Enhanced photocurrent density of HTM-free perovskite solar cells by carbon quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Haiyuan; Guo, Daipeng; He, Bowen; Yu, Jiaguo; Fan, Ke

2018-02-01

Full-printable and hole transport material (HTM)-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with carbon counter electrodes feature high stability and low cost. However, the perovskite film prepared by conventional one-step solution-coating method always shows a relatively poor coverage on the substrate, leading to the limit of the photocurrent density. In this study, we incorporated carbon quantum dots (CQDs) in the perovskite films, and investigated their effects on the performance of TiO2 nanosheet-based and HTM-free PSCs. It was found that the addition of CQDs to the perovskite film can enhance the photocurrent density of PSCs, and the optimal PSC with 0.1% CQDs evolved 60% higher photocurrent density than the pristine one. The improved photocurrent density was attributed to the heterogeneous nuclei derived from CQDs during perovskite crystallization, which would increase amount of perovskite nuclei and form a fine perovskite grain, leading to a better coverage on the substrate. Moreover, due to the excellent conductivity, CQDs in perovskite films could efficiently transport the photo-excited electrons, accelerating the separation and mobilization of charge carriers. This study presents the incorporation of CQDs in perovskite as an efficient approach to promote the performance of HTM-free PSCs.

Travelling fronts of the CO oxidation on Pd(111) with coverage-dependent diffusion

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

Cisternas, Jaime, E-mail: jecisternas@miuandes.cl; Karpitschka, Stefan; Wehner, Stefan

2014-10-28

In this work, we study a surface reaction on Pd(111) crystals under ultra-high-vacuum conditions that can be modeled by two coupled reaction-diffusion equations. In the bistable regime, the reaction exhibits travelling fronts that can be observed experimentally using photo electron emission microscopy. The spatial profile of the fronts reveals a coverage-dependent diffusivity for one of the species. We propose a method to solve the nonlinear eigenvalue problem and compute the direction and the speed of the fronts based on a geometrical construction in phase-space. This method successfully captures the dependence of the speed on control parameters and diffusivities.

A comparison of Gemini and ERTS imagery obtained over southern Morocco

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blodget, H. W.; Anderson, A. T.

1973-01-01

A mosaic constructed from three ERTS MSS band 5 images enlarged to 1:500,000 compares favorably with a similar scale geologic map of southern Morocco, and a near-similar scale Gemini 5 photo pair. A comparative plot of lineations and generalized geology on the three formats show that a significantly greater number of probable fractures are visible on the ERTS imagery than on the Gemini photography, and that both orbital formats show several times more lineaments than were previously mapped. A plot of mineral occurrences on the structural overlays indicates that definite structure-mineralization relationships exist; this finding is used to define underdeveloped areas which are prospective for mineralization. More detailed mapping is possible using MSS imagery than on Gemini 5 photographs, and in addition, the ERTS format is not restricted to limited coverage.

LUMIS: A Land Use Management Information System for urban planning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paul, C. K.

1975-01-01

The Land Use Management Information System (LUMIS) consists of a methodology of compiling land use maps by means of air photo interpretation techniques, digitizing these and other maps into machine-readable form, and numerically overlaying these various maps in two computer software routines to provide land use and natural resource data files referenced to the individual census block. The two computer routines are the Polygon Intersection Overlay System (PIOS) and an interactive graphics APL program. A block referenced file of land use, natural resources, geology, elevation, slope, and fault-line items has been created and supplied to the Los Angeles Department of City Planning for the City's portion of the Santa Monica Mountains. In addition, the interactive system contains one hundred and seventy-three socio-economic data items created by merging the Third Count U.S. Census Bureau tapes and the Los Angeles County Secured Assessor File. This data can be graphically displayed for each and every block, block group, or tract for six test tracts in Woodland Hills, California. Other benefits of LUMIS are the knowledge of air photo availability, flight pattern coverage and frequencies, and private photogrammetry companies flying Southern California, as well as a formal Delphi study of relevant land use informational needs in the Santa Monicas.

Tetanus (Lockjaw) Photos

MedlinePlus

... be unsuitable for children. Viewing discretion is advised. Photos of the Disease and Images of People Affected by the Disease This micrograph ... Photo ID# 2857 PHIL Photo ID# 1657 PHIL Photo ID# 6373 Additional Images and Regulations Be sure to see the regulations ...

Multiphoton imaging with high peak power VECSELs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mirkhanov, Shamil; Quarterman, Adrian H.; Swift, Samuel; Praveen, Bavishna B.; Smyth, Conor J. C.; Wilcox, Keith G.

2016-03-01

Multiphoton imaging (MMPI) has become one of thee key non-invasive light microscopy techniques. This technique allows deep tissue imaging with high resolution and less photo-damage than conventional confocal microscopy. MPI is type of laser-scanning microscopy that employs localized nonlinear excitation, so that fluorescence is excited only with is scanned focal volume. For many years, Ti: sapphire femtosecond lasers have been the leading light sources for MPI applications. However, recent developments in laser sources and new types of fluorophores indicate that longer wavelength excitation could be a good alternative for these applications. Mode-locked VECSEELs have the potential to be low cost, compact light sources for MPI systems, with the additional advantage of broad wavelength coverage through use of different semiconductor material systems. Here, we use a femtosecond fibber laser to investigate the effect average power and repetition rate has on MPI image quality, to allow us to optimize our mode-locked VVECSELs for MPI.

Photo-assisted etching of silicon in chlorine- and bromine-containing plasmas

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

Zhu, Weiye; Sridhar, Shyam; Liu, Lei

2014-05-28

Cl{sub 2}, Br{sub 2}, HBr, Br{sub 2}/Cl{sub 2}, and HBr/Cl{sub 2} feed gases diluted in Ar (50%–50% by volume) were used to study etching of p-type Si(100) in a rf inductively coupled, Faraday-shielded plasma, with a focus on the photo-assisted etching component. Etching rates were measured as a function of ion energy. Etching at ion energies below the threshold for ion-assisted etching was observed in all cases, with Br{sub 2}/Ar and HBr/Cl{sub 2}/Ar plasmas having the lowest and highest sub-threshold etching rates, respectively. Sub-threshold etching rates scaled with the product of surface halogen coverage (measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) andmore » Ar emission intensity (7504 Å). Etching rates measured under MgF{sub 2}, quartz, and opaque windows showed that sub-threshold etching is due to photon-stimulated processes on the surface, with vacuum ultraviolet photons being much more effective than longer wavelengths. Scanning electron and atomic force microscopy revealed that photo-etched surfaces were very rough, quite likely due to the inability of the photo-assisted process to remove contaminants from the surface. Photo-assisted etching in Cl{sub 2}/Ar plasmas resulted in the formation of 4-sided pyramidal features with bases that formed an angle of 45° with respect to 〈110〉 cleavage planes, suggesting that photo-assisted etching can be sensitive to crystal orientation.« less

Perspectives of ruthenium(ii) polyazaaromatic photo-oxidizing complexes photoreactive towards tryptophan-containing peptides and derivatives.

PubMed

Estalayo-Adrián, S; Garnir, K; Moucheron, C

2018-01-04

Ru II polyazaaromatic complexes have been studied with the aim of developing molecular tools for DNA and oligonucleotides. In this context, Ru II -TAP (TAP = 1,4,5,8-tetraazaphenanthrene) complexes have been developed as specific photoreagents targeting the genetic material. The advantage of such compounds is due to the formation of photo-addition products between the Ru-TAP complex and the biomolecule, originating from a photo-induced electron transfer process that takes place between the excited Ru-TAP complex and guanine (G) bases of DNA. This photo-addition has been more recently extended to amino acids in view of applications involving peptides, such as inhibition or photocontrol of proteins. More particularly, tryptophan (Trp) and Trp-containing peptides are also able to be photo-oxidized by Ru II -TAP complexes, leading to the formation of photo-addition products. This mini review focuses on recent advances in the search for Ru II polyazaaromatic photo-oxidizing complexes of interest as molecular tools and photoreagents for Trp-containing peptides and proteins. Different possible future directions in this field are also discussed.

Visualization Support for an Army Reconnaissance Mission

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-02-01

transform an aerial photographic image into an orthophoto image. In this process, the horizontal coordinates and elevation of a point on the ground are...to the corresponding horizontal position on the orthophoto . The result is a new digital image without relief displacement. This orthophoto image will...process, the orthophotos were generated. The generation of one orthophoto for every other photo was sufficient to ensure complete coverage of the test

Preflight coverage of STS-114 & Expedition 7 Crews, Emergency Egress Training

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-09-12

JSC2002-01659 (12 September 2002) --- The STS-114 crewmembers pose for a group photo prior to a training session in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). From the left are astronauts Soichi Noguchi, mission specialist; Eileen M. Collins, mission commander; Stephen K. Robinson, mission specialist; and James M. Kelly, pilot. Noguchi represents Japan’s National Space Development Agency (NASDA).

STS-105 coverage of Mission Control Center employees in the WFCR & BFCR

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-25

JSC2001-E-25114 (16 August 2001) --- Flight director John Shannon monitors data at his console in the shuttle flight control room (WFCR) in Houston’s Mission Control Center (MCC). At the time this photo was taken, STS-105 mission specialists Daniel T. Barry and Patrick G. Forrester were performing the first of two scheduled space walks to perform work on the International Space Station (ISS).

Map of North America marked indicating areas coverage from Apollo photography

NASA Image and Video Library

1970-06-29

S70-06463 (June 1970) --- This map of North America has been marked to indicate areas of photographic imagery available from Apollo photography (32-degree orbits) as opposed to that imagery which will be available from a 50-degree inclined orbit. The region between the two broken lines will be in the area that can be covered by the first manned Skylab mission in 1973. Photo credit: NASA

STS-105 coverage of Mission Control Center employees in the WFCR & BFCR

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-25

JSC2001-E-25113 (16 August 2001) --- Flight director Kelly Beck monitors data at her console in the shuttle flight control room (WFCR) in Houston’s Mission Control Center (MCC). At the time this photo was taken, STS-105 mission specialists Daniel T. Barry and Patrick G. Forrester were performing the first of the two scheduled space walks to perform work on the International Space Station (ISS).

Baghdad Police College. Baghdad, Iraq

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-29

2” line (green) 21 Site Photo 16. Unusable electrical outlet - mortar and paint inside the outlet...Areas of severe concrete segregation and honeycombing (Site Photos 24-26) • Poor quality brick workmanship (Site Photo 27) Additional expansion...Site Photo 27. Poor brick work – not level, gaps between bricks , different sized bricks , and partial pieces of

Delayed photo-activation and addition of thio-urethane: Impact on polymerization kinetics and stress of dual-cured resin cements.

PubMed

Faria-E-Silva, André L; Pfeifer, Carmem S

2017-10-01

1) to determine the moment during the redox polymerization reaction of dual cure cements at which to photo-activate the material in order to reduce the polymerization stress, and 2) to evaluate possible synergistic effects between adding chain transfer agents and delayed photo-activation. The two pastes of an experimental dual-cure material were mixed, and the polymerization kinetics of the redox phase was followed. The moment when the material reached its maximum rate of redox polymerization (MRRP) of cement was determined. The degree of conversion (DC) and maximum rates of polymerization (Rp max ) were assessed for materials where: the photoactivation immediately followed material mixing, at MRRP, 1min before and 1min after MRRP. Thio-urethane (TU) additives were synthesized and added to the cement (20% wt), which was then cured under the same conditions. The polymerization kinetics was evaluated for both cements photo-activated immediately or at MRRP, followed by measurements of polymerization stress, flexural strength (FS) and elastic modulus (EM). Knoop hardness was measured before and after ethanol storage. Photo-activating the cement at or after MRRP reduced the Rp max and the polymerization stress. Addition of TU promoted additional and more significant reduction, while not affecting the Rp max . Greater hardness loss was observed for cements with TU, but the final hardness was similar for all experimental conditions. Addition of TU slightly reduced the EM and did not affect the FS. Delayed photo-activation and addition of TU significantly reduce the polymerization stress of dual-cured cements. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Field-based Digital Mapping of the November 3, 2002 Susitna Glacier Fault Rupture - Integrating remotely sensed data, GIS, and photo-linking technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Staft, L. A.; Craw, P. A.

2003-12-01

In July 2003, the U.S. Geological Survey and the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) conducted field studies on the Susitna Glacier Fault (SGF), which ruptured on November 2002 during the M 7.9 Denali fault earthquake. The DGGS assumed responsibility for Geographic Information System (GIS) and data management, integrating remotely sensed imagery, GPS data, GIS, and photo-linking software to aid in planning and documentation of fieldwork. Pre-field preparation included acquisition of over 150, 1:6,000-scale true-color aerial photographs taken shortly after the SGF rupture, 1:63,360-scale color-infrared (CIR) 1980 aerial photographs, and digital geographic information including a 15-minute Digital Elevation Model (DEM), 1:63,360-scale Digital Raster Graphics (DRG), and LandSat 7 satellite imagery. Using Orthomapper software, we orthorectified and mosaiced seven CIRs, creating a georeferenced, digital photo base of the study area. We used this base to reference the 1:6,000-scale aerial photography, to view locations of field sites downloaded from GPS, and to locate linked digital photographs that were taken in the field. Photos were linked using GPS-Photo Link software which "links" digital photographs to GPS data by correlating time stamps from the GPS track log or waypoint file to those of the digital photos, using the correlated point data to create a photo location ESRI shape file. When this file is opened in ArcMap or ArcView with the GPS-Photo Link utility enabled, a thumbnail image of the linked photo appears when the cursor is over the photo location. Viewing photographed features and scarp-profile locations in GIS allowed us to evaluate data coverage of the rupture daily. Using remotely sensed imagery in the field with GIS gave us the versatility to display data on a variety of bases, including topographic maps, air photos, and satellite imagery, during fieldwork. In the field, we downloaded, processed, and reviewed data as it was collected, taking major steps toward final digital map production. Using the described techniques greatly enhanced our ability to analyze and interpret field data; the resulting digital data structure allows us to efficiently gather, disseminate, and archive critical field data.

[Responses of plant community structure and species composition to warming and N addition in an alpine meadow, northern Tibetan Plateau, China].

PubMed

Zong, Ning; Chai, Xi; Shi, Pei Li; Jiang, Jing; Niu, Ben; Zhang, Xian Zhou; He, Yong Tao

2016-12-01

Global climate warming and increasing nitrogen (N) deposition, as controversial global environmental issues, may distinctly affect the functions and processes of terrestrial ecosystems. It has been reported that the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has been experiencing significant warming in recent decades, especially in winter. Previous studies have mainly focused on the effects of warming all the year round; however, few studies have tested the effects of winter warming. To investigate the effects of winter warming and N addition on plant community structure and species composition of alpine meadow, long-term N addition and simulated warming experiment was conducted in alpine meadow from 2010 in Damxung, northern Tibet. The experiment consisted of three warming patterns: Year-round warming (YW), winter warming (WW) and control (NW), crossed respectively with five N gradients: 0, 10, 20, 40, 80 kg N·hm -2 ·a -1 . From 2012 to 2014, both warming and N addition significantly affected the total coverage of plant community. Specifically, YW significantly decreased the total coverage of plant community. Without N addition, WW remarkably reduced the vegetation coverage. However, with N addition, the total vegetation coverage gradually increased with the increase of N level. Warming and N addition had different effects on plants from different functional groups. Warming significantly reduced the plant coverage of grasses and sedges, while N addition significantly enhanced the plant coverage of grasses. Regression analyses showed that the total coverage of plant community was positively related to soil water content in vigorous growth stages, indicating that the decrease in soil water content resulted from warming during dry seasons might be the main reason for the decline of total community coverage. As soil moisture in semi-arid alpine meadow is mainly regulated by rainfalls, our results indicated that changes in spatial and temporal patterns of rainfalls under the future climate change scenarios would dramatically influence the vegetation coverage and species composition. Additionally, the effects of increasing atmospheric N deposition on vegetation community might also depend on the change of rainfall patterns.

STS-105 coverage of Mission Control Center employees in the WFCR & BFCR

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-25

JSC2001-E-25121 (16 August 2001) --- Astronaut Joseph R. Tanner, STS-105 spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM), monitors the progress of the extravehicular activity at his console in the shuttle flight control room (WFCR) in Houston’s Mission Control Center (MCC). At the time this photo was taken, mission specialists Daniel T. Barry and Patrick G. Forrester were performing the first of two scheduled space walks to perform work on the International Space Station (ISS).

Characterization of transimpedance amplifier as optical to electrical converter on designing optical instrumentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanto, D.; Ula, R. K.

2017-05-01

Optical to electrical converter is the main components for designing of the optical instrumentations. In addition, this component is also used as signal conditioning. This component usually consists of a photo detector and amplifier. In this paper, characteristics of commercial amplifiers from Thorlabs PDA50B-EC has been observed. The experiment was conducted by diode laser with power of -5 dBm and wavelength 1310 nm; the optical attenuator to vary optical power from 0 to 60 dB, optical to electrical converter from Thorlabs Amplifier PDA50B-EC; multimode optical fiber to guide the laser; and digital voltmeter to measure the output of converter. The results of the characterization indicate that each channel amplification has a non-linear correlation between optical and electrical parameter; optical conversion measurement range of 20-23 dB to full scale; and different measurement coverage area. If this converter will be used as a part component of optical instrumentation so it should be adjusted suitably with the optical power source. Then, because of the correlation equation is not linear so calculation to determine the interpretation also should be considered in addition to the transfer function of the optical sensor.

Land User and Land Cover Maps of Europe: a Webgis Platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brovelli, M. A.; Fahl, F. C.; Minghini, M.; Molinari, M. E.

2016-06-01

This paper presents the methods and implementation processes of a WebGIS platform designed to publish the available land use and land cover maps of Europe at continental scale. The system is built completely on open source infrastructure and open standards. The proposed architecture is based on a server-client model having GeoServer as the map server, Leaflet as the client-side mapping library and the Bootstrap framework at the core of the front-end user interface. The web user interface is designed to have typical features of a desktop GIS (e.g. activate/deactivate layers and order layers by drag and drop actions) and to show specific information on the activated layers (e.g. legend and simplified metadata). Users have the possibility to change the base map from a given list of map providers (e.g. OpenStreetMap and Microsoft Bing) and to control the opacity of each layer to facilitate the comparison with both other land cover layers and the underlying base map. In addition, users can add to the platform any custom layer available through a Web Map Service (WMS) and activate the visualization of photos from popular photo sharing services. This last functionality is provided in order to have a visual assessment of the available land coverages based on other user-generated contents available on the Internet. It is supposed to be a first step towards a calibration/validation service that will be made available in the future.

32. INTERIOR OF STORM PORCH ADDITION SHOWING FLUSH SIDEEXIT DOOR ...

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

32. INTERIOR OF STORM PORCH ADDITION SHOWING FLUSH SIDEEXIT DOOR AT PHOTO LEFT CENTER AND 1-LIGHT OVER 1LIGHT SASH WINDOW THROUGH WEST WALL AT PHOTO RIGHT. VIEW TO SOUTH. - Rush Creek Hydroelectric System, Clubhouse Cottage, Rush Creek, June Lake, Mono County, CA

Photographic coverage of STS-112 during EVA 3 in VR Lab.

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-08-21

JSC2002-E-34625 (21 Aug. 2002) --- Astronaut Sandra H. Magnus (left), STS-112 mission specialist, uses the virtual reality lab at NASA?s Johnson Space Center (JSC) to train for her duties aboard the space shuttle Atlantis. This type of computer interface paired with virtual reality training hardware and software helps to prepare the entire team for dealing with ISS elements. Lead SSRMS instructor Elizabeth C. Bloomer assisted Magnus. Astronaut Ellen Ochoa (standing) looks on. Photo credit: NASA

Remote sensing applications to forest vegetation classification and conifer vigor loss due to dwarf mistletoe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Douglass, R. W.; Meyer, M. P.; French, D. W.

1972-01-01

Criteria was established for practical remote sensing of vegetation stress and mortality caused by dwarf mistletoe infections in black spruce subboreal forest stands. The project was accomplished in two stages: (1) A fixed tower-tramway site in an infected black spruce stand was used for periodic multispectral photo coverage to establish basic film/filter/scale/season/weather parameters; (2) The photographic combinations suggested by the tower-tramway tests were used in low, medium, and high altitude aerial photography.

KSC-2015-1258

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-01-31

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The two-stage Delta II launch vehicle lifts off Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, carrying NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive satellite, or SMAP, on a mission to study global coverage of soil moisture and freeze/thaw measurements. Launch was at 9:22 a.m. EST. SMAP is designed to produce the highest-resolution maps of soil moisture ever obtained from space. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://www.nasa.gov/smap. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2015-1004

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-01-05

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –In the Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site auditorium, agency leaders spoke to members of the news media on the Cloud-Aerosol Transport System. CATS will monitor cloud and aerosol coverage that directly impacts global climate. From left are: Mike Curie of NASA Public Affairs, Julie Robinson, ISS Program chief scientist at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Robert Swap, program scientist at NASA Headquarters' Earth Science Division, and Matthew McGill, CATS principal investigator at Goddard. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS-105 coverage of Mission Control Center employees in the WFCR & BFCR

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-25

JSC2001-E-25111 (16 August 2001) --- Flight directors John Shannon (left foreground), Kelly Beck, and Steve Stich monitor the data displayed at their consoles in the shuttle flight control room (WFCR) in Houston’s Mission Control Center (MCC). At the time this photo was taken, STS-105 mission specialists Daniel T. Barry and Patrick G. Forrester were performing the first of the two scheduled space walks to perform work on the International Space Station (ISS).

Actively Engaging Middle Level Students with Photo Journals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shankar-Brown, Rajni

2011-01-01

The author describes the implementation of a photo journal project and explains how it positively impacted diverse young adolescents, specifically three reluctant learners. In addition to increasing motivation and engagement in learning, the photo journal project built community in the classroom. This article shares practical ideas for…

Bundled automobile insurance coverage and accidents.

PubMed

Li, Chu-Shiu; Liu, Chwen-Chi; Peng, Sheng-Chang

2013-01-01

This paper investigates the characteristics of automobile accidents by taking into account two types of automobile insurance coverage: comprehensive vehicle physical damage insurance and voluntary third-party liability insurance. By using a unique data set in the Taiwanese automobile insurance market, we explore the bundled automobile insurance coverage and the occurrence of claims. It is shown that vehicle physical damage insurance is the major automobile coverage and affects the decision to purchase voluntary liability insurance coverage as a complement. Moreover, policyholders with high vehicle physical damage insurance coverage have a significantly higher probability of filing vehicle damage claims, and if they additionally purchase low voluntary liability insurance coverage, their accident claims probability is higher than those who purchase high voluntary liability insurance coverage. Our empirical results reveal that additional automobile insurance coverage information can capture more driver characteristics and driving behaviors to provide useful information for insurers' underwriting policies and to help analyze the occurrence of automobile accidents. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Photo-induced morphological winding and unwinding motion of nanoscrolls composed of niobate nanosheets with a polyfluoroalkyl azobenzene derivative

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nabetani, Yu; Takamura, Hazuki; Uchikoshi, Akino; Hassan, Syed Zahid; Shimada, Tetsuya; Takagi, Shinsuke; Tachibana, Hiroshi; Masui, Dai; Tong, Zhiwei; Inoue, Haruo

2016-06-01

Photo-responsive nanoscrolls can be successfully fabricated by mixing a polyfluoroalkyl azobenzene derivative and a niobate nanosheet, which is exfoliated from potassium hexaniobate. In this study, we have found that the photo-responsive nanoscroll shows a morphological motion of winding and unwinding, which is basically due to the nanosheet sliding within the nanoscroll, by efficient photo-isomerization reactions of the intercalated azobenzene in addition to the interlayer distance change of the nanoscrolls. The relative nanosheet sliding of the nanoscroll is estimated to be ca. 280 nm from the AFM morphology analysis. The distance of the sliding motion is over 20 times that of the averaged nanosheet sliding in the azobenzene/niobate hybrid film reported previously. Photo-responsive nanoscrolls can be expected to be novel photo-activated actuators and artificial muscle model materials.Photo-responsive nanoscrolls can be successfully fabricated by mixing a polyfluoroalkyl azobenzene derivative and a niobate nanosheet, which is exfoliated from potassium hexaniobate. In this study, we have found that the photo-responsive nanoscroll shows a morphological motion of winding and unwinding, which is basically due to the nanosheet sliding within the nanoscroll, by efficient photo-isomerization reactions of the intercalated azobenzene in addition to the interlayer distance change of the nanoscrolls. The relative nanosheet sliding of the nanoscroll is estimated to be ca. 280 nm from the AFM morphology analysis. The distance of the sliding motion is over 20 times that of the averaged nanosheet sliding in the azobenzene/niobate hybrid film reported previously. Photo-responsive nanoscrolls can be expected to be novel photo-activated actuators and artificial muscle model materials. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Fig. S1. Photo-isomerization reaction of nanoscrolls. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr02177h

Application of Skylab EREP photographs to study of the modern episode of accelerated erosion in southern Arizona

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morrison, R. B. (Principal Investigator)

1974-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Indexing and analysis of the SL 2, SL 3, and SL 4 photos of the project area has shown that S-190A coverage with less than 30% clouds totals about 123,000 sq km. The 70-mm unenlarged color, color-infrared, B/W red, and B/W green bands from S-190A are of good to excellent quality; the B/W IR bands from SL 2 are excessively grainy and have very low resolution; those from SL 3 are better but nevertheless have low resolution. The 5-inch unenlarged color transparencies from S-190B are generally of excellent photographic quality. However, where cloud cover is extensive, commonly the S-190A and S-190B color and color-IR photos are correctly exposed for the clouds but considerably underexposed for the ground. The 4X enlargements of all bands of S-190A photos taken by SL 2 are much fuzzier than they should be; evidently the enlarger was not focused properly. The 4X enlargements from SL 3 are much superior.

Analysis of aeromedical retrieval coverage using elliptical isochrones: An evaluation of helicopter fleet size configurations in Scotland.

PubMed

Dodds, Naomi; Emerson, Philip; Phillips, Stephanie; Green, David R; Jansen, Jan O

2017-03-01

Trauma systems in remote and rural regions often rely on helicopter emergency medical services to facilitate access to definitive care. The siting of such resources is key, but often relies on simplistic modeling of coverage, using circular isochrones. Scotland is in the process of implementing a national trauma network, and there have been calls for an expansion of aeromedical retrieval capacity. The aim of this study was to analyze population and area coverage of the current retrieval service configuration, with three aircraft, and a configuration with an additional helicopter, in the North East of Scotland, using a novel methodology. Both overall coverage and coverage by physician-staffed aircraft, with enhanced clinical capability, were analyzed. This was a geographical analysis based on calculation of elliptical isochrones, which consider the "open-jaw" configuration of many retrieval flights. Helicopters are not always based at hospitals. We modeled coverage based on different outbound and inbound flights. Areally referenced population data were obtained from the Scottish Government. The current helicopter network configuration provides 94.2% population coverage and 59.0% area coverage. The addition of a fourth helicopter would marginally increase population coverage to 94.4% and area coverage to 59.1%. However, when considering only physician-manned aircraft, the current configuration provides only 71.7% population coverage and 29.4% area coverage, which would be increased to 91.1% and 51.2%, respectively, with a second aircraft. Scotland's current helicopter network configuration provides good population coverage for retrievals to major trauma centers, which would only be increased minimally by the addition of a fourth aircraft in the North East. The coverage provided by the single physician-staffed aircraft is more limited, however, and would be increased considerably by a second physician-staffed aircraft in the North East. Elliptical isochrones provide a useful means of modeling "open-jaw" retrieval missions and provide a more realistic estimate of coverage. Epidemiological study, level IV; therapeutic study, level IV.

A Snapshot of Photo Editing Options

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bolkan, J.V.

2004-01-01

Plenty of digital imaging professionals claim that Adobe's Photoshop CS is the best photo editing application money can buy. This document reviews Adobe's Photoshop CS and its worthy competitors. In addition to Adobe, the following programs are reviewed in this document: (1) Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0; (2) Arcsoft PhotoImpression; (3) Jasc Paint…

5. Photocopy of old exterior photo showing Western Saving Fund ...

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

5. Photocopy of old exterior photo showing Western Saving Fund Society before the addition of ca. 1910 building. Original photo, late 19th century, is at the Philadelphia Free Library, Philadelphia Collection, Print and Picture Department. - Western Saving Fund Society of Philadelphia, 1000-1008 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA

Location Distribution Optimization of Photographing Sites for Indoor Panorama Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, S.; Wu, J.; Zhang, Y.; Zhang, X.; Xin, Z.; Liu, J.

2017-09-01

Generally, panoramas image modeling is costly and time-consuming because of photographing continuously to capture enough photos along the routes, especially in complicated indoor environment. Thus, difficulty follows for a wider applications of panoramic image modeling for business. It is indispensable to make a feasible arrangement of panorama sites locations because the locations influence the clarity, coverage and the amount of panoramic images under the condition of certain device. This paper is aim to propose a standard procedure to generate the specific location and total amount of panorama sites in indoor panoramas modeling. Firstly, establish the functional relationship between one panorama site and its objectives. Then, apply the relationship to panorama sites network. We propose the Distance Clarity function (FC and Fe) manifesting the mathematical relationship between panoramas and objectives distance or obstacle distance. The Distance Buffer function (FB) is modified from traditional buffer method to generate the coverage of panorama site. Secondly, transverse every point in possible area to locate possible panorama site, calculate the clarity and coverage synthetically. Finally select as little points as possible to satiate clarity requirement preferentially and then the coverage requirement. In the experiments, detailed parameters of camera lens are given. Still, more experiments parameters need trying out given that relationship between clarity and distance is device dependent. In short, through the function FC, Fe and FB, locations of panorama sites can be generated automatically and accurately.

5 CFR 9701.505 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Coverage. 9701.505 Section 9701.505... MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Labor-Management Relations § 9701.505 Coverage. (a) Employees covered. This subpart applies....S.C. chapter 71 are eligible for coverage under this subpart. In addition, this subpart applies to...

5 CFR 9701.505 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Coverage. 9701.505 Section 9701.505... MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Labor-Management Relations § 9701.505 Coverage. (a) Employees covered. This subpart applies....S.C. chapter 71 are eligible for coverage under this subpart. In addition, this subpart applies to...

5 CFR 9701.505 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Coverage. 9701.505 Section 9701.505... MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Labor-Management Relations § 9701.505 Coverage. (a) Employees covered. This subpart applies....S.C. chapter 71 are eligible for coverage under this subpart. In addition, this subpart applies to...

5 CFR 9701.505 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Coverage. 9701.505 Section 9701.505... MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Labor-Management Relations § 9701.505 Coverage. (a) Employees covered. This subpart applies....S.C. chapter 71 are eligible for coverage under this subpart. In addition, this subpart applies to...

5 CFR 534.202 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Coverage. 534.202 Section 534.202...-Employees in Government Hospitals § 534.202 Coverage. In addition to the student-employees specified in 5 U... this program whom the Office of Personnel Management approves for coverage as a student-employee under...

5 CFR 534.202 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Coverage. 534.202 Section 534.202...-Employees in Government Hospitals § 534.202 Coverage. In addition to the student-employees specified in 5 U... this program whom the Office of Personnel Management approves for coverage as a student-employee under...

5 CFR 534.202 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Coverage. 534.202 Section 534.202...-Employees in Government Hospitals § 534.202 Coverage. In addition to the student-employees specified in 5 U... this program whom the Office of Personnel Management approves for coverage as a student-employee under...

5 CFR 534.202 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Coverage. 534.202 Section 534.202...-Employees in Government Hospitals § 534.202 Coverage. In addition to the student-employees specified in 5 U... this program whom the Office of Personnel Management approves for coverage as a student-employee under...

30. INTERIOR OF ORIGINAL SIDEENTRY UTILITY ROOM FROM STORM PORCH ...

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

30. INTERIOR OF ORIGINAL SIDE-ENTRY UTILITY ROOM FROM STORM PORCH ADDITION SHOWING DOOR TO KITCHEN AT PHOTO RIGHT, PANEL DOOR TO BROOM CLOSET AT PHOTO LEFT, AND 1-LIGHT OVER 1-LIGHT SASH WINDOW INTO PANTRY AT PHOTO CENTER. VIEW TO NORTHWEST. - Rush Creek Hydroelectric System, Clubhouse Cottage, Rush Creek, June Lake, Mono County, CA

DNA Microcapsule for Photo-Triggered Drug Release Systems.

PubMed

Kamiya, Yukiko; Yamada, Yoshinobu; Muro, Takahiro; Matsuura, Kazunori; Asanuma, Hiroyuki

2017-12-19

In this study we constructed spherical photo-responsive microcapsules composed of three photo-switchable DNA strands. These strands first formed a three-way junction (TWJ) motif that further self-assembled to form microspheres through hybridization of the sticky-end regions of each branch. To serve as the photo-switch, multiple unmodified azobenzene (Azo) or 2,6-dimethyl-4-(methylthio)azobenzene (SDM-Azo) were introduced into the sticky-end regions via a d-threoninol linker. The DNA capsule structure deformed upon trans-to-cis isomerization of Azo or SDM-Azo induced by specific light irradiation. In addition, photo-triggered release of encapsulated small molecules from the DNA microcapsule was successfully achieved. Moreover, we demonstrated that photo-triggered release of doxorubicin caused cytotoxicity to cultured cells. This biocompatible photo-responsive microcapsule has potential application as a photo-controlled drug-release system. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Remote-Sensing Procedures for Detecting and Monitoring Various Activities Regulated by the Mobile District.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-04-01

0.8-1.1 8 10.4-12.6 (Landsat 3 only) Note: Bands 1, 2, and 3 do not appear in this listing since they were assigned to the three detectors of the Return...may be reduced. To obtain satisfactory photographs, it is necessary to compensate for this loss by increasing the exposure time (i.e., de - creasing...1.00 for first -- 2. Select photo tndenrs frua the AICS publications de - arh 0.10 fcribed bove that r11 provide the desired coverage -cof the seen u

KSC-2015-1259

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-01-31

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – An exhaust cloud builds around the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket as it lifts off Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, carrying NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive satellite, or SMAP, on a mission to study global coverage of soil moisture and freeze/thaw measurements. Launch was at 9:22 a.m. EST. SMAP is designed to produce the highest-resolution maps of soil moisture ever obtained from space. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://www.nasa.gov/smap. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

A search for life on earth at 100 meter resolution.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sagan, C.; Wallace, D.

1971-01-01

Study of several thousand photos indicating that about 0.01 of Gemini and Apollo photographs of the earth at 100 m resolution reveal signs of life - rectangular arrays due to human agricultural and urban territoriality, roads, canals, jet contrails, and industrial pollution. Potential false positives - e.g., dunes, sand bars, jetstream clouds - abound. A curve is derived for the detectivity of contemporary life on earth, in a plot of ground resolution versus global coverage. A comparable biology on Mars would not have been detected by all observations of Mars through Mariner 7.

Viking orbiter stereo imaging catalog

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blasius, K. R.; Vetrone, A. V.; Martin, M. D.

1980-01-01

The extremely long missions of the two Viking Orbiter spacecraft produced a wealth of photos of surface features. Many of which can be used to form stereo images allowing the earth-bound student of Mars to examine the subject in 3-D. This catalog is a technical guide to the use of stereo coverage within the complex Viking imaging data set. Since that data set is still growing (January, 1980, about 3 1/2 years after the mission began), a second edition of this catalog is planned with completion expected about November, 1980.

STS-105 coverage of Mission Control Center employees in the WFCR & BFCR

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-25

JSC2001-E-25123 (16 August 2001) --- Astronauts Joseph R. Tanner (left) and Steve MacLean, both STS-105 spacecraft communicators (CAPCOM), discuss the progress of the extravehicular activity at their consoles in the shuttle flight control room (WFCR) in Houston’s Mission Control Center (MCC). At the time this photo was taken, mission specialists Daniel T. Barry and Patrick G. Forrester were performing the first of two scheduled space walks during Discovery’s voyage to the International Space Station (ISS). MacLean represents the Canadian Space Agency.

Assessing Measurement Error in Medicare Coverage From the National Health Interview Survey

PubMed Central

Gindi, Renee; Cohen, Robin A.

2012-01-01

Objectives Using linked administrative data, to validate Medicare coverage estimates among adults aged 65 or older from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), and to assess the impact of a recently added Medicare probe question on the validity of these estimates. Data sources Linked 2005 NHIS and Master Beneficiary Record and Payment History Update System files from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Study design We compared Medicare coverage reported on NHIS with “benchmark” benefit records from SSA. Principal findings With the addition of the probe question, more reports of coverage were captured, and the agreement between the NHIS-reported coverage and SSA records increased from 88% to 95%. Few additional overreports were observed. Conclusions Increased accuracy of the Medicare coverage status of NHIS participants was achieved with the Medicare probe question. Though some misclassification remains, data users interested in Medicare coverage as an outcome or correlate can use this survey measure with confidence. PMID:24800138

Utilizing collagen membranes for guided tissue regeneration-based root coverage.

PubMed

Wang, Hom-Lay; Modarressi, Marmar; Fu, Jia-Hui

2012-06-01

Gingival recession is a common clinical problem that can result in hypersensitivity, pain, root caries and esthetic concerns. Conventional soft tissue procedures for root coverage require an additional surgical site, thereby causing additional trauma and donor site morbidity. In addition, the grafted tissues heal by repair, with formation of long junctional epithelium with some connective tissue attachment. Guided tissue regeneration-based root coverage was thus developed in an attempt to overcome these limitations while providing comparable clinical results. This paper addresses the biologic foundation of guided tissue regeneration-based root coverage, and describes the indications and contraindications for this technique, as well as the factors that influence outcomes. The step-by-step clinical techniques utilizing collagen membranes are also described. In comparison with conventional soft tissue procedures, the benefits of guided tissue regeneration-based root coverage procedures include new attachment formation, elimination of donor site morbidity, less chair-time, and unlimited availability and uniform thickness of the product. Collagen membranes, in particular, benefit from product biocompatibility with the host, while promoting chemotaxis, hemostasis, and exchange of gas and nutrients. Such characteristics lead to better wound healing by promoting primary wound coverage, angiogenesis, space creation and maintenance, and clot stability. In conclusion, collagen membranes are a reliable alternative for use in root coverage procedures. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Impact of an Individual Mandate and Other Health Reforms on Dependent Coverage for Adolescents and Young Adults.

PubMed

Wisk, Lauren E; Finkelstein, Jonathan A; Toomey, Sara L; Sawicki, Gregory S; Schuster, Mark A; Galbraith, Alison A

2018-06-01

To determine the effect of state-level dependent coverage expansion (DCE) with and without other state health reforms on exit from dependent coverage for adolescents and young adults (AYA). Administrative longitudinal data for 131,542 privately insured AYA in Massachusetts (DCE with other reforms) versus Maine and New Hampshire (DCE without other reforms) across three periods: prereform (1/00-12/06), poststate reform (1/07-9/10), and postfederal reform (10/10-12/12). A difference-in-differences estimator was used to determine the rate of exit from dependent coverage, age at exit from dependent coverage, and re-uptake of dependent coverage among AYA in states with comprehensive reforms versus DCE only. Implementation of DCE with other reforms was significantly associated with a 23 percent reduction in exit from dependent coverage among AYA compared to the reduction observed for DCE alone. Additionally, comprehensive reforms were associated with over two additional years of dependent coverage for the average AYA and a 33 percent increase in the odds of regaining dependent coverage after a prior loss. Findings suggest that an individual mandate and other reforms may enhance the effect of DCE in preventing loss of coverage among AYA. © Health Research and Educational Trust.

Images of illness: how causal claims and racial associations influence public preferences toward diabetes research spending.

PubMed

Gollust, Sarah E; Lantz, Paula M; Ubel, Peter A

2010-12-01

Despite the salience of health disparities in media and policy discourse, little previous research has investigated if imagery associating an illness with a certain racial group influences public perceptions. This study evaluated the influence of the media's presentation of the causes of type 2 diabetes and its implicit racial associations on attitudes toward people with diabetes and preferences toward research spending. Survey participants who viewed an article on genetic causation or social determinants of diabetes were more likely to support increased government spending on research than those viewing an article with no causal language, while participants viewing an article on behavioral choices were more likely to attribute negative stereotypes to people with diabetes. Participants who viewed a photo of a black woman accompanying the article were less likely to endorse negative stereotypes than those viewing a photo of a white woman, but those who viewed a photo of a glucose-testing device expressed the lowest negative stereotypes. The effect of social determinants language was significantly different for blacks and whites, lowering stereotypes only among blacks. Emphasizing the behavioral causes of diabetes, as is common in media coverage, may perpetuate negative stereotypes. While drawing attention to the social determinants that shape these behaviors could mitigate stereotypes, this strategy is unlikely to influence the public uniformly.

Surface Rupture Map of the 2002 M7.9 Denali Fault Earthquake, Alaska: Digital Data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Haeussler, Peter J.

2009-01-01

The November 3, 2002, Mw7.9 Denali Fault earthquake produced about 340 km of surface rupture along the Susitna Glacier Thrust Fault and the right-lateral, strike-slip Denali and Totschunda Faults. Digital photogrammetric methods were primarily used to create a 1:500-scale, three-dimensional surface rupture map, and 1:6,000-scale aerial photographs were used for three-dimensional digitization in ESRI's ArcMap GIS software, using Leica's StereoAnalyst plug in. Points were digitized 4.3 m apart, on average, for the entire surface rupture. Earthquake-induced landslides, sackungen, and unruptured Holocene fault scarps on the eastern Denali Fault were also digitized where they lay within the limits of air photo coverage. This digital three-dimensional fault-trace map is superior to traditional maps in terms of relative and absolute accuracy, completeness, and detail and is used as a basis for three-dimensional visualization. Field work complements the air photo observations in locations of dense vegetation, on bedrock, or in areas where the surface trace is weakly developed. Seventeen km of the fault trace, which broke through glacier ice, were not digitized in detail due to time constraints, and air photos missed another 10 km of fault rupture through the upper Black Rapids Glacier, so that was not mapped in detail either.

Impact of the addition of new vaccines in the early childhood schedule on vaccine coverage by 24 months of age from 2006 to 2016 in Quebec, Canada.

PubMed

Kiely, Marilou; Boulianne, Nicole; Talbot, Denis; Ouakki, Manale; Guay, Maryse; Landry, Monique; Zafack, Joseline; Sauvageau, Chantal; De Serres, Gaston

2018-07-05

Between 2004 and 2016, in the province of Quebec (Canada), 4 new antigens were added in the early childhood vaccine schedule from birth to 18 months, increasing the number of injections or doses needed from 7 to 12. These additions may have decreased the proportion of children who had received all recommended vaccines. To assess the impact of the introduction of new vaccines to the childhood schedule on the 24-month vaccine coverage from 2006 to 2016 and identify factors associated with incomplete vaccination status by 24 months of age. We used the data from six cross-sectional vaccine coverage surveys conducted every two years which included a total of 3515 children aged 2 years old and randomly selected from the Quebec public health insurance database. Factors associated with an incomplete vaccine status by 24 months were identified with multivariable logistic regression. Despite the addition of 4 new vaccine antigens since 2004, the vaccine coverage remained high from 2006 (82.4%) through 2016 (88.3%) for vaccines present in the schedule since 2006. In 2016, vaccine coverage was 78.2% for all vaccines included in the schedule. The vaccine coverage of new vaccines increases rapidly within 2 years of their introduction. For both new and older vaccines, incomplete vaccine status by 24 months of age is associated with a delay of 30 days or more in receiving the vaccines scheduled at 2 and 12 months of age. Increasing to 12 the number of doses in the recommended schedule has slightly reduced the vaccine coverage by 24 months of age and the vaccine coverage of vaccines already in the schedule remained stable over the years. Future additions to the vaccine schedule may not be similarly accepted by the population and this will require continuing the monitoring of vaccine coverage. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Proposed regulations could limit access to affordable health coverage for workers' children and family members.

PubMed

Jacobs, Ken; Graham-Squire, Dave; Roby, Dylan H; Kominski, Gerald F; Kinane, Christina M; Needleman, Jack; Watson, Greg; Gans, Daphna

2011-12-01

Key Findings. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is designed to offer premium subsidies to help eligible individuals and their families purchase insurance coverage when affordable job-based coverage is not available. However, the law is unclear on how this affordability protection is applied in those instances where self-only coverage offered by an employer is affordable but family coverage is not. Regulations recently proposed by the Department of the Treasury would make family members ineligible for subsidized coverage in the exchange if an employee is offered affordable self-only coverage by an employer, even if family coverage is unaffordable. This could have significant financial consequences for low- and moderate-income families that fall in this gap. Using an alternative interpretation of the law could allow the entire family to enter the exchange when family coverage is unaffordable, which would broaden access to coverage. However, this option has been cited as cost prohibitive. In this brief we consider a middle ground alternative that would base eligibility for the individual worker on the cost of self-only coverage, but would use the additional cost to the employee for family coverage as the basis for determining affordability and eligibility for subsidies for the remaining family members. We find that: Under the middle ground alternative scenario an additional 144,000 Californians would qualify for and use premium subsidies in the California Health Benefit Exchange, half of whom are children. Less than 1 percent of those with employer-based coverage would move to subsidized coverage in the California Health Benefit Exchange as a result of having unaffordable coverage on the job.

12. Stairwell at south side of original Clubhouse. Doorway at ...

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

12. Stairwell at south side of original Clubhouse. Doorway at bottom right leads to lower porch (see photo WA-201-2-13). Barely visible to left of that doorway is entrance to original Clubhouse bar seen in photos WA-201-2-9 and WA-201-10. Doorway at top of photo leads to upper porch (Turf Club) as seen in photo WA-201-2-14. Stairs continue upward (not shown) to the original 1933 cupola. (July 1993) - Longacres, Clubhouse & Additions, 1621 Southwest Sixteenth Street, Renton, King County, WA

Photoresponsive smart surface of LC azo-dendrimer: photomanipulation of topological structures and real-time imaging at a nano-scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Araoka, Fumito; Eremin, Alexey; Aya, Satoshi; Lee, Guksik; Ito, Atsuki; Nadasi, Hajnalka; Sebastian, Nerea; Ishikawa, Ken; Haba, Osamu; Stannarius, Ralf; Yonetake, Koichiro; Takezoe, Hideo

2017-02-01

In this paper, we review some results on our recent studies on photo-induced phenomena of liquid crystals (LCs) by means of interfaces decorated with a photo-responsive azobenzene dendrimer (azo-dendrimer). The azo-dendrimer molecules doped in a LC are spontaneously segregated from bulk and adsorbed onto substrate/LC or solvent/LC interfaces, and their photo-isomerization can bring about the so-called anchoring transition, i.e. reversible switching between homeotropic and planar alignment states of the bulk LC, when exposed to UV/VIS light. In addition to photoinduced anchoring transition in a LC cell, several interesting photo-induced phenomena through the azo-dendrimerdecorated interfaces have been reported, such as photo-induced transformation of the interior topological structures of nematic, cholesteric and smectic droplets, photo-mechanical motion of the micro particles dispersed in a nematic matrix, and optical assistance of the athermal anchoring transition with the aid of a perfluoropolymer surface. In addition to such phenomena, we also discuss the conditions of such photo-responsive interfaces in terms of the polar anchoring energy at the interface upon photo-isomerization under illumination of UV and/or VIS lights. The anisotropy of the polar anchoring energy was evaluated experimentally by means of Polarization Microscopy (POM), Dielectric Spectroscopy (DS), Second Harmonic Generation (SHG), and Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-IR) Spectroscopy, and theoretically based on the simple Rapini-Papoular model. We also demonstrate the continuous bulk orientation change by the photo-dynamic process through the fine control of the polar anchoring energy. Besides, the state-of-the-art video-rate atomic force microscopy (ν-AFM) was carried out to visualize the dynamics of such interfaces at a nano-meter scale.

Semantic photo books: leveraging blogs and social media for photo book creation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rabbath, Mohamad; Sandhaus, Philipp; Boll, Susanne

2011-03-01

Recently, we observed a substantial increase in the users' interest in sharing their photos online in travel blogs, social communities and photo sharing websites. An interesting aspect of these web platforms is their high level of user-media interaction and thus a high-quality source of semantic annotations: Users comment on the photos of each others, add external links to their travel blogs, tag each other in the social communities and add captions and descriptions to their photos. However, while those media assets are shared online, many users still highly appreciate the representation of these media in appealing physical photo books where the semantics are represented in form of descriptive text, maps, and external elements in addition to their related photos. Thus, in this paper we aim at fulfilling this need and provide an approach for creating photo books from Web 2.0 resources. We concentrate on two kinds of online shared media as resources for printable photo books: (a) Blogs especially travel blogs (b) Social community websites like Facebook which witness a rapidly growing number of shared media elements including photos. We introduce an approach to select media elements including photos, geographical maps and texts from both blogs and social networks semi-automatically, and then use these elements to create a printable photo book with an appealing layout. Because the selected media elements can be too many for the resulting book, we choose the most proper ones by exploiting content based, social based, and interactive based criteria. Additionally we add external media elements such as geographical maps, texts and externally hosted photos from linked resources. Having selected the important media, our approach uses a genetic algorithm to create an appealing layout using aesthetical rules, such as positioning the photo with the related text or map in a way that respects the golden ratio and symmetry. Distributing the media over the pages is done by optimizing the distribution according to several rules such that no pages with purely textual elements without photos are produced. For the page layout appropriate photos are chosen for the background based on their salience. Other media assets, such as texts, photos and geographical maps are positioned in the foreground by a dynamic page layout algorithm respecting both the content of the photos and the background, and common rules for visual layout. The result of our system is a photo book in a printable format. We implemented our approach as web services that analyze the media elements, enrich them, and create the layout in order to finally publish a photo book. The connection to those services is implemented in two interfaces. The first is a tool to select entries from personal blogs, and the second is a Facebook application that allows the user to select photos from his albums.

Novel color additive for chlorine disinfectants corrects deficiencies in spray surface coverage and wet-contact time and checks for correct chlorine concentration.

PubMed

Tyan, Kevin; Jin, Katherine; Kang, Jason; Kyle, Aaron M

2018-04-18

Bleach sprays suffer from poor surface coverage, dry out before reaching proper contact time, and can be inadvertently over-diluted to ineffective concentrations. Highlight ® , a novel color additive for bleach that fades to indicate elapsed contact time, maintained >99.9% surface coverage over full contact time and checked for correct chlorine concentration. Copyright © 2018 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nanocarbon/elastomer composites: Characterization and applications in photo-mechanical actuation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loomis, Robert James, III

The magnitude and direction of photo-mechanical actuation responses generated in carbon nanostructure/elastomer composites depend on applied pre-strains. At low levels of pre-strains (3--9%), actuators show reversible photo-induced expansion while at high levels (15--40%), actuators exhibit reversible contraction. Large, light-induced reversible and elastic responses of graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) polymer composites were demonstrated for the first time, with an extraordinary optical-to-mechanical energy conversion factor (etaM) of 7--9 MPa/W. Following this demonstration, similar elastomeric composite were fabricated with a variety of carbon nanostructures. Investigation into photo-actuation properties of these composites revealed both layer-dependent, as well as dimensionally-dependent responses. For a given carbon concentration, both steady-state photo-mechanical stress response and energy conversion efficiency were found to be directly related to dimensional state of carbon nanostructure additive, with one-dimensional (1D) carbon nanotubes demonstrating the highest responses (˜60 kPa stress and ˜5 x 10-3% efficiency at just 1 wt% loading) and three-dimensional (3D) highly ordered pyrolytic graphite demonstrating the lowest responses. Furthermore, development of an advanced dispersion technique (evaporative mixing) resulted in the ability to fabricate conductive composites. Actuation and relaxation kinetics responses were investigated and found to be related not to dimensionality, but rather the percolation threshold of carbon nanostructure additive in the polymer. Establishing a connective network of carbon nanostructure additive allowed for energy transduction responsible for photo-mechanical effect to activate carbon beyond the infrared (IR) illumination point, resulting in enhanced actuation. Additionally, in the conductive samples photo-conductivity as a function of applied pre-strain was also measured. Photo-conductive response was found to be inversely proportional to applied pre-strain, demonstrating mechanical coupling. Following investigation into photo-mechanical actuation responses between the various carbon forms, use of these composite actuators to achieve both macroscopic as well as microscopic movement in practical applications was evaluated. Using dual GNP/elastomer actuators, a two-axis sub-micron translation stage was developed, and allowed for two-axis photo-thermal positioning (˜100 microm per axis) with 120 nm resolution (limitation of the feedback sensor) and ˜5 microm/s actuation speeds. A proportional-integral-derivative control loop automatically stabilizes the stage against thermal drift, as well as random thermal-induced position fluctuations (up to the bandwidth of the feedback and position sensor). Nanopositioner performance characteristics were found to be on par with other commercial systems, with resolution limited only by the feedback system used. A mathematical model was developed to describe the elastomeric composite actuators as a series of n springs, with each spring element having its own independent IR-tunable spring constant. Effects of illumination intensity, position, and amount of the composite actuator illuminated are discussed. This model provided several additional insights, such as demonstrating the ability to place not just one, but multiple stages on a single polymer composite strip and position them independently from one another, a benefit not seen in any other type of positioning system. Further investigation yielded interesting and novel photo-mechanical properties with actuation visible on macroscopic scales. Addition of a third component (thermally expanding microspheres), produced a new class of stimuli-responsive expanding polymer composites with ability to unidirectionally transform physical dimensions, elastic modulus, density, and electrical resistance. Carbon nanotubes and core-shell acrylic microspheres were dispersed in polydimethylsiloxane, resulting in composites that exhibit a binary set of material properties. Upon thermal or IR stimuli, liquid cores encapsulated within the microspheres vaporize, expanding the surrounding shells and stretching the matrix. Microsphere expansion results in visible dimensional changes, regions of reduced polymeric chain mobility, nanotube tensioning, and overall elastic to plastic-like transformation of the composite. Transformations include macroscopic volume expansion (>500%), density reduction (>80%), and elastic modulus increase (>675%). Additionally, conductive nanotubes allow for remote expansion monitoring and exhibit distinct loading-dependent electrical responses. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

[Effects of forest gap size and light intensity on herbaceous plants in Pinus koraiensis-dominated broadleaved mixed forest].

PubMed

Duan, Wen-Biao; Wang, Li-Xia; Chen, Li-Xin; Du, Shan; Wei, Quan-Shuai; Zhao, Jian-Hui

2013-03-01

1 m x 1 m fixed quadrats were parallelly arranged with a space of 2 m in each of six forest gaps in Pinus koraiensis-dominated broadleaved mixed forest, taking the gap center as the starting point and along east-west and south-north directions. In each quadrat, the coverage and abundance of herbaceous plants at different height levels were investigated by estimation method in June and September 2011, and the matrix characteristics within the quadrats were recorded. Canopy analyzer was used to take fish-eye photos in the selected overcast days in each month from June to September, 2011, and the relative light intensity was calculated by using Gap Light Analyzer 2.0 software. The differences in the relative light intensity and herbaceous plants coverage and richness between different gaps as well as the correlations between the coverage of each species and the direct light, diffuse light, and matrix were analyzed. The results showed that in opening areas and under canopy, the relative light intensity in large gaps was higher than that in small gaps, and the variation ranges of diffuse light and direct light from gap center to gap edge were bigger in large gaps than in small gaps. The direct light reaching at the ground both in large gaps and in small gaps was higher in the north than in the south direction. In the Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 zones, both the coverage and the richness of herbaceous plants were larger in large gaps than in small gaps, and the differences of species richness between large and small gaps reached significant level. The coverage of the majority of the herbaceous plants had significant correlations with diffuse light and matrix, and only the coverage of a few herbaceous plants was correlated with direct light.

[Landscape quality evaluation and vertical structure optimization of natural broadleaf forest].

PubMed

Ouyang, Xun-zhi; Liao, Wei-ming; Peng, Shi-kui

2007-06-01

Taking the natural broadleaf forest in Wuyuan County of Jiangxi Province as study object, a total of 30 representative photos of near-view landscapes and related information were collected. The scenic beauty values were acquired by public judgment method, and the relationship models of scenic beauty values and landscape elements were established by using multiple mathematical model. The results showed that the main elements affecting the near-view landscape quality of natural broadleaf forest were the trunk form, stand density, undergrowth coverage and height, natural pruning, and color richness, with the partial correlation coefficients being 0.4482-0.7724, which were significant or very significant by t-test. The multiple correlation coefficient of the model reached 0.9508, showing very significant by F test (F = 36.11). Straight trunk, better natural pruning and rich color did well, while the super-high or low stand density and undergrowth coverage and height did harm to the scenic beauty. Several management measures for the vertical structure optimization of these landscape elements were put forward.

