation in one single-stage linkage to care and treatment, and adherence for viral suppression. The determinants of behaviors vary across the continuum and include both facilitators and barriers with communication interventions designed to focus on specific determinants presented in the model. At each stage, relevant determinants occur at the various levels of the social–ecological model: intrapersonal, interpersonal, health services, community, and policy. Effective health communication interventions have mainly relied on mHealth, interpersonal communication through service providers and peers, community support groups, and treatment supporters. Discussion: The conceptual framework and evidence presented highlight areas across the continuum where health communication can significantly impact treatment outcomes to reach the 90-90-90 goals by strategically addressing key behavioral determinants. As test and treat rolls out, multifaceted health communication approaches will be critical. PMID:27930606

Continuum kinetic and multi-fluid simulations of classical sheaths

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

Cagas, P.; Hakim, A.; Juno, J.

The kinetic study of plasma sheaths is critical, among other things, to understand the deposition of heat on walls, the effect of sputtering, and contamination of the plasma with detrimental impurities. The plasma sheath also provides a boundary condition and can often have a significant global impact on the bulk plasma. In this paper, kinetic studies of classical sheaths are performed with the continuum kinetic code, Gkeyll, which directly solves the Vlasov-Maxwell equations. The code uses a novel version of the finite-element discontinuous Galerkin scheme that conserves energy in the continuous-time limit. The fields are computed using Maxwell equations. Ionizationmore » and scattering collisions are included; however, surface effects are neglected. The aim of this work is to introduce the continuum kinetic method and compare its results with those obtained from an already established finite-volume multi-fluid model also implemented in Gkeyll. Novel boundary conditions on the fluids allow the sheath to form without specifying wall fluxes, so the fluids and fields adjust self-consistently at the wall. Our work demonstrates that the kinetic and fluid results are in agreement for the momentum flux, showing that in certain regimes, a multifluid model can be a useful approximation for simulating the plasma boundary. There are differences in the electrostatic potential between the fluid and kinetic results. Further, the direct solutions of the distribution function presented here highlight the non-Maxwellian distribution of electrons in the sheath, emphasizing the need for a kinetic model. The densities, velocities, and the potential show a good agreement between the kinetic and fluid results. But, kinetic physics is highlighted through higher moments such as parallel and perpendicular temperatures which provide significant differences from the fluid results in which the temperature is assumed to be isotropic. Besides decompression cooling, the heat flux is shown to

Continuum kinetic and multi-fluid simulations of classical sheaths

DOE PAGES

Cagas, P.; Hakim, A.; Juno, J.; ...

2017-02-21

The kinetic study of plasma sheaths is critical, among other things, to understand the deposition of heat on walls, the effect of sputtering, and contamination of the plasma with detrimental impurities. The plasma sheath also provides a boundary condition and can often have a significant global impact on the bulk plasma. In this paper, kinetic studies of classical sheaths are performed with the continuum kinetic code, Gkeyll, which directly solves the Vlasov-Maxwell equations. The code uses a novel version of the finite-element discontinuous Galerkin scheme that conserves energy in the continuous-time limit. The fields are computed using Maxwell equations. Ionizationmore » and scattering collisions are included; however, surface effects are neglected. The aim of this work is to introduce the continuum kinetic method and compare its results with those obtained from an already established finite-volume multi-fluid model also implemented in Gkeyll. Novel boundary conditions on the fluids allow the sheath to form without specifying wall fluxes, so the fluids and fields adjust self-consistently at the wall. Our work demonstrates that the kinetic and fluid results are in agreement for the momentum flux, showing that in certain regimes, a multifluid model can be a useful approximation for simulating the plasma boundary. There are differences in the electrostatic potential between the fluid and kinetic results. Further, the direct solutions of the distribution function presented here highlight the non-Maxwellian distribution of electrons in the sheath, emphasizing the need for a kinetic model. The densities, velocities, and the potential show a good agreement between the kinetic and fluid results. But, kinetic physics is highlighted through higher moments such as parallel and perpendicular temperatures which provide significant differences from the fluid results in which the temperature is assumed to be isotropic. Besides decompression cooling, the heat flux is shown to

Continuum approaches for describing solid-gas and solid-liquid flow

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

Diamond, P.; Harvey, J.; Levine, H.

Two-phase continuum models have been used to describe the multiphase flow properties of solid-gas and solid-liquid mixtures. The approach is limited in that it requires many fitting functions and parameters to be determined empirically, and it does not provide natural explanations for some of the qualitative behavior of solid-fluid flow. In this report, we explore a more recent single-phase continuum model proposed by Jenkins and Savage to describe granular flow. Jenkins and McTigue have proposed a modified model to describe the flow of dense suspensions, and hence, many of our results can be straight-forwardly extended to this flow regime asmore » well. The solid-fluid mixture is treated as a homogeneous, compressible fluid in which the particle fluctuations about the mean flow are described in terms of an effective temperature. The particle collisions are treated as inelastic. After an introduction in which we briefly comment on the present status of the field, we describe the details of the single-phase continuum model and analyze the microscopic and macroscopic flow conditions required for the approach to be valid. We then derive numerous qualitative predictions which can be empirically verified in small-scale experiments: The flow profiles are computed for simple boundary conditions, plane Couette flow and channel flow. Segregaion effects when there are two (or more) particle size are considered. The acoustic dispersion relation is derived and shown to predict that granular flow is supersonic. We point out that the analysis of flow instabilities is complicated by the finite compressibility of the solid-fluid mixture. For example, the large compressibility leads to interchange (Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities) in addition to the usual angular momentum interchange in standard (cylindrical) Couette flow. We conclude by describing some of the advantages and limitations of experimental techniques that might be used to test predictions for solid-fluid flow. 19 refs.« less

Lyα-Lyman continuum connection in 3.5 ≤ z ≤ 4.3 star-forming galaxies from the VUDS survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marchi, F.; Pentericci, L.; Guaita, L.; Schaerer, D.; Verhamme, A.; Castellano, M.; Ribeiro, B.; Garilli, B.; Fèvre, O. Le; Amorin, R.; Bardelli, S.; Cassata, P.; Durkalec, A.; Grazian, A.; Hathi, N. P.; Lemaux, B. C.; Maccagni, D.; Vanzella, E.; Zucca, E.

2018-06-01

Context. To identify the galaxies responsible for the reionization of the Universe, we must rely on the investigation of the Lyman continuum (LyC) properties of z ≲ 5 star-forming galaxies, where we can still directly observe their ionizing radiation. Aims: The aim of this work is to explore the correlation between the LyC emission and some of the proposed indirect indicators of LyC radiation at z 4 such as a bright Lyα emission and a compact UV continuum size. Methods: We selected a sample of 201 star-forming galaxies from the Vimos Ultra Deep Survey (VUDS) at 3.5 ≤ z ≤ 4.3 in the COSMOS, ECDFS, and VVDS-2h fields, including only those with reliable spectroscopic redshifts, a clean spectrum in the LyC range and clearly not contaminated by bright nearby sources in the same slit. For all galaxies we measured the Lyα EW, the Lyα velocity shift with respect to the systemic redshift, the Lyα spatial extension and the UV continuum effective radius. We then selected different sub-samples according to the properties predicted to be good LyC emission indicators: in particular we created sub-samples of galaxies with EW(Lyα) ≥ 70 Å, Lyαext ≤ 5.7 kpc, rUV ≤ 0.30 kpc and |ΔvLyα|≤ 200 km s-1. We stacked all the galaxies in each sub-sample and measured the flux density ratio (fλ(895)/fλ(1470)), that we considered to be a proxy for LyC emission. We then compared these ratios to those obtained for the complementary samples. Finally, to estimate the statistical contamination from lower redshift inter-lopers in our samples, we performed dedicated Monte Carlo simulations using an ultradeep U-band image of the ECDFS field. Results: We find that the stacks of galaxies which are UV compact (rUV ≤ 0.30 kpc) and have bright Lyα emission (EW(Lyα) ≥ 70 Å), have much higher LyC fluxes compared to the rest of the galaxy population. These parameters appear to be good indicators of LyC radiation in agreement with theoretical studies and previous observational

Induced Anisotropy in FeCo-Based Nanocrystalline Ferromagnetic Alloys (HITPERM) by Very High Field Annealing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, F.; Garmestani, H.; Chu, S.-Y.; McHenry, M. E.; Laughlin, D. E.

2004-01-01

Very high magnetic field annealing is shown to affect the magnetic anisotropy in FeCo-base nanocrystalline soft ferromagnetic alloys. Alloys of composition Fe(44.5)Co(44.5)Zr(7)B(4) were prepared by melt spinning into amorphous ribbons, then wound to form toroidal bobbin cores. One set of cores was crystallized in a zero field at 600 deg. C for 1 h, then, field annealed at 17 tesla (T) at 480 deg. C for 1 h. Another set was crystallized in a 17-T field at 480 deg. C for 1 h. Field orientation was transverse to the magnetic path of the toroidal cores. An induced anisotropy is indicated by a sheared hysteresis loop. Sensitive torque magnetometry measurements with a Si cantilever sensor indicated a strong, uniaxial, longitudinal easy axis in the zero-field-crystallized sample. The source is most likely magnetoelastic anisotropy, caused by the residual stress from nanocrystallization and the nonzero magnetostriction coefficient for this material. The magnetostrictive coefficient lambda(5) is measured to be 36 ppm by a strain gage technique. Field annealing reduces the magnitude of the induced anisotropy. Core loss measurements were made in the zero-field-crystallized, zero-field-crystallized- than-field-annealed, and field-crystallized states. Core loss is reduced 30%-50% (depending on frequency) by field annealing. X-ray diffraction reveals no evidence of crystalline texture or orientation that would cause the induced anisotropy. Diffusional pair ordering is thought to be the cause of the induced anisotropy. However, reannealing the samples in the absence of a magnetic field at 480 deg. C does not completely remove the induced anisotropy.

Streaming current magnetic fields in a charged nanopore.

PubMed

Mansouri, Abraham; Taheri, Peyman; Kostiuk, Larry W

2016-11-11

Magnetic fields induced by currents created in pressure driven flows inside a solid-state charged nanopore were modeled by numerically solving a system of steady state continuum partial differential equations, i.e., Poisson, Nernst-Planck, Ampere and Navier-Stokes equations (PNPANS). This analysis was based on non-dimensional transport governing equations that were scaled using Debye length as the characteristic length scale, and applied to a finite length cylindrical nano-channel. The comparison of numerical and analytical studies shows an excellent agreement and verified the magnetic fields density both inside and outside the nanopore. The radially non-uniform currents resulted in highly non-uniform magnetic fields within the nanopore that decay as 1/r outside the nanopore. It is worth noting that for either streaming currents or streaming potential cases, the maximum magnetic field occurred inside the pore in the vicinity of nanopore wall, as opposed to a cylindrical conductor that carries a steady electric current where the maximum magnetic fields occur at the perimeter of conductor. Based on these results, it is suggested and envisaged that non-invasive external magnetic fields readouts generated by streaming/ionic currents may be viewed as secondary electronic signatures of biomolecules to complement and enhance current DNA nanopore sequencing techniques.

Streaming current magnetic fields in a charged nanopore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mansouri, Abraham; Taheri, Peyman; Kostiuk, Larry W.

2016-11-01

Magnetic fields induced by currents created in pressure driven flows inside a solid-state charged nanopore were modeled by numerically solving a system of steady state continuum partial differential equations, i.e., Poisson, Nernst-Planck, Ampere and Navier-Stokes equations (PNPANS). This analysis was based on non-dimensional transport governing equations that were scaled using Debye length as the characteristic length scale, and applied to a finite length cylindrical nano-channel. The comparison of numerical and analytical studies shows an excellent agreement and verified the magnetic fields density both inside and outside the nanopore. The radially non-uniform currents resulted in highly non-uniform magnetic fields within the nanopore that decay as 1/r outside the nanopore. It is worth noting that for either streaming currents or streaming potential cases, the maximum magnetic field occurred inside the pore in the vicinity of nanopore wall, as opposed to a cylindrical conductor that carries a steady electric current where the maximum magnetic fields occur at the perimeter of conductor. Based on these results, it is suggested and envisaged that non-invasive external magnetic fields readouts generated by streaming/ionic currents may be viewed as secondary electronic signatures of biomolecules to complement and enhance current DNA nanopore sequencing techniques.

Streaming current magnetic fields in a charged nanopore

PubMed Central

Mansouri, Abraham; Taheri, Peyman; Kostiuk, Larry W.

2016-01-01

Magnetic fields induced by currents created in pressure driven flows inside a solid-state charged nanopore were modeled by numerically solving a system of steady state continuum partial differential equations, i.e., Poisson, Nernst-Planck, Ampere and Navier-Stokes equations (PNPANS). This analysis was based on non-dimensional transport governing equations that were scaled using Debye length as the characteristic length scale, and applied to a finite length cylindrical nano-channel. The comparison of numerical and analytical studies shows an excellent agreement and verified the magnetic fields density both inside and outside the nanopore. The radially non-uniform currents resulted in highly non-uniform magnetic fields within the nanopore that decay as 1/r outside the nanopore. It is worth noting that for either streaming currents or streaming potential cases, the maximum magnetic field occurred inside the pore in the vicinity of nanopore wall, as opposed to a cylindrical conductor that carries a steady electric current where the maximum magnetic fields occur at the perimeter of conductor. Based on these results, it is suggested and envisaged that non-invasive external magnetic fields readouts generated by streaming/ionic currents may be viewed as secondary electronic signatures of biomolecules to complement and enhance current DNA nanopore sequencing techniques. PMID:27833119

Commitment to Quality throughout the Continuum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gillet, Pamela

1995-01-01

This editorial by the president of the Council for Exceptional Children indicates the organization's support of a continuum of special education placements for students with special needs and calls for improving transition of students from one placement to another. (JDD)

Characterizations of pumping-induced land subsidence in coastal aquifers - model development and field-scale implementations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, C.; Huang, Y.; Lu, C.

