Prediction of power requirements for a longwall armored face conveyor

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

Broadfoot, A.R.; Betz, R.E.

1997-01-01

Longwall armored face conveyors (AFC`s) have traditionally been designed using a combination of heuristics and simple models. However, as longwalls increase in length, these design procedures are proving to be inadequate. The result has either been a costly loss of production due to AFC stalling or component failure, or larger than necessary capital investment due to overdesign. In order to allow accurate estimation of the power requirements for an AFC, this paper develops a comprehensive model of all the friction forces associated with the AFC. Power requirement predictions obtained from these models are then compared with measurements from two minemore » faces.« less

The use of serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels and antral follicle count (AFC) to predict the number of oocytes collected and availability of embryos for cryopreservation in IVF.

PubMed

Kotanidis, L; Nikolettos, K; Petousis, S; Asimakopoulos, B; Chatzimitrou, E; Kolios, G; Nikolettos, N

2016-12-01

To investigate the predictive value of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) on the final number of oocytes retrieved and the availability of embryos for cryopreservation in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. In this prospective study, one hundred and twenty women in their first IVF treatment were enrolled. The short stimulation agonist protocol was used for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in all cases. Serum AMH levels were measured during the menstrual cycle preceding treatment. AFC was measured in cycle day 2, just before starting ovarian stimulation. A strong, positive correlation between AMH, AFC and the number of collected oocytes was found. The patients with available and suitable supplementary embryos for cryopreservation had higher levels of AMH and larger numbers of AFC. AMH and AFC appear to be valuable markers mainly for ovarian reserve and response to IVF treatment. Serum AMH levels and AFC are significantly associated with the number of retrieved oocytes. Also, a positive correlation with the availability of supernumerary embryos suitable for cryopreservation was observed.

Development of ADOCS controllers and control laws. Volume 3: Simulation results and recommendations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Landis, Kenneth H.; Glusman, Steven I.

1985-01-01

The Advanced Cockpit Controls/Advanced Flight Control System (ACC/AFCS) study was conducted by the Boeing Vertol Company as part of the Army's Advanced Digital/Optical Control System (ADOCS) program. Specifically, the ACC/AFCS investigation was aimed at developing the flight control laws for the ADOCS demonstator aircraft which will provide satisfactory handling qualities for an attack helicopter mission. The three major elements of design considered are as follows: Pilot's integrated Side-Stick Controller (SSC) -- Number of axes controlled; force/displacement characteristics; ergonomic design. Stability and Control Augmentation System (SCAS)--Digital flight control laws for the various mission phases; SCAS mode switching logic. Pilot's Displays--For night/adverse weather conditions, the dynamics of the superimposed symbology presented to the pilot in a format similar to the Advanced Attack Helicopter (AAH) Pilot Night Vision System (PNVS) for each mission phase is a function of SCAS characteristics; display mode switching logic. Results of the five piloted simulations conducted at the Boeing Vertol and NASA-Ames simulation facilities are presented in Volume 3. Conclusions drawn from analysis of pilot rating data and commentary were used to formulate recommendations for the ADOCS demonstrator flight control system design. The ACC/AFCS simulation data also provide an extensive data base to aid the development of advanced flight control system design for future V/STOL aircraft.

Amounts of artificial food colors in commonly consumed beverages and potential behavioral implications for consumption in children.

PubMed

Stevens, Laura J; Burgess, John R; Stochelski, Mateusz A; Kuczek, Thomas

2014-02-01

Artificial food colors (AFCs) are widely used to color foods and beverages. The amount of AFCs the Food and Drug Administration has certified over the years has increased more than 5-fold since 1950 (12 mg/capita/day) to 2012 (68 mg/capita/day). In the past 38 years, there have been studies of adverse behavioral reactions such as hyperactivity in children to double-blind challenges with AFCs. Studies that used 50 mg or more of AFCs as the challenge showed a greater negative effect on more children than those which used less. The study reported here is the first to quantify the amounts of AFCs in foods (specifically in beverages) commonly consumed by children in the United States. Consumption data for all foods would be helpful in the design of more challenge studies. The data summarized here should help clinicians advise parents about AFCs and beverage consumption.

DETANONOate, a nitric oxide donor, decreases amiloride-sensitive alveolar fluid clearance in rabbits.

PubMed

Nielsen, V G; Baird, M S; Chen, L; Matalon, S

2000-04-01

Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) has been administered to animals to selectively reduce pulmonary hypertension via NO donors such as the NONOates. However, vectorial Na(+) transport across confluent monolayers of alveolar type II (ATII) pneumocytes has been decreased by NO. We tested the hypothesis that administration of the NO donor, DETANONOate, would decrease alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) in the rabbit in vivo. We instilled a solution of 5% albumin in 0.9% NaCl with 3 mM DETANONOate into anesthetized rabbits. Two hours later, similar AFC values were measured in the presence and absence of 3 mM DETANONOate (38 +/- 12% versus 43 +/- 13%; mean +/- SD). However, animals coadministered 1 mM amiloride with one of three doses of DETANONOate (100 microM, 300 microM, or 3 mM) had significantly (p < 0.05) greater AFC values (23 +/- 8, 20 +/- 14, 28 +/- 12%, respectively) than those administered amiloride alone (10 +/- 7%). When 5% albumin in a Cl(-)-free solution was administered in the presence or absence of 100 microM DETANONOate, neither AFC values nor alveolar Cl(-) concentrations were different. DETANONOate decreases the amiloride-sensitive fraction of AFC but does not decrease total AFC. DETANONOate does not influence total AFC secondary to an increase in the amiloride-insensitive fraction of AFC that is not associated with a decrease in alveolar Cl(-) secretion.

Antral follicle counts are strongly associated with live-birth rates after assisted reproduction, with superior treatment outcome in women with polycystic ovaries.

PubMed

Holte, Jan; Brodin, Thomas; Berglund, Lars; Hadziosmanovic, Nermin; Olovsson, Matts; Bergh, Torbjörn

2011-09-01

To evaluate the association of antral follicle count (AFC) with in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) outcome in a large unselected cohort of patients covering the entire range of AFC. Prospective observational study. University-affiliated private infertility center. 2,092 women undergoing 4,308 IVF-ICSI cycles. AFC analyzed for associations with treatment outcome and statistically adjusted for repeated treatments and age. Pregnancy rate, live-birth rate, and stimulation outcome parameters. The AFC was log-normally distributed. Pregnancy rates and live-birth rates were positively associated with AFC in a log-linear way, leveling out above AFC ∼30. Treatment outcome was superior among women with polycystic ovaries, independent from ovulatory status. The findings were significant also after adjustment for age and number of oocytes retrieved. Pregnancy and live-birth rates are log-linearly related to AFC. Polycystic ovaries, most often excluded from studies on ovarian reserve, fit as one extreme in the spectrum of AFC; a low count constitutes the other extreme, with the lowest ovarian reserve and poor treatment outcome. The findings remained statistically significant also after adjustment for the number of oocytes retrieved, suggesting this measure of ovarian reserve comprises information on oocyte quality and not only quantity. Copyright © 2011 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Long-term hormonal contraceptive use is associated with a reversible suppression of antral follicle count and a break from hormonal contraception may improve oocyte yield.

PubMed

Letourneau, Joseph M; Cakmak, Hakan; Quinn, Molly; Sinha, Nikita; I Cedars, Marcelle; Rosen, Mitchell P

2017-09-01

Unlike infertility, patients presenting for fertility preservation (FP) are often using combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC). We studied whether long-term (≥6 months) CHC use is associated with reversible suppression of antral follicle count (AFC). This is a longitudinal study of FP cycles from 2012 to 2016. We studied three groups: those without CHC exposure (NO CHC), those with CHC usage with a CHC break (BREAK), and without a break (NO BREAK) prior to ovarian stimulation. We assessed ovarian reserve by AFC at initial consultation and discussed the possibility of CHC suppression of AFC. Patients chose between ovarian stimulation with no CHC break versus ovarian stimulation after a CHC break. AFC was measured serially in the BREAK group. We assessed whether AFC suppression was reversed in the BREAK group. Total oocyte yield was compared among the NO CHC, BREAK, and NO BREAK groups. T tests, ANOVA, and linear/logistic regressions were used. Seven hundred forty-three women underwent FP. Twenty-one percent (n = 154) were taking long-term CHC (≥6 months). AFC suppression was more likely with CHC use (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.4, P = 0.011). The BREAK group (n = 79) stopped CHC for an average of 4 months. AFC improvement started at 1 month and plateaued at approximately 6- to 7-month break. The BREAK group had approximately twice as many oocytes per initial AFC as NO BREAK (2.8 ± 3.8 vs. 1.4 ± 0.9, P < 0.001). When women present for FP on CHC, AFC may be suppressed. A CHC break of several months is associated with an increase in AFC and a potential improvement in overall egg yield.

Various applications of Active Field Control (AFC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, Takayuki; Miyazaki, Hideo; Kishinaga, Shinji; Kawakami, Fukushi

2003-10-01

AFC is an electro-acoustic enhancement system, which has been under development at Yamaha Corporation. In this paper, several types of various AFC applications are discussed, while referring to representative projects for each application in Japan. (1) Realization of acoustics in a huge hall to classical music program, e.g., Tokyo International Forum. This venue is a multipurpose hall with approximately 5000 seats. AFC achieves loudness and reverberance equivalent to those of a hall with 2500 seats or fewer. (2) Optimization of acoustics for a variety of programs, e.g., Arkas Sasebo. AFC is used to create the optimum acoustics for each program, such as reverberance for classical concerts, acoustical support for opera singers, uniformity throughout the hall from the stage to under-balcony area, etc. (3) Control of room shape acoustical effect, e.g., Osaka Central Public Hall: In this renovation project, preservation of historically important architecture in the original form is required. AFC is installed to vary only the acoustical environment without architectural changes. (4) Assistance with crowd enthusiasm for sports entertainment, e.g., Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. In this venue, which is designed as a very absorptive space for speech intelligibility, AFC is installed to enhance the atmosphere of live sports entertainment.

Adaptive format conversion for scalable video coding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Wade K.; Lim, Jae S.

2001-12-01

The enhancement layer in many scalable coding algorithms is composed of residual coding information. There is another type of information that can be transmitted instead of (or in addition to) residual coding. Since the encoder has access to the original sequence, it can utilize adaptive format conversion (AFC) to generate the enhancement layer and transmit the different format conversion methods as enhancement data. This paper investigates the use of adaptive format conversion information as enhancement data in scalable video coding. Experimental results are shown for a wide range of base layer qualities and enhancement bitrates to determine when AFC can improve video scalability. Since the parameters needed for AFC are small compared to residual coding, AFC can provide video scalability at low enhancement layer bitrates that are not possible with residual coding. In addition, AFC can also be used in addition to residual coding to improve video scalability at higher enhancement layer bitrates. Adaptive format conversion has not been studied in detail, but many scalable applications may benefit from it. An example of an application that AFC is well-suited for is the migration path for digital television where AFC can provide immediate video scalability as well as assist future migrations.

Longitudinal Tracking of Human Fetal Cells Labeled with Super Paramagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in the Brain of Mice with Motor Neuron Disease

PubMed Central

Bigini, Paolo; Diana, Valentina; Barbera, Sara; Fumagalli, Elena; Micotti, Edoardo; Sitia, Leopoldo; Paladini, Alessandra; Bisighini, Cinzia; De Grada, Laura; Coloca, Laura; Colombo, Laura; Manca, Pina; Bossolasco, Patrizia; Malvestiti, Francesca; Fiordaliso, Fabio; Forloni, Gianluigi; Morbidelli, Massimo; Salmona, Mario; Giardino, Daniela; Mennini, Tiziana; Moscatelli, Davide; Silani, Vincenzo; Cova, Lidia

2012-01-01

Stem Cell (SC) therapy is one of the most promising approaches for the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Here we employed Super Paramagnetic Iron Oxide nanoparticles (SPIOn) and Hoechst 33258 to track human Amniotic Fluid Cells (hAFCs) after transplantation in the lateral ventricles of wobbler (a murine model of ALS) and healthy mice. By in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo approaches we found that: 1) the main physical parameters of SPIOn were maintained over time; 2) hAFCs efficiently internalized SPIOn into the cytoplasm while Hoechst 33258 labeled nuclei; 3) SPIOn internalization did not alter survival, cell cycle, proliferation, metabolism and phenotype of hAFCs; 4) after transplantation hAFCs rapidly spread to the whole ventricular system, but did not migrate into the brain parenchyma; 5) hAFCs survived for a long time in the ventricles of both wobbler and healthy mice; 6) the transplantation of double-labeled hAFCs did not influence mice survival. PMID:22384217

The anti-aging effects of LW-AFC via correcting immune dysfunctions in senescence accelerated mouse resistant 1 (SAMR1) strain.

PubMed

Wang, Jianhui; Cheng, Xiaorui; Zhang, Xiaorui; Cheng, Junping; Xu, Yiran; Zeng, Ju; Zhou, Wenxia; Zhang, Yongxiang

2016-05-10

Although there were considerable advances in the anti-aging medical field, it is short of therapeutic drug for anti-aging. Mounting evidence indicates that the immunosenescence is the key physiopathological mechanism of aging. This study showed the treatment of LW-AFC, an herbal medicine, decreased the grading score of senescence, increased weight, prolonged average life span and ameliorated spatial memory impairment in 12- and 24-month-old senescence accelerated mouse resistant 1 (SAMR1) strain. And these anti-aging effects of LW-AFC were more excellent than melatonin. The administration of LW-AFC enhanced ConA- and LPS-induced splenocyte proliferation in aged SAMR1 mice. The treatment of LW-AFC not only reversed the decreased the proportions of helper T cells, suppressor T cells and B cells, the increased regulatory T cells in the peripheral blood of old SAMR1 mice, but also could modulate the abnormal secretion of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-17, IL-23, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, TNF-α, TNF-β, RANTES, eotaxin, MCP-1, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and G-CSF. These data indicated that LW-AFC reversed the immunosenescence status by restoring immunodeficiency and decreasing chronic inflammation and suggested LW-AFC may be an effective anti-aging agent.

Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-Products Predicts Impaired Alveolar Fluid Clearance in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

PubMed

Jabaudon, Matthieu; Blondonnet, Raiko; Roszyk, Laurence; Bouvier, Damien; Audard, Jules; Clairefond, Gael; Fournier, Mathilde; Marceau, Geoffroy; Déchelotte, Pierre; Pereira, Bruno; Sapin, Vincent; Constantin, Jean-Michel

2015-07-15

Levels of the soluble form of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) are elevated during acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and correlate with severity and prognosis. Alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) is necessary for the resolution of lung edema but is impaired in most patients with ARDS. No reliable marker of this process has been investigated to date. To verify whether sRAGE could predict AFC during ARDS. Anesthetized CD-1 mice underwent orotracheal instillation of hydrochloric acid. At specified time points, lung injury was assessed by analysis of blood gases, alveolar permeability, lung histology, AFC, and plasma/bronchoalveolar fluid measurements of proinflammatory cytokines and sRAGE. Plasma sRAGE and AFC rates were also prospectively assessed in 30 patients with ARDS. The rate of AFC was inversely correlated with sRAGE levels in the plasma and the bronchoalveolar fluid of acid-injured mice (Spearman's ρ = -0.73 and -0.69, respectively; P < 10(-3)), and plasma sRAGE correlated with AFC in patients with ARDS (Spearman's ρ = -0.59; P < 10(-3)). Similarly, sRAGE levels were significantly associated with lung injury severity, and decreased over time in mice, whereas AFC was restored and lung injury resolved. Our results indicate that sRAGE levels could be a reliable predictor of impaired AFC during ARDS, and should stimulate further studies on the pathophysiologic implications of RAGE axis in the mechanisms leading to edema resolution. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 00811629).

Collaborative partnership in age-friendly cities: two case studies from Quebec, Canada.

PubMed

Garon, Suzanne; Paris, Mario; Beaulieu, Marie; Veil, Anne; Laliberté, Andréanne

2014-01-01

This article aims to explain the collaborative partnership conditions and factors that foster implementation effectiveness within the age-friendly cities (AFC) in Quebec (AFC-QC), Canada. Based on a community-building approach that emphasizes collaborative partnership, the AFC-QC implementation process is divided into three steps: (1) social diagnostic of older adults' needs; (2) an action plan based on a logic model; and (3) implementation through collaborations. AFC-QC promotes direct involvement of older adults and seniors' associations at each of the three steps of the implementation process, as well as other stakeholders in the community. Based on two contrasting case studies, this article illustrates the importance of collaborative partnership for the success of AFC implementation. Results show that stakeholders, agencies, and organizations are exposed to a new form of governance where coordination and collaborative partnership among members of the steering committee are essential. Furthermore, despite the importance of the senior associations' participation in the process, they encountered significant limits in the capacity of implementing age-friendly environments solely by themselves. In conclusion, we identify the main collaborative partnership conditions and factors in AFC-QC.

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

Chichester, Heather Jean MacLean; Hayes, Steven Lowe; Dempsey, Douglas

This report summarizes the objectives of the current irradiation testing activities being undertaken by the Advanced Fuels Campaign relative to supporting the development and demonstration of innovative design features for metallic fuels in order to realize reliable performance to ultra-high burnups. The AFC-3 and AFC-4 test series are nearing completion; the experiments in this test series that have been completed or are in progress are reviewed and the objectives and test matrices for the final experiments in these two series are defined. The objectives, testing strategy, and test parameters associated with a future AFC test series, AFC-5, are documented. Finally,more » the future intersections and/or synergies of the AFC irradiation testing program with those of the TREAT transient testing program, emerging needs of proposed Versatile Test Reactor concepts, and the Joint Fuel Cycle Study program’s Integrated Recycle Test are discussed.« less

Antral follicle count predicts natural menopause in a population-based sample: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Women's Study.

PubMed

Wellons, Melissa F; Bates, Gordon Wright; Schreiner, Pamela J; Siscovick, David S; Sternfeld, Barbara; Lewis, Cora E

2013-08-01

The timing of menopause is associated with multiple chronic diseases. Tools that predict this milestone have relevance for clinical and research purposes. Among infertile women, a positive relationship exists between antral follicle count (AFC) and response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, a marker of ovarian reserve. However, an age-independent relationship between AFC and menopause has not been demonstrated. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the relationship between AFC measured in women aged 34 to 49 years and incident natural menopause during 7 years of follow-up. The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study is a longitudinal community-based study (Chicago, IL; Birmingham, AL; Minneapolis, MN; and Oakland, CA) begun in 1985-1986. In 2002-2003, the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Women's Study measured follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and performed a transvaginal ultrasound protocol that included AFC (2-10 mm follicles on both ovaries). Incident natural menopause was assessed by surveys in 2005-2006 and 2009-2010. In our sample (n = 456), the median (interquartile range) AFC and FSH level were 5 (2-9) and 7.8 (5.6-11.0) mIU/mL, respectively, at a mean (range) age of 42 (34-49) years in 2002-2003. One hundred one women reported natural menopause by 2009-2010. In Cox models, current smoking, stable menses, FSH level higher than 13 mIU/mL, and AFC of 4 or less were independently associated with incident natural menopause. Compared with AFC higher than 4, those with an AFC of 4 or less were nearly twice as likely to have undergone menopause during 7 years of follow-up (hazard ratio, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.19-3.02) after adjustment for covariates. AFC has been found to be independently associated with natural menopause during 7 years of follow-up after controlling for other markers of ovarian aging.

Antral Follicle Count Predicts Natural Menopause in a Population-Based Sample: The CARDIA Women’s Study

PubMed Central

Wellons, Melissa F.; Bates, Gordon Wright; Schreiner, Pamela J.; Siscovick, David S.; Sternfeld, Barbara; Lewis, Cora E.

2013-01-01

Objective The timing of menopause is associated with multiple chronic diseases. Tools to predict this milestone have relevance for clinical and research purposes. Among infertile women, a positive relationship exists between antral follicle count (AFC) and response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, a marker of ovarian reserve. However, a relationship between AFC and menopause that is age-independent has not been demonstrated. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the relationship between AFC measured in women at ages 34–49 and incident natural menopause over 7-years of follow-up. Methods The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study is a longitudinal community-based study (Chicago, Illinois; Birmingham, Alabama; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Oakland, California) begun in 1985–1986. In 2002–03, the CARDIA Women’s Study measured FSH levels and performed a transvaginal ultrasound protocol that included AFC (2mm–10mm follicles on both ovaries). Incident natural menopause was assessed by survey in 2005–06 and 2009–10. Results In our sample (n=456), median AFC and FSH were 5 (IQR 2–9) and 7.8 mIU/mL (IQR 5.6–11.0), respectively, at a mean age of 42 (range 34–49) in 2002–03. 101 women reported natural menopause by 2009–10. In Cox models, current smoking, stable menses, FSH>13, and AFC ≤4 were independently associated with incident natural menopause. Compared to AFC >4, those with AFC ≤4 were nearly twice as likely to have undergone menopause over 7-years of follow-up (HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.19–3.02) after adjustment for covariates. Conclusion AFC is independently associated with natural menopause over 7-years of follow-up after controlling for other markers of ovarian aging. PMID:23422869

Satellite Dynamic Damping via Active Force Control Augmentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varatharajoo, Renuganth

2012-07-01

An approach that incorporates the Active Force Control (AFC) technique into a conventional Proportional-Derivative (PD) controller is proposed for a satellite active dynamic damping towards a full attitude control. The AFC method has been established to facilitate a robust motion control of dynamical systems in the presence of disturbances, parametric uncertainties and changes that are commonly prevalent in the real-world environment. The usefulness of the method can be extended by introducing intelligent mechanisms to approximate the mass or inertia matrix of the dynamic system to trigger the compensation effect of the controller. AFC is a technique that relies on the appropriate estimation of the inertial or mass parameters of the dynamic system and the measurements of the acceleration and force signals induced by the system if practical implementation is ever considered. In AFC, it is shown that the system subjected to a number of disturbances remains stable and robust via the compensating action of the control strategy. We demonstrate that it is possible to design a spacecraft attitude feedback controller that will ensure the system dynamics set point remains unchanged even in the presence of the disturbances provided that the actual disturbances can be modeled effectively. In order to further facilitate this analysis, a combined energy and attitude control system (CEACS) is proposed as a model satellite attitude control actuator. All the governing equations are established and the proposed satellite attitude control architecture is made amenable to numerical treatments. The results show that the PD-AFC attitude damping performances are superiorly better than that of the solely PD type. It is also shown that the tunings of the AFC system gains are crucial to ensure a better attitude damping performance and this process is mandatory for AFC systems. Finally, the results demonstrate an important satellite dynamic damping enhancement capability using the AFC technique. Keywords: Satellite, Dynamic Damping, Attitude Control, AFC Technique,

Advanced flight computer. Special study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coo, Dennis

1995-01-01

This report documents a special study to define a 32-bit radiation hardened, SEU tolerant flight computer architecture, and to investigate current or near-term technologies and development efforts that contribute to the Advanced Flight Computer (AFC) design and development. An AFC processing node architecture is defined. Each node may consist of a multi-chip processor as needed. The modular, building block approach uses VLSI technology and packaging methods that demonstrate a feasible AFC module in 1998 that meets that AFC goals. The defined architecture and approach demonstrate a clear low-risk, low-cost path to the 1998 production goal, with intermediate prototypes in 1996.

Antral follicle count in normal (fertility-proven) and infertile Indian women.

PubMed

Agarwal, Arjit; Verma, Ashish; Agarwal, Shubhra; Shukla, Ram Chandra; Jain, Madhu; Srivastava, Arvind

2014-07-01

Antral follicle count (AFC) has been labeled as the most accurate biomarker to assess female fecundity. Unfortunately, no baseline Indian data exists, and we continue using surrogate values from the Western literature (inferred from studies on women, grossly different than Indian women in morphology and genetic makeup). (1) To establish the role of AFC as a function of ovarian reserve in fertility-proven and in subfertile Indian women. (2) To establish baseline cut-off AFC values for Indian women. Prospective observational case-control study. Thirty patients undergoing workup for infertility were included and compared to equal number of controls (women with proven fertility). The basal ovarian volume and AFC were measured by endovaginal. USG the relevant clinical data and hormonal assays were charted for every patient. SPSS platform was used to perform the Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test for intergroup comparisons. Correlations were determined by Pearson's ranked correlation coefficient. Regression analysis revealed the highest correlation of AFC and age in fertile and infertile patients with difference in mean AFC of both the groups. Comparison of the data recorded for cases and controls showed no significant difference in the mean ovarian volume. AFC has the closest association with chronological age in normal and infertile Indian women. The same is lower in infertile women than in matched controls. Baseline and cut-off values in Indian women are lower than that mentioned in the Western literature.

Performance, usability and comparison of two versions of a new macular vision test: the handheld Radial Shape Discrimination test

PubMed Central

Ku, Jae Y.; Milling, Ashli F.; Pitrelli Vazquez, Noelia

2016-01-01

Background Central vision, critical for everyday tasks such as reading and driving, is impacted by age-related changes in the eye and by diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. The detection of changes in macular function is therefore important. The Radial Shape Discrimination (RSD) test measures the threshold at which distortions in a radial frequency pattern can be detected and there is evidence that it is more sensitive to macular pathology than visual acuity (VA). It also provides a more quantitative measure of macular function than the commonly available Amsler grid. Recently, handheld versions of the test (hRSD) in which stimuli are presented on mobile devices (e.g., Apple iPod Touch, iPhone) have been developed. We investigated the characteristics of the hRSD test in healthy participants. Methods Data were collected using both three-alternative forced choice (3AFC) and 4AFC versions of the hRSD test, presented on an Apple iPod Touch. For the 3AFC version, data from a single test session were available for 186 (72 male; mean ± SD age 42 ± 17y; range 16–90y) healthy participants. Test-retest data were available for subgroups of participants (intra-session: N = 74; tests approximately 2 months apart: N = 30; tests 39 months apart: N = 15). The 3AFC and 4AFC versions were directly compared in 106 participants who also completed a usability questionnaire. Distance and near VA and Pelli Robson Contrast Sensitivity (CS) data were collected and undilated fundoscopy performed on the majority of participants. Results Mean (±SD) 3AFC hRSD threshold was −0.77 ± 0.14 logMAR, and was statistically significantly correlated with age (Pearson r = 0.35; p < 0.001). The linear regression of hRSD threshold on age had a slope of +0.0026 compared to +0.0051 for near VA (which also correlated with age: r = 0.51; p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in hRSD thresholds for any of the test-retest subgroups. We also observed no statistically significant difference between 3AFC (−0.82 ± 0.11 logMAR) and 4AFC (−0.80 ± 0.12 logMAR) hRSD thresholds (t = 1.85, p = 0.067) and participants reported excellent test usability with no strong preference expressed between the 3AFC and 4AFC versions of the test. Discussion The 3AFC hRSD thresholds we report are consistent with a number of previous studies, as is its greater stability in ageing compared to VA. We have also shown that in the absence of pathology, thresholds are stable over short and long timescales. The 4AFC thresholds we have reported provide a baseline for future investigations, and we have confirmed that 3AFC and 4AFC thresholds are similar, providing a basis of comparisons between studies using the different versions. As the hRSD test is easy to use and relatively inexpensive, clinical studies are now required to establish its ability to detect and monitor macular pathologies. PMID:27833815

Intravenous S-Ketamine Does Not Inhibit Alveolar Fluid Clearance in a Septic Rat Model

PubMed Central

Weber, Nina C.; van der Sluijs, Koen; Hackl, Florian; Hotz, Lorenz; Dahan, Albert; Hollmann, Markus W.; Berger, Marc M.

2014-01-01

We previously demonstrated that intratracheally administered S-ketamine inhibits alveolar fluid clearance (AFC), whereas an intravenous (IV) bolus injection had no effect. The aim of the present study was to characterize whether continuous IV infusion of S-ketamine, yielding clinically relevant plasma concentrations, inhibits AFC and whether its effect is enhanced in acute lung injury (ALI) which might favor the appearance of IV S-ketamine at the alveolar surface. AFC was measured in fluid-instilled rat lungs. S-ketamine was administered IV over 6 h (loading dose: 20 mg/kg, followed by 20 mg/kg/h), or intratracheally by addition to the instillate (75 µg/ml). ALI was induced by IV lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 7 mg/kg). Interleukin (IL)-6 and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-3 were measured by ELISA in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Isolated rat alveolar type-II cells were exposed to S-ketamine (75 µg/ml) and/or LPS (1 mg/ml) for 6 h, and transepithelial ion transport was measured as short circuit current (ISC). AFC was 27±5% (mean±SD) over 60 min in control rats and was unaffected by IV S-ketamine. Tracheal S-ketamine reduced AFC to 18±9%. In LPS-treated rats, AFC decreased to 16±6%. This effect was not enhanced by IV S-ketamine. LPS increased IL-6 and CINC-3 in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In alveolar type-II cells, S-ketamine reduced ISC by 37% via a decrease in amiloride-inhibitable sodium transport. Continuous administration of IV S-ketamine does not affect rat AFC even in endotoxin-induced ALI. Tracheal application with direct exposure of alveolar epithelial cells to S-ketamine decreases AFC by inhibition of amiloride-inhibitable sodium transport. PMID:25386677

Endogenous acetylcholine increases alveolar epithelial fluid transport via activation of alveolar epithelial Na,K-ATPase in mice.

PubMed

Li, Xia; Yan, Xi Xin; Li, Hong Lin; Li, Rong Qin

2015-10-01

The contribution of endogenous acetylcholine to alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) and related molecular mechanisms were explored. AFC was measured in Balb/c mice after vagotomy and vagus nerve stimulation. Effects of acetylcholine chloride on AFC in Kunming mice and Na,K-ATPase function in A549 alveolar epithelial cells also were determined. AFC significantly decreased in mice with left cervical vagus nerve transection compared with controls (48.69 ± 2.57 vs. 66.88 ± 2.64, P ≤ 0.01), which was reversed by stimulation of the peripheral (60.81 ± 1.96, P ≤ 0.01). Compared with control, acetylcholine chloride dose-dependently increased AFC and elevated Na,K-ATPase activity, and these increases were blocked or reversed by atropine. These effects were accompanied by recruitment of Na,K-ATPase α1 to the cell membrane. Thus, vagus nerves participate in alveolar epithelial fluid transport by releasing endogenous acetylcholine in the infusion-induced pulmonary edema mouse model. Effects of endogenous acetylcholine on AFC are likely mediated by Na,K-ATPase function through activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors on alveolar epithelia. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Flow Separation Control on A Full-Scale Vertical Tail Model Using Sweeping Jet Actuators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andino, Marlyn Y.; Lin, John C.; Washburn, Anthony E.; Whalen, Edward A.; Graff, Emilio C.; Wygnanski, Israel J.

2015-01-01

This paper describes test results of a joint NASA/Boeing research effort to advance Active Flow Control (AFC) technology to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. A full-scale Boeing 757 vertical tail model equipped with sweeping jets AFC was tested at the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel at NASA Ames Research Center. The flow separation control optimization was performed at 100 knots, a maximum rudder deflection of 30deg, and sideslip angles of 0deg and -7.5deg. Greater than 20% increments in side force were achieved at the two sideslip angles with a 31-actuator AFC configuration. Flow physics and flow separation control associated with the AFC are presented in detail. AFC caused significant increases in suction pressure on the actuator side and associated side force enhancement. The momentum coefficient (C sub mu) is shown to be a useful parameter to use for scaling-up sweeping jet AFC from sub-scale tests to full-scale applications. Reducing the number of actuators at a constant total C(sub mu) of approximately 0.5% and tripling the actuator spacing did not significantly affect the flow separation control effectiveness.

Active field control (AFC) -electro-acoustic enhancement system using acoustical feedback control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyazaki, Hideo; Watanabe, Takayuki; Kishinaga, Shinji; Kawakami, Fukushi

2003-10-01

AFC is an electro-acoustic enhancement system using FIR filters to optimize auditory impressions, such as liveness, loudness, and spaciousness. This system has been under development at Yamaha Corporation for more than 15 years and has been installed in approximately 50 venues in Japan to date. AFC utilizes feedback control techniques for recreation of reverberation from the physical reverberation of the room. In order to prevent coloration problems caused by a closed loop condition, two types of time-varying control techniques are implemented in the AFC system to ensure smooth loop gain and a sufficient margin in frequency characteristics to prevent instability. Those are: (a) EMR (electric microphone rotator) -smoothing frequency responses between microphones and speakers by changing the combinations of inputs and outputs periodically; (b) fluctuating-FIR -smoothing frequency responses of FIR filters and preventing coloration problems caused by fixed FIR filters, by moving each FIR tap periodically on time axis with a different phase and time period. In this paper, these techniques are summarized. A block diagram of AFC using new equipment named AFC1, which has been developed at Yamaha Corporation and released recently in the US, is also presented.

The art and science of flow control - case studies using flow visualization methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alvi, F. S.; Cattafesta, L. N., III

2010-04-01

Active flow control (AFC) has been the focus of significant research in the last decade. This is mainly due to the potentially substantial benefits it affords. AFC applications range from the subsonic to the supersonic (and beyond) regime for both internal and external flows. These applications are wide and varied, such as controlling flow transition and separation over various external components of the aircraft to active management of separation and flow distortion in engine components and over turbine and compressor blades. High-speed AFC applications include control of flow oscillations in cavity flows, supersonic jet screech, impinging jets, and jet-noise control. In this paper we review some of our recent applications of AFC through a number of case studies that illustrate the typical benefits as well as limitations of present AFC methods. The case studies include subsonic and supersonic canonical flowfields such as separation control over airfoils, control of supersonic cavity flows and impinging jets. In addition, properties of zero-net mass-flux (ZNMF) actuators are also discussed as they represent one of the most widely studied actuators used for AFC. In keeping with the theme of this special issue, the flowfield properties and their response to actuation are examined through the use of various qualitative and quantitative flow visualization methods, such as smoke, shadowgraph, schlieren, planar-laser scattering, and Particle image velocimetry (PIV). The results presented here clearly illustrate the merits of using flow visualization to gain significant insight into the flow and its response to AFC.

Live birth rates are satisfactory following multiple IVF treatment cycles in poor prognosis patients.

PubMed

Mustafa, Kamarul B; Keane, Kevin N; Walz, Nikita L; Mitrovic, Katarina I; Hinchliffe, Peter M; Yovich, John L

2017-03-01

This seven-year retrospective study analysed the live birth rate (LBR) for women undergoing IVF treatment with various antral follicle counts (AFC). The LBR decreased with lower AFC ratings, and in 290 treatment cycles for women in the poorest AFC category, ≤4 follicles (group E), the LBR was the lowest at 10.7%. The pregnancy loss rate (PLR) significantly increased with poorer AFC categories, from 21.8% in AFC group A (≥20 follicles), to 54.4% in AFC group E (p<0.0001). This trend was repeated with advancing age, from 21.6% for younger women (<35years), to 32.9, 48.5 and 100% for ages 35-39, 40-44 and ≥45 years, respectively (p<0.0001). However, LBR within the specific AFC group E cohort was also age-dependent and decreased significantly from 30.0% for <35 years old, to 13.3, 3.9 and 0% for patients aged 35-39, 40-44 and ≥45 years, respectively. Most, importantly, LBR rates within these age groups were not dependent on the number of IVF attempts (1st, 2nd, 3rd or ≥4 cycles), which indicated that cycle number should not be the primary deciding factor for cessation of IVF treatment in responding women <45years old. Copyright © 2016 Society for Biology of Reproduction & the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.

Facilities maintenance handbook

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

This handbook is a guide for facilities maintenance managers. Its objective is to set minimum facilities maintenance standards. It also provides recommendations on how to meet the standards to ensure that NASA maintains its facilities in a manner that protects and preserves its investment in the facilities in a cost-effective manner while safely and efficiently performing its mission. This handbook implements NMI 8831.1, which states NASA facilities maintenance policy and assigns organizational responsibilities for the management of facilities maintenance activities on all properties under NASA jurisdiction. It is a reference for facilities maintenance managers, not a step-by-step procedural manual. Because of the differences in NASA Field Installation organizations, this handbook does not assume or recommend a typical facilities maintenance organization. Instead, it uses a systems approach to describe the functions that should be included in any facilities maintenance management system, regardless of its organizational structure. For documents referenced in the handbook, the most recent version of the documents is applicable. This handbook is divided into three parts: Part 1 specifies common definitions and facilities maintenance requirements and amplifies the policy requirements contained in NMI 8831. 1; Part 2 provides guidance on how to meet the requirements of Part 1, containing recommendations only; Part 3 contains general facilities maintenance information. One objective of this handbook is to fix commonality of facilities maintenance definitions among the Centers. This will permit the application of uniform measures of facilities conditions, of the relationship between current replacement value and maintenance resources required, and of the backlog of deferred facilities maintenance. The utilization of facilities maintenance system functions will allow the Centers to quantitatively define maintenance objectives in common terms, prepare work plans, and develop management information in order to statistically identify and analyze variances from those plans. It will also add credibility to the NASA facilities maintenance budgeting process. The key to a successful maintenance program is the understanding and support of the senior Center managers.

Active Control of Flow Separation on a High-Lift System with Slotted Flap at High Reynolds Number

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khodadoust, Abdollah; Washburn, Anthony

2007-01-01

The NASA Energy Efficient Transport (EET) airfoil was tested at NASA Langley's Low- Turbulence Pressure Tunnel (LTPT) to assess the effectiveness of distributed Active Flow Control (AFC) concepts on a high-lift system at flight scale Reynolds numbers for a medium-sized transport. The test results indicate presence of strong Reynolds number effects on the high-lift system with the AFC operational, implying the importance of flight-scale testing for implementation of such systems during design of future flight vehicles with AFC. This paper describes the wind tunnel test results obtained at the LTPT for the EET high-lift system for various AFC concepts examined on this airfoil.

Discordance between serum anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations and antral follicle counts: not only technical issues.

PubMed

Alebic, M Š; Stojanovic, N; Dewailly, D

2018-06-01

Do patient-specific features contribute to the differences between measured serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations and AMH values expected from the corresponding antral follicle count (AFC)? Patient-specific features contribute to the differences between measured AMH values and AMH values expected from the corresponding AFC (AMHp), potentially through their effect on follicular AMH production. Both patient counselling and patient management could be hampered by finding of disagreement between AFC and AMH if both are used for the prediction of ovarian response. The difference between measured AMH concentrations and AMH values expected according to the corresponding AFC cannot be entirely explained by the technical limitations of counting of antral follicles and analytical variability of the AMH assay used. This retrospective study analysed medical records of 1097 IVF patients collected between March 2011 and July 2013. The study population (N = 1097) included 705 (64.3%) women with normal ovarian morphology and 392 (35.7%) women with polycystic ovarian morphology, aged 20-44 years, who underwent their first IVF cycle in a single clinical centre. AMH was measured by a routine laboratory method and predicted AMH (AMHp) values were calculated using the linear regression equation (AMHp = -4.4 + 1.5 × AFC). The absolute value of the difference between AMH and AMHp was considered to be the measure of the degree of AMH-AFC agreement. The association of the difference between AMH and AMHp with clinical and biochemical parameters was investigated in both the higher-than-predicted (HTP) group comprising patients with AMH higher than AMHp (N = 466) and the lower-than-predicted (LTP) group comprising patients with AMH lower than AMHp (N = 631). Patients in the HTP group had significantly longer menstrual cycle length and higher AMH and LH concentrations but lower AFC and FSH concentration than their counterparts in the LTP group. There was a significant association of absolute value of the difference between AMH and AMHp with age, menstrual cycle length, AFC, FSH and testosterone in both groups (P < 0.001). The difference between AMH and AMHp was exclusively correlated to LH in the HTP group (r = 0.159, P < 0.001) and to BMI in the LTP group (r = 0.231, P < 0.001), respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that only LH was significantly related to the difference between AMH and AMHp in the HTP group, independently from AFC. In the LTP group, BMI, menstrual cycle length, FSH and testosterone were found associated with the difference between AMH and AMHp, independently from AFC. The main limitation of the study is selection bias. Data analysed in this study were collected from medical records of patients undergoing IVF treatment in a single department of human reproduction which precludes generalization of the results to women of different geographic origin, ethnicity, race and reproductive status. AMH higher than expected for a given AFC could suggest up-regulated AMH secretion (a typical feature of polycystic ovary syndrome) while AMH lower than expected from the corresponding AFC suggest down-regulated AMH secretion that could be seen as an early symptom of diminished ovarian reserve and premature ovarian insufficiency. In other words, when challenged against AFC, the serum AMH level is not only a quantitative but also a qualitative follicle marker, in relation with clinical and endocrine parameters. No study funding was obtained for this study. The authors have no conflict of interest(s) to declare. Non-applicable.

Block Copolymers for Alkaline Fuel Cell Membrane Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-07-30

temperature fuel cells including proton exchange membrane fuel cell ( PEMFC ) and alkaline fuel cell (AFC) with operation temperature usually lower than 120...advantages over proton exchange membrane fuel cells ( PEMFCs ) resulting in the popularity of AFCs in the US space program.[8-11] The primary benefit AFC...offered over PEMFC is better electrochemical kinetics on the anode and cathode under the alkaline environment, which results in the ability to use

A four-alternative forced choice (4AFC) software for observer performance evaluation in radiology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Guozhi; Cockmartin, Lesley; Bosmans, Hilde

2016-03-01

Four-alternative forced choice (4AFC) test is a psychophysical method that can be adopted for observer performance evaluation in radiological studies. While the concept of this method is well established, difficulties to handle large image data, perform unbiased sampling, and keep track of the choice made by the observer have restricted its application in practice. In this work, we propose an easy-to-use software that can help perform 4AFC tests with DICOM images. The software suits for any experimental design that follows the 4AFC approach. It has a powerful image viewing system that favorably simulates the clinical reading environment. The graphical interface allows the observer to adjust various viewing parameters and perform the selection with very simple operations. The sampling process involved in 4AFC as well as the speed and accuracy of the choice made by the observer is precisely monitored in the background and can be easily exported for test analysis. The software has also a defensive mechanism for data management and operation control that minimizes the possibility of mistakes from user during the test. This software can largely facilitate the use of 4AFC approach in radiological observer studies and is expected to have widespread applicability.

Material characterization of active fiber composites for integral twist-actuated rotor blade application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wickramasinghe, Viresh K.; Hagood, Nesbitt W.

2004-10-01

The primary objective of this work was to perform material characterization of the active fiber composite (AFC) actuator system for the Boeing active material rotor (AMR) blade application. The purpose of the AMR was to demonstrate active vibration control in helicopters through integral twist-actuation of the blade. The AFCs were a new structural actuator system consisting of piezoceramic fibers embedded in an epoxy matrix and sandwiched between interdigitated electrodes to enhance actuation performance. These conformable actuators were integrated directly into the blade spar laminate as active plies within the composite structure to perform structural control. Therefore, extensive electromechanical material characterization was required to evaluate AFCs both as actuators and as structural components of the blade. The characterization tests designed to extract important electromechanical properties under simulated blade operating conditions included nominal actuation tests, stress-strain tests and actuation under tensile load tests. This paper presents the test results as well as the comprehensive testing procedure developed to evaluate the relevant properties of the AFCs for structural application. The material characterization tests provided an invaluable insight into the behavior of the AFCs under various electromechanical conditions. The results from this comprehensive material characterization of the AFC actuator system supported the design and operation of the AMR blades scheduled for wind tunnel tests.

Allowance for funds in construction: accounting stepchild and regulatory football

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

Coughlan, P.B.

AFC (allowance for funds in construction) is an accounting method of recording the use of additional capital needed to compensate the capital already invested in construction work in progress (CWIP) where CWIP is excluded from the utility's rate base. As a practical matter, the compensation in the form of interest on debt, dividends on preferred and common stocks, and reinvested earnings is paid or recorded currently. Since the CWIP is not included in rate base and current customers are not paying any revenues to support the CWIP capital, the cash to pay the interest comes from a variety of sources,more » including cash revenues covering depreciation and reinvested earnings on rate base capital as well as from sales of additional bonds and stock. Commissions and courts have examined AFC in some depth, but many problems remain. Four unresolved areas are examined in this paper: (1) should AFC be compounded, whether directly or indirectly; (2) who should benefit from the current tax reduction associated with the interest component of AFC; (3) is AFC really a noncash accounting gimmick; (4) what happens when you sell AFC-bearing construction work in progress to a third party. The author presents examples to show why he believes AFC represents valid, good-quality earnings for utilities. It properly represents cash income if certain prerequisite conditions are present and prerequisite procedures followed in its calculation. Among the factors cited in favor of such an allowance by regulators is an avoidance of regulatory lag in much the same way as provided by automatic cost adjustments. (MCW)« less

Measurement of antral follicle count in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment: results of a worldwide web-based survey.

PubMed

Christianson, Mindy S; Shoham, Gon; Tobler, Kyle J; Zhao, Yulian; Cordeiro, Christina N; Leong, Milton; Shoham, Zeev

2015-10-01

The purpose of the present study was to identify trends in the therapeutic approaches used to measure antral follicle count (AFC) in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment worldwide. A retrospective evaluation utilizing the results of a web-based survey, IVF-Worldwide ( www.IVF-Worldwide.com ), was performed. Responses from 796 centers representing 593,200 cycles were evaluated. The majority of respondents (71.2 %) considered antral follicle count as a mandatory part of their practice with most (69.0 %) measuring AFC in the follicular phase. Most respondents (89.7 %) reported that they would modify the IVF stimulation protocol based on the AFC. There was considerable variation regarding a limit for the number of antral follicles required to initiate an IVF cycle with 46.1 % designating three antral follicles as their limit, 39.9 % selecting either four or five follicles as their limit, and 14.0 % reporting a higher cutoff criteria. With respect to antral follicle size, 61.5 % included follicles ranging between 2 and 10 mm in the AFC. When asked to identify the best predictor of ovarian hyper-response during IVF cycles, AFC was selected most frequently (49.4 %), followed by anti-Mullerian hormone level (42.7 %). Age was selected as the best predictor of ongoing pregnancy rate in 81.7 % of respondents. While a large proportion of respondents utilized AFC as part of their daily practice and modified IVF protocol based on the measurement, the majority did not consider AFC as the best predictor of ongoing pregnancy rate.

Modulation of microenvironmental pH for dual release and reduced in vivo gastrointestinal bleeding of aceclofenac using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-based bilayered matrix tablet.

PubMed

Kang, Won-Ho; Nguyen, Hien Van; Park, Chulhun; Choi, Youn-Woong; Lee, Beom-Jin

2017-05-01

This study was designed to develop a once-daily controlled-release matrix tablet of aceclofenac 200mg (AFC-CR) with dual release characteristics and to investigate the role of an alkalizer in enhancing drug solubility and reducing the occurrence of gastroduodenal mucosal lesions. Two formulation approaches were employed, namely a monolithic matrix tablet and a bilayered tablet. In vitro dissolution studies of AFC-CR tablets were carried out in simulated intestinal fluid (pH6.8 buffer). The in vivo pharmacokinetic studies and drug safety of the immediate-release reference tablet Airtal® 100mg (Daewoong Co., Korea) and the optimized AFC-CR tablet were compared in beagle dogs under fasted condition. The optimally selected AFC-CR formulation displayed the desired dual release characteristics in simulated intestinal fluid with satisfactory micromeritic properties. The swelling action of the optimal matrix tablet, which was visualized by near-infrared (NIR) chemical imaging, occurred rapidly following hydration. Incorporation of sodium carbonate (Na 2 CO 3 ) was found to enhance the release rate of the AFC-CR bilayered tablets at early stages and increase the microenvironmental pH (pH M ). A pharmacokinetic study in beagle dogs indicated a higher drug plasma concentration and a sustained-release pattern for the AFC-CR tablet compared to the Airtal® tablet. AFC-CR was also superior to Airtal® in terms of in vivo drug safety, since no beagle dog receiving AFC-CR experienced gastrointestinal bleeding. The significant enhancement of drug safety was attributed to the size reduction and the increase of pH M of drug particles by means of incorporation of the alkalizer. These findings provide a scientific rationale for developing a novel controlled-release matrix tablet with enhanced patient compliance and better pain control. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cultured human amniocytes express hTERT, which is distributed between nucleus and cytoplasm and is secreted in extracellular vesicles.

PubMed

Radeghieri, Annalisa; Savio, Giulia; Zendrini, Andrea; Di Noto, Giuseppe; Salvi, Alessandro; Bergese, Paolo; Piovani, Giovanna

2017-01-29

An increasing number of studies on stem cells suggests that the therapeutic effect they exert is primarily mediated by a paracrine regulation through extracellular vesicles (EVs) giving solid grounds for stem cell EVs to be exploited as agents for treating diseases or for restoring damaged tissues and organs. Due to their capacity to differentiate in all embryonic germ layers, amniotic fluid stem cells (AFCs), represent a highly promising cell type for tissue regeneration, which however is still poorly studied and in turn underutilized. In view of this, we conducted a first investigation on the expression of human hTERT gene - known to be among the key triggers of organ regeneration - in AFCs and in the EVs they secrete. Isolated AFCs were evaluated by RT-qPCR for hTERT expression. The clones expressing the highest levels of transcript, were analyzed by Immunofluorescence imaging and Nuclear/cytoplasmic fractionation in order to evaluate hTERT subcellular localization. We then separated EVs from FBS depleted culture medium by serial (ultra) centrifugations steps and characterized them using Western blotting, Atomic force Microscopy and Nanoplasmonic assay. We first demonstrated that primary cultures of AFCs express the gene hTERT at different levels. Then we evidenced that in AFCs with the higher transcript levels, the hTERT protein is present in the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartment. Finally, we found that cytosolic hTERT is embodied in the EVs that AFCs secrete in the extracellular milieu. Our study demonstrates for the first time the expression of the full protein hTERT by AFCs and its release outside the cell mediated by EVs, indicating a new extra telomeric role for this protein. This finding represents an initial but crucial evidence for considering AFCs derived EVs as new potential sources for tissue regeneration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Using psychophysics to ask if the brain samples or maximizes

PubMed Central

Acuna, Daniel E.; Berniker, Max; Fernandes, Hugo L.; Kording, Konrad P.