Solution processed deposition of electron transport layers on perovskite crystal surface-A modeling based study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mortuza, S. M.; Taufique, M. F. N.; Banerjee, Soumik

2017-02-01

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has reached up to ∼20%. However, structural and chemicals defects that lead to hysteresis in the perovskite based thin film pose challenges. Recent work has shown that thin films of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) deposited on the photo absorption layer, using solution processing techniques, minimize surface pin holes and defects thereby increasing the PCE. We developed and employed a multiscale model based on molecular dynamics (MD) and kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) to establish a relationship between deposition rate and surface coverage on perovskite surface. The MD simulations of PCBMs dispersed in chlorobenzene, sandwiched between (110) perovskite substrates, indicate that PCBMs are deposited through anchoring of the oxygen atom of carbonyl group to the exposed lead (Pb) atom of (110) perovskite surface. Based on rates of distinct deposition events calculated from MD, kMC simulations were run to determine surface coverage at much larger time and length scales than accessible by MD alone. Based on the model, a generic relationship is established between deposition rate of PCBMs and surface coverage on perovskite crystal. The study also provides detailed insights into the morphology of the deposited film.

Potential Improvements to VLBA UV-Coverages by the Addition of a 32-m Peruvian Antenna

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horiuchi, S.; Murphy, D. W.; Ishitsuka, J. K.; Ishitsuka, M.

2005-12-01

A plan is being currently developed to convert a 32-m telecomunications antenna in the Peruvian Andes into a radio astronomy facility. Significant improvements to stand-alone VLBA UV-coverages can be obtained with the addition of this southern hemisphere telescope to VLBA observations.

View of Mission Control Center during Apollo 13 splashdown

NASA Image and Video Library

1970-04-17

S70-35471 (17 April 1970) --- Two flight controllers man consoles in the Missions Operations Control Room (MOCR) of the Mission Control Center (MCC) at the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC), Houston, Texas, just before splashdown occurred in the south Pacific Ocean. Though the MOCR does not appear to be crowded in this photo, there was a very large crowd of persons on hand for the splashdown and recovery operations coverage. Most of the group crowded around in the rear of the room. Apollo 13 splashdown occurred at 12:07:44 p.m. (CST), April 17, 1970.

STS-105 coverage of Mission Control Center employees in the WFCR & BFCR

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-25

JSC2001-E-25125 (16 August 2001) --- Flight directors John Shannon (left foreground) and Kelly Beck watch the large screens from their consoles in the shuttle flight control room (WFCR) in Houston’s Mission Control Center (MCC) along with astronauts Joseph R. Tanner (left background) and Steve MacLean, STS-105 spacecraft communicators (CAPCOM). At the time this photo was taken, mission specialists Daniel T. Barry and Patrick G. Forrester were performing the first of two scheduled space walks during Discovery’s visit to the International Space Station (ISS). MacLean represents the Canadian Space Agency.

Adsorption and Photodesorption of CO from Charged Point Defects on TiO 2 (110)

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

Mu, Rentao; Dahal, Arjun; Wang, Zhi-Tao

Adsorption and photodesorption of weakly-bound carbon monoxide, CO, from reduced and hydroxylated rutile TiO2(110) (r- and h- TiO2(110)) at sub-monolayer coverages is studied with atomically-resolved scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) along with ensemble-averaged temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and angle-resolved photon-stimulated desorption (PSD) at low temperatures ( 50 K). STM data weighted by the concentration of each kind of adsorption sites on r-TiO2(110) give an adsorption probability which is the highest for the bridging oxygen vacancies (VO) and very low for the Ti5c sites closest to VO. Occupancy of the remaining Ti5c sites with CO is significant, but smaller than for VO. Themore » probability distribution for the different adsorption sites corresponds to a very small difference in CO adsorption energies: < 0.02 eV. We also find that UV irradiation stimulates both diffusion and desorption of CO at low temperature. CO photodesorbs primarily from the vacancies with a bi-modal angular distribution. In addition to a major, normal to the surface component, there is a broader cosine component indicating scattering from the surface which likely also leads to photo-stimulated diffusion. Hydroxylation of VO’s does not significantly change the CO PSD yield and angular distribution, indicating that not atomic but rather electronic surface defects are involved in the site-specific PSD process. We suggest that photodesorption can be initiated by recombination of photo-generated holes with excess unpaired electrons localized near the surface point-defect (either VO or bridging hydroxyl), leading to the surface atoms rearrangement and ejection of the weakly-bound CO molecules.« less

Pulsed EPR measurements on reaction rate constants for addition of photo-generated radicals to double bonds of diethyl fumarate and diethyl maleate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, Hirona; Hagiwara, Kenta; Kawai, Akio

2016-11-01

Addition reaction of photo-generated radicals to double bonds of diethyl fumarate (deF) and diethyl maleate (deM), which are geometrical isomers, was studied by means of time-resolved- (TR-) and pulsed-electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Analysis of TR-EPR spectra indicates that adduct radicals from deF and deM should have the same structure. The double bonds of these monomers are converted to single ones by addition reaction, which allows hindered internal rotation to give the same structure of adduct radical. The rate constants for addition reaction of photo-generated radicals were determined by Stern-Volmer analysis of the decay time of electron spin-echo intensity of these radicals measured by the pulsed EPR method. Rate constants for deF were found to be larger than those for deM. This relation is in good consistent with efficiency of polymerisation of deF and deM. Experimentally determined rate constants were evaluated by introducing the addition reaction model on the basis of two important factors enthalpy and polar effects.

Periodontal soft tissue root coverage procedures: a consensus report from the AAP Regeneration Workshop.

PubMed

Tatakis, Dimitris N; Chambrone, Leandro; Allen, Edward P; Langer, Burton; McGuire, Michael K; Richardson, Christopher R; Zabalegui, Ion; Zadeh, Homayoun H

2015-02-01

Management of gingival recession defects, a common periodontal condition, using root coverage procedures is an important aspect of periodontal regenerative therapy. The goal of the periodontal soft tissue root coverage procedures group was to develop a consensus report based on the accompanying systematic review of root coverage procedures, including priorities for future research and identification of the best evidence available to manage different clinical scenarios. The group reviewed and discussed the accompanying systematic review, which covered treatment of single-tooth recession defects, multiple-tooth recession defects, and additional focused questions on relevant clinical topics. The consensus group members submitted additional material for consideration by the group in advance and at the time of the meeting. The group also identified priorities for future research. All reviewed root coverage procedures provide significant reduction in recession depth, especially for Miller Class I and II recession defects. Subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) procedures provide the best root coverage outcomes. Acellular dermal matrix graft (ADMG) or enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in conjunction with a coronally advanced flap (CAF) can serve as alternatives to autogenous donor tissue. Additional research is needed to do the following: 1) assess the treatment outcomes for multiple-tooth recession defects, oral sites other than maxillary canine and premolar teeth, and Miller Class III and IV defects; 2) assess the role of patient- and site-specific factors on procedure outcomes; and 3) obtain evidence on patient-reported outcomes. Predictable root coverage is possible for single-tooth and multiple-tooth recession defects, with SCTG procedures providing the best root coverage outcomes. Alternatives to SCTG are supported by evidence of varying strength. Additional research is needed on treatment outcomes for specific oral sites. Clinical Recommendation: For Miller Class I and II single-tooth recession defects, SCTG procedures provide the best outcomes, whereas ADMG or EMD in conjunction with CAF may be used as an alternative.

Effect of heavy atoms on photochemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization in liquids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okuno, Yusuke; Cavagnero, Silvia

2018-01-01

Given its short hyperpolarization time (∼10-6 s) and mostly non-perturbative nature, photo-chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (photo-CIDNP) is a powerful tool for sensitivity enhancement in nuclear magnetic resonance. In this study, we explore the extent of 1H-detected 13C nuclear hyperpolarization that can be gained via photo-CIDNP in the presence of small-molecule additives containing a heavy atom. The underlying rationale for this methodology is the well-known external-heavy-atom (EHA) effect, which leads to significant enhancements in the intersystem-crossing rate of selected photosensitizer dyes from photoexcited singlet to triplet. We exploited the EHA effect upon addition of moderate amounts of halogen-atom-containing cosolutes. The resulting increase in the transient triplet-state population of the photo-CIDNP sensitizer fluorescein resulted in a significant increase in the nuclear hyperpolarization achievable via photo-CIDNP in liquids. We also explored the internal-heavy-atom (IHA) effect, which is mediated by halogen atoms covalently incorporated into the photosensitizer dye. Widely different outcomes were achieved in the case of EHA and IHA, with EHA being largely preferable in terms of net hyperpolarization.

Benzylpyrazinium Salts as Photo-Initiators in the Polymerization of Epoxide Monomers

PubMed Central

Kim, Moon Suk; Lee, Sang Bong

2014-01-01

In order to study the capability of pyrazinium salt derivatives to act as photo-initiators of epoxide monomers, benzyl pyrazinium hexafluoroantimonate (BPH), benzyl 3,5-dimethyl pyrazine hexafluoroantimonate (BDH) and benzyl quinoxalinium hexafluoroantimonate (BQH) were synthesized by the Menschutkin reaction of benzyl bromide with pyrazine, 2,6-dimethyl pyrazine, and quinoxaline, followed by exchanging with hexafluoroantimonate (SbF6). BPH, BDH, and BQH exhibited characteristic ultraviolet (UV) absorbance as well as exothermic peaks as a function of irradiation time in a differential photo-calorimeter (DPC). In the absence of photo-irradiation, cyclohexene oxide (CHO) underwent slow polymerization at 25 °C using BPH derivatives, but quantitative conversion was achieved even after a 5-min photo-irradiation. In addition, photo-irradiation was required for the photo-polymerization of CHO and styrene oxide (STO), which was characterized by a short induction period followed by a very rapid and exothermic polymerization. While glycidyl methyl ether (GME) required long induction periods, glycidyl phenyl ether (GPE) underwent rather slow and/or no photo-polymerization. The reactivity order of the monomers was CHO > STO >> GME >>> GPE, and the reactivity order for the photo-polymerization of CHO was BPH > BQH > BDH. It was found that BPH, BDH, and BQH could serve as photo-latent initiators for CHO, STO and GME, respectively. PMID:28788147

Benzylpyrazinium Salts as Photo-Initiators in the Polymerization of Epoxide Monomers.

PubMed

Kim, Moon Suk; Lee, Sang Bong

2014-07-31

In order to study the capability of pyrazinium salt derivatives to act as photo-initiators of epoxide monomers, benzyl pyrazinium hexafluoroantimonate (BPH), benzyl 3,5-dimethyl pyrazine hexafluoroantimonate (BDH) and benzyl quinoxalinium hexafluoroantimonate (BQH) were synthesized by the Menschutkin reaction of benzyl bromide with pyrazine, 2,6-dimethyl pyrazine, and quinoxaline, followed by exchanging with hexafluoroantimonate (SbF₆). BPH, BDH, and BQH exhibited characteristic ultraviolet (UV) absorbance as well as exothermic peaks as a function of irradiation time in a differential photo-calorimeter (DPC). In the absence of photo-irradiation, cyclohexene oxide (CHO) underwent slow polymerization at 25 °C using BPH derivatives, but quantitative conversion was achieved even after a 5-min photo-irradiation. In addition, photo-irradiation was required for the photo-polymerization of CHO and styrene oxide (STO), which was characterized by a short induction period followed by a very rapid and exothermic polymerization. While glycidyl methyl ether (GME) required long induction periods, glycidyl phenyl ether (GPE) underwent rather slow and/or no photo-polymerization. The reactivity order of the monomers was CHO > STO > GME > GPE, and the reactivity order for the photo-polymerization of CHO was BPH > BQH > BDH. It was found that BPH, BDH, and BQH could serve as photo-latent initiators for CHO, STO and GME, respectively.

Images of Illness: How Causal Claims and Racial Associations Influence Public Preferences toward Diabetes Research Spending

PubMed Central

Gollust, Sarah E.; Lantz, Paula M.; Ubel, Peter A.

2013-01-01

Despite the salience of health disparities in media and policy discourse, little previous research has investigated if imagery associating an illness with a certain racial group influences public perceptions. This study evaluated the influence of the media’s presentation of the causes of type 2 diabetes and its implicit racial associations on attitudes toward people with diabetes and preferences toward research spending. Survey participants who viewed an article on genetic causation or social determinants of diabetes were more likely to support increased government spending on research than those viewing an article with no causal language, while participants viewing an article on behavioral choices were more likely to attribute negative stereotypes to people with diabetes. Participants who viewed a photo of a black woman accompanying the article were less likely to endorse negative stereotypes than those viewing a photo of a white woman, but those who viewed a photo of a glucose-testing device expressed the lowest negative stereotypes. The effect of social determinants language was significantly different for blacks and whites, lowering stereotypes only among blacks. Emphasizing the behavioral causes of diabetes, as is common in media coverage, may perpetuate negative stereotypes. While drawing attention to the social determinants that shape these behaviors could mitigate stereotypes, this strategy is unlikely to influence the public uniformly. PMID:21451158

7. INTERIOR OF VESTIBULE SHOWING OPEN 1LIGHT FRONT DOOR AT ...

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

7. INTERIOR OF VESTIBULE SHOWING OPEN 1-LIGHT FRONT DOOR AT PHOTO RIGHT, AND OPEN PANEL DOOR TO BEDROOM ADDITION (BEDROOM NUMBER TWO) AT PHOTO CENTER. VIEW TO WEST. - Rush Creek Hydroelectric System, Worker Cottage, Rush Creek, June Lake, Mono County, CA

Auger-generated hot carrier current in photo-excited forward biased single quantum well blue light emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Espenlaub, Andrew C.; Alhassan, Abdullah I.; Nakamura, Shuji; Weisbuch, Claude; Speck, James S.

2018-04-01

We report on measurements of the photo-modulated current-voltage and electroluminescence characteristics of forward biased single quantum well, blue InGaN/GaN light emitting diodes with and without electron blocking layers. Low intensity resonant optical excitation of the quantum well was observed to induce an additional forward current at constant forward diode bias, in contrast to the usual sense of the photocurrent in photodiodes and solar cells, as well as an increased electroluminescence intensity. The presence of an electron blocking layer only slightly decreased the magnitude of the photo-induced current at constant forward bias. Photo-modulation at constant forward diode current resulted in a reduced diode bias under optical excitation. We argue that this decrease in diode bias at constant current and the increase in forward diode current at constant applied bias can only be due to additional hot carriers being ejected from the quantum well as a result of an increased Auger recombination rate within the quantum well.

Photo-induced Mass Transport through Polymer Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Yuan; Anthamatten, Mitchell

2014-03-01

Among adaptable materials, photo-responsive polymers are especially attractive as they allow for spatiotemporal stimuli and response. We have recently developed a macromolecular network capable of photo-induced mass transport of covalently bound species. The system comprises of crosslinked chains that form an elastic network and photosensitive fluorescent arms that become mobile upon irradiation. We form loosely crosslinked polymer networks by Michael-Addition between multifunctional thiols and small molecule containing acrylate end-groups. The arms are connected to the network by allyl sulfide, that undergoes addition-fragmentation chain transfer (AFCT) in the presence of free radicals, releasing diffusible fluorophore. The networks are loaded with photoinitiator to allow for spatial modulation of the AFCT reactions. FRAP experiments within bulk elastomers are conducted to establish correlations between the fluorophore's diffusion coefficient and experimental variables such as network architecture, temperature and UV intensity. Photo-induced mass transport between two contacted films is demonstrated, and release of fluorophore into a solvent is investigated. Spatial and temporal control of mass transport could benefit drug release, printing, and sensing applications.

Facial skin pores: a multiethnic study

PubMed Central

Flament, Frederic; Francois, Ghislain; Qiu, Huixia; Ye, Chengda; Hanaya, Tomoo; Batisse, Dominique; Cointereau-Chardon, Suzy; Seixas, Mirela Donato Gianeti; Dal Belo, Susi Elaine; Bazin, Roland

2015-01-01

Skin pores (SP), as they are called by laymen, are common and benign features mostly located on the face (nose, cheeks, etc) that generate many aesthetic concerns or complaints. Despite the prevalence of skin pores, related literature is scarce. With the aim of describing the prevalence of skin pores and anatomic features among ethnic groups, a dermatoscopic instrument, using polarized lighting, coupled to a digital camera recorded the major features of skin pores (size, density, coverage) on the cheeks of 2,585 women in different countries and continents. A detection threshold of 250 μm, correlated to clinical scorings by experts, was input into a specific software to further allow for automatic counting of the SP density (N/cm2) and determination of their respective sizes in mm2. Integrating both criteria also led to establishing the relative part of the skin surface (as a percentage) that is actually covered by SP on cheeks. The results showed that the values of respective sizes, densities, and skin coverage: 1) were recorded in all studied subjects; 2) varied greatly with ethnicity; 3) plateaued with age in most cases; and 4) globally refected self-assessment by subjects, in particular those who self-declare having “enlarged pores” like Brazilian women. Inversely, Chinese women were clearly distinct from other ethnicities in having very low density and sizes. Analyzing the present results suggests that facial skin pore’s morphology as perceived by human eye less result from functional criteria of associated appendages such as sebaceous glands. To what extent skin pores may be viewed as additional criteria of a photo-altered skin is an issue to be further addressed. PMID:25733918

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

Petrik, Nikolay G.; Henderson, Michael A.; Kimmel, Gregory A.

Angle-resolved photon stimulated desorption (PSD) combined with infrared reflection-adsorption spectroscopy and temperature programmed desorption reveal two distinct channels in the photochemistry of acetone on rutile TiO₂(110) surface. During UV irradiation of co-adsorbed oxygen and acetone molecules, methyl radicals (CH₃) are ejected in two different directions: i) normal to the surface and ii) off-normal at ~±66° to the surface normal in the azimuth (i.e. perpendicular to the rows of bridging oxygen and Ti atoms). Both components are relatively narrow and non-cosine, indicating non-thermal evolution of CH₃ radicals. The direction of the “off-normal” PSD component is consistent with orientation of the C–CH₃more » bonds in the n²-acetone diolate—a photoactive form of acetone chemisorption on the oxidized TiO₂(110) surface proposed earlier from experimental and theoretical studies. The direction of the “normal” PSD component requires an orientation of a C–CH₃ bond which is not consistent with the n²-acetone diolate structure. The angular distribution of the CH₃ PSD depends on the acetone coverage. The “off-normal” PSD component dominates at lower acetone coverage (< 0.2 ML), but does not increase at higher coverages in accord with the acetone diolate peak intensity in the infrared reflection-absorption spectra. The “normal” PSD component grows with the acetone coverage up to 0.6 ML. The newly discovered “normal” PSD channel is tentatively assigned to a photo-produced n²- acetone enolate as a potential precursor based on the H/D exchange experiments« less

31. INTERIOR OF ORIGINAL SIDEENTRY UTILITY ROOM FROM KITCHEN DOOR ...

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

31. INTERIOR OF ORIGINAL SIDE-ENTRY UTILITY ROOM FROM KITCHEN DOOR SHOWING OPEN BROOM CLOSET DOOR AT PHOTO RIGHT AND DOORWAY INTO STORM PORCH ADDITION AT PHOTO LEFT. VIEW TO SOUTHWEST. - Rush Creek Hydroelectric System, Clubhouse Cottage, Rush Creek, June Lake, Mono County, CA

Vexcel Spells Excellence for Earth and Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

With assistance from Stennis Space Center, Vexcel was able to strengthen the properties of its Apex Ground Station(TM), an affordable, end-to-end system that comes complete with a tracking antenna that permits coverage within an approximate 2,000-kilometer radius of its location, a high speed direct-to-disk data acquisition system that can download information from virtually any satellite, and data processing software for virtually all synthetic aperture radar and optical satellite sensors. Vexcel is using an Apex system linked to the Terra satellite to help scientists and NASA personnel measure land and ocean surface temperatures, detect fires, monitor ocean color and currents, produce global vegetation maps and data, and assess cloud characteristics and aerosol concentrations. In addition, Vexcel is providing NASA with close-range photogrammetry software for the International Space Station. The technology, commercially available as FotoG(TM), was developed with SBIR funding and support from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Commercially, FotoG is used for demanding projects taken on by engineering firms, nuclear power plants, oil refineries, and process facilities. A version of Vexcel's close-range photo measurement system was also used to create virtual 3-D backdrops for a high-tech science fiction film.

The influence of text messaging on oral hygiene effectiveness.

PubMed

Bowen, T Brent; Rinchuse, Daniel J; Zullo, Thomas; DeMaria, Mark E

2015-07-01

To investigate whether text message reminders regarding oral hygiene have an effect on plaque removal in orthodontic patients. In this randomized, controlled clinical trial, 50 orthodontic patients were assigned to either a text message or control group. Patients in the text message group received 12 text messages over the course of 4 weeks and one text message for 8 weeks thereafter. Photos were taken at baseline (T0), at 4 weeks after baseline (T1), and at 12 weeks after baseline (T2). For each subject, photos of eight teeth were taken and then the area of the tooth and amount of plaque were measured using planimetry. There was a statistically significant difference in plaque coverage between baseline and both T1 and T2 in the text message group as measured using planimetry. This was demonstrated by comparing the average measurements of the control group and the treatment group. This study demonstrated that the use of automated text message reminders sent from an orthodontic office was effective in improving oral hygiene compliance in orthodontic patients.

Perceptions of laypersons and dentists regarding the effect of tooth and gingival display on smile attractiveness in long- and short-face individuals.

PubMed

Oshagh, Morteza; Moghadam, Tahere Baheri; Dashlibrun, Yunes Nazari

2013-01-01

To our knowledge, there is no study regarding the effects of facial type (short face or long face) on the esthetic perception of smiles as related to the amount of tooth and gingival display. Four photographs from two long- and two shortfaced females with posed smiles were prepared and, with altering the amount of tooth display, 5 photos for each of them were produced. These photos were given to 62 dentists and 69 laypersons to rate the images. There were significant differences between short and long-face patterns in low and high smile lines; also there were significant differences between dentists and laypersons about some images. Smile lines consistent with gingival margin were the best for both short and long-face patterns; also 1.5 mm incisor coverage in short-face and 1.5 mm gingival display in long-face received as high scores. In short-face patterns, lower smile lines, and in long-face patterns, higher smile lines are more acceptable by both dentists and laypersons, which can help in designing orthodontic treatment goals.

12 CFR 707.1 - Authority, purpose, coverage and effect on State laws.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 6 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Authority, purpose, coverage and effect on... AFFECTING CREDIT UNIONS TRUTH IN SAVINGS § 707.1 Authority, purpose, coverage and effect on State laws. (a... National Credit Union Administration. In addition, the advertising rules in § 707.8 apply to any person who...

Personal Photo Enhancement Using Internet Photo Collections.

PubMed

Zhang, Chenxi; Gao, Jizhou; Wang, Oliver; Georgel, Pierre; Yang, Ruigang; Davis, James; Frahm, Jan-Michael; Pollefeys, Marc

2013-04-26

Given the growth of Internet photo collections we now have a visual index of all major cities and tourist sites in the world. However, it is still a difficult task to capture that perfect shot with your own camera when visiting these places, especially when your camera itself has limitations, such as a limited field of view. In this paper, we propose a framework to overcome the imperfections of personal photos of tourist sites using the rich information provided by large scale Internet photo collections. Our method deploys state-of-the-art techniques for constructing initial 3D models from photo collections. The same techniques are then used to register personal photos to these models, allowing us to augment personal 2D images with 3D information. This strong available scene prior allows us to address a number of traditionally challenging image enhancement techniques, and achieve high quality results using simple and robust algorithms. Specifically, we demonstrate automatic foreground segmentation, mono-to-stereo conversion, the field of view expansion, photometric enhancement, and additionally automatic annotation with geo-location and tags. Our method clearly demonstrates some possible benefits of employing the rich information contained in on-line photo databases to efficiently enhance and augment one’s own personal photos.

A Practical Tutorial on Modified Condition/Decision Coverage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hayhurst, Kelly J.; Veerhusen, Dan S.; Chilenski, John J.; Rierson, Leanna K.

2001-01-01

This tutorial provides a practical approach to assessing modified condition/decision coverage (MC/DC) for aviation software products that must comply with regulatory guidance for DO-178B level A software. The tutorial's approach to MC/DC is a 5-step process that allows a certification authority or verification analyst to evaluate MC/DC claims without the aid of a coverage tool. In addition to the MC/DC approach, the tutorial addresses factors to consider in selecting and qualifying a structural coverage analysis tool, tips for reviewing life cycle data related to MC/DC, and pitfalls common to structural coverage analysis.

78 FR 39493 - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Exchange Functions: Eligibility for Exemptions...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-01

...This final rule implements certain functions of the Affordable Insurance Exchanges (``Exchanges''). These specific statutory functions include determining eligibility for and granting certificates of exemption from the individual shared responsibility payment described in section 5000A of the Internal Revenue Code. Additionally, this final rule implements the responsibilities of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, to designate other health benefits coverage as minimum essential coverage by providing that certain coverage be designated as minimum essential coverage. It also outlines substantive and procedural requirements that other types of individual coverage must fulfill in order to be certified as minimum essential coverage.

Riboflavin-induced photo-crosslinking of collagen hydrogel and its application in meniscus tissue engineering.

PubMed

Heo, Jiseung; Koh, Rachel H; Shim, Whuisu; Kim, Hwan D; Yim, Hyun-Gu; Hwang, Nathaniel S

2016-04-01

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury, but its regeneration remains a clinical challenge. Recently, collagen-based scaffolds have been applied in meniscus tissue engineering. Despite its prevalence, application of natural collagen scaffold in clinical setting is limited due to its extremely low stiffness and rapid degradation. The purpose of the present study was to increase the mechanical properties and delay degradation rate of a collagen-based scaffold by photo-crosslinking using riboflavin (RF) and UV exposure. RF is a biocompatible vitamin B2 that showed minimal cytotoxicity compared to conventionally utilized photo-initiator. Furthermore, collagen photo-crosslinking with RF improved mechanical properties and delayed enzyme-triggered degradation of collagen scaffolds. RF-induced photo-crosslinked collagen scaffolds encapsulated with fibrochondrocytes resulted in reduced scaffold contraction and enhanced gene expression levels for the collagen II and aggrecan. Additionally, hyaluronic acid (HA) incorporation into photo-crosslinked collagen scaffold showed an increase in its retention. Based on these results, we demonstrate that photo-crosslinked collagen-HA hydrogels can be potentially applied in the scaffold-based meniscus tissue engineering.

Melting Frozen Droplets Using Photo-Thermal Traps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dash, Susmita; de Ruiter, Jolet; Varanasi, Kripa

2017-11-01

Ice buildup is an operational and safety hazard in wind turbines, power lines, and airplanes. While traditional de-icing methods are energy-intensive or environmentally unfriendly, passive anti-icing approach using superhydrophobic surfaces fails under humid conditions, which necessitates development of passive deicing methods. Here, we investigate a passive technique for deicing using a multi-layer surface design that can efficiently absorb and convert the incident solar radiation to heat. The corresponding increase in substrate temperature allows for easy removal of frozen droplets from the surface. We demonstrate the deicing performance of the designed surface both at very low temperatures, and under frost and snow coverage.

STS-105 coverage of Mission Control Center employees in the WFCR & BFCR

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-25

JSC2001-E-25131 (16 August 2001) --- ISS flight director Mark Ferring (seated), assembly checkout officer (ACO) Jim Ruhnke and astronaut Stephanie D. Wilson, ISS spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM), discuss the progress of the extravehicular activities at their consoles in the station flight control room (BFCR) in Houston’s Mission Control Center (MCC). Operations support officer (OSO) Ted Kenny is in the background participating in the discussion over the voice loops. At the time this photo was taken, mission specialists Daniel T. Barry and Patrick G. Forrester were performing the first of two scheduled space walks during Discovery’s voyage to the International Space Station (ISS).

Iron oxide-mediated semiconductor photocatalysis vs. heterogeneous photo-Fenton treatment of viruses in wastewater. Impact of the oxide particle size.

PubMed

Giannakis, Stefanos; Liu, Siting; Carratalà, Anna; Rtimi, Sami; Talebi Amiri, Masoud; Bensimon, Michaël; Pulgarin, César

2017-10-05

The photo-Fenton process is recognized as a promising technique towards microorganism disinfection in wastewater, but its efficiency is hampered at near-neutral pH operating values. In this work, we overcome these obstacles by using the heterogeneous photo-Fenton process as the default disinfecting technique, targeting MS2 coliphage in wastewater. The use of low concentrations of iron oxides in wastewater without H 2 O 2 (wüstite, maghemite, magnetite) has demonstrated limited semiconductor-mediated MS2 inactivation. Changing the operational pH and the size of the oxide particles indicated that the isoelectric point of the iron oxides and the active surface area are crucial in the success of the process, and the possible underlying mechanisms are investigated. Furthermore, the addition of low amounts of Fe-oxides (1mgL -1 ) and H 2 O 2 in the system (1, 5 and 10mgL -1 ) greatly enhanced the inactivation process, leading to heterogeneous photo-Fenton processes on the surface of the magnetically separable oxides used. Additionally, photo-dissolution of iron in the bulk, lead to homogeneous photo-Fenton, further aided by the complexation by the dissolved organic matter in the solution. Finally, we assess the impact of the presence of the bacterial host and the difference caused by the different iron sources (salts, oxides) and the Fe-oxide size (normal, nano-sized). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analogies and differences among bacterial and viral disinfection by the photo-Fenton process at neutral pH: a mini review.

PubMed

Giannakis, Stefanos

2017-12-19

Over the last years, the photo-Fenton process has been established as an effective, green alternative to chemical disinfection of waters and wastewaters. Microorganisms' inactivation is the latest success story in the application of this process at near-neutral pH, albeit without clearly elucidated inactivation mechanisms. In this review, the main pathways of the combined photo-Fenton process against the most frequent pathogen models (Escherichia coli for bacteria and MS2 bacteriophage for viruses) are analyzed. Firstly, the action of solar light is described and the specific inactivation mechanisms in bacteria (internal photo-Fenton) and viruses (genome damage) are presented. The contribution of the external pathways due to the potential presence of organic matter in generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their effects on microorganism inactivation are discussed. Afterwards, the effects of the gradual addition of Fe and H 2 O 2 are assessed and the differences among bacterial and viral inactivation are highlighted. As a final step, the simultaneous addition of both reagents induces the photo-Fenton in the bulk, focusing on the differences induced by the homogeneous or heterogeneous fraction of the process and the variation among the two respective targets. This work exploits the accumulated evidence on the mechanisms of bacterial inactivation and the scarce ones towards viral targets, aiming to bridge this knowledge gap and make possible the further application of the photo-Fenton process in the field of water/wastewater treatment.

A poly(glycerol sebacate) based photo/thermo dual curable biodegradable and biocompatible polymer for biomedical applications.

PubMed

Wang, Min; Lei, Dong; Liu, Zenghe; Chen, Shuo; Sun, Lijie; Lv, Ziying; Huang, Peng; Jiang, Zhongxing; You, Zhengwei

2017-10-01

Due to its biomimetic mechanical properties to soft tissues, excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS) has emerged as a representative bioelastomer and been widely used in biomedical engineering. However, the typical curing of PGS needs high temperature (>120 °C), high vacuum (>1 Torr), and long duration (>12 h), which limit its further applications. Accordingly, we designed, synthesized and characterized a photo/thermo dual curable polymer based on PGS. Treatment of PGS with 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate without additional reagents readily produced a methacrylated PGS (PGS-IM). Photo-curing of PGS-IM for 10 min at room temperature using salt leaching method efficiently produced porous scaffolds with a thickness up to 1 mm. PGS-IM was adapt to thermo-curing as well. The combination of photo and thermo curing provided a further way to modulate the properties of resultant porous scaffolds. Interestingly, photo-cured scaffolds exhibited hierarchical porous structures carrying extensive micropores with a diameter from several to hundreds micrometers. All the scaffolds showed good elasticity and biodegradability. In addition, PGS-IM exhibited good compatibility with L929 fibroblast cells. We expect this new PGS based biomaterial will have a wide range of biomedical applications.

[Variation pattern and its affecting factors of three-dimensional landscape in urban residential community of Shenyang].

PubMed

Zhang, Pei-Feng; Hu, Yuan-Man; Xiong, Zai-Ping; Liu, Miao

2011-02-01

Based on the 1:10000 aerial photo in 1997 and the three QuickBird images in 2002, 2005, and 2008, and by using Barista software and GIS and RS techniques, the three-dimensional information of the residential community in Tiexi District of Shenyang was extracted, and the variation pattern of the three-dimensional landscape in the district during its reconstruction in 1997-2008 and related affecting factors were analyzed with the indices, ie. road density, greening rate, average building height, building height standard deviation, building coverage rate, floor area rate, building shape coefficient, population density, and per capita GDP. The results showed that in 1997-2008, the building area for industry decreased, that for commerce and other public affairs increased, and the area for residents, education, and medical cares basically remained stable. The building number, building coverage rate, and building shape coefficient decreased, while the floor area rate, average building height, height standard deviation, road density, and greening rate increased. Within the limited space of residential community, the containing capacity of population and economic activity increased, and the environment quality also improved to some extent. The variation degree of average building height increased, but the building energy consumption decreased. Population growth and economic development had positive correlations with floor area rate, road density, and greening rate, but negative correlation with building coverage rate.

Chemiluminescence and reactivity of the composites based on blends of polypropylene and polyamide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vorontsov, N. V.; Popov, A. A.; Margolin, A. L.

2017-12-01

The effect of the composition of blends based on isotactic polypropylene (PP) and aliphatic polyamide 6/66-4 (PA) on the rate of photo-oxidation of their mixtures in air at room temperature has been studied. The decay of photoinduced chemiluminescence was studied to determine the kinetics of peroxyl radical termination in composites and the rate constants of this process depending on the composition of the mixtures. In the presence of PA, the rate of photo-oxidation of mixtures is much higher than the rates of photo-oxidation of separately taken components, PP and PA. Thus, the kinetics of photo-oxidation of mixtures differs from the simple sum of photo-oxidation kinetics of PP and PA, which should be expected in the absence of chemical and physical interaction of the components of the mixture. A decrease in the rate constants due to PA additives indicates a decrease in the mobility of molecules in the composites and explains the observed increase in photo-oxidation of mixtures.

Photo-controllable thermoelectric properties with reversibility and photo-thermoelectric effects of tungsten trioxide accompanied by its photochromic phenomenon

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

Azuma, Chiori; Kawano, Takuto; Kakemoto, Hirofumi

2014-11-07

The addition of photo-controllable properties to tungsten trioxide (WO{sub 3}) is of interest for developing practical applications of WO{sub 3} as well as for interpreting such phenomena from scientific viewpoints. Here, a sputtered crystalline WO{sub 3} thin film generated thermoelectric power due to ultraviolet (UV) light-induced band-gap excitation and was accompanied by a photochromic reaction resulting from generating W{sup 5+} ions. The thermoelectric properties (electrical conductivity (σ) and Seebeck coefficient (S)) and coloration of WO{sub 3} could be reversibly switched by alternating the external stimulus between UV light irradiation and dark storage. After irradiating the film with UV light, σmore » increased, whereas the absolute value of S decreased, and the photochromic (coloration) reaction was detected. Notably, the opposite behavior was exhibited by WO{sub 3} after dark storage, and this reversible cycle could be repeated at least three times. Moreover, photo-thermoelectric effects (photo-conductive effect (photo-conductivity, σ{sub photo}) and photo-Seebeck effect (photo-Seebeck coefficient, S{sub photo})) were also detected in response to visible-light irradiation of the colored WO{sub 3} thin films. Under visible-light irradiation, σ{sub photo} and the absolute value of S{sub photo} increased and decreased, respectively. These effects are likely attributable to the excitation of electrons from the mid-gap visible light absorption band (W{sup 5+} state) to the conduction band of WO{sub 3}. Our findings demonstrate that the simultaneous, reversible switching of multiple properties of WO{sub 3} thin film is achieved by the application of an external stimulus and that this material exhibits photo-thermoelectric effects when irradiated with visible-light.« less

Content-aware automatic cropping for consumer photos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Hao; Tretter, Daniel; Lin, Qian

2013-03-01

Consumer photos are typically authored once, but need to be retargeted for reuse in various situations. These include printing a photo on different size paper, changing the size and aspect ratio of an embedded photo to accommodate the dynamic content layout of web pages or documents, adapting a large photo for browsing on small displays such as mobile phone screens, and improving the aesthetic quality of a photo that was badly composed at the capture time. In this paper, we propose a novel, effective, and comprehensive content-aware automatic cropping (hereafter referred to as "autocrop") method for consumer photos to achieve the above purposes. Our autocrop method combines the state-of-the-art context-aware saliency detection algorithm, which aims to infer the likely intent of the photographer, and the "branch-and-bound" efficient subwindow search optimization technique, which seeks to locate the globally optimal cropping rectangle in a fast manner. Unlike most current autocrop methods, which can only crop a photo into an arbitrary rectangle, our autocrop method can automatically crop a photo into either a rectangle of arbitrary dimensions or a rectangle of the desired aspect ratio specified by the user. The aggressiveness of the cropping operation may be either automatically determined by the method or manually indicated by the user with ease. In addition, our autocrop method is extended to support the cropping of a photo into non-rectangular shapes such as polygons of any number of sides. It may also be potentially extended to return multiple cropping suggestions, which will enable the creation of new photos to enrich the original photo collections. Our experimental results show that the proposed autocrop method in this paper can generate high-quality crops for consumer photos of various types.

Degradation of carbendazim in water via photo-Fenton in Raceway Pond Reactor: assessment of acute toxicity and transformation products.

PubMed

da Costa, Elizângela Pinheiro; Bottrel, Sue Ellen C; Starling, Maria Clara V M; Leão, Mônica M D; Amorim, Camila Costa

2018-05-08

This study aimed at investigating the degradation of fungicide carbendazim (CBZ) via photo-Fenton reactions in artificially and solar irradiated photoreactors at laboratory scale and in a semi-pilot scale Raceway Pond Reactor (RPR), respectively. Acute toxicity was monitored by assessing the sensibility of bioluminescent bacteria (Aliivibrio fischeri) to samples taken during reactions. In addition, by-products formed during solar photo-Fenton were identified by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UFLC-MS). For tests performed in lab-scale, two artificial irradiation sources were compared (UV λ > 254nm and UV-Vis λ > 320nm ). A complete design of experiments was performed in the semi-pilot scale RPR in order to optimize reaction conditions (Fe 2+ and H 2 O 2 concentrations, and water depth). Efficient degradation of carbendazim (> 96%) and toxicity removal were achieved via artificially irradiated photo-Fenton under both irradiation sources. Control experiments (UV photolysis and UV-Vis peroxidation) were also efficient but led to increased acute toxicity. In addition, H 2 O 2 /UV λ > 254nm required longer reaction time (60 minutes) when compared to the photo-Fenton process (less than 1 min). While Fenton's reagent achieved high CBZ and acute toxicity removal, its efficiency demands higher concentration of reagents in comparison to irradiated processes. Solar photo-Fenton removed carbendazim within 15 min of reaction (96%, 0.75 kJ L -1 ), and monocarbomethoxyguanidine, benzimidazole isocyanate, and 2-aminobenzimidazole were identified as transformation products. Results suggest that both solar photo-Fenton and artificially irradiated systems are promising routes for carbendazim degradation.

The availability and marginal costs of dependent employer-sponsored health insurance.

PubMed

Miller, G Edward; Vistnes, Jessica; Buettgens, Matthew; Dubay, Lisa

2017-01-21

In this study, we examine differences by firm size in the availability of dependent coverage and the incremental cost of such coverage. We use data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey - Insurance Component (MEPS-IC) to show that among employees eligible for single coverage, dependent coverage was almost always available for employees in large firms (100 or more employees) but not in smaller firms, particularly those with fewer than 10 employees. In addition, when dependent coverage was available, eligible employees in smaller firms were more likely than employees in large firms to face two situations that represented the extremes of the incremental cost distribution: (1) they paid nothing for single or family coverage or (2) they paid nothing for single coverage but faced a high contribution for family coverage. These results suggest that firm size may be an important factor in policy assessments, such as analyses of the financial implications for families excluded from subsidized Marketplace coverage due to affordable offers of single coverage or of potential rollbacks to public coverage for children.

Stable azodye photo-alignment layer for liquid crystal devices achieved by "turning off" dye photosensitivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGinty, C.; Finnemeyer, V.; Reich, R.; Clark, H.; Berry, S.; Bos, P.

2017-11-01

We have previously proposed a low cost, versatile process for stabilizing azodye photo-alignment layers for liquid crystal devices by utilizing a surface localized reactive mesogen (RM) layer. The RM is applied by dissolving the monomer in a liquid crystal material prior to filling the cell. In this paper, we show the significant effect of azodye layer thickness on the long term stability of these alignment layers when exposed to polarized light. We demonstrate, surprisingly, that thin azodye layers (˜3 nm) provide improved stability over thicker (˜40 nm) layers. Using this process, we show cells which have been stable to exposure with polarized light through one month. Additionally, we demonstrate the use of a photo-alignment layer to align the liquid crystals that afterwards can be rendered insensitive to polarized light. This was accomplished by using the process described above with the additional step of eliminating the photosensitivity of the azodye layer through photo-bleaching; the result is an RM alignment layer that will be stable when exposed to polarized light in the dye absorption band.

Mapping of the corals around Hendorabi Island (Persian Gulf), using WorldView-2 standard imagery coupled with field observations.

PubMed

Kabiri, Keivan; Rezai, Hamid; Moradi, Masoud

2018-04-01

High spatial resolution WorldView-2 (WV2) satellite imagery coupled with field observations have been utilized for mapping the coral reefs around Hendorabi Island in the northern Persian Gulf. In doing so, three standard multispectral bands (red, green, and blue) were selected to produce a classified map for benthic habitats. The in-situ observations were included photo-transects taken by snorkeling in water surface and manta tow technique. The satellite image has been classified using support vector machine (SVM) classifier by considering the information obtained from field measurements as both training and control points data. The results obtained from manta tow demonstrated that the mean total live hard coral coverage was 29.04% ± 2.44% around the island. Massive corals poritiids (20.70%) and branching corals acroporiids (20.33%) showed higher live coral coverage compared to other corals. Moreover, the map produced from satellite image illustrated the distribution of habitats with 78.1% of overall accuracy. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Disparities in Health Care Coverage Among U.S. Born and Mexican/Central American Born Labor Workers in the U.S.

PubMed

Hammig, Bart; Henry, Jean; Davis, Donna

2018-01-31

We examined health insurance coverage among U.S. and Mexican/Central American (M/CA) born labor workers living in the U.S. Using data from the 2010-2015 National Health Interview Survey, we employed logistic regression models to examine health insurance coverage and covariates among U.S. and M/CA born labor workers. Prevalence ratios between U.S. and M/CA born workers were also obtained. U.S. born workers had double the prevalence of insurance coverage. Regarding private insurance coverage, U.S. born workers had a higher prevalence of coverage compared to their M/CA born counterparts. Among foreign born workers with U.S. citizenship, the odds of having insurance coverage was greater than that of noncitizens. Additionally, those who had lived in the U.S. for 10 or more years had higher odds of having health insurance coverage. Disparities in health care coverage exist between U.S. born and foreign born labor workers.

Plant Ethylene Detection Using Laser-Based Photo-Acoustic Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Van de Poel, Bram; Van Der Straeten, Dominique

2017-01-01

Analytical detection of the plant hormone ethylene is an important prerequisite in physiological studies. Real-time and super sensitive detection of trace amounts of ethylene gas is possible using laser-based photo-acoustic spectroscopy. This Chapter will provide some background on the technique, compare it with conventional gas chromatography, and provide a detailed user-friendly hand-out on how to operate the machine and the software. In addition, this Chapter provides some tips and tricks for designing and performing physiological experiments suited for ethylene detection with laser-based photo-acoustic spectroscopy.

Young Adults' Selection and Use of Dependent Coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

PubMed

Chen, Weiwei

2018-01-01

The dependent coverage expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) required health insurance policies that cover dependents to offer coverage for policyholder' children up to age 26. It has been well documented that the provision successfully reduced the uninsured rate among the young adults. However, less is known about whether dependent coverage crowded out other insurance types and whether young adults used dependent coverage as a fill-in-the-gap short-term option. Using data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation 2008 Panel, the paper assesses dependent coverage uptake and duration before and after the ACA provision among young adults aged 19-26 versus those aged 27-30. Regressions for additional coverage outcomes were also performed to estimate the crowd-out rate. It was found that the ACA provision had a significant positive impact on dependent coverage uptake and duration. The estimated crowd-out rate ranges from 27 to 42%, depending on the definition. Most dependent coverage enrollees used the coverage for 1 or 2 years. Differences in dependent coverage uptake and duration remained among racial groups. Less healthy individuals were also less likely to make use of dependent coverage.

Young Adults’ Selection and Use of Dependent Coverage under the Affordable Care Act

PubMed Central

Chen, Weiwei

2018-01-01

The dependent coverage expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) required health insurance policies that cover dependents to offer coverage for policyholder’ children up to age 26. It has been well documented that the provision successfully reduced the uninsured rate among the young adults. However, less is known about whether dependent coverage crowded out other insurance types and whether young adults used dependent coverage as a fill-in-the-gap short-term option. Using data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation 2008 Panel, the paper assesses dependent coverage uptake and duration before and after the ACA provision among young adults aged 19–26 versus those aged 27–30. Regressions for additional coverage outcomes were also performed to estimate the crowd-out rate. It was found that the ACA provision had a significant positive impact on dependent coverage uptake and duration. The estimated crowd-out rate ranges from 27 to 42%, depending on the definition. Most dependent coverage enrollees used the coverage for 1 or 2 years. Differences in dependent coverage uptake and duration remained among racial groups. Less healthy individuals were also less likely to make use of dependent coverage. PMID:29445721

Tracing nanoparticles and photosensitizing molecules at transmission electron microscopy by diaminobenzidine photo-oxidation.

PubMed

Malatesta, M; Pellicciari, C; Cisterna, B; Costanzo, M; Galimberti, V; Biggiogera, M; Zancanaro, C

2014-04-01

During the last three decades, diaminobenzidine photo-oxidation has been applied in a variety of studies to correlate light and electron microscopy. Actually, when a fluorophore is excited by light, it can induce the oxidation of diaminobenzidine into an electron-dense osmiophilic product, which precipitates in close proximity to the fluorophore, thereby allowing its ultrastructural detection. This method has very recently been developed for two innovative applications: tracking the fate of fluorescently labeled nanoparticles in single cells, and detecting the subcellular location of photo-active molecules suitable for photodynamic therapy. These studies established that the cytochemical procedures exploiting diaminobenzidine photo-oxidation represent a reliable tool for detecting, inside the cells, with high sensitivity fluorescing molecules. These procedures are trustworthy even if the fluorescing molecules are present in very low amounts, either inside membrane-bounded organelles, or at the surface of the plasma membrane, or free in the cytosol. In particular, diaminobenzidine photo-oxidation allowed elucidating the mechanisms responsible for nanoparticles internalization in neuronal cells and for their escape from lysosomal degradation. As for the photo-active molecules, their subcellular distribution at the ultrastructural level provided direct evidence for the lethal multiorganelle photo-damage occurring after cell photo-sensitization. In addition, DAB photo-oxidized samples are suitable for the ultrastructural detection of organelle-specific molecules by post-embedding gold immunolabeling. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Within-Subject Comparison of Maxillary Implant-Supported Overdentures with and without Palatal Coverage.

PubMed

Zembic, Anja; Tahmaseb, Ali; Wismeijer, Daniel

2015-06-01

The purpose of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes for maxillary implant-supported overdentures with and without palatal coverage. Twenty-one maxillary edentulous patients (six women, 15 men) were included. In total, 42 implants were inserted in the anterior maxilla. All patients received implant-supported overdentures on two retentive anchors with palatal coverage for 2 months. Thereafter, patient satisfaction was assessed by means of questionnaires capturing the oral health impact profile (OHIP) on functional limitation, physical pain, psychological discomfort, physical, psychological and social disability, and handicap. Additionally, cleaning ability, general satisfaction, speech, comfort, esthetics, stability, and chewing ability were rated. Subsequently, palatal coverage was reduced, and the patients wore the overdentures for another 2 months. Patient satisfaction was obtained in the same way as above, and the evaluated parameters were compared for the two overdenture designs. There were no significant differences between implant-supported overdentures with and without palatal coverage for any of the OHIP domains. The evaluation of additional parameters revealed significantly higher patient satisfaction for esthetics (mean difference 8.8 mm ± 24.6) and taste (mean difference 28.4 mm ± 29.9) without palatal coverage, p < .01. Within the limits of this study, maxillary overdentures supported by two implants were equally satisfactory with and without palatal coverage. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

12 CFR 713.5 - What is the required minimum dollar amount of coverage?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... coverage required, but a federal credit union's board of directors should purchase additional or enhanced... its own internal risk assessment, its fraud trends and loss experience, and factors such as its cash...

Effects of multiple viewings of an ultraviolet photo on sun protection behaviors.

PubMed

Mahler, H I M

2018-05-02

To determine whether multiple viewings of one's ultraviolet (UV) facial photo differentially affects subsequent sun protection behaviors relative to a single viewing. Pretest-posttest control group. Southern California college students (N = 151) were randomly assigned to be shown their UV facial photo one time, multiple times over the course of 2 weeks, or not at all. Emotional reactions, perceived susceptibility to skin damage, and sun protection intentions were assessed immediately, and sun protection behaviors were assessed during a surprise telephonic follow-up 1 month later. Immediately after viewing a UV photo of their face, participants reported significantly greater perceived susceptibility to skin damage, greater intentions to engage in future sun protection, and more negative emotions than those who had not seen a UV photo. Moreover, 1 month later, those who had viewed their UV photo were less likely to report having sunbathed and reported significantly greater sun protection than did controls. There were no differences in sun protection behaviors between those who had been shown their UV photo only once during the initial intervention session and those who had been sent their UV photo several times thereafter. However, among those who had been sent their UV photo several times, those who reported having viewed their photo on additional occasions reported significantly greater sun protection behaviors than those who had not. Being randomly assigned to view a UV facial photo multiple times generally neither strengthened nor weakened effects on subsequent sun protection behaviors relative to being shown the photo just once. However, among those who were sent their photo and thus had the option of viewing it more often than they had been assigned to, those who chose to view their photo more frequently also engaged in more sun protection behaviors. Copyright © 2018 The Royal Society for Public Health. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Privacy-preserving photo sharing based on a public key infrastructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Lin; McNally, David; Küpçü, Alptekin; Ebrahimi, Touradj

2015-09-01

A significant number of pictures are posted to social media sites or exchanged through instant messaging and cloud-based sharing services. Most social media services offer a range of access control mechanisms to protect users privacy. As it is not in the best interest of many such services if their users restrict access to their shared pictures, most services keep users' photos unprotected which makes them available to all insiders. This paper presents an architecture for a privacy-preserving photo sharing based on an image scrambling scheme and a public key infrastructure. A secure JPEG scrambling is applied to protect regional visual information in photos. Protected images are still compatible with JPEG coding and therefore can be viewed by any one on any device. However, only those who are granted secret keys will be able to descramble the photos and view their original versions. The proposed architecture applies an attribute-based encryption along with conventional public key cryptography, to achieve secure transmission of secret keys and a fine-grained control over who may view shared photos. In addition, we demonstrate the practical feasibility of the proposed photo sharing architecture with a prototype mobile application, ProShare, which is built based on iOS platform.

How Homeland Security Affects Spatial Information

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zellmer, Linda

2004-01-01

A recent article in Security-Focus described the fact that several U.S. government buildings in Washington DC could no longer be clearly seen by people using MapQuest's aerial photo database. In addition, the photos of these buildings were altered at the Web sites wherein they are posted at the request of the U.S. Secret Service. This is an…

Solar light (hv) and H2O2/hv photo-disinfection of natural alkaline water (pH 8.6) in a compound parabolic collector at different day periods in Sahelian region.

PubMed

Ndounla, J; Pulgarin, C

2015-11-01

The photo-disinfection of natural alkaline surface water (pH 8.6 ± 0.3) for drinking purposes was carried out under solar radiation treatments. The enteric bacteria studied were the wild total coliforms/Escherichia coli (10(4) CFU/ml) and Salmonella spp. (10(4) CFU/ml) naturally present in the water. The photo-disinfection of a 25-l water sample was carried out in a solar compound parabolic collector (CPC) in the absence and in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The addition of H2O2 (10 mg/L) to the sample water was sufficient to enhance the photo-disinfection and ensure an irreversible lethal action on the wild enteric bacteria contents of the sample. The inactivation kinetic of the system was significantly enhanced compared to the one carried out without H2O2 addition. The effect of the solar radiation parameters on the efficiency of the photo-disinfection were assessed. The pH has increased during the treatment in all the photo-disinfection processes (hv and H2O2/hv). The Salmonella spp strain has shown the best effective inactivate time in alkaline water than the one recorded under acidic or near-neutral conditions. The evolution of some physico-chemical parameters of the water (turbidity, NO2(-), NO3(-), NH4(+), HPO4(2-), and bicarbonate (HCO3(-))) was monitored during the treatment. Finally, the possible mechanistic process involved during the enteric bacteria inactivation was suggested.

[Coverage by health insurance or discount cards: a household survey in the coverage area of the Family Health Strategy].

PubMed

Fontenelle, Leonardo Ferreira; Camargo, Maria Beatriz Junqueira de; Bertoldi, Andréa Dâmaso; Gonçalves, Helen; Maciel, Ethel Leonor Noia; Barros, Aluísio J D

2017-10-26

This study was designed to assess the reasons for health insurance coverage in a population covered by the Family Health Strategy in Brazil. We describe overall health insurance coverage and according to types, and analyze its association with health-related and socio-demographic characteristics. Among the 31.3% of persons (95%CI: 23.8-39.9) who reported "health insurance" coverage, 57.0% (95%CI: 45.2-68.0) were covered only by discount cards, which do not offer any kind of coverage for medical care, but only discounts in pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals. Both for health insurance and discount cards, the most frequently cited reasons for such coverage were "to be on the safe side" and "to receive better care". Both types of coverage were associated statistically with age (+65 vs. 15-24 years: adjusted odds ratios, aOR = 2.98, 95%CI: 1.28-6.90; and aOR = 3.67; 95%CI: 2.22-6.07, respectively) and socioeconomic status (additional standard deviation: aOR = 2.25, 95%CI: 1.62-3.14; and aOR = 1.96, 95%CI: 1.34-2.97). In addition, health insurance coverage was associated with schooling (aOR = 7.59, 95%CI: 4.44-13.00) for complete University Education and aOR = 3.74 (95%CI: 1.61-8.68) for complete Secondary Education, compared to less than complete Primary Education. Meanwhile, neither health insurance nor discount card was associated with health status or number of diagnosed diseases. In conclusion, studies that aim to assess private health insurance should be planned to distinguish between discount cards and formal health insurance.

On Connected Target k-Coverage in Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks.

PubMed

Yu, Jiguo; Chen, Ying; Ma, Liran; Huang, Baogui; Cheng, Xiuzhen

2016-01-15

Coverage and connectivity are two important performance evaluation indices for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In this paper, we focus on the connected target k-coverage (CTC k) problem in heterogeneous wireless sensor networks (HWSNs). A centralized connected target k-coverage algorithm (CCTC k) and a distributed connected target k-coverage algorithm (DCTC k) are proposed so as to generate connected cover sets for energy-efficient connectivity and coverage maintenance. To be specific, our proposed algorithms aim at achieving minimum connected target k-coverage, where each target in the monitored region is covered by at least k active sensor nodes. In addition, these two algorithms strive to minimize the total number of active sensor nodes and guarantee that each sensor node is connected to a sink, such that the sensed data can be forwarded to the sink. Our theoretical analysis and simulation results show that our proposed algorithms outperform a state-of-art connected k-coverage protocol for HWSNs.

Photo-irradiation paradigm: Mapping a remarkable facile technique used for advanced drug, gene and cell delivery.

PubMed

Shaker, Mohamed A; Younes, Husam M

2015-11-10

Undoubtedly, the progression of photo-irradiation technique has provided a smart engineering tool for the state-of-the-art biomaterials that guide the biomedical and therapeutic domains for promoting the modern pharmaceutical industry. Many investigators had exploited such a potential technique to create/ameliorate numerous pharmaceutical carriers. These carriers show promising applications that vary from small drug to therapeutic protein delivery and from gene to living cell encapsulation design. Harmony between the properties of precisely engineered precursors and the formed network structure broadens the investigator's intellect for both brilliant creations and effective applications. As well, controlling photo-curing at the formulation level, through manipulating the absorption of light stimuli, photoinitiator system and photo-responsive precursor, facilitates the exploration of novel distinctive biomaterials. Discussion of utilizing different photo-curing procedures in designing/formulation of different pharmaceutical carriers is the main emphasis of this review. In addition, recent applications of these intelligent techniques in targeted, controlled, and sustained drug delivery with understanding of photo-irradiation concept and mechanism are illustrated. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Perceptions of underweight images: are women with anorexia nervosa perceived as attractive and healthy?