2012-12-01

The pumping-induced land subsidence events are typically founded in coastal aquifers in Taiwan especially in the areas of lower alluvial fans. Previous investigations have recognized the irreversible situation for an aquifer deformation even if the pumped water is significantly reduced or stopped. Long-term monitoring projects on land subsidence in Choshui alluvial fan in central Taiwan have improved the understanding of the deformations in the aquifer system. To characterization the detailed land subsidence mechanism, this study develops an inverse numerical model to estimate the deformation parameters such as the specific storage (Ss) and vertical hydraulic conductivity (Kv) for interbeds. Similar to the concept of Hydraulic tomography survey (HTS), the developed model employs the iterative cokriging estimator to improve the accuracy of estimating deformation parameters. A one-dimensional numerical example is employed to assess the accuracy of the developed inverse model. The developed model is then applied to field-scale data from compaction monitoring wells (CMW) installed in the lower Choshui River fan. Results of the synthetic example show that the developed inverse model can reproduce well the predefined geologic features of the synthetic aquifer. The model provides better estimations of Kv patterns and magnitudes. Slightly less detail of the Ss was obtained due to the insensitivity of transient stresses for specified sampling times. Without prior information from field measurements, the developed model associated with deformation measurements form CMW can estimate Kv and Ss fields with great spatial resolution.

Mechanism of soft x-ray continuum radiation from low-energy pinch discharges of hydrogen and ultra-low field ignition of solid fuels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mills, R.; Lotoski, J.; Lu, Y.

2017-09-01

EUV continuum radiation (10-30 nm) arising only from very low energy pulsed pinch gas discharges comprising some hydrogen was first observed at BlackLight Power, Inc. and reproduced at the Harvard Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The source was determined to be due to the transition of H to the lower-energy hydrogen or hydrino state H(1/4) whose emission matches that observed wherein alternative sources were eliminated. The identity of the catalyst that accepts 3 · 27.2 eV from the H to cause the H to H(1/4) transition was determined to HOH versus 3H. The mechanism was elucidated using different oxide-coated electrodes that were selective in forming HOH versus plasma forming metal atoms as well as from the intensity profile that was a mismatch for the multi-body reaction required during 3H catalysis. The HOH catalyst was further shown to give EUV radiation of the same nature by igniting a solid fuel comprising a source of H and HOH catalyst by passing a low voltage, high current through the fuel to produce explosive plasma. No chemical reaction can release such high-energy light. No high field existed to form highly ionized ions that could give radiation in this EUV region that persisted even without power input. This plasma source serves as strong evidence for the existence of the transition of H to hydrino H(1/4) by HOH as the catalyst and a corresponding new power source wherein initial extraordinarily brilliant light-emitting prototypes are already producing photovoltaic generated electrical power. The hydrino product of a catalyst reaction of atomic hydrogen was analyzed by multiple spectroscopic techniques. Moreover, the mH catalyst was identified to be active in astronomical sources such as the Sun, stars and interstellar medium wherein the characteristics of hydrino match those of the dark matter of the Universe.

MaMiCo: Transient multi-instance molecular-continuum flow simulation on supercomputers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neumann, Philipp; Bian, Xin

2017-11-01

We present extensions of the macro-micro-coupling tool MaMiCo, which was designed to couple continuum fluid dynamics solvers with discrete particle dynamics. To enable local extraction of smooth flow field quantities especially on rather short time scales, sampling over an ensemble of molecular dynamics simulations is introduced. We provide details on these extensions including the transient coupling algorithm, open boundary forcing, and multi-instance sampling. Furthermore, we validate the coupling in Couette flow using different particle simulation software packages and particle models, i.e. molecular dynamics and dissipative particle dynamics. Finally, we demonstrate the parallel scalability of the molecular-continuum simulations by using up to 65 536 compute cores of the supercomputer Shaheen II located at KAUST. Program Files doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17632/w7rgdrhb85.1 Licensing provisions: BSD 3-clause Programming language: C, C++ External routines/libraries: For compiling: SCons, MPI (optional) Subprograms used: ESPResSo, LAMMPS, ls1 mardyn, waLBerla For installation procedures of the MaMiCo interfaces, see the README files in the respective code directories located in coupling/interface/impl. Journal reference of previous version: P. Neumann, H. Flohr, R. Arora, P. Jarmatz, N. Tchipev, H.-J. Bungartz. MaMiCo: Software design for parallel molecular-continuum flow simulations, Computer Physics Communications 200: 324-335, 2016 Does the new version supersede the previous version?: Yes. The functionality of the previous version is completely retained in the new version. Nature of problem: Coupled molecular-continuum simulation for multi-resolution fluid dynamics: parts of the domain are resolved by molecular dynamics or another particle-based solver whereas large parts are covered by a mesh-based CFD solver, e.g. a lattice Boltzmann automaton. Solution method: We couple existing MD and CFD solvers via MaMiCo (macro-micro coupling tool). Data exchange and

Computational modeling of brain tumors: discrete, continuum or hybrid?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhihui; Deisboeck, Thomas S.

2008-04-01

In spite of all efforts, patients diagnosed with highly malignant brain tumors (gliomas), continue to face a grim prognosis. Achieving significant therapeutic advances will also require a more detailed quantitative understanding of the dynamic interactions among tumor cells, and between these cells and their biological microenvironment. Data-driven computational brain tumor models have the potential to provide experimental tumor biologists with such quantitative and cost-efficient tools to generate and test hypotheses on tumor progression, and to infer fundamental operating principles governing bidirectional signal propagation in multicellular cancer systems. This review highlights the modeling objectives of and challenges with developing such in silicobrain tumor models by outlining two distinct computational approaches: discrete and continuum, each with representative examples. Future directions of this integrative computational neuro-oncology field, such as hybrid multiscale multiresolution modeling are discussed.

Disordered Route to the Coulomb Quantum Spin Liquid: Random Transverse Fields on Spin Ice in Pr 2 Zr 2 O 7

DOE PAGES

Wen, J. -J.; Koohpayeh, S. M.; Ross, K. A.; ...

2017-03-08

Inelastic neutron scattering reveals a broad continuum of excitations in Pr 2 Zr 2 O 7 , the temperature and magnetic field dependence of which indicate a continuous distribution of quenched transverse fields ( Δ ) acting on the non-Kramers Pr 3 + crystal field ground state doublets. Spin-ice correlations are apparent within 0.2 meV of the Zeeman energy. In a random phase approximation an excellent account of the data is provided and contains a transverse field distribution ρ ( Δ ) ∝ ( Δ 2 + Γ 2 ) - 1 , where Γ = 0.27 ( 1 )more » meV . Established during high temperature synthesis due to an underlying structural instability, it appears disorder in Pr 2 Zr 2 O 7 actually induces a quantum spin liquid.« less

Reverberation Mapping of the Continuum Source in Active Galactic Nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fausnaugh, Michael Martin

I present results from a monitoring campaign of 11 active galactic nuclei (AGN) conducted in Spring of 2014. I use the reverberation mapping method to probe the interior structures of the AGN, specifically the broad line regions (BLRs) and accretion disks. One of these AGN, NGC 5548, was also subject to multi-wavelength (X-ray, UV, optical, and near-IR) monitoring using 25 ground-based telescopes and four space-based facilities. For NGC 5548, I detect lags between the continuum emission at different wavelengths that follow a trend consistent with the prediction for continuum reprocessing by an accretion disk with temperature profile T ∝ R -3/4. However, the lags imply a disk radius that is 3 times larger than the prediction from standard thin-disk models. The lags at wavelengths longer than the Vband are also equal to or greater than the lags of high-ionization-state emission lines (such as HeII lambda1640 and lambda4686), suggesting that the continuum-emitting source is of a physical size comparable to the inner broad-line region. Using optical spectra from the Large Binocular Telescope, I estimate the bias of the interband continuum lags due to BLR emission observed in the filters, and I find that the bias for filters with high levels of BLR contamination (˜20%) can be important for the shortest continuum lags. This likely has a significant impact on the u and U bands owing to Balmer continuum emission. I then develop a new procedure for the internal (night-to-night) calibration of time series spectra that can reach precisions of ˜1 millimagnitude and improves traditional techniques by up to a factor of 5. At this level, other systematic issues (e.g., the nightly sensitivity functions and Fe II contamination) limit the final precision of the observed light curves. Using the new calibration method, I next present the data and first results from the optical spectroscopic monitoring component of the reverberation mapping campaign. Five AGN were sufficiently

Exploring the salt–cocrystal continuum with solid-state NMR using natural-abundance samples: implications for crystal engineering

PubMed Central

Rajput, Lalit; Banik, Manas; Yarava, Jayasubba Reddy; Joseph, Sumy; Pandey, Manoj Kumar

2017-01-01

There has been significant recent interest in differentiating multicomponent solid forms, such as salts and cocrystals, and, where appropriate, in determining the position of the proton in the X—H⋯A—Y X −⋯H—A +—Y continuum in these systems, owing to the direct relationship of this property to the clinical, regulatory and legal requirements for an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). In the present study, solid forms of simple cocrystals/salts were investigated by high-field (700 MHz) solid-state NMR (ssNMR) using samples with naturally abundant 15N nuclei. Four model compounds in a series of prototypical salt/cocrystal/continuum systems exhibiting {PyN⋯H—O—}/{PyN+—H⋯O−} hydrogen bonds (Py is pyridine) were selected and prepared. The crystal structures were determined at both low and room temperature using X-ray diffraction. The H-atom positions were determined by measuring the 15N—1H distances through 15N-1H dipolar interactions using two-dimensional inversely proton-detected cross polarization with variable contact-time (invCP-VC) 1H→15N→1H experiments at ultrafast (νR ≥ 60–70 kHz) magic angle spinning (MAS) frequency. It is observed that this method is sensitive enough to determine the proton position even in a continuum where an ambiguity of terminology for the solid form often arises. This work, while carried out on simple systems, has implications in the pharmaceutical industry where the salt/cocrystal/continuum condition of APIs is considered seriously. PMID:28875033

Exploring the salt-cocrystal continuum with solid-state NMR using natural-abundance samples: implications for crystal engineering.

PubMed

Rajput, Lalit; Banik, Manas; Yarava, Jayasubba Reddy; Joseph, Sumy; Pandey, Manoj Kumar; Nishiyama, Yusuke; Desiraju, Gautam R

2017-07-01

There has been significant recent interest in differentiating multicomponent solid forms, such as salts and cocrystals, and, where appropriate, in determining the position of the proton in the X -H⋯ A - Y X - ⋯H- A + - Y continuum in these systems, owing to the direct relationship of this property to the clinical, regulatory and legal requirements for an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). In the present study, solid forms of simple cocrystals/salts were investigated by high-field (700 MHz) solid-state NMR (ssNMR) using samples with naturally abundant 15 N nuclei. Four model compounds in a series of prototypical salt/cocrystal/continuum systems exhibiting {PyN⋯H-O-}/{PyN + -H⋯O - } hydrogen bonds (Py is pyridine) were selected and prepared. The crystal structures were determined at both low and room temperature using X-ray diffraction. The H-atom positions were determined by measuring the 15 N- 1 H distances through 15 N- 1 H dipolar interactions using two-dimensional inversely proton-detected cross polarization with variable contact-time (invCP-VC) 1 H→ 15 N→ 1 H experiments at ultrafast (ν R ≥ 60-70 kHz) magic angle spinning (MAS) frequency. It is observed that this method is sensitive enough to determine the proton position even in a continuum where an ambiguity of terminology for the solid form often arises. This work, while carried out on simple systems, has implications in the pharmaceutical industry where the salt/cocrystal/continuum condition of APIs is considered seriously.

Investigation of the temperature dependent field emission from individual ZnO nanowires for evidence of field-induced hot electrons emission.

PubMed

Chen, Yicong; Zhang, Zhipeng; Li, Zhi-Bing; She, Juncong; Deng, Shaozhi; Xu, Ning-Sheng; Chen, Jun

2018-06-27

ZnO nanowires as field emitters have important applications in flat panel display and X-ray source. Understanding the intrinsic field emission mechanism is crucial for further improving the performance of ZnO nanowire field emitters. In this article, the temperature dependent field emission from individual ZnO nanowires was investigated by an in-situ measurement in ultra-high vacuum. The divergent temperature-dependent Fowler-Nordheim plots is found in the low field region. A field-induced hot electrons emission model that takes into account penetration length is proposed to explain the results. The carrier density and temperature dependence of the field-induced hot electrons emission current are derived theoretically. The obtained results are consistent with the experimental results, which could be attributed to the variation of effective electron temperature. All of these are important for a better understanding on the field emission process of semiconductor nanostructures. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Defect Detection in Arc-Welding Processes by Means of the Line-to-Continuum Method and Feature Selection.

PubMed

Garcia-Allende, P Beatriz; Mirapeix, Jesus; Conde, Olga M; Cobo, Adolfo; Lopez-Higuera, Jose M

2009-01-01

Plasma optical spectroscopy is widely employed in on-line welding diagnostics. The determination of the plasma electron temperature, which is typically selected as the output monitoring parameter, implies the identification of the atomic emission lines. As a consequence, additional processing stages are required with a direct impact on the real time performance of the technique. The line-to-continuum method is a feasible alternative spectroscopic approach and it is particularly interesting in terms of its computational efficiency. However, the monitoring signal highly depends on the chosen emission line. In this paper, a feature selection methodology is proposed to solve the uncertainty regarding the selection of the optimum spectral band, which allows the employment of the line-to-continuum method for on-line welding diagnostics. Field test results have been conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the solution.

Magnetic field-induced Fermi surface reconstruction and quantum criticality in CeRhIn 5

DOE PAGES

Jiao, Lin; Weng, Z. F.; Smidman, Michael; ...

2017-02-06

Here, we present detailed results of the field evolution of the de Haas–van Alphen (dHvA) effect in CeRhIn 5. A magnetic field-induced reconstruction of the Fermi surface is clearly shown to occur inside the antiferromagnetic state, in an applied field of around B* ≃ 30 T, which is evidenced by the appearance of several new dHvA branches. The angular dependence of the dHvA frequencies reveals that the Fermi surfaces of CeRhIn 5 at B > B* and CeCoIn5 are similar. The results suggest that the Ce-4f electrons in become itinerant at B > B* due to the Kondo effect, priormore » to the field-induced quantum critical point (QCP) at Bc0 ≃ 50 T. The electronic states at the field-induced QCP are therefore different from that of the pressure-induced QCP where a dramatic Fermi surface reconstruction occurs exactly at the critical pressure, indicating that multiple types of QCP may exist in CeRhIn 5.« less

Discrete-to-continuum modelling of weakly interacting incommensurate two-dimensional lattices.