2015-01-01

The two-alternative forced-choice (2AFC) task is the workhorse of psychophysics and is used to measure the just-noticeable difference, generally assumed to accurately quantify sensory precision. However, this assumption is not true for all mechanisms of decision making. Here we derive the behavioral predictions for two popular mechanisms, sampling and maximum a posteriori, and examine how they affect the outcome of the 2AFC task. These predictions are used in a combined visual 2AFC and estimation experiment. Our results strongly suggest that subjects use a maximum a posteriori mechanism. Further, our derivations and experimental paradigm establish the already standard 2AFC task as a behavioral tool for measuring how humans make decisions under uncertainty. PMID:25767093

Depressive Symptomatology, Psychological Stress, and Ovarian Reserve: A Role for Psychological Factors in Ovarian Aging?

PubMed Central

Bleil, Maria E.; Adler, Nancy E.; Pasch, Lauri A.; Sternfeld, Barbara; Gregorich, Steven E.; Rosen, Mitchell P.; Cedars, Marcelle I.

2012-01-01

Objective To examine psychological factors in relation to antral follicle count (AFC), a marker of ovarian reserve, in a multiethnic sample of 683 pre-menopausal women in the Ovarian Aging (OVA) Study. Methods In cross-sectional analyses, linear regression was performed to determine whether AFC decline across women varied over levels of depression as well as depression in combination with psychological stress. The total and subscale scores of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD) were used to measure depression and the Perceived Stress Scale was used to measure psychological stress. Results Following covariate-adjustment, the 2-way interaction of age-x-positive affect and the 3-way interaction of age-x-positive affect-x-stress were related to AFC (b = 0.047, p = .036; b = 0.012, p = .099, respectively). In stratified analyses, stress was related to AFC in women with low positive affect (b = −.070, p = .021) but not in women with high positive affect (b = .018, p = .54). AFC decline across women was progressively higher in women with low positive affect who reported low (−0.747 follicles/year), mid (−0.920 follicles/year), and high (−1.112 follicles/year) levels of stress. Results examining the CESD total and remaining subscale scores were all non-significant (p’s > .05). Conclusions Cross-sectional evidence suggests that 1) women with low positive affect may experience accelerated AFC decline and 2) low positive affect may be a vulnerability factor, or, alternatively, high positive affect may be a protective factor, in moderating the negative effects of psychological stress on AFC decline. PMID:22760086

Anti-Müllerian hormone levels and antral follicle count in women enrolled in in vitro fertilization cycles: relationship to lifestyle factors, chronological age and reproductive history.

PubMed

Nardo, Luciano G; Christodoulou, Dimitra; Gould, Della; Roberts, Steve A; Fitzgerald, Cheryl T; Laing, Ian

2007-01-01

The aims of this prospective study were to investigate the relationship between anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC), and to determine whether these markers of ovarian reserve correlate with lifestyle factors, ethnicity, chronological age and reproductive history. Participants were 136 normo-ovulatory women undergoing infertility work-up within 3 months of their first ovarian stimulation cycle for in vitro fertilization. On day 3 of a spontaneous menstrual cycle, a blood sample for measurement of plasma AMH levels was taken and a transvaginal ultrasound scan to determine the AFC (follicles measuring 2-5 mm in diameter) was performed. Information about smoking, body mass index, alcohol consumption, ethnic origin, chronological age, age at menarche, years since menarche and gravidity were recorded using a case report form. The main outcome measures were plasma AMH concentrations and total number of small antral follicles (AFC). Median plasma levels of AMH were 2.0 ng/ml (interquartile range 1.1-3.6) and AFC was 10 (interquartile range 7-15). A positive correlation between AMH and AFC (r = 0.54, p < 0.0001) was found. AMH and AFC correlated negatively with age (r = -0.30, p < 0.001 and r = -0.27, p = 0.001 respectively) and number of years since menarche (r = -0.23, p = 0.007 and r = -0.21, p = 0.015 respectively), but not with any of the other measures. Circulating AMH levels and AFC correlated with each other and declined significantly with age. There were only weak, non-significant, correlations with lifestyle factors and reproductive history. These putative markers could be used individually or together to assess the age-related decline of ovarian function in normo-ovulatory candidates for IVF.

β-Liddle mutation of the epithelial sodium channel increases alveolar fluid clearance and reduces the severity of hydrostatic pulmonary oedema in mice

PubMed Central

Randrianarison, Nadia; Escoubet, Brigitte; Ferreira, Chrystophe; Fontayne, Alexandre; Fowler-Jaeger, Nicole; Clerici, Christine; Hummler, Edith; Rossier, Bernard C; Planès, Carole

2007-01-01

Transepithelial sodium transport via alveolar epithelial Na+ channels and Na+,K+-ATPase constitutes the driving force for removal of alveolar oedema fluid. Decreased activity of the amiloride-sensitive epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) in the apical membrane of alveolar epithelial cells impairs sodium-driven alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) and predisposes to pulmonary oedema. We hypothesized that hyperactivity of ENaC in the distal lung could improve AFC and facilitate the resolution of pulmonary oedema. AFC and lung fluid balance were studied at baseline and under conditions of hydrostatic pulmonary oedema in the β-Liddle (L) mouse strain harbouring a gain-of-function mutation (R566stop) within the Scnn1b gene. As compared with wild-type (+/+), baseline AFC was increased by 2- and 3-fold in heterozygous (+/L) and homozygous mutated (L/L) mice, respectively, mainly due to increased amiloride-sensitive AFC. The β2-agonist terbutaline stimulated AFC in +/+ and +/L mice, but not in L/L mice. Acute volume overload induced by saline infusion (40% of body weight over 2 h) significantly increased extravascular (i.e. interstitial and alveolar) lung water as assessed by the bloodless wet-to-dry lung weight ratio in +/+ and L/L mice, as compared with baseline. However, the increase was significantly larger in +/+ than in L/L groups (P= 0.01). Volume overload also increased the volume of the alveolar epithelial lining fluid in +/+ mice, indicating the presence of alveolar oedema, but not in L/L mice. Cardiac function as evaluated by echocardiography was comparable in both groups. These data show that constitutive ENaC activation improved sodium-driven AFC in the mouse lung, and attenuated the severity of hydrostatic pulmonary oedema. PMID:17430990

High Lift Common Research Model for Wind Tunnel Testing: An Active Flow Control Perspective

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, John C.; Melton, Latunia P.; Viken, Sally A.; Andino, Marlyn Y.; Koklu, Mehti; Hannon, Judith A.; Vatsa, Veer N.

2017-01-01

This paper provides an overview of a research and development effort sponsored by the NASA Advanced Air Transport Technology Project to achieve the required high-lift performance using active flow control (AFC) on simple hinged flaps while reducing the cruise drag associated with the external mechanisms on slotted flaps of a generic modern transport aircraft. The removal of the external fairings for the Fowler flap mechanism could help to reduce drag by 3.3 counts. The main challenge is to develop an AFC system that can provide the necessary lift recovery on a simple hinged flap high-lift system while using the limited pneumatic power available on the aircraft. Innovative low-power AFC concepts will be investigated in the flap shoulder region. The AFC concepts being explored include steady blowing and unsteady blowing operating in the spatial and/or temporal domain. Both conventional and AFC-enabled high-lift configurations were designed for the current effort. The high-lift configurations share the cruise geometry that is based on the NASA Common Research Model, and therefore, are also open geometries. A 10%-scale High Lift Common Research Model (HL-CRM) is being designed for testing at the NASA Langley Research Center 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel during fiscal year 2018. The overall project plan, status, HL-CRM configurations, and AFC objectives for the wind tunnel test are described.

An Overview of Active Flow Control Enhanced Vertical Tail Technology Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, John C.; Andino, Marlyn Y.; Alexander, Michael G.; Whalen, Edward A.; Spoor, Marc A.; Tran, John T.; Wygnanski, Israel J.

2016-01-01

This paper summarizes a joint NASA/Boeing research effort to advance Active Flow Control (AFC) technology to enhance aerodynamic efficiency of a vertical tail. Sweeping jet AFC technology was successfully tested on subscale and full-scale models as well as in flight. The subscale test was performed at Caltech on a 14% scale model. More than 50% side force enhancement was achieved by the sweeping jet actuation when the momentum coefficient was 1.7%. AFC caused significant increases in suction pressure on the actuator side and associated side force enhancement. Subsequently, a full-scale Boeing 757 vertical tail model equipped with sweeping jets was tested at the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel at NASA Ames Research Center. There, flow separation control optimization was performed at near flight conditions. Greater than 20% increase in side force were achieved for the maximum rudder deflection of 30deg at the key sideslip angles (0deg and -7.5deg) with a 31-actuator AFC configuration. Based on these tests, the momentum coefficient is shown to be a necessary, but not sufficient parameter to use for design and scaling of sweeping jet AFC from subscale tests to full-scale applications. Leveraging the knowledge gained from the wind tunnel tests, the AFC-enhanced vertical tail technology was successfully flown on the Boeing 757 ecoDemonstrator in the spring of 2015.

25 CFR 170.803 - What facilities are eligible under the BIA Road Maintenance Program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... AND WATER INDIAN RESERVATION ROADS PROGRAM BIA Road Maintenance § 170.803 What facilities are eligible under the BIA Road Maintenance Program? (a) The following public transportation facilities are eligible for maintenance under the BIA Road Maintenance Program: (1) BIA transportation facilities listed in...

25 CFR 170.806 - What is an IRR Transportation Facilities Maintenance Management System?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... AND WATER INDIAN RESERVATION ROADS PROGRAM BIA Road Maintenance § 170.806 What is an IRR Transportation Facilities Maintenance Management System? An IRR Transportation Facilities Maintenance Management... 25 Indians 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false What is an IRR Transportation Facilities Maintenance...

Satellite data driven modeling system for predicting air quality and visibility during wildfire and prescribed burn events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nair, U. S.; Keiser, K.; Wu, Y.; Maskey, M.; Berendes, D.; Glass, P.; Dhakal, A.; Christopher, S. A.

2012-12-01

The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) is responsible for wildfire control and also prescribed burn management in the state of Alabama. Visibility and air quality degradation resulting from smoke are two pieces of information that are crucial for this activity. Currently the tools available to AFC are the dispersion index available from the National Weather Service and also surface smoke concentrations. The former provides broad guidance for prescribed burning activities but does not provide specific information regarding smoke transport, areas affected and quantification of air quality and visibility degradation. While the NOAA operational air quality guidance includes surface smoke concentrations from existing fire events, it does not account for contributions from background aerosols, which are important for the southeastern region including Alabama. Also lacking is the quantification of visibility. The University of Alabama in Huntsville has developed a state-of-the-art integrated modeling system to address these concerns. This system based on the Community Air Quality Modeling System (CMAQ) that ingests satellite derived smoke emissions and also assimilates NASA MODIS derived aerosol optical thickness. In addition, this operational modeling system also simulates the impact of potential prescribed burn events based on location information derived from the AFC prescribed burn permit database. A lagrangian model is used to simulate smoke plumes for the prescribed burns requests. The combined air quality and visibility degradation resulting from these smoke plumes and background aerosols is computed and the information is made available through a web based decision support system utilizing open source GIS components. This system provides information regarding intersections between highways and other critical facilities such as old age homes, hospitals and schools. The system also includes satellite detected fire locations and other satellite derived datasets relevant for fire and smoke management.

Two AFC Loops For Low CNR And High Dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hinedi, Sami M.; Aguirre, Sergio

1992-01-01

Two alternative digital automatic-frequency-control (AFC) loops proposed to acquire (or reacquire) and track frequency of received carrier radio signal. Intended for use where carrier-to-noise ratios (CNR's) low and carrier frequency characterized by high Doppler shift and Doppler rate because of high relative speed and acceleration, respectively, between transmitter and receiver. Either AFC loops used in place of phase-locked loop. New loop concepts integrate ideas from classical spectrum-estimation, digital-phase-locked-loop, and Kalman-Filter theories.

An introduction to NASA's advanced computing program: Integrated computing systems in advanced multichip modules

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fang, Wai-Chi; Alkalai, Leon

1996-01-01

Recent changes within NASA's space exploration program favor the design, implementation, and operation of low cost, lightweight, small and micro spacecraft with multiple launches per year. In order to meet the future needs of these missions with regard to the use of spacecraft microelectronics, NASA's advanced flight computing (AFC) program is currently considering industrial cooperation and advanced packaging architectures. In relation to this, the AFC program is reviewed, considering the design and implementation of NASA's AFC multichip module.

Intestinal anti-inflammatory effects of total alkaloid extract from Fumaria capreolata in the DNBS model of mice colitis and intestinal epithelial CMT93 cells.

PubMed

Bribi, Noureddine; Algieri, Francesca; Rodriguez-Nogales, Alba; Vezza, Teresa; Garrido-Mesa, Jose; Utrilla, María Pilar; Del Mar Contreras, María; Maiza, Fadila; Segura-Carretero, Antonio; Rodriguez-Cabezas, Maria Elena; Gálvez, Julio

2016-08-15

Fumaria capreolata L. (Papaveraceae) is a botanical drug used in North Africa for its gastro-intestinal and anti-inflammatory properties. It is characterized for the presence of several alkaloids that could be responsible for some of its effects, including an immunomodulatory activity. To test in vivo the intestinal anti-inflammatory properties of the total alkaloid fraction extracted from the aerial parts of F. capreolata (AFC), and to evaluate its effects on an intestinal epithelial cell line. AFC was chemically characterized by liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and high resolution mass spectrometry. Different doses of AFC (25, 50 and 100mg/kg) were assayed in the DNBS model of experimental colitis in mice, and the colonic damage was evaluated both histologically and biochemically. In addition, in vitro experiments were performed with this alkaloid fraction on the mouse intestinal epithelial cell line CMT93 stimulated with LPS. The chemical analysis of AFC revealed the presence of 23 alkaloids, being the most abundants stylopine, protopine and coptisine. Oral administration of AFC produced a significant inhibition of the release and the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in the colonic tissue. It also suppressed in vivo the transcription of other pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, iNOS, IL-12 and IL-17. Furthermore, AFC showed an immunomodulatory effect in vitro since it was able to inhibit the mRNA expression of IL-6, TNF-α and ICAM-1. Moreover, the beneficial effect of AFC in the colitic mice could also be associated with the normalization of the expression of MUC-2 and ZO-1, which are important for the intestinal epithelial integrity. The present study suggests that AFC, containing 1.3% of stylopine and 0.9% of protopine, significantly exerted intestinal anti-inflammatory effects in an experimental model of mouse colitis. This fact could be related to a modulation of the intestinal immune response and a restoration of the intestinal epithelial function. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

An Evaluation of Facility Maintenance and Repair Strategies of Select Companies

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-09-01

challenge for facility maintenance professionals is balancing the cost of facility Maintenance and Repair (M&R) with the benefits derived from those...maintenance professionals is balancing the cost of facility Maintenance and Repair (M&R) with the benefits derived from those facilities. This thesis...private organizations may also benefit from an analysis of the practices in use by successful corporations. The second group to benefit from this

Performance analysis of smart laminated composite plate integrated with distributed AFC material undergoing geometrically nonlinear transient vibrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shivakumar, J.; Ashok, M. H.; Khadakbhavi, Vishwanath; Pujari, Sanjay; Nandurkar, Santosh

2018-02-01

The present work focuses on geometrically nonlinear transient analysis of laminated smart composite plates integrated with the patches of Active fiber composites (AFC) using Active constrained layer damping (ACLD) as the distributed actuators. The analysis has been carried out using generalised energy based finite element model. The coupled electromechanical finite element model is derived using Von Karman type nonlinear strain displacement relations and a first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). Eight-node iso-parametric serendipity elements are used for discretization of the overall plate integrated with AFC patch material. The viscoelastic constrained layer is modelled using GHM method. The numerical results shows the improvement in the active damping characteristics of the laminated composite plates over the passive damping for suppressing the geometrically nonlinear transient vibrations of laminated composite plates with AFC as patch material.

Artificial food colors and attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms: conclusions to dye for.

PubMed

Arnold, L Eugene; Lofthouse, Nicholas; Hurt, Elizabeth

2012-07-01

The effect of artificial food colors (AFCs) on child behavior has been studied for more than 35 years, with accumulating evidence from imperfect studies. This article summarizes the history of this controversial topic and testimony to the 2011 Food and Drug Administration Food Advisory Committee convened to evaluate the current status of evidence regarding attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Features of ADHD relevant to understanding the AFC literature are explained: ADHD is a quantitative diagnosis, like hypertension, and some individuals near the threshold may be pushed over it by a small symptom increment. The chronicity and pervasiveness make caregiver ratings the most valid measure, albeit subjective. Flaws in many studies include nonstandardized diagnosis, questionable sample selection, imperfect blinding, and nonstandardized outcome measures. Recent data suggest a small but significant deleterious effect of AFCs on children's behavior that is not confined to those with diagnosable ADHD. AFCs appear to be more of a public health problem than an ADHD problem. AFCs are not a major cause of ADHD per se, but seem to affect children regardless of whether or not they have ADHD, and they may have an aggregated effect on classroom climate if most children in the class suffer a small behavioral decrement with additive or synergistic effects. Possible biological mechanisms with published evidence include the effects on nutrient levels, genetic vulnerability, and changes in electroencephalographic beta-band power. A table clarifying the Food and Drug Administration and international naming systems for AFCs, with cross-referencing, is provided.

Denoising forced-choice detection data.

PubMed

García-Pérez, Miguel A

2010-02-01

Observers in a two-alternative forced-choice (2AFC) detection task face the need to produce a response at random (a guess) on trials in which neither presentation appeared to display a stimulus. Observers could alternatively be instructed to use a 'guess' key on those trials, a key that would produce a random guess and would also record the resultant correct or wrong response as emanating from a computer-generated guess. A simulation study shows that 'denoising' 2AFC data with information regarding which responses are a result of guesses yields estimates of detection threshold and spread of the psychometric function that are far more precise than those obtained in the absence of this information, and parallel the precision of estimates obtained with yes-no tasks running for the same number of trials. Simulations also show that partial compliance with the instructions to use the 'guess' key reduces the quality of the estimates, which nevertheless continue to be more precise than those obtained from conventional 2AFC data if the observers are still moderately compliant. An empirical study testing the validity of simulation results showed that denoised 2AFC estimates of spread were clearly superior to conventional 2AFC estimates and similar to yes-no estimates, but variations in threshold across observers and across sessions hid the benefits of denoising for threshold estimation. The empirical study also proved the feasibility of using a 'guess' key in addition to the conventional response keys defined in 2AFC tasks.

Health assessment of gasoline and fuel oxygenate vapors: immunotoxicity evaluation.

PubMed

White, Kimber L; Peachee, Vanessa L; Armstrong, Sarah R; Twerdok, Lorraine E; Clark, Charles R; Schreiner, Ceinwen A

2014-11-01

Female Sprague Dawley rats were exposed via inhalation to vapor condensates of either gasoline or gasoline combined with various fuel oxygenates to assess potential immunotoxicity of evaporative emissions. Test articles included vapor condensates prepared from "baseline gasoline" (BGVC), or gasoline combined with methyl tertiary butyl ether (G/MTBE), ethyl t-butyl ether (G/ETBE), t-amyl methyl ether (G/TAME), diisopropyl ether (G/DIPE), ethanol (G/EtOH), or t-butyl alcohol (G/TBA). Target concentrations were 0, 2000, 10,000 or 20,000mg/mg(3) administered for 6h/day, 5days/week for 4weeks. The antibody-forming cell (AFC) response to the T-dependent antigen, sheep erythrocyte (sRBC), was used to determine the effects of the gasoline vapor condensates on the humoral components of the immune system. Exposure to BGVC, G/MTBE, G/TAME, and G/TBA did not result in significant changes in the IgM AFC response to sRBC, when evaluated as either specific activity (AFC/10(6) spleen cells) or as total spleen activity (AFC/spleen). Exposure to G/EtOH and G/DIPE resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the AFC response, reaching the level of statistical significance only at the high 20,000mg/m(3) level. Exposure to G/ETBE resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the AFC response at the middle (10,000mg/m(3)) and high (20,000mg/m(3)) exposure concentrations. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Associations between age at first calving, rearing average daily weight gain, herd milk yield and dairy herd production, reproduction, and profitability.

PubMed

Krpálková, L; Cabrera, V E; Kvapilík, J; Burdych, J; Crump, P

2014-10-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the associations of variable intensity in rearing dairy heifers on 33 commercial dairy herds, including 23,008 cows and 18,139 heifers, with age at first calving (AFC), average daily weight gain (ADG), and milk yield (MY) level on reproduction traits and profitability. Milk yield during the production period was analyzed relative to reproduction and economic parameters. Data were collected during a 1-yr period (2011). The farms were located in 12 regions in the Czech Republic. The results show that those herds with more intensive rearing periods had lower conception rates among heifers at first and overall services. The differences in those conception rates between the group with the greatest ADG (≥0.800 kg/d) and the group with the least ADG (≤0.699 kg/d) were approximately 10 percentage points in favor of the least ADG. All the evaluated reproduction traits differed between AFC groups. Conception at first and overall services (cows) was greatest in herds with AFC ≥800 d. The shortest days open (105 d) and calving interval (396 d) were found in the middle AFC group (799 to 750 d). The highest number of completed lactations (2.67) was observed in the group with latest AFC (≥800 d). The earliest AFC group (≤749 d) was characterized by the highest depreciation costs per cow at 8,275 Czech crowns (US$414), and the highest culling rate for cows of 41%. The most profitable rearing approach was reflected in the middle AFC (799 to 750 d) and middle ADG (0.799 to 0.700 kg) groups. The highest MY (≥8,500 kg) occurred with the earliest AFC of 780 d. Higher MY led to lower conception rates in cows, but the highest MY group also had the shortest days open (106 d) and a calving interval of 386 d. The same MY group had the highest cow depreciation costs, net profit, and profitability without subsidies of 2.67%. We conclude that achieving low AFC will not always be the most profitable approach, which will depend upon farm-specific herd management. The MY is a very important factor for dairy farm profitability. The group of farms having the highest MY achieved the highest net profit despite having greater fertility problems. Copyright © 2014 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Maintenance Staffing Guidelines For Educational Facilities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

APPA: Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers, Alexandria, VA.

The purpose of this publication is to provide a resource or guide for educational facilities in establishing or developing a maintenance trades organization that is sufficient to accomplish basic facilities maintenance functions. The guidelines are intended to suggest staffing levels for those routine facilities maintenance activities that are…

Membrane process treatment for greywater recycling: investigations on direct tubular nanofiltration.

PubMed

Hourlier, F; Massé, A; Jaouen, P; Lakel, A; Gérente, C; Faur, C; Cloirec, P Le

2010-01-01

On-site greywater recycling and reuse is one of the main ways to reduce potable water requirement in urban areas. Direct membrane filtration is a promising technology to recycle greywater on-site. This study aimed at selecting a tubular nanofiltration (NF) membrane and its operating conditions in order to treat and reuse greywater in buildings. To do so, a synthetic greywater (SGW) was reconstituted in order to conduct experiments on a reproducible effluent. Then, three PCI NF membranes (AFC30, AFC40 and AFC80) having distinct molecular weight cut-offs were tested to recycle this SGW with a constant concentration at 25°C at two different transmembrane pressures (20 and 35 bar). The best results were obtained with AFC80 at 35 bar: the flux was close to 50 L m⁻²  h⁻¹, retentions of 95% for chemical oxygen demand and anionic surfactants were observed, and no Enterococcus were detected in the permeate. The performances of AFC80 were also evaluated on a real greywater: fluxes and retentions were similar to those observed on SGW. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of direct nanofiltration to recycle and reuse greywater.

Performance characterization of active fiber-composite actuators for helicopter rotor blade applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wickramasinghe, Viresh K.; Hagood, Nesbitt W.

2002-07-01

The primary objective of this work was to characterize the performance of the Active Fiber Composite (AFC) actuator material system for the Boeing Active Material Rotor (AMR) blade application. The AFCs were a new structural actuator system consisting of piezoceramic fibers embedded in an epoxy matrix and sandwiched between interdigitated electrodes to orient the driving electric field in the fiber direction to use the primary piezoelectric effect. These actuators were integrated directly into the blade spar laminate as active plies within the composite structure to perform structural actuation for vibration control in helicopters. Therefore, it was necessary to conduct extensive electromechanical material characterization to evaluate AFCs both as actuators and as structural components of the rotor blade. The characterization tests designed to extract important electromechanical properties under simulated blade operating conditions included stress-strain tests, free strain tests and actuation under tensile load tests. This paper presents the test results as well as the comprehensive testing process developed to evaluate the relevant AFC material properties. The results from this comprehensive performance characterization of the AFC material system supported the design and operation of the Boeing AMR blade scheduled for hover and forward flight wind tunnel tests.

Convergent and divergent effects of apolipoprotein E ε4 and ε2 alleles on amygdala functional networks in nondemented older adults.

PubMed

Gong, Liang; Shu, Hao; He, Cancan; Ye, Qing; Bai, Feng; Xie, Chunming; Zhang, Zhijun

2017-06-01

Traditionally, in the context of Alzheimer's disease, the apolipoprotein E ε2 (APOEε2) allele is a protective factor and the APOEε4 allele is a destructive factor. However, this inverse relationship has recently been challenged, and the neural mechanisms underlying the effects of APOE genotype on Alzheimer's disease remain unclear. A resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study was conducted to investigate the effects of APOE genotype and age on amygdala functional connectivity (AFC) networks in 84 patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and 124 cognitively normal order adults. The results indicated that the APOEε2 and APOEε4 alleles produced convergent effects in the right AFC network but divergent effects in the left AFC network. As age increased, APOEε2 carriers showed stable AFC, whereas APOEε4 carriers exhibited decreased AFC in all participants. Furthermore, mediation analysis revealed that connectivity strength regulates the effects of APOE genotype and age on cognitive function in amnestic mild cognitive impairment patients. Our findings suggest that the APOEε2 and APOEε4 alleles produce both convergent and divergent topological effects on brain function. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Circulating basal anti-Müllerian hormone levels as predictor of ovarian response in women undergoing ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization.

PubMed

Nardo, Luciano G; Gelbaya, Tarek A; Wilkinson, Hannah; Roberts, Stephen A; Yates, Allen; Pemberton, Phil; Laing, Ian

2009-11-01

To evaluate the clinical value of basal anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) measurements compared with other available determinants, apart from chronologic age, in the prediction of ovarian response to gonadotrophin stimulation. Prospective cohort study. Tertiary referral center for reproductive medicine and an IVF unit. Women undergoing their first cycle of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Basal levels of FSH and AMH as well as antral follicle count (AFC) were measured in 165 subjects. All patients were followed prospectively and their cycle outcomes recorded. Predictive value of FSH, AMH, and AFC for extremes of ovarian response to stimulation. Out of the 165 women, 134 were defined as normal responders, 15 as poor responders, and 16 as high responders. Subjects in the poor response group were significantly older then those in the other two groups. Anti-Müllerian hormone levels and AFC were markedly raised in the high responders and decreased in the poor responders. Compared with FSH and AFC, AMH performed better in the prediction of excessive response to ovarian stimulation-AMH area under receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC(AUC)) 0.81, FSH ROC(AUC) 0.66, AFC ROC(AUC) 0.69. For poor response, AMH (ROC(AUC) 0.88) was a significantly better predictor than FSH (ROC(AUC) 0.63) but not AFC (ROC(AUC) 0.81). AMH prediction of ovarian response was independent of age and PCOS. Anti-Müllerian hormone cutoffs of >3.75 ng/mL and <1.0 ng/mL would have modest sensitivity and specificity in predicting the extremes of response. Circulating AMH has the ability to predict excessive and poor response to stimulation with exogenous gonadotrophins. Overall, this biomarker is superior to basal FSH and AFC, and has the potential to be incorporated in to work-up protocols to predict patient's ovarian response to treatment and to individualize strategies aiming at reducing the cancellation rate and the iatrogenic complications of COH.

Active Flow Control (AFC) and Insect Accretion and Mitigation (IAM) System Design and Integration on the Boeing 757 ecoDemonstrator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alexander, Michael G.; Harris, F. Keith; Spoor, Marc A.; Boyland, Susannah R.; Farrell, Thomas E.; Raines, David M.

2016-01-01

This paper presents a systems overview of how the Boeing and NASA team designed, analyzed, fabricated, and integrated the Active Flow Control (AFC) technology and Insect Accretion Mitigation (IAM) systems on the Boeing 757 ecoDemonstrator. The NASA Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) project partnered with Boeing to demonstrate these two technology systems on a specially outfitted Boeing 757 ecoDemonstrator during the spring of 2015. The AFC system demonstrated attenuation of flow separation on a highly deflected rudder and increased the side force generated. This AFC system may enable a smaller vertical tail to provide the control authority needed in the event of an engine failure during takeoff while still operating in a conventional manner over the rest of the flight envelope. The AFC system consisted of ducting to obtain air from the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), a control valve to modulate the system mass flow, a heat exchanger to lower the APU air temperature, and additional ducting to deliver the air to the AFC actuators located on the vertical tail. The IAM system demonstrated how to mitigate insect residue adhesion on a wing's leading edge. Something as small as insect residue on a leading edge can cause turbulent wedges that interrupt laminar flow, resulting in an increase in drag and fuel use. The IAM system consisted of NASA developed Engineered Surfaces (ES) which were thin aluminum sheet substrate panels with coatings applied to the exterior. These ES were installed on slats 8 and 9 on the right wing of the 757 ecoDemonstrator. They were designed to support panel removal and installation in one crew shift. Each slat accommodated 4 panels. Both the AFC and IAM flight test were the culmination of several years of development and produced valuable data for the advancement of modern aircraft designs.

The association of protein intake (amount and type) with ovarian antral follicle counts among infertile women: results from the EARTH prospective study cohort.

PubMed

Souter, I; Chiu, Y-H; Batsis, M; Afeiche, M C; Williams, P L; Hauser, R; Chavarro, J E

2017-09-01

To evaluate the association between protein intake (amount and type) and antral follicle count (AFC). Prospective cohort. Academic fertility centre. Two hundred and sixty-five women undergoing fertility treatments at an academic fertility centre and participating in an ongoing study on environment and reproductive health. We measured AFC in ultrasonographic evaluation among women undergoing infertility treatments. Women completed a previously validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. We used Poisson regression to evaluate the relation between protein intake and AFC while adjusting for age, body mass index, race, smoking status, and total energy intake. Antral follicle count. Among 265 women (mean age: 35.0 ± 3.9 years, 85% Caucasian), total protein intake (% energy) was unrelated to AFC. When protein from different food sources was considered separately, we found a negative association between dairy protein intake and AFC. The mean AFC was 14.4% (3.9-23.7%) lower for women in the highest quintile of dairy protein intake than for women in the bottom quintile after adjusting for potential confounders (P-trend = 0.04). This association was stronger among women who had never smoked (P-trend = 0.002) but was not observed among previous smokers (P-trend = 0.36). There were no associations between protein intake from either non-dairy animal or vegetable sources and AFC. Higher dairy protein intake (≥5.24% of energy) was associated with lower antral follicle counts among women presenting for infertility treatment. These findings should be further investigated in prospective studies also designed to clarify the biology underlying the observed associations. Higher dairy protein intake was associated with lower antral follicle counts in an infertile population. © 2017 Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Assessment of WMATA's Automatic Fare Collection Equipment Performance

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1981-01-01

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has had an Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system in operation since June 1977. The AFC system, comprised of entry/exit gates, farecard vendors, and addfare machines, initially encountered ma...

Characterization of H2 photoproduction by marine green alga Tetraselmis subcordiformis integrated with an alkaline fuel cell.

PubMed

Guo, Zhen; Li, Ying; Guo, Haiyan

2016-03-01

To investigate the feasibility of coupling carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone-regulated photohydrogen production by Tetraselmis subcordiformis in a photobioreactor to an alkaline fuel cell (AFC). H2 evolution kinetics in the AFC integrated process was characterized. The duration of H2 evolution was prolonged and its yield was improved about 1.5-fold (to 78 ± 5 ml l(-1)) compared with that of the process without AFC. Improved H2 yield was possibly caused by removal of H2 feedback inhibition by H2 consumption in situ. Decreases in the H2 production rate correlated with the gradual deactivation of PSII and hydrogenase activities. The H2 yield was closely associated with catabolism of starch and protein. A marine green algal CO2-supplemented culture integrated with in situ H2-consumption by an AFC system was developed as a viable protocol for the H2 production.

Evidence for top-down control of eye movements during visual decision making.

PubMed

Glaholt, Mackenzie G; Wu, Mei-Chun; Reingold, Eyal M

2010-05-01

Participants' eye movements were monitored while they viewed displays containing 6 exemplars from one of several categories of everyday items (belts, sunglasses, shirts, shoes), with a column of 3 items presented on the left and another column of 3 items presented on the right side of the display. Participants were either required to choose which of the two sets of 3 items was the most expensive (2-AFC) or which of the 6 items was the most expensive (6-AFC). Importantly, the stimulus display, and the relevant stimulus dimension, were held constant across conditions. Consistent with the hypothesis of top-down control of eye movements during visual decision making, we documented greater selectivity in the processing of stimulus information in the 6-AFC than the 2-AFC decision. In addition, strong spatial biases in looking behavior were demonstrated, but these biases were largely insensitive to the instructional manipulation, and did not substantially influence participants' choices.

25 CFR Appendix A to Subpart G - List of Activities Eligible for Funding Under BIA Transportation Facility Maintenance Program

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... Transportation Facility Maintenance Program A Appendix A to Subpart G Indians BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR LAND AND WATER INDIAN RESERVATION ROADS PROGRAM BIA Road Maintenance Pt. 170... Transportation Facility Maintenance Program The following activities are eligible for BIA Transportation Facility...

Alternative Fuels Data Center: Ryder Opens Natural Gas Vehicle Maintenance

Science.gov Websites

Facility Ryder Opens Natural Gas Vehicle Maintenance Facility to someone by E-mail Share Alternative Fuels Data Center: Ryder Opens Natural Gas Vehicle Maintenance Facility on Facebook Tweet about Alternative Fuels Data Center: Ryder Opens Natural Gas Vehicle Maintenance Facility on Twitter Bookmark

Theoretical basis, principles of design, and experimental study of the prototype of perfect AFCS transmitting signals without coding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Platonov, A.; Zaitsev, Ie.; Opalski, L. J.

2017-08-01

The paper presents an overview of design methodology and results of experiments with a Prototype of highly efficient optimal adaptive feedback communication systems (AFCS), transmitting low frequency analog signals without coding. The paper emphasizes the role of the forward transmitter saturation as the factor that blocked implementation of theoretical results of pioneer (1960-1970s) and later research on FCS. Deepened analysis of the role of statistical fitting condition in adequate formulation and solution of AFCS optimization task is given. Solution of the task - optimal transmission/reception algorithms is presented in the form useful for elaboration of the hardware/software Prototype. A notable particularity of the Prototype is absence of the encoding/decoding units, whose functions are realized by the adaptive pulse amplitude modulator (PAM) of the forward transmitter (FT) and estimating/controlling algorithm in the receiver of base station (BS). Experiments confirm that the Prototype transmits signals from FT to BS "perfectly": with the bit rate equal to the capacity of the system, and with limit energy [J/bit] and spectral [bps/Hz] efficiency. Another, not less important and confirmed experimentally, particularity of AFCS is its capability to adjust parameters of FT and BS to the characteristics of scenario of application and maintain the ideal regime of transmission including spectralenergy efficiency. AFCS adjustment can be made using BS estimates of mean square error (MSE). The concluding part of the paper contains discussion of the presented results, stressing capability of AFCS to solve problems appearing in development of dense wireless networks.

AFC-Enabled Simplified High-Lift System Integration Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hartwich, Peter M.; Dickey, Eric D.; Sclafani, Anthony J.; Camacho, Peter; Gonzales, Antonio B.; Lawson, Edward L.; Mairs, Ron Y.; Shmilovich, Arvin

2014-01-01

The primary objective of this trade study report is to explore the potential of using Active Flow Control (AFC) for achieving lighter and mechanically simpler high-lift systems for transonic commercial transport aircraft. This assessment was conducted in four steps. First, based on the Common Research Model (CRM) outer mold line (OML) definition, two high-lift concepts were developed. One concept, representative of current production-type commercial transonic transports, features leading edge slats and slotted trailing edge flaps with Fowler motion. The other CRM-based design relies on drooped leading edges and simply hinged trailing edge flaps for high-lift generation. The relative high-lift performance of these two high-lift CRM variants is established using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solutions to the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations for steady flow. These CFD assessments identify the high-lift performance that needs to be recovered through AFC to have the CRM variant with the lighter and mechanically simpler high-lift system match the performance of the conventional high-lift system. Conceptual design integration studies for the AFC-enhanced high-lift systems were conducted with a NASA Environmentally Responsible Aircraft (ERA) reference configuration, the so-called ERA-0003 concept. These design trades identify AFC performance targets that need to be met to produce economically feasible ERA-0003-like concepts with lighter and mechanically simpler high-lift designs that match the performance of conventional high-lift systems. Finally, technical challenges are identified associated with the application of AFC-enabled highlift systems to modern transonic commercial transports for future technology maturation efforts.

Prediction value of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) serum levels and antral follicle count (AFC) in hormonal contraceptive (HC) users and non-HC users undergoing IVF-PGD treatment.

PubMed

Bas-Lando, Maayan; Rabinowitz, Ron; Farkash, Rivka; Algur, Nurit; Rubinstein, Esther; Schonberger, Oshrat; Eldar-Geva, Talia

2017-10-01

Use of hormone contraceptives (HC) is very popular in the reproductive age and, therefore, evaluation of ovarian reserve would be a useful tool to accurately evaluate the reproductive potential in HC users. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 41 HC users compared to 57 non-HC users undergoing IVF-preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) aiming to evaluate the effect of HC on the levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), small (2-5 mm), large (6-10 mm) and total antral follicle count (AFC) and the ability of these markers to predict IVF outcome. Significant differences in large AFC (p = 0.04) and ovarian volume (p < 0.0001) were seen, however, there were no significant differences in small and total AFC or in serum AMH and FSH levels. Oocyte number significantly correlated with AMH and total AFC in HC users (p < 0.001) while in non-HC users these correlations were weaker. In HC users, the significant predictors of achieving <6 and >18 oocytes were AFC (ROC-AUC; 0.958, p = 0.001 and 0.883, p = 0.001) and AMH (ROC-AUC-0.858, p = 0.01 and 0.878, p = 0.001), respectively. The predictive values were less significant in non-HC users. These findings are important in women treated for PGD, in ovum donors and for assessing the fertility prognosis in women using HC and wishing to postpone pregnancy.

Antimüllerian hormone levels and antral follicle counts are not reduced compared with community controls in patients with rigorously defined unexplained infertility.

PubMed

Greenwood, Eleni A; Cedars, Marcelle I; Santoro, Nanette; Eisenberg, Esther; Kao, Chia-Ning; Haisenleder, Daniel J; Diamond, Michael P; Huddleston, Heather G

2017-12-01

To test the hypothesis that women with unexplained infertility demonstrate evidence of diminished ovarian reserve when compared with a population of community controls. Cross-sectional study. Multicenter university-based clinical practices. Study participants included 277 healthy, normo-ovulatory female partners with rigorously defined unexplained infertility randomly selected from a multicenter trial (Assessment of Multiple Intrauterine Gestations from Ovarian Stimulation). Controls included 226 healthy, normo-ovulatory women not seeking treatment for fertility from a community-based cohort (Ovarian Aging study). Serum antimüllerian hormone (AMH) assay at a central laboratory, FSH, fasting serum metabolic testing, transvaginal ultrasonography for antral follicle counts (AFCs), anthropometric measurements. Average AMH, AFC, and AMH/AFC were compared between infertile and control women by age. Analyses of covariance compared these outcomes while controlling for confounders, including age, race, body mass index, smoking history, and study site. In our models, AMH, AFC, and AMH/AFC ovarian reserve indices did not differ between infertile women and community-based controls, after controlling for age, race, body mass index, smoking history, and study site. Currently utilized predictors of ovarian reserve do not discriminate women with rigorously defined unexplained infertility from healthy community-based women of similar demographic characteristics. Contrary to our hypothesis, among women with FSH in the normal range (≤12 IU/L), women with unexplained infertility did not show evidence of decreased ovarian reserve as measured by AMH and AFC. Ovarian reserve markers in isolation may not serve as predictors of future fertility. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. All rights reserved.

Ridership impacts of South Florida's EASY smart card : [summary].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-07-01

Transit agencies across the U.S. increasingly are replacing electronic fare reading systems with Advanced Fare Collection (AFC) or smart card systems. In 2009, Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) was the first Florida transit agency to deploy AFC, branded...

Associations between age at first calving and subsequent lactation performance in UK Holstein and Holstein-Friesian dairy cows

PubMed Central

Eastham, Neil T.; Coates, Amy; Cripps, Peter; Richardson, Henry; Smith, Robert

2018-01-01

Lactation records from 396,534 pedigree Holstein and Holstein-Friesian primiparous cows from 6,985 UK milk recorded herds, calving for the first time during the period between the 1st of January 2006 and the 31st of December 2008, were examined in order to determine the associations between age at first calving (AFC) and subsequent production, udder health, fertility and survivability parameters. Heifers were grouped by AFC into single month classes ranging from 21 to 42 months. Mixed effects multivariable regression modelling was used for data analysis. Mean and median AFC were 29.1 and 28 months respectively. Within the study, only 48,567 heifers (12.3% of the studied population) calved for the first time at 24 months of age or younger. 162,157 heifers (40.9%) were 30 months or older at their first calving. An increased AFC was associated with increased first lactation milk, fat and protein yields. The lowest predicted mean 305-day yield (6,617kgs; 95% confidence interval (CI): 6,546–6,687 kgs) was recorded for the 21 month AFC class, significantly lower than any other class. The 36 month AFC class had the highest predicted mean (7,774 kgs; 95% CI: 7,737–7,811 kgs). However, an increased AFC was also associated with increased calving interval and increased first lactation somatic cell count (SCC). Animals calving at 21 months had a predicted mean lactation SCC of 72,765 (95% CI: 68427–77378). Animals calving at 36 months of age had a predicted mean lactation SCC of 86,648 (95% CI: 84,499–88,853). Importantly, an increased AFC was also associated with decreased lifetime daily milk yield and decreased likelihood of calving for a second successive time. Animals calving at 22 months of age had a predicted mean daily lifetime milk yield of 15.24 kgs (95% CI: 15.06–15.35); animals calving at 36 months of age had a predicted mean daily lifetime milk yield of 12.83 kgs (95% CI: 12.76–12.91). Our results highlight the importance of achieving a lower age at first calving which was here associated with improved udder health, increased lifetime daily milk yield, improved reproductive performance and increased likelihood of calving for a second time. PMID:29897929

Associations between age at first calving and subsequent lactation performance in UK Holstein and Holstein-Friesian dairy cows.

PubMed

Eastham, Neil T; Coates, Amy; Cripps, Peter; Richardson, Henry; Smith, Robert; Oikonomou, Georgios

2018-01-01

Lactation records from 396,534 pedigree Holstein and Holstein-Friesian primiparous cows from 6,985 UK milk recorded herds, calving for the first time during the period between the 1st of January 2006 and the 31st of December 2008, were examined in order to determine the associations between age at first calving (AFC) and subsequent production, udder health, fertility and survivability parameters. Heifers were grouped by AFC into single month classes ranging from 21 to 42 months. Mixed effects multivariable regression modelling was used for data analysis. Mean and median AFC were 29.1 and 28 months respectively. Within the study, only 48,567 heifers (12.3% of the studied population) calved for the first time at 24 months of age or younger. 162,157 heifers (40.9%) were 30 months or older at their first calving. An increased AFC was associated with increased first lactation milk, fat and protein yields. The lowest predicted mean 305-day yield (6,617kgs; 95% confidence interval (CI): 6,546-6,687 kgs) was recorded for the 21 month AFC class, significantly lower than any other class. The 36 month AFC class had the highest predicted mean (7,774 kgs; 95% CI: 7,737-7,811 kgs). However, an increased AFC was also associated with increased calving interval and increased first lactation somatic cell count (SCC). Animals calving at 21 months had a predicted mean lactation SCC of 72,765 (95% CI: 68427-77378). Animals calving at 36 months of age had a predicted mean lactation SCC of 86,648 (95% CI: 84,499-88,853). Importantly, an increased AFC was also associated with decreased lifetime daily milk yield and decreased likelihood of calving for a second successive time. Animals calving at 22 months of age had a predicted mean daily lifetime milk yield of 15.24 kgs (95% CI: 15.06-15.35); animals calving at 36 months of age had a predicted mean daily lifetime milk yield of 12.83 kgs (95% CI: 12.76-12.91). Our results highlight the importance of achieving a lower age at first calving which was here associated with improved udder health, increased lifetime daily milk yield, improved reproductive performance and increased likelihood of calving for a second time.

Genotype x environment interaction for age at first calving in Brazilian and Colombian Holsteins.

PubMed

Cerón-Muñoz, M F; Tonhati, H; Costa, C N; Maldonado-Estrada, J; Rojas-Sarmiento, D

2004-08-01

The objective was to determine whether there is a genotype x environment interaction for age at first calving (AFC) in Holstein cattle in Brazil and Colombia. Data included 51,239 and 25,569 first-lactation records from Brazil and Colombia, respectively. Of 4230 sires in the data, 530 were North American sires used in both countries. Analyses were done using the REML bi-trait animal model, and AFC was considered as a distinct characteristic in each country. Fixed effects of contemporary group (herd-calving year), sire genetic group, and cow genetic group, and random effects of animal and residual variation were included in the model. Average AFC in Brazil and Colombia were 29.5 +/- 4.0 and 32.1 +/- 3.5 mo, respectively. Additive and residual genetic components and heritability coefficient for AFC in Brazil were 2.21 mo2, 9.41 mo2, and 0.19, respectively, whereas for Colombia, they were 1.02 mo2, 6.84 mo2, and 0.13, respectively. The genetic correlation of AFC between Brazil and Colombia was 0.78, indicating differences in ranking of sires consistent with a genotype x environment interaction. Therefore, in countries with differing environments, progeny of Holstein sires may calve at relatively younger or older ages compared with contemporary herdmates in one environment versus another.

Modeling and Analysis of Actinide Diffusion Behavior in Irradiated Metal Fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edelmann, Paul G.

There have been numerous attempts to model fast reactor fuel behavior in the last 40 years. The US currently does not have a fully reliable tool to simulate the behavior of metal fuels in fast reactors. The experimental database necessary to validate the codes is also very limited. The DOE-sponsored Advanced Fuels Campaign (AFC) has performed various experiments that are ready for analysis. Current metal fuel performance codes are either not available to the AFC or have limitations and deficiencies in predicting AFC fuel performance. A modified version of a new fuel performance code, FEAST-Metal , was employed in this investigation with useful results. This work explores the modeling and analysis of AFC metallic fuels using FEAST-Metal, particularly in the area of constituent actinide diffusion behavior. The FEAST-Metal code calculations for this work were conducted at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in support of on-going activities related to sensitivity analysis of fuel performance codes. A sensitivity analysis of FEAST-Metal was completed to identify important macroscopic parameters of interest to modeling and simulation of metallic fuel performance. A modification was made to the FEAST-Metal constituent redistribution model to enable accommodation of newer AFC metal fuel compositions with verified results. Applicability of this modified model for sodium fast reactor metal fuel design is demonstrated.

Estimating Aboveground Forest Carbon Stock of Major Tropical Forest Land Uses Using Airborne Lidar and Field Measurement Data in Central Sumatra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thapa, R. B.; Watanabe, M.; Motohka, T.; Shiraishi, T.; shimada, M.

2013-12-01

Tropical forests are providing environmental goods and services including carbon sequestration, energy regulation, water fluxes, wildlife habitats, fuel, and building materials. Despite the policy attention, the tropical forest reserve in Southeast Asian region is releasing vast amount of carbon to the atmosphere due to deforestation. Establishing quality forest statistics and documenting aboveground forest carbon stocks (AFCS) are emerging in the region. Airborne and satellite based large area monitoring methods are developed to compliment conventional plot based field measurement methods as they are costly, time consuming, and difficult to implement for large regions. But these methods still require adequate ground measurements for calibrating accurate AFCS model. Furthermore, tropical region comprised of varieties of natural and plantation forests capping higher variability of forest structures and biomass volumes. To address this issue and the needs for ground data, we propose the systematic collection of ground data integrated with airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data. Airborne LiDAR enables accurate measures of vertical forest structure, including canopy height and volume demanding less ground measurement plots. Using an appropriate forest type based LiDAR sampling framework, structural properties of forest can be quantified and treated similar to ground measurement plots, producing locally relevant information to use independently with satellite data sources including synthetic aperture radar (SAR). In this study, we examined LiDAR derived forest parameters with field measured data and developed general and specific AFCS models for tropical forests in central Sumatra. The general model is fitted for all types of natural and plantation forests while the specific model is fitted to the specific forest type. The study region consists of natural forests including peat swamp and dry moist forests, regrowth, and mangrove and plantation forests including rubber, acacia, oil palm, and coconut. To cover these variations of forest type, eight LiDAR transacts crossing 60 (1-ha size) field plots were acquired for calibrating the models. The field plots consisted of AFCS ranging from 4 - 161 Mg /ha. The calibrated LiDAR to AFCS general model enabled to predict the AFCS with R2 = 0.87 and root mean square errors (RMSE) = 17.4 Mg /ha. The specific AFCS models provided carbon estimates, varied by forest types, with R2 ranging from 0.72 - 0.97 and uncertainty (RMSE) ranging from 1.4 - 10.7 Mg /ha. Using these models, AFCS maps were prepared for the LiDAR coverage that provided AFCS estimates for 8,000 ha offering larger ground sampling measurements for calibration of SAR based carbon mapping model to wider region of Sumatra.

User Delay Cost Model and Facilities Maintenance Cost Model for a Terminal Control Area : Volume 3. User's Manual and Program Documentation for the Facilities Maintenance Cost Model

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1978-05-01

The Facilities Maintenance Cost Model (FMCM) is an analytic model designed to calculate expected annual labor costs of maintenance within a given FAA maintenance sector. The model is programmed in FORTRAN IV and has been demonstrated on the CDC Krono...