PubMed

Whisenhunt, B L; Drab-Hudson, D L; Stanek, L R; Dock, A J; Allen, B J; Vincent, R C; Levesque-Bristol, C

2012-09-01

The current study examined the impact of receiving information about a woman's eating disorder status on perceptions of the woman's health and attractiveness. A total of 99 females and 84 males viewed a photo of a model who had disclosed her diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: model (M) group (those who were informed that the photo showed a model), eating disorders (ED) group (those who were informed that the photo showed a woman with an eating disorder), and no description control (C) group. Male and female participants in the ED group rated the woman in the photo as less healthy than did participants in the M and C groups. However, there were no differences between groups for ratings of attractiveness or the participants' desire to achieve a similar look (for females). Additionally, male participants rated the photo as less attractive than female participants had predicted. Finally, internalization of the thin ideal was a significant predictor of ratings of health and attractiveness of the woman in the photo.

Marketplace Subsidies: Changing The 'Family Glitch' Reduces Family Health Spending But Increases Government Costs.

PubMed

Buettgens, Matthew; Dubay, Lisa; Kenney, Genevieve M

2016-07-01

Under the Affordable Care Act, if one family member has an employer offer of single coverage deemed to be affordable-that is, costing less than 9.66 percent of family income in 2016-then all family members are ineligible for tax credits for Marketplace coverage, even if the cost of providing coverage to the whole family is greater than 9.66 percent of income. More than six million people live in such families and as a result are ineligible for premium tax credits. These families face premiums that can amount to 15.8 percent of income, or 12.0 percent after the tax advantages of employer-sponsored health coverage are factored in. We modeled the potential impact of changing the affordability test to take into account the cost of family coverage. Doing so would reduce spending on premiums from 12.0 percent to 6.3 percent of income, significantly alleviating financial burdens, but would generate little additional coverage. We estimated the additional costs to the federal government for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions to be between $3.7 billion and $6.5 billion in 2016. Project HOPE—The People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc.

Exploring geo-tagged photos for land cover validation with deep learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, Hanfa; Meng, Yuan; Wang, Zixuan; Fan, Kaixuan; Hou, Dongyang

2018-07-01

Land cover validation plays an important role in the process of generating and distributing land cover thematic maps, which is usually implemented by high cost of sample interpretation with remotely sensed images or field survey. With an increasing availability of geo-tagged landscape photos, the automatic photo recognition methodologies, e.g., deep learning, can be effectively utilised for land cover applications. However, they have hardly been utilised in validation processes, as challenges remain in sample selection and classification for highly heterogeneous photos. This study proposed an approach to employ geo-tagged photos for land cover validation by using the deep learning technology. The approach first identified photos automatically based on the VGG-16 network. Then, samples for validation were selected and further classified by considering photos distribution and classification probabilities. The implementations were conducted for the validation of the GlobeLand30 land cover product in a heterogeneous area, western California. Experimental results represented promises in land cover validation, given that GlobeLand30 showed an overall accuracy of 83.80% with classified samples, which was close to the validation result of 80.45% based on visual interpretation. Additionally, the performances of deep learning based on ResNet-50 and AlexNet were also quantified, revealing no substantial differences in final validation results. The proposed approach ensures geo-tagged photo quality, and supports the sample classification strategy by considering photo distribution, with accuracy improvement from 72.07% to 79.33% compared with solely considering the single nearest photo. Consequently, the presented approach proves the feasibility of deep learning technology on land cover information identification of geo-tagged photos, and has a great potential to support and improve the efficiency of land cover validation.

Novel generation of liquid crystalline photo-actuators based on stretched porous polyethylene films.

PubMed

Ryabchun, Alexander; Bobrovsky, Alexey; Stumpe, Joachim; Shibaev, Valery

2012-06-14

The preparation of photo-actuators based on stretched porous polyethylene and an azobenzene-containing liquid crystalline polymer network is reported for the first time. It is revealed that this kind of photo-actuator possesses the following advantages: the lack of a need for using aligning coatings and cells preparation, high deformation of the actuator and its complete reversibility, good mechanical properties, and relatively low cost of fabrication. In addition some kinetic and thermodynamic features of the bending and unbending processes have been studied. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Preflight coverage of STS-114 & Expedition 7 Crews, Emergency Egress Training

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-09-12

JSC2002-01650 (12 September 2002) --- The STS-114 and Expedition Seven crews, attired in training versions of the full-pressure launch and entry suit, pose for a group photo prior to a training session in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). From the left are astronauts Eileen M. Collins, James M. Kelly, STS-114 mission commander and pilot, respectively; Soichi Noguchi and Stephen K. Robinson, both STS-114 mission specialists; Edward T. Lu, Expedition Seven flight engineer; cosmonauts Sergei I. Moschenko and Yuri I. Malenchenko, Expedition Seven flight engineer and mission commander, respectively. Moschenko and Malenchenko represent Rosaviakosmos and Noguchi represents Japan’s National Space Development Agency (NASDA).

Vacuum Ultraviolet Photodissociation and Fourier Transform–Ion Cyclotron Resonance (FT-ICR) Mass Spectrometry: Revisited

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

Shaw, Jared B.; Robinson, Errol W.; Pasa-Tolic, Ljiljana

2016-02-16

We revisited the implementation of UVPD within the ICR cell of a FT-ICR mass spectrometer. UVPD performance characteristics were examined in the context of recent developments in the understanding of UVPD and in-cell tandem mass spectrometry. Efficient UVPD and photo-ECD of a model peptide and small protein within the ICR cell of a FT-ICR mass spectrometer are accomplished through appropriate modulation of laser pulse timing relative to ion magnetron motion and the potential applied to an ion optical element that photons impinge on. It is shown that UVPD yields efficient and extensive fragmentation resulting in excellent sequence coverage for modelmore » peptide and protein cations.« less

In vitro assessment of skin sensitization, photosensitization and phototoxicity potential of commercial glyphosate-containing formulations.

PubMed

de Ávila, Renato Ivan; Teixeira, Gabriel Campos; Veloso, Danillo Fabrini Maciel Costa; Moreira, Larissa Cleres; Lima, Eliana Martins; Valadares, Marize Campos

2017-12-01

This study evaluated the applicability of a modified Direct Peptide Reactivity Assay (DPRA) (OECD N° 442C, 2015) through the 10-fold reduction of reaction volume (micro-DPRA, mDPRA) for skin sensitization evaluation of six commercial glyphosate-containing formulations. In addition, another modification of DPRA was proposed by adding a UVA (5J/cm 2 ) irradiation step, namely photo-mDPRA, to better characterize (photo)sensitizer materials. The phototoxicity profile of pesticides was also evaluated using the 3T3 Neutral Red Uptake Phototoxicity Test (3T3-NRU-PT) (OECD N° 432, 2004). The mDPRA could represent an environmentally acceptable test approach, since it reduces costs and organic waste. Peptide depletion was greater in photo-mDPRA and changed the reactivity class of each test material, in comparison to mDPRA. Thus, the association of mDPRA with photo-mDPRA was better for correctly characterizing human (photo)sensitizer substances and pesticides. In general, cysteine depletion was greater than that of lysine for all materials tested in both mDPRA and photo-mDPRA. Furthermore, while 3T3-NRU-PT is unable to predict (photo)sensitizers, it was capable of correctly identifying the phototoxic potential of the tested agrochemical formulations. In conclusion, mDPRA plus photo-mDPRA and 3T3-NRU-PT seem to be preliminary non-animal test batteries for skin (photo)sensitization/phototoxicity assessment of chemicals, agrochemical formulations and their ingredients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reflecting on the use of photo elicitation with children.

PubMed

Whiting, Lisa S

2015-01-01

To reflect on the use of photo elicitation as a data collection method when conducting research with primary school age children (nine to 11 years). There is recognition that children feel an affinity with the visual medium; as a result, visual methods can be useful when conducting research with children. Photo elicitation is one such method, but there has been little discussion of its use with primary school children within a health context. This paper considers the main issues that researchers should consider. This paper draws on a research study conducted by the author that used an ethnographic approach and photo elicitation to identify the assets underpinning children's wellbeing. A reflective discussion is used to highlight issues relating to the use of photo elicitation to collect data from primary school children. Photo elicitation is not without its challenges: it creates additional ethical considerations, and can be more time-consuming and expensive. However, children value the opportunity to be involved in research and have their opinions sought, and photo elicitation provides a method of collecting data that is appropriate for children's developmental and cognitive maturational stages. Photo elicitation can be a positive experience for children, and one that is not only fun and engaging, but that is also empowering and valuing of their contributions. Research that uses photo elicitation needs to be carefully planned to ensure that the study is supported appropriately. The visual process can offer a unique insight into children's lives that allows health professionals to deepen their understanding of children's experiences.

Acute photo-induced toxicity and toxicokinetics of single compounds and mixtures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in zebrafish.

PubMed

Willis, Alison M; Oris, James T

2014-09-01

The present study examined photo-induced toxicity and toxicokinetics for acute exposure to selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in zebrafish. Photo-enhanced toxicity from co-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and PAHs enhanced the toxicity and exhibited toxic effects at PAH concentrations orders of magnitude below effects observed in the absence of UV. Because environmental exposure to PAHs is usually in the form of complex mixtures, the present study examined the photo-induced toxicity of both single compounds and mixtures of PAHs. In a sensitive larval life stage of zebrafish, acute photo-induced median lethal concentrations (LC50s) were derived for 4 PAHs (anthracene, pyrene, carbazole, and phenanthrene) to examine the hypothesis that phototoxic (anthracene and pyrene) and nonphototoxic (carbazole and phenanthrene) pathways of mixtures could be predicted from single exposures. Anthracene and pyrene were phototoxic as predicted; however, carbazole exhibited moderate photo-induced toxicity and phenanthrene exhibited weak photo-induced toxicity. The toxicity of each chemical alone was used to compare the toxicity of mixtures in binary, tertiary, and quaternary combinations of these PAHs, and a predictive model for environmental mixtures was generated. The results indicated that the acute toxicity of PAH mixtures was additive in phototoxic scenarios, regardless of the magnitude of photo-enhancement. Based on PAH concentrations found in water and circumstances of high UV dose to aquatic systems, there exists potential risk of photo-induced toxicity to aquatic organisms. © 2014 SETAC.

The different paths and potential risks of photo(-electro)-catalytic degradation for rhodamine B in water by graphene/TiO2 membrane.

PubMed

Ren, Miao; Liu, Haiyang; Qu, Jiao; Zhang, Yanan; Ma, Ying; Yuan, Xing

2018-03-07

The graphene (GR)/TiO 2 membrane was prepared by the sol-gel method and coated on the indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive glass, which showed high and stable photo(-electro)-catalytic activities to rhodamine B (Rh-B) in water. Characterization results showed that the GR was dispersed and wrapped in the needle-like TiO 2 . With GR/TiO 2 membrane and simulated sunlight irradiation, the removal efficiency of Rh-B (10 mg l -1 and pH at 5.4) arrived at 87.6% within 300 min. However, the higher removal efficiency for Rh-B reached to 97.8% by the photo-electro-catalytic degradation with the applied voltage 4 v for 30 min. The ·OH that generated in the photo-catalytic degradation process were responsible for Rh-B decomposition. The ·O 2 - played the significant role in the photo-electro-catalytic degradation of Rh-B. Furthermore, the decarboxylation was also occurred in the photo-electro-catalytic degradation for the Rh-B in water except for the deethylation and hydroxylation in the photo-catalytic degradation. In addition, the toxicities of the intermediates were calculated using the ECOSAR program and the EPIWIN software. The results indicated that the toxicities of intermediates from photo-electro-catalytic degradation for the Rh-B were higher than photo-catalytic degradation, due to the generation of decarboxylate.

76 FR 43988 - Procurement List; Additions

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-22

... Sill, OK. NPAs: Professional Contract Services, Inc., Austin, TX (Prime Contractor); Work Services.... Contracting Activity: General Services Administration, Fort Worth, TX Coverage: A-List for the Total...: Department of the Army Research, Development, & Engineering Command, Natick, MA. Coverage: C-List for 100% of...

A treatment comparison study of a photo activity schedule and Social Stories for teaching social skills to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: brief report.

PubMed

Daneshvar, Sabrina D; Charlop, Marjorie H; Berry Malmberg, Debra

2018-05-21

To compare the efficacy of two procedures, a photo activity schedule intervention and Social Stories, to teach social skills to four children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). An adapted alternating treatments design with an additional multiple baseline control was used, and two social skills were targeted for each of the four participants, one under each intervention condition. Results indicated that all four participants learned the target social behaviours with the photo activity schedule intervention, but did not learn target social behaviours with Social Stories. Findings support the use of a photo activity intervention for teaching social skillsto children with ASD; we discuss the implications of inconsistent findings of effectiveness of Social Stories.

Mineral exploration with ERTS imagery. [Colorado

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nicolais, S. M.

1974-01-01

Ten potential target areas for metallic mineral exploration were selected on the basis of a photo-lineament interpretation of the ERTS image 1172-17141 in central Colorado. An evaluation of bias indicated that prior geologic knowledge of the region had little, if any, effect on target selection. In addition, a contoured plot of the frequency of photo-lineament intersections was made to determine what relationships exist between the photo-lineaments and mineral districts. Comparison of this plot with a plot of the mineral districts indicates that areas with a high frequency of intersections commonly coincide with known mineral districts. The results of this experiment suggest that photo-lineaments are fractures or fracture-controlled features, and their distribution may be a guide to metallic mineral deposits in Colorado, and probably other areas as well.

ADDITIONAL FOOTAGE FROM COVERAGE OF THE FIRST MEETING OF THE NATIONAL SPACE COUNCIL

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-10-05

Additional footage from coverage of the first meeting of the National Space Council, held on Oct. 5 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Vice President Mike Pence is the chair of the council. Participants included NASA’s Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot, as well as a number of Trump Administration cabinet members and senior officials, and aerospace industry leaders.

Race for a Better Fuel Begins with NREL Researchers | News | NREL

Science.gov Websites

triptane converted from biomass. Photo by Dennis Schroeder Watching cars zoom around and around an oval NREL's new Fuel Synthesis Catalysis Laboratory. Photo by Dennis Schroeder Any Carbon Source Will Do by Dennis Schroeder Look! Up in the Sky! In addition to race cars, the 85% triptane could find a use

Emigrant Creek cattle allotment: lessons from 30 years of photomonitoring.

Treesearch

Frederick C. Hall

2005-01-01

Emigrant Creek cattle allotment is located 48 km northwest of Burns, Oregon. It was photo sampled at nine original sites, starting in 1975. Photos were taken three times per year: June 15 prior to cattle grazing, August 1 at pasture rotation, and October 1 at the end of grazing. An additional four photopoints were established following disturbance from flooding and...

Oil/water nano-emulsion loaded with cobalt ferrite oxide nanocubes for photo-acoustic and magnetic resonance dual imaging in cancer: in vitro and preclinical studies.

PubMed

Vecchione, Raffaele; Quagliariello, Vincenzo; Giustetto, Pierangela; Calabria, Dominic; Sathya, Ayyappan; Marotta, Roberto; Profeta, Martina; Nitti, Simone; Silvestri, Niccolò; Pellegrino, Teresa; Iaffaioli, Rosario V; Netti, Paolo Antonio

2017-01-01

Dual imaging dramatically improves detection and early diagnosis of cancer. In this work we present an oil in water (O/W) nano-emulsion stabilized with lecithin and loaded with cobalt ferrite oxide (Co 0.5 Fe 2.5 O 4 ) nanocubes for photo-acoustic and magnetic resonance dual imaging. The nanocarrier is responsive in in vitro photo-acoustic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests. A clear and significant time-dependent accumulation in tumor tissue is shown in in vivo photo-acoustic studies on a murine melanoma xenograft model. The proposed O/W nano-emulsion exhibits also high values of r 2 /r 1 (ranging from 45 to 85, depending on the magnetic field) suggesting a possible use as T 2 weighted image contrast agents. In addition, viability and cellular uptake studies show no significant cytotoxicity on the fibroblast cell line. We also tested the O/W nano-emulsion loaded with curcumin against melanoma cancer cells demonstrating a significant cytotoxicity and thus showing possible therapeutic effects in addition to the in vivo imaging. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A reversible conductivity modulation of azobenzene-based ionic liquids in aqueous solutions using UV/vis light.

PubMed

Li, Zhiyong; Yuan, Xiaoqing; Feng, Ying; Chen, Yongkui; Zhao, Yuling; Wang, Huiyong; Xu, Qingli; Wang, Jianji

2018-05-09

Photo-induced conductivity modulation of stimuli-responsive materials is of great importance from the viewpoint of fundamental research and technology. In this work, 5 new kinds of azobenzene-based photo-responsive ionic liquids were synthesized and characterized, and UV/vis light modulation of their conductivity was investigated in an aqueous solution. The factors affecting the conductivity modulation of the photo-responsive fluids, such as photo-isomerization efficiency, photo-regulation aggregation, concentration and chemical structure of the ionic liquids, were examined systematically. It was found that the conductivity of the ionic liquids in water exhibited a significant increase upon UV light irradiation and the ionic liquids with a shorter alkyl spacer in the cation showed a more remarkable photo-induced conductivity enhancement with a maximum increase of 150%. In addition, the solution conductivity was restored (or very close) to the initial value upon an alternative irradiation with visible light. Thus, the solution conductivity can be modulated using alternative irradiation with UV and visible light. Although the reversible photo-isomerization of the azobenzene group under UV/vis irradiation is the origin of the conductivity modulation, the photo-regulated aggregation of the ionic liquid in water is indispensable for the maximum degree of conductivity modulation because UV irradiation can weaken, even break the aggregated cis-isomers of the ionic liquids in an aqueous solution.

Aerial photography flight quality assessment with GPS/INS and DEM data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Haitao; Zhang, Bing; Shang, Jiali; Liu, Jiangui; Li, Dong; Chen, Yanyan; Zuo, Zhengli; Chen, Zhengchao

2018-01-01

The flight altitude, ground coverage, photo overlap, and other acquisition specifications of an aerial photography flight mission directly affect the quality and accuracy of the subsequent mapping tasks. To ensure smooth post-flight data processing and fulfill the pre-defined mapping accuracy, flight quality assessments should be carried out in time. This paper presents a novel and rigorous approach for flight quality evaluation of frame cameras with GPS/INS data and DEM, using geometric calculation rather than image analysis as in the conventional methods. This new approach is based mainly on the collinearity equations, in which the accuracy of a set of flight quality indicators is derived through a rigorous error propagation model and validated with scenario data. Theoretical analysis and practical flight test of an aerial photography mission using an UltraCamXp camera showed that the calculated photo overlap is accurate enough for flight quality assessment of 5 cm ground sample distance image, using the SRTMGL3 DEM and the POSAV510 GPS/INS data. An even better overlap accuracy could be achieved for coarser-resolution aerial photography. With this new approach, the flight quality evaluation can be conducted on site right after landing, providing accurate and timely information for decision making.

A low-cost drone based application for identifying and mapping of coastal fish nursery grounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ventura, Daniele; Bruno, Michele; Jona Lasinio, Giovanna; Belluscio, Andrea; Ardizzone, Giandomenico

2016-03-01

Acquiring seabed, landform or other topographic data in the field of marine ecology has a pivotal role in defining and mapping key marine habitats. However, accessibility for this kind of data with a high level of detail for very shallow and inaccessible marine habitats has been often challenging, time consuming. Spatial and temporal coverage often has to be compromised to make more cost effective the monitoring routine. Nowadays, emerging technologies, can overcome many of these constraints. Here we describe a recent development in remote sensing based on a small unmanned drone (UAVs) that produce very fine scale maps of fish nursery areas. This technology is simple to use, inexpensive, and timely in producing aerial photographs of marine areas. Both technical details regarding aerial photos acquisition (drone and camera settings) and post processing workflow (3D model generation with Structure From Motion algorithm and photo-stitching) are given. Finally by applying modern algorithm of semi-automatic image analysis and classification (Maximum Likelihood, ECHO and Object-based Image Analysis) we compared the results of three thematic maps of nursery area for juvenile sparid fishes, highlighting the potential of this method in mapping and monitoring coastal marine habitats.

Insurance Coverage Policies for Pharmacogenomic and Multi-Gene Testing for Cancer.

PubMed

Lu, Christine Y; Loomer, Stephanie; Ceccarelli, Rachel; Mazor, Kathleen M; Sabin, James; Clayton, Ellen Wright; Ginsburg, Geoffrey S; Wu, Ann Chen

2018-05-16

Insurance coverage policies are a major determinant of patient access to genomic tests. The objective of this study was to examine differences in coverage policies for guideline-recommended pharmacogenomic tests that inform cancer treatment. We analyzed coverage policies from eight Medicare contractors and 10 private payers for 23 biomarkers (e.g., HER2 and EGFR ) and multi-gene tests. We extracted policy coverage and criteria, prior authorization requirements, and an evidence basis for coverage. We reviewed professional society guidelines and their recommendations for use of pharmacogenomic tests. Coverage for KRAS , EGFR , and BRAF tests were common across Medicare contractors and private payers, but few policies covered PML/RARA , CD25 , or G6PD . Thirteen payers cover multi-gene tests for nonsmall lung cancer, citing emerging clinical recommendations. Coverage policies for single and multi-gene tests for cancer treatments are consistent among Medicare contractors despite the lack of national coverage determinations. In contrast, coverage for these tests varied across private payers. Patient access to tests is governed by prior authorization among eight private payers. Substantial variations in how payers address guideline-recommended pharmacogenomic tests and the common use of prior authorization underscore the need for additional studies of the effects of coverage variation on cancer care and patient outcomes.

Visible and UV-curable chitosan derivatives for immobilization of biomolecules.

PubMed

Kim, Eun-Hye; Han, Ga-Dug; Kim, Jae-Won; Noh, Seung-Hyun; Lee, Jae-Gwan; Ito, Yoshihiro; Son, Tae-Il

2017-11-01

Chitosan, which has many biocompatible properties, is used widely in medical field like wound healing, drug delivery and so on. Chitosan could be used as a biomaterial to immobilize protein-drug. There are many methods to immobilize protein-drug, but they have some drawbacks such as low efficiency and denaturation of protein. Therefore, photo-immobilization method is suggested to immobilize protein-drug. Photo-immobilization method is simple-reaction and also needs no additional crosslinking reagent. There has been some effort to modify chitosan to have an ability of photo-immobilization. Generally, visible and UV light reactive chitosan derivatives were prepared. Various types of photo-curable chitosan derivatives showed possibility for application to medical field. For example, they showed ability for protein-immobilization and some of them showed wound-healing effect, anti-adhesive effect, or property to interact directly with titanium surface. In this study, we introduce many types of photo-curable chitosan derivative and their possibility of medical application. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Coherent Generation of Photo-Thermo-Acoustic Wave from Graphene Sheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Yichao; Tian, He; Wu, Yanling; Zhu, Leilei; Tao, Luqi; Zhang, Wei; Shu, Yi; Xie, Dan; Yang, Yi; Wei, Zhiyi; Lu, Xinghua; Ren, Tian-Ling; Shih, Chih-Kang; Zhao, Jimin

Many remarkable properties of graphene are derived from its large energy window for Dirac-like electronic states and have been explored for applications in electronics and photonics. In addition, strong electron-phonon interaction in graphene has led to efficient photo-thermo energy conversions, which has been harnessed for energy applications. By combining the wavelength independent absorption property and the efficient photo-thermo energy conversion, here we report a new type of applications in sound wave generation underlined by a photo-thermo-acoustic energy conversion mechanism. Most significantly, by utilizing ultrafast optical pulses, we demonstrate the ability to control the phase of sound waves generated by the photo-thermal-acoustic process. Our finding paves the way for new types of applications for graphene, such as remote non-contact speakers, optical-switching acoustic devices, etc. National Basic Research Program of China MOST (2012CB821402), External Cooperation Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (GJHZ1403), and National Natural Science Foundation of China (11274372).

“I see it now”: Using photo elicitation to understand chronic illness self-management

PubMed Central

Fritz, Heather; Lysack, Cathy

2018-01-01

Background How people integrate self-management into daily life remains underexamined, and such processes are difficult to elicit through traditional approaches used to understand human occupation. Purpose This paper will provide a brief overview of one visual research method, photo elicitation, that holds promise for studying self-management of health behaviours and will present findings from an analysis of how the use of photo elicitation interviews contributed additional insights into self-management beyond those generated from the data collected through the other methods used in the study. Method A qualitative, multiple-methods, multiple-case study was conducted with a purposive sample of 10 low-income women ages 40 to 64 with type 2 diabetes. Findings The photo elicitation interviews contributed insights beyond those generated from other study methods about how individuals viewed their self-management behaviours and how occupations changed across time. Implications Photo elicitation is a valuable research method for better understanding clients' chronic illness self-management practices. PMID:29898501

Photometric redshift analysis in the Dark Energy Survey Science Verification data

DOE PAGES

Sanchez, C.; Carrasco Kind, M.; Lin, H.; ...

2014-10-09

In this study, we present results from a study of the photometric redshift performance of the Dark Energy Survey (DES), using the early data from a Science Verification period of observations in late 2012 and early 2013 that provided science-quality images for almost 200 sq. deg. at the nominal depth of the survey. We assess the photometric redshift (photo-z) performance using about 15 000 galaxies with spectroscopic redshifts available from other surveys. These galaxies are used, in different configurations, as a calibration sample, and photo-z's are obtained and studied using most of the existing photo-z codes. A weighting method inmore » a multidimensional colour–magnitude space is applied to the spectroscopic sample in order to evaluate the photo-z performance with sets that mimic the full DES photometric sample, which is on average significantly deeper than the calibration sample due to the limited depth of spectroscopic surveys. In addition, empirical photo-z methods using, for instance, artificial neural networks or random forests, yield the best performance in the tests, achieving core photo-z resolutions σ68 ~ 0.08. Moreover, the results from most of the codes, including template-fitting methods, comfortably meet the DES requirements on photo-z performance, therefore, providing an excellent precedent for future DES data sets.« less

The Photostabilizing Effect of Grape Seed Extract on Three Common Sunscreen Absorbers.

PubMed

Martincigh, Bice S; Ollengo, Moses A

2016-11-01

The photostabilizing ability of grape seed extract on three common sunscreen absorbers, 2-ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate (EHMC), benzophenone-3 (BP3) and tert-butylmethoxy dibenzoylmethane (BMDBM), was investigated. Samples were exposed to simulated solar radiation and monitored by spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods. The chemical composition of the grape seed extract was determined by GC-MS and HPLC-MS, and the major secondary metabolites were found to be epicatechin and catechin. Exposure of the extract to UV radiation increased the UV absorption capacity of the extract. All sunscreens showed an improved photostability in the extract. The inherent photo-instability of BMDBM when exposed to UV radiation was almost eliminated in the presence of grape seed extract. A mixture of all three sunscreens in the extract showed very high photostability and a red shift covering the entire UVB and UVA regions, thereby improving the broad-spectrum protection. The incorporation of grape seed extract in sunscreen and other cosmetic formulations for topical application boosts photoprotection by stabilizing the UV filters and enhancing broad-spectrum coverage. This in turn helps in reducing the amounts of absorbers and other additives incorporated in a sunscreen product and consequently lowers the risk of an unprecedented buildup of photoproducts whose toxicities are currently unknown. © 2016 The American Society of Photobiology.

User experience with a health insurance coverage and benefit-package access: implications for policy implementation towards expansion in Nigeria.

PubMed

Mohammed, Shafiu; Aji, Budi; Bermejo, Justo Lorenzo; Souares, Aurelia; Dong, Hengjin; Sauerborn, Rainer

2016-04-01

Developing countries are devising strategies and mechanisms to expand coverage and benefit-package access for their citizens through national health insurance schemes (NHIS). In Nigeria, the scheme aims to provide affordable healthcare services to insured-persons and their dependants. However, inclusion of dependants is restricted to four biological children and a spouse per user. This study assesses the progress of implementation of the NHIS in Nigeria, relating to coverage and benefit-package access, and examines individual factors associated with the implementation, according to users' perspectives. A retrospective, cross-sectional survey was done between October 2010 and March 2011 in Kaduna state and 796 users were randomly interviewed. Questions regarding coverage of immediate-family members and access to benefit-package for treatment were analysed. Indicators of coverage and benefit-package access were each further aggregated and assessed by unit-weighted composite. The additive-ordinary least square regression model was used to identify user factors that may influence coverage and benefit-package access. With respect to coverage, immediate-dependants were included for 62.3% of the users, and 49.6 rated this inclusion 'good' (49.6%). In contrast, 60.2% supported the abolishment of the policy restriction for non-inclusion of enrolees' additional children and spouses. With respect to benefit-package access, 82.7% of users had received full treatments, and 77.6% of them rated this as 'good'. Also, 14.4% of users had been refused treatments because they could not afford them. The coverage of immediate-dependants was associated with age, sex, educational status, children and enrolment duration. The benefit-package access was associated with types of providers, marital status and duration of enrolment. This study revealed that coverage of family members was relatively poor, while benefit-package access was more adequate. Non-inclusion of family members could hinder effective coverage by the scheme. Potential policy implications towards effective coverage and benefit-package access are discussed. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

113. VIEW OF NORTH SIDE OF MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ROOM ...

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

113. VIEW OF NORTH SIDE OF MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ROOM (110), LSB (BLDG. 770). QUALITY ASSURANCE ROOM (106A) ON RIGHT SIDE OF PHOTO; CABLE TRAYS OVERHEAD AT TOP; STAIRS TO LSB (BLDG. 770) ADDITION (ROOMS 117 THROUGH 120) IN CENTER OF PHOTO. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Pad 3 West, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

Methods used for immunization coverage assessment in Canada, a Canadian Immunization Research Network (CIRN) study.

PubMed

Wilson, Sarah E; Quach, Susan; MacDonald, Shannon E; Naus, Monika; Deeks, Shelley L; Crowcroft, Natasha S; Mahmud, Salaheddin M; Tran, Dat; Kwong, Jeff; Tu, Karen; Gilbert, Nicolas L; Johnson, Caitlin; Desai, Shalini

2017-08-03

Accurate and complete immunization data are necessary to assess vaccine coverage, safety and effectiveness. Across Canada, different methods and data sources are used to assess vaccine coverage, but these have not been systematically described. Our primary objective was to examine and describe the methods used to determine immunization coverage in Canada. The secondary objective was to compare routine infant and childhood coverage estimates derived from the Canadian 2013 Childhood National Immunization Coverage Survey (cNICS) with estimates collected from provinces and territories (P/Ts). We collected information from key informants regarding their provincial, territorial or federal methods for assessing immunization coverage. We also collected P/T coverage estimates for select antigens and birth cohorts to determine absolute differences between these and estimates from cNICS. Twenty-six individuals across 16 public health organizations participated between April and August 2015. Coverage surveys are conducted regularly for toddlers in Quebec and in one health authority in British Columbia. Across P/Ts, different methodologies for measuring coverage are used (e.g., valid doses, grace periods). Most P/Ts, except Ontario, measure up-to-date (UTD) coverage and 4 P/Ts also assess on-time coverage. The degree of concordance between P/T and cNICS coverage estimates varied by jurisdiction, antigen and age group. In addition to differences in the data sources and processes used for coverage assessment, there are also differences between Canadian P/Ts in the methods used for calculating immunization coverage. Comparisons between P/T and cNICS estimates leave remaining questions about the proportion of children fully vaccinated in Canada.

Methods used for immunization coverage assessment in Canada, a Canadian Immunization Research Network (CIRN) study

PubMed Central

Quach, Susan; MacDonald, Shannon E.; Naus, Monika; Deeks, Shelley L.; Crowcroft, Natasha S.; Mahmud, Salaheddin M.; Tran, Dat; Kwong, Jeff; Tu, Karen; Johnson, Caitlin; Desai, Shalini

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Accurate and complete immunization data are necessary to assess vaccine coverage, safety and effectiveness. Across Canada, different methods and data sources are used to assess vaccine coverage, but these have not been systematically described. Our primary objective was to examine and describe the methods used to determine immunization coverage in Canada. The secondary objective was to compare routine infant and childhood coverage estimates derived from the Canadian 2013 Childhood National Immunization Coverage Survey (cNICS) with estimates collected from provinces and territories (P/Ts). We collected information from key informants regarding their provincial, territorial or federal methods for assessing immunization coverage. We also collected P/T coverage estimates for select antigens and birth cohorts to determine absolute differences between these and estimates from cNICS. Twenty-six individuals across 16 public health organizations participated between April and August 2015. Coverage surveys are conducted regularly for toddlers in Quebec and in one health authority in British Columbia. Across P/Ts, different methodologies for measuring coverage are used (e.g., valid doses, grace periods). Most P/Ts, except Ontario, measure up-to-date (UTD) coverage and 4 P/Ts also assess on-time coverage. The degree of concordance between P/T and cNICS coverage estimates varied by jurisdiction, antigen and age group. In addition to differences in the data sources and processes used for coverage assessment, there are also differences between Canadian P/Ts in the methods used for calculating immunization coverage. Comparisons between P/T and cNICS estimates leave remaining questions about the proportion of children fully vaccinated in Canada. PMID:28708945

New from the Old - Measuring Coastal Cliff Change with Historical Oblique Aerial Photos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warrick, J. A.; Ritchie, A.

2016-12-01

Oblique aerial photographs are commonly collected to document coastal landscapes. Here we show that these historical photographs can be used to develop topographic models with Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetric techniques if adequate photo-to-photo overlaps exist. Focusing on the 60-m high cliffs of Fort Funston, California, photographs from the California Coastal Records Project were combined with ground control points to develop topographic point clouds of the study area for five years between 2002 and 2010. Uncertainties in the results were assessed by comparing SfM-derived point clouds with airborne lidar data, and the differences between these data were related to the number and spatial distribution of ground control points used in the SfM analyses. With six or more ground control points the root mean squared error between the SfM and lidar data was less than 0.3 m (minimum = 0.18 m) and the mean systematic error was consistently less than 0.10 m. Because of the oblique orientation of the imagery, the SfM-derived point clouds provided coverage on vertical to overhanging portions of the cliff, and point densities from the SfM techniques averaged between 17 and 161 points/m2 on the cliff face. The time-series of topographic point clouds revealed many topographic changes, including landslides, rockfalls and the erosion of landslide talus along the Fort Funston beach. Thus, we concluded that historical oblique photographs, such as those generated by the California Coastal Records Project, can provide useful tools for mapping coastal topography and measuring coastal change.

Does medicaid coverage matter?: A qualitative multi-state study of abortion affordability for low-income women.

PubMed

Dennis, Amanda; Manski, Ruth; Blanchard, Kelly

2014-11-01

Medicaid is designed to ensure low-income populations can afford health care. However, not all health services are covered by the program. Most state Medicaid programs restrict abortion coverage, though a small number of state programs offer such coverage. Little is known about how low-income women are affected by differing Medicaid coverage policies regarding abortion. We conducted in depth interviews with 98 low-income women who had abortions. We found that women's impressions about abortion costs and the availability of Medicaid coverage are generally accurate and that women rely predominantly on abortion facilities for confirmatory cost and coverage information. Additionally, when abortion is out of financial reach, women and the people in their lives experience numerous emotional and financial harms. Policies that aim to ensure abortion is affordable largely prevent these harms, though the availability of Medicaid coverage does not always guarantee access to affordable care. Findings can help advance evidence-based policies

Let there be light: photo-cross-linked block copolymer nanoparticles.

PubMed

Roy, Debashish; Sumerlin, Brent S

2014-01-01

Polymeric nanoparticles are prepared by selectively cross-linking a photo-sensitive dimethylmaleimide-containing block of a diblock copolymer via UV irradiation. A well-defined photo-cross-linkable block copolymer is prepared via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of a dimethylmaleimide-functional acrylamido monomer containing photoreactive pendant groups with a poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (PDMA) macro-chain transfer agent. The resulting amphiphilic block copolymers form micelles in water with a hydrophilic PDMA shell and a hydrophobic photo-cross-linkable dimethylmaleimide-containing core. UV irradiation results in photodimerization of the dimethylmaleimide groups within the micelle cores to yield core-cross-linked aggregates. Alternatively, UV irradiation of homogeneous solutions of the block copolymer in a non-selective solvent leads to in situ nanoparticle formation. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Establishment of an in silico phototoxicity prediction method by combining descriptors related to photo-absorption and photo-reaction.

PubMed

Haranosono, Yu; Kurata, Masaaki; Sakaki, Hideyuki

2014-08-01

One of the mechanisms of phototoxicity is photo-reaction, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation following photo-absorption. We focused on ROS generation and photo-absorption as key-steps, because these key-steps are able to be described by photochemical properties, and these properties are dependent on chemical structure. Photo-reactivity of a compound is described by HOMO-LUMO Gap (HLG), generally. Herein, we showed that HLG can be used as a descriptor of the generation of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, the maximum-conjugated π electron number (PENMC), which we found as a descriptor of photo-absorption, could also predict in vitro phototoxicity. Each descriptor could predict in vitro phototoxicity with 70.0% concordance, but there was un-predicted area found (gray zone). Interestingly, some compounds in each gray zone were not common, indicating that the combination of two descriptors could improve prediction potential. We reset the cut-off lines to define positive zone, negative zone and gray zone for each descriptor. Thereby we overlapped HLG and PENMC in a graph, and divided the total area to nine zones with cut-off lines of each descriptor. The rules to prediction were decided to achieve the best concordance, and the concordances were improved up to 82.8% for self-validation, 81.6% for cross-validation. We found common properties among false positive or negative compounds, photo-reactive structure and photo-allergenic, respectively. In addition, our method could be adapted to compounds rich in structural diversity using only chemical structure without any statistical analysis and complicated calculation.

Effect of some ultraviolet light absorbers on photo-stabilization of azadirachtin-A.

PubMed

Deota, P T; Upadhyay, P R; Patel, K B; Mehta, K J; Varshney, A K; Mehta, M H

2002-10-01

The effect of photo-stabilization of Azadirachtin-A (Aza-A) was examined when exposed to sunlight and ultraviolet light in the presence of four structurally different ultraviolet stabilizers namely 4-aminobenzoic acid, 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone, 4,4'-dihydroxybenzophenone and phenyl salicylate. The percentages of Aza-A recovered at different time intervals from slides exposed to different light conditions with and without UV stabilizers as well as kinetic studies indicated that the addition of phenyl salicylate in methanolic solution of Aza-A (in 1:1 mole ratio) provides the best photo-stabilization of Aza-A molecule among the four UV stabilizers studied.

Photo interpretation key to Michigan land cover/use

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Enslin, W. R.; Hudson, W. D.; Lusch, D. P.

1983-01-01

A set of photo interpretation keys is presented to provide a structured approach to the identification of land cover/use categories as specified in the Michigan Resource Inventory Act. The designated categories are urban and; built up lands; agricultural lands; forest land; nonforested land; water bodies; wetlands; and barren land. The keys were developed for use with medium scale (1:20,000 to 1:24,000) color infrared aerial photography. Although each key is generalized in that it relies only upon the most distinguishing photo characteristics in separating the various land cover/use categories, additional interpretation characteristics, distinguishing features and background material are given.

Two-dimensional bismuth nanosheets as prospective photo-detector with tunable optoelectronic performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Hao; Ren, Xiaohui; Li, Zhongjun; Wang, Huide; Huang, Zongyu; Qiao, Hui; Tang, Pinghua; Zhao, Jinlai; Liang, Weiyuan; Ge, Yanqi; Liu, Jie; Li, Jianqing; Qi, Xiang; Zhang, Han

2018-06-01

Two dimensional Bi nanosheets have been employed to fabricate electrodes for broadband photo-detection. A series of characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy have verified that Bi nanosheets with intact lamellar structure have been obtained after facile liquid phase exfoliation. In the meanwhile, UV–vis and Raman spectra are also carried out and the inherent optical and physical properties of Bi nanosheets are confirmed. Inherited from the topological characteristics of Bi bulk counterpart, the resultant Bi nanosheet-based photo-detector exhibits preferable photo-response activity as well as environmental robustness. We then evaluate the photo-electrochemical (PEC) performance of the photodetector in 1 M NaOH and 0.5 M Na2SO4 electrolytes, and demonstrated that the as-prepared Bi nanosheets may possess a great potential as PEC-type photo-detector. Additional PEC measurements show that the current density of Bi nanosheets can reach up to 830 nA cm‑2, while an enhanced responsivity (1.8 μA W‑1) had been achieved. We anticipate that this contribution can provide feasibility towards the construction of high-performance elemental Bi nanosheets-based optoelectronic devices in the future.

Two-dimensional bismuth nanosheets as prospective photo-detector with tunable optoelectronic performance.

PubMed

Huang, Hao; Ren, Xiaohui; Li, Zhongjun; Wang, Huide; Huang, Zongyu; Qiao, Hui; Tang, Pinghua; Zhao, Jinlai; Liang, Weiyuan; Ge, Yanqi; Liu, Jie; Li, Jianqing; Qi, Xiang; Zhang, Han

2018-06-08

Two dimensional Bi nanosheets have been employed to fabricate electrodes for broadband photo-detection. A series of characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy have verified that Bi nanosheets with intact lamellar structure have been obtained after facile liquid phase exfoliation. In the meanwhile, UV-vis and Raman spectra are also carried out and the inherent optical and physical properties of Bi nanosheets are confirmed. Inherited from the topological characteristics of Bi bulk counterpart, the resultant Bi nanosheet-based photo-detector exhibits preferable photo-response activity as well as environmental robustness. We then evaluate the photo-electrochemical (PEC) performance of the photodetector in 1 M NaOH and 0.5 M Na 2 SO 4 electrolytes, and demonstrated that the as-prepared Bi nanosheets may possess a great potential as PEC-type photo-detector. Additional PEC measurements show that the current density of Bi nanosheets can reach up to 830 nA cm -2 , while an enhanced responsivity (1.8 μA W -1 ) had been achieved. We anticipate that this contribution can provide feasibility towards the construction of high-performance elemental Bi nanosheets-based optoelectronic devices in the future.

CLASS: The Cosmology Large Angular Scale Surveyor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Essinger-Hileman, Thomas; Ali, Aamir; Amiri, Mandana; Appel, John W.; Araujo, Derek; Bennett, Charles L.; Boone, Fletcher; Chan, Manwei; Cho, Hsiao-Mei; Chuss, David T.;

Site-specific diel mercury emission fluxes in landfill: Combined effects of vegetation and meteorological factors.

PubMed

Liu, Yang; Wu, Boran; Hao, Yongxia; Zhu, Wei; Li, Zhonggen; Chai, Xiaoli

2017-01-01

Mercury emission fluxes (MEFs) under different surface coverage conditions in a landfill were investigated in this study. The results show similar diel patterns of Hg emission flux under different coverage conditions, with peak fluxes occurring at midday and decreasing during night. We examined the effects of environmental factors on MEFs, such as the physiological characteristics of vegetation and meteorological conditions. The results suggest that growth of vegetation in the daytime facilitates the release of Hg in the anaerobic unit, while in the semi-aerobic unit, where vegetation had been removed, the higher mercury content of the cover soil prompted the photo-reduction pathway to become the main path of mercury release and increased MEFs. MEFs are positively correlated with solar radiation and air temperature, but negatively correlated with relative humidity. The correlation coefficients for MEFs with different environmental parameters indicate that in the anaerobic unit, solar radiation was the main influence on MEFs in September, while air temperature became the main determining factor in December. These observations suggest that the effects of meteorological conditions on the mercury release mechanism varies depending on the vegetation and soil pathways. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Mapping of the Seagrass Cover Along the Mediterranean Coast of Turkey Using Landsat 8 Oli Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakirman, T.; Gumusay, M. U.; Tuney, I.

2016-06-01

Benthic habitat is defined as ecological environment where marine animals, plants and other organisms live in. Benthic habitat mapping is defined as plotting the distribution and extent of habitats to create a map with complete coverage of the seabed showing distinct boundaries separating adjacent habitats or the use of spatially continuous environmental data sets to represent and predict biological patterns on the seafloor. Seagrass is an essential endemic marine species that prevents coast erosion and regulates carbon dioxide absorption in both undersea and atmosphere. Fishing, mining, pollution and other human activities cause serious damage to seabed ecosystems and reduce benthic biodiversity. According to the latest studies, only 5-10% of the seafloor is mapped, therefore it is not possible to manage resources effectively, protect ecologically important areas. In this study, it is aimed to map seagrass cover using Landsat 8 OLI images in the northern part of Mediterranean coast of Turkey. After pre-processing (e.g. radiometric, atmospheric, water depth correction) of Landsat images, coverage maps are produced with supervised classification using in-situ data which are underwater photos and videos. Result maps and accuracy assessment are presented and discussed.

5 CFR 534.202 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... certificate or license in a medical or dental field; or (3) Any student-employee not otherwise covered under... Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS PAY UNDER OTHER SYSTEMS Student-Employees in Government Hospitals § 534.202 Coverage. In addition to the student-employees specified in 5 U...

42 CFR 416.51 - Conditions for coverage-Infection control.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... communicable diseases. In addition, the infection control and prevention program must include documentation... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Conditions for coverage-Infection control. 416.51 Section 416.51 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

42 CFR 416.51 - Conditions for coverage-Infection control.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... communicable diseases. In addition, the infection control and prevention program must include documentation... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Conditions for coverage-Infection control. 416.51 Section 416.51 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

42 CFR 416.51 - Conditions for coverage-Infection control.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... communicable diseases. In addition, the infection control and prevention program must include documentation... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Conditions for coverage-Infection control. 416.51 Section 416.51 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

Photo screening around the world: Lions Club International Foundation experience.

PubMed

Donahue, Sean P; Lorenz, Sylvia; Johnson, Tammy

2008-01-01

To describe the use of photoscreening for preschool vision screening in several diverse locations throughout the world. The MTI photo screener was used to screen pre-verbal children; photographs were interpreted using standard criteria. The Tennessee vision screening program remains successful, screening over 200,000 children during the past 8 years. Similar programs modeled across the United States have screened an additional 500,000 children. A pilot demonstration project in Hong Kong, Beijing, and Brazil screened over 5000 additional children with good success and appropriately low referral rates. Photoscreening can be an appropriate technique for widespread vision screening of preschool children throughout the world.

Doubling Pharmacist Coverage in the Intensive Care Unit: Impact on the Pharmacists' Clinical Activities and Team Members' Satisfaction.

PubMed

McDaniel, Joshua; Bass, Lynn; Pate, Toni; DeValve, Michael; Miller, Susan

2017-09-01

Background: National professional organizations have recognized pharmacists as essential members of the intensive care unit (ICU) team. Critical care pharmacists' clinical activities have been categorized as fundamental, desirable, and optimal, providing a structure for gauging ICU pharmacy services being provided. Objective: To determine the impact the addition of a second ICU pharmacist covering 30 adult ICU beds at a large regional medical center has on the complexity of pharmacists' interventions, the types of clinical activities performed by the pharmacists, and the ICU team members' satisfaction. Methods: A prospective mixed-method descriptive study was conducted. Pharmacists recorded their interventions and clinical activities performed. A focus group composed of randomly selected ICU team members was held to qualitatively describe the impact of the additional pharmacist coverage on patient care, team dynamics, and pharmacy services provided. Results: The baseline period consisted of 33 days, and the intervention period consisted of 20 days. The average complexity of interventions was 1.72 during the baseline period (mode = 2) versus 1.69 (mode = 2) during the intervention period. The number of desirable and optimal clinical activities performed daily increased during the intervention from 8.4 (n = 279) to 16.4 (n = 328) and 2.3 (n = 75) to 8.6 (n = 171) compared with the baseline, respectively. Focus group members qualitatively described additional pharmacist coverage as beneficial. Conclusion: The additional critical care pharmacist did not increase pharmacy intervention complexity; however, more interventions were performed per day. Additional pharmacist coverage increased the daily number of desirable and optimal clinical activities performed and positively impacted ICU team members' satisfaction.

Synchrotron-based FTIR microspectroscopy for the mapping of photo-oxidation and additives in acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene model samples and historical objects.

PubMed

Saviello, Daniela; Pouyet, Emeline; Toniolo, Lucia; Cotte, Marine; Nevin, Austin

2014-09-16

Synchrotron-based Fourier transform infrared micro-spectroscopy (SR-μFTIR) was used to map photo-oxidative degradation of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and to investigate the presence and the migration of additives in historical samples from important Italian design objects. High resolution (3×3 μm(2)) molecular maps were obtained by FTIR microspectroscopy in transmission mode, using a new method for the preparation of polymer thin sections. The depth of photo-oxidation in samples was evaluated and accompanied by the formation of ketones, aldehydes, esters, and unsaturated carbonyl compounds. This study demonstrates selective surface oxidation and a probable passivation of material against further degradation. In polymer fragments from design objects made of ABS from the 1960s, UV-stabilizers were detected and mapped, and microscopic inclusions of proteinaceous material were identified and mapped for the first time. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

77 FR 74469 - Procurement List; Proposed Additions

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-14

... Defense Commissary Agency. NSN: 7510-00-NIB-1886--Tape, Vinyl Backing, Rubber Adhesive, Yellow, 36 yds. NSN: 7510-00-NIB-1891--Tape, Safety Stripe, Rubber Adhesive, Black/ Yellow, 36 yds. Coverage: A-List...-00-NIB-1890--Tape, Safety Stripe, Rubber Adhesive, Black/ White, 36 yds. Coverage: B-List for the...

Vacuum Ultraviolet Photodissociation and Fourier Transform-Ion Cyclotron Resonance (FT-ICR) Mass Spectrometry: Revisited.

PubMed

Shaw, Jared B; Robinson, Errol W; Paša-Tolić, Ljiljana

2016-03-15

We revisited the implementation of 193 nm ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD) within the ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) cell of a Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometer. UVPD performance characteristics were examined in the context of recent developments in the understanding of UVPD and in-cell tandem mass spectrometry. Efficient UVPD and photo-ECD of a model peptide and proteins within the ICR cell of a FT-ICR mass spectrometer are accomplished through appropriate modulation of laser pulse timing, relative to ion magnetron motion and the potential applied to an ion optical element upon which photons impinge. It is shown that UVPD yields efficient and extensive fragmentation, resulting in excellent sequence coverage for model peptide and protein cations.

Radiotherapy-induced Cherenkov luminescence imaging in a human body phantom.

PubMed

Ahmed, Syed Rakin; Jia, Jeremy Mengyu; Bruza, Petr; Vinogradov, Sergei; Jiang, Shudong; Gladstone, David J; Jarvis, Lesley A; Pogue, Brian W

2018-03-01

Radiation therapy produces Cherenkov optical emission in tissue, and this light can be utilized to activate molecular probes. The feasibility of sensing luminescence from a tissue molecular oxygen sensor from within a human body phantom was examined using the geometry of the axillary lymph node region. Detection of regions down to 30-mm deep was feasible with submillimeter spatial resolution with the total quantity of the phosphorescent sensor PtG4 near 1 nanomole. Radiation sheet scanning in an epi-illumination geometry provided optimal coverage, and maximum intensity projection images provided illustration of the concept. This work provides the preliminary information needed to attempt this type of imaging in vivo. (2018) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).

KSC-2012-6504

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-19

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.-- The truck transporting NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite backs into the processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. for prelaunch checkout. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2013-1124

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-01-12

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – The Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, spacecraft stands in the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Calif., during fueling operations. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: VAFB

KSC-2012-6520

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-21

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. -- Technicians unload and rotate NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite at the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-6518

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-21

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.-- Technicians use a crane to move NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite at the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-6496

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-19

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.-- NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite arrives by transport truck at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. for prelaunch processing. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-6517

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-21

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.-- Technicians use a crane to move NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite at the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-6495

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-19

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.-- NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite arrives by transport truck at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. for prelaunch processing. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-6503

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-19

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.-- The truck transporting NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite backs into the processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. for prelaunch checkout. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-6519

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-21

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.-- Technicians begin checkout of NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite at the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-6513

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-21

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. -- Technicians unload NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite at the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-6523

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-21

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. -- Technicians inspect NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite at the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-6514

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-21

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.-- Technicians unload NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite at the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-6515

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-21

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.-- Technicians use a crane to move NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite at the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-6506

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-19

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.-- Technicians position the transport container with NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite at the prelaunch processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-6497

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-19

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.-- NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite arrives by transport truck at the Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. for prelaunch processing. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-6525

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-21

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. -- NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite during post-arrival inspections at the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-6507

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-19

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.-- The truck transporting NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite backs into the processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. for prelaunch checkout. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-6516

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-21

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.-- Technicians begin checkout of NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite at the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-6512

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-21

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. -- Technicians unload NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite at the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-6508

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-19

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.-- Technicians position the transport container with NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite at the prelaunch processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-6524

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-21

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. -- NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite during post-arrival inspections at the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-6526

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-21

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. -- Technicians inspect NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite at the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

A search for life on earth at 100 meter resolution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sagan, C.; Wallace, D.

1970-01-01

A study of several thousand photos indicated approximately 1% of Gemini and Apollo photographs of the earth at 100 m resolution revealed signs of life; rectangular arrays due to human agricultural and urban territoriality, roads, canals, jet contrails, and industrial pollution. Potential false positives such as dunes, sand bars, and jet stream clouds abound. A curve was derived for the detectivity of contemporary life on earth, in a plot of ground resolution versus global coverage. A comparable biology on Mars would not have been detected by all observations of Mars through Mariner 7. Forthcoming Mars orbiter and lander imaging experiments hold significant promise of detecting life on Mars of contemporary terrestrial extent and advancement, should such life exist.

Trigonal warping and photo-induced effects on zone boundary phonon in monolayer graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akay, D.

2018-05-01

We have reported the electronic band structure of monolayer graphene when the combined effects arising from the trigonal warp and highest zone-boundary phonons having A1 g symmetry with Haldane interaction which induced photo-irradiation effect. On the basis of our model, we have introduced a diagonalization to solve the associated Fröhlich Hamiltonian. We have examined that, a trigonal warping effect is introduced on the K and K ' points, leading to a dynamical band gap in the graphene electronic band spectrum due to the electron-A1 g phonon interaction and Haldane mass interaction. Additionally, the bands exhibited an anisotropy at this point. It is also found that, photo-irradiation effect is quite smaller than the trigonal warp effects in the graphene electronic band spectrum. In spite of this, controllability of the photo induced effects by the Haldane mass will have extensive implications in the graphene.

Photo-induced refractive index and topographical surface gratings in functionalized nanocarbon solid film

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

McGee, David J.; Ferrie, John; Plachy, Aljoscha

2015-11-02

We demonstrate that a single-walled carbon nanotube network noncovalently coupled with a pyrene-modified azo-benzene chromophore functions as a host matrix for a broad range of photo-orientation and photomechanical effects. The chromophore could be efficiently reoriented through repeated trans-cis-trans isomerization under linearly polarized 480 nm light, with Δn of 0.012 at 650 nm and fast characteristic rise-times of 0.12 s. Erasable phase diffraction gratings could also be written, with permanent surface relief gratings forming at sufficiently long irradiation times. In addition to demonstrating a mechanism for photo-manipulation of single-walled carbon nanotubes, these results show photo-orientation of chromophores in azo-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube networks asmore » a path towards the photosensitive tuning of the electrostatic environment of the nanotube.« less

Photo-induced ultrasound microscopy for photo-acoustic imaging of non-absorbing specimens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tcarenkova, Elena; Koho, Sami V.; Hänninen, Pekka E.

2017-08-01

Photo-Acoustic Microscopy (PAM) has raised high interest in in-vivo imaging due to its ability to preserve the near-diffraction limited spatial resolution of optical microscopes, whilst extending the penetration depth to the mm-range. Another advantage of PAM is that it is a label-free technique - any substance that absorbs PAM excitation laser light can be viewed. However, not all sample structures desired to be observed absorb sufficiently to provide contrast for imaging. This work describes a novel imaging method that makes it possible to visualize optically transparent samples that lack intrinsic photo-acoustic contrast, without the addition of contrast agents. A thin, strongly light absorbing layer next to sample is used to generate a strong ultrasonic signal. This signal, when recorded from opposite side, contains ultrasonic transmission information of the sample and thus the method can be used to obtain an ultrasound transmission image on any PAM.

30 CFR 725.12 - Coverage of grants.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... chapter. (c) Additional inspections required to enforce the initial performance standards of this chapter...) Additional administrative activities and supporting costs related to hiring additional inspectors and other... part 720, and submitting applications for reimbursement grants under this part. (h) Additional...

30 CFR 725.12 - Coverage of grants.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... chapter. (c) Additional inspections required to enforce the initial performance standards of this chapter...) Additional administrative activities and supporting costs related to hiring additional inspectors and other... part 720, and submitting applications for reimbursement grants under this part. (h) Additional...

30 CFR 725.12 - Coverage of grants.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... chapter. (c) Additional inspections required to enforce the initial performance standards of this chapter...) Additional administrative activities and supporting costs related to hiring additional inspectors and other... part 720, and submitting applications for reimbursement grants under this part. (h) Additional...