PubMed

Español, Malena I; Golovaty, Dmitry; Wilber, J Patrick

2018-01-01

In this paper, we derive a continuum variational model for a two-dimensional deformable lattice of atoms interacting with a two-dimensional rigid lattice. The starting point is a discrete atomistic model for the two lattices which are assumed to have slightly different lattice parameters and, possibly, a small relative rotation. This is a prototypical example of a three-dimensional system consisting of a graphene sheet suspended over a substrate. We use a discrete-to-continuum procedure to obtain the continuum model which recovers both qualitatively and quantitatively the behaviour observed in the corresponding discrete model. The continuum model predicts that the deformable lattice develops a network of domain walls characterized by large shearing, stretching and bending deformation that accommodates the misalignment and/or mismatch between the deformable and rigid lattices. Two integer-valued parameters, which can be identified with the components of a Burgers vector, describe the mismatch between the lattices and determine the geometry and the details of the deformation associated with the domain walls.

A continuum model for pressure-flow relationship in human pulmonary circulation.

PubMed

Huang, Wei; Zhou, Qinlian; Gao, Jian; Yen, R T

2011-06-01

A continuum model was introduced to analyze the pressure-flow relationship for steady flow in human pulmonary circulation. The continuum approach was based on the principles of continuum mechanics in conjunction with detailed measurement of vascular geometry, vascular elasticity and blood rheology. The pulmonary arteries and veins were considered as elastic tubes and the "fifth-power law" was used to describe the pressure-flow relationship. For pulmonary capillaries, the "sheet-flow" theory was employed and the pressure-flow relationship was represented by the "fourth-power law". In this paper, the pressure-flow relationship for the whole pulmonary circulation and the longitudinal pressure distribution along the streamlines were studied. Our computed data showed general agreement with the experimental data for the normal subjects and the patients with mitral stenosis and chronic bronchitis in the literature. In conclusion, our continuum model can be used to predict the changes of steady flow in human pulmonary circulation.

Passing particle toroidal precession induced by electric field in a tokamak

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

Andreev, V. V.; Ilgisonis, V. I.; Sorokina, E. A.

2013-12-15

Characteristics of a rotation of passing particles in a tokamak with radial electric field are calculated. The expression for time-averaged toroidal velocity of the passing particle induced by the electric field is derived. The electric-field-induced additive to the toroidal velocity of the passing particle appears to be much smaller than the velocity of the electric drift calculated for the poloidal magnetic field typical for the trapped particle. This quantity can even have the different sign depending on the azimuthal position of the particle starting point. The unified approach for the calculation of the bounce period and of the time-averaged toroidalmore » velocity of both trapped and passing particles in the whole volume of plasma column is presented. The results are obtained analytically and are confirmed by 3D numerical calculations of the trajectories of charged particles.« less

Electric-field-induced association of colloidal particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fraden, Seth; Hurd, Alan J.; Meyer, Robert B.

1989-11-01

Dilute suspensions of micron diameter dielectric spheres confined to two dimensions are induced to aggregate linearly by application of an electric field. The growth of the average cluster size agrees well with the Smoluchowski equation, but the evolution of the measured cluster size distribution exhibits significant departures from theory at large times due to the formation of long linear clusters which effectively partition space into isolated one-dimensional strips.

ALMA observation of 158 μm [C II] line and dust continuum of a z = 7 normally star-forming galaxy in the epoch of reionization

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

Ota, Kazuaki; Walter, Fabian; Da Cunha, Elisabete

We present ALMA observations of the [C II] line and far-infrared (FIR) continuum of a normally star-forming galaxy in the reionization epoch, the z = 6.96 Lyα emitter (LAE) IOK-1. Probing to sensitivities of σ{sub line} = 240 μJy beam{sup –1} (40 km s{sup –1} channel) and σ{sub cont} = 21 μJy beam{sup –1}, we found the galaxy undetected in both [C II] and continuum. Comparison of ultraviolet (UV)-FIR spectral energy distribution (SED) of IOK-1, including our ALMA limit, with those of several types of local galaxies (including the effects of the cosmic microwave background, CMB, on the FIR continuum)more » suggests that IOK-1 is similar to local dwarf/irregular galaxies in SED shape rather than highly dusty/obscured galaxies. Moreover, our 3σ FIR continuum limit, corrected for CMB effects, implies intrinsic dust mass M {sub dust} < 6.4 × 10{sup 7} M {sub ☉}, FIR luminosity L {sub FIR} < 3.7 × 10{sup 10} L {sub ☉} (42.5-122.5 μm), total IR luminosity L {sub IR} < 5.7 × 10{sup 10} L {sub ☉} (8-1000 μm), and dust-obscured star formation rate (SFR) < 10 M {sub ☉} yr{sup –1}, if we assume that IOK-1 has a dust temperature and emissivity index typical of local dwarf galaxies. This SFR is 2.4 times lower than one estimated from the UV continuum, suggesting that <29% of the star formation is obscured by dust. Meanwhile, our 3σ [C II] flux limit translates into [C II] luminosity, L {sub [C} {sub II]} < 3.4 × 10{sup 7} L {sub ☉}. Locations of IOK-1 and previously observed LAEs on the L {sub [C} {sub II]} versus SFR and L {sub [C} {sub II]}/L {sub FIR} versus L {sub FIR} diagrams imply that LAEs in the reionization epoch have significantly lower gas and dust enrichment than AGN-powered systems and starbursts at similar/lower redshifts, as well as local star-forming galaxies.« less

Broad band nonlinear optical absorption measurements of the laser dye IR26 using white light continuum Z-scan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dey, Soumyodeep; Bongu, Sudhakara Reddy; Bisht, Prem Ballabh

2017-03-01

We study the nonlinear optical response of a standard dye IR26 using the Z-scan technique, but with the white light continuum. The continuum source of wavelength from 450 nm to 1650 nm has been generated from the photonic crystal fiber on pumping with 772 nm of Ti:Sapphire oscillator. The use of broadband incident pulse enables us to probe saturable absorption (SA) and reverse saturable absorption (RSA) over the large spectral range with a single Z-scan measurement. The system shows SA in the resonant region while it turns to RSA in the non-resonant regions. The low saturation intensity of the dye can be explained based on the simultaneous excitation from ground states to various higher energy levels with the help of composite energy level diagram. The cumulative effects of excited state absorption and thermal induced nonlinear optical effects are responsible for the observed RSA.

Finite size effects in the thermodynamics of a free neutral scalar field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parvan, A. S.

2018-04-01

The exact analytical lattice results for the partition function of the free neutral scalar field in one spatial dimension in both the configuration and the momentum space were obtained in the framework of the path integral method. The symmetric square matrices of the bilinear forms on the vector space of fields in both configuration space and momentum space were found explicitly. The exact lattice results for the partition function were generalized to the three-dimensional spatial momentum space and the main thermodynamic quantities were derived both on the lattice and in the continuum limit. The thermodynamic properties and the finite volume corrections to the thermodynamic quantities of the free real scalar field were studied. We found that on the finite lattice the exact lattice results for the free massive neutral scalar field agree with the continuum limit only in the region of small values of temperature and volume. However, at these temperatures and volumes the continuum physical quantities for both massive and massless scalar field deviate essentially from their thermodynamic limit values and recover them only at high temperatures or/and large volumes in the thermodynamic limit.

Atmospheric absorption of terahertz radiation and water vapor continuum effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slocum, David M.; Slingerland, Elizabeth J.; Giles, Robert H.; Goyette, Thomas M.

2013-09-01

The water vapor continuum absorption spectrum was investigated using Fourier Transform Spectroscopy. The transmission of broadband terahertz radiation from 0.300 to 1.500 THz was recorded for multiple path lengths and relative humidity levels. The absorption coefficient as a function of frequency was determined and compared with theoretical predictions and available water vapor absorption data. The prediction code is able to separately model the different parts of atmospheric absorption for a range of experimental conditions. A variety of conditions were accurately modeled using this code including both self and foreign gas broadening for low and high water vapor pressures for many different measurement techniques. The intensity and location of the observed absorption lines were also in good agreement with spectral databases. However, there was a discrepancy between the resonant line spectrum simulation and the observed absorption spectrum in the atmospheric transmission windows caused by the continuum absorption. A small discrepancy remained even after using the best available data from the literature to account for the continuum absorption. From the experimental and resonant line simulation spectra the air-broadening continuum parameter was calculated and compared with values available in the literature.

Discrimination between discrete and continuum scattering from the sub-seafloor.

PubMed

Holland, Charles W; Steininger, Gavin; Dosso, Stan E

2015-08-01

There is growing evidence that seabed scattering is often dominated by heterogeneities within the sediment volume as opposed to seafloor roughness. From a theoretical viewpoint, sediment volume heterogeneities can be described either by a fluctuation continuum or by discrete particles. In at-sea experiments, heterogeneity characteristics generally are not known a priori. Thus, an uninformed model selection is generally made, i.e., the researcher must arbitrarily select either a discrete or continuum model. It is shown here that it is possible to (acoustically) discriminate between continuum and discrete heterogeneities in some instances. For example, when the spectral exponent γ3>4, the volume scattering cannot be described by discrete particles. Conversely, when γ3≤2, the heterogeneities likely arise from discrete particles. Furthermore, in the range 2<γ3≤4 it is sometimes possible to discriminate via physical bounds on the parameter values. The ability to so discriminate is important, because there are few tools for measuring small scale, O(10(-2) to 10(1)) m, sediment heterogeneities over large areas. Therefore, discriminating discrete vs continuum heterogeneities via acoustic remote sensing may lead to improved observations and concomitant increased understanding of the marine benthic environment.

Mesoscopic and continuum modelling of angiogenesis

PubMed Central

Spill, F.; Guerrero, P.; Alarcon, T.; Maini, P. K.; Byrne, H. M.

2016-01-01

Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones in response to chemical signals secreted by, for example, a wound or a tumour. In this paper, we propose a mesoscopic lattice-based model of angiogenesis, in which processes that include proliferation and cell movement are considered as stochastic events. By studying the dependence of the model on the lattice spacing and the number of cells involved, we are able to derive the deterministic continuum limit of our equations and compare it to similar existing models of angiogenesis. We further identify conditions under which the use of continuum models is justified, and others for which stochastic or discrete effects dominate. We also compare different stochastic models for the movement of endothelial tip cells which have the same macroscopic, deterministic behaviour, but lead to markedly different behaviour in terms of production of new vessel cells. PMID:24615007

Continuum Model of Gas Uptake for Inhomogeneous Fluids

DOE PAGES

Ihm, Yungok; Cooper, Valentino R.; Vlcek, Lukas; ...

2017-07-20

We describe a continuum model of gas uptake for inhomogeneous fluids (CMGIF) and use it to predict fluid adsorption in porous materials directly from gas-substrate interaction energies determined by first principles calculations or accurate effective force fields. The method uses a perturbation approach to correct bulk fluid interactions for local inhomogeneities caused by gas substrate interactions, and predicts local pressure and density of the adsorbed gas. The accuracy and limitations of the model are tested by comparison with the results of Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations of hydrogen uptake in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). We show that the approach provides accuratemore » predictions at room temperature and at low temperatures for less strongly interacting materials. As a result, the speed of the CMGIF method makes it a promising candidate for high-throughput materials discovery in connection with existing databases of nano-porous materials.« less

Lattice continuum and diffusional creep.

PubMed

Mesarovic, Sinisa Dj

2016-04-01

Diffusional creep is characterized by growth/disappearance of lattice planes at the crystal boundaries that serve as sources/sinks of vacancies, and by diffusion of vacancies. The lattice continuum theory developed here represents a natural and intuitive framework for the analysis of diffusion in crystals and lattice growth/loss at the boundaries. The formulation includes the definition of the Lagrangian reference configuration for the newly created lattice, the transport theorem and the definition of the creep rate tensor for a polycrystal as a piecewise uniform, discontinuous field. The values associated with each crystalline grain are related to the normal diffusional flux at grain boundaries. The governing equations for Nabarro-Herring creep are derived with coupled diffusion and elasticity with compositional eigenstrain. Both, bulk diffusional dissipation and boundary dissipation accompanying vacancy nucleation and absorption, are considered, but the latter is found to be negligible. For periodic arrangements of grains, diffusion formally decouples from elasticity but at the cost of a complicated boundary condition. The equilibrium of deviatorically stressed polycrystals is impossible without inclusion of interface energies. The secondary creep rate estimates correspond to the standard Nabarro-Herring model, and the volumetric creep is small. The initial (primary) creep rate is estimated to be much larger than the secondary creep rate.

Lattice continuum and diffusional creep

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mesarovic, Sinisa Dj.

2016-04-01

Diffusional creep is characterized by growth/disappearance of lattice planes at the crystal boundaries that serve as sources/sinks of vacancies, and by diffusion of vacancies. The lattice continuum theory developed here represents a natural and intuitive framework for the analysis of diffusion in crystals and lattice growth/loss at the boundaries. The formulation includes the definition of the Lagrangian reference configuration for the newly created lattice, the transport theorem and the definition of the creep rate tensor for a polycrystal as a piecewise uniform, discontinuous field. The values associated with each crystalline grain are related to the normal diffusional flux at grain boundaries. The governing equations for Nabarro-Herring creep are derived with coupled diffusion and elasticity with compositional eigenstrain. Both, bulk diffusional dissipation and boundary dissipation accompanying vacancy nucleation and absorption, are considered, but the latter is found to be negligible. For periodic arrangements of grains, diffusion formally decouples from elasticity but at the cost of a complicated boundary condition. The equilibrium of deviatorically stressed polycrystals is impossible without inclusion of interface energies. The secondary creep rate estimates correspond to the standard Nabarro-Herring model, and the volumetric creep is small. The initial (primary) creep rate is estimated to be much larger than the secondary creep rate.