Genetic parameters and environmental effects on temperament score and reproductive traits of Nellore cattle.

PubMed

Barrozo, D; Buzanskas, M E; Oliveira, J A; Munari, D P; Neves, H H R; Queiroz, S A

2012-01-01

Animal temperament is a trait of economic relevance and its use as a selection criterion requires the identification of environmental factors that influence this trait, as well as the estimation of its genetic variability and interrelationship with other traits. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of the covariates dam age at calving (ADC), long yearling age (YA) and long yearling weight (YW) on temperament score (T) and to estimate genetic parameters for T, scrotal circumference (SC) at long YA and age at first calving (AFC) in Nellore cattle participating in a selection program. The traits were analyzed by the restricted maximum likelihood method under a multiple-trait animal model. For all traits, contemporary group was included as a fixed effect and additive genetic and residual as random effects. In addition to these effects, YA, YW and ADC were considered for analyzing T. In the case of SC and AFC, the effect of long YW was included as a covariate. Genetic parameters were estimated for and between traits. The three covariates significantly influenced T. The heritability estimates for T, SC and AFC were 0.18 ± 0.02, 0.53 ± 0.04 and 0.23 ± 0.08, respectively. The genetic correlations between T and SC, and T and AFC were -0.07 ± 0.17 and -0.06 ± 0.19, respectively. The genetic correlation estimated between SC and AFC was -0.57 ± 0.16. In conclusion, a response to selection for T, SC and AFC is expected and selection for T does not imply correlated responses with the other traits.

Microbiological and physicochemical factors affecting Aspergillus section Flavi incidence in Cavendish banana (Musa cavendishii) chips production in Southern Philippines.

PubMed

Sales, A C; Azanza, P V; Yoshizawa, T

2005-01-01

Microbiological and physicochemical factors affecting the incidence of Aspergillus section Flavi in dried Cavendish banana (Musa cavendishii) chips production in Southern Philippines were examined. The average counts of Aspergillus section Flavi (AFC) in fresh and dried Cavendish bananas from 10 production batches of the Philippine Agro-Industrial Development Cooperative in Davao del Norte, Southern Philippines were 1.2 x 10(2) and 1.6 x 10(2) cfu/g, respectively. Isolates from both samples were identified to be Aspergillus flavus based on spore type and conidial structure of isolates. An increasing trend in the AFC of Cavendish bananas was observed during dried banana chips processing. Variability in the AFC between production batches was attributed to differences in aerobic and fungal populations and physicochemical characteristics of the fruits, peel damage of the raw materials, concentration of AFC in the air and food-contact surfaces of the production area, and temperature and relative humidity (RH) conditions of the environment during production and storage. Physicochemical characteristics of Cavendish bananas from the receipt of raw materials up to the first day of drying were within the reported range of values allowing growth and toxin production by aflatoxigenic fungi. Air-borne AFC varied depending on the section of the production area examined. The close proximity of the waste disposal area from the production operation to the preparation, drying and storage areas suggests that cross-contamination, probably air-borne or insect-borne was a likely occurrence. The hands of workers were also identified as AFC sources. Results of this study highlight the need for the development of strategies to control aflatoxigenic fungi and aflatoxin contamination in Philippine dried Cavendish bananas.

Simultaneous in vivo comparison of water-filled and air-filled pressure measurement catheters: Implications for good urodynamic practice.

PubMed

Gammie, A; Abrams, P; Bevan, W; Ellis-Jones, J; Gray, J; Hassine, A; Williams, J; Hashim, H

2016-11-01

This study aimed to evaluate whether the pressure readings obtained from air-filled catheters (AFCs) are the same as the readings from simultaneously inserted water-filled catheters (WFCs). It also aimed to make any possible recommendations for the use of AFCs to conform to International Continence Society (ICS) Good Urodynamic Practices (GUP). Female patients undergoing urodynamic studies in a single center had water-filled and air-filled catheters simultaneously measuring abdominal and intravesical pressure during filling with saline and during voiding. The pressures recorded by each system at each event during the test were compared using paired t-test and Bland-Altman analyses. 62 patients were recruited, of whom 51 had pressures that could be compared during filling, and 23 during voiding. On average, the pressures measured by the two systems were not significantly different during filling and at maximum flow, but the values for a given patient were found to differ by up to 10 cmH 2 O. This study shows that AFCs and WFCs cannot be assumed to register equal values of pressure. It has further shown that even when the p det readings are compared with their value at the start of a test, a divergence of values of up to 10 cmH 2 O remains. If AFCs are used, care must be taken to compensate for any p det variations that occur during patient movement. Before AFCs are adopted, new normal values for resting pressures need to be developed to allow good quality AFC pressure readings to be made. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:926-933, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Food additives and behavior in 8- to 9-year-old children in Hong Kong: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

PubMed

Lok, Kris Y W; Chan, Ruth S M; Lee, Vivian W Y; Leung, Patrick W; Leung, Cynthia; Leung, Jason; Woo, Jean

2013-01-01

To test the individual effect of artificial food colorings (AFCs) and a preservative on the behavior of the general Chinese population. One hundred thirty children (70 boys and 60 girls) in Hong Kong with a mean age of 8.64 years were enlisted to the study with a within-subject crossover between AFCs, a preservative (sodium benzoate), and a placebo capsule. Two behavior scores were used including the strengths and weaknesses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and normal behavior rating scale and the child behavior checklist-teacher report form. Capsule A containing AFCs and Capsule B containing sodium benzoate had no significant adverse effect compared with placebo in both behavior scores. This result persisted when analysis was restricted to children with 85% consumption of capsule (per protocol analysis). There seem to be no significant associations between AFCs and a preservative on Chinese children's behavior at the age of 8 to 9 years. Future directions and implications of this research are discussed.

14 CFR 171.103 - Requests for IFR procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... facility. (3) A proposed maintenance organization and a maintenance manual that meets the requirements of... facility has an acceptable level of operational reliability as prescribed in § 171.111(k), and an... the results and of any required changes in the facility or the maintenance manual or maintenance...

Ovarian morphology in polycystic ovary syndrome: estimates from 2D and 3D ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging and their correlation to anti-Müllerian hormone.

PubMed

Nylander, Malin; Frøssing, Signe; Bjerre, Anne H; Chabanova, Elizaveta; Clausen, Helle V; Faber, Jens; Skouby, Sven O

2017-08-01

Background Due to improved ultrasound scanners, new three-dimensional (3D) modalities, and novel Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)-assays, the ultrasound criteria for polycystic ovarian morphology are under debate and the appropriate thresholds are often requested. Purpose To quantify the differences in estimates of ovarian volume and antral follicle count (AFC) from two-dimensional (2D) and 3D transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Material and Methods A cross-sectional study on 66 overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) according to Rotterdam criteria. Ovarian volume and AFC were estimated from MRI, 2D TVUS, and 3D TVUS, and serum AMH levels were assessed. Bland-Altman statistics were used for comparison. Results Participants had a median age of 29 years (age range, 19-44 years) with a mean BMI of 32.7 kg/m 2 (SD 4.5). Ovarian volume from 2D TVUS was 1.48 mL (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94-2.03; P < 0.001) and 1.25 mL (95% CI, 0.62-1.87; P < 0.001) smaller than from 3D TVUS and MRI, respectively. AFC from 2D TVUS was 18% (95% CI, 13-23; P < 0.005) and 16% (95% CI, 6-25; P < 0.005) smaller than estimates from 3D TVUS and MRI, respectively. Correlations between AMH and AFC from 2D TVUS, 3D TVUS, and MRI were 0.67, 0.78, and 0.70, respectively ( P < 0.001 for all). Conclusion In an overweight PCOS population, 2D TVUS underestimated ovarian volume and AFC as compared with 3D TVUS and MRI. Serum AMH correlated best with AFC from 3D TVUS, followed by MRI and 2D TVUS. The advantage of 3D TVUS might be of minor clinical importance when diagnosing PCOS, but useful when the actual AFC are of interest, e.g. in fertility counseling and research.

Stick with a School Maintenance Plan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kennedy, Mike

2012-01-01

The U.S. Department of Education's "Planning Guide for Maintaining School Facilities" states that a sound facilities maintenance plan serves as evidence that school facilities are, and will be, cared for appropriately. On the other hand, negligent facilities maintenance planning can cause real problems. Budget restraints and cuts in…

The phenotypic diversity in per-follicle anti-Müllerian hormone production in polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Alebić, M Š; Stojanović, N; Duhamel, A; Dewailly, D

2015-08-01

Is intrinsic dysregulation of granulosa cells (GC) and consequent increases in the per-follicle production of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), correlated with the phenotypic presentation of women with polycystic ovaries? Involvement of intrinsic GC dysregulation in oligo-anovulation associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is likely because among women with PCOS, those with oligo-amenorrhea have higher per-follicle AMH production than those who ovulate normally, irrespective of their androgen and/or metabolic status. Women with PCOS have higher serum AMH level than non-PCOS women due to an increased follicle number and excessive AMH production per follicle, the latter reflecting a putative GC dysfunction that may vary between PCOS phenotypes. This is a retrospective analysis of data collected from 1021 women undergoing infertility evaluation from March 2011 to October 2013. The study included women with polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) who met the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS (n = 272), women with PCOM only (n = 168) and controls (n = 581). We used serum AMH to antral follicle count (AFC) ratio (AMH/AFC) as a marker of per-follicle AMH production and checked whether this ratio was associated with the PCOS phenotype and to the menstrual, androgen and metabolic status in women with PCOS, women with PCOM only and in controls. AMH/AFC was significantly higher in oligo-amenorrheic women with PCOS than in eumenorrheic women with PCOS or PCOM (P < 0.001) but also in the latter group compared with controls (P < 0.001) regardless of androgen status. Stepwise discriminant analysis yielded a significant score for the menstrual status with a discriminant power of 26.5% (P < 0.001). This score included AFC, AMH/AFC, waist circumference and LH with partial R(2) of 0.172, 0.042, 0.024 and 0.023, respectively. The AMH to AFC ratio as a surrogate marker for average AMH may be subject to error because follicles below the sensitivity limit of the ultrasonography used may also contribute to serum AMH concentration and secondly, AFC can be subjective. The higher AMH/AFC in women with PCOM only than in controls suggests that isolated PCOM may represent a PCOS-like phenotype in which an inherent dysfunction of GC exists but is too mild to affect the ovulatory process. No funding was obtained for this study. There are no conflicts of interest to be declared. Non-applicable. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

14 CFR 141.89 - Maintenance of personnel, facilities, and equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Maintenance of personnel, facilities, and... Maintenance of personnel, facilities, and equipment. The holder of a pilot school certificate or provisional... training unless: (a) Each airport, aircraft, and facility necessary for that training meets the standards...

14 CFR 141.89 - Maintenance of personnel, facilities, and equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Maintenance of personnel, facilities, and... Maintenance of personnel, facilities, and equipment. The holder of a pilot school certificate or provisional... training unless: (a) Each airport, aircraft, and facility necessary for that training meets the standards...

14 CFR 141.89 - Maintenance of personnel, facilities, and equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Maintenance of personnel, facilities, and... Maintenance of personnel, facilities, and equipment. The holder of a pilot school certificate or provisional... training unless: (a) Each airport, aircraft, and facility necessary for that training meets the standards...

14 CFR 141.89 - Maintenance of personnel, facilities, and equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Maintenance of personnel, facilities, and... Maintenance of personnel, facilities, and equipment. The holder of a pilot school certificate or provisional... training unless: (a) Each airport, aircraft, and facility necessary for that training meets the standards...

14 CFR 141.89 - Maintenance of personnel, facilities, and equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Maintenance of personnel, facilities, and... Maintenance of personnel, facilities, and equipment. The holder of a pilot school certificate or provisional... training unless: (a) Each airport, aircraft, and facility necessary for that training meets the standards...

30 CFR 71.501 - Sanitary toilet facilities; maintenance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Sanitary toilet facilities; maintenance. 71.501... COAL MINES Sanitary Toilet Facilities at Surface Worksites of Surface Coal Mines § 71.501 Sanitary toilet facilities; maintenance. Sanitary toilets provided in accordance with the provisions of § 71.500...

30 CFR 71.501 - Sanitary toilet facilities; maintenance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Sanitary toilet facilities; maintenance. 71.501... COAL MINES Sanitary Toilet Facilities at Surface Worksites of Surface Coal Mines § 71.501 Sanitary toilet facilities; maintenance. Sanitary toilets provided in accordance with the provisions of § 71.500...

30 CFR 71.501 - Sanitary toilet facilities; maintenance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Sanitary toilet facilities; maintenance. 71.501... COAL MINES Sanitary Toilet Facilities at Surface Worksites of Surface Coal Mines § 71.501 Sanitary toilet facilities; maintenance. Sanitary toilets provided in accordance with the provisions of § 71.500...

30 CFR 71.501 - Sanitary toilet facilities; maintenance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Sanitary toilet facilities; maintenance. 71.501... COAL MINES Sanitary Toilet Facilities at Surface Worksites of Surface Coal Mines § 71.501 Sanitary toilet facilities; maintenance. Sanitary toilets provided in accordance with the provisions of § 71.500...

Fluidic actuators for active flow control on airframe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schueller, M.; Weigel, P.; Lipowski, M.; Meyer, M.; Schlösser, P.; Bauer, M.

2016-04-01

One objective of the European Projects AFLoNext and Clean Sky 2 is to apply Active Flow Control (AFC) on the airframe in critical aerodynamic areas such as the engine/wing junction or the outer wing region for being able to locally improve the aerodynamics in certain flight conditions. At the engine/wing junction, AFC is applied to alleviate or even eliminate flow separation at low speeds and high angle of attacks likely to be associated with the integration of underwing- mounted Ultra High Bypass Ratio (UHBR) engines and the necessary slat-cut-outs. At the outer wing region, AFC can be used to allow more aggressive future wing designs with improved performance. A relevant part of the work on AFC concepts for airframe application is the development of suitable actuators. Fluidic Actuated Flow Control (FAFC) has been introduced as a Flow Control Technology that influences the boundary layer by actively blowing air through slots or holes out of the aircraft skin. FAFC actuators can be classified by their Net Mass Flux and accordingly divided into ZNMF (Zero Net Mass Flux) and NZNMF (Non Zero Net-Mass-Flux) actuators. In the frame of both projects, both types of the FAFC actuator concepts are addressed. In this paper, the objectives of AFC on the airframe is presented and the actuators that are used within the project are discussed.

Analysis of Non-Genetic Factors Influencing Reproductive Traits of Japanese Black Heifer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setiaji, A.; Oikawa, T.

2018-02-01

This study aimed was to identify non-genetic factors strongly associated with reproductive traits on Japanese Black heifer. Artificial insemination and calving records were analyzed to investigate non-genetic effect on reproductive performances. A total of 2220 records of heifer raised between 2005 and 2016 were utilized in this study. Studied traits were first service non return rate to 56 days (NRR), first service pregnancy rate (FPR), days from first to successful insemination (FSI), number of services per conception (NSC), age at first calving (AFC), and gestation length (GL). Test of significance for effects in the statistical model was performed using GLM procedure of SAS 9.3. The yearling trend was plotted on the adjusted mean of parameters, by the least square mean procedure. Means of NRR, FPR, FSI, NSC, AFC and GL were 72%, 53%, 52.71 days, 1.76, 760.71 days and 288.26 days, respectively. The effect of farm was significant (P<0.001) for FSI, AFC, and GL. The effects of age of heifer at first insemination was significant (P<0.001) for AFC. Month of insemination and sex of calf were significant (P<0.001) for GL. Compared with average value of reproductive traits, NSC and GL were generally within standard values for Japanese Black cattle, while AFC was slightly earlier. The result indicated that different management of farms strongly influenced reproductive traits of Japanese Black heifer.

25 CFR 170.807 - What must BIA include when it develops an IRR Transportation Facilities Maintenance Management...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... Transportation Facilities Maintenance Management System? 170.807 Section 170.807 Indians BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR LAND AND WATER INDIAN RESERVATION ROADS PROGRAM BIA Road Maintenance § 170.807 What must BIA include when it develops an IRR Transportation Facilities Maintenance Management System...

Facing the Issue of Facilities Maintenance in California Public Higher Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

California State Postsecondary Education Commission, Sacramento.

The decision to defer facilities maintenance obligations in California higher education and the extent to which maintenance has been deferred are discussed. Attention is also directed to the educational and fiscal context in which this decision has been made nationally. The policies and procedures governing facilities maintenance and deferral in…

Maintenance Trades Guidelines

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weidner, Theodore J.

2008-01-01

In 2002, APPA published "Maintenance Staffing Guidelines for Educational Facilities," the first building maintenance trades staffing guideline designed to assist educational facilities professionals with their staffing needs. addresses how facilities professionals can determine the appropriate size and mix of their organization. Contents…

47 CFR 90.539 - Frequency stability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... base station signal. (b) The frequency stability of base transmitters operating in the narrowband... is locked to the base station. When AFC is not locked to the base station, the frequency stability... base station, and 5 parts per million or better when AFC is not locked. [63 FR 58651, Nov. 2, 1998, as...

25 CFR 170.803 - What facilities are eligible under the BIA Road Maintenance Program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 25 Indians 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false What facilities are eligible under the BIA Road... AND WATER INDIAN RESERVATION ROADS PROGRAM BIA Road Maintenance § 170.803 What facilities are eligible under the BIA Road Maintenance Program? (a) The following public transportation facilities are eligible...

25 CFR 170.803 - What facilities are eligible under the BIA Road Maintenance Program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 25 Indians 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false What facilities are eligible under the BIA Road... AND WATER INDIAN RESERVATION ROADS PROGRAM BIA Road Maintenance § 170.803 What facilities are eligible under the BIA Road Maintenance Program? (a) The following public transportation facilities are eligible...

25 CFR 170.803 - What facilities are eligible under the BIA Road Maintenance Program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 25 Indians 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false What facilities are eligible under the BIA Road... AND WATER INDIAN RESERVATION ROADS PROGRAM BIA Road Maintenance § 170.803 What facilities are eligible under the BIA Road Maintenance Program? (a) The following public transportation facilities are eligible...

25 CFR 170.803 - What facilities are eligible under the BIA Road Maintenance Program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 25 Indians 1 2012-04-01 2011-04-01 true What facilities are eligible under the BIA Road... AND WATER INDIAN RESERVATION ROADS PROGRAM BIA Road Maintenance § 170.803 What facilities are eligible under the BIA Road Maintenance Program? (a) The following public transportation facilities are eligible...

A health maintenance facility for space station freedom

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Billica, R. D.; Doarn, C. R.

1991-01-01

We describe a health care facility to be built and used on an orbiting space station in low Earth orbit. This facility, called the health maintenance facility, is based on and modeled after isolated terrestrial medical facilities. It will provide a phased approach to health care for the crews of Space Station Freedom. This paper presents the capabilities of the health maintenance facility. As Freedom is constructed over the next decade there will be an increase in activities, both construction and scientific. The health maintenance facility will evolve with this process until it is a mature, complete, stand-alone health care facility that establishes a foundation to support interplanetary travel. As our experience in space continues to grow so will the commitment to providing health care.

Alternative Fuels Data Center: Liquefied Natural Gas Allows for Cleaner

Science.gov Websites

maintenance facilities to support them. This effort has contributed to millions of dollars saved and more than operation and maintenance of the vehicles. The city constructed a new LNG maintenance facility and then recently retrofitted an existing maintenance facility with the necessary methane detectors, alarms, and

20 CFR 638.306 - Protection and maintenance of contract center facilities owned or leased by Job Corps.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 20 Employees' Benefits 3 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Protection and maintenance of contract center... Funding, Site Selection, and Facilities Management § 638.306 Protection and maintenance of contract center... and maintenance of contract center facilities owned or leased by Job Corps which shall be consistent...

Maintenance Business Plans.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adams, Matt

2002-01-01

Discusses maintenance business plans, statements which provide accountability for facilities maintenance organizations' considerable budgets. Discusses the plan's components: statement of plan objectives, macro and detailed description of the facility assets, maintenance function descriptions, description of key performance indicators, milestone…

3-Dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Using Different Fuels

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

major types of fuel cells in practice are listed below: Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell ( PEMFC ) Alkaline Fuel cell (AFC) Phosphoric Acid...Material Operating Temperature (oC) Efficiency (%) PEMFC H2, Methanol, Formic Acid Hydrated Organic Polymer < 90 40-50 AFC Pure H2 Aqueous

Ultrastable automatic frequency control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sabourin, D. J.; Furiga, A.

1981-01-01

Center frequency of wideband AFC circuit drifts only hundredths of percent per day. Since circuit responds only to slow frequency drifts and modulation signal has high-pass characteristics, AFC does not interfere with normal FM operation. Stable oscillator, reset circuit, and pulse generator constitute time-averaging discriminator; digital counter in pulse generator replaces usual monostable multivibrator.

Blended Wing Body (BWB) Boundary Layer Ingestion (BLI) Inlet Configuration and System Studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kawai, Ronald T.; Friedman, Douglas M.; Serrano, Leonel

2006-01-01

A study was conducted to determine the potential reduction in fuel burned for BLI (boundary layer ingestion) inlets on a BWB (blended wing body) airplane employing AFC (active flow control). The BWB is a revolutionary type airplane configuration with engines on the aft upper surface where thick boundary layer offers the greatest opportunity for ram drag reduction. AFC is an emerging technology for boundary layer control. Several BLI inlet configurations were analyzed in the NASA-developed RANS Overflow CFD code. The study determined that, while large reductions in ram drag result from BLI, lower inlet pressure recovery produces engine performance penalties that largely offset this ram drag reduction. AFC could, however, enable a short BLI inlet that allows surface mounting of the engine which, when coupled with a short diffuser, would significantly reduce drag and weight for a potential 10% reduction in fuel burned. Continuing studies are therefore recommended to achieve this reduction in fuel burned considering the use of more modest amounts of BLI coupled with both AFC and PFC (Passive Flow Control) to produce a fail-operational system.

An overview of active flow control actuators and applications (presentation video)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brzozowski, Daniel; Whalen, Edward A.

2014-04-01

Active Flow Control (AFC) is an emerging technology which promises performance enhancements to both military and civilian aircraft. A technique which uses energy input at discrete locations to manipulate the flow over an aerodynamic surface, AFC may be used to reduce drag, prevent flow separation, and enable otherwise-infeasible aerodynamic designs. Additional applications include shear layer and turbulence control for aero-optics applications and mixing enhancement for thermal applications. Many AFC applications call for a high frequency fluidic perturbation provided by an electrically-powered actuator. In these instances, piezoelectric (PZT) materials have served as the workhorse for flow control actuators, such as the widely-studied synthetic jet. Because the PZT materials form the critical component of the actuator, the maximum performance of the synthetic jet (velocity and momentum output) is limited by the physical limitations of the PZT material. The purpose of this presentation is to provide a high level overview of AFC actuators and applications in an attempt to engage the smart materials community and encourage advanced material development in support of these crucial applications.

A High-Order, Time Invariant, Linearized Model for Application to HHCIAFCS Interaction Studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheng, Rendy P.; Tischler, Mark B.; Celi, Roberto

2003-01-01

This paper describes a methodology for the extraction of a linear time invariant model from a nonlinear helicopter model, and followed by an examination of the interactions of the Higher Harmonic Control (HHC) and the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS). This new method includes an embedded harmonic analyzer inside a linear time invariant model, which allows the periodicity of the helicopter response to be captured. The: coupled high-order model provides the needed level of dynamic fidelity to permit an analysis and optimization of the AFCS and HHC loops. Results of this study indicate that the closed-loop HHC system has little influence on the AFCS or on the vehicle handling qualities, which indicates that the AFCS does not need modification to work with the HHC system. The results also show that the vibration response to maneuvers must be considered during the HHC design process, which leads to much higher required HHC loop crossover frequencies. This research also demonstrates that the transient vibration response during maneuvers can be reduced by optimizing the closed-loop higher harmonic control laws using conventional control system analyses.

Improved fire protection system for underground fueling areas. Volume II. Final report Sep 77-Oct 81

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

McDonald, L.; Kennedy, D.; Reid, G.

1981-10-01

The objectives of this investigation were to (1) develop safe practice guidelines that will minimize the chance of fires in underground fueling areas and (2) to develop a low-cost, reliable, automatic fire control system (AFCS) for underground fueling areas. Volume I of the report covered the period from June 21, 1976, to September 30, 1977, and included (1) the preparation of safe practice guidelines for underground fueling areas; (2) preparation of recommended AFCS design concepts for underground fueling areas; and (3) the design, fabrication, and in-mine fire test of an AFCS at Pine Creek Mine, Bishop, Calif. Volume II ofmore » the report covers the period from September 30, 1977, to September 30, 1981, and includes (1) a long-term validation test of the AFCS in the Pine Creek Mine, (2) a study of the environmental effects of aqueous film-forming foam, (3) the design and installation of a system at AMAX Buick Mine, Boss, Mo., (4) the design of a system for enclosed fuel areas, and (5) the design of a system for semipermanent fueling areas.« less

Active vibration control for piezoelectricity cantilever beam: an adaptive feedforward control method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Qiao; Yue, Jun-Zhou; Liu, Wei-Qun; Wang, Xu-Dong; Chen, Jun; Hu, Guang-Di

2017-04-01

This work is focused on the active vibration control of piezoelectric cantilever beam, where an adaptive feedforward controller (AFC) is utilized to reject the vibration with unknown multiple frequencies. First, the experiment setup and its mathematical model are introduced. Due to that the channel between the disturbance and the vibration output is unknown in practice, a concept of equivalent input disturbance (EID) is employed to put an equivalent disturbance into the input channel. In this situation, the vibration control can be achieved by setting the control input be the identified EID. Then, for the EID with known multiple frequencies, the AFC is introduced to perfectly reject the vibration but is sensitive to the frequencies. In order to accurately identify the unknown frequencies of EID in presence of the random disturbances and un-modeled nonlinear dynamics, the time-frequency-analysis (TFA) method is employed to precisely identify the unknown frequencies. Consequently, a TFA-based AFC algorithm is proposed to the active vibration control with unknown frequencies. Finally, four cases are given to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed TFA-based AFC algorithm by experiment.

Each small antral follicle in ovaries of women with polycystic ovary syndrome produces more antimüllerian hormone than its counterpart in a normal ovary: an observational cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Bhide, Priya; Dilgil, Merve; Gudi, Anil; Shah, Amit; Akwaa, Charity; Homburg, Roy

2015-02-01

To ascertain if subfertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) secrete more antimüllerian hormone (AMH) per antral follicle than control women. Observational cross-sectional study. Fertility clinic. A total of 438 women attending the fertility clinic over a period of 13 months from September 2012 to September 2013. Serum concentrations of AMH and the total antral follicle count (AFC) were obtained from women attending the fertility clinic. The ratio of AMH/AFC for each subject was calculated. Women were categorized into three groups: PCOS, polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM), and control. PCOS and PCOM were defined based on the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology/American Society for Reproductive Medicine Rotterdam consensus criteria. The ratio of AMH/AFC for each subject in the three groups: PCOS, PCOM, and control. The median AMH/AFC ratios in the PCOS, PCOM, and control groups were 1.92, 1.13, and 1.00, respectively. The AMH/AFC ratio was significantly higher in the PCOS group compared with the PCOM and control groups (F[2,152] = 21.82). Women in the three groups were not statistically different regarding age, body mass index, earlier ovarian surgery, and smoking status. Subfertile women with PCOS secrete significantly more AMH per antral follicle than women with PCOM only and control women. Copyright © 2015 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Presence of keratin-specific antibody-forming cells in palatine tonsils of patients with pustulosis palmaris et plantaris (PPP) and its correlation with prognosis after tonsillectomy.

PubMed

Tanimoto, Yoichiro; Fukuyama, Satoshi; Tanaka, Norimitsu; Ohori, Jun-Ichiro; Tanimoto, Yukari; Kurono, Yuichi

2014-01-01

Keratin-specific immune responses in tonsils may be associated with the pathogenesis of pustulosis palmaris et plantaris (PPP). Evaluation of keratin-specific immune responses in tonsils might be useful to predict the effectiveness of tonsillectomy for patients with PPP. The aim of the present study was to clarify the role of keratin-specific immune responses in the pathogenesis of PPP in tonsils. It has been reported that anti-keratin antibodies in serum were higher in patients with PPP and decreased after tonsillectomy, indicating that anti-keratin antibodies might be generated in tonsils. In order to demonstrate the presence of keratin-specific immune responses in tonsils, the numbers of keratin-specific antibody-forming cells (AFCs) in tonsillar and peripheral blood lymphocytes were examined by enzyme-linked immunospot assay. The prognosis of PPP was compared after tonsillectomy. The numbers of keratin-specific IgM and IgG AFCs in tonsils and of IgG AFCs in peripheral blood were significantly increased in patients with PPP. The numbers of keratin-specific IgG AFCs in peripheral blood correlated positively with tonsil and serum IgG antibodies specific to keratin. Our data show that a good prognosis in patients with PPP depended on the numbers of keratin-specific IgG and IgM AFCs in peripheral blood and the levels of keratin-specific IgG antibodies in serum being significantly decreased 6 months after tonsillectomy.

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

J. Carmack; L. Braase; F. Goldner

The mission of the Advanced Fuels Campaign (AFC) is to perform Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) activities for advanced fuel forms (including cladding) to enhance the performance and safety of the nation’s current and future reactors, enhance proliferation resistance of nuclear fuel, effectively utilize nuclear energy resources, and address the longer-term waste management challenges. This includes development of a state of the art Research and Development (R&D) infrastructure to support the use of a “goal oriented science based approach.” AFC uses a “goal oriented, science based approach” aimed at a fundamental understanding of fuel and cladding fabrication methods and performancemore » under irradiation, enabling the pursuit of multiple fuel forms for future fuel cycle options. This approach includes fundamental experiments, theory, and advanced modeling and simulation. One of the most challenging aspects of AFC is the management, integration, and coordination of major R&D activities across multiple organizations. AFC interfaces and collaborates with Fuel Cycle Technologies (FCT) campaigns, universities, industry, various DOE programs and laboratories, federal agencies (e.g., Nuclear Regulatory Commission [NRC]), and international organizations. Key challenges are the development of fuel technologies to enable major increases in fuel performance (safety, reliability, power and burnup) beyond current technologies, and development of characterization methods and predictive fuel performance models to enable more efficient development and licensing of advanced fuels. Challenged with the research and development of fuels for two different reactor technology platforms, AFC targeted transmutation fuel development and focused ceramic fuel development for Advanced LWR Fuels.« less

The Indecision Model of Psychophysical Performance in Dual-Presentation Tasks: Parameter Estimation and Comparative Analysis of Response Formats

PubMed Central

García-Pérez, Miguel A.; Alcalá-Quintana, Rocío

2017-01-01

Psychophysical data from dual-presentation tasks are often collected with the two-alternative forced-choice (2AFC) response format, asking observers to guess when uncertain. For an analytical description of performance, psychometric functions are then fitted to data aggregated across the two orders/positions in which stimuli were presented. Yet, order effects make aggregated data uninterpretable, and the bias with which observers guess when uncertain precludes separating sensory from decisional components of performance. A ternary response format in which observers are also allowed to report indecision should fix these problems, but a comparative analysis with the 2AFC format has never been conducted. In addition, fitting ternary data separated by presentation order poses serious challenges. To address these issues, we extended the indecision model of psychophysical performance to accommodate the ternary, 2AFC, and same–different response formats in detection and discrimination tasks. Relevant issues for parameter estimation are also discussed along with simulation results that document the superiority of the ternary format. These advantages are demonstrated by fitting the indecision model to published detection and discrimination data collected with the ternary, 2AFC, or same–different formats, which had been analyzed differently in the sources. These examples also show that 2AFC data are unsuitable for testing certain types of hypotheses. matlab and R routines written for our purposes are available as Supplementary Material, which should help spread the use of the ternary format for dependable collection and interpretation of psychophysical data. PMID:28747893

30 CFR 75.1712-10 - Underground sanitary facilities; maintenance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Underground sanitary facilities; maintenance... LABOR COAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH MANDATORY SAFETY STANDARDS-UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Miscellaneous § 75.1712-10 Underground sanitary facilities; maintenance. Sanitary toilets shall be regularly maintained in...

30 CFR 75.1712-10 - Underground sanitary facilities; maintenance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Underground sanitary facilities; maintenance... LABOR COAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH MANDATORY SAFETY STANDARDS-UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Miscellaneous § 75.1712-10 Underground sanitary facilities; maintenance. Sanitary toilets shall be regularly maintained in...

30 CFR 75.1712-10 - Underground sanitary facilities; maintenance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Underground sanitary facilities; maintenance... LABOR COAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH MANDATORY SAFETY STANDARDS-UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Miscellaneous § 75.1712-10 Underground sanitary facilities; maintenance. Sanitary toilets shall be regularly maintained in...

30 CFR 75.1712-10 - Underground sanitary facilities; maintenance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Underground sanitary facilities; maintenance... LABOR COAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH MANDATORY SAFETY STANDARDS-UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Miscellaneous § 75.1712-10 Underground sanitary facilities; maintenance. Sanitary toilets shall be regularly maintained in...

30 CFR 75.1712-10 - Underground sanitary facilities; maintenance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Underground sanitary facilities; maintenance... LABOR COAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH MANDATORY SAFETY STANDARDS-UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Miscellaneous § 75.1712-10 Underground sanitary facilities; maintenance. Sanitary toilets shall be regularly maintained in...

Effect of prepubertal and postpubertal growth and age at first calving on production and reproduction traits during the first 3 lactations in Holstein dairy cattle.

PubMed

Krpálková, L; Cabrera, V E; Vacek, M; Stípková, M; Stádník, L; Crump, P

2014-05-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of body condition score (BCS), body weight (BW), average daily weight gain (ADG), and age at first calving (AFC) of Holstein heifers on production and reproduction parameters in the 3 subsequent lactations. The data set consisted of 780 Holstein heifers calved at 2 dairy farms in the Czech Republic from 2007 to 2011. Their BW and BCS were measured at monthly intervals during the rearing period (5 to 18 mo of age), and the milk production and reproduction data of the first 3 lactations were collected over an 8-yr period (2005 to 2012). The highest milk yield in the first lactation was found in the group with medium ADG (5 to 14 mo of age; 0.949 to 0.850 kg of ADG). The highest average milk yield over lifetime performance was detected in heifers with the highest total ADG (≥ 0.950 kg/d). The difference in milk yield between the evaluated groups of highest ADG (in total and postpubertal growth ≥ 0.950 kg/d and in prepubertal growth ≥ 0.970 kg/d) and the lowest ADG (≤ 0.849 kg/d) was approximately 1,000 kg/305 d per cow. The highest milk yield in the first lactation was found in the group with the highest AFC ≥ 751 d, for which fat and protein content in the milk was not reduced. Postpubertal growth (11 to 14 mo of age) had the greatest effect on AFC. The group with lowest AFC ≤ 699 d showed a negative effect on milk yield but only in the first 100 d of the first parity. The highest ADG was detrimental to reproduction parameters in the first lactation. The highest BW at 14 mo (≥ 420 kg) led to lower AFC. Groups according to BCS at 14 mo showed no differences in AFC or milk yield in the first lactation or lifetime average production per lactation. We concluded that low AFC ≤ 699 d did not show a negative effect on subsequent production and reproduction parameters. Therefore, a shorter rearing period is recommended for dairy herds with suitable management. Copyright © 2014 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Regulation of ENaC-mediated alveolar fluid clearance by insulin via PI3K/Akt pathway in LPS-induced acute lung injury.

PubMed

Deng, Wang; Li, Chang-Yi; Tong, Jin; Zhang, Wei; Wang, Dao-Xin

2012-03-30

Stimulation of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) increases Na(+) transport, a driving force of alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) to keep alveolar spaces free of edema fluid that is beneficial for acute lung injury (ALI). It is well recognized that regulation of ENaC by insulin via PI3K pathway, but the mechanism of this signaling pathway to regulate AFC and ENaC in ALI remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of insulin on AFC in ALI and clarify the pathway in which insulin regulates the expression of ENaC in vitro and in vivo. A model of ALI (LPS at a dose of 5.0 mg/kg) with non-hyperglycemia was established in Sprague-Dawley rats receiving continuous exogenous insulin by micro-osmotic pumps and wortmannin. The lungs were isolated for measurement of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), total lung water content(TLW), and AFC after ALI for 8 hours. Alveolar epithelial type II cells were pre-incubated with LY294002, Akt inhibitor and SGK1 inhibitor 30 minutes before insulin treatment for 2 hours. The expressions of α-,β-, and γ-ENaC were detected by immunocytochemistry, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting. In vivo, insulin decreased TLW, enchanced AFC, increased the expressions of α-,β-, and γ-ENaC and the level of phosphorylated Akt, attenuated lung injury and improved the survival rate in LPS-induced ALI, the effects of which were blocked by wortmannin. Amiloride, a sodium channel inhibitor, significantly reduced insulin-induced increase in AFC. In vitro, insulin increased the expressions of α-,β-, and γ-ENaC as well as the level of phosphorylated Akt but LY294002 and Akt inhibitor significantly prevented insulin-induced increase in the expression of ENaC and the level of phosphorylated Akt respectively. Immunoprecipitation studies showed that levels of Nedd4-2 binding to ENaC were decreased by insulin via PI3K/Akt pathway. Our study demonstrated that insulin alleviated pulmonary edema and enhanced AFC by increasing the expression of ENaC that dependent upon PI3K/Akt pathway by inhibition of Nedd4-2.

Characterization of stormwater at selected South Carolina Department of Transportation maintenance yards and section shed facilities in Ballentine, Conway, and North Charleston, South Carolina, 2010-12

USGS Publications Warehouse

Journey, Celeste A.; Conlon, Kevin J.

2014-01-01

Increased impervious surfaces (driveways, parking lots, and buildings) and human activities (residential, industrial, and commercial) have been linked to substantial changes in both the quality and quantity of stormwater on a watershed scale (Brabec and others, 2002; Pitt and Maestre, 2005). Small-scale storage and equipment repair facilities increase impervious surfaces that prevent infiltration of stormwater, and these facilities accommodate activities that can introduce trace metals, organic compounds, and other contaminants to the facility’s grounds. Thus, these small facilities may contribute pollutants to the environment during storm events (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1992). The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) operates section shed and maintenance yard facilities throughout the State. Prior to this investigation, the SCDOT had no data to define the quality of stormwater leaving these facilities. To provide these data, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the SCDOT, conducted an investigation to identify and quantify constituents that are transported in stormwater from two maintenance yards and a section shed in three different areas of South Carolina. The two maintenance yards, in North Charleston and Conway, S.C., were selected because they represent facilities where equipment and road maintenance materials are stored and complete equipment repair operations are conducted. The section shed, in Ballentine, S.C., was selected because it is a facility that stores equipment and road maintenance material. Characterization of the constituents that were transported in stormwater from these representative SCDOT maintenance facilities may be used by the SCDOT in the development of stormwater management plans for similar section shed and maintenance yard facilities throughout the State to improve stormwater quality.

14 CFR 147.37 - Maintenance of facilities, equipment, and material.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) SCHOOLS AND OTHER CERTIFICATED AGENCIES AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS... maintenance technician school shall provide facilities, equipment, and material equal to the standards...

Effect of high and low antral follicle count in pubertal beef heifers on in vitro fertilization (IVF)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Pubertal heifers can be classified between those with high (= 25) and low (= 15) antral follicle counts (AFC). The objective of this study was to determine oocyte development and maturation (e.g., fertility) in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) system for high and low AFC heifers. From a pool of 120...

In vitro fertilization (IVF) from low or high antral follicle count pubertal beef heifers using semi-defined culture conditions

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Antral follicle counts (AFC) vary among pubertal beef heifers. Our objective was to compare the in vitro maturation and fertilization of oocytes collected from low and high AFC heifers. Previously we reported results using serum-based IVF media and in this study report results using semi-defined m...

Control problems in armored face conveyors for longwall mines

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

Broadfoot, A.R.; Betz, R.E.

1998-03-01

This paper is a tutorial discussion of the current difficulties being experienced with the performance of armored face conveyor (AFC) drive systems, as used in longwall mining. It presents the traditional approaches to the design of the drive system and highlights the inadequacies. The final part of the paper presents a possible solution approach using variable-speed drive systems, emphasizing the advantages of this approach. The paper is significant, in that it discusses, in one document, a number of problems related to the operation of longwall AFC`s. Furthermore, it presents a solution path for these problems. The details of the controlmore » strategies to solve the problems highlighted are left to a companion paper.« less

77 FR 61631 - Final Environmental Impact Statement for Stehekin River Corridor Implementation Plan, Lake Chelan...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-10

... management of park facilities (e.g., roads, bridges, trails, maintenance yard) in response to increased... Meadows, while retaining private access to the area via a 0.75-mile-long reduced maintenance road... maintenance and residential facilities from floodplain areas, construction of recreational facilities and...

Development of Army Facility Functionality Assessment Criteria and Procedures

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

critical facility types: the Tactical Equipment Main- tenance Facility (TEMF), the Company Operations Facility (COF), the Bat- talion Headquarters...Criteria for Company Operations Facilities (COF) ................ 56 Appendix G: Army Standard Design Criteria for Tactical Equipment Maintenance...1 mission-critical facility types: the Tactical Equipment Mainten- ance Facility (TEMF), the Company Operations Facility (COF), the Batta- lion

FAA Certificated Maintenance Agencies Directory (1997)

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-05-06

This advisory circular (AC) transmits a consolidated directory of all : certificated Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) repair stations and : manufacturer's maintenance facilities. The repair stations and manufacturer's : maintenance facilities we...

14 CFR 121.123 - Servicing maintenance facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Servicing maintenance facilities. 121.123 Section 121.123 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION..., supplies, and materials) are available for the proper servicing, maintenance, and preventive maintenance of...

14 CFR 121.123 - Servicing maintenance facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Servicing maintenance facilities. 121.123 Section 121.123 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION..., supplies, and materials) are available for the proper servicing, maintenance, and preventive maintenance of...

14 CFR 121.123 - Servicing maintenance facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Servicing maintenance facilities. 121.123 Section 121.123 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION..., supplies, and materials) are available for the proper servicing, maintenance, and preventive maintenance of...

14 CFR 121.123 - Servicing maintenance facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Servicing maintenance facilities. 121.123 Section 121.123 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION..., supplies, and materials) are available for the proper servicing, maintenance, and preventive maintenance of...

Evaluating the Significance of Viscoelasticity in Diagnosing Early-Stage Liver Fibrosis with Transient Elastography.

PubMed

Zhao, Jingxin; Zhai, Fei; Cheng, Jun; He, Qiong; Luo, Jianwen; Yang, Xueping; Shao, Jinhua; Xing, Huichun

2017-01-01

Transient elastography quantifies the propagation of a mechanically generated shear wave within a soft tissue, which can be used to characterize the elasticity and viscosity parameters of the tissue. The aim of our study was to combine numerical simulation and clinical assessment to define a viscoelastic index of liver tissue to improve the quality of early diagnosis of liver fibrosis. This is clinically relevant, as early fibrosis is reversible. We developed an idealized two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element model of the liver to evaluate the effects of different viscoelastic values on the propagation characteristics of the shear wave. The diagnostic value of the identified viscoelastic index was verified against the clinical data of 99 patients who had undergone biopsy and routine blood tests for staging of liver disease resulting from chronic hepatitis B infection. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and the shear wave attenuation fitting coefficient (AFC) were calculated from the ultrasound data obtained by performing transient elastography. Receiver operating curve analysis was used to evaluate the reliability and diagnostic accuracy of LSM and AFC. Compared to LSM, the AFC provided a higher diagnostic accuracy to differentiate early stages of liver fibrosis, namely F1 and F2 stages, with an overall specificity of 81.48%, sensitivity of 83.33% and diagnostic accuracy of 81.82%. AFC was influenced by the level of LSM, ALT. However, there are no correlation between AFC and Age, BMI, TBIL or DBIL. Quantification of the viscoelasticity of liver tissue provides reliable measurement to identify and differentiate early stages of liver fibrosis.

Evaluating the Significance of Viscoelasticity in Diagnosing Early-Stage Liver Fibrosis with Transient Elastography

PubMed Central

Cheng, Jun; He, Qiong; Luo, Jianwen; Yang, Xueping; Shao, Jinhua; Xing, Huichun

2017-01-01

Transient elastography quantifies the propagation of a mechanically generated shear wave within a soft tissue, which can be used to characterize the elasticity and viscosity parameters of the tissue. The aim of our study was to combine numerical simulation and clinical assessment to define a viscoelastic index of liver tissue to improve the quality of early diagnosis of liver fibrosis. This is clinically relevant, as early fibrosis is reversible. We developed an idealized two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element model of the liver to evaluate the effects of different viscoelastic values on the propagation characteristics of the shear wave. The diagnostic value of the identified viscoelastic index was verified against the clinical data of 99 patients who had undergone biopsy and routine blood tests for staging of liver disease resulting from chronic hepatitis B infection. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and the shear wave attenuation fitting coefficient (AFC) were calculated from the ultrasound data obtained by performing transient elastography. Receiver operating curve analysis was used to evaluate the reliability and diagnostic accuracy of LSM and AFC. Compared to LSM, the AFC provided a higher diagnostic accuracy to differentiate early stages of liver fibrosis, namely F1 and F2 stages, with an overall specificity of 81.48%, sensitivity of 83.33% and diagnostic accuracy of 81.82%. AFC was influenced by the level of LSM, ALT. However, there are no correlation between AFC and Age, BMI, TBIL or DBIL. Quantification of the viscoelasticity of liver tissue provides reliable measurement to identify and differentiate early stages of liver fibrosis. PMID:28107385

Genetic and clinical predictors of ovarian response in assisted reproductive technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiweko, B.; Damayanti, I.; Suryandari, D.; Natadisastra, M.; Pratama, G.; Sumapraja, K.; Meutia, K.; Iffanolia, P.; Harzief, A. K.; Hestiantoro, A.

2017-08-01

Several factors are known to influence ovarian response to rFSH stimulation such as age, antral follicle count (AFC), and basal FSH level, Mutation of allele Ser680Asn in FSHR gene was responsible to ovarian resistance toward exogenous FSH. The aim of this study is to develop a prediction model of ovarian response to COS in IVF. This study was a prospective cohort study. One hundred and thirteen women undergoing their first cycle of IVF in Yasmin IVF Clinic Jakarta were recruited to this study. Clinical datas included were age, BMI, and AFC. Basal FSH and E2 as well as serum AMH was measured from peripheral blood taken at second day of cycle. Bsr-1 enzyme is used to identify the polymorphism in exon 10 position 680 with RFLP technique. Three genotype polymorphism, Asn/Asn (255 bp ribbon), Asn/Ser (97 bp and 158 bp), and Ser/Ser (97 bp, 158 bp, and 255 bp). AFC has the highest predictor for ovarian response with AUC 0.922 (CI 95% 0.833-1.000). AMH also showed high predicting value (AUC 0.843 CI 95% 0.663-1.000). The multivariate analysis revealed combination of AFC, AMH, age, and basal FSH is a good model for ovarian response prediction (AUC=0.97). No significant relation between Asn/Asn, Asn/Ser, or Ser/Ser genotype FSHR polymorphism with ovarian response (p = 0.866) and total dose of rRSH (p = 0.08). This study showed that model combination of AFC, AMH, patient’s age and basal FSH are very good to predict number of mature oocytes.

25 CFR 170.805 - What are the local, tribal, and BIA roles in transportation facility maintenance?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... transportation facility maintenance? 170.805 Section 170.805 Indians BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR LAND AND WATER INDIAN RESERVATION ROADS PROGRAM BIA Road Maintenance § 170.805 What are the local... Road Maintenance dollars. ...

NREL Provides First-of-its-Kind Guidance Promoting Safety Standards for

Science.gov Websites

Promoting Safety Standards for Natural Gas Vehicle Maintenance Facilities NREL Provides First-of-its-Kind Guidance Promoting Safety Standards for Natural Gas Vehicle Maintenance Facilities December 1, 2017 The U.S vehicle maintenance facilities with a new handbook and webinar that outline safety factors and standards

A Qualitative Analysis of Facilities Maintenance--A School Governance Function in South Africa

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Xaba, M. I.

2012-01-01

I analysed school facilities maintenance, a school governance function in South Africa. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 13 principals and three deputy principals as coordinators of this function at their schools. The interviews were purposively and conveniently selected to gather data regarding school facilities maintenance and gain…

77 FR 44110 - Special Conditions: Agusta S.p.A. Model AW139 and AB139 Helicopter, Installation of a Search and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-27

... must comply with the following: (i) The hoist operator control must be designed and located to provide... failures affecting the control system must be evaluated. (ii) The AFCS must be designed so that it cannot... Helicopter, Installation of a Search and Rescue (SAR) Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) AGENCY: Federal...

Mathematical Model for a Simplified Calculation of the Input Momentum Coefficient for AFC Purposes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirsch, Damian; Gharib, Morteza

2016-11-01

Active Flow Control (AFC) is an emerging technology which aims at enhancing the aerodynamic performance of flight vehicles (i.e., to save fuel). A viable AFC system must consider the limited resources available on a plane for attaining performance goals. A higher performance goal (i.e., airplane incremental lift) demands a higher input fluidic requirement (i.e., mass flow rate). Therefore, the key requirement for a successful and practical design is to minimize power input while maximizing performance to achieve design targets. One of the most used design parameters is the input momentum coefficient Cμ. The difficulty associated with Cμ lies in obtaining the parameters for its calculation. In the literature two main approaches can be found, which both have their own disadvantages (assumptions, difficult measurements). A new, much simpler calculation approach will be presented that is based on a mathematical model that can be applied to most jet designs (i.e., steady or sweeping jets). The model-incorporated assumptions will be justified theoretically as well as experimentally. Furthermore, the model's capabilities are exploited to give new insight to the AFC technology and its physical limitations. Supported by Boeing.

The East Asian age-friendly cities promotion - Taiwan's experience and the need for an oriental paradigm.