30 CFR 725.12 - Coverage of grants.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... chapter. (c) Additional inspections required to enforce the initial performance standards of this chapter...) Additional administrative activities and supporting costs related to hiring additional inspectors and other... part 720, and submitting applications for reimbursement grants under this part. (h) Additional...

30 CFR 725.12 - Coverage of grants.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... chapter. (c) Additional inspections required to enforce the initial performance standards of this chapter...) Additional administrative activities and supporting costs related to hiring additional inspectors and other... part 720, and submitting applications for reimbursement grants under this part. (h) Additional...

How orthodontic records can influence torque choice decisions?

PubMed Central

Mavreas, Dimitrios; Kuppens, Enya; Buyl, Ronald

2016-01-01

Summary Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the addition of records can influence intra- and inter-rated agreement on torque choices made to treat a group of patients with various malocclusions. Methods: Forty-eight patients were presented to five orthodontic specialists in three different occasions. During the first session, the participants were shown only the models and intraoral photos of the patients; extraoral photos were added during the second session, and cephalometric X-rays were further supplemented during the third session. Mean weighted kappa coefficients were calculated to measure agreement. Results: The inter-observer agreement was low with the mean coefficients measured:κ1 = 0.34 (SD ± 0.09), κ2 = 0.57 (SD ± 0.12), and κ3 = 0.54 (SD ± 0.28) for the three attempts, respectively. The mean kappa coefficients for the intra-rater agreement were also low ranging from 0.18 to 0.66 and the mean coefficients were 0.27 (SD ± 0.11) between first and second, and 0.53 (SD ± 0.11) between second and third attempt, respectively. Conclusions: This study shows that the addition of extraoral photographs, and subsequently cephalograms to plaster models and intraoral photos, does affect intra-, and inter-rater agreement on torque selection. It seems that the addition of extraoral photos plays a more important role in torque selection decisions than lateral cephalograms. Different clinicians do not have a uniform opinion on the size of torque required to treat cases. Further research is required to define rules on torque choices. PMID:26409048

Multiple Representations-Based Face Sketch-Photo Synthesis.

PubMed

Peng, Chunlei; Gao, Xinbo; Wang, Nannan; Tao, Dacheng; Li, Xuelong; Li, Jie

2016-11-01

Face sketch-photo synthesis plays an important role in law enforcement and digital entertainment. Most of the existing methods only use pixel intensities as the feature. Since face images can be described using features from multiple aspects, this paper presents a novel multiple representations-based face sketch-photo-synthesis method that adaptively combines multiple representations to represent an image patch. In particular, it combines multiple features from face images processed using multiple filters and deploys Markov networks to exploit the interacting relationships between the neighboring image patches. The proposed framework could be solved using an alternating optimization strategy and it normally converges in only five outer iterations in the experiments. Our experimental results on the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) face sketch database, celebrity photos, CUHK Face Sketch FERET Database, IIIT-D Viewed Sketch Database, and forensic sketches demonstrate the effectiveness of our method for face sketch-photo synthesis. In addition, cross-database and database-dependent style-synthesis evaluations demonstrate the generalizability of this novel method and suggest promising solutions for face identification in forensic science.

Nonadiabatic dynamics of photo-induced proton-coupled electron transfer reactions via ring-polymer surface hopping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shakib, Farnaz; Huo, Pengfei

Photo-induced proton-coupled electron transfer reactions (PCET) are at the heart of energy conversion reactions in photocatalysis. Here, we apply the recently developed ring-polymer surface-hopping (RPSH) approach to simulate the nonadiabatic dynamics of photo-induced PCET. The RPSH method incorporates ring-polymer (RP) quantization of the proton into the fewest-switches surface-hopping (FSSH) approach. Using two diabatic electronic states, corresponding to the electron donor and acceptor states, we model photo-induced PCET with the proton described by a classical isomorphism RP. From the RPSH method, we obtain numerical results that are comparable to those obtained when the proton is treated quantum mechanically. This accuracy stems from incorporating exact quantum statistics, such as proton tunnelling, into approximate quantum dynamics. Additionally, RPSH offers the numerical accuracy along with the computational efficiency. Namely, compared to the FSSH approach in vibronic representation, there is no need to calculate a massive number of vibronic states explicitly. This approach opens up the possibility to accurately and efficiently simulate photo-induced PCET with multiple transferring protons or electrons.

Præventis, the immunisation register of the Netherlands: a tool to evaluate the National Immunisation Programme.

PubMed

van Lier, A; Oomen, P; de Hoogh, P; Drijfhout, I; Elsinghorst, B; Kemmeren, J; Conyn-van Spaendonck, M; de Melker, H

2012-04-26

Vaccination coverage is an important performance indicator of any national immunisation programme (NIP). To monitor the vaccination coverage in the Netherlands, an electronic national immunisation register called ‘Præventis’ was implemented in 2005. Præventis has a link with the population register and can produce letters of invitation for the NIP, register and validate administered vaccinations. The database is used to monitor the vaccination process, produce reminder letters, control the stock of vaccines and provides information used for paying the fees to the different executive organisations involved. Præventis provides a crucial tool for the evaluation of the NIP by producing (sub)national vaccination coverage estimates with high accuracy and allowing additional research: identifying populations at high risk for low coverage based on existing data, conducting specific studies where individuals included in the immunisation register are approached for further research, using vaccination coverage data for the interpretation of (sero)surveillance data, and linking the immunisation register with disease registers to address vaccine safety or vaccine effectiveness. The ability to combine Præventis data with data from other databases or disease registers and the ability to approach individuals with additional research questions offers opportunities to identify areas of priority for improving the Dutch NIP.

Medicaid, family spending, and the financial implications of crowd-out.

PubMed

Dillender, Marcus

2017-05-01

A primary purpose of health insurance is to protect families from medical expenditure risk. Despite this goal and despite the fact that research has found that Medicaid can crowd out private coverage, little is known about the effect of Medicaid on families' spending patterns. This paper implements a simulated instrumental variables strategy with data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey to estimate the effect of an additional family member becoming eligible for Medicaid on family-level health insurance coverage and spending. The results indicate that an additional family member becoming eligible for Medicaid increases the number of people in the family with Medicaid coverage by about 0.135-0.142 and decreases the likelihood that a family has any medical spending in a quarter by 2.7 percentage points. As previous research often finds with different data sets, I find evidence that Medicaid expansions crowd out some private coverage. Unlike most other data sets, the Consumer Expenditure Survey allows for considering the financial implications of crowd-out. The results indicate that families that transition from private coverage to Medicaid are able to spend significantly less on health insurance expenses, meaning Medicaid expansions can be welfare improving for families even when crowd-out occurs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Expanding proteome coverage with orthogonal-specificity α-Lytic proteases

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

Meyer, Jesse G.; Kim, Sangtae; Maltby, David A.

2014-03-01

Bottom-up proteomics studies traditionally involve proteome digestion with a single protease, trypsin. However, trypsin alone does not generate peptides that encompass the entire proteome. Alternative proteases have been explored, but most have specificity for charged amino acid side chains. Therefore, additional proteases that improve proteome coverage by cleavage at sequences complimentary to trypsin may increase proteome coverage. We demonstrate the novel application of two proteases for bottom-up proteomics: wild type alpha-lytic protease (WaLP), and an active site mutant of WaLP, M190A alpha-lytic protease (MaLP). We assess several relevant factors including MS/MS fragmentation, peptide length, peptide yield, and protease specificity. Bymore » combining data from separate digestions with trypsin, LysC, WaLP, and MaLP, proteome coverage was increased 101% compared to trypsin digestion alone. To demonstrate how the gained sequence coverage can access additional PTM information, we show identification of a number of novel phosphorylation sites in the S. pombe proteome and include an illustrative example from the protein MPD2, wherein two novel sites are identified, one in a tryptic peptide too short to identify and the other in a sequence devoid of tryptic sites. The specificity of WaLP and MaLP for aliphatic amino acid side chains was particularly valuable for coverage of membrane protein sequences, which increased 350% when the data from trypsin, LysC, WaLP, and MaLP were combined.« less

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

Li, Yuzhan; Zhang, Yuehong; Rios, Orlando

The increasing demand for intelligent materials has driven the development of polymers with a variety of functionalities. However, combining multiple functionalities within one polymer is still challenging because of the difficulties encountered in coordinating different functional building blocks during fabrication. In this work, we demonstrate the fabrication of a multifunctional liquid crystalline epoxy network (LCEN) using the combination of thermotropic liquid crystals, photo-responsive azobenzene molecules, and exchangeable disulfide bonds. In addition to shape memory behavior enabled by the reversible liquid crystalline phase transition and photo-induced bending behavior resulting from the photo-responsive azobenzene molecules, the introduction of dynamic disulfide bonds intomore » the LCEN resulted in a structurally dynamic network, allowing the reshaping, repairing, and recycling of the material.« less

Shear and elongational rheology of photo-oxidative degraded HDPE and LLDPE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagner, Manfred Hermann; Zheng, Wang; Wang, Peng; Talamante, Sebastián Ramos; Narimissa, Esmaeil

2017-05-01

The effect of photo-oxidative degradation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) was investigated by linear and non-linear rheological measurements. The linear-viscoelastic rheological measurements were performed at different temperatures, while the elongational viscosity was measured at 170°C and at different strain rates. The rheological data are indicative of structural changes caused by photo-oxidative degradation including formation of long-chain branches (LCB), cross-linking, and chain scission, and they revealed a cyclic and continuing competition between chain scission and LCB/gel formation. These findings are supported by additional FTIR measurements and direct measurements of the gel content of the degraded samples.

VOC removal and deodorization of effluent gases from an industrial plant by photo-oxidation, chemical oxidation, and ozonization.

PubMed

Domeño, Celia; Rodríguez-Lafuente, Angel; Martos, J M; Bilbao, Rafael; Nerín, Cristina

2010-04-01

The efficiency of photo-oxidation, chemical oxidation by sodium hypochlorite, and ozonization for the industrial-scale removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors from gaseous emissions was studied by applying these treatments (in an experimental system) to substances passing through an emission stack of a factory producing maize derivatives. Absorption and ozonization were the most efficient treatment, removing 75% and 98% of VOCs, respectively, while photo-oxidation only removed about 59%. The emitted chemical compounds and odors were identified and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (in full-scan mode). In addition to presenting the results, their implications for selecting optimal processes for treating volatile emissions are discussed.

Response of CMS avalanche photo-diodes to low energy neutrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, R. M.; Deiters, K.; Ingram, Q.; Renker, D.

2012-12-01

The response of the Avalanche Photo-diodes (APDs) installed in the CMS detector at the LHC to neutrons from 241AmBe and 252Cf sources is reported. Signals in size equivalent to those of up to 106 photo-electrons with the nominal APD gain are observed. Measurements with an APD with the protective epoxy coating removed and with the source placed behind the APD show that there is an important response due to recoil protons from neutron interactions with the hydrogen in the epoxy, in addition to signals from neutron interactions with the silicon of the diode. The effective gain of these signals is much smaller than the diode's nominal gain.

Response Error in Reporting Dental Coverage by Older Americans in the Health and Retirement Study

PubMed Central

Manski, Richard J.; Mathiowetz, Nancy A.; Campbell, Nancy; Pepper, John V.

2014-01-01

The aim of this research was to analyze the inconsistency in responses to survey questions within the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) regarding insurance coverage of dental services. Self-reports of dental coverage in the dental services section were compared with those in the insurance section of the 2002 HRS to identify inconsistent responses. Logistic regression identified characteristics of persons reporting discrepancies and assessed the effect of measurement error on dental coverage coefficient estimates in dental utilization models. In 18% of cases, data reported in the insurance section contradicted data reported in the dental use section of the HRS by those who said insurance at least partially covered (or would have covered) their (hypothetical) dental use. Additional findings included distinct characteristics of persons with potential reporting errors and a downward bias to the regression coefficient for coverage in a dental use model without controls for inconsistent self-reports of coverage. This study offers evidence for the need to validate self-reports of dental insurance coverage among a survey population of older Americans to obtain more accurate estimates of coverage and its impact on dental utilization. PMID:25428430

Spatio-Temporal Change of Vegetation Coverage and its Driving Forces Based on Landsat Images: a Case Study of Changchun City

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, L.; Jiang, H.; Yang, L.

2018-04-01

Based on the Landsat images in 2006, 2011 and 2015, and the method of dimidiate pixel model, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the vegetation coverage, this paper analyzes the spatio-temporal variation of vegetation coverage in Changchun, China from 2006 to 2015, and investigates the response of vegetation coverage change to natural and artificial factors. The research results show that in nearly 10 years, the vegetation coverage in Changchun dropped remarkably, and reached the minimum in 2011. Moreover, the decrease of maximum NDVI was significant, with a decrease of about 27.43 %, from 2006 to 2015. The vegetation coverage change in different regions of the research area was significantly different. Among them, the vegetation change in Changchun showed a little drop, and it decreased firstly and then increased slowly in Yushu, Nong'an and Dehui. In addition, the temperature and precipitation change, land reclamation all affect the vegetation coverage. In short, the study of vegetation coverage change contributes scientific and technical support to government and environmental protection department, so as to promote the coordinated development of ecology and economy.

Coverage gap in maternal and child health services in India: assessing trends and regional deprivation during 1992-2006.

PubMed

Kumar, Chandan; Singh, Prashant Kumar; Rai, Rajesh Kumar

2013-12-01

Increasing the coverage of key maternal, newborn and child health interventions is essential, if India has to attain Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5. This study assesses the coverage gap in maternal and child health services across states in India during 1992-2006 emphasizing the rural-urban disparities. Additionally, association between the coverage gap and under-5 mortality rate across states are illustrated. The three waves of National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted during 1992-1993 (NFHS-1), 1998-1999 (NFHS-2) and 2005-2006 (NFHS-3) were used to construct a composite index of coverage gap in four areas of health-care interventions: family planning, maternal and newborn care, immunization and treatment of sick children. The central, eastern and northeastern regions of India reported a higher coverage gap in maternal and child health care services during 1992-2006, while the rural-urban difference in the coverage gap has increased in Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan and Kerala over the period. The analysis also shows a significant positive relationship between the coverage gap index and under-five mortality rate across states. Region or area-specific focus in order to increase the coverage of maternal and child health care services in India should be the priority of the policy-makers and programme executors.

Using lot quality assurance sampling to improve immunization coverage in Bangladesh.

PubMed Central

Tawfik, Y.; Hoque, S.; Siddiqi, M.

2001-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To determine areas of low vaccination coverage in five cities in Bangladesh (Chittagong, Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Syedpur). METHODS: Six studies using lot quality assurance sampling were conducted between 1995 and 1997 by Basic Support for Institutionalizing Child Survival and the Bangladesh National Expanded Programme on Immunization. FINDINGS: BCG vaccination coverage was acceptable in all lots studied; however, the proportion of lots rejected because coverage of measles vaccination was low ranged from 0% of lots in Syedpur to 12% in Chittagong and 20% in Dhaka's zones 7 and 8. The proportion of lots rejected because an inadequate number of children in the sample had been fully vaccinated varied from 11% in Syedpur to 30% in Dhaka. Additionally, analysis of aggregated, weighted immunization coverage showed that there was a high BCG vaccination coverage (the first administered vaccine) and a low measles vaccination coverage (the last administered vaccine) indicating a high drop-out rate, ranging from 14% in Syedpur to 36% in Dhaka's zone 8. CONCLUSION: In Bangladesh, where resources are limited, results from surveys using lot quality assurance sampling enabled managers of the National Expanded Programme on Immunization to identify areas with poor vaccination coverage. Those areas were targeted to receive focused interventions to improve coverage. Since this sampling method requires only a small sample size and was easy for staff to use, it is feasible for routine monitoring of vaccination coverage. PMID:11436470

Nonpareil 3: Fast Estimation of Metagenomic Coverage and Sequence Diversity.

PubMed

Rodriguez-R, Luis M; Gunturu, Santosh; Tiedje, James M; Cole, James R; Konstantinidis, Konstantinos T

2018-01-01

Estimations of microbial community diversity based on metagenomic data sets are affected, often to an unknown degree, by biases derived from insufficient coverage and reference database-dependent estimations of diversity. For instance, the completeness of reference databases cannot be generally estimated since it depends on the extant diversity sampled to date, which, with the exception of a few habitats such as the human gut, remains severely undersampled. Further, estimation of the degree of coverage of a microbial community by a metagenomic data set is prohibitively time-consuming for large data sets, and coverage values may not be directly comparable between data sets obtained with different sequencing technologies. Here, we extend Nonpareil, a database-independent tool for the estimation of coverage in metagenomic data sets, to a high-performance computing implementation that scales up to hundreds of cores and includes, in addition, a k -mer-based estimation as sensitive as the original alignment-based version but about three hundred times as fast. Further, we propose a metric of sequence diversity ( N d ) derived directly from Nonpareil curves that correlates well with alpha diversity assessed by traditional metrics. We use this metric in different experiments demonstrating the correlation with the Shannon index estimated on 16S rRNA gene profiles and show that N d additionally reveals seasonal patterns in marine samples that are not captured by the Shannon index and more precise rankings of the magnitude of diversity of microbial communities in different habitats. Therefore, the new version of Nonpareil, called Nonpareil 3, advances the toolbox for metagenomic analyses of microbiomes. IMPORTANCE Estimation of the coverage provided by a metagenomic data set, i.e., what fraction of the microbial community was sampled by DNA sequencing, represents an essential first step of every culture-independent genomic study that aims to robustly assess the sequence diversity present in a sample. However, estimation of coverage remains elusive because of several technical limitations associated with high computational requirements and limiting statistical approaches to quantify diversity. Here we described Nonpareil 3, a new bioinformatics algorithm that circumvents several of these limitations and thus can facilitate culture-independent studies in clinical or environmental settings, independent of the sequencing platform employed. In addition, we present a new metric of sequence diversity based on rarefied coverage and demonstrate its use in communities from diverse ecosystems.

Computational Analysis of Hybrid Two-Photon Absorbers with Excited State Absorption

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-03-01

level. This hybrid arrangement creates a complex dynamical system in which the electron carrier concentration of every photo-activated energy level...spatiotemporal details of the electron population densities of each photo-activated energy level as well as the pulse shape in space and time. The main...experiments at low input energy . However, further additions must be done to the calculation of the optical path for high input energy . 1 15. SUBJECT TERM

Photo-convertible fluorescent proteins as tools for fresh insights on subcellular interactions in plants.

PubMed

Griffiths, N; Jaipargas, E-A; Wozny, M R; Barton, K A; Mathur, N; Delfosse, K; Mathur, J

2016-08-01

Optical highlighters comprise photo-activatable, photo-switchable and photo-convertible fluorescent proteins and are relatively recent additions to the toolbox utilized for live cell imaging research. Here, we provide an overview of four photo-convertible fluorescent proteins (pcFP) that are being used in plant cell research: Eos, Kaede, Maple and Dendra2. Each of these proteins has a significant advantage over other optical highlighters since their green fluorescent nonconverted forms and red fluorescent converted forms are generally clearly visible at expression levels that do not appear to interfere with subcellular dynamics and plant development. These proteins have become increasingly useful for understanding the role of transient and sustained interactions between similar organelles. Tracking of single organelles after green-to-red conversion has provided novel insights on plastids and their stroma-filled extensions and on the formation of mega-mitochondria. Similarly colour recovery after photo-conversion has permitted the estimation of nuclear endo-reduplication events and is being developed further to image protein trafficking within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. We have also applied photo-convertible proteins to create colour-differentiation between similar cell types to follow their development. Both the green and red fluorescent forms of these proteins are compatible with other commonly used single coloured FPs. This has allowed us to develop simultaneous visualization schemes for up to five types of organelles and investigate organelle interactivity. The advantages and caveats associated with the use of photo-convertible fluorescent proteins are discussed. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2016 Royal Microscopical Society.

Incentives Increase Participation in Mass Dog Rabies Vaccination Clinics and Methods of Coverage Estimation Are Assessed to Be Accurate

PubMed Central

Steinmetz, Melissa; Czupryna, Anna; Bigambo, Machunde; Mzimbiri, Imam; Powell, George; Gwakisa, Paul

2015-01-01

In this study we show that incentives (dog collars and owner wristbands) are effective at increasing owner participation in mass dog rabies vaccination clinics and we conclude that household questionnaire surveys and the mark-re-sight (transect survey) method for estimating post-vaccination coverage are accurate when all dogs, including puppies, are included. Incentives were distributed during central-point rabies vaccination clinics in northern Tanzania to quantify their effect on owner participation. In villages where incentives were handed out participation increased, with an average of 34 more dogs being vaccinated. Through economies of scale, this represents a reduction in the cost-per-dog of $0.47. This represents the price-threshold under which the cost of the incentive used must fall to be economically viable. Additionally, vaccination coverage levels were determined in ten villages through the gold-standard village-wide census technique, as well as through two cheaper and quicker methods (randomized household questionnaire and the transect survey). Cost data were also collected. Both non-gold standard methods were found to be accurate when puppies were included in the calculations, although the transect survey and the household questionnaire survey over- and under-estimated the coverage respectively. Given that additional demographic data can be collected through the household questionnaire survey, and that its estimate of coverage is more conservative, we recommend this method. Despite the use of incentives the average vaccination coverage was below the 70% threshold for eliminating rabies. We discuss the reasons and suggest solutions to improve coverage. Given recent international targets to eliminate rabies, this study provides valuable and timely data to help improve mass dog vaccination programs in Africa and elsewhere. PMID:26633821

The impact of reforestation in the northeast United States on precipitation and surface temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, Allyson

Since the 1920s, forest coverage in the northeastern United States has recovered from disease, clearing for agricultural and urban development, and the demands of the timber industry. Such a dramatic change in ground cover can influence heat and moisture fluxes to the atmosphere, as measured in altered landscapes in Australia, Israel, and the Amazon. In this study, the impacts of recent reforestation in the northeastern United States on summertime precipitation and surface temperature were quantified by comparing average modern values to 1950s values. Weak positive (negative) relationships between reforestation and average monthly precipitation and daily minimum temperatures (average daily maximum surface temperature) were found. There was no relationship between reforestation and average surface temperature. Results of the observational analysis were compared with results obtained from reforestation scenarios simulated with the BUGS5 global climate model. The single difference between the model runs was the amount of forest coverage in the northeast United States; three levels of forest were defined - a grassland state, with 0% forest coverage, a completely forested state, with approximately 100% forest coverage, and a control state, with forest coverage closely resembling modern forest coverage. The three simulations were compared, and had larger magnitude average changes in precipitation and in all temperature variables. The difference in magnitudes between the model simulations observations was much larger than the difference in the amount of reforestation in each case. Additionally, unlike in observations, a negative relationship was found between average daily minimum temperature and amount of forest coverage, implying that additional factors influence temperature and precipitation in the real world that are not accounted for in the model.

75 FR 41449 - Procurement List Additions and Deletion

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-16

... the requirement of the U.S. Army, as aggregated by the Department of the Army Research, Development..., Philadelphia, PA Coverage: C-List for 100% of the requirement of the Department of Defense, as aggregated by... Acquisition Service, GSA/FSS OFC SUP CTR--Paper Products, New York, NY Coverage: A-List for the Total...

32 CFR 232.1 - Authority, purpose, and coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... consumer credit; (2) Requires creditors to disclose to covered borrowers the cost of the transaction as a... implement 10 U.S.C. 987. (b) Purpose. The purpose of this part is to impose limitations on the cost and... provide additional consumer disclosures for such transactions. (c) Coverage. This part defines the types...

25 CFR 1000.275 - Is it necessary for a self-governance AFA to include any clauses about FTCA coverage?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

.../Consortium and its employees (including individuals performing personal services contracts with the tribe... clauses about FTCA coverage? 1000.275 Section 1000.275 Indians OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY, INDIAN... salary and benefits unless the employee receives additional compensation for performing covered services...

25 CFR 1000.275 - Is it necessary for a self-governance AFA to include any clauses about FTCA coverage?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

.../Consortium and its employees (including individuals performing personal services contracts with the tribe... clauses about FTCA coverage? 1000.275 Section 1000.275 Indians OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY, INDIAN... salary and benefits unless the employee receives additional compensation for performing covered services...

25 CFR 1000.275 - Is it necessary for a self-governance AFA to include any clauses about FTCA coverage?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

.../Consortium and its employees (including individuals performing personal services contracts with the tribe... clauses about FTCA coverage? 1000.275 Section 1000.275 Indians OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY, INDIAN... salary and benefits unless the employee receives additional compensation for performing covered services...

25 CFR 1000.275 - Is it necessary for a self-governance AFA to include any clauses about FTCA coverage?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

.../Consortium and its employees (including individuals performing personal services contracts with the tribe... clauses about FTCA coverage? 1000.275 Section 1000.275 Indians OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY, INDIAN... salary and benefits unless the employee receives additional compensation for performing covered services...

Ge/Si(001) heterostructures with dense arrays of Ge quantum dots: morphology, defects, photo-emf spectra and terahertz conductivity

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Issues of Ge hut cluster array formation and growth at low temperatures on the Ge/Si(001) wetting layer are discussed on the basis of explorations performed by high resolution STM and in-situ RHEED. Dynamics of the RHEED patterns in the process of Ge hut array formation is investigated at low and high temperatures of Ge deposition. Different dynamics of RHEED patterns during the deposition of Ge atoms in different growth modes is observed, which reflects the difference in adatom mobility and their ‘condensation’ fluxes from Ge 2D gas on the surface for different modes, which in turn control the nucleation rates and densities of Ge clusters. Data of HRTEM studies of multilayer Ge/Si heterostructures are presented with the focus on low-temperature formation of perfect films. Heteroepitaxial Si p–i–n-diodes with multilayer stacks of Ge/Si(001) quantum dot dense arrays built in intrinsic domains have been investigated and found to exhibit the photo-emf in a wide spectral range from 0.8 to 5 μm. An effect of wide-band irradiation by infrared light on the photo-emf spectra has been observed. Photo-emf in different spectral ranges has been found to be differently affected by the wide-band irradiation. A significant increase in photo-emf is observed in the fundamental absorption range under the wide-band irradiation. The observed phenomena are explained in terms of positive and neutral charge states of the quantum dot layers and the Coulomb potential of the quantum dot ensemble. A new design of quantum dot infrared photodetectors is proposed. By using a coherent source spectrometer, first measurements of terahertz dynamical conductivity (absorptivity) spectra of Ge/Si(001) heterostructures were performed at frequencies ranged from 0.3 to 1.2 THz in the temperature interval from 300 to 5 K. The effective dynamical conductivity of the heterostructures with Ge quantum dots has been discovered to be significantly higher than that of the structure with the same amount of bulk germanium (not organized in an array of quantum dots). The excess conductivity is not observed in the structures with the Ge coverage less than 8 Å. When a Ge/Si(001) sample is cooled down the conductivity of the heterostructure decreases. PMID:22824144

Ge/Si(001) heterostructures with dense arrays of Ge quantum dots: morphology, defects, photo-emf spectra and terahertz conductivity.

PubMed

Yuryev, Vladimir A; Arapkina, Larisa V; Storozhevykh, Mikhail S; Chapnin, Valery A; Chizh, Kirill V; Uvarov, Oleg V; Kalinushkin, Victor P; Zhukova, Elena S; Prokhorov, Anatoly S; Spektor, Igor E; Gorshunov, Boris P

2012-07-23

: Issues of Ge hut cluster array formation and growth at low temperatures on the Ge/Si(001) wetting layer are discussed on the basis of explorations performed by high resolution STM and in-situ RHEED. Dynamics of the RHEED patterns in the process of Ge hut array formation is investigated at low and high temperatures of Ge deposition. Different dynamics of RHEED patterns during the deposition of Ge atoms in different growth modes is observed, which reflects the difference in adatom mobility and their 'condensation' fluxes from Ge 2D gas on the surface for different modes, which in turn control the nucleation rates and densities of Ge clusters. Data of HRTEM studies of multilayer Ge/Si heterostructures are presented with the focus on low-temperature formation of perfect films.Heteroepitaxial Si p-i-n-diodes with multilayer stacks of Ge/Si(001) quantum dot dense arrays built in intrinsic domains have been investigated and found to exhibit the photo-emf in a wide spectral range from 0.8 to 5 μm. An effect of wide-band irradiation by infrared light on the photo-emf spectra has been observed. Photo-emf in different spectral ranges has been found to be differently affected by the wide-band irradiation. A significant increase in photo-emf is observed in the fundamental absorption range under the wide-band irradiation. The observed phenomena are explained in terms of positive and neutral charge states of the quantum dot layers and the Coulomb potential of the quantum dot ensemble. A new design of quantum dot infrared photodetectors is proposed.By using a coherent source spectrometer, first measurements of terahertz dynamical conductivity (absorptivity) spectra of Ge/Si(001) heterostructures were performed at frequencies ranged from 0.3 to 1.2 THz in the temperature interval from 300 to 5 K. The effective dynamical conductivity of the heterostructures with Ge quantum dots has been discovered to be significantly higher than that of the structure with the same amount of bulk germanium (not organized in an array of quantum dots). The excess conductivity is not observed in the structures with the Ge coverage less than 8 Å. When a Ge/Si(001) sample is cooled down the conductivity of the heterostructure decreases.

Preparation of titanium phosphates with additives in hydrothermal process and their powder properties for cosmetics.

PubMed

Onoda, Hiroaki; Yamaguchi, Taisuke

2013-04-01

In this study, titanium phosphates were prepared from titanium chloride and phosphoric acid, sodium pyrophosphate and sodium triphosphate solutions with water retention compounds in hydrothermal process as a novel white pigment for cosmetics. Their chemical composition, powder properties, photo catalytic activity, water retention and smoothness were studied. The addition of glycerin in the preparation from sodium pyrophosphate has the useful method to obtain homogenized spherical particles of titanium phosphate pigments for the cosmetics. These titanium phosphates had less photo catalytic activity to protect the sebum on the skin. © 2012 Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Société Française de Cosmétologie.

Photo-reduction of bromate in drinking water by metallic Ag and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) jointly modified BiVO4 under visible light irradiation.

PubMed

Chen, Fei; Yang, Qi; Zhong, Yu; An, Hongxue; Zhao, Jianwei; Xie, Ting; Xu, Qiuxiang; Li, Xiaoming; Wang, Dongbo; Zeng, Guangming

2016-09-15

Bromate (BrO3(-)), an oxyhalide disinfection by-product (DBP) in drinking water, has been demonstrated to be carcinogenic and genotoxic. In the current work, metallic Ag and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) co-modified BiVO4 was successfully synthesized by a stepwise chemical method coupling with a photo-deposition process and applied in the photo-reduction of BrO3(-) under visible light irradiation. In this composite, metallic Ag acted as an electron donor or mediator and RGO enhanced the BrO3(-) adsorption onto the surface of catalysts as well as an electron acceptor to restrict the recombination of photo-generated electron-hole pairs. The Ag@BiVO4@RGO composite exhibited greater photo-reduction BrO3(-) performance than pure BiVO4, Ag@BiVO4 and RGO@BiVO4 under identical experimental conditions: initial BrO3(-) concentration 150 μg/L, catalyst dosage 0.5 g/L, pH 7.0 and visible light (λ > 420 nm). The photoluminescence spectra (PL), electron-spin resonance (ESR), photocurrent density (PC) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements indicated that the modified BiVO4 enhanced the photo-generated electrons and separated the electron-hole pairs. The photocatalytic reduction efficiency for BrO3(-) removal decreased with the addition of electron quencher K2S2O8, suggesting that electrons were the primary factor in this photo-reduction process. The declining photo-reduction efficiency of BrO3(-) in tap water should attribute to the consumption of photo-generated electrons by coexisting anions and the adsorption of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on graphene surface. The overall results indicate a promising application potential for photo-reduction in the DBPs removal from drinking water. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modeling Impact and Cost-Effectiveness of Increased Efforts to Attract Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Clients Ages 20-29 in Zimbabwe.

PubMed

Kripke, Katharine; Hatzold, Karin; Mugurungi, Owen; Ncube, Gertrude; Xaba, Sinokuthemba; Gold, Elizabeth; Ahanda, Kim Seifert; Kruse-Levy, Natalie; Njeuhmeli, Emmanuel

2016-01-01

Zimbabwe aims to increase circumcision coverage to 80% among 13- to 29-year-olds. However, implementation data suggest that high coverage among men ages 20 and older may not be achievable without efforts specifically targeted to these men, incurring additional costs per circumcision. Scale-up scenarios were created based on trends in implementation data in Zimbabwe, and the cost-effectiveness of increasing efforts to recruit clients ages 20-29 was examined. Zimbabwe voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) program data were used to project trends in male circumcision coverage by age into the future. The projection informed a base scenario in which, by 2018, the country achieves 80% circumcision coverage among males ages 10-19 and lower levels of coverage among men above age 20. The Zimbabwe DMPPT 2.0 model was used to project costs and impacts, assuming a US$109 VMMC unit cost in the base scenario and a 3% discount rate. Two other scenarios assumed that the program could increase coverage among clients ages 20-29 with a corresponding increase in unit cost for these age groups. When circumcision coverage among men ages 20-29 is increased compared with a base scenario reflecting current implementation trends, fewer VMMCs are required to avert one infection. If more than 50% additional effort (reflected as multiplying the unit cost by >1.5) is required to double the increase in coverage among this age group compared with the base scenario, the cost per HIV infection averted is higher than in the base scenario. Although increased investment in recruiting VMMC clients ages 20-29 may lead to greater overall impact if recruitment efforts are successful, it may also lead to lower cost-effectiveness, depending on the cost of increasing recruitment. Programs should measure the relationship between increased effort and increased ability to attract this age group.

Radiology 24/7 In-House Attending Coverage: Do Benefits Outweigh Cost?

PubMed

Coleman, Stephanie; Holalkere, Nagaraj Setty; O׳Malley, Julie; Doherty, Gemma; Norbash, Alexander; Kadom, Nadja

2016-01-01

Many radiology practices, including academic centers, are moving to in-house 24/7 attending coverage. This could be costly and may not be easily accepted by radiology trainees and attending radiologists. In this article, we evaluated the effects of 24/7 in-house attending coverage on patient care, costs, and qualitative aspects such as trainee education. We retrospectively collected report turnaround times (TAT) and work relative value units (wRVU). We compared these parameters between the years before and after the implementation of 24/7 in-house attending coverage. The cost to provide additional attending coverage was estimated from departmental financial reports. A qualitative survey of radiology residents and faculty was performed to study perceived effects on trainee education. There were decreases in report TAT following 24/7 attending implementation: 69% reduction in computed tomography, 43% reduction in diagnostic radiography, 7% reduction in magnetic resonance imaging, and 43% reduction in ultrasound. There was an average daytime wRVU decrease of 9%, although this was compounded by a decrease in total RVUs of the 2013 calendar year. The financial investment by the institution was estimated at $850,000. Qualitative data demonstrated overall positive feedback from trainees and faculty in radiology, although loss of independence was reported as a negative effect. TAT and wRVU metrics changed with implementation of 24/7 attending coverage, although these metrics do not directly relate to patient outcomes. Additional clinical benefits may include fewer discrepancies between preliminary and final reports that may improve emergency and inpatient department workflows and liability exposure. Radiologists reported the impression that clinicians appreciated 24/7 in-house attending coverage, particularly surgical specialists. Loss of trainee independence on call was a perceived disadvantage of 24/7 attending coverage and raised a concern that residency education outcomes could be adversely affected. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Photo-Curable Metal-Chelating Coatings Offer a Scalable Approach to Production of Antioxidant Active Packaging.

PubMed

Lin, Zhuangsheng; Goddard, Julie

2018-02-01

Synthetic metal chelators (for example, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, EDTA) are widely used as additives to control trace transition metal induced oxidation in consumer products. To enable removal of synthetic chelators in response to increasing consumer demand for clean label products, metal-chelating active food packaging technologies have been developed with demonstrated antioxidant efficacy in simulated food systems. However, prior work in fabrication of metal-chelating materials leveraged batch chemical reactions to tether metal-chelating ligands, a process with limited industrial translatability for large-scale fabrication. To improve the industrial translatability, we have designed a 2-step laminated photo-grafting process to introduce metal chelating functionality onto common polymeric packaging materials. Iminodiacetic acid (IDA) functionalized materials were fabricated by photo-grafting poly(acrylic acid) onto polypropylene (PP) films, followed by a second photo-grafting process to graft-polymerize an IDA functionalized vinyl monomer (GMA-IDA). The photo-grafting was conducted under atmospheric conditions and was completed in 2 min. The resulting IDA functionalized metal-chelating material was able to chelate iron and copper, and showed antioxidant efficacy against ascorbic acid degradation, supporting its potential to be used synergistically with natural antioxidants for preservation of food and beverage products. The 2-step photo-grafting process improves the throughput of active packaging coatings, enabling potential roll-to-roll fabrication of metal-chelating active packaging materials for antioxidant food packaging applications. To address consumer and retail demands for "clean label" foods and beverages without a corresponding loss in product quality and shelf life, producers are seeking next generation technologies such as active packaging. In this work, we will report the synthesis of metal-chelating active packaging films, which enable removal of the synthetic additive, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid. The new synthesis technique improves the throughput of metal-chelating active packaging coatings, enabling potential roll-to-roll fabrication of the materials for antioxidant food packaging applications. © 2018 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Experimental study on influence of vegetation coverage on runoff in wind-water erosion crisscross region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jinhua; Zhang, Ronggang; Sun, Juan

2018-02-01

Using artificial rainfall simulation method, 23 simulation experiments were carried out in water-wind erosion crisscross region in order to analyze the influence of vegetation coverage on runoff and sediment yield. The experimental plots are standard plots with a length of 20m, width of 5m and slope of 15 degrees. The simulation experiments were conducted in different vegetation coverage experimental plots based on three different rainfall intensities. According to the experimental observation data, the influence of vegetation coverage on runoff and infiltration was analyzed. Vegetation coverage has a significant impact on runoff, and the higher the vegetation coverage is, the smaller the runoff is. Under the condition of 0.6mm/min rainfall intensity, the runoff volume from the experimental plot with 18% vegetation coverage was 1.2 times of the runoff from the experimental with 30% vegetation coverage. What’s more, the difference of runoff is more obvious in higher rainfall intensity. If the rainfall intensity reaches 1.32mm/min, the runoff from the experimental plot with 11% vegetation coverage is about 2 times as large as the runoff from the experimental plot with 53%vegetation coverage. Under the condition of small rainfall intensity, the starting time of runoff in the experimental plot with higher vegetation coverage is later than that in the experimental plot with low vegetation coverage. However, under the condition of heavy rainfall intensity, there is no obvious difference in the beginning time of runoff. In addition, the higher the vegetation coverage is, the deeper the rainfall infiltration depth is.The results can provide reference for ecological construction carried out in wind erosion crisscross region with serious soil erosion.

Specialist availability in emergencies: contributions of response times and the use of ad hoc coverage in New York State.

PubMed

Rabin, Elaine; Patrick, Lisa

2016-04-01

Nationwide, hospitals struggle to maintain specialist on-call coverage for emergencies. We seek to further understand the issue by examining reliability of scheduled coverage and the role of ad hoc coverage when none is scheduled. An anonymous electronic survey of all emergency department (ED) directors of a large state. Overall and for 10 specialties, respondents were asked to estimate on-call coverage extent and "reliability" (frequency of emergency response in a clinically useful time frame: 2 hours), and use and effect of ad hoc emergency coverage to fill gaps. Descriptive statistics were performed using Fisher exact and Wilcoxon sign rank tests for significance. Contact information was obtained for 125 of 167 ED directors. Sixty responded (48%), representing 36% of EDs. Forty-six percent reported full on-call coverage scheduled for all specialties. Forty-six percent reported consistent reliability. Coverage and reliability were strongly related (P<.01; 33% reported both), and larger ED volume correlated with both (P<.01). Ninety percent of hospitals that had gaps in either employed ad hoc coverage, significantly improving coverage for 8 of 10 specialties. For all but 1 specialty, more than 20% of hospitals reported that specialists are "Never", "Rarely" or "Sometimes" reliable (more than 50% for cardiovascular surgery, hand surgery and ophthalmology). Significant holes in scheduled on-call specialist coverage are compounded by frequent unreliability of on-call specialists, but partially ameliorated by ad hoc specialist coverage. Regionalization may help because a 2-tiered system may exist: larger hospitals have more complete, reliable coverage. Better understanding of specialists' willingness to treat emergencies ad hoc without taking formal call will suggest additional remedies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Photo- and gas-tuned, reversible thermoelectric properties and anomalous photo-thermoelectric effects of platinum-loaded tungsten trioxide

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

Suzuki, Kenta; Watanabe, Takuya; Kakemoto, Hirofumi

We report the photo- and gas-controllable properties of platinum-loaded tungsten trioxide (Pt/WO{sub 3}), which is of interest for developing practical applications of WO{sub 3} as well as for interpreting such phenomena from scientific viewpoints. Here, a Pt/WO{sub 3} thin film generated a thermoelectric power due to the ultraviolet-light-induced band-gap excitation (photochromic (PC) reaction) and/or dark storage in formic acid vapor (gaschromic (GC) reaction) in the absence of O{sub 2}, resulting from the generation of W{sup 5+} ions. After such chromic reactions, the electrical conductivity (σ) is increased, whereas the absolute value of the Seebeck coefficient (S) is decreased. The changesmore » in σ and S and their rate of change for consistency increased in the order of: during the PC reaction < during the GC reaction < during simultaneous PC and GC reactions. The opposite behaviors, a decrease in σ and an increase in S, were exhibited by Pt/WO{sub 3} in the presence of O{sub 2} after dark storage or visible-light irradiation. This reversible cycle could be repeated. Moreover, anomalous, nontrivial photo-thermoelectric effects (a photoconductive effect (photoconductivity, σ{sub photo}) and a photo-Seebeck effect (photo-Seebeck coefficient, S{sub photo})) were also detected in response to the visible-light irradiation of Pt/WO{sub 3} in the absence of O{sub 2} after chromic reactions. Under visible-light irradiation, both σ{sub photo} and the absolute value of S{sub photo} are increased. After the irradiation, both values were decreased, that is, σ and the absolute value of S were smaller than σ{sub photo} and the absolute value of S{sub photo}, respectively. These effects are likely to be due to the photoinduced charge carriers and the accumulated electrons in Pt contributing to the increase in σ{sub photo}. In addition, electrons are extracted from the W{sup 5+} state, decreasing the number of W{sup 5+} in H{sub x}WO{sub 3} and thus contributing to the increase in S{sub photo}. After light irradiation, the accumulated electrons in Pt are returned to the energetically favorable W{sup 5+} state, and Pt/H{sub x}WO{sub 3} are returned to the initial state. Then both σ and S are decreased. The mechanisms of our anomalous, nontrivial photo-thermoelectric effects are presumed to be different from that involving the two-carrier contribution to the transport properties.« less

Cross-correlating 2D and 3D galaxy surveys

DOE PAGES

Passaglia, Samuel; Manzotti, Alessandro; Dodelson, Scott

2017-06-08

Galaxy surveys probe both structure formation and the expansion rate, making them promising avenues for understanding the dark universe. Photometric surveys accurately map the 2D distribution of galaxy positions and shapes in a given redshift range, while spectroscopic surveys provide sparser 3D maps of the galaxy distribution. We present a way to analyse overlapping 2D and 3D maps jointly and without loss of information. We represent 3D maps using spherical Fourier-Bessel (sFB) modes, which preserve radial coverage while accounting for the spherical sky geometry, and we decompose 2D maps in a spherical harmonic basis. In these bases, a simple expression exists for the cross-correlation of the two fields. One very powerful application is the ability to simultaneously constrain the redshift distribution of the photometric sample, the sample biases, and cosmological parameters. We use our framework to show that combined analysis of DESI and LSST can improve cosmological constraints by factors ofmore » $${\\sim}1.2$$ to $${\\sim}1.8$$ on the region where they overlap relative to identically sized disjoint regions. We also show that in the overlap of DES and SDSS-III in Stripe 82, cross-correlating improves photo-$z$ parameter constraints by factors of $${\\sim}2$$ to $${\\sim}12$$ over internal photo-$z$ reconstructions.« less

The rural restaurant healthy options program: response of rural, local newspapers to a program press release.

PubMed

Nothwehr, Faryle; Andsager, Julie; Haines, Heidi

2014-03-01

Local media should be used to raise awareness of health promotion programs. In rural areas, local newspapers provide an opportunity to reach large numbers of residents. Although there are expert guidelines describing the process for successfully engaging local media, little has been documented regarding the range of responses that local, rural newspapers might have when approached about covering health promotion programs. This study describes the response of rural, local newspapers to a press release about a health promotion program taking place in 28 restaurants in different rural towns. The most common reason for not publishing a story was that it would constitute free advertising for the restaurant. Twenty-two stories were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The majority of the responding newspapers were weeklies, and 16 published the full press release verbatim. Three stories included photos, and five included quotes. Headlines typically included the name of the restaurant and the university partner. The overall response rate is encouraging; however, there is considerable room for improvement in terms of personalizing the story with photos or quotes. Greater efforts may be required to obtain this depth of coverage, including training for local journalists to increase their interest and confidence in covering health promotion issues.

Cross-correlating 2D and 3D galaxy surveys

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

Passaglia, Samuel; Manzotti, Alessandro; Dodelson, Scott

Galaxy surveys probe both structure formation and the expansion rate, making them promising avenues for understanding the dark universe. Photometric surveys accurately map the 2D distribution of galaxy positions and shapes in a given redshift range, while spectroscopic surveys provide sparser 3D maps of the galaxy distribution. We present a way to analyse overlapping 2D and 3D maps jointly and without loss of information. We represent 3D maps using spherical Fourier-Bessel (sFB) modes, which preserve radial coverage while accounting for the spherical sky geometry, and we decompose 2D maps in a spherical harmonic basis. In these bases, a simple expression exists for the cross-correlation of the two fields. One very powerful application is the ability to simultaneously constrain the redshift distribution of the photometric sample, the sample biases, and cosmological parameters. We use our framework to show that combined analysis of DESI and LSST can improve cosmological constraints by factors ofmore » $${\\sim}1.2$$ to $${\\sim}1.8$$ on the region where they overlap relative to identically sized disjoint regions. We also show that in the overlap of DES and SDSS-III in Stripe 82, cross-correlating improves photo-$z$ parameter constraints by factors of $${\\sim}2$$ to $${\\sim}12$$ over internal photo-$z$ reconstructions.« less

The Rural Restaurant Healthy Options Program: Response of Rural, Local Newspapers to a Program Press Release

PubMed Central

Nothwehr, Faryle; Andsager, Julie; Haines, Heidi

2014-01-01

Local media should be used to raise awareness of health promotion programs. In rural areas, local newspapers provide an opportunity to reach large numbers of residents. Although there are expert guidelines describing the process for successfully engaging local media, little has been documented regarding the range of responses that local, rural newspapers might have when approached about covering health promotion programs. This study describes the response of rural, local newspapers to a press release about a health promotion program taking place in 28 restaurants in different rural towns. The most common reason for not publishing a story was that it would constitute free advertising for the restaurant. Twenty-two stories were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The majority of the responding newspapers were weeklies, and 16 published the full press release verbatim. Three stories included photos, and five included quotes. Headlines typically included the name of the restaurant and the university partner. The overall response rate is encouraging; however, there is considerable room for improvement in terms of personalizing the story with photos or quotes. Greater efforts may be required to obtain this depth of coverage, including training for local journalists to increase their interest and confidence in covering health promotion issues. PMID:23182860

Method of targeted delivery of laser beam to isolated retinal rods by fiber optics.

PubMed

Sim, Nigel; Bessarab, Dmitri; Jones, C Michael; Krivitsky, Leonid

2011-11-01

A method of controllable light delivery to retinal rod cells using an optical fiber is described. Photo-induced current of the living rod cells was measured with the suction electrode technique. The approach was tested with measurements relating the spatial distribution of the light intensity to photo-induced current. In addition, the ion current responses of rod cells to polarized light at two different orientation geometries of the cells were studied.

Teacher in Space Christa McAuliffe on the KC-135 for zero-G training

NASA Image and Video Library

1986-01-08

S86-25191 (for release January 1986) --- The two representatives of the Teacher-in-Space Project continue their training program at the Johnson Space Center with an additional flight aboard NASA?s KC-135 ?zero gravity? aircraft. Sharon Christa McAuliffe, left, is prime crew payload specialist, and Barbara R. Morgan is in training as backup payload specialist. The photo was taken by Keith Meyers of New York Times. Photo credit: NASA

Newspaper Coverage of Intimate Partner Violence: Skewing Representations of Risk.

PubMed

Carlyle, Kellie E; Slater, Michael D; Chakroff, Jennifer L

2008-03-01

How media portray intimate partner violence (IPV) has implications for public perceptions and social policy. Therefore, to better understand these portrayals, this study content analyzes a nationally representative sample of newspaper coverage of IPV over a two-year-period and compares this coverage to epidemiological data in order to examine the implications of the discrepancies between coverage and social reality. Stratified media outlets across the country were used to obtain a representative sample of daily newspapers based on their designated market areas, resulting in 395 IPV-related articles. Results show that newspaper framing of IPV tends to be heavily skewed toward episodic framing. In addition, there are significant differences between our data and epidemiological estimates, particularly in the coverage of homicide and use of alcohol and illegal drugs, which may skew public perceptions of risk. Implications for public perceptions and social policy are discussed.

Transitioning From Medicaid Disability Coverage to Long-Term Medicare Coverage: The Case of People Living With HIV/AIDS in California.

PubMed

Comulada, Warren S; Desmond, Katherine A; Gildner, Jennifer L; Leibowitz, Arleen A

2017-02-01

Medicaid can serve as a bridge to Medicare coverage for the long-term disabled with sufficient covered work experience. We perform multinomial logistic regression on 2007-2010 Medicare and Medicaid claims data to examine transitions to Medicare for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in California who had Medicaid coverage in 2007. We find only 16% had obtained Medicare coverage by 2010. African-Americans, women, individuals with schizophrenia diagnoses, alcohol or substance abuse disorders, and any physical comorbidity were significantly less likely than others to obtain Medicare (p < 0.001). This study contributes new information on the impact of eligibility requirements for Medicare long-term disability insurance for PLWHA. About one-third of PLWHA under age 65 are covered by Medicaid. Many PLWHA get stuck in Medicaid because their disability prevents them from obtaining the additional employment experience needed to qualify for Medicare.

Multiple sources of Medicare supplementary insurance.

PubMed

Short, P F; Vistnes, J P

1992-01-01

Estimates from the National Medical Expenditure Survey imply that in 1987 only two-thirds of elderly Medicare beneficiaries held the amount and type of insurance that is generally recommended to supplement Medicare, namely, 57.7% with private hospital/medical insurance from one source and 6.6% with only Medicaid. Of the remainder, 19.8% had more than one source of private insurance; slightly more than 1% had one source of extra-cash or disease-specific insurance as their only supplementary coverage; and 12.9% had no supplementary coverage at all. In addition, more than 500,000 Medicaid enrollees had purchased private insurance, despite the comprehensive coverage offered by Medicaid. Although the issue of multiple coverage has been dramatized by stories of poor, very elderly persons who have purchased numerous Medigap plans, beneficiaries who purchase coverage from more than one source are likely to be relatively young, more highly educated, and financially better off.

TRANSITIONING FROM MEDICAID DISABILITY COVERAGE TO LONG-TERM MEDICARE COVERAGE: THE CASE OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS IN CALIFORNIA

PubMed Central

Comulada, Warren S.; Desmond, Katherine A.; Gildner, Jennifer L.; Leibowitz, Arleen A

2017-01-01

Medicaid can serve as a bridge to Medicare coverage for the long-term disabled with sufficient covered work experience. We perform multinomial logistic regression on 2007–2010 Medicare and Medicaid claims data to examine transitions to Medicare for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in California who had Medicaid coverage in 2007. We find only 16% had obtained Medicare coverage by 2010. African-Americans, women, individuals with schizophrenia diagnoses, alcohol or substance abuse disorders, and any physical comorbidity were significantly less likely than others to obtain Medicare (p < 0.001). This study contributes new information on the impact of eligibility requirements for Medicare long-term disability insurance for PLWHA. About one-third of PLWHA under age 65 are covered by Medicaid. Many PLWHA get stuck in Medicaid because their disability prevents them from obtaining the additional employment experience needed to qualify for Medicare. PMID:28195778

Increasing Coverage of Appropriate Vaccinations

PubMed Central

Jacob, Verughese; Chattopadhyay, Sajal K.; Hopkins, David P.; Morgan, Jennifer Murphy; Pitan, Adesola A.; Clymer, John

2016-01-01

Context Population-level coverage for immunization against many vaccine-preventable diseases remains below optimal rates in the U.S. The Community Preventive Services Task Force recently recommended several interventions to increase vaccination coverage based on systematic reviews of the evaluation literature. The present study provides the economic results from those reviews. Evidence acquisition A systematic review was conducted (search period, January 1980 through February 2012) to identify economic evaluations of 12 interventions recommended by the Task Force. Evidence was drawn from included studies; estimates were constructed for the population reach of each strategy, cost of implementation, and cost per additional vaccinated person because of the intervention. Analyses were conducted in 2014. Evidence synthesis Reminder systems, whether for clients or providers, were among the lowest-cost strategies to implement and the most cost effective in terms of additional people vaccinated. Strategies involving home visits and combination strategies in community settings were both costly and less cost effective. Strategies based in settings such as schools and managed care organizations that reached the target population achieved additional vaccinations in the middle range of cost effectiveness. Conclusions The interventions recommended by the Task Force differed in reach, cost, and cost effectiveness. This systematic review presents the economic information for 12 effective strategies to increase vaccination coverage that can guide implementers in their choice of interventions to fit their local needs, available resources, and budget. PMID:26847663

The Art of Resilience: Photo-stories of Inspiration and Strength among People with HIV/AIDS.

PubMed

Kabel, Allison; Teti, Michelle; Zhang, Ni

2016-01-01

Using the visual arts to aid healing is a common therapy for people with critical illness, yet the use of art to improve the lives of people with HIV is under-utilized. Eight male and 20 female participants living with HIV in urban areas of the Midwest, U.S. participated in three group photovoice photo-sharing and discussion sessions, post-project individual interviews and a community photo exhibit. We used a grounded theory approach to analyze interview data, and identified three key themes: (1) health and wellness, (2) fear and stigma, and (3) restoring a threatened identity. Participants identified how taking photos, reflecting on and sharing them in focus groups helped them express themselves while living with and coping with HIV. Offering photography as form of expression is a way to foster strength and consequently, improve the lives of people living with HIV. Our participants benefitted from the process of telling their story with images. They were able to express positive aspects of their lives which could be a healthy form of catharsis in and of itself. Future research should continue to investigate how participants in participatory approaches like photovoice, actually do benefit from the research. Although we focused this analysis on resilience, photovoice is flexible and participants' responses to it are varied. Additional outcomes such as impact on mental and physical health, are worthy of additional exploration.

Enhanced heterogeneous photo-Fenton process modified by magnetite and EDDS: BPA degradation.

PubMed

Huang, Wenyu; Luo, Mengqi; Wei, Chaoshuai; Wang, Yinghui; Hanna, Khalil; Mailhot, Gilles

2017-04-01

In this research, magnetite and ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS) are used in a heterogeneous photo-Fenton system in order to find a new way to remove organic contaminants from water. Influence of different parameters including magnetite dosage, EDDS concentration, H 2 O 2 concentration, and pH value were evaluated. The effect of different radical species including HO · and HO 2 · /O 2 ·- was investigated by addition of different scavengers into the system. The addition of EDDS improved the heterogeneous photo-Fenton degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) through the formation of photochemically efficient Fe-EDDS complex. This effect is dependent on the H 2 O 2 and EDDS concentrations and pH value. The high performance observed at pH 6.2 could be explained by the ability of O 2 ·- to generate Fe(II) from Fe(III) species reduction. GC-MS analysis suggested that the cleavage of the two benzene rings is the first degradation step followed by oxidation leading to the formation of the benzene derivatives. Then, the benzene ring was opened due to the attack of HO · radicals producing short-chain organic compounds of low molecular weight like glycerol and ethylene glycol. These findings regarding the capability of EDDS/magnetite system to promote heterogeneous photo-Fenton oxidation have important practical implications for water treatment technologies.

High School Science Technology Additions, Midland Public Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Design Cost Data, 2001

2001-01-01

Discusses design goals, space requirements, and need for mobile furniture and "imagination stations" at Michigan's Midland Public High School science technology addition. Describes the architectural design, costs, and specifications. Includes floor plans, general description, photos and a list of consultants, manufacturers, and suppliers…

Rebuilding lives and identities: The role of place in recovery among persons with complex needs.