Lattice continuum and diffusional creep

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Diffusional creep is characterized by growth/disappearance of lattice planes at the crystal boundaries that serve as sources/sinks of vacancies, and by diffusion of vacancies. The lattice continuum theory developed here represents a natural and intuitive framework for the analysis of diffusion in crystals and lattice growth/loss at the boundaries. The formulation includes the definition of the Lagrangian reference configuration for the newly created lattice, the transport theorem and the definition of the creep rate tensor for a polycrystal as a piecewise uniform, discontinuous field. The values associated with each crystalline grain are related to the normal diffusional flux at grain boundaries. The governing equations for Nabarro–Herring creep are derived with coupled diffusion and elasticity with compositional eigenstrain. Both, bulk diffusional dissipation and boundary dissipation accompanying vacancy nucleation and absorption, are considered, but the latter is found to be negligible. For periodic arrangements of grains, diffusion formally decouples from elasticity but at the cost of a complicated boundary condition. The equilibrium of deviatorically stressed polycrystals is impossible without inclusion of interface energies. The secondary creep rate estimates correspond to the standard Nabarro–Herring model, and the volumetric creep is small. The initial (primary) creep rate is estimated to be much larger than the secondary creep rate. PMID:27274696

Anomaly-Induced Dynamical Refringence in Strong-Field QED

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mueller, N.; Hebenstreit, F.; Berges, J.

2016-08-01

We investigate the impact of the Adler-Bell-Jackiw anomaly on the nonequilibrium evolution of strong-field quantum electrodynamics (QED) using real-time lattice gauge theory techniques. For field strengths exceeding the Schwinger limit for pair production, we encounter a highly absorptive medium with anomaly induced dynamical refractive properties. In contrast to earlier expectations based on equilibrium properties, where net anomalous effects vanish because of the trivial vacuum structure, we find that out-of-equilibrium conditions can have dramatic consequences for the presence of quantum currents with distinctive macroscopic signatures. We observe an intriguing tracking behavior, where the system spends longest times near collinear field configurations with maximum anomalous current. Apart from the potential relevance of our findings for future laser experiments, similar phenomena related to the chiral magnetic effect are expected to play an important role for strong QED fields during initial stages of heavy-ion collision experiments.

Tetraneutron: Rigorous continuum calculation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deltuva, A.

2018-07-01

The four-neutron system is studied using exact continuum equations for transition operators and solving them in the momentum-space framework. A resonant behavior is found for strongly enhanced interaction but not a the physical strength, indicating the absence of an observable tetraneutron resonance, in contrast to a number of earlier works. As the transition operators acquire large values at low energies, it is conjectured that this behavior may explain peaks in many-body reactions even without a resonance.

Microbial mitigation-exacerbation continuum: a novel framework for microbiome effects on hosts in the face of stress.

PubMed

David, Aaron S; Thapa-Magar, Khum B; Afkhami, Michelle E

2018-03-01

A key challenge to understanding microbiomes and their role in ecological processes is contextualizing their effects on host organisms, particularly when faced with environmental stress. One influential theory, the Stress Gradient Hypothesis, might predict that the frequency of positive interactions increases with stressful conditions such that microbial taxa would mitigate harmful effects on host performance. Yet, equally plausible is that microbial taxa could exacerbate these effects. Here, we introduce the Mitigation-Exacerbation Continuum as a novel framework to conceptualize microbial mediation of stress. We (1) use this continuum to quantify microbial mediation of stress for six plant species and (2) test the association between these continuum values and natural species' abundance. We factorially manipulated a common stress (allelopathy) and the presence of soil microbes to quantify microbial effects in benign and stressed environments for two critical early life-history metrics, seed germination and seedling biomass. Although we found evidence of both mitigation and exacerbation among the six species, exacerbation was more common. Across species, the degree of microbial-mediated effects on germination explained >80% of the variation of natural field abundances. Our results suggest a critical role of soil microbes in mediating plant stress responses, and a potential microbial mechanism underlying species abundance. © 2018 by the Ecological Society of America.

Strain-Induced Pseudomagnetic Fields in Twisted Graphene Nanoribbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Dong-Bo; Seifert, Gotthard; Chang, Kai

2014-03-01

We present, for the first time, an atomic-level and quantitative study of a strain-induced pseudomagnetic field in graphene nanoribbons with widths of hundreds of nanometers. We show that twisting strongly affects the band structures of graphene nanoribbons with arbitrary chirality and generates well-defined pseudo-Landau levels, which mimics the quantization of massive Dirac fermions in a magnetic field up to 160 T. Electrons are localized either at ribbon edges forming the edge current or at the ribbon center forming the snake orbit current, both being valley polarized. Our result paves the way for the design of new graphene-based nanoelectronics.

Explicitly Representing the Solvation Shell in Continuum Solvent Calculations

PubMed Central

Svendsen, Hallvard F.; Merz, Kenneth M.

2009-01-01

A method is presented to explicitly represent the first solvation shell in continuum solvation calculations. Initial solvation shell geometries were generated with classical molecular dynamics simulations. Clusters consisting of solute and 5 solvent molecules were fully relaxed in quantum mechanical calculations. The free energy of solvation of the solute was calculated from the free energy of formation of the cluster and the solvation free energy of the cluster calculated with continuum solvation models. The method has been implemented with two continuum solvation models, a Poisson-Boltzmann model and the IEF-PCM model. Calculations were carried out for a set of 60 ionic species. Implemented with the Poisson-Boltzmann model the method gave an unsigned average error of 2.1 kcal/mol and a RMSD of 2.6 kcal/mol for anions, for cations the unsigned average error was 2.8 kcal/mol and the RMSD 3.9 kcal/mol. Similar results were obtained with the IEF-PCM model. PMID:19425558

Resilience Among Patients Across the Cancer Continuum: Diverse Perspectives

PubMed Central

Molina, Yamile; Yi, Jean C.; Martinez-Gutierrez, Javiera; Reding, Kerryn W.; Yi-Frazier, Joyce P.; Rosenberg, Abby R.

2014-01-01

Each phase of the cancer experience profoundly affects patients’ lives. Much of the literature has focused on negative consequences of cancer; however, the study of resilience may enable providers to promote more positive psychosocial outcomes before, during, and after the cancer experience. The current review describes the ways in which elements of resilience have been defined and studied at each phase of the cancer continuum. Extensive literature searches were conducted to find studies assessing resilience during one or more stages of the adult cancer continuum. For all phases of the cancer continuum, resilience descriptions included preexisting or baseline characteristics, such as demographics and personal attributes (e.g., optimism, social support), mechanisms of adaptation, such as coping and medical experiences (e.g., positive provider communication), as well as psychosocial outcomes, such as growth and quality of life. Promoting resilience is a critical element of patient psychosocial care. Nurses may enable resilience by recognizing and promoting certain baseline characteristics and optimizing mechanisms of adaptation. PMID:24476731

Perception of Words and Non-Words in the Upper and Lower Visual Fields

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Darker, Iain T.; Jordan, Timothy R.

2004-01-01

The findings of previous investigations into word perception in the upper and the lower visual field (VF) are variable and may have incurred non-perceptual biases caused by the asymmetric distribution of information within a word, an advantage for saccadic eye-movements to targets in the upper VF and the possibility that stimuli were not projected…

Fast multigrid-based computation of the induced electric field for transcranial magnetic stimulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laakso, Ilkka; Hirata, Akimasa

2012-12-01

In transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), the distribution of the induced electric field, and the affected brain areas, depends on the position of the stimulation coil and the individual geometry of the head and brain. The distribution of the induced electric field in realistic anatomies can be modelled using computational methods. However, existing computational methods for accurately determining the induced electric field in realistic anatomical models have suffered from long computation times, typically in the range of tens of minutes or longer. This paper presents a matrix-free implementation of the finite-element method with a geometric multigrid method that can potentially reduce the computation time to several seconds or less even when using an ordinary computer. The performance of the method is studied by computing the induced electric field in two anatomically realistic models. An idealized two-loop coil is used as the stimulating coil. Multiple computational grid resolutions ranging from 2 to 0.25 mm are used. The results show that, for macroscopic modelling of the electric field in an anatomically realistic model, computational grid resolutions of 1 mm or 2 mm appear to provide good numerical accuracy compared to higher resolutions. The multigrid iteration typically converges in less than ten iterations independent of the grid resolution. Even without parallelization, each iteration takes about 1.0 s or 0.1 s for the 1 and 2 mm resolutions, respectively. This suggests that calculating the electric field with sufficient accuracy in real time is feasible.

Defect and field-enhancement characterization through electron-beam-induced current analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umezawa, Hitoshi; Gima, Hiroki; Driche, Khaled; Kato, Yukako; Yoshitake, Tsuyoshi; Mokuno, Yoshiaki; Gheeraert, Etienne

2017-05-01

To investigate the effects of defects and field enhancement in diamond power devices, a biased Schottky barrier diode was characterized by electron-beam-induced current (EBIC) analysis. The nonuniform distribution of the electrical field was revealed by bright spots on the laterally expanded depletion layer of the EBIC intensity map when the applied electrical field exceeded 0.95 MV/cm. The nonuniformity is partly due to a structural effect: the roughness at the edge of the Schottky electrode, induced by lithography and lift-off processes. A second family of spots was shown to increase the leakage current of the device. The time constant associated with this second spot family was 0.98 ms, which is three orders of magnitude shorter than that for defects previously characterized by deep-level transient spectroscopy.

An advanced kinetic theory for morphing continuum with inner structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, James

2017-12-01

Advanced kinetic theory with the Boltzmann-Curtiss equation provides a promising tool for polyatomic gas flows, especially for fluid flows containing inner structures, such as turbulence, polyatomic gas flows and others. Although a Hamiltonian-based distribution function was proposed for diatomic gas flow, a general distribution function for the generalized Boltzmann-Curtiss equations and polyatomic gas flow is still out of reach. With assistance from Boltzmann's entropy principle, a generalized Boltzmann-Curtiss distribution for polyatomic gas flow is introduced. The corresponding governing equations at equilibrium state are derived and compared with Eringen's morphing (micropolar) continuum theory derived under the framework of rational continuum thermomechanics. Although rational continuum thermomechanics has the advantages of mathematical rigor and simplicity, the presented statistical kinetic theory approach provides a clear physical picture for what the governing equations represent.

PT-symmetry breaking with divergent potentials: Lattice and continuum cases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joglekar, Yogesh N.; Scott, Derek D.; Saxena, Avadh

2014-09-01

We investigate the parity- and time-reversal (PT-) symmetry breaking in lattice models in the presence of long-ranged, non-Hermitian, PT-symmetric potentials that remain finite or become divergent in the continuum limit. By scaling analysis of the fragile PT threshold for an open finite lattice, we show that continuum loss-gain potentials Vα(x)∝i|x|αsgn(x) have a positive PT-breaking threshold for α >-2, and a zero threshold for α ≤-2. When α <0 localized states with complex (conjugate) energies in the continuum energy band occur at higher loss-gain strengths. We investigate the signatures of PT-symmetry breaking in coupled waveguides, and show that the emergence of localized states dramatically shortens the relevant time scale in the PT-symmetry broken region.

Moving Contact Lines: Linking Molecular Dynamics and Continuum-Scale Modeling.

PubMed

Smith, Edward R; Theodorakis, Panagiotis E; Craster, Richard V; Matar, Omar K

2018-05-17

Despite decades of research, the modeling of moving contact lines has remained a formidable challenge in fluid dynamics whose resolution will impact numerous industrial, biological, and daily life applications. On the one hand, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation has the ability to provide unique insight into the microscopic details that determine the dynamic behavior of the contact line, which is not possible with either continuum-scale simulations or experiments. On the other hand, continuum-based models provide a link to the macroscopic description of the system. In this Feature Article, we explore the complex range of physical factors, including the presence of surfactants, which governs the contact line motion through MD simulations. We also discuss links between continuum- and molecular-scale modeling and highlight the opportunities for future developments in this area.

Electric field measurements in a near atmospheric pressure nanosecond pulse discharge with picosecond electric field induced second harmonic generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldberg, Benjamin M.; Chng, Tat Loon; Dogariu, Arthur; Miles, Richard B.

2018-02-01

We present an optical electric field measurement method for use in high pressure plasma discharges. The method is based upon the field induced second harmonic generation technique and can be used for localized electric field measurements with sub-nanosecond resolution in any gaseous species. When an external electric field is present, a dipole is induced in the typically centrosymmetric medium, allowing for second harmonic generation with signal intensities which scale by the square of the electric field. Calibrations have been carried out in 100 Torr room air, and a minimum sensitivity of 450 V/cm is demonstrated. Measurements were performed with nanosecond or faster temporal resolution in a 100 Torr room air environment both with and without a plasma present. It was shown that with no plasma present, the field follows the applied voltage to gap ratio, as measured using the back current shunt method. When the electric field is strong enough to exceed the breakdown threshold, the measured field was shown to exceed the anticipated voltage to gap ratio which is taken as an indication of the ionization wave front as it sweeps through the plasma volume.

Multi-wavelength Radio Continuum Emission Studies of Dust-free Red Giants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

O'Gorman, Eamon; Harper, Graham M.; Brown, Alexander; Dranke, Stephen; Richards, Anita M. S.

2013-01-01

Multi-wavelength centimeter continuum observations of non-dusty, non-pulsating K spectral-type red giants directly sample their chromospheres and wind acceleration zones. Such stars are feeble emitters at these wavelengths, however, and previous observations have provided only a small number of modest signal-to-noise measurements slowly accumulated over three decades. We present multi-wavelength Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array thermal continuum observations of the wind acceleration zones of two dust-free red giants, Arcturus (alpha Boo: K2 III) and Aldebaran (alpha Tau: K5 III). Importantly, most of our observations of each star were carried out over just a few days, so that we obtained a snapshot of the different stellar atmospheric layers sampled at different wavelengths, independent of any long-term variability. We report the first detections at several wavelengths for each star including a detection at 10 cm (3.0 GHz: S band) for both stars and a 20 cm (1.5 GHz: L band) detection for alpha Boo. This is the first time single (non-binary) luminosity class III red giants have been detected at these continuum wavelengths. Our long-wavelength data sample the outer layers of alpha Boo's atmosphere where its wind velocity is approaching (or possibly has reached) its terminal value and the ionization balance is becoming frozen-in. For alpha Tau, however, our long-wavelength data are still sampling its inner atmosphere, where the wind is still accelerating probably due to its lower mass-loss rate. We compare our data with published semi-empirical models based on ultraviolet data, and the marked deviations highlight the need for new atmospheric models to be developed. Spectral indices are used to discuss the possible properties of the stellar atmospheres, and we find evidence for a rapidly cooling wind in the case of alpha Boo. Finally, we develop a simple analytical wind model for alpha Boo based on our new long-wavelength flux measurements.