PubMed

Chao, Tzuyuan Stessa; Huang, Huiwen

2016-03-01

It is the consensus that the rapid increase of the ageing population has become a global phenomenon. In 2007, the World Health Organization (WHO) advanced a handbook called Global Age-friendly Cities: A Guide The core concept of the age-friendly cities (AFC) movement is 'active ageing'. Taiwan became one of the few Asian countries that initially responded to the WHO AFC movement in 2010. Following the guidance set by the WHO, Taiwan began its promotion at a national level, and with local authorities. However, during the advocacy process, the fundamental differences between Eastern and Western cultures in terms of family values and deep-rooted respect for the elderly have raised an awareness of the need for an oriental paradigm. This paper identifies three key elements for AFC promotion in East Asian countries based on an analysis of Taiwan's experience: during needs assessment take collectivism into consideration, during action plans at the community level community leaders' views will be more important (particularism), and when promoting AFC at the institutional level a top-down approach will be more acceptable (high power distance concept). © The Author(s) 2016.

Fractional-N phase-locked loop for split and direct automatic frequency control in A-GPS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Chester Sungchung; Park, Sungkyung

2018-07-01

A low-power mixed-signal phase-locked loop (PLL) is modelled and designed for the DigRF interface between the RF chip and the modem chip. An assisted-GPS or A-GPS multi-standard system includes the DigRF interface and uses the split automatic frequency control (AFC) technique. The PLL circuitry uses the direct AFC technique and is based on the fractional-N architecture using a digital delta-sigma modulator along with a digital counter, fulfilling simple ultra-high-resolution AFC with robust digital circuitry and its timing. Relative to the output frequency, the measured AFC resolution or accuracy is <5 parts per billion (ppb) or on the order of a Hertz. The cycle-to-cycle rms jitter is <6 ps and the typical settling time is <30 μs. A spur reduction technique is adopted and implemented as well, demonstrating spur reduction without employing dithering. The proposed PLL includes a low-leakage phase-frequency detector, a low-drop-out regulator, power-on-reset circuitry and precharge circuitry. The PLL is implemented in a 90-nm CMOS process technology with 1.2 V single supply. The overall PLL draws about 1.1 mA from the supply.

Developing mobile- and BIM-based integrated visual facility maintenance management system.

PubMed

Lin, Yu-Cheng; Su, Yu-Chih

2013-01-01

Facility maintenance management (FMM) has become an important topic for research on the operation phase of the construction life cycle. Managing FMM effectively is extremely difficult owing to various factors and environments. One of the difficulties is the performance of 2D graphics when depicting maintenance service. Building information modeling (BIM) uses precise geometry and relevant data to support the maintenance service of facilities depicted in 3D object-oriented CAD. This paper proposes a new and practical methodology with application to FMM using BIM technology. Using BIM technology, this study proposes a BIM-based facility maintenance management (BIMFMM) system for maintenance staff in the operation and maintenance phase. The BIMFMM system is then applied in selected case study of a commercial building project in Taiwan to verify the proposed methodology and demonstrate its effectiveness in FMM practice. Using the BIMFMM system, maintenance staff can access and review 3D BIM models for updating related maintenance records in a digital format. Moreover, this study presents a generic system architecture and its implementation. The combined results demonstrate that a BIMFMM-like system can be an effective visual FMM tool.

Role of different lymphocyte subpopulations in the formation of non-specific immunoglobulins induced by antigen injection.

PubMed

Chernyshova, I N; Borisova, T K; Emelyanzeva, J A; Sidorova, E V

1999-04-01

The formation of antibody and non-specific immunoglobulin under the influence of T-dependent (TD) and type 2 T-independent (TI-2) antigens in mice of two congenic strains CBA (Lyb5-, Lyb5+) and CBA/N (Lyb5-) was studied. TD antigens induced in mice of both strains not only the appearance of antibody-forming cells (AFC), but also a great increase in the number of cells producing non-specific immunoglobulins (nIFC). TI-2 antigens induced the AFC and antigen-dependent nIFC formation in CBA mice only. It is concluded that during immune response to TI-2 antigens not only the AFC appearance but the increase in nIFC formation (polyclonal activation) is due mainly to the mature Lyb5+ B cells.

Ovulation rate, antral follicle count, and circulating anti-Müllerian hormone in Trio allele carriers, a novel high fecundity bovine genotype.

PubMed

García-Guerra, Alvaro; Motta, Jéssica C L; Melo, Leonardo F; Kirkpatrick, Brian W; Wiltbank, Milo C

2017-10-01

High fecundity genotypes in sheep are a valuable model to study the physiological mechanisms underlying follicle selection and the control of ovulation rate. Similar genotypes in cattle had not been described until the recent identification of a major bovine allele, termed Trio, which had a large effect on ovulation rate. The present study was designed to evaluate ovulation rate, antral follicle count (AFC), circulating ant-müllerian hormone (AMH), and the association among these measures in unstimulated and superstimulated Trio carrier cattle. We hypothesized that AFC and AMH would be variable among individual cows but would be similar between Trio carriers and non-carrier control cows and that there would be no association between these measures of follicle numbers and ovulation rate. In experiment 1, ovulation rate was determined during 4 consecutive estrous cycles in Trio carriers (n = 34) and non-carrier controls (n = 27). Ovulation rate, on average, was greater (P < 0.01) in Trio carriers (3.5 ± 0.2) compared to non-carrier controls (1.1 ± 0.1) with ∼70% of carrier cycles (n = 136) having 3-4 ovulations while only ∼5% had single ovulations. In contrast, non-carrier cycles (n = 108) were mostly single ovulation (89%) with none having more than two ovulations. In experiment 2, AFC, determined at wave emergence, was not different (P = 0.54) between Trio carriers (24.5 ± 1.3; n = 45) and non-carrier controls (23.1 ± 0.9; n = 37), and no correlation was found between AFC and mean ovulation rate in either genotype (r = -0.009 and r = -0.07; P > 0.70, respectively). In Experiment 3, circulating AMH was also not different between genotypes (P = 0.65) while correlations were found between AFC and AMH in Trio carriers (r = 0.43; P = 0.05; n = 27) and non-carrier controls (r = 0.78; P < 0.01; n = 19). In experiment 4, AFC and AMH were determined in Trio-carriers (n = 9) in relation to a synchronized follicular wave which was unstimulated or stimulated with exogenous FSH. Stimulation with FSH increased ovulation rate, compared to unstimulated Trio carriers, however no association was found between AFC or AMH and ovulation rate regardless of whether superstimulation with exogenous FSH was used. In conclusion, the novel high fecundity bovine genotype Trio, results in consistent multiple ovulations despite having similar AFC and AMH. Therefore, our results suggest that differences in antral follicle numbers during the final stages of follicle development are not a key component of the mechanism underlying multiple ovulations in Trio carriers. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Ovarian response markers lead to appropriate and effective use of corifollitropin alpha in assisted reproduction.

PubMed

La Marca, Antonio; D'Ippolito, Giovanni

2014-02-01

Corifollitropin alpha is a highly effective gonadotrophin, which maintains multifollicular growth for a week. The advantages of its administration include ease of use of the drug, making the treatment more patient friendly, resulting in a lower level of distress for the patient. At the same time, the pregnancy rate resulting from its use in IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles is similar to that found when daily recombinant FSH is administered. The ovarian response to corifollitropin alpha is dependent on clinically established predictors such as baseline FSH, antral follicle count (AFC) and age. There is a general trend towards a higher ovarian response with an increasing AFC and the number of oocytes per attempt decreased with increasing baseline FSH and age. Even if the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome following corifollitropin alpha is very similar to the rate reported in literature for young women undergoing IVF, the risk of overstimulation may be reduced by avoiding maximal ovarian stimulation in women anticipated to be hyperresponders. High basal anti-Müllerian hormone and/or AFC can identify women with enhanced functional ovarian reserve at risk of overstimulation, and the risk is even higher if maximally stimulated with corifollitropin alpha or high dose of daily recombinant FSH. Corifollitropin alpha is a highly effective gonadotrophin which maintains multifollicular growth for a week. The ovarian response to corifollitropin was demonstrated to be dependent on clinically established predictors such as baseline FSH, antral follicle count (AFC) and age. There was a general trend toward a higher ovarian response with an increasing AFC and the mean number of oocytes per attempt decreased with increasing baseline FSH and age. Even if the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) following corifollitropin alpha is very similar to the rate of OHSS reported in literature for young women undergoing IVF, the risk of overstimulation may be reduced by avoiding maximal ovarian stimulation in women anticipated to be hyperresponders. Increasing evidence demonstrates that anti-Müllerian hormone and AFC exhibit a very good diagnostic performance in the prediction of hyperresponse. High basal anti-Müllerian hormone and/or AFC can identify women with enhanced functional ovarian reserve who are at risk of overstimulation if stimulated in IVF cycles and the risk is even higher if maximally stimulated with corifollitropin alpha or high dose of daily recombinant FSH. Copyright © 2013 Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Outcome of ICSI with motile testicular spermatozoa obtained through microscopically assisted testicular sperm extraction in relation to the ovarian response.

PubMed

Erdem, E; Karacan, M; Usta, A; Arvas, A; Cebi, Z; Camlibel, T

2017-05-01

To determine the relationship between AFC, basal FSH level, woman's age, the number of oocytes retrieved and the outcome of ICSI with testicular spermatozoa obtained with microscopically assisted testicular sperm extraction. In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 340 couples who underwent ICSI treatment with testicular sperm were enrolled. Women aged?40years and the first cycles of couples were included. ICSI was performed with motile testicular spermatozoa obtained from 89 men with obstructive azoospermia and 251 men with nonobstructive azoospermia. GnRH-antagonist protocol was used for ovulation induction. Simple linear regression was carried out to analyze relationship between the AFC, basal FSH, woman's age, the number of oocytes, and the live birth rate (LBR). Receiver operator characteristic curves (ROC) were formed to detect cut-off values below which LBR was significantly decreased. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the cut-off level of the number of oocytes retrieved to predict the LBR was 7. According to this cut-off level, all patients were divided into two groups. Women with retrieved<7 oocytes were included in Group 1 and women with retrieved?7 oocytes were included in Group 2. The mean age of men was 35.1±4.9years. The mean age, mean FSH level and mean AFC of women were 32.1±4.9years, 6.9±2.7 IU/L, 7.6±3.4, respectively. Significant correlations were found between AFC, the number of oocytes retrieved, and the LBR per ICSI cycle with testicular spermatozoa. The LBR was significantly lower in women with AFC<8 than those with AFC?8. Independently, the LBR was significantly lower in cycles with<7 oocytes retrieved compared to those with ?7. Embryo transfer was not achieved in 37 cycles with<7 oocytes (37/167, 22.1%) and 18 cycles with?7 (18/173, 10.4%) because of the absence of transfer-quality embryos (P=0.005). The LBRs were the lowest in cycles with one or two oocytes available (8.3 and 8.3%, respectively), but these rates were not statistically different than those in cycles with 3, 4, 5 and 6 oocytes (14.2, 17.2, 18.5, 17.6%, respectively, P=0.810). AFC and the number of oocytes retrieved are important prognostic factors in an ICSI cycle with testicular sperm in women ?40years, yielding significantly diminished LBRs with<8 antral follicles and/or<7 oocytes retrieved. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Study of the impact of automation on productivity in bus-maintenance facilities. Final report

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

Sumanth, D.J.; Weiss, H.J.; Adya, B.

1988-12-01

Whether or not the various types of automation and new technologies introduced in a bus-transit system really have an impact on productivity is the question addressed in the study. The report describes a new procedure of productivity measurement and evaluation for a county-transit system and provides an objective perspective on the impact of automation on productivity in bus maintenance facilities. The research objectives were: to study the impact of automation on total productivity in transit maintenance facilities; to develop and apply a methodology for measuring the total productivity of a Floridian transit maintenance facility (Bradenton-Manatee County bus maintenance facility whichmore » has been introducing automation since 1983); and to develop a practical step-by-step implementation scheme for the total productivity-based productivity measurement system that any bus manager can use. All 3 objectives were successfully accomplished.« less

Developing Mobile- and BIM-Based Integrated Visual Facility Maintenance Management System

PubMed Central

Su, Yu-Chih

2013-01-01

Facility maintenance management (FMM) has become an important topic for research on the operation phase of the construction life cycle. Managing FMM effectively is extremely difficult owing to various factors and environments. One of the difficulties is the performance of 2D graphics when depicting maintenance service. Building information modeling (BIM) uses precise geometry and relevant data to support the maintenance service of facilities depicted in 3D object-oriented CAD. This paper proposes a new and practical methodology with application to FMM using BIM technology. Using BIM technology, this study proposes a BIM-based facility maintenance management (BIMFMM) system for maintenance staff in the operation and maintenance phase. The BIMFMM system is then applied in selected case study of a commercial building project in Taiwan to verify the proposed methodology and demonstrate its effectiveness in FMM practice. Using the BIMFMM system, maintenance staff can access and review 3D BIM models for updating related maintenance records in a digital format. Moreover, this study presents a generic system architecture and its implementation. The combined results demonstrate that a BIMFMM-like system can be an effective visual FMM tool. PMID:24227995

Overlapping memory trace indispensable for linking, but not recalling, individual memories.

PubMed

Yokose, Jun; Okubo-Suzuki, Reiko; Nomoto, Masanori; Ohkawa, Noriaki; Nishizono, Hirofumi; Suzuki, Akinobu; Matsuo, Mina; Tsujimura, Shuhei; Takahashi, Yukari; Nagase, Masashi; Watabe, Ayako M; Sasahara, Masakiyo; Kato, Fusao; Inokuchi, Kaoru

2017-01-27

Memories are not stored in isolation from other memories but are integrated into associative networks. However, the mechanisms underlying memory association remain elusive. Using two amygdala-dependent behavioral paradigms-conditioned taste aversion (CTA) and auditory-cued fear conditioning (AFC)-in mice, we found that presenting the conditioned stimulus used for the CTA task triggered the conditioned response of the AFC task after natural coreactivation of the memories. This was accompanied through an increase in the overlapping neuronal ensemble in the basolateral amygdala. Silencing of the overlapping ensemble suppressed CTA retrieval-induced freezing. However, retrieval of the original CTA or AFC memory was not affected. A small population of coshared neurons thus mediates the link between memories. They are not necessary for recalling individual memories. Copyright © 2017, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Maintenance of Airport Visual Aid Facilities

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1982-08-26

This advisory circular provides recommended guidelines for maintenance of : airport visual aid facilities. Since the function of such facilities is to : assist in the safe and efficient movement of aircraft during landing, takeoff, : and taxiing mane...

Analysis of Deactivation Mechanism on a Multi-Component Sulfur-Tolerant Steam Reforming Catalyst

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-01

Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFC) .............................................................................. 4 1.1.2. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells ( PEMFC ...temperature fuel cells. Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC), Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell ( PEMFC ), DMFC and Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC) are low...1960s. 1.1.2. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells ( PEMFC ) Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are said to be the best type of fuel cells to replace

Cationic Polymers Developed for Alkaline Fuel Cell Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-20

into five categories: proton exchange membrane fuel cell ( PEMFC ), alkaline fuel cell (AFC), molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC), solid oxide fuel...SOFC and PAFC belong to high temperature fuel cell, which can be applied in stationary power generation. PEMFC and AFC belong to low temperature fuel...function of the polymer electrolyte is to serve as electrolyte to transport ions between electrodes. PEMFC uses a polymer as electrolyte and works

Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms for Trapping and Activating Emotional Memories

PubMed Central

Cai, Denise J.; Sano, Yoshitake; Lee, Yong-Seok; Zhou, Yu; Bekal, Pallavi; Deisseroth, Karl; Silva, Alcino J.

2016-01-01

Recent findings suggest that memory allocation to specific neurons (i.e., neuronal allocation) in the amygdala is not random, but rather the transcription factor cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) modulates this process, perhaps by regulating the transcription of channels that control neuronal excitability. Here, optogenetic studies in the mouse lateral amygdala (LA) were used to demonstrate that CREB and neuronal excitability regulate which neurons encode an emotional memory. To test the role of CREB in memory allocation, we overexpressed CREB in the lateral amygdala to recruit the encoding of an auditory-fear conditioning (AFC) memory to a subset of neurons. Then, post-training activation of these neurons with Channelrhodopsin-2 was sufficient to trigger recall of the memory for AFC, suggesting that CREB regulates memory allocation. To test the role of neuronal excitability in memory allocation, we used a step function opsin (SFO) to transiently increase neuronal excitability in a subset of LA neurons during AFC. Post-training activation of these neurons with Volvox Channelrhodopsin-1 was able to trigger recall of that memory. Importantly, our studies show that activation of the SFO did not affect AFC by either increasing anxiety or by strengthening the unconditioned stimulus. Our findings strongly support the hypothesis that CREB regulates memory allocation by modulating neuronal excitability. PMID:27579481

Method matters: Systematic effects of testing procedure on visual working memory sensitivity

PubMed Central

Makovski, Tal; Watson, Leah M.; Koutstaal, Wilma; Jiang, Yuhong V.

2010-01-01

Visual working memory (WM) is traditionally considered a robust form of visual representation that survives changes in object motion, observer's position, and other visual transients. This study presents data that are inconsistent with the traditional view. We show that memory sensitivity is dramatically influenced by small variations in the testing procedure, supporting the idea that representations in visual WM are susceptible to interference from testing. In this study, participants were shown an array of colors to remember. After a short retention interval, memory for one of the items was tested with either a same-different task or a 2-alternative-forced-choice (2AFC) task. Memory sensitivity was much lower in the 2AFC task than in the same-different task. This difference was found regardless of encoding similarity or whether visual WM required a fine memory resolution or a coarse resolution. The 2AFC disadvantage was reduced when participants were informed shortly before testing which item would be probed. The 2AFC disadvantage diminished in perceptual tasks and was not found in tasks probing visual long-term memory. These results support memory models that acknowledge the labile nature of visual WM, and have implications for the format of visual WM and its assessment. PMID:20854011

Relationship between linear type and fertility traits in Nguni cows.

PubMed

Zindove, T J; Chimonyo, M; Nephawe, K A

2015-06-01

The objective of the study was to assess the dimensionality of seven linear traits (body condition score, body stature, body length, heart girth, navel height, body depth and flank circumference) in Nguni cows using factor analysis and indicate the relationship between the extracted latent variables and calving interval (CI) and age at first calving (AFC). The traits were measured between December 2012 and November 2013 on 1559 Nguni cows kept under thornveld, succulent karoo, grassland and bushveld vegetation types. Low partial correlations (-0.04 to 0.51), high Kaiser statistic for measure of sampling adequacy scores and significance of the Bartlett sphericity test (P1. Factor 1 included body condition score, body depth, flank circumference and heart girth and represented body capacity of cows. Factor 2 included body length, body stature and navel height and represented frame size of cows. CI and AFC decreased linearly with increase of factor 1. There was a quadratic increase in AFC as factor 2 increased (P<0.05). It was concluded that the linear type traits under study can be grouped into two distinct factors, one linked to body capacity and the other to the frame size of the cows. Small-framed cows with large body capacities have shorter CI and AFC.

Final Exam.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coullahan, Richard

1998-01-01

Explains the use of a maintenance-management assessment process that educational facility managers can use to improve facility conditions and to provide evidence for future capital investments in maintenance management. Discusses questions a maintenance-management audit can answer and describes how to analyze the data to gain maximum understanding…

14 CFR 171.161 - Maintenance and operations requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... meet at a minimum the Federal Communications Commission's licensing requirements and show that he has the special knowledge and skills needed to maintain the facility, including proficiency in maintenance... facility. (2) Maintenance and operations by authorized persons only. (3) Federal Communications Commission...

14 CFR 171.161 - Maintenance and operations requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... meet at a minimum the Federal Communications Commission's licensing requirements and show that he has the special knowledge and skills needed to maintain the facility, including proficiency in maintenance... facility. (2) Maintenance and operations by authorized persons only. (3) Federal Communications Commission...

14 CFR 171.161 - Maintenance and operations requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... meet at a minimum the Federal Communications Commission's licensing requirements and show that he has the special knowledge and skills needed to maintain the facility, including proficiency in maintenance... facility. (2) Maintenance and operations by authorized persons only. (3) Federal Communications Commission...

14 CFR 147.37 - Maintenance of facilities, equipment, and material.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... material. 147.37 Section 147.37 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) SCHOOLS AND OTHER CERTIFICATED AGENCIES AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS Operating Rules § 147.37 Maintenance of facilities, equipment, and material. (a) Each certificated aviation...

14 CFR 147.37 - Maintenance of facilities, equipment, and material.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... material. 147.37 Section 147.37 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) SCHOOLS AND OTHER CERTIFICATED AGENCIES AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS Operating Rules § 147.37 Maintenance of facilities, equipment, and material. (a) Each certificated aviation...

14 CFR 147.37 - Maintenance of facilities, equipment, and material.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... material. 147.37 Section 147.37 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) SCHOOLS AND OTHER CERTIFICATED AGENCIES AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS Operating Rules § 147.37 Maintenance of facilities, equipment, and material. (a) Each certificated aviation...

14 CFR 147.37 - Maintenance of facilities, equipment, and material.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... material. 147.37 Section 147.37 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) SCHOOLS AND OTHER CERTIFICATED AGENCIES AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS Operating Rules § 147.37 Maintenance of facilities, equipment, and material. (a) Each certificated aviation...

14 CFR 171.161 - Maintenance and operations requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... meet at a minimum the Federal Communications Commission's licensing requirements and show that he has the special knowledge and skills needed to maintain the facility, including proficiency in maintenance... facility. (2) Maintenance and operations by authorized persons only. (3) Federal Communications Commission...

Evaluation of renewable energy alternatives for highway maintenance facilities.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-12-01

A considerable annual energy budget is used for heating, lighting, cooling and operating ODOT : maintenance facilities. Such facilities contain vehicle repair and garage bays, which are large open : spaces with high heating demand in winter. The main...

25 CFR 170.808 - Can BIA Road Maintenance Program funds be used to improve IRR transportation facilities?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 25 Indians 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Can BIA Road Maintenance Program funds be used to improve... THE INTERIOR LAND AND WATER INDIAN RESERVATION ROADS PROGRAM BIA Road Maintenance § 170.808 Can BIA Road Maintenance Program funds be used to improve IRR transportation facilities? No. BIA Road...

[STRATEGY OF USE AND MAINTENANCE OF CLINICAL HOSPITAL CENTER RIJEKA IN ACCORDANCE WITH KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR STRATEGIC HEALTHCARE FACILITIES MAINTENANCE].

PubMed

Sjekavica, Mariela; Haller, Herman; Cerić, Anita

2015-01-01

Building usage is the phase in the building life cycle that is most time-consuming, most functional, most significant due to building purpose and often systematically ignored. Maintenance is the set of activities that ensure the planned duration of facility exploitation phase in accordance with the requirements for quality maintenance of a large number of important building features as well as other elements immanent to the nature of facilities' life. The aim of the study is to show the analysis of the current state of organized, planned and comprehensive managerial approach in hospital utilization and maintenance in the Republic of Croatia, given on the case study of Clinical hospital center in Rijeka. The methodology used consists of relevant literature section of theory of facility utilization, maintenance and management in general, hospital buildings especially, display of practice on case study, and comparison of key performance indicators values obtained through interview with those that author Igal M. Shohet defined in his study by field surveys and statistical analyses. Despite many positive indicators of Clinical hospital center Rijeka maintenance, an additional research is needed in order to define a more complete national hospital maintenance strategy.

77 FR 67584 - Air Carrier Contract Maintenance Requirements

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-13

...-certificated repair facilities, and the air carriers' outsourcing of maintenance. In each of those reports... maintenance outsourcing practices (Recommendation 2). \\3\\ Review of Air Carriers' Use of Aircraft Repair... (Recommendation 7). \\4\\ Air Carrier's Outsourcing Use of Non-Certificated Repair Facilities, Report No. AV-2006...

Deferred Maintenance.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaiser, Harvey H.

1980-01-01

Facilities maintenance is seen as the most important item on the agenda of education in the 1980s. Definite action has been taken to identify deferred maintenance needs of several state systems and private colleges. Identifying and defining the problem is discussed along with comprehensive facilities management and survey guidelines. (MLW)

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATION REPORT - REMOVAL OF PRECURSORS TO DISINFECTION BY-PRODUCTS IN DRINKING WATER, PCI MEMBRANE SYSTEMS FYNE PROCESS MODEL ROP 1434 WITH AFC-30 NANOFILTRATON AT BARROW, AK - NSF 00/19/EPADW395

EPA Science Inventory

Equipment testing and verification of PCI Membrane Systems Inc. Fyne Process nanofiltraton systems Model ROP 1434 equipped with a C10 module containing AFC-30 tubular membranes was conducted from 3/16-5/11/2000 in Barrow, AS. The source water was a moderate alkalinity, moderately...

A Hybrid Approach to Tactical Vehicles

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

membrane fuel cell ( PEMFC ), molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC), solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC), alkaline fuel cell (AFC...and the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) (Ehsani, Gao, & Emadi, 2010). Of the six major types of fuel cells; the PEMFC , SOFC, and AFC are... PEMFC (21st Century Truck Program, 2000). There are a number of advantages of using a fuel cell as the primary power source for a vehicle. All fuel

Design and pilot evaluation of the RAH-66 Comanche Core AFCS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fogler, Donald L., Jr.; Keller, James F.

1993-01-01

This paper addresses the design and pilot evaluation of the Core Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) for the Reconnaissance/Attack Helicopter (RAH-66) Comanche. During the period from November 1991 through February 1992, the RAH-66 Comanche control laws were evaluated through a structured pilot acceptance test using a motion base simulator. Design requirements, descriptions of the control law design, and handling qualities data collected from ADS-33 maneuvers are presented.

Performance of a commercial transport under typical MLS noise environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ho, J. K.

1986-01-01

The performance of a 747-200 automatic flight control system (AFCS) subjected to typical Microwave Landing System (MLS) noise is discussed. The performance is then compared with the results from a previous study which had a B747 AFCS subjected to the MLS standards and recommended practices (SARPS) maximum allowable noise. A glide slope control run with Instrument Landing System (ILS) noise is also conducted. Finally, a linear covariance analysis is presented.

Flight Control Development for the ARH-70 Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christensen, Kevin T.; Campbell, Kip G.; Griffith, Carl D.; Ivler, Christina M.; Tischler, Mark B.; Harding, Jeffrey W.

2008-01-01

In July 2005, Bell Helicopter won the U.S. Army's Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter competition to produce a replacement for the OH-58 Kiowa Warrior capable of performing the armed reconnaissance mission. To meet the U.S. Army requirement that the ARH-70A have Level 1 handling qualities for the scout rotorcraft mission task elements defined by ADS-33E-PRF, Bell equipped the aircraft with their generic automatic flight control system (AFCS). Under the constraints of the tight ARH-70A schedule, the development team used modem parameter identification and control law optimization techniques to optimize the AFCS gains to simultaneously meet multiple handling qualities design criteria. This paper will show how linear modeling, control law optimization, and simulation have been used to produce a Level 1 scout rotorcraft for the U.S. Army, while minimizing the amount of flight testing required for AFCS development and handling qualities evaluation of the ARH-70A.

Changes in ovarian reserve and ovarian blood flow in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome following laparoscopic ovarian drilling.

PubMed

Kamal, Nasser; Sanad, Zakaria; Elkelani, Osama; Rezk, Mohamed; Shawky, Mohamed; Sharaf, Abd-Elbar

2018-04-10

This prospective cohort study was conducted on 80 patients with clomiphene citrate (CC)-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD). Pre- and post-LOD ovarian reserve parameters (anti-Mullerian hormone: AMH, ovarian volume: OV, and antral follicle count: AFC) and ovarian stromal blood flow indices (Vascularization index: VI, flow index: FI, and vascularization flow index: VFI) were measured to explore the effect of LOD and to find out the correlation between serum AMH and different clinical, hormonal, and ultrasonic variables. There was a highly significant reduction of the serum AMH (p < .001) after LOD with significant reduction in OV, AFC and vascular indices (VI, FI and VFI) of the right and left ovaries (p < .05). LOD significantly reduced ovarian reserve parameters (AMH, OV and AFC) and ovarian stromal blood flow indices (VI, FI and VFI) with no observed correlation between AMH levels and Doppler indices.

A High-Order, Linear Time-Invariant Model for Application to Higher Harmonic Control and Flight Control System Interaction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheng, Rendy P.; Tischler, Mark B.; Celi, Roberto

2006-01-01

This research describes a new methodology for the extraction of a high-order, linear time invariant model, which allows the periodicity of the helicopter response to be accurately captured. This model provides the needed level of dynamic fidelity to permit an analysis and optimization of the AFCS and HHC algorithms. The key results of this study indicate that the closed-loop HHC system has little influence on the AFCS or on the vehicle handling qualities, which indicates that the AFCS does not need modification to work with the HHC system. However, the results show that the vibration response to maneuvers must be considered during the HHC design process, and this leads to much higher required HHC loop crossover frequencies. This research also demonstrates that the transient vibration responses during maneuvers can be reduced by optimizing the closed-loop higher harmonic control algorithm using conventional control system analyses.

An intelligent active force control algorithm to control an upper extremity exoskeleton for motor recovery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasbullah Mohd Isa, Wan; Taha, Zahari; Mohd Khairuddin, Ismail; Majeed, Anwar P. P. Abdul; Fikri Muhammad, Khairul; Abdo Hashem, Mohammed; Mahmud, Jamaluddin; Mohamed, Zulkifli

2016-02-01

This paper presents the modelling and control of a two degree of freedom upper extremity exoskeleton by means of an intelligent active force control (AFC) mechanism. The Newton-Euler formulation was used in deriving the dynamic modelling of both the anthropometry based human upper extremity as well as the exoskeleton that consists of the upper arm and the forearm. A proportional-derivative (PD) architecture is employed in this study to investigate its efficacy performing joint-space control objectives. An intelligent AFC algorithm is also incorporated into the PD to investigate the effectiveness of this hybrid system in compensating disturbances. The Mamdani Fuzzy based rule is employed to approximate the estimated inertial properties of the system to ensure the AFC loop responds efficiently. It is found that the IAFC-PD performed well against the disturbances introduced into the system as compared to the conventional PD control architecture in performing the desired trajectory tracking.

Bacteriological evaluation of a new air turbine handpiece for preventing cross-contamination in dental procedures.

PubMed

Masuda, K; Ohta, M; Ohsuka, S; Matsuyama, M; Ashoori, M; Usami, T; Ito, M; Ueda, M; Kaneda, T

1994-03-01

An autoclavable air turbine handpiece, Air Flushing Clean System (AFCS) (Osada Electric Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) was developed for use in dentistry with the objective of reducing cross-contamination. Its potential for bacterial contamination was investigated in vitro using two bacterial strains (Streptococcus mutants ATCC 25175 and Staphylococcus aureus FDA 209 P). In theory, this device should prevent cross-contamination of the internal water and air lines of the handpiece, by maintaining an internal positive pressure even after the turbine is stopped. In the present study, this AFCS device was found to reduce the bacterial contamination within the air turbine handpiece more effectively than the conventional handpiece used according to accepted protocol. The reduction of such contamination by the AFCS is in keeping with the recent objective of the American Dental Association to reduce cross-contamination during dental procedures.

Advanced Fuels Campaign FY 2014 Accomplishments Report

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

Braase, Lori; May, W. Edgar

The mission of the Advanced Fuels Campaign (AFC) is to perform Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) activities for advanced fuel forms (including cladding) to enhance the performance and safety of the nation’s current and future reactors; enhance proliferation resistance of nuclear fuel; effectively utilize nuclear energy resources; and address the longer-term waste management challenges. This includes development of a state-of-the art Research and Development (R&D) infrastructure to support the use of a “goal-oriented science-based approach.” In support of the Fuel Cycle Research and Development (FCRD) program, AFC is responsible for developing advanced fuels technologies to support the various fuel cyclemore » options defined in the Department of Energy (DOE) Nuclear Energy Research and Development Roadmap, Report to Congress, April 2010. AFC uses a “goal-oriented, science-based approach” aimed at a fundamental understanding of fuel and cladding fabrication methods and performance under irradiation, enabling the pursuit of multiple fuel forms for future fuel cycle options. This approach includes fundamental experiments, theory, and advanced modeling and simulation. The modeling and simulation activities for fuel performance are carried out under the Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) program, which is closely coordinated with AFC. In this report, the word “fuel” is used generically to include fuels, targets, and their associated cladding materials. R&D of light water reactor (LWR) fuels with enhanced accident tolerance is also conducted by AFC. These fuel systems are designed to achieve significantly higher fuel and plant performance to allow operation to significantly higher burnup, and to provide enhanced safety during design basis and beyond design basis accident conditions. The overarching goal is to develop advanced nuclear fuels and materials that are robust, have high performance capability, and are more tolerant to accident conditions than traditional fuel systems. AFC management and integration activities included continued support for international collaborations, primarily with France, Japan, the European Union, Republic of Korea, and China, as well as various working group and expert group activities in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD-NEA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Three industry-led Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) and two university-led Integrated Research Projects (IRPs), funded in 2013, made significant progress in fuels and materials development. All are closely integrated with AFC and Accident Tolerant Fuels (ATF) research. Accomplishments made during fiscal year (FY) 2014 are highlighted in this report, which focuses on completed work and results. The process details leading up to the results are not included; however, the lead technical contact is provided for each section.« less

Ovarian reserve after treatment with alkylating agents during childhood.

PubMed

Thomas-Teinturier, Cécile; Allodji, Rodrigue Sétchéou; Svetlova, Ekaterina; Frey, Marie-Alix; Oberlin, Odile; Millischer, Anne-Elodie; Epelboin, Sylvie; Decanter, Christine; Pacquement, Helene; Tabone, Marie-Dominique; Sudour-Bonnange, Helene; Baruchel, André; Lahlou, Najiba; De Vathaire, Florent

2015-06-01

What is the effect of different alkylating agents used without pelvic radiation to treat childhood cancer in girls on the ovarian reserve in survivors? Ovarian reserve seems to be particularly reduced in survivors who received procarbazine (in most cases for Hodgkin lymphoma) or high-dose chemotherapy; procarbazine but not cyclophosphamide dose is associated with diminished ovarian reserve. A few studies have demonstrated diminished ovarian reserve in survivors after various combination therapies, but the individual role of each treatment is difficult to assess. Prospective cross-sectional study, involving 105 survivors and 20 controls. One hundred and five survivors aged 17-40 years and 20 controls investigated on Days 2-5 of a menstrual cycle or Day 7 of an oral contraceptive pill-free interval. ovarian surface area (OS), total number of antral follicles (AFC), serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). Survivors had a lower OS than controls: 3.5 versus 4.4 cm(2) per ovary (P = 0.0004), and lower AMH levels: 10.7 versus 22 pmol/l (P = 0.003). Ovarian markers (OS, AMH, AFC) were worse in patients who received high-dose compared with conventional-dose alkylating agents (P = 0.01 for OS, P = 0.002 for AMH, P < 0.0001 for AFC). Hodgkin lymphoma survivors seemed to have a greater reduction in ovarian reserve than survivors of leukaemia (P = 0.04 for AMH, P = 0.01 for AFC), sarcoma (P = 0.04 for AMH, P = 0.04 for AFC) and other lymphomas (P = 0.04 for AFC). A multiple linear regression analysis showed that procarbazine but not cyclophosphamide nor ifosfamide dose was associated with reduced OS (P = 0.0003), AFC (P = 0.0007), AMH (P < 0.0001) and higher FSH levels (P < 0.0001). The small percentage of participating survivors (28%) from the total cohort does not allow conclusion on fertility issues because of possible response bias. The association between procarbazine and HL makes it impossible to dissociate their individual impacts on ovarian reserve. The number of controls is small, but ovarian volume and AMH levels in survivors were compared with published normal values and results were unchanged. Early detection and follow-up of compromised ovarian function after cancer therapy should help physicians to counsel young survivors about their fertility window. However, longitudinal follow-up is required to determine the rate of progression from low ovarian reserve to premature ovarian failure. La Ligue contre le Cancer (grant no., PRAYN7497). The authors have no competing interests to disclose. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Method and computer program product for maintenance and modernization backlogging

DOEpatents

Mattimore, Bernard G; Reynolds, Paul E; Farrell, Jill M

2013-02-19

According to one embodiment, a computer program product for determining future facility conditions includes a computer readable medium having computer readable program code stored therein. The computer readable program code includes computer readable program code for calculating a time period specific maintenance cost, for calculating a time period specific modernization factor, and for calculating a time period specific backlog factor. Future facility conditions equal the time period specific maintenance cost plus the time period specific modernization factor plus the time period specific backlog factor. In another embodiment, a computer-implemented method for calculating future facility conditions includes calculating a time period specific maintenance cost, calculating a time period specific modernization factor, and calculating a time period specific backlog factor. Future facility conditions equal the time period specific maintenance cost plus the time period specific modernization factor plus the time period specific backlog factor. Other embodiments are also presented.

Rail transit fare collection: Policy and technology assessment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deshpande, G. K.; Cucchissi, J.; Heft, R. C.

1982-01-01

The impact of fare policies and fare structure on the selection of equipment was investigated, fare collection systems are described, hardware and technology related problems are documented, and the requirements of a fare collection simulation model are outlined. Major findings include: (1) a wide variation in the fare collection systems and equipment, caused primarily by historical precedence; (2) the reliability of AFC equipment used at BART and WMATA discouraged other properties from considering use of similar equipment; (3) existing equipment may not meet the fare collection needs of properties in the near future; (4) the cost of fare collection operation and maintenance is high; and (5) the relatively small market in fare collection equipment discourages new product development by suppliers. Recommendations for fare collection R&D programs include development of new hardware to meet rail transit needs, study of impacts of alternate fare policies increased communication among policymakers, and consensus on fare policy issues.

Cape Cod National Seashore : satellite maintenance facility feasibility study

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-09-30

This report analyzes the benefits and costs of a potential satellite vehicle maintenance facility on the outer portion of Cape Cod. A satellite facility had been proposed as a means of servicing the local transit vehicles that bring visitors to Cape ...

Garnering Support

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kincaid, Douglas W.; Dillinger, Eric T.; Clayton, Michael

2006-01-01

Maintenance and operations (M&O) requirements dominate the life-cycle cost of a school facility. Historically, facility managers have struggled to secure funding to meet these requirements. Many deferred-maintenance issues result directly from M&O underfunding. However, new approaches and technologies now enable facility managers to use…

Assimilation of Consanguineous Mafic Intrutions: Layered Crustal Sill Complexes as Reactive Filters for Continental Basalts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shervais, J. W.; Hanan, B. B.; Vetter, S. K.

2007-12-01

Continental basalts commonly display variations in their chemical compositions that are inferred to reflect fractionational crystallization (FC), recharge-FC (RFC), assimilation-FC (AFC), or recharge-AFC (RAFC). The dominance of AFC-related processes reflects the intrinsic linkage between crystallization (which releases latent heat) and assimilation (which consumes latent heat). One of the central questions in any assimilation process, however, is what exactly is being assimilated. It is commonly assumed in most AFC models for the intrusion of basalt into continental crust that the contaminant is pre-existing continental crust - that is, felsic gneiss of roughly granodioritic to tonalitic composition, which is enriched in K2O and other large ion lithophiles relative to mantle-derived basalts. These continental gneisses are commonly Precambrian in age and are enriched in the lithophilic isotope ratios 87Sr/86Sr, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb, and depleted in 143Nd/144Nd. As a result, AFC-related processes involving this ancient continental crust component typically result in basaltic lavas that are enriched in LILE (e.g., K) relative to high-field strength elements (e.g., Ti, P) and enriched in the heavy isotopes of Sr, Pb, and Nd compared to the primary or parental magma. Contrary to these expectations, basalts of the Snake River volcanic province that display chemical variations diagnostic of AFC (e.g., increasing La/Lu with decreasing mg#) are commonly characterized by essentially constant isotopic ratios of Sr, Pb and Nd, and by LILE/HFSE ratios (e.g., K/P) that decrease with decreasing mg#. We propose that these basalts assimilated a ferrogabbro derived from a parent magma that was the same or similar to the magmas being intruded to recharge the system. Melts derived from this ferrogabbro would be low in K and enriched in Fe, Ti, P, and La/Lu relative to the primitive recharge magma; the isotopic composition would be the same as the primitive recharge magma. We infer that this exchange took place within a 10 km thick mafic sill complex that has been imaged seismically at depths of 12-22 km the middle crust. We propose that this process may apply to a wide range of continental basalts.

Issues in quantification of registered respiratory gated PET/CT in the lung.

PubMed

Cuplov, Vesna; Holman, Beverley F; McClelland, Jamie; Modat, Marc; Hutton, Brian F; Thielemans, Kris

2017-12-14

PET/CT quantification of lung tissue is limited by several difficulties: the lung density and local volume changes during respiration, the anatomical mismatch between PET and CT and the relative contributions of tissue, air and blood to the PET signal (the tissue fraction effect). Air fraction correction (AFC) has been shown to improve PET image quantification in the lungs. Methods to correct for the movement and anatomical mismatch involve respiratory gating and image registration techniques. While conventional registration methods only account for spatial mismatch, the Jacobian determinant of the deformable registration transformation field can be used to estimate local volume changes and could therefore potentially be used to correct (i.e. Jacobian Correction, JC) the PET signal for changes in concentration due to local volume changes. This work aims to investigate the relationship between variations in the lung due to respiration, specifically density, tracer concentration and local volume changes. In particular, we study the effect of AFC and JC on PET quantitation after registration of respiratory gated PET/CT patient data. Six patients suffering from lung cancer with solitary pulmonary nodules underwent [Formula: see text]F-FDG PET/cine-CT. The PET data were gated into six respiratory gates using displacement gating based on a real-time position management (RPM) signal and reconstructed with matched gated CT. The PET tracer concentration and tissue density were extracted from registered gated PET and CT images before and after corrections (AFC or JC) and compared to the values from the reference images. Before correction, we observed a linear correlation between the PET tracer concentration values and density. Across all gates and patients, the maximum relative change in PET tracer concentration before (after) AFC was found to be 16.2% (4.1%) and the maximum relative change in tissue density and PET tracer concentration before (after) JC was found to be 17.1% (5.5%) and 16.2% (6.8%) respectively. Overall our results show that both AFC or JC largely explain the observed changes in PET tracer activity over the respiratory cycle. We also speculate that a second order effect is related to change in fluid content but this needs further investigation. Consequently, either AFC or JC is recommended when combining lung PET images from different gates to reduce noise.

Issues in quantification of registered respiratory gated PET/CT in the lung

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cuplov, Vesna; Holman, Beverley F.; McClelland, Jamie; Modat, Marc; Hutton, Brian F.; Thielemans, Kris

2018-01-01

PET/CT quantification of lung tissue is limited by several difficulties: the lung density and local volume changes during respiration, the anatomical mismatch between PET and CT and the relative contributions of tissue, air and blood to the PET signal (the tissue fraction effect). Air fraction correction (AFC) has been shown to improve PET image quantification in the lungs. Methods to correct for the movement and anatomical mismatch involve respiratory gating and image registration techniques. While conventional registration methods only account for spatial mismatch, the Jacobian determinant of the deformable registration transformation field can be used to estimate local volume changes and could therefore potentially be used to correct (i.e. Jacobian Correction, JC) the PET signal for changes in concentration due to local volume changes. This work aims to investigate the relationship between variations in the lung due to respiration, specifically density, tracer concentration and local volume changes. In particular, we study the effect of AFC and JC on PET quantitation after registration of respiratory gated PET/CT patient data. Six patients suffering from lung cancer with solitary pulmonary nodules underwent 18 F-FDG PET/cine-CT. The PET data were gated into six respiratory gates using displacement gating based on a real-time position management (RPM) signal and reconstructed with matched gated CT. The PET tracer concentration and tissue density were extracted from registered gated PET and CT images before and after corrections (AFC or JC) and compared to the values from the reference images. Before correction, we observed a linear correlation between the PET tracer concentration values and density. Across all gates and patients, the maximum relative change in PET tracer concentration before (after) AFC was found to be 16.2% (4.1%) and the maximum relative change in tissue density and PET tracer concentration before (after) JC was found to be 17.1% (5.5%) and 16.2% (6.8%) respectively. Overall our results show that both AFC or JC largely explain the observed changes in PET tracer activity over the respiratory cycle. We also speculate that a second order effect is related to change in fluid content but this needs further investigation. Consequently, either AFC or JC is recommended when combining lung PET images from different gates to reduce noise.

Individualized versus standard FSH dosing in women starting IVF/ICSI: an RCT. Part 1: The predicted poor responder.

PubMed

van Tilborg, Theodora C; Torrance, Helen L; Oudshoorn, Simone C; Eijkemans, Marinus J C; Koks, Carolien A M; Verhoeve, Harold R; Nap, Annemiek W; Scheffer, Gabrielle J; Manger, A Petra; Schoot, Benedictus C; Sluijmer, Alexander V; Verhoeff, Arie; Groen, Henk; Laven, Joop S E; Mol, Ben Willem J; Broekmans, Frank J M

2017-12-01

Does an increased FSH dose result in higher cumulative live birth rates in women with a predicted poor ovarian response, apparent from a low antral follicle count (AFC), scheduled for IVF or ICSI? In women with a predicted poor ovarian response (AFC < 11) undergoing IVF/ICSI, an increased FSH dose (225/450 IU/day) does not improve cumulative live birth rates as compared to a standard dose (150 IU/day). In women scheduled for IVF/ICSI, an ovarian reserve test (ORT) can predict ovarian response to stimulation. The FSH starting dose is often adjusted based on the ORT from the belief that it will improve live birth rates. However, the existing RCTs on this topic, most of which show no benefit, are underpowered. Between May 2011 and May 2014, we performed an open-label multicentre RCT in women with an AFC < 11 (Dutch Trial Register NTR2657). The primary outcome was ongoing pregnancy achieved within 18 months after randomization and resulting in a live birth. We needed 300 women to assess whether an increased dose strategy would increase the cumulative live birth rate from 25 to 40% (two-sided alpha-error 0.05, power 80%). Women with an AFC ≤ 7 were randomized to an FSH dose of 450 IU/day or 150 IU/day, and women with an AFC 8-10 were randomized to 225 IU or 150 IU/day. In the standard group, dose adjustment was allowed in subsequent cycles based on pre-specified criteria. Both effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the strategies were evaluated from an intention-to-treat perspective. In total, 511 women were randomized, 234 with an AFC ≤ 7 and 277 with an AFC 8-10. The cumulative live birth rate for increased versus standard dosing was 42.4% (106/250) versus 44.8% (117/261), respectively [relative risk (RR): 0.95 (95%CI, 0.78-1.15), P = 0.58]. As an increased dose strategy was more expensive [delta costs/woman: €1099 (95%CI, 562-1591)], standard FSH dosing was the dominant strategy in our economic analysis. Despite our training programme, the AFC might have suffered from inter-observer variation. As this open study permitted small dose adjustments between cycles, potential selective cancelling of cycles in women treated with 150 IU could have influenced the cumulative results. However, since first cycle live birth rates point in the same direction we consider it unlikely that the open design masked a potential benefit for the individualized strategy. Since an increased dose in women scheduled for IVF/ICSI with a predicted poor response (AFC < 11) does not improve live birth rates and is more expensive, we recommend using a standard dose of 150 IU/day in these women. This study was funded by The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMW number 171102020). T.C.T., H.L.T. and S.C.O. received an unrestricted personal grant from Merck BV. H.R.V. receives monetary compensation as a member on an external advisory board for Ferring pharmaceutical BV. B.W.J.M. is supported by a NHMRC Practitioner Fellowship (GNT1082548) and reports consultancy for OvsEva, Merck and Guerbet. F.J.M.B. receives monetary compensation as a member of the external advisory board for Ferring pharmaceutics BV (the Netherlands) and Merck Serono (the Netherlands) for consultancy work for Gedeon Richter (Belgium) and Roche Diagnostics on automated AMH assay development (Switzerland) and for a research cooperation with Ansh Labs (USA). All other authors have nothing to declare. Registered at the ICMJE-recognized Dutch Trial Registry (www.trialregister.nl). Registration number NTR2657. 20 December 2010. 12 May 2011. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Using Facility Condition Assessments to Identify Actions Related to Infrastructure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rubert, Kennedy F.

2010-01-01

To support cost effective, quality research it is essential that laboratory and testing facilities are maintained in a continuous and reliable state of availability at all times. NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) and its maintenance contractor, Jacobs Technology, Inc. Research Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering (ROME) group, are in the process of implementing a combined Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) and Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) program to improve asset management and overall reliability of testing equipment in facilities such as wind tunnels. Specific areas are being identified for improvement, the deferred maintenance cost is being estimated, and priority is being assigned against facilities where conditions have been allowed to deteriorate. This assessment serves to assist in determining where to commit available funds on the Center. RCM methodologies are being reviewed and enhanced to assure that appropriate preventive, predictive, and facilities/equipment acceptance techniques are incorporated to prolong lifecycle availability and assure reliability at minimum cost. The results from the program have been favorable, better enabling LaRC to manage assets prudently.