PubMed

Tran Smith, Bikki; Padgett, Deborah K; Choy-Brown, Mimi; Henwood, Benjamin F

2015-05-01

Photo-elicitation interviews (PEIs) were conducted to explore the role of place in recovery - specifically, narrative identity reconstruction - among persons with complex needs. PEIs with 17 formerly homeless adults with co-occurring disorders in New York City produced 243 photos. Content analysis of photos revealed three categories - apartment, neighborhood and people. Two narrative themes - having my own and civic identity - were mapped onto the apartment and neighborhood categories, respectively. Three additional cross-categorical narrative themes were identified: (re)negotiating relationships and boundaries, moving beyond old identities and future possibilities. Housing was central across themes. Understanding of recovery is enhanced when viewed through participant-controlled visual methods. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

How might immunization rates change if cost sharing is eliminated?

PubMed

Shen, Angela K; O'Grady, Michael J; McDevitt, Roland D; Pickreign, Jeremy D; Laudenberger, Laura K; Esber, Allahna; Shortridge, Emily F

2014-01-01

There is a debate regarding the effect of cost sharing on immunization, particularly as the Affordable Care Act will eliminate cost sharing for recommended vaccines. This study estimates changes in immunization rates and spending associated with extending first-dollar coverage to privately insured children for four childhood vaccines. We used the 2008 National Immunization Survey and peer-reviewed literature to generate estimates of immunization status for each vaccine by age group and insurance type. We used the Truven Health Analytics 2006 MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database of line-item medical claims to estimate changes in immunization rates that would result from eliminating cost sharing, and we used the Kaiser Family Foundation/Health Research and Educational Trust Employer Health Benefits Survey to determine the prevalence of coverage for patients with first-dollar coverage, patients who face office visit cost sharing, and patients who face cost sharing for all vaccine cost components. We assumed that once cost sharing is removed, coverage rates in plans that impose cost sharing will rise to the level of plans that do not. We estimate that immunization rates would increase modestly and result in additional direct spending of $26.0 million to insurers/employers. Further, these payers would have an additional $11.0 million in spending associated with eliminating cost sharing for children already receiving immunizations. The effects of eliminating cost sharing for vaccines vary by vaccine. Overall, immunization rates will rise modestly given high insurance coverage for vaccinations, and these increases would be more substantial for those currently facing cost sharing. However, in addition to the removal of cost sharing for immunizations, these findings suggest other strategies to consider to further increase immunization rates.

The likely effects of employer-mandated complementary health insurance on health coverage in France.

PubMed

Pierre, Aurélie; Jusot, Florence

2017-03-01

In France, access to health care greatly depends on having a complementary health insurance coverage (CHI). Thus, the generalisation of CHI became a core factor in the national health strategy created by the government in 2013. The first measure has been to compulsorily extend employer-sponsored CHI to all private sector employees on January 1st, 2016 and improve its portability coverage for unemployed former employees for up to 12 months. Based on data from the 2012 Health, Health Care and Insurance survey, this article provides a simulation of the likely effects of this mandate on CHI coverage and related inequalities in the general population by age, health status, socio-economic characteristics and time and risk preferences. We show that the non-coverage rate that was estimated to be 5% in 2012 will drop to 4% following the generalisation of employer-sponsored CHI and to 3.7% after accounting for portability coverage. The most vulnerable populations are expected to remain more often without CHI whereas non coverage will significantly decrease among the less risk averse and the more present oriented. With its focus on private sector employees, the policy is thus likely to do little for populations that would benefit most from additional insurance coverage while expanding coverage for other populations that appear to place little value on CHI. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Correlates of human papillomavirus vaccine coverage: a state-level analysis.

PubMed

Moss, Jennifer L; Reiter, Paul L; Brewer, Noel T

2015-02-01

We tested the hypothesis that states with higher rates of cancers associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) would have lower HPV vaccine coverage. We gathered state-level data on HPV-related cancer rates and HPV vaccine initiation coverage for girls and boys, separately, and HPV vaccine follow-through (i.e., receipt of 3 doses among those initiating the series) for girls only. In addition, we gathered state-level data on demographic composition and contact with the health care system. We calculated Pearson correlations for these ecological relationships. Human papillomavirus vaccine initiation among girls was lower in states with higher levels of cervical cancer incidence and mortality (r = -0.29 and -0.46, respectively). In addition, vaccine follow-through among girls was lower in states with higher levels of cervical cancer mortality (r = -0.30). Other cancer rates were associated with HPV vaccine initiation and follow-through among girls, but not among boys. Human papillomavirus vaccine initiation among girls was lower in states with higher proportions of non-Hispanic black residents and lower proportions of higher-income residents. Human papillomavirus vaccine follow-through was higher in states with greater levels of adolescents' contact with the health care system. Human papillomavirus vaccine coverage for girls was lower in states with higher HPV-related cancer rates. Public health efforts should concentrate on geographic areas with higher cancer rates. Strengthening adolescent preventive health care use may be particularly important to increase vaccine follow-through. Cost-effectiveness analyses may overestimate the benefits of current vaccination coverage and underestimate the benefits of increasing coverage.

Fabrication of high responsivity deep UV photo-detector based on Na doped ZnO nanocolumns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agrawal, Jitesh; Dixit, Tejendra; Palani, I. A.; Ramachandra Rao, M. S.; Singh, Vipul

2018-05-01

We report a variety of the hydrothermally synthesized ZnO nanostructures with a significant suppression in defect-related emission and huge enhancement in the photo-current to the dark current ratio (approximately six orders of magnitude) upon UV light illumination. Interestingly, the photo-detector shows lower dark current of 1.6 nA with high responsivity of 507 A W‑1 at 254 nm. Here, a systematic analysis of the growth process as well as the physical, chemical and electrical properties of as-grown ZnO nanostructures has been performed. We have utilized the duo effect of both the inorganic (KMnO4) and organic (Na3C6H5O7) additives, which has facilitated the precise tuning of the morphology and intrinsic defects in nanostructures that have made an impact on the photo-responsivity, photoluminescence (PL) and adhesivity of the film on to the underlying substrate. PL analysis of as-grown ZnO nanostructures has suggested 11 times improvement in the near band emission (NBE) to defect level emission (DLE) ratio. Interestingly, thermal annealing of the samples has shown a dramatic change in the morphology with significant improvement in the crystallinity. Notably, the band gap was observed to be modulated from 3.3 eV to 3.1 eV after annealing. In addition to UV photo-detector based applications, the work presented here has provided a subtle solution towards the rectification of various problems pertaining to hydrothermal processes like poor adhesivity, feeble UV emission and problem in precise tuning of the morphology along with the bandgap in one go. Therefore, these investigations assume critical significance towards the development of next-generation optoelectronic devices.

Three-Dimensional Analysis of Deep Space Network Antenna Coverage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kegege, Obadiah; Fuentes, Michael; Meyer, Nicholas; Sil, Amy

2012-01-01

There is a need to understand NASA s Deep Space Network (DSN) coverage gaps and any limitations to provide redundant communication coverage for future deep space missions, especially for manned missions to Moon and Mars. The DSN antennas are required to provide continuous communication coverage for deep space flights, interplanetary missions, and deep space scientific observations. The DSN consists of ground antennas located at three sites: Goldstone in USA, Canberra in Australia, and Madrid in Spain. These locations are not separated by the exactly 120 degrees and some DSN antennas are located in the bowl-shaped mountainous terrain to shield against radiofrequency interference resulting in a coverage gap in the southern hemisphere for the current DSN architecture. To analyze the extent of this gap and other coverage limitations, simulations of the DSN architecture were performed. In addition to the physical properties of the DSN assets, the simulation incorporated communication forward link calculations and azimuth/elevation masks that constrain the effects of terrain for each DSN antenna. Analysis of the simulation data was performed to create coverage profiles with the receiver settings at a deep space altitudes ranging from 2 million to 10 million km and a spherical grid resolution of 0.25 degrees with respect to longitude and latitude. With the results of these simulations, two- and three-dimensional representations of the area without communication coverage and area with coverage were developed, showing the size and shape of the communication coverage gap projected in space. Also, the significance of this communication coverage gap is analyzed from the simulation data.

Can Turkey's general health insurance system achieve universal coverage?

PubMed

Yasar, Gulbiye Yenimahalleli; Ugurluoglu, Ece

2011-01-01

This study aims to evaluate the General Health Insurance System (GHIS) in Turkey implemented since 1 October 2008, in order to assess whether the GHIS will be able to achieve its objective of universal coverage. Both the breadth and depth of coverage will be taken into account. The study notes out that some socio-economic problems, such as a significant informal economy, high unemployment rate, inefficiency in the creation of adequate employment opportunities, inequitable income distribution, and widespread poverty, are the main problems preventing the GHIS from reaching breadth of coverage in Turkey. Contribution conditions for entitlement to health services prevent the GHIS from providing breadth of coverage too. Outof- pocket payments, which are higher than in European and OECD countries, narrow the depth of coverage, but the GHIS brings additional user fees. Statistics show that despite its objective, the GHIS struggles to provide universal coverage. It seems the GHIS will not be able to provide universal coverage in the near future because of the socio-economic conditions and conditions for entitlement to health services. In this case the government will either introduce radical arrangements to cope with the socio-economic problems and issues with the funding system or should consider switching from an insurance-based system towards a tax-based system.

Prediction of Low Community Sanitation Coverage Using Environmental and Sociodemographic Factors in Amhara Region, Ethiopia

PubMed Central

Oswald, William E.; Stewart, Aisha E. P.; Flanders, W. Dana; Kramer, Michael R.; Endeshaw, Tekola; Zerihun, Mulat; Melaku, Birhanu; Sata, Eshetu; Gessesse, Demelash; Teferi, Tesfaye; Tadesse, Zerihun; Guadie, Birhan; King, Jonathan D.; Emerson, Paul M.; Callahan, Elizabeth K.; Moe, Christine L.; Clasen, Thomas F.

2016-01-01

This study developed and validated a model for predicting the probability that communities in Amhara Region, Ethiopia, have low sanitation coverage, based on environmental and sociodemographic conditions. Community sanitation coverage was measured between 2011 and 2014 through trachoma control program evaluation surveys. Information on environmental and sociodemographic conditions was obtained from available data sources and linked with community data using a geographic information system. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of low community sanitation coverage (< 20% versus ≥ 20%). The selected model was geographically and temporally validated. Model-predicted probabilities of low community sanitation coverage were mapped. Among 1,502 communities, 344 (22.90%) had coverage below 20%. The selected model included measures for high topsoil gravel content, an indicator for low-lying land, population density, altitude, and rainfall and had reasonable predictive discrimination (area under the curve = 0.75, 95% confidence interval = 0.72, 0.78). Measures of soil stability were strongly associated with low community sanitation coverage, controlling for community wealth, and other factors. A model using available environmental and sociodemographic data predicted low community sanitation coverage for areas across Amhara Region with fair discrimination. This approach could assist sanitation programs and trachoma control programs, scaling up or in hyperendemic areas, to target vulnerable areas with additional activities or alternate technologies. PMID:27430547

Detecting awareness in patients with disorders of consciousness using a hybrid brain-computer interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Jiahui; Xie, Qiuyou; He, Yanbin; Wang, Fei; Di, Haibo; Laureys, Steven; Yu, Ronghao; Li, Yuanqing

2014-10-01

Objective. The bedside detection of potential awareness in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) currently relies only on behavioral observations and tests; however, the misdiagnosis rates in this patient group are historically relatively high. In this study, we proposed a visual hybrid brain-computer interface (BCI) combining P300 and steady-state evoked potential (SSVEP) responses to detect awareness in severely brain injured patients. Approach. Four healthy subjects, seven DOC patients who were in a vegetative state (VS, n = 4) or minimally conscious state (MCS, n = 3), and one locked-in syndrome (LIS) patient attempted a command-following experiment. In each experimental trial, two photos were presented to each patient; one was the patient's own photo, and the other photo was unfamiliar. The patients were instructed to focus on their own or the unfamiliar photos. The BCI system determined which photo the patient focused on with both P300 and SSVEP detections. Main results. Four healthy subjects, one of the 4 VS, one of the 3 MCS, and the LIS patient were able to selectively attend to their own or the unfamiliar photos (classification accuracy, 66-100%). Two additional patients (one VS and one MCS) failed to attend the unfamiliar photo (50-52%) but achieved significant accuracies for their own photo (64-68%). All other patients failed to show any significant response to commands (46-55%). Significance. Through the hybrid BCI system, command following was detected in four healthy subjects, two of 7 DOC patients, and one LIS patient. We suggest that the hybrid BCI system could be used as a supportive bedside tool to detect awareness in patients with DOC.

Environmental application of millimetre-scale sponge iron (s-Fe0) particles (IV): New insights into visible light photo-Fenton-like process with optimum dosage of H2O2 and RhB photosensitizers.

PubMed

Ju, Yongming; Yu, Yunjiang; Wang, Xiaoyan; Xiang, Mingdeng; Li, Liangzhong; Deng, Dongyang; Dionysiou, Dionysios D

2017-02-05

In this study, we firstly develop the photo-Fenton-like system with millimetric sponge iron (s-Fe 0 ), H 2 O 2 , visible light (vis, λ≥420nm) and rhodamine B (RhB), and present a comprehensive study concerning the mechanism. Thus, we investigate (1) the adsorption of RhB onto s-Fe 0 , (2) the photo-Fenton-like removal of RhB over iron oxides generated from the corrosion of s-Fe 0 , (3) the homogeneous photo-Fenton removal of RhB over Fe 2+ or Fe 3+ , (4) the Fe 3+ -RhB complexes, and (5) the photo-Fenton-like removal of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). The results show that neither the adsorption process over s-Fe 0 nor the photo-Fenton-like process over FeOOH, Fe 3 O 4 and Fe 2 O 3 , achieved efficient removal of RhB. For comparison, in homogeneous photo-Fenton process, the presence of Fe 3+ ions, rather than Fe 2+ ions, effectively eliminated RhB. Furthermore, the UV-vis spectra showing new absorbance at∼285nm indicate the complexes of RhB and Fe 3+ ions, adopting vis photons to form excited state and further eject one electron via ligand-to-metal charge-transfer to activate H 2 O 2 . Additionally, efficient TBBPA removal was obtained only in the presence of RhB. Accordingly, the s-Fe 0 - based photo-Fenton-like process assisted with dyestuff wastewater is promising for removing a series of persistent organic pollutants. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of structure from motion to digitized historical airphotos to document geomorphic change over the past century

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roberti, Gioachino; Ward, Brent; van Wyk de Vries, Benjamin; Perotti, Luigi; Giardino, Marco; Friele, Pierre; Clague, John

2017-04-01

Topographic modeling is becoming more accessible due to the development of structure from motion (SFM), and multi-view stereo (MVS) image matching algorithms in digital photogrammetry. Many studies are utilizing SFM-MVS with either UAV or hand-held consumer-grade digital cameras. However, little work has been done in using SFM-MVS with digitized historical air photos. Large databases of historical airphotos are available in university, public, and government libraries, commonly as paper copies. In many instances, the photos are in poor condition (i.e. deformed by humidity, scratched, or annotated). In addition, the negatives, as well as metadata on the camera and the flight mission, may be missing. Processing such photos using classic stereo-photogrammetry is difficult and in many instances impossible. Yet these photos can provide a valuable archive of geomorphic changes. In this study, we digitized over 1000 vertical air photos of the Mount Meager massif (British Columbia, Canada), acquired during flights between 1947 and 2006. We processed the scans using the commercial SFM-MVS software package PhotoScan. PhotoScan provided high-quality orthophotos (0.42-1.13 m/pixel) and DTMs (1-5 m/pixel). We used the orthophotos to document glacier retreat and deep-seated gravitational deformation over the 60-year photo period. Notably, we reconstructed geomorphic changes that led to the very large (˜50 x 106 m 3) 2010 failure of the south flank of Meager Peak and also documented other unstable areas that might fail catastrophically in the future. This technique can be applied to other photosets to provide rapid high-quality cartographic products that allow researchers to track landscape changes over large areas over the past century.

Implications of MOLA Global Roughness, Statistics, and Topography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aharonson, O.; Zuber, M. T.; Neumann, G. A.

1999-01-01

New insights are emerging as the ongoing high-quality measurements of the Martian surface topography by Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) on board the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) spacecraft increase in coverage, resolution, and diversity. For the first time, a global characterization of the statistical properties of topography is possible. The data were collected during the aerobreaking hiatus, science phasing, and mapping orbits of MGS, and have a resolution of 300-400 m along track, a range resolution of 37.5 cm, a range precision of 1-10 m for surface slopes up to 30 deg., and an absolute accuracy of topography of 13 m. The spacecraft's orbit inclination dictates that nadir observations have latitude coverage of about 87.1S to 87.1N; the addition of observations obtained during a period of off-nadir pointing over the north pole extended coverage to 90N. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

National- and state-level impact and cost-effectiveness of nonavalent HPV vaccination in the United States.

PubMed

Durham, David P; Ndeffo-Mbah, Martial L; Skrip, Laura A; Jones, Forrest K; Bauch, Chris T; Galvani, Alison P

2016-05-03

Every year in the United States more than 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, a disease principally caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines protect against 66% of HPV-associated cervical cancers, and a new nonavalent vaccine protects against an additional 15% of cervical cancers. However, vaccination policy varies across states, and migration between states interdependently dilutes state-specific vaccination policies. To quantify the economic and epidemiological impacts of switching to the nonavalent vaccine both for individual states and for the nation as a whole, we developed a model of HPV transmission and cervical cancer incidence that incorporates state-specific demographic dynamics, sexual behavior, and migratory patterns. At the national level, the nonavalent vaccine was shown to be cost-effective compared with the bivalent and quadrivalent vaccines at any coverage despite the greater per-dose cost of the new vaccine. Furthermore, the nonavalent vaccine remains cost-effective with up to an additional 40% coverage of the adolescent population, representing 80% of girls and 62% of boys. We find that expansion of coverage would have the greatest health impact in states with the lowest coverage because of the decreasing marginal returns of herd immunity. Our results show that if policies promoting nonavalent vaccine implementation and expansion of coverage are coordinated across multiple states, all states benefit both in health and in economic terms.

Women's health insurance coverage 1980-2005.

PubMed

Glied, Sherry; Jack, Kathrine; Rachlin, Jason

2008-01-01

In the fragmented US health insurance system, women's health insurance coverage is an outcome both of changes in the availability of private and public health insurance and of changing patterns of labor force participation and household formation. Over the past 2 decades, women's socioeconomic circumstances have changed and public policy around health insurance coverage for low-income women has also undergone substantial modification. This study examines the roles of these changes in circumstances and policy on the level and composition of women's health insurance. Using the Census Bureau's March Current Population Survey 1980-2005, the government's principal source of nationally representative labor market and health insurance data, we examine how changes in marriage, full-time and part-time labor force participation, and public policy around coverage affected the level and source of women's health insurance coverage over 3 periods: 1980-1987, 1988-1994, and 1995-2005. Health insurance coverage rates have fallen for both women and men since 1980. What makes women different is that, in addition to the decline in coverage, the composition of health insurance coverage for women has also changed markedly. More women now obtain health insurance on their own, rather than as dependents, than did in 1980. A larger fraction of insured women are now enrolled in Medicaid than were in 1980. Women's routes to coverage have changed as their social and economic circumstances have changed and as policy, especially Medicaid policy, has evolved. Women's channels for obtaining health insurance coverage are more fragmented than those of men. The availability of multiple sources of coverage, and the possibility of moving amongst them, have not, however, insulated women from the overall declines in health insurance coverage caused by the rising cost of private health insurance.

Affordable Care Act Impact on Medicaid Coverage of Smoking-Cessation Treatments.

PubMed

McMenamin, Sara B; Yoeun, Sara W; Halpin, Helen A

2018-04-01

Four sections of the Affordable Care Act address the expansion of Medicaid coverage for recommended smoking-cessation treatments for: (1) pregnant women (Section 4107), (2) all enrollees through a financial incentive (1% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage increase) to offer comprehensive coverage (Section 4106), (3) all enrollees through Medicaid formulary requirements (Section 2502), and (4) Medicaid expansion enrollees (Section 2001). The purpose of this study is to document changes in Medicaid coverage for smoking-cessation treatments since the passage of the Affordable Care Act and to assess how implementation has differentially affected Medicaid coverage policies for: pregnant women, enrollees in traditional Medicaid, and Medicaid expansion enrollees. From January through June 2017, data were collected and analyzed from 51 Medicaid programs (50 states plus the District of Columbia) through a web-based survey and review of benefits documents to assess coverage policies for smoking-cessation treatments. Forty-seven Medicaid programs have increased coverage for smoking-cessation treatments post-implementation of the Affordable Care Act by adopting one or more of the four smoking-cessation treatment provisions. Coverage for pregnant women increased in 37 states, coverage for newly eligible expansion enrollees increased in 32 states, and 15 states added coverage and/or removed copayments in order to apply for a 1% increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage. Coverage for all recommended pharmacotherapy and group and individual counseling increased from seven states in 2009 to 28 states in 2017. The Affordable Care Act was successful in improving and expanding state Medicaid coverage of effective smoking-cessation treatments. Many programs are not fully compliant with the law, and additional guidance and clarification from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services may be needed. Copyright © 2018 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving the Efficacy of Appearance-Based Sun Exposure Interventions with the Terror Management Health Model

PubMed Central

Morris, Kasey Lynn; Cooper, Douglas P.; Goldenberg, Jamie L.; Arndt, Jamie; Gibbons, Frederick X.

2014-01-01

The terror management health model (TMHM) suggests that when thoughts of death are accessible people become increasingly motivated to bolster their self-esteem relative to their health, because doing so offers psychological protection against mortality concerns. Two studies examined sun protection intentions as a function of mortality reminders and an appearance-based intervention. In Study 1, participants given a sun protection message that primed mortality and shown a UV-filtered photo of their face reported greater intentions to use sun protection on their face, and took more sunscreen samples than participants shown a regular photo of their face. In Study 2, reminders of mortality increased participants’ intentions to use facial sun protection when the UV photo was specifically framed as revealing appearance consequences of tanning, compared to when the photo was framed as revealing health consequences, or when no photo was shown. These findings extend the terror management health model, and provide preliminary evidence that appearance-based tanning interventions have a greater influence on sun protection intentions under conditions that prime thoughts of death. We discuss implications of the findings, and highlight the need for additional research examining the applicability to long-term tanning behavior. PMID:24811049

A family of photoswitchable NMDA receptors

PubMed Central

Berlin, Shai; Szobota, Stephanie; Reiner, Andreas; Carroll, Elizabeth C; Kienzler, Michael A; Guyon, Alice; Xiao, Tong; Trauner, Dirk; Isacoff, Ehud Y

2016-01-01

NMDA receptors, which regulate synaptic strength and are implicated in learning and memory, consist of several subtypes with distinct subunit compositions and functional properties. To enable spatiotemporally defined, rapid and reproducible manipulation of function of specific subtypes, we engineered a set of photoswitchable GluN subunits ('LiGluNs'). Photo-agonism of GluN2A or GluN2B elicits an excitatory drive to hippocampal neurons that can be shaped in time to mimic synaptic activation. Photo-agonism of GluN2A at single dendritic spines evokes spine-specific calcium elevation and expansion, the morphological correlate of LTP. Photo-antagonism of GluN2A alone, or in combination with photo-antagonism of GluN1a, reversibly blocks excitatory synaptic currents, prevents the induction of long-term potentiation and prevents spine expansion. In addition, photo-antagonism in vivo disrupts synaptic pruning of developing retino-tectal projections in larval zebrafish. By providing precise and rapidly reversible optical control of NMDA receptor subtypes, LiGluNs should help unravel the contribution of specific NMDA receptors to synaptic transmission, integration and plasticity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.12040.001 PMID:26929991

Personal photograph enhancement using internet photo collections.

PubMed

Zhang, Chenxi; Gao, Jizhou; Wang, Oliver; Georgel, Pierre; Yang, Ruigang; Davis, James; Frahm, Jan-Michael; Pollefeys, Marc

2014-02-01

Given the growth of Internet photo collections, we now have a visual index of all major cities and tourist sites in the world. However, it is still a difficult task to capture that perfect shot with your own camera when visiting these places, especially when your camera itself has limitations, such as a limited field of view. In this paper, we propose a framework to overcome the imperfections of personal photographs of tourist sites using the rich information provided by large-scale Internet photo collections. Our method deploys state-of-the-art techniques for constructing initial 3D models from photo collections. The same techniques are then used to register personal photographs to these models, allowing us to augment personal 2D images with 3D information. This strong available scene prior allows us to address a number of traditionally challenging image enhancement techniques and achieve high-quality results using simple and robust algorithms. Specifically, we demonstrate automatic foreground segmentation, mono-to-stereo conversion, field-of-view expansion, photometric enhancement, and additionally automatic annotation with geolocation and tags. Our method clearly demonstrates some possible benefits of employing the rich information contained in online photo databases to efficiently enhance and augment one's own personal photographs.

First ERTS-1 results in southeastern France: Geology, sedimentology, pollution at sea

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fontanel, A.; Guillemot, J.; Guy, M.

1973-01-01

Results obtained by four ERTS projects in southeastern France are summarized. With regard to geology, ERTS photos of Western Alps are very useful for tectonic interpretation because large features are clearly visible on these photographs even though they are often hidden by small complicated structures if studied on large scale documents. The 18-day repetition coverage was not obtained, and time-varying sedimentological surveys were impossible. Nevertheless, it was possible to delineate the variations of the shorelines in the Rhone Delta for a period covering the least 8,000 years. Some instances of industries discharging pollutant products at sea were detected, as well as very large anomalies of unknown origin. Some examples of coherent optical processing have been made in order to bring out tectonic features in the Alps mountains.

Enhanced photon traps for Hyper-Kamiokande

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rott, Carsten; In, Seongjin; Retière, Fabrice; Gumplinger, Peter

2017-11-01

Hyper-Kamiokande, the next generation large water Cherenkov detector in Japan, is planning to use approximately 80,000 20-inch photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). They are one of the major cost factors of the experiment. We propose a novel enhanced photon trap design based on a smaller and more economical PMT in combination with wavelength shifters, dichroic mirrors, and broadband mirrors. GEANT4 is utilized to obtain photon collection efficiencies and timing resolution of the photon traps. We compare the performance of different trap configurations and sizes. Our simulations indicate an enhanced photon trap with a 12-inch PMT can match a 20-inch PMT's collection efficiency, however at a cost of reduced timing resolution. The photon trap might be suitable as detection module for the outer detector with large photo coverage area.

Volcanic hazard map for Telica, Cerro Negro and El Hoyo volcanoes, Nicaragua

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asahina, T.; Navarro, M.; Strauch, W.

2007-05-01

A volcano hazard study was conducted for Telica, Cerro Negro and El Hoyo volcanoes, Nicaragua, based on geological and volcanological field investigations, air photo analyses, and numerical eruption simulation. These volcanoes are among the most active volcanoes of the country. This study was realized 2004-2006 through technical cooperation of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) with INETER, upon the request of the Government of Nicaragua. The resulting volcanic hazard map on 1:50,000 scale displays the hazards of lava flow, pyroclastic flows, lahars, tephra fall, volcanic bombs for an area of 1,300 square kilometers. The map and corresponding GIS coverage was handed out to Central, Departmental and Municipal authorities for their use and is included in a National GIS on Georisks developed and maintained by INETER.

KSC-2012-5946

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-12

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A Centaur upper stage is lifted onto the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V at the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-5947

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-12

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A Centaur upper stage is lifted onto the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V at the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-5952

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-13

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – The boattail element is lifted onto the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V at the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuation Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-5951

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-12

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A Centaur upper stage is lifted onto the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V at the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2013-1128

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-01-12

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A technician inspects the Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, spacecraft in the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Calif., following fueling operations. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: VAFB

KSC-2012-6502

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-19

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.-- Technicians check out the transport truck used to deliver NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite to Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. for prelaunch processing. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-5926

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-08

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A truck moves the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V to Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-5922

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-08

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A truck moves the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V to Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-5939

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-09

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – The first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V is raised onto the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-6494

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-19

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.-- The Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. where NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite will be processed prior to launch. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-5932

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-08

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A truck moves the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V to Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-5940

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-09

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – The first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V is raised onto the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-5925

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-08

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A truck moves the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V to Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-6498

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-19

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.-- Technicians check out the transport truck used to deliver NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite to Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. for prelaunch processing. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-5938

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-09

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – Cranes raise the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V onto the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-5950

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-12

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A Centaur upper stage is lifted onto the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V at the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuation Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-6499

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-19

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.-- Technicians check out the transport truck used to deliver NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite to Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. for prelaunch processing. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-6493

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-18

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.-- Mechanical ground support equipment to be used in support of NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite arrives by transport truck at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-5931

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-08

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A truck moves the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V to Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-5942

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-10

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – The interstage booster segment is lifted onto the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V at the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuation Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-5941

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-09

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – The first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V is raised onto the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-5924

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-08

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A truck moves the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V to Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-5945

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-12

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A Centaur upper stage is lifted onto the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V at the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-5948

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-12

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A Centaur upper stage is lifted onto the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V at the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuation Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-6521

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-21

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. -- Technicians unload and rotate NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite at the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The payload faring is seen on the left. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-6505

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-19

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.-- Technicians monitor activity as the transport container delivering NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite is lowered to the floor at the prelaunch processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-5927

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-08

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A truck moves the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V to Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2013-1130

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-01-12

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A technician inspects the Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, spacecraft in the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Calif., following fueling operations. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: VAFB

KSC-2012-5921

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-08

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A truck moves the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V to Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-5949

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-12

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A Centaur upper stage is lifted onto the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V at the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-6509

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-19

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.-- The transport container with NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite has been delivered to the prelaunch processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2012-5930

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-08

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A truck moves the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V to Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-5929

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-08

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A truck moves the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V to Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-5937

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-09

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – Technicians prepare to raise the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V onto the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-5928

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-08

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A truck moves the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V to Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

Automated Image Analysis for the Detection of Benthic Crustaceans and Bacterial Mat Coverage Using the VENUS Undersea Cabled Network

PubMed Central

Aguzzi, Jacopo; Costa, Corrado; Robert, Katleen; Matabos, Marjolaine; Antonucci, Francesca; Juniper, S. Kim; Menesatti, Paolo

2011-01-01

The development and deployment of sensors for undersea cabled observatories is presently biased toward the measurement of habitat variables, while sensor technologies for biological community characterization through species identification and individual counting are less common. The VENUS cabled multisensory network (Vancouver Island, Canada) deploys seafloor camera systems at several sites. Our objective in this study was to implement new automated image analysis protocols for the recognition and counting of benthic decapods (i.e., the galatheid squat lobster, Munida quadrispina), as well as for the evaluation of changes in bacterial mat coverage (i.e., Beggiatoa spp.), using a camera deployed in Saanich Inlet (103 m depth). For the counting of Munida we remotely acquired 100 digital photos at hourly intervals from 2 to 6 December 2009. In the case of bacterial mat coverage estimation, images were taken from 2 to 8 December 2009 at the same time frequency. The automated image analysis protocols for both study cases were created in MatLab 7.1. Automation for Munida counting incorporated the combination of both filtering and background correction (Median- and Top-Hat Filters) with Euclidean Distances (ED) on Red-Green-Blue (RGB) channels. The Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) features and Fourier Descriptors (FD) of tracked objects were then extracted. Animal classifications were carried out with the tools of morphometric multivariate statistic (i.e., Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis; PLSDA) on Mean RGB (RGBv) value for each object and Fourier Descriptors (RGBv+FD) matrices plus SIFT and ED. The SIFT approach returned the better results. Higher percentages of images were correctly classified and lower misclassification errors (an animal is present but not detected) occurred. In contrast, RGBv+FD and ED resulted in a high incidence of records being generated for non-present animals. Bacterial mat coverage was estimated in terms of Percent Coverage and Fractal Dimension. A constant Region of Interest (ROI) was defined and background extraction by a Gaussian Blurring Filter was performed. Image subtraction within ROI was followed by the sum of the RGB channels matrices. Percent Coverage was calculated on the resulting image. Fractal Dimension was estimated using the box-counting method. The images were then resized to a dimension in pixels equal to a power of 2, allowing subdivision into sub-multiple quadrants. In comparisons of manual and automated Percent Coverage and Fractal Dimension estimates, the former showed an overestimation tendency for both parameters. The primary limitations on the automatic analysis of benthic images were habitat variations in sediment texture and water column turbidity. The application of filters for background corrections is a required preliminary step for the efficient recognition of animals and bacterial mat patches. PMID:22346657

Monte Carlo ray-tracing simulations of luminescent solar concentrators for building integrated photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leow, Shin Woei; Corrado, Carley; Osborn, Melissa; Carter, Sue A.

2013-09-01

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) have the ability to receive light from a wide range of angles, concentrating the captured light onto small photo active areas. This enables greater incorporation of LSCs into building designs as windows, skylights and wall claddings in addition to rooftop installations of current solar panels. Using relatively cheap luminescent dyes and acrylic waveguides to effect light concentration onto lesser photovoltaic (PV) cells, there is potential for this technology to approach grid price parity. We employ a panel design in which the front facing PV cells collect both direct and concentrated light ensuring a gain factor greater than one. This also allows for flexibility in determining the placement and percentage coverage of PV cells during the design process to balance reabsorption losses against the power output and level of light concentration desired. To aid in design optimization, a Monte-Carlo ray tracing program was developed to study the transport of photons and loss mechanisms in LSC panels. The program imports measured absorption/emission spectra and transmission coefficients as simulation parameters with interactions of photons in the panel determined by comparing calculated probabilities with random number generators. LSC panels with multiple dyes or layers can also be simulated. Analysis of the results reveals optimal panel dimensions and PV cell layouts for maximum power output for a given dye concentration, absorbtion/emission spectrum and quantum efficiency.

A multiphase mixture model for substrate concentration distribution characteristics and photo-hydrogen production performance of the entrapped-cell photobioreactor.

PubMed

Guo, Cheng-Long; Cao, Hong-Xia; Pei, Hong-Shan; Guo, Fei-Qiang; Liu, Da-Meng

2015-04-01

A multiphase mixture model was developed for revealing the interaction mechanism between biochemical reactions and transfer processes in the entrapped-cell photobioreactor packed with gel granules containing Rhodopseudomonas palustris CQK 01. The effects of difference operation parameters, including operation temperature, influent medium pH value and porosity of packed bed, on substrate concentration distribution characteristics and photo-hydrogen production performance were investigated. The results showed that the model predictions were in good agreement with the experimental data reported. Moreover, the operation temperature of 30 °C and the influent medium pH value of 7 were the most suitable conditions for photo-hydrogen production by biodegrading substrate. In addition, the lower porosity of packed bed was beneficial to enhance photo-hydrogen production performance owing to the improvement on the amount of substrate transferred into gel granules caused by the increased specific area for substrate transfer in the elemental volume. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Photo-Attachment of Biomolecules for Miniaturization on Wicking Si-Nanowire Platform

PubMed Central

Cheng, He; Zheng, Han; Wu, Jia Xin; Xu, Wei; Zhou, Lihan; Leong, Kam Chew; Fitzgerald, Eugene; Rajagopalan, Raj; Too, Heng Phon; Choi, Wee Kiong

2015-01-01

We demonstrated the surface functionalization of a highly three-dimensional, superhydrophilic wicking substrate using light to immobilize functional biomolecules for sensor or microarray applications. We showed here that the three-dimensional substrate was compatible with photo-attachment and the performance of functionalization was greatly improved due to both increased surface capacity and reduced substrate reflectivity. In addition, photo-attachment circumvents the problems induced by wicking effect that was typically encountered on superhydrophilic three-dimensional substrates, thus reducing the difficulty of producing miniaturized sites on such substrate. We have investigated various aspects of photo-attachment process on the nanowire substrate, including the role of different buffers, the effect of wavelength as well as how changing probe structure may affect the functionalization process. We demonstrated that substrate fabrication and functionalization can be achieved with processes compatible with microelectronics processes, hence reducing the cost of array fabrication. Such functionalization method coupled with the high capacity surface makes the substrate an ideal candidate for sensor or microarray for sensitive detection of target analytes. PMID:25689680

Self-sensitization of tetracycline degradation with simulated solar light catalyzed by ZnO@montmorillonite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zyoud, Ahed; Jondi, Waheed; AlDaqqah, Najat; Asaad, Sara; Qamhieh, Naser; Hajamohideen, AbdulRazack; Helal, Muath H. S.; Kwon, Hansang; Hilal, Hikmat S.

2017-12-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-particles were chemically deposited onto montmorillonite (MONT) clay particles. The composite ZnO@MONT was then characterized and used as a catalyst for photo-degradation of aqueous tetracycline. Unlike earlier studies, solar simulated light can be effectively used in this work. The composite shows high efficiency as adsorbent and as a photo-degradation catalyst. Both adsorbed and dissolved tetracycline molecules undergo mineralization under the photo-catalytic conditions, and up to 94% of the contaminant gross amount is completely mineralized. Other forms of ZnO particles, commercial ZnO and synthetic ZnO particles were examined in separate experiments. The ZnO@MONT is superior to both pristine counterparts. The ability of tetracycline to sensitize the supported ZnO particles, to solar simulated light, before being photo-degraded itself, is discussed here for the first time. In addition to enhanced catalytic activity of the ZnO@MONT, the composite can be efficiently recovered and reused with no significant loss of efficiency.

Enhancing photo-catalytic production of organic acids in the cyanobacterium S ynechocystis sp. PCC 6803 Δ glg C , a strain incapable of glycogen storage

DOE PAGES

Carrieri, Damian; Broadbent, Charlie; Carruth, David; ...

2015-01-23

We describe how a key objective in microbial biofuels strain development is to maximize carbon flux to target products while minimizing cell biomass accumulation, such that ideally the algae and bacteria would operate in a photo-catalytic state. A brief period of such a physiological state has recently been demonstrated in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 ΔglgC strain incapable of glycogen storage. When deprived of nitrogen, the ΔglgC excretes the organic acids alpha-ketoglutarate and pyruvate for a number of days without increasing cell biomass. This study examines the relationship between the growth state and the photo-catalytic state, and characterizes themore » metabolic adaptability of the photo-catalytic state to increasing light intensity. It is found that the culture can transition naturally from the growth state into the photo-catalytic state when provided with limited nitrogen supply during the growth phase. Photosynthetic capacity and pigments are lost over time in the photo-catalytic state. Reversal to growth state is observed with re-addition of nitrogen nutrient, accompanied by restoration of photosynthetic capacity and pigment levels in the cells. While the overall productivity increased under high light conditions, the ratio of alpha-ketoglutarate/pyruvate is altered, suggesting that carbon partition between the two products is adaptable to environmental conditions.« less

Immobilized WO3 nanoparticles on graphene oxide as a photo-induced antibacterial agent against UV-resistant Bacillus pumilus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosseini, Farshad; Rasuli, Reza; Jafarian, Vahab

2018-04-01

We present the antibacterial and photo-catalytic activity of immobilized WO3 nanoparticles on graphene oxide sheets. WO3 nanoparticles were immobilized on graphene oxide using the arc discharge method in arc currents of 5, 20, 40 and 60 A. Tauc plots of the UV-visible spectra show that the band gap of the prepared samples decreases (to ~2.7 eV) with respect to the WO3 nanoparticles. Photo-catalytic activity was examined by the degradation of rhodamine B under ultra-violet irradiation and the results show that the photo-catalytic activity of WO3 nanoparticles is increased by immobilizing them on graphene oxide sheets. In addition, the photo-degradation yield of the samples prepared by the 5 A arc current is 84% in 120 min, which is more than that of the other samples. The antibacterial activity of the prepared samples was studied against Bacillus pumilus (B. pumilus) bacteria, showing high resistance to ultra-violet exposure. Our results show that the bare and immobilized WO3 nanoparticles become more active under UV irradiation and their antibacterial properties are comparable with Ag nanoparticles. Besides this, the results show that although the photo-catalytic activity of the post-annealed samples at 500 °C is less than the as-prepared samples, it is, however, more active against B. pumilus bacteria under UV irradiation.

Low voltage-driven oxide phototransistors with fast recovery, high signal-to-noise ratio, and high responsivity fabricated via a simple defect-generating process

PubMed Central

Yun, Myeong Gu; Kim, Ye Kyun; Ahn, Cheol Hyoun; Cho, Sung Woon; Kang, Won Jun; Cho, Hyung Koun; Kim, Yong-Hoon

2016-01-01

We have demonstrated that photo-thin film transistors (photo-TFTs) fabricated via a simple defect-generating process could achieve fast recovery, a high signal to noise (S/N) ratio, and high sensitivity. The photo-TFTs are inverted-staggered bottom-gate type indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (IGZO) TFTs fabricated using atomic layer deposition (ALD)-derived Al2O3 gate insulators. The surfaces of the Al2O3 gate insulators are damaged by ion bombardment during the deposition of the IGZO channel layers by sputtering and the damage results in the hysteresis behavior of the photo-TFTs. The hysteresis loops broaden as the deposition power density increases. This implies that we can easily control the amount of the interface trap sites and/or trap sites in the gate insulator near the interface. The photo-TFTs with large hysteresis-related defects have high S/N ratio and fast recovery in spite of the low operation voltages including a drain voltage of 1 V, positive gate bias pulse voltage of 3 V, and gate voltage pulse width of 3 V (0 to 3 V). In addition, through the hysteresis-related defect-generating process, we have achieved a high responsivity since the bulk defects that can be photo-excited and eject electrons also increase with increasing deposition power density. PMID:27553518

Dynamics of distribution and density of phreatophytes and other arid land plant communities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Turner, R. M. (Principal Investigator)

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Ground truth measurements of plant coverage on six satellite overflight dates reveal unique trends in coverage for the five desert or semi-desert communities selected. Densitometry and multispectral additive color viewing were used in a preliminary analysis of imagery using the electronic satellite image analyzer console at Stanford Research Institute. The densitometric analysis shows promise for mapping boundaries between plant communities. Color additive viewing of a chronologic sequence of the same scene shown in rapid order will provide a method for mapping phreatophyte communities.

N-acetyl-l-methionine is a superior protectant of human serum albumin against photo-oxidation and reactive oxygen species compared to N-acetyl-L-tryptophan.

PubMed

Kouno, Yousuke; Anraku, Makoto; Yamasaki, Keishi; Okayama, Yoshiro; Iohara, Daisuke; Ishima, Yu; Maruyama, Toru; Kragh-Hansen, Ulrich; Hirayama, Fumitoshi; Otagiri, Masaki

2014-09-01

Sodium octanoate (Oct) and N-acetyl-l-tryptophan (N-AcTrp) are widely used as stabilizers during pasteurization and storage of albumin products. However, exposure to light photo-degrades N-AcTrp with the formation of potentially toxic compounds. Therefore, we have examined the usefulness of N-acetyl-l-methionine (N-AcMet) in comparison with N-AcTrp for long-term stability, including photo stability, of albumin products. Recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA) with and without additives was photo-irradiated for 4weeks. The capability of the different stabilizers to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) was examined by ESR spectrometry. Carbonyl contents were assessed by a spectrophotometric method using fluoresceinamine and Western blotting, whereas the structure of rHSA was examined by SDS-PAGE, far-UV circular dichroism and differential scanning calorimetry. Binding was determined by ultrafiltration. N-AcMet was found to be a superior ROS scavenger both before and after photo-irradiation. The number of carbonyl groups formed was lowest in the presence of N-AcMet. According to SDS-PAGE, N-AcMet stabilizes the monomeric form of rHSA, whereas N-AcTrp induces degradation of rHSA during photo-irradiation. The decrease in α-helical content of rHSA was the smallest in the presence of Oct, without or with N-AcMet. Photo-irradiation did not affect the denaturation temperature or calorimetric enthalpy of rHSA, when N-AcMet was present. The weakly bound N-AcMet is a superior protectant of albumin, because it is a better ROS-protector and structural stabilizer than N-AcTrp, and it is probable and also useful for other protein preparations. N-AcMet is an effective stabilizer of albumin during photo-irradiation, while N-Ac-Trp promotes photo-oxidative damage to albumin. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

ForestCrowns: a software tool for analyzing ground-based digital photographs of forest canopies

Treesearch

Matthew F. Winn; Sang-Mook Lee; Phillip A. Araman

2013-01-01

Canopy coverage is a key variable used to characterize forest structure. In addition, the light transmitted through the canopy is an important ecological indicator of plant and animal habitat and understory climate conditions. A common ground-based method used to document canopy coverage is to take digital photographs from below the canopy. To assist with analyzing...

3 CFR 8544 - Proclamation 8544 of July 30, 2010. 45th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... disabilities in Medicare who fall in the Part D coverage gap for prescription drug costs, or the “donut hole.... Additionally, beneficiaries will see 50 percent discounts on brand name drugs in the coverage gap starting next... services, like certain colorectal cancer screenings and mammograms, with no co-pays or deductibles. Through...

Coverage and quality: A comparison of Web of Science and Scopus databases for reporting faculty nursing publication metrics.

PubMed

Powell, Kimberly R; Peterson, Shenita R

Web of Science and Scopus are the leading databases of scholarly impact. Recent studies outside the field of nursing report differences in journal coverage and quality. A comparative analysis of nursing publications reported impact. Journal coverage by each database for the field of nursing was compared. Additionally, publications by 2014 nursing faculty were collected in both databases and compared for overall coverage and reported quality, as modeled by Scimajo Journal Rank, peer review status, and MEDLINE inclusion. Individual author impact, modeled by the h-index, was calculated by each database for comparison. Scopus offered significantly higher journal coverage. For 2014 faculty publications, 100% of journals were found in Scopus, Web of Science offered 82%. No significant difference was found in the quality of reported journals. Author h-index was found to be higher in Scopus. When reporting faculty publications and scholarly impact, academic nursing programs may be better represented by Scopus, without compromising journal quality. Programs with strong interdisciplinary work should examine all areas of strength to ensure appropriate coverage. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Generation of High-Resolution Geo-referenced Photo-Mosaics From Navigation Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delaunoy, O.; Elibol, A.; Garcia, R.; Escartin, J.; Fornari, D.; Humphris, S.

2006-12-01

Optical images of the ocean floor are a rich source of data to understand biological and geological processes. However, due to the attenuation of light in sea water, the area covered by the optical systems is very reduced, and a large number of images are then needed in order to cover an area of interest, as individually they do not provide a global view of the surveyed area. Therefore, generating a composite view (or photo-mosaic) from multiple overlapping images is usually the most practical and flexible solution to visually cover a wide area, allowing the analysis of the site in one single representation of the ocean floor. In most of the camera surveys which are carried out nowadays, some sort of positioning information is available (e.g., USBL, DVL, INS, gyros, etc). If it is a towed camera an estimation of the length of the tether and the mother ship GPS reading could also serve as navigation data. In any case, a photo-mosaic can be build just by taking into account the position and orientation of the camera. On the other hand, most of the regions of interest for the scientific community are quite large (>1Km2) and since better resolution is always required, the final photo-mosaic can be very large (>1,000,000 × 1,000,000 pixels), and cannot be handled by commonly available software. For this reason, we have developed a software package able to load a navigation file and the sequence of acquired images to automatically build a geo-referenced mosaic. This navigated mosaic provides a global view of the interest site, at the maximum available resolution. The developed package includes a viewer, allowing the user to load, view and annotate these geo-referenced photo-mosaics on a personal computer. A software library has been developed to allow the viewer to manage such very big images. Therefore, the size of the resulting mosaic is now only limited by the size of the hard drive. Work is being carried out to apply image processing techniques to the navigated mosaic, with the intention of locally improving image alignment. Tests have been conducted using the data acquired during the cruise LUSTRE'96 (LUcky STRike Exploration, 37°17'N 32°17'W) by WHOI. During this cruise, the ARGO-II tethered vehicle acquired ~21,000 images in a ~1Km2 area of the seafloor to map at high resolution the geology of this hydrothermal field. The obtained geo-referenced photo-mosaic has a resolution of 1.5cm per pixel, with a coverage of ~25% of the Lucky Strike area. Data and software will be made publicly available.

Influence of TiO2 hollow sphere size on its photo-reduction activity for toxic Cr(VI) removal.

PubMed

Cai, Jiabai; Wu, Xueqing; Zheng, Fengying; Li, Shunxing; Wu, Yaling; Lin, Yanping; Lin, Liting; Liu, Biwen; Chen, Qiaoying; Lin, Luxiu

2017-03-15

After polystyrene@titanium dioxide (PS@TiO 2 ) composite with different size was calcined at designated temperature, TiO 2 hollow sphere with controllable size was obtained for high efficient photo-reduction of Cr(VI). The feature of the TiO 2 hollow sphere was investigated by SEM, TEM, XRD, UV-Vis, and photoluminescence. The photo-reduction of Cr(VI) were measured for the performance assessment of the TiO 2 hollow sphere, Cr(VI) was used as an electron acceptor. After irradiation for 2h, the photo-reduction rate of Cr(VI) (pH=2.82) for TiO 2 (450nm) was 96%, which exhibited an increase of 5% and 8% compared with TiO 2 (370nm) and TiO 2 (600nm). The absorption edges of TiO 2 hollow sphere (450nm) was largest with the increasing of hollow sphere size from 370 to 600nm. The optimal hollow sphere size of TiO 2 was 450nm for the photo-reduction of Cr(VI), because the light-harvesting efficiency (the best of absorption edge) and photo-generated electron-hole separation rate (the best of photo-reduction rate) of TiO 2 hollow sphere were controlled by its hollow sphere size. In addition, we find that the behavior of the hydrogen production was inhibited by the coexistence Cr(VI) solution. This study can improve our understanding of the mechanism for the activity enhancement by the optimal hollow sphere size of TiO 2 . Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sono-synthesis of solar light responsive S-N-C-tri doped TiO2 photo-catalyst under optimized conditions for degradation and mineralization of Diclofenac.

PubMed

Ramandi, Sara; Entezari, Mohammad H; Ghows, Narjes

2017-09-01

C-N-S-tri doped TiO 2 anatase phase was synthesized using a facile, effective and novel sonochemical method at low frequency (20kHz) and at room temperature. Titanium butoxide as the titanium precursor and thiourea as the dopant source were used in the synthesis of the photo-catalyst. The effects of important parameters such as thiourea/Ti molar ratio, ultrasound intensity, sonication time and temperature were studied on the synthesis of tri-doped TiO 2 . The XPS results confirmed the presence of N, S, and C in the photo-catalyst. The photo-catalytic efficiency of the synthesized catalyst was studied toward the removal of Diclofenac as a model pharmaceutical organic pollutant. The results confirmed that the photo-catalyst synthesized with narrower band gap energy, shorter sonication time and higher ultrasound intensity leads to a rapid removal of Diclofenac. The effect of operational variables on the photo-catalytic activity of C-N-S tri doped TiO 2 nanoparticles was studied and optimized using the Taguchi method as a statistical technique. Additionally, the degradation process followed the pseudo-first-order kinetics model and the highest apparent rate constant of 0.0632min -1 achieved in 90min. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) analysis confirmed that the mineralization took place completely (100%) under the optimized conditions in 180min. Different scavengers were applied during the degradation process and active species such as OH and O 2 - had key roles in the photo-catalytic process. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of solar photo-Fenton toward toxicity removal and textile wastewater reuse.

PubMed

Starling, Maria Clara V M; Dos Santos, Paulo Henrique Rodrigues; de Souza, Felipe Antônio Ribeiro; Oliveira, Sílvia Corrêa; Leão, Mônica M D; Amorim, Camila C

2017-05-01

Solar photo-Fenton represents an innovative and low-cost option for the treatment of recalcitrant industrial wastewater, such as the textile wastewater. Textile wastewater usually shows high acute toxic and variability and may be composed of many different chemical compounds. This study aimed at optimizing and validating solar photo-Fenton treatment of textile wastewater in a semi-pilot compound parabolic collector (CPC) for toxicity removal and wastewater reclamation. In addition, treated wastewater reuse feasibility was investigated through pilot tests. Experimental design performed in this study indicated optimum condition for solar photo-Fenton reaction (20 mg L -1 of Fe 2+ and 500 mg L -1 of H 2 O 2 ; pH 2.8), which achieved 96 % removal of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and 99 % absorbance removal. A toxicity peak was detected during treatment, suggesting that highly toxic transformation products were formed during reaction. Toxic intermediates were properly removed during solar photo-Fenton (SPF) treatment along with the generation of oxalic acid as an ultimate product of degradation and COS increase. Different samples of real textile wastewater were treated in order to validate optimized treatment condition with regard to wastewater variability. Results showed median organic carbon removal near 90 %. Finally, reuse of treated textile wastewater in both dyeing and washing stages of production was successful. These results confirm that solar photo-Fenton, as a single treatment, enables wastewater reclamation in the textile industry. Graphical abstract Solar photo-Fenton as a revolutionary treatment technology for "closing-the-loop" in the textile industry.

77 FR 59878 - Additional Requirements for Charitable Hospitals; Hearing

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-01

... public hearing is being held in the IRS Auditorium, Internal Revenue Service Building, 1111 Constitution... Constitution Avenue entrance. In addition, all visitors must present photo identification to enter the building... Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC or sent electronically via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www...

On the Challenge of Observing Pelagic Sargassum in Coastal Oceans: A Multi-sensor Assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, C.; Feng, L.; Hardy, R.; Hochberg, E. J.

2016-02-01

Remote detection of pelagic Sargassum is often hindered by its spectral similarity to other floating materials and by the inadequate spatial resolution. Using measurements from multi-spectral satellite sensors (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS), Landsat, WorldView-2 (or WV-2) as well as hyperspectral sensors (Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean or HICO, Airborne Visible-InfraRed Imaging Spectrometer or AVIRIS) and airborne digital photos, we analyze and compare their ability (in terms of spectral and spatial resolutions) to detect Sargassum and to differentiate from other floating materials such as Trichodesmium, Syringodium, Ulva, garbage, and emulsified oil. Field measurements suggest that Sargassum has a distinctive reflectance curvature around 630 nm due to its chlorophyll c pigments, which provides a unique spectral signature when combined with the reflectance ratio between brown ( 650 nm) and green ( 555 nm) wavelengths. For a 10-nm resolution sensor on the hyperspectral HyspIRI mission currently being planned by NASA, a stepwise rule to examine several indexes established from 6 bands (centered at 555, 605, 625, 645, 685, 755 nm) is shown to be effective to unambiguously differentiate Sargassum from all other floating materials Numerical simulations using spectral endmembers and noise in the satellite-derived reflectance suggest that spectral discrimination is degraded when a pixel is mixed between Sargassum and water. A minimum of 20-30% Sargassum coverage within a pixel is required to retain such ability, while the partial coverage can be as low as 1-2% when detecting floating materials without spectral discrimination. With its expected signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs 200:1), the hyperspectral HyspIRI mission may provide a compromise between spatial resolution and spatial coverage to improve our capacity to detect, discriminate, and quantify Sargassum.

Count every newborn; a measurement improvement roadmap for coverage data.

PubMed

Moxon, Sarah G; Ruysen, Harriet; Kerber, Kate J; Amouzou, Agbessi; Fournier, Suzanne; Grove, John; Moran, Allisyn C; Vaz, Lara M E; Blencowe, Hannah; Conroy, Niall; Gülmezoglu, A; Vogel, Joshua P; Rawlins, Barbara; Sayed, Rubayet; Hill, Kathleen; Vivio, Donna; Qazi, Shamim A; Sitrin, Deborah; Seale, Anna C; Wall, Steve; Jacobs, Troy; Ruiz Peláez, Juan; Guenther, Tanya; Coffey, Patricia S; Dawson, Penny; Marchant, Tanya; Waiswa, Peter; Deorari, Ashok; Enweronu-Laryea, Christabel; Arifeen, Shams; Lee, Anne C C; Mathai, Matthews; Lawn, Joy E

2015-01-01

The Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP), launched in 2014, aims to end preventable newborn deaths and stillbirths, with national targets of ≤12 neonatal deaths per 1000 live births and ≤12 stillbirths per 1000 total births by 2030. This requires ambitious improvement of the data on care at birth and of small and sick newborns, particularly to track coverage, quality and equity. In a multistage process, a matrix of 70 indicators were assessed by the Every Newborn steering group. Indicators were graded based on their availability and importance to ENAP, resulting in 10 core and 10 additional indicators. A consultation process was undertaken to assess the status of each ENAP core indicator definition, data availability and measurement feasibility. Coverage indicators for the specific ENAP treatment interventions were assigned task teams and given priority as they were identified as requiring the most technical work. Consultations were held throughout. ENAP published 10 core indicators plus 10 additional indicators. Three core impact indicators (neonatal mortality rate, maternal mortality ratio, stillbirth rate) are well defined, with future efforts needed to focus on improving data quantity and quality. Three core indicators on coverage of care for all mothers and newborns (intrapartum/skilled birth attendance, early postnatal care, essential newborn care) have defined contact points, but gaps exist in measuring content and quality of the interventions. Four core (antenatal corticosteroids, neonatal resuscitation, treatment of serious neonatal infections, kangaroo mother care) and one additional coverage indicator for newborns at risk or with complications (chlorhexidine cord cleansing) lack indicator definitions or data, especially for denominators (population in need). To address these gaps, feasible coverage indicator definitions are presented for validity testing. Measurable process indicators to help monitor health service readiness are also presented. A major measurement gap exists to monitor care of small and sick babies, yet signal functions could be tracked similarly to emergency obstetric care. The ENAP Measurement Improvement Roadmap (2015-2020) outlines tools to be developed (e.g., improved birth and death registration, audit, and minimum perinatal dataset) and actions to test, validate and institutionalise proposed coverage indicators. The roadmap presents a unique opportunity to strengthen routine health information systems, crosslinking these data with civil registration and vital statistics and population-based surveys. Real measurement change requires intentional transfer of leadership to countries with the greatest disease burden and will be achieved by working with centres of excellence and existing networks.