MULTI-WAVELENGTH RADIO CONTINUUM EMISSION STUDIES OF DUST-FREE RED GIANTS

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

O'Gorman, Eamon; Harper, Graham M.; Brown, Alexander

2013-10-01

Multi-wavelength centimeter continuum observations of non-dusty, non-pulsating K spectral-type red giants directly sample their chromospheres and wind acceleration zones. Such stars are feeble emitters at these wavelengths, however, and previous observations have provided only a small number of modest signal-to-noise measurements slowly accumulated over three decades. We present multi-wavelength Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array thermal continuum observations of the wind acceleration zones of two dust-free red giants, Arcturus (α Boo: K2 III) and Aldebaran (α Tau: K5 III). Importantly, most of our observations of each star were carried out over just a few days, so that we obtained amore » snapshot of the different stellar atmospheric layers sampled at different wavelengths, independent of any long-term variability. We report the first detections at several wavelengths for each star including a detection at 10 cm (3.0 GHz: S band) for both stars and a 20 cm (1.5 GHz: L band) detection for α Boo. This is the first time single (non-binary) luminosity class III red giants have been detected at these continuum wavelengths. Our long-wavelength data sample the outer layers of α Boo's atmosphere where its wind velocity is approaching (or possibly has reached) its terminal value and the ionization balance is becoming frozen-in. For α Tau, however, our long-wavelength data are still sampling its inner atmosphere, where the wind is still accelerating probably due to its lower mass-loss rate. We compare our data with published semi-empirical models based on ultraviolet data, and the marked deviations highlight the need for new atmospheric models to be developed. Spectral indices are used to discuss the possible properties of the stellar atmospheres, and we find evidence for a rapidly cooling wind in the case of α Boo. Finally, we develop a simple analytical wind model for α Boo based on our new long-wavelength flux measurements.« less

Mechanism of the Cassie-Wenzel transition via the atomistic and continuum string methods

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

Giacomello, Alberto, E-mail: alberto.giacomello@uniroma1.it; Casciola, Carlo Massimo; Meloni, Simone, E-mail: simone.meloni@epfl.ch

2015-03-14

The string method is a general and flexible strategy to compute the most probable transition path for an activated process (rare event). We apply here the atomistic string method in the density field to the Cassie-Wenzel transition, a central problem in the field of superhydrophobicity. We discuss in detail the mechanism of wetting of a submerged hydrophobic cavity of nanometer size and its dependence on the geometry of the cavity. Furthermore, we analyze the algorithmic analogies between the continuum “interface” string method and CREaM [Giacomello et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 226102 (2012)], a method inspired by the string thatmore » allows for a faster and simpler computation of the mechanism and of the free-energy profiles of the wetting process.« less

Hybrid continuum-coarse-grained modeling of erythrocytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyu, Jinming; Chen, Paul G.; Boedec, Gwenn; Leonetti, Marc; Jaeger, Marc

2018-06-01

The red blood cell (RBC) membrane is a composite structure, consisting of a phospholipid bilayer and an underlying membrane-associated cytoskeleton. Both continuum and particle-based coarse-grained RBC models make use of a set of vertices connected by edges to represent the RBC membrane, which can be seen as a triangular surface mesh for the former and a spring network for the latter. Here, we present a modeling approach combining an existing continuum vesicle model with a coarse-grained model for the cytoskeleton. Compared to other two-component approaches, our method relies on only one mesh, representing the cytoskeleton, whose velocity in the tangential direction of the membrane may be different from that of the lipid bilayer. The finitely extensible nonlinear elastic (FENE) spring force law in combination with a repulsive force defined as a power function (POW), called FENE-POW, is used to describe the elastic properties of the RBC membrane. The mechanical interaction between the lipid bilayer and the cytoskeleton is explicitly computed and incorporated into the vesicle model. Our model includes the fundamental mechanical properties of the RBC membrane, namely fluidity and bending rigidity of the lipid bilayer, and shear elasticity of the cytoskeleton while maintaining surface-area and volume conservation constraint. We present three simulation examples to demonstrate the effectiveness of this hybrid continuum-coarse-grained model for the study of RBCs in fluid flows.

Haro 11: Where is the Lyman Continuum Source?

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

Keenan, Ryan P.; Oey, M. S.; Jaskot, Anne E.

2017-10-10

Identifying the mechanism by which high-energy Lyman continuum (LyC) photons escaped from early galaxies is one of the most pressing questions in cosmic evolution. Haro 11 is the best known local LyC-leaking galaxy, providing an important opportunity to test our understanding of LyC escape. The observed LyC emission in this galaxy presumably originates from one of the three bright, photoionizing knots known as A, B, and C. It is known that Knot C has strong Ly α emission, and Knot B hosts an unusually bright ultraluminous X-ray source, which may be a low-luminosity active galactic nucleus. To clarify the LyCmore » source, we carry out ionization-parameter mapping (IPM) by obtaining narrow-band imaging from the Hubble Space Telescope WFC3 and ACS cameras to construct spatially resolved ratio maps of [O iii]/[O ii] emission from the galaxy. IPM traces the ionization structure of the interstellar medium and allows us to identify optically thin regions. To optimize the continuum subtraction, we introduce a new method for determining the best continuum scale factor derived from the mode of the continuum-subtracted, image flux distribution. We find no conclusive evidence of LyC escape from Knots B or C, but instead we identify a high-ionization region extending over at least 1 kpc from Knot A. This knot shows evidence of an extremely young age (≲1 Myr), perhaps containing very massive stars (>100 M {sub ⊙}). It is weak in Ly α , so if it is confirmed as the LyC source, our results imply that LyC emission may be independent of Ly α emission.« less

Nonlinear Photochromic Switching in the Plasmonic Field of a Nanoparticle Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otolski, Christopher J.; Argyropoulos, Christos; Elles, Christopher G.

2017-06-01

Plasmonic nanostructures provide unique environments for non-resonant excitation and switching of photochromic compounds. In this study, photochromic diarylethene molecules were deposited on top of a periodically ordered array of gold nanorods (170 x 80 nm) and then irradiated with <100 fs laser pulses. Irradiation at 800 nm drives the plasmon resonance of the nanoparticle array and induces the photochromic conversion of molecules via non-resonant two-photon excitation. Transmission measurements using broadband continuum laser pulses probe the progress of the photochemical cycloreversion reaction as molecules switch from a visible-absorbing closed-ring structure to a transparent open-ring structure. The spatial dependence of the two-photon conversion of molecules in the plasmonic near field of the array is modeled using calculated field enhancements, and compared with similar measurements for a film of molecules on a glass substrate. Wavelength-dependent polarization effects in the near field of the array lead to interesting anisotropy results in the transmission signal. The results emphasize the importance of both the spatial dependence and anisotropy of the enhanced electric fields in driving non-resonant photochromic reactions.

Additive manufacturing of patient-specific tubular continuum manipulators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amanov, Ernar; Nguyen, Thien-Dang; Burgner-Kahrs, Jessica

2015-03-01

Tubular continuum robots, which are composed of multiple concentric, precurved, elastic tubes, provide more dexterity than traditional surgical instruments at the same diameter. The tubes can be precurved such that the resulting manipulator fulfills surgical task requirements. Up to now the only material used for the component tubes of those manipulators is NiTi, a super-elastic shape-memory alloy of nickel and titan. NiTi is a cost-intensive material and fabrication processes are complex, requiring (proprietary) technology, e.g. for shape setting. In this paper, we evaluate component tubes made of 3 different thermoplastic materials (PLA, PCL and nylon) using fused filament fabrication technology (3D printing). This enables quick and cost-effective production of custom, patient-specific continuum manipulators, produced on site on demand. Stress-strain and deformation characteristics are evaluated experimentally for 16 fabricated tubes of each thermoplastic with diameters and shapes equivalent to those of NiTi tubes. Tubes made of PCL and nylon exhibit properties comparable to those made of NiTi. We further demonstrate a tubular continuum manipulator composed of 3 nylon tubes in a transnasal, transsphenoidal skull base surgery scenario in vitro.

Manipulability, force, and compliance analysis for planar continuum manipulators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gravagne, Ian A.; Walker, Ian D.

2002-01-01

Continuum manipulators, inspired by the natural capabilities of elephant trunks and octopus tentacles, may find niche applications in areas like human-robot interaction, multiarm manipulation, and unknown environment exploration. However, their true capabilities will remain largely inaccessible without proper analytical tools to evaluate their unique properties. Ellipsoids have long served as one of the foremost analytical tools available to the robotics researcher, and the purpose of this paper is to first formulate, and then to examine, three types of ellipsoids for continuum robots: manipulability, force, and compliance.

Manipulability, force, and compliance analysis for planar continuum manipulators.

PubMed

Gravagne, Ian A; Walker, Ian D

2002-06-01

Continuum manipulators, inspired by the natural capabilities of elephant trunks and octopus tentacles, may find niche applications in areas like human-robot interaction, multiarm manipulation, and unknown environment exploration. However, their true capabilities will remain largely inaccessible without proper analytical tools to evaluate their unique properties. Ellipsoids have long served as one of the foremost analytical tools available to the robotics researcher, and the purpose of this paper is to first formulate, and then to examine, three types of ellipsoids for continuum robots: manipulability, force, and compliance.

Low-pass filtered continuum streambed and bedload sediment mass balance laws for an alluvial, gravel-bed stream

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeTemple, B.; Wilcock, P.

2011-12-01

In an alluvial, gravel-bed stream governed by a plane-bed bedload transport regime, the physicochemical properties, size distribution, and granular architecture of the sediment grains that constitute the streambed surface influence many hydrodynamic, geomorphic, chemical, and ecological processes. Consequently, the abilities to accurately characterize the morphology and model the morphodynamics of the streambed surface and its interaction with the bedload above and subsurface below are necessary for a more complete understanding of how sediment, flow, organisms, and biogeochemistry interact. We report on our progress in the bottom-up development of low-pass filtered continuum streambed and bedload sediment mass balance laws for an alluvial, gravel-bed stream. These balance laws are assembled in a four stage process. First, the stream sediment-water system is conceptually abstracted as a nested, multi-phase, multi-species, structured continuum. Second, the granular surface of an aggregate of sediment grains is mathematically defined. Third, an integral approach to mass balance, founded in the continuum theory of multiphase flow, is used to formulate primordial, differential, instantaneous, local, continuum, mass balance laws applicable at any material point within a gravel-bed stream. Fourth, area averaging and time-after-area averaging, employing planform, low-pass filtering expressed as correlation or convolution integrals and based on the spatial and temporal filtering techniques found in the fields of multiphase flow, porous media flow, and large eddy simulation of turbulent fluid flow, are applied to smooth the primordial equations while maximizing stratigraphic resolution and preserving the definitions of relevant morphodynamic surfaces. Our approach unifies, corrects, contextualizes, and generalizes prior efforts at developing stream sediment continuity equations, including the top-down derivations of the surface layer (or "active layer") approach of Hirano

The gamma ray continuum spectrum from the galactic center disk and point sources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gehrels, Neil; Tueller, Jack

1992-01-01

A light curve of gamma-ray continuum emission from point sources in the galactic center region is generated from balloon and satellite observations made over the past 25 years. The emphasis is on the wide field-of-view instruments which measure the combined flux from all sources within approximately 20 degrees of the center. These data have not been previously used for point-source analyses because of the unknown contribution from diffuse disk emission. In this study, the galactic disk component is estimated from observations made by the Gamma Ray Imaging Spectrometer (GRIS) instrument in Oct. 1988. Surprisingly, there are several times during the past 25 years when all gamma-ray sources (at 100 keV) within about 20 degrees of the galactic center are turned off or are in low emission states. This implies that the sources are all variable and few in number. The continuum gamma-ray emission below approximately 150 keV from the black hole candidate 1E1740.7-2942 is seen to turn off in May 1989 on a time scale of less than two weeks, significantly shorter than ever seen before. With the continuum below 150 keV turned off, the spectral shape derived from the HEXAGONE observation on 22 May 1989 is very peculiar with a peak near 200 keV. This source was probably in its normal state for more than half of all observations since the mid-1960's. There are only two observations (in 1977 and 1979) for which the sum flux from the point sources in the region significantly exceeds that from 1E1740.7-2942 in its normal state.

The NIKA2 large-field-of-view millimetre continuum camera for the 30 m IRAM telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adam, R.; Adane, A.; Ade, P. A. R.; André, P.; Andrianasolo, A.; Aussel, H.; Beelen, A.; Benoît, A.; Bideaud, A.; Billot, N.; Bourrion, O.; Bracco, A.; Calvo, M.; Catalano, A.; Coiffard, G.; Comis, B.; De Petris, M.; Désert, F.-X.; Doyle, S.; Driessen, E. F. C.; Evans, R.; Goupy, J.; Kramer, C.; Lagache, G.; Leclercq, S.; Leggeri, J.-P.; Lestrade, J.-F.; Macías-Pérez, J. F.; Mauskopf, P.; Mayet, F.; Maury, A.; Monfardini, A.; Navarro, S.; Pascale, E.; Perotto, L.; Pisano, G.; Ponthieu, N.; Revéret, V.; Rigby, A.; Ritacco, A.; Romero, C.; Roussel, H.; Ruppin, F.; Schuster, K.; Sievers, A.; Triqueneaux, S.; Tucker, C.; Zylka, R.