Analyses in support of risk-informed natural gas vehicle maintenance facility codes and standards :

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

Ekoto, Isaac W.; Blaylock, Myra L.; LaFleur, Angela Christine

2014-03-01

Safety standards development for maintenance facilities of liquid and compressed gas fueled large-scale vehicles is required to ensure proper facility design and operation envelopes. Standard development organizations are utilizing risk-informed concepts to develop natural gas vehicle (NGV) codes and standards so that maintenance facilities meet acceptable risk levels. The present report summarizes Phase I work for existing NGV repair facility code requirements and highlights inconsistencies that need quantitative analysis into their effectiveness. A Hazardous and Operability study was performed to identify key scenarios of interest. Finally, scenario analyses were performed using detailed simulations and modeling to estimate the overpressure hazardsmore » from HAZOP defined scenarios. The results from Phase I will be used to identify significant risk contributors at NGV maintenance facilities, and are expected to form the basis for follow-on quantitative risk analysis work to address specific code requirements and identify effective accident prevention and mitigation strategies.« less

Investigation into the Implications of Fuel Cell Shipboard Integration into the T-AGOS 19 Class

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-01

with each defined by its fundamental electrolyte: i. Alkali Fuel Cells (AFC) ii. Polymer Exchange Membrane ( PEM ) iii. Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells ...of the PEM family (High Temperature – HTPEM and Direct Methanol Fuel Cells – DMFC) were assessed against a range of basic ship requirements...of fuel cell stacks in 100+kW power range for realistic marine applications, two technologies can be quickly discounted, namely – AFC, DMFC. PEM

Evaluation of ovarian reserve tests in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Ulug, Pasa; Oner, Gokalp; Kasap, Burcu; Akbas, Emin Murat; Ozcicek, Fatih

2014-07-01

Impact of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on fertility may be negative, and ovarian function can be also reduced by autoimmune oophoritis. In this article, we evaluated the ovarian reserve of pre-menopausal women firstly diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This was a prospective controlled study which included twenty women with SLE and twenty healthy women as controls in the reproductive age. Basal levels of FSH, estradiol (E2), and LH on cycle day 3 were measured. All participants underwent transvaginal ultrasonographic examination on the third day of their menstrual periods for the determination of ovarian volume (OV) and total antral follicle count (AFC). A significant difference in FSH, LH, and E2 levels was observed between women with SLE and healthy controls. There was a statistically significant reduction in total AFC and OV in SLE group. Age was associated negatively with AFC, whereas positively with FSH and LH. Menstrual irregularity was significantly higher in SLE patients than control. AFC was the most reliable test to show the menstrual irregularity and negatively correlated each other in women with SLE. In this preliminary study, the first in SLE patients, we illustrated that women with SLE had lower ovarian reserves and higher menstrual irregularity compared with healthy controls according to hormonal and ultrasonographical evaluation. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Facilities Management: A Program for the 1980s.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaiser, Harvey H.

1980-01-01

Successful facilities management is described as based on a 10-point comprehensive program including: (1) physical planning policy; (2) facilities analysis; (3) management audit; (4) space utilization; (5) capital programs; (6) deferred maintenance; (7) controlled maintenance; (8) energy conservation; (9) environmental quality, health, and safety;…

What threshold values of antral follicle count and serum AMH levels should be considered for oocyte cryopreservation after in vitro maturation?

PubMed

Sonigo, C; Simon, C; Boubaya, M; Benoit, A; Sifer, C; Sermondade, N; Grynberg, M

2016-07-01

What threshold values of ultrasonographic antral follicle count (AFC) and serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels should be considered for ensuring the cryopreservation of sufficient number of in vitro matured (IVM) oocytes, in cancer patients seeking fertility preservation (FP)? AFC and serum AMH values >20 follicles and 3.7 ng/ml, respectively, are required for obtaining at least 10 IVM oocytes for cryopreservation. IVM of cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) followed by oocyte cryopreservation has emerged recently as an option for urgent FP. Recent data have reported that, in healthy patients, 8-20 cryopreserved oocytes after ovarian stimulation would maximize the chance of obtaining a live birth. Although both AFC and AMH have been reported as predictive factors of IVM success in infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), there is a dramatic lack of data regarding the values of these parameters in oncological patients as candidates for FP. From January 2009 to April 2015, we prospectively studied 340 cancer patients, aged 18-41 years, as candidates for oocyte cryopreservation following IVM. All patients had AFC and AMH measurements, 48-72 h before oocyte retrieval, regardless of the phase of the cycle. COCs were recovered under ultrasound guidance 36 h after hCG priming. Logistic regression allowed the determination of threshold values of AFC and AMH, for obtaining at least 8, 10 or 15 matures oocytes frozen after the IVM procedure. Similar analyses were performed for a final number of mature oocytes ≤2. Among the 340 cancer patients included, 300 were diagnosed with breast cancers, 14 had hematological malignancies and 26 underwent the procedure for others indications. Overall, the mean age of the population was 31.8 ± 4.5 years. Mean AFC and serum AMH levels were 21.7 ± 13.3 follicles and 4.4 ± 3.8 ng/ml, respectively. IVM was performed in equal proportions during the follicular or luteal phase of the cycle (49 and 51%, respectively). Statistical analysis showed that AFC and AMH values above 28 follicles and 3.9 ng/ml, 20 follicles and 3.7 ng/ml and 19 follicles and 3.5 ng/ml are required, respectively, for obtaining at least 15, 10 or 8 frozen IVM oocytes with a sensitivity ranging from 0.82 to 0.90. On the contrary, ≤2 IVM oocytes were cryopreserved when AFC and AMH were <19 follicles and 3.0 ng/ml, respectively. Although the potential of cryopreserved IVM oocytes from cancer patients remains unknown, data obtained from infertile PCOS women have shown a dramatically reduced competence of these oocytes when compared with that of oocytes recovered after ovarian stimulation. As a consequence, the optimal number of IVM oocytes frozen in candidates for FP is currently unpredictable. Cryopreservation of oocytes after IVM should be considered in the FP strategy when ovarian stimulation is unfeasible, in particular when markers of the follicular ovarian status are at a relatively high range. Further investigation is needed to objectively assess the real potential of these IVM oocytes after cryopreservation. Therefore, even when a good COCs yield is expected, we should systematically encourage IVM in combination with ovarian tissue cryopreservation. No external funding was obtained for the present study. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. Not applicable. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

On the Use pf Active Flow Control to Trim and Control a Tailles Aircraft Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jentzsch, Marvin

The Stability And Control CONfiguration (SACCON) model represents an emerging trend in airplane design where the classical tube, wing and empennage are replaced by a single tailless configuration. The challenge is to assure that these designs are stable and controllable. Nonlinear aerodynamic behavior is observed on the SACCON at higher incidence angles due to leading edge vortex structures. Active Flow Control (AFC) used in preliminary design represents a promising solution to the longitudinal stability problems and this was demonstrated experimentally on a semi span model. AFC can be used to trim the SACCON in pitch and it alters forces and moments comparable to common control surface deflections. A combination of AFC and control surface deflection may increase the overall efficiency and opens up a variety of maneuvering possibilities. This implies that AFC should be treated concomitantly with other design parameters and should be considered in the preliminary design process already and not as an add-on tool. Integral force and moment data was supplemented by observations using Pressure Sensitive Paint (PSP) and flow visualization. Two arrays of individually controlled sweeping jets, one located along the leading edge and the other along the flap hinge provided the AFC input needed to alter the flow. The array positioned over the flap-hinge of the model was most effective in stabilizing the wing by decreasing the pitching moment at lower and intermediate angles of incidence. This effect was achieved by reducing the spanwise flow on the swept back portion of the wing through jet-entrainment that also affected the leading edge vortex. Leading edge actuation showed some beneficial effects by inhibiting the formation of the leading edge vortex near the wing tip. A preliminary study using suction was carried out. The tests were carried out at Mach numbers smaller than 0.2 and Reynolds numbers based on the root chord of the model that approached 106.

Genetic correlations between mature cow weight and productive and reproductive traits in Nellore cattle.

PubMed

Regatieri, I C; Boligon, A A; Baldi, F; Albuquerque, L G

2012-08-29

We investigated genetic associations between mature cow weight (MW) and weaning weight (WW), yearling weight (YW), weight gain from birth to weaning (GBW), weight gain from weaning to yearling (GWY), weaning hip height (WHH), yearling hip height (YHH), scrotal circumference (SC), and age at first calving (AFC). Data from 127,104 Nellore animals born between 1993 and 2006, belonging to Agropecuária Jacarezinho Ltda., were analyzed. (Co)variance components were obtained by the restricted maximum likelihood method, applying an animal model in a multi-traits analysis. The model included direct genetic and residual effects as random effects, the fixed effects of contemporary group, and the linear and quadratic effects of animal age at recording (except for AFC, GBW, and GWY) and age of cow at calving as covariates (except for MW). The numbers of days from birth to weaning and from weaning to yearling were included as covariates for GBW and GWY, respectively. Estimated direct heritabilities were 0.43 ± 0.02 (MW), 0.33 ± 0.01 (WW), 0.36 ± 0.01 (YW), 0.28 ± 0.02 (GBW), 0.31 ± 0.01 (GWY), 0.44 ± 0.02 (WHH), 0.48 ± 0.02 (YHH), 0.44 ± 0.01 (SC), and 0.16 ± 0.03 (AFC). Genetic correlations between MW and productive traits were positive and of medium to high magnitude (ranging from 0.47 ± 0.03 to 0.71 ± 0.01). A positive and low genetic correlation was observed between MW and SC (0.24 ± 0.04). A negative genetic correlation (-0.19 ± 0.03) was estimated between MW and AFC. Selection to increase weight or weight gains at any age, as well as hip height, will change MW in the same direction. Selection for higher SC may lead to a long-term increase in MW. The AFC can be included in selection indices to improve the reproductive performance of beef cattle without significant changes in MW.

An Assessment of South Carolina Higher Education Facilities Conditions & Measuring Deferred Maintenance. Special Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, 2007

2007-01-01

For the current study, institutions evaluated education and general (E&G) buildings on their campuses using an assessment format established in the original deferred maintenance study conducted in 1994. The joint study, "Deferred Maintenance, An Analysis of South Carolina's Facilities Portfolio," conducted by the Commission on Higher…

Improving Math Literacy for the Facilities Maintenance Industry: A Multimedia Approach.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ziegler, John; Taylor, Don

Texas State Technical College in Waco (TSTCW) entered into a partnership with ServiceMaster, one of the largest maintenance companies in the world, to develop a contextual-based videodisc curriculum for facility maintenance workers intended to increase math literacy. TSTCW developed a task analysis, a curriculum, and evaluation measures for the…

Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Collection Systems. Volume I. Third Edition. A Field Study Training Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

California State Univ., Sacramento. Dept. of Civil Engineering.

Proper installations, inspections, operations, maintenance and repairs of wastewater collection, conveyance and treatment facilities have a significant impact on the operation and maintenance costs, and the effectiveness of these facilities. This manual is the first volume of a two-part program designed to provide wastewater collection system…

EERE: Alternative Fuels Data Center Home Page

Science.gov Websites

facility safe with a first-of-its-kind CNG Maintenance Facility Modifications Handbook. Find Fleet & Equipment Maintenance Driving Behavior Fleet Rightsizing System Efficiency Locate Stations Search

30 CFR 75.1712-6 - Underground sanitary facilities; installation and maintenance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Underground sanitary facilities; installation... Miscellaneous § 75.1712-6 Underground sanitary facilities; installation and maintenance. (a) Except as provided in § 75.1712-7, each operator of an underground coal mine shall provide and maintain one sanitary...

30 CFR 75.1712-6 - Underground sanitary facilities; installation and maintenance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Underground sanitary facilities; installation... Miscellaneous § 75.1712-6 Underground sanitary facilities; installation and maintenance. (a) Except as provided in § 75.1712-7, each operator of an underground coal mine shall provide and maintain one sanitary...

30 CFR 75.1712-6 - Underground sanitary facilities; installation and maintenance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Underground sanitary facilities; installation... Miscellaneous § 75.1712-6 Underground sanitary facilities; installation and maintenance. (a) Except as provided in § 75.1712-7, each operator of an underground coal mine shall provide and maintain one sanitary...

30 CFR 75.1712-6 - Underground sanitary facilities; installation and maintenance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Underground sanitary facilities; installation... Miscellaneous § 75.1712-6 Underground sanitary facilities; installation and maintenance. (a) Except as provided in § 75.1712-7, each operator of an underground coal mine shall provide and maintain one sanitary...

30 CFR 75.1712-6 - Underground sanitary facilities; installation and maintenance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Underground sanitary facilities; installation... Miscellaneous § 75.1712-6 Underground sanitary facilities; installation and maintenance. (a) Except as provided in § 75.1712-7, each operator of an underground coal mine shall provide and maintain one sanitary...

7 CFR 1951.224 - Third party agreements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... sufficient control by the borrower over the operation, maintenance, and management of the facility to assure... over its assets and/or over the operation, management, and maintenance of the facility to the extent... of a facility to be operated, maintained or managed by a third party under a contract, management...

A History of Air Force Civil Engineering Wartime and Contingency Problems from 1941 to the Present

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-09-01

economical limitations, political restric- tions, and because AFCE has failed to properly learn and use lessons of the past to prepare for the future. vii I...a demanding managerial task. AFCE managers should, therefore, know what 8 " . .. .......’ .’ ’~t, " " ", .... .. ""...."...." ..... .. -i...problems with employing civilian labor. In France, the available civilians were either very young or very old as the prime- aged civilians were either

1. EXTERIOR SOUTHWEST CORNER VIEW, FACING NORTHEAST. BUILDING NO. 42 ...

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

1. EXTERIOR SOUTHWEST CORNER VIEW, FACING NORTHEAST. BUILDING NO. 42 GARAGE & TRANSPORTATION MAINTENANCE FACILITY - NASA Industrial Plant, Garage & Transportation Maintenance Facility, 12214 Lakewood Boulevard, Downey, Los Angeles County, CA

2. EXTERIOR SOUTHEAST CORNER VIEW, FACING NORTHWEST. BUILDING NO 42 ...

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

2. EXTERIOR SOUTHEAST CORNER VIEW, FACING NORTHWEST. BUILDING NO 42 GARAGE & TRANSPORTATION MAINTENANCE FACILITY - NASA Industrial Plant, Garage & Transportation Maintenance Facility, 12214 Lakewood Boulevard, Downey, Los Angeles County, CA

4. EXTERIOR NORTHWEST CORNER VIEW, FACING SOUTHEAST. BUILDING NO 42 ...

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

4. EXTERIOR NORTHWEST CORNER VIEW, FACING SOUTHEAST. BUILDING NO 42 GARAGE & TRANSPORTATION MAINTENANCE FACILITY - NASA Industrial Plant, Garage & Transportation Maintenance Facility, 12214 Lakewood Boulevard, Downey, Los Angeles County, CA

3. EXTERIOR NORTHEAST CORNER VIEW, FACING SOUTHWEST. BUILDING NO 42 ...

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

3. EXTERIOR NORTHEAST CORNER VIEW, FACING SOUTHWEST. BUILDING NO 42 GARAGE & TRANSPORTATION MAINTENANCE FACILITY - NASA Industrial Plant, Garage & Transportation Maintenance Facility, 12214 Lakewood Boulevard, Downey, Los Angeles County, CA

Operation and Maintenance of Water Pollution Control Facilities: A WPCF White Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hill, William R.; And Others

1979-01-01

Presented are the recommendations of the Water Pollution Control Federation for operation and maintenance consideration during the planning design, construction, and operation of wastewater treatment facilities. (CS)

25 CFR 171.500 - How does BIA determine the annual operation and maintenance assessment rate for the irrigation...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... maintenance assessment rate for the irrigation facility servicing my farm unit? 171.500 Section 171.500 Indians BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR LAND AND WATER IRRIGATION OPERATION AND... annual operation and maintenance assessment rate for the irrigation facility servicing my farm unit? (a...

6. INTERIOR MAIN SPACE DETAIL VIEW, FACING EAST. BUILDING NO ...

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

6. INTERIOR MAIN SPACE DETAIL VIEW, FACING EAST. BUILDING NO 42 GARAGE & TRANSPORTATION MAINTENANCE FACILITY - NASA Industrial Plant, Garage & Transportation Maintenance Facility, 12214 Lakewood Boulevard, Downey, Los Angeles County, CA

5. INTERIOR MAIN SPACE DETAIL VIEW, FACING WEST. BUILDING NO ...

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

5. INTERIOR MAIN SPACE DETAIL VIEW, FACING WEST. BUILDING NO 42 GARAGE & TRANSPORTATION MAINTENANCE FACILITY - NASA Industrial Plant, Garage & Transportation Maintenance Facility, 12214 Lakewood Boulevard, Downey, Los Angeles County, CA

25 CFR 170.806 - What is an IRR Transportation Facilities Maintenance Management System?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... facility maintenance activities. It will be used to extend the service life of an IRR transportation facility, ensure safety, and report future funding needs to the Secretary. BIA will develop the IRR TFMMS. ... Management System? 170.806 Section 170.806 Indians BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR LAND...

25 CFR 170.806 - What is an IRR Transportation Facilities Maintenance Management System?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... facility maintenance activities. It will be used to extend the service life of an IRR transportation facility, ensure safety, and report future funding needs to the Secretary. BIA will develop the IRR TFMMS. ... Management System? 170.806 Section 170.806 Indians BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR LAND...

25 CFR 170.806 - What is an IRR Transportation Facilities Maintenance Management System?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... facility maintenance activities. It will be used to extend the service life of an IRR transportation facility, ensure safety, and report future funding needs to the Secretary. BIA will develop the IRR TFMMS. ... Management System? 170.806 Section 170.806 Indians BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR LAND...

The roles of vibration analysis and infrared thermography in monitoring air-handling equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wurzbach, Richard N.

2003-04-01

Industrial and commercial building equipment maintenance has not historically been targeted for implementation of PdM programs. The focus instead has been on manufacturing, aerospace and energy industries where production interruption has significant cost implications. As cost-effectiveness becomes more pervasive in corporate culture, even office space and labor activities housed in large facilities are being scrutinized for cost-cutting measures. When the maintenance costs for these facilities are reviewed, PdM can be considered for improving the reliability of the building temperature regulation, and reduction of maintenance repair costs. An optimized program to direct maintenance resources toward a cost effective and pro-active management of the facility can result in reduced operating budgets, and greater occupant satisfaction. A large majority of the significant rotating machinery in a large building environment are belt-driven air handling units. These machines are often poorly designed or utilized within the facility. As a result, the maintenance staff typically find themselves scrambling to replace belts and bearings, going from one failure to another. Instead of the reactive-mode maintenance, some progressive and critical institutions are adopting predictive and proactive technologies of infrared thermography and vibration analysis. Together, these technologies can be used to identify design and installation problems, that when corrected, significantly reduce maintenance and increase reliability. For critical building use, such as laboratories, research facilities, and other high value non-industrial settings, the cost-benefits of more reliable machinery can contribute significantly to the operational success.

Changes of endocrine and ultrasound markers as ovarian aging in modifying the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop (STRAW) staging system with subclassification of mid reproductive age stage.

PubMed

Ding, Ting; Luo, Aiyue; Jiang, Jingjing; Du, Xiaofang; Yang, Shuhong; Lai, Zhiwen; Shen, Wei; Lu, Yunping; Ma, Ding; Wang, Shixuan

2013-01-01

To demonstrate the changes of ovarian aging markers across the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop (STRAW) stages and modify it with subclassification of mid reproductive age stage (MR). Healthy females were classified according to the STRAW system. Serum basal FSH, LH, E2, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were detected, FSH/LH ratio calculated, and antral follicle counts (AFCs) determined in follicular phase. Progression through the whole STRAW stages under MR stage subdivided is associated with elevations in FSH, LH, FSH/LH ratio and decreases in E2, AMH and AFCs (p < 0.001). Both serum AMH and AFCs decreased early (after 25 years) and significantly (p < 0.01) with chronological age in MR stage. 0.982 ng/ml AMH and 3 antral follicles (low level of MR 25-30 years) were set as cutoffs to distinguish MR stage into early mid reproductive age (EMR) and late mid reproductive age (LMR) stages. The women in EMR stage compared with LMR could retrieve more oocytes in IVF treatment (p < 0.05) and has a higher pregnancy chance (57.9%) though not significant. The early and marked fall in serum AMH levels and AFCs suggest fine markers to further categorize and define the MR stage, demonstrating disparate reproductive aging period with reduced ovarian reserve in young age across the STRAW stages.

Using non-specialist observers in 4AFC human observer studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elangovan, Premkumar; Mackenzie, Alistair; Dance, David R.; Young, Kenneth C.; Wells, Kevin

2017-03-01

Virtual clinical trials (VCTs) are an emergent approach for rapid evaluation and comparison of various breast imaging technologies and techniques using computer-based modeling tools. Increasingly 4AFC (Four alternative forced choice) virtual clinical trials are used to compare detection performances of different breast imaging modalities. Most prior studies have used physicists and/or radiologists and physicists interchangeably. However, large scale use of statistically significant 4AFC observer studies is challenged by the individual time commitment and cost of such observers, often drawn from a limited local pool of specialists. This work aims to investigate whether non-specialist observers can be used to supplement such studies. A team of five specialist observers (medical physicists) and five non-specialists participated in a 4AFC study containing simulated 2D-mammography and DBT (digital breast tomosynthesis) images, produced using the OPTIMAM toolbox for VCTs. The images contained 4mm irregular solid masses and 4mm spherical targets at a range of contrast levels embedded in a realistic breast phantom background. There was no statistically significant difference between the detection performance of medical physicists and non-specialists (p>0.05). However, non-specialists took longer to complete the study than their physicist counterparts, which was statistically significant (p<0.05). Overall, the results from both observer groups indicate that DBT has a lower detectable threshold contrast than 2D-mammography for both masses and spheres, and both groups found spheres easier to detect than irregular solid masses.

Toward “Age-Friendly Slums”? Health Challenges of Older Slum Dwellers in Nairobi and the Applicability of the Age-Friendly City Approach

PubMed Central

Aboderin, Isabella; Owii, Hilda Akinyi

2017-01-01

A majority of urban residents in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and other developing regions live in informal settlements, or slums. Much of the discourse on slum health centres on younger generations, while an intensifying agenda on healthy ageing as yet lacks a systematic focus on slums. Similarly, the global age-friendly cities (AFC) movement does not, thus far, extend to slums. This paper examines the particular challenges that a slum-focused age-friendly initiative in SSA may need to address, and the relevance of present AFC indicators and domains for initiatives to advance the health and well-being of older slum dwellers. The analysis builds on the case of two slum communities in Nairobi, Kenya. It analyzes two bodies of relevant evidence from these settlements, namely on the health and social circumstances of older residents, and on the local application and measurement of AFC indicators. The findings point to a set of unsurprising, but also less obvious, core health and social adversities that an age-friendly initiative in such settlements would need to consider. The findings show, further, that the current AFC domains and indicators framework only partly capture these adversities, but that there is potential for adapting the framework to be meaningful for slum settings. The paper concludes by underscoring the need for, and opportunities inherent in, the pursuit of an “age-friendly slums” initiative going forward. PMID:29053576

Toward "Age-Friendly Slums"? Health Challenges of Older Slum Dwellers in Nairobi and the Applicability of the Age-Friendly City Approach.

PubMed

Aboderin, Isabella; Kano, Megumi; Owii, Hilda Akinyi

2017-10-20

A majority of urban residents in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and other developing regions live in informal settlements, or slums. Much of the discourse on slum health centres on younger generations, while an intensifying agenda on healthy ageing as yet lacks a systematic focus on slums. Similarly, the global age-friendly cities (AFC) movement does not, thus far, extend to slums. This paper examines the particular challenges that a slum-focused age-friendly initiative in SSA may need to address, and the relevance of present AFC indicators and domains for initiatives to advance the health and well-being of older slum dwellers. The analysis builds on the case of two slum communities in Nairobi, Kenya. It analyzes two bodies of relevant evidence from these settlements, namely on the health and social circumstances of older residents, and on the local application and measurement of AFC indicators. The findings point to a set of unsurprising, but also less obvious, core health and social adversities that an age-friendly initiative in such settlements would need to consider. The findings show, further, that the current AFC domains and indicators framework only partly capture these adversities, but that there is potential for adapting the framework to be meaningful for slum settings. The paper concludes by underscoring the need for, and opportunities inherent in, the pursuit of an "age-friendly slums" initiative going forward.

Save a Penny, Lose a School: The Real Cost of Deferred Maintenance. Policy Brief Series on Rural Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lawrence, Barbara Kent

Deferring maintenance in small rural schools creates poor conditions that can affect the health and safety of everyone who uses the facility, damage the morale of students and teachers, impair their ability to teach and learn, and threaten the facility itself. Numerous recommendations for policy changes that affect maintenance are presented. A…

Molecular Modulation of Inhibitors of Apoptosis as a Novel Approach for Radiosensitization of Human Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-11-01

6 well plate at the concentration of 2X105/ml, then exposed by SH130 (10 uM) with or without the pan-caspase inhibitor zVAD (2.5 uM) ( Biovision ...treated with SH- 130 and radiation. DU-145 cell were treated as described in Figure 7. Cells were lysed by the lysis buffer ( Biovision ) as indicated...Total extracted proteins were determined and normalized, and then reacted with fluorogenic substrates ( Biovision , DEVD-AFC and LEHD- AFC for Caspase

Dynamic Modeling and Evaluation of Recurring Infrastructure Maintenance Budget Determination Methods

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-03-01

represent the annual M&R costs for the entire facility (Melvin, 1992). This method requires immense amounts of detailed data for each facility to be...and where facility and infrastructure maintenance must occur. Uzarski et al (1995) discuss that the data gathered produces a candidate list that can... facilities or an infrastructure plant. Government agencies like the DoD, major universities, and large corporations are the major players. Data

10. 351st Missile Wing Maintenance insignia on wall opposite the ...

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

10. 351st Missile Wing Maintenance insignia on wall opposite the entrance. Lyon - Whiteman Air Force Base, Minuteman Missile Launch Facility Trainer T-12, Northeast of Oscar-01 Missile Alert Facility, Knob Noster, Johnson County, MO

25 CFR 170.806 - What is an IRR Transportation Facilities Maintenance Management System?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... AND WATER INDIAN RESERVATION ROADS PROGRAM BIA Road Maintenance § 170.806 What is an IRR... facility, ensure safety, and report future funding needs to the Secretary. BIA will develop the IRR TFMMS. ...

College and University Facilities: Expectations of Space and Maintenance Needs for Fall 1974. Higher Education Panel Reports No. 20.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

El-Khawas, Elaine H.

In order to gain some perspective on the present status of higher education facilities and maintenance activities, the Higher Education Panel recently conducted a survey of the opinions of college administrators with respect to their physical facility planning. The survey was designed to elicit opinions on the perceived adequacy of an…

A Decision Tool to Evaluate Budgeting Methodologies for Estimating Facility Recapitalization Requirements

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-01

1 . Maintenance Practices Influence Service Life .......................................................... 11 2 . Expectations or Standards May...BRB, 1991, p. 1 - 2 ) Additionally, public sector organizations typically have a larger inventory of facilities to maintain, making asset management...questions were answered. 1 . What are the long term causes and effects of under-funding the maintenance of facilities? 2 . What methods currently

Intraoperative Diagnosis of Anderson-Fabry Disease in Patients With Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Undergoing Surgical Myectomy.

PubMed

Cecchi, Franco; Iascone, Maria; Maurizi, Niccolò; Pezzoli, Laura; Binaco, Irene; Biagini, Elena; Fibbi, Maria Laura; Olivotto, Iacopo; Pieruzzi, Federico; Fruntelata, Ana; Dorobantu, Lucian; Rapezzi, Claudio; Ferrazzi, Paolo

2017-10-01

Diagnostic screening for Anderson-Fabry cardiomyopathy (AFC) is performed in the presence of specific clinical red flags in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) older than 25 years. However, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) has been traditionally considered an exclusion criteria for AFC. To examine a series of patients diagnosed with HCM and severe basal LVOTO undergoing myectomy in whom the diagnosis of AFC was suspected by the cardiac surgeon intraoperatively and confirmed by histological and genetic examinations. This retrospective analysis of patients undergoing surgical septal reduction strategies was conducted in 3 European tertiary referral centers for HCM from July 2013 to December 2016. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of obstructive HCM referred for surgical management of LVOTO were observed for at least 18 months after the procedure (mean [SD] follow-up, 33 [14] months). Etiology of patients with HCM who underwent surgical myectomy. From 2013, 235 consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of HCM underwent septal myectomy. The cardiac surgeon suspected a storage disease in 3 patients (1.3%) while inspecting their heart samples extracted from myectomy. The mean (SD) age at diagnosis for these 3 patients was 42 (4) years; all were male. None of the 3 patients presented with extracardiac features suggestive of AFC. All patients showed asymmetrical left ventricular hypertrophy, with maximal left ventricular thickness in the basal septum (19-31 mm), severe basal LVOTO (70-120 mm Hg), and left atrial dilatation (44-57 mm). Only 1 patient presented with late gadolinium enhancement on cardiovascular magnetic resonance at the right ventricle insertion site. The mean (SD) age at surgical procedure was 63 (5) years. On tactile sensation, the surgeon felt a spongy consistency of the surgical samples, different from the usual stony-elastic consistency typical of classic HCM, and this prompted histological examinations. Histology showed evidence of intracellular storage, and genetic analysis confirmed a GLA A gene mutation (p.Asn215Ser) in all 3 patients. Screening for AFC should be performed even in the absence of red flags in patients with HCM older than 25 years.

A novel image database analysis system maintenance of transportation facility.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-01-01

The current project was funded by MIOH-UTC in the Spring of 2008 to investigate efficient : maintenance methods for transportation facilities. To achieve the objectives of the project, the : PIs undertook the research of various technologies of image...

KSC-2011-1395

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-02-08

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida hosts a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a new 18,500-square-foot Electrical Maintenance Facility (EMF) officially opening for business. Addressing the attendees is NASA Construction of Facility Project Manager Nick Rivieccio. Located in Kennedy's Launch Complex 39 area, the EMF will provide new and renovated space for maintenance shops, offices, and equipment and material storage in support of the electrical maintenance functions for the center. The facility is projected to receive Gold certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. Photo credit: NASA/ Troy Cryder

Phenotypic variation in anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) production per follicle in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and isolated polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM): an observational cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Bhide, Priya; Kulkarni, Abhijit; Dilgil, Merve; Dhir, Puja; Shah, Amit; Gudi, Anil; Homburg, Roy

2017-10-01

This observational study compares the ratio of serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) to the total antral follicle count (AFC) (as a marker of AMH production per follicle) in the various phenotypes of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and isolated polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM). Two hundred and sixty-two women were recruited. Women with PCOS were divided into four phenotypes based on the diagnostic inclusion criteria of oligo-anovulation (OA), hyperandrogenism (HA) and polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM). These included Group A (OA + HA + PCOM), Group B (OA + HA), Group C (HA + PCOM) and Group D (OA + PCOM). A ratio of serum AMH to total AFC was calculated and expressed as the AMH/AFC ratio which was compared in the phenotypes of PCOS and isolated PCOM. The median AMH/AFC ratios in PCOS-A, PCOS-D, PCOS-C and PCOM were 1.5, 1.6, 1.2 and 1.1, respectively. There were significant differences in the groups compared [F(3, 238) = 6.14, p = 0.000)]. The ratios were significantly higher in the oligo-anovulatory phenotypes PCOS-A and PCOS-D than the PCOM (p = 0.004 and 0.002, respectively). There was no significant difference in the ratio between ovulatory phenotype PCOS-C and PCOM (p = 0.59). The role of androgens and LH in per-follicle AMH production remains limited. The findings support the hypothesis of a key role for AMH in the mechanism of anovulation in PCOS.

Classification images reveal decision variables and strategies in forced choice tasks

PubMed Central

Pritchett, Lisa M.; Murray, Richard F.

2015-01-01

Despite decades of research, there is still uncertainty about how people make simple decisions about perceptual stimuli. Most theories assume that perceptual decisions are based on decision variables, which are internal variables that encode task-relevant information. However, decision variables are usually considered to be theoretical constructs that cannot be measured directly, and this often makes it difficult to test theories of perceptual decision making. Here we show how to measure decision variables on individual trials, and we use these measurements to test theories of perceptual decision making more directly than has previously been possible. We measure classification images, which are estimates of templates that observers use to extract information from stimuli. We then calculate the dot product of these classification images with the stimuli to estimate observers' decision variables. Finally, we reconstruct each observer's “decision space,” a map that shows the probability of the observer’s responses for all values of the decision variables. We use this method to examine decision strategies in two-alternative forced choice (2AFC) tasks, for which there are several competing models. In one experiment, the resulting decision spaces support the difference model, a classic theory of 2AFC decisions. In a second experiment, we find unexpected decision spaces that are not predicted by standard models of 2AFC decisions, and that suggest intrinsic uncertainty or soft thresholding. These experiments give new evidence regarding observers’ strategies in 2AFC tasks, and they show how measuring decision variables can answer long-standing questions about perceptual decision making. PMID:26015584

Relationship Between 17-Hydroxyprogesterone Responses to Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Markers of Ovarian Follicle Morphology in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

PubMed Central

Maas, Kevin H.; Chuan, Sandy S.; Cook-Andersen, Heidi; Su, H. Irene; Duleba, A.

2015-01-01

Context: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have increased 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) responses to gonadotropin stimulation although individual variability is substantial, as reflected by exaggerated as well as normal responses. The relationship between 17-OHP responses to gonadotropin stimulation and markers of ovarian function has not been assessed. Objective: To determine whether 17-OHP responses are associated with antral follicle count (AFC), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), or inhibin B (Inh B) levels in PCOS and normal women. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Research center at an academic medical center. Participants: Women with PCOS (n = 18) and normal controls (n = 18). Interventions: Blood samples were obtained before and 24 hours after administration of 25 μg recombinant-human chorionic gonadotropin. Ovarian imaging was conducted with three-dimensional pelvic ultrasound. Main Outcome Measures: Basal and stimulated levels of 17-OHP, androgens, estrogen, AMH, Inh B, and AFC. Results: In women with PCOS, 17-OHP responses were heterogeneous and inversely correlated with AMH and Inh B levels, but not AFC. In a subgroup of PCOS women with exaggerated 17-OHP responses, AMH levels were equivalent to that of normal women. In PCOS women with normal 17-OHP responses, AMH levels were markedly elevated. Conclusion: Based on heterogeneous 17-OHP responses to human chorionic gonadotropin in women with PCOS, AMH levels are inversely linked to ovarian androgen production while positively correlated with AFC. These findings suggest that in PCOS, AMH production may reflect redistribution of the follicle population or regulation by intraovarian mechanisms. PMID:25313914

Associations between management practices and major reproductive parameters of Holstein-Friesian replacement heifers.

PubMed

Fodor, I; Baumgartner, W; Abonyi-Tóth, Zs; Lang, Zs; Ózsvári, L

2018-01-01

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the reproductive management practices and the performance of replacement heifers on large commercial dairy farms. The individual data of 14,763 heifers, first inseminated in 2014, were analysed from 33 Holstein-Friesian dairy herds in Hungary. The relationships between management practices and major reproductive parameters (age at first service, AFS; age at first calving, AFC; conception risk to first insemination, CR1; and pregnancy status at 20 months of age) were examined by mixed-effects models, with the herd as the random effect. The results showed that farms using oestrus detection aids experienced reduced AFS (p<0.001) and AFC (p=0.001). Observation of oestrus for shorter periods instead of continuously showed a tendency towards lower AFC (p=0.057) and was associated with higher odds of pregnancy at 20 months of age (p=0.020). Heifers on farms using sexed semen had younger AFS, but poorer CR1, compared to those using conventional semen exclusively (p<0.05). In addition, the odds of heifers being pregnant by 20 months of age was higher on farms with more experience using sexed semen (p=0.020). Frequent pregnancy diagnosis (i.e. more than once per week) was associated with younger AFC (p=0.023). Our results suggest the use of certain advanced reproductive management practices for heifer reproductive management in large dairy herds (e.g. oestrus detection aids), which can improve reproductive efficiency considerably, but are currently used only to a limited extent. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sample Dimensionality Effects on d' and Proportion of Correct Responses in Discrimination Testing.

PubMed

Bloom, David J; Lee, Soo-Yeun

2016-09-01

Products in the food and beverage industry have varying levels of dimensionality ranging from pure water to multicomponent food products, which can modify sensory perception and possibly influence discrimination testing results. The objectives of the study were to determine the impact of (1) sample dimensionality and (2) complex formulation changes on the d' and proportion of correct response of the 3-AFC and triangle methods. Two experiments were conducted using 47 prescreened subjects who performed either triangle or 3-AFC test procedures. In Experiment I, subjects performed 3-AFC and triangle tests using model solutions with different levels of dimensionality. Samples increased in dimensionality from 1-dimensional sucrose in water solution to 3-dimensional sucrose, citric acid, and flavor in water solution. In Experiment II, subjects performed 3-AFC and triangle tests using 3-dimensional solutions. Sample pairs differed in all 3 dimensions simultaneously to represent complex formulation changes. Two forms of complexity were compared: dilution, where all dimensions decreased in the same ratio, and compensation, where a dimension was increased to compensate for a reduction in another. The proportion of correct responses decreased for both methods when the dimensionality was increased from 1- to 2-dimensional samples. No reduction in correct responses was observed from 2- to 3-dimensional samples. No significant differences in d' were demonstrated between the 2 methods when samples with complex formulation changes were tested. Results reveal an impact on proportion of correct responses due to sample dimensionality and should be explored further using a wide range of sample formulations. © 2016 Institute of Food Technologists®

High tidal volume ventilation induces NOS2 and impairs cAMP- dependent air space fluid clearance.

PubMed

Frank, James A; Pittet, Jean-Francois; Lee, Hyon; Godzich, Micaela; Matthay, Michael A

2003-05-01

Tidal volume reduction during mechanical ventilation reduces mortality in patients with acute lung injury and the acute respiratory distress syndrome. To determine the mechanisms underlying the protective effect of low tidal volume ventilation, we studied the time course and reversibility of ventilator-induced changes in permeability and distal air space edema fluid clearance in a rat model of ventilator-induced lung injury. Anesthetized rats were ventilated with a high tidal volume (30 ml/kg) or with a high tidal volume followed by ventilation with a low tidal volume of 6 ml/kg. Endothelial and epithelial protein permeability were significantly increased after high tidal volume ventilation but returned to baseline levels when tidal volume was reduced. The basal distal air space fluid clearance (AFC) rate decreased by 43% (P < 0.05) after 1 h of high tidal volume but returned to the preventilation rate 2 h after tidal volume was reduced. Not all of the effects of high tidal volume ventilation were reversible. The cAMP-dependent AFC rate after 1 h of 30 ml/kg ventilation was significantly reduced and was not restored when tidal volume was reduced. High tidal volume ventilation also increased lung inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) expression and air space total nitrite at 3 h. Inhibition of NOS2 activity preserved cAMP-dependent AFC. Because air space edema fluid inactivates surfactant and reduces ventilated lung volume, the reduction of cAMP-dependent AFC by reactive nitrogen species may be an important mechanism of clinical ventilator-associated lung injury.

Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle Maintenance Facility Modification Handbook

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

Kelly, K.; Melendez, M.; Gonzales, J.

To ensure the safety of personnel and facilities, vehicle maintenance facilities are required by law and by guidelines of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Fire Code (IFC) to exhibit certain design features. They are also required to be fitted with certain fire protection equipment and devices because of the potential for fire or explosion in the event of fuel leakage or spills. All fuels have an explosion or fire potential if specific conditions are present. This handbook covers the primary elements that must be considered when developing a CNG vehicle maintenance facility design that will protectmore » against the ignition of natural gas releases. It also discusses specific protocols and training needed to ensure safety.« less

Development of a Knowledge-Based System Approach for Decision Making in Construction Projects

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-05-01

a generic model for an administrative facility and medical facility with predefined fixed building systems based on Air Force criteria and past...MAINTENANCE HANGAR (MEDIUM BAY) CORROSION CONTROL HANGAR (HIGH BAY) FUEL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE HANGAR (MEDIUM BAY) MEDICAL MODEL 82 Table 5-1--continued...BUILDING SUPPORT MEDICAL LOGISTICS MEDICAL TOTAL 85 Table 5-2--continued MISSILE ASSEMBLY AND MAINTENANCE BUILDING TOTAL MISSILE LOADING AND UNLOADING

Evaluation and Selection of Renewable Energy Technologies for Highway Maintenance Facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andrews, Taylor

The interest in renewable energy has been increasing in recent years as attempts to reduce energy costs as well the consumption of fossil fuels are becoming more common. Companies and organizations are recognizing the increasing reliance on limited fossil fuels' resources, and as competition and costs for these resources grow, alternative solutions are becoming more appealing. Many federally run buildings and associations also have the added pressure of meeting the mandates of federal energy policies that dictate specific savings or reductions. Federal highway maintenance facilities run by the Department of Transportation fall into this category. To help meet energy saving goals, an investigation into potential renewable energy technologies was completed for the Ohio Department of Transportation. This research examined several types of renewable energy technologies and the major factors that affect their performance and evaluated their potential for implementation at highway maintenance facilities. Facilities energy usage data were provided, and a facility survey and site visits were completed to enhance the evaluation of technologies and the suitability for specific projects. Findings and technology recommendations were presented in the form of selection matrices, which were designed to help make selections in future projects. The benefits of utilization of other tools such as analysis software and life cycle assessments were also highlighted. These selection tools were designed to be helpful guides when beginning the pursuit of a renewable energy technology for highway maintenance facilities, and can be applied to other similar building types and projects. This document further discusses the research strategies and findings as well as the recommendations that were made to the personnel overseeing Ohio's highway maintenance facilities.

Computing UV/vis spectra from the adiabatic and vertical Franck-Condon schemes with the use of Cartesian and internal coordinates

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

Götze, Jan P.; Karasulu, Bora; Thiel, Walter

We address the effects of using Cartesian or internal coordinates in the adiabatic Franck-Condon (AFC) and vertical Franck-Condon (VFC) approaches to electronic spectra. The adopted VFC approach is a simplified variant of the original approach [A. Hazra, H. H. Chang, and M. Nooijen, J. Chem. Phys. 151, 2125 (2004)], as we omit any contribution from normal modes with imaginary frequency. For our test molecules ranging from ethylene to flavin compounds, VFC offers several advantages over AFC, especially by preserving the properties of the FC region and by avoiding complications arising from the crossing of excited-state potential surfaces or from themore » failure of the harmonic approximation. The spectral quality for our target molecules is insensitive to the chosen approach. We also explore the effects of Duschinsky rotation and relate the need for internal coordinates to the absence of symmetry elements. When using Duschinsky rotation and treating larger systems without planar symmetry, internal coordinates are found to outperform Cartesian coordinates in the AFC spectral calculations.« less

Computing UV/vis spectra from the adiabatic and vertical Franck-Condon schemes with the use of Cartesian and internal coordinates.

PubMed

Götze, Jan P; Karasulu, Bora; Thiel, Walter

2013-12-21

We address the effects of using Cartesian or internal coordinates in the adiabatic Franck-Condon (AFC) and vertical Franck-Condon (VFC) approaches to electronic spectra. The adopted VFC approach is a simplified variant of the original approach [A. Hazra, H. H. Chang, and M. Nooijen, J. Chem. Phys. 151, 2125 (2004)], as we omit any contribution from normal modes with imaginary frequency. For our test molecules ranging from ethylene to flavin compounds, VFC offers several advantages over AFC, especially by preserving the properties of the FC region and by avoiding complications arising from the crossing of excited-state potential surfaces or from the failure of the harmonic approximation. The spectral quality for our target molecules is insensitive to the chosen approach. We also explore the effects of Duschinsky rotation and relate the need for internal coordinates to the absence of symmetry elements. When using Duschinsky rotation and treating larger systems without planar symmetry, internal coordinates are found to outperform Cartesian coordinates in the AFC spectral calculations.

Geometrically nonlinear transient vibrations of actively damped anti-symmetric angle ply laminated composite shallow shell using active fibre composite (AFC) actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashok, M. H.; Shivakumar, J.; Nandurkar, Santosh; Khadakbhavi, Vishwanath; Pujari, Sanjay

2018-02-01

In present work, the thin laminated composite shallow shell as smart structure with AFC material’s ACLD treatment is analyzed for geometrically nonlinear transient vibrations. The AFC material is used to make the constraining layer of the ACLD treatment. Golla-Hughes-McTavish (GHM) is used to model the constrained viscoelastic layer of the ACLD treatment in time domain. Along with a simple first-order shear deformation theory the Von Kármán type non-linear strain displacement relations are used for deriving this electromechanical coupled problem. A 3-dimensional finite element model of smart composite panels integrated with the ACLD treated patches has been modelled to reveal the performance of ACLD treated patches on improving the damping properties of slender anti-symmetric angle-ply laminated shallow shell, in controlling the transient vibrations which are geometrically nonlinear. The mathematical results explain that the ACLD treated patches considerably enhance the damping properties of anti-symmetric angle-ply panels undergoing geometrically nonlinear transient vibrations.

38 CFR 39.62 - Space criteria for support facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 10 years. (a) Administrative building. The administrative building should be approximately 1,600 NSF.../work area); (5) Family/conference room; (6) Military honors team; (7) Refreshment unit; (8) Housekeeping aide's closet; and (9) Restroom facilities. (b) Maintenance/service building. The maintenance...

Human factors in airway facilities maintenance : development of a prototype outage assessment inventory.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1994-02-01

The airway facilities (AF) maintenance community is concerned with identifying ways of reducing both the incidence of equipment failure and the amount of time required to restore equipment to operational status following a failure. It is vitally impo...

40 CFR 265.31 - Maintenance and operation of facility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., soil, or surface water which could threaten human health or the -environment. ... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Maintenance and operation of facility. 265.31 Section 265.31 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID...

Job attitudes toward the new maintenance concept of the Airway Facilities Service.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1983-02-01

To determine the attitudes of Airway FacilitieS (AF) personnel to the proposed New Maintenance Concept (NMC), an extensive questionnaire was mailed to all employees. Of 11,569 questionnaires distributed, 6,976 were completed and returned. Responses t...

Travel Information, Transportation & Public Facilities, State of Alaska

Science.gov Websites

outside site Report Potholes Road Conditions (511) Road Maintenance Central Region Maintenance & ; Operations Northern Region Maintenance & Operations Southcoast Region Maintenance & Operations Road Weather Information System Street Sweeping - Anchorage & Eagle River Winter Road Maintenance Priority

38 CFR 39.21 - Space criteria for support facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... building. The administrative building should be approximately 1,600 NSF in total, providing space, as... room; (6) Military honors team; (7) Refreshment unit; (8) Housekeeping aide's closet; and (9) Restroom facilities. (b) Maintenance/service building. The maintenance/service building may be combined with the...

Determining the maintenance superintendent and facility needs for residencies in the Virginia Department of Transportation.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-06-01

In the spring of 2007, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) began the process of reducing the number of superintendents and facilities dedicated to ordinary maintenance tasks. The need to downsize was the direct result of the requirement ...

24 CFR 242.57 - Maintenance of hospital facility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 24 Housing and Urban Development 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Maintenance of hospital facility. 242.57 Section 242.57 Housing and Urban Development Regulations Relating to Housing and Urban Development (Continued) OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOUSING-FEDERAL HOUSING COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF...

DOE handbook: Guide to good practices for training and qualification of maintenance personnel

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

NONE

1996-03-01

The purpose of this Handbook is to provide contractor training organizations with information that can be used to verify the adequacy of and/or modify existing maintenance training programs, or to develop new training programs. This guide, used in conjunction with facility-specific job analyses, provides a framework for training and qualification programs for maintenance personnel at DOE reactor and nonreactor nuclear facilities. Recommendations for qualification are made in four areas: education, experience, physical attributes, and training. The functional positions of maintenance mechanic, electrician, and instrumentation and control technician are covered by this guide. Sufficient common knowledge and skills were found tomore » include the three disciplines in one guide to good practices. Contents include: qualifications; on-the-job training; trainee evaluation; continuing training; training effectiveness evaluation; and program records. Appendices are included which relate to: administrative training; industrial safety training; fundamentals training; tools and equipment training; facility systems and component knowledge training; facility systems and component skills training; and specialized skills training.« less

KSC-2011-1398

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-02-08

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony takes place inside the new 18,500-square-foot Electrical Maintenance Facility (EMF) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left are Kennedy Director of Operations Mike Benik, NASA Construction of Facility Project Manager Nick Rivieccio and Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana. Located in Kennedy's Launch Complex 39 area, the EMF will provide new and renovated space for maintenance shops, offices, and equipment and material storage in support of the electrical maintenance functions for the center. The facility is projected to receive Gold certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. Photo credit: NASA/ Troy Cryder

Naval Air Systems Command Mobile Facility Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-11-03

Julie Trossbach 301-757-3073 Database Manager – Emi McCutcheon 301-757- 8347 BFM – Michelle Moorman 301-757-8328 Comptroller Analyst – Kathy...Jamie McDonald (757) 444-1428 NAVAIR Mobile Facilities MFTool/Database AIR 6.7.6.2 Emi McCutcheon (301) 757-8347 NAVAIR Mobile Facilities Logistics...requirement for mobile trailer -type vans for peculiar jet aircraft maintenance – Needed dust free, temperature & humidity-controlled maintenance

Evaluation of Energy Efficient Options to Heat Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Maintenance Facilities

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2018-01-01

This project was initiated by the ODOT District 2 staff who were looking for more efficient ways to heat and operate their maintenance facilities. This especially applied to the idea of using radiant floor heating as an alternative to todays stand...

1. AERIAL VIEW, NAVAL INACTIVE SHIPS MAINTENANCE FACILITY, SINCLAIR ISLET, ...

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

1. AERIAL VIEW, NAVAL INACTIVE SHIPS MAINTENANCE FACILITY, SINCLAIR ISLET, BREMERTON, KITSAP COUNTY, WASHINGTON WITH EX-USS HORNET CVS-12, THREE MINECRAFT ALONGSIDE TO PORT. OTHER INACTIVE SHIPS IN BACKGROUND. - U.S.S. HORNET, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Sinclair Inlet, Bremerton, Kitsap County, WA

75 FR 80397 - Version One Regional Reliability Standards for Facilities Design, Connections, and Maintenance...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-22

...] Version One Regional Reliability Standards for Facilities Design, Connections, and Maintenance; Protection and Control; and Voltage and Reactive December 17, 2010. AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission..., voltage and current sensing devices, station batteries and DC control circuitry). By contrast, the...

Facility Maintenance. V-TECS Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, Charles G.; And Others

This facility maintenance guide is a compilation of duties, tasks, performance objectives, and performance guides that deals with the psychomotor aspect of an occupation. The guide addresses the three domains of learning: psychomotor, cognitive, and affective. Each unit provides job-relevant tasks, standards of performance, source of standard,…

14 CFR 171.275 - Reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Reports. 171.275 Section 171.275... Reports. The owner of the ISMLS facility or his maintenance representative must make the following reports... the need for periodic maintenance visits to the facility, monthly reports from the remote monitoring...

14 CFR 171.275 - Reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Reports. 171.275 Section 171.275... Reports. The owner of the ISMLS facility or his maintenance representative must make the following reports... the need for periodic maintenance visits to the facility, monthly reports from the remote monitoring...

14 CFR 171.275 - Reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Reports. 171.275 Section 171.275... Reports. The owner of the ISMLS facility or his maintenance representative must make the following reports... the need for periodic maintenance visits to the facility, monthly reports from the remote monitoring...

Ethnicity as a determinant of ovarian reserve: differences in ovarian aging between Spanish and Indian women.

PubMed

Iglesias, Carlos; Banker, Manish; Mahajan, Nalini; Herrero, Leyre; Meseguer, Marcos; Garcia-Velasco, Juan A

2014-07-01

To investigate differences in ovarian reserve markers (antimüllerian hormone [AMH] and antral follicle count [AFC]) in Indian and Spanish women. Cross-sectional study. In vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics. Infertile Spanish (n=229) and Indian (n=236) women who underwent controlled ovarian stimulation for IVF from January to October 2012. None. Data on ovarian reserve markers and results after ovarian stimulation were collected. The mean age of women undergoing their first or second IVF cycle was significantly higher in Spanish than in Indian women (37.5±3.3 years vs. 31.5±3.8 years). Despite this 6-year age gap, AFCs were similar (9.5±4.7 vs. 9.9±4.6), as were day 3 FSH levels (7.5±4.5 IU/L vs. 6.9±2.3 IU/L). AMH levels were slightly lower in Spanish women (1.6±1.7 ng/mL vs. 2.5±1.6 ng/mL). Multivariate regression analysis showed that being Indian decreased AFC by 2.3, such that AFC in Indian women was similar to that in Spanish women 6.3 years older (95% confidence interval 3.39-1.10). Similar ovarian reserve markers and ovarian response were observed in women with a 6-year age difference in favor of the Spanish, suggesting ethnic differences in ovarian aging. Further research is needed to understand whether these differences are genetically induced or are caused by other variables, such as nutrition. Our results may help clinicians to counsel infertile women when discussing assisted reproductive technology outcomes according to age and ethnic background. Copyright © 2014 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Anti-Müllerian hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, antral follicle count, and risk of menopause within 5 years.

PubMed

Kim, Catherine; Slaughter, James C; Wang, Erica T; Appiah, Duke; Schreiner, Pamela; Leader, Benjamin; Calderon-Margalit, Ronit; Sternfeld, Barbara; Siscovick, David; Wellons, Melissa

2017-08-01

To evaluate the ability of concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC), and concentration of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) to predict the onset of menopause. The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study (CARDIA) Women's Study was an ancillary study to CARDIA, a population-based study of adults aged 18-30 years followed for 3 decades. For this report, participants were women (n=426) who had attended the CARDIA year 15-16 (2000-2001) examination, had at least one ovary, were not pregnant, and underwent serum AMH and FSH measurement and transvaginal ultrasonography in 2002-2003. The probability of menopause in 5 years based upon AMH, FSH, and AFC. The mean age of the women at the time of AMH, FSH, and AFC assessment was 43 years. The cumulative incidence of menopause at 25 years (or follow-up) was 27% (n=426), and the incidence within 5 years was 13% (n=55). Among women aged 45-49 years, undetectable AMH concentrations were associated with a greater than 60% probability of menopause within 5 years, whereas approximately 1/3 of women with no or just one antral follicle experienced menopause within 5 years. Both low and high concentrations of FSH were associated with greater odds of menopause than intermediate concentrations. Models with multiple markers did not improve the prediction of menopause over that afforded by models with single markers. The ability to predict onset of menopause was improved with any of the three menopausal markers in addition to age. AMH concentrations were more closely associated with menopause than AFC or FSH. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of Perceived Neighbourhood Environments on Self-Rated Health among Community-Dwelling Older Chinese.

PubMed

Wong, Moses; Yu, Ruby; Woo, Jean

2017-06-07

In response to the growing number of older people living in cities, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the concept of "Age-Friendly Cities" (AFC) to guide the way in designing physical and social environments to encourage active ageing. Limited research has studied the effects of neighbourhood age-friendliness on elderly health outcomes. Using the example of a highly urbanized city in Asia, this study examined the effects of perceived age-friendliness of neighbourhood environments on self-rated health (SRH) among community-dwelling older Chinese. A multi-stage sampling method was used to collect views of community-dwelling older people from two local districts of Hong Kong. A structured questionnaire covering the WHO's eight AFC domains was developed to collect information on the perceived neighbourhood environments, SRH and individual characteristics. Age-friendliness of neighbourhood was assessed by mean scores of AFC domains, which was used to predict SRH with adjustment for individual and objective neighbourhood characteristics. Furthermore, 719 respondents aged ≥60 years completed the questionnaire, of which 44.5% reported good SRH. Independent of individual and objective neighbourhood characteristics, multiple logistics regressions showed that higher satisfaction on outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, and respect and social inclusion was significantly associated with increased odds of reporting good SRH by more than 20% ( p < 0.05). Individuals aged 70-79 years, being female, lower education and residents of public or subsidized housing were less likely to report good SRH, after controlling for individual and neighbourhood characteristics. In addition to age, gender, education and housing type, AFC environments have important contributive influence on SRH, after controlling for individual and objective neighbourhood characteristics.

Assessing The Impact Of Cancer Therapies On Ovarian Reserve

PubMed Central

Gracia, Clarisa R.; Sammel, Mary D.; Freeman, Ellen; Prewitt, Maureen; Carlson, Claire; Ray, Anushree; Vance, Ashley; Ginsberg, Jill P.

2013-01-01

Objective To determine whether measures of ovarian reserve differ between females exposed to cancer therapies in a dose-dependent manner as compared to healthy controls of similar age and late-reproductive age. Design Cross-sectional analysis of data from a prospective cohort study Setting University Medical Center Patients 71 cancer survivors age 15-39; 67 healthy, similarly aged unexposed subjects; 69 regularly menstruating women of late-reproductive age (40-52 years). Interventions: None Main Outcome measures Early follicular phase hormones (FSH, Estradiol, Inhibin B, AMH) and ovarian ultrasound measurements (ovarian volume and Antral Follicle Counts) were compared using multivariable linear regression. Results In adjusted models, FSH, AMH and AFC differed between exposed vs. unexposed (FSH 11.12mIU/ml vs. 7.25mIU/ml, p=0.001; AMH 0.81ng/ml vs. 2.85ng/ml, p<0.001; AFC: 14.55 vs. 27.20, p<0.001. In participants with an FSH<10, survivors had lower levels of AMH and AFC compared to controls. Alkylating agent dose score was associated with increased levels of FSH (p= 0.016) and decreased levels of AMH (p=0.003). Exposure to pelvic radiation was associated with impairment in FSH, AMH, AFC and ovarian volume. AMH was similar in women previously exposed to high-dose cancer therapy and 40-42 year old controls. Conclusions Measures of ovarian reserve are impaired in a dose-dependent manner among cancer survivors compared to unexposed females of similar age. Reproductive hormone levels in menstruating survivors exposed to high-dose therapy are similar to late-reproductive women. The predictive value of measures for pregnancy and menopause must be studied. PMID:22137491

Serum anti-Müllerian hormone and ovarian morphology assessed by magnetic resonance imaging in response to acupuncture and exercise in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: secondary analyses of a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Leonhardt, Henrik; Hellström, Mikael; Gull, Berit; Lind, Anna-Karin; Nilsson, Lars; Janson, Per Olof; Stener-Victorin, Elisabet

2015-03-01

To investigate whether electro-acupuncture or physical exercise influence serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC) or ovarian volume in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Secondary analyses of a prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial. University Hospital, Sweden. Seventy-four women with PCOS recruited from the general population. Women with PCOS were randomized to 16 weeks of electro-acupuncture (14 treatments), exercise (at least three times/week), or no intervention. Serum AMH recorded at baseline, after 16 weeks of intervention, and at follow up at 32 weeks. AFC, and ovarian volume assessed by magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and at follow up at 32 weeks. After 16 weeks of intervention, serum levels of AMH were significantly decreased in the electro-acupuncture group by 17.5% (p < 0.001), and differed from the change in the exercise group. AMH remained decreased by 15% (p = 0.004) also at follow up at 32 weeks, but did not differ from the exercise or the no intervention groups. There was a decrease by 8.5% (p = 0.015) in ovarian volume between baseline and follow up in the electro-acupuncture group, and by 11.7% (p = 0.01) in AFC in the physical exercise group. No other variables were affected. This study is the first to demonstrate that acupuncture reduces serum AMH levels and ovarian volume. Physical exercise did not influence circulating AMH or ovarian volume. Despite a within-group decrease in AFC, exercise did not lead to a between-group difference. © 2014 Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Spectrophotometric photodynamic detection involving extracorporeal treatment with hexaminolevulinate for bladder cancer cells in voided urine.

PubMed

Nakai, Yasushi; Ozawa, Toshiyuki; Mizuno, Fumiko; Onishi, Sayuri; Owari, Takuya; Hori, Syunta; Morizawa, Yosuke; Tatsumi, Yosihiro; Miyake, Makito; Tanaka, Nobumichi; Tsuruta, Daisuke; Fujimoto, Kiyohide

2017-11-01

To evaluate the feasibility of hexaminolevulinate (HAL) for the photodynamic detection of cancer cells in voided urine. This study included 50 patients with bladder cancer that was confirmed histologically after transurethral resection (bladder cancer group) and 50 outpatients without a history of urothelial carcinoma or cancer-related findings (no malignancy group). One third of the voided urine samples were incubated with aminolevulinic acid (ALA-treated samples), one third were incubated with HAL (HAL-treated samples), and the remaining samples were incubated without treatment (untreated samples). For detecting cellular protoporphyrin IX levels, the intensity of the samples at the excitation wavelength of 405 nm was measured using a spectrophotometer. The difference between the intensity of the ALA-treated or HAL-treated samples and the untreated samples at 635 nm was calculated. HAL-induced fluorescence cytology (HFC) showed that the difference was significantly higher in patients with high-grade tumors than in those with low-grade tumors (p = 0.0003) and the difference was significantly higher in patients with low-grade tumors than in those without a history of urothelial carcinoma or cancer-related findings (p = 0.021). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of ALA-induced fluorescence cytology (AFC) and HFC were 0.77 and 0.81, respectively. The AUC of HFC was significantly higher than that of AFC (p < 0.0001). The overall sensitivity values for conventional cytology, AFC, and HFC were 49, 74, and 74%, respectively. The overall specificity values for AFC and HFC were 70 and 94%, respectively. Spectrophotometric photodynamic detection involving extracorporeal treatment with HAL for bladder cancer cells in voided urine showed high accuracy. This bladder cancer detection method is easy and cost-effective, and has the potential for clinical use.

Liquid- and air-filled catheters without balloon as an alternative to the air-filled balloon catheter for measurement of esophageal pressure.

PubMed

Beda, Alessandro; Güldner, Andreas; Carvalho, Alysson R; Zin, Walter Araujo; Carvalho, Nadja C; Huhle, Robert; Giannella-Neto, Antonio; Koch, Thea; de Abreu, Marcelo Gama

2014-01-01

Measuring esophageal pressure (Pes) using an air-filled balloon catheter (BC) is the common approach to estimate pleural pressure and related parameters. However, Pes is not routinely measured in mechanically ventilated patients, partly due to technical and practical limitations and difficulties. This study aimed at comparing the conventional BC with two alternative methods for Pes measurement, liquid-filled and air-filled catheters without balloon (LFC and AFC), during mechanical ventilation with and without spontaneous breathing activity. Seven female juvenile pigs (32-42 kg) were anesthetized, orotracheally intubated, and a bundle of an AFC, LFC, and BC was inserted in the esophagus. Controlled and assisted mechanical ventilation were applied with positive end-expiratory pressures of 5 and 15 cmH2O, and driving pressures of 10 and 20 cmH2O, in supine and lateral decubitus. Cardiogenic noise in BC tracings was much larger (up to 25% of total power of Pes signal) than in AFC and LFC (<3%). Lung and chest wall elastance, pressure-time product, inspiratory work of breathing, inspiratory change and end-expiratory value of transpulmonary pressure were estimated. The three catheters allowed detecting similar changes in these parameters between different ventilation settings. However, a non-negligible and significant bias between estimates from BC and those from AFC and LFC was observed in several instances. In anesthetized and mechanically ventilated pigs, the three catheters are equivalent when the aim is to detect changes in Pes and related parameters between different conditions, but possibly not when the absolute value of the estimated parameters is of paramount importance. Due to a better signal-to-noise ratio, and considering its practical advantages in terms of easier calibration and simpler acquisition setup, LFC may prove interesting for clinical use.

Amniotic Fluid Cells Show Higher Pluripotency-Related Gene Expression Than Allantoic Fluid Cells.

PubMed

Kehl, Debora; Generali, Melanie; Görtz, Sabrina; Geering, Diego; Slamecka, Jaroslav; Hoerstrup, Simon P; Bleul, Ulrich; Weber, Benedikt

2017-10-01

Amniotic fluid represents an abundant source of multipotent stem cells, referred as broadly multipotent given their differentiation potential and expression of pluripotency-related genes. However, the origin of this broadly multipotent cellular fraction is not fully understood. Several sources have been proposed so far, including embryonic and extraembryonic tissues. In this regard, the ovine developmental model uniquely allows for direct comparison of fetal fluid-derived cells from two separate fetal fluid cavities, the allantois and the amnion, over the entire duration of gestation. As allantoic fluid mainly collects fetal urine, cells originating from the efferent urinary tract can directly be compared with cells deriving from the extraembryonic amniotic tissues and the fetus. This study shows isolation of cells from the amniotic [ovine amniotic fluid cells (oAFCs)] and allantoic fluid [ovine allantoic fluid cells (oALCs)] in a strictly paired fashion with oAFCs and oALCs derived from the same fetus. Both cell types showed cellular phenotypes comparable to standard mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with trilineage differentiation potential, and expression of common ovine MSC markers. However, the expression of MSC markers per single cell was higher in oAFCs as measured by flow cytometry. oAFCs exhibited higher proliferative capacities and showed significantly higher expression of pluripotency-related genes OCT4, STAT3, NANOG, and REX1 by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction compared with paired oALCs. No significant decrease of pluripotency-related gene expression was noted over gestation, implying that cells with high differentiation potential may be isolated at the end of pregnancy. In conclusion, this study suggests that cells with highest stem cell characteristics may originate from the fetus itself or the amniotic fetal adnexa rather than from the efferent urinary tract or the allantoic fetal adnexa.

Effects of Perceived Neighbourhood Environments on Self-Rated Health among Community-Dwelling Older Chinese

PubMed Central

Wong, Moses; Yu, Ruby; Woo, Jean

2017-01-01

In response to the growing number of older people living in cities, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the concept of “Age-Friendly Cities” (AFC) to guide the way in designing physical and social environments to encourage active ageing. Limited research has studied the effects of neighbourhood age-friendliness on elderly health outcomes. Using the example of a highly urbanized city in Asia, this study examined the effects of perceived age-friendliness of neighbourhood environments on self-rated health (SRH) among community-dwelling older Chinese. A multi-stage sampling method was used to collect views of community-dwelling older people from two local districts of Hong Kong. A structured questionnaire covering the WHO’s eight AFC domains was developed to collect information on the perceived neighbourhood environments, SRH and individual characteristics. Age-friendliness of neighbourhood was assessed by mean scores of AFC domains, which was used to predict SRH with adjustment for individual and objective neighbourhood characteristics. Furthermore, 719 respondents aged ≥60 years completed the questionnaire, of which 44.5% reported good SRH. Independent of individual and objective neighbourhood characteristics, multiple logistics regressions showed that higher satisfaction on outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, and respect and social inclusion was significantly associated with increased odds of reporting good SRH by more than 20% (p < 0.05). Individuals aged 70–79 years, being female, lower education and residents of public or subsidized housing were less likely to report good SRH, after controlling for individual and neighbourhood characteristics. In addition to age, gender, education and housing type, AFC environments have important contributive influence on SRH, after controlling for individual and objective neighbourhood characteristics. PMID:28590435

Ground Software Maintenance Facility (GSMF) user's manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aquila, V.; Derrig, D.; Griffith, G.

1986-01-01

Instructions for the Ground Software Maintenance Facility (GSMF) system user is provided to operate the GSMF in all modes. The GSMF provides the resources for the Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) computer program maintenance (GCOS and GOAL). Applicable reference documents are listed. An operational overview and descriptions of the modes in terms of operator interface, options, equipment, material utilization, and operational procedures are contained. Test restart procedures are described. The GSMF documentation tree is presented including the user manual.

78 FR 53184 - Land Release for Penn Yan Airport

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-28

... easement of 0.069 +/-acres for ingress/egress to a boat storage and maintenance facility to be constructed.../egress to the Land and Sea Properties boat storage and maintenance facility from the Penn Yan Airport access road. Documents reflecting the Sponsor's request are available, by appointment only, for...

Identification of HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) Deficiencies Using Analysis of Job Order Data

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-09-01

Maintenance Evaluation Team ( MEMET ), stated, in his booklet To Aspire For Excellence, the need for emphasis on product- oriented performance (3:17). Existing...JOAGE - Job Order/Facility Age JOSF - Job Order/Facility Square Feet LSD - Least Significant Difference MEMET - Mechanical Equipment Maintenance

Facility Management Child Care Resource Book. Child Care Operations Center of Expertise.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

General Services Administration, Washington, DC. Public Buildings Service.

This guidebook provides maintenance and operations guidelines for managing General Services Administration (GSA) child care centers within the same standards and level of a GSA operated facility. Areas covered address cleaning standards and guidelines; equipment funding and inventory; maintenance of living environments and problem areas;…

Operation, Maintenance and Management of Wastewater Treatment Facilities: A Bibliography of Technical Documents.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Himes, Dottie

This is an annotated bibliography of wastewater treatment manuals. Fourteen manuals are abstracted including: (1) A Planned Maintenance Management System for Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants; (2) Anaerobic Sludge Digestion, Operations Manual; (3) Emergency Planning for Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facilities; (4) Estimating Laboratory Needs…

A Proposed Approach for Prioritizing Maintenance at NASA Centers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dunn, Steven C.; Sawyer, Melvin H.

2013-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) manages a vast array of infrastructure assets across ten National Centers with a worth of at least 30 billion dollars. Eighty percent of this infrastructure is greater than 40 years old and is in degraded condition. Maintenance budgets are typically less than one percent of current replacement value (CRV), much less than the 2-4% recommended by the National Research Council. The maintenance backlog was 2.55 billion dollars in FY10 and growing. NASA s annual budgets have flattened and are at risk of being reduced, so the problem is becoming even more difficult. NASA Centers utilize various means to prioritize and accomplish maintenance within available budgets, though data is suspect and processes are variable. This paper offers a structured means to prioritize maintenance based on mission criticality and facility performance (ability of the facility to deliver on its purpose). Mission alignment is assessed using the current timeframe Mission Dependence Index and a measure of facility alignment with the 2011 NASA Strategic Plan for the long-term perspective. Facility performance is assessed by combining specific findings from a structured facility condition assessment and an assessment of actual functional output. These are then combined in a matrix to identify the facilities most critical to mission and able to deliver services. The purpose of this approach is to provide the best benefits for the available funding. Additionally, this rationale can also be applied to the prioritization of investment (recapitalization) projects so that the ultimate customers of this paper, the senior infrastructure managers at each NASA Center, are better able to strategically manage their capabilities.

36 CFR 212.4 - Construction and maintenance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Construction and maintenance... TRAVEL MANAGEMENT Administration of the Forest Transportation System § 212.4 Construction and maintenance. (a) Construction and maintenance work on forest transportation facilities with appropriated funds...

48 CFR 217.171 - Multiyear contracts for services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... agency may enter into multiyear contracts for supplies and services required for management, maintenance..., maintenance, and support of facilities and installations. (ii) Maintenance or modification of aircraft, ships... services (e.g., ground maintenance, in-plane refueling, bus transportation, and refuse collection and...

Maintenance Facilities for Ammunition, Explosives, and Toxics. Design Manual 28.3.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-11-01

LOADING DOCK RAMP PROTECTION 28.3-2 8. FIRE PROTECTION 28.3-2 9. SECURITY 28.3-2 10. SAFETY 28.3-2 Section 2. GENERAL AMMUNITION MAINTENANCE SHOPS 28.3...protection in accordance with Section 3 1910.23c, Occupatioual Safety and Health Act Standards Manual. 5 8. FIRE PROTECTION. Fire protection for all...Volume 1, and Fire Protection Engineering, NAVFAC DM-8. 9. SECURITY. Maintenance facilities for ammunition, explosives, and I toxics shall be located so

Relocation of the Deep Space Network Maintenance Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beutler, K. F.

1981-01-01

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory maintains a Deep Space Network (DSN) maintenance center (DMC), whose task is to engineer and manage the repair and calibration program for the electronic and mechanical equipment used in the tracking stations located at Madrid, Spain, and Canberra, Australia. The DMC also manages the Goldstone complex maintenance facility (GCMF), whose task is to repair and calibrate the Goldstone electronic and mechanical equipment. The rationale for moving the facility to Barstow, California, and the benefits derived from the move are discussed.

Caspase-9 holoenzyme is a specific and optimal pro-caspase-3 processing machine

PubMed Central

Yin, Qian; Park, Hyun Ho; Chung, Jee Y.; Lin, Su-Chang; Lo, Yu-Chih; da Graca, Li S.; Jiang, Xuejun; Wu, Hao

2010-01-01

Summary Caspase-9 activation is critical for intrinsic cell death. The activity of caspase-9 is increased dramatically upon association with the apoptosome and the apoptosome bound caspase-9 is the caspase-9 holoenzyme (C9Holo). In this study, we use quantitative enzymatic assays to fully characterize C9Holo and a leucine-zipper linked dimeric caspase-9 (LZ-C9). We surprisingly show that LZ-C9 is more active than C9Holo for the optimal caspase-9 peptide substrate LEHD-AFC, but is much less active than C9Holo for the physiological substrate pro-caspase-3. The measured Km values of C9Holo and LZ-C9 for LEHD-AFC are similar, demonstrating that dimerization is sufficient for catalytic activation of caspase-9. The lower activity of C9Holo against LEHD-AFC may be attributed to incomplete C9Holo assembly. However, the measured Km of C9Holo for pro-caspase-3 is much lower than that of LZ-C9. Therefore, in addition to dimerization, the apoptosome activates caspase-9 by enhancing its affinity for pro-caspase-3, which is important for pro-caspase-3 activation at the physiological concentration. PMID:16630893

Characterization of a plasma membrane-associated prenylcysteine-directed alpha carboxyl methyltransferase in human neutrophils.

PubMed

Pillinger, M H; Volker, C; Stock, J B; Weissmann, G; Philips, M R

1994-01-14

Signal transduction in human neutrophils requires prenylcysteine-directed carboxyl methylation of ras-related low molecular weight GTP-binding proteins. We now report the subcellular localization and characterization of a neutrophil prenylcysteine alpha carboxyl methyltransferase. The highest carboxyl methyltransferase activity copurified with biotinylated neutrophil surface membranes, supporting a plasma membrane localization of the enzyme. Neutrophil nuclear fractions contained little or no methyltransferase activity. Methyltransferase activity was detergent-sensitive but could be reconstituted by removal of detergent in the presence of phosphatidyl choline and an anionic phospholipid. N-Acetyl-S-trans,trans-farnesyl-L-cysteine (AFC) and N-acetyl-S-all-trans-geranylgeranyl-L-cysteine (AGGC) were effective substrates for neutrophil prenylcysteine-directed methyltransferase; Vmax values for AFC and AGGC (16.4 and 22.1 pmol of methylated/mg protein/min, respectively) are among the highest yet reported. Although both GTP gamma S and the chemoattractant fMet-Leu-Phe stimulated methylation of ras-related proteins, neither affected methylation of AFC. These data suggest that neutrophil plasma membranes contain a phospholipid-dependent, prenylcysteine-directed carboxyl methyltransferase of relatively high specific activity that modifies ras-related protein substrates in the GTP-bound, activated state.

Fertility affects asymmetry detection not symmetry preference in assessments of 3D facial attractiveness.

PubMed

Lewis, Michael B

2017-09-01

Consistent with theories from evolutionary psychology, facial symmetry correlates with attractiveness. Further, the preference for symmetrical faces appears to be affected by fertility in women. One limitation of previous research is that faces are often symmetrically lit front-views and so symmetry can be assessed using 2D pictorial information. Another limitation is that two-alternative-forced-choice (2afc) tasks are often used to assess symmetry preference and these cannot distinguish between differences in preference for symmetry and differences in ability of asymmetry detection. The current study used three tasks to assess the effects of facial symmetry: attractiveness ratings, 2afc preference and asymmetry detection. To break the link between 2D pictorial symmetry and facial symmetry, 3D computer generated heads were used with asymmetrical lighting and yaw rotation. Facial symmetry correlated with attractiveness even under more naturalistic viewing conditions. Path analysis indicates that the link between fertility and 2afc symmetry preference is mediated by asymmetry detection not increased preference for symmetry. The existing literature on symmetry preference and attractiveness is reinterpreted in terms of differences in asymmetry detection. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Exploration of relationships between low-Ti and high-Ti pristine lunar glasses using an armalcolite assimilation model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, John H.; Delano, John W.

1991-01-01

The pristine glasses of Delano are the most primitive lunar basaltic magma compositions discovered to date. They are grouped into two (and possibly three) arrays: a low-alumina array and a high alumina array. These glasses are very olivine normative and are multiply saturated at pressures of approximately 20 kbar, implying a depth of origin of 400 to 500 km in the Moon. Thus, these glasses appear to be the best candidates for primitive partial melts of the upper lunar mantle. One of the most perplexing characteristics of the pristine glasses is a positive correlation between Ni and SiO2 within each array. This is contrary to the terrestrial experience, where Ni is observed to positively correlate with MgO and negatively correlate with SiO2. These systematics are believed to be due to the depletion of Ni by olivine fractionation. The difference between the lunar and terrestrial Ni vs. SiO2 trends may be partially ascribed to the Ti-rich component. In the case of the pristine glasses, SiO2 increases not because of olivine fractionation, but because they contain less of the high-Ti component. An attempt was made to model this variation in Ni and SiO2 with a simple assimilation-fractional crystallization (AFC) model. Silica and Ni both decreased dramatically as the AFC process proceeded. Only 15 to 20 percent AFC was necessary to produce the observed variation, and the SiO2 vs. Ni variation was modeled quite well. The D(Ni) for olivine/liquid in this model was taken to be 10 and the olivine was assumed to be Fe sub 80. However, the results of this model for Ti and Mg were less than satisfactory. It seemed difficult to achieve the high TiO2 contents of some glasses (16 to 17 wt. percent) by this method. Continual addition of ilmenite by AFC could indeed raise the titania concentrations to the necessary levels, but only by enriching the magma in FeO and greatly depleting the magma in MgO. An attempt was made to circumvent this problem by using armalcolite, (Fe, Mg)Ti2O5, in the AFC model, and the results are presented.

Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle Maintenance Facility Modification Handbook

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

Kelly, Kay L.; Ramsden, Margo M.; Gonzales, John E.

To ensure the safety of personnel and facilities, vehicle maintenance facilities are required by law and by guidelines of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Fire Code (IFC) to exhibit certain design features. They are also required to be fitted with certain fire protection equipment and devices because of the potential for fire or explosion in the event of fuel leakage or spills. All fuels have an explosion or fire potential if specific conditions are present. The hazard presented by liquid fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, results from the spillage of these liquids and subsequent ignitionmore » of vapors, causing a fire or explosion. Facilities that maintain liquid-fueled vehicles and implement appropriate safety measures are protected with ventilation systems designed to capture liquid fuel vapors at or near floor level. To minimize the potential for ignition in the event of a spill, receptacles, electrical fixtures, and hot-work operations, such as welding, are located outside of these areas. Compressed natural gas (CNG) is composed of methane with slight amounts of heavier simple hydrocarbons. Maintenance facilities that maintain CNG vehicles indoors must be protected against fire and explosion. However, the means of ensuring safety are different from those employed for liquid fuels because of the gaseous nature of methane and the fact that it is lighter than air. Because CNG is lighter than air, a release will rise to the ceiling of the maintenance facility and quickly dissipate rather than remaining at or near floor level like liquid fuel vapors. Although some of the means of protection for CNG vehicle maintenance facilities are similar to those used for liquid-fueled vehicles (ventilation and elimination of ignition sources), the types and placement of the protection equipment are different because of the behavior of the different fuels. The nature of gaseous methane may also require additional safeguards, such as combustible gas detectors and control systems, or specialized space heating, which are not needed in facilities servicing liquid-fuel vehicles. This handbook covers maintenance facilities that service CNG-fueled vehicles. Although similar requirements are mandated for liquefied natural gas (LNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fueled vehicles, LNG and LPG are not covered in this handbook.« less

Laboratory services series: a programmed maintenance system

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

Tuxbury, D.C.; Srite, B.E.

1980-01-01

The diverse facilities, operations and equipment at a major national research and development laboratory require a systematic, analytical approach to operating equipment maintenance. A computer-scheduled preventive maintenance program is described including program development, equipment identification, maintenance and inspection instructions, scheduling, personnel, and equipment history.

Remote Education Using Web Conference System in a Company of Coin Parking Business

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshioka, Yoshio; Mito, Hiroyuki; Azuma, Kouji

Maintenance jobs at coin parking places (CP) are very important for keeping trouble free operation. Such maintenance jobs include special inspection at the initiation of new CP and ordinal maintenance works. In order to level up the skill of maintenance people in the company, education of the basic knowlege of electricity, facility and maintenance skills are required. We made an original text for maintenance people, and practiced education by use of web conference system, because they are distributed in whole country, This paper describes a content of text on fundamental knowledge of electricity, facility of coin parking system and trouble experiences, and also a practice of remote education using web conference system. Problems of remote education which were found by practice and the future education plan of practical skill are also described.

14 CFR 171.3 - Requests for IFR procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... manual that meets the requirements of § 171.11. (4) A statement of intention to meet the requirements of this subpart. (5) A showing that the facility has an acceptable level of operational reliability and an... required changes in the facility or the maintenance manual or maintenance organization. The owner must then...

76 FR 29260 - Incidental Take Permit; San Bernardino County, CA; Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan, Draft...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-20

... related to operations and maintenance of storage and distribution facilities for petroleum products within the Colton and Colton North Terminals, and with habitat restoration and management on a proposed on... maintenance of storage and distribution facilities for petroleum products on approximately 20 acres (ac) (8...

Characterization of stormwater at selected South Carolina Department of Transportation maintenance yard and section shed facilities in Ballentine, Conway, and North Charleston, South Carolina, 2010-2012.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-01-01

The purpose of this report is to characterize the : concentration, load, and yield of selected water-quality constituents transported by stormwater from SCDOT section shed : and maintenance yard facilities. From March 2010 to January 2012, storm samp...

Applied Workplace Literacy for the Facilities Maintenance Industry. Performance Report and Third Party Evaluation Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Texas State Technical Coll., Waco.

A project was conducted to determine if interactive video programs could produce positive results in literacy programs. During the project, staff from a technical college developed a task analysis, curriculum, and evaluation measures for the training of facilities maintenance workers in mathematical concepts. From this activity, an instructional…

ICD Complex Operations and Maintenance Plan

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

Gibson, P. L.

2007-06-25

This Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Plan describes how the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) conducts operations, winterization, and startup of the Idaho CERCLA Disposal Facility (ICDF) Complex. The ICDF Complex is the centralized INL facility responsible for the receipt, storage, treatment (as necessary), and disposal of INL Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) remediation waste.

Breaking the Backlog Reduction Mold with FacMan: A Facilities Management Application for Maintenance Backlogs and Capital Renewal.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Managan, William H.

1999-01-01

Describes a facilities-management software program that helps managers better document and understand maintenance backlogs, improvements, and future cyclic renewal needs. Major software components are examined including a software tool that filters, groups, and ranks projects to help determine funding requests. (GR)

49 CFR 193.2605 - Maintenance procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) PIPELINE SAFETY LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS FACILITIES: FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARDS Maintenance § 193.2605 Maintenance procedures. (a) Each operator shall determine...

49 CFR 193.2605 - Maintenance procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) PIPELINE SAFETY LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS FACILITIES: FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARDS Maintenance § 193.2605 Maintenance procedures. (a) Each operator shall determine...

32 CFR 174.14 - Maintenance and repair.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... and protect those facilities and items of equipment needed for reuse in an economical manner that... consultation with the LRA, will establish initial levels of maintenance and repair needed to aid redevelopment... levels of maintenance and repair and its duration. In no case will these initial levels of maintenance...

32 CFR 174.14 - Maintenance and repair.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... and protect those facilities and items of equipment needed for reuse in an economical manner that... consultation with the LRA, will establish initial levels of maintenance and repair needed to aid redevelopment... levels of maintenance and repair and its duration. In no case will these initial levels of maintenance...

20. SITE BUILDING 002 SCANNER BUILDING IN COMPUTER ...

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

20. SITE BUILDING 002 - SCANNER BUILDING - IN COMPUTER ROOM LOOKING AT "CONSOLIDATED MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS CENTER" JOB AREA AND OPERATION WORK CENTER. TASKS INCLUDE RADAR MAINTENANCE, COMPUTER MAINTENANCE, CYBER COMPUTER MAINTENANCE AND RELATED ACTIVITIES. - Cape Cod Air Station, Technical Facility-Scanner Building & Power Plant, Massachusetts Military Reservation, Sandwich, Barnstable County, MA

78 FR 29201 - Notice of Availability of Finding of No Significant Impact for the Proposed Vantage Pipeline US...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-17

... maintenance at the borders of the United States, of facilities for the exportation or importation of liquid... installation of associated aboveground mainline block valves; and the use of access roads and pipe storage and... Permit authorizing the construction, connection, operation, and maintenance of the Cross Border Facility...

Documentation and Evaluation of Depot Maintenance Cost Accumulation and Reporting at the Naval Air Rework Facility, Jacksonville, Florida.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-06-01

Barilla , 1984). B. NARF JACKSONVILLE 1. Activities and Services NARF Jacksonville is one of the six industrially funded maintenance facilities which...MC =arine Corps N =Navy DSA z Defense Security Assistance OFA - Other Federal Agencies NFA a Non-Federal Agencies 80 1" 6 LIST OF REFERENCES Barilla

Maintenance Dredging & Confined Disposal Facility for the Crooked River Portion of Michigan’s Inland Route and the Operation, Maintenance, & Proposed Public Use Facilities for the Alanson Lock and Weir, Michigan.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-01-01

Dwarf lake iris, threatened. Calypso bulbosa, Calypso or Fairy - slipper , threatened. Cypripedium aietinum, Ram’s head lady- slipper , rare. Orchis...rotundifolia, Round-leaved orchid , threatened. Agropyron dasystachyum, threatened. Beckmannia syzigachne, Slough grass, threatened. Bromus pumpellianus

9 CFR 71.4 - Maintenance of certain facilities and premises in a sanitary condition required; cleaning and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Maintenance of certain facilities and premises in a sanitary condition required; cleaning and disinfection, when required; animals classed as âexposed.â 71.4 Section 71.4 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE...

9 CFR 71.4 - Maintenance of certain facilities and premises in a sanitary condition required; cleaning and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Maintenance of certain facilities and premises in a sanitary condition required; cleaning and disinfection, when required; animals classed as âexposed.â 71.4 Section 71.4 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE...

9 CFR 71.4 - Maintenance of certain facilities and premises in a sanitary condition required; cleaning and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Maintenance of certain facilities and premises in a sanitary condition required; cleaning and disinfection, when required; animals classed as âexposed.â 71.4 Section 71.4 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE...

9 CFR 71.4 - Maintenance of certain facilities and premises in a sanitary condition required; cleaning and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Maintenance of certain facilities and premises in a sanitary condition required; cleaning and disinfection, when required; animals classed as âexposed.â 71.4 Section 71.4 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE...

9 CFR 71.4 - Maintenance of certain facilities and premises in a sanitary condition required; cleaning and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Maintenance of certain facilities and premises in a sanitary condition required; cleaning and disinfection, when required; animals classed as âexposed.â 71.4 Section 71.4 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE...

Guide for Maintaining Pedestrian Facilities for Enhanced Safety.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-10-01

A Guide for Maintaining Pedestrian Facilities for Enhanced Safety provides guidance for maintaining pedestrian facilities with the primary goal of increasing safety and mobility. The Guide addresses the needs for pedestrian facility maintenance; comm...

Assembling, maintaining and servicing Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doetsch, K. H.; Werstiuk, H.; Creasy, W.; Browning, R.

1987-01-01

The assembly, maintenance, and servicing of the Space Station and its facilities are discussed. The tools and facilities required for the assembly, maintenance, and servicing of the Station are described; the ground and transportation infrastructures needed for the Space Station are examined. The roles of automation and robotics in reducing the EVAs of the crew, minimizing disturbances to the Space Station environment, and enhancing user friendliness are investigated. Servicing/maintenance tasks are categorized based on: (1) urgency, (2) location of servicing/maintenance, (3) environmental control, (4) dexterity, (5) transportation, (6) crew interactions, (7) equipment interactions, and (8) Space Station servicing architecture. An example of a servicing mission by the Space Station for the Hubble Space Telescope is presented.

Advanced Fuels Campaign 2016 Accomplishments

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

Richardson, Kate M.

AFC management and integration activities in FY-16 included continued support for international collaborations, primarily with France, Japan, the European Union, Republic of Korea, and China, as well as various working group and expert group activities in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD-NEA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Three industry-led Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) and two university-led Integrated Research Projects (IRPs) funded in 2013, made significant progress in fuels and materials development. All are closely integrated with AFC and accident-tolerant fuels (ATF) research. Accomplishments made during FY-16 are highlighted in this report, which focusesmore » on completed work and results.« less

25 CFR 170.811 - What happens if lack of funds results in inadequate maintenance?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... maintenance? 170.811 Section 170.811 Indians BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR LAND AND WATER INDIAN RESERVATION ROADS PROGRAM BIA Road Maintenance § 170.811 What happens if lack of funds results in inadequate maintenance? If BIA determines that an IRR transportation facility is not being...

The Condition of the Infrastructure of New York Schools: Who Pays and Who Benefits?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crampton, Faith E.

1991-01-01

Insufficient resource allocation to facilities maintenance and decisions to defer maintenance are contributors to a backlog of deferred maintenance nationwide. Focuses on the infrastructure of New York schools and suggests incentives at the state level to ensure adequate attention is given to plant maintenance. (eight references) (MLF)

Afghan National Security Forces Facilities: Concerns with Funding, Oversight, and Sustainability for Operation and Maintenance

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-01

facilities, such as water supply, waste water treatment , and power generation.  The Ministry of Defense’s procurement process is unable to provide the...the Joint Regional Afghanistan Security Forces Compound Water Treatment System...Ministry of Interior NTM-A North Atlantic Treaty Organization Training Mission-Afghanistan O&M operation and maintenance PCO Primary Contracting Officer

Shipboard Facilities Maintenance and Manpower Utilization: Problem and Approach

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-11-01

sweeping, butting, polishing, lacquering, stenciling, vacuuming and shampooing , garbage disposal and trash removal, and all manner of sanitary and...spaces, passageways, heads and showers, crew lounge, mess decks, exterior deck and ship sides, and all office spaces; and limited facilities...maintenance in all passageways, heads , mess decks, office spaces, and berthing areas. They will also per- form sanitization and exterior deck and

A Change Management Approach to Enhance Facility Maintenance Programs

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-27

dependent on the particular research effort and the researcher’s experience. Large groups tend to increase the decision quality but can be difficult...consolidate SME opinions on facility maintenance criteria. The Delphi method utilizes numerous questionnaire rounds to capitalize on a group think...effort provides the discussion and conclusions, recommendations, and suggestions for follow on research . 9 II. Literature Review This

Vibrational impacts of hush house operation

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

Witten, A.J.

1988-01-01

United States Air Force (USAF) facilities are required to test turboprop and turbojet engines before or after maintenance or repair and prior to installation on aircraft to ensure that no problems were introduced or remain uncorrected. This requirement prevents the installation of engines in aircraft which require further maintenance. There are a number of facilities in use by USAF for conducting engine diagnostic tests. The most modern of these facilities is the hush house which is a hangar-like structure designed to isolate the noise associated with extended engine operations from the surrounding environment. One type of hush house, the T-10,more » is of particular concern because of vibrational impacts to surrounding structures induced by subaudible sound (infrasound) emitted during operation. While these facilities fulfill the design requirement of reducing audible noise, serious siting problems have been reported at several installations because of infrasound-induced vibrations. The worst of these include the abandonment of an avionics laboratory because induced vibrations interfered with this facilities function and structural damage to a concrete block maintenance facility. This paper describes a predictive method for assessing vibration-driven structural impacts. 9 refs., 2 figs.« less

Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations and antral follicle counts for the prediction of pregnancy outcomes after intrauterine insemination.

PubMed

Moro, Francesca; Tropea, Anna; Scarinci, Elisa; Leoncini, Emanuele; Boccia, Stefania; Federico, Alex; Alesiani, Ornella; Lanzone, Antonio; Apa, Rosanna

2016-04-01

To evaluate anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations and antral follicle counts (AFCs) in the prediction of pregnancy outcomes after controlled ovarian stimulation among women undergoing intrauterine insemination. A retrospective study included women with unexplained infertility aged 41years or younger who attended a fertility clinic in Italy between December 2009 and May 2014. Ovarian stimulation was achieved with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone or highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to predict ongoing pregnancy. The primary outcome was the association between AMH/AFC and ongoing pregnancy, and was assessed by logistic regression. Overall, 276 women were included, of whom 43 (15.6%) achieved ongoing pregnancy. Multivariate analysis showed that women with a serum day-3 concentration of AMH higher than 2.3ng/mL were more likely to have ongoing pregnancy than were those with a concentration lower than 2.3ng/mL (odds ratio 5.84, 95% confidence interval 2.38-14.31; P<0.001). No associations were recorded for AFCs. AMH should be used to predict the pregnancy outcome of intrauterine insemination. Copyright © 2015 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Plug-in module acceleration feedback control for fast steering mirror-based beam stabilization systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Chao; Ren, Wei; Mao, Yao; Ren, Ge

2017-08-01

A plug-in module acceleration feedback control (Plug-In AFC) strategy based on the disturbance observer (DOB) principle is proposed for charge-coupled device (CCD)-based fast steering mirror (FSM) stabilization systems. In classical FSM tracking systems, dual-loop control (DLC), including velocity feedback and position feedback, is usually utilized to enhance the closed-loop performance. Due to the mechanical resonance of the system and CCD time delay, the closed-loop bandwidth is severely restricted. To solve this problem, cascade acceleration feedback control (AFC), which is a kind of high-precision robust control method, is introduced to strengthen the disturbance rejection property. However, in practical applications, it is difficult to realize an integral algorithm in an acceleration controller to compensate for the quadratic differential contained in the FSM acceleration model, resulting in a challenging controller design and a limited improvement. To optimize the acceleration feedback framework in the FSM system, different from the cascade AFC, the accelerometers are used to construct DOB to compensate for the platform vibrations directly. The acceleration nested loop can be plugged into the velocity loop without changing the system stability, and the controller design is quite simple. A series of comparative experimental results demonstrate that the disturbance rejection property of the CCD-based FSM can be effectively improved by the proposed approach.

Dynamics of the development of multiple follicles by early versus late hCG administration in ART program.

PubMed

Falagario, Maddalena; Trerotoli, Paolo; Chincoli, Annarosa; Cobuzzi, Isabella; Vacca, Margherita P; Falagario, Doriana; Nardelli, Claudia; Depalo, Raffaella

2017-02-01

To evaluate, in patients stimulated with recombinant FSH and GnRH antagonists, whether triggering the final maturation of oocytes affects IVF outcomes. Five hundred and six IVF procedures were divided into three groups according to the timing of hCG administration: when at least 2 follicles reached the diameter of 17 mm, at least 2 follicles reached 18 mm and at least 2 follicles reached 20 mm. The main outcome was the number of mature oocyte that was the dependent variable of a multivariate model whose independents were, age, AFC, hCG timing, E2 levels at hCG day, number of follicles in different categories of dimension. Secondary endpoints were to compare fertilization, implantation and pregnancy rates in a multilevel multivariate model whose covariates were age, BMI, AFC, embryo quality and cause of infertility. Timing did not result a statistically significant factor influencing the number of oocytes collected, which was influenced by age, AFC, number of follicles between 12.1 and 15.9 mm and E2 levels. Implantation rate and pregnancy rate appear to be affected only by embryo quality. The number of oocytes collected and the probability of pregnancy are not associated with the time of hCG administration.

Development of ADOCS controllers and control laws. Volume 2: Literature review and preliminary analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Landis, Kenneth H.; Glusman, Steven I.

1985-01-01

The Advanced Cockpit Controls/Advanced Flight Control System (ACC/AFCS) study was conducted by the Boeing Vertol Company as part of the Army's Advanced Digital/Optical Control System (ADOCS) program. Specifically, the ACC/AFCS investigation was aimed at developing the flight control laws for the ADOCS demonstrator aircraft which will provide satisfactory handling qualities for an attack helicopter mission. The three major elements of design considered are as follows: Pilot's integrated Side-Stick Controller (SSC) -- Number of axes controlled; force/displacement characteristics; ergonomic design. Stability and Control Augmentation System (SCAS)--Digital flight control laws for the various mission phases; SCAS mode switching logic. Pilot's Displays--For night/adverse weather conditions, the dynamics of the superimposed symbology presented to the pilot in a format similar to the Advanced Attack Helicopter (AAH) Pilot Night Vision System (PNVS) for each mission phase as a function of ACAS characteristics; display mode switching logic. Findings from the literature review and the analysis and synthesis of desired control laws are reported in Volume 2. Conclusions drawn from pilot rating data and commentary were used to formulate recommendations for the ADOCS demonstrator flight control system design. The ACC/AFCS simulation data also provide an extensive data base to aid the development of advanced flight control system design for future V/STOL aircraft.

Development of ADOCS controllers and control laws. Volume 1: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Landis, Kenneth H.; Glusman, Steven I.

1985-01-01

The Advanced Cockpit Controls/Advanced Flight Control System (ACC/AFCS) study was conducted by the Boeing Vertol Company as part of the Army's Advanced Digital/Optical Control System (ADOCS) program. Specifically, the ACC/AFCS investigation was aimed at developing the flight control laws for the ADOCS demonstrator aircraft that will provide satisfactory handling qualities for an attack helicopter mission. The three major elements of design considered during the study are as follows: Pilot's integrated Side-Stick Controller (SSC) -- Number of axes controlled; force/displacement characteristics; ergonomic design. Stability and Control Augmentation System (SCAS)--Digital flight control laws for the various mission phases; SCAS mode switching logic. Pilot's Displays--For night/adverse weather conditions, the dynamics of the superimposed symbology presented to the pilot in a format similar to the Advanced Attack Helicopter (AAH) Pilot Night Vision System (PNVS) for each mission phase as a function of SCAS characteristics; display mode switching logic. Volume 1 is an Executive Summary of the study. Conclusions drawn from analysis of pilot rating data and commentary were used to formulate recommendations for the ADOCS demonstrator flight control system design. The ACC/AFCS simulation data also provide an extensive data base to aid the development of advanced flight control system design for future V/STOL aircraft.

The effect of bipolar electrocoagulation during ovarian cystectomy on ovarian reserve: a systematic review.

PubMed

Pergialiotis, Vasilios; Prodromidou, Anastasia; Frountzas, Maximos; Bitos, Konstantinos; Perrea, Despina; Doumouchtsis, Stergios K

2015-11-01

The aim of the present systematic review was to study the effect of bipolar electrocoagulation during ovarian cystectomy on ovarian reserve. We searched Medline (1966-2015), Scopus (2004-2015), ClinicalTrials.gov (2008-2015), and Cochrane Central Register (CENTRAL) databases along with reference lists of electronically retrieved studies. The levels of antimullerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months following the excision of the benign ovarian cyst were defined as primary outcomes. Eight studies were finally included in our systematic review, which recruited 545 women. A metaanalysis was precluded because of significant heterogeneity in the methodological characteristics of the included studies. Data from the included studies suggest that the use of bipolar coagulation compared with ovarian sutures seems to result in significantly lower AMH and AFC during the first 3 months following the excision of the ovarian cyst. Two studies reported that this effect seems to persist at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Bipolar electrodiathermy seems to be accompanied by increased damage to ovarian reserve, which is indicated by the lower levels of AMH and AFC. However, definitive results are precluded because of the significant heterogeneity of included studies and the potential bias. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

7 CFR 1470.24 - Payments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... participant associated with planning, design, materials, installation, labor, management, maintenance, or..., construction, or maintenance of animal waste storage or treatment facilities or associated waste transport or...

Liquid- and Air-Filled Catheters without Balloon as an Alternative to the Air-Filled Balloon Catheter for Measurement of Esophageal Pressure

PubMed Central

Carvalho, Alysson R.; Zin, Walter Araujo; Carvalho, Nadja C.; Huhle, Robert; Giannella-Neto, Antonio; Koch, Thea; de Abreu, Marcelo Gama

2014-01-01

Background Measuring esophageal pressure (Pes) using an air-filled balloon catheter (BC) is the common approach to estimate pleural pressure and related parameters. However, Pes is not routinely measured in mechanically ventilated patients, partly due to technical and practical limitations and difficulties. This study aimed at comparing the conventional BC with two alternative methods for Pes measurement, liquid-filled and air-filled catheters without balloon (LFC and AFC), during mechanical ventilation with and without spontaneous breathing activity. Seven female juvenile pigs (32–42 kg) were anesthetized, orotracheally intubated, and a bundle of an AFC, LFC, and BC was inserted in the esophagus. Controlled and assisted mechanical ventilation were applied with positive end-expiratory pressures of 5 and 15 cmH2O, and driving pressures of 10 and 20 cmH2O, in supine and lateral decubitus. Main Results Cardiogenic noise in BC tracings was much larger (up to 25% of total power of Pes signal) than in AFC and LFC (<3%). Lung and chest wall elastance, pressure-time product, inspiratory work of breathing, inspiratory change and end-expiratory value of transpulmonary pressure were estimated. The three catheters allowed detecting similar changes in these parameters between different ventilation settings. However, a non-negligible and significant bias between estimates from BC and those from AFC and LFC was observed in several instances. Conclusions In anesthetized and mechanically ventilated pigs, the three catheters are equivalent when the aim is to detect changes in Pes and related parameters between different conditions, but possibly not when the absolute value of the estimated parameters is of paramount importance. Due to a better signal-to-noise ratio, and considering its practical advantages in terms of easier calibration and simpler acquisition setup, LFC may prove interesting for clinical use. PMID:25247308

Impact of cancer treatment on risk of infertility and diminished ovarian reserve in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Shandley, Lisa M; Fothergill, Amy; Spencer, Jessica B; Mertens, Ann C; Cottrell, Hanh N; Howards, Penelope P

2018-03-01

To compare markers of fertility and ovarian reserve between cancer survivors and cancer-free women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Furthering Understanding of Cancer, Health, and Survivorship in Adult (FUCHSIA) Women's Study-a population-based cohort study. Not applicable. Female cancer survivors (n = 1,090) aged 22-45 years, diagnosed between ages 20 and 35 years, and at least 2 years after diagnosis; 369 participated in a clinic visit. Three hundred seventy-four reproductive-aged women without cancer also completed a clinic visit. None. Infertility, time to first pregnancy after cancer diagnosis, and measures of ovarian reserve (antimüllerian hormone [AMH] and antral follicle count [AFC]). Seventy-eight cancer survivors (7.2%) reported a PCOS diagnosis, with 41 receiving gonadotoxic treatment. Survivors with PCOS exposed to gonadotoxic treatment (odds ratio [OR] 2.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-4.5) and unexposed (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.7-6.9) were more likely to report infertility than unexposed survivors without PCOS and were more likely to have fewer children than desired (exposed: OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.0-4.2; unexposed: OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.4-6.8). After adjusting for age, comparison women with PCOS had the highest markers of ovarian reserve (AMH: 2.43 ng/mL, 95% CI 1.22-4.82 ng/mL; AFC: 20.7, 95% CI 15.3-27.8), and cancer survivors without PCOS treated with gonadotoxic agents had the lowest levels (AMH: 0.19 ng/mL, 95% CI 0.14-0.26 ng/mL; AFC: 7.4, 95% CI 6.4-8.5). Despite having higher AMH and AFC on average after cancer treatment, cancer survivors with PCOS were less likely to meet their reproductive goals compared with survivors without PCOS. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Determining the impacts of hospital cost-sharing on the uninsured near-poor households in Vietnam

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Objectives The study objective was to identify the size of different hospital financing sources for different hospital services and their impact on the uninsured. Methods A panel dataset of 84 public general hospitals (2005–2008) with cross-section data on hospital activity and hospital revenue was created and used to calculate unit costs of different hospital services by applying multiple regression models. The resulting risk of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) was estimated based on official income statistics. Results Average user fees (UF) for outpatient visits and inpatient bed days were US$4.13 and US$20.27, while actual full costs (AFC) were US$8.41 and US$36.66, respectively. These unit costs were 2.5 times higher in hospitals at the central versus the provincial level. UF for surgical inpatient bed days were 3.6 times that of non-surgical treatments (US$47.50 vs. 12.87) and AFC 5.0 times (US$101.72 vs. 20.08). UF accounted for 44.6%-77.9% of the AFC, the rest (22.1%-55.4%) was provided by direct government support (DGS). One surgical inpatient treatment at either central or provincial hospital level and one non-surgical inpatient treatment at central hospital level, immediately pushed uninsured near-poor households at risk of CHE. Conclusions Around 45% of hospital AFC was paid by DGS, the larger rest by UF. UF have become a great financial burden on the uninsured near-poor households, who have to pay for these out-of-pocket and therefore may not utilize even necessary services. If the rate of DGS were reduced, this would have the effect of increasing UF, but the savings to Government could be spent on subsidizing insurance to ensure that a larger part of the population can cover UF through insurance, especially the near-poor households. PMID:24885268

Analysis of the DFP/AFCS Systems for Compensating Gravity Distortions on the 70-Meter Antenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Imbriale, William A.; Hoppe, Daniel J.; Rochblatt, David

2000-01-01

This paper presents the theoretical computations showing the expected performances for both systems. The basic analysis tool is a Physical Optics reflector analysis code that was ported to a parallel computer for faster execution times. There are several steps involved in computing the RF performance of the various systems. 1 . A model of the RF distortions of the main reflector is required. This model is based upon measured holography maps of the 70-meter antenna obtained at 3 elevation angles. The holography maps are then processed (using an appropriate gravity mechanical model of the dish) to provide surface distortion maps at all elevation angles. 2. From the surface distortion maps, ray optics is used to determine the theoretical shape of the DFP that will exactly phase compensate the distortions. 3. From the theoretical shape and a NASTRAN mechanical model of the plate, the actuator positions that generate a surface that provides the best RMS fit to the theoretical model are selected. Using the actuator positions and the NASTRAN model provides an accurate description of the actual mirror shape. 4. Starting from the mechanical drawings of the feed, a computed RF feed pattern is generated. This pattern is expanded into a set of spherical wave modes so that a complete near field analysis of the reflector system can be obtained. 5. For the array feed, the excitation coefficients that provide the maximum gain are computed using a phase conjugate technique. The basic experimental geometry consisted of a dual shaped 70-meter antenna system; a refocusing ellipse, a DFP and an array feed system. To provide physical insight to the systems performance, focal plane field plots are presented at several elevations. Curves of predicted performance are shown for the DFP system, monopulse tracking system, AFCS and combined DFP/AFCS system. The calculated results show that the combined DFP/AFCS system is capable of recovering the majority of the gain lost due to gravity distortion.

Beyond a mask and against the bottleneck: retroactive dual-task interference during working memory consolidation of a masked visual target.

PubMed

Nieuwenstein, Mark; Wyble, Brad

2014-06-01

While studies on visual memory commonly assume that the consolidation of a visual stimulus into working memory is interrupted by a trailing mask, studies on dual-task interference suggest that the consolidation of a stimulus can continue for several hundred milliseconds after a mask. As a result, estimates of the time course of working memory consolidation differ more than an order of magnitude. Here, we contrasted these opposing views by examining if and for how long the processing of a masked display of visual stimuli can be disturbed by a trailing 2-alternative forced choice task (2-AFC; a color discrimination task or a visual or auditory parity judgment task). The results showed that the presence of the 2-AFC task produced a pronounced retroactive interference effect that dissipated across stimulus onset asynchronies of 250-1,000 ms, indicating that the processing elicited by the 2-AFC task interfered with the gradual consolidation of the earlier shown stimuli. Furthermore, this interference effect occurred regardless of whether the to-be-remembered stimuli comprised a string of letters or an unfamiliar complex visual shape, and it occurred regardless of whether these stimuli were masked. Conversely, the interference effect was reduced when the memory load for the 1st task was reduced, or when the 2nd task was a color detection task that did not require decision making. Taken together, these findings show that the formation of a durable and consciously accessible working memory trace for a briefly shown visual stimulus can be disturbed by a trailing 2-AFC task for up to several hundred milliseconds after the stimulus has been masked. By implication, the current findings challenge the common view that working memory consolidation involves an immutable central processing bottleneck, and they also make clear that consolidation does not stop when a stimulus is masked. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved.

Optimum ADP Support for Financial Management of Marine Corps Facilities Maintenance.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-06-01

The final results are always in danger of being less than all- inclusive as it is easy to miss some informa- tion while researching the diverse files...WORK-GENRTE-Cr5 DE 01200 SUB-DESCRIPTORS 01300 SA IS JOE BYTES 1 TO 5, 01400 SB IS JCN BYTES 6 TO 6, 01500 SC IS JCN BYTES 7 TO 8 C16CO SD IS JON...Fact 11%1011Mae teac offf I ON of f Icr riAnrrvitane Facilities peaiintiia Figure B.2 Facilities’Maintenance Department. de - 110 Figure B.3

49 CFR 193.2019 - Mobile and temporary LNG facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Mobile and temporary LNG facilities. 193.2019... LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS FACILITIES: FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARDS General § 193.2019 Mobile and temporary LNG facilities. (a) Mobile and temporary LNG facilities for peakshaving application, for service maintenance...

Landscaping With Maintenance in Mind.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sorensen, Randy

2000-01-01

Examines school ground landscape design that enhances attractive of the school and provides for easier maintenance. Landscape design issues discussed include choice of grass, trees, and shrubs; irrigation; and safety and access. Other considerations for lessening maintenance problems for facility managers are also highlighted. (GR)

Behaviour of Ni-PGE-Au-Cu in mafic-ultramafic volcanic suites of the 2.7 Ga Kambalda Sequence, Kalgoorlie Terrane, Yilgarn Craton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Said, Nuru; Kerrich, Robert; Maier, W. D.; McCuaig, Campbell

2011-05-01

The 2.7 Ga Kambalda Sequence comprises a mafic to ultramafic dominated volcanic rock sequence of the Kalgoorlie Terrane, Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia. The Sequence is divided into Lower and Upper Units separated by the Kambalda Komatiite Formation. Five basalt suites of the Lower Unit are tholeiitic where MgO spans 5-10 wt.% MgO, with minor assimilation-fractional crystallization (AFC), whereas six volcanic suites identified in the Upper Unit are tholeiitic to komatiitic-basalts with MgO 24-5 wt.% having generally greater degrees of AFC. Upper suites plot at Al 2O 3/TiO 2 (17-26) close to the primitive mantle ratio of 21, and Pt + Pd (19-31 ppb), whereas the PGE-depleted Lower basalts plot at generally lower Al 2O 3/TiO 2 (<16) and Pt + Pd (<10 ppb). Most suites have an average Pt/Pd ratio of 1.11, despite large variations in MgO contents, broadly consistent with the Pt/Pd ratio in the primitive mantle. On primitive mantle-normalised PGE plots, Upper suites generally display less fractionated patterns of the IPGE (Os, Ir, Ru and Rh) from the PPGE (Pt and Pd) relative to the Lower basalts. Most suites exhibit patterns with positive slopes reflecting relative enrichment of Pd, Pt, Au and Cu relative to Ni and IPGE. In suites of both Units, the concentrations of Ir and Ru fall with decreasing MgO contents, indicating their broadly compatible behaviour during magmatic evolution that involved AFC. Platinum and Pd behave as incompatible elements in the high-MgO suites, whereas Pt and Pd behave compatibly during crystallisation of the Lower basalt magmas, an interpretation consistent with progressively higher Cu/Pt and Cu/Pd ratios at decreasing MgO contents, and with falling Pt/Ti, collectively due to sulphur saturation induced by AFC as recorded in an antivariance of Pd/Ir with Nb/Th, a monitor of AFC. Collectively, the data suggest that several of the Lower Basalt suites crystallised under sulphide-saturated conditions, whereas most of the Upper Basalt Sequences remained sulphur undersaturated during magmatic evolution. Alteration, and fractional crystallisation of silicate and oxide phases, can be ruled out as factors governing PGE distribution in these mafic-ultramafic suites. Instead, the data suggest that discrete PGE-bearing phase (s) fractionated from the magmas. Such phases could be platinum group minerals (PGM; e.g., laurite) and/or alloys, or discrete PGE-rich nuggets or sulphides.

Facility Decontamination and Decommissioning Program Surveillance and Maintenance Plan, Revision 2

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

Poderis, Reed J.; King, Rebecca A.

This Surveillance and Maintenance (S&M) Plan describes the activities performed between deactivation and final decommissioning of the following facilities located on the Nevada National Security Site, as documented in the Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order under the Industrial Sites program as decontamination and decommissioning sites: ? Engine Maintenance, Assembly, and Disassembly (EMAD) Facility: o EMAD Building (Building 25-3900) o Locomotive Storage Shed (Building 25-3901) ? Test Cell C (TCC) Facility: o Equipment Building (Building 25-3220) o Motor Drive Building (Building 25-3230) o Pump Shop (Building 25-3231) o Cryogenic Lab (Building 25-3232) o Ancillary Structures (e.g., dewars, water tower, piping,more » tanks) These facilities have been declared excess and are in various stages of deactivation (low-risk, long-term stewardship disposition state). This S&M Plan establishes and implements a solid, cost-effective, and balanced S&M program consistent with federal, state, and regulatory requirements. A graded approach is used to plan and conduct S&M activities. The goal is to maintain the facilities in a safe condition in a cost-effective manner until their final end state is achieved. This plan accomplishes the following: ? Establishes S&M objectives and framework ? Identifies programmatic guidance for S&M activities to be conducted by National Security Technologies, LLC, for the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Field Office (NNSA/NFO) ? Provides present facility condition information and identifies hazards ? Identifies facility-specific S&M activities to be performed and their frequency ? Identifies regulatory drivers, NNSA/NFO policies and procedures, and best management practices that necessitate implementation of S&M activities ? Provides criteria and frequencies for revisions and updates ? Establishes the process for identifying and dispositioning a condition that has not been previously identified or documented ? Provides instructions for implementing annual S&M inspections and activities The following facilities that were included in Revision 1 of this plan have reached final disposition and are no longer in the S&M program: ? Reactor Maintenance, Assembly, and Disassembly Facility, Building 25-3110 ? Test Cell A Facility, Building 25-3113 ? TCC Facility, Building 25-3210 ? Pluto Disassembly Facility, Building 26-2201 ? Super Kukla Facility, Building 27-5400« less

Optimal pricing policies for services with consideration of facility maintenance costs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeh, Ruey Huei; Lin, Yi-Fang

2012-06-01

For survival and success, pricing is an essential issue for service firms. This article deals with the pricing strategies for services with substantial facility maintenance costs. For this purpose, a mathematical framework that incorporates service demand and facility deterioration is proposed to address the problem. The facility and customers constitute a service system driven by Poisson arrivals and exponential service times. A service demand with increasing price elasticity and a facility lifetime with strictly increasing failure rate are also adopted in modelling. By examining the bidirectional relationship between customer demand and facility deterioration in the profit model, the pricing policies of the service are investigated. Then analytical conditions of customer demand and facility lifetime are derived to achieve a unique optimal pricing policy. The comparative statics properties of the optimal policy are also explored. Finally, numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effects of parameter variations on the optimal pricing policy.

Psychiatric components of a Health Maintenance Facility (HMF) on Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Santy, Patricia A.

1987-01-01

The operational psychiatric requirements for a comprehensive Health Maintenance Facility (HMF) on a permanently manned Space Station are examined. Consideration is given to the psychological health maintenance program designed for the diagnosis of mental distress in astronauts during flight and for prevention of mental breakdown. The types of mental disorders that can possibly affect the astronauts in flight are discussed, including various organic, psychotic, and affective mental disorders, as well as anxiety, adjustment, and somatoform/dissociative disorders. Special attention is given to therapeutic considerations for psychiatric operations on Space Station, such as restraints, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and psychosocial support.

KSC-2011-1397

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-02-08

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida hosts a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a new 18,500-square-foot Electrical Maintenance Facility (EMF) officially opening for business. Addressing the attendees is Kennedy Director of Operations Mike Benik. Located in Kennedy's Launch Complex 39 area, the EMF will provide new and renovated space for maintenance shops, offices, and equipment and material storage in support of the electrical maintenance functions for the center. The facility is projected to receive Gold certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. Photo credit: NASA/ Troy Cryder

KSC-2011-1396

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-02-08

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida hosts a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a new 18,500-square-foot Electrical Maintenance Facility (EMF) officially opening for business. Addressing the attendees is Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana. Located in Kennedy's Launch Complex 39 area, the EMF will provide new and renovated space for maintenance shops, offices, and equipment and material storage in support of the electrical maintenance functions for the center. The facility is projected to receive Gold certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. Photo credit: NASA/ Troy Cryder

School Operations and Maintenance: Best Practices For Controlling Energy Costs. A Guidebook for K-12 School System Business Officers and Facilities Managers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

US Department of Energy, 2004

2004-01-01

Operations and maintenance (O&M) offers not only strategies for maintaining facilities, but also opportunities for reducing energy costs and increasing energy efficiency at existing schools, regardless of age. This Guidebook provides detailed and practical guidance on how K-12 school districts can plan and implement enhancements to their current…

Asset Management: Roof Maintenance and Facility Energy Retrofits

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

vapor low emission coatings. Floor finishes completed in ceramic stone tile were the most efficient floor coverings. Fixed insulated fiberglass window...been coined Asset Management which utilizes organizational levels of service, business case analysis, and risk analysis to address urgent...Force have left a number of facility systems such as roofs at risk to disrepair due to a lack of maintenance. Under the principles of asset

The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in a normal population according to the Rotterdam criteria versus revised criteria including anti-Mullerian hormone.

PubMed

Lauritsen, M P; Bentzen, J G; Pinborg, A; Loft, A; Forman, J L; Thuesen, L L; Cohen, A; Hougaard, D M; Nyboe Andersen, A

2014-04-01

What is the prevalence in a normal population of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) according to the Rotterdam criteria versus revised criteria including anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)? The prevalence of PCOS was 16.6% according to the Rotterdam criteria. When replacing the criterion for polycystic ovaries by antral follicle count (AFC) > 19 or AMH > 35 pmol/l, the prevalence of PCOS was 6.3 and 8.5%, respectively. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY?: The Rotterdam criteria state that two out of the following three criteria should be present in the diagnosis of PCOS: oligo-anovulation, clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries (AFC ≥ 12 and/or ovarian volume >10 ml). However, with the advances in sonography, the relevance of the AFC threshold in the definition of polycystic ovaries has been challenged, and AMH has been proposed as a marker of polycystic ovaries in PCOS. From 2008 to 2010, a prospective, cross-sectional study was performed including 863 women aged 20-40 years and employed at Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark. We studied a subgroup of 447 women with a mean (±SD) age of 33.5 (±4.0) years who were all non-users of hormonal contraception. Data on menstrual cycle disorder and the presence of hirsutism were obtained. On cycle Days 2-5, or on a random day in the case of oligo- or amenorrhoea, sonographic and endocrine parameters were measured. The prevalence of PCOS was 16.6% according to the Rotterdam criteria. PCOS prevalence significantly decreased with age from 33.3% in women < 30 years to 14.7% in women aged 30-34 years, and 10.2% in women ≥ 35 years (P < 0.001). In total, 53.5% fulfilled the criterion for polycystic ovaries with a significant age-related decrease from 69.0% in women < 30 years to 55.8% in women aged 30-34 years, and 42.8% in women ≥ 35 years (P < 0.001). AMH or age-adjusted AMH Z-score was found to be a reliable marker of polycystic ovaries in women with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria [area under the curve (AUC) 0.994; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.990-0.999] and AUC 0.992 (95% CI: 0.987-0.998), respectively], and an AMH cut-off value of 18 pmol/l and AMH Z-score of -0.2 showed the best compromise between sensitivity (91.8 and 90.4%, respectively) and specificity (98.1 and 97.9%, respectively). In total, AFC > 19 or AMH > 35 occurred in 17.7 and 23.0%, respectively. The occurrence of AFC > 19 or AMH > 35 in the age groups < 30, 30-34 and ≥ 35 years was 31.0 and 35.7%, 18.8 and 21.3%, and 9.6 and 18.7%, respectively. When replacing the Rotterdam criterion for polycystic ovaries by AFC > 19 or AMH > 35 pmol/l, the prevalence of PCOS was 6.3 or 8.5%, respectively, and in the age groups < 30, 30-34 and ≥ 35 years, the prevalences were 17.9 and 22.6%, 3.6 and 5.6%, and 3.6 and 4.8%, respectively. The participants of the study were all health-care workers, which may be a source of selection bias. Furthermore, the exclusion of hormonal contraceptive users from the study population may have biased the results, potentially excluding women with symptoms of PCOS. AMH may be used as a marker of polycystic ovaries in PCOS. However, future studies are needed to validate AMH threshold levels, and AMH Z-score may be appropriate to adjust for the age-related decline in the AFC. None. Not applicable.

40 CFR 94.509 - Maintenance of records; submittal of information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... disk, or some other method of data storage, depending upon the manufacturer's record retention..., associated storage facility or port facility, and the date the engine was received at the testing facility...

40 CFR 94.509 - Maintenance of records; submittal of information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... disk, or some other method of data storage, depending upon the manufacturer's record retention..., associated storage facility or port facility, and the date the engine was received at the testing facility...

40 CFR 94.509 - Maintenance of records; submittal of information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... disk, or some other method of data storage, depending upon the manufacturer's record retention..., associated storage facility or port facility, and the date the engine was received at the testing facility...

40 CFR 94.509 - Maintenance of records; submittal of information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... disk, or some other method of data storage, depending upon the manufacturer's record retention..., associated storage facility or port facility, and the date the engine was received at the testing facility...

76 FR 14590 - Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Safety of Facilities, Infrastructure, and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-17

... facilities, infrastructure, and equipment that are intended for use by military or civilian personnel of the..., maintenance, or operation of facilities, infrastructure, and equipment for use by DoD military or civilian... facilities. This includes contracts for facilities, infrastructure, and equipment configured for occupancy...

Fixing Maintenance Productivity.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fickes, Michael

2003-01-01

Describes how one university's facility managers use Nextel communications technology in conjunction with a Famis Software maintenance management system to improve the productivity of its maintenance technicians. The system uses a wireless Internet connection to automate the flow of work order information to and from technicians. The key to these…

49 CFR 193.2713 - Training: operations and maintenance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... maintenance activities; and (iii) To carry out aspects of the operating and maintenance procedures under... instructions on the facility operations, including controls, functions, and operating procedures; and (ii) To understand the LNG transfer procedures provided under § 193.2513. (b) A written plan of continuing...

49 CFR 193.2713 - Training: operations and maintenance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... maintenance activities; and (iii) To carry out aspects of the operating and maintenance procedures under... instructions on the facility operations, including controls, functions, and operating procedures; and (ii) To understand the LNG transfer procedures provided under § 193.2513. (b) A written plan of continuing...

49 CFR 193.2713 - Training: operations and maintenance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... maintenance activities; and (iii) To carry out aspects of the operating and maintenance procedures under... instructions on the facility operations, including controls, functions, and operating procedures; and (ii) To understand the LNG transfer procedures provided under § 193.2513. (b) A written plan of continuing...

49 CFR 193.2713 - Training: operations and maintenance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... maintenance activities; and (iii) To carry out aspects of the operating and maintenance procedures under... instructions on the facility operations, including controls, functions, and operating procedures; and (ii) To understand the LNG transfer procedures provided under § 193.2513. (b) A written plan of continuing...

49 CFR 193.2713 - Training: operations and maintenance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... maintenance activities; and (iii) To carry out aspects of the operating and maintenance procedures under... instructions on the facility operations, including controls, functions, and operating procedures; and (ii) To understand the LNG transfer procedures provided under § 193.2513. (b) A written plan of continuing...

Chargemaster maintenance: think 'spring cleaning' all year round.

PubMed

Barton, Shawn; Lancaster, Dani; Bieker, Mike

2008-11-01

Steps toward maintaining a standardized chargemaster include: Building a corporate chargemaster maintenance team. Developing a core research function. Designating hospital liaisons. Publishing timely reports on facility compliance. Using system codes to identify charges. Selecting chargemaster maintenance software. Developing a standard chargemaster data repository. Educating staff.

76 FR 23690 - Version One Regional Reliability Standards for Facilities Design, Connections, and Maintenance...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-28

... Maintenance; Protection and Control; and Voltage and Reactive AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission..., Connections, and Maintenance; Protection and Control; and Voltage and Reactive, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking... regional definitions for Functionally Equivalent Protection System, Functionally Equivalent Remedial Action...

Advanced servomanipulator remote maintenance demonstration

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

Bradley, E.C.; Ladd, L.D.

1988-01-01

The Fuel Recycle Division (FRD) of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is developing remote maintenance systems for the Consolidated Fuel Reprocessing Program for applications in future nuclear fuel cycle facilities. The most recent development is the advanced servomanipulator (ASM), a digitally controlled, force-reflecting, dual-arm, master/slave servomanipulator. A unique feature of ASM is that the slave arms are remotely maintainable. The ASM slave arms are composed of modules, each of which is capable of being removed and replaced by another manipulator system. The intent of this test was to demonstrate that the ASM slave arms could be completely disassembled andmore » reassembled remotely. This remote maintenance demonstration was performed using the Remote Operations and Maintenance Demonstration (ROMD) facility model M-2 servomanipulator maintenance system. Maintenance of ASM was successfully demonstrated using the M-2 servomanipulator and special fixtures. Recommendations, generally applicable to other remotely maintained equipment, have been made for maintainability improvements. 3 refs., 5 figs.« less

An automatic frequency control loop using overlapping DFTs (Discrete Fourier Transforms)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aguirre, S.

1988-01-01

An automatic frequency control (AFC) loop is introduced and analyzed in detail. The new scheme is a generalization of the well known Cross Product AFC loop that uses running overlapping discrete Fourier transforms (DFTs) to create a discriminator curve. Linear analysis is included and supported with computer simulations. The algorithm is tested in a low carrier to noise ratio (CNR) dynamic environment, and the probability of loss of lock is estimated via computer simulations. The algorithm discussed is a suboptimum tracking scheme with a larger frequency error variance compared to an optimum strategy, but offers simplicity of implementation and a very low operating threshold CNR. This technique can be applied during the carrier acquisition and re-acquisition process in the Advanced Receiver.

A Medical Decision Support System for the Space Station Health Maintenance Facility

PubMed Central

Ostler, David V.; Gardner, Reed M.; Logan, James S.

1988-01-01

NASA is developing a Health Maintenance Facility (HMF) to provide the equipment and supplies necessary to deliver medical care in the Space Station. An essential part of the Health Maintenance Facility is a computerized Medical Decision Support System (MDSS) that will enhance the ability of the medical officer (“paramedic” or “physician”) to maintain the crew's health, and to provide emergency medical care. The computer system has four major functions: 1) collect and integrate medical information into an electronic medical record from Space Station medical officers, HMF instrumentation, and exercise equipment; 2) provide an integrated medical record and medical reference information management system; 3) manage inventory for logistical support of supplies and secure pharmaceuticals; 4) supply audio and electronic mail communications between the medical officer and ground based flight surgeons. ImagesFigure 1

45 CFR 1309.23 - Insurance, bonding and maintenance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Insurance, bonding and maintenance. 1309.23... FAMILIES, HEAD START PROGRAM HEAD START FACILITIES PURCHASE, MAJOR RENOVATION AND CONSTRUCTION Protection of Federal Interest § 1309.23 Insurance, bonding and maintenance. (a) At the time of acquiring or...

14 CFR 147.13 - Facilities, equipment, and material requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) SCHOOLS AND OTHER CERTIFICATED AGENCIES AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS... aviation maintenance technician school certificate and rating, or for an additional rating, must have at...

New Trends in Facility Asset Management.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adams, Matt

2000-01-01

Explains new, positive trends in facility asset management that encompasses greater acceptance and involvement of facility managers in the financial planning process, greater awareness of the need for maintenance, and facility administrators taking a greater role with business officers. The new climate for alternative renewal financing proposals…

Health care delivery system for long duration manned space operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Logan, J. S.; Shulman, E. L.; Johnson, P. C.

1983-01-01

Specific requirements for medical support of a long-duration manned facility in a low earth orbit derive from inflight medical experience, projected medical scenarios, mission related spacecraft and environmental hazards, health maintenance, and preventive medicine. A sequential buildup of medical capabilities tailored to increasing mission complexity is proposed. The space station health maintenance facility must provide preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic medical support as immediate rescue capability may not exist.

FME Carpentry Shop Keeps Facility in Good Repair | Poster

Cancer.gov

By Peggy Pearl, Contributing Writer Did you know that what most people call the Carpentry Shop at Facilities Maintenance and Engineering (FME) is actually made up of the three crafts, woodcrafting, painting, and locksmithing?  On any given day, throughout the Frederick National Laboratory campus, you may find shop staff utilizing an assortment of tools and a wide range of skills on projects ranging from simple maintenance to complete renovations.

Software solutions manage the definition, operation, maintenance and configuration control of the National Ignition Facility

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

Dobson, D; Churby, A; Krieger, E

2011-07-25

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is the world's largest laser composed of millions of individual parts brought together to form one massive assembly. Maintaining control of the physical definition, status and configuration of this structure is a monumental undertaking yet critical to the validity of the shot experiment data and the safe operation of the facility. The NIF business application suite of software provides the means to effectively manage the definition, build, operation, maintenance and configuration control of all components of the National Ignition Facility. State of the art Computer Aided Design software applications are used to generate a virtualmore » model and assemblies. Engineering bills of material are controlled through the Enterprise Configuration Management System. This data structure is passed to the Enterprise Resource Planning system to create a manufacturing bill of material. Specific parts are serialized then tracked along their entire lifecycle providing visibility to the location and status of optical, target and diagnostic components that are key to assessing pre-shot machine readiness. Nearly forty thousand items requiring preventive, reactive and calibration maintenance are tracked through the System Maintenance & Reliability Tracking application to ensure proper operation. Radiological tracking applications ensure proper stewardship of radiological and hazardous materials and help provide a safe working environment for NIF personnel.« less

Laboratory services series: a master-slave manipulator maintenance program

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

Jenness, R. G.; Hicks, R. E.; Wicker, C. D.

1976-12-01

The volume of master slave manipulator maintenance at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has necessitated the establishment of a repair facility and organization of a specially trained group of craftsmen. Emphasis on cell containment requires the use of manipulator boots and development of precise procedures for accomplishing the maintenance of 287 installed units. A very satisfactory computer programmed maintenance system has been established at the Laboratory to provide an economical approach to preventive maintenance.

The Deferred Maintenance Dilemma.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Medlin, E. Lander

2003-01-01

Discusses the hazards of the trend toward accumulated deferred maintenance in higher education and offers advice on tying facilities needs and issues to the core strategies and goals of the institution. (EV)

Analysis of Maintenance Service Contracts for Dump Trucks Used in Mining Industry with Simulation Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dymasius, A.; Wangsaputra, R.; Iskandar, B. P.

2016-02-01

A mining company needs high availability of dump trucks used to haul mining materials. As a result, an effective maintenance action is required to keep the dump trucks in a good condition and hence reducing failure and downtime of the dump trucks. To carry out maintenance in-house requires a high intensive maintenance facility and high skilled maintenance specialists. Often, outsourcing maintenance is an economic option for the company. An external agent takes a proactive action with offering some maintenance contract options to the owner. The decision problem for the owner is to decide the best option and for the agent is to determine the optimal price for each option offered. A non-cooperative game-theory is used to formulate the decision problems for the owner and the agent. We consider that failure pattern of each truck follows a non-homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) and a queueing theory with multiple servers is used to estimate the downtime. As it involves high complexity to model downtime using a queueing theory, then in this paper we use a simulation method. Furthermore, we conduct experiment to seek for the best number of maintenance facilities (servers) which minimises maintenance and penalty costs incurred to the agent.

14 CFR 171.305 - Requests for IFR procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... maintenance manual that meets the requirements of § 171.325. (4) A statement of intent to meet the... reliability and an acceptable standard of performance. Previous equivalent operational experience with a... results, and of any required changes in the MLS facility or in the maintenance manual or maintenance...

42 CFR 124.510 - Record maintenance requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Record maintenance requirements. 124.510 Section 124.510 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES HEALTH RESOURCES... Persons Unable To Pay § 124.510 Record maintenance requirements. (a) Facilities not certified under § 124...

42 CFR 124.510 - Record maintenance requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Record maintenance requirements. 124.510 Section 124.510 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES HEALTH RESOURCES... Persons Unable To Pay § 124.510 Record maintenance requirements. (a) Facilities not certified under § 124...

1. GENERAL VIEW TO THE WEST OF THE EMAD FACILITY ...

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

1. GENERAL VIEW TO THE WEST OF THE E-MAD FACILITY AND THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENTAL AND TOPOGRAPHICAL SETTING. - Nevada Test Site, Engine Maintenance Assembly & Disassembly Facility, Area 25, Jackass Flats, Mercury, Nye County, NV

Campus Facilities: A Diminishing Endowment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rush, Sean; Johnson, Sandra

1990-01-01

Alarming findings were reported in a recent study of facility conditions. Two of the more common terms for describing the facilities problem are "capital renewal" and "deferred maintenance." How and why higher education reached this critical point is discussed. (MLW)

40 CFR 90.704 - Maintenance of records; submission of information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... paper) or reduced to microfilm, floppy disk, or some other method of data storage, depending upon the..., associated storage facility or port facility, and the date the engine was received at the testing facility...

40 CFR 90.704 - Maintenance of records; submission of information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... paper) or reduced to microfilm, floppy disk, or some other method of data storage, depending upon the..., associated storage facility or port facility, and the date the engine was received at the testing facility...

40 CFR 90.704 - Maintenance of records; submission of information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... paper) or reduced to microfilm, floppy disk, or some other method of data storage, depending upon the..., associated storage facility or port facility, and the date the engine was received at the testing facility...

40 CFR 90.704 - Maintenance of records; submission of information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... paper) or reduced to microfilm, floppy disk, or some other method of data storage, depending upon the..., associated storage facility or port facility, and the date the engine was received at the testing facility...

Outsourcing strategy and tendering methodology for the operation and maintenance of CERN’s cryogenic facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Serio, L.; Bremer, J.; Claudet, S.; Delikaris, D.; Ferlin, G.; Ferrand, F.; Pezzetti, M.; Pirotte, O.

2017-12-01

CERN operates and maintains the world largest cryogenic infrastructure ranging from ageing but well maintained installations feeding detectors, test facilities and general services, to the state-of-the-art cryogenic system serving the flagship LHC machine complex. A study was conducted and a methodology proposed to outsource to industry the operation and maintenance of the whole cryogenic infrastructure. The cryogenic installations coupled to non LHC-detectors, test facilities and general services infrastructure have been fully outsourced for operation and maintenance on the basis of performance obligations. The contractor is responsible for the operational performance of the installations based on a yearly operation schedule provided by CERN. The maintenance of the cryogenic system serving the LHC machine and its detectors has been outsourced on the basis of tasks oriented obligations, monitored by key performance indicators. CERN operation team, with the support of the contractor operation team, remains responsible for the operational strategy and performances. We report the analysis, strategy, definition of the requirements and technical specifications as well as the achieved technical and economic performances after one year of operation.

The Facilities Condition Index: A Useful Tool for Capital Asset Planning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Briselden, Don J.; Cain, David A.

2001-01-01

Describes the development and history of the Facilities Condition Index (FCI) and its use in rating a facility's condition and measuring the amount of deferred maintenance needed. Also discusses the FCI's position within the Strategic Assessment Model and its usefulness to facilities managers. (GR)

14 CFR 171.327 - Operational records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

...) NAVIGATIONAL FACILITIES NON-FEDERAL NAVIGATION FACILITIES Microwave Landing System (MLS) § 171.327 Operational... operational records at the indicated time to the appropriate FAA regional office where the facility is located... facility and two copies must be sent to the appropriate FAA regional office. The owner or his maintenance...

14 CFR 171.327 - Operational records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...) NAVIGATIONAL FACILITIES NON-FEDERAL NAVIGATION FACILITIES Microwave Landing System (MLS) § 171.327 Operational... operational records at the indicated time to the appropriate FAA regional office where the facility is located... facility and two copies must be sent to the appropriate FAA regional office. The owner or his maintenance...

49 CFR 260.39 - Maintenance standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT FINANCING PROGRAM Standards for Maintenance of Facilities Involved in the Project... the project. (b) When the proceeds of a direct loan or an obligation guaranteed by the Administrator...

How To Maintain Your Masonry Facade.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Ralph C.

2000-01-01

Discusses facade maintenance procedures that will help protect the facility and its structure, building systems, interior finishes, and occupants from inclement weather. Facade assessment methods and maintenance solutions are described. (GR)

7 CFR 1730.24 - RUS review and evaluation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... AGRICULTURE ELECTRIC SYSTEM OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE Operations and Maintenance Requirements § 1730.24 RUS... in the field. Key borrower personnel responsible for the facilities being inspected are to accompany...

7 CFR 1730.24 - RUS review and evaluation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... AGRICULTURE ELECTRIC SYSTEM OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE Operations and Maintenance Requirements § 1730.24 RUS... in the field. Key borrower personnel responsible for the facilities being inspected are to accompany...

Effect of heat stress on age at first calving of Japanese Black cows in Okinawa.

PubMed

Oikawa, Takuro

2017-03-01

Calving records from birth certificates of cows were analyzed to investigate the effect of heat stress on age at first calving (AFC) of Japanese Black cows. The data set covered 20 years (1990-2009) of calving records. Total number of records was 9279. Daily weather information from weather stations in the vicinity of the farms was used. Temperature-humidity index (THI) fitted to a linear model covered 30 days pre-insemination to 61 days post-insemination. Statistical analysis was conducted with procedures of SAS/STAT. Preliminary analysis showed that THI of the lowest temperature and humidity was most conducive to AFC. Covariance analysis, including main effect of sire, farm and year of insemination and covariates of THI on days showed that regression coefficients of THI on day -7, day -2 and day +31 were statistically significant. The estimated piecewise regression line showed different responses of AFC to THI on days: roof-shasped downward trend on day -7, hockey-stick shaped upward trend on day -2 and day +31. The difference among the estimated regression lines may be caused by direct and indirect factors on reproduction: indirect effect of reduced feed intake, failure of conception at previous insemination, direct effect of heat stress on oocyte and embryo development. © 2016 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Left-right differences in ovarian volume and antral follicle count in 1423 women of reproductive age.

PubMed

Korsholm, Anne-Sofie; Hvidman, Helene Westring; Bentzen, Janne Gasseholm; Nyboe Andersen, Anders; Birch Petersen, Kathrine

2017-04-01

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate side differences in antral follicle count (AFC) and ovarian volume in left versus right ovaries in relation to chronological and "biological" age, the latter estimated by anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. The cohort comprised 1423 women: 1014 fertile and 409 infertile. All were examined by transvaginal sonography and serum AMH. Overall the right ovary contained 8.1% more antral follicles (p = 0.002) and had 10.7% larger volume compared with the left (p < 0.001). In all AMH quartiles, the right ovarian volume was larger than the left (p ≤ 0.003). AFC was significantly higher in the right compared to the left ovary in the three upper AMH quartiles (p ≤ 0.005). The findings were similar when stratified in age quartiles. More than half (54.8%) had polycystic ovarian (PCO) morphology in at least one ovary. Of these women, 46.3% (n = 361) had PCO morphology unilateral - most frequently on the right side (27.6%) compared to the left (18.7%, p < 0.001). The consistent difference in AFC and ovarian volume found in AMH and age quartiles may be explained by presence of a larger pool of primordial follicles in the right ovary established during fetal life.

Experimental characterization of PZT fibers using IDE electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wyckoff, Nicholas; Ben Atitallah, Hassene; Ounaies, Zoubeida

2016-04-01

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) fibers are mainly used in active fiber composites (AFC) where they are embedded in a polymer matrix. Interdigitated electrodes (IDE) along the direction of the fibers are used to achieve planar actuation, hereby exploiting the d33 coefficient of PZT. When embedded in the AFC, the PZT fibers are subjected to mechanical loading as well as non-uniform electric field as a result of the IDEs. Therefore, it is important to characterize the electrical and electromechanical behavior of these fibers ex-situ using the IDE electrodes to assess the impact of nonuniform electric field on the properties of the fibers. For that reason, this work aims at quantifying the impact of IDE electrodes on the electrical and electromechanical behavior of PZT fibers, which is necessary for their successful implementation in devices like AFC. The tested fibers were purchased from Advanced Cerametrics and they have an average diameter of 250 micrometers. The IDE electrodes were screen printed on an acrylic substrate. The PZT fibers were subjected to frequency sweeps at low voltages to determine permittivity for parallel and interdigitated electrodes. The piezoelectric e33 constant is determined from electromechanical testing of PZT fibers in parallel electrodes to compare the electromechanical behavior for PZT in bulk and fiber form. The dielectric constant and e33 were found to be lower for the IDE and parallel electrodes compared to bulk but comparable to results published in literature.

49 CFR 195.436 - Security of facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Security of facilities. 195.436 Section 195.436... PIPELINE Operation and Maintenance § 195.436 Security of facilities. Each operator shall provide protection for each pumping station and breakout tank area and other exposed facility (such as scraper traps...

14 CFR 145.103 - Housing and facilities requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) SCHOOLS AND OTHER CERTIFICATED AGENCIES REPAIR STATIONS Housing, Facilities, Equipment... temperature, humidity, and other climatic conditions sufficient to ensure personnel perform maintenance...

Aerospace Energy Systems Laboratory - Requirements and design approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glover, Richard D.

1988-01-01

The NASA Ames/Dryden Flight Research Facility operates a mixed fleet of research aircraft employing NiCd batteries in a variety of flight-critical applications. Dryden's Battery Systems Laboratory (BSL), a computerized facility for battery maintenance servicing, has evolved over two decades into one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in the world. Recently a major BSL upgrade was initiated with the goal of modernization to provide flexibility in meeting the needs of future advanced projects. The new facility will be called the Aerospace Energy Systems Laboratory (AESL) and will employ distributed processing linked to a centralized data base. AESL will be both a multistation servicing facility and a research laboratory for the advancement of energy storage system maintenance techniques. This paper describes the baseline requirements for the AESL and the design approach being taken for its mechanization.

Development of a generic GMCC simulator.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-11-01

This document describes the development and current status of a high fidelity, human-in-the-loop simulator for Airway Facilities : Maintenance Control Centers and Operations Control Centers. Applications include Event Manager, Maintenance Automation ...

Advanced AFCS developments on the XV-15 tilt rotor research aircraft. [Automatic Flight Control System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Churchill, G. B.; Gerdes, R. M.

1984-01-01

The design criteria and control and handling qualities of the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS), developed in the framework of the XV-15 tilt-rotor research aircraft, are evaluated, differentiating between the stability and control criteria. A technically aggressive SCAS control law was implemented, demonstrating that significant benefits accrue when stability criteria are separated from design criteria; the design analyses for application of the control law are presented, and the limit bandwidth for stabilization in hovering flight is shown to be defined by rotor or control lag functions. Flight tests of the aircraft resulted in a rating of 3 on the Cooper-Harper scale; a possibility of achieving a rating of 2 is expected if the system is applied to the yaw and heave control modes.

Equipment compatibility and logistics assessment for containment foam deployment.

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

McRoberts, Vincent M.; Martell, Mary-Alena; Jones, Joseph A.

2005-09-01

The deployment of the Joint Technical Operations Team (JTOT) is evolving toward a lean and mobile response team. As a result, opportunities to support more rapid mobilization are being investigated. This study investigates three specific opportunities including: (1) the potential of using standard firefighting equipment to support deployment of the aqueous foam concentrate (AFC-380); (2) determining the feasibility and needs for regional staging of equipment to reduce the inventory currently mobilized during a JTOT response; and (3) determining the feasibility and needs for development of the next generation AFC-380 to reduce the volume of foam concentrate required for a response.more » This study supports the need to ensure that requirements for alternative deployment schemes are understood and in place to support improved response activities.« less

25 CFR 170.810 - To what standards must an IRR transportation facility be maintained?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... WATER INDIAN RESERVATION ROADS PROGRAM BIA Road Maintenance § 170.810 To what standards must an IRR... standards; (b) AASHTO road and bridge maintenance manuals, latest edition; or (c) Other applicable Federal, State, tribal, or local government maintenance standards as may be negotiated in an ISDEAA road...

25 CFR Appendix A to Subpart G - List of Activities Eligible for Funding Under BIA Transportation Facility Maintenance Program

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

..., Subpt. G, App. A Appendix A to Subpart G—List of Activities Eligible for Funding Under BIA..., or purchasing of maintenance equipment. 13. Paying utilities cost for roadway lighting and traffic signals. 14. Purchasing maintenance materials. 15. Developing, implementing, and maintaining an IRR...

45 CFR 1357.32 - State fiscal requirements (title IV-B, subpart 2, family preservation and family support services).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... following: Procurement; payroll; personnel functions; management, maintenance and operation of space and... SERVICES THE ADMINISTRATION ON CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES, FOSTER CARE MAINTENANCE PAYMENTS, ADOPTION... title IV-B may not be used for the purchase or construction of facilities. (f) Maintenance of effort...

Energy Conservation for School Custodial and Maintenance Personnel. Course Outline and Instructional Materials.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, Calvin E.

Presented are materials prepared for the inservice education of school maintenance personnel on the subject of energy conservation in school facilities operations. The course is designed to help maintenance staff understand their schools' energy usage and formulate plans to control that usage. Among the topics covered are building inventory,…

40 CFR 86.412-78 - Maintenance instructions, submission to Administrator.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... systems. (2) Any revision to the maintenance instructions which will affect emissions shall be supplied to..., distributors, dealers, repair facilities, and ultimate purchasers. Any material not translated into the English...

40 CFR 271.12 - Requirements for hazardous waste management facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... and 266. These standards shall include: (a) Technical standards for tanks, containers, waste piles...-closure monitoring and maintenance; (e) Groundwater monitoring; (f) Security to prevent unauthorized access to the facility; (g) Facility personnel training; (h) Inspections, monitoring, recordkeeping, and...

40 CFR 271.12 - Requirements for hazardous waste management facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... and 266. These standards shall include: (a) Technical standards for tanks, containers, waste piles...-closure monitoring and maintenance; (e) Groundwater monitoring; (f) Security to prevent unauthorized access to the facility; (g) Facility personnel training; (h) Inspections, monitoring, recordkeeping, and...

40 CFR 271.12 - Requirements for hazardous waste management facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... and 266. These standards shall include: (a) Technical standards for tanks, containers, waste piles...-closure monitoring and maintenance; (e) Groundwater monitoring; (f) Security to prevent unauthorized access to the facility; (g) Facility personnel training; (h) Inspections, monitoring, recordkeeping, and...

40 CFR 271.12 - Requirements for hazardous waste management facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... and 266. These standards shall include: (a) Technical standards for tanks, containers, waste piles...-closure monitoring and maintenance; (e) Groundwater monitoring; (f) Security to prevent unauthorized access to the facility; (g) Facility personnel training; (h) Inspections, monitoring, recordkeeping, and...

40 CFR 271.12 - Requirements for hazardous waste management facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... and 266. These standards shall include: (a) Technical standards for tanks, containers, waste piles...-closure monitoring and maintenance; (e) Groundwater monitoring; (f) Security to prevent unauthorized access to the facility; (g) Facility personnel training; (h) Inspections, monitoring, recordkeeping, and...

Comanche Helmet-Mounted Display Heading-Tape Simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Turpin, Terry; Dowell, Susan; Atencio, Adolph

2006-01-01

The Aeroflightdynamics Directorate (AMRDEC) conducted a simulation to assess the performance associated with a Contact Analog, world-referenced heading tape as implemented on the Comanche Helmet Integrated Display Sight System (HIDSS) when compared with a Compressed heading tape similar to that specified by the former Military Standard (MIL-STD) 1295. Six experienced pilots flew three modified Aeronautical Design Standards (ADS)-33 maneuvers (Hover Turn, Bob-up, Transient Turn) and a precision traffic pattern in the NASA Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS). Analysis of the pilot objective performance data and subjective handling qualities ratings (HQRs) showed the following: Compressed symbology in the Velocity Stabilization (VelStab) flight mode generally produced the most precise performances over Contact Analog symbology with respect to the heading, altitude, position, and time criteria specified for the maneuvers tested. VelStab outperformed the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) on all maneuvers achieving desired performance on most maneuvers for both symbol sets. Performance in the AFCS mode was generally desirable to adequate for heading and altitude and did not meet adequate standards for hover position and time for the Hover Turn and Bob-up maneuvers. VelStab and AFCS performance were nearly the same for the Transient Turn. Pilot comments concerning the Contact Analog heading-tape implementation were generally unfavorable in spite of the achieved levels of performance. HQRs showed Compressed symbology in the VelStab flight mode produced the lowest mean HQR, encompassing mixed ratings of satisfactory handling and needing improvement. All other symbology/flight-mode combinations yielded higher HQRs, which characterized opinions that deficiencies in aircraft handling due to HMD symbology would need improvement. Contact Analog heading tape and other symbology require improvement, especially when operating in the AFCS mode. NASA-TLX rated Compressed symbology in the VelStab flight mode as the least demanding on resources, closely followed by ratings for Contact Analog in the VelStab mode. In a similar pattern, TLX ratings for maneuvers completed in the AFCS mode yielded a higher level of resource demand with even slighter differences between Contact Analog and Compressed symbology sets. Further research should be conducted where objective data and subjective HQR ratings indicate a need for improvement. The areas requiring attention are those where the symbology implementation, the flight control system, or a combination of both caused workload to reach an objectionable level where adequate performance was either difficult to achieve or unachievable. These areas are clearly identified in this report. Symbology that received negative HQR comments by a majority of pilots should also be examined. The summary of pilot comments can be found in appendix A. Additional simulation trials should be considered to address the identified issues.

Prediction of human observer performance in a 2-alternative forced choice low-contrast detection task using channelized Hotelling observer: Impact of radiation dose and reconstruction algorithms

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

Yu Lifeng; Leng Shuai; Chen Lingyun

2013-04-15

Purpose: Efficient optimization of CT protocols demands a quantitative approach to predicting human observer performance on specific tasks at various scan and reconstruction settings. The goal of this work was to investigate how well a channelized Hotelling observer (CHO) can predict human observer performance on 2-alternative forced choice (2AFC) lesion-detection tasks at various dose levels and two different reconstruction algorithms: a filtered-backprojection (FBP) and an iterative reconstruction (IR) method. Methods: A 35 Multiplication-Sign 26 cm{sup 2} torso-shaped phantom filled with water was used to simulate an average-sized patient. Three rods with different diameters (small: 3 mm; medium: 5 mm; large:more » 9 mm) were placed in the center region of the phantom to simulate small, medium, and large lesions. The contrast relative to background was -15 HU at 120 kV. The phantom was scanned 100 times using automatic exposure control each at 60, 120, 240, 360, and 480 quality reference mAs on a 128-slice scanner. After removing the three rods, the water phantom was again scanned 100 times to provide signal-absent background images at the exact same locations. By extracting regions of interest around the three rods and on the signal-absent images, the authors generated 21 2AFC studies. Each 2AFC study had 100 trials, with each trial consisting of a signal-present image and a signal-absent image side-by-side in randomized order. In total, 2100 trials were presented to both the model and human observers. Four medical physicists acted as human observers. For the model observer, the authors used a CHO with Gabor channels, which involves six channel passbands, five orientations, and two phases, leading to a total of 60 channels. The performance predicted by the CHO was compared with that obtained by four medical physicists at each 2AFC study. Results: The human and model observers were highly correlated at each dose level for each lesion size for both FBP and IR. The Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficients were 0.986 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.958-0.996] for FBP and 0.985 (95% CI: 0.863-0.998) for IR. Bland-Altman plots showed excellent agreement for all dose levels and lesions sizes with a mean absolute difference of 1.0%{+-} 1.1% for FBP and 2.1%{+-} 3.3% for IR. Conclusions: Human observer performance on a 2AFC lesion detection task in CT with a uniform background can be accurately predicted by a CHO model observer at different radiation dose levels and for both FBP and IR methods.« less

Development of an automatic frequency control system for an X-band (=9300 MHz) RF electron linear accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cha, Sungsu; Kim, Yujong; Lee, Byung Cheol; Park, Hyung Dal; Lee, Seung Hyun; Buaphad, Pikad

2017-05-01

KAERI is developing a 6 MeV X-band radio frequency (RF) electron linear accelerator for medical purposes. The proposed X-band accelerator consists of an e-gun, an accelerating structure, two solenoid magnets, two steering magnets, a magnetron, a modulator, and an automatic frequency control (AFC) system. The accelerating structure of the component consists of oxygen-free high-conductivity copper (OFHC). Therefore, the ambient temperature changes the volume, and the resonance frequency of the accelerating structure also changes. If the RF frequency of a 9300 MHz magnetron and the resonance frequency of the accelerating structure do not match, it can degrade the performance. That is, it will decrease the output power, lower the beam current, decrease the X-ray dose rate, increase the reflection power, and result in unstable operation of the accelerator. Accelerator operation should be possible at any time during all four seasons. To prevent humans from being exposed to radiation when it is operated, the accelerator should also be operable through remote monitoring and remote control. Therefore, the AFC system is designed to meet these requirements; it is configured based on the concept of a phase-locked loop (PLL) model, which includes an RF section, an intermediate frequency (IF) [1-3] section, and a local oscillator (LO) section. Some resonance frequency controllers use a DC motor, chain, and potentiometer to store the position and tune the frequency [4,5]. Our AFC system uses a step motor to tune the RF frequency of the magnetron. The maximum tuning turn number of our magnetron frequency tuning shaft is ten. Since the RF frequency of our magnetron is 9300±25 MHz, it gives 5 MHz (∵±25 MHz/10 turns → 50 MHz/10 turns =5 MHz/turn) frequency tuning per turn. The rotation angle of our step motor is 0.72° per step and the total step number per one rotation is 360°/0.72°=500 steps. Therefore, the tuning range per step is 10 kHz/step (=5 MHz per turn/500 steps per turn). The developed system is a more compact new resonance frequency control system. In addition, a frequency measuring part is included and it can measure the real-time resonance frequency from the magnetron. We have succeeded in the stable provisioning of RF power by recording the results of a 0.01% frequency deviation in the AFC during an RF test. Accordingly, in this paper, the detailed design, fabrication, and a high power test of the AFC system for the X-band linac are presented.

Using Decision Analysis to Select Facility Maintenance Management Information Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

efficient way possible. Many of today’s maintenance managers thus apply computerized tools that come in the form of information systems that assist in... apply to effectively select a maintenance management information system that enables them to meet the needs of their customers. 3 1.2 Background...recession of the early 1990s. During this time, companies downsized their white-collar workforce performing daily operation and maintenance functions

e-Learning Application for Machine Maintenance Process using Iterative Method in XYZ Company

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurunisa, Suaidah; Kurniawati, Amelia; Pramuditya Soesanto, Rayinda; Yunan Kurnia Septo Hediyanto, Umar

2016-02-01

XYZ Company is a company based on manufacturing part for airplane, one of the machine that is categorized as key facility in the company is Millac 5H6P. As a key facility, the machines should be assured to work well and in peak condition, therefore, maintenance process is needed periodically. From the data gathering, it is known that there are lack of competency from the maintenance staff to maintain different type of machine which is not assigned by the supervisor, this indicate that knowledge which possessed by maintenance staff are uneven. The purpose of this research is to create knowledge-based e-learning application as a realization from externalization process in knowledge transfer process to maintain the machine. The application feature are adjusted for maintenance purpose using e-learning framework for maintenance process, the content of the application support multimedia for learning purpose. QFD is used in this research to understand the needs from user. The application is built using moodle with iterative method for software development cycle and UML Diagram. The result from this research is e-learning application as sharing knowledge media for maintenance staff in the company. From the test, it is known that the application make maintenance staff easy to understand the competencies.

Master--slave manipulators and remote maintenance at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory

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

Jenness, R.G.; Wicker, C.D.

1975-01-01

The volume of master-slave manipulator maintenance at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has necessitated the establishment of a repair facility and the organization of a specially trained group of craftsmen. Emphasis on cell containment requires the use of manipulator boots and the development of precise procedures for accomplishing the maintenance of 283 installed units. To provide the most economical type of preventive maintenance, a very satisfactory computer- programmed maintenance system has been established at the Laboratory. (auth)

A Field Investigation and Facility Review of Eight Modular Starved-Air Heat Recovery Incinerator Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-10-01

are shared with the production facility. I Capital Costs: $260,000 (1976) plus $45,000 for the building. Operating and Maintenance Costs: O&M costs are...agricultural product processing plant. Operation: Three shifts, 5.5 days/week, 52 weeks/year. Capital Costs: Total capital cost S1,400,000 (1981...which makes their operating and maintenance costs, waste tonnages, ; and steam production readily available. Sample Data (All Numbers Rounded) 1st

Underwater Facilities Inspection and Assessment at Deperming Facility U.S. Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-07-01

of cross-sectional area as a result of one or more of the following destructive agents: mechanical impact and/or abrasion, excessive drilling of...sectional area and should not require maintenance at this time. Several timber braces throughout the inspected structures were also noted to have sustained...damage. The results of this sample inspection indicate that a reduction in the loading capacity has occurred in certain localized areas . Maintenance of

The Ashore Infrastructure Requirments Needed to Support Mobile Maintenance Facilities (MMF) for Intermediate Maintenance on the Next Generation Aircraft Carrier (CVNX)

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-12-01

GENERATION AIRCRAFT CARRIER (CVNX) 6. AUTHOR(S) Watt, Michael R. 5. FUNDING NUMBERS Contract Number 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND...ADDRESS(ES) Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, CA 93943-5000 PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND... ORGANIZATION OF STUDY 5 H. BACKGROUND INFORMATION 9 A. CURRENT MILITARY USERS OF MOBILE FACILITIES 10 1. United States Marine Corps (USMC) 11 2

Integrated Facilities and Infrastructure Plan.

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

Reisz Westlund, Jennifer Jill

Our facilities and infrastructure are a key element of our capability-based science and engineering foundation. The focus of the Integrated Facilities and Infrastructure Plan is the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan to sustain the capabilities necessary to meet national research, design, and fabrication needs for Sandia National Laboratories’ (Sandia’s) comprehensive national security missions both now and into the future. A number of Sandia’s facilities have reached the end of their useful lives and many others are not suitable for today’s mission needs. Due to the continued aging and surge in utilization of Sandia’s facilities, deferred maintenance has continuedmore » to increase. As part of our planning focus, Sandia is committed to halting the growth of deferred maintenance across its sites through demolition, replacement, and dedicated funding to reduce the backlog of maintenance needs. Sandia will become more agile in adapting existing space and changing how space is utilized in response to the changing requirements. This Integrated Facilities & Infrastructure (F&I) Plan supports the Sandia Strategic Plan’s strategic objectives, specifically Strategic Objective 2: Strengthen our Laboratories’ foundation to maximize mission impact, and Strategic Objective 3: Advance an exceptional work environment that enables and inspires our people in service to our nation. The Integrated F&I Plan is developed through a planning process model to understand the F&I needs, analyze solution options, plan the actions and funding, and then execute projects.« less

INVENTORY ANALYSIS AND COST ACCOUNTING OF FACILITY MAINTANANCE IN WASTE INCINERATION

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morioka, Tohru; Ozaki, Taira; Kitazume, Keiichi; Yamamoto, Tsukasa

A solid waste incineration plant consists of so many facilities and mechanical parts that it requires periodic careful maintenance of them for stable solid waste management. The current research investigates maintenance costs of the stoker type incinerator and continuous firing plants in detail and develops an accounting model for maintenance of them. This model is able to distinguish among the costs of inspection, repair and renewal by plant with seven process flaw s and three common factors. Parameters based on real data collected by questionnaire surveys give appropriate results in comparison with other plants and enable to apply the model to plants which incinerates 500 - 600 ton solid waste per day.

Ground Software Maintenance Facility (GSMF) system manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Derrig, D.; Griffith, G.

1986-01-01

The Ground Software Maintenance Facility (GSMF) is designed to support development and maintenance of spacelab ground support software. THE GSMF consists of a Perkin Elmer 3250 (Host computer) and a MITRA 125s (ATE computer), with appropriate interface devices and software to simulate the Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE). This document is presented in three sections: (1) GSMF Overview; (2) Software Structure; and (3) Fault Isolation Capability. The overview contains information on hardware and software organization along with their corresponding block diagrams. The Software Structure section describes the modes of software structure including source files, link information, and database files. The Fault Isolation section describes the capabilities of the Ground Computer Interface Device, Perkin Elmer host, and MITRA ATE.

New Mexico's Model for Funding School Facilities' Greatest Needs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gorrell, Robert; Salamone, Frank

2011-01-01

The New Mexico Public Schools Facilities Authority (NM-PSFA) is a relatively small state agency (50 staff members) that manages the allocation of funding for public school facilities in the state while assisting school districts and state-chartered charter schools in facility planning, construction, and maintenance. Like the majority of other…

Anti-müllerian hormone levels are associated with live birth rates in ART, but the predictive ability of anti-müllerian hormone is modest.

PubMed

Alson, Sara S E; Bungum, Leif J; Giwercman, Aleksander; Henic, Emir

2018-06-01

The aim was to evaluate the association between serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) level and cumulative live birth rates (LBR) in patients undergoing their first in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment cycle, and to compare serum AMH levels with Antral Follicle Count (AFC) and Ovarian Sensitivity Index (OSI) as predictors of live birth. A prospective cohort study of 454 patients under the age of 40 and with a regular menstrual cycle of 21-35 days, undergoing their first IVF treatment cycles between September 2010 and June 2015. Participants were divided into three groups based on their AMH level, (AMH ≤10, AMH 10-<30 and AMH ≥30 pmol/l). Any difference in AMH-distribution between patients with or without live birth was analyzed using a Mann-Whitney-test, and live birth rates were compared between groups by a chi-squared test for linear trend. The ability of AMH, OSI and AFC as predictors of live birth was assessed by a receiver operating characteristics-analysis and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Patients with live birth had a higher AMH, median (range) 26 [0-137] pmol/l, compared with patients without live birth, AMH 22 [0-154] pmol/l, p = 0.035. Mean live birth rate (SD) was 0.36 (0.48) in the total cohort, 0.26 (0.44) in AMH-group <10, 0.34 (0.48) in AMH-group 10-<30, and 0.41(0.49) in AMH-group ≥30. Thus live birth rates increased with 8% per AMH-group (95% CI: 0.02 -0.14, p = 0.015). The AUC for AFC was 0.56, for AMH 0.57 and for OSI 0.63, respectively. AMH concentration in serum is associated with live birth rates after IVF. Our results suggest that both AMH, AFC and OSI have an equal but modest predictive ability in relation to live birth rate. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Auditory fear conditioning modifies steady-state evoked potentials in the rat inferior colliculus.

PubMed

Lockmann, André Luiz Vieira; Mourão, Flávio Afonso Gonçalves; Moraes, Marcio Flávio Dutra

2017-08-01

The rat inferior colliculus (IC) is a major midbrain relay for ascending inputs from the auditory brain stem and has been suggested to play a key role in the processing of aversive sounds. Previous studies have demonstrated that auditory fear conditioning (AFC) potentiates transient responses to brief tones in the IC, but it remains unexplored whether AFC modifies responses to sustained periodic acoustic stimulation-a type of response called the steady-state evoked potential (SSEP). Here we used an amplitude-modulated tone-a 10-kHz tone with a sinusoidal amplitude modulation of 53.7 Hz-as the conditioning stimulus (CS) in an AFC protocol (5 CSs per day in 3 consecutive days) while recording local field potentials (LFPs) from the IC. In the preconditioning session ( day 1 ), the CS elicited prominent 53.7-Hz SSEPs. In the training session ( day 2 ), foot shocks occurred at the end of each CS (paired group) or randomized in the inter-CS interval (unpaired group). In the test session ( day 3 ), SSEPs markedly differed from preconditioning in the paired group: in the first two trials the phase to which the SSEP coupled to the CS amplitude envelope shifted ~90°; in the last two trials the SSEP power and the coherence of SSEP with the CS amplitude envelope increased. LFP power decreased in frequency bands other than 53.7 Hz. In the unpaired group, SSEPs did not change in the test compared with preconditioning. Our results show that AFC causes dissociated changes in the phase and power of SSEP in the IC. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Local field potential oscillations in the inferior colliculus follow the amplitude envelope of an amplitude-modulated tone, originating a neural response called the steady-state evoked potential. We show that auditory fear conditioning of an amplitude-modulated tone modifies two parameters of the steady-state evoked potentials in the inferior colliculus: first the phase to which the evoked oscillation couples to the amplitude-modulated tone shifts; subsequently, the evoked oscillation power increases along with its coherence with the amplitude-modulated tone. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Estimation of genetic parameters of the productive and reproductive traits in Ethiopian Holstein using multi-trait models.

PubMed

Ayalew, Wondossen; Aliy, Mohammed; Negussie, Enyew

2017-11-01

This study estimated the genetic parameters for productive and reproductive traits. The data included production and reproduction records of animals that have calved between 1979 and 2013. The genetic parameters were estimated using multivariate mixed models (DMU) package, fitting univariate and multivariate mixed models with average information restricted maximum likelihood algorithm. The estimates of heritability for milk production traits from the first three lactation records were 0.03±0.03 for lactation length (LL), 0.17±0.04 for lactation milk yield (LMY), and 0.15±0.04 for 305 days milk yield (305-d MY). For reproductive traits the heritability estimates were, 0.09±0.03 for days open (DO), 0.11±0.04 for calving interval (CI), and 0.47±0.06 for age at first calving (AFC). The repeatability estimates for production traits were 0.12±0.02, for LL, 0.39±0.02 for LMY, and 0.25±0.02 for 305-d MY. For reproductive traits the estimates of repeatability were 0.19±0.02 for DO, and to 0.23±0.02 for CI. The phenotypic correlations between production and reproduction traits ranged from 0.08±0.04 for LL and AFC to 0.42±0.02 for LL and DO. The genetic correlation among production traits were generally high (>0.7) and between reproductive traits the estimates ranged from 0.06±0.13 for AFC and DO to 0.99±0.01 between CI and DO. Genetic correlations of productive traits with reproductive traits were ranged from -0.02 to 0.99. The high heritability estimates observed for AFC indicated that reasonable genetic improvement for this trait might be possible through selection. The h2 and r estimates for reproductive traits were slightly different from single versus multi-trait analyses of reproductive traits with production traits. As single-trait method is biased due to selection on milk yield, a multi-trait evaluation of fertility with milk yield is recommended.

Genetic associations between scrotal circumference and female reproductive traits in Nelore cattle.

PubMed

Terakado, A P N; Boligon, A A; Baldi, F; Silva, J A I I V; Albuquerque, L G

2015-06-01

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic associations between scrotal circumference obtained at 12 (SC12; mean of 21.46 ± 2.74 cm), 15 (SC15; mean of 25.31 ± 3.19 cm), and 18 mo of age (SC18; mean of 26.77 ± 2.95 cm) and reproductive traits measured directly in heifers (age at first calving [AFC]: mean of 1,062.06 ± 114.79 d; heifer pregnancy at 16 mo of age [HP]: mean of 15.4 ± 0.36%; and subsequent rebreeding of primiparous heifers [HR]: mean of 27.1 ± 0.44%) using Bayesian inference to evaluate the possible inclusion of these traits as selection criteria in beef cattle breeding programs. Genetic gains comparisons were also estimated. A total of 53,683 data of Nelore animals born between 1990 and 2006, obtained from the livestock archive of Agropecuária Jacarezinho Ltda. (Valparaíso, São Paulo, Brazil), were analyzed. Two-trait analysis provided heritability estimates of 0.35 ± 0.08, 0.40 ± 0.04, 0.37 ± 0.03, 0.21 ± 0.01, 0.55 ± 0.03, and 0.17 ± 0.03 for SC12, SC15, SC18, AFC, HP, and HR, respectively. The genetic correlations between scrotal circumference and AFC, HP, and HR were -0.42 ± 0.12, 0.43 ± 0.13, and -0.13 ± 0.17, respectively, for SC12; -0.25 ± 0.07, 0.26 ± 0.07, and -0.11 ± 0.10, respectively, for SC15; and -0.22 ± 0.06, 0.39 ± 0.06, and 0.11 ± 0.09, respectively, for SC18. The direct selection response for HP was 0.12%, but when HP is indirectly selected based on the scrotal circumferences, the gains on these correlated responses were higher (0.16, 0.16, and 0.22%) for selection based on SC12, SC15, and SC18, respectively. These findings suggest that the selection of animals for larger scrotal circumference, particularly at 12 mo of age, should result in higher rates of HP and younger AFC of Nelore females.

Management of stormwater facility maintenance residuals

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-06-01

Current research on stormwater maintenance residuals has revealed that the source and nature of these materials is extremely variable, that regulation can be ambiguous, and handling can be costly and difficult. From a regulatory perspective, data ind...

Looking Northeast at Southwest End of Maintenance Shop with Milling ...

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

Looking Northeast at Southwest End of Maintenance Shop with Milling Machines, Hoist, Electrical Boxes in Recycle Recovery Building - Hematite Fuel Fabrication Facility, Recycle Recovery Building, 3300 State Road P, Festus, Jefferson County, MO

Individualized FSH dosing based on ovarian reserve testing in women starting IVF/ICSI: a multicentre trial and cost-effectiveness analysis.

PubMed

van Tilborg, Theodora C; Oudshoorn, Simone C; Eijkemans, Marinus J C; Mochtar, Monique H; van Golde, Ron J T; Hoek, Annemieke; Kuchenbecker, Walter K H; Fleischer, Kathrin; de Bruin, Jan Peter; Groen, Henk; van Wely, Madelon; Lambalk, Cornelis B; Laven, Joop S E; Mol, Ben Willem J; Broekmans, Frank J M; Torrance, Helen L

2017-12-01

Is there a difference in live birth rate and/or cost-effectiveness between antral follicle count (AFC)-based individualized FSH dosing or standard FSH dosing in women starting IVF or ICSI treatment? In women initiating IVF/ICSI, AFC-based individualized FSH dosing does not improve live birth rates or reduce costs as compared to a standard FSH dose. In IVF or ICSI, ovarian reserve testing is often used to adjust the FSH dose in order to normalize ovarian response and optimize live birth rates. However, no robust evidence for the (cost-)effectiveness of this practice exists. Between May 2011 and May 2014 we performed a multicentre prospective cohort study with two embedded RCTs in women scheduled for IVF/ICSI. Based on the AFC, women entered into one of the two RCTs (RCT1: AFC < 11; RCT2: AFC > 15) or the cohort (AFC 11-15). The primary outcome was ongoing pregnancy achieved within 18 months after randomization resulting in a live birth (delivery of at least one live foetus after 24 weeks of gestation). Data from the cohort with weight 0.5 were combined with both RCTs in order to conduct a strategy analysis. Potential half-integer numbers were rounded up. Differences in costs and effects between the two treatment strategies were compared by bootstrapping. In both RCTs women were randomized to an individualized (RCT1:450/225 IU, RCT2:100 IU) or standard FSH dose (150 IU). Women in the cohort all received the standard dose (150 IU). Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was measured to assess AMH post-hoc as a biomarker to individualize treatment. For RCT1 dose adjustment was allowed in subsequent cycles based on pre-specified criteria in the standard group only. For RCT2 dose adjustment was allowed in subsequent cycles in both groups. Both effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the strategies were evaluated from an intention-to-treat perspective. We included 1515 women, of whom 483 (31.9%) entered the cohort, 511 (33.7%) RCT1 and 521 (34.4%) RCT2. Live births occurred in 420/747 (56.3%) women in the individualized strategy and 447/769 (58.2%) women in the standard strategy (risk difference -0.019 (95% CI, -0.06 to 0.02), P = 0.39; a total of 1516 women due to rounding up the half integer numbers). The individualized strategy was more expensive (delta costs/woman = €275 (95% CI, 40 to 499)). Individualized dosing reduced the occurrence of mild and moderate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and subsequently the costs for management of these OHSS categories (costs saved/woman were €35). The analysis based on AMH as a tool for dose individualization suggested comparable results. Despite a training programme, the AFC might have suffered from inter-observer variation. In addition, although strict cancel criteria were provided, selective cancelling in the individualized dose group (for poor response in particular) cannot be excluded as observers were not blinded for the FSH dose and small dose adjustments were allowed in subsequent cycles. However, as both first cycle live birth rates and cumulative live birth rates show no difference between strategies, the open design probably did not mask a potential benefit for the individualized group. Despite increasing consensus on using GnRH antagonist co-treatment in women predicted for a hyper response in particular, GnRH agonists were used in almost 80% of the women in this study. Hence, in those women, the AFC and bloodsampling for the post-hoc AMH analysis were performed during pituitary suppression. As the correlation between AFC and ovarian response is not compromised during GnRH agonist use, this will probably not have influenced classification of response. Individualized FSH dosing for the IVF/ICSI population as a whole should not be pursued as it does not improve live birth rates and it increases costs. Women scheduled for IVF/ICSI with a regular menstrual cycle are therefore recommended a standard FSH starting dose of 150 IU per day. Still, safety management by individualized dosing in predicted hyper responders is open for further research. This study was funded by The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMW number 171102020). AMH measurements were performed free of charge by Roche Diagnostics. TCT, HLT and SCO received an unrestricted personal grant from Merck BV. AH declares that the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Centre Groningen receives an unrestricted research grant from Ferring pharmaceutics BV, The Netherlands. CBL receives grants from Merck, Ferring and Guerbet. BWJM is supported by a NHMRC Practitioner Fellowship (GNT1082548) and reports consultancy for OvsEva, Merck and Guerbet. FJMB receives monetary compensation as a member of the external advisory board for Ferring pharmaceutics BV (the Netherlands) and Merck Serono (the Netherlands) for consultancy work for Gedeon Richter (Belgium) and Roche Diagnostics on automated AMH assay development (Switzerland) and for a research cooperation with Ansh Labs (USA). All other autors have nothing to declare. Registered at the ICMJE-recognized Dutch Trial Registry (www.trialregister.nl). Registration number: NTR2657. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Aerospace energy systems laboratory: Requirements and design approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glover, Richard D.

1988-01-01

The NASA Ames-Dryden Flight Research Facility at Edwards, California, operates a mixed fleet of research aircraft employing nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries in a variety of flight-critical applications. Dryden's Battery Systems Laboratory (BSL), a computerized facility for battery maintenance servicing, has developed over two decades into one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in the world. Recently a major BSL upgrade was initiated with the goal of modernization to provide flexibility in meeting the needs of future advanced projects. The new facility will be called the Aerospace Energy Systems Laboratory (AESL) and will employ distributed processing linked to a centralized data base. AESL will be both a multistation servicing facility and a research laboratory for the advancement of energy storage system maintenance techniques. This paper describes the baseline requirements for the AESL and the design approach being taken for its mechanization.

Landlord project multi-year program plan, fiscal year 1999, WBS 1.5

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

Dallas, M.D.

The MYWP technical baseline describes the work to be accomplished by the Project and the technical standards which govern that work. The mission of Landlord Project is to provide more maintenance replacement of general infrastructure facilities and systems to facilitate the Hanford Site cleanup mission. Also, once an infrastructure facility or system is no longer needed the Landlord Project transitions the facility to final closure/removal through excess, salvage or demolition. Landlord Project activities will be performed in an environmentally sound, safe, economical, prudent, and reliable manner. The Landlord Project consists of the following facilities systems: steam, water, liquid sanitary waste,more » electrical distribution, telecommunication, sanitary landfill, emergency services, general purpose offices, general purpose shops, general purpose warehouses, environmental supports facilities, roads, railroad, and the site land. The objectives for general infrastructure support are reflected in two specific areas, (1) Core Infrastructure Maintenance, and (2) Infrastructure Risk Mitigation.« less

25 CFR 170.401 - What is BIA's role in transportation planning?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... RESERVATION ROADS PROGRAM Planning, Design, and Construction of Indian Reservation Roads Program Facilities... maintenance facilities; and (p) Researching rights-of-way documents for project planning. ...

Analyses in Support of Risk-Informed Natural Gas Vehicle Maintenance Facility Codes and Standards: Phase II.

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

Blaylock, Myra L.; LaFleur, Chris Bensdotter; Muna, Alice Baca

Safety standards development for maintenance facilities of liquid and compressed natural gas fueled vehicles is required to ensure proper facility design and operating procedures. Standard development organizations are utilizing risk-informed concepts to develop natural gas vehicle (NGV) codes and standards so that maintenance facilities meet acceptable risk levels. The present report summarizes Phase II work for existing NGV repair facility code requirements and highlights inconsistencies that need quantitative analysis into their effectiveness. A Hazardous and Operability study was performed to identify key scenarios of interest using risk ranking. Detailed simulations and modeling were performed to estimate the location and behaviormore » of natural gas releases based on these scenarios. Specific code conflicts were identified, and ineffective code requirements were highlighted and resolutions proposed. These include ventilation rate basis on area or volume, as well as a ceiling offset which seems ineffective at protecting against flammable gas concentrations. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors gratefully acknowledge Bill Houf (SNL -- Retired) for his assistance with the set-up and post-processing of the numerical simulations. The authors also acknowledge Doug Horne (retired) for his helpful discussions. We would also like to acknowledge the support from the Clean Cities program of DOE's Vehicle Technology Office.« less

36th Annual Maintenance & Operations Cost Study: Colleges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Agron, Joe

2007-01-01

Colleges are focusing increased effort--and money--to improve the physical condition of existing facilities and address a huge backlog of deferred maintenance. According to "American School & University's" 36th annual Maintenance and Operations (M&O) Cost Study, the median college spends 16.4% of total college budget on M&O, up from 11% the year…

Building 9401-2 Plating Shop Surveillance and Maintenance Plan

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

None

1999-05-01

This document provides a plan for implementing surveillance and maintenance (S and M) activities to ensure that Building 9401-2 Plating Shop is maintained in a cost effective and environmentally secure configuration until subsequent closure during the final disposition phase of decommissioning. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) G430.1A-2, Surveillance and Maintenance During Facility Disposition (1997), was used as guidance in the development of this plan. The S and M Plan incorporates DOE O 430.1A, Life Cycle Asset Management (LCAM) (1998a) direction to provide for conducting surveillance and maintenance activities required to maintain the facility and remaining hazardous and radioactive materials, wastes,more » and contamination in a stable and known condition pending facility disposition. Recommendations in the S and M plan have been made that may not be requirement-based but would reduce the cost and frequency of surveillance and maintenance activities. During the course of S and M activities, the facility's condition may change so as to present an immediate or developing hazard or unsatisfactory condition. Corrective action should be coordinated with the appropriate support organizations using the requirements and guidance stated in procedure Y10-202, Rev. 1, Integrated Safety Management Program, (Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, Inc. (LMES), 1998a) implemented at the Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant and the methodology of the Nuclear Operations Conduct of Operations Manual (LMES, 1999) for the Depleted Uranium Operations (DUO) organization. The key S and M objectives applicable to the Plating Shop are to: Ensure adequate containment of remaining residual material in exhaust stacks and outside process piping, stored chemicals awaiting offsite shipment, and items located in the Radioactive Material Area (RMA); Provide access control into the facility and physical safety to S and M personnel; Maintain the facility in a manner that will protect the public, the environment, and the S and M personnel; Provide an S and M plan which identifies and complies with applicable environmental, safety, and health safeguards and security requirements; and Provide a cost effective S and M program for the plating shop, Building 9401-2.« less

The use of emulator-based simulators for on-board software maintenance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irvine, M. M.; Dartnell, A.

2002-07-01

Traditionally, onboard software maintenance activities within the space sector are performed using hardware-based facilities. These facilities are developed around the use of hardware emulation or breadboards containing target processors. Some sort of environment is provided around the hardware to support the maintenance actives. However, these environments are not easy to use to set-up the required test scenarios, particularly when the onboard software executes in a dynamic I/O environment, e.g. attitude control software, or data handling software. In addition, the hardware and/or environment may not support the test set-up required during investigations into software anomalies, e.g. raise spurious interrupt, fail memory, etc, and the overall "visibility" of the software executing may be limited. The Software Maintenance Simulator (SOMSIM) is a tool that can support the traditional maintenance facilities. The following list contains some of the main benefits that SOMSIM can provide: Low cost flexible extension to existing product - operational simulator containing software processor emulator; System-level high-fidelity test-bed in which software "executes"; Provides a high degree of control/configuration over the entire "system", including contingency conditions perhaps not possible with real hardware; High visibility and control over execution of emulated software. This paper describes the SOMSIM concept in more detail, and also describes the SOMSIM study being carried out for ESA/ESOC by VEGA IT GmbH.

34 CFR 361.62 - Maintenance of effort requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... provides for the construction of a facility for community rehabilitation program purposes, the amount of... for the construction of a facility for community rehabilitation program purposes or the establishment of a facility for community rehabilitation purposes, must be at least equal to the expenditures for...

34 CFR 361.62 - Maintenance of effort requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... provides for the construction of a facility for community rehabilitation program purposes, the amount of... for the construction of a facility for community rehabilitation program purposes or the establishment of a facility for community rehabilitation purposes, must be at least equal to the expenditures for...

49 CFR 195.426 - Scraper and sphere facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Scraper and sphere facilities. 195.426 Section 195.426 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS... HAZARDOUS LIQUIDS BY PIPELINE Operation and Maintenance § 195.426 Scraper and sphere facilities. No operator...

Removal site evaluation report for the Isotope Facilities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee

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

NONE

This removal site evaluation (RmSE) report of the Isotope Facilities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) was prepared to provide the Environmental Restoration Program with information necessary to evaluate whether hazardous and/or radiological contaminants in and around the Isotopes Facility pose a substantial risk to human health or the environment and if remedial site evaluations (RSEs) or removal actions are required. The scope of the project included: (1) a review of historical evidence regarding operations and use of the facility; (2) interviews with facility personnel concerning current and past operating practices; (3) a site inspection; and (4) identification of hazardmore » areas requiring maintenance, removal, or remedial actions. The results of RmSE indicate that no substantial risks exist from contaminants present in the Isotope Facilities because adequate controls and practices exist to protect human health and the environment. The recommended correction from the RmSE are being conducted as maintenance actions; accordingly, this RmSE is considered complete and terminated.« less

Adopt-A-Highway, Statewide M & O, Transportation & Public Facilities, State

Science.gov Websites

& Operations Search DOT&PF State of Alaska DOT&PF > Maintenance & Operations > Maintenance Subcommittee off site link FHWA Operations off site link U.S. DOT off site link Site Map Policies

Get More for Your Maintenance Dollar through Contracting.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Donahue, Ron

1983-01-01

The use of contractors for the performance of maintenance duties in parks and recreational facilities is recommended as a legitimate tool to improve productivity or upgrade quality. An example of the use of contracts is provided. (CJ)

40 CFR 267.33 - What are the testing and maintenance requirements for the equipment?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... OPERATING UNDER A STANDARDIZED PERMIT Preparedness and Prevention § 267.33 What are the testing and maintenance requirements for the equipment? You must test and maintain all required facility communications or...

40 CFR 267.33 - What are the testing and maintenance requirements for the equipment?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... OPERATING UNDER A STANDARDIZED PERMIT Preparedness and Prevention § 267.33 What are the testing and maintenance requirements for the equipment? You must test and maintain all required facility communications or...

40 CFR 267.33 - What are the testing and maintenance requirements for the equipment?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... OPERATING UNDER A STANDARDIZED PERMIT Preparedness and Prevention § 267.33 What are the testing and maintenance requirements for the equipment? You must test and maintain all required facility communications or...

40 CFR 267.33 - What are the testing and maintenance requirements for the equipment?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... OPERATING UNDER A STANDARDIZED PERMIT Preparedness and Prevention § 267.33 What are the testing and maintenance requirements for the equipment? You must test and maintain all required facility communications or...

40 CFR 267.33 - What are the testing and maintenance requirements for the equipment?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... OPERATING UNDER A STANDARDIZED PERMIT Preparedness and Prevention § 267.33 What are the testing and maintenance requirements for the equipment? You must test and maintain all required facility communications or...

An Analysis of Characteristics of Magnetostatic Waves Propagating in Nonhomogeneous Fields Across the Ferrospinel Film Thickness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velikanova, Yu. V.; Vinogradova, M. R.; Mitlina, L. A.

2018-06-01

The amplitude-frequency characteristics (AFCs) of magnetostatic waves in the films of magnesium-manganese ferrospinels with nanostructured inhomogeneities are discussed. A common effect, observed in the film AFCs under different process conditions, is the `oscillations of propagation' of magnetostatic waves as a function of the frequency. The oscillation pattern is thought to depend on the inhomogeneous exchange parameters and the surface anisotropy constants. The wave instability is characterized by the resonant interaction of the dipole magnetostatic waves with the surface spin waves. It is shown that the ferrospinel films with periodic nanostructured inhomogeneities of 30-40 nm could be treated as magnon crystals. An inclusion of the inhomogeneity into consideration allows one to provide reasoning for the formation of the rejection bands within the range 9-12 GHz, whose frequencies correspond to Bragg frequencies.

Modelling and control of an upper extremity exoskeleton for rehabilitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taha, Zahari; Majeed, Anwar P. P. Abdul; Tze, Mohd Yashim Wong Paul; Abdo Hashem, Mohammed; Mohd Khairuddin, Ismail; Azraai Mohd Razman, Mohd

2016-02-01

This paper presents the modelling and control of a two degree of freedom upper extremity exoskeleton for rehabilitation. The Lagrangian formulation was employed to obtain the dynamic modelling of both the anthropometric based human upper limb as well as the exoskeleton that comprises of the upper arm and the forearm. A proportional-derivative (PD) architecture is employed to investigate its efficacy performing a joint task trajectory tracking in performing flexion/extension on the elbow joint as well as the forward adduction/abduction on the shoulder joint. An active force control (AFC) algorithm is also incorporated into the aforementioned controller to examine its effectiveness in compensating disturbances. It was found from the study that the AFC-PD performed well against the disturbances introduced into the system without compromising its tracking performances as compared to the conventional PD control architecture.

A PIV Study of Baseline and Controlled Flow over the Highly Deflected Flap of a Generic Low Aspect Ratio Trapezoidal Wing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tewes, Philipp; Genschow, Konstantin; Little, Jesse; Wygnanski, Israel

2017-11-01

A detailed flow survey using PIV was conducted over a highly-deflected flap (55°) of a low-aspect ratio trapezoidal wing. The wing section is a NACA 0012 with 45° sweep at both the leading and trailing edges, an aspect ratio of 1.5 and a taper ratio of 0.27. The main element is equipped with 7 equally spaced fluidic oscillators, covering the inner 60 % of the span, located near the flap hinge. Experiments were carried out at 0° and 8° incidence at a Reynolds number of 1.7 .106 for both baseline and active flow control (AFC) cases. Velocity ISO-surfaces, x-vorticity and streamlines are analyzed / discussed. A flap leading edge vortex governs the baseline flow field for 0°. This vortical structure interacts with the jets emitted by the actuators (Cμ = 1 %). Its development is hampered and the vortex is redirected toward the trailing edge resulting in a CL increase. At 8°, the dominant flap leading edge vortex could not be detected and is believed to have already merged with the tip vortex. AFC attached the flow over the flap and enhanced the lift by up to 20 % while maintaining longitudinal stability. The dominant flow features in the AFC cases are actuator-generated streamwise vortices which appear stronger at 8°. This work was supported by the Office of Naval Research under ONR Grant No. N00014-14-1-0387.

Differential rate in decline in ovarian reserve markers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome compared with control subjects: results of a longitudinal study.

PubMed

Ahmad, Asima K; Kao, Chia-Ning; Quinn, Molly; Lenhart, Nikolaus; Rosen, Mitchell; Cedars, Marcelle I; Huddleston, Heather

2018-03-01

To estimate rates of ovarian aging in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) subjects versus a community control population. Longitudinal. Tertiary academic center. PCOS subjects diagnosed according to the 2004 Rotterdam criteria were systematically enrolled in a PCOS cohort study. The comparison control subjects were from the Ovarian Aging study, a prospective longitudinal study of ovarian aging in healthy women with regular menstrual cycles. Clinical data collection over two study visits. Antral follicle count (AFC), ovarian volume (OV), and antimüllerian hormone level (AMH). PCOS subjects were found to have higher baseline values for all ovarian reserve markers compared with control subjects. Univariate models indicated that, compared with control subjects, PCOS patients experienced significantly faster rates of decline for both AFC and AMH. Change in OV did not differ significantly. To account for potential confounder effects, multiple analysis of covariance models were evaluated for the best fit, considering age, body mass index, and baseline ovarian reserve markers. Adjusted models demonstrated that PCOS patients do not experience a significant difference in AFC decline compared with control subjects, but they do experience a faster rate of decline in AMH (P<.01) and slower rate of decline in OV (P<.01). Ovarian aging in PCOS is characterized by a more rapid decline in AMH and a slower decline in OV compared with control subjects. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Flipperons for Improved Aerodynamic Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mabe, James H.

2008-01-01

Lightweight, piezoelectrically actuated bending flight-control surfaces have shown promise as means of actively controlling airflows to improve the performances of transport airplanes. These bending flight-control surfaces are called flipperons because they look somewhat like small ailerons, but, unlike ailerons, are operated in an oscillatory mode reminiscent of the actions of biological flippers. The underlying concept of using flipperons and other flipperlike actuators to impart desired characteristics to flows is not new. Moreover, elements of flipperon-based active flow-control (AFC) systems for aircraft had been developed previously, but it was not until the development reported here that the elements have been integrated into a complete, controllable prototype AFC system for wind-tunnel testing to enable evaluation of the benefits of AFC for aircraft. The piezoelectric actuator materials chosen for use in the flipperons are single- crystal solid solutions of lead zinc niobate and lead titanate, denoted generically by the empirical formula (1-x)[Pb(Zn(1/3)Nb(2/3))O3]:x[PbTiO3] (where x<1) and popularly denoted by the abbreviation PZN-PT. These are relatively newly recognized piezoelectric materials that are capable of strain levels exceeding 1 percent and strain-energy densities 5 times greater than those of previously commercially available piezoelectric materials. Despite their high performance levels, (1-x)[Pb(Zn(1/3)Nb(2/3))O3]:x[PbTiO3] materials have found limited use until now because, relative to previously commercially available piezoelectric materials, they tend to be much more fragile.

[Effects of ginger-separated moxibustion at Baliao points combined with Bushen Huoxue formula on patients with decreased ovarian reserve function].

PubMed

Jiang, Duosheng; Zhang, Yingchun; Wu, Xiaolan; Wang, Yanming; Fan, Qiangfang; Wu, Song

2017-10-12

To compare the efficacy differences between ginger-separated moxibustion at Baliao points combined with Bushen Huoxue formula and Bushen Huoxue formula alone on patients with decreased ovarian reserve function. Fifty patients of decreased ovarian reserve function were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 25 cases in each one. The patients in the observation group were treated with ginger-separated moxibustion at Baliao points combined with Bushen Huoxue formula; the moxibustion was given for 1.5 h, once every seven days, and no treatment was given during menstrual period. The patients in the control group were treated with Bushen Huoxue formula. One-month treatment was taken as one treatment course, and totally three courses were given. The change of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E 2 ), anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC), peak systolic velocity (PSV), resistance index (RI) were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. After treatment, the FSH, FSH/LH and RI were significantly lowered, but the E 2 , AFC, PSV were significantly increased in the two groups (all P <0.05); the FSH, FSH/LH and E 2 in the observation group were lower and AFC was higher than those in the control group (all P <0.05). The ginger-separated moxibustion at Baliao points combined with Bushen Huoxue formula are superior to Bushen Huoxue formula alone in improving ovarian reserve function.

BISON Investigation of the Effect of the Fuel- Cladding Contact Irregularities on the Peak Cladding Temperature and FCCI Observed in AFC-3A Rodlet 4

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

Medvedev, Pavel G.

2016-09-01

The primary objective of this report is to document results of BISON analyses supporting Fuel Cycle Research and Development (FCRD) activities. Specifically, the present report seeks to provide explanation for the microstructural features observed during post irradiation examination of the helium-bonded annular U-10Zr fuel irradiated during the AFC-3A experiment. Post irradiation examination of the AFC-3A rodlet revealed microstructural features indicative of the fuel-cladding chemical interaction (FCCI) at the fuel-cladding interface. Presence of large voids was also observed in the same locations. BISON analyses were performed to examine stress and temperature profiles and to investigate possible correlation between the voids andmore » FCCI. It was found that presence of the large voids lead to a formation of circumferential temperature gradients in the fuel that may have redirected migrating lanthanides to the locations where fuel and cladding are in contact. Resulting localized increase of lanthanide concentration is expected to accelerate FCCI. The results of this work provide important guidance to the post irradiation examination studies. Specifically, the hypothesis of lanthanides being redirected from the voids to the locations where the fuel and the cladding are in contact should be verified by conducting quantitative electron microscopy or Electron Probe Micro-Analyzer (EPMA). The results also highlight the need for computer models capable of simulating lanthanide diffusion in metallic fuel and establish a basis for validation of such models.« less

Making a Good Fit.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Piper, Jim

1998-01-01

Discusses the importance of paying attention to facility requirements when selecting windows during a school building retrofit. Facility requirements to consider include security needs, lighting, energy conservation, and ease the cost of maintenance. (GR)

Site and Facilities: A Resource Book for Camps.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ball, Armand, Ed.; Ball, Beverly, Ed.

This resource book draws together articles on the development and maintenance of camp sites and facilities. The articles, previously published by "Camping Magazine" and "Journal of Christian Camping," cover (1) site planning and long-range development, including redesigning multiple camp facilities for year-round programs, remodeling and…

Facilities Renewal at the Small College.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Association of Physical Plant Administrators, Alexandria, VA. Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers.

This monograph on facilities renewal at small colleges offers six case studies illustrating how these small private colleges and universities managed and funded deferred maintenance. The case studies were all written by facilities directors from institutions that developed innovative strategic plans to revitalize their physical plants. The first…

33 CFR 106.405 - Format and content of the Facility Security Plan (FSP).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...; (9) Security systems and equipment maintenance; (10) Security measures for access control; (11... Facility Security Plan (FSP). 106.405 Section 106.405 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY MARITIME SECURITY MARINE SECURITY: OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF (OCS) FACILITIES...

18 CFR 157.213 - Underground storage field facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Underground storage... of the Natural Gas Act for Certain Transactions and Abandonment § 157.213 Underground storage field... operate facilities for the remediation and maintenance of an existing underground storage facility...

18 CFR 157.213 - Underground storage field facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Underground storage... of the Natural Gas Act for Certain Transactions and Abandonment § 157.213 Underground storage field... operate facilities for the remediation and maintenance of an existing underground storage facility...

42 CFR 37.43 - Approval of radiographic facilities that use film.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... roentgenography of the chest. Amer J Roentgenol 117(4):771-776. (b) Each radiographic facility submitting chest... facility addressing radiation exposures, equipment maintenance, and image quality, and must conform to the... individual data, interpretations, and images) consistent with applicable statutes and regulations governing...

42 CFR 37.43 - Approval of radiographic facilities that use film.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... roentgenography of the chest. Amer J Roentgenol 117(4):771-776. (b) Each radiographic facility submitting chest... facility addressing radiation exposures, equipment maintenance, and image quality, and must conform to the... individual data, interpretations, and images) consistent with applicable statutes and regulations governing...

25 CFR 171.565 - How will I know if BIA plans to adjust my annual operation and maintenance assessment rate?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR LAND AND WATER IRRIGATION OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE Financial Matters: Assessments... Register. (b) You may contact the irrigation facility servicing your farm unit. ...

25 CFR 171.565 - How will I know if BIA plans to adjust my annual operation and maintenance assessment rate?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR LAND AND WATER IRRIGATION OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE Financial Matters: Assessments... Register. (b) You may contact the irrigation facility servicing your farm unit. ...

49 CFR 193.2605 - Maintenance procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Maintenance procedures. 193.2605 Section 193.2605 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) PIPELINE SAFETY LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS FACILITIES...

A Location Analysis Approach for Military Maintenance Scheduling with Geographically Dispersed Service Areas

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

activities within the patrol area. Maintenance of the Minuteman III weapon system requires maintenance and security teams travel to one or more of 150...launch facilities, all of which are geograph- ically isolated from major population centers. Travel time from F. E. Warren AFB, the main support base...the F. E. Warren AFB work center to make travel preparations, and ends after all maintenance actions are completed, or once the team arrives at one

The Next Phase.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oualline, John; Rabenaldt, Carl

2002-01-01

Discusses how phased facility assessments, rather than one comprehensive assessment, may be an answer to identifying and addressing capital renewal and deferred maintenance. Presents a table outlining the facility assessment levels and attendant measurement methods. (EV)

78 FR 17224 - Environmental Impact Statement; Proposed South Puget Sound Prairie Habitat Conservation Plan...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-20

... operation of solid waste facilities; permitting and monitoring of wells, septic systems, and decommissioning of home oil tanks; maintenance and monitoring of water resources and associated facilities...

25 CFR 170.800 - Who owns IRR transportation facilities?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 25 Indians 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Who owns IRR transportation facilities? 170.800 Section 170.800 Indians BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR LAND AND WATER INDIAN RESERVATION ROADS PROGRAM BIA Road Maintenance § 170.800 Who owns IRR transportation facilities? Public authorities...

POLLUTION PREVENTION OPPORTUNITY ASSESSMENT: GENERAL MAIL AND VEHICLE MAINTENANCE FACILITY, UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE, BUFFALO, NY

EPA Science Inventory

The Pollution Prevention Opportunity Assessment (PPOA) summarized here was conducted at a U.S.Postal Service (USPS) Facility in Buffalo, NY. The PPOA documented and quantified waste generation at the General Mail Facility (GMF) where mail is processed, and at the Vehicle Maintena...

75 FR 54961 - Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, Single Nuclear Unit at the Bellefonte Plant...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-09

... facility, a wind farm, a methane- gas cofiring facility, and several small solar photovoltaic facilities... maintenance of select plant systems and other regulatory compliance activities. Major buildings and plant... the plant cooling towers and the reactor, auxiliary, control, turbine, office, and service buildings...

Does PDC Belong in Facilities Management?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dessoff, Alan

2012-01-01

Whether planning, design, and construction (PDC) of buildings should be part of facilities management, with its traditional operations and maintenance functions, or separated from it, has been a divisive question on many campuses for a long time. Now, although it is not happening everywhere, facilities managers at a number of institutions, public…

25 CFR Appendix A to Subpart G - List of Activities Eligible for Funding Under BIA Transportation Facility Maintenance Program

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... Maintenance Program. The list is not all-inclusive. 1. Cleaning and repairing ditches and culverts. 2... additional culverts to prevent roadway and adjoining property damage. 4. Repairing, replacing or installing...

25 CFR Appendix A to Subpart G - List of Activities Eligible for Funding Under BIA Transportation Facility Maintenance Program

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... Maintenance Program. The list is not all-inclusive. 1. Cleaning and repairing ditches and culverts. 2... additional culverts to prevent roadway and adjoining property damage. 4. Repairing, replacing or installing...

25 CFR Appendix A to Subpart G - List of Activities Eligible for Funding Under BIA Transportation Facility Maintenance Program

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... Maintenance Program. The list is not all-inclusive. 1. Cleaning and repairing ditches and culverts. 2... additional culverts to prevent roadway and adjoining property damage. 4. Repairing, replacing or installing...

Summer Roof Maintenance.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liscum, Curtis L.

1999-01-01

Presents the items to review in roofing maintenance to prepare for the impact of summer, including checking drainage, roof-field surface and membrane, flashings, sheet metal, and rooftop equipment, such as skylights and penthouses. A list of roofing facts facility managers should know are highlighted. (GR)

14 CFR 171.31 - Maintenance and operations requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... the Federal Communications Commission's licensing requirements and show that he has the special knowledge and skills needed to maintain the facility including proficiency in maintenance procedures and the... of servicing. (8) Air-ground communications, if provided, expressly written or incorporating...

14 CFR 171.31 - Maintenance and operations requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... the Federal Communications Commission's licensing requirements and show that he has the special knowledge and skills needed to maintain the facility including proficiency in maintenance procedures and the... of servicing. (8) Air-ground communications, if provided, expressly written or incorporating...

14 CFR 171.31 - Maintenance and operations requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... the Federal Communications Commission's licensing requirements and show that he has the special knowledge and skills needed to maintain the facility including proficiency in maintenance procedures and the... of servicing. (8) Air-ground communications, if provided, expressly written or incorporating...

14 CFR 171.31 - Maintenance and operations requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... the Federal Communications Commission's licensing requirements and show that he has the special knowledge and skills needed to maintain the facility including proficiency in maintenance procedures and the... of servicing. (8) Air-ground communications, if provided, expressly written or incorporating...