Prescription drug coverage and effects on drug expenditures among elderly Medicare beneficiaries.

PubMed

Huh, Soonim; Rice, Thomas; Ettner, Susan L

2008-06-01

To identify determinants of drug coverage among elderly Medicare beneficiaries and to investigate the impact of drug coverage on drug expenditures with and without taking selection bias into account. The primary data were from the 2000 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) Cost and Use file, linked to other data sources at the county or state-level that provided instrumental variables. Community-dwelling elderly Medicare beneficiaries who completed the survey were included in the study (N=7,525). A probit regression to predict the probability of having drug coverage and the effects of drug coverage on drug expenditures was estimated by a two-part model, assuming no correlation across equations. In addition, the discrete factor model estimated choice of drug coverage and expenditures for prescription drugs simultaneously to control for self-selection into drug coverage, allowing for correlation of error terms across equations. Findings indicated that unobservable characteristics leading elderly Medicare beneficiaries to purchase drug coverage also lead them to have higher drug expenditures on conditional use (i.e., adverse selection), while the same unobservable factors do not influence their decisions whether to use any drugs. After controlling for potential selection bias, the probability of any drug use among persons with drug coverage use was 4.5 percent higher than among those without, and drug coverage led to an increase in drug expenditures of $308 among those who used prescription drugs. Given significant adverse selection into drug coverage before the implementation of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act, it is essential that selection effects be monitored as beneficiaries choose whether or not to enroll in this voluntary program.

Effect of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation on diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine coverage: an independent assessment.

PubMed

Lu, Chunling; Michaud, Catherine M; Gakidou, Emmanuela; Khan, Kashif; Murray, Christopher J L

2006-09-23

The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) was created in 1999 to enable even the poorest countries to provide vaccines to all children. We aimed to assess the effect of GAVI on combined diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine (DTP3) coverage. We examined the relation between DTP3 coverage for GAVI recipient countries from 1995 to 2004 and immunisation services support (ISS) and non-ISS expenditure per surviving child, controlling for income per head and local political governance variables. We analysed DTP3 coverage reported by governments and estimated by WHO/UNICEF. We also investigated the effect of GAVI on country reporting behaviour. In countries with DTP3 coverage of 65% or less at baseline, ISS spending per surviving child had a significant positive effect on DTP3 coverage (p=0.0005). This effect was not present in countries with DTP3 coverage of 65-80% or 80% or more at baseline. If ISS expenditure only is assessed, the estimated cost per additional child immunised in countries with baseline coverage of 65% or less is US$14 and if ISS and non-ISS expenditures are included the cost per child is almost $20. The success of ISS funding in countries with baseline DTP3 coverage of 65% or less provides evidence that a public-private partnership can work to reverse a negative trend in global health and that performance-related disbursement can work in some settings. Because ISS funding seems to have no effect in countries with baseline coverage greater than 65%, GAVI should consider redistributing its resources to countries with the lowest coverage.

Factors associated with photoprotection by body clothing coverage, particularly in non-summer months, among a New Zealand community sample.

PubMed

Reeder, Anthony I; Gray, Andrew R; Liley, J Ben; Scragg, Robert K R; McKenzie, Richard L; Stewart, Alistair W

2016-03-01

Clothing coverage is important for reducing skin cancer risk, but may also influence vitamin D sufficiency, so associated plausible predictors require investigation. Volunteers (18 to 85 years), with approximately equal numbers by sex and four ethnicity groups, were recruited in cities from two latitude bands: Auckland (36.9°S) and Dunedin (45.9°S). Baseline questionnaire, anthropometric and spectrophotometer skin colour data were collected and weather data obtained. Percent body coverage was calculated from eight week diary records. Potential independent predictors (unadjusted p < 0.25) were included in adjusted models. Participants (n = 506: Auckland n = 334, Dunedin n = 172; mean age 48.4 years) were 62.7% female and had a median body clothing coverage of 81.6% (IQR 9.3%). Dunedin was cooler, less windy and had lower UVI levels than Auckland. From the fully adjusted model, increased coverage occurred in non-summer months (despite adjusting for weather), among Dunedin residents and Asians (compared to Europeans), during the middle of the day, with a dose response effect observed for greater age. Reduced coverage was associated with Pacific ethnicity and greater time spent outdoors. Additionally, higher temperatures were associated with reduced coverage, whereas increased cloud cover and wind speed were associated with increased coverage. Although the only potentially modifiable factors associated with clothing coverage were the time period and time spent outdoors, knowledge of these and other associated factors is useful for the framing and targeting of health promotion messages to potentially influence clothing coverage, facilitate erythema avoidance and maintain vitamin D sufficiency.

Enhanced photo-fermentative H2 production using Rhodobacter sphaeroides by ethanol addition and analysis of soluble microbial products

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Biological fermentation routes can provide an environmentally friendly way of producing H2 since they use renewable biomass as feedstock and proceed under ambient temperature and pressure. In particular, photo-fermentation has superior properties in terms of achieving high H2 yield through complete degradation of substrates. However, long-term H2 production data with stable performance is limited, and this data is essential for practical applications. In the present work, continuous photo-fermentative H2 production from lactate was attempted using the purple non-sulfur bacterium, Rhodobacter sphaeroides KD131. As a gradual drop in H2 production was observed, we attempted to add ethanol (0.2% v/v) to the medium. Results As continuous operation went on, H2 production was not sustained and showed a negligible H2 yield (< 0.5 mol H2/mol lactateadded) within two weeks. Electron balance analysis showed that the reason for the gradual drop in H2 production was ascribed to the increase in production of soluble microbial products (SMPs). To see the possible effect of ethanol addition, a batch test was first conducted. The presence of ethanol significantly increased the H2 yield from 1.15 to 2.20 mol H2/mol lactateadded, by suppressing the production of SMPs. The analysis of SMPs by size exclusion chromatography showed that, in the later period of fermentation, more than half of the low molecular weight SMPs (< 1 kDa) were consumed and used for H2 production when ethanol had been added, while the concentration of SMPs continuously increased in the absence of ethanol. It was found that the addition of ethanol facilitated the utilization of reducing power, resulting in an increase in the cellular levels of NAD+ and NADP+. In continuous operation, ethanol addition was effective, such that stable H2 production was attained with an H2 yield of 2.5 mol H2/mol lactateadded. Less than 15% of substrate electrons were used for SMP production, whereas 35% were used in the control. Conclusions We have found that SMPs are the key factor in photo-fermentative H2 production, and their production can be suppressed by ethanol addition. However, since external addition of ethanol to the medium represents an extra economic burden, ethanol should be prepared in a cost-effective way. PMID:24883103

Coverage Dependent Charge Reduction of Cationic Gold Clusters on Surfaces Prepared Using Soft Landing of Mass-selected Ions

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

Johnson, Grant E.; Priest, Thomas A.; Laskin, Julia

2012-11-29

The ionic charge state of monodisperse cationic gold clusters on surfaces may be controlled by selecting the coverage of mass-selected ions soft landed onto a substrate. Polydisperse diphosphine-capped gold clusters were synthesized in solution by reduction of chloro(triphenylphosphine)gold(I) with borane tert-butylamine in the presence of 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane. The polydisperse gold clusters were introduced into the gas phase by electrospray ionization and mass selection was employed to select a multiply charged cationic cluster species (Au11L53+, m/z = 1409, L = 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane) which was delivered to the surfaces of four different self-assembled monolayers on gold (SAMs) at coverages of 1011 and 1012 clusters/mm2.more » Employing the spatial profiling capabilities of in-situ time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) it is shown that, in addition to the chemical functionality of the monolayer (as demonstrated previously: ACS Nano, 2012, 6, 573) the coverage of cationic gold clusters on the surface may be used to control the distribution of ionic charge states of the soft-landed multiply charged clusters. In the case of a 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecanethiol SAM (FSAM) almost complete retention of charge by the deposited Au11L53+ clusters was observed at a lower coverage of 1011 clusters/mm2. In contrast, at a higher coverage of 1012 clusters/mm2, pronounced reduction of charge to Au11L52+ and Au11L5+ was observed on the FSAM. When soft landed onto 16- and 11-mercaptohexadecanoic acid surfaces on gold (16,11-COOH-SAMs), the mass-selected Au11L53+ clusters exhibited partial reduction of charge to Au11L52+ at lower coverage and additional reduction of charge to both Au11L52+ and Au11L5+ at higher coverage. The reduction of charge was found to be more pronounced on the surface of the shorter (thinner) C11 than the longer (thicker) C16-COOH-SAM. On the surface of the 1-dodecanethiol (HSAM) monolayer, the most abundant charge state was found to be Au11L52+ at lower coverage and Au11L5+ at higher coverage, respectively. A coverage-dependent electron tunneling mechanism is proposed to account for the observed reduction of charge of mass-selected multiply charged gold clusters soft landed on SAMs. The results demonstrate that one of the critical parameters that influence the chemical and physical properties of supported metal clusters, ionic charge state, may be controlled by selecting the coverage of charged species soft landed onto surfaces.« less

Application of a brain-computer interface for person authentication using EEG responses to photo stimuli.

PubMed

Mu, Zhendong; Yin, Jinhai; Hu, Jianfeng

2018-01-01

In this paper, a person authentication system that can effectively identify individuals by generating unique electroencephalogram signal features in response to self-face and non-self-face photos is presented. In order to achieve a good stability performance, the sequence of self-face photo including first-occurrence position and non-first-occurrence position are taken into account in the serial occurrence of visual stimuli. In addition, a Fisher linear classification method and event-related potential technique for feature analysis is adapted to yield remarkably better outcomes than that by most of the existing methods in the field. The results have shown that the EEG-based person authentications via brain-computer interface can be considered as a suitable approach for biometric authentication system.

Photo- and bio-reactivity patterns of dissolved organic matter from biomass and soil leachates and surface waters in a subtropical wetland.

PubMed

Chen, Meilian; Jaffé, Rudolf

2014-09-15

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) measurements and optical properties were applied to assess the photo- and bio-reactivity of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from different sources, including biomass leaching, soil leaching and surface waters in a subtropical wetland ecosystem. Samples were exposed to light and/or dark incubated through controlled laboratory experiments. Changes in DOC, ultraviolet (UV-Vis) visible absorbance, and excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence combined with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) were performed to assess sample degradation. Degradation experiments showed that while significant amounts of DOC were consumed during bio-incubation for biomass leachates, a higher degree of bio-recalcitrance for soil leachate and particularly surface waters was displayed. Photo- and bio-humification transformations were suggested for sawgrass, mangrove, and seagrass leachates, as compared to substantial photo-degradation and very little to almost no change after bio-incubation for the other samples. During photo-degradation in most cases the EEM-PARAFAC components displayed photo-decay as compared to a few cases which featured photo-production. In contrast during bio-incubation most EEM-PARAFAC components proved to be mostly bio-refractory although some increases and decreases in abundance were also observed. Furthermore, the sequential photo- followed by bio-degradation showed, with some exceptions, a "priming effect" of light exposure on the bio-degradation of DOM, and the combination of these two processes resulted in a DOM composition more similar to that of the natural surface water for the different sub-environments. In addition, for leachate samples there was a general enrichment of one of the EEM-PARAFAC humic-like component (Ex/Em: <260(305)/416 nm) during photo-degradation and an enrichment of a microbial humc-like component (Ex/Em: <260(325)/406 nm and of a tryptophan-like component (Ex/Em: 300/342 nm) during the bio-degradation process. This study exemplifies the effectiveness of optical property and EEM-PARAFAC in the assessment of DOM reactivity and highlights the importance of the coupling of photo- and bio-degradation processes in DOM degradation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

JAMSTEC E-library of Deep-sea Images (J-EDI) Realizes a Virtual Journey to the Earth's Unexplored Deep Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasaki, T.; Azuma, S.; Matsuda, S.; Nagayama, A.; Ogido, M.; Saito, H.; Hanafusa, Y.

2016-12-01

The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) archives a large amount of deep-sea research videos and photos obtained by JAMSTEC's research submersibles and vehicles with cameras. The web site "JAMSTEC E-library of Deep-sea Images : J-EDI" (http://www.godac.jamstec.go.jp/jedi/e/) has made videos and photos available to the public via the Internet since 2011. Users can search for target videos and photos by keywords, easy-to-understand icons, and dive information at J-EDI because operating staffs classify videos and photos as to contents, e.g. living organism and geological environment, and add comments to them.Dive survey data including videos and photos are not only valiant academically but also helpful for education and outreach activities. With the aim of the improvement of visibility for broader communities, we added new functions of 3-dimensional display synchronized various dive survey data with videos in this year.New Functions Users can search for dive survey data by 3D maps with plotted dive points using the WebGL virtual map engine "Cesium". By selecting a dive point, users can watch deep-sea videos and photos and associated environmental data, e.g. water temperature, salinity, rock and biological sample photos, obtained by the dive survey. Users can browse a dive track visualized in 3D virtual spaces using the WebGL JavaScript library. By synchronizing this virtual dive track with videos, users can watch deep-sea videos recorded at a point on a dive track. Users can play an animation which a submersible-shaped polygon automatically traces a 3D virtual dive track and displays of dive survey data are synchronized with tracing a dive track. Users can directly refer to additional information of other JAMSTEC data sites such as marine biodiversity database, marine biological sample database, rock sample database, and cruise and dive information database, on each page which a 3D virtual dive track is displayed. A 3D visualization of a dive track makes users experience a virtual dive survey. In addition, by synchronizing a virtual dive track with videos, it is easy to understand living organisms and geological environments of a dive point. Therefore, these functions will visually support understanding of deep-sea environments in lectures and educational activities.

High Awareness but Low Coverage of a Locally Produced Fortified Complementary Food in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Survey.

PubMed

Leyvraz, Magali; Rohner, Fabian; Konan, Amoin G; Esso, Lasme J C E; Woodruff, Bradley A; Norte, Augusto; Adiko, Adiko F; Bonfoh, Bassirou; Aaron, Grant J

2016-01-01

Poor complementary feeding practices among infants and young children in Côte d'Ivoire are major contributing factors to the country's high burden of malnutrition. As part of a broad effort to address this issue, an affordable, nutritious, and locally produced fortified complementary food product was launched in the Côte d'Ivoire in 2011. The objective of the current research was to assess various levels of coverage of the program and to identify coverage barriers. A cross-sectional household survey was conducted among caregivers of children less than 2-years of age living in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Four measures of coverage were assessed: "message coverage" (i.e., has the caregiver ever heard of the product?), "contact coverage" (i.e., has the caregiver ever fed the child the product?), "partial coverage" (i.e., has the caregiver fed the child the product in the previous month?), and "effective coverage" (i.e., has the caregiver fed the child the product in the previous 7 days?). A total of 1,113 caregivers with children between 0 and 23 months of age were interviewed. Results showed high message coverage (85.0%), moderate contact coverage (37.8%), and poor partial and effective coverages (8.8% and 4.6%, respectively). Product awareness was lower among caregivers from poorer households, but partial and effective coverages were comparable in both poor and non-poor groups. Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices were generally poor and did not appear to have improved since previous assessments. In conclusion, the results from the present study indicate that availability on the market and high awareness among the target population is not sufficient to achieve high and effective coverage. With market-based delivery models, significant efforts are needed to improve demand. Moreover, given the high prevalence of malnutrition and poor IYCF practices, additional modes of delivering IYCF interventions and improving IYCF practices should be considered.

Modelling the affordability and distributional implications of future health care financing options in South Africa.

PubMed

McIntyre, Di; Ataguba, John E

2012-03-01

South Africa is considering introducing a universal health care system. A key concern for policy-makers and the general public is whether or not this reform is affordable. Modelling the resource and revenue generation requirements of alternative reform options is critical to inform decision-making. This paper considers three reform scenarios: universal coverage funded by increased allocations to health from general tax and additional dedicated taxes; an alternative reform option of extending private health insurance coverage to all formal sector workers and their dependents with the remainder using tax-funded services; and maintaining the status quo. Each scenario was modelled over a 15-year period using a spreadsheet model. Statistical analyses were also undertaken to evaluate the impact of options on the distribution of health care financing burden and benefits from using health services across socio-economic groups. Universal coverage would result in total health care spending levels equivalent to 8.6% of gross domestic product (GDP), which is comparable to current spending levels. It is lower than the status quo option (9.5% of GDP) and far lower than the option of expanding private insurance cover (over 13% of GDP). However, public funding of health services would have to increase substantially. Despite this, universal coverage would result in the most progressive financing system if the additional public funding requirements are generated through a surcharge on taxable income (but not if VAT is increased). The extended private insurance scheme option would be the least progressive and would impose a very high payment burden; total health care payments on average would be 10.7% of household consumption expenditure compared with the universal coverage (6.7%) and status quo (7.5%) options. The least pro-rich distribution of service benefits would be achieved under universal coverage. Universal coverage is affordable and would promote health system equity, but needs careful design to ensure its long-term sustainability.

Conversion of 1,3-Propylene Glycol on Rutile TiO2(110)

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

Chen, Long; Li, Zhenjun; Smith, R. Scott

2014-10-09

The adsorption of 1,3-propylene glycol (1,3-PG) on partially reduced TiO2(110) and its conversion to products have been studied by a combination of molecular beam dosing and temperature programmed desorption (TPD). When the Ti surface sites are saturated by 1,3-PG, ~80% of the molecules undergo further reactions to yield products that are liberated during the TPD ramp. In contrast to ethylene glycol (EG) and 1,2- propylene glycol (1,2-PG) that yield only alkenes and water at very low coverages (< 0.05 ML), two additional products, HCHO and C2H4, along with propylene (CH3CHCH2) and water are observed for 1,3-PG. Identical TPD line shapesmore » and desorption yields for HCHO and C2H4 suggest that these products result from C-C bond cleavage and are coupled. At higher 1,3-PG coverages (> 0.1 ML), propanal (CH3CH2CHO) and two additional products, 1-propanol (CH3CH2CH2OH) and acrolein (CH2CHCHO), are observed. The desorption of 1-propanol is found to be coupled with the desorption of acrolein, suggesting that these products are formed by the disproportionation of two 1,3-PG molecules. The coverage dependent TPD results further show that propylene formation dominates at low coverages (< 0.3 ML), while the decomposition and disproportionation channels increase rapidly at higher coverages and reach yields comparable to that of propylene at the 1,3-PG saturation coverage of 0.5 ML. The observed surface chemistry clearly shows how the molecular structure of glycols influences their reaction pathways on oxide surfaces.« less

The clinical effect of acellular dermal matrix on gingival thickness and root coverage compared to coronally positioned flap alone.

PubMed

Woodyard, James G; Greenwell, Henry; Hill, Margaret; Drisko, Connie; Iasella, John M; Scheetz, James

2004-01-01

The primary aim of this randomized, controlled, blinded, clinical investigation was to compare the coronally positioned flap (CPF) plus an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) allograft to CPF alone to determine their effect on gingival thickness and percent root coverage. Twenty-four subjects with one Miller Class I or II buccal recession defect of > or = 3 mm were treated with a CPF plus ADM or a CPF alone. Multiple additional recession sites were treated with the same flap procedure, and all sites were studied for 6 months. Tissue thickness was measured at the sulcus base and at the mucogingival junction of all teeth, with an SDM ultrasonic gingival thickness meter. For the ADM sites, mean initial recession of 3.46 mm was reduced to 0.04 mm for defect coverage of 3.42 mm or 99% (P < 0.05). For the CPF group, mean initial recession of 3.27 mm was reduced to 1.08 mm for defect coverage of 2.19 mm or 67% (P < 0.05). The difference between ADM and CPF groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Marginal soft-tissue thickness was increased by 0.40 mm (P < 0.05) for the ADM group, whereas the CPF group remained essentially unchanged. Keratinized tissue was increased for the ADM group by 0.81 mm (P < 0.05), whereas the CPF group increased by 0.33 mm (P > 0.05). No additional root coverage was gained due to creeping attachment between 2 and 6 months for either group. Treatment with a CPF plus an ADM allograft significantly increased gingival thickness when compared with a CPF alone. Recession defect coverage was significantly improved with the use of ADM.

Exchange pattern of gaseous elemental mercury in landfill: mercury deposition under vegetation coverage and interactive effects of multiple meteorological conditions.

PubMed

Tao, Zhengkai; Liu, Yang; Zhou, Meng; Chai, Xiaoli

2017-12-01

Landfill is known as a potential source of atmospheric Hg and an important component of the local or regional atmospheric Hg budget. This study investigated the gaseous elemental Hg surface-air fluxes under differing conditions at a typical municipal solid waste landfill site, highlighting the interactive effects of plant coverage and meteorological conditions. The results indicated that Hg fluxes exhibited a feature represented by diel variation. In particular, Hg deposition was observed under a condition of Kochia sieversiana coverage, whereas emission that occurred after K. sieversiana was removed. Hg emission was the dominant mode under conditions of Setaria viridis coverage and its removal; however, the average Hg emission flux with the S. viridis coverage was nearly four times lower than after its removal. These findings verified that the plant coverage should be a key factor influencing the Hg emission from landfills. In addition, Hg fluxes were correlated positively with solar radiation and air/soil temperature and correlated inversely with relative humidity under all conditions, except K. sieversiana coverage. This suggested that the interactive effects of meteorological conditions and plant coverage played a jointly significant role in the Hg emission from landfills. It was established that K. sieversiana can inhibit Hg emission efficiently, and therefore, it could potentially be suitable for use as a plant-based method to control Hg pollution from landfills.

HPLC-MS degradation study of E10 Sunset Yellow FCF in a commercial beverage.

PubMed

Gosetti, Fabio; Gianotti, Valentina; Polati, Stefano; Gennaro, Maria Carla

2005-10-07

Experimental evidence has shown that a beverage containing Sunset Yellow FCF (labelled as E110 in the European Union), when exposed to natural conditions of summer temperature and sunlight, losses its colour. To possibly identify the degradation pathway and collect information on the potential toxicity of the uncoloured species formed, different degradation conditions, under both oxidising and reducing environments, were simulated in laboratory. Experiments were carried out under the following conditions: (i) thermally induced degradation, (ii) visible photo induced degradation, (iii) UV-photo induced conditions in oxidising environment (addition of hydrogen peroxide, Fenton reaction) and (iv) UV-photo induced conditions in reducing environment (addition of sulphide and ascorbic acid, addition of ascorbic acid in the absence and in the presence of saccharose). Decolourisation process was observed in oxidant conditions when applying the Fenton reaction but the reaction was too quick to be progressively followed. On the other hand, it was also possible to study the degradation reaction observed in reducing conditions in the presence of ascorbic acid. The HPLC-MS results gave evidence for the cleavage of the double bond and the protonation of the azo groups. The loss of colour is therefore not due to a mineralization process but to the formation of a dimeric form of 5-amino-6-hydroxy-2-naphthalene sulfonate and, likely, of p-amino-benzensulfonate.

Coverage Root after Removing Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma: 5-Year Follow-Up Case Report

PubMed Central

Okajima, Luciana S.; Nunes, Marcelo P.; Montalli, Victor A. M.

2016-01-01

When lesions in soft tissue reach the gingival margin, they can produce aesthetic defects during its permanence and after its removal. Periodontal plastic surgery allows the correction of the gingival contour using different techniques. This paper is a case report of a peripheral ossifying fibroma removal in the interproximal area of teeth 21 and 22 in addition to root coverage of the affected area through two surgical phases: keratinized gingival tissue augmentation surgery with free gingival graft concurrent with removal of the lesion and, in a second stage, root coverage by performing coronally advanced flap technique with a follow-up of five years. The initial results achieved, which were root coverage of 100% after 6 months, promoted an adequate gingival contour and prevented the development of a mucogingival defect or a root exposure with its functional and aesthetic consequences. After five years, the results showed long term success of the techniques, where the margin remained stable with complete root coverage and tissues were stable and harmonic in color. PMID:27891263

Coverage Root after Removing Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma: 5-Year Follow-Up Case Report.

PubMed

Henriques, Paulo S G; Okajima, Luciana S; Nunes, Marcelo P; Montalli, Victor A M

2016-01-01

When lesions in soft tissue reach the gingival margin, they can produce aesthetic defects during its permanence and after its removal. Periodontal plastic surgery allows the correction of the gingival contour using different techniques. This paper is a case report of a peripheral ossifying fibroma removal in the interproximal area of teeth 21 and 22 in addition to root coverage of the affected area through two surgical phases: keratinized gingival tissue augmentation surgery with free gingival graft concurrent with removal of the lesion and, in a second stage, root coverage by performing coronally advanced flap technique with a follow-up of five years. The initial results achieved, which were root coverage of 100% after 6 months, promoted an adequate gingival contour and prevented the development of a mucogingival defect or a root exposure with its functional and aesthetic consequences. After five years, the results showed long term success of the techniques, where the margin remained stable with complete root coverage and tissues were stable and harmonic in color.

The association between acculturation and health insurance coverage for immigrant children from socioeconomically disadvantaged regions of origin.

PubMed

Hernandez, Daphne C; Kimbro, Rachel Tolbert

2013-06-01

Among immigrant children whose parents have historically had lower education, the study explored which immigrant children were most likely to have coverage based on maternal region of origin. The direct and indirect relationship of acculturation on immigrant children's coverage was also assessed. A subsample of US-born children with foreign-born mothers from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey-Kindergarten Cohort was analyzed using multinomial logistic regressions (n = 1,686). Children whose mothers emigrated from the Caribbean or Indochina had greater odds of being insured compared to children whose mothers emigrated from Mexico. Moreover, Latin American children did not statistically differ from Mexican children in being uninsured. Maternal citizenship was positively associated with children's coverage; while living in a household with a mother who migrated as a child was negatively associated with private insurance. To increase immigrant children's coverage, Latin American and Mexican families may benefit from additional financial assistance, rather than cultural assistance.

Examples of S1 coverage intervals with very good and very bad long-run success rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giaquinto, Nicola; Fabbiano, Laura

2016-04-01

The paper illustrates, by means of selected examples, the merits and the limits of the method for computing coverage intervals described in the Supplement 1 to the GUM. The assessment of coverage intervals is done by evaluating their long-run success rate. Three pairs of examples are presented, relative to three different ways of generating incomplete knowledge about quantities: toss of dice, presence of additive noise, quantization. In all the pairs of examples, the first one results in a coverage interval with a long-run success rate equal to the coverage probability (set to 95%); the second one, instead, yields an interval with a success rate near to zero. The paper shows that the propagation mechanism of the Supplement 1, while working well in certain special cases, yields unacceptable results in others, and that the problematic issues cannot be neglected. The conclusion is that, if a Bayesian approach to uncertainty evaluation is adopted, the propagation is a particularly delicate issue.

How the affordable care act and mental health parity and addiction equity act greatly expand coverage of behavioral health care.

PubMed

Beronio, Kirsten; Glied, Sherry; Frank, Richard

2014-10-01

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) will expand coverage of mental health and substance use disorder benefits and federal parity protections to over 60 million Americans. The key to this expansion is the essential health benefit provision in the ACA that requires coverage of mental health and substance use disorder services at parity with general medical benefits. Other ACA provisions that should improve access to treatment include requirements on network adequacy, dependent coverage up to age 26, preventive services, and prohibitions on annual and lifetime limits and preexisting exclusions. The ACA offers states flexibility in expanding Medicaid (primarily to childless adults, not generally eligible previously) to cover supportive services needed by those with significant behavioral health conditions in addition to basic benefits at parity. Through these various new requirements, the ACA in conjunction with Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) will expand coverage of behavioral health care by historic proportions.

[Estimated mammogram coverage in Goiás State, Brazil].

PubMed

Corrêa, Rosangela da Silveira; Freitas-Júnior, Ruffo; Peixoto, João Emílio; Rodrigues, Danielle Cristina Netto; Lemos, Maria Eugênia da Fonseca; Marins, Lucy Aparecida Parreira; Silveira, Erika Aparecida da

2011-09-01

This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate mammogram coverage in the State of Goiás, Brazil, describing the supply, demand, and variations in different age groups, evaluating 98 mammography services as observational units. We estimated the mammogram rates by age group and type of health service, as well as the number of tests required to cover 70% and 100% of the target population. We assessed the association between mammograms, geographical distribution of mammography machines, type of service, and age group. Full coverage estimates, considering 100% of women in the 40-69 and 50-69-year age brackets, were 61% and 66%, of which the Brazilian Unified National Health System provided 13% and 14%, respectively. To achieve 70% coverage, 43,424 additional mammograms would be needed. All the associations showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.001). We conclude that mammogram coverage is unevenly distributed in the State of Goiás and that fewer tests are performed than required.

Beyond the political model of reporting: nonspecific symptoms in media communication about AIDS.

PubMed

Check, W A

1987-01-01

Mass media have functioned well in transmitting much of the basic information about the AIDS epidemic; however, media coverage of AIDS has been flawed. In many ways these flaws have resulted from the limitations and conventions of traditional journalism, especially the need to appeal to a large mainstream audience and a reliance on authorities as sources and validators of information. News stories typically rely on a single articulate authority, and articles that involve conspiracy or controversy or have a high entertainment value are favored. Although coverage of politics and social issues is not distorted by these journalistic conventions, coverage of science suffers. Analysis of news coverage of AIDS shows that mass media often respond to sensationalism rather than to important scientific developments. In addition, scientific disagreements are better adjudicated by evidence than by appeals to authority. As a result, media coverage often obscures the process of scientific deliberation. Public health officials need to consider setting up a special channel of communications to clarify information about AIDS.

The Gradual Expansion Muscle Flap

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

acute shortening and angulation of the tibia and rotational muscle flap coverage and split thickness skin grafting of the soft tissue defect...is also amenable to split-thickness skin grafting after tissue incorporation.11 In addition to donor site morbidity, free tissue transfer is dependent...necessary soft tissue coverage. In the second stage, after the flap has adequately set and overlying skin graft has full adherence, a Taylor Spatial

Pension coverage among the baby boomers: initial findings from a 1993 survey.

PubMed

Woods, J R

1994-01-01

Using data from a series of supplements to the Current Population Survey, this article presents findings on workers' coverage under employer-sponsored retirement plans in 1993, and recent trends in coverage. The analysis focuses on workers 25-54, a group that includes the baby boom generation. Among all wage and salary workers in this age range (including government employees and part-time workers), 55 percent reported participating in a retirement plan on their current primary jobs, and an additional 3 percent were covered from other jobs. After a modest decline in the early 1980's, the coverage rate has remained essentially unchanged over the past 10 years, and limited data suggest that the baby boomers are doing about as well on pension coverage as older workers at similar points in their careers. Beneath this relative stability in overall coverage, however, at least two important changes have occurred: a significant narrowing of the gender gap in coverage and a shift in types of retirement plans. Increasing numbers of workers are being covered solely by 401(k)-type plans, a development that raises new uncertainties about the form and amount of future benefits. On the other hand, limited data in this study suggest that 401(k) plans may be serving their intended purpose for the majority of workers who have them.

Evaluation of a vaccine passport to improve vaccine coverage in people living with HIV.

PubMed

Chadwick, D R; Corbett, K; Mann, S; Teruzzi, B; Horner, S

2018-01-01

An increased risk of vaccine-preventable infections (VPIs) is seen in people living with HIV (PLWH), and current vaccine coverage and immunity is variable. Vaccine passports have the potential to improve vaccine coverage. The objective was to assess how successful a vaccine passport was in improving vaccine coverage in PLWH. Baseline immunity to VPIs was established in PLWH attending a single HIV clinic and vaccinations required were determined based on the BHIVA Vaccination Guidelines (2015). The passport was completed and the PLWH informed about additional vaccines they should obtain from primary care. After 6-9 months the passport was reviewed including confirmation if vaccines were given. PLWH satisfaction with the system was evaluated by a survey. Seventy-three PLWH provided sufficient data for analysis. At baseline significant proportions of PLWH were not immune/unvaccinated to the main VPIs, especially human papillomavirus, pneumococcus and measles. After the passport was applied immunity improved significantly (56% overall, p < 0.01) for most VPIs; however, full coverage was not achieved. The system was popular with PLWH. The passport was successful in increasing vaccination coverage although full or near-full coverage was not achieved. A more successful service would probably be achieved by commissioning English HIV clinics to provide all vaccines.

What hysteria? A systematic study of newspaper coverage of accused child molesters.

PubMed

Cheit, Ross E

2003-06-01

There were three aims: First, to determine the extent to which those charged with child molestation receive newspaper coverage; second, to analyze the nature of that coverage; and third, to compare the universe of coverage to the nature of child molestation charges in the criminal justice system as a whole. Two databases were created. The first one identified all defendants charged with child molestation in Rhode Island in 1993. The database was updated after 5 years to include relevant information about case disposition. The second database was created by electronic searching the Providence Journal for every story that mentioned each defendant. Most defendants (56.1%) were not mentioned in the newspaper. Factors associated with a greater chance of coverage include: cases involving first-degree charges, cases with multiple counts, cases involving additional violence or multiple victims, and cases resulting in long prison sentences. The data indicate that the press exaggerates "stranger danger," while intra-familial cases are underreported. Newspaper accounts also minimize the extent to which guilty defendants avoid prison. Generalizing about the nature of child molestation cases in criminal court on the basis of newspaper coverage is inappropriate. The coverage is less extensive than often claimed, and it is skewed in ways that are typical of the mass media.

Analysis of seasonal characteristics of Sambhar Salt Lake, India, from digitized Space Shuttle photography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lulla, Kamlesh P.; Helfert, Michael R.

1989-01-01

Sambhar Salt Lake is the largest salt lake (230 sq km) in India, situated in the northwest near Jaipur. Analysis of Space Shuttle photographs of this ephemeral lake reveals that water levels and lake basin land-use information can be extracted by both the digital and manual analysis techniques. Seasonal characteristics captured by the two Shuttle photos used in this study show that additional land use/cover categories can be mapped from the dry season photos. This additional information is essential for precise cartographic updates, and provides seasonal hydrologic profiles and inputs for potential mesoscale climate modeling. This paper extends the digitization and mensuration techniques originally developed for space photography and applied to other regions (e.g., Lake Chad, Africa, and Great Salt Lake, USA).

Monitoring of TiO2-catalytic UV-LED photo-oxidation of cyanide contained in mine wastewater and leachate.

PubMed

Kim, Seong Hee; Lee, Sang Woo; Lee, Gye Min; Lee, Byung-Tae; Yun, Seong-Taek; Kim, Soon-Oh

2016-01-01

A photo-oxidation process using UV-LEDs and TiO2 was studied for removal of cyanide contained in mine wastewater and leachates. This study focused on monitoring of a TiO2-catalyzed LED photo-oxidation process, particularly emphasizing the effects of TiO2 form and light source on the efficiency of cyanide removal. The generation of hydroxyl radicals was also examined during the process to evaluate the mechanism of the photo-catalytic process. The apparent removal efficiency of UV-LEDs was lower than that achieved using a UV-lamp, but cyanide removal in response to irradiation as well as consumption of electrical energy was observed to be higher for UV-LEDs than for UV-lamps. The Degussa P25 TiO2 showed the highest performance of the TiO2 photo-catalysts tested. The experimental results indicate that hydroxyl radicals oxidize cyanide to OCN(-), NO2(-), NO3(-), HCO3(-), and CO3(2-), which have lower toxicity than cyanide. In addition, the overall efficacy of the process appeared to be significantly affected by diverse operational parameters, such as the mixing ratio of anatase and rutile, the type of gas injected, and the number of UV-LEDs used. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Photoinitiated Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly (Photo-PISA): New Insights and Opportunities.

PubMed

Yeow, Jonathan; Boyer, Cyrille

2017-07-01

The polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) process is a useful synthetic tool for the efficient synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles of different morphologies. Recently, studies on visible light initiated PISA processes have offered a number of key research opportunities that are not readily accessible using traditional thermally initiated systems. For example, visible light mediated PISA (Photo-PISA) enables a high degree of control over the dispersion polymerization process by manipulation of the wavelength and intensity of incident light. In some cases, the final nanoparticle morphology of a single formulation can be modulated by simple manipulation of these externally controlled parameters. In addition, temporal (and in principle spatial) control over the Photo-PISA process can be achieved in most cases. Exploitation of the mild room temperature polymerizations conditions can enable the encapsulation of thermally sensitive therapeutics to occur without compromising the polymerization rate and their activities. Finally, the Photo-PISA process can enable further mechanistic insights into the morphological evolution of nanoparticle formation such as the effects of temperature on the self-assembly process. The purpose of this mini-review is therefore to examine some of these recent advances that have been made in Photo-PISA processes, particularly in light of the specific advantages that may exist in comparison with conventional thermally initiated systems.

Photo-oxidation of Nitrophenols in the Aqueous Phase: Reaction Kinetics, Mechanistic Insights, and Evolution of Light Absorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hems, R.; Abbatt, J.

2017-12-01

Nitrophenols are a class of water soluble, light absorbing compounds which can make up a significant fraction of biomass burning brown carbon. The atmospheric lifetime and aging of these compounds can have important implications for their impact on climate through the aerosol direct effect. Recent studies have shown that brown carbon aerosols can be bleached of their colour by direct photolysis and photo-oxidation reactions on the timescale of hours to days. However, during aqueous phase photo-oxidation of nitrophenol compounds light absorption is sustained or enhanced, even after the parent nitrophenol molecule has been depleted. In this work, we use online aerosol chemical ionization mass spectrometry (aerosol-CIMS) to investigate the aqueous phase photo-oxidation mechanism and determine the second order rate constants for the reaction of OH radicals with three commonly detected nitrophenol compounds: nitrocatechol, nitroguaiacol, and dinitrophenol. These nitrophenol compounds are found to have aqueous phase lifetimes with respect to oxidation by the OH radical ranging between 5 - 11 hours. Our results indicate that functionalization of the parent nitrophenol molecule by addition of hydroxyl groups leads to the observed absorption enhancement. Further photo-oxidation forms breakdown products that no longer absorb significantly in the visible light range.

Using satellites to improve civilian aircraft surveillance coverage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcgraw, K.

1984-01-01

Surveillance of aircraft is presently accomplished through the use of terrestrial based secondary radar sensors, which are capable of interrogating transponders aboard aircraft. Transponder responses provide the basis for determining radial distance by measuring round-trip signal time while antenna angular position is used to determine azimuthal position. These interrogating radar beams are line-of-sight and thus have their coverage obscured by mountains and tall buildings. The addition of more radar sites is rendered unfeasible by the lack of easy access to the required additional site locations. A possible solution to this problem is to deploy satellites that interrogate transponder-equipped aircraft from a position that provides an unobstructed view.

Why CO bonds side-on at low coverage and both side-on and upright at high coverage on the Cr(110) surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mehandru, S. P.; Anderson, A. B.

1985-01-01

An atom superposition and electron delocalization molecular orbital study of CO adsorption on the Cr(110) surface shows a high coordinate lying down orientation is favored. This is a result of the large number of empty d-band energy levels in chromium, which allows the antibonding counterparts to sigma and pi donation bonds to the surface to be empty. When lying down, backbonding to CO pi sup * orbitals is enhanced. Repulsive interactions cause additional CO to stand upright at 1/4 monolyer coverage. The results confirm the recent experimental study of Shinn and Madey.

The 'graying' of group health insurance.

PubMed

Keenan, Patricia Seliger; Cutler, David M; Chernew, Michael

2006-01-01

We examine differential declines in private insurance by income and age. We show that older, higher-income people in working families are more likely to retain private coverage as premiums rise, and we project these effects on future coverage rates. The analysis suggests that trends are leading to the "graying" of the employment-based health insurance system, where older, higher-income people get private health insurance, and others increasingly have public coverage or go without. These changes raise questions about the private health care system's ability to pool health risks. Population aging could interact with rising premiums and place additional pressure on an already strained employment-based health insurance system.

Taking up or turning down: new estimates of household demand for employer-sponsored health insurance.

PubMed

Abraham, Jean Marie; Feldman, Roger

2010-01-01

This study provides new estimates of demand for employer-sponsored health insurance, using the 1997-2001 linked Household Component-Insurance Component of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Our focus is on households' decisions to take up coverage through a worker's employer. We found a significant inverse relationship between the out-of-pocket premium and the probability of taking up coverage, with the price effect considerably larger when we used instrumental variables methods to account for endogenous out-of-pocket premiums. Additionally, workers in families with more children eligible for Medicaid were less likely to take up coverage.

"Knight in shining armour" or "Frankenstein's creation"? The coverage of synthetic biology in German-language media.

PubMed

Gschmeidler, Brigitte; Seiringer, Alexandra

2012-02-01

Although still a side issue in the German-language media, attention towards synthetic biology has risen clearly during the last years, in line with the first applications being presented. This paper presents findings from a content analysis of synthetic biology coverage in German-language media over the years 2004-2009. In the media, synthetic biology is not clearly separated from gene technology. News value is attributed to established categories such as persons and events. Many metaphors and analogies used in describing gene technology can also be found in the coverage of synthetic biology; however, engineering metaphors are more prominent. In addition, playfulness constitutes an aspect rarely found in genetic engineering coverage. Overall, the picture emerging is ambivalent, which leaves prospects for the further development of public debate ambiguous.

The impact of generic-only drug benefits on patients' use of inhaled corticosteroids in a Medicare population with asthma

PubMed Central

Fung, Vicki; Tager, Ira B; Brand, Richard; Newhouse, Joseph P; Hsu, John

2008-01-01

Background Patients face increasing insurance restrictions on prescription drugs, including generic-only coverage. There are no generic inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), which are a mainstay of asthma therapy, and patients pay the full price for these drugs under generic-only policies. We examined changes in ICS use following the introduction of generic-only coverage in a Medicare Advantage population from 2003–2004. Methods Subjects were age 65+, with asthma, prior ICS use, and no chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (n = 1,802). In 2004, 74.0% switched from having a $30 brand-copayment plan to a generic-only coverage plan (restricted coverage); 26% had $15–25 brand copayments in 2003–2004 (unrestricted coverage). Using linear difference-in-difference models, we examined annual changes in ICS use (measured by days-of-supply dispensed). There was a lower-cost ICS available within the study setting and we also examined changes in drug choice (higher- vs. lower-cost ICS). In multivariable models we adjusted for socio-demographic, clinical, and asthma characteristics. Results In 2003 subjects had an average of 188 days of ICS supply. Restricted compared with unrestricted coverage was associated with reductions in ICS use from 2003–2004 (-15.5 days-of-supply, 95% confidence interval (CI): -25.0 to -6.0). Among patients using higher-cost ICS drugs in 2003 (n = 662), more restricted versus unrestricted coverage subjects switched to the lower-cost ICS in 2004 (39.8% vs. 10.3%). Restricted coverage was not associated with decreased ICS use (2003–2004) among patients who switched to the lower-cost ICS (18.7 days-of-supply, CI: -27.5 to 65.0), but was among patients who did not switch (-38.6 days-of-supply, CI: -57.0 to -20.3). In addition, restricted coverage was associated with decreases in ICS use among patients with both higher- and lower-risk asthma (-15.0 days-of-supply, CI: -41.4 to 11.44; and -15.6 days-of-supply, CI: -25.8 to -5.3, respectively). Conclusion In this elderly population, patients reduced their already low ICS use in response to losing drug coverage. Switching to the lower-cost ICS mitigated reductions in use among patients who previously used higher-cost drugs. Additional work is needed to assess barriers to switching ICS drugs and the clinical effects of these drug use changes. PMID:18638405

Applications of Skylab EREP photographs to mapping of landforms and environmental geology in the Great Plains and Midwest. [Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morrison, R. B. (Principal Investigator)

1974-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. The utility of Skylab 2 and 3 S-190A multispectral photos for environmental-geologic/geomorphic applications is being tested by using them to prepare 1:250,000-scale maps of geomorphic features, surficial geology, geologic linear features, and soil associations of large, representative parts of the Great Plains and Midwest. Parts of Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and South Dakota were mapped. The maps were prepared primarily by interpretation of the S-190A photos, supplemented by information from topographic, geologic, and soil maps and reports. The color band provides the greatest information on geology, soils, and geomorphology; its resolution also is the best of all the multispectral bands and permits maximum detail of mapping. The color-IR band shows well the differences in soil drainage and moisture, and vegetative types, but has only moderate resolution. The B/W-red band is superior for topographic detail and stream alinements. The B/W-infrared bands best show differences in soil moisture and drainage but have poor resolution, especially those from SL 2. The B/W-green band generally is so low contrast and degraded by haze as to be nearly useless. Where stereoscopic coverage is provided, interpretation and mapping are done most efficiently using a Kern PG-2 stereoplotter.

Enhancement of a solar photo-Fenton reaction with ferric-organic ligands for the treatment of acrylic-textile dyeing wastewater.

PubMed

Soares, Petrick A; Batalha, Mauro; Souza, Selene M A Guelli U; Boaventura, Rui A R; Vilar, Vítor J P

2015-04-01

Literature describes a kinetic mineralization profile for most of acrylic-textile dyeing wastewaters using a photo-Fenton reaction characterized by a slow degradation process and high reactants consumption. This work tries to elucidate that the slow decay on DOC concentration is associated with the formation of stable complexes between Fe(3+) and textile auxiliary products, limiting the photoreduction of Fe(3+). This work also evaluates the enhancement of a solar photo-Fenton reaction through the use of different ferric-organic ligands applied to the treatment of a simulated acrylic-textile dyeing wastewater, as a pre-oxidation step to enhance its biodegradability. The photo-Fenton reaction was negatively affected by two dyeing auxiliary products: i) Sera(®) Tard A-AS, a surfactant mainly composed of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride and ii) Sera(®) Sperse M-IW, a dispersing agent composed of polyglycol solvents. The catalytic activity of the organic ligands toward the ferrous-catalysed system followed this order: Fe(III)-Oxalate > Fe(III)-Citrate > Fe(III)-EDDS, and all were better than the traditional photo-Fenton reaction. Different design parameters such as iron concentration, pH, temperature, flow conditions, UV irradiance and H2O2 addition strategy and dose were evaluated. The ferrioxalate induced photo-Fenton process presented the best results, achieving 87% mineralization after 9.3 kJUV L(-1) and allowing to work until near neutral pH values. As expected, the biodegradability of the textile wastewater was significantly enhanced during the photo-Fenton treatment, achieving a value of 73%, consuming 32.4 mM of H2O2 and 5.7 kJUV L(-1). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

TiO2@Pt@CeO2 nanocomposite as a bifunctional catalyst for enhancing photo-reduction of Cr (VI) and photo-oxidation of benzyl alcohol.

PubMed

Li, Shunxing; Cai, Jiabai; Wu, Xueqing; Liu, Biwen; Chen, Qiaoying; Li, Yuehai; Zheng, Fengying

2018-03-15

An solar-light-driven and bifunctional photocatalyst was designed for photo-reduction of Cr(VI) and selective photo-oxidation of benzyl alcohol into benzaldehyde in the presence of water under ambient conditions. Double-shelled and sandwiched TiO 2 @Pt@CeO 2 hollow spheres were prepared by using functionalized polystyrene spheres, sol-gel, hydrothermal reaction, and calcination. The Pt nanoparticles (NPs) were controllably loaded between the TiO 2 shell and CeO 2 shell. Under solar-light irradiation, the photo-reduction rate of Cr(VI) (μmol h -1 ) was in the order of TiO 2 @Pt@CeO 2 (1.901) > TiO 2 @CeO 2 (1.424) > TiO 2 (1.040) > CeO 2 (0.992). Among the above-mentioned photocatalysts, the conversion rate of benzyl alcohol for TiO 2 @Pt@CeO 2 was also the best. These results were attributed to the combination of TiO 2 and CeO 2 as photocatalyst and oxygen buffer, the double-shelled and sandwiched nanostructure, and the addition of Pt NPs as cocatalyst and electron trap site, which could store and shuttle photo-generated electrons, reduce the recombination of the electron-hole, and then enhance photo-generation of active radicals. This conclusion was verified by the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Considering the versatile combination of photocatalyst, oxygen buffer and cocatalyst, this work could provide new insights into the design of high-performance bifunctional photocatalysts for heavy metal removal and selective synthesis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Photocatalytic degradation and photo-Fenton oxidation of Congo red dye pollutants in water using natural chromite—response surface optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaban, Mohamed; Abukhadra, Mostafa R.; Ibrahim, Suzan S.; Shahien, Mohamed. G.

2017-12-01

Refined natural Fe-chromite was characterized by XRD, FT-IR, reflected polarized microscope, XRF and UV spectrophotometer. Photocatalytic degradation and photo-Fenton oxidation of Congo red dye by Fe-chromite was investigated using 1 mL H2O2. The degradation of dye was studied as a function of illumination time, chromite mass, initial dye concentration, and pH. Fe-chromite acts as binary oxide system from chromium oxide and ferrous oxide. Thus, it exhibits photocatalytic properties under UV illumination and photo-Fenton oxidation after addition of H2O2. The degradation in the presence of H2O2 reached the equilibrium stage after 8 h (59.4%) but in the absence of H2O2 continued to 12 h (54.6%). Photocatalytic degradation results fitted well with zero, first order and second order kinetic model but it represented by second order rather than by the other models. While the photo-Fenton oxidation show medium fitting with the second order kinetic model only. The values of kinetic rate constants for the photo-Fenton oxidation were greater than those for the photocatalytic degradation. Thus, degradation of Congo red dye using chromite as catalyst is more efficient by photo-Fenton oxidation. Based on the response surface analysis, the predicted optimal conditions for maximum removal of Congo red dye by photocatalytic degradation (100%) were 12 mg/l, 0.14 g, 3, and 11 h for dye concentration, chromite mass, pH, and illumination time, respectively. Moreover, the optimum condition for photo-Fenton oxidation of dye (100%) is 13.5 mg/l, 0.10 g, 4, and 10 h, respectively.

An investigation into the potential of phenothiazinium-based photo-sensitisers to act as PDT agents.

PubMed

Harris, F; Sayed, Z; Hussain, S; Phoenix, D A

2004-11-01

There is an urgent need for effective cancer treatments and increasingly, photo-dynamic therapy (PDT) is being used to fulfil this need as it offers a number of advantages over traditional cancer treatments. Here, the potential of a series of phenothiazinium-based photo-sensitisers (PhBPs) as PDT agents is tested. PhBPs were incubated with EMT-6 tumour cells and erythrocytes respectively under dark and light conditions (3.15Jcm(-2) over 30min). "Comet assay" and haemolytic assay were then used to assess cellular photo-damage induced by these PhBPs. Additionally, in vitro assays were used to determine light adsorption characteristics, singlet oxygen yields (ΦΔPhBP) and lipophilicity (logP) of these PhBPs. "Comet assay" showed EMT-6 incubation with PhBPs under light conditions to produce DNA "tails", which were circa 35μm long, indicating the presence of DNA photo-damage. Corresponding incubations under dark conditions led to no such damage. The majority of the PhBPs tested possessed significant singlet oxygen yields (ΦΔPhBP>0.7), suggesting the general use of type II mechanisms for photo-sensitization, and were generally lipophilic (logP>0). Incubation of erythrocytes with these PhBPs in the dark produced between 6% and 19% haemolysis. These levels were generally unaffected by illumination except in the case of DMMB, which showed haemolytic levels increasing from 11% to 61%. It is suggested that DNA may be the primary target for the photo-dynamic anti-tumour activity of the PhBPs tested with the exception of DMMB, which may potentially also target tumour cell membranes.

In vitro genotoxicity of neutral red after photo-activation and metabolic activation in the Ames test, the micronucleus test and the comet assay.

PubMed

Guérard, Melanie; Zeller, Andreas; Singer, Thomas; Gocke, Elmar

2012-07-04

Neutral red (Nr) is relatively non-toxic and is widely used as indicator dye in many biological test systems. It absorbs visible light and is known to act as a photosensitizer, involving the generation of reactive oxygen species (type-I reaction) and singlet oxygen (type-II reaction). The mutagenicity of Nr was determined in the Ames test (with Salmonella typhimurium strains TA1535, TA97, TA98, TA98NR, TA100, and TA102) with and without metabolic activation, and with and without photo-activation on agar plates. Similarly to the situation following metabolic activation, photo-mutagenicity of Nr was seen with all Salmonella strains tested, albeit with different effects between these strains. To our knowledge, Nr is the only photo-mutagen showing such a broad action. Since the effects are also observed in strains not known to be responsive to ROS, this indicates that ROS production is not the sole mode of action that leads to photo-genotoxicity. The reactive species produced by irradiation are short-lived as pre-irradiation of an Nr solution did not produce mutagenic effects when added to the bacteria. In addition, mutagenicity in TA98 following irradiation was stronger than in the nitroreductase-deficient strain TA98NR, indicating that nitro derivatives that are transformed by bacterial nitroreductase to hydroxylamines appear to play a role in the photo-mutagenicity of Nr. Photo-genotoxicity of Nr was further investigated in the comet assay and micronucleus test in L5178Y cells. Concentration-dependent increases in primary DNA damage and in the frequency of micronuclei were observed after irradiation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Towards universal health coverage: the role of within-country wealth-related inequality in 28 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

PubMed

Hosseinpoor, Ahmad Reza; Victora, Cesar G; Bergen, Nicole; Barros, Aluisio J D; Boerma, Ties

2011-12-01

To measure within-country wealth-related inequality in the health service coverage gap of maternal and child health indicators in sub-Saharan Africa and quantify its contribution to the national health service coverage gap. Coverage data for child and maternal health services in 28 sub-Saharan African countries were obtained from the 2000-2008 Demographic Health Survey. For each country, the national coverage gap was determined for an overall health service coverage index and select individual health service indicators. The data were then additively broken down into the coverage gap in the wealthiest quintile (i.e. the proportion of the quintile lacking a required health service) and the population attributable risk (an absolute measure of within-country wealth-related inequality). In 26 countries, within-country wealth-related inequality accounted for more than one quarter of the national overall coverage gap. Reducing such inequality could lower this gap by 16% to 56%, depending on the country. Regarding select individual health service indicators, wealth-related inequality was more common in services such as skilled birth attendance and antenatal care, and less so in family planning, measles immunization, receipt of a third dose of vaccine against diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus and treatment of acute respiratory infections in children under 5 years of age. The contribution of wealth-related inequality to the child and maternal health service coverage gap differs by country and type of health service, warranting case-specific interventions. Targeted policies are most appropriate where high within-country wealth-related inequality exists, and whole-population approaches, where the health-service coverage gap is high in all quintiles.

The Association Between Primary Source of Healthcare Coverage and Colorectal Cancer Screening Among US Veterans.

PubMed

May, Folasade P; Yano, Elizabeth M; Provenzale, Dawn; Neil Steers, W; Washington, Donna L

2017-08-01

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a deadly but largely preventable disease. Screening improves outcomes, but screening rates vary across healthcare coverage models. In the Veterans Health Administration (VA), screening rates are high; however, it is unknown how CRC screening rates compare for Veterans with other types of healthcare coverage. To determine whether Veterans with Veteran-status-related coverage (VA, military, TRICARE) have higher rates of CRC screening than Veterans with alternate sources of healthcare coverage. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of Veterans 50-75 years from the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. We examined CRC screening rates and screening modalities. We performed multivariable logistic regression to identify the role of coverage type, demographics, and clinical factors on screening status. The cohort included 22,138 Veterans. Of these, 76.7% reported up-to-date screening. Colonoscopy was the most common screening modality (83.7%). Screening rates were highest among Veterans with Veteran-status-related coverage (82.3%), as was stool-based screening (10.8%). The adjusted odds of up-to-date screening among Veterans with Veteran-status-related coverage were 83% higher than among Veterans with private coverage (adjusted OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.52-2.22). Additional predictors of screening included older age, black race, high income, access to medical care, frequent medical visits, and employed or married status. CRC screening rates were highest among Veterans with Veteran-status-related coverage. High CRC screening rates among US Veterans may be related to system-level characteristics of VA and military care. Insight to these system-level characteristics may inform mechanisms to improve CRC screening in non-VA settings.

Sensor-driven area coverage for an autonomous fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle.