2018-01-01

Context. Millimetre-wave continuum astronomy is today an indispensable tool for both general astrophysics studies (e.g. star formation, nearby galaxies) and cosmology (e.g. cosmic microwave background and high-redshift galaxies). General purpose, large-field-of-view instruments are needed to map the sky at intermediate angular scales not accessible by the high-resolution interferometers (e.g. ALMA in Chile, NOEMA in the French Alps) and by the coarse angular resolution space-borne or ground-based surveys (e.g. Planck, ACT, SPT). These instruments have to be installed at the focal plane of the largest single-dish telescopes, which are placed at high altitude on selected dry observing sites. In this context, we have constructed and deployed a three-thousand-pixel dual-band (150 GHz and 260 GHz, respectively 2 mm and 1.15 mm wavelengths) camera to image an instantaneous circular field-of-view of 6.5 arcmin in diameter, and configurable to map the linear polarisation at 260 GHz. Aims: First, we are providing a detailed description of this instrument, named NIKA2 (New IRAM KID Arrays 2), in particular focussing on the cryogenics, optics, focal plane arrays based on Kinetic Inductance Detectors, and the readout electronics. The focal planes and part of the optics are cooled down to the nominal 150 mK operating temperature by means of an adhoc dilution refrigerator. Secondly, we are presenting the performance measured on the sky during the commissioning runs that took place between October 2015 and April 2017 at the 30-m IRAM telescope at Pico Veleta, near Granada (Spain). Methods: We have targeted a number of astronomical sources. Starting from beam-maps on primary and secondary calibrators we have then gone to extended sources and faint objects. Both internal (electronic) and on-the-sky calibrations are applied. The general methods are described in the present paper. Results: NIKA2 has been successfully deployed and commissioned, performing in-line with expectations. In

A note on the discrete approach for generalized continuum models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalampakas, Antonios; Aifantis, Elias C.

2014-12-01

Generalized continuum theories for materials and processes have been introduced in order to account in a phenomenological manner for microstructural effects. Their drawback mainly rests in the determination of the extra phenomenological coefficients through experiments and simulations. It is shown here that a graphical representation of the local topology describing deformation models can be used to deduce restrictions on the phenomenological coefficients of the gradient elasticity continuum theories.

Numerical Study of Rarefied Hypersonic Flow Interacting with a Continuum Jet. Degree awarded by Pennsylvania State Univ., Aug. 1999

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glass, Christopher E.

2000-01-01

An uncoupled Computational Fluid Dynamics-Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (CFD-DSMC) technique is developed and applied to provide solutions for continuum jets interacting with rarefied external flows. The technique is based on a correlation of the appropriate Bird breakdown parameter for a transitional-rarefied condition that defines a surface within which the continuum solution is unaffected by the external flow-jet interaction. The method is applied to two problems to assess and demonstrate its validity; one of a jet interaction in the transitional-rarefied flow regime and the other in the moderately rarefied regime. Results show that the appropriate Bird breakdown surface for uncoupling the continuum and non-continuum solutions is a function of a non-dimensional parameter relating the momentum flux and collisionality between the two interacting flows. The correlation is exploited for the simulation of a jet interaction modeled for an experimental condition in the transitional-rarefied flow regime and the validity of the correlation is demonstrated. The uncoupled technique is also applied to an aerobraking flight condition for the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft with attitude control system jet interaction. Aerodynamic yawing moment coefficients for cases without and with jet interaction at various angles-of-attack were predicted, and results from the present method compare well with values published previously. The flow field and surface properties are analyzed in some detail to describe the mechanism by which the jet interaction affects the aerodynamics.

Gating Mechanisms of Mechanosensitive Channels of Large Conductance, I: A Continuum Mechanics-Based Hierarchical Framework

PubMed Central

Chen, Xi; Cui, Qiang; Tang, Yuye; Yoo, Jejoong; Yethiraj, Arun

2008-01-01

A hierarchical simulation framework that integrates information from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations into a continuum model is established to study the mechanical response of mechanosensitive channel of large-conductance (MscL) using the finite element method (FEM). The proposed MD-decorated FEM (MDeFEM) approach is used to explore the detailed gating mechanisms of the MscL in Escherichia coli embedded in a palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylethanolamine lipid bilayer. In Part I of this study, the framework of MDeFEM is established. The transmembrane and cytoplasmic helices are taken to be elastic rods, the loops are modeled as springs, and the lipid bilayer is approximated by a three-layer sheet. The mechanical properties of the continuum components, as well as their interactions, are derived from molecular simulations based on atomic force fields. In addition, analytical closed-form continuum model and elastic network model are established to complement the MDeFEM approach and to capture the most essential features of gating. In Part II of this study, the detailed gating mechanisms of E. coli-MscL under various types of loading are presented and compared with experiments, structural model, and all-atom simulations, as well as the analytical models established in Part I. It is envisioned that such a hierarchical multiscale framework will find great value in the study of a variety of biological processes involving complex mechanical deformations such as muscle contraction and mechanotransduction. PMID:18390626

A continuum model of transcriptional bursting

PubMed Central

Corrigan, Adam M; Tunnacliffe, Edward; Cannon, Danielle; Chubb, Jonathan R

2016-01-01

Transcription occurs in stochastic bursts. Early models based upon RNA hybridisation studies suggest bursting dynamics arise from alternating inactive and permissive states. Here we investigate bursting mechanism in live cells by quantitative imaging of actin gene transcription, combined with molecular genetics, stochastic simulation and probabilistic modelling. In contrast to early models, our data indicate a continuum of transcriptional states, with a slowly fluctuating initiation rate converting the gene between different levels of activity, interspersed with extended periods of inactivity. We place an upper limit of 40 s on the lifetime of fluctuations in elongation rate, with initiation rate variations persisting an order of magnitude longer. TATA mutations reduce the accessibility of high activity states, leaving the lifetime of on- and off-states unchanged. A continuum or spectrum of gene states potentially enables a wide dynamic range for cell responses to stimuli. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.13051.001 PMID:26896676

Evaluating Multiple Levels of an Interaction Fidelity Continuum on Performance and Learning in Near-Field Training Simulations.

PubMed

Bhargava, Ayush; Bertrand, Jeffrey W; Gramopadhye, Anand K; Madathil, Kapil C; Babu, Sabarish V

2018-04-01

With costs of head-mounted displays (HMDs) and tracking technology decreasing rapidly, various virtual reality applications are being widely adopted for education and training. Hardware advancements have enabled replication of real-world interactions in virtual environments to a large extent, paving the way for commercial grade applications that provide a safe and risk-free training environment at a fraction of the cost. But this also mandates the need to develop more intrinsic interaction techniques and to empirically evaluate them in a more comprehensive manner. Although there exists a body of previous research that examines the benefits of selected levels of interaction fidelity on performance, few studies have investigated the constituent components of fidelity in a Interaction Fidelity Continuum (IFC) with several system instances and their respective effects on performance and learning in the context of a real-world skills training application. Our work describes a large between-subjects investigation conducted over several years that utilizes bimanual interaction metaphors at six discrete levels of interaction fidelity to teach basic precision metrology concepts in a near-field spatial interaction task in VR. A combined analysis performed on the data compares and contrasts the six different conditions and their overall effects on performance and learning outcomes, eliciting patterns in the results between the discrete application points on the IFC. With respect to some performance variables, results indicate that simpler restrictive interaction metaphors and highest fidelity metaphors perform better than medium fidelity interaction metaphors. In light of these results, a set of general guidelines are created for developers of spatial interaction metaphors in immersive virtual environments for precise fine-motor skills training simulations.

Investigation of Perceptual-Motor Behavior Across the Expert Athlete to Disabled Patient Skill Continuum can Advance Theory and Practical Application.

PubMed

Müller, Sean; Vallence, Ann-Maree; Winstein, Carolee

2017-12-14

A framework is presented of how theoretical predictions can be tested across the expert athlete to disabled patient skill continuum. Common-coding theory is used as the exemplar to discuss sensory and motor system contributions to perceptual-motor behavior. Behavioral and neural studies investigating expert athletes and patients recovering from cerebral stroke are reviewed. They provide evidence of bi-directional contributions of visual and motor systems to perceptual-motor behavior. Majority of this research is focused on perceptual-motor performance or learning, with less on transfer. The field is ripe for research designed to test theoretical predictions across the expert athlete to disabled patient skill continuum. Our view has implications for theory and practice in sports science, physical education, and rehabilitation.

The integrated radio continuum spectrum of M33 - Evidence for free-free absorption by cool ionized gas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Israel, F. P.; Mahoney, M. J.; Howarth, N.

1992-01-01

We present measurements of the integrated radio continuum flux density of M33 at frequencies between 22 and 610 MHz and discuss the radio continuum spectrum of M33 between 22 MHz and 10 GHz. This spectrum has a turnover between 500 and 900 MHz, depending on the steepness of the high frequency radio spectrum of M33. Below 500 MHz the spectrum is relatively flat. We discuss possible mechanisms to explain this spectral shape and consider efficient free-free absorption of nonthermal emission by a cool (not greater than 1000 K) ionized gas to be a very likely possibility. The surface filling factor of both the nonthermal and the thermal material appears to be small (of order 0.001), which could be explained by magnetic field/density fluctuations in the M 33 interstellar medium. We briefly speculate on the possible presence of a nuclear radio source with a steep spectrum.

Realistic Gamow shell model for resonance and continuum in atomic nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, F. R.; Sun, Z. H.; Wu, Q.; Hu, B. S.; Dai, S. J.

2018-02-01

The Gamow shell model can describe resonance and continuum for atomic nuclei. The model is established in the complex-moment (complex-k) plane of the Berggren coordinates in which bound, resonant and continuum states are treated on equal footing self-consistently. In the present work, the realistic nuclear force, CD Bonn, has been used. We have developed the full \\hat{Q}-box folded-diagram method to derive the realistic effective interaction in the model space which is nondegenerate and contains resonance and continuum channels. The CD-Bonn potential is renormalized using the V low-k method. With choosing 16O as the inert core, we have applied the Gamow shell model to oxygen isotopes.

Brain insulin lowers circulating BCAA levels by inducing hepatic BCAA catabolism

PubMed Central

Shin, Andrew C.; Fasshauer, Martin; Filatova, Nika; Grundell, Linus A.; Zielinski, Elizabeth; Zhou, Jian-Ying; Scherer, Thomas; Lindtner, Claudia; White, Phillip J.; Lapworth, Amanda L.; Ilkayeva, Olga; Knippschild, Uwe; Wolf, Anna M.; Scheja, Ludger; Grove, Kevin L.; Smith, Richard D.; Qian, Wei-Jun; Lynch, Christopher J.; Newgard, Christopher B.; Buettner, Christoph

2014-01-01

Summary Circulating branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) levels are elevated in obesity/diabetes and are a sensitive predictor for type 2 diabetes. Here we show in rats that insulin dose-dependently lowers plasma BCAA levels through induction of hepatic protein expression and activity of branched-chain α keto-acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH), the rate-limiting enzyme in the BCAA degradation pathway. Selective induction of hypothalamic insulin signaling in rats and genetic modulation of brain insulin receptors in mice demonstrate that brain insulin signaling is a major regulator of BCAA metabolism by inducing hepatic BCKDH. Short-term overfeeding impairs the ability of brain insulin to lower BCAAs in rats. High-fat feeding in non-human primates and obesity and/or diabetes in humans is associated with reduced BCKDH protein in liver. These findings support the concept that decreased hepatic BCKDH is a major cause of increased plasma BCAAs, and that hypothalamic insulin resistance may account for impaired BCAA metabolism in obesity and diabetes. PMID:25307860

Edge-relevant plasma simulations with the continuum code COGENT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dorf, M.; Dorr, M.; Ghosh, D.; Hittinger, J.; Rognlien, T.; Cohen, R.; Lee, W.; Schwartz, P.

2016-10-01

We describe recent advances in cross-separatrix and other edge-relevant plasma simulations with COGENT, a continuum gyro-kinetic code being developed by the Edge Simulation Laboratory (ESL) collaboration. The distinguishing feature of the COGENT code is its high-order finite-volume discretization methods, which employ arbitrary mapped multiblock grid technology (nearly field-aligned on blocks) to handle the complexity of tokamak divertor geometry with high accuracy. This paper discusses the 4D (axisymmetric) electrostatic version of the code, and the presented topics include: (a) initial simulations with kinetic electrons and development of reduced fluid models; (b) development and application of implicit-explicit (IMEX) time integration schemes; and (c) conservative modeling of drift-waves and the universal instability. Work performed for USDOE, at LLNL under contract DE-AC52-07NA27344 and at LBNL under contract DE-AC02-05CH11231.

Computational modeling of brain tumors: discrete, continuum or hybrid?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhihui; Deisboeck, Thomas S.

In spite of all efforts, patients diagnosed with highly malignant brain tumors (gliomas), continue to face a grim prognosis. Achieving significant therapeutic advances will also require a more detailed quantitative understanding of the dynamic interactions among tumor cells, and between these cells and their biological microenvironment. Data-driven computational brain tumor models have the potential to provide experimental tumor biologists with such quantitative and cost-efficient tools to generate and test hypotheses on tumor progression, and to infer fundamental operating principles governing bidirectional signal propagation in multicellular cancer systems. This review highlights the modeling objectives of and challenges with developing such in silico brain tumor models by outlining two distinct computational approaches: discrete and continuum, each with representative examples. Future directions of this integrative computational neuro-oncology field, such as hybrid multiscale multiresolution modeling are discussed.

Visible continuum pulses based on enhanced dispersive wave generation for endogenous fluorescence imaging.

PubMed

Cui, Quan; Chen, Zhongyun; Liu, Qian; Zhang, Zhihong; Luo, Qingming; Fu, Ling

2017-09-01

In this study, we demonstrate endogenous fluorescence imaging using visible continuum pulses based on 100-fs Ti:sapphire oscillator and a nonlinear photonic crystal fiber. Broadband (500-700 nm) and high-power (150 mW) continuum pulses are generated through enhanced dispersive wave generation by pumping femtosecond pulses at the anomalous dispersion region near zero-dispersion wavelength of high-nonlinear photonic crystal fibers. We also minimize the continuum pulse width by determining the proper fiber length. The visible-wavelength two-photon microscopy produces NADH and tryptophan images of mice tissues simultaneously. Our 500-700 nm continuum pulses support extending nonlinear microscopy to visible wavelength range that is inaccessible to 100-fs Ti:sapphire oscillators and other applications requiring visible laser pulses.

Europa's induced magnetic field: How much of the signal is from the ocean?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crary, F. J.; Dols, V. J.; Jia, X.; Paty, C. S.; Hale, J. M.

2017-12-01

The existence of a sub-surface ocean within Europa was demonstrated by the Galileo spacecraft's measurements of an induced dipole magnetic field. This field, produced by the time variable background magnetic field from Jupiter, is a result of currents flowing within an electrically conductive layer inside Europa, believed to be a liquid ocean. Unfortunately, interpretation of the Galileo results is complicated by the interaction between Jupiter's magnetosphere and Europa and its ionosphere. This interaction also produces magnetic field perturbations which add uncertainty and systematic errors to the determination of the induced field.Here, we estimate the contribution of the plasma interaction to the observed magnetic dipole, and discuss the implications for the properties of Europa's subsurface ocean. The Galileo data have primarily been analyzed by fitting a dipole to the observed magnetic field, without correcting for plasma effects. The data were fit to a dipole magnetic field, and the resulting magnetic moment is the sum of the induced moment from the ocean and a contribution from the plasma interaction. To estimate this contribution, we analyze the results of numerical simulations using exactly the same approach which has been used to analyze the real data. Since we know what ocean dipole was inserted in the models' boundary conditions, we therefore calculate the contribution from the plasma interaction. We have previously used this approach to estimate the sensitivity of the results to upstream plasma conditions. However, there is no assurance that one particular model is correct. In this work, we apply this approach to several different types of simulations, shedding light on the uncertainties in the ocean-induced signature.

On the path to 2025: understanding the Alzheimer's disease continuum.

PubMed

Aisen, Paul S; Cummings, Jeffrey; Jack, Clifford R; Morris, John C; Sperling, Reisa; Frölich, Lutz; Jones, Roy W; Dowsett, Sherie A; Matthews, Brandy R; Raskin, Joel; Scheltens, Philip; Dubois, Bruno

2017-08-09

Basic research advances in recent years have furthered our understanding of the natural history of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is now recognized that pathophysiological changes begin many years prior to clinical manifestations of disease and the spectrum of AD spans from clinically asymptomatic to severely impaired. Defining AD purely by its clinical presentation is thus artificial and efforts have been made to recognize the disease based on both clinical and biomarker findings. Advances with biomarkers have also prompted a shift in how the disease is considered as a clinico-pathophysiological entity, with an increasing appreciation that AD should not only be viewed with discrete and defined clinical stages, but as a multifaceted process moving along a seamless continuum. Acknowledging this concept is critical to understanding the development process for disease-modifying therapies, and for initiating effective diagnostic and disease management options. In this article, we discuss the concept of a disease continuum from pathophysiological, biomarker, and clinical perspectives, and highlight the importance of considering AD as a continuum rather than discrete stages. While the pathophysiology of AD has still not been elucidated completely, there is ample evidence to support researchers and clinicians embracing the view of a disease continuum in their study, diagnosis, and management of the disease.

The ALMA Spectroscopic Survey in the Hubble Ultra Deep Field: Continuum Number Counts, Resolved 1.2 mm Extragalactic Background, and Properties of the Faintest Dusty Star-forming Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aravena, M.; Decarli, R.; Walter, F.; Da Cunha, E.; Bauer, F. E.; Carilli, C. L.; Daddi, E.; Elbaz, D.; Ivison, R. J.; Riechers, D. A.; Smail, I.; Swinbank, A. M.; Weiss, A.; Anguita, T.; Assef, R. J.; Bell, E.; Bertoldi, F.; Bacon, R.; Bouwens, R.; Cortes, P.; Cox, P.; Gónzalez-López, J.; Hodge, J.; Ibar, E.; Inami, H.; Infante, L.; Karim, A.; Le Le Fèvre, O.; Magnelli, B.; Ota, K.; Popping, G.; Sheth, K.; van der Werf, P.; Wagg, J.

2016-12-01

We present an analysis of a deep (1σ = 13 μJy) cosmological 1.2 mm continuum map based on ASPECS, the ALMA Spectroscopic Survey in the Hubble Ultra Deep Field. In the 1 arcmin2 covered by ASPECS we detect nine sources at \\gt 3.5σ significance at 1.2 mm. Our ALMA-selected sample has a median redshift of z=1.6+/- 0.4, with only one galaxy detected at z > 2 within the survey area. This value is significantly lower than that found in millimeter samples selected at a higher flux density cutoff and similar frequencies. Most galaxies have specific star formation rates (SFRs) similar to that of main-sequence galaxies at the same epoch, and we find median values of stellar mass and SFRs of 4.0× {10}10 {M}⊙ and ˜ 40 {M}⊙ yr-1, respectively. Using the dust emission as a tracer for the interstellar medium (ISM) mass, we derive depletion times that are typically longer than 300 Myr, and we find molecular gas fractions ranging from ˜0.1 to 1.0. As noted by previous studies, these values are lower than those using CO-based ISM estimates by a factor of ˜2. The 1 mm number counts (corrected for fidelity and completeness) are in agreement with previous studies that were typically restricted to brighter sources. With our individual detections only, we recover 55% ± 4% of the extragalactic background light (EBL) at 1.2 mm measured by the Planck satellite, and we recover 80% ± 7% of this EBL if we include the bright end of the number counts and additional detections from stacking. The stacked contribution is dominated by galaxies at z˜ 1{--}2, with stellar masses of (1-3) × 1010 M {}⊙ . For the first time, we are able to characterize the population of galaxies that dominate the EBL at 1.2 mm.

On the continuum limit for a semidiscrete Hirota equation

PubMed Central

Pickering, Andrew; Zhao, Hai-qiong

2016-01-01

In this paper, we propose a new semidiscrete Hirota equation which yields the Hirota equation in the continuum limit. We focus on the topic of how the discrete space step δ affects the simulation for the soliton solution to the Hirota equation. The Darboux transformation and explicit solution for the semidiscrete Hirota equation are constructed. We show that the continuum limit for the semidiscrete Hirota equation, including the Lax pair, the Darboux transformation and the explicit solution, yields the corresponding results for the Hirota equation as δ→0. PMID:27956884

Defects in crystalline packings of twisted filament bundles. I. Continuum theory of disclinations.

PubMed

Grason, Gregory M

2012-03-01

We develop the theory of the coupling between in-plane order and out-of-plane geometry in twisted, two-dimensionally ordered filament bundles based on the nonlinear continuum elasticity theory of columnar materials. We show that twisted textures of filament backbones necessarily introduce stresses into the cross-sectional packing of bundles and that these stresses are formally equivalent to the geometrically induced stresses generated in thin elastic sheets that are forced to adopt spherical curvature. As in the case of crystalline order on curved membranes, geometrically induced stresses couple elastically to the presence of topological defects in the in-plane order. We derive the effective theory of multiple disclination defects in the cross section of bundle with a fixed twist and show that above a critical degree of twist, one or more fivefold disclinations is favored in the elastic energy ground state. We study the structure and energetics of multidisclination packings based on models of equilibrium and nonequilibrium cross-sectional order.

Some remarks on recent developments in micropolar continuum theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vilchevskaya, E. N.; Müller, W. H.

2018-04-01

This paper considers micropolar media that can undergo structural changes and do not a priori consist of indestructible material particles. Initially the pertinent literature is reviewed. Then the necessary theoretical framework for a continuum of that type is presented. The standard macroscopic equations for mass, linear and angular momentum are complemented by a recently proposed balance for the moment of inertia tensor, which contains a production term. Two examples illustrate the effect of the production. In the first example, we study a continuous stream of matter on a conveyor belt going through a crusher so that the total number of particles will change. In context with this example, it is also clear that the traditional Lagrangian way of describing the motion of solids is no longer adequate and must be replaced by the Eulerian point of view known from fluid mechanics. The second example deals with hollow particles which rotate because of the presence of body couples. Now a transient temperature field is superimposed such that the moment of inertia field changes due to the thermal expansion of particles. This in turn results in rotational motion that is no longer constant but varies in space and time.

Gyrokinetic continuum simulations of turbulence in the Texas Helimak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernard, T. N.; Shi, E. L.; Hammett, G. W.; Hakim, A.; Taylor, E. I.

2017-10-01

We have used the Gkeyll code to perform 3x-2v full-f gyrokinetic continuum simulations of electrostatic plasma turbulence in the Texas Helimak. The Helimak is an open field-line experiment with magnetic curvature and shear. It is useful for validating numerical codes due to its extensive diagnostics and simple, helical geometry, which is similar to the scrape-off layer region of tokamaks. Interchange and drift-wave modes are the main turbulence mechanisms in the device, and potential biasing is applied to study the effect of velocity shear on turbulence reduction. With Gkeyll, we varied field-line pitch angle and simulated biased and unbiased cases to study different turbulent regimes and turbulence reduction. These are the first kinetic simulations of the Helimak and resulting plasma profiles agree fairly well with experimental data. This research demonstrates Gkeyll's progress towards 5D simulations of the SOL region of fusion devices. Supported by the U.S. DOE SCGSR program under contract DE-SC0014664, the Max-Planck/Princeton Center for Plasma Physics, the SciDAC Center for the Study of Plasma Microturbulence, and DOE contract DE-AC02-09CH11466.

The suicidality continuum in a large sample of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients.

PubMed

Velloso, P; Piccinato, C; Ferrão, Y; Aliende Perin, E; Cesar, R; Fontenelle, L; Hounie, A G; do Rosário, M C

2016-10-01

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has a chronic course leading to huge impact in the patient's functioning. Suicidal thoughts and attempts are much more frequent in OCD subjects than once thought before. To empirically investigate whether the suicidal phenomena could be analyzed as a suicidality severity continuum and its association with obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptom dimensions and quality of life (QoL), in a large OCD sample. Cross-sectional study with 548 patients diagnosed with OCD according to the DSM-IV criteria, interviewed in the Brazilian OCD Consortium (C-TOC) sites. Patients were evaluated by OCD experts using standardized instruments including: Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS); Dimensional Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DYBOCS); Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories; Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID); and the SF-36 QoL Health Survey. There were extremely high correlations between all the suicidal phenomena. OCD patients with suicidality had significantly lower QoL, higher severity in the "sexual/religious", "aggression" and "symmetry/ordering" OC symptom dimensions, higher BDI and BA scores and a higher frequency of suicide attempts in a family member. In the regression analysis, the factors that most impacted suicidality were the sexual dimension severity, the SF-36 QoL Mental Health domain, the severity of depressive symptoms and a relative with an attempted suicide history. Suicidality could be analyzed as a severity continuum and patients should be carefully monitored since they present with suicidal ideation. Lower QoL scores, higher scores on the sexual dimension and a family history of suicide attempts should be considered as risk factors for suicidality among OCD patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Electric-field-induced magnetic domain writing in a Co wire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Yuki; Hirai, Takamasa; Koyama, Tomohiro; Chiba, Daichi

2018-05-01

We have demonstrated that the local magnetization in a Co microwire can be switched by an application of a gate voltage without using any external magnetic fields. The electric-field-induced reversible ferromagnetic phase transition was used to realize this. An internal stray field from a ferromagnetic gate electrode assisted the local domain reversal in the Co wire. This new concept of electrical domain switching may be useful for dramatically reducing the power consumption of writing information in a magnetic racetrack memory, in which a shift of a magnetic domain by electric current is utilized.

Transverse Space-Charge Field-Induced Plasma Dynamics for Ultraintense Electron-Beam Characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarkeshian, R.; Vay, J. L.; Lehe, R.; Schroeder, C. B.; Esarey, E. H.; Feurer, T.; Leemans, W. P.

2018-04-01

Similarly to laser or x-ray beams, the interaction of sufficiently intense particle beams with neutral gases will result in the creation of plasma. In contrast to photon-based ionization, the strong unipolar field of a particle beam can generate a plasma where the electron population receives a large initial momentum kick and escapes, leaving behind unshielded ions. Measuring the properties of the ensuing Coulomb exploding ions—such as their kinetic energy distribution, yield, and spatial distribution—can provide information about the peak electric fields that are achieved in the electron beams. Particle-in-cell simulations and analytical models are presented for high-brightness electron beams of a few femtoseconds or even hundreds of attoseconds, and transverse beam sizes on the micron scale, as generated by today's free electron lasers. Different density regimes for the utilization as a potential diagnostics are explored, and the fundamental differences in plasma dynamical behavior for e-beam or photon-based ionization are highlighted. By measuring the dynamics of field-induced ions for different gas and beam densities, a lower bound on the beam charge density can be obtained in a single shot and in a noninvasive way. The exponential dependency of the ionization yield on the beam properties can provide unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution, at the submicrometer and subfemtosecond scales, respectively, offering a practical and powerful approach to characterizing beams from accelerators at the frontiers of performance.

Magnetism and high magnetic-field-induced stability of alloy carbides in Fe-based materials.

PubMed

Hou, T P; Wu, K M; Liu, W M; Peet, M J; Hulme-Smith, C N; Guo, L; Zhuang, L

2018-02-14

Understanding the nature of the magnetic-field-induced precipitation behaviors represents a major step forward towards unravelling the real nature of interesting phenomena in Fe-based alloys and especially towards solving the key materials problem for the development of fusion energy. Experimental results indicate that the applied high magnetic field effectively promotes the precipitation of M 23 C 6 carbides. We build an integrated method, which breaks through the limitations of zero temperature and zero external field, to concentrate on the dependence of the stability induced by the magnetic effect, excluding the thermal effect. We investigate the intimate relationship between the external field and the origins of various magnetics structural characteristics, which are derived from the interactions among the various Wyckoff sites of iron atoms, antiparallel spin of chromium and Fe-C bond distances. The high-magnetic-field-induced exchange coupling increases with the strength of the external field, which then causes an increase in the parallel magnetic moment. The stability of the alloy carbide M 23 C 6 is more dependent on external field effects than thermal effects, whereas that of M 2 C, M 3 C and M 7 C 3 is mainly determined by thermal effects.

Modeling continuum of epithelial mesenchymal transition plasticity.

PubMed

Mandal, Mousumi; Ghosh, Biswajoy; Anura, Anji; Mitra, Pabitra; Pathak, Tanmaya; Chatterjee, Jyotirmoy

2016-02-01

Living systems respond to ambient pathophysiological changes by altering their phenotype, a phenomenon called 'phenotypic plasticity'. This program contains information about adaptive biological dynamism. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one such process found to be crucial in development, wound healing, and cancer wherein the epithelial cells with restricted migratory potential develop motile functions by acquiring mesenchymal characteristics. In the present study, phase contrast microscopy images of EMT induced HaCaT cells were acquired at 24 h intervals for 96 h. The expression study of relevant pivotal molecules viz. F-actin, vimentin, fibronectin and N-cadherin was carried out to confirm the EMT process. Cells were intuitively categorized into five distinct morphological phenotypes. A population of 500 cells for each temporal point was selected to quantify their frequency of occurrence. The plastic interplay of cell phenotypes from the observations was described as a Markovian process. A model was formulated empirically using simple linear algebra, to depict the possible mechanisms of cellular transformation among the five phenotypes. This work employed qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative tools towards illustration and establishment of the EMT continuum. Thus, it provides a newer perspective to understand the embedded plasticity across the EMT spectrum.

The Electrical Impact of Lightning Quasi-Electrostatic Fields on the Nighttime Lower Ionosphere: The Case of Negative Sprite Halos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salem, M. A.; Liu, N.; Rassoul, H.

2016-12-01

It is well known that electrostatic (ES) and quasi-electrostatic (QE) fields can be established in the lower ionosphere by underlying thunderstorms. We recently found that although the thunderstorm ES field is not strong enough to produce transient luminous events (TLEs) such as halos and sprites, it generates significant effects on the electrical properties of the nighttime lower ionosphere [Salem et al., GRL., 42(6), doi: 10.1002/2015GL063268, 2015; Salem et al., GRL., 43(1), doi: 10.1002/2015GL066933, 2016]. In particular, according to Salem et al. [2016], the nighttime lower ionospheric height measured using the VLF wave reflection technique can be increased due to the effects of the ES field. In this work, we continue to study the nighttime lower ionospheric response to QE fields of cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning flashes. In contrast to thunderstorm ES fields, QE fields can be much stronger and trigger halos. Halos are relatively homogeneous glows centered on 75-85 km altitude, with a horizontal extent of tens of kilometers and a vertical thickness of several kilometers. They typically appear within a few milliseconds of their parent CGs. In particular, negative halos are caused by unusually impulsive negative CGs [Boggs et al., JGR. Atmos., doi: 10.1002/2015JD024188, 121(2), 2016; Liu et al., GRL., 43(6), doi: 10.1002/2016GL068256, 2016]. This study uses a one-dimensional plasma discharge fluid model combined with a simplified ionospheric ion chemistry model described by Liu [JGR., 117, doi: 10.1029/2011JA017062, 2012]. The response of the nighttime lower ionosphere to impulsive negative CGs is investigated for different ambient ionospheric density profiles and different CG properties (e.g., charge moment changes and charge transfer times). Finally, the modeling results of the lower ionosphere recovery time are analyzed to investigate the role of negative halos in producing different types of early VLF events.

On the Nature of Off-limb Flare Continuum Sources Detected by SDO /HMI

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

Heinzel, P.; Kašparová, J.; Kleint, L.

The Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory has provided unique observations of off-limb flare emission. White-light continuum enhancements were detected in the “continuum” channel of the Fe 6173 Å line during the impulsive phase of the observed flares. In this paper we aim to determine which radiation mechanism is responsible for such enhancement being seen above the limb, at chromospheric heights around or below 1000 km. Using a simple analytical approach, we compare two candidate mechanisms, the hydrogen recombination continuum (Paschen) and the Thomson continuum due to scattering of disk radiation on flare electrons. Both mechanismsmore » depend on the electron density, which is typically enhanced during the impulsive phase of a flare as the result of collisional ionization (both thermal and also non-thermal due to electron beams). We conclude that for electron densities higher than 10{sup 12} cm{sup −3}, the Paschen recombination continuum significantly dominates the Thomson scattering continuum and there is some contribution from the hydrogen free–free emission. This is further supported by detailed radiation-hydrodynamical (RHD) simulations of the flare chromosphere heated by the electron beams. We use the RHD code FLARIX to compute the temporal evolution of the flare-heating in a semi-circular loop. The synthesized continuum structure above the limb resembles the off-limb flare structures detected by HMI, namely their height above the limb, as well as the radiation intensity. These results are consistent with recent findings related to hydrogen Balmer continuum enhancements, which were clearly detected in disk flares by the IRIS near-ultraviolet spectrometer.« less

Magnetic-field-induced rotation of light with orbital angular momentum

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

Shi, Shuai; Ding, Dong-Sheng, E-mail: dds@ustc.edu.cn; Zhou, Zhi-Yuan

Light carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) has attractive applications in the fields of precise optical measurements and high capacity optical communications. We study the rotation of a light beam propagating in warm {sup 87}Rb atomic vapor using a method based on magnetic-field-induced circular birefringence. The dependence of the rotation angle on the magnetic field makes it appropriate for weak magnetic field measurements. We quote a detailed theoretical description that agrees well with the experimental observations. The experiment shown here provides a method to measure the magnetic field intensity precisely and expands the application of OAM-carrying light. This technique has advantagemore » in measurement of magnetic field weaker than 0.5 G, and the precision we achieved is 0.8 mG.« less

Mechanisms of two-color laser-induced field-free molecular orientation.

PubMed

Spanner, Michael; Patchkovskii, Serguei; Frumker, Eugene; Corkum, Paul

2012-09-14

Two mechanisms of two-color (ω+2ω) laser-induced field-free molecular orientation, based on the hyperpolarizability and ionization depletion, are explored and compared. The CO molecule is used as a computational example. While the hyperpolarizability mechanism generates small amounts of orientation at intensities below the ionization threshold, ionization depletion quickly becomes the dominant mechanism as soon as ionizing intensities are reached. Only the ionization mechanism leads to substantial orientation (e.g., on the order of ≳0.1). For intensities typical of laser-induced molecular alignment and orientation experiments, the two mechanisms lead to robust, characteristic timings of the field-free orientation wave-packet revivals relative to the alignment revivals and the revival time. The revival timings can be used to detect the active orientation mechanism experimentally.

Giant electric-field-induced strain in lead-free piezoelectric materials

PubMed Central

Chen, Lan; Yang, Yurong; Meng, X. K.

2016-01-01

First-principles calculations are performed to investigate the structures, electrical, and magnetic properties of compressive BiFeO3 films under electric-field and pressure perpendicular to the films. A reversible electric-field-induced strain up 10% is achieved in the compressive BiFeO3 films. The giant strain originates from rhombohedral-tetragonal (R-T) phase transition under electric-filed, and is recoverable from tetragonal-rhombohedral (T-R) phase transition by compressive stress. Additionally, the weak ferromagnetism in BiFeO3 films is largely changed in R-T phase transition under electric-filed and T-R phase transition under pressure – reminiscent of magnetoelectric effect and magnetoelastic effect. These results suggest exciting device opportunities arising from the giant filed-induced strain, large magnetoelectric effect and magnetoelastic effect. PMID:27139526

Field induced heliconical structure of cholesteric liquid crystal

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

Lavrentovich, Oleg D.; Shiyanovsii, Sergij V.; Xiang, Jie

A diffraction grating comprises a liquid crystal (LC) cell configured to apply an electric field through a cholesteric LC material that induces the cholesteric LC material into a heliconical state with an oblique helicoid director. The applied electric field produces diffracted light from the cholesteric LC material within the visible, infrared or ultraviolet. The axis of the heliconical state is in the plane of the liquid crystal cell or perpendicular to the plane, depending on the application. A color tuning device operates with a similar heliconical state liquid crystal material but with the heliconical director axis oriented perpendicular to themore » plane of the cell. A power generator varies the strength of the applied electric field to adjust the wavelength of light reflected from the cholesteric liquid crystal material within the visible, infrared or ultraviolet.« less

Induced clustering of Escherichia coli by acoustic fields.

PubMed

Gutiérrez-Ramos, Salomé; Hoyos, Mauricio; Ruiz-Suárez, J C

2018-03-16

Brownian or self-propelled particles in aqueous suspensions can be trapped by acoustic fields generated by piezoelectric transducers usually at frequencies in the megahertz. The obtained confinement allows the study of rich collective behaviours like clustering or spreading dynamics in microgravity-like conditions. The acoustic field induces the levitation of self-propelled particles and provides secondary lateral forces to capture them at nodal planes. Here, we give a step forward in the field of confined active matter, reporting levitation experiments of bacterial suspensions of Escherichia coli. Clustering of living bacteria is monitored as a function of time, where different behaviours are clearly distinguished. Upon the removal of the acoustic signal, bacteria rapidly spread, impelled by their own swimming. Nevertheless, long periods of confinement result in irreversible bacteria entanglements that could act as seeds for levitating bacterial aggregates.

Evidence for magnetic-field-induced decoupling of superconducting bilayers in La 2-xCa 1+xCu 2O 6

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

Zhong, Ruidan; Schneeloch, J. A.; Chi, Hang

We report a study of magnetic susceptibility and electrical resistivity as a function of temperature and magnetic field in superconducting crystals of La 2-xCa 1+xCu 2O 6 with x = 0.10 and 0.15 and transition temperature Tmore » $$m\\atop{c}$$ = 54 K (determined from the susceptibility). When an external magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the CuO 2 bilayers, the resistive superconducting transition measured with currents flowing perpendicular to the bilayers is substantially lower than that found with currents flowing parallel to the bilayers. Intriguingly, this anisotropic behavior is quite similar to that observed for the magnetic irreversibility points with the field applied either perpendicular or parallel to the bilayers. We discuss the results in the context of other studies that have found evidence for the decoupling of superconducting layers induced by a perpendicular magnetic field.« less

Evidence for magnetic-field-induced decoupling of superconducting bilayers in La 2-xCa 1+xCu 2O 6

DOE PAGES

Zhong, Ruidan; Schneeloch, J. A.; Chi, Hang; ...

2018-04-24

We report a study of magnetic susceptibility and electrical resistivity as a function of temperature and magnetic field in superconducting crystals of La 2-xCa 1+xCu 2O 6 with x = 0.10 and 0.15 and transition temperature Tmore » $$m\\atop{c}$$ = 54 K (determined from the susceptibility). When an external magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the CuO 2 bilayers, the resistive superconducting transition measured with currents flowing perpendicular to the bilayers is substantially lower than that found with currents flowing parallel to the bilayers. Intriguingly, this anisotropic behavior is quite similar to that observed for the magnetic irreversibility points with the field applied either perpendicular or parallel to the bilayers. We discuss the results in the context of other studies that have found evidence for the decoupling of superconducting layers induced by a perpendicular magnetic field.« less

Approaching a network connectivity-driven classification of the psychosis continuum: a selective review and suggestions for future research.

PubMed

Schmidt, André; Diwadkar, Vaibhav A; Smieskova, Renata; Harrisberger, Fabienne; Lang, Undine E; McGuire, Philip; Fusar-Poli, Paolo; Borgwardt, Stefan

2014-01-01

Brain changes in schizophrenia evolve along a dynamic trajectory, emerging before disease onset and proceeding with ongoing illness. Recent investigations have focused attention on functional brain interactions, with experimental imaging studies supporting the disconnection hypothesis of schizophrenia. These studies have revealed a broad spectrum of abnormalities in brain connectivity in patients, particularly for connections integrating the frontal cortex. A critical point is that brain connectivity abnormalities, including altered resting state connectivity within the fronto-parietal (FP) network, are already observed in non-help-seeking individuals with psychotic-like experiences. If we consider psychosis as a continuum, with individuals with psychotic-like experiences at the lower and psychotic patients at the upper ends, individuals with psychotic-like experiences represent a key population for investigating the validity of putative biomarkers underlying the onset of psychosis. This paper selectively addresses the role played by FP connectivity in the psychosis continuum, which includes patients with chronic psychosis, early psychosis, clinical high risk, genetic high risk, as well as the general population with psychotic experiences. We first discuss structural connectivity changes among the FP pathway in each domain in the psychosis continuum. This may provide a basis for us to gain an understanding of the subsequent changes in functional FP connectivity. We further indicate that abnormal FP connectivity may arise from glutamatergic disturbances of this pathway, in particular from abnormal NMDA receptor-mediated plasticity. In the second part of this paper we propose some concepts for further research on the use of network connectivity in the classification of the psychosis continuum. These concepts are consistent with recent efforts to enhance the role of data in driving the diagnosis of psychiatric spectrum diseases.

Approaching a network connectivity-driven classification of the psychosis continuum: a selective review and suggestions for future research

PubMed Central

Schmidt, André; Diwadkar, Vaibhav A.; Smieskova, Renata; Harrisberger, Fabienne; Lang, Undine E.; McGuire, Philip; Fusar-Poli, Paolo; Borgwardt, Stefan

2015-01-01

Brain changes in schizophrenia evolve along a dynamic trajectory, emerging before disease onset and proceeding with ongoing illness. Recent investigations have focused attention on functional brain interactions, with experimental imaging studies supporting the disconnection hypothesis of schizophrenia. These studies have revealed a broad spectrum of abnormalities in brain connectivity in patients, particularly for connections integrating the frontal cortex. A critical point is that brain connectivity abnormalities, including altered resting state connectivity within the fronto-parietal (FP) network, are already observed in non-help-seeking individuals with psychotic-like experiences. If we consider psychosis as a continuum, with individuals with psychotic-like experiences at the lower and psychotic patients at the upper ends, individuals with psychotic-like experiences represent a key population for investigating the validity of putative biomarkers underlying the onset of psychosis. This paper selectively addresses the role played by FP connectivity in the psychosis continuum, which includes patients with chronic psychosis, early psychosis, clinical high risk, genetic high risk, as well as the general population with psychotic experiences. We first discuss structural connectivity changes among the FP pathway in each domain in the psychosis continuum. This may provide a basis for us to gain an understanding of the subsequent changes in functional FP connectivity. We further indicate that abnormal FP connectivity may arise from glutamatergic disturbances of this pathway, in particular from abnormal NMDA receptor-mediated plasticity. In the second part of this paper we propose some concepts for further research on the use of network connectivity in the classification of the psychosis continuum. These concepts are consistent with recent efforts to enhance the role of data in driving the diagnosis of psychiatric spectrum diseases. PMID:25628553