PubMed

Paull, Liam; Thibault, Carl; Nagaty, Amr; Seto, Mae; Li, Howard

2014-09-01

Area coverage with an onboard sensor is an important task for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with many applications. Autonomous fixed-wing UAVs are more appropriate for larger scale area surveying since they can cover ground more quickly. However, their non-holonomic dynamics and susceptibility to disturbances make sensor coverage a challenging task. Most previous approaches to area coverage planning are offline and assume that the UAV can follow the planned trajectory exactly. In this paper, this restriction is removed as the aircraft maintains a coverage map based on its actual pose trajectory and makes control decisions based on that map. The aircraft is able to plan paths in situ based on sensor data and an accurate model of the on-board camera used for coverage. An information theoretic approach is used that selects desired headings that maximize the expected information gain over the coverage map. In addition, the branch entropy concept previously developed for autonomous underwater vehicles is extended to UAVs and ensures that the vehicle is able to achieve its global coverage mission. The coverage map over the workspace uses the projective camera model and compares the expected area of the target on the ground and the actual area covered on the ground by each pixel in the image. The camera is mounted on a two-axis gimbal and can either be stabilized or optimized for maximal coverage. Hardware-in-the-loop simulation results and real hardware implementation on a fixed-wing UAV show the effectiveness of the approach. By including the already developed automatic takeoff and landing capabilities, we now have a fully automated and robust platform for performing aerial imagery surveys.

Declines in Employer-Sponsored Insurance between 2000 and 2008: Examining the Components of Coverage by Firm Size

PubMed Central

Vistnes, Jessica; Zawacki, Alice; Simon, Kosali; Taylor, Amy

2012-01-01

Objective To examine trends in employer-sponsored health insurance coverage rates and its associated components between 2000 and 2008, to provide a baseline for later evaluations of the Affordable Care Act, and to provide information to policy makers as they design the implementation details of the law. Data Sources Private sector employer data from the 2000, 2001, and 2008 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey-Insurance Component (MEPS-IC). Study Design We examine time trends in employer offer, eligibility, and take-up rates. We add a new dimension to the literature by examining dependent coverage and decomposing its trends. We investigate heterogeneity in trends by firm size. Data Collection The MEPS-IC is an annual survey, sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. The MEPS-IC obtains information on establishment characteristics, whether an establishment offers health insurance, and details on up to four plans. Principal Findings We find that coverage rates for workers declined in both small and large firms. In small firms, coverage declined due to a drop in both offer and take-up rates. In the largest firms, offer rates were stable and the decline was due to falling take-up rates. In addition, enrollment shifted toward single coverage and away from dependent coverage in both small and large firms. For small firms, this shift was due to declining offer and take-up rates for dependent coverage. In large firms, offers of dependent coverage were stable but take-up rates dropped. Within the category of dependent coverage, the availability of employee-plus-one plans increased in all firm size categories, but take-up rates for these plans declined in small firms. PMID:22250730

Photo-induced conjugation of tetrazoles to modified and native proteins.

PubMed

Siti, Winna; Khan, Amit Kumar; de Hoog, Hans-Peter M; Liedberg, Bo; Nallani, Madhavan

2015-03-21

Bio-orthogonal chemistry has been widely used for conjugation of polymer molecules to proteins. Here, we demonstrate the conjugation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to bovine beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) by photo-induced cyclo-addition of tetrazole-appended PEG and allyl-modified BLG. During the course of the investigation, a significant side-reaction was found to occur for the conjugation of PEG-tetrazole to native BLG. Further exploration of the underlying chemistry reveals that the presence of a tryptophan residue is sufficient for conjugation of tetrazole-modified molecules.

Photo-induced living radical polymerization of acrylates utilizing a discrete copper(II)-formate complex.

PubMed

Anastasaki, Athina; Nikolaou, Vasiliki; Brandford-Adams, Francesca; Nurumbetov, Gabit; Zhang, Qiang; Clarkson, Guy J; Fox, David J; Wilson, Paul; Kempe, Kristian; Haddleton, David M

2015-04-04

A photo-polymerization protocol, utilizing a pre-formed and well-characterized Cu(II) formate complex, [Cu(Me6-Tren)(O2CH)](ClO4), mediated by UV light is described. In the absence of additional reducing agents and/or photosensitizers, ppm concentrations of the oxidatively stable [Cu(Me6-Tren)(O2CH)](ClO4), furnish near-quantitative conversions within 2 h, yielding poly(acrylates) with low dispersities (∼1.10) and exceptional end-group fidelity, capable of undergoing in situ chain extension and block copolymerization.

12. Photocopy of photograph in the collection of Photographic Branch, ...

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

12. Photocopy of photograph in the collection of Photographic Branch, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, WA. Original is labelled: Yard Photo 110. Date unknown, probably 1940's. Photographer unknown. HABS negative is a 4x5' copy negative. Perspective view of NW corner of Building 78 with marching band in foreground. Compare to 1917 photo (WA-203-A-1); note removal of chimney and addition of two extra floors at NW corner of building. - Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Administration Building, Farragut Avenue, Bremerton, Kitsap County, WA

Environmental Risk Factors for the Incidence of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in a Sub-Andean Zone of Colombia (Chaparral, Tolima)

PubMed Central

Valderrama-Ardila, Carlos; Alexander, Neal; Ferro, Cristina; Cadena, Horacio; Marín, Dairo; Holford, Theodore R.; Munstermann, Leonard E.; Ocampo, Clara B.

2010-01-01

Environmental risk factors for cutaneous leishmaniasis were investigated for the largest outbreak recorded in Colombia. The outbreak began in 2003 in Chaparral, and in the following five years produced 2,313 cases in a population of 56,228. Candidate predictor variables were land use, elevation, and climatic variables such as mean temperature and precipitation. Spatial analysis showed that incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis was higher in townships with mean temperatures in the middle of the county's range. Incidence was independently associated with higher coverage with forest or shrubs (2.6% greater for each additional percent coverage, 95% credible interval [CI] = 0.5–4.9%), and lower population density (22% lower for each additional 100 persons/km2, 95% CI = 7–41%). The extent of forest or shrub coverage did not show major changes over time. These findings confirmed the roles of climate and land use in leishmaniasis transmission. However, environmental variables were not sufficient to explain the spatial variation in incidence. PMID:20134000

KSC-2013-2058

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-04-20

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Master of Ceremonies John Zarrella, CNN's principal correspondent for coverage of NASA’s space programs, introduces Hall of Fame astronauts who gathered to honor 2013 inductees Curt Brown, Eileen Collins and Bonnie Dunbar. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http://astronautscholarship.org/ Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-1125

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-01-12

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A technician performs thermal blanket closeouts on the fuel servicing valves on the Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, spacecraft in the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Calif., following fueling operations. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: VAFB

KSC-2013-1127

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-01-12

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A technician performs thermal blanket closeouts on the fuel servicing valves of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, spacecraft in the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Calif., following fueling operations. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: VAFB

KSC-2013-1126

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-01-12

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A technician performs thermal blanket closeouts on the fuel servicing valves on the Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, spacecraft in the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Calif., following fueling operations. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: VAFB

KSC-2012-6522

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-21

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. -- A Technician photographs a component on NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite during inspection at the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The solar arrays are in the foreground. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA

KSC-2013-1129

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-01-12

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – Technicians perform thermal blanket closeouts on the fuel servicing valves on the Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, spacecraft in the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Calif., following fueling operations. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 11, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: VAFB

KSC-2012-5944

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-12

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A Centaur upper stage is prepared for lifting onto the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V at the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuation Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

KSC-2012-5943

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-12

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A Centaur upper stage is prepared for lifting onto the first stage booster of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V at the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in preparation for the launch of the Landsat Data Continuation Mission. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Launch is planned for Feb. 2013. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison

Coverage and Preventive Screening

PubMed Central

Meeker, Daniella; Joyce, Geoffrey F; Malkin, Jesse; Teutsch, Steven M; Haddix, Anne C; Goldman, Dana P

2011-01-01

Context Preventive care has been shown as a high-value health care service. Many employers now offer expanded coverage of preventive care to encourage utilization. Objective To determine whether expanding coverage is an effective means to encourage utilization. Design Comparison of screening rates before and after introduction of deductible-free coverage. Setting People insured through large corporations between 2002 and 2006. Patients or Other Participants Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) enrollees from an employer introducing deductible-free coverage, and a control group enrolled in a PPO from a second employer with no policy change. Main Outcome Measures Adjusted probability of endoscopy, fecal occult blood test (FOBT), lipid screens, mammography, and Papanicolaou (pap) smears. Intervention Introduction of first-dollar coverage (FDC) of preventive services in 2003. Results After adjusting for demographics and secular trends, there were between 23 and 78 additional uses per 1,000 eligible patients of covered preventive screens (lipid screens, pap smears, mammograms, and FOBT), with no significant changes in the control group or in a service without FDC (endoscopy). Conclusions FDC improves utilization modestly among healthy individuals, particularly those in lower deductible plans. Compliance with guidelines can be encouraged by lowering out-of-pocket costs, but patients' predisposing characteristics merit attention. PMID:21029084

Hematite/silica nanoparticle bilayers on mica: AFM and electrokinetic characterization.

PubMed

Morga, Maria; Adamczyk, Zbigniew; Kosior, Dominik; Oćwieja, Magdalena

2018-06-06

Quantitative studies on self-assembled hematite/silica nanoparticle (NP) bilayers on mica were performed by applying scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and streaming potential measurements. The coverage of the supporting hematite layers was adjusted by changing the bulk concentration of the suspension and the deposition time. The coverage was determined by direct enumeration of deposited particles from AFM images and SEM micrographs. Afterward, silica nanoparticle monolayers were assembled under diffusion-controlled transport. A unique functional relationship was derived connecting the silica coverage with the hematite precursor layer coverage. The formation of the hematite monolayer and the hematite/silica bilayer was also monitored in situ by streaming potential measurements. It was confirmed that the zeta potential of the bilayers was independent of the supporting layer coverage, exceeding 0.15. These measurements were theoretically interpreted in terms of the general electrokinetic model that allowed for deriving a formula for calculating nanoparticle coverage in the bilayers. Additionally, from desorption experiments, the interactions among hematite/silica particles in the bilayers were determined using DLVO theory. These results facilitate the development of a robust method of preparing nanoparticle bilayers with controlled properties, with potential applications in catalytic processes.

Public insurance is increasingly crucial to American families even as employer-sponsored health insurance coverage ends its steady decline.

PubMed

Gould, Elise

2014-01-01

Americans under age 65 rely on a healthy labor market for almost all facets of economic security. While 2012 marked the first year in more than a decade that the employer-sponsored health insurance (ESI) coverage rate for the under-65 population did not decline, employer-sponsored health insurance continues to fail American families. If the coverage rate had not fallen 10.8 percentage points as it did from 2000 to 2012, as many as 29 million more people under age 65 would have had ESI in 2012. Even with the end of its longstanding decline, ESI coverage rates among men and women, white and non-white, high and low income, white and blue collar, young and old remain far lower than they were in 2000. Over this period, the increase in uninsured Americans was not as steep as the fall in ESI because of increases in public coverage, including Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and Medicare. These programs were particularly effective in reducing the share of children uninsured over the 2000s. Additionally, key components in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act shielded young adults from further coverage losses.

The ACA's 65th Birthday Challenge: Moving from Medicaid to Medicare.

PubMed

Ndumele, Chima D; Sommers, Benjamin D; Trivedi, Amal N

2015-11-01

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded Medicaid to millions of low-income near-elderly Americans, facilitating access to health care services, but did not change income eligibility for Medicaid for those 65 years and older. Therefore, following the ACA's coverage expansion, many newly-insured older enrollees will face a complex insurance transition on their 65th birthday: they will lose Medicaid coverage and transition from Medicaid to Medicare as their primary insurer. This transition in primary health insurance coverage includes changes to benefits, patient cost-sharing, and provider reimbursement, which could have profound consequences on the use of health services and associated health outcomes for low-income seniors. Using data from 2012, we estimate that 1.6 million current Medicaid beneficiaries and an additional 1.6 to 2.9 million low-income individuals who will gain Medicaid coverage under the ACA will be likely to make this transition in the next decade. Primary care physicians and policymakers can help mitigate the potential consequences of this insurance transition by preparing patients for Medicare's more restrictive insurance coverage, encouraging patients to sign up for available low-income subsidies, and understanding how the loss of Medicaid coverage impacts out-of-pocket costs.

Complementary satellite sound broadcasting systems: A NASA assessment for the Voice of America

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stevens, Grady H.; Spence, Rodney L.

1988-01-01

Satellite concepts are examined which offer potentially significant sound broadcast coverage of audio as a complement to VOA's existing and planned terrestrial sound broadcasting system. HF bands are emphasized but additional discussion is included for systems using higher frequencies. Low altitude satellites, shuttle altitude (275 km) and sun synchronous (about 1600 to 1800 km), would not be practical for international broadcasting since many satellites would be required for reliable and widespread coverage. Two concepts are discussed which would offer significant and practical broadcast coverage at HF. One, an 8-hr posigrade equatorial orbit, would offer about 1 hr of widespread, twice daily, coverage to three areas of the globe. The time of coverage is even greater when confined to densely populated areas only (2 to 3 hrs). Another orbit, the Apogee at Constant Time/Equatorial (ACE), provides the same coverage, but only once daily to each area. The latter orbit is highly elliptical, allowing insertion of a greater payload (more broadcast channels) with the existing launch capability. The ACE and 8-hr orbit concepts led to systems of about equal costs, with the ACE being slightly better.

Employee responses to health insurance premium increases.

PubMed

Goldman, Dana P; Leibowitz, Arleen A; Robalino, David A

2004-01-01

To determine the sensitivity of employees' health insurance decisions--including the decision to not choose health maintenance organization or fee-for-service coverage--during periods of rapidly escalating healthcare costs. A retrospective cohort study of employee plan choices at a single large firm with a "cafeteria-style" benefits plan wherein employees paid all the additional cost of purchasing more generous insurance. We modeled the probability that an employee would drop coverage or switch plans in response to employee premium increases using data from a single large US company with employees across 47 states during the 3-year period of 1989 through 1991, a time of large premium increases within and across plans. Premium increases induced substantial plan switching. Single employees were more likely to respond to premium increases by dropping coverage, whereas families tended to switch to another plan. Premium increases of 10% induced 7% of single employees to drop or severely cut back on coverage; 13% to switch to another plan; and 80% to remain in their existing plan. Similar figures for those with family coverage were 11%, 12%, and 77%, respectively. Simulation results that control for known covariates show similar increases. When faced with a dramatic increase in premiums--on the order of 20%--nearly one fifth of the single employees dropped coverage compared with 10% of those with family coverage. Employee coverage decisions are sensitive to rapidly increasing premiums, and single employees may be likely to drop coverage. This finding suggests that sustained premium increases could induce substantial increases in the number of uninsured individuals.

Household coverage of Swaziland's national community health worker programme: a cross-sectional population-based study.

PubMed

Geldsetzer, Pascal; Vaikath, Maria; De Neve, Jan-Walter; Bossert, Thomas J; Sibandze, Sibusiso; Bärnighausen, Till

2017-08-01

To ascertain household coverage achieved by Swaziland's national community health worker (CHW) programme and differences in household coverage across clients' sociodemographic characteristics. Household survey from June to September 2015 in two of Swaziland's four administrative regions using two-stage cluster random sampling. Interviewers administered a questionnaire to all household members in 1542 households across 85 census enumeration areas. While the CHW programme aims to cover all households in the country, only 44.5% (95% confidence interval: 38.0% to 51.1%) reported that they had ever been visited by a CHW. In both uni- and multivariable regressions, coverage was negatively associated with household wealth (OR for most vs. least wealthy quartile: 0.30 [0.16 to 0.58], P < 0.001) and education (OR for >secondary schooling vs. no schooling: 0.65 [0.47 to 0.90], P = 0.009), and positively associated with residing in a rural area (OR: 2.95 [1.77 to 4.91], P < 0.001). Coverage varied widely between census enumeration areas. Swaziland's national CHW programme is falling far short of its coverage goal. To improve coverage, the programme would likely need to recruit additional CHWs and/or assign more households to each CHW. Alternatively, changing the programme's ambitious coverage goal to visiting only certain types of households would likely reduce existing arbitrary differences in coverage between households and communities. This study highlights the need to evaluate and reform large long-standing CHW programmes in sub-Saharan Africa. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

77 FR 37659 - Procurement List; Proposed Additions

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-22

... additions to the procurement list. SUMMARY: The Committee is proposing to add products and services to the...- 598-5067 and 1670-01-598-5071 to its Procurement List. The Coverage statement associated with this... connection with the products and services proposed for addition to the Procurement List. Comments on this...

From tiger to panda: animal head detection.

PubMed

Zhang, Weiwei; Sun, Jian; Tang, Xiaoou

2011-06-01

Robust object detection has many important applications in real-world online photo processing. For example, both Google image search and MSN live image search have integrated human face detector to retrieve face or portrait photos. Inspired by the success of such face filtering approach, in this paper, we focus on another popular online photo category--animal, which is one of the top five categories in the MSN live image search query log. As a first attempt, we focus on the problem of animal head detection of a set of relatively large land animals that are popular on the internet, such as cat, tiger, panda, fox, and cheetah. First, we proposed a new set of gradient oriented feature, Haar of Oriented Gradients (HOOG), to effectively capture the shape and texture features on animal head. Then, we proposed two detection algorithms, namely Bruteforce detection and Deformable detection, to effectively exploit the shape feature and texture feature simultaneously. Experimental results on 14,379 well labeled animals images validate the superiority of the proposed approach. Additionally, we apply the animal head detector to improve the image search result through text based online photo search result filtering.

Functionalization of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes by Photo-Oxidation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lebron-Colon, Marisabel; Meador, Michael A.

2010-01-01

new technique for carbon nanotube oxidation was developed based upon the photo-oxidation of organic compounds. The resulting method is more benign than conventional oxidation approaches and produces single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with higher levels of oxidation. In this procedure, an oxygen saturated suspension of SWNTs in a suitable solvent containing a singlet oxygen sensitizer, such as Rose Bengal, is irradiated with ultraviolet light. The resulting oxidized tubes are recovered by filtering the suspension, followed by washing to remove any adsorbed solvent and sensitizer, and drying in a vacuum oven. Chemical analysis by FT-infrared and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the oxygen content of the photo-oxidized SWCNT was 11.3 atomic % compared to 6.7 atomic % for SWCNT that had been oxidized by standard treatment in refluxing acid. The photo-oxidized SWCNT produced by this method can be used directly in various polymer matrixes, or can be further modified by chemical reactions at the oxygen functional groups and then used as additives. This method may also be suitable for use in oxidation of multiwall carbon nanotubes and graphenes.

Kinetics of photo-activated charge carriers in Sn:CdS

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

Patidar, Manju Mishra, E-mail: manjumishra.iuc@gmail.com; Gorli, V. R.; Gangrade, Mohan

2016-05-23

Kinetics of the photo-activated charge carriers has been investigated in Tin substituted Cadmium Sulphide, Cd{sub 1-x}Sn{sub x}S (x=0, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15), thin films prepared by spray pyrolysis. X-Ray Diffraction shows an increase in strain that resulted in the decreased crystallite size upon Sn substitution. At the first sight, the photo current characteristics show a quenching effect on Sn substitution. However, survival of persistent photocurrents is seen even up to 15% of Sn substitution. Transient photo current decay could be explained with a 2τ relaxation model. CdS normally has an n-type character and the Sn doping expected to inject holemore » carriers. The two fold increase in τ{sub 1}, increase in activation energy and the decrease in photocurrents upon Sn substitution point towards a band gap cleaning scenario that include compensation and associated carrier injection dynamics. In addition Atomic Force Microscopy shows a drastic change in microstructure that modulates the carrier dynamics as a whole.« less

Use of photo-Fenton's reaction by 400-nm LED light for endodontic disinfection: A preliminary in vitro study on Enterococcus faecalis.

PubMed

Lagori, Giuseppe; Fornaini, Carlo; Rocca, Jean-Paul; Merigo, Elisabetta

2017-06-01

One of the biggest challenges in endodontics is the complete disinfection of root canals. In addition to mechanical preparation, the technique traditionally also involves channel disinfection with other agents such as sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, or a combination of these. Some bacterial species are particularly resistant to eradication. Using Enterococcus faecalis in this preliminary study, we tested the bactericidal effectiveness of the Fenton reaction and the photo-Fenton reaction using an LED light with a 400-nm wavelength. Discs of hydroxyapatite were incubated in brain-heart broth contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis. After 4days, they were decontaminated with different bactericidal agents, including some with proven and well-known efficacy (5% sodium hypochlorite and 3% hydrogen peroxide) and other treatments using solutions of 1.5% hydrogen peroxide and 0.15% iron gluconate (Fenton reaction) plus LED light at a Fluence of 4.0J/cm 2 (photo-Fenton reaction). The photo-Fenton reaction demonstrated comparable performance to that of sodium hypochlorite in eliminating Enterococcus faecalis. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Identifying low-coverage surface species on supported noble metal nanoparticle catalysts by DNP-NMR

DOE PAGES

Johnson, Robert L.; Perras, Frédéric A.; Kobayashi, Takeshi; ...

2015-11-20

DNP-NMR spectroscopy has been applied to enhance the signal for organic molecules adsorbed on γ-Al 2O 3-supported Pd nanoparticles. In addition, by offering >2500-fold time savings, the technique enabled the observation of 13C- 13C cross-peaks for low coverage species, which were assigned to products from oxidative degradation of methionine adsorbed on the nanoparticle surface.

COSPAS-SARSAT Satellite Orbit Predictor. Volume 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Friedman, Morton L.; Garrett, James

1984-01-01

The satellite orbit predictor is a graphical aid for determining the relationship between the satellite (SARSAT or COSPAS) orbit, antenna coverage of the spacecraft and coverage of the LUTs. The predictor allows the user to quickly visualize if a selected position will probably be detected and is composed of a base map and a satellite track overlay for each satellite. Additionally, a table of equator crossings for each satellite is included.

Estimation of the cost-effectiveness of HIV prevention portfolios for people who inject drugs in the United States: A model-based analysis

PubMed Central

Owens, Douglas K.; Goldhaber-Fiebert, Jeremy D.; Brandeau, Margaret L.

2017-01-01

Background The risks of HIV transmission associated with the opioid epidemic make cost-effective programs for people who inject drugs (PWID) a public health priority. Some of these programs have benefits beyond prevention of HIV—a critical consideration given that injection drug use is increasing across most United States demographic groups. To identify high-value HIV prevention program portfolios for US PWID, we consider combinations of four interventions with demonstrated efficacy: opioid agonist therapy (OAT), needle and syringe programs (NSPs), HIV testing and treatment (Test & Treat), and oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Methods and findings We adapted an empirically calibrated dynamic compartmental model and used it to assess the discounted costs (in 2015 US dollars), health outcomes (HIV infections averted, change in HIV prevalence, and discounted quality-adjusted life years [QALYs]), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of the four prevention programs, considered singly and in combination over a 20-y time horizon. We obtained epidemiologic, economic, and health utility parameter estimates from the literature, previously published models, and expert opinion. We estimate that expansions of OAT, NSPs, and Test & Treat implemented singly up to 50% coverage levels can be cost-effective relative to the next highest coverage level (low, medium, and high at 40%, 45%, and 50%, respectively) and that OAT, which we assume to have immediate and direct health benefits for the individual, has the potential to be the highest value investment, even under scenarios where it prevents fewer infections than other programs. Although a model-based analysis can provide only estimates of health outcomes, we project that, over 20 y, 50% coverage with OAT could avert up to 22,000 (95% CI: 5,200, 46,000) infections and cost US$18,000 (95% CI: US$14,000, US$24,000) per QALY gained, 50% NSP coverage could avert up to 35,000 (95% CI: 8,900, 43,000) infections and cost US$25,000 (95% CI: US$7,000, US$76,000) per QALY gained, 50% Test & Treat coverage could avert up to 6,700 (95% CI: 1,200, 16,000) infections and cost US$27,000 (95% CI: US$15,000, US$48,000) per QALY gained, and 50% PrEP coverage could avert up to 37,000 (22,000, 58,000) infections and cost US$300,000 (95% CI: US$162,000, US$667,000) per QALY gained. When coverage expansions are allowed to include combined investment with other programs and are compared to the next best intervention, the model projects that scaling OAT coverage up to 50%, then scaling NSP coverage to 50%, then scaling Test & Treat coverage to 50% can be cost-effective, with each coverage expansion having the potential to cost less than US$50,000 per QALY gained relative to the next best portfolio. In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, 59% of portfolios prioritized the addition of OAT and 41% prioritized the addition of NSPs, while PrEP was not likely to be a priority nor a cost-effective addition. Our findings are intended to be illustrative, as data on achievable coverage are limited and, in practice, the expansion scenarios considered may exceed feasible levels. We assumed independence of interventions and constant returns to scale. Extensive sensitivity analyses allowed us to assess parameter sensitivity, but the use of a dynamic compartmental model limited the exploration of structural sensitivities. Conclusions We estimate that OAT, NSPs, and Test & Treat, implemented singly or in combination, have the potential to effectively and cost-effectively prevent HIV in US PWID. PrEP is not likely to be cost-effective in this population, based on the scenarios we evaluated. While local budgets or policy may constrain feasible coverage levels for the various interventions, our findings suggest that investments in combined prevention programs can substantially reduce HIV transmission and improve health outcomes among PWID. PMID:28542184

Estimation of the cost-effectiveness of HIV prevention portfolios for people who inject drugs in the United States: A model-based analysis.

PubMed

Bernard, Cora L; Owens, Douglas K; Goldhaber-Fiebert, Jeremy D; Brandeau, Margaret L

2017-05-01

The risks of HIV transmission associated with the opioid epidemic make cost-effective programs for people who inject drugs (PWID) a public health priority. Some of these programs have benefits beyond prevention of HIV-a critical consideration given that injection drug use is increasing across most United States demographic groups. To identify high-value HIV prevention program portfolios for US PWID, we consider combinations of four interventions with demonstrated efficacy: opioid agonist therapy (OAT), needle and syringe programs (NSPs), HIV testing and treatment (Test & Treat), and oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We adapted an empirically calibrated dynamic compartmental model and used it to assess the discounted costs (in 2015 US dollars), health outcomes (HIV infections averted, change in HIV prevalence, and discounted quality-adjusted life years [QALYs]), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of the four prevention programs, considered singly and in combination over a 20-y time horizon. We obtained epidemiologic, economic, and health utility parameter estimates from the literature, previously published models, and expert opinion. We estimate that expansions of OAT, NSPs, and Test & Treat implemented singly up to 50% coverage levels can be cost-effective relative to the next highest coverage level (low, medium, and high at 40%, 45%, and 50%, respectively) and that OAT, which we assume to have immediate and direct health benefits for the individual, has the potential to be the highest value investment, even under scenarios where it prevents fewer infections than other programs. Although a model-based analysis can provide only estimates of health outcomes, we project that, over 20 y, 50% coverage with OAT could avert up to 22,000 (95% CI: 5,200, 46,000) infections and cost US$18,000 (95% CI: US$14,000, US$24,000) per QALY gained, 50% NSP coverage could avert up to 35,000 (95% CI: 8,900, 43,000) infections and cost US$25,000 (95% CI: US$7,000, US$76,000) per QALY gained, 50% Test & Treat coverage could avert up to 6,700 (95% CI: 1,200, 16,000) infections and cost US$27,000 (95% CI: US$15,000, US$48,000) per QALY gained, and 50% PrEP coverage could avert up to 37,000 (22,000, 58,000) infections and cost US$300,000 (95% CI: US$162,000, US$667,000) per QALY gained. When coverage expansions are allowed to include combined investment with other programs and are compared to the next best intervention, the model projects that scaling OAT coverage up to 50%, then scaling NSP coverage to 50%, then scaling Test & Treat coverage to 50% can be cost-effective, with each coverage expansion having the potential to cost less than US$50,000 per QALY gained relative to the next best portfolio. In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, 59% of portfolios prioritized the addition of OAT and 41% prioritized the addition of NSPs, while PrEP was not likely to be a priority nor a cost-effective addition. Our findings are intended to be illustrative, as data on achievable coverage are limited and, in practice, the expansion scenarios considered may exceed feasible levels. We assumed independence of interventions and constant returns to scale. Extensive sensitivity analyses allowed us to assess parameter sensitivity, but the use of a dynamic compartmental model limited the exploration of structural sensitivities. We estimate that OAT, NSPs, and Test & Treat, implemented singly or in combination, have the potential to effectively and cost-effectively prevent HIV in US PWID. PrEP is not likely to be cost-effective in this population, based on the scenarios we evaluated. While local budgets or policy may constrain feasible coverage levels for the various interventions, our findings suggest that investments in combined prevention programs can substantially reduce HIV transmission and improve health outcomes among PWID.

a Fast Approach for Stitching of Aerial Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moussa, A.; El-Sheimy, N.

2016-06-01

The last few years have witnessed an increasing volume of aerial image data because of the extensive improvements of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). These newly developed UAVs have led to a wide variety of applications. A fast assessment of the achieved coverage and overlap of the acquired images of a UAV flight mission is of great help to save the time and cost of the further steps. A fast automatic stitching of the acquired images can help to visually assess the achieved coverage and overlap during the flight mission. This paper proposes an automatic image stitching approach that creates a single overview stitched image using the acquired images during a UAV flight mission along with a coverage image that represents the count of overlaps between the acquired images. The main challenge of such task is the huge number of images that are typically involved in such scenarios. A short flight mission with image acquisition frequency of one second can capture hundreds to thousands of images. The main focus of the proposed approach is to reduce the processing time of the image stitching procedure by exploiting the initial knowledge about the images positions provided by the navigation sensors. The proposed approach also avoids solving for all the transformation parameters of all the photos together to save the expected long computation time if all the parameters were considered simultaneously. After extracting the points of interest of all the involved images using Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) algorithm, the proposed approach uses the initial image's coordinates to build an incremental constrained Delaunay triangulation that represents the neighborhood of each image. This triangulation helps to match only the neighbor images and therefore reduces the time-consuming features matching step. The estimated relative orientation between the matched images is used to find a candidate seed image for the stitching process. The pre-estimated transformation parameters of the images are employed successively in a growing fashion to create the stitched image and the coverage image. The proposed approach is implemented and tested using the images acquired through a UAV flight mission and the achieved results are presented and discussed.

Validity of vaccination cards and parental recall to estimate vaccination coverage: a systematic review of the literature.

PubMed

Miles, Melody; Ryman, Tove K; Dietz, Vance; Zell, Elizabeth; Luman, Elizabeth T

2013-03-15

Immunization programs frequently rely on household vaccination cards, parental recall, or both to calculate vaccination coverage. This information is used at both the global and national level for planning and allocating performance-based funds. However, the validity of household-derived coverage sources has not yet been widely assessed or discussed. To advance knowledge on the validity of different sources of immunization coverage, we undertook a global review of literature. We assessed concordance, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and coverage percentage point difference when subtracting household vaccination source from a medical provider source. Median coverage difference per paper ranged from -61 to +1 percentage points between card versus provider sources and -58 to +45 percentage points between recall versus provider source. When card and recall sources were combined, median coverage difference ranged from -40 to +56 percentage points. Overall, concordance, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value showed poor agreement, providing evidence that household vaccination information may not be reliable, and should be interpreted with care. While only 5 papers (11%) included in this review were from low-middle income countries, low-middle income countries often rely more heavily on household vaccination information for decision making. Recommended actions include strengthening quality of child-level data and increasing investments to improve vaccination card availability and card marking. There is also an urgent need for additional validation studies of vaccine coverage in low and middle income countries. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Smoking behaviour and health care costs coverage: a European cross-country comparison.

PubMed

Rezayatmand, Reza; Groot, Wim; Pavlova, Milena

2017-12-01

The empirical evidence about the effect of smoking on health care cost coverage is not consistent with the expectations based on the notion of adverse selection. This evidence is mostly based on correlational studies which cannot isolate the adverse selection effect from the moral hazard effect. Exploiting data from the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe, this study uses an instrumental variable strategy to identify the causal effect of daily smoking on perceived health care cost coverage of those at age 50 or above in 12 European countries. Daily smoking is instrumented by a variable indicating whether or not there is any other daily smoker in the household. A self-assessment of health care cost coverage is used as the outcome measure. Among those who live with a partner (72% of the sample), the result is not statistically significant which means we find no effect of smoking on perceived health care cost coverage. However, among those who live without a partner, the results show that daily smokers have lower self-assessed perceived health care cost coverage. This finding replicates the same counter-intuitive relationship between smoking and health insurance presented in previous studies, but in a language of causality. In addition to this, we contribute to previous studies by a cross-country comparison which brings in different institutional arrangements, and by using the self-assessed perceived health care cost coverage which is broader than health insurance coverage.

Facility and Laboratory Equipment | Energy Systems Integration Facility |

Science.gov Websites

Energy Systems Integration Facility is its infrastructure. In addition to extensive fixed laboratory . Photo of researchers testing building loads and power networks in the Systems Performance Laboratory

[Comparison of insurance coverage of tobacco cessation pharmacotherapies in five countries from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development].

PubMed

Le Faou, A-L; Scemama, O

2005-11-01

Reports in the literature demonstrate effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of tobacco treatments including drug and behavioral therapies. The health insurance coverage of smoking cessation treatments could lower financial barriers which limit the access to these services. The purpose of this paper was to compare health insurance coverage for pharmacotherapies for smoking cessation in five countries from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. A literature review was performed using Medline, official websites and Google. A grid was used to analyse articles and reports in order to identify: the public or private coverage of smoking cessation pharmacotherapies; the population groups who were covered; the extent and content of the insurance coverage as well as the practical ways to obtain it and the training and certification of the health staff to prescribe these treatments. Australia, Quebec, the United States, New Zealand and the United Kingdom provide financial coverage for some of the drugs prescribed to stop smoking. The financial coverage depends on the organization of the health care system: universal coverage in Australia, Quebec, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom and private coverage in the United States except for the Medicaid public program. In the United States as well as in the United Kingdom the first population group to benefit from financial coverage of smoking cessation therapy were socially precarious persons. Prescription schemes are recommended in the present programs and persons who receive the treatment are generally requested to attend follow-up visits. All countries studied encourage training of health professionals in tobacco cessation, but except for Australia and New Zealand there is no mandatory registration of physicians who prescribe smoking cessation drugs. The financial coverage of smoking cessation pharmacotherapies is often the result of a political decision. Taking into consideration the situation of developed countries, France should first consider the financial coverage of smoking cessation pharmacotherapies for socially precarious persons and populations with tobacco-related diseases. In addition, a population-based study should be conducted in France to measure the efficacy of financial coverage on smoking cessation.

Photocatalytic treatment of an industrial effluent using artificial and solar UV radiation: an operational cost study on a pilot plant scale.

PubMed

Durán, A; Monteagudo, J M; San Martín, I

2012-05-15

The aim of this work was to study the operation costs of treating a real effluent from an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power station located in Spain. The study compares different homogeneous photocatalytic processes on a pilot plant scale using different types of radiation (artificial UV or solar UV with a compound parabolic collector). The efficiency of the processes was evaluated by an analysis of the total organic carbon (TOC) removed. The following processes were considered in the study: (i) a photo-Fenton process at an artificial UV pilot plant (with the initial addition of H(2)O(2)), (ii) a modified photo-Fenton process with continuous addition of H(2)O(2) and O(2) to the system and (iii) a ferrioxalate-assisted solar photo-Fenton process at a compound parabolic collector (CPC) pilot plant. The efficiency of these processes in degrading pollutants has been studied previously, and the results obtained in each of those studies have been published elsewhere. The operational costs due to the consumption of electrical energy, reagents and catalysts were calculated from the optimal conditions of each process. The results showed that the solar photo-Fenton system was economically feasible, being able to achieve up to 75% mineralization with a total cost of 6 €/m(3), which can be reduced to 3.6 €/m(3) by subtracting the electrical costs because the IGCC plant is self-sufficient in terms of energy. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Increased Transparency and Consumer Protections for 2016 Marketplace Plans.

PubMed

Brooks-LaSure, Chiquita

2015-12-01

The open enrollment period that ends in December 2015 for coverage begin­ning January 2016 marks the third year of the health care exchanges or marketplaces and of coverage through new qualified health plans. This issue brief investigates several key changes to the qualified health plans, with a focus on increased transparency and consumer protections. A new out-of-pocket costs calculator, requirements regarding provider networks, and prescription drug cost-sharing requirements should serve to better inform and improve consumer selection. In addition, several policy changes will help individuals with more severe health needs. These include: improved prescription drug coverage for HIV/ AIDS and other conditions, allowing prescription drugs that are obtained through the "exceptions" process to count toward the out-of-pocket spending cap, more comprehensive and consistent habilitative coverage, and an individual out-of-pocket spending cap within the family out-of-pocket maximum.

Parallel Proximity Detection for Computer Simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinman, Jeffrey S. (Inventor); Wieland, Frederick P. (Inventor)

1997-01-01

The present invention discloses a system for performing proximity detection in computer simulations on parallel processing architectures utilizing a distribution list which includes movers and sensor coverages which check in and out of grids. Each mover maintains a list of sensors that detect the mover's motion as the mover and sensor coverages check in and out of the grids. Fuzzy grids are includes by fuzzy resolution parameters to allow movers and sensor coverages to check in and out of grids without computing exact grid crossings. The movers check in and out of grids while moving sensors periodically inform the grids of their coverage. In addition, a lookahead function is also included for providing a generalized capability without making any limiting assumptions about the particular application to which it is applied. The lookahead function is initiated so that risk-free synchronization strategies never roll back grid events. The lookahead function adds fixed delays as events are scheduled for objects on other nodes.

Parallel Proximity Detection for Computer Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinman, Jeffrey S. (Inventor); Wieland, Frederick P. (Inventor)

1998-01-01

The present invention discloses a system for performing proximity detection in computer simulations on parallel processing architectures utilizing a distribution list which includes movers and sensor coverages which check in and out of grids. Each mover maintains a list of sensors that detect the mover's motion as the mover and sensor coverages check in and out of the grids. Fuzzy grids are included by fuzzy resolution parameters to allow movers and sensor coverages to check in and out of grids without computing exact grid crossings. The movers check in and out of grids while moving sensors periodically inform the grids of their coverage. In addition, a lookahead function is also included for providing a generalized capability without making any limiting assumptions about the particular application to which it is applied. The lookahead function is initiated so that risk-free synchronization strategies never roll back grid events. The lookahead function adds fixed delays as events are scheduled for objects on other nodes.

Health Insurance family style: public approaches to reaching the uninsured.

PubMed

Ryan, J M

2001-09-24

This issue brief explores existing and potential opportunities to further expand the availability of health coverage for the uninsured and the under insured, given the current economy and the resulting state budget shortfalls. It also considers the implications of the Health Insurance Flexibility and Accountability initiative recently announced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the legislative options for health care reform being debated in Washington, including tax-credit incentives and additional federal funding for public coverage expansions through Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program. The Forum session will explore state, federal, and academic perspectives on public coverage expansions and the variety of paths available to support such expansions. The meeting will also address the cost implications of the differing perspectives in the context of the shifting economy. This is expected to lead to a discussion among presenters and participants of the future of and priorities for public financing of health insurance coverage.

Parental employment, family structure, and child's health insurance.

PubMed

Rolett, A; Parker, J D; Heck, K E; Makuc, D M

2001-01-01

To examine the impact of family structure on the relationship between parental employment characteristics and employer-sponsored health insurance coverage among children with employed parents in the United States. National Health Interview Survey data for 1993-1995 was used to estimate proportions of children without employer-sponsored health insurance, by family structure, separately according to maternal and paternal employment characteristics. In addition, relative odds of being without employer-sponsored insurance were estimated, controlling for family structure and child's age, race, and poverty status. Children with 2 employed parents were more likely to have employer-sponsored health insurance coverage than children with 1 employed parent, even among children in 2-parent families. However, among children with employed parents, the percentage with employer-sponsored health insurance coverage varied widely, depending on the hours worked, employment sector, occupation, industry, and firm size. Employer-sponsored health insurance coverage for children is extremely variable, depending on employment characteristics and marital status of the parents.

Disaster media coverage and psychological outcomes: descriptive findings in the extant research.

PubMed

Pfefferbaum, Betty; Newman, Elana; Nelson, Summer D; Nitiéma, Pascal; Pfefferbaum, Rose L; Rahman, Ambreen

2014-09-01

This review of the literature on disaster media coverage describes the events, samples, and forms of media coverage (television, newspapers, radio, internet) studied and examines the association between media consumption and psychological outcomes. A total of 36 studies representing both man-made and natural events met criteria for review in this analysis. Most studies examined disaster television viewing in the context of terrorism and explored a range of outcomes including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caseness and posttraumatic stress (PTS), depression, anxiety, stress reactions, and substance use. There is good evidence establishing a relationship between disaster television viewing and various psychological outcomes, especially PTSD caseness and PTS, but studies are too few to draw definitive conclusions about the other forms of media coverage that have been examined. As media technology continues to advance, future research is needed to investigate these additional media forms especially newer forms such as social media.

Expanding Lipidome Coverage Using LC-MS/MS Data-Dependent Acquisition with Automated Exclusion List Generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koelmel, Jeremy P.; Kroeger, Nicholas M.; Gill, Emily L.; Ulmer, Candice Z.; Bowden, John A.; Patterson, Rainey E.; Yost, Richard A.; Garrett, Timothy J.

2017-05-01

Untargeted omics analyses aim to comprehensively characterize biomolecules within a biological system. Changes in the presence or quantity of these biomolecules can indicate important biological perturbations, such as those caused by disease. With current technological advancements, the entire genome can now be sequenced; however, in the burgeoning fields of lipidomics, only a subset of lipids can be identified. The recent emergence of high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HR-MS/MS), in combination with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography, has resulted in an increased coverage of the lipidome. Nevertheless, identifications from MS/MS are generally limited by the number of precursors that can be selected for fragmentation during chromatographic elution. Therefore, we developed the software IE-Omics to automate iterative exclusion (IE), where selected precursors using data-dependent topN analyses are excluded in sequential injections. In each sequential injection, unique precursors are fragmented until HR-MS/MS spectra of all ions above a user-defined intensity threshold are acquired. IE-Omics was applied to lipidomic analyses in Red Cross plasma and substantia nigra tissue. Coverage of the lipidome was drastically improved using IE. When applying IE-Omics to Red Cross plasma and substantia nigra lipid extracts in positive ion mode, 69% and 40% more molecular identifications were obtained, respectively. In addition, applying IE-Omics to a lipidomics workflow increased the coverage of trace species, including odd-chained and short-chained diacylglycerides and oxidized lipid species. By increasing the coverage of the lipidome, applying IE to a lipidomics workflow increases the probability of finding biomarkers and provides additional information for determining etiology of disease.

Community-Level Sanitation Coverage More Strongly Associated with Child Growth and Household Drinking Water Quality than Access to a Private Toilet in Rural Mali.

PubMed

Harris, Michael; Alzua, Maria Laura; Osbert, Nicolas; Pickering, Amy

2017-06-20

Sanitation access can provide positive externalities; for example, safe disposal of feces by one household prevents disease transmission to households nearby. However, little empirical evidence exists to characterize the potential health benefits from sanitation externalities. This study investigated the effect of community sanitation coverage versus individual household sanitation access on child health and drinking water quality. Using a census of 121 villages in rural Mali, we analyzed the association of community latrine coverage (defined by a 200 m radius surrounding a household) and individual household latrine ownership with child growth and household stored water quality. Child height-for-age had a significant and positive linear relationship with community latrine coverage, while child weight-for-age and household water quality had nonlinear relationships that leveled off above 60% coverage (p < 0.01; generalized additive models). Child growth and water quality were not associated with individual household latrine ownership. The relationship between community latrine coverage and child height was strongest among households without a latrine; for these households, each 10% increase in latrine coverage was associated with a 0.031 (p-value = 0.040) increase in height-for-age z-score. In this study, the level of sanitation access of surrounding households was more important than private latrine access for protecting water quality and child health.

Community-Level Sanitation Coverage More Strongly Associated with Child Growth and Household Drinking Water Quality than Access to a Private Toilet in Rural Mali

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Sanitation access can provide positive externalities; for example, safe disposal of feces by one household prevents disease transmission to households nearby. However, little empirical evidence exists to characterize the potential health benefits from sanitation externalities. This study investigated the effect of community sanitation coverage versus individual household sanitation access on child health and drinking water quality. Using a census of 121 villages in rural Mali, we analyzed the association of community latrine coverage (defined by a 200 m radius surrounding a household) and individual household latrine ownership with child growth and household stored water quality. Child height-for-age had a significant and positive linear relationship with community latrine coverage, while child weight-for-age and household water quality had nonlinear relationships that leveled off above 60% coverage (p < 0.01; generalized additive models). Child growth and water quality were not associated with individual household latrine ownership. The relationship between community latrine coverage and child height was strongest among households without a latrine; for these households, each 10% increase in latrine coverage was associated with a 0.031 (p-value = 0.040) increase in height-for-age z-score. In this study, the level of sanitation access of surrounding households was more important than private latrine access for protecting water quality and child health. PMID:28514143

Count every newborn; a measurement improvement roadmap for coverage data

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Background The Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP), launched in 2014, aims to end preventable newborn deaths and stillbirths, with national targets of ≤12 neonatal deaths per 1000 live births and ≤12 stillbirths per 1000 total births by 2030. This requires ambitious improvement of the data on care at birth and of small and sick newborns, particularly to track coverage, quality and equity. Methods In a multistage process, a matrix of 70 indicators were assessed by the Every Newborn steering group. Indicators were graded based on their availability and importance to ENAP, resulting in 10 core and 10 additional indicators. A consultation process was undertaken to assess the status of each ENAP core indicator definition, data availability and measurement feasibility. Coverage indicators for the specific ENAP treatment interventions were assigned task teams and given priority as they were identified as requiring the most technical work. Consultations were held throughout. Results ENAP published 10 core indicators plus 10 additional indicators. Three core impact indicators (neonatal mortality rate, maternal mortality ratio, stillbirth rate) are well defined, with future efforts needed to focus on improving data quantity and quality. Three core indicators on coverage of care for all mothers and newborns (intrapartum/skilled birth attendance, early postnatal care, essential newborn care) have defined contact points, but gaps exist in measuring content and quality of the interventions. Four core (antenatal corticosteroids, neonatal resuscitation, treatment of serious neonatal infections, kangaroo mother care) and one additional coverage indicator for newborns at risk or with complications (chlorhexidine cord cleansing) lack indicator definitions or data, especially for denominators (population in need). To address these gaps, feasible coverage indicator definitions are presented for validity testing. Measurable process indicators to help monitor health service readiness are also presented. A major measurement gap exists to monitor care of small and sick babies, yet signal functions could be tracked similarly to emergency obstetric care. Conclusions The ENAP Measurement Improvement Roadmap (2015-2020) outlines tools to be developed (e.g., improved birth and death registration, audit, and minimum perinatal dataset) and actions to test, validate and institutionalise proposed coverage indicators. The roadmap presents a unique opportunity to strengthen routine health information systems, crosslinking these data with civil registration and vital statistics and population-based surveys. Real measurement change requires intentional transfer of leadership to countries with the greatest disease burden and will be achieved by working with centres of excellence and existing networks. PMID:26391444

Photointerpretation of Alaskan post-earthquake photography

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hackman, R.J.

1965-01-01

Aerial photographs taken after the March 27, 1964, Good Friday, Alaskan earthquake were examined stereoscopically to determine effects of the earthquake in areas remote from the towns, highways, and the railroad. The two thousand black and white photographs used in this study were taking in April, after the earthquake, by the U. S. Coast & Geodetic Survey and were generously supplied to the U. S. Geological Survey. Part of the photographs, at a scale of 1/24,000, provide blanket coverage of approximately 2,000 square miles of land area north and west of Prince William Sound, including parts of the mainland and some of the adjacent islands. The epicenter of the earthquake, near the head of Unakwik Inlet, is located in this area. The rest of the photographs, at scales ranging from 1/17,000 to 1/40,000, cover isolated strips of the coastline of the mainland and nearby islands in the general area of Prince William Sound. Figure 1 shows the area of new photo coverage used in this study. The objective of the study was to determine quickly whether geological features resulting from the earthquake, such as faults, changes in shoreline, cracks in surficial material, pressure ridges in lake ice, fractures in glaciers and lake ice, and rock slides and avalanches, might be identifiable by photointerpretation. The study was made without benefit of comparisons with older, or pre-earthquake photography, which was not readily available for immediate use.

Earth observation photography: Looking back 20 years after Skylab

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nicholson, James H.

1992-01-01

A committee of trained classroom teachers, backed by a volunteer team of technical experts and academic advisors has developed a program for earth science based on photographs obtained from low earth orbit. In selecting targeting objectives, immediate note was made of the fact nearly one generation (20 years) has passed since the United States' ambitious SKYLAB program was conducted. A critical part of those missions was the acquisition of earth photography using a six camera, multi-spectral camera system. This objective was systematically furthered through the term of three separate crew visits to the Space Station. Not merely an exercise in randomly photographing the Earth below, the purpose of the Earth Resource Experiment Package (EREP) was to determine what kind, and how much, photographic data could be acquired of the broad variety of Earth features witnessed on the mission's ground track. The collection of 35,000 photos produced by EREP represents the most complete coverage of Earth. However, it remains under used. GAS 324 intends to revisit, and to add a tier of relevancy to this inventory. The photography of GAS 324 should allow a direct examination and comparison of the changes in the globe in the last 20 years. format in both coverage and quality. The photogra phy acquired by CAN DO should allow a direct examination and comparison of the changes that have occured to the Globe in the last twenty years.

Global Seabed Materials and Habitats Mapped: The Computational Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jenkins, C. J.

2016-02-01

What the seabed is made of has proven difficult to map on the scale of whole ocean-basins. Direct sampling and observation can be augmented with proxy-parameter methods such as acoustics. Both avenues are essential to obtain enough detail and coverage, and also to validate the mapping methods. We focus on the direct observations such as samplings, photo and video, probes, diver and sub reports, and surveyed features. These are often in word-descriptive form: over 85% of the records for site materials are in this form, whether as sample/view descriptions or classifications, or described parameters such as consolidation, color, odor, structures and components. Descriptions are absolutely necessary for unusual materials and for processes - in other words, for research. This project dbSEABED not only has the largest collection of seafloor materials data worldwide, but it uses advanced computing math to obtain the best possible coverages and detail. Included in those techniques are linguistic text analysis (e.g., Natural Language Processing, NLP), fuzzy set theory (FST), and machine learning (ML, e.g., Random Forest). These techniques allow efficient and accurate import of huge datasets, thereby optimizing the data that exists. They merge quantitative and qualitative types of data for rich parameter sets, and extrapolate where the data are sparse for best map production. The dbSEABED data resources are now very widely used worldwide in oceanographic research, environmental management, the geosciences, engineering and survey.

Far Hills Country Day, Far Hills, New Jersey.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moline, Julie

1999-01-01

Describes the minimalistic design features of a new addition to a suburban New Jersey elementary/middle school that expanded classroom space and created better traffic flow. Photos and a floorplan are included. (GR)

The low photo-inactivation rate of bacteria in human plasma II. Inhibition of methylene blue bleaching in plasma and effective bacterial destruction by the addition of dilute acetic acid to human plasma.

PubMed

Chen, Jie; Cesario, Thomas C; Li, Runze; Er, Ali O; Rentzepis, Peter M

2015-10-01

Methylene blue (MB) and other photo-sensitizer molecules have been recognized as effective means for the inactivation of bacteria and other pathogens owing to their ability to photo-generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) including singlet oxygen. These reactive species react with the membrane of the bacteria causing their destruction. However, the efficiency of MB to destroy bacteria in plasma is very low because the MB 660 nm absorption band, that is responsible for the ROS generation, is bleached. The bleaching of MB, in plasma, is caused by the attachment of a hydrogen atom to the central ring nitrogen of MB, which destroys the ring conjugation and forms Leuco-MB which does not absorb in the 600 nm region. In this paper we show that addition of dilute acetic acid, ∼10(-4) M, to human plasma, prevents H-atom attachment to MB, allowing MB to absorb at 660 nm, generates singlet oxygen and thus inactivates bacteria. The mechanism proposed, for preventing MB bleaching in plasma, is based on the oxidation of cysteine to cystine, by reaction with added dilute acetic acid, thus eliminating the availability of the thiol hydrogen atom which attaches to the MB nitrogen. It is expected that the addition of acetic acid to plasma will be effective in the sterilization of plasma and killing of bacteria in wounds and burns.

Content-Adaptive Sketch Portrait Generation by Decompositional Representation Learning.

PubMed

Zhang, Dongyu; Lin, Liang; Chen, Tianshui; Wu, Xian; Tan, Wenwei; Izquierdo, Ebroul

2017-01-01

Sketch portrait generation benefits a wide range of applications such as digital entertainment and law enforcement. Although plenty of efforts have been dedicated to this task, several issues still remain unsolved for generating vivid and detail-preserving personal sketch portraits. For example, quite a few artifacts may exist in synthesizing hairpins and glasses, and textural details may be lost in the regions of hair or mustache. Moreover, the generalization ability of current systems is somewhat limited since they usually require elaborately collecting a dictionary of examples or carefully tuning features/components. In this paper, we present a novel representation learning framework that generates an end-to-end photo-sketch mapping through structure and texture decomposition. In the training stage, we first decompose the input face photo into different components according to their representational contents (i.e., structural and textural parts) by using a pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN). Then, we utilize a branched fully CNN for learning structural and textural representations, respectively. In addition, we design a sorted matching mean square error metric to measure texture patterns in the loss function. In the stage of sketch rendering, our approach automatically generates structural and textural representations for the input photo and produces the final result via a probabilistic fusion scheme. Extensive experiments on several challenging benchmarks suggest that our approach outperforms example-based synthesis algorithms in terms of both perceptual and objective metrics. In addition, the proposed method also has better generalization ability across data set without additional training.

Watchdog activity monitor (WAM) for use wth high coverage processor self-test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tulpule, Bhalchandra R. (Inventor); Crosset, III, Richard W. (Inventor); Versailles, Richard E. (Inventor)

1988-01-01

A high fault coverage, instruction modeled self-test for a signal processor in a user environment is disclosed. The self-test executes a sequence of sub-tests and issues a state transition signal upon the execution of each sub-test. The self-test may be combined with a watchdog activity monitor (WAM) which provides a test-failure signal in the presence of a counted number of state transitions not agreeing with an expected number. An independent measure of time may be provided in the WAM to increase fault coverage by checking the processor's clock. Additionally, redundant processor systems are protected from inadvertent unsevering of a severed processor using a unique unsever arming technique and apparatus.

Characterization of a Planet: Dependence on Coverage Fraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorenz, R. D.

1996-03-01

I investigate, by means of numerical experiments and a real-time quiz of colleagues (to be repeated at the poster presentation associated with this abstract), how well-characterized a planet may be considered, as a function of how much of its surface has been studied. Most measures seem to indicate that characterization quality increases steeply up to about 30% coverage. Beyond 30%, additional coverage has a lower marginal value as a 'complete' knowledge of the surface is asymptotically reached. These studies are pertinent where tradeoffs of coverage against other scientific objectives exist, for example the orbital tour design of the Cassini mission. The tour design affects how much of Titan's surface (after the Galileo mission, Titan's surface becomes the largest mappable, but unmapped, area in the solar system) may be covered by the Cassini radar. The mission has too few flybys to cover all of Titan's surface: the Radar team aims to have 30% coverage at 1km resolution or better. I also find that long, thin swaths sample a planet better than square blocks of equivalent area.

Insurers' policies on coverage for behavior management services and the impact of the Affordable Care Act.

PubMed

Edelstein, Burton L

2014-01-01

The impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on dental insurance coverage for behavior management services depends upon the child's source of insurance (Medicaid, CHIP, private commercial) and the policies that govern each such source. This contribution describes historical and projected sources of pediatric dental coverage, catalogues the seven behavior codes used by dentists, compares how often they are billed by pediatric and general dentists, assesses payment policies and practices for behavioral services across coverage sources, and describes how ACA coverage policies may impact each source. Differences between Congressional intent to ensure comprehensive oral health services with meaningful consumer protections for all legal-resident children and regulatory action by the Departments of Treasury and Health and Human Services are explored to explain how regulations fail to meet Congressional intent as of 2014. The ACA may additionally impact pediatric dentistry practice, including dentists' behavior management services, by expanding pediatric dental training and safety net delivery sites and by stimulating the evolution of novel payment and delivery systems designed to move provider incentives away from procedure-based payments and toward health outcome-based payments.

Photo-crosslinked alginate hydrogels support enhanced matrix accumulation by nucleus pulposus cells in vivo.

PubMed

Chou, A I; Akintoye, S O; Nicoll, S B

2009-10-01

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major health concern in the United States. Replacement of the nucleus pulposus (NP) with injectable biomaterials represents a potential treatment strategy for IVD degeneration. The objective of this study was to characterize the extracellular matrix (ECM) assembly and functional properties of NP cell-encapsulated, photo-crosslinked alginate hydrogels in comparison to ionically crosslinked alginate constructs. Methacrylated alginate was synthesized by esterification of hydroxyl groups with methacrylic anhydride. Bovine NP cells were encapsulated in alginate hydrogels by ionic crosslinking using CaCl(2) or through photo-crosslinking upon exposure to long-wave UV light in the presence of a photoinitiator. The hydrogels were evaluated in vitro by gross and histological analysis and in vivo using a murine subcutaneous pouch model. In vivo samples were analyzed for gene expression, ECM localization and accumulation, and equilibrium mechanical properties. Ionically crosslinked hydrogels exhibited inferior proteoglycan accumulation in vitro and were unable to maintain structural integrity in vivo. In further studies, photo-crosslinked alginate hydrogels were implanted for up to 8 weeks to examine NP tissue formation. Photo-crosslinked hydrogels displayed temporal increases in gene expression and assembly of type II collagen and proteoglycans. Additionally, hydrogels remained intact over the duration of the study and the equilibrium Young's modulus increased from 1.24+/-0.09 kPa to 4.31+/-1.39 kPa, indicating the formation of functional matrix with properties comparable to those of the native NP. These findings support the use of photo-crosslinked alginate hydrogels as biomaterial scaffolds for NP replacement.

Novel Visual Sensor Coverage and Deployment in Time Aware PTZ Wireless Visual Sensor Networks.

PubMed

Yap, Florence G H; Yen, Hong-Hsu

2016-12-30

In this paper, we consider the visual sensor deployment algorithm in Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Wireless Visual Sensor Networks (WVSNs). With PTZ capability, a sensor's visual coverage can be extended to reduce the number of visual sensors that need to be deployed. The coverage zone of a visual sensor in PTZ WVSN is composed of two regions, a Direct Coverage Region (DCR) and a PTZ Coverage Region (PTZCR). In the PTZCR, a visual sensor needs a mechanical pan-tilt-zoom operation to cover an object. This mechanical operation can take seconds, so the sensor might not be able to adjust the camera in time to capture the visual data. In this paper, for the first time, we study this PTZ time-aware PTZ WVSN deployment problem. We formulate this PTZ time-aware PTZ WVSN deployment problem as an optimization problem where the objective is to minimize the total visual sensor deployment cost so that each area is either covered in the DCR or in the PTZCR while considering the PTZ time constraint. The proposed Time Aware Coverage Zone (TACZ) model successfully captures the PTZ visual sensor coverage in terms of camera focal range, angle span zone coverage and camera PTZ time. Then a novel heuristic, called Time Aware Deployment with PTZ camera (TADPTZ) algorithm, is proposed to solve the problem. From our computational experiments, we found out that TACZ model outperforms the existing M coverage model under all network scenarios. In addition, as compared to the optimal solutions, the TACZ model is scalable and adaptable to the different PTZ time requirements when deploying large PTZ WVSNs.

Novel Visual Sensor Coverage and Deployment in Time Aware PTZ Wireless Visual Sensor Networks

PubMed Central

Yap, Florence G. H.; Yen, Hong-Hsu

2016-01-01

In this paper, we consider the visual sensor deployment algorithm in Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Wireless Visual Sensor Networks (WVSNs). With PTZ capability, a sensor’s visual coverage can be extended to reduce the number of visual sensors that need to be deployed. The coverage zone of a visual sensor in PTZ WVSN is composed of two regions, a Direct Coverage Region (DCR) and a PTZ Coverage Region (PTZCR). In the PTZCR, a visual sensor needs a mechanical pan-tilt-zoom operation to cover an object. This mechanical operation can take seconds, so the sensor might not be able to adjust the camera in time to capture the visual data. In this paper, for the first time, we study this PTZ time-aware PTZ WVSN deployment problem. We formulate this PTZ time-aware PTZ WVSN deployment problem as an optimization problem where the objective is to minimize the total visual sensor deployment cost so that each area is either covered in the DCR or in the PTZCR while considering the PTZ time constraint. The proposed Time Aware Coverage Zone (TACZ) model successfully captures the PTZ visual sensor coverage in terms of camera focal range, angle span zone coverage and camera PTZ time. Then a novel heuristic, called Time Aware Deployment with PTZ camera (TADPTZ) algorithm, is proposed to solve the problem. From our computational experiments, we found out that TACZ model outperforms the existing M coverage model under all network scenarios. In addition, as compared to the optimal solutions, the TACZ model is scalable and adaptable to the different PTZ time requirements when deploying large PTZ WVSNs. PMID:28042829

Financing universal health coverage--effects of alternative tax structures on public health systems: cross-national modelling in 89 low-income and middle-income countries.

PubMed

Reeves, Aaron; Gourtsoyannis, Yannis; Basu, Sanjay; McCoy, David; McKee, Martin; Stuckler, David

2015-07-18

How to finance progress towards universal health coverage in low-income and middle-income countries is a subject of intense debate. We investigated how alternative tax systems affect the breadth, depth, and height of health system coverage. We used cross-national longitudinal fixed effects models to assess the relationships between total and different types of tax revenue, health system coverage, and associated child and maternal health outcomes in 89 low-income and middle-income countries from 1995-2011. Tax revenue was a major statistical determinant of progress towards universal health coverage. Each US$100 per capita per year of additional tax revenues corresponded to a yearly increase in government health spending of $9.86 (95% CI 3.92-15.8), adjusted for GDP per capita. This association was strong for taxes on capital gains, profits, and income ($16.7, 9.16 to 24.3), but not for consumption taxes on goods and services (-$4.37, -12.9 to 4.11). In countries with low tax revenues (<$1000 per capita per year), an additional $100 tax revenue per year substantially increased the proportion of births with a skilled attendant present by 6.74 percentage points (95% CI 0.87-12.6) and the extent of financial coverage by 11.4 percentage points (5.51-17.2). Consumption taxes, a more regressive form of taxation that might reduce the ability of the poor to afford essential goods, were associated with increased rates of post-neonatal mortality, infant mortality, and under-5 mortality rates. We did not detect these adverse associations with taxes on capital gains, profits, and income, which tend to be more progressive. Increasing domestic tax revenues is integral to achieving universal health coverage, particularly in countries with low tax bases. Pro-poor taxes on profits and capital gains seem to support expanding health coverage without the adverse associations with health outcomes observed for higher consumption taxes. Progressive tax policies within a pro-poor framework might accelerate progress toward achieving major international health goals. Commission of the European Communities (FP7-DEMETRIQ), the European Union's HRES grants, and the Wellcome Trust. Copyright © 2015 Reeves et al. Open Access article distributed under the terms of CC BY. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

The effect of uniform color on judging athletes' aggressiveness, fairness, and chance of winning.

PubMed

Krenn, Bjoern

2015-04-01

In the current study we questioned the impact of uniform color in boxing, taekwondo and wrestling. On 18 photos showing two athletes competing, the hue of each uniform was modified to blue, green or red. For each photo, six color conditions were generated (blue-red, blue-green, green-red and vice versa). In three experiments these 108 photos were randomly presented. Participants (N = 210) had to select the athlete that seemed to be more aggressive, fairer or more likely to win the fight. Results revealed that athletes wearing red in boxing and wrestling were judged more aggressive and more likely to win than athletes wearing blue or green uniforms. In addition, athletes wearing green were judged fairer in boxing and wrestling than athletes wearing red. In taekwondo we did not find any significant impact of uniform color. Results suggest that uniform color in combat sports carries specific meanings that affect others' judgments.

Differential involvement of episodic and face representations in ERP repetition effects.

PubMed

Jemel, Boutheina; Calabria, Marco; Delvenne, Jean-François; Crommelinck, Marc; Bruyer, Raymond

2003-03-03

The purpose of this study was to disentangle the contribution of episodic-perceptual from pre-existing memory representations of faces to repetition effects. ERPs were recorded to first and second presentations of same and different photos of famous and unfamiliar faces, in an incidental task where occasional non-targets had to be detected. Repetition of same and different photos of famous faces resulted in an N400 amplitude decrement. No such N400 repetition-induced attenuation was observed for unfamiliar faces. In addition, repetition of same photos of faces, and not different ones, gave rise to an early ERP repetition effect (starting at approximately 350 ms) with an occipito-temporal scalp distribution. Together, these results suggest that repetition effects depend on two temporally and may be neuro-functionally distinct loci, episode-based representation and face recognition units stored in long-term memory.

A mathematical model for predicting photo-induced voltage and photostriction of PLZT with coupled multi-physics fields and its application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, J. H.; Wang, X. J.; Wang, J.

2016-02-01

The primary purpose of this paper is to propose a mathematical model of PLZT ceramic with coupled multi-physics fields, e.g. thermal, electric, mechanical and light field. To this end, the coupling relationships of multi-physics fields and the mechanism of some effects resulting in the photostrictive effect are analyzed theoretically, based on which a mathematical model considering coupled multi-physics fields is established. According to the analysis and experimental results, the mathematical model can explain the hysteresis phenomenon and the variation trend of the photo-induced voltage very well and is in agreement with the experimental curves. In addition, the PLZT bimorph is applied as an energy transducer for a photovoltaic-electrostatic hybrid actuated micromirror, and the relation of the rotation angle and the photo-induced voltage is discussed based on the novel photostrictive mathematical model.

Electro-optical interfacial effects on a graphene/π-conjugated organic semiconductor hybrid system

PubMed Central

Araujo, Karolline A S; Cury, Luiz A; Matos, Matheus J S; Fernandes, Thales F D; Cançado, Luiz G

2018-01-01

The influence of graphene and retinoic acid (RA) – a π-conjugated organic semiconductor – interface on their hybrid system is investigated. The physical properties of the interface are assessed via scanning probe microscopy, optical spectroscopy (photoluminescence and Raman) and ab initio calculations. The graphene/RA interaction induces the formation of a well-organized π-conjugated self-assembled monolayer (SAM) at the interface. Such structural organization leads to the high optical emission efficiency of the RA SAM, even at room temperature. Additionally, photo-assisted electrical force microscopy, photo-assisted scanning Kelvin probe microscopy and Raman spectroscopy indicate a RA-induced graphene doping and photo-charge generation. Finally, the optical excitation of the RA monolayer generates surface potential changes on the hybrid system. In summary, interface-induced organized structures atop 2D materials may have an important impact on both design and operation of π-conjugated nanomaterial-based hybrid systems. PMID:29600157

Applied photo interpretation for airbrush cartography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Inge, J. L.; Bridges, P. M.

1976-01-01

Lunar and planetary exploration has required the development of new techniques of cartographic portrayal. Conventional photo-interpretive methods employing size, shape, shadow, tone, pattern, and texture are applied to computer-processed satellite television images. Comparative judgements are affected by illumination, resolution, variations in surface coloration, and transmission or processing artifacts. The portrayal of tonal densities in a relief illustration is performed using a unique airbrush technique derived from hill-shading of contour maps. The control of tone and line quality is essential because the mid-gray to dark tone densities must be finalized prior to the addition of highlights to the drawing. This is done with an electric eraser until the drawing is completed. The drawing density is controlled with a reflectance-reading densitometer to meet certain density guidelines. The versatility of planetary photo-interpretive methods for airbrushed map portrayals is demonstrated by the application of these techniques to the synthesis of nonrelief data.

Photo-crosslinkable polymers for fabrication of photonic multilayer sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiappelli, Maria; Hayward, Ryan C.

2013-03-01

We have used photo-crosslinkable polymers to fabricate photonic multilayer sensors. Benzophenone is utilized as a covalently incorporated pendent photo-crosslinker, providing a convenient means of fabricating multilayer films by sequential spin-coating and crosslinking processes. Colorimetric temperature sensors were designed from thermally-responsive, low-refractive index poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and high-refractive index poly(para-methyl styrene) (P pMS). Copolymer chemistries and layer thicknesses were selected to provide robust multilayer sensors which show color changes across nearly the full visible spectrum due to changes in temperature of the hydrated film stack. We have characterized the uniformity and interfacial broadening within the multilayers, the kinetics of swelling and de-swelling, and the reversibility over multiple hydration/dehydration cycles. We also describe how the approach can be extended to alternative sensor designs through the ability to tailor each layer independently, as well as to additional stimuli by selecting alternative copolymer chemistries.

Photo-isomerization and oxidation of bilirubin in mammals is dependent on albumin binding.

PubMed

Goncharova, Iryna; Jašprová, Jana; Vítek, Libor; Urbanová, Marie

2015-12-01

The bilirubin (BR) photo-conversion in the human body is a protein-dependent process; an effective photo-isomerization of the potentially neurotoxic Z,Z-BR as well as its oxidation to biliverdin in the antioxidant redox cycle is possible only when BR is bound on serum albumin. We present a novel analytical concept in the study of linear tetrapyrroles metabolic processes based on an in-depth mapping of binding sites in the structure of human serum albumin (HSA). A combination of fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and molecular modeling methods was used for recognition of the binding site for BR, its derivatives (mesobilirubin and bilirubin ditaurate), and the products of the photo-isomerization and oxidation (lumirubin, biliverdin, and xanthobilirubic acid) on HSA. The CD spectra and fluorescent quenching of the Trp-HSA were used to calculate the binding constants. The results of the CD displacement experiments performed with hemin were interpreted together with the findings of molecular docking performed on the pigment-HSA complexes. We estimated that Z,Z-BR and its metabolic products bind on two independent binding sites. Our findings support the existence of a reversible antioxidant redox cycle for BR and explain an additional pathway of the photo-isomerization process (increase of HSA binding capacity; the excess free [unbound] BR can be converted and also bound to HSA). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Novel Tri-Enzyme System in Combination with Laser-Driven NMR Enables Efficient Nuclear Polarization of Biomolecules in Solution

PubMed Central

Lee, Jung Ho; Cavagnero, Silvia

2013-01-01

NMR is an extremely powerful, yet insensitive technique. Many available nuclear polarization methods that address sensitivity are not directly applicable to low-concentration biomolecules in liquids and are often too invasive. Photochemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (photo-CIDNP) is no exception. It needs high-power laser irradiation, which often leads to sample degradation, and photosensitizer reduction. Here, we introduce a novel tri-enzyme system that significantly overcomes the above challenges rendering photo-CIDNP a practically applicable technique for NMR sensitivity enhancement in solution. The specificity of the nitrate reductase (NR) enzyme is exploited to selectively in situ re-oxidize the reduced photo-CIDNP dye FMNH2. At the same time, the oxygen-scavenging ability of glucose oxidase (GO) and catalase (CAT) is synergistically employed to prevent sample photodegradation. The resulting tri-enzyme system (NR-GO-CAT) enables prolonged sensitivity-enhanced data collection in 1D and 2D heteronuclear NMR, leading to the highest photo-CIDNP sensitivity enhancement (48-fold relative to SE-HSQC) achieved to date for amino acids and polypeptides in solution. NR-GO-CAT extends the concentration limit of photo-CIDNP NMR down to the low micromolar range. In addition, sensitivity (relative to the reference SE-HSQC) is found to be inversely proportional to sample concentration, paving the way to the future analysis of even more diluted samples. PMID:23560683

Evidence from household surveys for measuring coverage of newborn care practices

PubMed Central

Sitrin, Deborah; Perin, Jamie; Vaz, Lara ME; Carvajal–Aguirre, Liliana; Khan, Shane M; Fishel, Joy; Amouzou, Agbessi

2017-01-01

Background Aside from breastfeeding, there are little data on use of essential newborn care practices, such as thermal protection and hygienic cord care, in high mortality countries. These practices have not typically been measured in national household surveys, often the main source for coverage data in these settings. The Every Newborn Action Plan proposed early breastfeeding as a tracer for essential newborn care due to data availability and evidence for the benefits of breastfeeding. In the past decade, a few national surveys have added questions on other practices, presenting an opportunity to assess the performance of early breastfeeding initiation as a tracer indicator. Methods We identified twelve national surveys between 2005–2014 that included at least one indicator for immediate newborn care in addition to breastfeeding. Because question wording and reference populations varied, we standardized data to the extent possible to estimate coverage of newborn care practices, accounting for strata and multistage survey design. We assessed early breastfeeding as a tracer by: 1) examining associations with other indicators using Pearson correlations; and 2) stratifying by early breastfeeding to determine differences in coverage of other practices for initiators vs non–initiators in each survey, then pooling across surveys for a meta–analysis, using the inverse standard error as the weight for each observation. Findings Associations between pairs of coverage indicators are generally weak, including those with breastfeeding. The exception is drying and wrapping, which have the strongest association of any two interventions in all five surveys where measured; estimated correlations for this range from 0.47 in Bangladesh’s 2007 DHS to 0.83 in Nepal’s 2006 DHS. The contrast in coverage for other practices by early breastfeeding is generally small; the greatest absolute difference was 6.7%, between coverage of immediate drying for newborns breastfed early compared to those who were not. Conclusions Early initiation of breastfeeding is not a high performing tracer indicator for essential newborn care practices measured in previous national surveys. To have informative data on whether newborns are getting life–saving services, standardized questions about specific practices, in addition to breastfeeding initiation, need to be added to surveys. PMID:29423180

Integrated Geophysical and Archaeological investigations to study the site of Aquinum (Frosinone, Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piro, Salvatore; Ceraudo, Giuseppe; Zamuner, Daniela

2010-05-01

To enhance the knowledge finalised to the location and conservation of the unknown buried structures below the actual studied levels, in the territory of the Ancient Aquinum (Frosinone, Italy) a scientific collaboration, inside the "Ager Aquinas Project" between the University of Salento (Department of Cultural Heritage - Laboratory of Ancient Topography and Photogrammetry) and the Institute of Technologies Applied to Cultural Heritage (ITABC-C.N.R.) has been developed, during 2008-2009 and it is still in progress. The site which is the subject of this paper had been identified in the past through air photo interpretation of vertical historical coverage and field - walking surveys. Ancient Aquinum is characterised by two main aspects: the first depends by the presence of a very big defence-system with mighty walls and large ditch; the second characteristic is the presence or regular but not orthogonal road - system of the town, bordered by an unusual parallelogram shape of the blocks. With the results obtained after the elaborations of the first aerial data sets and field surveys, has been possible to map the main town - planning, drawing the main road system inside and outside the town. Although the analysis of the air photo evidence allowed the global interpretation of the site, it was not possible to reconstruct the archaeological evidences in the central portion of the town. Therefore the Project, during 2008, started with new acquisition and elaboration of aerial photos, field-walking surveys and GPR surveys with the aim to better define the urban plan of the central portion of the ancient town. The location, depth, and size of the buried buildings were effectively estimated from non-destructive remote sensing with a gradiometric and ground-penetrating radar systems. Recent archaeological excavations made (by Prof. Giuseppe Ceraudo - University of Salento, Lecce) during the summer 2009, have confirmed the structures individuated with the geophysical methods. This project is still in progress and new surveys, employing integrated geophysical methods, are planned for the next year.

Where have all the people gone? Enhancing global conservation using night lights and social media.

PubMed

Levin, Noam; Kark, Salit; Crandall, David

2015-12-01

Conservation prioritization at large scales is complex, combining biological, environmental, and social factors. While conservation scientists now more often aim to incorporate human-related factors, a critical yet unquantified challenge remains: to identify which areas people use for recreation outside urban centers. To address this gap in applied ecology and conservation, we developed a novel approach for quantifying human presence beyond populated areas by combining social media "big data" and remote sensing tools. We used data from the Flickr photo-sharing website as a surrogate for identifying spatial variation in visitation globally, and complemented this estimate with spatially explicit information on stable night lights between 2004 and 2012, used as a proxy for identifying urban and industrial centers. Natural and seminatural areas attracting visitors were defined as areas both highly photographed and non-lit. The number of Flickr photographers within protected areas was found to be a reliable surrogate for estimating visitor numbers as confirmed by local authority censuses (r = 0.8). Half of all visitors' photos taken in protected areas originated from under 1% of all protected areas on Earth (250 of -27 000). The most photographed protected areas globally included Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks (USA), and the Lake and Peak Districts (UK). Factors explaining the spatial variation in protected areas Flickr photo coverage included their type (e.g., UNESCO World Heritage sites have higher visitation) and accessibility to roads and trails. Using this approach, we identified photography hotspots, which draw many visitors and are also unlit (i.e., are located outside urban centers), but currently remain largely unprotected, such as Brazil's Pantanal and Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni. The integrated big data approach developed here demonstrates the benefits of combining remote sensing sources and novel geo-tagged and crowd-sourced information from social media in future efforts to identify spatial conservation gaps and pressures in real time, and their spatial and temporal variation globally.

The NASA scientific and technical information system: Its scope and coverage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1988-01-01

A general description of the subject areas covered in the NASA scientific and technical information system is presented. In addition, it establishes subject-based selection criteria for guiding decisions related to the addition of new documents to the NASA collection.

Untersuchung der Mira-Sterne RT Boo, TV Peg und VX Aur

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raetz, Kerstin; Berthold, Thomas

2015-02-01

The light-change of the Mira stars RT Boo, TV Peg and VX Aur was analyzed on three ways for a long time. In the first period I estimated the brightness of the variables on sky monitoring photo plates (red spectral range) from Sonneberg Observatory with Argelander¥s Method, in the last years I measured scanned photo plates with a photometry program and in addition I used visual observations from A.A.V.S.O. for the analysis. The behavior of the periods of the tree stars from 1965 to 2013 is described here.

Declassified intelligence satellite photographs

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

1998-01-01

Recently declassified photographs from spy satellites are an important addition to the record of the Earth?s land surface held by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). More than 800,000 high-resolution photos taken between 1959 through 1972 were made available by Executive Order of the President. The collection is held at the USGS EROS Data Center, near Sioux Falls, S. Dak., and are offered for public sale. For some purposes in earth science studies, these photos extend the record of changes in the land surface another decade back in time from the advent of the Landsat earth-observing satellite program.

STS-132 ascent flight control team photo with Flight Director Richard Jones and the STS-132 crew

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-06-08

JSC2010-E-090665 (8 June 2010) --- The members of the STS-132 Ascent flight control team and crew members pose for a group portrait in the space shuttle flight control room in the Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Flight director Richard Jones (right) and NASA astronaut Ken Ham, STS-132 commander, hold the STS-132 mission logo. Additional crew members pictured are NASA astronauts Tony Antonelli, pilot; along with Garrett Reisman, Piers Sellers, Michael Good and Steve Bowen, all mission specialists. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Remote detection of insect epidemics in conifers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heller, R. C.

1970-01-01

With properly exposed color or infrared color film, discolored foliage caused by insect infestations in ponderosa pine is detectable on moderately small-scale photographs with acceptable accuracies. Black and white photographs which matched the wavebands of the ERTS multispectral scanner were combined into one additive color photo. This imagery was not as useful as photographs taken on color, color infrared, or color film with a minus blue filter. Based on the high-altitude color and color infrared photos obtained, it is concluded that only insect infestations larger than 100 meters in diameter are detectable on ERTS imagery.

Treatment of pleural malignancies by photo-induction combined to systemic chemotherapy: Proof of concept on rodent lung tumors and feasibility study on porcine chest cavities.

PubMed

Wang, Xingyu; Gronchi, Fabrizio; Bensimon, Michael; Mercier, Thomas; Decosterd, Laurent Arthur; Wagnières, Georges; Debefve, Elodie; Ris, Hans-Beat; Letovanec, Igor; Peters, Solange; Perentes, Jean Yannis

2015-12-01

Low-dose, Visudyne®-mediated photodynamic therapy (photo-induction) was shown to selectively enhance tumor vessel transport causing increased uptake of systemically administered chemotherapy in various tumor types grown on rodent lungs. The present experiments explore the efficacy of photo-induced vessel modulation combined to intravenous (IV) liposomal cisplatin (Lipoplatin®) on rodent lung tumors and the feasibility/toxicity of this approach in porcine chest cavities. Three groups of Fischer rats underwent orthotopic sarcoma (n = 14), mesothelioma (n = 14), or adenocarcinoma (n = 12) implantation on the left lung. Half of the animals of each group had photo-induction (0.0625 mg/kg Visudyne®, 10 J/cm(2) ) followed by IV administration of Lipoplatin® (5 mg/kg) and the other half received Lipoplatin® without photo-induction. Then, two groups of minipigs underwent intrapleural thoracoscopic (VATS) photo-induction (0.0625 mg/kg Visudyne®; 30 J/cm(2) hilum; 10 J/cm(2) apex/diaphragm) with in situ light dosimetry in combination with IV Lipoplatin® administration (5 mg/kg). Protocol I (n = 6) received Lipoplatin® immediately after light delivery and Protocol II (n = 9) 90 minutes before light delivery. Three additional animals received Lipoplatin® and VATS pleural biopsies but no photo-induction (controls). Lipoplatin® concentrations were analyzed in blood and tissues before and at regular intervals after photo-induction using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Photo-induction selectively increased Lipoplatin® uptake in all orthotopic tumors. It significantly increased the ratio of tumor to lung Lipoplatin® concentration in sarcoma (P = 0.0008) and adenocarcinoma (P = 0.01) but not in mesothelioma, compared to IV drug application alone. In minipigs, intrapleural photo-induction combined to systemic Lipoplatin® was well tolerated with no toxicity at 7 days for both treatment protocols. The pleural Lipoplatin® concentrations were not significantly different at 10 and 30 J/cm(2) locations but they were significantly higher in protocol I compared to II (2.37 ± 0.7 vs. 1.37 ± 0.7 ng/mg, P  < 0.001). Visudyne®-mediated photo-induction selectively enhances the uptake of IV administered Lipoplatin® in rodent lung tumors. Intrapleural VATS photo-induction with identical treatment conditions combined to IV Lipoplatin chemotherapy is feasible and well tolerated in a porcine model. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:807-816, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A long way to go - Estimates of combined water, sanitation and hygiene coverage for 25 sub-Saharan African countries.

PubMed

Roche, Rachel; Bain, Robert; Cumming, Oliver

2017-01-01

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) are essential for a healthy and dignified life. International targets to reduce inadequate WASH coverage were set under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs, 1990-2015) and now the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, 2016-2030). The MDGs called for halving the proportion of the population without access to adequate water and sanitation, whereas the SDGs call for universal access, require the progressive reduction of inequalities, and include hygiene in addition to water and sanitation. Estimating access to complete WASH coverage provides a baseline for monitoring during the SDG period. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has among the lowest rates of WASH coverage globally. The most recent available Demographic Household Survey (DHS) or Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) data for 25 countries in SSA were analysed to estimate national and regional coverage for combined water and sanitation (a combined MDG indicator for 'improved' access) and combined water with collection time within 30 minutes plus sanitation and hygiene (a combined SDG indicator for 'basic' access). Coverage rates were estimated separately for urban and rural populations and for wealth quintiles. Frequency ratios and percentage point differences for urban and rural coverage were calculated to give both relative and absolute measures of urban-rural inequality. Wealth inequalities were assessed by visual examination of coverage across wealth quintiles in urban and rural populations and by calculating concentration indices as standard measures of relative wealth related inequality that give an indication of how unevenly a health indicator is distributed across the wealth distribution. Combined MDG coverage in SSA was 20%, and combined basic SDG coverage was 4%; an estimated 921 million people lacked basic SDG coverage. Relative measures of inequality were higher for combined basic SDG coverage than combined MDG coverage, but absolute inequality was lower. Rural combined basic SDG coverage was close to zero in many countries. Our estimates help to quantify the scale of progress required to achieve universal WASH access in low-income countries, as envisaged under the water and sanitation SDG. Monitoring and reporting changes in the proportion of the national population with access to water, sanitation and hygiene may be useful in focusing WASH policy and investments towards the areas of greatest need.

A long way to go – Estimates of combined water, sanitation and hygiene coverage for 25 sub-Saharan African countries

PubMed Central

Bain, Robert; Cumming, Oliver

2017-01-01

Background Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) are essential for a healthy and dignified life. International targets to reduce inadequate WASH coverage were set under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs, 1990–2015) and now the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, 2016–2030). The MDGs called for halving the proportion of the population without access to adequate water and sanitation, whereas the SDGs call for universal access, require the progressive reduction of inequalities, and include hygiene in addition to water and sanitation. Estimating access to complete WASH coverage provides a baseline for monitoring during the SDG period. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has among the lowest rates of WASH coverage globally. Methods The most recent available Demographic Household Survey (DHS) or Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) data for 25 countries in SSA were analysed to estimate national and regional coverage for combined water and sanitation (a combined MDG indicator for ‘improved’ access) and combined water with collection time within 30 minutes plus sanitation and hygiene (a combined SDG indicator for ‘basic’ access). Coverage rates were estimated separately for urban and rural populations and for wealth quintiles. Frequency ratios and percentage point differences for urban and rural coverage were calculated to give both relative and absolute measures of urban-rural inequality. Wealth inequalities were assessed by visual examination of coverage across wealth quintiles in urban and rural populations and by calculating concentration indices as standard measures of relative wealth related inequality that give an indication of how unevenly a health indicator is distributed across the wealth distribution. Results Combined MDG coverage in SSA was 20%, and combined basic SDG coverage was 4%; an estimated 921 million people lacked basic SDG coverage. Relative measures of inequality were higher for combined basic SDG coverage than combined MDG coverage, but absolute inequality was lower. Rural combined basic SDG coverage was close to zero in many countries. Conclusions Our estimates help to quantify the scale of progress required to achieve universal WASH access in low-income countries, as envisaged under the water and sanitation SDG. Monitoring and reporting changes in the proportion of the national population with access to water, sanitation and hygiene may be useful in focusing WASH policy and investments towards the areas of greatest need. PMID:28182796

Expanding health insurance for children: examining the alternatives.

PubMed

Fronstin, P; Pierron, B

1997-07-01

This Issue Brief examines the issue of uninsured children. The budget reconciliation legislation currently under congressional consideration earmarks $16 billion for new initiatives to provide health insurance coverage to approximately 5 million of the 10 million uninsured children during the next five years. Proposals to expand coverage among children include the use of tax credits, subsidies, vouchers, Medicaid program expansion, and expansion of state programs. However, these proposals do not address the decline in employment-based health insurance coverage--the underlying cause of the lack of coverage, to the extent that a cause can be identified. What is worse, some proposals to expand health insurance among children may discourage employers from offering coverage. Between 1987 and 1995, the percentage of children with employment-based health insurance declined from 66.7 percent to 58.6 percent. Despite this trend, the percentage of children without any form of health insurance coverage barely increased. In 1987, 13.1 percent were uninsured, compared with 13.8 percent in 1995. Medicaid program expansions helped to alleviate the effects of the decline in employment-based health insurance coverage among children and the potential increase in the number of uninsured children. Between 1987 and 1995, the percentage of children enrolled in the Medicaid program increased from 15.5 percent to 23.2 percent. Some questions to consider in assessing approaches to improving children's health insurance coverage include the following: If the government intervenes, should it do so through a compulsory mechanism or a voluntary system? Is the employment-based system "worth saving" for children? In other words, are the market interventions necessary to keep this system functioning for children too regulatory, too intrusive, and too cumbersome to be practical? In addition to reforming the employment-based system, what reforms are necessary in order to reach those families who have no coverage through the work place? Which approaches are both efficient and politically acceptable? Employment-based coverage of children will likely continue. The challenge for lawmakers is to find a way to cover more uninsured children without eroding employment-based coverage. Several current legislative proposals attempt to avoid this problem by excluding children who have access to employment-based coverage. Without such a requirement, the opportunity to purchase coverage at a discount would create incentives for some low-income employees to drop dependent/family coverage, which in turn could lead some employers to drop their health plans.

11. Historic American Buildings Survey California Historical Society Original: About ...

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

11. Historic American Buildings Survey California Historical Society Original: About 1870 Re-photo: January 1940 CONVENTO AND ADDITIONS (VIEW FROM SOUTHWEST) - Mission San Jose de Guadalupe, Mission & Washington Boulevards, Fremont, Alameda County, CA

Insurance coverage for male infertility care in the United States.

PubMed

Dupree, James M

2016-01-01

Infertility is a common condition experienced by many men and women, and treatments are expensive. The World Health Organization and American Society of Reproductive Medicine define infertility as a disease, yet private companies infrequently offer insurance coverage for infertility treatments. This is despite the clear role that healthcare insurance plays in ensuring access to care and minimizing the financial burden of expensive services. In this review, we assess the current knowledge of how male infertility care is covered by insurance in the United States. We begin with an appraisal of the costs of male infertility care, then examine the state insurance laws relevant to male infertility, and close with a discussion of why insurance coverage for male infertility is important to both men and women. Importantly, we found that despite infertility being classified as a disease and males contributing to almost half of all infertility cases, coverage for male infertility is often excluded from health insurance laws. Excluding coverage for male infertility places an undue burden on their female partners. In addition, excluding care for male infertility risks missing opportunities to diagnose important health conditions and identify reversible or irreversible causes of male infertility. Policymakers should consider providing equal coverage for male and female infertility care in future health insurance laws.

AIDS in Black and White: The Influence of Newspaper Coverage of HIV/AIDS on HIV/AIDS Testing Among African Americans and White Americans, 1993–2007

PubMed Central

STEVENS, ROBIN; HORNIK, ROBERT C.

2014-01-01

This study examined the impact of newspaper coverage of HIV/AIDS on HIV testing behavior in the US population. HIV testing data were taken from the CDC’s National Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from 1993 to 2007 (n=265,557). News stories from 24 daily newspapers and one wire service during the same time period were content analyzed. Distributed lagged regression models were employed to estimate how well HIV/AIDS newspaper coverage predicted later HIV testing behavior. Increases in HIV/AIDS newspaper coverage were associated with declines in population level HIV testing. Each additional 100 HIV/AIDS related newspaper stories published each month was associated with a 1.7% decline in HIV testing levels in the subsequent month. This effect differed by race, with African Americans exhibiting greater declines in HIV testing subsequent to increased news coverage than did Whites. These results suggest that mainstream newspaper coverage of HIV/AIDS may have a particularly deleterious effect on African Americans, one of the groups most impacted by the disease. The mechanisms driving the negative effect deserve further investigation to improve reporting on HIV/AIDS in the media. PMID:24597895

Employer-sponsored health insurance coverage continues to decline in a new decade.

PubMed

Gould, Elise

2013-01-01

Most Americans, particularly those under age 65, rely on health insurance offered through the workplace. Given continuing high unemployment, it comes as no surprise that the share of Americans under age 65 covered by employer-sponsored health insurance (ESI) eroded for the 11th year in a row in 2011, falling from 58.6 percent in 2010 to 58.3 percent. The situation started deteriorating long before the Great Recession: the share of Americans under age 65 covered by ESI eroded every year from 2000 to 2011, decreasing by a total of 10.9 percentage points. As many as 29 million more people under age 65 would have had ESI in 2011 if the coverage rate had remained at the 2000 level. The decline in ESI coverage has been accompanied by an overall decline in health insurance coverage. The number of uninsured non-elderly Americans was 47.9 million in 2011--11.7 million higher than in 2000. Increasing public insurance coverage, particularly among children, is the only reason the uninsured rate did not rise one-for-one with losses in ESI. In addition, key components in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act took effect in 2010, shielding young adults from further coverage losses.

Less than Expected? How Media Cover Demonstration Turnout

PubMed Central

Wouters, Ruud; Van Camp, Kirsten

2017-01-01

Demonstration turnout is a crucial political resource for social movements. In this article, we investigate how mass media cover demonstration size. We develop a typology of turnout coverage and scrutinize the factors that drive turnout coverage. In addition, we test whether media coverage underestimates, reflects, or exaggerates “guesstimates” by organizers and police forces. Together, these analyses shed light on whether turnout coverage fits a logic of normalization or marginalization. We rely on a unique dataset of 428 demonstrations organized in Brussels (2003–2010). For these demonstrations, we have information on the turnout as reported in national television news, as counted by the police, and as expected by the organizers. We find that media present turnout most often as a fact, rarely as contentious (10 percent). Although few demonstrations pass the media gates, our study yields little to no evidence for a logic of turnout marginalization. Media coverage does not systematically underestimate demonstration size, nor does it blindly follow police counts. Rather, turnout coverage attests of a logic of normalization, following standard news-making practices. The more important the demonstration (size, lead item) and the larger the gap between police and organizer guesstimates, the more attention is paid to turnout in the news. Discussion centers on the generalizability and normative interpretation of the results. PMID:29081881

Insurance coverage for male infertility care in the United States

PubMed Central

Dupree, James M

2016-01-01

Infertility is a common condition experienced by many men and women, and treatments are expensive. The World Health Organization and American Society of Reproductive Medicine define infertility as a disease, yet private companies infrequently offer insurance coverage for infertility treatments. This is despite the clear role that healthcare insurance plays in ensuring access to care and minimizing the financial burden of expensive services. In this review, we assess the current knowledge of how male infertility care is covered by insurance in the United States. We begin with an appraisal of the costs of male infertility care, then examine the state insurance laws relevant to male infertility, and close with a discussion of why insurance coverage for male infertility is important to both men and women. Importantly, we found that despite infertility being classified as a disease and males contributing to almost half of all infertility cases, coverage for male infertility is often excluded from health insurance laws. Excluding coverage for male infertility places an undue burden on their female partners. In addition, excluding care for male infertility risks missing opportunities to diagnose important health conditions and identify reversible or irreversible causes of male infertility. Policymakers should consider providing equal coverage for male and female infertility care in future health insurance laws. PMID:27030084

Assessment of Tibetan grassland degeneration via landscape analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Jian; Hou, Ge; Ma, Baibing; Zang, Wenqian

2017-04-01

Desertification as one of the most severity social-economic-environmental issues has been extensive researched, and the assessments of desertification can be implemented accurately and efficiently based on the landscape indicators of vegetation coverage. Consequently, we explored the relationships of the degeneration index of the grassland with climate factors (temperature and precipitation), and human disturbance factors (livestock quantity and animal husbandry output value) via a landscape assessment approach across Tibet. The results showed that the vegetation coverage presented an increase tendency in the central region of Tibet, but the adverse phenomenon was observed in the northwest region. Meanwhile, the correlation of vegetation coverage with precipitation presented as positive effect in most region of Tibet except some regions of the alpine steppe, and the positive correlation of vegetation coverage with temperature also was observed in the less northwest region of Tibet. In addition, we found that the livestock quantity play a key roles in regulating vegetation coverage of the central region. Furthermore, the landscape indexes [number of patches (NP), patch density (PD), contagion index (CONTAG), landscape shape index (LSI), aggregation index (AI)] of grasslands were analyzed, the results exposed that vegetation coverage (1%-20%) has the positive influences on CONTAG and AI, but negative affects LSI, PD and NP. Morreover, there are opposite correlations among vegetation coverage and landscape indexes when vegetation coverage is 21%-40%. We concluded that overgrazing is the main reason of grassland degradation in Tibet, especially the number of livestock aggravates the landscape fragmentation. The results highlighted the alpine grassland management in future.

Cost and impact of scaling up interventions to save lives of mothers and children: taking South Africa closer to MDGs 4 and 5

PubMed Central

Chola, Lumbwe; Pillay, Yogan; Barron, Peter; Tugendhaft, Aviva; Kerber, Kate; Hofman, Karen

2015-01-01

Background South Africa has made substantial progress on child and maternal mortality, yet many avoidable deaths of mothers and children still occur. This analysis identifies priority interventions to be scaled up nationally and projects the potential maternal and child lives saved. Design We modelled the impact of maternal, newborn and child interventions using the Lives Saved Tools Projections to 2015 and used realistic coverage increases based on expert opinion considering recent policy change, financial and resource inputs, and observed coverage change. A scenario analysis was undertaken to test the impact of increasing intervention coverage to 95%. Results By 2015, with realistic coverage, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) can reduce to 153 deaths per 100,000 and child mortality to 34 deaths per 1,000 live births. Fifteen interventions, including labour and delivery management, early HIV treatment in pregnancy, prevention of mother-to-child transmission and handwashing with soap, will save an additional 9,000 newborns and children and 1,000 mothers annually. An additional US$370 million (US$7 per capita) will be required annually to scale up these interventions. When intervention coverage is increased to 95%, breastfeeding promotion becomes the top intervention, the MMR reduces to 116 and the child mortality ratio to 23. Conclusions The 15 interventions identified were adopted by the National Department of Health, and the Health Minister launched a campaign to encourage Provincial Health Departments to scale up coverage. It is hoped that by focusing on implementing these 15 interventions at high quality, South Africa will reach Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 4 soon after 2015 and MDG 5 several years later. Focus on HIV and TB during early antenatal care is essential. Strategic gains could be realised by targeting vulnerable populations and districts with the worst health outcomes. The analysis demonstrates the usefulness of priority setting tools and the potential for evidence-based decision making in the health sector. PMID:25906769

Effect of enamel matrix derivative on collagen guided tissue regeneration-based root coverage procedure.

PubMed

Trabulsi, Manal; Oh, Tae-Ju; Eber, Robert; Weber, Daniel; Wang, Hom-Lay

2004-11-01

Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has been shown to promote periodontal wound healing and/or regeneration when applied to tooth root surfaces in soft tissue dehiscence models. In addition, guided tissue regeneration (GTR)-based root coverage using collagen membrane (GTRC) has shown promising results. However, limited information is available regarding how EMD may influence GTRC outcome. Twenty-six patients with Miller's Class I or II gingival recession defects of 2.5 mm were recruited for the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either EMD + collagen (EMDC; test group) or collagen membrane (GTRC; control group). Clinical parameters, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), relative clinical attachment levels (RCAL) to the stent, recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), probing depth (PD), gingival tissue thickness (GTT), and width of keratinized gingiva (KG) were assessed at baseline, and 3 and 6 months after surgery. A repeated measure of analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine differences between treatment groups and time effect. Both treatments (GTRC and EMDC) resulted in a statistically significant decrease in RD and RW between baseline and 6 months (P <0.05). However, no difference was noted between treatment groups. The percent of root coverage after 6 months was 75% for GTRC and 63% for EMDC. Complete 100% root coverage was achieved in five patients in the GTRC group, compared to only one patient in the EMDC group. There was a statistically significant gain (P <0.05) in the clinical attachment level (CAL) between baseline and 6 months in both groups, as reflected on the RCAL data. No other significant differences were noted on other clinical parameters (PD, GTT, KG, GI, and PI). GTR-based root coverage utilizing collagen membrane, with or without enamel matrix derivative, can be successfully used in obtaining gingival recession coverage. The application of EMD during GTRC procedures did not add additional benefit to the final clinical outcome.

Societal Implications of Health Insurance Coverage for Medically Necessary Services in the U.S. Transgender Population: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

PubMed

Padula, William V; Heru, Shiona; Campbell, Jonathan D

2016-04-01

Recently, the Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission (GIC) prioritized research on the implications of a clause expressly prohibiting the denial of health insurance coverage for transgender-related services. These medically necessary services include primary and preventive care as well as transitional therapy. To analyze the cost-effectiveness of insurance coverage for medically necessary transgender-related services. Markov model with 5- and 10-year time horizons from a U.S. societal perspective, discounted at 3% (USD 2013). Data on outcomes were abstracted from the 2011 National Transgender Discrimination Survey (NTDS). U.S. transgender population starting before transitional therapy. No health benefits compared to health insurance coverage for medically necessary services. This coverage can lead to hormone replacement therapy, sex reassignment surgery, or both. Cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) for successful transition or negative outcomes (e.g. HIV, depression, suicidality, drug abuse, mortality) dependent on insurance coverage or no health benefit at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000/QALY. Budget impact interpreted as the U.S. per-member-per-month cost. Compared to no health benefits for transgender patients ($23,619; 6.49 QALYs), insurance coverage for medically necessary services came at a greater cost and effectiveness ($31,816; 7.37 QALYs), with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $9314/QALY. The budget impact of this coverage is approximately $0.016 per member per month. Although the cost for transitions is $10,000-22,000 and the cost of provider coverage is $2175/year, these additional expenses hold good value for reducing the risk of negative endpoints--HIV, depression, suicidality, and drug abuse. Results were robust to uncertainty. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that provider coverage was cost-effective in 85% of simulations. Health insurance coverage for the U.S. transgender population is affordable and cost-effective, and has a low budget impact on U.S. society. Organizations such as the GIC should consider these results when examining policies regarding coverage exclusions.

Photo-activated porphyrin in combination with antibiotics: therapies against Staphylococci

PubMed Central

Dastgheyb, Sana S.; Eckmann, David M.; Composto, Russell J.

2013-01-01

Staphylococcal infections have become difficult to treat due to antibiotic insensitivity and resistance. Antimicrobial combination therapies may minimize acquisition of resistance and photodynamic therapy is an attractive candidate for these combinations. In this manuscript, we explore combined use of antibiotics and meso-tetra (4-aminophenyl) porphine (TAPP), a cationic porphyrin, for treatment of Staphylococcus aureus contamination. We characterize the antimicrobial activity of photoactivated TAPP and show that activity is largely lost in the presence of a radical scavenger. Importantly, TAPP can be reactivated with continued, albeit attenuated, antibacterial activity. We then show that the antimicrobial activity of illuminated TAPP is additive with chloramphenicol and tobramycin for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and synergistic for MRSA and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Chloramphenicol + methylene blue, another photosensitizer, also show additivity against Staphylococcus aureus. In contrast, ceftriaxone and vancomycin do not strongly augment the low level effects of TAPP against S. aureus. Eukaryotic cells exhibit a dose-dependent toxicity with illuminated TAPP. Our results suggest that even sub-minimum inhibitory concentration levels of photo-activated TAPP could be used to boost the activity of waning antibiotics. This may play an important role in treatments reliant on antibiotic controlled release systems where augmentation with photo-active agents could extend their efficacy. PMID:24148969

Application of solar photo-Fenton for benzophenone-type UV filters removal.

PubMed

Zúñiga-Benítez, Henry; Peñuela, Gustavo A

2018-07-01

Benzophenones (BPs) family is one of the most frequently used groups of UV-filters. However, it has been reported by different authors that this kind of chemical compounds could be associated with some endocrine disrupting activity, genotoxicity and reproductive toxicity. In addition, different studies have evidenced the presence of BPs in several environmental matrices, indicating that conventional technologies of water treatment are not able to remove them, which generates the necessity of evaluating new alternatives of remediation. In this way, the main objective of this paper was to consider the potential removal of the benzophenone-type compounds, Benzophenone-1 and Benzophenone-2 in aqueous solutions using photo-Fenton under simulated sunlight radiation. Effects of different operational parameters, including H 2 O 2 and Fe 2+ initial concentrations, on pollutants elimination were assessed, and conditions that allow to get higher degradation rates were established. In general, results indicated that evaluated photo-catalytic system is able to remove completely the studied benzophenones, and to increase the samples biodegradability after a notable reduction of the organic carbon present in the solutions. Additionally, the identification of some of the reaction byproducts showed that hydroxylation of the substrates molecules is one of the main stages that conduct to its elimination under the evaluated experimental conditions. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Using Multiple Adaptively-Weighted Strategies for the Resolution of Demonstratives

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-05-10

better coverage and accuracy, and reducing the reliance on user intervention. In addition to incresed coverage, the multi-strategy approach offers easy...wrote that: 26.10. "The entrepreneur takes resources from an area of lower productivity and moves them to an area of higher productivity." 26.11...That’s what defines an entrepreneur . 26.12. Innovation is a specific tool, Drucker says, of the entrepreneur , in which we create new resources or improve

KSC-2015-1226

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-01-28

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The launch gantry is rolled back to reveal the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, satellite aboard, at the Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. SMAP is a remote sensing mission designed to measure and map the Earth's soil moisture distribution and freeze/thaw stat with unprecedented accuracy, resolution and coverage. SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2015-1236

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-01-28

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The launch gantry is rolled back to reveal the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, satellite aboard, at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP is a remote sensing mission designed to measure and map the Earth's soil moisture distribution and freeze/thaw stat with unprecedented accuracy, resolution and coverage. SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://www.nasa.gov/smap. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin

KSC-2015-1227

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-01-28

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The launch gantry is rolled back to reveal the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, satellite aboard, at the Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. SMAP is a remote sensing mission designed to measure and map the Earth's soil moisture distribution and freeze/thaw stat with unprecedented accuracy, resolution and coverage. SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2015-1228

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-01-29

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The launch gantry is rolled back to reveal the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, satellite aboard, at the Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. SMAP is a remote sensing mission designed to measure and map the Earth's soil moisture distribution and freeze/thaw stat with unprecedented accuracy, resolution and coverage. SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2015-1225

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-01-28

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The launch gantry is rolled back to reveal the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, satellite aboard, at the Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. SMAP is a remote sensing mission designed to measure and map the Earth's soil moisture distribution and freeze/thaw stat with unprecedented accuracy, resolution and coverage. SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2015-1235

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-01-28

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The launch gantry is rolled back to reveal the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, satellite aboard, at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP is a remote sensing mission designed to measure and map the Earth's soil moisture distribution and freeze/thaw stat with unprecedented accuracy, resolution and coverage. SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://www.nasa.gov/smap. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin

KSC-2015-1238

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-01-28

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The launch gantry is rolled back to reveal the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, satellite aboard, at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP is a remote sensing mission designed to measure and map the Earth's soil moisture distribution and freeze/thaw stat with unprecedented accuracy, resolution and coverage. SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://www.nasa.gov/smap. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin

Physics opportunities with meson beams

DOE PAGES

Briscoe, William J.; Doring, Michael; Haberzettl, Helmut; ...

2015-10-20

Over the past two decades, meson photo- and electro-production data of unprecedented quality and quantity have been measured at electromagnetic facilities worldwide. By contrast, the meson-beam data for the same hadronic final states are mostly outdated and largely of poor quality, or even nonexistent, and thus provide inadequate input to help interpret, analyze, and exploit the full potential of the new electromagnetic data. To reap the full benefit of the high-precision electromagnetic data, new high-statistics data from measurements with meson beams, with good angle and energy coverage for a wide range of reactions, are critically needed to advance our knowledgemore » in baryon and meson spectroscopy and other related areas of hadron physics. To address this situation, a state of-the-art meson-beam facility needs to be constructed. Furthermore, the present paper summarizes unresolved issues in hadron physics and outlines the vast opportunities and advances that only become possible with such a facility.« less

Physics opportunities with meson beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Briscoe, William J.; Döring, Michael; Haberzettl, Helmut; Manley, D. Mark; Naruki, Megumi; Strakovsky, Igor I.; Swanson, Eric S.

2015-10-01

Over the past two decades, meson photo- and electroproduction data of unprecedented quality and quantity have been measured at electromagnetic facilities worldwide. By contrast, the meson-beam data for the same hadronic final states are mostly outdated and largely of poor quality, or even non-existent, and thus provide inadequate input to help interpret, analyze, and exploit the full potential of the new electromagnetic data. To reap the full benefit of the high-precision electromagnetic data, new high-statistics data from measurements with meson beams, with good angle and energy coverage for a wide range of reactions, are critically needed to advance our knowledge in baryon and meson spectroscopy and other related areas of hadron physics. To address this situation, a state-of-the-art meson-beam facility needs to be constructed. The present paper summarizes unresolved issues in hadron physics and outlines the vast opportunities and advances that only become possible with such a facility.

KSC-2015-1234

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-01-28

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The launch gantry is rolled back to reveal the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, satellite aboard, at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP is a remote sensing mission designed to measure and map the Earth's soil moisture distribution and freeze/thaw stat with unprecedented accuracy, resolution and coverage. SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://www.nasa.gov/smap. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin

KSC-2015-1224

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-01-28

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The launch gantry is rolled back to reveal the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, satellite aboard, at the Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. SMAP is a remote sensing mission designed to measure and map the Earth's soil moisture distribution and freeze/thaw stat with unprecedented accuracy, resolution and coverage. SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2015-1223

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-01-28

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The launch gantry is rolled back to reveal the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, satellite aboard, at the Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. SMAP is a remote sensing mission designed to measure and map the Earth's soil moisture distribution and freeze/thaw stat with unprecedented accuracy, resolution and coverage. SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Houston/Galveston, Texas, USA

NASA Image and Video Library

1991-05-06

STS039-85-036 (28 April-6 May 1991) --- An orbital pass took the Space Shuttle Discovery over the Houston area, allowing this nearly vertical 70mm photograph to be taken. The north - south bounds extend from a line just north of the Intercontinental Airport at the top of the photo. (Some printings have index numbers near south in the frame). The east - west coverage extends from a line several miles outside the Sam Houston belt system left and right. Parts of the belt system, especially in the south, are still under construction. The Harris County Domed Stadium can be delineated just left of center, and the central business district of Houston is just above center. The work and living areas of the seven astronaut crew members are in the lower right quadrant, including Clear Lake, Taylor Lake, the NASA complex and parts of upper Galveston Bay. Many passes over the Houston area do not exist with the minimal cloud cover seen here.

Computational Visual Stress Level Analysis of Calcareous Algae Exposed to Sedimentation

PubMed Central

Nilssen, Ingunn; Eide, Ingvar; de Oliveira Figueiredo, Marcia Abreu; de Souza Tâmega, Frederico Tapajós; Nattkemper, Tim W.

2016-01-01

This paper presents a machine learning based approach for analyses of photos collected from laboratory experiments conducted to assess the potential impact of water-based drill cuttings on deep-water rhodolith-forming calcareous algae. This pilot study uses imaging technology to quantify and monitor the stress levels of the calcareous algae Mesophyllum engelhartii (Foslie) Adey caused by various degrees of light exposure, flow intensity and amount of sediment. A machine learning based algorithm was applied to assess the temporal variation of the calcareous algae size (∼ mass) and color automatically. Measured size and color were correlated to the photosynthetic efficiency (maximum quantum yield of charge separation in photosystem II, ΦPSIImax) and degree of sediment coverage using multivariate regression. The multivariate regression showed correlations between time and calcareous algae sizes, as well as correlations between fluorescence and calcareous algae colors. PMID:27285611

Crop identification and acreage measurement utilizing ERTS imagery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vonsteen, D. H. (Principal Investigator)

1972-01-01

There are no author-identified significant results in this report. The microdensitometer will be used to analyze data acquired by ERTS-1 imagery. The classification programs and software packages have been acquired and are being prepared for use with the information as it is received. Photo and digital tapes have been acquired for coverage of virtually 100 percent of the test site areas. These areas are located in South Dakota, Idaho, Missouri, and Kansas. Hass 70mm color infrared, infrared, black and white high altitude aerial photography of the test sites is available. Collection of ground truth for updating the data base has been completed and a computer program written to count the number of fields and give total acres by size group for the segments in each test site. Results are given of data analysis performed on digitized data from densitometer measurements of fields of corn, sugar, beets, and alfalfa in Kansas.

KSC-2015-1229

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-01-28

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The launch gantry is rolled back to reveal the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, satellite aboard, at the Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. SMAP is a remote sensing mission designed to measure and map the Earth's soil moisture distribution and freeze/thaw stat with unprecedented accuracy, resolution and coverage. SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2015-1233

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-01-28

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The launch gantry is rolled back to reveal the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, satellite aboard, at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP is a remote sensing mission designed to measure and map the Earth's soil moisture distribution and freeze/thaw stat with unprecedented accuracy, resolution and coverage. SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://www.nasa.gov/smap. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin

KSC-2015-1237

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-01-28

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The launch gantry is rolled back to reveal the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, satellite aboard, at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP is a remote sensing mission designed to measure and map the Earth's soil moisture distribution and freeze/thaw stat with unprecedented accuracy, resolution and coverage. SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://www.nasa.gov/smap. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin

KSC-2013-2073

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-04-20

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Master of Ceremonies John Zarrella, CNN's principal correspondent for coverage of NASA’s space programs, addresses the inductees and visitors with opening remarks. Hall of Fame astronauts and visitors gathered to honor 2013 inductees Curt Brown, Eileen Collins and Bonnie Dunbar. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http://astronautscholarship.org/ Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-2069

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-04-20

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Master of Ceremonies John Zarrella, CNN's principal correspondent for coverage of NASA’s space programs, addresses the inductees and visitors with opening remarks. Hall of Fame astronauts and visitors gathered to honor 2013 inductees Curt Brown, Eileen Collins and Bonnie Dunbar. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http://astronautscholarship.org/ Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-2067

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-04-20

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Master of Ceremonies John Zarrella, CNN's principal correspondent for coverage of NASA’s space programs, addresses the inductees and visitors with opening remarks. Hall of Fame astronauts and visitors gathered to honor 2013 inductees Curt Brown, Eileen Collins and Bonnie Dunbar. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http://astronautscholarship.org/ Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett

STS-9 BET products

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Findlay, J. T.; Kelly, G. M.; Heck, M. L.; Mcconnell, J. G.; Henry, M. W.

1984-01-01

The final products generated for the STS-9, which landed on December 8, 1983 are reported. The trajectory reconstruction utilized an anchor epoch of GMT corresponding to an initial altitude of h 356 kft, selected in view of the limited tracking coverage available. The final state utilized IMU2 measurements and was based on processing radar tracking from six C-bands and a single S-band station, plus six photo-theodolite cameras in the vicinity of Runway 17 at Edwards Air Force Base. The final atmosphere (FLAIR9/UN=581199C) was based on a composite of the remote measured data and the 1978 Air Force Reference Atmosphere model. The Extended BET is available as STS9BET/UN=274885C. The AEROBET and MMLE input files created are discussed. Plots of the more relevant parameters from the AEROBET (reel number NL0624) are included. Input parameters, final residual plots, a trajectory listing, and data archival information are defined.

KSC-2013-1386

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-02-10

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, discusses Landsat Data Continuity Mission, or LDCM, satellite preparations with Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Liftoff is planned for Feb. 11, 2013 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett