[Prospective study of drug-induced interstitial nephritis in eleven French nephrology units].

PubMed

Leven, Cyril; Hudier, Laurent; Picard, Sylvie; Longuet, Hélène; Lorcy, Nolwenn; Cam, Gérard; Boukerroucha, Zakaria; Dolley-Hitze, Thibault; Le Cacheux, Philippe; Halimi, Jean-Michel; Cornec Le Gall, Emilie; Hanrotel-Saliou, Catherine; Arreule, Audrey; Massad, Michel; Duveau, Agnès; Couvrat-Desvergnes, Grégoire; Renaudineau, Eric

2014-11-01

Certain medications have been associated with drug-induced acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), but few prospective studies have been published. This prospective observational study aims to record and assess incidents of drug-induced AIN observed over a period of one year in nephrology units in France. The goal is to determine which medications are involved in AIN and to expound the clinical and biological presentation, management, and evolution of AIN. Between April 2012 and April 2013, drug-associated cases of AIN were prospectively recorded in 24 patients registered in 11 nephrology units that belong to the Société de Néphrologie de l'Ouest (SNO). Data sheets, including suspected and concomitant drug(s), kidney function assessment, biological disturbances, clinical signs, histological data, management, and evolution, were collected by the Rennes Regional Pharmacovigilance Center and recorded in the French pharmacovigilance database. In order, the most frequently involved medications in the AIN cases were: vitamin K antagonists (33.3% of the cases, almost exclusively fluindione), antibiotics (20.8% of cases) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (20.8% of cases), and proton pump inhibitors (16.7% of cases). The mean delay of onset to AIN was 8.3 weeks. At the time of diagnosis, mean serum creatinine was 366 μM, higher for vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), except in the case of warfarin. During the course of an AIN event, 70% of patients had complete blood count and/or urine analysis abnormalities, 55% had clinical signs of systemic hypersensitivity, and 13% of patients had hepatic disorders. Renal biopsies were performed in 54% of patients; however, only 37% of patients requiring therapeutic anticoagulation underwent a biopsy. Suspected drugs were discontinued in all patients and the majority was treated with oral corticosteroids. Renal function often continued to be impaired after an AIN event. At baseline, 25% of patients had chronic kidney disease (CKD); after

Dietary intake of ain-93 standard diet induces Fatty liver with altered hepatic fatty acid profile in Wistar rats.

PubMed

Farias Santos, Juliana; Suruagy Amaral, Monique; Lima Oliveira, Suzana; Porto Barbosa, Júnia; Rego Cabral, Cyro; Sofia Melo, Ingrid; Bezerra Bueno, Nassib; Duarte Freitas, Johnatan; Goulart Sant'ana, Antônio; Rocha Ataíde, Terezinha

2015-05-01

There are several standard diets for animals used in scientific research, usually conceived by scientific institutions. The AIN-93 diet is widely used, but there are some reports of fatty liver in Wistar rats fed this diet. We aimed to evaluate the hepatic repercussions of the AIN-93 diet intake in Wistar rats. Forty newly-weaned 21-day-old male Wistar rats were fed either the AIN-93 diet or a commercial diet for either 1 month or 4 months. Weight gain, serum biochemistry, hepatic histology, and hepatic fatty acid profile were analyzed. Hepatic steatosis was observed, especially in the group fed the AIN-93 diet. Serum blood glucose, absolute and relative liver weight and hepatic levels of oleic, palmitoleic, stearic, and palmitic fatty acids were related to the observed steatosis, while lipidogram and serum markers of liver function and injury were not. AIN-93 diet induced acute hepatic steatosis in Wistar rats, which may compromise its use as a standard diet for experimental studies with rodents. The hepatic fatty acid profile was associated with steatosis, with possible implications for disease prognosis. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Under- treatment and under diagnosis of hypertension: a serious problem in the United Arab Emirates

PubMed Central

Abdulle, Abdishakur M; Nagelkerke, Nico JD; Abouchacra, Samra; Pathan, Javed Y; Adem, Abdu; Obineche, Enyioma N

2006-01-01

Background Hypertension, notably untreated or uncontrolled, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) morbidity and mortality. In countries in transition, little is known about the epidemiology of hypertension, and its biochemical correlates. This study was carried out in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, to characterize self-reported (SR) normotensives and hypertensives in terms of actual hypertension status, demographic variables, CVD risk factors, treatment, and sequalae. Methods A sample, stratified by SR hypertensive status, of 349 SR hypertensives (Mean age ± SD; 50.8 ± 9.2 yrs; Male: 226) and 640 SR normotensives (42.9 ± 9.3 yrs, Male: 444) among nationals and expatriates was used. Hypertensives and normotensive subjects were recruited from various outpatient clinics and government organizations in Al-Ain city, United Arab Emirates (UAE) respectively. Anthropometric and demographic variables were measured by conventional methods. Results Both under-diagnosis of hypertension (33%) and under-treatment (76%) were common. Characteristics of undiagnosed hypertensives were intermediate between normotensives and SR hypertensives. Under-diagnosis of hypertension was more common among foreigners than among nationals. Risk factors for CVD were more prevalent among SR hypertensives. Obesity, lack of exercise and smoking were found as major risk factors for CVD among hypertensives in this population. Conclusion Hypertension, even severe, is commonly under-diagnosed and under-treated in the UAE. Preventive strategies, better diagnosis and proper treatment compliance should be emphasized to reduce incidence of CVD in this population. PMID:16753071

High pressure sintering of non-oxide materials. [hot pressing AIN, TiC, and alpha-Si3N4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shimado, M.; Ogawa, N.; Koizumi, M.

1979-01-01

Pure materials of AIN, alpha-Si3N4 and TiC, without additives were sintered at 800 C to 1400 C under the pressures of 30 kbar and 50 kbar for 0.5 hours. The maximum density of sintered bodies for the cited materials was nearly 100% for AIN, 98% for TiC and 96% for alpha-Si3N4.

The Scientific Method Ain't What It Used to Be

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herreid, Clyde Freeman

2010-01-01

Remember the time when all you had to do was memorize these five steps: ask a question, formulate a hypothesis, perform experiment, collect data, and draw conclusions? And you received full credit for defining the scientific method. Well, those days are gone. This article discusses why the "scientific method ain't what it used to be." (Contains 2…

Preparation of Sic/AIN Solid Solutions Using Organometallic Precursors

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-02-15

pyrolysis of organoaluminum and organosilicon compounds was investigated as a potential source of SiC /AUI solid solutions. Using two different co... pyrolysis methods, homogeneous mixtures of organoaluminum amides and both a vinylic polysilane and a poly- carbosilane were convertec to a preceramic ...solid that transformed to crystalline SiC /AiN solid solutions at 򒸀 C. Moreover, the liquid, polymeric , form of these precursor mixtures provides a

Sociodemographic risk factors associated with low birthweight in United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Bener, A; Abdulrazzaq, Y M; Dawodu, A

1996-07-01

This case-control study was undertaken to determine sociodemographic risk factors for low birth weight in Al-Ain (United Arab Emirates) over a 12-month period in 1992-93. A total of 3485 live births occurred of which 293 (8.4%) were low birth weight. The risk factors considered were mother's occupation, house conditions, place of residence (urban or rural), maternal smoking habits, antenatal care, availability of help in the home, maternal BMI and educational status. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that mother's occupation, maternal smoking, antenatal care, and lack of help in the home were associated with increased risk of low birth weight.

A clinical study of airborne allergens in the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Lestringant, G G; Bener, A; Frossard, P M; Abdulkhalik, S; Bouix, G

1999-10-01

In the past 25 years the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have experienced a socioeconomic boom. The once nomadic Bedouin population of Al Ain, in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, now lives in modern air-conditioned accommodation, and huge desalination plants have allowed afforestation and farming. To evidence responsible airborne allergens in an UAE population. 263 UAE Nationals who attended Tawam Hospital (Al Ain, UAE) with a respiratory disease suspected of being of allergic origin, were submitted to SPT and RAST. The choice of pollinic allergens was made in accordance with the local flora and market availability. All patients were SPTed with at least the same battery of 15 pollinic and indoor allergens. Most patients were submitted to at least 4 RAST, viz Cynodon dactylon, Salsola kali, Prosopis juliflora and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. 71.8% patients were positive for at least one allergen. Pollen accounted for 61.6% of positive patients, with 45.2% positive to chenopodiaceae, 33% to gramineae and 23.5% to P. juliflora. Indoor allergens were positive in 30.4% of patients with 17.9% positive to D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae, 11% to Blatella germanica, 8.3% to Cat fur, 4.9% to Goat hair, 0.7% to Rat hair and Mouse hair and 1.5% to Candida albicans. Pollen was the prominent allergen. There is room, however, for further epidemiological studies possibly with new extracts and RAST specifically designed after the species of the Gulf region.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Diabetic Patients in the United Arab Emirates

PubMed Central

Al-Maskari, Fatma; El-Sadig, Mohamed; Al-Kaabi, Juma M.; Afandi, Bachar; Nagelkerke, Nicolas; Yeatts, Karin B.

2013-01-01

Introduction Diabetes self-management education is a cornerstone of diabetes care. However, many diabetics in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) lack sufficient knowledge about their disease due to illiteracy. Thus, before considering any possible intervention it was imperative to assess present knowledge, attitudes, and practices of patients towards the management of diabetes. Methods A random sample of 575 DM patients was selected from diabetes outpatient's clinics of Tawam and Al-Ain hospitals in Al-Ain city (UAE) during 2006–2007, and their knowledge attitude and practice assessed using a questionnaire modified from the Michigan Diabetes Research Training Center instrument. Results Thirty-one percent of patients had poor knowledge of diabetes. Seventy-two had negative attitudes towards having the disease and 57% had HbA1c levels reflecting poor glycemic control. Only seventeen percent reported having adequate blood sugar control, while 10% admitted non-compliance with their medications. Knowledge, practice and attitude scores were all statistically significantly positively, but rather weakly, associated, but none of these scores was significantly correlated with HbA1c. Conclusions The study showed low levels of diabetes awareness but positive attitudes towards the importance of DM care and satisfactory diabetes practices in the UAE. Programs to increase patients' awareness about DM are essential for all diabetics in the UAE in order to improve their understanding, compliance and management and, thereby, their ability to cope with the disease. PMID:23341913

COxSwAIN: Compressive Sensing for Advanced Imaging and Navigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kurwitz, Richard; Pulley, Marina; LaFerney, Nathan; Munoz, Carlos

2015-01-01

The COxSwAIN project focuses on building an image and video compression scheme that can be implemented in a small or low-power satellite. To do this, we used Compressive Sensing, where the compression is performed by matrix multiplications on the satellite and reconstructed on the ground. Our paper explains our methodology and demonstrates the results of the scheme, being able to achieve high quality image compression that is robust to noise and corruption.

A retrospective review of the Honduras AIN-C program guided by a community health worker performance logic model.

PubMed

Rodríguez, Daniela C; Peterson, Lauren A

2016-05-06

Factors that influence performance of community health workers (CHWs) delivering health services are not well understood. A recent logic model proposed categories of support from both health sector and communities that influence CHW performance and program outcomes. This logic model has been used to review a growth monitoring program delivered by CHWs in Honduras, known as Atención Integral a la Niñez en la Comunidad (AIN-C). A retrospective review of AIN-C was conducted through a document desk review and supplemented with in-depth interviews. Documents were systematically coded using the categories from the logic model, and gaps were addressed through interviews. Authors reviewed coded data for each category to analyze program details and outcomes as well as identify potential issues and gaps in the logic model. Categories from the logic model were inconsistently represented, with more information available for health sector than community. Context and input activities were not well documented. Information on health sector systems-level activities was available for governance but limited for other categories, while not much was found for community systems-level activities. Most available information focused on program-level activities with substantial data on technical support. Output, outcome, and impact data were drawn from various resources and suggest mixed results of AIN-C on indicators of interest. Assessing CHW performance through a desk review left gaps that could not be addressed about the relationship of activities and performance. There were critical characteristics of program design that made it contextually appropriate; however, it was difficult to identify clear links between AIN-C and malnutrition indicators. Regarding the logic model, several categories were too broad (e.g., technical support, context) and some aspects of AIN-C did not fit neatly in logic model categories (e.g., political commitment, equity, flexibility in implementation). The

Monitoring subterraneous water regime at the new Ain Shams university campus in Al-Obour city (northeast of Cairo-Egypt) using both azimuthal very low frequency-electromagnetic and DC-resistivity sounding techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farag, Karam S. I.; Abd El-Aal, Mohamed H.; Garamoon, Hassan K. F.

2018-07-01

A joint azimuthal very low frequency-electromagnetic (VLF-EM) and DC-resistivity sounding survey was conducted at the new Ain Shams university campus in Al-Obour city, northwest of Cairo, Egypt. The main objective of the survey was to highlight the applicability and reliability of such non-invasive surface techniques in mapping and monitoring both the vertical and lateral electrical conductivity structures of waterlogged areas, by subterraneous water accumulations, at the campus site. Consequently, a total of 743 azimuthal VLF-EM and 4 DC-resistivity soundings were carried out in June, 2011, 2012 and 2013. The data were interpreted extensively and consistently in terms of two-dimensional (2D) transformed EM equivalent current-density and stitched inverted electrical resistivity models, without using any geological a-priori information. They could be used effectively to image the local anomalous lower electrical resistivity (higher EM equivalent current-density) structures and their near-surface spreading with time, due to the excessive accumulations of subterraneous water at the campus site. The study demonstrated that a regional azimuthal VLF-EM and DC-resistivity sounding survey could help design an optimal dewatering program for the whole city, at greatly reduced execution time.

Ain't Gonna Study War No More? Explorations of War through Picture Books

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crawford, Patricia A.; Roberts, Sherron Killingsworth

2009-01-01

At the height of the Vietnam War, Down by the Riverside was transformed from a traditional folk song to a popular anti-war anthem. The raucous and repetitive chorus, "I ain't gonna study war no more ...," became a rallying cry for those who wanted nothing to do with the war and the pain and controversy that surrounded it. Although it seems…

76 FR 35017 - United States et al. v. United Regional Health Care System; Public Comments and Response on...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-15

... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Antitrust Division United States et al. v. United Regional Health Care... proposed Final Judgment in United States and State of Texas v. United Regional Health Care System, Civil... Texas, (RCO) Plaintiffs, V. United Regional Health Care System, Defendant. Case No.: 7:11-cv-00030...

English as a Medium of Instruction in the Gulf: When Students and Teachers Speak

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Belhiah, Hassan; Elhami, Maha

2015-01-01

This study explores the effectiveness of English as a medium of instruction (EMI) in the Arabian/Persian Gulf, with special focus on the situation in the United Arab Emirates. The study, undertaken at six universities located in major cities of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah, examines students' and teachers'…

Contribution to the hydrodynamic modeling of groundwater in the Ain El Bel syncline Wilaya of Djelfa (Algeria)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azlaoui, Mohamed; Nezli, Imed Eddine; Djelita, Belkhier; Boutoutaou, Djamel

2017-02-01

In arid and semi-arid areas, the protection and preservation of water resources is based on integrated resource managements, which will prove a fruitful way to deal with pollution and shortage of water-the source of life for man on Earth. Djelfa region, and particularly Ain El Bel, the potential water has not able to satisfy human needs,and agriculture, and industry. This article is a contribution to hydrodynamic modeling of the Barremian aquifer of Ain El Bel syncline, with "Modflow" software wich provides a deterministic two-dimensional numerical simulation in steady state and transient of underground water in the studied aquifer. The main results provided a better view of different scenarios to the piezometrics fluctuations. The established predictions show an alarming state of this aquifer, where the need for integrated management of groundwater resources is, to ensure sustainable development.

76 FR 5439 - United States, et al. v. Comcast Corp., et al.; Proposed Final Judgment and Competitive Impact...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-31

... Vol. 76 Monday, No. 20 January 31, 2011 Part III Department of Justice Antitrust Division United States, et al. v. Comcast Corp., et al.; Proposed Final Judgment and Competitive Impact Statement; Notice #0;#0;Federal Register / Vol. 76 , No. 20 / Monday, January 31, 2011 / Notices#0;#0; [[Page 5440

Epidemiology of isolated hand injuries in the United Arab Emirates

PubMed Central

Grivna, Michal; Eid, Hani O; Abu-Zidan, Fikri M

2016-01-01

AIM To provide suggestions for hand injury prevention by study the demography and risk factors of casualties suffering from isolated hand injuries. METHODS All trauma patients with isolated hand injuries who were admitted to Al Ain Hospital for more than 24 h during a period of 3 years were studied. Patient demographics, location, mechanism/time of injury, and length of hospital stay were all analyzed. RESULTS Two hundred and ten patients were studied. Their mean age was 29.7 years. Males constituted 92%. Sixty-five point one percent of all cases were from the Indian subcontinent. The workplace was the most common location of injury (67.1%), followed by the home (17.1%) and road (6.2%). Machinery caused 36.2% of all injuries, followed by heavy object (20.5%) and fall (11%). Cases injured at home were young (P < 0.0001) with an associated higher incidence of females (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Male workers in Al Ain city are at greater risk of sustaining hand injuries, predominantly from machinery. Safety education, personal protection, and the enforcement of safety standards are essential to the prevention and avoidance of hand injury. PMID:27672570

78 FR 32443 - United States, et al. v. Cinemark Holdings, Inc., et al.; Proposed Final Judgment and Competitive...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-30

... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Antitrust Division United States, et al. v. Cinemark Holdings, Inc., et al.; Proposed Final Judgment and Competitive Impact Statement Notice is hereby given pursuant to the Antitrust Procedures and Penalties Act, 15 U.S.C. 16(b)-(h), that a proposed Final Judgment, Hold Separate Stipulation and Order and Competitive Impact...

The Oxidation of AlN in Dry and Wet Oxygen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Opila, Elizabeth; Humphrey, Donald; Jacobson, Nathan; Yoshio, Tetsuo; Oda, Kohei

1998-01-01

The oxidation kinetics of AlN containing 3.5 wt% Y2O3 were studied by thermogravimetric analysis in dry oxygen and 10% H2O/balance oxygen at temperatures between 1000 and 1200 C for times between 48 and 100 h. The oxidation kinetics for AlN in dry oxygen were parabolic and of approximately the same magnitude and temperature dependence as other alumina forming materials. In this case, diffusion of oxygen and/or aluminum through the alumina scale is the rate limiting mechanism. The oxidation kinetics for AlN in wet oxygen were nearly linear and much more rapid than rates observed in dry oxygen. Numerous micropores were observed in the alumina formed on AIN in wet oxygen. These pores provide a fast path for oxygen transport. The linear kinetics observed in this case suggest that the interface reaction rate of AlN with wet oxygen is the oxidation rate limiting step.

Race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and ALS mortality in the United States.

PubMed

Roberts, Andrea L; Johnson, Norman J; Chen, Jarvis T; Cudkowicz, Merit E; Weisskopf, Marc G

2016-11-29

To determine whether race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mortality in the United States. The National Longitudinal Mortality Study (NLMS), a United States-representative, multistage sample, collected race/ethnicity and socioeconomic data prospectively. Mortality information was obtained by matching NLMS records to the National Death Index (1979-2011). More than 2 million persons (n = 1,145,368 women, n = 1,011,172 men) were included, with 33,024,881 person-years of follow-up (1,299 ALS deaths , response rate 96%). Race/ethnicity was by self-report in 4 categories. Hazard ratios (HRs) for ALS mortality were calculated for race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status separately and in mutually adjusted models. Minority vs white race/ethnicity predicted lower ALS mortality in models adjusted for socioeconomic status, type of health insurance, and birthplace (non-Hispanic black, HR 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48-0.78; Hispanic, HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.46-0.88; other races, non-Hispanic, HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.31-0.86). Higher educational attainment compared with < high school was in general associated with higher rate of ALS (high school, HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.07-1.42; some college, HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.04-1.48; college, HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.90-1.36; postgraduate, HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.06-1.62). Income, household poverty, and home ownership were not associated with ALS after adjustment for race/ethnicity. Rates did not differ by sex. Higher rate of ALS among whites vs non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic other races was not accounted for by multiple measures of socioeconomic status, birthplace, or type of health insurance. Higher rate of ALS among whites likely reflects actual higher risk of ALS rather than ascertainment bias or effects of socioeconomic status on ALS risk. © 2016 American Academy of Neurology.

75 FR 36689 - United States, et al. v. Election Systems & Software, Inc.; Public Comments and Response on...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-28

... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Antitrust Division United States, et al. v. Election Systems & Software, Inc... proposed Final Judgment in United States, et al. v. Election Systems & Software Inc., Case No. 1:10-00380... America, et al., Plaintiffs, v. Election Systems and Software, Inc., Defendant. Case No.: 1:10-cv-00380...

Résultats de la chirurgie laparoscopique pour la hernie de l’aine: l’expérience Tunisienne

PubMed Central

Maghrebi, Houcine; Makni, Amin; Sebai, Amin; Chebbi, Faouzi; Rebai, Wael; Daghfous, Amin; Ksantini, Rachid; Jouini, Mohamed; Kacem, Montassar; Safta, Zoubeir Ben

2018-01-01

La hernie de l'aine de l'adulte reste une affection fréquente en chirurgie digestive. De nombreuses techniques de réparation ont été décrites à ce jour dont les procédés laparoscopiques. Deux méthodes furent rapidement adoptées par les différents praticiens pour le traitement chirurgical des hernies de l'aine par laparoscopie: la méthode laparoscopique totalement extra péritonéale (TEP) et la méthode laparoscopique transpéritonéale (TAPP). Le but était d'étudier la faisabilité de la cure de hernie de l'aine par cœlioscopie et de décrire ses résultats du point de vue récidive herniaire et douleur post opératoire. Ce travail était une étude rétrospective, uni centrique, et transversale, portant sur des patients opérés par des chirurgiens du service de chirurgie A La Rabta pour hernie de l'aine par voie laparoscopique, sur une période de 8 ans allant de janvier 2006 à décembre 2013. Le principal critère de jugement était la récidive herniaire. La douleur post opératoire et les complications étaient les critères de jugement secondaires. Nous avons colligés 104 hernies chez 92 patients respectant les critères d'inclusion de notre étude. La moyenne d'âge de nos patients était de 48 Ans (19-83). L'approche TAPP était la plus utilisée: 94 cas (90%) TAPP contre 10 cas TEP. Aucune complication per opératoires n'a été signalée. Le taux de conversion de notre série était nul. La mortalité opératoire était aussi nulle. La morbidité postopératoire était de 5% (5 patients). Elle était à type d'hématome dans 3 cas et de sérum dans 2 cas. La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 1.2 jours (1-4jours). Le séjour post opératoire n'avait pas dépassé 2 jours chez 94% des patients. Seulement 2 patients avaient présenté une récidive. Les douleurs chroniques postopératoires étaient notées chez seulement 3 patients. Notre étude a montré que la cure de hernie de l'aine par laparoscopie a apporté un confort consid

Finding Innovation and Imagination in a Bag of Loose Parts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dillon, Anna

2018-01-01

The third annual research symposium at Zakher KG School in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates (UAE), presented an exciting opportunity for the 33 teachers in the school to present their findings from classroom-based action research conducted within their professional learning communities. In this brief article, one attendee describes an unexpected…

Al-augite and Cr-diopside ultramafic xenoliths in basaltic rocks from western United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wilshire, H.G.; Shervais, J.W.

1975-01-01

Ultramafic xenoliths in basalts from the western United States are divided into Al-augite and Cr-diopside groups. The Al-augite group is characterized by Al, Ti-rich augites, comparatively Fe-rich olivine and orthopyroxene, and Al-rich spinel, the Cr-diopside group by Cr-rich clinopyroxene and spinel and by Mg-rich olivine and pyroxenes. Both groups have a wide range of subtypes, but the Al-augite group is dominated by augite-rich varieties, and the Cr-diopside group by olivine-rich lherzolites. ?? 1975.

Al Jirab Island, United Arab Emirates, Persian Gulf

NASA Image and Video Library

1991-05-06

STS039-71-088 (28 April-6 May 1991) --- A handheld 70mm frame of the southern Persian Gulf area. The island in the middle of the frame is Al Jirab, 30 miles west of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. On the mainland beaches opposite the island, a thick and continuous black fringe of oil can be seen as a line. Photo experts studying the STS 39 photography have not yet ascertained the source of the oil. They disclosed that if the oil does in fact stem from damaged Kuwaiti offshore oil fields, the slick has been blown southward at least 460 miles. The city of Tarif is visible in the affected area. Lighter brown slicks can be seen offshore. A causeway joins Al Jirab to the mainland and a dredged ship channel with its associated islands can be seen west of the causeway.

Al Jirab Island, United Arab Emirates, Persian Gulf

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

Al Jirab Island, United Arab Emirates, in the Persian Gulf (24.0N, 54.0E) is an offshore oil tanker loading facility in the southern Persian Gulf. During the Gulf War in early 1991, drifting oil from the Kuwait Oil Fields, some 460 miles to the north, threatened the area. Seen as a dark blue floating mass as well as weathered patches of lighter brown, between the island and the mainland, the oil made its way into the channel, scaring the local beaches.

75 FR 12256 - United States, et al. v. Election Systems and Software, Inc.; Proposed Final Judgment and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-15

... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Antitrust Division United States, et al. v. Election Systems and Software... Columbia in United States, et al. v. Election Systems and Software Inc., Civil Action No. 10-00380. On... Systems and Software, Inc., (``ES&S'') of Premier Election Services, Inc., and PES Holdings, Inc. violated...

Evaluating the completeness of the national ALS registry, United States.

PubMed

Kaye, Wendy E; Wagner, Laurie; Wu, Ruoming; Mehta, Paul

2018-02-01

Our objective was to evaluate the completeness of the United States National ALS Registry (Registry). We compared persons with ALS who were passively identified by the Registry with those actively identified in the State and Metropolitan Area ALS Surveillance project. Cases in the two projects were matched using a combination of identifiers, including, partial social security number, name, date of birth, and sex. The distributions of cases from the two projects that matched/did not match were compared and Chi-square tests conducted to determine statistical significance. There were 5883 ALS cases identified by the surveillance project. Of these, 1116 died before the Registry started, leaving 4767 cases. We matched 2720 cases from the surveillance project to those in the Registry. The cases identified by the surveillance project that did not match cases in the Registry were more likely to be non-white, Hispanic, less than 65 years of age, and from western states. The methods used by the Registry to identify ALS cases, i.e. national administrative data and self-registration, worked well but missed cases. These findings suggest that developing strategies to identify and promote the Registry to those who were more likely to be missing, e.g. non-white and Hispanic, could be beneficial to improving the completeness of the Registry.

Overexploitation and cumulative drought trend effect on Ras El Ain karstic spring discharge (Khabour Sub-basin, Syria)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abou Zakhem, Boulos; Kattaa, Bassam

2017-10-01

The effects of climate change and overexploitation are being strongly perceived in the studied area and the springs discharge is obviously affected. In this paper, Ras El Ain spring discharge and precipitation were analyzed by normalized methods on an yearly timescale. The deficit of Ras El Ain spring discharge due to overexploitation factors and drought effects was estimated. Cumulative drought analyses were carried out using SPI10 and SQI10. Finally, the decreasing trends of the spring discharge due to the deficiency in rainfall were analyzed. The main results reveal that the annual mean deficit of Ras El Ain spring discharge due to overpumping was between 32 and 45%, whereas, annual mean deficit related to drought was between 22 and 35% on average, during the last 30 years (post-1984). The moving averages of SPI and SQI delineate very well the drought periods during last three decades. The cumulative droughts using SPI10 and SQI10 reveal that wet period (pre-1984) with positive values was characterized by high precipitation and spring discharge. Overexploitation period (1984-1989) is distinguished by decreasing SQI10 values whereas, SPI10 is almost stable. The response of the karst system to the precipitation signal has been changed, during the drought period (1990-2000), and the spring behaviour has been modified due to the first overexploitation period. Finally, overexploitation period (2001-2008) is related to the second phase of groundwater intensive pumping for irrigation purposes. Consequently, this period is completely catastrophic causing the drying up of the spring. The decreasing trends analyzed using DPI and DQI showed annual decreasing rates relative to the mean values of -0.268% and -0.105%, respectively. Thus, the results of theoretical model reveal that precipitation will decrease by about DPI = -20.7% and the discharge will decline by about -9.2% by 2050. Consequently, the declining discharge due to climatic variation under natural conditions as

Deformation history of the Neoproterozoic basement complex, Ain Shams area, Western Arabian Shield, Saudi Arabia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Fakharani, Abdelhamid; Hamimi, Zakaria

2013-04-01

Ain Shams area, Western Arabian Shield, Saudi Arabia, is occupied by four main rock units; gneisses, metavolcanics, metasediments and syn- to post-tectonic granitoids. Field and structural studies reveal that the area was subjected to at least three phases of deformation (D1, D2 and D3). The structural features of the D1 are represented by tight to isoclinal and intrafolial folds (F1), axial plane foliation (S1) and stretching lineations (L1). This phase is believed to be resulted from an early NW-SE contractional phase due to the amalgamation between Asir and Jeddah tectonic terranes. D2 deformation phase progressively overprinted D1 structures and was dominated by thrusts, minor and major F2 thrust-related overturned folds. These structures indicate a top-to-the-NW movement direction and compressional regime during the D2 phase. Emplacement of the syn-tectonic granitoids is likely to have occurred during this phase. D3 structures are manifested F3 folds, which are open with steep to subvertical axial planes and axes moderately to steeply plunging towards the E, ENE and ESE directions, L3 is represented by crenulation lineations and kink bands. These structures attest NE-SW contractional phase, concurrent with the accretion of the Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS) to the Saharan Metacraton (SM) and the final assembly between the continental blocks of East and West Gondwana.

Knowledge of diabetes among patients in the United Arab Emirates and trends since 2001: a study using the Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test.

PubMed

Hashim, M Jawad; Mustafa, H; Ali, H

2017-01-23

Knowledge of diabetes among patients with the disease in the United Arab Emirates is essential for effective self-management. We assessed the level of diabetes-related knowledge among patients and compared it with that found in previous studies in the same city. A cross-sectional study, using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, was conducted at two clinics in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. The Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test, translated into Arabic, was used to assess knowledge of diabetes. Of 165 participants with diabetes, 130 (78.8%) were women. The mean knowledge score was low at 55% (6.6 out of a maximum possible score of 12, standard deviation 1.8). This is comparable to levels found in previous studies: 55.5% in 2001 and 68.2% in 2006. Misconceptions about the diabetic diet and blood testing were common. The level of diabetes-related knowledge has remained low since 2001. These results are of concern in view of the substantial investments made in diabetes care and health education in the region.

A single gene, AIN, in Medicago truncatula mediates a hypersensitive response to both bluegreen aphid and pea aphid, but confers resistance only to bluegreen aphid

PubMed Central

Klingler, John P.; Nair, Ramakrishnan M.; Edwards, Owain R.; Singh, Karam B.

2009-01-01

Biotic stress in plants frequently induces a hypersensitive response (HR). This distinctive reaction has been studied intensively in several pathosystems and has shed light on the biology of defence signalling. Compared with microbial pathogens, relatively little is known about the role of the HR in defence against insects. Reference genotype A17 of Medicago truncatula Gaertn., a model legume, responds to aphids of the genus Acyrthosiphon with necrotic lesions resembling a HR. In this study, the biochemical nature of this response, its mode of inheritance, and its relationship with defence against aphids were investigated. The necrotic lesion phenotype and resistance to the bluegreen aphid (BGA, Acyrthosiphon kondoi Shinji) and the pea aphid (PA, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris)) were analysed using reference genotypes A17 and A20, their F2 progeny and recombinant inbred lines. BGA-induced necrotic lesions co-localized with the production of H2O2, consistent with an oxidative burst widely associated with hypersensitivity. This HR correlated with stronger resistance to BGA in A17 than in A20; these phenotypes cosegregated as a semi-dominant gene, AIN (Acyrthosiphon-induced necrosis). In contrast to BGA, stronger resistance to PA in A17, compared with A20, did not cosegregate with a PA-induced HR. The AIN locus resides in a cluster of sequences predicted to encode the CC-NBS-LRR subfamily of resistance proteins. AIN-mediated resistance presents a novel opportunity to use a model plant and model aphid to study the role of the HR in defence responses to phloem-feeding insects. PMID:19690018

Management of toxic cyanobacteria for drinking water production of Ain Zada Dam.

PubMed

Saoudi, Amel; Brient, Luc; Boucetta, Sabrine; Ouzrout, Rachid; Bormans, Myriam; Bensouilah, Mourad

2017-07-01

Blooms of toxic cyanobacteria in Algerian reservoirs represent a potential health problem, mainly from drinking water that supplies the local population of Ain Zada (Bordj Bou Arreridj). The objective of this study is to monitor, detect, and identify the existence of cyanobacteria and microcystins during blooming times. Samples were taken in 2013 from eight stations. The results show that three potentially toxic cyanobacterial genera with the species Planktothrix agardhii were dominant. Cyanobacterial biomass, phycocyanin (PC) concentrations, and microcystin (MC) concentrations were high in the surface layer and at 14 m depth; these values were also high in the treated water. On 11 May 2013, MC concentrations were 6.3 μg/L in MC-LR equivalent in the drinking water. This study shows for the first time the presence of cyanotoxins in raw and treated waters, highlighting that regular monitoring of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins must be undertaken to avoid potential health problems.

A Microstructural Comparison of the Initial Growth of AIN and GaN Layers on Basal Plane Sapphire and SiC Substrates by Low Pressure Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Depositon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

George, T.; Pike, W. T.; Khan, M. A.; Kuznia, J. N.; Chang-Chien, P.

1994-01-01

The initial growth by low pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition and subsequent thermal annealing of AIN and GaN epitaxial layers on SiC and sapphire substrates is examined using high resolution transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy.

75 FR 8149 - Arizona Public Service Company, et al. Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2, and 3...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-23

...] Arizona Public Service Company, et al. Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2, and 3... Verde Nuclear Generating Station (PVNGS, the facility), Units 1, 2, and 3, respectively, located in... for the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2, and 3, NUREG- 0841, dated February 1982...

Hypoexcitability precedes denervation in the large fast-contracting motor units in two unrelated mouse models of ALS

PubMed Central

Martínez-Silva, María de Lourdes; Imhoff-Manuel, Rebecca D; Sharma, Aarti; Heckman, CJ; Shneider, Neil A; Roselli, Francesco; Zytnicki, Daniel

2018-01-01

Hyperexcitability has been suggested to contribute to motoneuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). If this is so, and given that the physiological type of a motor unit determines the relative susceptibility of its motoneuron in ALS, then one would expect the most vulnerable motoneurons to display the strongest hyperexcitability prior to their degeneration, whereas the less vulnerable should display a moderate hyperexcitability, if any. We tested this hypothesis in vivo in two unrelated ALS mouse models by correlating the electrical properties of motoneurons with their physiological types, identified based on their motor unit contractile properties. We found that, far from being hyperexcitable, the most vulnerable motoneurons become unable to fire repetitively despite the fact that their neuromuscular junctions were still functional. Disease markers confirm that this loss of function is an early sign of degeneration. Our results indicate that intrinsic hyperexcitability is unlikely to be the cause of motoneuron degeneration. PMID:29580378

A Hero Ain't Nothing But A Great Big Sandwich. A Global Perspectives Experimental Unit.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fowler, Lynda; And Others

This unit focuses on heroes and heroines, and, specifically, on elementary school pupils' perceptions of heroes and heroines. Heroes and heroines are defined as people whose qualities are admired by fellow members of a social group. Because this unit deals with heroes and heroines on a global level, it is stressed that heroic qualities are…

Short- and long-term outcomes of AL amyloidosis patients admitted into intensive care units.

PubMed

Guinault, Damien; Canet, Emmanuel; Huart, Antoine; Jaccard, Arnaud; Ribes, David; Lavayssiere, Laurence; Venot, Marion; Cointault, Olivier; Roussel, Murielle; Nogier, Marie-Béatrice; Pichereau, Claire; Lemiale, Virginie; Arnulf, Bertrand; Attal, Michel; Chauveau, Dominique; Azoulay, Elie; Faguer, Stanislas

2016-09-01

Amyloidosis is a rare and threatening condition that may require intensive care because of amyloid deposit-related organ dysfunction or therapy-related adverse events. Although new multiple myeloma drugs have dramatically improved outcomes in AL amyloidosis, the outcomes of AL patients admitted into intensive care units (ICUs) remain largely unknown. Admission has been often restricted to patients with low Mayo Clinic staging and/or with a complete or very good immunological response at admission. In a retrospective multicentre cohort of 66 adult AL (n = 52) or AA (n = 14) amyloidosis patients, with similar causes of admission to an ICU, the 28-d and 6-month survival rates of AA patients were significantly higher compared to AL patients (93% vs. 60%, P = 0·03; 71% vs. 45%, P = 0·02, respectively). In AL patients, the simplified Index of Gravity Score (IGS2) was the only independent predictive factor for death by day 28, whereas the Mayo-Clinic classification stage had no influence. In Cox's multivariate regression model, only cardiac arrest and on-going chemotherapy at ICU admission significantly predicted death at 6 months. Short-term outcomes of AL patients admitted into an ICU were mainly related to the severity of the acute medical condition, whereas on-going chemotherapy for active amyloidosis impacted on long-term outcomes. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Caractérisation et préconcentration granulométrique de la matière feldspathique d'Ain-Barbar, Algérie

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Djouama, M. C.; Bounouala, M.; Ain-Souya, A.; Ghers, M.

2005-05-01

Les feldspaths sont répandus dans l'écorce terrestre mais seuls les feldspaths potassiques et sodiques sont très recherchés dans l'industrie céramique et verrière. Pour qu'ils soient utilisables, ces matériaux doivent contenir très peu d'impuretés nocives de fer et surtout de silice. La carrière d'Ain-Barbar exploite la matière feldspathique de teneurs moyennes respectives 74,5% SiO{2}, 9,5% 12,75% Al{2}O{3}, 1,30% Fe{2}O{3} et 9,5 K{2}O (0,90% Na{2}O). Toutefois, on constate un taux très élevé en quartz ce qui diminue la valeur du produit marchand et une teneur élevée en fer ce qui donne au produit fabriqué, des aspects de coloration le rendant impropre à la commercialisation. A cet effet, une caractérisation minéralogique et chimique a été réalisée sur une série d'échantillons prélevés du site d'extraction de la substance utile. Des essais de préconcentration granulométrique ont montré qu'un classement dimensionnel peut offrir une qualité de produits acceptables par les céramistes.

Application of electrical geophysics to the release of water resources, case of Ain Leuh (Morocco)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zitouni, A.; Boukdir, A.; El Fjiji, H.; Baite, W.; Ekouele Mbaki, V. R.; Ben Said, H.; Echakraoui, Z.; Elissami, A.; El Maslouhi, M. R.

2018-05-01

Being seen needs in increasing waters in our contry for fine domestics, manufactures and agricultural, the prospecting of subterranean waters by geologic and hydrogeologic classic method remains inaplicable in the cases of the regions where one does not arrange drillings or polls (soundings) of gratitude (recongnition) in very sufficient (self-important) number. In that case of figure, the method of prospecting geophysics such as the method of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and the method of the geophysics radar are usually used most usually because they showed, worldwide, results very desive in the projects of prospecting and evaluation of the resources in subterranean waters. In the present work, which concerns only the methodology of the electric resistivity, we treat the adopted methodological approach and the study of the case of application in the tray of Ajdir Ain Leuh.

Performance of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Airlock Coolant Loop Remediation (A/L CLR) Hardware - Final

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steele, John W.; Rector, Tony; Gazda, Daniel; Lewis, John

2011-01-01

An EMU water processing kit (Airlock Coolant Loop Recovery -- A/L CLR) was developed as a corrective action to Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) coolant flow disruptions experienced on the International Space Station (ISS) in May of 2004 and thereafter. A conservative duty cycle and set of use parameters for A/L CLR use and component life were initially developed and implemented based on prior analysis results and analytical modeling. Several initiatives were undertaken to optimize the duty cycle and use parameters of the hardware. Examination of post-flight samples and EMU Coolant Loop hardware provided invaluable information on the performance of the A/L CLR and has allowed for an optimization of the process. The intent of this paper is to detail the evolution of the A/L CLR hardware, efforts to optimize the duty cycle and use parameters, and the final recommendations for implementation in the post-Shuttle retirement era.

Water-rock interaction and geochemistry of groundwater from the Ain Azel aquifer, Algeria.

PubMed

Belkhiri, Lazhar; Mouni, Lotfi; Tiri, Ammar

2012-02-01

Hydrochemical, multivariate statistical, and inverse geochemical modeling techniques were used to investigate the hydrochemical evolution within the Ain Azel aquifer, Algeria. Cluster analysis based on major ion contents defined 3 main chemical water types, reflecting different hydrochemical processes. The first group water, group 1, has low salinity (mean EC = 735 μS/cm). The second group waters are classified as Cl-HCO(3)-alkaline earth type. The third group is made up of water samples, the cation composition of which is dominated by Ca and Mg with anion composition varying from dominantly Cl to dominantly HCO(3) plus SO(4). The varifactors obtained from R-mode FA indicate that the parameters responsible for groundwater quality variations are mainly related to the presence and dissolution of some carbonate, silicate, and evaporite minerals in the aquifer. Inverse geochemical modeling along groundwater flow paths indicates the dominant processes are the consumption of CO(2), the dissolution of dolomite, gypsum, and halite, along with the precipitation of calcite, Ca-montmorillonite, illite, kaolinite, and quartz. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011

Performance of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU): Airlock Coolant Loop Recovery (A/L CLR) Hardware - Phase II

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steele, John; Rector, tony; Gazda, Daniel; Lewis, John

2009-01-01

An EMU water processing kit (Airlock Coolant Loop Recovery A/L CLR) was developed as a corrective action to Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) coolant flow disruptions experienced on the International Space Station (ISS) in May of 2004 and thereafter. Conservative schedules for A/L CLR use and component life were initially developed and implemented based on prior analysis results and analytical modeling. The examination of postflight samples and EMU hardware in November of 2006 indicated that the A/L CLR kits were functioning well and had excess capacity that would allow a relaxation of the initially conservative schedules of use and component life. A relaxed use schedule and list of component lives was implemented thereafter. Since the adoption of the relaxed A/L CLR schedules of use and component lives, several A/L CLR kit components, transport loop water samples and sensitive EMU transport loop components have been examined to gage the impact of the relaxed requirements. The intent of this paper is to summarize the findings of that evaluation, and to outline updated schedules for A/L CLR use and component life.

Childhood and adolescent diabetes mellitus in Arabs residing in the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Punnose, John; Agarwal, M M; El Khadir, Ali; Devadas, K; Mugamer, I T

2002-01-01

In 9 years (1990-1998), 40 Arab patients between the ages of 0 and 18 years had newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) at the Al-Ain hospital, United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this cohort, 35 patients had Type 1 DM while the remaining five patients had features of early onset Type 2 DM. For Type 1 DM patients, the mean age at diagnosis of was 9.2+/-4.1 years. At presentation, their mean plasma glucose was 27.6+/-11/mmol with 28 (80%) patients having diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), both being much higher than generally reported in the West. The mean insulin requirement increased from 0.84+/-0.27 U/kg per 24 h (0-9-year group) to 1.02+/-0.33 U/kg per 24 h (10-18-year group), P=0.055. The home glucose monitoring and the glycaemic control of these Type 1 DM patients were sub-optimal with 28% of patients having recurrence of DKA. Among the Type 2 DM patients, four (80%) were obese with a positive family history of Type 2 DM. All of them initially responded to diet and oral hypoglycaemic drugs. Public education about DM in childhood and prevention of adolescent obesity remain major public health challenges in the UAE.

Army Pacific Pathways: Comprehensive Assessment and Planning Needed to Capture Benefits Relative to Costs and Enhance Value for Participating Units

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-11-01

Strike ( Malaysia ) Garuda Shield (Indonesia) Orient Shield (Japan) 15-1 Jan. – May 2015 2-25 Stryker BCT ~880 personnel Cobra Gold (Thailand) Foal...Keris Strike ( Malaysia ) 15-3 June-July, Aug. – Nov. 2015 1-25 Stryker BCT ~420 personnel Khan Quest (Mongolia) Orient Shield (Japan) Hoguk...Strike ( Malaysia ) Source: GAO analysis of U.S. Army Pacific data. | GAO-17-126 aIn addition to the brigades identified here, other units and personnel

Surface hardening of Al alloys through controlled ball-milling and sintering.

PubMed

Kim, Seek Hyeoun; Kim, Yong Jin; Ahn, Jung-Ho

2012-07-01

One of the drawbacks of aluminum and its alloys is the lack of proper heat-treatment for surface-hardening. In the present work, a new and simple method of hardening the surface of aluminum and its alloys was developed. Low-energy ball-milling using specific process control agents (PCAs) was employed, using subsequent sintering in a controlled atmosphere. The PCAs in the present work were very effective both for milling and the formation of hard nanocrystalline dispersoids during sintering. The residual oxygen in a sintering atmosphere also played an important role in the formation of AIN or Al-O-N dispersoids. Through the proper control of the processing atmosphere and PCAs, the hardness and thickness of the hardened layers could be adjusted. The results of the wear test showed that the present aluminum alloys can be effectively utilized as light-weight components with a good wear resistance. Furthermore, the present method involves a simple forming process of die-compaction and sintering.

75 FR 5132 - United States v. Cameron International Corp., et al.; Proposed Final Judgment and Competitive...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-01

... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Antitrust Division United States v. Cameron International Corp., et al.; Proposed Final Judgment and Competitive Impact Statement Notice is hereby given pursuant to the Antitrust Procedures and Penalties Act, 15 U.S.C. 16(b)-(h), that a proposed Final Judgment, Stipulation and Competitive Impact Statement have been filed...

76 FR 81528 - United States v. Exelon Corporation, et al.; Proposed Final Judgment and Competitive Impact...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-28

... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Antitrust Division United States v. Exelon Corporation, et al.; Proposed Final Judgment and Competitive Impact Statement Notice is hereby given pursuant to the Antitrust Procedures and Penalties Act, 15 U.S.C. 16(b)-(h) that a proposed Final Judgment, Stipulation and Competitive Impact Statement have been filed with the...

Pseudomorphic Semiconducting Heterostructures from Combinations of AlN, GaN and Selected SiC Polytypes: Theoretical Advancement and its Coordination with Experimental Studies of Nucleation, Growth, Characterization and Device Development

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-06-01

simultaneously expluiting the favorable characteristics of these materials include the thin film deposition of both pseudomorphic beterostructure and alloys ...diagram proposed by Zangvil and Ruh [10] shows a flat miscibility gap at =1900*C between -20 and 80 wt % AIN. Above this temperature, a 2H solid solution...was reported from >20 wt % AIN. For .20 wt % AIN, 8 I I solutions and two phase mixtures of 6H, 4H, and 2H were observed. Thin film solid solutions

Mineralogy and fluid inclusions study of carbonate-hosted Mississippi valley-type Ain Allega Pb-Zn-Sr-Ba ore deposit, Northern Tunisia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abidi, R.; Slim-Shimi, N.; Somarin, A.; Henchiri, M.

2010-05-01

The Ain Allega Pb-Zn-Sr-Ba ore deposit is located in the flysch zone on the Eastern edge of the Triassic diapir of Jebel Hamra. It is part of the extrusive Triassic evaporate formation along the Ghardimaou-Cape Serrat faults. The ore body consists of argilic-dolomite breccias surrounded by argilo-gypsum Triassic formation, which forms the hanging wall of the deposit, and rimmed by the Paleocene marls. The ore minerals show a cap-rock type mineralization with different styles particularly impregnation in dolomite, cement of breccias, replacement ore and open space filling in the dissolution cavities and fractures. Ore minerals include sphalerite, galena, marcasite and pyrite. Principal gangue minerals are composed of barite, celestite, calcite, dolomite and quartz. The ore minerals are hosted by the Triassic carbonate rocks which show hydrothermal alteration, dissolution and brecciation. X-ray - crystallographic study of barite-celestite mineral series shows that pure barite and celestite are the abundant species, whereas strontianiferous barite (85-96.5% BaSO 4) and barian-celestite (95% SrSO 4) are minor. Primary and secondary mono-phase (liquid only) fluid inclusions are common in celestite. Microthermometric analyses in two-phases (liquid and vapour) fluid inclusions suggest that gangue and ore minerals were precipitated by a low-temperature (180 °C) saline (16.37 wt.% NaCl equivalent) solution originated possibly from a basinal brine with some input from magmatic or metamorphic fluid. Based on geology, mineralogy, texture and fluid characteristics, the Ain Allega deposit is classified as a carbonate-hosted Mississippi valley-type deposit.

Ertapenem-Induced Acute Interstitial Nephritis (AIN) in a Case of Protein S Deficiency and Factor V Leiden Mutation with Deep Vein Thrombosis.

PubMed

Rathod, Nitin; Pai, Pavan

2016-03-01

We present a case of 58 years old male patient, who presented with high fever for which injection Ertapenem was started empirically at Dubai hospital. Patient was a known case of Deep vein thrombosis of left leg since 5 years on warfarin therapy. Patient came to India for high fever and further management. Patient developed proteinuria with high creatinine and urinary abnormalities. Renal biopsy revealed acute interstitial nephritis (AIN). In addition, he was diagnosed to have protein S deficiency with Factor V Leiden mutation. © Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 2011.

Profile of mental disorders among the elderly United Arab Emirates population: sociodemographic correlates.

PubMed

Ghubash, Rafia; El-Rufaie, Omer; Zoubeidi, Taoufik; Al-Shboul, Qasim M; Sabri, Sufyan M

2004-04-01

To investigate the prevalence, nature and sociodemographic correlates of mental disorders among the elderly United Arab Emirates (UAE) population. STUDY SUBJECTS AND SAMPLE: UAE nationals aged 60 years or more, were recruited from within a random sample of households representing the UAE national population, irrespective of the age of individuals in each household. RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS: (i) Geriatric Mental State Interview (GMS-A3): an Arabic version, using the AGECAT for analysis; (ii) A short questionnaire for relevant sociodemographic data. Purposely trained, Arabic speaking interviewers visited the targeted sample households to interview study subjects at their homes. The total number of screened subjects was 610: 166 (27.2%) in Al-Ain; 286 (46.9%) in Dubai and 158 (25.9%) in Ras Al-Khaimah. There were 347 (56.9%) male subjects and 263 (43.1%) female subjects. The mean age of the interviewed subjects was 68.6 (SD 8.3). The commonest diagnostic entities at the AGECAT syndrome case level were depression (20.2%), anxiety (5.6%), hypochondriasis (4.4%) and organic, mostly cognitive impairment with or without dementia (3.6%). Organic syndrome caseness, as an independent entity, showed significant correlation only to older age, while the rest of the mental disorders showed significant correlation with female gender, insufficient income and being single, separated, divorced or widowed. The GMS-AGECAT package proved to be a useful tool for psychiatric assessment among the elderly in this Arabian culture. The prevalence rates of mental disorders among the elderly UAE population were, more or less, within the same range reported by other comparable worldwide studies. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Modules of rupture and oxidation resistance of S12.55Al0.6O0.72N3.52 sialon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arias, A.

1979-01-01

A Sialon of formula Si2.55Al0.6O0.72N3.52 was made from ball-milled alpha-Si3N4, AIN, and SiO2 by sintering the powder compacts at 1760 C for 4 hours in stagnant nitrogen. This Sialon had an average modulus of rupture ranging from 404 megapascals (58.6 ksi) at room temperature to 254 megapascals (36.8 ksi) at 1400 C. Oxidation tests at 1400 C in air showed it to have a parabolic oxidation rate constant less than or equal to 2.8x10 to the -10th power sq g/cm4 hr, which is smaller than that of any other Si3N4-base ceramic reported in the literature.

Chronic kidney disease in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease in the United Arab Emirates: A population-based study.

PubMed

Al-Shamsi, S; Regmi, D; Govender, R D

2018-01-01

Chronic kidney disease has become an increasingly significant clinical and public health issue, accounting for 1.1 million deaths worldwide. Information on the epidemiology of chronic kidney disease and associated risk factors is limited in the United Arab Emirates. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the incidence and causes of chronic kidney disease stages 3-5 in adult United Arab Emirates nationals with or at high risk of cardiovascular disease. This retrospective study included 491 adults with or at high risk of cardiovascular disease (diabetes mellitus or associated clinical disease) who attended outpatient clinics at a tertiary care hospital in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates. Estimated glomerular filtration rate was assessed every 3 months from baseline to June 30, 2017. Chronic kidney disease stages 3-5 were defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for ≥ 3 months. Multivariable Cox's proportional hazards analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors associated with developing chronic kidney disease stages 3-5. The cumulative incidence of chronic kidney disease stages 3-5 over a 9-year period was 11.4% (95% confidence interval 8.6, 14.0). The incidence rate of these disease stages was 164.8 (95% confidence interval 121.6, 207.9) per 10,000 person-years. The independent risk factors for developing chronic kidney disease stages 3-5 were older age, history of coronary heart disease, history of diabetes mellitus, and history of smoking. These data may be useful to develop effective strategies to prevent chronic kidney disease development in high-risk United Arab Emirates nationals.

Physical Activity and Reported Barriers to Activity Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in the United Arab Emirates

PubMed Central

Al-Kaabi, Juma; Al-Maskari, Fatma; Afandi, Bachar; Parkar, Hasratali; Nagelkerke, Nicolaas

2009-01-01

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to assess the physical activity practice among type 2 diabetic patients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of type 2 diabetic patients who participated in the outpatient clinics in Al-Ain District, during 2006. The patients completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire, and measurements of blood pressure, body mass index, body fat, abdominal circumference, glycemic control (HbA1c), and fasting lipid profile. RESULTS: Of the 390 patients recruited, only 25% reported an increase in their physical activity levels following the diagnosis of diabetes, and only 3% reported physical activity levels that meet the recommended guidelines. More than half of the study subjects had uncontrolled hypertension (53%) and unacceptable lipid profiles; 71% had a high low-density lipoprotein (LDL), 73% had low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and 59% had hypertriglyceridemia. Forty-four percent were obese and a further 34% were overweight. Abdominal obesity was also common (59%). Only 32% had an acceptable glycemic control. CONCLUSIONS: The physical activity practice of type 2 diabetic patients in the UAE is largely inadequate to meet the recommended level necessary to prevent or ameliorate diabetic complications. Interventions aiming at overcoming the barriers to physical activity are urgently needed. PMID:20043039

Contribution of electromagnetic and tomographic technique to the study of the impact of salinity in soils of the experimental station of Al Ain Atti (Errachidia, Morocco)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benamara, A.; El Harnafi, M.; Ammar, A.

2017-03-01

is closely related to the concentration of mineral particles. Characterization studies at the La Ronde tailings mine (Agnico-Eagle Ltd, in Abitibi), showed quite encouraging results (Campos, 2004; Anterrieu, 2006). Since it is a salt-bearing areas (highly conductive) and given that the induced polarization is very sensitive to the ground conductivity; by measurement of residual potential, so we took measures chargeability tomography, the result is compared to the resistivity measured at different soils (control and irrigated), which will better clarify the impact of salinity on the quality of the disturbed soil. Indeed, the chargeability response it possible to characterize the different irrigated soils and its variation is attributed not only to the effect of saline irrigation but also the existence of an heterogeneity of the original ground. Prospecting in electrical tomography has displayed vertically and horizontally anomalies existing within the experimental site of the station of Ain Al Atti, it showed that: - accumulation of salinity becomes wider going from the control ground to that of Acacias. - surveyed the ground at least appear more homogeneous in surface, but their conductivity varies in depth. - salinity origin and the concretion formed on the surface greatly influenced chargeability and resistivity measured on the different experimental soils.

Predictors of employment status of treated patients with DSM-III-R diagnosis. Can logistic regression model find a solution?

PubMed

Daradkeh, T K; Karim, L

1994-01-01

To investigate the predictors of employment status of patients with DSM-III-R diagnosis, 55 patients were selected by a simple random technique from the main psychiatric clinic in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. Structured and formal assessments were carried out to extract the potential predictors of outcome of schizophrenia. Logistic regression model revealed that being married, absence of schizoid personality, free or with minimum symptoms of the illness, later age of onset, and higher educational attainment were the most significant predictors of employment outcome. The implications of the results of this study are discussed in the text.

Anal intraepithelial neoplasia: A review of diagnosis and management

PubMed Central

Roberts, Joseph R; Siekas, Lacey L; Kaz, Andrew M

2017-01-01

Anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) is a premalignant lesion of the anal mucosa that is a precursor to anal cancer. Although anal cancer is relatively uncommon, rates of this malignancy are steadily rising in the United States, and among certain high risk populations the incidence of anal cancer may exceed that of colon cancer. Risk factors for AIN and anal cancer consist of clinical factors and behaviors that are associated with the acquisition and persistence of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. The strongest HPV-associated risk factors are HIV infection, receptive anal intercourse, and high risk sexual behavior. A history of HPV-mediated genital cancer, which suggests infection with an oncogenic HPV strain, is another risk factor for AIN/anal cancer. Because progression of AIN to anal cancer is known to occur in some individuals over several years, screening for AIN and early anal cancer, as well as treatment of advanced AIN lesions, is reasonable in certain high-risk populations. Although randomized controlled trials evaluating screening and treatment outcomes are lacking, experts support routine screening for AIN in high risk populations. Screening is performed using anal cytological exams, similar to those performed in cervical cancer screening programs, along with direct tissue evaluation and biopsy via high resolution anoscopy. AIN can be treated using topical therapies such as imiquimod, 5-flurouracil, and trichloroacetic acid, as well as ablative therapies such as electrocautery and laser therapy. Reductions in AIN and anal cancer rates have been shown in studies where high-risk populations were vaccinated against the oncogenic strains of HPV. Currently, the CDC recommends both high-risk and average-risk populations be vaccinated against HPV infection using the quadrivalent or nonavalent vaccines. It is important for clinicians to be familiar with AIN and the role of HPV vaccination, particularly in high risk populations. PMID:28255426

Anal intraepithelial neoplasia: A review of diagnosis and management.

PubMed

Roberts, Joseph R; Siekas, Lacey L; Kaz, Andrew M

2017-02-15

Anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) is a premalignant lesion of the anal mucosa that is a precursor to anal cancer. Although anal cancer is relatively uncommon, rates of this malignancy are steadily rising in the United States, and among certain high risk populations the incidence of anal cancer may exceed that of colon cancer. Risk factors for AIN and anal cancer consist of clinical factors and behaviors that are associated with the acquisition and persistence of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. The strongest HPV-associated risk factors are HIV infection, receptive anal intercourse, and high risk sexual behavior. A history of HPV-mediated genital cancer, which suggests infection with an oncogenic HPV strain, is another risk factor for AIN/anal cancer. Because progression of AIN to anal cancer is known to occur in some individuals over several years, screening for AIN and early anal cancer, as well as treatment of advanced AIN lesions, is reasonable in certain high-risk populations. Although randomized controlled trials evaluating screening and treatment outcomes are lacking, experts support routine screening for AIN in high risk populations. Screening is performed using anal cytological exams, similar to those performed in cervical cancer screening programs, along with direct tissue evaluation and biopsy via high resolution anoscopy. AIN can be treated using topical therapies such as imiquimod, 5-flurouracil, and trichloroacetic acid, as well as ablative therapies such as electrocautery and laser therapy. Reductions in AIN and anal cancer rates have been shown in studies where high-risk populations were vaccinated against the oncogenic strains of HPV. Currently, the CDC recommends both high-risk and average-risk populations be vaccinated against HPV infection using the quadrivalent or nonavalent vaccines. It is important for clinicians to be familiar with AIN and the role of HPV vaccination, particularly in high risk populations.

Oral Contraceptives Use by Young Woman Reduces Peak Bone Mass

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-09-01

Alphacel 10.0 Lard 5.20 Safflower Oil (linoleic) 1.00 Choline Bitartrate 0.20 Vitamin Mixture, AIN-76A 1.00 Mineral Mix, AIN-76 3.50 On Nov...774-9,1970 Modrowoski D, del Pozo E, Miravet L . Horm Metab Res 24(10):474-477, 1992. Parfitt AM, Drezner MK, Glorieux FH, et al. J Bone Mineral Res...Register.1 C. L . Hughes.*2 U. Blas- Machado.*1 E. Sulistiawati.*’ P. W. Louderback.*1 S. E. Rankin.*1 ’Pathology/Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest

Al6H18: A baby crystal of γ-AlH3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiran, B.; Kandalam, Anil K.; Xu, Jing; Ding, Y. H.; Sierka, M.; Bowen, K. H.; Schnöckel, H.

2012-10-01

Using global-minima search methods based on the density functional theory calculations of (AlH3)n (n = 1-8) clusters, we show that the growth pattern of alanes for n ≥ 4 is dominated by structures containing hexa-coordinated Al atoms. This is in contrast to the earlier studies where either linear or ring structures of AlH3 were predicted to be the preferred structures in which the Al atoms can have a maximum of five-fold coordination. Our calculations also reveal that the Al6H18 cluster, with its hexa-coordination of the Al atoms, resembles the unit-cell of γ-AlH3, thus Al6H18 is designated as the "baby crystal." The fragmentation energies of the (AlH3)n (n = 2-8) along with the dimerization energies for even n clusters indicate an enhanced stability of the Al6H18 cluster. Both covalent (hybridization) and ionic (charge) contribution to the bonding are the driving factors in stabilizing the isomers containing hexa-coordinated Al atoms.

Epidemiology, morbidity and mortality from fall-related injuries in the United Arab Emirates

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Unintentional falls are a major cause of morbidity and mortality with a significant burden on victims, families, and societies. We aimed to study the mechanism, risk factors, and outcome of hospitalized patients with fall-related injuries in order to propose preventive measures. Methods Fall-related injured patients who were admitted to Al Ain Hospital, United Arab Emirates (UAE) for more than 24 hours or who died after arrival to the hospital, were studied over 3 years. Demography, location and time of injury, affected body regions, hospital and ICU stay, and outcome were analyzed. Results 882 patients were studied, 82% were males, and 22% were less than 19 years old. Majority were from the Indian subcontinent. The most common location for fall injuries was work. Patients injured at work were older and mainly non-UAE nationals (p < 0.0001) when compared with those injured at home. Patients falling from height, when compared with those falling from same level, were older (p = 0.017), had more males (p < 0.001), were mainly from the Indian subcontinent (p < 0.001), had higher ISS (p = 0.011) and longer total hospital stay (p < 0.001). Conclusions Falls are a major health problem in the UAE. Falls at work can be prevented by safety education tailored to different ethnic groups, and proper legislation and regulation. Environmental modification using evidence-based architectural design may prevent falls among vulnerable risk groups. PMID:25178823

Analysis of pulsed-neutron powder diffraction patterns of the icosahedral quasicrystals Pd3Siu and AlCuLiMg (three alloys) as twinned cubic crystals with large units.

PubMed Central

Pauling, L

1991-01-01

The low-Q peaks on three pulsed-neutron powder patterns (total, U differential, and Pd differential) of the icosahedral quasicrystal Pd3SiU have been indexed on the basis of an assumed cubic structure of the crystals that by icosahedral twinning form the quasicrystal. The primitive unit cube is found to have edge length 56.20 A and to contain approximately 12,100 atoms. Similar analyses of pulsed-neutron patterns of Al55Cu10Li35, Al55Cu10Li30Mg5, and Al510Cu125Li235Mg130 give values of the cube edge length 58.3, 58.5, and 58.4 A, respectively, with approximately 11,650 atoms in the unit cube. It is suggested that the unit contains eight complexes in the beta-W positions, plus some small interstitial groups of atoms, with each complex consisting of a centered icosahedron of 13 clusters, each of 116 atoms with the icosahedral structure found in the body-centered cubic crystal Mg32(Al,Zn)49. PMID:11607201

Analysis of pulsed-neutron powder diffraction patterns of the icosahedral quasicrystals Pd3Siu and AlCuLiMg (three alloys) as twinned cubic crystals with large units.

PubMed

Pauling, L

1991-08-01

The low-Q peaks on three pulsed-neutron powder patterns (total, U differential, and Pd differential) of the icosahedral quasicrystal Pd3SiU have been indexed on the basis of an assumed cubic structure of the crystals that by icosahedral twinning form the quasicrystal. The primitive unit cube is found to have edge length 56.20 A and to contain approximately 12,100 atoms. Similar analyses of pulsed-neutron patterns of Al55Cu10Li35, Al55Cu10Li30Mg5, and Al510Cu125Li235Mg130 give values of the cube edge length 58.3, 58.5, and 58.4 A, respectively, with approximately 11,650 atoms in the unit cube. It is suggested that the unit contains eight complexes in the beta-W positions, plus some small interstitial groups of atoms, with each complex consisting of a centered icosahedron of 13 clusters, each of 116 atoms with the icosahedral structure found in the body-centered cubic crystal Mg32(Al,Zn)49.

The stratigraphic record of Khawr Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lokier, S. W.; Herrmann, S.

2012-04-01

Well-constrained modern depositional analogues are vital to the development of accurate geological reservoir models. The development of realistic hydrocarbon reservoir models requires the application of high-precision, well-constrained outcrop and sub-surface data sets with accurately-documented facies geometries and depositional sequence architectures. The Abu Dhabi coastline provides the best modern analogue for the study of ramp-style carbonate depositional facies akin to those observed in the sub-surface reservoirs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, all previous studies have relied on temporally limited surface datasets. This study employed thirty five shallow subsurface cores spanning the width of the Khawr Al Maqta - the narrow shallow tidal channel that separates Abu Dhabi Island from the mainland. The cores were taken over a transect measuring 1.2 km in length by 50 m wide thus providing a high-resolution record of sub-surface facies geometries in a stratigraphically complex setting. Geometries in these Pleistocene to Holocene facies are complex with interdigitating, laterally heterogeneous carbonate, siliciclastic and evaporite units represented throughout the area of the study. Carbonate facies range from molluscan rudstones to marls and are all indicative of deposition in a shallow, relatively low energy marine setting akin to that seen in the environs of Abu Dhabi Island today. Texturally mature quartz sands occur as thin lenses and as thin cross bedded or laminated horizons up to twenty five centimetres thick. Glauconitic mudstones are common and locally exhibit evidence of rootlets and desiccation cracks. Evaporites are present in the form of gypsum occurring as isolated crystals and nodules or as massive chicken-wire units in excess of three metres thick. All of these textures are consistent with evaporite development in the shallow subsurface. Early, shallow-burial diagenesis has been important. Bioclasts are pervasively leached throughout

A new analysis of charge transfer and polarization for ligand-metal bonding - Model studies of Al4CO and Al4NH3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bagus, P. S.; Hermann, K.; Bauschlicher, C. W., Jr.

1984-01-01

The nature of the bonding of CO and NH3 ligands to Al is analyzed, and the intra-unit charge polarization and inter-unit donation for the interaction of ligands with metals are studied. The consequences of metal-to-ligand and ligand-to-metal charge transfer are separately considered by performing a constrained space orbital variation (CSOV) with the electrons of the metal member of the complex in the field of frozen ligand. The electrons of the metal atoms are then frozen in the relaxed distribution given by the CSOV SCF wave function and the ligand electrons are allowed to relax. Quantitative measures of the importance of inter-unit charge transfers and intra-unit polarization are obtained using results of SCF studies of Al4CO and Al4NH3 clusters chosen to simulate the adsorption of the ligands at an on-top side of the Al(111) surface. The electrostatic attraction of the effective dipole moments of the metal and ligand units makes an important contribution to the bond.

Contributions to a shallow aquifer study by reprocessed seismic sections from petroleum exploration surveys, eastern Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

USGS Publications Warehouse

Woodward, D.

1994-01-01

The US Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Drilling Company of Abu Dhabi, is conducting a 4-year study of the fresh and slightly saline groundwater resources of the eastern Abu Dhabi Emirate. Most of this water occurs in a shallow aquifer, generally less than 150 m deep, in the Al Ain area. A critical part of the Al Ain area coincides with a former petroleum concession area where about 2780 km of vibroseis data were collected along 94 seismic lines during 1981-1983. Field methods, acquistion parameters, and section processing were originally designed to enhance reflections expected at depths ranging from 5000 to 6000 m, and subsurface features directly associated with the shallow aquifer system were deleted from the original seismic sections. The original field tapes from the vibroseis survey were reprocessed in an attempt to extract shallow subsurface information (depths less than 550 m) for investigating the shallow aquifer. A unique sequence of reproccessing parameters was established after reviewing the results from many experimental tests. Many enhancements to the resolution of shallow seismic reflections resulted from: (1) application of a 20-Hz, low-cut filter; (2) recomputation of static corrections to a datum nearer the land surface; (3) intensive velocity analyses; and (4) near-trace muting analyses. The number, resolution, and lateral continuity of shallow reflections were greatly enhanced on the reprocessed sections, as was the delineation of shallow, major faults. Reflections on a synthetic seismogram, created from a borehole drilled to a depth of 786 m on seismic line IQS-11, matcheddprecisely with shallow reflections on the reprocessed section. The 33 reprocessed sections were instrumental in preparing a map showing the major structural features that affect the shallow aquifer system. Analysis of the map provides a better understanding of the effect of these shallow features on the regional occurrence, movement, and quality of

Rub al Khali, Arabia

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-08-08

NASA Terra spacecraft shows the Rub al Khali, one of the largest sand deserts in the world, encompassing most of the southern third of the Arabian Peninsula; it includes parts of Oman, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

Giant photovoltaic effects driven by residual polar field within unit-cell-scale LaAlO3 films on SrTiO3

PubMed Central

Liang, Haixing; Cheng, Long; Zhai, Xiaofang; Pan, Nan; Guo, Hongli; Zhao, Jin; Zhang, Hui; Li, Lin; Zhang, Xiaoqiang; Wang, Xiaoping; Zeng, Changgan; Zhang, Zhenyu; Hou, J. G.

2013-01-01

For polar/nonpolar heterostructures, Maxwell's theory dictates that the electric potential in the polar components will increase divergently with the film thickness. For LaAlO3/SrTiO3, a conceptually intriguing route, termed charge reconstruction, has been proposed to avert such “polar catastrophe”. The existence of a polar potential in LaAlO3 is a prerequisite for the validity of the charge reconstruction picture, yet to date, its direct measurement remains a major challenge. Here we establish unambiguously the existence of the residual polar potential in ultrathin LaAlO3 films on SrTiO3, using a novel photovoltaic device design as an effective probe. The measured lower bound of the residual polar potential is 1.0 V. Such a direct observation of the giant residual polar potential within the unit-cell-scale LaAlO3 films amounts to a definitive experimental evidence for the charge reconstruction picture, and also points to new technological significance of oxide heterostructures in photovoltaic and sensing devices with atomic-scale control. PMID:23756918

The role of emergency medicine clerkship e-Portfolio to monitor the learning experience of students in different settings: a prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Cevik, Arif Alper; Shaban, Sami; El Zubeir, Margret; Abu-Zidan, Fikri M

2018-04-12

Although emergency departments provide acute care learning opportunities for medical students, student exposure to recommended curriculum presentations and procedures are limited. In this perspective, clinical environments providing learning opportunities for students should be monitored as part of an ongoing quality improvement process. This study aims to analyze student exposures and their involvement levels in two different hospitals (Tawam and Al Ain) so as to improve the teaching and learning activities. This is a prospective study on all 76 final year medical students' electronic logbooks (e-Portfolio) of the academic year 2016/2017. Students recorded 5087 chief complaints and 3721 procedures. The average patient and procedure exposure in a shift per student in Al Ain Hospital compared with Tawam Hospital were 7.2 vs 6.4 and 5.8 vs 4.3, respectively. The highest full involvement with presentations was seen in the pediatric unit (67.1%, P < 0.0001). Urgent care shifts demonstrated the highest area of "full involvement" with procedures for our students (73.2%, P < 0.0001). Students' highest involvement with presentations and procedures were found during the night shifts (P < 0.0001, 66.5 and 75.1%, respectively). The electronic portfolio has proven to be a very useful tool in defining the learning activities of final year medical students during their emergency medicine clerkship and in comparing activities in two different clinical settings. Data collected and analyzed using this e-Portfolio has the potential to help medical educators and curriculum designers improve emergency medicine teaching and learning activities.

Comparison of patient- and clinician-collected anal cytology samples to screen for human papillomavirus-associated anal intraepithelial neoplasia in men who have sex with men.

PubMed

Chin-Hong, Peter V; Berry, J Michael; Cheng, Su-Chun; Catania, Joseph A; Da Costa, Maria; Darragh, Teresa M; Fishman, Fred; Jay, Naomi; Pollack, Lance M; Palefsky, Joel M

2008-09-02

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated anal cancer is increasing in prevalence and is more common among men who have sex with men and HIV-positive individuals than cervical cancer is among women in the United States. Cytology screening can detect the anal cancer precursor, anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN). Little is known about self-collected samples for AIN screening, and few community-based AIN estimates exist. To compare the sensitivity of self-collected versus clinician-collected anal cytology specimens to detect biopsy-confirmed AIN and the prevalence estimate of AIN in a community sample. Cross-sectional study. Participants were mailed anal cytology self-collection kits with instructions. Clinicians repeated anal cytology and performed high-resolution anoscopy with biopsies as the diagnostic reference standard. San Francisco, California. Community-based sample of men who have sex with men. Prevalence of anal HPV and AIN. Sensitivity and specificity of self-collected and clinician-collected anal cytology specimens to diagnose AIN were calculated. Biopsy-proven AIN was diagnosed in 57% of HIV-positive and 35% of HIV-negative participants (P = 0.04), and 80% provided adequate self-collected specimens for interpretation. The sensitivity of cytology to detect AIN in HIV-positive men was 75% (95% CI, 51% to 93%) when self-collected and 90% (CI, 68% to 99%) when clinician-collected; respective values in HIV-negative men were 48% (CI, 26% to 70%) and 62% (CI, 38% to 82%). The specificity of cytology to detect AIN in HIV-positive men was 50% (CI, 22% to 78%) when self-collected and 64% (CI, 36% to 86%) when clinician-collected; respective values in HIV-negative men were 86% (CI, 71% to 94%) and 85% (CI, 72% to 93%). The study sample was from a narrowly defined geographical area. Participants self-reported HIV status. In a community-based sample, a high proportion of HIV-positive and HIV-negative men who have sex with men have AIN. The sensitivity of cytology to

Burden of acute gastroenteritis among children younger than 5 years of age – a survey among parents in the United Arab Emirates

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Despite its high incidence among children under the age of five, little is known about the burden of pediatric gastroenteritis outside the medical setting. The objective of this study was to describe the burden of acute gastroenteritis among children residing in the United Arab Emirates, including those not receiving medical care. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional survey of 500 parents of children under 5 years of age who had suffered from acute gastroenteritis the preceding three months was conducted in the cities of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Data collected included respondent characteristics, disease symptoms, medical care sought, and parental expenditures and work loss. Data were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric statistical methods. Results Vomiting and diarrhea episodes lasted on average between 3 and 4 days. Overall, 87% of parents sought medical care for their children; 10% of these cases required hospitalization with an average length of stay of 2.6 days. When medical care was sought, the average parental cost per gastroenteritis episode was US$64, 4.5 times higher than with home care only (US$14). Nearly 60% of this difference was attributable to co-payments and medication use: 69% of children used oral rehydration solution, 68% antiemetics, 65% antibiotics and 64% antidiarrheals. Overall, 38 parents missed work per 100 gastroenteritis episodes for an average of 1.4 days. Conclusions Given its high incidence, pediatric gastroenteritis has an important financial and productivity impact on parents in the United Arab Emirates. To reduce this impact, efforts should be made both to prevent acute gastroenteritis and to optimize its treatment. PMID:22708988

Feasibility of creating a National ALS Registry using administrative data in the United States

PubMed Central

KAYE, WENDY E.; SANCHEZ, MARCHELLE; WU, JENNIFER

2015-01-01

Uncertainty about the incidence and prevalence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as the role of the environment in the etiology of ALS, supports the need for a surveillance system/registry for this disease. Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of using existing administrative data to identify cases of ALS. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) funded four pilot projects at tertiary care facilities for ALS, HMOs, and state based organizations. Data from Medicare, Medicaid, the Veterans Health Administration, and Veterans Benefits Administration were matched to data available from site-specific administrative and clinical databases for a five-year time-period (1 January 2001–31 December 2005). Review of information in the medical records by a neurologist was considered the gold standard for determining an ALS case. We developed an algorithm using variables from the administrative data that identified true cases of ALS (verified by a neurologist). Individuals could be categorized into ALS, possible ALS, and not ALS. The best algorithm had sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 85%. We concluded that administrative data can be used to develop a surveillance system/ registry for ALS. These methods can be explored for creating surveillance systems for other neurodegenerative diseases. PMID:24597459

Stationary Digital Tomosynthesis System for Early Detection of Breast Tumors

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-01

Vol. 5745. 2005. 14. Y. Zhang, et al., A comparative study of limited-angle cone-beam reconstruction methods 505 for breast tomosynthesis. Med...opening angl em integratio designed line nia Dimension determine the try calibration th the detector ain is sent fro between XC urce not fou here...screening mammography. AJR, 2007. 189: p. 616. 12. P. Baldelli, et al., A prototype of a quasi-monochromatic system for mammography applications . Phys

Recommendations for Improving FBI Joint Counterterrorism Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-13

Division (CTD), via an electronic database. Within the database, vacant positions post for a period of two weeks, which limits the time for a...in Comparative Politics at New York University. 30 Mueller, p.1 31 Cigar , Norman. Al-Qaida, The Tribes, and The Government: Lessons and Prospects...Reflections on US Intelligence. Washington, DC: Center for the Study of Intelligence. 1996. Cigar , Norman. Al-Qaida, The Tribes, and The Government

Electrical switching in Sb doped Al23Te77 glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pumlianmunga; Ramesh, K.

2017-08-01

Bulk glasses (Al23Te77)Sbx (0≤ x≤10) prepared by melt quenching method show a change in switching type from threshold to memory for x≥5. An increase in threshold current (Ith) and a concomitant decrease in threshold voltage (Vth) and resisitivity(ρ) have been observed with the increase of Sb content. Raman spectra of the switched region in memory switching compositions show a red shift with respect to the as prepared glasses whereas in threshold switching compositions no such shift is observed. The magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) of 27Al atom shows three different environments for Al ([4]Al, [5]Al and [6]Al). The samples annealed at their respective crystallization temperatures show rapid increase in [4]Al sites by annihilating [5]Al sites. The melts of threshold switching glasses (x≤2.5) quenched in water at room temperature (27 °C) show amorphous structure whereas, the melt of memory switching glasses (x>2.5) solidify into crystalline structure. The higher coordination of Al increases the cross-linking and rigidity. The addition of Sb increases the glass transition(Tg) and decreases the crystallization temperature(Tc). The decrease in the interval between the Tg and Tc eases the transition between the amorphous and crystalline states and improves the memory properties. The temperature rise at the time of switching can be as high as its melting temperature and the material in between the electrodes may melt to form a filament. The filament may consists of temporary (high resistive amorphous) and permanent (high conducting crystalline) units. The ratio between the temporary and the permanent units may decide the switching type. The filament is dominated by the permanent units in memory switching compositions and by the temporary units in threshold switching compositions. The present study suggests that both the threshold and memory switching can be understood by the thermal model and filament formation.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of medical students towards self medication at Ain Shams University, Egypt.

PubMed

El Ezz, N F A; Ez-Elarab, H S

2011-12-01

Self medication is usually defined as intake of any type of drugs for treating oneself without professional supervision to relieve an illness or a condition. Self medication is an issue with serious global implications. In this study it was aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes and behavior of self medication by the near coming physicians. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of randomly selected medical students from Ain Shams University. Data was collected using self administered questionnaire. Verbal consent was ensured before applying the questionnaire. The Chi square was performed using SPSS 16 to identify associations and differences. The sample consisted of 300 students 67% females and 33% male students. Prevalence of self medication was 55%. Out of which 58.8%, 54.4%, 87.2%, 12%, 28% took antibiotic, vitamins, analgesics, sedatives, herbal products respectively without physician prescription. As regards the personal behavior towards following any prescription 14.4% always followed properly the prescription compared to 63.3% always discontinued the drug on feeling improvement, and 13.6% always repeated the prescription without seeking medical advice. Also 60% said that they increased the dose without medical advice. As regards the reported side effects 4.8%, 1.6%, 12% as a result of interaction between drugs, increase dose without medical advice and early stopping of treatment respectively. Self medication by medical students is an important issue to be avoided and need to be added to the curriculum of undergraduate students and raise the community awareness about these hazards and drawbacks.

A spatial analysis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases in the United States and their proximity to multidisciplinary ALS clinics, 2013.

PubMed

Horton, D Kevin; Graham, Shannon; Punjani, Reshma; Wilt, Grete; Kaye, Wendy; Maginnis, Kimberly; Webb, Lauren; Richman, Judy; Bedlack, Richard; Tessaro, Edward; Mehta, Paul

2018-02-01

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron disease that typically results in death within 2-5 years of initial symptom onset. Multidisciplinary ALS clinics (MDCs) have been established to provide specialty care to people living with the disease. To estimate the proximity of ALS prevalence cases to the nearest MDC in the US to help evaluate one aspect of access to care. Using 2013 prevalence data from the National ALS Registry, cases were geocoded by city using geographic information system (GIS) software, along with the locations of all MDCs in operation during 2013. Case-to-MDC proximity was calculated and analyzed by sex, race, and age group. During 2013, there were 72 MDCs in operation in 30 different states. A total of 15,633 ALS cases were geocoded and were distributed throughout all 50 states. Of these, 62.6% were male, 77.9% were white, and 76.2% were 50-79 years old. For overall case-to-MDC proximity, nearly half (44.9%) of all geocoded cases in the US lived >50 miles from an MDC, including approximately a quarter who lived >100 miles from an MDC. There was a statistically significant difference between distance to MDC by race and age group. The high percentage of those living more than 50 miles from the nearest specialized clinic underscores one of the many challenges of ALS. Having better access to care, whether at MDCs or through other modalities, is likely key to increasing survivability and obtaining appropriate end-of-life treatment and support for people with ALS.

The Growth of Berlinite (AlPO4) Single Crystals.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-03-01

Solubility of AlPO 4 18 6. Solubility Data of Jahn and Kordes on AlPO4 19 7. AlPO 4 Seed Crystal 23 8. Tem-Pres Hydrothermal Research Unit 25 9...Since the vapor pressure of water rises rapidly with temperature, a closed hydrothermal system was used. In a seeded hydrothermal growth process, the...to investigate the hydrothermal growth of Berlinite (AlPO4 ) to determine the optimum growth conditions for large high quality crystals. Over thirty

Demographics and co-occurring conditions in a clinic-based cohort with Down syndrome in the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Corder, Jennifer Price; Al Ahbabi, Fatima Jaber Sehmi; Al Dhaheri, Hind Saif; Chedid, Fares

2017-09-01

The majority of studies describing demographics and co-occurring conditions in cohorts with Down syndrome come from regions outside of the Middle East, mainly from Europe and North America. This paper describes demographics and co-occurring conditions in a hospital-based cohort of individuals with Down syndrome living in the Middle Eastern country of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The first dedicated Down syndrome clinic in the UAE was established in 2012 at Tawam Hospital in Al Ain. This paper describes a clinic-based cohort of 221 participants over 4 years from the Gulf Down Syndrome Registry, a new Down syndrome database and contact registry created at Tawam Hospital. Key demographic findings include mean maternal age of 37 years, among the highest described in the literature. Sixty-two percent of mothers are >35 years. Over 90% of mothers received post-natal diagnosis of Down syndrome. High sex ratio, parental consanguinity, and large family size also characterize the group. The spectrum of many co-occurring conditions mirrors that of previously described populations, with some notable differences. Cardiovascular malformations are well represented, however, atrioventricular canal is not the most common. Genitourinary conditions are common, as evidenced by 12% of males with hypospadias and 15% with undescended testes. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, alpha thalassemia trait, hypovitaminosis D, and dental caries are common in our cohort. This study describes a large hospital-based group with Down syndrome presenting to a new dedicated Down syndrome clinic in the UAE, highlighting unique demographic and co-occurring conditions found in that population. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A spatial analysis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases in the United States and their proximity to multidisciplinary ALS clinics, 2013

PubMed Central

Horton, D. Kevin; Graham, Shannon; Punjani, Reshma; Wilt, Grete; Kaye, Wendy; Maginnis, Kimberly; Webb, Lauren; Richman, Judy; Bedlack, Richard; Tessaro, Edward; Mehta, Paul

2017-01-01

Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron disease that typically results in death within 2–5 years of initial symptom onset. Multidisciplinary ALS clinics (MDCs) have been established to provide specialty care to people living with the disease. Objective To estimate the proximity of ALS prevalence cases to the nearest MDC in the US to help evaluate one aspect of access to care. Methods Using 2013 prevalence data from the National ALS Registry, cases were geocoded by city using geographic information system (GIS) software, along with the locations of all MDCs in operation during 2013. Case-to-MDC proximity was calculated and analyzed by sex, race, and age group. Results During 2013, there were 72 MDCs in operation in 30 different states. A total of 15,633 ALS cases were geocoded and were distributed throughout all 50 states. Of these, 62.6% were male, 77.9% were white, and 76.2% were 50–79 years old. For overall case-to-MDC proximity, nearly half (44.9%) of all geocoded cases in the US lived >50 miles from an MDC, including approximately a quarter who lived >100 miles from an MDC. There was a statistically significant difference between distance to MDC by race and age group. Conclusions The high percentage of those living more than 50 miles from the nearest specialized clinic underscores one of the many challenges of ALS. Having better access to care, whether at MDCs or through other modalities, is likely key to increasing survivability and obtaining appropriate end-of-life treatment and support for people with ALS. PMID:29262737

Characterizing the natural radiation levels throughout the main geological units of Sabkhat al Jabboul area, northern Syria.

PubMed

Al-Hilal, Mohamed; Aissa, Mosa

2015-02-01

The concentrations of equivalent eU, eTh, and K% were determined together with soil gas radon values and carborne gamma-ray survey in order to define the natural radioactivity levels throughout main geological units of Sabkhat al Jabboul region. Forty five soil and rock samples were collected from various lithofacies in each geological unit, and analyzed by γ-ray spectrometric technique for determining the concentration values of major radioelements. Such radiometric data could be used to differentiate between various lithologies of the investigated rocks. Although no distinct radioactive anomalies were found in the area, the radiometric profiles showed some minor variations with slightly higher values than the normal level. Despite the low radioactivity and the lack of rocks diversity in the surveyed area, it was possible to classify some certain rock types based on their radiometric response. The relationships between eU, eTh and their ratios were discussed for the Quaternary, Neogene and Paleogene formations, in order to evaluate the degree of uranium distribution and remobilization. The overall results of this radiometric survey were generally low, and lying within the range of the normal background levels in Syrian. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hopkins in the A/L

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-18

View of Mike Hopkins, Expedition 38 Flight Engineer (FE), during remove and replace (R&R) of Hard Upper Torso (HUT) of Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU), in the airlock (A/L) during preparation for EVA-24. Photo was taken during Expedition 38. Image was released by astronaut on Twitter.

Vitality and chemistry of roots of red spruce in forest floors of stands with a gradient of soil Al/Ca ratios in the northeastern United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wargo, P.M.; Vogt, K.; Vogt, D.; Holifield, Q.; Tilley, J.; Lawrence, G.; David, M.

2003-01-01

Number of living root tips per branch, percent dead roots, percent mycorrhizae and mycorrhizal morphotype, response of woody roots to wounding and colonization by fungi, and concentrations of starch, soluble sugars, phenols, percent C and N and C/N ratio, and Al Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, and P were measured for 2 consecutive years in roots of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) in stands in the northeastern United States (nine in 1993 and two additional in 1994) dominated by red spruce and with a gradient of forest floor exchangeable Al/Ca ratios. Root vitality was measured for nonwoody and coarse woody roots; chemical variables were measured for nonwoody (<1 mm), fine woody (1 to <2 mm), and coarse woody (2 to <5 mm) roots. There were significant differences among sites for all variables, particularly in 1993, although few were related to the Al/Ca ratio gradient. Percent mycorrhizae decreased, while some morphotypes increased or decreased as the Al/Ca ratio increased. In nonwoody roots, N increased as the Al/Ca ratio increased. Most sampled trees appeared to be in good or fair health, suggesting that an adverse response of these root variables to high Al concentrations may be apparent only after a significant change in crown health.

The effect of religion on the perception of health states among adults in the United Arab Emirates: a qualitative study

PubMed Central

Elbarazi, Iffat; Devlin, Nancy J; Katsaiti, Marina-Selini; Papadimitropoulos, Emmanuel A; Shah, Koonal K; Blair, Iain

2017-01-01

Objectives Investigate how religion may affect the perception of health states among adults in the United Arab Emirates and the implications for research on self-reported health and quality of life and the use of values in cost-effectiveness analysis. Design Qualitative analysis of short-structured interviews with adult Emiratis carried out by a market research agency. The COREQ criteria have been used where appropriate to guide the reporting of our findings. Setting Participants were recruited from shopping malls and other public places in the cities of Al Ain and Abu Dhabi. Participants Two hundred adult Emiratis broadly representative of the Emirati population in terms of age and gender. Results Eighty one per cent of participants said that their perception of health states was influenced by their spiritual or religious beliefs. The two overarching themes that seemed to explain or classify these influences were ‘fatalism’ and ‘preservation of life’. Subthemes included powerlessness to change what is preordained by God, fear of disability (particularly diminished mobility) and appreciation of health and life and the requirement to look after one’s health. A final theme was that of acceptance, with respondents expressing a willingness to endure suffering and disability with patience in the expectation of rewards in the hereafter. Conclusions Our results emphasise the need for further work to establish locally relevant value sets for Muslim majority countries in the Middle East and elsewhere for use in health technology assessment decision-making, rather than relying on value sets from other regions. PMID:28982822

Reducing Livestock Effects on Public Lands in the Western United States as the Climate Changes: A Reply to Svejcar et al

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beschta, Robert L.; Donahue, Debra L.; DellaSala, Dominick A.; Rhodes, Jonathan J.; Karr, James R.; O'Brien, Mary H.; Fleischner, Thomas L.; Williams, Cindy Deacon

2014-06-01

Svejcar et al. (Environ Manage, 2014) offered several perspectives regarding Beschta et al. (Environ Manage 51:474-491, 2013)—a publication that addressed the interacting ecological effects of climate change and domestic, wild, and feral ungulates on public lands in the western United States (US)—by largely focusing on three livestock grazing issues: (1) legacy versus current day impacts; (2) grazing as a fire reduction tool; and (3) the complexity of grazing. Regarding these issues, we indicate that (1) legacy effects to western ecosystems were indeed significant and contemporary livestock use on public lands generally maintains or exacerbates many of those effects; (2) livestock grazing has been a major factor affecting fire frequency, fire severity, and ecosystem trajectories in the western US for over a century; and (3) the removal or reduction of grazing impacts in these altered ecosystems is the most effective means of initiating ecological recovery. Svejcar et al. (Environ Manage, 2014) offer no evidence that livestock use is consistent with the timely recovery of grazing-degraded uplands, riparian areas, or stream systems. We thus conclude that public-land ecosystems can best persist or cope with a changing climate by significantly reducing ungulate grazing and related impacts.

Neural Recruitment for the Production of Native and Novel Speech Sounds

PubMed Central

Moser, Dana; Fridriksson, Julius; Bonilha, Leonardo; Healy, Eric W.; Baylis, Gordon; Baker, Julie; Rorden, Chris

2010-01-01

Two primary areas of damage have been implicated in apraxia of speech (AOS) based on the time post-stroke: (1) the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) in acute patients, and (2) the left anterior insula (aIns) in chronic patients. While AOS is widely characterized as a disorder in motor speech planning, little is known about the specific contributions of each of these regions in speech. The purpose of this study was to investigate cortical activation during speech production with a specific focus on the aIns and the IFG in normal adults. While undergoing sparse fMRI, 30 normal adults completed a 30-minute speech-repetition task consisting of three-syllable nonwords that contained either (a) English (native) syllables or (b) Non-English (novel) syllables. When the novel syllable productions were compared to the native syllable productions, greater neural activation was observed in the aIns and IFG, particularly during the first 10 minutes of the task when novelty was the greatest. Although activation in the aIns remained high throughout the task for novel productions, greater activation was clearly demonstrated when the initial 10 minutes were compared to the final 10 minutes of the task. These results suggest increased activity within an extensive neural network, including the aIns and IFG, when the motor speech system is taxed, such as during the production of novel speech. We speculate that the amount of left aIns recruitment during speech production may be related to the internal construction of the motor speech unit such that the degree of novelty/automaticity would result in more or less demands respectively. The role of the IFG as a storehouse and integrative processor for previously acquired routines is also discussed. PMID:19385020

"Francisco Maestas et al. v. George H. Shone et al.": Mexican American Resistance to School Segregation in the Hispano Homeland, 1912-1914

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Donato, Ruben; Guzmán, Gonzalo; Hanson, Jarrod

2017-01-01

The authors in this article argue that the "Francisco Maestas et al. vs. George H. Shone et al." (1914) case is one of the earliest Mexican American challenges to school segregation in the United States. Unidentified for over a century, the lawsuit took place in southern Colorado, a region of the nation where Mexican Americans have deep…

75 FR 63222 - Claymore Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, et al.;

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-14

... Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, et al.; Notice of Application October 7, 2010. AGENCY: Securities and Exchange... Fund Trust, et al., Investment Company Act Release Nos. 27469 (Aug. 28, 2006) (notice) and 27483 (Sept... investment companies and unit investment trusts outside of the same group of investment companies as the...

Research on Anoplophora glabripennis in the United States

Treesearch

Robert A. Haack

2003-01-01

In the mid-1990s it was estimated that more than 400 exotic (non-native) forest insects had already become established in the United States (HAACK and BYLER, 1993; MATTSON et al., 1994; NIEMELA and MATTSON, 1996). This number has continued to grow with new exotics discovered annually in the United States (HAACK, 2002; HAACK and POLAND, 2001; HAACK et al., 2002). One...

Stabilization mechanism of γ-Mg17Al12 and β-Mg2Al3 complex metallic alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vrtnik, S.; Jazbec, S.; Jagodič, M.; Korelec, A.; Hosnar, L.; Jagličić, Z.; Jeglič, P.; Feuerbacher, M.; Mizutani, U.; Dolinšek, J.

2013-10-01

Large-unit-cell complex metallic alloys (CMAs) frequently achieve stability by lowering the kinetic energy of the electron system through formation of a pseudogap in the electronic density of states (DOS) across the Fermi energy ɛF. By employing experimental techniques that are sensitive to the electronic DOS in the vicinity of ɛF, we have studied the stabilization mechanism of two binary CMA phases from the Al-Mg system: the γ-Mg17Al12 phase with 58 atoms in the unit cell and the β-Mg2Al3 phase with 1178 atoms in the unit cell. Since the investigated alloys are free from transition metal elements, orbital hybridization effects must be small and we were able to test whether the alloys obey the Hume-Rothery stabilization mechanism, where a pseudogap in the DOS is produced by the Fermi surface-Brillouin zone interactions. The results have shown that the DOS of the γ-Mg17Al12 phase exhibits a pronounced pseudogap centered almost exactly at ɛF, which is compatible with the theoretical prediction that this phase is stabilized by the Hume-Rothery mechanism. The disordered cubic β-Mg2Al3 phase is most likely entropically stabilized at high temperatures, whereas at lower temperatures stability is achieved by undergoing a structural phase transition to more ordered rhombohedral β‧ phase at 214 ° C, where all atomic sites become fully occupied. No pseudogap in the vicinity of ɛF was detected for the β‧ phase on the energy scale of a few 100 meV as determined by the ‘thermal observation window’ of the Fermi-Dirac function, so that the Hume-Rothery stabilization mechanism is not confirmed for this compound. However, the existence of a much broader shallow pseudogap due to several critical reciprocal lattice vectors \\buildrel{\\rightharpoonup}\\over{G} that simultaneously satisfy the Hume-Rothery interference condition remains the most plausible stabilization mechanism of this phase. At Tc = 0.85 K, the β‧ phase undergoes a superconducting transition

Hot-electron real-space transfer and longitudinal transport in dual AlGaN/AlN/{AlGaN/GaN} channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Šermukšnis, E.; Liberis, J.; Matulionis, A.; Avrutin, V.; Ferreyra, R.; Özgür, Ü.; Morkoç, H.

2015-03-01

Real-space transfer of hot electrons is studied in dual-channel GaN-based heterostructure operated at or near plasmon-optical phonon resonance in order to attain a high electron drift velocity at high current densities. For this study, pulsed electric field is applied in the channel plane of a nominally undoped Al0.3Ga0.7N/AlN/{Al0.15Ga0.85N/GaN} structure with a composite channel of Al0.15Ga0.85N/GaN, where the electrons with a sheet density of 1.4 × 1013 cm-2, estimated from the Hall effect measurements, are confined. The equilibrium electrons are situated predominantly in the Al0.15Ga0.85N layer as confirmed by capacitance-voltage experiment and Schrödinger-Poisson modelling. The main peak of the electron density per unit volume decreases as more electrons occupy the GaN layer at high electric fields. The associated decrease in the plasma frequency induces the plasmon-assisted decay of non-equilibrium optical phonons (hot phonons) confirmed by the decrease in the measured hot-phonon lifetime from 0.95 ps at low electric fields down below 200 fs at fields of E \\gt 4 kV cm-1 as the plasmon-optical phonon resonance is approached. The onset of real-space transfer is resolved from microwave noise measurements: this source of noise dominates for E \\gt 8 kV cm-1. In this range of fields, the longitudinal current exceeds the values measured for a mono channel reference Al0.3Ga0.7N/AlN/GaN structure. The results are explained in terms of the ultrafast decay of hot phonons and reduced alloy scattering caused by the real-space transfer in the composite channel.

Spatial and temporal variability in sedimentation rates associated with cutoff channel infill deposits: Ain River, France

USGS Publications Warehouse

Piégay, H.; Hupp, C.R.; Citterio, A.; Dufour, S.; Moulin, B.; Walling, D.E.

2008-01-01

Floodplain development is associated with lateral accretion along stable channel geometry. Along shifting rivers, the floodplain sedimentation is more complex because of changes in channel position but also cutoff channel presence, which exhibit specific overflow patterns. In this contribution, the spatial and temporal variability of sedimentation rates in cutoff channel infill deposits is related to channel changes of a shifting gravel bed river (Ain River, France). The sedimentation rates estimated from dendrogeomorphic analysis are compared between and within 14 cutoff channel infills. Detailed analyses along a single channel infill are performed to assess changes in the sedimentation rates through time by analyzing activity profiles of the fallout radionuclides 137Cs and unsupported 210Pb. Sedimentation rates are also compared within the channel infills with rates in other plots located in the adjacent floodplain. Sedimentation rates range between 0.65 and 2.4 cm a−1 over a period of 10 to 40 years. The data provide additional information on the role of distance from the bank, overbank flow frequency, and channel geometry in controlling the sedimentation rate. Channel infills, lower than adjacent floodplains, exhibit higher sedimentation rates and convey overbank sediment farther away within the floodplain. Additionally, channel degradation, aggradation, and bank erosion, which reduce or increase the distance between the main channel and the cutoff channel aquatic zone, affect local overbank flow magnitude and frequency and therefore sedimentation rates, thereby creating a complex mosaic of sedimentation zones within the floodplain and along the cutoff channel infills. Last, the dendrogeomorphic and 137Cs approaches are cross validated for estimating the sedimentation rate within a channel infill.

76 FR 41831 - FQF Trust, et al.; Notice of Application

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-15

...] FQF Trust, et al.; Notice of Application July 11, 2011. AGENCY: Securities and Exchange Commission... Creation Units; and (e) certain registered management investment companies and unit investment trusts outside of the same group of investment companies as the series to acquire Shares. Applicants: FQF Trust...

Al Qaida and Yemen- Is Our Current Policy Good Enough?

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-23

thus contributing to waterborne diseases such as cholera and bacterial dysentery. In fact, waterborne diseases help to contribute to 70% of Yemen‟s...the capture of the United States born cleric Anwar al-Awlaki. As eluded to earlier, al-Awlaki, born in New Mexico , “is the evil genius behind AQAP‟s

Examining Changing American Perceptions of the Terrorist Threat: From the Oklahoma City Bombing to Al Qaeda

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-12-01

CHANGING AMERICAN PERCEPTIONS OF THE TERRORIST THREAT: FROM THE OKLAHOMA CITY BOMBING TO AL QAEDA by Eli U.S. Persons December 2017 Thesis...THREAT: FROM THE OKLAHOMA CITY BOMBING TO AL QAEDA 5. FUNDING NUMBERS 6. AUTHOR(S) Eli U.S. Persons 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND...THREAT: FROM THE OKLAHOMA CITY BOMBING TO AL QAEDA Eli U.S. Persons Major, United States Air Force B.S., United States Air Force Academy, 2005

Nature of weak magnetism in SrTiO3/LaAlO3 multilayers.

PubMed

Salman, Z; Ofer, O; Radovic, M; Hao, H; Ben Shalom, M; Chow, K H; Dagan, Y; Hossain, M D; Levy, C D P; Macfarlane, W A; Morris, G M; Patthey, L; Pearson, M R; Saadaoui, H; Schmitt, T; Wang, D; Kiefl, R F

2012-12-21

We report the observation of weak magnetism in superlattices of LaAlO(3)/SrTiO(3) using β-detected nuclear magnetic resonance. The spin lattice relaxation rate of ^{8}Li in superlattices with a spacer layers of 8 and 6 unit cells of LaAlO(3) exhibits a strong peak near ~35 K, whereas no such peak is observed in a superlattice with spacer layer thickness of 3 unit cells. We attribute the observed temperature dependence to slowing down of weakly coupled electronic moments at the LaAlO(3)/SrTiO(3) interface. These results show that the magnetism at the interface depends strongly on the thickness of the spacer layer, and that a minimal thickness of ~4-6 unit cells is required for the appearance of magnetism. A simple model is used to determine that the observed relaxation is due to small fluctuating moments (~0.002μ(B)) in the two samples with a larger LaAlO(3) spacer thickness.

The fecal microbiome of ALS patients.

PubMed

Brenner, David; Hiergeist, Andreas; Adis, Carolin; Mayer, Benjamin; Gessner, André; Ludolph, Albert C; Weishaupt, Jochen H

2018-01-01

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative motor neuron disease accompanied by both systemic and central nervous system-specific inflammation as well as deregulated energy metabolism. These potential pathogenetic factors have recently been found to mutually interact with the gut microbiota, raising the hypothesis of a link between microbiome alterations and ALS pathogenesis. The aim of our study was to assess whether ALS is associated with an altered composition of the fecal microbiota. We compared the fecal microbiota of 25 ALS patients with 32 age- and gender-matched healthy persons using 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. Confounding factors and secondary disease effects on the microbiome were minimized by selection of patients without dysphagia, gastrostomy, noninvasive ventilation, or reduced body mass index. Comparing the 2 carefully matched groups, the diversity and the abundance of the bacterial taxa on the different taxonomic levels as well as PICRUSt-predicted metagenomes were almost indistinguishable. Significant differences between ALS patients and healthy controls were only observed with regard to the overall number of microbial species (operational taxonomic units) and in the abundance of uncultured Ruminococcaceae. Conclusively, ALS patients do not exhibit a substantial alteration of the gut microbiota composition. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

9 CFR 55.1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... nervous system disease or chronic wasting condition in the herd; maintaining records of the acquisition... numbering system for the official identification of individual animals in the United States. The AIN... claiming indemnity. National Uniform Eartagging System. A numbering system for the official identification...

9 CFR 55.1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... nervous system disease or chronic wasting condition in the herd; maintaining records of the acquisition... numbering system for the official identification of individual animals in the United States. The AIN... claiming indemnity. National Uniform Eartagging System. A numbering system for the official identification...

Heterocycles Based on Group III, IV, and V Elements, Precursors for Novel Glasses and Ceramics

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-08-01

OF TABLES v LIST OF FIGURES vi 1. ABSTRACT 1 2. INTRODUCTION 3 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 5 3.1 Synthesis and Thermolysis of Aluminum...Chloride.Hexamethyldisilazane Adduct 5 3.2 Synthesis and Reactions of Bis(trimethylsilyl)- aminoaluminum Compounds 11 3.3 Reactions of Tris[bis(trimethylsilyl)amino...Et3N.C12AIN(SiMe3 )B(NH2 )NHSiMe3 , a processible precursor to AlN.BN ceramic. Attempts at synthesis of other AlN.BN precursors and AINP systems were

Structure of Li5AlS4 and comparison with other lithium-containing metal sulfides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Hanjin; Kim, Sung-Chul; Kim, Jaegyeom; Kim, Young-Il; Kim, Seung-Joo

2018-01-01

Lithium aluminum sulfide (Li5AlS4) was synthesized by solid state reaction, and its crystal structure was characterized by ab initio structure determination on the basis of powder neutron diffraction (ND) data. Li5AlS4 was found to have monoclinic unit cell (space group, P21/m) with the lattice parameters: a = 6.8583(4) Å, b = 7.8369(4) Å, c = 6.2488(4) Å, and β = 90.333(4)°. This structure is built from a hexagonal close-packed (hcp) arrangement of sulfur atoms with a stacking sequence of …ABAB…. The hcp sulfide lattice consists of two different double-sulfide layers alternately stacked along the c-axis. Between the first pair of sulfur layers all the tetrahedral interstices (T+ and T- sites) are filled with lithium and aluminum atoms. All octahedral interstices between the second pair of sulfur layers are occupied by the remaining lithium atoms. The structure of Li5AlS4 is compared with those of various lithium-containing metal sulfides like Li2FeS2, NaLiMS2 (M = Zn, Cd), Li4GeS4, LiM‧S2 (M‧ = Al, Ga, In) and γ-Li3PS4. Each sulfide represents a specific distribution of lithium atoms in the lattice depending on how the octahedral and tetrahedral interstitial sites are filled. The low ionic conductivity of Li5AlS4 (9.7 × 10-9 S cm-1 at 323 K) relative to other sulfides may be due to the highly-ordered distribution of the lithium atoms in the layered structure and the lack of adjacent void spaces that can be used for lithium ion hopping.

The effect of religion on the perception of health states among adults in the United Arab Emirates: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Elbarazi, Iffat; Devlin, Nancy J; Katsaiti, Marina-Selini; Papadimitropoulos, Emmanuel A; Shah, Koonal K; Blair, Iain

2017-10-05

Investigate how religion may affect the perception of health states among adults in the United Arab Emirates and the implications for research on self-reported health and quality of life and the use of values in cost-effectiveness analysis. Qualitative analysis of short-structured interviews with adult Emiratis carried out by a market research agency.The COREQ criteria have been used where appropriate to guide the reporting of our findings. Participants were recruited from shopping malls and other public places in the cities of Al Ain and Abu Dhabi. Two hundred adult Emiratis broadly representative of the Emirati population in terms of age and gender. Eighty one per cent of participants said that their perception of health states was influenced by their spiritual or religious beliefs. The two overarching themes that seemed to explain or classify these influences were 'fatalism' and 'preservation of life'. Subthemes included powerlessness to change what is preordained by God, fear of disability (particularly diminished mobility) and appreciation of health and life and the requirement to look after one's health. A final theme was that of acceptance, with respondents expressing a willingness to endure suffering and disability with patience in the expectation of rewards in the hereafter. Our results emphasise the need for further work to establish locally relevant value sets for Muslim majority countries in the Middle East and elsewhere for use in health technology assessment decision-making, rather than relying on value sets from other regions. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Exact distinction of excitatory and inhibitory neurons in neural networks: a study with GFP-GAD67 neurons optically and electrophysiologically recognized on multielectrode arrays

PubMed Central

Becchetti, Andrea; Gullo, Francesca; Bruno, Giuseppe; Dossi, Elena; Lecchi, Marzia; Wanke, Enzo

2012-01-01

Distinguishing excitatory from inhibitory neurons with multielectrode array (MEA) recordings is a serious experimental challenge. The current methods, developed in vitro, mostly rely on spike waveform analysis. These however often display poor resolution and may produce errors caused by the variability of spike amplitudes and neuron shapes. Recent recordings in human brain suggest that the spike waveform features correlate with time-domain statistics such as spiking rate, autocorrelation, and coefficient of variation. However, no precise criteria are available to exactly assign identified units to specific neuronal types, either in vivo or in vitro. To solve this problem, we combined MEA recording with fluorescence imaging of neocortical cultures from mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) in GABAergic cells. In this way, we could sort out “authentic excitatory neurons” (AENs) and “authentic inhibitory neurons” (AINs). We thus characterized 1275 units (from 405 electrodes, n = 10 experiments), based on autocorrelation, burst length, spike number (SN), spiking rate, squared coefficient of variation, and Fano factor (FF) (the ratio between spike-count variance and mean). These metrics differed by about one order of magnitude between AINs and AENs. In particular, the FF turned out to provide a firing code which exactly (no overlap) recognizes excitatory and inhibitory units. The difference in FF between all of the identified AEN and AIN groups was highly significant (p < 10−8, ANOVA post-hoc Tukey test). Our results indicate a statistical metric-based approach to distinguish excitatory from inhibitory neurons independently from the spike width. PMID:22973197

Effectiveness and Cost of Alcohol Rehabilitation in the United States Air Force.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-12-01

PAGE BEFORE COMPLETING PORN 1. 19PRT UM14 - 2. GOVT ACCESSION NOS RECIPIENT’S CATALOG HUNGER 4. TILE (AIN S"II. TYPE OF REPORT & PERIOD COVERED in te...suggests physical addiction . Clients reported substantial improvement after treatment. Although the impairment rate following treatment remained about...symptoms that suggests physical addiction . 2. Nondependent Problems-reflecting serious alcohol-related impairment without high levels of dependence

Characterization of the Titan's VIMS - units: Using Spectral Slopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brossier, Jérémy F.; Jaumann, Ralf; Stephan, Katrin; Le Mouélic, Stéphane; Brown, Robert H.

2016-04-01

]. As for the 5 μm-bright units, they show paucity in water-ice at the longer wavelengths, implying that these features cannot be related to cryovolcanic processes, as it has been originally suggested for Hotei and Tui Regiones, arguing for an evaporitic origin [9-11]. References: [1] Brown, R. H. et al. (2005) SSR. [2] Barnes, J. W. et al. (2007) Icarus, 186 (1). [3] Soderblom, L. A. et al. (2007) PSS, 55 (13). [4] Langhans, M. H. et al. (2011) PSS, 60. [5] Jaumann, R. et al. (2008) Icarus, 197. [6] Le Mouélic, S. et al. (2008) JGR, 113 (E04003). [7] Rodriguez, S. et al. (2013) Icarus, 230. [8] Jaumann, R. et al. (2009) LPSC. [9] Soderblom, L. A. et al. (2009) Icarus, 204. [10] Solomonidou, A. et al. (2013) PSS, 77. [11] McKenzie, M. S. et al. (2014) Icarus.

Magnetic ground state and electronic structure of CeRu(2)Al(10).

PubMed

Goraus, Jerzy; Ślebarski, Andrzej

2012-03-07

We present a combined theoretical and experimental study of the electronic structure for CeRu(2)Al(10) based on ab initio band structure calculations and x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) data. Our calculations were performed for the base unit cell and for the hypothetical unit cell which enables antiferromagnetic ordering. The stability of the magnetic phase was investigated within fixed spin moment calculations. When additional 4f correlations are not included in the LSDA C U approach, CeRu(2)Al(10) exhibits an unstable magnetic configuration with the difference in total energy per unit cell between the weakly magnetic state and the non-magnetic one of the order ~0.3 meV. We found that Coulomb correlations among 4f electrons, when they are included in the LSDA C U approach, stabilize the magnetic structure. In the weakly correlated system (small U) an antiferromagnetic (AFM) ground state with the lowest total energy is preferred. The situation is, however, the opposite when the 4f correlations are strong. In this case the ferromagnetic (FM) ground state is preferred. By comparing our calculations with the experimental data we conclude that the 4f correlations in CeRu(2)Al(10) are weak. We also carried out a structural relaxation of atomic positions within the Cmcm unit cell and we found that the Al atoms exhibit noticeable displacement from their positions known from x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis.

Al(0.5)Nb(1.5)(PO(4))(3).

PubMed

Zhao, Dan; Liang, Peng; Su, Ling; Chang, Huan; Yan, Shi

2011-02-12

Single crystals of the title compound, aluminium niobium triphosphate, Al(0.5)Nb(1.5)(PO(4))(3), have been synthesized by a high-temperature reaction in a platinium crucible. The Al(III) and Nb(V) atoms occupy the same site on the axis, with disorder in the ratio of 1:3. The fundamental building units of the title structure are isolated Al/NbO(6) octa-hedra and PO(4) tetra-hedra (. 2 symmetry), which are further inter-locked by corner-sharing O atoms, leading to a three-dimensional framework structure with infinite channels along the a axis.

75 FR 75708 - American United Life Insurance Company, et al.; Notice of Application

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-06

... SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. IC-29521; File No. 812-13780] American United Life...: American United Life Insurance Company (``AUL''), AUL American Unit Trust (``AUL Account''). AUL and the...., American United Life Insurance Company, One American Square, Indianapolis, Indiana 46282. Copies to...

Innervation zones of fasciculating motor units: observations by a linear electrode array.

PubMed

Jahanmiri-Nezhad, Faezeh; Barkhaus, Paul E; Rymer, William Z; Zhou, Ping

2015-01-01

This study examines the innervation zone (IZ) in the biceps brachii muscle in healthy subjects and those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using a 20-channel linear electromyogram (EMG) electrode array. Raster plots of individual waveform potentials were studied to estimate the motor unit IZ. While this work mainly focused on fasciculation potentials (FPs), a limited number of motor unit potentials (MUPs) from voluntary activity of 12 healthy and seven ALS subjects were also examined. Abnormal propagation of MUPs and scattered IZs were observed in fasciculating units, compared with voluntarily activated MUPs in healthy and ALS subjects. These findings can be related to muscle fiber reinnervation following motor neuron degeneration in ALS and the different origin sites of FPs compared with voluntary MUPs.

Innervation zones of fasciculating motor units: observations by a linear electrode array

PubMed Central

Jahanmiri-Nezhad, Faezeh; Barkhaus, Paul E.; Rymer, William Z.; Zhou, Ping

2015-01-01

This study examines the innervation zone (IZ) in the biceps brachii muscle in healthy subjects and those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using a 20-channel linear electromyogram (EMG) electrode array. Raster plots of individual waveform potentials were studied to estimate the motor unit IZ. While this work mainly focused on fasciculation potentials (FPs), a limited number of motor unit potentials (MUPs) from voluntary activity of 12 healthy and seven ALS subjects were also examined. Abnormal propagation of MUPs and scattered IZs were observed in fasciculating units, compared with voluntarily activated MUPs in healthy and ALS subjects. These findings can be related to muscle fiber reinnervation following motor neuron degeneration in ALS and the different origin sites of FPs compared with voluntary MUPs. PMID:26029076

User Requirements for an Advanced Technology Unit Training Management System (ATUTMS)

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-02-01

P7 P8 P9 PERSONA’. DATA Number of dependents (DBPN) Date of birth (DOB) Name (NAME) Overweight (OWT)*+ Pregnancy Status (FAEG)* Sez (SEX...pertaining to personnel flags. Pregnancy is indicated in the individual 3N personnel record. Other reasons for non-availability not 3N provided for...5AiN 8. Last EDRE Date of last battery Emergency Deployment Readiness Excercise , in standard ATUTMS format: YY.MM. 5AN Zeroed Elements: 9

Break the silence: HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and educational needs among Arab university students in United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Gańczak, Maria; Barss, Peter; Alfaresi, Fatima; Almazrouei, Shamma; Muraddad, Amal; Al-Maskari, Fatma

2007-06-01

In light of increasing spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the Middle East, we assessed knowledge, attitudes, and educational needs of young people in United Arab Emirates (UAE), a modern and moderately conservative Islamic country. A cross-sectional survey among randomly selected first-year, gender-segregated Arab students at the national university in Al Ain in 2005 was conducted using an adaptation of an anonymous self-administered World Health Organization questionnaire. Knowledge and attitudes were scored. Response was 89%; 119 males and 148 females. Knowledge scores about HIV/AIDS were low for 75%, moderate for 24%, high for <1%. Although 90% knew main routes of infection, there were misconceptions about transmission, and only 31% knew there is no vaccine and 34% no cure. Religion was stated as a reason to avoid extramarital relationships by 91% and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) by 38%; 94% favored premarital testing. Attitudes toward people living with HIV (PLH) were neither friendly nor tolerant, including 97% who felt all people entering UAE should be tested, 53% that PLH should be forced to live apart, and only 27% who felt children with HIV should be allowed to attend school. Ninety-six percent stated that young people should be taught how to protect themselves and 57% that teaching at school was insufficient. Main information sources were books/media; preferred sources were media, schools, and health professionals. Males scored higher on knowledge and were more susceptible to fear of STDs, society, and family; females showed greater compassion and interest in premarital testing and education to protect themselves. Alarming gaps in knowledge about transmission and curability put young Arabs at risk of contracting HIV. Fear and intolerant attitudes toward PLH were prevalent. HIV/AIDS education designed to raise knowledge and change attitudes, and respectful of community values, is urgently needed from media, schools, and health

Methylation of HPV and a tumor suppressor gene reveals anal cancer and precursor lesions

PubMed Central

Lorincz, Attila T.; Nathan, Mayura; Reuter, Caroline; Warman, Rhian; Thaha, Mohamed A.; Sheaff, Michael; Vasiljevic, Natasa; Ahmad, Amar; Cuzick, Jack; Sasieni, Peter

2017-01-01

We studied DNA methylation patterns of human papillomavirus (HPV) and tumor suppressor gene EPB41L3 in 148 anal and perianal biopsies to determine whether high levels of methylation would be associated with anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN). The most prevalent HPV type was HPV16, detected in 54% of the 30 benign biopsies, 33% of the 43 low-grade AIN (lgAIN), 82% of the 59 high grade AIN (hgAIN) and 4 of the 5 anal cancers. A methylation score was developed (0.561*HPV16me+0.439*EPB41L3) which had increasing values with severity of disease: the mean was 8.1% in benign, 13.2% in lgAIN, 22.3% in hgAIN and 49.3% in cancers (p < 0.0001). The methylation score as a triage classifier at a cut-off of 8.8 gave a sensitivity of 90.6% (95% CI: 82.8, 96.9), specificity of 50.7% (95% CI: 39.7, 61.6) and area under the curve of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.75–0.89) for separating hgAIN and cancer from benign and lgAIN biopsies. We conclude that methylation of HPV16 and EPB41L3 show highly significant association with increasing severity of AIN and cancer and may be useful as biomarkers in anal disease. PMID:28881579

Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) Tour of MSFC Facilities

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-22

During Senator Doug Jones (D-Al.) tour of MSFC facilities Marshall engineer Bob Zeek explains the High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) program to Senator Jones and his wife, Louise.

Epidemiology of AL amyloidosis: a real-world study using US claims data.

PubMed

Quock, Tiffany P; Yan, Tingjian; Chang, Eunice; Guthrie, Spencer; Broder, Michael S

2018-05-22

Amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare disease caused by extracellular deposition of misfolded immunoglobulin light chains. This study aimed to provide an up-to-date estimate of prevalence and incidence of AL amyloidosis in the United States. Using claims databases from years 2007 to 2015, adults ≥18 years old with AL amyloidosis were included if they had (1) at least 1 inpatient or 2 outpatient claims consistent with AL amyloidosis and (2) received 1 AL-specific treatment. Prevalence was calculated as the number of AL patients divided by the number of enrollees on June 30th of each calendar year. Incidence was calculated as the number of patients with AL who were disease-free and enrolled with a health plan for 1 year prior, divided by the number of enrollees with enrollment from July 1st of the previous year to June 30th of each calendar year. The prevalence of AL amyloidosis increased significantly between 2007 and 2015, from 15.5 cases per million in 2007 to 40.5 in 2015, an annual percentage change (APC) of 12% ( P < .001). The incidence ranged from 9.7 to 14.0 cases per million person-years (APC, 3%; P = .114) with no statistically significant increase. There was an increase in AL amyloidosis prevalence over a 9-year period coupled with stable incidence rates. Although there is no diagnosis code specific to AL amyloidosis and no validated method for identifying this condition using claims data, extrapolating from our data, there are at least 12 000 adults in the United States living with AL amyloidosis, and the number seems likely to rise. © 2018 by The American Society of Hematology.

Microstructure and growth mechanism of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Al ceramic matrix composite made by directed oxidation of Al alloys

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

Qin, C.D.; Lai, M.O.; Cotterell, B.

Since the Lanxide process was advanced for forming of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} ceramic composite by directed oxidation of Al alloys, much work has been done with various mechanisms being proposed. The mechanisms have claimed that only certain dopants are essential to the growth process. Nevertheless, no united consensus has yet been reached. In the present work, Al alloy containing 5% Mg was oxidized in air for 12 hours at 1,150 C with or without surface dopants of MgO or Pd. The resultant composites showed very different microstructures. Without any surface doping, the alloy did not develop any portion of compositemore » as the initial intimate oxide film stops further oxidation. This intimate oxide film can either be broken off by mechanical means or penetrated by reaction with surface dopants, so that the composite can grow and develop. The results show that the previously reported incubation time is not only related to reaction processes but also to the initial mechanical disturbances. Doping with Pd made the composite darker in color as the grains of the alumina ceramic matrix and inclusions of Al metal are finer. This shows that Pd may make the top oxide layer less intimate, and more nucleation sites are therefore available for oxidation. A new model is presented for oxide sustained growth based on the existence of oxygen active top surface layer and the capillary flow of molten metal around ceramic phase.« less

Anal intraepithelial neoplasia in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era among HIV-positive men who have sex with men.

PubMed

Palefsky, Joel M; Holly, Elizabeth A; Efirdc, Jimmy T; Da Costa, Maria; Jay, Naomi; Berry, J Michael; Darragh, Teresa M

2005-09-02

The incidence of anal cancer among men who have sex with men (MSM) has continued to increase since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The prevalence of the putative anal cancer precursor, anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) was high among HIV-positive MSM prior to the availability of HAART but little is known about AIN since HAART was introduced. We characterized the prevalence of AIN among HIV-positive MSM and examined the association between AIN and various factors including use of HAART. A baseline point-prevalence analyses in a prospective cohort study of AIN was performed at a university-based research clinic. A total of 357 HIV-positive MSM with no history of anal cancer completed a questionnaire detailing behaviors and medical history, anal cytology and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, and high-resolution anoscopy with biopsy for detection of AIN. Eighty-one percent of participants with available CD4+ cell counts at baseline had AIN of any grade; 52% had AIN 2 or 3; and 95% had anal HPV infection. In multivariate analysis, detection of > or = 6 HPV types [odds ratio (OR), 36; 95% confidence interval (CI), 7.4-171) and use of HAART (OR, 10; 95% CI, 2.6-38) were associated with AIN after adjustment for length of time participants were HIV-positive, CD4+ cell count and HIV viral load. The prevalence of AIN has remained high among HIV-positive MSM after the introduction of HAART. Our data indicate that HAART is not associated with a reduced prevalence of AIN and support measures to prevent anal cancer among HIV-positive MSM whether or not they are using HAART.

Anal cytology as a predictor of anal intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-positive men and women.

PubMed

Betancourt, Eve M; Wahbah, Mary M; Been, Laura C; Chiao, Elizabeth Y; Citron, Deborah R; Laucirica, Rodolfo

2013-08-01

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals have increased risk of anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Cytologic screening is invaluable in the detection of cervical neoplasia, therefore many clinicians have adopted anal cytology as part of anal cancer screening in patients at high-risk for anal neoplasia. The purpose of this study is to determine whether anal cytology is a valuable screening test for identifying AIN in HIV+ patients. The cohort included 228 HIV+ patients who underwent anal cancer screening with collection of 318 anal cytology specimens between January 2006 and December 2009. Of this group, 74 (32.5%) patients had associated anal biopsies within a 6-month period, with a total of 89 comparison cases. The anal cytology samples were classified using the 2001 Bethesda System terminology. The sensitivity of anal cytology in detecting ASC-US, AIN 1-3 or SCC was 93%. Cytology was 88% sensitive for detecting low-grade AIN (AIN 1), but only 20% sensitive for detecting high-grade AIN (AIN 2-3) or SCC. Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance cases were distributed evenly between low- and high-grade AIN, with two cases having normal histology. Only six cases had negative cytology, all of which were associated with AIN on biopsy, for a false negative rate of 7%. Anal cytology is a good predictor of AIN, as confirmed by the high degree of sensitivity. However, there is poor correlation between the cytological and histological grade of AIN. Cytology underestimates the grade of dysplasia compared to the corresponding biopsy. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., a Wiley company.

Low-temperature heat capacities of CaAl2SiO6 glass and pyroxene and thermal expansion of CaAl2SiO6 pyroxene.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Haselton, H.T.; Hemingway, B.S.; Robie, R.A.

1984-01-01

Low-T heat capacities (5-380 K) have been measured by adiabatic calorimetry for synthetic CaAl2SiO6 glass and pyroxene. High-T unit cell parameters were measured for CaAl2SiO6 pyroxene by means of a Nonius Guinier-Lenne powder camera in order to determine the mean coefficient of thermal expansion in the T range 25-1200oC. -J.A.Z.

78 FR 69888 - ETFis Series Trust I, et al.; Notice of Application

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-21

...] ETFis Series Trust I, et al.; Notice of Application November 15, 2013. AGENCY: Securities and Exchange... Units; and (e) certain registered management investment companies and unit investment trusts outside of the same group of investment companies as the series to acquire Shares. APPLICANTS: ETFis Series Trust...

Shift Focus on the Al Qaeda Network: A More Comprehensive Approach to Defeating Al Qaeda

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-15

Declaration of jihad against the United States,” Al-Islah ( Internet ), September 2, 1996. As analyzed in Michael Scheuer, Osama bin Laden (New York...He enhanced his charismatic persona by deliberately modeling his life after that of Mohammed, the Islamic prophet.25 The irony of bin Laden is that...with the sensitive topic of a political ideology linked with a religion whose population is overwhelmingly distrustful of the U.S. Much has been made

Unraveling the Origin of Structural Disorder in High Temperature Transition Al2O3: Structure of θ-Al2O3

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

Kovarik, Libor; Bowden, Mark E.; Shi, Dachuan

The crystallography of transition Al2O3 has been extensively studied in the past due to the advantageous properties of the oxide in catalytic and a range of other technological applications. However, existing crystallographic models are insufficient to describe the structure of many important Al2O3 polymorphs due to their highly disordered nature. In this work, we investigate structure and disorder in high-temperature treated transition Al2O3, and provide a structural description for θ-Al2O3 by using a suite of complementary imaging, spectroscopy and quantum calculation techniques. Contrary to current understanding, our high-resolution imaging shows that θ-Al2O3 is a disordered composite phase of at leastmore » two different end members. By correlating imaging and spectroscopy results with DFT calculations, we propose a model that describes θ-Al2O3 as a disordered intergrowth of two crystallographic variants at the unit cell level. One variant is based on β-Ga2O3, and the other on a monoclinic phase that is closely-related to δ-Al2O3. The overall findings and interpretations afford new insight into the origin of poor crystallinity in transition Al2O3, and also provide new perspectives on structural complexity that can emerge from intergrowth of closely related structural polymorphs.« less

Army AL&T, July-September 2008

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

Technology , and Logistics (AT&L) Workforce and will summarize best practices , specific initiatives, and relevant accomplishments of DOD and the...PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Army Acquisition, Logistics & Technology (AT&L...logistics, and technology (AL&T) community. We have a vast number of programs that range from developing transformational technologies for our

Transformation of the θ-phase in Mg-Li-Al alloys: a density functional theory study.

PubMed

Zhang, Caili; Han, Peide; Zhang, Zhuxia; Dong, Minghui; Zhang, Lili; Gu, Xiangyang; Yang, Yanqing; Xu, Bingshe

2012-03-01

In Mg-Li-Al alloys, θ-phase MgAlLi(2) is a strengthening and metastable phase which is liable to be transformed to the equilibrium phase AlLi on overaging. While the structural details of the θ-phase MgAlLi(2) and the microscopic transformation are still unknown. In this paper, the structure of MgAlLi(2) unit cell was determined through X-ray powder diffraction simulation. Microscopic transformation process of θ-phase MgAlLi(2) was discussed in detail using first principles method.

Understanding the Relationship Between Structure and Thermophysical Properties of CaO-SiO2-MgO-Al2O3 Molten Slags

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yongqi; Wang, Hao; Zhang, Zuotai

2018-04-01

In the present work, the relationship between the microscopic structure and macroscopic thermophysical properties in a basic CaO-SiO2-MgO-Al2O3 quaternary system was identified using Fourier transformation infrared, Raman and 27Al magic angular spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS-NMR) techniques. The Raman spectra quantitatively proved that with increasing Al2O3 content, the concentrations of the symmetric units of Q 0(Si) and Q 2(Si) decreased, while those of the asymmetric units of Q 1(Si) and Q 3(Si) increased; consequently, the degree of polymerization of the networks increased, which resulted in an increase in slag viscosity. The 27Al MAS-NMR spectra demonstrated that three structural units of Al atoms, namely, AlO4, AlO5, and AlO6, mainly existed in the networks. With increasing Al2O3 content, the concentration of AlO4 slightly decreased, while those of AlO5 and AlO6 increased; overall, Al2O3 acted as a network former in the present system. The increasing Al2O3 content led to additional AlO6 and Si-NBO-Ca-NBO-Al frameworks, which replaced Si-NBO-Ca-NBO-Si in the networks (NBO: non-bridging oxygen) and induced a change in the primarily precipitated crystalline phase from Ca2MgSi2O7 and Ca2Al2SiO7 to MgAlO4.

Analysis of mutant quantity and quality in human-hamster hybrid AL and AL-179 cells exposed to 137Cs-gamma or HZE-Fe ions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waldren, C.; Vannais, D.; Drabek, R.; Gustafson, D.; Kraemer, S.; Lenarczyk, M.; Kronenberg, A.; Hei, T.; Ueno, A.; Chatterjee, A. (Principal Investigator)

1998-01-01

We measured the number of mutants and the kinds of mutations induced by 137Cs-gamma and by HZE-Fe (56Fe [600 MeV/amu, LET = 190 KeV/micrometer) in standard AL human hamster hybrid cells and in a new variant hybrid, AL-179. We found that HZE-Fe was more mutagenic than 137Cs-gamma per unit dose (about 1.6 fold), but was slightly less mutagenic per mean lethal dose, DO, at both the S1 and hprt- loci of AL cells. On the other hand, HZE-Fe induced about nine fold more complex S1- mutants than 137Cs-gamma rays, 28% vs 3%. 137Cs-gamma rays induced about twice as many S1- mutants and hprt-mutants in AL-179 as in AL cells, and about nine times more of the former were complex, and potentially unstable kinds of mutations.

Photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory study of TiAlO(y) (-) (y=1-3) and TiAl(2)O(y) (-) (y=2-3) clusters.

PubMed

Zhang, Zeng-Guang; Xu, Hong-Guang; Zhao, Yuchao; Zheng, Weijun

2010-10-21

Small titanium-aluminum oxide clusters, TiAlO(y) (-) (y=1-3) and TiAl(2)O(y) (-) (y=2-3), were studied by using anion photoelectron spectroscopy. The adiabatic detachment energies of TiAlO(y) (-) (y=1-3) were estimated to be 1.11±0.05, 1.70±0.08, and 2.47±0.08eV based on their photoelectron spectra; those of TiAl(2)O(2) (-) and TiAl(2)O(3) (-) were estimated to be 1.17±0.08 and 2.2±0.1eV, respectively. The structures of these clusters were determined by comparison of density functional calculations with the experimental results. The structure of TiAlO(-) is nearly linear with the O atom in the middle. That of TiAlO(2) (-) is a kite-shaped structure. TiAlO(3) (-) has a kite-shaped TiAlO(2) unit with the third O atom attaching to the Ti atom. TiAl(2)O(2) (-) has two nearly degenerate Al-O-Ti-O-Al chain structures that can be considered as cis and trans forms. TiAl(2)O(3) (-) has two low-lying isomers, kite structure and book structure. The structures of these clusters indicate that the Ti atom tends to bind to more O atoms.

Towards atomic scale engineering of rare-earth-doped SiAlON ceramics through aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy

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

Yurdakul, Hilmi; Idrobo Tapia, Juan C; Pennycook, Stephen J

2011-01-01

Direct visualization of rare earths in {alpha}- and {beta}-SiAlON unit-cells is performed through Z-contrast imaging technique in an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope. The preferential occupation of Yb and Ce atoms in different interstitial locations of {beta}-SiAlON lattice is demonstrated, yielding higher solubility for Yb than Ce. The triangular-like host sites in {alpha}-SiAlON unit cell accommodate more Ce atoms than hexagonal sites in {beta}-SiAlON. We think that our results will be applicable as guidelines for many kinds of rare-earth-doped materials.

Fabrication and characterization of AlN metal-insulator-semiconductor grown Si substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahyuddin, A.; Azrina, A.; Mohd Yusoff, M. Z.; Hassan, Z.

2017-11-01

An experimental investigation was conducted to explore the effect of inserting a single AlGaN interlayer between AlN epilayer and GaN/AlN heterostructures on Si (111) grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). It is confirmed from the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) that the AlGaN interlayer has a remarkable effect on reducing the tensile stress and dislocation density in AlN top layer. Capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements were conducted to study the electrical properties of AlN/GaN heterostructures. While deriving the findings through the calculation it is suggested that the AlGaN interlayer can significantly reduce the value of effective oxide charge density and total effective number of charges per unit area which are 1.37 × 10-6C/cm2 and 8.55 × 1012cm-2, respectively.

Assessing the Mechanisms of MDS and Its Transformation to Leukemia in a Novel Humanized Mouse

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-01

achievements N/A References N/A References: 1. Rongvaux, A., et al., Development and function of human innate immune cells in a...in cancer survivors. MDS is inherently difficult to study. MDS stem cells cannot be grown in culture and in vivo models are thus the gold standard...However, MDS stem cells are diseased and fail to efficiently engraft in current immunodeficient mouse models. We have optimized engraftment of

Moist occlusive dressing (Aquacel(®) Ag) versus moist open dressing (MEBO(®)) in the management of partial-thickness facial burns: a comparative study in Ain Shams University.

PubMed

Mabrouk, Amr; Boughdadi, Nahed Samir; Helal, Hesham A; Zaki, Basim M; Maher, Ashraf

2012-05-01

The face is the central point of the physical features; it transmits expressions and emotions, communicates feelings and allows for individual identity. Facial burns are very common and are devastating to the affected patient and results into numerous physical, emotional and psychosocial sequels. Partial thickness facial burns are very common especially among children. This study compares the effect of standard moist open technique management and a moist closed technique for partial thickness burns of the face. Patients with partial-thickness facial burns admitted in the burn unit, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt in the period from April 2009 to December 2009 were included in this study. They were divided into two groups to receive either open treatment with MEBO(®) (n=20) or coverage with Aquacel(®) Ag (n=20). Demographics (age, gender, ethnicity, TBSA, burn areas), length of hospital stay (LOS), rate of infections, time to total healing, frequency of dressing changes, pain, cost benefit and patient discomfort were compared between the two groups. The long-term outcome (incidence of hypertrophic scarring) was assessed for up to 6 months follow-up period. There were no significant differences in demographics between the two groups. In the group treated with the Aquacel(®) Ag, the mean time for re-epithelialization was 10.5 days, while it was 12.4 days in the MEBO(®) group (p<0.05). Frequency of changes, pain and patient discomfort were less with Aquacel(®) Ag. Cost was of no significant difference between the two groups. Scar quality improved in the Aquacel(®) Ag treatment group. Three and 6 months follow-up was done and long-term outcomes were recorded in both groups. Moist occlusive dressing (Aquacel(®) Ag) significantly improves the management and healing rate of partial thickness facial burns with better long-term outcome compared to moist open dressing (MEBO(®)). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Material and Phonon Engineering for Next Generation Acoustic Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Nai-Kuei

This thesis presents the theoretical and experimental work related to micromachining of low intrinsic loss sapphire and phononic crystals for engineering new classes of electroacoustic devices for frequency control applications. For the first time, a low loss sapphire suspended membrane was fabricated and utilized to form the main body of a piezoelectric lateral overtone bulk acoustic resonator (LOBAR). Since the metalized piezoelectric transducer area in a LOBAR is only a small fraction of the overall resonant cavity (made out of sapphire), high quality factor (Q) overtones are attained. The experiment confirms the low intrinsic mechanical loss of the transferred sapphire thin film, and the resonators exhibit the highest Q of 5,440 at 2.8 GHz ( f·Q of 1.53.1013 Hz). This is also the highest f·Q demonstrated for aluminum-nitride-(AIN)-based Lamb wave devices to date. Beyond demonstrating a low loss device, this experimental work has laid the foundation for the future development of new micromechanical devices based on a high Q, high hardness and chemically resilient material. The search for alternative ways to more efficiently perform frequency control functionalities lead to the exploration of Phononic Crystal (PnC) structures in AIN thin films. Four unit cell designs were theoretically and experimentally investigated to explore the behavior of phononic bandgaps (PBGs) in the ultra high frequency (UHF) range: (i) the conventional square lattice with circular air scatterer, (ii) the inverse acoustic bandgap (IABG) structure, (iii) the fractal PnC, and (iv) the X-shaped PnC. Each unit cell has its unique frequency characteristic that was exploited to synthesize either cavity resonators or improve the performance of acoustic delay lines. The PBGs operate in the range of 770 MHz to 1 GHz and exhibit a maximum acoustic rejection of 40 dB. AIN Lamb wave transducers (LWTs) were employed for the experimental demonstration of the PBGs and cavity resonances. Ultra

Ground-water exploration in Al Marj area, Cyrenaica, United Kingdom of Libya

USGS Publications Warehouse

Newport, T.G.; Haddor, Yousef

1963-01-01

The present report, based largely on fieldwork during 1959-61, describes the results of reconnaissance hydrogeologic studies and exploratory drilling to evaluate the general water-bearing properties of the rocks and the availability of groundwater supplies for irrigation, stock, and village uses in Al Marj area. These studies and the drilling were conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Operations Mission of the International Cooperation Administration. Al Marj area, located in the Province of Cyrenaica on the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, contains a land area of about 6,770 square kilometers. Along the Mediterranean shore is a narrow coastal plain that rises evenly to the base of an escarpment that forms the seaward front of an undulating plateau known as. Al Jabal al Akhgiar. The climate is semiarid; seasonal rainfall occurs during the winter months. Owing to orographic effects, the rainfall is somewhat higher in the Jabal than in the coastal plain. The average annual rainfall ranges from about 250 millimeters in the coastal plain to 450 millimeters on the Jabal. All the streams (wadis) of the area are ephemeral and flow only in response to heavy rains of the winter season. From a drainage divide on the Jabal some streams flow north and northwest toward the sea and the others, south and southeast to the interior desert. Solution features, such as limestone sink holes, are common in the coastal plain and a large solution depression occurs near Al Marj. The rocks of A1 Marj area consist predominantly of limestone and some sandstone and shale; they range from Cretaceous to Miocene age. On the coastal plain Miocene limestone is locally mantled by Quaternary alluvial, beach and lagoonal deposits. The Miocene and older beds have a regional southerly dip. These rocks are broken by northeast-trending normal faults in the coastal and inland escarpments. The ground-water reservoir is contained chiefly in fractures, bedding planes, and solution openings in the

Synthesizing (ZrAl3 + AlN)/Mg-Al composites by a 'matrix exchange' method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Tong; Li, Zengqiang; Hu, Kaiqi; Han, Mengxia; Liu, Xiangfa

2018-06-01

A method named 'matrix exchange' to synthesize ZrAl3 and AlN reinforced Mg-Al composite was developed in this paper. By inserting Al-10ZrN master alloy into Mg matrix and reheating the cooled ingot to 550 °C, Al and Mg atoms diffuse to the opposite side. As a result, liquid melt occurs once the interface areas reach to proper compositions. Then dissolved Al atoms react with ZrN, leading to the in-situ formation of ZrAl3 and AlN particles, while the Al matrix is finally replaced by Mg. This study provides a new insight for preparing Mg composites.

Measuring the performance of neonatal care units in Scotland.

PubMed

Field, Kamal; Emrouznejad, Ali

2003-08-01

Policy makers continue to debate whether or not to increase the share of health care expenditures in United Kingdom. On the other hand, the pressure of operating within tight budgets and the advances in technology are forcing more locally based hospitals to close. One that could be used by policy makers as a benchmark is the measure of relative performance of hospitals. Many researchers have examined the source of inefficiency in health sectors (see, for example, Harris et al., Oper. Res. Soc. 57:801-811, 2000, Ozcan et al., Med. Case 30:781-784, 1992; Ozcan et aL., J. Med. Syst. 20(3)141-150, 1996; and Grosskopf and Valdmanis, J. Health. Econ. 6:89-107, 1987 but there is no evidence of measuring performance of neonatal care units of Scottish hospitals in the DEA literature. The purpose of this paper is to measure both technical and scale efficiency using data envelopment analysis in a selection of 22 neonatal care units in Scotland. The analysis suggests that major inefficiency likely exists in health care production in United Kingdom. There is potential for improving productivity by 20%.

Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency in Somalia: Assessing the Campaign Against Al Shabaab

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-01

establishment of Islam.”11 Research Design In an effort to better understand al Shabaab and U.S. efforts to degrade it, this study asks three sets of questions...and International Studies , July 2011; Ken Menkhaus, “Al-Shabab’s Capabilities Post -Westgate,” CTC Sentinel, March 24, 2014; United Nations (UN...representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited

Al7CX (X=Li-Cs) clusters: Stability and the prospect for cluster materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashman, C.; Khanna, S. N.; Pederson, M. R.; Kortus, J.

2000-12-01

Al7C clusters, recently found to have a high-electron affinity and exceptional stability, are shown to form ionic molecules when combined with alkali-metal atoms. Our studies, based on an ab initio gradient-corrected density-functional scheme, show that Al7CX (X=Li-Cs) clusters have a very low-electron affinity and a high-ionization potential. When combined, the two- and four-atom composite clusters of Al7CLi units leave the Al7C clusters almost intact. Preliminary studies indicate that Al7CLi may be suitable to form cluster-based materials.

Assistants in nursing working with mental health consumers in the emergency department.

PubMed

Gerace, Adam; Muir-Cochrane, Eimear; O'Kane, Deb; Couzner, Leah; Palmer, Christine; Thornton, Karleen

2018-05-15

Nursing students, regardless of setting, require skills in working with people with mental health issues. One way to provide students with learning opportunities within the context of limited undergraduate mental health content and lack of mental health placements is through employment as assistants in nursing (AIN). The purpose of the study was to investigate the use of AINs employed in an emergency department in South Australia to supervise (continuous observation) mental health consumers on inpatient treatment orders. Twenty-four participants took part in the study, with AINs (n = 8, all studying in an undergraduate nursing programme), nurse managers (n = 5), and nurses (n = 11) participating in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Themes focused on (i) the AIN role, their practice, boundaries or restrictions of their role, and the image consumers have of AINs; (ii) learning through experience, where the AIN role was a practical opportunity to learn and apply knowledge obtained through university studies; and (iii) support, which focused on how AINs worked with nursing staff as part of the healthcare team. Overall, participants believed that AINs played an important role in the ED in supervising consumers on involuntary mental health treatment orders, where their unique role was seen to facilitate more positive consumer experiences. The AIN role is one way for nursing students to develop skills in working with people with mental health issues. © 2018 Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc.

76 FR 23342 - Russell Investment Management Company, et al.;

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-26

...] Russell Investment Management Company, et al.; Notice of Application April 20, 2011. AGENCY: Securities...: Applicants request an order that would permit (a) series of certain open-end management investment companies... registered management investment companies and unit investment trusts outside of the same group of investment...

Tem Observation of Precipitates in Ag-Added Al-Mg-Si Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagai, Takeshi; Matsuda, Kenji; Nakamura, Junya; Kawabata, Tokimasa; Marioara, Calin; Andersen, Sigmund J.; Holmestad, Randi; Hirosawa, Shoichi; Horita, Zenji; Terada, Daisuke; Ikeno, Susumu

The influence of addition of the small amount of transition metals to Al-Mg-Si alloy had reported by many researchers. In the previous our work, β' phase in alloys Al — 1.0 mass% Mg2Si -0.5 mass% Ag (Ag-addition) and Al -1.0 mass% Mg2Si (base) were investigated by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED), in order to understand the effect of Ag. In addition, the distribution of Ag was investigated by energy filtered mapping and high annular angular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). One Ag-containing atomic column was observed per β' unit cell, and the unit cell symmetry is slightly changed as compared with the Ag-free β'. In this work, the microstructure of G.P. zone and β'' phase was investigated by TEM observation, which were formed before β' phase. The deformed sample by high pressure torsion (HPT) technique before aging was also investigated to understand its effect for aging in this alloy.

Investigation of the Electrical Characteristics of Al/p-Si/Al Schottky Diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Şenarslan, Elvan; Güzeldir, Betül; Sağlam, Mustafa

2016-04-01

In this study, p-type Si semiconductor wafer with (100) orientation, 400 μm thickness and 1-10 Ω cm resistivity was used. The Si wafer before making contacts were chemically cleaned with the Si cleaning procedure which for remove organic contaminations were ultrasonically cleaned at acetone and methanol for 10 min respectively and then rinsed in deionized water of 18 MΩ and dried with high purity N2. Then respectively RCA1(i.e., boiling in NH3+H2O2+6H2O for 10 min at 60°C ), RCA2 (i.e., boiling in HCl+H2O2+6H2O for 10 min at 60°C ) cleaning procedures were applied and rinsed in deionized water followed by drying with a stream of N2. After the cleaning process, the wafer is immediately inserted in to the coating unit. Ohmic contact was made by evaporating of Al on the non-polished side of the p-Si wafer pieces under ~ 4,2 10-6 Torr pressure. After process evaporation, p-Si with omic contac thermally annealed 580°C for 3 min in a quartz tube furnace in N2. Then, the rectifier contact is made by evaporation Al metal diameter of about 1.0 mm on the polished surface of p-Si in turbo molecular pump at about ~ 1 10-6 Torr. Consequently, Al/p-Si/Al Schottky diode was obtained. The I-V measurements of this diode performed by the use of a KEITLEY 487 Picoammeter/Voltage Source and the C-V measurements were performed with HP 4192A (50-13 MHz) LF Impedance Analyzer at room temperature and in dark.

Thirty-Five Years of Care of Child Language in Egypt

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kotby, M. Nasser; El-Sady, Safaa; Hegazi, Mona

2010-01-01

The team of the Unit of Phoniatrics and Logopedics of the Ain Shams University Clinic in Cairo, Egypt, has worked for three and half decades to spread awareness of child language disorders. This involved publications to inform the public, as well as health care professionals, about the needs of children with delayed language, through description…

Postpartum mental illness: perspectives from an Arabian Gulf population.

PubMed

Ghubash, Rafia; Eapen, Valsamma

2009-08-01

There is growing awareness of the importance of mental health issues in the perinatal period in Western societies, but very little information is available from Muslim and Arab countries. Qualitative information gathered using focus group discussions of women of childbearing age is presented along with additional information obtained from key informant interviews with grandmothers, husbands, and health care professionals in the United Arab Emirates. The participants were women attending a public sector clinic in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, and a private clinic in Dubai on a particular day. There were 19 women in the age range 17 to 46 years (M age = 29 yr.). The majority of the women who took part in the study did not recognize postnatal depression as a psychological issue but considered the problems a result of "evil eye" or "Jinn." The present findings suggest the need for initiating awareness programs among women and training of health professionals on the detection and management of postnatal depression.

Interpretation of way-finding healthcare symbols by a multicultural population: navigation signage design for global health.

PubMed

Hashim, Muhammad Jawad; Alkaabi, Mariam Salem Khamis Matar; Bharwani, Sulaiman

2014-05-01

The interpretation of way-finding symbols for healthcare facilities in a multicultural community was assessed in a cross-sectional study. One hundred participants recruited from Al Ain city in the United Arab Emirates were asked to interpret 28 healthcare symbols developed at Hablamos Juntos (such as vaccinations and laboratory) as well as 18 general-purpose symbols (such as elevators and restrooms). The mean age was 27.6 years (16-55 years) of whom 84 (84%) were females. Healthcare symbols were more difficult to comprehend than general-purpose signs. Symbols referring to abstract concepts were the most misinterpreted including oncology, diabetes education, outpatient clinic, interpretive services, pharmacy, internal medicine, registration, social services, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and infectious diseases. Interpretation rates varied across cultural backgrounds and increased with higher education and younger age. Signage within healthcare facilities should be tested among older persons, those with limited literacy and across a wide range of cultures. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd and The Ergonomics Society. All rights reserved.

A Preliminary Study on the Use of the Ultraviolet Exhaust Plumes of the ICBMS for Launch Detection

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-11-01

HNO3) Ammonia (NH3) Nitrogen Ethyl Tetroxide (N204) Alcohol (C3HlOH) Chlorine Unsymmetrical Trifluoride Dimethylhydrazine (CIF3) (UDMH) (CHiNNHz) In the...attention recently is galium- aluminum - nitride (GaAIN). GaAlN is a photocathode material which is expected to have a significantly improved quantum...the possible combinations of these components. However, the most common solid fuel and oxidizer are aluminum powder and ammonium perchlorate (NH4ClO4

Missing lynx and trophic cascades in food webs: A reply to Ripple et al.

Treesearch

John R. Squires; Nicholas J. DeCesare; Mark Hebblewhite; Joel Berger

2012-01-01

Ripple et al. (2011) proposed a hypothesis that the recovery of gray wolves (Canis lupus) may positively affect the viability of threatened Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) populations in the contiguous United States through indirect species interactions. Ripple et al. (2011) proposed 2 key trophic linkages connecting wolf restoration with lynx recovery. First, recovering...

Unravelling regolith material types using Mg/Al and K/Al plot to support field regolith identification in the savannah regions of NW Ghana, West Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arhin, Emmanuel; Zango, Saeed M.

2015-12-01

The XRF analytical method was used to measure the weight % of the major oxides in regolith samples. The metal weight % of Mg, K and Al were calculated from their oxides and were normalised relative to immobile Al calculated from its oxide. The plot of Mg/Al and K/Al identified the regolith of the study area to consist of 137 transported clays, 4 ferruginous sediments or ferricrete, 2 lateritic duricrust and 4 saprolites. Surface regolith that had undergone secondary transformation and shows compositional overlaps were 4 transported clays with Fe-oxide impregnation may be referred to as nodular laterite and 5 ferruginous saprolites. The variable regolith materials features identified from the 154 samples enabled the characterisation and identification of the different sample materials because an overprint of bedrock geochemistry is reflected in the regolith. Plot of Mg/Al and K/Al highlighted the compositional variability of the regolith samples and refute the notion of the homogeneity of all the sampled materials in the area. The study thus recognized Mg/Al versus K/Al plots to be used in supporting field identification of regolith mapping units particularly in complex regolith terrains of savannah regions of Ghana and in similar areas where geochemical exploration surveys are being carried out under cover.

CLOSEUP VIEW OF A GENERATOR UNIT WITH ITS ASSOCIATED INSTRUMENTATION ...

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

CLOSE-UP VIEW OF A GENERATOR UNIT WITH ITS ASSOCIATED INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL PANEL. - Wilson Dam & Hydroelectric Plant, Turbine & Generator Unit, Spanning Tennessee River at Wilson Dam Road (Route 133), Muscle Shoals, Colbert County, AL

Effects of boron supplements on bones from rats fed calcium and magnesium deficient diets

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

McCoy, H.; Irwin, A.; Kenney, M.A.

1991-03-15

Sixty female, weanling rats were fed, for 6 wks, diets providing: casein, 20; CHO, 40; fat, 40. Vitamins and minerals, except Ca and Mg, were fed according to AIN'76 recommendations. Gp A (control) was fed 100% AIN Ca, Mg and P with no boron (B) added. Gps CD and CD+B were fed 30% AIN Ca and 100% AIN Mg and P; Gps MD and MD+B were fed 20% AIN Mg and 100% AIN Ca and P; Gps CMD and CMD+B were fed 20% AIN Mg, 30% AIN Ca and 100% AIN P. The +B groups were supplemented with B atmore » 12 mcg/g diet. Femurs (F) and 2 vertebrae (V) were scraped clean, weighed, sealed in saline-wet gauze, and refrigerated overnight. Bones were equilibrated at {sup {approximately}}25C. F lengths and diameters at the breakpoint were measured before a 3-point flexure test. V were subjected to a compression test. Maximum force (kg) at breakpoint was recorded. Data for right and left F and for 2 V were pooled. Although DIET' (CD, MD, CMD) affected numerous characteristics of F and V, B supplementation of diets affected only % moisture in F, Ca concentration in dry F and in F ash for CD and CMD diets. Interactions between B and diet affected F Mg concentrations in bone and in ash. Group CMD+B had higher Mg/g F than CMD. B increased Mg/g ash for CMD, decreased it for CD and did not affect it for MD.« less

Magnetism of Al-substituted magnetite reduced from Al-hematite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Zhaoxia; Liu, Qingsong; Zhao, Xiang; Roberts, Andrew P.; Heslop, David; Barrón, Vidal; Torrent, José

2016-06-01

Aluminum-substituted magnetite (Al-magnetite) reduced from Al-substituted hematite or goethite (Al-hematite or Al-goethite) is an environmentally important constituent of magnetically enhanced soils. In order to characterize the magnetic properties of Al-magnetite, two series of Al-magnetite samples were synthesized through reduction of Al-hematite by a mixed gas (80% CO2 and 20% CO) at 395°C for 72 h in a quartz tube furnace. Al-magnetite samples inherited the morphology of their parent Al-hematite samples, but only those transformed from Al-hematite synthesized at low temperature possessed surficial micropores, which originated from the release of structural water during heating. Surface micropores could thus serve as a practical fingerprint of fire or other high-temperature mineralogical alteration processes in natural environments, e.g., shear friction in seismic zones. In addition, Al substitution greatly affects the magnetic properties of Al-magnetite. For example, coercivity (Bc) increases with increasing Al content and then decreases slightly, while the saturation magnetization (Ms), Curie temperature (Tc), and Verwey transition temperature (Tv) all decrease with increasing Al content due to crystal defect formation and dilution of magnetic ions caused by Al incorporation. Moreover, different trends in the correlation between Tc and Bc can be used to discriminate titanomagnetite from Al-magnetite, which is likely to be important in environmental and paleomagnetic studies, particularly in soil.

Areal Crater Density Analysis of Volcanic Smooth Plains: A New Approach to Distinguishing Age Units

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ostrach, L. R.; Robinson, M. S.

2013-12-01

It is well documented that the lunar maria were emplaced over an extended period of time [e.g., 1-3], and mare units exhibit significant color differences in multispectral data that are interpreted to correlate with distinct mineralogical compositions and ages [e.g., 3-7]. Areal crater density (ACD) analysis is used as a novel approach to identify resurfacing boundaries within Mare Imbrium as a test case for mercurian studies. Absolute model age dating and measures of ACD from crater counts on Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Wide Angle Camera (LRO WAC) mosaics reveal two spatially expansive, statistically separable units in Mare Imbrium. The older, spectrally red unit (~15-18 wt% FeO, ~2-5 wt% TiO2 [8]) in the east is ~3.3 Ga, and the younger, spectrally blue unit (~17-20 wt% FeO, ~7-10 wt% TiO2 [8]) in the west is ~2.2 Ga. ACD measurements show a regional boundary at the contact between these two regions. The geologic contact is confidently observed in ACD maps derived for regions with model age differences >300-500 million years and spatial extents >1 × 104 km2. The older, spectrally red unit exhibits higher ACD (>35000 craters with diameters ≥500 m per 106 km2) and the younger, spectrally blue unit has a lower ACD (<26000 craters with diameters ≥500 m per 106 km2); the absolute model ages and ACD results agree with other dating studies of this region [5, 9-12]. Thus, ACD measurements provide a reliable technique to distinguish relative ages among geologic units as well as a means to explore the statistical significance of published absolute model ages. Moreover, the ability to distinguish surface units of different ages from measures of crater frequencies in Mare Imbrium, when spectral information is not available or units do not exhibit spectral contrasts, shows that the ACD technique may be applied to other planetary bodies to search for age boundaries within contiguous smooth plains units. For example, multispectral differences within volcanic units (age

Familial ALS

PubMed Central

Boylan, Kevin

2015-01-01

Synopsis Genes linked to ALS susceptibility are being identified at an increasing rate owing to advances in molecular genetic technology. Genetic mechanisms in ALS pathogenesis appear to exert major effects in ~10% of patients, but genetic factors at some level may be important components of disease risk in most ALS patients. Identification of gene variants associated with ALS has informed concepts of the pathogenesis of ALS, aided the identification of therapeutic targets, facilitated research to develop new ALS biomarkers, and supported the establishment of clinical diagnostic tests for ALS-linked genes. Translation of this knowledge to ALS therapy development is ongoing. PMID:26515623

Interfacial characterization of Al-Al thermocompression bonds

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

Malik, N., E-mail: nishantmalik1987@gmail.com; SINTEF ICT, Department of Microsystems and Nanotechnology, P.O. Box 124 Blindern, N-0314 Oslo; Carvalho, P. A.

2016-05-28

Interfaces formed by Al-Al thermocompression bonding were studied by the transmission electron microscopy. Si wafer pairs having patterned bonding frames were bonded using Al films deposited on Si or SiO{sub 2} as intermediate bonding media. A bond force of 36 or 60 kN at bonding temperatures ranging from 400–550 °C was applied for a duration of 60 min. Differences in the bonded interfaces of 200 μm wide sealing frames were investigated. It was observed that the interface had voids for bonding with 36 kN at 400 °C for Al deposited both on Si and on SiO{sub 2}. However, the dicing yield was 33% for Al onmore » Si and 98% for Al on SiO{sub 2}, attesting for the higher quality of the latter bonds. Both a bond force of 60 kN applied at 400 °C and a bond force of 36 kN applied at 550 °C resulted in completely bonded frames with dicing yields of, respectively, 100% and 96%. A high density of long dislocations in the Al grains was observed for the 60 kN case, while the higher temperature resulted in grain boundary rotation away from the original Al-Al interface towards more stable configurations. Possible bonding mechanisms and reasons for the large difference in bonding quality of the Al films deposited on Si or SiO{sub 2} are discussed.« less

Autoimmune neutropenia preceding Helicobacter pylori-negative MALT lymphoma with nodal dissemination

PubMed Central

Harada, Saori; Yamazaki, Sho; Nakamura, Fumihiko; Morita, Ken; Yoshimi, Akihide; Shinozaki-Ushiku, Aya; Fukayama, Masashi; Kurokawa, Mineo

2014-01-01

Autoimmune neutropenia (AIN), resulting from granulocyte-specific autoantibodies, is much less frequent than other autoimmune hematologic disorders including autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). These autoimmune disorders may precede, synchronize, or follow collagen disorders, viral infections, and lymphoid neoplasms. Herein we present the first case of AIN in association with Helicobacter pylori-negative mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma with nodal dissemination. In our case, AIN, accompanied by ITP, occurred prior to the clinical manifestation of lymphoma. AIN and ITP were well managed afterwards, but they relapsed in accordance with the recurrence of lymphoma. The administration of prednisolone at 0.5 mg/kg daily alleviated the cytopenias within a week. In general, combination chemotherapy is performed for the treatment of lymphoma-associated autoimmune hematologic disorders and indeed seems to be effective. Our case indicates that corticosteroid monotherapy may be effective for lymphoma-associated AIN especially when AIN precedes the onset of lymphoma. PMID:25337296

Screening for Anal Cancer in HIV Positive Patients: Should We Make It A Standard-of-care?

PubMed

Xu, Jian; Zhou, Haiyang

2017-09-27

Anal cancer is biological similar to cervical cancer, and is preceded by anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN). Screening for AIN and treatments to reduce the risk of anal cancer are not established as guidelines of care for HIV-infected patients. It is mainly because screening and treating of AIN is not yet proven to reduce the incidence of anal cancer. The present study preliminarily demonstrated that a successful screening program in preventing squamous cell anal cancer in HIV positive patients. The authors achieved their purpose of controlling the evolution of all abnormalities identified during the anal cancer screening, preventing AIN to progress towards anal cancer, and reversing any form of AIN by surgery, ablation or medical therapy. Randomized controlled multi-center trials with a large sample size should be carried out to validate the study results. It is wise for the physicians to actively screen and treat AIN in HIV-infected patients whenever possible unless the results of randomized controlled study demonstrate that doing so is inappropriate.

Ab initio modeling of zincblende AlN layer in Al-AlN-TiN multilayers

DOE PAGES

Yadav, S. K.; Wang, J.; Liu, X. -Y.

2016-06-13

An unusual growth mechanism of metastable zincblende AlN thin film by diffusion of nitrogen atoms into Al lattice is established. Using first-principles density functional theory, we studied the possibility of thermodynamic stability of AlN as a zincblende phase due to epitaxial strains and interface effect, which fails to explain the formation of zincblende AlN. We then compared the formation energetics of rocksalt and zincblende AlN in fcc Al through direct diffusion of nitrogen atoms to Al octahedral and tetrahedral interstitials. Furthermore, the formation of a zincblende AlN thin film is determined to be a kinetically driven process, not a thermodynamicallymore » driven process.« less

Publications and Technical Reports of the United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, 1961-1992

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-09-30

Human Performance : Vol. 2. Health and Performance . A.P. Smith and D.M. Jones (Eds.), Academic Press, London, 1992. 1214. Matthew, C.B., R.P. Francesconi...Cardinal and Marie E. Stephens 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) B. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER U.S. Army Research...oriented to preserving the health and performance of military personnel in aining and combat. Works cited variously include physiological, biological

Solidification of Al-Sn-Cu Based Immiscible Alloys under Intense Shearing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotadia, H. R.; Doernberg, E.; Patel, J. B.; Fan, Z.; Schmid-Fetzer, R.

2009-09-01

The growing importance of Al-Sn based alloys as materials for engineering applications necessitates the development of uniform microstructures with improved performance. Guided by the recently thermodynamically assessed Al-Sn-Cu system, two model immiscible alloys, Al-45Sn-10Cu and Al-20Sn-10Cu, were selected to investigate the effects of intensive melt shearing provided by the novel melt conditioning by advanced shear technology (MCAST) unit on the uniform dispersion of the soft Sn phase in a hard Al matrix. Our experimental results have confirmed that intensive melt shearing is an effective way to achieve fine and uniform dispersion of the soft phase without macro-demixing, and that such dispersed microstructure can be further refined in alloys with precipitation of the primary Al phase prior to the demixing reaction. In addition, it was found that melt shearing at 200 rpm and 60 seconds will be adequate to produce fine and uniform dispersion of the Sn phase, and that higher shearing speed and prolonged shearing time can only achieve minor further refinement.

Thermal Modeling of Al-Al and Al-Steel Friction Stir Spot Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jedrasiak, P.; Shercliff, H. R.; Reilly, A.; McShane, G. J.; Chen, Y. C.; Wang, L.; Robson, J.; Prangnell, P.

2016-09-01

This paper presents a finite element thermal model for similar and dissimilar alloy friction stir spot welding (FSSW). The model is calibrated and validated using instrumented lap joints in Al-Al and Al-Fe automotive sheet alloys. The model successfully predicts the thermal histories for a range of process conditions. The resulting temperature histories are used to predict the growth of intermetallic phases at the interface in Al-Fe welds. Temperature predictions were used to study the evolution of hardness of a precipitation-hardened aluminum alloy during post-weld aging after FSSW.

Proton irradiation studies on Al and Al5083 alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharyya, P.; Gayathri, N.; Bhattacharya, M.; Gupta, A. Dutta; Sarkar, Apu; Dhar, S.; Mitra, M. K.; Mukherjee, P.

2017-10-01

The change in the microstructural parameters and microhardness values in 6.5 MeV proton irradiated pure Al and Al5083 alloy samples have been evaluated using different model based techniques of X-ray diffraction Line Profile Analysis (XRD) and microindendation techniques. The detailed line profile analysis of the XRD data showed that the domain size increases and saturates with irradiation dose both in the case of Al and Al5083 alloy. The corresponding microstrain values did not show any change with irradiation dose in the case of the pure Al but showed an increase at higher irradiation doses in the case of Al5083 alloy. The microindendation results showed that unirradiated Al5083 alloy has higher hardness value compared to that of unirradiated pure Al. The hardness increased marginally with irradiation dose in the case of Al5083, whereas for pure Al, there was no significant change with dose.

Supinator to ulnar nerve transfer via in situ anterior interosseous nerve bridge to restore intrinsic muscle function in combined proximal median and ulnar nerve injury: a novel cadaveric study.

PubMed

Namazi, Hamid; HajiVandi, Shahin

2017-05-01

In cases of high ulnar nerve palsy, result of nerve repair in term of intrinsic muscle recovery is unsatisfactory. Distal nerve transfer can diminish the regeneration time and improve the results. But, there was no perfect distal nerve transfer for restoring intrinsic hand function in combined proximal median and ulnar nerve injuries. This cadaveric study aims to evaluate the possibility and feasibility of supinator nerve transfer to motor branch of ulnar nerve (MUN). Ten cadaveric upper limbs dissected to identify the location of the supinator branch, anterior interosseous nerve (AIN), and MUN. The AIN was cut from its origin and transferred to the supinator branches. Also, the AIN was distally cut and transferred to the MUN. After nerve coaptation, surface area, fascicle count, and axon number were determined by histologic methods. In all limbs, the proximal and distal stumps of AIN reached the supinator branch and the MUN without tension, respectively. The mean of axon number in the supinator, proximal stump of AIN, distal stump of AIN and MUN branches were 32,426, 45,542, 25,288, and 35,426, respectively. This study showed that transfer of the supinator branches to the MUN is possible via the in situ AIN bridge. The axon count data showed a favorable match between the supinator branches, AIN, and MUN. Therefore, it is suggested that this technique can be useful for patients with combined high median and ulnar nerve injuries. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Low Temperature Deposition and Characterization of N- and P-Type Silicon Carbide Thin Films and Associated Ohmic and Schottky Contacts

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-01

properties which make it an attractive material for electronic devices used in high temperature and power applications. In order to make useful...remote plasma chamber. The processing parameters were a pressure of 18 mTorr and a power output of 20 Watts; a flow of 10 sccm of hydrogen gas was...Table I. Growth Conditions for the AIN films Temperature 1050 C Al evaporation temperature 1260 "C Nitrogen flow rate 3.5 sccrn Microwave power 100W

Middle Miocene benthic foraminifera from the Al Khums area, northwestern Libya

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Baz, Sherif M.; Al Furjany, Ahmed

2018-02-01

The present study deals with the benthic foraminifera from three sections cropping out in the Al Khums area, northwestern Libya. Lithostratigraphically, these outcrops belong to the Al Khums Formation, which is locally subdivided into two informal members: An Naggazah and Ras Al Mannubiyah. Detailed investigation of the foraminiferal content led to the recognition of 27 species belonging to 16 genera and 13 families. The absence of index planktonic foraminifera does not enable the recognition of any planktonic biozone within the Al Khums Formation. The presence of the larger benthic foraminifera Borelis melo melo enables the assignment of a Middle Miocene age to this rock unit. The studied sections characterized by the common occurrence of benthic foraminiferal species living in a shallow neritic environment. This conclusion is corroborated by the co-occurrence of large oysters, corals and algae.

Preparation, structure and analysis of the bonding in the molecular entity (OSO)2Li{[AlF(ORF)3]Li[Al(ORF)4]} (RF = C(CF3)3).

PubMed

Cameron, T Stanley; Nikiforov, Grigory B; Passmore, Jack; Rautiainen, J Mikko

2010-03-14

The (SO(2))(2)Li[AlF(OR(F))(3)]Li[Al(OR(F))(4)] (1) (R(F) = C(CF(3))(3)) molecular entity was obtained by thermal decomposition of Li[Al(OR(F))(4)] followed by crystallization from liquid SO(2). 1, containing two SO(2) molecules eta(1)-O coordinated to Li(+), was structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy in SO(2)(l). Bonding analyses of 1 (bond valency units, AIM analysis, atomic charges, bond orders) show that 1 can be either considered as a Li(OSO)(2)(+) complex stabilized by the large WCA [AlF(OR(F))(3)](-)Li(+)[Al(OR(F))(4)](-) or as consisting of 2 SO(2), 2 Li(+), [AlF(OR(F))(3)](-), and [Al(OR(F))(4)](-) joined by electrostatic interactions into the discrete molecular entity 1. The bonding between Li(+) and SO(2) molecules is shown to be almost completely attributable to monopole-induced dipole electrostatic interactions. Theoretical gas phase lithium ion affinity of SO(2) is determined to be stronger than its silver(I) ion affinity owing largely to the shorter lithium SO(2) contacts in the calculated structures that increase the electrostatic interaction.

78 FR 40213 - Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc., et al.;

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-03

... Schwab Investment Management, Inc., et al.; Notice of Application June 27, 2013. AGENCY: Securities and... exemption from sections 12(d)(1)(A) and (B) of the Act. Applicants: Charles Schwab Investment Management...) certain registered management investment companies and unit investment trusts outside of the same group of...

Combustion synthesis of AlB2-Al2O3 composite powders with AlB2 nanowire structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Pan; Xiao, Guoqing; Ding, Donghai; Ren, Yun; Yang, Shoulei; Lv, Lihua; Hou, Xing

2018-05-01

Using of Al and B2O3 powders as starting materials, and Mg-Al alloy as additives, AlB2-Al2O3 composite powders with AlB2 nanowire structures were successfully fabricated via combustion synthesis method in Ar atmosphere at a pressure of 1.5 MPa. The effect of different amount of Mg-Al alloy on the phase compositions and morphology of the combustion products was investigated. The results revealed that AlB2 and Al2O3 increased, whereas Al decreased with the content of Mg-Al alloy increasing. The impurities MgAl2O4 and AlB12 would exist in the sample with adding of 18 wt% Mg-Al alloy. Interestingly, FESEM/TEM/EDS results showed that AlB2 nanowires were observed in the products when the content of Mg-Al alloy is 6 wt% and 12 wt%. The more AlB2 nanowires can be found as the content of Mg-Al alloy increased. And the yield of AlB2 nanowires with the diameter of about 200 nanometers (nm) and the length up to several tens of micrometers (μm) in the combustion product is highest when the content of Mg-Al alloy is 12 wt%. The vapor, such as Mg-Al (g), B2O2 (g), AlO (g) and Al2O (g), produced during the process of combustion synthesis, reacted with each other to yield AlB2 nanowires by vapor-solid (VS) mechanism and the corresponding model was also proposed.

Interfacial Phenomena in Al/Al, Al/Cu, and Cu/Cu Joints Soldered Using an Al-Zn Alloy with Ag or Cu Additions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pstruś, Janusz; Gancarz, Tomasz

2014-05-01

The studies of soldered joints were carried out in systems: Al/solder/Al, Al/solder/Cu, Cu/solder/Cu, where the solder was (Al-Zn)EUT, (Al-Zn)EUT with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 at.% of Ag and (Al-Zn)EUT with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 at.% of Cu addition. Brazing was performed at 500 °C for 3 min. The EDS analysis indicated that the composition of the layers starting from the Cu pad was CuZn, Cu5Zn8, and CuZn4, respectively. Wetting tests were performed at 500 °C for 3, 8, 15, and 30 min, respectively. Thickness of the layers and their kinetics of growth were measured based on the SEM micrographs. The formation of interlayers was not observed from the side of Al pads. On the contrary, dissolution of the Al substrate and migration of Al-rich particles into the bulk of the solder were observed.

The structure-directed effect of Al-based metal–organic frameworks on fabrication of alumina by thermal treatment

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

Liu, Dandan, E-mail: liudandan_upc@126.com; Dai, Fangna, E-mail: fndai@upc.edu.cn; Collage of Science, China University of Petroleum

2015-05-15

Highlights: • We use Al-MOFs as precursor in the fabrication process of mesoporous alumina by thermal treatment. • The obtained mesoporous alumina has dual pore system and five-fold aluminum. • The aluminum building units in the precursor show structure-directed effect on the formation of alumina. - Abstract: In this work, the block-shaped Al-based metal–organic frameworks (Al-MOFs) MIL-53 have been synthesized by hydrothermal method. To detect the correlation between the structure of Al-MOFs and the formation of alumina, the ligands are eliminated by thermal treatment. MIL-53 and the calcination products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR),more » scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption–desorption and solid-state {sup 27}Al nuclear magnetic resonance ({sup 27}Al NMR). It was found that after calcination, the block-shaped Al-MOFs precursor turns into high-crystallinity mesoporous alumina nanosheets, and the thermal treatment product γ-alumina possesses a dual pore system and a large surface area (146 m{sup 2}/g), with five-fold aluminum. During the thermal treatment process, the structure of MIL-53 and its secondary building units have structure-directed effect in the formation of alumina.« less

Orientation relationship of eutectoid FeAl and FeAl2.

PubMed

Scherf, A; Kauffmann, A; Kauffmann-Weiss, S; Scherer, T; Li, X; Stein, F; Heilmaier, M

2016-04-01

Fe-Al alloys in the aluminium range of 55-65 at.% exhibit a lamellar microstructure of B2-ordered FeAl and triclinic FeAl 2 , which is caused by a eutectoid decomposition of the high-temperature Fe 5 Al 8 phase, the so-called ∊ phase. The orientation relationship of FeAl and FeAl 2 has previously been studied by Bastin et al. [ J. Cryst. Growth (1978 ▸), 43 , 745] and Hirata et al. [ Philos. Mag. Lett. (2008 ▸), 88 , 491]. Since both results are based on different crystallographic data regarding FeAl 2 , the data are re-evaluated with respect to a recent re-determination of the FeAl 2 phase provided by Chumak et al. [ Acta Cryst. (2010 ▸), C 66 , i87]. It is found that both orientation relationships match subsequent to a rotation operation of 180° about a 〈112〉 crystallographic axis of FeAl or by applying the inversion symmetry of the FeAl 2 crystal structure as suggested by the Chumak data set. Experimental evidence for the validity of the previously determined orientation relationships was found in as-cast fully lamellar material (random texture) as well as directionally solidified material (∼〈110〉 FeAl || solidification direction) by means of orientation imaging microscopy and global texture measurements. In addition, a preferential interface between FeAl and FeAl 2 was identified by means of trace analyses using cross sectioning with a focused ion beam. On the basis of these habit planes the orientation relationship between the two phases can be described by ([Formula: see text]01) FeAl || (114)[Formula: see text] and [111] FeAl || [1[Formula: see text]0][Formula: see text]. There is no evidence for twinning within FeAl lamellae or alternating orientations of FeAl lamellae. Based on the determined orientation and interface data, an atomistic model of the structure relationship of Fe 5 Al 8 , FeAl and FeAl 2 in the vicinity of the eutectoid decomposition is derived. This model is analysed with respect to the strain which has to be

Analysis of Aluminum-Nitride SOI for High-Temperature Electronics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Biegel, Bryan A.; Osman, Mohamed A.; Yu, Zhiping

2000-01-01

We use numerical simulation to investigate the high-temperature (up to 500K) operation of SOI MOSFETs with Aluminum-Nitride (AIN) buried insulators, rather than the conventional silicon-dioxide (SiO2). Because the thermal conductivity of AIN is about 100 times that of SiO2, AIN SOI should greatly reduce the often severe self-heating problem of conventional SOI, making SOI potentially suitable for high-temperature applications. A detailed electrothermal transport model is used in the simulations, and solved with a PDE solver called PROPHET In this work, we compare the performance of AIN-based SOI with that of SiO2-based SOI and conventional MOSFETs. We find that AIN SOI does indeed remove the self-heating penalty of SOL However, several device design trade-offs remain, which our simulations highlight.

Chemical Genetic Screens for TDP-43 Modifiers and ALS Drug Discovery

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-01

Mayo Clinic, United States of America Received October 11, 2011; Accepted January 5, 2012; Published February 21, 2012 Copyright: 2012 Vaccaro et al...Editor: Weidong Le, Baylor College of Medicine, Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, United States of America Received March 9, 2012; Accepted July...Grasshopper 2 Camera (Point Grey Research) at 30 Hz. The movies were then analyzed using the manual tracking plugin of ImageJ 1.45r software (NIH) and the swim

FcγRIII in ITP: it ain't over 'til it's over.

PubMed

McCrae, Keith R

2016-01-07

In this issue of Blood, Yu et al describe a novel anti–Fcγ receptor III (FcγRIII)-albumin fusion protein that inhibits the development of thrombocytopenia in a murine model of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).1 The unique aspect of this protein is that it blocks FcγRIII-mediated uptake of antibody-coated platelets without activating FcγRIII and the associated inflammatory response.

75 FR 45179 - Virtus Opportunities Trust, et al.; Notice of Application

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-02

... Opportunities Trust, et al.; Notice of Application Date: July 27, 2010. AGENCY: Securities and Exchange... of other registered open-end management investment companies and unit investment trusts (``UITs... under common control with PVA. Applicants: (a) Virtus Opportunities Trust (the ``Trust''), including the...

78 FR 2456 - Fidelity Commonwealth Trust, et al.; Notice of Application

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-11

...] Fidelity Commonwealth Trust, et al.; Notice of Application January 7, 2013. AGENCY: Securities and Exchange... companies and unit investment trusts outside of the same group of investment companies as the series to...-feeder structure. Applicants: Fidelity Commonwealth Trust (the ``Trust''), Fidelity Management & Research...

78 FR 37623 - Transparent Value Trust, et al.; Notice of Application

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-21

...] Transparent Value Trust, et al.; Notice of Application June 14, 2013. AGENCY: Securities and Exchange... (e) certain registered management investment companies and unit investment trusts outside of the same group of investment companies as the series to acquire Shares. Applicants: Transparent Value Trust...

Ohmic contacts to Al-rich AlGaN heterostructures

DOE PAGES

Douglas, E. A.; Reza, S.; Sanchez, C.; ...

2017-06-06

Due to the ultra-wide bandgap of Al-rich AlGaN, up to 5.8 eV for the structures in this study, obtaining low resistance ohmic contacts is inherently difficult to achieve. A comparative study of three different fabrication schemes is presented for obtaining ohmic contacts to an Al-rich AlGaN channel. Schottky-like behavior was observed for several different planar metallization stacks (and anneal temperatures), in addition to a dry-etch recess metallization contact scheme on Al 0.85Ga 0.15N/Al 0.66Ga 0.34N. However, a dry etch recess followed by n +-GaN regrowth fabrication process is reported as a means to obtain lower contact resistivity ohmic contacts onmore » a Al 0.85Ga 0.15N/Al 0.66Ga 0.34N heterostructure. In conclusion, specific contact resistivity of 5×10 -3 Ω cm 2 was achieved after annealing Ti/Al/Ni/Au metallization.« less

Oxidation Resistance of Materials Based on Ti3AlC2 Nanolaminate at 600 °C in Air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivasyshyn, Andrij; Ostash, Orest; Prikhna, Tatiana; Podhurska, Viktoriya; Basyuk, Tatiana

2016-08-01

The oxidation behavior of Ti3AlC2-based materials had been investigated at 600 °C in static air for 1000 h. It was shown that the intense increase of weight gain per unit surface area for sintered material with porosity of 22 % attributed to oxidation of the outer surface of the specimen and surfaces of pores in the bulk material. The oxidation kinetics of the hot-pressed Ti3AlC2-based material with 1 % porosity remarkably increased for the first 15 h and then slowly decreased. The weight gain per unit surface area for this material was 1.0 mg/cm2 after exposition for 1000 h. The intense initial oxidation of Ti3AlC2-based materials can be eliminated by pre-oxidation treatment at 1200 °C in air for 2 h. As a result, the weight gain per unit surface area for the pre-oxidized material did not exceed 0.11 mg/cm2 after 1000 h of exposition at 600 °C in air. It was demonstrated that the oxidation resistance of Ti3AlC2-based materials can be significantly improved by niobium addition.

Growth and stress-induced transformation of zinc blende AlN layers in Al-AlN-TiN multilayers

DOE PAGES

Li, Nan; Yadav, Satyesh K.; Wang, Jian; ...

2015-12-18

We report that AlN nanolayers in sputter deposited {111}Al/AlN/TiN multilayers exhibit the metastable zinc-blende-structure (z-AlN). Based on density function theory calculations, the growth of the z-AlN is ascribed to the kinetically and energetically favored nitridation of the deposited aluminium layer. In situ nanoindentation of the as-deposited {111}Al/AlN/TiN multilayers in a high-resolution transmission electron microscope revealed the z-AlN to wurzite AlN phase transformation through collective glide of Shockley partial dislocations on every two {111} planes of the z-AlN.

New trace element determinations in the fingernails of ALS patients

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

Van Dalsem, D.J.; Ehmann, W.D.; Robinson, L.

1996-12-31

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) afflicts 2 of every 100,000 people in the United States each year. A well-known example of ALS today is Stephen Hawking. He is a theoretical physicist, the author of A Brief History of Time, and is virtually immobilized by ALS. Diseases that cause progressive paralysis because of motor neuron degeneration in the central nervous system are termed motor neuron disorders (MND). Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a common form of MND. Pain-free, progressive muscular weakness is the most common clinical symptom. There is chronic weakness with atrophy of the affected muscles by the time the disease ismore » diagnosed. Atrophy eventually results in wheelchair confinement and then only bed without the ability to speak or swallow. Death often occurs as a result of respiratory problems. Unlike other neurodegenerative diseases, in ALS the patient`s bladder and bowel control, eye movement, and mental faculties are preserved. The question today is whether or not certain trace elements are involved in the etiology or pathogenesis of ALS. A collaborative study was undertaken by the University of Kentucky and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) using neutron activation analysis (NAA) to study trace element concentrations in ALS patients fingernails to determine if there existed statistically significant imbalances.« less

78 FR 54691 - American General Life Insurance Company, et al.

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-05

... Life Insurance Company, et al. August 29, 2013, AGENCY: The Securities and Exchange Commission... 27(i)(2)(A) of the Act and Rule 22c-1 thereunder. Applicants: American General Life Insurance Company (``American General''), The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York (``US Life'') (each...

Syntheses, structural variants and characterization of AInM′S{sub 4} (A=alkali metals, Tl; M′ = Ge, Sn) compounds; facile ion-exchange reactions of layered NaInSnS{sub 4} and KInSnS{sub 4} compounds

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

Yohannan, Jinu P.; Vidyasagar, Kanamaluru, E-mail: kvsagar@iitm.ac.in

Ten AInM′S{sub 4} (A=alkali metals, Tl; M′= Ge, Sn) compounds with diverse structure types have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction and a variety of spectroscopic methods. They are wide band gap semiconductors. KInGeS{sub 4}(1-β), RbInGeS{sub 4}(2), CsInGeS{sub 4}(3-β), TlInGeS{sub 4}(4-β), RbInSnS{sub 4}(8-β) and CsInSnS{sub 4}(9) compounds with three-dimensional BaGa{sub 2}S{sub 4} structure and CsInGeS{sub 4}(3-α) and TlInGeS{sub 4}(4-α) compounds with a layered TlInSiS{sub 4} structure have tetrahedral [InM′S{sub 4}]{sup −} frameworks. On the other hand, LiInSnS{sub 4}(5) with spinel structure and NaInSnS{sub 4}(6), KInSnS{sub 4}(7), RbInSnS{sub 4}(8-α) and TlInSnS{sub 4}(10) compounds with layered structuremore » have octahedral [InM′S{sub 4}]{sup −} frameworks. NaInSnS{sub 4}(6) and KInSnS{sub 4}(7) compounds undergo facile topotactic ion-exchange, at room temperature, with various mono-, di- and tri-valent cations in aqueous medium to give rise to metastable layered phases. - Graphical abstract: NaInSnS{sub 4} and KInSnS{sub 4} compounds undergo, in aqueous medium at room temperature, facile topotactic ion-exchange with mono, di and trivalent cations. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Ten AInM′S{sub 4} compounds with diverse structure types were synthesized. • They are wide band gap semiconductors. • NaInSnS{sub 4} and KInSnS{sub 4} compounds undergo facile topotactic ion-exchange at room temperature.« less

[Economic impact of etanercept and adalimumab biosimilars on hospitals scale covered by PharmAlp'Ain, a hospitals grouping of orders for health products].

PubMed

Berreur, B; Guerin, F; Christophe, B; Limido, G; Paubel, P

2018-01-01

To evaluate the economic impact of future prescriptions of etanercept and adalimumab biosimilars at the territorial scale covered by PharmAlp'Ain, a hospitals grouping of orders for health products. Determination of the number and status of patients (naive or in continuation of treatment) from the National Database "Datamart de Consommation Inter-Régimes" of health insurance, concerned by a dispensation in a pharmacy of etanercept or adalimumab in 2015. Calculation of potential savings in case of biosimilar requirements according to 3 hypotheses: 63% (rate observed in a previous study) of initiations are treated with biosimiliaries and the others by princeps (H 1 ); all initiations under biosimilars and continuation therapy with the princeps (H 2 ) or all patients are treated with biosimilars (H 3 ). The annual savings are estimated at 237,000 € with the H 1 hypothesis. In the case of H 2 , the expected savings would be 376,200 € per year. In the case of H 3 , savings for the community could reach almost 1,282,800 € per year. The arrival of biosimilars allows significant savings for medicines market. According to the French recommendations in 2016, the expected savings are between the H 1 and H 2 hypothesis. The rate of penetration of biosimilars depends on many factors such as the involvement of health professionals, patient adherence, or health authority recommendations. Copyright © 2017 Académie Nationale de Pharmacie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Comparing the Thermodynamic Behaviour of Al(1)+ZrO2(s) to Al(1)+Al2O3(s)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Copland, Evan

2004-01-01

In an effort to better determine the thermodynamic properties of Al(g) and Al2O(g). the vapor in equilibrium with Al(l)+ZrO2(s) was compared to the vapor in equilibrium with Al(l)+Al2O3(s) over temperature range 1197-to-1509K. The comparison was made directly by Knudsen effusion-cell mass spectrometry with an instrument configured for a multiple effusion-cell vapor source (multi-cell KEMS). Second law enthalpies of vaporization of Al(g) and Al2O(g) together with activity measurements show that Al(l)+ZrO2(s) is thermodynamically equivalent to Al(l)+Al2O3(s), indicating Al(l) remained pure and Al2O3(s) was present in the ZrO2-cell. Subsequent observation of the Al(l)/ZrO2 and vapor/ZrO2 interfaces revealed a thin Al2O3-layer had formed, separating the ZrO2-cell from Al(l) and Al(g)+Al2O(g), effectively transforming it into an Al2O3 effusion-cell. This behavior agrees with recent observations made for Beta-NiAl(Pt) alloys measured in ZrO2 effusion-cell.

78 FR 65720 - Cambria ETF Trust, et al.; Notice of Application

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-01

...] Cambria ETF Trust, et al.; Notice of Application October 28, 2013. AGENCY: Securities and Exchange... (e) certain registered management investment companies and unit investment trusts outside of the same group of investment companies as the series to acquire Shares. Applicants: Cambria ETF Trust (``Trust...

Analysis of Precursor Properties of mixed Al/Alumel Cylindrical Wire Arrays*

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stafford, A.; Safronova, A. S.; Kantsyrev, V. L.; Esaulov, A. A.; Weller, M. E.; Shrestha, I.; Osborne, G. C.; Shlyaptseva, V. V.; Keim, S. F.; Coverdale, C. A.; Chuvatin, A. S.

2012-10-01

Previous studies of mid-Z (Cu and Ni) cylindrical wire arrays (CWAs) on Zebra have found precursors with high electron temperatures of >300 eV. However, past experiments with Al CWAs did not find the same high temperature precursors. New precursor experiments using mixed Al/Alumel (Ni 95%, Si 2%, and Al 2%) cylindrical wire arrays have been performed to understand how the properties of L-shell Ni precursor will change and whether Al precursor will be observed. Time gated spectra and pinholes are used to determine precursor plasma conditions for comparison with previous Alumel precursor experiments. A full diagnostic set which included more than ten different beam-lines was implemented. Future work in this direction is discussed. [4pt] *This work was supported by NNSA under DOE Cooperative Agreements DE-FC52-06NA27588, and in part by DE-FC52-06NA27586, and DE-FC52-06NA27616. Sandia is a multi-program laboratory operated by Sandia Corporation, a Lockheed Martin Company, for the United States Department of Energy under Contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Prevalence of Diabetes among Migrant Women and Duration of Residence in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross Sectional Study.

PubMed

Shah, Syed M; Ali, Raghib; Loney, Tom; Aziz, Faisal; ElBarazi, Iffat; Al Dhaheri, Salma; Farooqi, M Hamed; Blair, Iain

2017-01-01

The prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the highest in United Arab Emirates (UAE), however data for the expatriate population is limited. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of T2DM amongst migrant women and test the hypothesis that acculturation (measured by years of residency) is associated with an increased risk of T2DM. This was a cross-sectional study and we recruited a representative sample (n = 599, 75% participation rate) of migrant women aged 18 years and over in Al Ain, UAE. The American Diabetes Association criteria were used to diagnose T2DM. An adapted WHO STEPS questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, lifestyle and clinical data. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify correlates of T2DM including length of UAE residence. The mean age of participants was 34.1 (± 9.5) years. Of the study participants, based on HbA1C levels, 18.6% (95% CI: 13.9-24.4) had prediabetes and 10.7% (95% CI: 7.2-15.6) had T2DM. Prevalence of prediabetes was 8.5% for Filipinos, 16.7% for Arabs and 30.3% for South Asians. Similarly the prevalence of T2DM was 1.7% for Filipinos, 12.2% for Arabs and 16.7% for South Asians. Significant correlates of overall T2DM (measured and known diabetes) included length of UAE residence for more than 10 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 2.74, 95% CI: 1.21-6.20), age ≥40 years (AOR = 3.48, 95% CI: 1.53-7.87) and South Asian nationality (AOR 2.10, 95% CI: 0.94-4.70). Diabetes is a significant public health problem among migrant women in the UAE, particularly for South Asians. Longer length of residence in the UAE is associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes.

Prevalence of Diabetes among Migrant Women and Duration of Residence in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross Sectional Study

PubMed Central

Shah, Syed M.; Ali, Raghib; Loney, Tom; Aziz, Faisal; ElBarazi, Iffat; Al Dhaheri, Salma; Farooqi, M. Hamed

2017-01-01

Background The prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the highest in United Arab Emirates (UAE), however data for the expatriate population is limited. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of T2DM amongst migrant women and test the hypothesis that acculturation (measured by years of residency) is associated with an increased risk of T2DM. Methods This was a cross-sectional study and we recruited a representative sample (n = 599, 75% participation rate) of migrant women aged 18 years and over in Al Ain, UAE. The American Diabetes Association criteria were used to diagnose T2DM. An adapted WHO STEPS questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, lifestyle and clinical data. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify correlates of T2DM including length of UAE residence. Results The mean age of participants was 34.1 (± 9.5) years. Of the study participants, based on HbA1C levels, 18.6% (95% CI: 13.9–24.4) had prediabetes and 10.7% (95% CI: 7.2–15.6) had T2DM. Prevalence of prediabetes was 8.5% for Filipinos, 16.7% for Arabs and 30.3% for South Asians. Similarly the prevalence of T2DM was 1.7% for Filipinos, 12.2% for Arabs and 16.7% for South Asians. Significant correlates of overall T2DM (measured and known diabetes) included length of UAE residence for more than 10 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 2.74, 95% CI: 1.21–6.20), age ≥40 years (AOR = 3.48, 95% CI: 1.53–7.87) and South Asian nationality (AOR 2.10, 95% CI: 0.94–4.70). Conclusion Diabetes is a significant public health problem among migrant women in the UAE, particularly for South Asians. Longer length of residence in the UAE is associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes. PMID:28099445

Nanoporous Al sandwich foils using size effect of Al layer thickness during Cu/Al/Cu laminate rolling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Hailiang; Lu, Cheng; Tieu, A. Kiet; Li, Huijun; Godbole, Ajit; Kong, Charlie

2018-06-01

The roll bonding technique is one of the most widely used methods to produce metal laminate sheets. Such sheets offer interesting research opportunities for both scientists and engineers. In this paper, we report on an experimental investigation of the 'thickness effect' during laminate rolling for the first time. Using a four-high multifunction rolling mill, Cu/Al/Cu laminate sheets were fabricated with a range of thicknesses (16, 40, 70 and 130 μm) of the Al layer. The thickness of the Cu sheets was a constant 300 μm. After rolling, TEM images show good bonding quality between the Cu and Al layers. However, there are many nanoscale pores in the Al layer. The fraction of nanoscale pores in the Al layer increases with a reduction in the Al layer thickness. The finite element method was used to simulate the Cu/Al/Cu rolling process. The simulation results reveal the effect of the Al layer thickness on the deformation characteristics of the Cu/Al/Cu laminate. Finally, we propose that the size effect of the Al layer thickness during Cu/Al/Cu laminate rolling may offer a method to fabricate 'nanoporous' Al sandwich laminate foils. Such foils can be used in electromagnetic shielding of electrical devices and noisy shielding of building.

Nitride Semiconductors for Ultraviolet Detection

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-12-01

intrinsic n- and p-type doped GaN, (4) deposition of monocrystalline GaN via atomic layer epitaxy, (5) the initial conduct of studies regarding the ion...crystalline quality of the films; it indicated that all the films for x ranging from I to 0 to be monocrystalline . The Al/Ga composition ratios in the...shown in Figure 1. An analysis of these RHEED patterns indicated that both the AIN buffer layer and the GaN film are monocrystalline films. The RHEED

Non-native acylated homoserine lactones reveal that LuxIR quorum sensing promotes symbiont stability

PubMed Central

Ho, Jessica S.; Geske, Grant D.; Blackwell, Helen E.; Ruby, Edward G.

2014-01-01

SUMMARY Quorum sensing, a group behavior coordinated by a diffusible pheromone signal and a cognate receptor, is typical of bacteria that form symbioses with plants and animals. LuxIR-type acyl homoserine-lactone (AHL) quorum sensing is common in Gram-negative proteobacteria, and many members of this group have additional quorum-sensing networks. The bioluminescent symbiont Vibrio fischeri encodes two AHL signal synthases: AinS and LuxI. AinS-dependent quorum sensing converges with LuxI-dependent quorum sensing at the LuxR regulatory element. Both AinS- and LuxI-mediated signaling are required for efficient and persistent colonization of the squid host, Euprymna scolopes. The basis of the mutualism is symbiont bioluminescence, which is regulated by both LuxI- and AinS-dependent quorum sensing, and is essential for maintaining a colonization of the host. Here, we used chemical and genetic approaches to probe the dynamics of LuxI- and AinS-mediated regulation of bioluminescence during symbiosis. We demonstrate that both native AHLs and non-native AHL analogs can be used to non-invasively and specifically modulate induction of symbiotic bioluminescence via LuxI-dependent quorum sensing. Our data suggest that the first day of colonization, during which symbiont bioluminescence is induced by LuxIR, is a critical period that determines the stability of the V. fischeri population once symbiosis is established. PMID:24191970

Aluminium(III) amidinates formed from reactions of `AlCl' with lithium amidinates.

PubMed

Mayo, Dennis H; Peng, Yang; Zavalij, Peter; Bowen, Kit H; Eichhorn, Bryan W

2013-10-01

The disproportionation of AlCl(THF)n (THF is tetrahydrofuran) in the presence of lithium amidinate species gives aluminium(III) amidinate complexes with partial or full chloride substitution. Three aluminium amidinate complexes formed during the reaction between aluminium monochloride and lithium amidinates are presented. The homoleptic complex tris(N,N'-diisopropylbenzimidamido)aluminium(III), [Al(C13H19N2)3] or Al{PhC[N(i-Pr)]2}3, (I), crystallizes from the same solution as the heteroleptic complex chloridobis(N,N'-diisopropylbenzimidamido)aluminium(III), [Al(C13H19N2)2Cl] or Al{PhC[N(i-Pr)]2}2Cl, (II). Both have two crystallographically independent molecules per asymmetric unit (Z' = 2) and (I) shows disorder in four of its N(i-Pr) groups. Changing the ligand substituent to the bulkier cyclohexyl allows the isolation of the partial THF solvate chloridobis(N,N'-dicyclohexylbenzimidamido)aluminium(III) tetrahydrofuran 0.675-solvate, [Al(C19H27N2)2Cl]·0.675C4H8O or Al[PhC(NCy)2]2Cl·0.675THF, (III). Despite having a twofold rotation axis running through its Al and Cl atoms, (III) has a similar molecular structure to that of (II).

Mechanisms of charge transfer and redistribution in LaAlO3/SrTiO3 revealed by high-energy optical conductivity.

PubMed

Asmara, T C; Annadi, A; Santoso, I; Gogoi, P K; Kotlov, A; Omer, H M; Motapothula, M; Breese, M B H; Rübhausen, M; Venkatesan, T; Ariando; Rusydi, A

2014-04-14

In condensed matter physics the quasi two-dimensional electron gas at the interface of two different insulators, polar LaAlO3 on nonpolar SrTiO3 (LaAlO3/SrTiO3) is a spectacular and surprising observation. This phenomenon is LaAlO3 film thickness dependent and may be explained by the polarization catastrophe model, in which a charge transfer of 0.5e(-) from the LaAlO3 film into the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface is expected. Here we show that in conducting samples (≥ 4 unit cells of LaAlO3) there is indeed a ~0.5e(-) transfer from LaAlO3 into the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface by studying the optical conductivity in a broad energy range (0.5-35 eV). Surprisingly, in insulating samples (≤ 3 unit cells of LaAlO3) a redistribution of charges within the polar LaAlO3 sublayers (from AlO2 to LaO) as large as ~0.5e(-) is observed, with no charge transfer into the interface. Hence, our results reveal the different mechanisms for the polarization catastrophe compensation in insulating and conducting LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interfaces.

Epidemiology of acute poisoning in children presenting to the poisoning treatment center at Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt, 2009-2013.

PubMed

Azab, Sonya M S; Hirshon, Jon Mark; Hirshon, John Mark; Hayes, Bryan D; El-Setouhy, Maged; Smith, Gordon S; Sakr, Mahmoud Lotfy; Tawfik, Hany; Klein-Schwartz, Wendy

2016-01-01

Pediatric poisonings represent a major and preventable cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Epidemiologic information about poisoning among children in many lower- and middle-income countries is scarce. This study describes the epidemiology of acute poisonings in children presenting to Ain Shams University's Poisoning Treatment Center (ASU-PTC) in Cairo and determines the causative agents and characteristics of acute poisoning in several pediatric age groups. This retrospective study involved acutely poisoned patients, 0-18 years of age, who presented to the ASU-PTC between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2013. Data were extracted from electronic records maintained by the ASU-PTC. Collected data included demographics, substance of exposure, circumstances of the poisoning, patient disposition, and outcome. During the 5-year study period, 38 470 patients meeting our criteria were treated by the ASU-PTC; 19 987 (52%) were younger than 6 years of age; 4196 (11%) were 6-12 years; and 14 287 (37%) were >12 years. Unintentional poisoning accounted for 68.5% of the ingestions, though among adolescents 84.1% of ingestions were with self-harm intent. In all age groups, the most frequent causative drugs were non-opioid analgesics, antipyretics, and antirheumatics. The most common nonpharmaceutical agents were corrosives in preschool children and pesticides in adolescents. Most patients had no/minor effects (29 174 [75.8%]); hospitalization rates were highest among adolescents. There were 119 deaths (case fatality rate of 0.3), primarily from pesticide ingestion. Poisoning in preschool children is mainly unintentional and commonly due to nonpharmaceutical agents whereas poisoning in adolescents is mainly intentional (self-harm). Pesticides, mainly organophosphorous compounds and carbamates, were the most frequent agents leading to morbidity and mortality.

Ti{sub 2}AlN thin films synthesized by annealing of (Ti+Al)/AlN multilayers

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

Cabioch, Thierry, E-mail: Thierry.cabioch@univ-poitiers.fr; Alkazaz, Malaz; Beaufort, Marie-France

2016-08-15

Highlights: • Epitaxial thin films of the MAX phase Ti{sub 2}AlN are obtained by thermal annealing. • A new metastable (Ti,Al,N) solid solution with the structure of α-T is evidenced. • The formation of the MAX phase occurs at low temperature (600 °C). - Abstract: Single-phase Ti{sub 2}AlN thin films were obtained by annealing in vacuum of (Ti + Al)/AlN multilayers deposited at room temperature by magnetron sputtering onto single-crystalline (0001) 4H-SiC and (0001) Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} substrates. In-situ X-ray diffraction experiments combined with ex-situ cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy observations reveal that interdiffusion processes occur in the multilayer at amore » temperature of ∼400 °C leading to the formation of a (Ti, Al, N) solid solution, having the hexagonal structure of α-Ti, whereas the formation of Ti{sub 2}AlN occurs at 550–600 °C. Highly oriented (0002) Ti{sub 2}AlN thin films can be obtained after an annealing at 750 °C.« less

Antifriction coating of Cu-Fe-Al-Pb system for plain bearings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotenkov, Pavel; Kontsevoi, Yurii; Mejlakh, Anna; Pastukhov, Eduard; Shubin, Alexey; Goyda, Eduard; Sipatov, Ivan

2017-09-01

Aluminium, copper and their compounds are used in common as basis for antifriction coatings of plain bearings. Antifriction testing of plain bearings (based on Al and Cu) made by leading automotive manufacturers from Germany, Japan, USA, United Kingdom and Russia were carried out to make judicious selection of basis for development of new antifriction material. Testing was carried out using friction machine. It was defined that materials based on Cu provide better durability and robustness of plain bearings in comparison with Al based ones. The new antifriction composite coatings based on copper were developed taking into account the requirements specified for plain bearings of internal-combustion engine. Pilot samples of plain bearings with antifriction coatings of Cu-Fe-Al-Pb system were produced. The antifriction composite having Cu-5Fe-5Al5Fe2-10Pb (mass %) composition has demonstrated low friction factor and high wear-resistance. Metallographic analysis of pilot samples was carried out by means of optical and scanning electron microscopy.

Studies on Tribological Behavior of Aluminum Nitride-Coated Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ionescu, G. C.; Nae, I.; Ripeanu, R. G.; Dinita, A.; Stan, G.

2017-02-01

The new opportunities introduced by the large development of the IoT (internet of things) are increasing the demand for sensors to be located as close as possible to the supervised process. The Aluminum Nitride (AIN) is one of the most promising materials for sensors due to its piezoelectric, excellent mechanical properties, chemical inertness and high melting point. Due to these material properties, the AlN sensors are suitable to operate in high temperature and harsh environment conditions and therefore are very promising to be employed in industrial applications. In this article are presented the studies conducted on several Aluminum Nitride-Coated Steel structures with the goal of producing sensors embedded in the ball bearings, bearings and other mobile parts of machine tools. The experiments were conducted on simple coatings structures without lubricating materials and the obtained results are promising, demonstrating that, with some limitations the AIN could be used in such applications. This paper was accepted for publication in Proceedings after double peer reviewing process but was not presented at the Conference ROTRIB’16

Colonic aberrant crypt formation accompanies an increase of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria in C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet.

PubMed

Zeng, Huawei; Ishaq, Suzanne L; Liu, Zhenhua; Bukowski, Michael R

2018-04-01

The increasing worldwide incidence of colon cancer has been linked to obesity and consumption of a high-fat Western diet. To test the hypothesis that a high-fat diet (HFD) promotes colonic aberrant crypt (AC) formation in a manner associated with gut bacterial dysbiosis, we examined the susceptibility to azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colonic AC and microbiome composition in C57/BL6 mice fed a modified AIN93G diet (AIN, 16% fat, energy) or an HFD (45% fat, energy) for 14 weeks. Mice receiving the HFD exhibited increased plasma leptin, body weight, body fat composition and inflammatory cell infiltration in the ileum compared with those in the AIN group. Consistent with the gut inflammatory phenotype, we observed an increase in colonic AC, plasma interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the ileum of the HFD-AOM group compared with the AIN-AOM group. Although the HFD and AIN groups did not differ in bacterial species number, the HFD and AIN diets resulted in different bacterial community structures in the colon. The abundance of certain short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) producing bacteria (e.g., Barnesiella) and fecal SCFA (e.g., acetic acid) content were lower in the HFD-AOM group compared with the AIN and AIN-AOM groups. Furthermore, we identified a high abundance of Anaeroplasma bacteria, an opportunistic pathogen in the HFD-AOM group. Collectively, we demonstrate that an HFD promotes AC formation concurrent with an increase of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria in the colon of C57BL/6 mice. Published by Elsevier Inc.

ALS Association

MedlinePlus

... toward a world without ALS! Walk to Defeat ALS® Walk to Defeat ALS® draws people of all ... We need your help. I Will Advocate National ALS Registry The National ALS Registry is a congressionally ...

Evolving Distributed Generation Support Mechanisms: Case Studies from United States, Germany, United Kingdom, and Australia

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

Lowder, Travis; Zhou, Ella; Tian, Tian

This report expands on a previous National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) technical report (Lowder et al. 2015) that focused on the United States' unique approach to distributed generation photovoltaics (DGPV) support policies and business models. While the focus of that report was largely historical (i.e., detailing the policies and market developments that led to the growth of DGPV in the United States), this report looks forward, narrating recent changes to laws and regulations as well as the ongoing dialogues over how to incorporate distributed generation (DG) resources onto the electric grid. This report also broadens the scope of Lowder etmore » al. (2015) to include additional countries and technologies. DGPV and storage are the principal technologies under consideration (owing to market readiness and deployment volumes), but the report also contemplates any generation resource that is (1) on the customer side of the meter, (2) used to, at least partly, offset a host's energy consumption, and/or (3) potentially available to provide grid support (e.g., through peak shaving and load shifting, ancillary services, and other means).« less

Review: Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia in HIV-Infected Men Who Have Sex with Men: Is Screening and Treatment Justified?

PubMed

Wasserman, Peter; Rubin, David S; Turett, Glenn

2017-06-01

Anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the fourth most prevalent cancer in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM). Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been detected in over 90% of anal carcinoma biopsy specimens from MSM, and is considered a necessary, but alone, insufficient factor for carcinogenesis. Anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) may be precursive for SCC, and screening cytology with referral of persons with abnormality for high-resolution anoscopy-guided biopsy, and AIN treatment, has been recommended for prevention. In the absence of either randomized controlled trials or surveillance data demonstrating a reduction in anal SCC incidence, these recommendations were based on analogy with cervical cancer. HPV-mediated genetic changes associated with cervical cancer, and aneuploidy, have been documented in AIN. However, little data exist on the rate of AIN progression to SCC. The treatment of AIN is frequently prolonged and not curative, and if routinized in the care of HIV-infected MSM, would likely be recurring well into their sixth decade of life. Clinical trials demonstrating a reduction in invasive anal carcinoma incidence, as well as acceptable morbidity with repeated AIN destruction, are needed before asking our patients to commit to routine treatment.

SMALL DIAMETER CEMENT LINING FROM STAIRWAY. United States Pipe ...

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

SMALL DIAMETER CEMENT LINING FROM STAIRWAY. - United States Pipe & Foundry Company Plant, Coating, Painting, Lining & Packaging Building, 2023 St. Louis Avenue at I-20/59, Bessemer, Jefferson County, AL

Orthopyroxenes as Recorders of Diogenite Petrogenesis: Al-Cr-Ti Systematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fowler, G. W.; Papike, J. J.; Spilde, M. N.; Shearer, C. K.

1993-07-01

A77256, which accounts for its data plotting below the main trend. It should be noted that the main trend and the ALH A77256 trend have less scatter near the bottom of the data arrays than near the top. In fact, lines drawn through the bottom of the arrays project through the origin. Some of the reason for the scatter, other than subsolidus annealing effects [3], may be the result of different Ti^3+/Ti^4+ ratios in OPX resulting from variable fO2 environments. A possible charge balance equation, for other then quadrilateral components is: ^VITi^3++2^VITi^4++^VICr^3++^VIAl^3+=^IVAl (Na is so low it can be ignored). The cores of most OPX grains probably still retain their igneous signatures; therefore, the high Al, Cr, Ti end of the main trend likely reflects melt compositions enriched in these elements. Acknowledgment. This research was supported by NASA Grant NAGW- 3347 and the Institute of Meteoritics. References. [1] Papike J. J. et. al. (1993) LPS XXIV, 1109-1110. [2] Shearer C. K. et al. (1993) LPS XXIV, 1289-1290. [3] Papike J. J. and Spilde M. N. (1993) This volume. Fig. 1, which appears here in the hard copy, shows Al vs. Ti atoms per formula unit. Fig. 2, which appears here in the hard copy, shows Ti + Cr vs. Al in atoms per formula unit.

Towards Global Jihadism: Al-Qaeda’s Strategic, Ideological and Structural Adaptations since 9/11

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-01

against targets in the United States. This anecdotal survey of plots illuminates the contours of a multi -faceted threat fostered by, but not...continues to enable the violence of others orient that violence towards the United States and its allies in a distributed game of attrition warfare, and...11—served as a striking example of Al- Qaeda’s ongoing attempts to inflict significant pain on the United States five years after 9/11. Its

Considering the Creation of a Domestic Intelligence Agency in the United States: Lessons from the Experiences of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

Police AG Attorney-General AIC Australian intelligence community ANAO Australian National Audit Office AQMI Al-Qaida pour le Maghreb Islamique [al...Democratic Republic GIA Groupe Islamique Armé [Armed Islamic Group] xviii Considering the Creation of a Domestic Intelligence Agency in the United...health, energy, utilities, transport, manufacturing, communications, banking and finance , government services and icons, and public gatherings. 17

Mixing soil samples across experimental units ignores uncertainty and generates falsely precise estimates of soil biota effects on plants

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A number of recent soil biota studies have deviated from the standard experimental approach of generating a distinct data value for each experimental unit (e.g. Yang et al., 2013; Gundale et al., 2014). Instead, these studies have mixed together soils from multiple experimental units (i.e. sites wi...

78 FR 47440 - ERNY Financial ETF Trust, et al.; Notice of Application

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-05

...] ERNY Financial ETF Trust, et al.; Notice of Application July 30, 2013. AGENCY: Securities and Exchange... (e) certain registered management investment companies and unit investment trusts outside of the same group of investment companies as the series to acquire Shares. APPLICANTS: ERNY Financial ETF Trust...

78 FR 14367 - Market Vectors ETF Trust, et al.; Notice of Application

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-05

...] Market Vectors ETF Trust, et al.; Notice of Application February 27, 2013. AGENCY: Securities and... companies and unit investment trusts outside of the same group of investment companies as the series to...-feeder structure. Applicants: Market Vectors ETF Trust (the ``Trust''), Van Eck Associates Corporation...

77 FR 57597 - Wells Fargo Funds Trust, et al.; Notice of Application

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-18

...] Wells Fargo Funds Trust, et al.; Notice of Application September 12, 2012. AGENCY: Securities and... companies and unit investment trusts (``UITs'') that are within and outside the same group of investment... the Act to invest in certain financial instruments. Applicants: Wells Fargo Funds Trust (``Trust...

Effects of Al(3+) doping on the structure and properties of goethite and its adsorption behavior towards phosphate.

PubMed

Li, Wei; Wang, Longjun; Liu, Fan; Liang, Xiaoliang; Feng, Xionghan; Tan, Wenfeng; Zheng, Lirong; Yin, Hui

2016-07-01

Al substitution in goethite is common in soils, and has strong influence on the structure and physicochemical properties of goethite. In this research, a series of Al-doped goethites were synthesized, and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. The adsorption behavior of these samples towards PO4(3-) was also investigated. Characterization results demonstrated that increasing Al content in goethite led to a reduction in crystallinity, increase in specific surface area (SSA), and morphology change from needle-like to granular. Rietveld structure refinement revealed that the lattice parameter a remained almost constant and b slightly decreased, but c was significantly reduced, and the calculated crystal density increased. EXAFS analysis demonstrated that the Fe(Al)-O distance in the structure of the doped goethites was almost the same, but the Fe-Fe(Al) distance decreased with increasing Al content. Surface analysis showed that, with increasing Al content, the content of OH groups on the mineral surface increased. The adsorption of phosphate per unit mass of Al-doped goethite increased, while adsorption per unit area decreased owing to the decrease of the relative proportion of (110) facets in the total surface area of the minerals. The results of this research facilitate better understanding of the effect of Al substitution on the structure and properties of goethite and the cycling of phosphate in the environment. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Piezo-tunnel effect in Al/Al2O3/Al junctions elaborated by atomic layer deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rafael, R.; Puyoo, E.; Malhaire, C.

2017-11-01

In this work, the electrical transport in Al/Al2O3/Al junctions under mechanical stress is investigated in the perspective to use them as strain sensors. The metal/insulator/metal junctions are elaborated with a low temperature process (≤200 °C) fully compatible with CMOS back-end-of-line. The conduction mechanism in the structure is found to be Fowler-Nordheim tunneling, and efforts are made to extract the relevant physical parameters. Gauge factors up to -32.5 were found in the fabricated devices under tensile stress. Finally, theoretical mechanical considerations give strong evidence that strain sensitivity in Al/Al2O3/Al structures originates not only from geometrical deformations but also from the variation of interface barrier height and/or effective electronic mass in the tunneling oxide layer.

Influence of AlN(0001) Surface Reconstructions on the Wettability of an Al/AlN System: A First-Principle Study.

PubMed

Cao, Junhua; Liu, Yang; Ning, Xiao-Shan

2018-05-11

A successful application of a hot dip coating process that coats aluminum (Al) on aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramics, revealed that Al had a perfect wettability to the ceramics under specific circumstances, which was different from previous reports. In order to elucidate the mechanism that controlled the supernormal wetting phenomenon during the dip coating, a first-principle calculation of an Al(111)/AlN(0001) interface, based on the density functional theory (DFT), was employed. The wettability of the Al melt on the AlN(0001) surface, as well as the effect that the surface reconstruction of AlN and the oxygen adsorption had on Al for the adhesion and the wettability of the Al/AlN system, were studied. The results revealed that a LCM (laterally contracted monolayer) reconstruction could improve the adhesion and wettability of the system. Oxygen adsorption on the free surface of Al decreased the contact angle, because the adsorption reduced of the surface tension of Al. A prefect wetting was obtained only after some of the oxygen atoms adsorbed on the free surface of Al. The supernormal wetting phenomenon came from the surface reconstruction of the AlN and the adsorption of oxygen atoms on the Al melt surface.

Do clients' problem-solving appraisals predict career counseling outcomes or vice versa? A reanalysis of Heppner, et al.

PubMed

Lee, Dong-Gwi; Park, Hyun-Joo; Heppner, Mary J

2009-12-01

Using Heppner, et al.'s data from 2004, this study tested career counseling clients in the United States on problem-solving appraisal scores and career-related variables. A cross-lagged panel design with structural equation modeling was used. Results supported the link between clients' precounseling problem-solving appraisal scores and career outcome. This finding held for career decision-making, but not for vocational identity. The study provided further support for Heppner, et al.'s findings, highlighting the influential role of clients' problem-solving appraisals in advancing their career decision-making processes.

Audit of healthy lifestyle behaviors among patients with diabetes and hypertension attending ambulatory health care services in the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Baynouna, Latifa Mohammed; Neglekerke, Nico J D; Ali, Habiba E; ZeinAlDeen, Sana M; Al Ameri, Thuraya A

2014-12-01

Knowledge is limited on healthy lifestyle behaviors and their associations with glycemic and blood pressure control among patients with diabetes and hypertension in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). To examine healthy lifestyle behaviors and their associations with glycemic and blood pressure control among patients with hypertension and diabetes, and improvement after the implementation of an intervention in a Chronic Disease Program. All patients with diabetes or hypertension attending seven primary health care centers in Al Ain, UAE during a designated three-week period in July and August 2009. Nurses conducted an audit of patients' adherence to health lifestyle behaviors related to meal planning, smoking, exercise, blood glucose and blood pressure monitoring at home, and foot and eye exams in the Chronic Disease Program clinics after a self-management intervention. A perceived knowledge score and discussion scores (based on the frequency the patients discuss diabetes and hypertension management issues with their providers) were calculated. Data were analyzed using linear regression and odds ratios. Patients reported acceptable rates of adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors, including a low smoking rate (6% in males), following a meal plan and exercising (88.6% and 78.7%, respectively). Among patients with diabetes, 59% tested their blood glucose levels at least once a week compared to only 15.3% of those with hypertension monitoring their blood pressure levels at home. Only 33% of the participants were following the current physical activity recommendations. Healthy lifestyle behaviors fell into the following clusters: meal planning with exercise (odds ratio (OR): 8.9 [3.3-23.7]), meal planning with foot exams (OR: 10.6 [3.4-32.9]) and exercising and foot exams (OR: 5.2 [1.9-14.2]). This practice-based audit provides an essential assessment for future interventions to improve adherence to healthy life style behaviors among patients with diabetes and

Japanese version of the ALS-FTD-Questionnaire (ALS-FTD-Q-J).

PubMed

Watanabe, Yasuhiro; Beeldman, Emma; Raaphorst, Joost; Izumi, Yuishin; Yoshino, Hiide; Masuda, Michihito; Atsuta, Naoki; Ito, Satoru; Adachi, Tadashi; Adachi, Yoshiki; Yokota, Osamu; Oda, Masaya; Hanashima, Ritsuko; Ogino, Mieko; Ichikawa, Hiroo; Hasegawa, Kazuko; Kimura, Hideki; Shimizu, Toshio; Aiba, Ikuko; Yabe, Hayato; Kanba, Makoto; Kusumi, Kimiyoshi; Aoki, Tetsuya; Hiroe, Yu; Watanabe, Hirohisa; Nishiyama, Kazutoshi; Nomoto, Masahiro; Sobue, Gen; Nakashima, Kenji

2016-08-15

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) share common clinical, genetic and neuropathological features. Some ALS patients have behavioral/personality changes, which could result in significant obstacles in the care provided by family members and caregivers. An easy screening tool would contribute greatly to the evaluation of these symptoms. We translated the ALS-FTD-Questionnaire, developed in the Netherlands, into Japanese (ALS-FTD-Q-J) and examined the clinimetric properties (internal consistency, construct and clinical validity). Patients with ALS and/or behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD) were evaluated alongside healthy controls in this multicenter study. All ALS patients, regardless of bvFTD status, were further evaluated by the frontal behavioral inventory (FBI) and for frontal/executive function, cognition, anxiety/depression, and motor functions. Data from 146 subjects were analyzed: ALS (92), ALS-bvFTD (6), bvFTD (16), and healthy controls (32). The internal consistency of the ALS-FTD-Q-J was good (Cronbach α=0.92). The ALS-FTD-Q-J showed construct validity as it exhibited a high correlation with the FBI (r=0.79). However, correlations were moderate with anxiety/depression and low with cognitive scales, in contrast to the original report, i.e. a moderate correlation with cognition and a low correlation with anxiety/depression. The ALS-FTD-Q-J discriminated ALS patients from (ALS-)bvFTD patients and controls. Thus, the ALS-FTD-Q-J is useful for evaluating Japanese ALS/FTD patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

SMALL DIAMETER PRECEMENT LINING FROM CATWALK ABOVE. United States ...

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

SMALL DIAMETER PRE-CEMENT LINING FROM CATWALK ABOVE. - United States Pipe & Foundry Company Plant, Coating, Painting, Lining & Packaging Building, 2023 St. Louis Avenue at I-20/59, Bessemer, Jefferson County, AL

Simulator Training Requirements and Effectiveness Study (STRES): Future Research Plans.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-01-01

rements and men i, s t .r di pi extr -cocpit ’su al en L infc:Tat on to the ATD inst cr The gro’*in; c ncer.- with visca, s atio.. aod t ain inq problems...progress of students through ATD programs, some instructors have a ) arently advanced students with inadequate regard to their actual progress in acquiring...than that of a stranger; and insofar as emotional supoort (or threat) is concerned, the presence of a familiar monitoring instructor at a remote console

Abu al-Layth al-Libi

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-02-01

in the region and apparently “showed brilliance in this regard through his perfect memorization , clever understanding, persistence, and patience...Taliban’s officials quietly left the capital without informing 73 Vernie Liebl, “Al-Qaida on the US Invasion of Afghanistan in Their Own Words ,” Small Wars... memorization . A talented and charismatic orator, he also used to deliver eulogies and `Id sermons. As to `Abdallah Sa`id al-Libi, his profile is similar

3-Dimensional Microstructure of Al-Al3Ti Alloy Severely Deformed by ECAP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Hisashi; Hishikawa, Takahisa; Makino, Yuuki; Kunimine, Takahiro; Watanabe, Yoshimi

Microstructure of Al-Al3Ti alloy deformed by Equal-Channel-Angular Pressing (ECAP) is 3-dimensionally investigated. Especially, distribution of Al3Ti particles is focused in this study. The Al-Al3Ti alloy has coarse Al3Ti platelet particles in α-Al matrix. When the Al-Al3Ti alloy is deformed by ECAP under route A, fine Al3Ti platelet particles are observed. These Al3Ti platelet particles are aligned along to deformation axis, and its plane normal is perpendicular to the deformation axis. On the other hand, Al-Al3Ti alloy ECAPed under route Bc forms several groups consisted of fine Al3Ti platelet particles. Moreover, longitudinal size of the Al3Ti particle groups is close to that of initial Al3Ti particles with 4-pass ECAP specimen. These distribution behaviors of the Al3Ti particle can be explained by plastic flow of α-Al matrix. Finally, it is concluded that distribution of Al3Ti particle in Al-Al3Ti alloy by ECAP is controlled by plastic deformation of α-Al matrix.

Characterizing the complexity of spontaneous motor unit patterns of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using approximate entropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Ping; Barkhaus, Paul E.; Zhang, Xu; Zev Rymer, William

2011-10-01

This paper presents a novel application of the approximate entropy (ApEn) measurement for characterizing spontaneous motor unit activity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. High-density surface electromyography (EMG) was used to record spontaneous motor unit activity bilaterally from the thenar muscles of nine ALS subjects. Three distinct patterns of spontaneous motor unit activity (sporadic spikes, tonic spikes and high-frequency repetitive spikes) were observed. For each pattern, complexity was characterized by calculating the ApEn values of the representative signal segments. A sliding window over each segment was also introduced to quantify the dynamic changes in complexity for the different spontaneous motor unit patterns. We found that the ApEn values for the sporadic spikes were the highest, while those of the high-frequency repetitive spikes were the lowest. There is a significant difference in mean ApEn values between two arbitrary groups of the three spontaneous motor unit patterns (P < 0.001). The dynamic ApEn curve from the sliding window analysis is capable of tracking variations in EMG activity, thus providing a vivid, distinctive description for different patterns of spontaneous motor unit action potentials in terms of their complexity. These findings expand the existing knowledge of spontaneous motor unit activity in ALS beyond what was previously obtained using conventional linear methods such as firing rate or inter-spike interval statistics.

A Rechargeable Al/S Battery with an Ionic-Liquid Electrolyte.

PubMed

Gao, Tao; Li, Xiaogang; Wang, Xiwen; Hu, Junkai; Han, Fudong; Fan, Xiulin; Suo, Liumin; Pearse, Alex J; Lee, Sang Bok; Rubloff, Gary W; Gaskell, Karen J; Noked, Malachi; Wang, Chunsheng

2016-08-16

Aluminum metal is a promising anode material for next generation rechargeable batteries owing to its abundance, potentially dendrite-free deposition, and high capacity. The rechargeable aluminum/sulfur (Al/S) battery is of great interest owing to its high energy density (1340 Wh kg(-1) ) and low cost. However, Al/S chemistry suffers poor reversibility owing to the difficulty of oxidizing AlSx . Herein, we demonstrate the first reversible Al/S battery in ionic-liquid electrolyte with an activated carbon cloth/sulfur composite cathode. Electrochemical, spectroscopic, and microscopic results suggest that sulfur undergoes a solid-state conversion reaction in the electrolyte. Kinetics analysis identifies that the slow solid-state sulfur conversion reaction causes large voltage hysteresis and limits the energy efficiency of the system. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Defect structures in ordered intermetallics; grain boundaries and surfaces in FeAl, NiAl, CoAl and TiAl

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mutasa, Batsirai Manyara

Ordered intermetallics based on transition metal aluminides have been proposed as structural materials for advanced aerospace applications. The development of these materials, which have the advantages of low density and high operating temperatures, have been focused on the aluminides of titanium, nickel and iron. Though these materials exhibit attractive properties at elevated temperatures, their utilization is limited due to their propensity for low temperature fracture and susceptibility to decreased ductility due to environmental effects. A major embrittlement mechanism at ambient temperatures in these aluminides has been by the loss of cohesive strength at the interfaces (intergranular failure). This study focuses on this mechanism of failure, by undertaking a systematic study of the energies and structures of specific grain boundaries in some of these compounds. The relaxed atomistic grain boundary structures in B2 aluminides, FeAl, NiAl and CoAl and L10 gamma-TiAl were investigated using molecular statics and embedded atom potentials in order to explore general trends for a series of B2 compounds as well as TiAl. The potentials used correctly predict the proper mechanism of compositional disorder of these compounds. Using these potentials, point defects, free surface energies and various grain boundary structures of similar energies in three B2 compounds, FeAl, NiAl and CoAl were studied. These B2 alloys exhibited increasing anti-phase boundary energies respectively. The misorientations chosen for detailed study correspond to the Sigma5(310) and Sigma5(210) boundaries. These boundaries were investigated with consideration given to possible variations in the local chemical composition. The effects of both boundary stoichiometry and bulk stoichiometry on grain boundary energetics were also considered. Defect energies were calculated for boundaries contained in both stoichiometric and off-stoichiometric bulk. The surface energies for these aluminides were also

High-resolution anoscopy screening of HIV-positive MSM: longitudinal results from a pilot study.

PubMed

Dalla Pria, Alessia; Alfa-Wali, Maryam; Fox, Paul; Holmes, Paul; Weir, Justin; Francis, Nicholas; Bower, Mark

2014-03-27

The ability to detect and treat pre-malignant anal lesions suggests screening may prevent anal cancer. The incidence of anal cancer in men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV exceeds that of cervical cancer before screening was introduced. High-resolution anoscopy (HRA) with intervention for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) was offered to asymptomatic HIV-positive MSM. Patients with HSILs were treated and follow-up HRA performed after 6 months, whilst patients with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions had a repeat HRA after 12 months. Three hundred and sixty-eight asymptomatic MSM had a total of 1497 HRAs during a median follow-up of 4.2 years (maximum 13 years). At first HRA, 36% had normal appearances, 16% had no dysplasia, 15% anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN)-1, 19% AIN-2 and 13% AIN-3. During follow-up, five patients (1.4%) developed invasive anal cancer (incidence 2.7 per 1000 person-years). The 5-year cancer rate for the 368 patients was 0.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0-0.6%]. Progression to cancer was associated with higher age (P=0.049) and AIN-3 (P=0.024). Ninety patients had AIN-3 present at least at one HRA. The cumulative risk of cancer from first AIN-3 diagnosis was 3.2% (95% CI 0-7.8%) at 5 years. One hundred and seventy-one patients had HSILs (AIN-2 or 3) present at least once. The cumulative risk of cancer from first HSIL diagnosis was 0.6% (95% CI 0-1.8%) at 5 years. AIN-3 is a significant risk factor for subsequent anal cancer, although the tumours detected in screened patients were small localized, and generally the outcomes were favourable.

Systematic review of guidelines for the assessment and management of high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN II/III).

PubMed

Alam, N N; White, D A; Narang, S K; Daniels, I R; Smart, N J

2016-02-01

There is ambiguity with regard to the optimal management of anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) III. The aim of this review was to assess and compare international/national society guidelines currently available in the literature on the management, treatment and surveillance of AIN III. We also aimed to assess the quality of the studies used to compile the guidelines and to clarify the terminology used in histological assessment. An electronic search of PubMed and Embase was performed using the search terms 'anal intraepithelial neoplasia', 'AIN', 'anal cancer', 'guidelines', 'surveillance' and 'management'. Literature reviews and guidelines or practice guidelines in peer reviewed journals from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2014 assessing the treatment, surveillance or management of patients with AIN related to human papilloma virus were included. The guidelines identified by the search were assessed for the quality of evidence behind them using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence. The database search identified 5159 articles and two further guidelines were sourced from official body guidelines. After inclusion criteria were applied, 28 full-text papers were reviewed. Twenty-five of these were excluded, leaving three guidelines for inclusion in the systematic review: those published by the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery. No guidelines were identified on the management of AIN III from human papilloma virus associations and societies. All three guidelines agree that a high index of clinical suspicion is essential for diagnosing AIN with a disease-specific history, physical examination, digital rectal examination and anal cytology. There is interchange of terminology from high-grade AIN (HGAIN) (which incorporates AIN II/III) and AIN III in the literature leading to confusion in therapy use. Treatment varies

75 FR 11585 - Lincoln Variable Insurance Products Trust, et al.; Notice of Application

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-11

...] Lincoln Variable Insurance Products Trust, et al.; Notice of Application March 5, 2010. AGENCY: Securities... registered open-end management investment companies and unit investment trusts (``UITs'') that are within and...: Lincoln Variable Insurance Products Trust (``Trust'') and Lincoln Investment Advisors Corporation...

Complete Al-SI Order in Scapolite Me[subscript 37.5], Ideally Ca[subscript 3]Na[subscript 5][Al[subscript 8]Si[subscript 16]O[subscript 48

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

Antao, Sytle M.; Hassan, Ishmael; West Indies)

2011-09-06

The structure of an intermediate scapolite (Me{sub 36.6}) from Lake Clear, Ontario, was obtained using synchrotron high-resolution powder X-ray diffraction (HRPXRD) data and Rietveld structure refinement in space group P4{sub 2}/n. The chemical formula obtained by electron microprobe is Na{sub 2.19}Ca{sub 1.35}K{sub 0.16}[Al{sub 3.95}Si{sub 8.05}O{sub 24}]Cl{sub 0.55}(CO{sub 3}){sub 0.41}(SO{sub 4}){sub 0.04}, equivalent to Me{sub 36.6}. The unit-cell parameters are a 12.07899(1), c 7.583467(9) {angstrom}, and V 1106.443(2) {angstrom}{sup 3}. The average distances are = 1.617(1) {angstrom}, = 1.744(1) {angstrom}, and = 1.601(1) {angstrom}. Therefore, the T1 and T3 sites contain only Si atoms, and the T2 sitemore » contains only Al atoms, so the Al and Si atoms are completely ordered. Complete Al-Si order was predicted for Me{sub 37.5}, ideally Ca{sub 3}Na{sub 5}[Al{sub 8}Si{sub 16}O{sub 48}]Cl(CO{sub 3}), and is confirmed in this study. Antiphase domain boundaries (APBs) in scapolite cannot arise from Al-Si order because the average distances indicate complete Al-Si order in Me{sub 36.6}. If APBs were to arise from Al-Si order, switching of the T sites across the APBs will occur, and complete Al-Si order cannot be observed. Therefore, Al-Si order, which is present to various extents across the scapolite series, can be ruled out as the cause for the APBs. Order involving Cl and CO{sub 3} is the cause for the APBs in scapolite.« less

Oxidation Resistance of Materials Based on Ti3AlC2 Nanolaminate at 600 °C in Air.

PubMed

Ivasyshyn, Andrij; Ostash, Orest; Prikhna, Tatiana; Podhurska, Viktoriya; Basyuk, Tatiana

2016-12-01

The oxidation behavior of Ti3AlC2-based materials had been investigated at 600 °C in static air for 1000 h. It was shown that the intense increase of weight gain per unit surface area for sintered material with porosity of 22 % attributed to oxidation of the outer surface of the specimen and surfaces of pores in the bulk material. The oxidation kinetics of the hot-pressed Ti3AlC2-based material with 1 % porosity remarkably increased for the first 15 h and then slowly decreased. The weight gain per unit surface area for this material was 1.0 mg/cm(2) after exposition for 1000 h. The intense initial oxidation of Ti3AlC2-based materials can be eliminated by pre-oxidation treatment at 1200 °C in air for 2 h. As a result, the weight gain per unit surface area for the pre-oxidized material did not exceed 0.11 mg/cm(2) after 1000 h of exposition at 600 °C in air. It was demonstrated that the oxidation resistance of Ti3AlC2-based materials can be significantly improved by niobium addition.

78 FR 30351 - LocalShares Investment Trust, et al.; Notice of Application

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-22

...] LocalShares Investment Trust, et al.; Notice of Application May 15, 2013. AGENCY: Securities and... sections 12(d)(1)(A) and (B) of the Act. Applicants: LocalShares Investment Trust (the ``Trust''), Local... (e) certain registered management investment companies and unit investment trusts outside of the same...

Multidisciplinary ALS care improves quality of life in patients with ALS.

PubMed

Van den Berg, J P; Kalmijn, S; Lindeman, E; Veldink, J H; de Visser, M; Van der Graaff, M M; Wokke, J H J; Van den Berg, L H

2005-10-25

To examine the effect of multidisciplinary ALS care on the quality-of-life (QoL) in patients with ALS and their caregivers. In a cross-sectional study, 208 patients with ALS and their caregivers were interviewed. QoL was assessed using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and two visual analogue scales (VAS). Criteria for multidisciplinary ALS care were: an ALS team headed by a consultant in rehabilitation medicine and consisting of at least a physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, dietician and a social worker; use of the Dutch ALS consensus guidelines for ALS care; and at least six incident ALS patients per year. Clinical characteristics and functional loss of the 133 patients receiving multidisciplinary ALS care and the 75 patients receiving general ALS care were similar. The percentage of patients with adequate aids and appliances was higher in those with multidisciplinary ALS care (93.1 vs 81.3%, p = 0.008), whereas the number of visits to professional caregivers was similar in both groups. Patients in the multidisciplinary ALS care group had a better mental QoL on the SF-36 Mental Summary Score than those in the general care group (p = 0.01). The difference in QoL was most pronounced in the domains of Social Functioning and Mental Health, and was independent of the presence of aids and appliances. No significant differences were found in the SF-36 Physical Summary Score, VAS, or in QoL of caregivers of patients with ALS. High standard of care improves mental quality-of-life in patients with ALS.

Growth of Ni-Al alloys on Ni(1 1 1), from Al deposits of various thicknesses: (II) Formation of NiAl over a Ni 3Al interfacial layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Pévédic, S.; Schmaus, D.; Cohen, C.

2007-01-01

This paper describes the second part of a study devoted to the growth of thin Ni-Al alloys after deposition of Al on Ni(1 1 1). In the previous paper [S. Le Pévédic, D. Schmaus, C. Cohen, Surf. Sci. 600 (2006) 565] we have described the results obtained for ultra-thin Al deposits, leading, after annealing at 750 K, to an epitaxial layer of Ni 3Al(1 1 1). In the present paper we show that this regime is only observed for Al deposits smaller than 8 × 10 15 Al/cm 2 and we describe the results obtained for Al deposits exceeding this critical thickness, up to 200 × 10 15 Al/cm 2. Al deposition was performed at low temperature (around 130 K) and the alloying process was followed in situ during subsequent annealing, by Auger electron spectroscopy, low energy electron diffraction and ion beam analysis-channeling measurements, in an ultra-high vacuum chamber connected to a Van de Graaff accelerator. We evidence the formation, after annealing at 750 K, of a crystallographically and chemically well-ordered NiAl(1 1 0) layer (whose thickness depends on the deposited Al amount), over a Ni 3Al "interfacial" layer (whose thickness—about 18 (1 1 1) planes—is independent of the deposited Al amount). The NiAl overlayer is composed of three variants, at 120° from each other in the surface plane, in relation with the respective symmetries of NiAl(1 1 0) and Ni 3Al(1 1 1). The NiAl layer is relaxed (the lattice parameters of cc-B2 NiAl and fcc-L1 2 Ni 3Al differ markedly), and we have determined its epitaxial relationship. In the case of the thickest alloyed layer formed the results concerning the structure of the NiAl layer have been confirmed and refined by ex situ X-ray diffraction and information on its grain size has been obtained by ex situ Atomic Force Microscopy. The kinetics of the alloying process is complex. It corresponds to an heterogeneous growth leading, above the thin Ni 3Al interfacial layer, to a mixture of Al and NiAl over the whole Al film, up to the

Current and Projected National Security Threats to the United States. Hearing before the Select Committee on Intelligence of the United States Senate, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, Second Session

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-02

attacks at Fort Hood and the Little Rock recruiting station to the failed attack on Christmas Day, we have seen an alarming number of terrorist threats...performances, so we must create new methods and tradecraft to recognize terror threats we haven’t seen before. Unfortunately, the process of intelligence...about al-Qa’ida itself, al-Qa’ida-associated groups and al-Qa’ida-inspired terrorists striking the United States. And we’ve seen the reality of all

Application of uphole data from petroleum seismic surveys to groundwater investigations, Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Woodward, D.; Menges, C.M.

1991-01-01

Velocity data from uphole surveys were used to map the water table and the contact at the base dune sand/top alluvium as part of a joint National Drilling Company-United States Geological Survey Ground Water Research Project in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. During 1981-1983, a reconnaissance seismic survey was conducted for petroleum exploration in the eastern region of Abu Dhabi. Approximately 2800 kilometers of seismic data, consisting of 92 lines, were acquired in the 2500 km2 concession area near Al Ain. Uphole surveys were conducted about 2 km apart along each seismic line, and were used to calculate weathering corrections required to further process in the seismic data. Approximately 1300 uphole surveys were completed in the concession area between March 1981 and June 1983. Reinterpretation of the velocity profiles derived from the uphole surveys provided data for determining the following subsurface layers, listed in descending order: (1) a surficial, unconsolidated weathering layer with a velocity from 300 to 450 m/s; (2) surficial dune sand, from 750 to 900 m/s; (3) unsaturated, unconsolidated alluvium, from 1000 to 1300 m/s; and (4) saturated, unconsolidated alluvium, from 1900 to 2200 m/s. Two interfaces-the water table and the base dune sand/top alluvium - were identified and mapped from boundaries between these velocity layers. Although the regional water table can fluctuate naturally as much as 3 m per year in this area and the water-table determinations from the uphole data span a 27-month period, an extremely consistent and interpretable water-table map was derived from the uphole data throughout the entire concession area. In the northern part of the area, unconfined groundwater moves northward and northwestward toward the Arabian Gulf; and in the central and southern parts of the area, groundwater moves westward away from the Oman Mountains. In the extreme southern area east of Jabal Hafit, groundwater moves southward into Oman. The map of the base

AlGaN-based ultraviolet light-emitting diodes on sputter-deposited AlN templates with epitaxial AlN/AlGaN superlattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Lu; Zhang, Shuo; Zhang, Yun; Yan, Jianchang; Zhang, Lian; Ai, Yujie; Guo, Yanan; Ni, Ruxue; Wang, Junxi; Li, Jinmin

2018-01-01

We demonstrate AlGaN-based ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) on sputter-deposited AlN templates upon sapphire substrates. An AlN/AlGaN superlattices structure is inserted as a dislocation filter between the LED structure and the AlN template. The full width at half maximum values for (0002) and (10 1 bar 2) X-ray rocking curves of the n-type Al0.56Ga0.44N layer are 513 and 1205 arcsec, respectively, with the surface roughness of 0.52 nm. The electron concentration and mobility measured by Hall measurement are 9.3 × 1017cm-3 and 54 cm2/V·s at room temperature, respectively. The light output power of a 282-nm LED reaches 0.28 mW at 20 mA with an external quantum efficiency of 0.32%. And the values of leakage current and forward voltage of the LEDs are ∼3 nA at -10 V and 6.9 V at 20 mA, respectively, showing good electrical performance. It is expected that the cost of the UV-LED can be reduced by using sputter-deposited AlN template.

Directional growth and characterization of Fe?Al?Nb eutectic alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mota, M. A.; Coelho, A. A.; Bejarano, J. M. Z.; Gama, S.; Caram, R.

1999-03-01

The manufacturing of components for operation at high temperatures requires the use of metallic materials which can keep satisfactory mechanical and chemical properties, even at temperatures beyond 1000°C. An interesting alternative to solve such a problem is the use of directionally solidified eutectic alloys. A potentially promising system for the manufacture of structural materials, and so far not totally studied, is the eutectic based on the Fe-Al-Nb system, which involves the (FeAl) 2Nb phase and the FeAl solid solution. Eutectic samples from this system were directionally solidified in a vertical Bridgman crystal growth unit. The objective of the experiments was to determine the influence of the growth rate on the eutectic microstructure. The ingots obtained were investigated by using optical and electron scanning microscopy. At low growth rate, the eutectic microstructure remained regular, even though it showed several types of microstructure defects. As the growth rate was increased, a transition from lamellar to fibrous morphology was observed.

Changes in the aetiology, clinical presentation and management of acute interstitial nephritis, an increasingly common cause of acute kidney injury.

PubMed

Praga, Manuel; Sevillano, Angel; Auñón, Pilar; González, Ester

2015-09-01

Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is an important cause of acute kidney injury that has experienced significant epidemiological and clinical changes in the last years. The classical presentation, mostly induced by antibiotics and accompanied by evident hypersensitivity manifestations (skin rash, eosinophilia, fever) has been largely replaced by oligosymptomatic presentations that require a higher index of suspicion and are increasingly recognized in the elderly, having non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and proton pump inhibitors as frequent offending drugs. Drug-induced AIN continues to be the commonest type, but it requires a careful differential diagnosis with other entities (tubulointerstitial nephritis with uveitis syndrome, IgG4-related disease, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptom syndrome, sarcoidosis and other systemic diseases) that can also induce AIN. Cortico-dependant, relapsing AIN is a recently recognized entity that poses an important therapeutic challenge. Although corticosteroids are widely used in drug-induced AIN to speed kidney function recovery and avoid chronic kidney disease, their efficacy has not been tested by randomized controlled trials. New diagnostic tests and biomarkers, as well as prospective therapeutic studies are needed to improve AIN diagnosis and management. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.

Functional and Structural Signatures of the Anterior Insula are associated with Risk-taking Tendency of Analgesic Decision-making.

PubMed

Lin, Chia-Shu; Lin, Hsiao-Han; Wu, Shih-Yun

2016-11-28

In a medical context, decision-making is associated with complicated assessment of gains, losses and uncertainty of outcomes. We here provide novel evidence about the brain mechanisms underlying decision-making of analgesic treatment. Thirty-six healthy participants were recruited and completed the Analgesic Decision-making Task (ADT), which quantified individual tendency of risk-taking (RPI), as the frequency of choosing a riskier option to relieve pain. All the participants received resting-state (rs) functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and structural MRI. On rs-functional connectome, degree centrality (DC) of the bilateral anterior insula (aINS) was positively correlated with the RPI. The functional connectivity between the aINS, the nucleus accumbens and multiple brain regions, predominantly the medial frontal cortex, was positively correlated with the RPI. On structural signatures, the RPI was positively correlated with grey matter volume at the right aINS, and such an association was mediated by DC of the left aINS. Regression analyses revealed that both DC of the left aINS and participants' imagined pain relief, as the utility of pain reduction, could predict the individual RPI. The findings suggest that the functional and structural brain signature of the aINS is associated with the individual differences of risk-taking tendency in the context of analgesic decision-making.

Assistants' in nursing perceptions of their social place within mental health-care settings.

PubMed

Cowan, Darrin; Frame, Nicholas; Brunero, Scott; Lamont, Scott; Joyce, Mark

2015-10-01

An international nurse shortage, tightening fiscal constraints, and increased service demands have seen health systems increasingly turn to employing assistants in nursing (AIN) as a cost-effective means to meet demand. This paper describes social positioning from the perspective of 11 AIN who were employed to work in specialist mental health settings in a metropolitan health service in Sydney. Data was collected by means of semistructured interviews. Interview questions encouraged AIN to explore their experience with reference to positioning within the service, role perception, role development, staff relationship, and role satisfaction. Thematic analysis was utilized to generate themes and explore meaning within the data. The following themes emerged: role definition and clarity; socialization and adaptation; and enhancing education. Analysis suggests that whilst AIN were integrated into mainstream service, the scope of activities or role remains geographically variable and inconsistent. Encouragingly, as AIN became familiar with their work environments and teams, they considered themselves to be of value and were able to play a meaningful role. A desire for learning and a need for continuing education also emerged as a primary theme. Findings from the data suggest that AIN in the mental health setting remain a novel and, to some extent, poorly utilized resource. © 2015 Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc.

Cyclic oxidation resistance of a reaction milled NiAl-AlN composite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lowell, Carl E.; Barrett, Charles A.; Whittenberger, J. D.

1990-01-01

Based upon recent mechanical property tests a NiAl-AlN composite produced by cryomilling has very attractive high temperature strength. This paper focuses on the oxidation resistance of the NiAl-AlN composite at 1473 and 1573 K as compared to that of Ni-47Al-0.15Zr, one of the most oxidation resistant intermetallics. The results of cyclic oxidation tests show that the NiAl-AlN composite has excellent properties although not quite as good as those of Ni-47Al-0.15Zr. The onset of failure of the NiAl-AlN was unique in that it was not accompanied by a change in scale composition from alumina to less protective oxides. Failure in the composite appears to be related to the entrapment of AlN particles within the alumina scale.

ALS-Plus Syndrome: Non-Pyramidal Features in a Large ALS Cohort

PubMed Central

McCluskey, Leo; Vandriel, Shannon; Elman, Lauren; Van Deerlin, Vivianna M.; Powers, John; Boller, Ashley; Wood, Elisabeth McCarty; Woo, John; McMillan, Corey T.; Rascovsky, Katya; Grossman, Murray

2014-01-01

Objective Autopsy studies show widespread pathology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but clinical surveys of multisystem disease in ALS are rare. We investigated ALS-Plus syndrome, an understudied group of patients with clinical features extending beyond pyramidal and neuromuscular systems with or without cognitive/behavioral deficits. Methods In a large, consecutively-ascertained cohort of 550 patients with ALS, we documented atypical clinical manifestations. Genetic screening for C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansions was performed in 343 patients, and SOD1, TARDBP, and VCP were tested in the subgroup of patients with a family history of ALS. Gray matter and white matter imaging was available in a subgroup of 30 patients. Results Seventy-five (13.6%) patients were identified with ALS-Plus syndrome. We found disorders of ocular motility, cerebellar, extrapyramidal and autonomic functioning. Relative to those without ALS-Plus, cognitive impairment (8.0% vs 2.9%, p=0.029), bulbar-onset (49.3% vs 23.2%, p<0.001), and pathogenic mutations (20.0% vs 8.4%, p=0.015) were more than twice as common in ALS-Plus. Survival was significantly shorter in ALS-Plus (29.66 months vs 42.50 months, p=0.02), regardless of bulbar-onset or mutation status. Imaging revealed significantly greater cerebellar and cerebral disease in ALS-Plus compared to those without ALS-Plus. Conclusions ALS-Plus syndrome is not uncommon, and the presence of these atypical features is consistent with neuropathological observations that ALS is a multisystem disorder. ALS-Plus syndrome is associated with increased risk for poor survival and the presence of a pathogenic mutation. PMID:25086858

Effect of AlB2 on the P-threshold in Al-Si alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yuying; Liu, Xiangfa

2018-06-01

The nucleation of primary Si in Al-Si alloys has been investigated in this work. It was found that there was a threshold concentration of P, below which AlP can not heterogeneous nucleate primary Si in Al-12 wt%Si alloy. AlB2 can not nucleate primary Si directly, but the presence of AlB2 may assist the nucleation of AlP leading to the nucleation of primary Si particles. In addition, with addition of AlB2, the nucleation efficiency of AlP can be improved in Al-18 wt%Si alloy. The orientation relationship between AlB2 and AlP has been calculated, and the adsorption model for AlB2 and AlP was proposed in this work.

2016 International Workshop on Nitride Semiconductors (IWN 2016)

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-01-01

Doping Structure & Photoluminescence Properties of Flower-Like Spiral AIN Micro-Crystal Array Thermal Conductivity of Bulk AIN Direct Determination of...5.03 Optical and Electronic Properties HVPE GaN Wafers with Improved Crystallinity 5:00pm Michael Slomski 01.5.04 Thermal Conductivity of Bulk GaN...Broad-Band Emission Effect of lnter1ayers on the Vertical Electrical Conductivity of Si-Doped AIN/GaN DBRs Grown by PA-MBE Thermal Analys is of

Valence subband coupling effect on polarization of spontaneous emissions from Al-rich AlGaN/AlN quantum wells.

PubMed

Lu, Huimin; Yu, Tongjun; Yuan, Gangcheng; Jia, Chuanyu; Chen, Genxiang; Zhang, Guoyi

2012-12-03

The optical polarization properties of Al-rich AlGaN/AlN quantum wells (QWs) were investigated using the theoretical model based on the k·p method. Numerical results show that there is valence subband coupling which can influence the peak emission wavelength and emission intensity for TE and TM polarization components from Al-rich AlGaN/AlN QWs. Especially the valence subband coupling could be strong enough when CH1 is close to HH1 and LH1 subbands to modulate the critical Al content switching dominant emissions from TE to TM polarization. It is believed that the valence subband coupling may give important influence on polarization properties of spontaneous emissions and should be considered in designing high efficiency AlGaN-based ultraviolet (UV) LEDs.

Modulating optical polarization properties of Al-rich AlGaN/AlN quantum well by controlling wavefunction overlap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, X. J.; Yu, T. J.; Lu, H. M.; Yuan, G. C.; Shen, B.; Zhang, G. Y.

2013-10-01

Using modified k.p perturbation method, the optical polarization properties of Al-rich AlGaN/AlN quantum wells (QWs) are studied. It is found that change of wavefunction overlaps between conduction band and valance subbands of heavy hole, light hole, and crystal-field split off hole is different. Such difference leads to the overturn of polarization degree and modulates optical polarization properties as well width and strain vary. This prompts that changing wavefunction overlaps of electron and hole can lead to a way to modulate optical polarization properties of Al-rich AlGaN/AlN QWs, on no condition that valence band order changes.

Yogurt protects against growth retardation in weanling rats fed diets high in phytic acid

PubMed Central

Gaetke, Lisa M.; McClain, Craig J.; Toleman, C. Jean; Stuart, Mary A.

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the affects of adding yogurt to animal diets which were high in phytic acid (PA) and adequate in zinc (38 μg Zn/g). The PA:Zn molar ratio was 60:1. Zinc status was determined by documenting growth and measuring the zinc concentration in bone (tibia) and plasma. For 25 days, 6 groups (n=6) of Sprague-Dawley weanling rats were fed one of the following AIN-76 diets. Half of the diets contained PA. Four of the diets contained yogurt with either active or heat-treated (inactive) cultures added at 25% of the diet. Diets: (without PA) 1) AIN, 2) AIN with active yogurt, 3) AIN and inactive yogurt; and (with PA) 4) AIN with PA, 5) AIN with PA plus active yogurt, and 6) AIN with PA plus inactive yogurt. Body weight, weight gain, and zinc concentration in bone and plasma were measured, and feed efficiency ratio (FER) was calculated. Rats fed diets with PA and yogurt had normal growth compared to the control group. Growth retardation was evident in the group fed the diet with PA and no yogurt. This group had significantly lower body weight compared to all other groups (p<0.05). Rats fed diets with PA, with or without yogurt, had significantly lower zinc concentration in bone and plasma (p<0.05). Adding yogurt to diets high in PA resulted in normal growth in weanling rats, however, zinc concentration in bone and plasma was still sub-optimal. PMID:19269152

High temperature deformation of NiAl and CoAl

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nix, W. D.

1982-01-01

The high temperature mechanical properties of the aluminides are reviewed with respect to their potential as high temperature structural materials. It is shown that NiAl and CoAl are substantially stronger than the pure metals Ni and Co at high temperatures and approach the strength of some superalloys, particularly when those superalloys are tested in "weak" directions. The factors that limit and control the high temperature strengths of NiAl and CoAl are examined to provide a basis for the development of intermetallic alloys of this type.

Strategic Dissonance RPA Tactics To Defeat Al Qaeda

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-11-24

Pakistan NDU Journal XXVIII (2014): 77- 86. http://www.ndu.edu.pk/issra/issra_pub/2014/NDU-Journal-2014.pdf. Maass, Matthias. “From U - 2s to Drones: U.S...accordance with Air Force Instruction 51-303, it is not copyrighted, but is the property of the United States government. iii Biography Mr... aircraft (RPA) as the primary means to defeat al-Qaeda is failing. The tactic is a convenient weapon of choice because it is accurate, low risk, and

Atomistic Modeling of RuAl and (RuNi) Al Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gargano, Pablo; Mosca, Hugo; Bozzolo, Guillermo; Noebe, Ronald D.; Gray, Hugh R. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Atomistic modeling of RuAl and RuAlNi alloys, using the BFS (Bozzolo-Ferrante-Smith) method for alloys is performed. The lattice parameter and energy of formation of B2 RuAl as a function of stoichiometry and the lattice parameter of (Ru(sub 50-x)Ni(sub x)Al(sub 50)) alloys as a function of Ni concentration are computed. BFS based Monte Carlo simulations indicate that compositions close to Ru25Ni25Al50 are single phase with no obvious evidence of a miscibility gap and separation of the individual B2 phases.

Al atom on MoO3(010) surface: adsorption and penetration using density functional theory.

PubMed

Wu, Hong-Zhang; Bandaru, Sateesh; Wang, Da; Liu, Jin; Lau, Woon Ming; Wang, Zhenling; Li, Li-Li

2016-03-14

Interfacial issues, such as the interfacial structure and the interdiffusion of atoms at the interface, are fundamental to the understanding of the ignition and reaction mechanisms of nanothermites. This study employs first-principle density functional theory to model Al/MoO3 by placing an Al adatom onto a unit cell of a MoO3(010) slab, and to probe the initiation of interfacial interactions of Al/MoO3 nanothermite by tracking the adsorption and subsurface-penetration of the Al adatom. The calculations show that the Al adatom can spontaneously go through the topmost atomic plane (TAP) of MoO3(010) and reach the 4-fold hollow adsorption-site located below the TAP, with this subsurface adsorption configuration being the most preferred one among all plausible adsorption configurations. Two other plausible configurations place the Al adatom at two bridge sites located above the TAP of MoO3(010) but the Al adatom can easily penetrate below this TAP to a relatively more stable adsorption configuration, with a small energy barrier of merely 0.2 eV. The evidence of subsurface penetration of Al implies that Al/MoO3 likely has an interface with intermixing of Al, Mo and O atoms. These results provide new insights on the interfacial interactions of Al/MoO3 and the ignition/combustion mechanisms of Al/MoO3 nanothermites.

Unit Circles and Inverse Trigonometric Functions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barrera, Azael

2014-01-01

Historical accounts of trigonometry refer to the works of many Indian and Arab astronomers on the origin of the trigonometric functions as we know them now, in particular Abu al-Wafa (ca. 980 CE), who determined and named all known trigonometric functions from segments constructed on a regular circle and later on a unit circle (Moussa 2011;…

Spotting 2D atomic layers on aluminum nitride thin films.

PubMed

Chandrasekar, Hareesh; Bharadwaj B, Krishna; Vaidyuala, Kranthi Kumar; Suran, Swathi; Bhat, Navakanta; Varma, Manoj; Srinivasan Raghavan

2015-10-23

Substrates for 2D materials are important for tailoring their fundamental properties and realizing device applications. Aluminum nitride (AIN) films on silicon are promising large-area substrates for such devices in view of their high surface phonon energies and reasonably large dielectric constants. In this paper epitaxial layers of AlN on 2″ Si wafers have been investigated as a necessary first step to realize devices from exfoliated or transferred atomic layers. Significant thickness dependent contrast enhancements are both predicted and observed for monolayers of graphene and MoS2 on AlN films as compared to the conventional SiO2 films on silicon, with calculated contrast values approaching 100% for graphene on AlN as compared to 8% for SiO2 at normal incidences. Quantitative estimates of experimentally measured contrast using reflectance spectroscopy show very good agreement with calculated values. Transistors of monolayer graphene on AlN films are demonstrated, indicating the feasibility of complete device fabrication on the identified layers.

AIN-Based Packaging for SiC High-Temperature Electronics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Savrun, Ender

2004-01-01

Packaging made primarily of aluminum nitride has been developed to enclose silicon carbide-based integrated circuits (ICs), including circuits containing SiC-based power diodes, that are capable of operation under conditions more severe than can be withstood by silicon-based integrated circuits. A major objective of this development was to enable packaged SiC electronic circuits to operate continuously at temperatures up to 500 C. AlN-packaged SiC electronic circuits have commercial potential for incorporation into high-power electronic equipment and into sensors that must withstand high temperatures and/or high pressures in diverse applications that include exploration in outer space, well logging, and monitoring of nuclear power systems. This packaging embodies concepts drawn from flip-chip packaging of silicon-based integrated circuits. One or more SiC-based circuit chips are mounted on an aluminum nitride package substrate or sandwiched between two such substrates. Intimate electrical connections between metal conductors on the chip(s) and the metal conductors on external circuits are made by direct bonding to interconnections on the package substrate(s) and/or by use of holes through the package substrate(s). This approach eliminates the need for wire bonds, which have been the most vulnerable links in conventional electronic circuitry in hostile environments. Moreover, the elimination of wire bonds makes it possible to pack chips more densely than was previously possible.

Reduction Mechanisms of Cu2+-Doped Na2O-Al2O3-SiO2 Glasses during Heating in H2 Gas.

PubMed

Nogami, Masayuki; Quang, Vu Xuan; Ohki, Shinobu; Deguchi, Kenzo; Shimizu, Tadashi

2018-01-25

Controlling valence state of metal ions that are doped in materials has been widely applied for turning optical properties. Even though hydrogen has been proven effective to reduce metal ions because of its strong reducing capability, few comprehensive studies focus on practical applications because of the low diffusion rate of hydrogen in solids and the limited reaction near sample surfaces. Here, we investigated the reactions of hydrogen with Cu 2+ -doped Na 2 O-Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2 glass and found that a completely different reduction from results reported so far occurs, which is dominated by the Al/Na concentration ratio. For Al/Na < 1, Cu 2+ ions were reduced via hydrogen to metallic Cu, distributing in glass body. For Al/Na > 1, on the other hand, the reduction of Cu 2+ ions occurred simultaneously with the formation of OH bonds, whereas the reduced Cu metal moved outward and formed a metallic film on glass surface. The NMR and Fourier transform infrared results indicated that the Cu 2+ ions were surrounded by Al 3+ ions that formed AlO 4 , distorted AlO 4 , and AlO 5 units. The diffused H 2 gas reacted with the Al-O - ···Cu + units, forming Al-OH and metallic Cu, the latter of which moved freely toward glass surface and in return enhanced H 2 diffusion.

Origin of Quantum Criticality in Yb-Al-Au Approximant Crystal and Quasicrystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, Shinji; Miyake, Kazumasa

2016-06-01

To get insight into the mechanism of emergence of unconventional quantum criticality observed in quasicrystal Yb15Al34Au51, the approximant crystal Yb14Al35Au51 is analyzed theoretically. By constructing a minimal model for the approximant crystal, the heavy quasiparticle band is shown to emerge near the Fermi level because of strong correlation of 4f electrons at Yb. We find that charge-transfer mode between 4f electron at Yb on the 3rd shell and 3p electron at Al on the 4th shell in Tsai-type cluster is considerably enhanced with almost flat momentum dependence. The mode-coupling theory shows that magnetic as well as valence susceptibility exhibits χ ˜ T-0.5 for zero-field limit and is expressed as a single scaling function of the ratio of temperature to magnetic field T/B over four decades even in the approximant crystal when some condition is satisfied by varying parameters, e.g., by applying pressure. The key origin is clarified to be due to strong locality of the critical Yb-valence fluctuation and small Brillouin zone reflecting the large unit cell, giving rise to the extremely-small characteristic energy scale. This also gives a natural explanation for the quantum criticality in the quasicrystal corresponding to the infinite limit of the unit-cell size.

The Killing of Anwar al Awlaki: How the United States Lost a Crucial Battle in the War of Ideas

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-01

ties to terrorism. However, the arrest warrant was rescinded by a federal judge in Denver the very day that al- Awlaki arrived at JFK Airport in New...Awlaki as an informant and turned a blind eye to his nefarious relationships and messages.41 This viewpoint hinges upon al-Awlaki’s arrest at JFK Airport and

C60 superstructure and carbide formation on the Al-terminated Al9Co2(001 ) surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ledieu, J.; Gaudry, É.; de Weerd, M.-C.; Gille, P.; Diehl, R. D.; Fournée, V.

2015-04-01

We report the formation of an ordered C60 monolayer on the Al9Co2 (001) surface using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), x-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS/UPS), and ab initio calculations. Dosing fullerenes at 300 K results in a disordered overlayer. However, the adsorption of C60 with the sample held between 573-673 K leads to a [4, -2 ∣1 ,3 ] phase. The growth of C60 proceeds with the formation of two domains which are mirror symmetric with respect to the [100] direction. Within each domain, the superstructure unit cell contains six molecules and this implies an area per fullerene equal to 91 Å2. The molecules exhibit two types of contrast (bright and dim) which are bias dependent. The adsorption energies and preferred molecular configuration at several possible adsorption sites have been determined theoretically. These calculations lead to a possible scheme describing the configuration of each C60 in the observed superstructure. Several defects (vacancies, protrusions,…) and domain boundaries observed in the film are also discussed. If the sample temperature is higher than 693 K when dosing, impinging C60 molecules dissociate at the surface, hence leading to the formation of a carbide film as observed by STM and LEED measurements. The formation of Al4C3 domains and the molecular dissociation are confirmed by XPS/UPS measurements acquired at different stages of the experiment. The cluster substructure present at the Al9Co2 (001) surface dictates the carbide domain orientations.

Risk Factors for Abnormal Anal Cytology over Time in HIV-infected Women

PubMed Central

BARANOSKI, Amy S; TANDON, Richa; WEINBERG, Janice; HUANG, Faye; STIER, Elizabeth A

2012-01-01

Objectives To assess incidence of, and risk factors for abnormal anal cytology and anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) 2–3 in HIV-infected women. Study Design This prospective study assessed 100 HIV-infected women with anal and cervical specimens for cytology and high risk HPV testing over three semi-annual visits. Results Thirty-three women were diagnosed with an anal cytologic abnormality at least once. Anal cytology abnormality was associated with current CD4 count <200 cells/mm3, anal HPV infection and history of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Twelve subjects were diagnosed with AIN2-3: four after AIN1 diagnosis and four after ≥1 negative anal cytology. AIN2-3 trended towards an association with history of cervical cytologic abnormality and history of STI. Conclusions Repeated annual anal cytology screening for HIV-infected women, particularly for those with increased immunosuppression, anal and/or cervical HPV, history of other STIs, or abnormal cervical cytology, will increase the likelihood of detecting AIN2-3. PMID:22520651

Structure investigation of fluorinated aluminophosphate ULM-3 Al templated by 3-methylaminopropylamine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zabukovec Logar, Natasa; Mali, Gregor; Rajic, Nevenka; Jevtic, Sanja; Rangus, Mojca; Golobic, Amalija; Kaucic, Venceslav

2010-05-01

A single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of an open-framework aluminophosphate ULM-3 Al prepared by 3-methylaminopropylamine (MAPA) as structure-directing agent revealed an orthorhombic Pcab symmetry ( a=9.9949(4) Å, b=15.8229(7) Å, c=18.1963(5) Å, R=0.0648, Z=8, unit cell formula [Al 24P 24O 96F 16·C 32H 112N 16]), which differs from the Pbc2 1 symmetry of the structural analogue prepared in the presence of 1,4-diaminobutane. The 27Al, 31P, 19F, 13C and 1H NMR investigations, which were performed to study in detail MAPA arrangement inside the framework as well as the interactions of MAPA with the aluminophosphate host, confirmed the crystal symmetry and the proposed hydrogen bonding scheme between the template and the framework.

27Al MQMAS of the δ-Al 13-Keggin

DOE PAGES

Pilgrim, C. D.; Callahan, J. R.; Colla, C. A.; ...

2017-01-20

Here, one-dimensional 27Al, 23Na Magic-Angle-Spinning (MAS) NMR and 27Al Multiple-Quantum Magic-Angle-Spinning NMR (MQMAS) measurements are reported for the δ-isomer of the Al 13 Keggin structure at high spinning speed and 14.1 T field. Values for the CQ and η parameters are on the same scale as those seen in other isomers of the Al 13 structure. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are performed for comparison to the experimental fits using the B3PW91/6-31+G* and PBE0/6-31+G* levels of theory, with the Polarizable Continuum Model (PCM).

Comparison of endpoints relevant to toxicity assessments in 3 generations of CD-1 mice fed irradiated natural and purified ingredient diets with varying soy protein and isoflavone contents.

PubMed

Camacho, Luísa; Lewis, Sherry M; Vanlandingham, Michelle M; Juliar, Beth E; Olson, Greg R; Patton, Ralph E; Gamboa da Costa, Gonçalo; Woodling, Kellie; Sepehr, Estatira; Bryant, Matthew S; Doerge, Daniel R; Basavarajappa, Mallikarjuna S; Felton, Robert P; Delclos, K Barry

2016-08-01

Diet is an important variable in toxicology. There are mixed reports on the impact of soy components on energy utilization, fat deposition, and reproductive parameters. Three generations of CD-1 mice were fed irradiated natural ingredient diets with varying levels of soy (NIH-41, 5K96, or 5008/5001), purified irradiated AIN-93 diet, or the AIN-93 formulation modified with ethanol-washed soy protein concentrate (SPC) or SPC with isoflavones (SPC-IF). NIH-41 was the control for pairwise comparisons. Minimal differences were observed among natural ingredient diet groups. F0 males fed AIN-93, SPC, and SPC-IF diets had elevated glucose levels and lower insulin levels compared with the NIH-41 group. In both sexes of the F1 and F2 generations, the SPC and SPC-IF groups had lower body weight gains than the NIH-41 controls and the AIN-93 group had an increased percent body fat at postnatal day 21. AIN-93 F1 pups had higher baseline glucose than NIH-41 controls, but diet did not significantly affect breeding performance or responses to glucose or uterotrophic challenges. Reduced testes weight and sperm in the AIN-93 group may be related to low thiamine levels. Our observations underline the importance of careful selection, manufacturing procedures, and nutritional characterization of diets used in toxicological studies. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Comparison of endpoints relevant to toxicity assessments in 3 generations of CD-1 mice fed irradiated natural and purified ingredient diets with varying soy protein and isoflavone contents

PubMed Central

Camacho, Luísa; Lewis, Sherry M.; Vanlandingham, Michelle M.; Juliar, Beth E.; Olson, Greg R.; Patton, Ralph E.; da Costa, Gonçalo Gamboa; Woodling, Kellie; Sepehr, Estatira; Bryant, Matthew S.; Doerge, Daniel R.; Basavarajappa, Mallikarjuna S.; Felton, Robert P.; Delclos, K. Barry

2016-01-01

Diet is an important variable in toxicology. There are mixed reports on the impact of soy components on energy utilization, fat deposition, and reproductive parameters. Three generations of CD-1 mice were fed irradiated natural ingredient diets with varying levels of soy (NIH-41, 5K96, or 5008/5001), purified irradiated AIN-93 diet, or the AIN-93 formulation modified with ethanol-washed soy protein concentrate (SPC) or SPC with isoflavones (SPC-IF). NIH-41 was the control for pairwise comparisons. Minimal differences were observed among natural ingredient diet groups. F0 males fed AIN-93, SPC, and SPC-IF diets had elevated glucose levels and lower insulin levels compared with the NIH-41 group. In both sexes of the F1 and F2 generations, the SPC and SPC-IF groups had lower body weight gains than the NIH-41 controls and the AIN-93 group had an increased percent body fat at postnatal day 21. AIN-93 F1 pups had higher baseline glucose than NIH-41 controls, but diet did not significantly affect breeding performance or responses to glucose or uterotrophic challenges. Reduced testes weight and sperm in the AIN-93 group may be related to low thiamine levels. Our observations underline the importance of careful selection, manufacturing procedures, and nutritional characterization of diets used in toxicological studies. PMID:27234134

Assessing behavioural changes in ALS: cross-validation of ALS-specific measures.

PubMed

Pinto-Grau, Marta; Costello, Emmet; O'Connor, Sarah; Elamin, Marwa; Burke, Tom; Heverin, Mark; Pender, Niall; Hardiman, Orla

2017-07-01

The Beaumont Behavioural Inventory (BBI) is a behavioural proxy report for the assessment of behavioural changes in ALS. This tool has been validated against the FrSBe, a non-ALS-specific behavioural assessment, and further comparison of the BBI against a disease-specific tool was considered. This study cross-validates the BBI against the ALS-FTD-Q. Sixty ALS patients, 8% also meeting criteria for FTD, were recruited. All patients were evaluated using the BBI and the ALS-FTD-Q, completed by a carer. Correlational analysis was performed to assess construct validity. Precision, sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of the BBI when compared to the ALS-FTD-Q, were obtained. The mean score of the whole sample on the BBI was 11.45 ± 13.06. ALS-FTD patients scored significantly higher than non-demented ALS patients (31.6 ± 14.64, 9.62 ± 11.38; p < 0.0001). A significant large positive correlation between the BBI and the ALS-FTD-Q was observed (r = 0.807, p < 0.0001), and no significant correlations between the BBI and other clinical/demographic characteristics indicate good convergent and discriminant validity, respectively. 72% of overall concordance was observed. Precision, sensitivity, and specificity for the classification of severely impaired patients were adequate. However, lower concordance in the classification of mild behavioural changes was observed, with higher sensitivity using the BBI, most likely secondary to BBI items which endorsed behavioural aspects not measured by the ALS-FTD-Q. Good construct validity has been further confirmed when the BBI is compared to an ALS-specific tool. Furthermore, the BBI is a more comprehensive behavioural assessment for ALS, as it measures the whole behavioural spectrum in this condition.

Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS)

MedlinePlus

... for Educators Search English Español Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) KidsHealth / For Kids / Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) What's ... with ALS in the 1930s. What Happens in ALS? ALS damages motor neurons in the brain and ...

Pressure induced coordination change of Al in silicate melts from Al K edge XANES of high pressure NaAlSi2O6-NaAlSi3O8 glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Dien; Secco, R. A.; Bancroft, G. M.; Fleet, M. E.

Aluminum K-edge XANES spectra of high pressure and high temperature (4.4 GPa and 1575°C) glasses along the NaAlSi2O6 (Jd)-NaAlSi3O8 (Ab) join are reported using synchrotron radiation, and shown to provide direct experimental evidence for the pressure-induced coordination change of Al. Five- and six-fold coordinated Al (5Al and 6Al), characterized by Al K-edge positions at 1567.8 and 1568.7 eV, respectively, first appear in glass of composition Jd60Ab40 and increase in proportion progressively with increasing Jd content. The end-member jadeite glass contains about 6% of each of 5Al and 6Al. The present direct measurements confirm literature suggestions for the important role of Al in controlling viscosity and diffusion in mantle melts.

Doping and compensation in Al-rich AlGaN grown on single crystal AlN and sapphire by MOCVD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bryan, Isaac; Bryan, Zachary; Washiyama, Shun; Reddy, Pramod; Gaddy, Benjamin; Sarkar, Biplab; Breckenridge, M. Hayden; Guo, Qiang; Bobea, Milena; Tweedie, James; Mita, Seiji; Irving, Douglas; Collazo, Ramon; Sitar, Zlatko

2018-02-01

In order to understand the influence of dislocations on doping and compensation in Al-rich AlGaN, thin films were grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) on different templates on sapphire and low dislocation density single crystalline AlN. AlGaN grown on AlN exhibited the highest conductivity, carrier concentration, and mobility for any doping concentration due to low threading dislocation related compensation and reduced self-compensation. The onset of self-compensation, i.e., the "knee behavior" in conductivity, was found to depend only on the chemical potential of silicon, strongly indicating the cation vacancy complex with Si as the source of self-compensation. However, the magnitude of self-compensation was found to increase with an increase in dislocation density, and consequently, AlGaN grown on AlN substrates demonstrated higher conductivity over the entire doping range.

The Existence of a Designer Al=Al Double Bond in the LiAl2 H4- Cluster Formed by Electronic Transmutation.

PubMed

Lundell, Katie A; Zhang, Xinxing; Boldyrev, Alexander I; Bowen, Kit H

2017-12-22

The Al=Al double bond is elusive in chemistry. Herein we report the results obtained via combined photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio studies of the LiAl 2 H 4 - cluster that confirm the formation of a conventional Al=Al double bond. Comprehensive searches for the most stable structures of the LiAl 2 H 4 - cluster have shown that the global minimum isomer I possesses a geometric structure which resembles that of Si 2 H 4 , demonstrating a successful example of the transmutation of Al atoms into Si atoms by electron donation. Theoretical simulations of the photoelectron spectrum discovered the coexistence of two isomers in the ion beam, including the one with the Al=Al double bond. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

p16 immunostaining in histological grading of anal squamous intraepithelial lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Albuquerque, Andreia; Rios, Elisabete; Dias, Claudia Camila; Nathan, Mayura

2018-02-13

p16 is the most widely studied biomarker in lower anogenital tract squamous intraepithelial lesions and, currently the only recommended biomarker for histological grade assessment. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate p16-positive rates according to anal squamous intraepithelial lesions/anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) grade. Two investigators independently searched four electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, and Embase from inception until August 2017. Studies that evaluated p16 immunostaining in histological samples of anal and/or perianal squamous intraepithelial lesions and defined a p16-positive result as diffuse block staining with nuclear or nuclear plus cytoplasmic staining were included. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model. Fifteen studies consisting of 790 samples were included. The proportion of p16 expression increased with the severity of histological grade. p16 positivity was 2% (95% CI: 0.2-5%) in normal histology, 12% (95% CI: 2-27%) in low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs)/AIN1 (excluding condylomas), 7% (95% CI: 2-13%) in all LSIL (AIN1/LSIL/condyloma), 76% (95% CI: 61-88%) in AIN2, and 90% (95% CI: 82-95%) in AIN3. For anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs), in studies using a two-tiered nomenclature, p16 positivity was 84% (95% CI: 66-96%) and for all HSIL (AIN2, AIN3, HSIL combined) it was 82% (95% CI: 72-91%). In summary, p16 positivity in anal squamous intraepithelial lesions appears to be in a similar range to the commonly described cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions, however, for anal low-grade lesions positivity seems to be lower.

Epidemiology of acute poisoning in children presenting to the poisoning treatment center at Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt, 2009–2013

PubMed Central

Azab, Sonya M. S.; Hirshon, Jon Mark; Hayes, Bryan D.; El-Setouhy, Maged; Smith, Gordon S.; Sakr, Mahmoud Lotfy; Tawfik, Hany; Klein-Schwartz, Wendy

2016-01-01

Introduction Pediatric poisonings represent a major and preventable cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Epidemiologic information about poisoning among children in many lower- and middle-income countries is scarce. This study describes the epidemiology of acute poisonings in children presenting to Ain Shams University's Poisoning Treatment Center (ASU-PTC) in Cairo and determines the causative agents and characteristics of acute poisoning in several pediatric age groups. Methods This retrospective study involved acutely poisoned patients, 0 to 18 years of age, who presented to the ASU-PTC between 1/1/2009 and 12/31/2013. Data were extracted from electronic records maintained by the ASU-PTC. Collected data included demographics, substance of exposure, circumstances of the poisoning, patient disposition, and outcome. Results During the 5-year study period, 38,470 patients meeting our criteria were treated by the ASU-PTC; 19,987 (52%) were younger than 6 years of age; 4,196 (11%) were 6 to 12 years; and 14,287 (37%) were >12 years. Unintentional poisoning accounted for 68.5% of the ingestions, though among adolescents 84.1% of ingestions were with self-harm intent. In all age groups, the most frequent causative drugs were non-opioid analgesics, antipyretics, and antirheumatics. The most common nonpharmaceutical agents were corrosives in preschool children and pesticides in adolescents. Most patients had no/minor effects (29,174 [75.8%]); hospitalization rates were highest among adolescents. There were 119 deaths (case fatality rate of 0.3), primarily from pesticide ingestion. Conclusion Poisoning in preschool children is mainly unintentional and commonly due to nonpharmaceutical agents while poisoning in adolescents is mainly intentional (self-harm). Pesticides, mainly organophosphorous compounds and carbamates, were the most frequent agent leading to morbidity and mortality. PMID:26653953

ALS - resources

MedlinePlus

Resources - ALS ... The following organizations are good resources for information on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis : Muscular Dystrophy Association -- www.mda.org/disease/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis National Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) ...

Interdiffusion in U 3Si-Al, U 3Si 2-Al, and USi-Al dispersion fuels during irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Yeon Soo; Hofman, Gerard L.

2011-03-01

Uranium-silicide compound fuel dispersion in an Al matrix is used in research and test reactors worldwide. Interaction layer (IL) growth between fuel particles and the matrix is one of performance issues. The interaction layer growth data for U 3Si, U 3Si 2 and USi dispersions in Al were obtained from both out-of-pile and in-pile tests. The IL is dominantly U(AlSi) 3 from out-of-pile tests, but its (Al + Si)/U ratio from in-pile tests is higher than the out-of-pile data, because of amorphous behavior of the ILs. IL growth correlations were developed for U 3Si-Al and U 3Si 2-Al. The IL growth rates were dependent on the U/Si ratio of the fuel compounds. During irradiation, however, the IL growth rates did not decrease with the decreasing U/Si ratio by fission. It is reasoned that transition metal fission products in the IL compensate the loss of U atoms by providing chemical potential for Al diffusion and volume expansion by solid swelling and gas bubble swelling. The addition of Mo in U 3Si 2 reduces the IL growth rate, which is similar to that of UMo alloy dispersion in a silicon-added Al matrix.

Characterization of N-polar AlN in GaN/AlN/(Al,Ga)N heterostructures grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Haoran; Mazumder, Baishakhi; Bonef, Bastien; Keller, Stacia; Wienecke, Steven; Speck, James S.; Denbaars, Steven P.; Mishra, Umesh K.

2017-11-01

In GaN/(Al,Ga)N high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMT), AlN interlayer between GaN channel and AlGaN barrier suppresses alloy scattering and significantly improves the electron mobility of the two-dimensional electron gas. While high concentrations of gallium were previously observed in Al-polar AlN interlayers grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition, the N-polar AlN (Al x Ga1-x N) films examined by atom probe tomography in this study exhibited aluminum compositions (x) equal to or higher than 95% over a wide range of growth conditions. The also investigated AlN interlayer in a N-polar GaN/AlN/AlGaN/ S.I. GaN HEMT structure possessed a similarly high x content.

Pure AlN layers in metal-polar AlGaN/AlN/GaN and AlN/GaN heterostructures grown by low-temperature ammonia-based molecular beam epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaun, Stephen W.; Mazumder, Baishakhi; Fireman, Micha N.; Kyle, Erin C. H.; Mishra, Umesh K.; Speck, James S.

2015-05-01

When grown at a high temperature (820 °C) by ammonia-based molecular beam epitaxy (NH3-MBE), the AlN layers of metal-polar AlGaN/AlN/GaN heterostructures had a high GaN mole fraction (∼0.15), as identified by atom probe tomography in a previous study (Mazumder et al 2013 Appl. Phys. Lett. 102 111603). In the study presented here, growth at low temperature (<740 °C) by NH3-MBE yielded metal-polar AlN layers that were essentially pure at the alloy level. The improved purity of the AlN layers grown at low temperature was correlated to a dramatic increase in the sheet density of the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the AlN/GaN heterointerface. Through application of an In surfactant, metal-polar AlN(3.5 nm)/GaN and AlGaN/AlN(2.5 nm)/GaN heterostructures grown at low temperature yielded low 2DEG sheet resistances of 177 and 285 Ω/□, respectively.

Cyclic AMP Receptor Protein Regulates Pheromone-Mediated Bioluminescence at Multiple Levels in Vibrio fischeri ES114

PubMed Central

Lyell, Noreen L.; Colton, Deanna M.; Bose, Jeffrey L.; Tumen-Velasquez, Melissa P.; Kimbrough, John H.

2013-01-01

Bioluminescence in Vibrio fischeri ES114 is activated by autoinducer pheromones, and this regulation serves as a model for bacterial cell-cell signaling. As in other bacteria, pheromone concentration increases with cell density; however, pheromone synthesis and perception are also modulated in response to environmental stimuli. Previous studies suggested that expression of the pheromone-dependent bioluminescence activator LuxR is regulated in response to glucose by cyclic AMP (cAMP) receptor protein (CRP) (P. V. Dunlap and E. P. Greenberg, J. Bacteriol. 164:45–50, 1985; P. V. Dunlap and E. P. Greenberg, J. Bacteriol. 170:4040–4046, 1988; P. V. Dunlap, J. Bacteriol. 171:1199–1202, 1989; and W. F. Friedrich and E. P. Greenberg, Arch. Microbiol. 134:87–91, 1983). Consistent with this model, we found that bioluminescence in V. fischeri ES114 is modulated by glucose and stimulated by cAMP. In addition, a Δcrp mutant was ∼100-fold dimmer than ES114 and did not increase luminescence in response to added cAMP, even though cells lacking crp were still metabolically capable of producing luminescence. We further discovered that CRP regulates not only luxR but also the alternative pheromone synthase gene ainS. We found that His-tagged V. fischeri CRP could bind sequences upstream of both luxR and ainS, supporting bioinformatic predictions of direct regulation at both promoters. Luminescence increased in response to cAMP if either the ainS or luxR system was under native regulation, suggesting cAMP-CRP significantly increases luminescence through both systems. Finally, using transcriptional reporters in transgenic Escherichia coli, we elucidated two additional regulatory connections. First, LuxR-independent basal transcription of the luxI promoter was enhanced by CRP. Second, the effect of CRP on the ainS promoter depended on whether the V. fischeri regulatory gene litR was also introduced. These results suggest an integral role for CRP in pheromone signaling that

Study of the Al m 26 ( d , p ) Al 27 Reaction and the Influence of the Al 26 0 + Isomer on the Destruction of Al 26 in the Galaxy

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

Almaraz-Calderon, S.; Rehm, K. E.; Gerken, N.

The existence of 26Al (t 1/2 = 7.17 × 10 5 yr) in the interstellar medium provides a direct confirmation of ongoing nucleosynthesis in the Galaxy. The presence of a low-lying 0 + isomer ( 26Al m), however, severely complicates the astrophysical calculations. Here we present for the first time a study of the 26Al m (d, p) 27 Al reaction using an isomeric 26Al beam. The selectivity of this reaction allowed the study of ℓ = 0 transfers to T = 1/2, and T = 3/2 states in 27Al . Mirror symmetry arguments were then used to constrain themore » 26Al m (p,γ) 27Si reaction rate and provide an experimentally determined upper limit of the rate for the destruction of isomeric 26Al via radiative proton capture reactions, which is expected to dominate the destruction path of 26Al m in asymptotic giant branch stars, classical novae, and core collapse supernovae.« less

Study of the Al m 26 ( d , p ) Al 27 Reaction and the Influence of the Al 26 0 + Isomer on the Destruction of Al 26 in the Galaxy

DOE PAGES

Almaraz-Calderon, S.; Rehm, K. E.; Gerken, N.; ...

2017-08-17

The existence of 26Al (t 1/2 = 7.17 × 10 5 yr) in the interstellar medium provides a direct confirmation of ongoing nucleosynthesis in the Galaxy. The presence of a low-lying 0 + isomer ( 26Al m), however, severely complicates the astrophysical calculations. Here we present for the first time a study of the 26Al m (d, p) 27 Al reaction using an isomeric 26Al beam. The selectivity of this reaction allowed the study of ℓ = 0 transfers to T = 1/2, and T = 3/2 states in 27Al . Mirror symmetry arguments were then used to constrain themore » 26Al m (p,γ) 27Si reaction rate and provide an experimentally determined upper limit of the rate for the destruction of isomeric 26Al via radiative proton capture reactions, which is expected to dominate the destruction path of 26Al m in asymptotic giant branch stars, classical novae, and core collapse supernovae.« less

Study of the ^{26}Al^{m}(d,p)^{27}Al Reaction and the Influence of the ^{26}Al 0^{+} Isomer on the Destruction of ^{26}Al in the Galaxy.

PubMed

Almaraz-Calderon, S; Rehm, K E; Gerken, N; Avila, M L; Kay, B P; Talwar, R; Ayangeakaa, A D; Bottoni, S; Chen, A A; Deibel, C M; Dickerson, C; Hanselman, K; Hoffman, C R; Jiang, C L; Kuvin, S A; Nusair, O; Pardo, R C; Santiago-Gonzalez, D; Sethi, J; Ugalde, C

2017-08-18

The existence of ^{26}Al (t_{1/2}=7.17×10^{5}  yr) in the interstellar medium provides a direct confirmation of ongoing nucleosynthesis in the Galaxy. The presence of a low-lying 0^{+} isomer (^{26}Al^{m}), however, severely complicates the astrophysical calculations. We present for the first time a study of the ^{26}Al^{m}(d,p)^{27}Al reaction using an isomeric ^{26}Al beam. The selectivity of this reaction allowed the study of ℓ=0 transfers to T=1/2, and T=3/2 states in ^{27}Al. Mirror symmetry arguments were then used to constrain the ^{26}Al^{m}(p,γ)^{27}Si reaction rate and provide an experimentally determined upper limit of the rate for the destruction of isomeric ^{26}Al via radiative proton capture reactions, which is expected to dominate the destruction path of ^{26}Al^{m} in asymptotic giant branch stars, classical novae, and core collapse supernovae.

Reduced electron back-injection in Al2O3/AlOx/Al2O3/graphene charge-trap memory devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Sejoon; Song, Emil B.; Min Kim, Sung; Lee, Youngmin; Seo, David H.; Seo, Sunae; Wang, Kang L.

2012-12-01

A graphene charge-trap memory is devised using a single-layer graphene channel with an Al2O3/AlOx/Al2O3 oxide stack, where the ion-bombarded AlOx layer is intentionally added to create an abundance of charge-trap sites. The low dielectric constant of AlOx compared to Al2O3 reduces the potential drop in the control oxide Al2O3 and suppresses the electron back-injection from the gate to the charge-storage layer, allowing the memory window of the device to be further extended. This shows that the usage of a lower dielectric constant in the charge-storage layer compared to that of the control oxide layer improves the memory performance for graphene charge-trap memories.

Aluminum Coprecipitates with Fe (hydr)oxides: Does Isomorphous Substitution of Al3plus for Fe3plus in Goethite Occur

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

E Bazilevskaya; D Archibald; M Aryanpour

2011-12-31

Iron (hydr)oxides are common in natural environments and typically contain large amounts of impurities, presumably the result of coprecipitation processes. Coprecipitation of Al with Fe (hydr)oxides occurs, for example, during alternating reduction-oxidation cycles that promote dissolution of Fe from Fe-containing phases and its re-precipitation as Fe-Al (hydr)oxides. We used chemical and spectroscopic analyses to study the formation and transformation of Al coprecipitates with Fe (hydr)oxides. In addition, periodic density functional theory (DFT) computations were performed to assess the structural and energetic effects of isolated or clustered Al atoms at 8 and 25 mol% Al substitution in the goethite structure. Coprecipitatesmore » were synthesized by raising the pH of dilute homogeneous solutions containing a range of Fe and Al concentrations (100% Fe to 100% Al) to 5. The formation of ferrihydrite in initial suspensions with {<=}20 mol% Al, and of ferrihydrite and gibbsite in initial suspensions with {>=}25 mol% Al was confirmed by infrared spectroscopic and synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction analyses. While base titrations showed a buffer region that corresponded to the hydrolysis of Fe in initial solutions with {<=}25 mol% Al, all of the Al present in these solutions was retained by the solid phases at pH 5, thus indicating Al coprecipitation with the primary Fe hydroxide precipitate. In contrast, two buffer regions were observed in solutions with 30 mol% Al (at pH {approx}2.25 for Fe{sup 3+} and at pH {approx}4 for Al{sup 3+}), suggesting the formation of Fe and Al (hydr)oxides as two separate phases. The Al content of initial coprecipitates influenced the extent of ferrihydrite transformation and of its transformation products as indicated by the presence of goethite, hematite and/or ferrihydrite in aged suspensions. DFT experiments showed that: (i) optimized unit cell parameters for Al-substituted goethites (8 and 25 Mol% Al) in clustered arrangement (i

Phenotypic and genotypic studies of ALS cases in ALS-SMA families.

PubMed

Corcia, Philippe; Vourc'h, Patrick; Blasco, Helene; Couratier, Philippe; Dangoumau, Audrey; Bellance, Remi; Desnuelle, Claude; Viader, Fausto; Pautot, Vivien; Millecamps, Stephanie; Bakkouche, Salah; Salachas, FranÇois; Andres, Christian R; Meininger, Vincent; Camu, William

2018-08-01

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are the most frequent motor neuron disorders in adulthood and infancy, respectively. There is a growing literature supporting common pathophysiological patterns between those disorders. One important clinical issue for that is the co-occurrence of both diseases within a family. To collect families in which ALS and SMA patients co-exist and describe the phenotype and the genotype of ALS patients. Nine families with co-occurrence of SMA and ALS have been gathered over the last 15 years. Epidemiological, phenotype and genetic status were collected. Out of the nine families, six corresponded to the criteria of familial ALS (FALS). Clinical data were available for 11 patients out of the 15 ALS cases. Mean age of onset was 58.5 years, site of onset was lower limbs in nine cases (81.8%), median duration was 22 months. Four ALS patients carried a mutation: three mutations in SOD1 gene (G147N in two cases and one with E121G) and one repeat expansion in the C9ORF72 gene. Three patients had abnormal SMN1 copy numbers. While the high proportion of familial history of ALS cases in these ALS-SMA pedigrees could have suggested that these familial clusters of the two most frequent MND rely on a genetic background, we failed to exclude that this occurred by chance.

77 FR 73732 - In the Matter of Amendment of the Designation of al-Qa'ida in Iraq, aka Jam'at al Tawhid wa'al...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-11

...'ida in Iraq, aka Jam'at al Tawhid wa'al-Jihad, aka The Monotheism and Jihad Group, aka The al-Zarqawi Network, aka al-Tawhid, aka Tanzim Qa`idat al-Jihad fi Bilad al-Rafidayn, aka The Organization of al-Jihad... Rivers, aka al-Qaida of Jihad Organization in the Land of the Two Rivers, aka al- Qaida Group of Jihad in...

Distribution and size of lava shields on the Al Haruj al Aswad and the Al Haruj al Abyad Volcanic Systems, Central Libya

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elshaafi, Abdelsalam; Gudmundsson, Agust

2017-05-01

The Al Haruj Volcanic Province (AHVP) consists of two distinct volcanic systems. In the north is the system of Al Haruj al Aswad, covering an area of 34,200 km2, while in the south the system of Al Haruj al Abyad, covering an area of 7,850 km2. The systems have produced some 432 monogenetic volcanoes, primarily scoria (cinder) cones, lava shields, and maars. The density distribution of the volcanoes in each system, plotted as eruption points or sites, has a roughly elliptical surface expression, suggesting similar plan-view geometry of the magma sources, here suggested as deep-seated reservoirs. More specifically, the Al Haruj al Aswad magma reservoir has major and minor axes of 210 km and 119 km, respectively, and an area of 19,176 km2, the corresponding figures for the Haruj al Abyad reservoir being 108 km and 74 km, for the axes, and 6209 km2 for the area. We measured 55 lava shields on the AHVP. They are mostly restricted to the northern and southern parts of AHVP and date from late Miocene to (at least) the end of Pleistocene, while some may have been active into Holocene. In fact, although primarily monogenetic, some of the lava shields show evidence of (possibly Holocene) fissure eruptions in the summit parts. The early lava shields tend to be located at the edges of volcanic systems and with greater volumes than later (more central) shields. The average lava shield basal diameter is 4.5 km and height 63 m. There is strong linear correlation between lava shield volume and basal area, the coefficient of determination (R2) being about 0.75. When 22 Holocene Icelandic lava shields are added to the dataset, for comparison, the correlation between volume and basal area becomes R2 = 0.95. Numerical models suggest that the local stress fields favoured rupture and dyke injection at the margins of the source reservoirs during late Miocene - early Pliocene, in agreement with the distribution of the early, large-volume shields.

Integrated arc suppression unit for defect reduction in PVD applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jason; Narasimhan, Murali K.; Pavate, Vikram; Loo, David; Rosenblum, Steve; Trubell, Larry; Scholl, Richard; Seamons, Scott; Hagerty, Chris; Ramaswami, Sesh

1997-09-01

Arcing between the target and plasma during PVD deposition causes substantial damage to the target and splats and other contamination on the deposited films. Arc-related damages and defects are frequently encountered in microelectronics manufacturing and contributes largely to reduced wafer yields. Arcing is caused largely by the charge buildup at the contaminated sites on the target surface that contains either nonconducting inclusions or nodules. Arc suppression is a key issue for defect reduction, yield improvement and for reliable high quality metallization. An Integrated Arc Suppression Unit (IASU) has been designed for Endura HP PVDTM sputtering sources. The integrated design reduces cable length from unit to source and reduces electrical energy stored in the cable. Active arc handling mode, proactive arc prevention mode, and passive by-pass arc counting mode are incorporated into the same unit. The active mode is designed to quickly respond to chamber conditions, like a large chamber voltage drop, that signals a arc. The self run mode is designed to proactively prevent arc formation by pulsing and reversing target voltage at 50 kHz. The design of the IASU, also called mini small package arc repression circuit--low energy unit (mini Sparc-le), has been optimized for various DC magnetron sources, plasma stability, chamber impedance, power matching, CE MARK test, and power dissipation. Process characterization with Ti, TiN and Al sputtering indicates that the unit has little adverse impact on film properties. Mini Sparc-le unit has been shown here to significantly reduce splats occurrence in Al sputtering. Marathon test of the unit with Ti/TiN test demonstrated the unit's reliability and its ability to reduce sensitivity of defects to target characteristics.

78 FR 49079 - Lease Modifications, Lease and Logical Mining Unit Diligence, Advance Royalty, Royalty Rates, and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-12

... Management 43 CFR Parts 3000, 3400, 3430, et al. Lease Modifications, Lease and Logical Mining Unit Diligence... Lease Modifications, Lease and Logical Mining Unit Diligence, Advance Royalty, Royalty Rates, and Bonds... leases and logical mining units (LMUs). The proposed rule would implement Title IV, Subtitle D of the...

[Radiation dose evaluation in a photon-counting digital mammography unit].

PubMed

Matsubara, Kosuke; Matsumoto, China; Mochiya, Yuko; Toda, Kanako; Noto, Kimiya; Koshida, Kichiro

2014-05-01

The purpose of our study was to evaluate radiation dose and beam quality in photon-counting digital mammography (PCDM) and compare them with those in a full-field digital mammography (FFDM) unit. Dose variation in the X-ray tube axis direction, aluminum half-value layer, average glandular and skin doses, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were evaluated for the PCDM and FFDM units. In PCDM, the dose variation in the X-ray tube axis direction was greater than that in FFDM. At a tube voltage of 28 kV, the first half-value layers were 0.407 mmAl for PCDM, 0.357 mmAl for FFDM with a molybdenum target and molybdenum filter (Mo/Mo), and 0.579 mmAl for FFDM with a tungsten target and rhodium filter (W/Rh). The average glandular doses with 45-mm-equivalent breast thickness were 0.723 mGy for the PCDM, 1.55 mGy for the FFDM with Mo/Mo in low-dose mode, and 0.835 mGy for the FFDM with W/Rh in low-dose mode. In PCDM, the skin dose was equivalent to or lower than that in FFDM. The CNR was 2.65±0.04, 2.35±0.04, and 2.52±0.03 for the PCDM, FFDM with Mo/Mo, and that with W/Rh, respectively. The CNR for PCDM was significantly higher than that for FFDM (p<0.001). It is therefore possible to reduce the radiation dose to the patient by using a PCDM unit while maintaining a significantly higher CNR than with the FFDM unit.

Formation of gamma'-Ni3Al via the Peritectoid Reaction: gamma plus beta (+Al2O3) equals gamma'(+Al2O3)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Copland, Evan

2008-01-01

The activities of Al and Ni were measured using multi-cell Knudsen effusion-cell mass spectrometry (multi-cell KEMS), over the composition range 8 - 32 at.%Al and temperature range T = 1400 - 1750 K in the Ni-Al-O system. These measurements establish that equilibrium solidification of gamma'-Ni3Al-containing alloys occurs by the eutectic reaction, L (+ Al2O3) = gamma + beta (+ Al2O3), at 1640 plus or minus 1 K and a liquid composition of 24.8 plus or minus 0.2 at.%Al (at an unknown oxygen content). The {gamma + beta + Al2O3} phase field is stable over the temperature range 1633 - 1640 K, and gamma'-Ni3Al forms via the peritectiod, gamma + beta (+ Al2O3) = gamma'(+ Al2O3), at 1633 plus or minus 1 K. This behavior is inconsistent with the current Ni-Al phase diagram and a new diagram is proposed. This new Ni-Al phase diagram explains a number of unusual steady state solidification structures reported previously and provides a much simpler reaction scheme in the vicinity of the gamma'-Ni3Al phase field.

Directional Solidification and Mechanical Properties of NiAl-NiAlTa Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, D. R.; Chen, X. F.; Oliver, B. F.; Noebe, R. D.; Whittenberger, J. D.

1995-01-01

Directional solidification of eutectic alloys is a promising technique for producing in-situ composite materials exhibiting a balance of properties. Consequently, the microstructure, creep strength and fracture toughness of directionally solidified NiAl-NiAlTa alloys were investigated. Directional solidification was performed by containerless processing techniques to minimize alloy contamination. The eutectic composition was found to be NiAl-15.5 at% Ta and well-aligned microstructures were produced at this composition. A near-eutectic alloy of NiAl-14.5Ta was also investigated. Directional solidification of the near-eutectic composition resulted in microstructures consisting of NiAl dendrites surrounded by aligned eutectic regions. The off-eutectic alloy exhibited promising compressive creep strengths compared to other NiAl-based intermetallics, while preliminary testing indicated that the eutectic alloy was competitive with Ni-base single crystal superalloys. The room temperature toughness of these two-phase alloys was similar to that of polycrystalline NiAl even with the presence of the brittle Laves phase NiAlTa.

Wafer Scale Distributed Radio

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-07-01

equation, we can derive: ∆ flock = f0 2Q Ain j A (5.34) with Ain j and A , the relative amplitude of the injecting signal and the oscillator signal, both...center of the line (Ain j = A ), then the locking range is equal to 1250MHz for a 10GHz oscillation frequency. With the architecture previously described...resonator in 90nm CMOS. In 2008 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium Digest (2008), pp. 775–778. [27] MCLEAN, J . A re-examination of the fundamental

Evolving Distributed Generation Support Mechanisms: Case Studies from United States, Germany, United Kingdom, and Australia (Chinese translation)

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

Zhou, Shengru; Lowder, Travis R; Tian, Tian

This is the Chinese translation of NREL/TP-6A20-67613. This report expands on a previous National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) technical report (Lowder et al. 2015) that focused on the United States' unique approach to distributed generation photovoltaics (DGPV) support policies and business models. While the focus of that report was largely historical (i.e., detailing the policies and market developments that led to the growth of DGPV in the United States), this report looks forward, narrating recent changes to laws and regulations as well as the ongoing dialogues over how to incorporate distributed generation (DG) resources onto the electric grid. This reportmore » also broadens the scope of Lowder et al. (2015) to include additional countries and technologies. DGPV and storage are the principal technologies under consideration (owing to market readiness and deployment volumes), but the report also contemplates any generation resource that is (1) on the customer side of the meter, (2) used to, at least partly, offset a host's energy consumption, and/or (3) potentially available to provide grid support (e.g., through peak shaving and load shifting, ancillary services, and other means).« less

High field 27Al MAS NMR and TPD studies of active sites in ethanol dehydration using thermally treated transitional aluminas as catalysts

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

Hu, Jian Zhi; Xu, Suochang; Kwak, Ja Hun

Gamma-, sigma- and theta-Al2O3 are well known metastable “transitional” alumina structural polymorphs. Upon heating, Al2O3 transitions to the so-called and Al2O3 polymorphs and finally forms the thermally stable Al2O3. The poorly developed crystallinity and co-existence of the , , and Al2O3 prior to forming all Al2O3, making it difficult to characterize the structures as well as to quantify the various phases of the transition alumina. As a result, there are significant controversies in the literatures. In this work, a detailed NMR analysis was carried out at high magnetic field on three special aluminum oxide samples where the, , , Al2O3more » phases are made dominant, respectively, by controlling the synthesis conditions. The goal is to simplify, including making unambiguous, spectral assignments in 27Al MAS NMR spectra of transition alumina that have not yet been commonly agreed previously. Specifically, quantitative 1D 27Al MAS NMR was used to quantify the ratios of the different alumina structural units, 2D MQMAS 27Al MAS was used for obtaining the highest spectral resolution to guide the analysis of the 1D spectrum, and a saturation pulse sequence was integrated into the 1D NMR to select the amorphous structures, including obtain spectra where the penta-coordinate sites are observed with enhanced relative intensity. Collectively, this study uniquely assigns Al-peaks (both octahedral and tetrahedral) to the Al2O3 and the Al2O3 phases and offers a new way of understanding, including quantifying, the different structural units and sites in transition alumina samples.« less

United States streamflow probabilities based on forecasted La Nina, winter-spring 2000

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dettinger, M.D.; Cayan, D.R.; Redmond, K.T.

1999-01-01

Although for the last 5 months the TahitiDarwin Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) has hovered close to normal, the “equatorial” SOI has remained in the La Niña category and predictions are calling for La Niña conditions this winter. In view of these predictions of continuing La Niña and as a direct extension of previous studies of the relations between El NiñoSouthern Oscil-lation (ENSO) conditions and streamflow in the United States (e.g., Redmond and Koch, 1991; Cayan and Webb, 1992; Redmond and Cayan, 1994; Dettinger et al., 1998; Garen, 1998; Cayan et al., 1999; Dettinger et al., in press), the probabilities that United States streamflows from December 1999 through July 2000 will be in upper and lower thirds (terciles) of the historical records are estimated here. The processes that link ENSO to North American streamflow are discussed in detail in these diagnostics studies. Our justification for generating this forecast is threefold: (1) Cayan et al. (1999) recently have shown that ENSO influences on streamflow variations and extremes are proportionately larger than the corresponding precipitation teleconnections. (2) Redmond and Cayan (1994) and Dettinger et al. (in press) also have shown that the low-frequency evolution of ENSO conditions support long-lead correlations between ENSO and streamflow in many rivers of the conterminous United States. (3) In many rivers, significant (weeks-to-months) delays between precipitation and the release to streams of snowmelt or ground-water discharge can support even longer term forecasts of streamflow than is possible for precipitation. The relatively slow, orderly evolution of El Niño-Southern Oscillation episodes, the accentuated dependence of streamflow upon ENSO, and the long lags between precipitation and flow encourage us to provide the following analysis as a simple prediction of this year’s river flows.

A photoelectron spectroscopy and quantum chemical study on ternary Al-B-O clusters: AlnBO2- and AlnBO2 (n = 2, 3).

PubMed

Ou, Ting; Feng, Yuan; Tian, Wen-Juan; Zhao, Li-Juan; Kong, Xiang-Yu; Xu, Hong-Guang; Zheng, Wei-Jun; Zhai, Hua-Jin

2018-02-14

Both B and Al have high oxygen affinity and their oxidation processes are highly exothermic, hinting at intriguing physical chemistry in ternary Al-B-O clusters. We report a combined photoelectron spectroscopy and density-functional study on the structural, electronic, and bonding properties of Al n BO 2 - and Al n BO 2 (n = 2, 3) clusters. Ground-state vertical detachment energies (VDEs) are measured to be 2.83 and 2.24 eV for Al 2 BO 2 - and Al 3 BO 2 - , respectively. A weak isomer is also observed for Al 3 BO 2 - with a VDE of 1.31 eV. Coalescence-kick global searches allow the identification of candidate structures, confirmed via comparisons with experiment. The Al 2 BO 2 - anion is V-shaped in geometry, C s ( 1 A'), with an Al center connecting to OB and OAl terminals. It can be viewed alternatively as the fusion of BOAl and AlOAl by sharing an Al atom. Al 3 BO 2 - has a C s ( 2 A'') global minimum in which an Al 2 dimer interacts with bridging boronyl (BO) and an OAl unit, as well as a low-lying C 2v ( 2 B 2 ) isomer consisting of boronyl and OAl that are doubly bridged by two Al atoms. The BO 2 block (linear O[double bond, length as m-dash]B[double bond, length as m-dash]O chain) is nonexistent in any of the anion and neutral species. Chemical bonding in these Al-B-O clusters is elucidated via canonical molecular orbitals and adaptive natural density partitioning. The cluster structures are also rationalized using the concept of sequential and competitive oxidation of B versus Al centers in Al n B. The first O atom prefers to oxidize B and form BO, whereas the second O atom has options to interact with a fresh Al/Al n /Al n B unit or a BO group. The former route wins thermodynamically, leading to the observed geometries.

Development of Al2O3 fiber-reinforced Al2O3-based ceramics.

PubMed

Tanimoto, Yasuhiro; Nemoto, Kimiya

2004-09-01

The purpose of this study was to use a tape casting technique to develop an Al2O3 fiber-reinforced Al2O3-based ceramic material (Al2O3-fiber/Al2O3 composite) into a new type of dental ceramic. The Al2O3-based ceramic used a matrix consisting of 60 wt% Al2O3 powder and 40 wt% SiO2-B2O3 powder. The prepreg sheets of Al2O3-fiber/Al2O3 composite (in which uniaxially aligned Al2O3 fibers were infiltrated with the Al2O3-based matrix) were fabricated continuously using tape casting technique with a doctor blade system. Multilayer preforms of Al2O3-fiber/Al2O3 composite sheets were then sintered at a maximum temperature of 1000 degrees C under an atmospheric pressure in a furnace. The results showed that the shrinkage and bending properties of Al2O3-fiber/Al2O3 composite exceeded those of unreinforced Al2O3--hence demonstrating the positive effects of fiber reinforcement. In conclusion, the tape casting technique has been utilized to successfully develop a new type of dental ceramic material.

Theory and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy for Aluminum Coordination Complexes – Al K-Edge Studies of Charge and Bonding in (BDI)Al, (BDI)AlR2, and (BDI)AlX2 Complexes.

PubMed

Altman, Alison B; Pemmaraju, C D; Camp, Clément; Arnold, John; Minasian, Stefan G; Prendergast, David; Shuh, David K; Tyliszczak, Tolek

2015-08-19

Polarized aluminum K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy and first-principles calculations were used to probe electronic structure in a series of (BDI)Al, (BDI)AlX2, and (BDI)AlR2 coordination compounds (X = F, Cl, I; R = H, Me; BDI = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl-β-diketiminate). Spectral interpretations were guided by examination of the calculated transition energies and polarization-dependent oscillator strengths, which agreed well with the XANES spectroscopy measurements. Pre-edge features were assigned to transitions associated with the Al 3p orbitals involved in metal-ligand bonding. Qualitative trends in Al 1s core energy and valence orbital occupation were established through a systematic comparison of excited states derived from Al 3p orbitals with similar symmetries in a molecular orbital framework. These trends suggested that the higher transition energies observed for (BDI)AlX2 systems with more electronegative X(1-) ligands could be ascribed to a decrease in electron density around the aluminum atom, which causes an increase in the attractive potential of the Al nucleus and concomitant increase in the binding energy of the Al 1s core orbitals. For (BDI)Al and (BDI)AlH2 the experimental Al K-edge XANES spectra and spectra calculated using the eXcited electron and Core-Hole (XCH) approach had nearly identical energies for transitions to final state orbitals of similar composition and symmetry. These results implied that the charge distributions about the aluminum atoms in (BDI)Al and (BDI)AlH2 are similar relative to the (BDI)AlX2 and (BDI)AlMe2 compounds, despite having different formal oxidation states of +1 and +3, respectively. However, (BDI)Al was unique in that it exhibited a low-energy feature that was attributed to transitions into a low-lying p-orbital of b1 symmetry that is localized on Al and orthogonal to the (BDI)Al plane. The presence of this low-energy unoccupied molecular orbital on electron-rich (BDI)Al distinguishes

Comparison of imiquimod, topical fluorouracil, and electrocautery for the treatment of anal intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-positive men who have sex with men: an open-label, randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Richel, Olivier; de Vries, Henry J C; van Noesel, Carel J M; Dijkgraaf, Marcel G W; Prins, Jan M

2013-04-01

Anal cancer is an increasing issue in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). Screening for its precursor, anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN), is subject of discussion. Current treatment options are suboptimum and have not been compared in a prospective trial. We compared efficacy and side-effects of imiquimod, topical fluorouracil, and electrocautery for the treatment of AIN. In this open-label randomised trial, we included HIV-positive MSM older than 18 years visiting the HIV outpatient clinic of the Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Patients with histologically confirmed AIN were randomly assigned to receive either 16 weeks of imiquimod (three times a week), 16 weeks of topical fluorouracil (twice a week), or monthly electrocautery for 4 months. Randomisation was done with random block sizes of three and six, stratified for AIN grade (AIN grades 1, 2, or 3) and AIN location (peri-anal or intra-anal). Participants were assessed by high-resolution anoscopy 4 weeks after treatment. Responding patients returned for follow-up 24 weeks, 48 weeks, and 72 weeks after treatment. The primary endpoint was histological resolution of AIN measured 4 weeks after treatment and AIN recurrence at week 24, week 48, and week 72 after treatment. The primary analysis was done in a modified intention-to-treat population, including all patients who had received their assigned treatment at least once. The trial is registered at the Netherlands Trial Register, number NTR1236. Between Aug 12, 2008, and Dec 1, 2010, we screened 388 HIV-positive MSM for AIN by high resolution anoscopy. Of the 246 (63%) patients who had AIN, 156 (63%) were randomly assigned to either receive imiquimod (54 patients), topical fluorouracil (48 patients), or electrocautery (46 patients) following withdrawing of consent by eight patients. Modified intention-to-treat analysis showed a complete response in 13 (24%, 95% CI 15-37) patients in the imiquimod group, eight (17%, 8-30) of patients

NiAl-base composite containing high volume fraction of AlN for advanced engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hebsur, Mohan (Inventor); Whittenbeger, John D. (Inventor); Lowell, Carl F. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

A particulate reinforced NiAl-AlN composite alloy has a NiAl matrix and greater than about 13 volume percent fine particles of AlN within the matrix. The particles preferably have a diameter from about 15 nanometers to about 50 nanometers. The particulate reinforced NiAl-AlN composite alloy may be prepared by cryomilling prealloyed NiAl in liquid nitrogen using grinding media having a diameter of from about 2 to 6 mm at an impeller speed of from about 450 RPM to about 800 RPM. The cryomilling may be done for a duration of from about 4 hours to about 20 hours to obtain a cryomilled powder. The cryomilled powder may be consolidated to form the particulate reinforced NiAl-AlN composite alloy. The particulate reinforced alloy can further include a toughening alloy. The toughening alloy may include NiCrAlY, FeCrAlY, and FeAl.

Molecular dynamics study of Al and Ni 3Al sputtering by Al clusters bombardment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhurkin, Eugeni E.; Kolesnikov, Anton S.

2002-06-01

The sputtering of Al and Ni 3Al (1 0 0) surfaces induced by impact of Al ions and Al N clusters ( N=2,4,6,9,13,55) with energies of 100 and 500 eV/atom is studied at atomic scale by means of classical molecular dynamics (MD). The MD code we used implements many-body tight binding potential splined to ZBL at short distances. Special attention has been paid to model dense cascades: we used quite big computation cells with lateral periodic and damped boundary conditions. In addition, long simulation times (10-25 ps) and representative statistics (up to 1000 runs per each case) were considered. The total sputtering yields, energy and time spectrums of sputtered particles, as well as preferential sputtering of compound target were analyzed, both in the linear and non-linear regimes. The significant "cluster enhancement" of sputtering yield was found for cluster sizes N⩾13. In parallel, we estimated collision cascade features depending on cluster size in order to interpret the nature of observed non-linear effects.

Wireless intelligent network: infrastructure before services?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Narisa N.

1996-01-01

The Wireless Intelligent Network (WIN) intends to take advantage of the Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) concepts and products developed from wireline communications. However, progress of the AIN deployment has been slow due to the many barriers that exist in the traditional wireline carriers' deployment procedures and infrastructure. The success of AIN has not been truly demonstrated. The AIN objectives and directions are applicable to the wireless industry although the plans and implementations could be significantly different. This paper points out WIN characteristics in architecture, flexibility, deployment, and value to customers. In order to succeed, the technology driven AIN concept has to be reinforced by the market driven WIN services. An infrastructure suitable for the WIN will contain elements that are foreign to the wireline network. The deployment process is expected to seed with the revenue generated services. Standardization will be achieved by simplifying and incorporating the IS-41C, AIN, and Intelligent Network CS-1 recommendations. Integration of the existing and future systems impose the biggest challenge of all. Service creation has to be complemented with service deployment process which heavily impact the carriers' infrastructure. WIN deployment will likely start from an Intelligent Peripheral, a Service Control Point and migrate to a Service Node when sufficient triggers are implemented in the mobile switch for distributed call control. The struggle to move forward will not be based on technology, but rather on the impact to existing infrastructure.

AAuAl (A = Ca, Sc, and Ti): Peierls Distortion, Atomic Coloring, and Structural Competition

DOE PAGES

Pham, Joyce; Miller, Gordon J.

2018-04-02

Using density functional theory, the crystal structure variation of AAuAl (A = Ca, Sc, and Ti) from orthorhombic Co 2Si-type to distorted hexagonal Fe 2P-type and then Ni 2In-type structures is shown to correlate with their electronic structures and valence electron counts, sizes of the active metals A, and site preferences for Au and Al atoms, which are arranged to maximize Au–Al nearest neighbor contacts. An evaluation of chemical pressure imposed by the varying A metals using total energy vs volume calculations indicates that larger unit cell volumes favor the orthorhombic structure, whereas smaller volumes favor the hexagonal structures. Themore » electronic origin of the Mg 2Ga-type crystal structure of ScAuAl, refined as a distorted Fe 2P-type supercell doubled along the c-axis, indicates a Peierls-type distortion mechanism of the Au chains along the c-axis.« less

AAuAl (A = Ca, Sc, and Ti): Peierls Distortion, Atomic Coloring, and Structural Competition

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

Pham, Joyce; Miller, Gordon J.

Using density functional theory, the crystal structure variation of AAuAl (A = Ca, Sc, and Ti) from orthorhombic Co 2Si-type to distorted hexagonal Fe 2P-type and then Ni 2In-type structures is shown to correlate with their electronic structures and valence electron counts, sizes of the active metals A, and site preferences for Au and Al atoms, which are arranged to maximize Au–Al nearest neighbor contacts. An evaluation of chemical pressure imposed by the varying A metals using total energy vs volume calculations indicates that larger unit cell volumes favor the orthorhombic structure, whereas smaller volumes favor the hexagonal structures. Themore » electronic origin of the Mg 2Ga-type crystal structure of ScAuAl, refined as a distorted Fe 2P-type supercell doubled along the c-axis, indicates a Peierls-type distortion mechanism of the Au chains along the c-axis.« less

Would-Be Warriors: Incidents of Jihadist Terrorist Radicalization in the United States Since September 11, 2001

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

NEFA Foundation (2009). 8 Would-Be Warriors: Incidents of Jihadist Terrorist Radicalization in the United States be strong, but the means are not at...Radicalization: Pathways Toward Terrorism,” Terrorism and Political Violence, Vol. 20, 2008. The NEFA Foundation, Anwar al Awlaki: Pro Al-Qaida

Effects and empirical critical loads of nitrogen for ecoregions of the United States

Treesearch

Linda H. Pardo; Molly J. Robin-Abbot; Mark E. Fenn; Christine L. Goodale; Linda H. Geiser; Charles T. Driscoll; Edith B. Allen; Jill S. Baron; Roland Bobbink; William D. Bowman; Christopher M. Clark; Bridget Emmett; Frank S. Gilliam; Tara L. Greaver; Sharon J. Hall; Erik A. Lilleskov; Lingli Liu; Jason A. Lynch; Knute J. Nadelhoffer; Steven J. Perakis; John L. Stoddard; Kathleen C. Weathers; Robin L. Dennis

2015-01-01

Human activity in the last century has led to a significant increase in nitrogen (N) emissions and deposition (Galloway et al. 2004). Total N emissions in the United States have increased significantly since the 1950s (Galloway 1998, Galloway et al. 2003). As S deposition has declined in response to regulation, the rate of N deposition relative to S deposition has...

Compositional and gate tuning of the interfacial conductivity in LaAlO3/LaTiO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosoda, Masayuki; Bell, Christopher; Hikita, Yasuyuki; Hwang, Harold Y.

2013-03-01

We investigate the effect of LaTiO3 insertion at the interface between LaAlO3 and TiO2 terminated {100} SrTiO3 for a series of LaAlO3 and LaTiO3 thicknesses. A clear increase of the carrier density was observed while the Hall mobility was largely unchanged. In structures with LaAlO3 thickness ˜3 unit cells, close to the critical thickness for conductivity, as little as 0.25 unit cells of LaTiO3 drives an insulator-to-metal transition. These samples show a strong dependence of the conductivity on voltage with electrostatic back-gating, which can be understood in a two-carrier picture, and dominated by the change in carrier density at the interface.

Nb/Al-AlOx/Nb Edge Junctions for Distributed Mixers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amos, R. S.; Lichtenberger, A. W.; Tong, C. E.; Blundell, R.; Pan, S.-K.; Kerr, A. R.

We have fabricated high quality Nb/Al-oxide/Al/Nb edge junctions using a Nb/SiO/sub 2/ bi-layer film as the base electrode, suitable for use as traveling wave mixers. An edge is cut in the bi-layer with an ion gun at a 45 degree angle using a photoresist mask. The wafer is then cleaned in-situ with a physical ion gun clean followed by the deposition of a thin Al (a1) film, which is then thermally oxidized, an optional second Al (a2) layer, and a Nb counter electrode. It was found that devices with an a2 layer resulted in superior electrical characteristics, though proximity effects increased strongly with a2 thickness. The counter electrode is defined with an SF/sub 6/+N/sub 2/ reactive ion etch, using the Al barrier layer as an etch stop. The Al barrier layer is then either removed with an Al wet etch to isolate the individual devices, or the devices are separated with an anodization process. Various ion gun cleaning conditions have been examined; in addition, both wet and plasma etch bi-layer edge surface pre-treatments were investigated. It was found that edge junctions with large widths (i.e., those more suitable for traveling wave mixers) typically benefited more from such treatments. Initial receiver results at 260 GHz have yielded a DSB noise temperature of 60 K.

Single crystal growth of beta-Al2O3 for iso-index filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belt, R. F.; Randles, M. H.; Creamer, J. E.

1992-03-01

Single crystals of Beta-Al2O3 with a nominal composition of Na2O.11 Al2O3 were grown from stoichiometric melts contained in an iridium crucible. Seeding was achieved from an Al2O3 single crystal. The growth axis was along a, and x-ray data confirmed the unit cell parameters of a = 5.595 A and c = 22.531 A. The top and bottom lattice constants of the boules were equal to + 0.002 A and indicated a fairly uniform composition. The measured density was 3.25 g/cc. The boules remained physically intact with no major cracks. However, some cleavage progressed on the basal planes as determined by the appearance of interference fringes. Water vapor and CO2 did not enhance the cracking. Crystals were stored in a desiccator but continued to cleave. Ionic diffusions of Na(+), Ag(+), Pb(2+), Rb(+), Ca(2+), Cd(2+), and Tl(+) were performed by immersion of beta-Al2O3 into nitrate or chloride melts at temperatures of 360-7400 C.

Photoelectrical, photophysical and photocatalytic properties of Al based MOFs: MIL-53(Al) and MIL-53-NH{sub 2}(Al)

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

An, Yang; Li, Huiliang; Liu, Yuanyuan, E-mail: yyliu@sdu.edu.cn

Two Al based MOFs (MIL-53(Al) and MIL-53-NH{sub 2} (Al)) were synthesized, and their photoelectrical, photophysical and photocatalytic properties towards oxygen evolution from water were investigated. Different from the ligand to metal charge transfer process previously reported, we proposes a new photocatalytic mechanism based on electron tunneling according to the results of theoretical calculation, steady state and time resolved fluorescence spectra. The organic linkers absorb photons, giving rise to electrons and holes. Then, the photogenerated electrons tunnel through the AlO{sub 6}-octahedra, which not only inhibit the recombination of photogenerated charge carriers, but also is a key factor to the photocatalytic activitymore » of Al based MOFs. - Graphical abstract: The photoelectrical, photophysical and photocatalytic properties towards oxygen evolution from water of two Al based MOFs were investigated. A new photocatalytic mechanism was proposed based on electron tunneling according to the results of both theoretical calculation and steady state, time resolved fluorescence spectra. The electron tunneling process not only inhibit the recombination of photogenerated charge carriers, but also is a key factor to the photocatalytic activity of Al based MOFs.« less

Proposed BioRepository platform solution for the ALS research community.

PubMed

Sherman, Alex; Bowser, Robert; Grasso, Daniela; Power, Breen; Milligan, Carol; Jaffa, Matthew; Cudkowicz, Merit

2011-01-01

ALS is a rare disorder whose cause and pathogenesis is largely unknown ( 1 ). There is a recognized need to develop biomarkers for ALS to better understand the disease, expedite diagnosis and to facilitate therapy development. Collaboration is essential to obtain a sufficient number of samples to allow statistically meaningful studies. The availability of high quality biological specimens for research purposes requires the development of standardized methods for collection, long-term storage, retrieval and distribution of specimens. The value of biological samples to scientists and clinicians correlates with the completeness and relevance of phenotypical and clinical information associated with the samples ( 2 , 3 ). While developing a secure Web-based system to manage an inventory of multi-site BioRepositories, algorithms were implemented to facilitate ad hoc parametric searches across heterogeneous data sources that contain data from clinical trials and research studies. A flexible schema for a barcode label was introduced to allow association of samples to these data. The ALSBank™ BioRepository platform solution for managing biological samples and associated data is currently deployed by the Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS). The NEALS Consortium and the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Neurology Clinical Trials Unit (NCTU) support a network of multiple BioBanks, thus allowing researchers to take advantage of a larger specimen collection than they might have at an individual institution. Standard operating procedures are utilized at all collection sites to promote common practices for biological sample integrity, quality control and associated clinical data. Utilizing this platform, we have created one of the largest virtual collections of ALS-related specimens available to investigators studying ALS.

77 FR 12617 - United States et al. v. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, Inc., et al.; Public Comments and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-01

... AMA is the largest association of physicians and medical students in the United States. The AMA's...-29656] Dear Mr. Soven: On behalf of the physician and medical student members of the American Medical... robust competition within the market than existed before the Agreement. Given the weak state of health...

Review of Paleomagnetic Age Constraints of Mid-Continent Rift Strata, Upper Midwestern United States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houlihan, E.; Runkel, A.; Feinberg, J. M.; Cowan, C. A.; Titus, S.

2016-12-01

The Keweenawan Supergroup consists of 1.1 Ga volcanic units and overlying km-thick sedimentary succession that are associated with the Midcontinent Rift (MR), one of the most prominent geologic features in the Precambrian basement rocks of the North American craton (Morey and Green, 1982; Ojakangas et al., 2001; Ojakangas and Dickas, 2002). Recent studies targeting the sedimentary sequences of the rift highlight a longstanding problem that limits the impact of their results. The studies are based on data collected from a sedimentary package of the Keweenawan Supergroup that is very poorly constrained in age. Sedimentary strata low in the succession are constrained by dated intercalated volcanics, or mineralization ages, that indicate syn-rift filling commenced at about 1087 Ma as volcanism was waning (Davis and Paces, 1990). However, km-thick younger strata within the rift are constrained in maximum age only by virtue of overlying Cambrian fossil-bearing units (Morey and Ojakangas, 1982). Thus, the bulk of the MR sedimentary succession has a range in possible age of about 500 Ma, and potentially is in places as young as Middle Cambrian. Paleomagnetic methods may hold the most promise to date the MR sedimentary succession. Widespread paleomagnetic studies have been conducted on the igneous rocks of the rift, and several previous studies have used paleomagnetic techniques to date the sedimentary units as well (Dubois, 1962; Henry et al., 1976; Elmore and Van der Voo, 1978; Roy and Robertson, 1978; Halls and Palmer, 1981; Palmer et al., 1981; Watts, 1981; McCabe and Van der Voo, 1982; Diehl and Haig, 1994; Kulakov et al., 2013 and others). These authors generally considered the paleomagnetic signatures to be consistent with a Mesoproterozoic age for both the igneous and sedimentary rocks of the rift. Recently, however, authors have suggested that the uppermost sedimentary units are much younger in age, based on a combination of zircon and paleomagnetic analysis

Al4H7− is a resilient building block for aluminum hydrogen cluster materials

PubMed Central

Roach, P. J.; Reber, A. C.; Woodward, W. H.; Khanna, S. N.; Castleman, A. W.

2007-01-01

The formation and oxygen etching of AlnHm− clusters are characterized in a flow reactor experiment with first-principles theoretical investigations to demonstrate the exceptional stability of Al4H7−. The origin of the preponderance of Al4H7− in the mass spectra of hydrogenated aluminum anions and its resistance to O2 etching are discussed. Al4H7− is shown to have the ability to bond with ionic partners to form stable hydrides through addition of an alkali atom [XAl4H7 (X = Li-Cs)]. An intuitive model that can predict the existence of stable hydrogenated cluster species is proposed. The potential synthetic utility of the superatom assemblies built on these units is addressed. PMID:17823245

Multi-scale Fracture Patterns Associated with a Complex Anticline Structure: Insights from Field Outcrop Analogues of the Jebel Hafit Pericline, Al Ain-UAE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kokkalas, S.; Jones, R. R.; Long, J. J.; Zampos, M.; Wilkinson, M. W.; Gilment, S.

2017-12-01

The formation of folds and their associated fracture patterns plays an important role in controlling the migration and concentration of fluids within the upper crust. Prediction of fracture patterns from various fold shapes and kinematics still remains poorly understood in terms of spatial and temporal distribution of fracture sets. Thus, a more detailed field-based multi scale approach is required to better constrain 3D models of fold-fracture relationships, which are critical for reservoir characterization studies. In order to generate reservoir-scale fracture models representative fracture properties across a wider range of scales are needed. For this reason we applied modern geospatial technologies, including terrestrial LiDAR, photogrammetry and satellite images in the asymmetric, east verging, four-way closure Jebel Hafit anticline, in the eastern part of the United Arab Emirates. The excellent surface outcrops allowed the rapid acquisition of extensive areas of fracture data from both limbs and fold hinge area of the anticline, even from large areas of steep exposure that are practically inaccessible on foot. The digital outcrops provide longer 1D transects, and 2D or 3D surface datasets and give more robust data, particularly for fracture heights, lengths, spacing, clustering, termination and connectivity. The fracture patterns across the folded structure are more complex than those predicted from conceptual models and geomechanical fracture modeling. Mechanical layering, pre-existing structures and sedimentation during fold growth seem to exert a critical influence in the development of fracture systems within Jebel Hafit anticline and directly affect fracture orientations, spacing/intensity, segmentation and connectivity. Seismic and borehole data provide additional constraints on the sub-surface fold geometry and existence of large-scale thrusting in the core of the anticline. The complexity of the relationship between fold geometry and fracture

Oxidation of Al2O3 continuous fiber-reinforced/NiAl composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doychak, J.; Nesbitt, J. A.; Noebe, R. D.; Bowman, R. R.

1992-01-01

The 1200 C and 1300 C isothermal and cyclic oxidation behavior of Al2O3 continuous fiber-reinforced/NiAl composites were studied. Oxidation resulted in formation of Al2O3 external scales in a similar manner as scales formed on monolithic NiAl. The isothermal oxidation of an Al2O3/NiAl composite resulted in oxidation of the matrix along the fiber/matrix interface near the fiber ends. This oxide acted as a wedge between the fiber and the matrix, and, under cyclic oxidation conditions, led to further oxidation along the fiber lengths and eventual cracking of the composite. The oxidation behavior of composites in which the Al2O3 fibers were sputter coated with nickel prior to processing was much more severe. This was attributed to open channels around the fibers which formed during processing, most likely as a result of the diffusion of the nickel coating into the matrix.

Development of III-nitride semiconductors by molecular beam epitaxy and cluster beam epitaxy and fabrication of LEDs based on indium gallium nitride MQWs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Tai-Chou Papo

The family of III-Nitrides (the binaries InN, GaN, AIN, and their alloys) is one of the most important classes of semiconductor materials. Of the three, Indium Nitride (InN) and Aluminum Nitride (AIN) have been investigated much less than Gallium Nitride (GaN). However, both of these materials are important for optoelectronic infrared and ultraviolet devices. In particular, since InN was found recently to be a narrow gap semiconductor (Eg=0.7eV), its development should extend the applications of nitride semiconductors to the spectral region appropriate to fiber optics communication and photovoltaic applications. Similarly, the development of AIN should lead to deep UV light emitting diodes (LEDs). The first part of this work addresses the evaluation of structural, optical and transport properties of InN films grown by two different deposition methods. In one method, active nitrogen was produced in the form of nitrogen radicals by a radio frequency (RF) plasma-assisted source. In an alternative method, active nitrogen was produced in the form of clusters containing approximately 2000 nitrogen molecules. These clusters were produced by adiabatic expansion from high stagnation pressure through a narrow nozzle into vacuum. The clusters were singly or doubly ionized with positive charge by electron impact and accelerated up to approximately 20 to 25 KV prior to their disintegration on the substrate. Due to the high local temperature produced during the impact of clusters with the substrate, this method is suitable for the deposition of InN at very low temperatures. The films are auto-doped n-type with carrier concentrations varying from 3 x 1018 to 1020 cm-3 and the electron effective mass of these films was determined to be 0.09m0. The majority of the AIN films was grown by the cluster beam epitaxy method and was doped n- and p- type by incorporating silicon (Si) and magnesium (Mg) during the film deposition. All films were grown under Al-rich conditions at relatively

Communicating Clearly: Differentiating the Operational and Strategic Levels of Strategic Communication

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-10-27

seeing the pictures from Abu Ghraib did not “understand the true nature and heart of America.”vii 5 USSOUTHCOM‟s Guantanamo incidents and the...sounded unconvincing to domestic and foreign audiences alike. Or, as Joseph Nye argues: “The treatment of prisoners at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo in a...in America.”xi These events at Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib share a common theme: an argument about whether the United States did or did not

Structure of oxides prepared by decomposition of layered double Mg–Al and Ni–Al hydroxides

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

Cherepanova, Svetlana V.; Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk; Leont’eva, Natalya N., E-mail: n_n_leonteva@list.ru

2015-05-15

Abstracts: Thermal decomposition of Mg–Al and Ni–Al layered double hydroxides LDH at temperatures lower than 800 °C leads to the formation of oxides with different structures. Mg–Al oxide has a very defective structure and consists of octahedral layers as in periclase MgO and mixed octahedral–tetrahedral layers as in spinel MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}. Mixed Ni–Al oxide has a sandwich-like structure, consisting of a core with Al-doped NiO-like structure and some surface layers with spinel NiAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} structure epitaxial connected with the core. Suggested models were verified by simulation of X-ray diffraction patterns using DIFFaX code, as well as HRTEM, IR-,more » UV-spectroscopies, and XPS. - Graphical abstract: In the Mg–Al layered double hydroxide Al{sup 3+} ions migrate into interlayers during decomposition. The Mg–Al oxide represents sequence of octahedral and octahedral–tetrahedral spinel layers with vacancies. The Ni–Al oxide has a sandwich-like structure with NiO-like core and surface spinel layers as a result of migration of Al{sup 3+} ions on the surface. The models explain the presence and absence of “memory effect” for the Mg–Al and Ni–Al oxides, respectively. - Highlights: • We study products of Mg(Ni)–Al LDH decomposition by calcination at 500(400)–800 °C. • In Mg–Al/Ni–Al LDH Al ions migrate into interlayers/on the surface during decomposition. • Mg–Al oxide represents sequence of periclase- and spinel-like layers with vacancies. • Ni–Al oxide has a sandwich-like structure with NiO-like core and surface spinel layers. • The models explain the presence/absence of “memory effect” for Mg–Al/Ni–Al oxides.« less

A study of the Al content impact on the properties of MmNi 4.4- xCo 0.6Al x alloys as precursors for negative electrodes in NiMH batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bliznakov, S.; Lefterova, E.; Dimitrov, N.; Petrov, K.; Popov, A.

AB 5-type hydrogen storage alloys with MmNi 4.4- xCo 0.6Al x (Mm-mischmetal) composition are synthesized, structurally and thermodynamically characterized, and electrochemically tested in 6 M KOH electrolyte. It is shown that an increase of the Al content in the alloy results in expansion of both the alloy lattice cell size and the unit cell volume. These structural changes lead to decrease of the plateau pressure and increase of the plateau width in the pressure-composition-temperature desorption isotherms. Improvement of the specific electrode capacity is also registered with the increase of the cell parameters. In addition to that the higher Al content is found to enhance the stability of the alloy components' hydrides. Maximum discharge capacity of 278 mAh g -1 is measured with an electrode made from a MmNi 3.6Co 0.6Al 0.8 alloy. Cycle life tests of the accordingly prepared electrodes suggest a stability that is comparable to the stability of commercially available hydrogen storage electrodes.

Large magnetization and high Curie temperature in highly disordered nanoscale Fe2CrAl thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dulal, Rajendra P.; Dahal, Bishnu R.; Forbes, Andrew; Pegg, Ian L.; Philip, John

2017-02-01

We have successfully grown nanoscale Fe2CrAl thin films on polished Si/SiO2 substrates using an ultra-high vacuum deposition with a base pressure of 9×10-10 Torr. The thickness of thin films ranges from 30 to 100 nm. These films exhibit cubic crystal structure with lattice disorder and display ferromagnetic behavior. The Curie temperature is greater than 400 K, which is much higher than that reported for bulk Fe2CrAl. The magnetic moments of the films varies from 2.5 to 2.8 μB per formula unit, which is larger than the reported bulk values. Thus, the disordered nanoscale Fe2CrAl films exhibit strong Fe-Fe exchange interactions through Fe-Cr-Fe and Fe-Al-Fe layers, resulting in both a large magnetization and a high Curie temperature.

Substantiation of Epitaxial Growth of Diamond Crystals on the Surface of Carbide Fe3AlC0.66 Phase Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Dzevin, Ievgenij M; Mekhed, Alexander A

2017-12-01

Samples of Fe-Al-C alloys of varying composition were synthesized under high pressures and temperatures. From X-ray analysis data, only K-phase with usual for it average parameter of elemental lattice cell, a = 0.376 nm, carbide Fe 3 C and cubic diamond reflexes were present before and after cooling to the temperature of liquid nitrogen.Calculations were made of the parameters of unit cells, the enthalpy of formation of the Fe 3 AlC, Fe 3.125 Al 0.825 C 0.5 , Fe 3.5 Al 0.5 C 0.5 , Fe 3.5 Al 0.5 C, Fe 3 Al 0.66 C 0.66 , and Fe 3 AlC 0.66 unit cells and crystallographic planes were identified on which epitaxial growth of the diamond phase was possible, using density functional theory as implemented in the WIEN2k package.The possibility of epitaxial growth of diamond crystals on Fe 3 AlC 0.66 (K-phase) nanoparticles was, therefore, demonstrated. The [200] plane was established to be the most suitable plane for diamond growth, having four carbon atoms arranged in a square and a central vacancy which can be occupied by carbon during thermal-and-pressure treatment. Distances between carbon atoms in the [200] plane differ by only 5% from distances between the carbon atoms of a diamond. The electronic structure and energetic parameters of the substrate were also investigated. It was shown that the substrate with at least four intermediate layers of K-phase exhibits signs of stability such as negative enthalpy of formation and the Fermi level falling to minimum densities of states.

Hafnium influence on the microstructure of FeCrAl alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geanta, V.; Voiculescu, I.; Stanciu, E.-M.

2016-06-01

Due to their special properties at high temperatures, FeCrAl alloys micro-alloyed with Zr can be regarded as potential materials for use at nuclear power plants, generation 4R. These materials are resistant to oxidation at high temperatures, to corrosion, erosion and to the penetrating radiations in liquid metal environments. Also, these are able to form continuously, by the self-generation process of an oxide coating with high adhesive strength. The protective oxide layers must be textured and regenerable, with a good mechanical strength, so that crack and peeling can not appear. To improve the mechanical and chemical characteristics of the oxide layer, we introduced limited quantities of Zr, Ti, Y, Hf, Ce in the range of 1-3%wt in the FeCrAl alloy. These elements, with very high affinity to the oxygen, are capable to stabilize the alumina structure and to improve the oxide adherence to the metallic substrate. FeCrAl alloys microalloyed with Hf were prepared using VAR (Vacuum Arc Remelting) unit, under high argon purity atmosphere. Three different experimental alloys have been prepared using the same metallic matrix of Fe-14Cr-5Al, by adding of 0.5%wt Hf, 1.0%wt Hf and respectively 1.5%wt Hf. The microhardness values for the experimental alloys have been in the range 154 ... 157 HV0.2. EDAX analyses have been performed to determine chemical composition on the oxide layer and in the bulk of sample and SEM analyze has been done to determine the microstructural features. The results have shown the capacity of FeCrAl alloy to form oxide layers, with different texture and rich in elements such as Al and Hf.

Molecular structure of Mg-Al, Mn-Al and Zn-Al halotrichites-type double sulfates--an infrared spectroscopic study.

PubMed

Palmer, Sara J; Frost, Ray L

2011-05-01

Near infrared (NIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy have been applied to halotrichites of the formula MgAl(2)(SO(4))(4)·22H(2)O, MnAl(2)(SO(4))(4)·22H(2)O and ZnAl(2)(SO(4))(4)·22H(2)O. Comparison of the halotrichites in different spectral regions has shown that the incorporation of a divalent transition metal into the halotrichite structure causes a shift in OH stretching band positions to lower wavenumbers. Therefore, an increase of the hydrogen bond strength of the bonded water is observed for divalent cations with a larger molecular mass. XRD has confirmed the formation of halotrichite for all three samples and characteristic peaks of halotrichite have been identified for each halotrichite-type compound. It has been observed that Mg-Al and Mn-Al halotrichite are very similar in structure, while Zn-Al showed several differences particularly in the NIR spectra. This work has shown that compounds with halotrichite structures can be synthesised and characterised by infrared and NIR spectroscopy. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mechanisms of elevated-temperature deformation in the B2 aluminides NiAl and CoAl

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yaney, D. L.; Nix, W. D.

1988-01-01

A strain rate change technique, developed previously for distinguishing between pure-metal and alloy-type creep behavior, was used to study the elevated-temperature deformation behavior of the intermetallic compounds NiAl and CoAl. Tests on NiAl were conducted at temperatures between 1100 and 1300 K while tests on CoAl were performed at temperatures ranging from 1200 to 1400 K. NiAl exhibits pure-metal type behavior over the entire temperature range studied. CoAl, however, undergoes a transition from pure-metal to alloy-type deformation behavior as the temperature is decreased from 1400 to 1200 K. Slip appears to be inherently more difficult in CoAl than in NiAl, with lattice friction effects limiting the mobility of dislocations at a much higher tmeperature in CoAl than in NiAl. The superior strength of CoAl at elevated temperatures may, therefore, be related to a greater lattice friction strengthening effect in CoAl than in NiAl.

CVD Fiber Coatings for Al2O3/NiAl Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boss, Daniel E.

1995-01-01

While sapphire-fiber-reinforced nickel aluminide (Al2O3/NiAl) composites are an attractive candidate for high-temperature structures, the significant difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the NiAl matrix and the sapphire fiber creates substantial residual stresses in the composite. This study seeks to produce two fiber-coating systems with the potential to reduce the residual stresses in the sapphire/NiAl composite system. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) was used to produce both the compensating and compliant-fiber coatings for use in sapphire/NiAl composites. A special reactor was designed and built to produce the FGM and to handle the toxic nickel precursors. This process was successfully used to produce 500-foot lengths of fiber with coating thicknesses of approximately 3 microns, 5 microns, and 10 microns.

An Icosahedral Quasicrystal and Its 1/0 Crystalline Approximant in the Ca–Au–Al System

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

Pham, Joyce; Kreyssig, Andreas; Goldman, Alan I.

2016-10-17

A new icosahedral quasicrystalline phase, CaAu4.5–xAl1.5+x [0.11 ≤ x ≤ 0.40(6); CaAu4.4Al1.6, aQC = 5.383(4) Å, and Pm35], and its lowest-order 1/0 cubic crystalline approximant phase, CaAu3+xAl1–x [0 ≤ x ≤ 0.31(1); a = 9.0766(5)–9.1261(8) Å, Pa3(No. 205), and Pearson symbol cP40], have been discovered in the Ca-poor region of the Ca–Au–Al system. In the crystalline approximant, eight [Au3–xAl1+x] tetrahedra fill the unit cell, and each tetrahedron is surrounded by four Ca atoms, thus forming a three-dimensional network of {Ca4/4[Au3–xAl1+x]} tetrahedral stars. A computational study of Au and Al site preferences concurs with the experimental results, which indicate a preferencemore » for near-neighbor Au–Al interactions over Au–Au and Al–Al interactions. Analysis of the electronic density of states and the associated crystal orbital Hamilton population curves was used to rationalize the descriptions of CaAu4.5–xAl1.5+x [0.11 ≤ x ≤ 0.46(6)] and CaAu3+xAl1–x [0 ≤ x ≤ 0.31(1)] as polar intermetallic species, whereby Ca atoms engage in polar covalent bonding with the electronegative, electron-deficient [Au3–xAl1+x] tetrahedral clusters and the observed phase width of the crystalline approximant.« less

Task Identification and Evaluation System (TIES)

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-08-01

Caliorate A N/AVh-11A- iUD -test -sets 127. Calibrate AN/AWII1-55 ASCU test setsI - 128. Calibrate 5001L11 tally punched tape readersI- 129. Perform...11AKHbD test sets -- 132. ?erform fault isolation of U4/AWN-55 ASCU -test sets -- 133. Perform fault isolation of 500 R.M tally punched tape I...AIN/AVM1-11A HfLM test sets- 137. Perf-orm self-tests of AL%/AWL-S5 ASCU test sets G. !MAI.T.T!ING A-7D_ ANUAL TEST SETS 138. Adjust SM-661/AS-388air

Metabolic syndrome is associated with exposure to organochlorine pesticides in Anniston, AL, United States.

PubMed

Rosenbaum, Paula F; Weinstock, Ruth S; Silverstone, Allen E; Sjödin, Andreas; Pavuk, Marian

2017-11-01

The Anniston Community Health Survey, a cross-sectional study, was undertaken in 2005-2007 to study environmental exposure to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and organochlorine (OC) pesticides and health outcomes among residents of Anniston, AL, United States. The examination of potential risks between these pollutants and metabolic syndrome, a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors (i.e., hypertension, central obesity, dyslipidemia and dysglycemia) was the focus of this analysis. Participants were 548 adults who completed the survey and a clinic visit, were free of diabetes, and had a serum sample for clinical laboratory parameters as well as PCB and OC pesticide concentrations. Associations between summed concentrations of 35 PCB congeners and 9 individual pesticides and metabolic syndrome were examined using generalized linear modeling and logistic regression; odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported. Pollutants were evaluated as quintiles and as log transformations of continuous serum concentrations. Participants were mostly female (68%) with a mean age (SD) of 53.6 (16.2) years. The racial distribution was 56% white and 44% African American; 49% met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. In unadjusted logistic regression, statistically significant and positive associations across the majority of quintiles were noted for seven individually modeled pesticides (p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, HCB, β-HCCH, oxychlor, tNONA, Mirex). Following adjustment for covariables (i.e., age, sex, race, education, marital status, current smoking, alcohol consumption, positive family history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease, liver disease, BMI), significant elevations in risk were noted for p,p'-DDT across multiple quintiles (range of ORs 1.61 to 2.36), for tNONA (range of ORs 1.62-2.80) and for p,p'-DDE [OR (95% CI)] of 2.73 (1.09-6.88) in the highest quintile relative to the first. Significant trends were observed in adjusted logistic models for log 10 HCB [OR=6

Metabolic syndrome is associated with exposure to organochlorine pesticides in Anniston, AL, United States☆

PubMed Central

Rosenbaum, Paula F.; Weinstock, Ruth S.; Silverstone, Allen E.; Sjödin, Andreas; Pavuk, Marian

2017-01-01

The Anniston Community Health Survey, a cross-sectional study, was undertaken in 2005–2007 to study environmental exposure to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and organochlorine (OC) pesticides and health outcomes among residents of Anniston, AL, United States. The examination of potential risks between these pollutants and metabolic syndrome, a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors (i.e., hypertension, central obesity, dyslipidemia and dysglycemia) was the focus of this analysis. Participants were 548 adults who completed the survey and a clinic visit, were free of diabetes, and had a serum sample for clinical laboratory parameters as well as PCB and OC pesticide concentrations. Associations between summed concentrations of 35 PCB congeners and 9 individual pesticides and metabolic syndrome were examined using generalized linear modeling and logistic regression; odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported. Pollutants were evaluated as quintiles and as log transformations of continuous serum concentrations. Participants were mostly female (68%) with a mean age (SD) of 53.6 (16.2) years. The racial distribution was 56% white and 44% African American; 49% met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. In unadjusted logistic regression, statistically significant and positive associations across the majority of quintiles were noted for seven individually modeled pesticides (p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDE, HCB, β-HCCH, oxychlor, tNONA, Mirex). Following adjustment for covariables (i.e., age, sex, race, education, marital status, current smoking, alcohol consumption, positive family history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease, liver disease, BMI), significant elevations in risk were noted for p,p′-DDT across multiple quintiles (range of ORs 1.61 to 2.36), for tNONA (range of ORs 1.62–2.80) and for p,p′-DDE [OR (95% CI)] of 2.73 (1.09–6.88) in the highest quintile relative to the first. Significant trends were observed in adjusted logistic models for log

The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-12-07

tallest building, on January 4, 2010. Dubai metro has begun operations and is expanding service. Burj al Arab hotel in Dubai bills itself as “world’s...CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy Kenneth...3. DATES COVERED 00-00-2010 to 00-00-2010 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER

The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-23

operations and is expanding service. Burj al Arab hotel in Dubai bills itself as “world’s only 7-star hotel.” UAE participating in Gulf country-wide...CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy Kenneth...DATES COVERED 00-00-2010 to 00-00-2010 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b

Study on Mg/Al Weld Seam Based on Zn–Mg–Al Ternary Alloy

PubMed Central

Liu, Liming; Liu, Fei; Zhu, Meili

2014-01-01

Based on the idea of alloying welding seams, a series of Zn–xAl filler metals was calculated and designed for joining Mg/Al dissimilar metals by gas tungsten arc (GTA) welding. An infrared thermography system was used to measure the temperature of the welding pool during the welding process to investigate the solidification process. It was found that the mechanical properties of the welded joints were improved with the increasing of the Al content in the Zn–xAl filler metals, and when Zn–30Al was used as the filler metal, the ultimate tensile strength could reach a maximum of 120 MPa. The reason for the average tensile strength of the joint increasing was that the weak zone of the joint using Zn–30Al filler metal was generated primarily by α-Al instead of MgZn2. When Zn–40Al was used as the filler metal, a new transition zone, about 20 μm-wide, appeared in the edge of the fusion zone near the Mg base metal. Due to the transition zones consisting of MgZn2- and Al-based solid solution, the mechanical property of the joints was deteriorated. PMID:28788508

Chemical failure modes of AlQ3-based OLEDs: AlQ3 hydrolysis.

PubMed

Knox, John E; Halls, Mathew D; Hratchian, Hrant P; Schlegel, H Bernhard

2006-03-28

Tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum(III), AlQ3, is used in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) as an electron-transport material and emitting layer. The reaction of AlQ3 with trace H2O has been implicated as a major failure pathway for AlQ3-based OLEDs. Hybrid density functional calculations have been carried out to characterize the hydrolysis of AlQ3. The thermochemical and atomistic details for this important reaction are reported for both the neutral and oxidized AlQ3/AlQ3+ systems. In support of experimental conclusions, the neutral hydrolysis reaction pathway is found to be a thermally activated process, having a classical barrier height of 24.2 kcal mol(-1). First-principles infrared and electronic absorption spectra are compared to further characterize AlQ3 and the hydrolysis pathway product, AlQ2OH. The activation energy for the cationic AlQ3 hydrolysis pathway is found to be 8.5 kcal mol(-1) lower than for the neutral reaction, which is significant since it suggests a role for charge imbalance in promoting chemical failure modes in OLED devices.

Automating the AFROTC Four-Year Scholarship Program.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-04-01

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Average crystal structure(s) of the embedded meta stable η‧-phase in the Al-Mg-Zn system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bøvik Larsen, Helge; Thorkildsen, Gunnar; Natland, Sølvi; Pattison, Philip

2014-05-01

Meta stable embedded nano-sized ?-particles within a single grain extracted from an alloy having the nominal composition ? have been examined with X-ray diffraction. By applying the orientational and metric relationships that exist between the hexagonal unit cell of the ?-particles and the cubic unit cell of the Al-matrix, it has been proven possible to directly collect diffracted intensity data from the ?-particle ensemble. This has been done using synchrotron radiation and a ?-diffractometer having a scintillator point detector setup. The approach has resulted in improved data quality compared to previous experiments. The interpretation of the data set, based on a combination of Patterson syntheses, direct methods and geometrical restraints, yielded two possible average structural representations: one Al-rich with the approximate stoichiometric composition ? and one Al-depleted with approximate stoichiometric composition ?. Both structures are realized in the same space group, ?, and are most probably superimposed in the crystalline system examined. The geometries are discussed within the atomic environment approach where icosahedral or near-icosahedral configurations are encountered. Comparison with previous published models and the equilibrium structure reveals a main difference related to the distribution of the Zn-sites in the unit cell. A possible transformation path is also suggested. Various aspects and challenges regarding data collection, data reduction and data quality are specifically addressed.

Optical, structural, and nuclear scientific studies of AlGaN with high Al composition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Tse Yang; Chung, Yee Ling; Li, Lin; Yao, Shude; Lee, Y. C.; Feng, Zhe Chuan; Ferguson, Ian T.; Lu, Weijie

2010-08-01

AlGaN epilayers with higher Al-compositions were grown by Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) on (0001) sapphire. Trimethylgallium (TMGa), trimethylaluminium (TMAl) and NH3 were used as the source precursors for Ga, Al, and N, respectively. A 25 nm AlN nucleation layer was first grown at low-temperature of 590 °C at 300 Torr. Followed, AlxGa1-xN layers were grown at 1080 °C on low-temperature AlN nucleation layers. The heterostructures were characterized by a series of techniques, including x-ray diffraction (XRD), Rutherford backscattering (RBS), photoluminescence (PL), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman scattering. Precise Al compositions were determined through XRD, RBS, and SEM combined measurements. Room Temperature Raman Scattering spectra shows three major bands from AlGaN alloys, which are AlN-like, A1 longitudinal optical (LO) phonon modes, and E2 transverse optical (TO) band, respectively, plus several peak comes from the substrate. Raman spectral line shape analysis lead to an optical determination of the electrical property free carrier concentration of AlGaN. The optical properties of AlGaN with high Al composition were presented here.

Epitaxial growth of Al9Ir2 intermetallic compound on Al(100): Mechanism and interface structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kadok, J.; Pussi, K.; Šturm, S.; Ambrožič, B.; Gaudry, É.; de Weerd, M.-C.; Fournée, V.; Ledieu, J.

2018-04-01

The adsorption of Ir adatoms on Al(100) has been investigated under various exposures and temperature conditions. The experimental and theoretical results reveal a diffusion of Ir adatoms within the Al(100) surface selvedge already at 300 K. Above 593 K, two domains of a (√{5 }×√{5 }) R 26 .6∘ phase are identified by low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and scanning tunneling microscopy measurements. This phase corresponds to the initial growth of an Al9Ir2 compound at the Al(100) surface. The Al9Ir2 intermetallic domains are terminated by bulklike pure Al layers. The structural stability of Al9Ir2 (001) grown on Al(100) has been analyzed by density functional theory based calculations. Dynamical LEED analysis is consistent with an Ir adsorption leading to the growth of an Al9Ir2 intermetallic compound. We propose that the epitaxial relationship Al9Ir2(001 ) ∥Al (100) and Al9Ir2[100 ] ∥Al [031 ]/[013 ] originates from a matching of Al atomic arrangements present both on Al(100) and on pure Al(001) layers present in the Al9Ir2 compound. Finally, the interface between Al9Ir2 precipitates and the Al matrix has been characterized by transmission electron microscopy measurements. The cross-sectional observations are consistent with the formation of Al9Ir2 (001) compounds. These measurements indicate an important Ir diffusion within Al(100) near the surface region. The coherent interface between Al9Ir2 and the Al matrix is sharp.

Formation of gamma(sup prime)-Ni3Al via the Peritectoid Reaction: gamma + beta (+ Al2O3)=gamma(sup prime)(+ Al2O3)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Copeland, Evan

2008-01-01

The activities of Al and Ni were measured using multi-cell Knudsen effusion-cell mass spectrometry (multi-cell KEMS), over the composition range 8-32 at.%Al and temperature range T=1400-1750 K in the Ni-Al-O system. These measurements establish that equilibrium solidification of gamma(sup prime)-Ni3Al-containing alloys occurs by the eutectic reaction, L (+ Al2O3)=gamma + Beta(+ Al2O3), at 1640 +/- 1 K and a liquid composition of 24.8 +/- 0.2 at.%al (at an unknown oxygen content). The {gamma + Beta (+Al2O3} phase field is stable over the temperature range 1633-1640 K, and gamma(sup prime)-Ni3Al forms via the peritectoid, gamma + Beta (+ Al2O3)=gamma(sup prime) (+ Al2O3), at 1633 +/- 1 K. This behavior is consistent with the current Ni-Al phase diagram and a new diagram is proposed. This new Ni-Al phase diagram explains a number of unusual steady-state solidification structures reported previously and provides a much simpler reaction scheme in the vicinity of the gamma(sup prime)-Ni2Al phase field.

Chemical trend of superconducting transition temperature in hole-doped delafossite of CuAlO2, AgAlO2 and AuAlO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakanishi, Akitaka; Katayama-Yoshida, Hiroshi

2012-12-01

We have performed the first-principles calculations about the superconducting transition temperature Tc of hole-doped delafossite CuAlO2, AgAlO2 and AuAlO2. Calculated Tc are about 50 K (CuAlO2), 40 K (AgAlO2) and 3 K(AuAlO2) at maximum in the optimum hole-doping concentration. The low Tc of AuAlO2 is attributed to the weak electron-phonon interaction caused by the low covalency and heavy atomic mass.

Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor expression and high-risk HPV infection in anal lesions of HIV positive patients

PubMed Central

NUOVO, Gerard J.; GRINSZTEJN, Beatriz; FRIEDMAN, Ruth K.; VELOSO, Valdiléa G.; CUNHA, Cynthia B.; COUTINHO, José R.; VIANNA-ANDRADE, Cecilia; OLIVEIRA, Nathalia S.; WOODHAM, Andrew W.; DA SILVA, Diane M.; KAST, W. Martin

2016-01-01

Objective The aim of the current study was to evaluate secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) expression in anal biopsies from HIV-positive (HIV+) individuals, and compare that to anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) diagnoses and human papillomavirus (HPV) status. Design This is a cross-sectional study of a cohort of 54 HIV+ (31 males and 23 females) from an AIDS clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods The study material consisted of anorectal tissue biopsies obtained from HIV+ subjects, which were used to construct tissue microarray paraffin blocks for immunohistochemical analysis of SLPI expression. Biopsies were evaluated by an expert pathologist and classified as low-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN1), high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN2/3), or normal squamous epithelium. Additionally, DNA from the biopsies was extracted and analyzed for the presence of low- or high-risk HPV DNA. Results Histologically normal squamous epithelium from the anorectal region showed strong positive SLPI staining in 17/20 (85%) samples. In comparison, 9/17 (53%) dysplastic squamous epithelial samples from AIN1 patients showed strong SLPI staining, and only 5/17 (29%) samples from AIN2-3 patients exhibited strong SPLI staining, which both were significantly fewer than those from normal tissue (p=0.005). Furthermore, there was a significantly higher proportion of samples in which oncogenic high-risk HPV genotypes were detected in low SLPI expressing tissues than that in tissues with high SLPI expression (p=0.040). Conclusion Taken together these results suggest that low SLPI expression is associated with high-risk HPV infections in the development of AIN. PMID:27149102

Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor Expression and High-Risk HPV Infection in Anal Lesions of HIV-Positive Patients.

PubMed

Nicol, Alcina F; Brunette, Laurie L; Nuovo, Gerard J; Grinsztejn, Beatriz; Friedman, Ruth K; Veloso, Valdiléa G; Cunha, Cynthia B; Coutinho, José R; Vianna-Andrade, Cecilia; Oliveira, Nathalia S; Woodham, Andrew W; DA Silva, Diane M; Kast, W Martin

2016-09-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) expression in anal biopsies from HIV-positive (HIV+) individuals, and compare that to anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) diagnoses and human papillomavirus (HPV) status. This is a cross-sectional study of a cohort of 54 HIV+ (31 males and 23 females) from an AIDS clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The study material consisted of anorectal tissue biopsies obtained from HIV+ subjects, which were used to construct tissue microarray paraffin blocks for immunohistochemical analysis of SLPI expression. Biopsies were evaluated by an expert pathologist and classified as low-grade AIN1, high-grade AIN2/3, or normal squamous epithelium. In addition, DNA from the biopsies was extracted and analyzed for the presence of low- or high-risk HPV DNA. Histologically, normal squamous epithelium from the anorectal region showed strong positive SLPI staining in 17/20 (85%) samples. In comparison, 9/17 (53%) dysplastic squamous epithelial samples from AIN1 patients showed strong SLPI staining, and only 5/17 (29%) samples from AIN2/3 patients exhibited strong SPLI staining, which both were significantly fewer than those from normal tissue (P = 0.005). Furthermore, there was a significantly higher proportion of samples in which oncogenic high-risk HPV genotypes were detected in low SLPI-expressing tissues than that in tissues with high SLPI expression (P = 0.040). Taken together these results suggest that low SLPI expression is associated with high-risk HPV infections in the development of AIN.

Early childhood caries and associated risk factors among preschool children in Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Kowash, M B; Alkhabuli, J O; Dafaalla, S A; Shah, A; Khamis, A H

2017-04-01

To investigate the prevalence and contributing factors of early childhood caries (ECC) in preschool children of Ras Al-Khaimah (RAK), United Arab Emirates (UAE). Cross-sectional. The sample consisted of 540 healthy preschool children between four and six years of age attending 10 nursery schools in RAK, UAE. A structured questionnaire was distributed to the mothers of children who gave consent for their children to be included in the study. The questionnaire was used to collect information regarding child and mother's demographic data, children's feeding and dietary habits, oral hygiene practices and frequency of dental visits. The dental examination of children was conducted by one investigator using a mouth mirror and a torch light source. Five hundred and forty children with a mean age of 5.1 (SD = 0.71) years were included in the study. The prevalence of ECC was 74.1%, the mean dmft was 3.07 ± 0.135. The significant caries index (SiC) was very high (13.3) and the care index was very low (3.8%). A high proportion of caries-free children and those with ECC were either never or only visited dentists when in pain. However, the difference in frequency of dental visits was statistically highly significant (p < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant difference in frequency of tooth brushing between children with and without caries and more than two-thirds of children with ECC spent less than two minutes when brushing their teeth. The difference in sweet consumption was not statistically significant. The prevalence of dental decay and the mean dmft were high and the care index was extremely low. There is a great need for prospective studies and community preventive programs to solve the problem of ECC and set plans to treat open cavities in RAK preschool children.

Reconnaissance investigation of brine in the eastern Rub al Khali, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Smith, C.L.

1981-01-01

Al Uruq al Mu'taridah-Umm as Samim area is located in a large topographic depression in the eastern Rub al Khali desert where playas several thousand square kilometers in area are exposedo A crust of eolian sand cemented with gypsum and halite has formed on many playa surfaces. Anhydrite nodules are common in the sampled area, where the depth to ground water generally exceeds 172 Cmo The chemistry of the three ground-water samples collected near the water well Ramallah-1 (lat 22?10'20'' N., long 54?20'37'' E.) is similar to that of sabkhah-related brines on the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Although there is no indication of economic quantities of evaporite minerals in the sampled area, the extent of the depression and its unique geologic environment recommend it for resource-evaluation studies.

Atomistic simulation of Al-graphene thin film growth on polycrystalline Al substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lan; Zhu, Yongchao; Li, Na; Rong, Yan; Xia, Huimin; Ma, Huizhong

2018-03-01

The growth of Al-Graphene composite coatings on polycrystalline Al substrate was investigated by using classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Unlike the diffusion behaviors on single crystal surface, most of adatoms were easily bound by the steps on polycrystalline Al surface, owing to the local accelerated energy. Both Ehrlich-Schwoebel (ES) barriers and the steering effect backed up the volmer-weber growth mode, which was consistent with the dynamic growth process observed in the deposit. The morphology of composite coatings was significantly affected by graphene flakes. Enrichment of graphene flakes gave rise to an increase of the local thickness, and graphene flakes only existed in Al grain boundaries. The size of Al grains in the composite coating visibly decreased when compared with that in the pure Al coating. This grain refinement and the mechanical property can be reinforced by the increase of graphene flakes.

Searching the Sinus Amoris: Using profiles of geological units, impact and volcanic features to characterize a major terrane interface on the Moon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, P.; Joerg, S.; Dehon, R.

1994-01-01

Geochemical profiles of surface units, impact, and volcanic features are studied in detail to determine the underlying structure in an area of extensive mare/highland interface, Sinus Amoris. This study region includes and surrounds the northeastern embayment of Mare Tranquillitatis. The concentrations of two major rock-forming elements (Mg and Al), which were derived from the Apollo 15 orbital geochemical measurements, were used in this study. Mapped units and deposits associated with craters in the northwestern part of the region tend to have correlated low Mg and Al concentrations, indicating the presence of Potassium (K)-Rare Earth Elements (REE)-Phosphorus (P) (KREEP)-enriched basalt. Found along the northeastern rim of Tranquillitatis were areas with correlated high Mg and Al concentration, indicating the presence of troctolite. Distinctive west/east and north/south trends were observed in the concentrations of Mg and Al, and, by implication, in the distribution of major rock components on the surface. Evidence for a systematic geochemical transition in highland or basin-forming units may be observed here in the form of distinctive differences in chemistry in otherwise similar units in the western and eastern portions of the study region.

Insulator-semiconductor interface fixed charges in AlGaN/GaN metal-insulator-semiconductor devices with Al2O3 or AlTiO gate dielectrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le, Son Phuong; Nguyen, Duong Dai; Suzuki, Toshi-kazu

2018-01-01

We have investigated insulator-semiconductor interface fixed charges in AlGaN/GaN metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) devices with Al2O3 or AlTiO (an alloy of Al2O3 and TiO2) gate dielectrics obtained by atomic layer deposition on AlGaN. Analyzing insulator-thickness dependences of threshold voltages for the MIS devices, we evaluated positive interface fixed charges, whose density at the AlTiO/AlGaN interface is significantly lower than that at the Al2O3/AlGaN interface. This and a higher dielectric constant of AlTiO lead to rather shallower threshold voltages for the AlTiO gate dielectric than for Al2O3. The lower interface fixed charge density also leads to the fact that the two-dimensional electron concentration is a decreasing function of the insulator thickness for AlTiO, whereas being an increasing function for Al2O3. Moreover, we discuss the relationship between the interface fixed charges and interface states. From the conductance method, it is shown that the interface state densities are very similar at the Al2O3/AlGaN and AlTiO/AlGaN interfaces. Therefore, we consider that the lower AlTiO/AlGaN interface fixed charge density is not owing to electrons trapped at deep interface states compensating the positive fixed charges and can be attributed to a lower density of oxygen-related interface donors.

Effects of Al(III) and Nano-Al13 Species on Malate Dehydrogenase Activity

PubMed Central

Yang, Xiaodi; Cai, Ling; Peng, Yu; Li, Huihui; Chen, Rong Fu; Shen, Ren Fang

2011-01-01

The effects of different aluminum species on malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activity were investigated by monitoring amperometric i-t curves for the oxidation of NADH at low overpotential using a functionalized multi-wall nanotube (MWNT) modified glass carbon electrode (GCE). The results showed that Al(III) and Al13 can activate the enzymatic activity of MDH, and the activation reaches maximum levels as the Al(III) and Al13 concentration increase. Our study also found that the effects of Al(III) and Al13 on the activity of MDH depended on the pH value and aluminum speciation. Electrochemical and circular dichroism spectra methods were applied to study the effects of nano-sized aluminum compounds on biomolecules. PMID:22163924

Effects of Al(III) and nano-Al13 species on malate dehydrogenase activity.

PubMed

Yang, Xiaodi; Cai, Ling; Peng, Yu; Li, Huihui; Chen, Rong Fu; Shen, Ren Fang

2011-01-01

The effects of different aluminum species on malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activity were investigated by monitoring amperometric i-t curves for the oxidation of NADH at low overpotential using a functionalized multi-wall nanotube (MWNT) modified glass carbon electrode (GCE). The results showed that Al(III) and Al(13) can activate the enzymatic activity of MDH, and the activation reaches maximum levels as the Al(III) and Al(13) concentration increase. Our study also found that the effects of Al(III) and Al(13) on the activity of MDH depended on the pH value and aluminum speciation. Electrochemical and circular dichroism spectra methods were applied to study the effects of nano-sized aluminum compounds on biomolecules.

26Al- 26Mg and 207Pb- 206Pb systematics of Allende CAIs: Canonical solar initial 26Al/ 27Al ratio reinstated

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobsen, Benjamin; Yin, Qing-zhu; Moynier, Frederic; Amelin, Yuri; Krot, Alexander N.; Nagashima, Kazuhide; Hutcheon, Ian D.; Palme, Herbert

2008-07-01

The precise knowledge of the initial 26Al/ 27Al ratio [( 26Al/ 27Al) 0] is crucial if we are to use the very first solid objects formed in our Solar System, calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) as the "time zero" age-anchor and guide future work with other short-lived radio-chronometers in the early Solar System, as well as determining the inventory of heat budgets from radioactivities for early planetary differentiation. New high-precision multi-collector inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) measurements of 27Al/ 24Mg ratios and Mg-isotopic compositions of nine whole-rock CAIs (six mineralogically characterized fragments and three micro-drilled inclusions) from the CV carbonaceous chondrite, Allende yield a well-defined 26Al- 26Mg fossil isochron with an ( 26Al/ 27Al) 0 of (5.23 ± 0.13) × 10 - 5 . Internal mineral isochrons obtained for three of these CAIs ( A44A, AJEF, and A43) are consistent with the whole-rock CAI isochron. The mineral isochron of AJEF with ( 26Al/ 27Al) 0 = (4.96 ± 0.25) × 10 - 5 , anchored to our precisely determined absolute 207Pb- 206Pb age of 4567.60 ± 0.36 Ma for the same mineral separates, reinstate the "canonical" ( 26Al/ 27Al) 0 of 5 × 10 - 5 for the early Solar System. The uncertainty in ( 26Al/ 27Al) 0 corresponds to a maximum time span of ± 20 Ka (thousand years), suggesting that the Allende CAI formation events were culminated within this time span. Although all Allende CAIs studied experienced multistage formation history, including melting and evaporation in the solar nebula and post-crystallization alteration likely on the asteroidal parent body, the 26Al- 26Mg and U-Pb-isotopic systematics of the mineral separates and bulk CAIs behaved largely as closed-system since their formation. Our data do not support the "supra-canonical" 26Al/ 27Al ratio of individual minerals or their mixtures in CV CAIs, suggesting that the supra-canonical 26Al/ 27Al ratio in the CV CAIs may have resulted from post

Fracture toughness of Ti-Al3Ti-Al-Al3Ti laminate composites under static and cyclic loading conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patselov, A. M.; Gladkovskii, S. V.; Lavrikov, R. D.; Kamantsev, I. S.

2015-10-01

The static and cyclic fracture toughnesses of a Ti-Al3Ti-Al-Al3Ti laminate composite material containing at most 15 vol % intermetallic compound are studied. Composite specimens are prepared by terminating reaction sintering of titanium and aluminum foils under pressure. The fracture of the titanium layers is quasi-cleavage during cyclic crack growth and is ductile during subsequent static loading.

High Density Hydrogen Storage System Demonstration Using NaAlH4 Based Complex Compound Hydrides

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

Daniel A. Mosher; Xia Tang; Ronald J. Brown

2007-07-27

This final report describes the motivations, activities and results of the hydrogen storage independent project "High Density Hydrogen Storage System Demonstration Using NaAlH4 Based Complex Compound Hydrides" performed by the United Technologies Research Center under the Department of Energy Hydrogen Program, contract # DE-FC36-02AL67610. The objectives of the project were to identify and address the key systems technologies associated with applying complex hydride materials, particularly ones which differ from those for conventional metal hydride based storage. This involved the design, fabrication and testing of two prototype systems based on the hydrogen storage material NaAlH4. Safety testing, catalysis studies, heat exchangermore » optimization, reaction kinetics modeling, thermochemical finite element analysis, powder densification development and material neutralization were elements included in the effort.« less

Atypical titration curves for GaAl12 Keggin-ions explained by a joint experimental and simulation approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sulpizi, Marialore; Lützenkirchen, Johannes

2018-06-01

Although they have been widely used as models for oxide surfaces, the deprotonation behaviors of the Keggin-ions (MeAl127+) and typical oxide surfaces are very different. On Keggin-ions, the deprotonation occurs over a very narrow pH range at odds with the broad charging curve of larger oxide surfaces. Depending on the Me concentration, the deprotonation curve levels off sooner (high Me concentration) or later (for low Me concentration). The leveling off shows the onset of aggregation before which the Keggin-ions are present as individual units. We show that the atypical titration data previously observed for some GaAl12 solutions in comparison to the originally reported data can be explained by the presence of Ga2Al11 ions. The pKa value of aquo-groups bound to octahedral Ga was determined from ab initio molecular dynamics simulations relative to the pure GaAl12 ions. Using these results within a surface complexation model, the onset of deprotonation of the crude solution is surprisingly well predicted and the ratio between the different species is estimated to be in the proportion 20 (Ga2Al11) : 20 (Al13) : 60 (GaAl12).

Synthesis and characterization of the heavy-fermion compound CePtAl 4Ge 2

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

Shin, Soohyeon; Rosa, Priscila Ferrari Silveira; Ronning, Filip

Here, we report the synthesis of the Ce-based quaternary compound CePtAl 4Ge 2 that crystallizes in the trigonal structure (space group R 3¯m, 166) with unit cell parameters, a = 4.1995(5) Å, c = 31.851(7) Å, and γ = 120°. Powder X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy show that CePtAl 4Ge 2 (LaPtAl 4Ge 2) is in a single, homogeneous phase. Magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity, and heat capacity measurements of CePtAl 4Ge 2 show that it exhibits antiferromagnetic behavior below 2.3 K. The magnetic susceptibility for the magnetic field applied perpendicular (χ ab) and parallel (χ c) to themore » crystalline c-axis is very anisotropic, and the susceptibility ratio (χ ab/χ c) reaches a maximum value of 10, indicating that the spin easy axis is within the Ce plane. The entropy recovered at T N is consistent with the doublet ground state of the crystal field split J = 5/2 multiplet of Ce 3+ ions.« less

Crystalline gamma-Al2O3 physical vapour deposition-coating for steel thixoforging tools.

PubMed

Bobzin, K; Hirt, G; Bagcivan, N; Khizhnyakova, L; Ewering, M

2011-10-01

The process of thixoforming, which has been part of many researches during the last decades, combines the advantages of forging and casting for the shaping of metallic components. But due to the high temperatures of semi-solid steel alloys high demands on the tools are requested. To resists the thermal and mechanical loads (wear, friction, thermal and thermomechanical fatigue) protecting thin films are necessary. In this regard crystalline gamma-Al2O3 deposited via Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) is a promising candidate: It exhibits high thermal stability, high oxidation resistance and high hot hardness. In the present work the application of a (Ti, Al)N/gamma-Al2O3 coating deposited by means of Magnetron Sputter Ion Plating in an industrial coating unit is presented. The coating was analysed by means of Rockwell test, nanoindentation, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The coated tool was tested in thixoforging experiments with steel grade X210CrW12 (AlSI D6). The surface of the coated dies was examined with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) after 22, 42, 90 and 170 forging cycles.

Synthesis and characterization of the heavy-fermion compound CePtAl 4Ge 2

DOE PAGES

Shin, Soohyeon; Rosa, Priscila Ferrari Silveira; Ronning, Filip; ...

2017-12-18

Here, we report the synthesis of the Ce-based quaternary compound CePtAl 4Ge 2 that crystallizes in the trigonal structure (space group R 3¯m, 166) with unit cell parameters, a = 4.1995(5) Å, c = 31.851(7) Å, and γ = 120°. Powder X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy show that CePtAl 4Ge 2 (LaPtAl 4Ge 2) is in a single, homogeneous phase. Magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity, and heat capacity measurements of CePtAl 4Ge 2 show that it exhibits antiferromagnetic behavior below 2.3 K. The magnetic susceptibility for the magnetic field applied perpendicular (χ ab) and parallel (χ c) to themore » crystalline c-axis is very anisotropic, and the susceptibility ratio (χ ab/χ c) reaches a maximum value of 10, indicating that the spin easy axis is within the Ce plane. The entropy recovered at T N is consistent with the doublet ground state of the crystal field split J = 5/2 multiplet of Ce 3+ ions.« less

Co-existence of a few and sub micron inhomogeneities in Al-rich AlGaN/AlN quantum wells

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

Iwata, Yoshiya; Oto, Takao; Banal, Ryan G.

2015-03-21

Inhomogeneity in Al-rich AlGaN/AlN quantum wells is directly observed using our custom-built confocal microscopy photoluminescence (μ-PL) apparatus with a reflective system. The μ-PL system can reach the AlN bandgap in the deep ultra-violet spectral range with a spatial resolution of 1.8 μm. In addition, cathodoluminescence (CL) measurements with a higher spatial resolution of about 100 nm are performed. A comparison of the μ-PL and CL measurements reveals that inhomogeneities, which have different spatial distributions of a few- and sub-micron scales that are superimposed, play key roles in determining the optical properties.

Aluminium (Al) speciation in serum and urine after subcutaneous venom immunotherapy with Al as adjuvant.

PubMed

Michalke, Bernhard; Kramer, Matthias F; Brehler, Randolf

2018-02-21

Aluminium is associated with disorders and is the commonly used vaccine adjuvant. Understanding the mechanisms of how Al is transported, metabolized or of its toxicity depends on the knowledge of Al-interactions with bioligands, i.e. Al-species. Al-speciation in serum is difficult because of low concentration and the risk of exogenous Al contamination. Furthermore, Al-measurements may be hampered according to various interferences. This study aims for developing quality controlled protocols for reliable Al- and Al-species determination and for investigating probable differences in Al (-speciation) after Al-containing subcutaneous immunotherapy (SIT). Sample donors were recruited either for the control group ("class-0", they never had been treated with SIT containing an Al-depot extract) or for the SIT-group ("class-1", they previously had been treated with SIT for insect venom allergy with an Al-depot extract). Blood was drawn for medical reasons and serum prepared. Additionally, some sample donors collected 24-h-urine. They had been informed (and they consented) about the scientific use of their samples. The study was approved by the ethic committee of the "Medical Association Westphalia-Lippe" and of the University of Münster, evaluating the study positively (No. 2013-667-f-S). We applied quality controlled sample preparation and interference-free Al detection by ICP sectorfield-mass spectrometry. Al-species were analysed using size-exclusion-chromatography-ICP-qMS. Al-concentrations or speciation in urine samples showed no differences between class-0 and class-1. Al-citrate was the main uric Al-species. In serum elevated Al-concentrations were found for both classes, with class-1 samples being significantly higher than class-0 (p = 0.041), but class-0 samples being approximately 10-fold too high compared to reference values from non-exposed persons. We identified gel-monovettes as contamination source. In contamination-free samples from HNO 3 -prewashed gel

Synthesis of core-shell AlOOH hollow nanospheres by reacting Al nanoparticles with water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lozhkomoev, A. S.; Glazkova, E. A.; Bakina, O. V.; Lerner, M. I.; Gotman, I.; Gutmanas, E. Y.; Kazantsev, S. O.; Psakhie, S. G.

2016-05-01

A novel route for the synthesis of boehmite nanospheres with a hollow core and the shell composed of highly crumpled AlOOH nanosheets by oxidizing Al nanopowder in pure water under mild processing conditions is described. The stepwise events of Al transformation into boehmite are followed by monitoring the pH in the reaction medium. A mechanism of formation of hollow AlOOH nanospheres with a well-defined shape and crystallinity is proposed which includes the hydration of the Al oxide passivation layer, local corrosion of metallic Al accompanied by hydrogen evolution, the rupture of the protective layer, the dissolution of Al from the particle interior and the deposition of AlOOH nanosheets on the outer surface. In contrast to previously reported methods of boehmite nanoparticle synthesis, the proposed method is simple, and environmentally friendly and allows the generation of hydrogen gas as a by-product. Due to their high surface area and high, slit-shaped nanoporosity, the synthesized AlOOH nanostructures hold promise for the development of more effective catalysts, adsorbents, vaccines and drug carriers.

Millimeter distance effects of surface plasmon polaritons in electroformed Al-Al2O3-Ag diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hickmott, T. W.

2017-02-01

Electroforming of metal-insulator-metal diodes is a soft dielectric breakdown that changes the high resistance of as-prepared diodes to a low resistance state. Electroforming of Al-Al2O3-metal diodes with anodic Al2O3 results in voltage-controlled negative resistance in the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics, electroluminescence (EL), and electron emission into vacuum (EM). EL is due to electrons injected at the Al-Al2O3 interface combining with radiative defects in Al2O3. Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are electromagnetic waves that can be excited by photons or electrons. SPPs are confined to a metal-dielectric interface, cause large electric fields in the metal and dielectric, and have ranges of micrometers. The temperature dependence of I-V curves, EL, and EM of a group of electroformed Al-Al2O3-Ag diodes with Al2O3 thicknesses between 12 nm and 20 nm, group A, was measured between 200 K and 300 K. After a sequence of temperature measurements, the Al-Al2O3-Ag diodes, the Al-Al2O3 regions between diodes, and portions of the Ag on the glass region that provides contacts to the diodes are darkened. The range of darkening is >7 mm in a diode with 12 nm of Al2O3 and 2.0-3.5 mm in diodes with Al2O3 thicknesses between 14 nm and 20 nm. Darkening is attributed to the occurrence of SPPs generated by EL photons at the Ag-Al2O3 and Al-Al2O3 interfaces. The results are compared to a second group of Al-Al2O3-Ag diodes with identical Al2O3 thicknesses, group B, that were prepared in the same way as the diodes of group A except for a difference in the deposition of Al films for the two groups. Al-Al2O3-Ag diodes of group B exhibit enhanced EL, which is attributed to spontaneous emission of recombination centers in Al2O3 being enhanced by large electromagnetic fields that are due to SPPs that are generated by EL photons.

Electronic transport through Al/InN nanowire/Al junctions

DOE PAGES

Lu, Tzu -Ming; Wang, George T.; Pan, Wei; ...

2016-02-10

We report non-linear electronic transport measurement of Al/Si-doped n-type InN nanowire/Al junctions performed at T = 0.3 K, below the superconducting transition temperature of the Al electrodes. The proximity effect is observed in these devices through a strong dip in resistance at zero bias. In addition to the resistance dip at zero bias, several resistance peaks can be identified at bias voltages above the superconducting gap of the electrodes, while no resistance dip is observed at the superconducting gap. The resistance peaks disappear as the Al electrodes turn normal beyond the critical magnetic field except one which remains visible atmore » fields several times higher than critical magnetic field. An unexpected non-monotonic magnetic field dependence of the peak position is observed. As a result, we discuss the physical origin of these observations and propose that the resistance peaks could be the McMillan-Rowell oscillations arising from different closed paths localized near different regions of the junctions.« less

Rechargeable Al/Cl2 battery with molten AlCl4/-/ electrolyte.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holleck, G. L.; Giner, J.; Burrows, B.

1972-01-01

A molten salt system based on Al- and Cl2 carbon electrodes, with an AlCl3 alkali chloride eutectic as electrolyte, offers promise as a rechargeable, high energy density battery which can operate at a relatively low temperature. Electrode kinetic studies showed that the electrode reactions at the Al anode were rapid and that the observed passivation phenomena were due to the formation at the electrode surface of a solid salt layer resulting from concentration changes on anodic or cathodic current flow. It was established that carbon electrodes were intrinsically active for chlorine reduction in AlCl3-alkali chloride melts. By means of a rotating vitreous carbon disk electrode, the kinetic parameters were determined.

Two-Phase Eutectic Growth in Al-Cu and Al-Cu-Ag

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Senninger, Oriane; Peters, Matthew; Voorhees, Peter W.

2018-02-01

The microstructure developed by two-phase lamellar eutectics (α ) -(θ {-Al}2{Cu}) in Al-Cu and Al-Cu-Ag alloys is analyzed. A model of two-phase eutectic growth in multicomponent alloys is used to determine the scaling law of the eutectic microstructure using the alloy thermophysical properties. The application of the model to these alloys shows that the addition of Ag to Al-Cu alloys does not significantly change the length scale of the microstructure, which is in agreement with previous experimental studies. This is explained by the combined phenomena of the decrease in interface energies with the addition of Ag and the superheating of the (α ) phase interface induced by the Ag composition profile.

Hot Corrosion Behavior of Stainless Steel with Al-Si/Al-Si-Cr Coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Guangyan; Wu, Yongzhao; Liu, Qun; Li, Rongguang; Su, Yong

2017-03-01

The 1Cr18Ni9Ti stainless steel with Al-Si/Al-Si-Cr coatings is prepared by slurry process and vacuum diffusion, and the hot corrosion behavior of the stainless steel with/without the coatings is studied under the condition of Na2SO4 film at 950 °C in air. Results show that the corrosion kinetics of stainless steel, the stainless steel with Al-Si coating and the stainless steel with Al-Si-Cr coating follow parabolic laws in several segments. After 24 h corrosion, the sequence of the mass gain for the three alloys is the stainless steel with Al-Si-Cr coating < the stainless steel with Al-Si coating < the stainless steel without any coating. The corrosion products of the three alloys are layered. Thereinto, the corrosion products of stainless steel without coating are divided into two layers, where the outside layer contains a composite of Fe2O3 and FeO, and the inner layer is Cr2O3. The corrosion products of the stainless steel with Al-Si coating are also divided into two layers, of which the outside layer mainly consists of Cr2O3, and the inner layer is mainly SiO2. The corrosion film of the stainless steel with Al-Si-Cr coating is thin and dense, which combines well with substrate. Thereinto, the outside layer is mainly Cr2O3, and the inside layer is Al2O3. In the matrix of all of the three alloys, there exist small amount of sulfides. Continuous and protective films of Cr2O3, SiO2 and Al2O3 form on the surface of the stainless steel with Al-Si and Al-Si-Cr coatings, which prevent further oxidation or sulfide corrosion of matrix metals, and this is the main reason for the much smaller mass gain of the two alloys than that of the stainless steel without any coatings in the 24 h hot corrosion process.

Tunable magnetic properties by interfacial manipulation of L1(0)-FePt perpendicular ultrathin film with island-like structures.

PubMed

Feng, C; Wang, S G; Yang, M Y; Zhang, E; Zhan, Q; Jiang, Y; Li, B H; Yu, G H

2012-02-01

Based on interfacial manipulation of the MgO single crystal substrate and non-magnetic AIN compound, a L1(0)-FePt perpendicular ultrathin film with the structure of MgO/FePt-AIN/Ta was designed, prepared, and investigated. The film is comprised of L1(0)-FePt "magnetic islands," which exhibits a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA), tunable coercivity (Hc), and interparticle exchange coupling (IEC). The MgO substrate promotes PMA of the film because of interfacial control of the FePt lattice orientation. The AIN compound is doped to increase the difference of surface energy between FePt layer and MgO substrate and to suppress the growth of FePt grains, which takes control of island growth mode of FePt atoms. The AIN compound also acts as isolator of L1(0)-FePt islands to pin the sites of FePt domains, resulting in the tunability of Hc and IEC of the films.

The United States Experience with the Exotic Cerambycid Anoplophora glabripennis: Detection, Quarantine, and Control

Treesearch

Robert A. Haack; Therese M. Poland; Rui-Tong Gao

2000-01-01

It is estimated that there are at least 4500 exotic (non-indigenous) organisms currently established in the United States(US) (US Congress 1993) and possibly as many as 50,000 (Pimentel et al. 2000). Of the many exotic organisms now in the US, more than 400 are insects that feed on trees and shrubs.(Haack and Byler 1993, Mattson et al. 1994, Niemela and Mattson 1996)....

Microstructural and Phase Composition Differences Across the Interfaces in Al/Ti/Al Explosively Welded Clads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fronczek, Dagmara Malgorzata; Chulist, Robert; Litynska-Dobrzynska, Lidia; Lopez, Gabriel Alejandro; Wierzbicka-Miernik, Anna; Schell, Norbert; Szulc, Zygmunt; Wojewoda-Budka, Joanna

2017-09-01

The microstructure and phase composition of Al/Ti/Al interfaces with respect to their localization were investigated. An aluminum-flyer plate exhibited finer grains located close to the upper interface than those present within the aluminum-base plate. The same tendency, but with a higher number of twins, was observed for titanium. Good quality bonding with a wavy shape and four intermetallic phases, namely, TiAl3, TiAl, TiAl2, and Ti3Al, was only obtained at the interface closer to the explosive material. The other interface was planar with three intermetallic compounds, excluding the metastable TiAl2 phase. As a result of a 100-hour annealing at 903 K (630 °C), an Al/TiAl3/Ti/TiAl3/Al sandwich was manufactured, formed with single crystalline Al layers. A substantial difference between the intermetallic layer thicknesses was measured, with 235.3 and 167.4 µm obtained for the layers corresponding to the upper and lower interfaces, respectively. An examination by transmission electron microscopy of a thin foil taken from the interface area after a 1-hour annealing at 825 K (552 °C) showed a mixture of randomly located TiAl3 grains within the aluminum. Finally, the hardness results were correlated with the microstructural changes across the samples.

Response of rice to Al stress and identification of quantitative trait Loci for Al tolerance.

PubMed

Ma, Jian Feng; Shen, Renfang; Zhao, Zhuqing; Wissuwa, Matthias; Takeuchi, Yoshinobu; Ebitani, Takeshi; Yano, Masahiro

2002-06-01

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) shows the highest tolerance to Al toxicity among small-grain cereal crops, however, the mechanisms and genetics responsible for its high Al tolerance are not yet well understood. We investigated the response of rice to Al stress using the japonica variety Koshihikari in comparison to the indica variety Kasalath. Koshihikari showed higher tolerance at various Al concentrations than Kasalath. The Al content in root apexes was less in Koshihikari than in Kasalath, suggesting that exclusion mechanisms rather than internal detoxification are acting in Koshihikari. Al-induced secretion of citrate was observed in both Koshihikari and Kasalath, however, it is unlikely to be the mechanism for Al tolerance because there was no significant difference in the amount of citrate secreted between Koshihikari and Kasalath. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for Al tolerance were mapped in a population of 183 backcross inbred lines (BILs) derived from a cross of Koshihikari and Kasalath. Three putative QTLs controlling Al tolerance were detected on chromosomes 1, 2 and 6. Kasalath QTL alleles on chromosome 1 and 2 reduced Al tolerance but increased tolerance on chromosome 6. The three QTLs explained about 27% of the phenotypic variation in Al tolerance. The existence of QTLs for Al tolerance was confirmed in substitution lines for corresponding chromosomal segments.

Aluminum surface modification by a non-mass-analyzed nitrogen ion beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohira, Shigeo; Iwaki, Masaya

Non-mass-analyzed nitrogen ion implantation into polycrystal and single crystal aluminum sheets has been carried out at an accelerating voltage of 90 kV and a dose of 1 × 10 18 N ions/cm 2 using a Zymet implanter model Z-100. The pressure during implantation rose to 10 -3 Pa due to the influence of N gas feeding into the ion source. The characteristics of the surface layers were investigated by means of Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron diffraction (TED), and microscopy (TEM). The AES depth profiling shows a rectangular-like distribution of N atoms and little migration of O atoms near the surface. The high dose N-implantation forms c-axis oriented aluminum nitride (AIN) crystallines, and especially irradiation of Al single crystals with N ions leads to the formation of a hcp AlN single crystal. It is concluded that the high dose N-implantation in Al can result in the formation of AlN at room temperature without any thermal annealing. Furthermore, non-mass-analyzed N-implantation at a pressure of 10 -3 Pa of the nitrogen atmosphere causes the formation of pure AlN single crystals in the Al surface layer and consequently it can be practically used for AlN production.

All About ALS

MedlinePlus

... by storm with videos of people pouring ice water on themselves for the Ice Bucket Challenge. The worldwide phenomenon raised awareness—and millions of research dollars—for a fatal disease called ALS. ALS ...

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

MedlinePlus

Lou Gehrig disease; ALS; Upper and lower motor neuron disease; Motor neuron disease ... One out of 10 cases of ALS is due to a genetic defect. The cause is unknown in most other cases. In ALS, motor nerve cells (neurons) waste away ...

An epidemiological study of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Al-jabal Al-gharbi, Libya.

PubMed

Abdellatif, Manal Z M; El-Mabrouk, Khamis; Ewis, Ashraf A

2013-02-01

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an endemic parasitic infection in the Mediterranean region, including Libya and its Al-jabal Al-gharbi province. We aimed at studying the occupational relevance as well as other epidemiological aspects of CL. We investigated 140 CL cases who attended at Gharyan outpatient polyclinic during a period of 6 months in 2009. CL infection was clinically diagnosed and confirmed by demonstration of Leishmania parasites on smears from lesions. Our findings showed that males were more affected than females (P=0.04), and people above 10-years were more affected than younger ones (P=0.0001). A significant percent of CL cases belonged to Al-Kawasem subprovince (P=0.0001). Farm-related activities were the most frequent occupations among CL cases (P=0.04). In addition to farm workers, housewives and students are at risk groups since they are engaged at farm activities. Moreover, those who have occupations that require staying outdoors for a part of night, e.g., policemen, are also at risk. Compared to children, adult CL patients had multiple lesions (P=0.001) that were more prevalent in their upper and lower extremities than the face (P=0.0001). We conclude that CL is a major health problem in Al-jabal Al-gharbi province of Libya. The presence of rodents and sandflies makes it a suitable environment for Leishmania to spread in an endemic epidemiological pattern. Being engaged in farming activities or outdoor occupations increases the risk of infection. Various clinical patterns of CL suggest the presence of more than 1 species of Leishmania at Al-jabal Al-gharbi province. We propose that the 2 species responsible for CL in this area are L. major and L. tropica. Further investigations to identify the leishmanial species responsible for CL at Al-jabal Al-gharbi together with adoption of preventive and control programs are needed.

An Epidemiological Study of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Al-Jabal Al-Gharbi, Libya

PubMed Central

Abdellatif, Manal Z. M.; El-Mabrouk, Khamis

2013-01-01

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an endemic parasitic infection in the Mediterranean region, including Libya and its Al-jabal Al-gharbi province. We aimed at studying the occupational relevance as well as other epidemiological aspects of CL. We investigated 140 CL cases who attended at Gharyan outpatient polyclinic during a period of 6 months in 2009. CL infection was clinically diagnosed and confirmed by demonstration of Leishmania parasites on smears from lesions. Our findings showed that males were more affected than females (P=0.04), and people above 10-years were more affected than younger ones (P=0.0001). A significant percent of CL cases belonged to Al-Kawasem subprovince (P=0.0001). Farm-related activities were the most frequent occupations among CL cases (P=0.04). In addition to farm workers, housewives and students are at risk groups since they are engaged at farm activities. Moreover, those who have occupations that require staying outdoors for a part of night, e.g., policemen, are also at risk. Compared to children, adult CL patients had multiple lesions (P=0.001) that were more prevalent in their upper and lower extremities than the face (P=0.0001). We conclude that CL is a major health problem in Al-jabal Al-gharbi province of Libya. The presence of rodents and sandflies makes it a suitable environment for Leishmania to spread in an endemic epidemiological pattern. Being engaged in farming activities or outdoor occupations increases the risk of infection. Various clinical patterns of CL suggest the presence of more than 1 species of Leishmania at Al-jabal Al-gharbi province. We propose that the 2 species responsible for CL in this area are L. major and L. tropica. Further investigations to identify the leishmanial species responsible for CL at Al-jabal Al-gharbi together with adoption of preventive and control programs are needed. PMID:23467624

Formation of epitaxial Al 2O 3/NiAl(1 1 0) films: aluminium deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lykhach, Y.; Moroz, V.; Yoshitake, M.

2005-02-01

Structure of epitaxial Al 2O 3 layers formed on NiAl(1 1 0) substrates has been studied by means of reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED). The elucidated structure was compared to the model suggested for 0.5 nm-thick Al 2O 3 layers [K. Müller, H. Lindner, D.M. Zehner, G. Ownby, Verh. Dtsch. Phys. Ges. 25 (1990) 1130; R.M. Jaeger, H. Kuhlenbeck, H.J. Freund, Surf. Sci. 259 (1991) 235]. The stepwise growth of Al 2O 3 film, involving deposition and subsequent oxidation of aluminium onto epitaxial 0.5 nm-thick Al 2O 3 layers, has been investigated. Aluminium was deposited at room temperature, whereas its oxidation took place during annealing at 1070 K. The Al 2O 3 thickness was monitored by means of Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). It was found that Al 2O 3 layer follows the structure of 0.5 nm thick Al 2O 3 film, although a tilting of Al 2O 3(1 1 1) surface plane with respect to NiAl(1 1 0) surface appeared after Al deposition.

76 FR 78052 - Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., et al.; Notice of Application and Temporary Order

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-15

... SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. IC-29881; 812-13987] Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., et al... entered against Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (``Wells Fargo Bank'') on December 9, 2011 by the United States.... Applicants: Wells Fargo Bank, First International Advisors, LLC (``First International''), Metropolitan West...

Insects Intercepted on Wood Articles at ports-of-Entry in the United States: 1985-1996

Treesearch

Robert A. Haack; Joseph F. Cavey

1997-01-01

Of the more than 2000 exotic insects now established in the United States (US Congress 1993), more than 400 feed on trees and shrubs (Haack et al. 1997b, Mattsonet et al. 1994, Niemela and Mattson 1996).Several of these exotic insects have greatly altered forest ecosystems in the US (Campbell and Schlarbaum 1994, Ciesla 1993, Liebhold etal. 1995, Wallner 1996)....

Oxidation behavior of Al/Cr coating on Ti2AlNb alloy at 900 °C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Zhengang; Liang, Wenping; Miao, Qiang; Chen, Bowen; Ding, Zheng; Roy, Nipon

2018-04-01

In this paper, the Al/Cr coating was fabricated on the surface of Ti2AlNb alloy via rf magnetron sputtering and double glow treatment to enhance oxidation resistance. The protective coating with an outer layer of Al and inner layer of Cr has great bonding strength due to the in-diffusion of Cr and the inter-diffusion between Al and Cr to form Al-Cr alloyed layer which has great hardness. Acoustic emission curve which was detected via WS-2005 scratch tester indicates the bonding strength between Al/Cr coating and substrate is great. Morphology of Ti2AlNb alloy with Al/Cr coating after scratch test shows that the scratch is smooth without disbanding, and the depth and breadth of scratch are changed uniformly. The mass change was reduced after oxidation test due to the Al/Cr protective coating. Isothermal oxidation test at 900 °C was researched. Results indicate that Al/Cr coating provided oxidation resistance of Ti2AlNb alloy with prolonged air exposure at 900 °C. Al2O3 was detected by XRD patterns and SEM images, and was formed on the surface of Ti2AlNb alloy to protect substrate during oxidation test. A certain content of Cr is beneficial for the formation of Al2O3. Besides, Cr2O3 was produced under Al2O3 by outward diffusion of Cr to protect substrate sequentially, no cracks were discovered on Al/Cr protective coating. The process of Ti outward diffusion into surface was suppressive due to integration of Cr-Ti and Al-Ti intermetallics. A steady, adherent and continuous coated layer of Al/Cr on Ti2AlNb alloy increases oxidation resistance.

Elastocaloric effect in CuAlZn and CuAlMn shape memory alloys under compression

PubMed Central

Qian, Suxin; Wang, Yi; Pillsbury, Thomas E.; Hada, Yoshiharu; Yamaguchi, Yuki; Fujimoto, Kenjiro; Hwang, Yunho; Radermacher, Reinhard; Cui, Jun; Yuki, Yoji; Toyotake, Koutaro; Takeuchi, Ichiro

2016-01-01

This paper reports the elastocaloric effect of two Cu-based shape memory alloys: Cu68Al16Zn16 (CuAlZn) and Cu73Al15Mn12 (CuAlMn), under compression at ambient temperature. The compression tests were conducted at two different rates to approach isothermal and adiabatic conditions. Upon unloading at a strain rate of 0.1 s−1 (adiabatic condition) from 4% strain, the highest adiabatic temperature changes (ΔTad) of 4.0 K for CuAlZn and 3.9 K for CuAlMn were obtained. The maximum stress and hysteresis at each strain were compared. The stress at the maximum recoverable strain of 4.0% for CuAlMn was 120 MPa, which is 70% smaller than that of CuAlZn. A smaller hysteresis for the CuAlMn alloy was also obtained, about 70% less compared with the CuAlZn alloy. The latent heat, determined by differential scanning calorimetry, was 4.3 J g−1 for the CuAlZn alloy and 5.0 J g−1 for the CuAlMn alloy. Potential coefficients of performance (COPmat) for these two alloys were calculated based on their physical properties of measured latent heat and hysteresis, and a COPmat of approximately 13.3 for CuAlMn was obtained. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Taking the temperature of phase transitions in cool materials’. PMID:27402936

Structural and compositional evolution of Al{sub 3}(Zr,Y) precipitates in Al-Zr-Y alloy

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

Gao, Haiyan, E-mail: gaohaiyan@sjtu.edu.cn

Structural and compositional evolution of Al{sub 3}(Zr,Y) precipitates in aged Al-Zr-Y alloy was investigated through atom probe tomography (APT) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis and first principles calculations. The results show that short-bar-shaped D0{sub 19}-Al{sub 3}Y with some Zr atoms dissolved in precipitated at the very beginning of decomposition and worked as heterogeneous nuclei for L1{sub 2}-Al{sub 3}Zr with spherical morphology after being aged at 400 °C for 2 h. Quasi-static coarsening happened as the aging treatment lasted from 2 h to 200 h. However, distribution of Zr and Y atoms in Al{sub 3}(Zr,Y) is nearly uniform and Al{submore » 3}(Zr,Y) do not have the typical “Al{sub 3}RE core-Al{sub 3}Zr shell” structure which observed in other RE containing Al-Zr-RE alloys with L1{sub 2}-Al{sub 3}RE as nuclei. First principles calculations revealed that binding energy between Y and Zr is strong during the growth of Al{sub 3}(Zr,Y), which led to the co-precipitation of Y and Zr atoms and attribute to the evolution of Al{sub 3}(Zr,Y). - Highlights: •Al{sub 3}Y precipitated firstly and then became nuclei for Al{sub 3}Zr during aging of Al-Zr-Y. •Al{sub 3}(Zr,Y) precipitates do not have the typical “Al{sub 3}Y core-Al{sub 3}Zr shell” structure. •Strong binding between Y and Zr led to the co-precipitation of Y and Zr atoms.« less

Revisiting Deng et al.'s Multiparty Quantum Secret Sharing Protocol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Tzonelih; Hwang, Cheng-Chieh; Yang, Chun-Wei; Li, Chuan-Ming

2011-09-01

The multiparty quantum secret sharing protocol [Deng et al. in Chin. Phys. Lett. 23: 1084-1087, 2006] is revisited in this study. It is found that the performance of Deng et al.'s protocol can be much improved by using the techniques of block-transmission and decoy single photons. As a result, the qubit efficiency is improved 2.4 times and only one classical communication, a public discussion, and two quantum communications between each agent and the secret holder are needed rather than n classical communications, n public discussions, and 3n/2 quantum communications required in the original scheme.

Geomorphic Units on Titan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopes, R. M. C.; Malaska, M. J.; Schoenfeld, A.; Birch, S. P.; Hayes, A. G., Jr.

2014-12-01

The Cassini-Huygens mission has revealed the surface of Titan in unprecedented detail. The Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mode on the Cassini Titan Radar Mapper is able to penetrate clouds and haze to provide high resolution (~350 m spatial resolution at best) views of the surface geology. The instrument's other modes (altimetry, scatterometry, radiometry) also provide valuable data for interpreting the geology, as do other instruments on Cassini, in particular, the Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS) and the Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS). Continuing the initial work described in Lopes et al. (2010, Icarus, 212, 744-750), we have established the major geomorphologic unit classes on Titan using data from flybys Ta through T92 (October 2004-July 2013). We will present the global distribution of the major classes of units and, where there are direct morphological contacts, describe how these classes of units relate to each other in terms of setting and emplacement history. The classes of units are mountainous/hummocky terrains, plains, dunes, labyrinthic terrains and lakes. The oldest classes of units are the mountainous/hummocky and the labyrinthic terrains. The mountainous/hummocky terrains consist of mountain chains and isolated radar-bright terrains. The labyrinthic terrains consist of highly incised dissected plateaux with medium radar backscatter. The plains are younger than both mountainous/hummocky and labyrinthic unit classes. Dunes and lakes are the youngest unit classes on Titan; no contact is observed between the dunes and lakes but it is likely that both processes are still active. We have identified individual features such as craters, channels, and candidate cryovolcanic features. Characterization and comparison of the properties of the unit classes and the individual features with data from radiometry, ISS, and VIMS provides information on their composition and possible provenance. We can use these correlations to also infer global

Geomorphic Units on Titan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopes, Rosaly; Malaska, Michael; Schoenfeld, Ashley; Birch, Samuel; Hayes, Alexander; Solomonidou, Anezina; Radebaugh, Jani

2015-04-01

The Cassini-Huygens mission has revealed the surface of Titan in unprecedented detail. The Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mode on the Cassini Titan Radar Mapper is able to penetrate clouds and haze to provide high resolution (~350 m spatial resolution at best) views of the surface geology. The instrument's other modes (altimetry, scatterometry, radiometry) also provide valuable data for interpreting the geology, as do other instruments on Cassini, in particular, the Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS) and the Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS). Continuing the initial work described in Lopes et al. (2010, Icarus, 212, 744-750), we have established the major geomorphologic unit classes on Titan using data from flybys Ta through T92 (October 2004-July 2013). We will present the global distribution of the major classes of units and, where there are direct morphological contacts, describe how these classes of units relate to each other in terms of setting and emplacement history. The classes of units are mountainous/hummocky terrains, plains, dunes, labyrinthic terrains and lakes. The oldest classes of units are the mountainous/hummocky and the labyrinthic terrains. The mountainous/hummocky terrains consist of mountain chains and isolated radar-bright terrains. The labyrinthic terrains consist of highly incised dissected plateaux with medium radar backscatter. The plains are younger than both mountainous/hummocky and labyrinthic unit classes. Dunes and lakes are the youngest unit classes on Titan; no contact is observed between the dunes and lakes but it is likely that both processes are still active. We have identified individual features such as craters, channels, and candidate cryovolcanic features. Characterization and comparison of the properties of the unit classes and the individual features with data from radiometry, ISS, and VIMS provides information on their composition and possible provenance. We can use these correlations to also infer global

Fabrication of Al/Mg/Al Composites via Accumulative Roll Bonding and Their Mechanical Properties

PubMed Central

Nie, Jinfeng; Liu, Mingxing; Wang, Fang; Zhao, Yonghao; Li, Yusheng; Cao, Yang; Zhu, Yuntian

2016-01-01

Al(1060)/Mg(AZ31)/Al(1060) multilayered composite was successfully produced using an accumulative roll bonding (ARB) process for up to four cycles at an elevated temperature (400 °C). The microstructure evolution of the composites and the bonding characteristics at the interfaces between Al and Mg layers with increasing ARB cycles were characterized through optical microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that the grains of Al and Mg layers were significantly refined and Al3Mg2 and Al12 Mg17 intermetallic compound layers formed at the Al/Mg bonding interfaces. The strength increased gradually and the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) reached a maximum value of about 240 MPa at the third pass. Furthermore, the strengthening mechanism of the composite was analyzed based on the fracture morphologies. PMID:28774072

Terminal Area Forecasts, Fiscal Years 1981-1992,

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-02-01

4 51 181 191 REAICN-STATE: AGL-IL LOCID: SOl NONTOWERED CITY: STERLING ROCKFALLS AIRPORT: hIdITESIOE CO ARPT-JOS H 8ITTORF BASED AIRCRAFT: 51 I...T AL 1119 4 0 U U Li Li u U .3 a 0 u + 1AIN , .1 U 4 ii 4 U U L 0 Gi I 0 31 181 . 3 a a a 4 U 0 0 U 6 2 33 19) J a u a 0 a J a 0 0 33 J9 u u u u 0 1 0...3 12 31 1 48 14 2 17 64 38 192 Il A1 11 305 j Ii 3. 1 50 15 l 17 66 39 LaNtLNTS: ESIsNAIt AlA TAXI LOAD FAITUK. Rt ,3UM-N1ATEI A.S3-NS LUCIUSl GI

Experimental Identification of the Active Site in the Heteronuclear Redox Couples [AlVOx ]+. /CO/N2 O (x=3, 4) by Gas-Phase IR Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Debnath, Sreekanta; Knorke, Harald; Schöllkopf, Wieland; Zhou, Shaodong; Asmis, Knut R; Schwarz, Helmut

2018-06-18

Cryogenic ion vibrational spectroscopy was used in combination with electronic structure calculations to identify the active site in the oxygen atom transfer reaction [AlVO 4 ] +. +CO→[AlVO 3 ] +. +CO 2 . Infrared photodissociation spectra of messenger-tagged heteronuclear clusters demonstrate that in contrast to [AlVO 4 ] +. , [AlVO 3 ] +. is devoid of a terminal Al-O t unit while the terminal V=O t group remains intact. Thus it is the Al-O t moiety that forms the active site in the [AlVO x ] +. /CO/N 2 O (x=3, 4) redox couples, which is in line with theoretical predictions. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Suppression of gate leakage current in in-situ grown AlN/InAlN/AlN/GaN heterostructures based on the control of internal polarization fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotani, Junji; Yamada, Atsushi; Ishiguro, Tetsuro; Yamaguchi, Hideshi; Nakamura, Norikazu

2017-03-01

This paper investigates the gate leakage characteristics of in-situ AlN capped InAlN/AlN/GaN heterostructures grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy. It was revealed that the leakage characteristics of AlN capped InAlN/AlN/GaN heterostructures are strongly dependent on the growth temperature of the AlN cap. For an AlN capped structure with an AlN growth temperature of 740 °C, the leakage current even increased although there exists a large bandgap material on InAlN/AlN/GaN heterostructures. On the other hand, a large reduction of the gate leakage current by 4-5 orders of magnitudes was achieved with a very low AlN growth temperature of 430 °C. X-ray diffraction analysis of the AlN cap grown at 740 °C indicated that the AlN layer is tensile-strained. In contrast to this result, the amorphous structure was confirmed for the AlN cap grown at 430 °C by transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, theoretical analysis based on one-dimensional band simulation was carried out, and the large increase in two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) observed in Hall measurements was well reproduced by taking into account the spontaneous and piezo-electric polarization in the AlN layer grown at 740 °C. For the AlN capped structure grown at 430 °C, it is believed that the reduced polarization field in the AlN cap suppressed the penetration of 2DEG into the InAlN barrier layer, resulting in a small impact on 2DEG mobility and density. We believe that an in-situ grown AlN cap with a very low growth temperature of 430 °C is a promising candidate for high-frequency/high-power GaN-based devices with low gate leakage current.

Depolarization currents in Al 2O 3 and MgAl 2O 4 oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carvalhaes, R. P. M.; Rocha, M. S.; de Souza, S. S.; Blak, A. R.

2004-06-01

In the present work, dipole defects in γ-irradiated and thermally treated samples of Al 2O 3 and MgAl 2O 4 oxides are investigated, applying the thermally stimulated depolarisation currents technique (TSDC). The TSDC spectra of MgAl 2O 4 doped with Fe 2+, Fe 3+, Co 2+, Cr 3+ and Mn 2+ show four bands at 130 K, 160 K, 250 K and 320 K, and the spectra of Al 2O 3 doped with Mg 2+, Cr 3+ and Fe 3+ show bands between 230 K and 260 K. It has been observed that the bands at 130 K, 160 K and 250 K in MgAl 2O 4 spinel and that the 230 K and 240 K bands in Al 2O 3 are related to dipole defects. The other bands are possibly related to different types of charge storage mechanisms (space-charge and interfacial polarisation) or deal with distributions in activation energies and/or in relaxation times. A thermal decrease of the TSDC bands for heat treatments above 1000 K has been observed. In MgAl 2O 4 spinel, the 250 K band could be recovered after γ-irradiation and the two dipole peaks in Al 2O 3 were partially recovered. Thermal treatments affect the dipole aggregation processes in both oxides. Optical absorption (AO) results indicate that the presence of bands of water molecules in the infrared region obstructs the appearance of the TSDC bands in both Al 2O 3 and MgAl 2O 4. The 250 K peak in MgAl 2O 4 was correlated to V-type centres and the 250 K peak in Al 2O 3 to a substitutional Mg 2+ ion near a trapped hole localised on an adjacent oxygen ion.

Atomic Scale Investigation of Structural Properties and Glass Forming Ability of Ti100-x Al x Metallic Glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tahiri, M.; Hasnaoui, A.; Sbiaai, K.

2018-03-01

In this work, we employed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study Ti-Al metallic glasses (MGs) using the embedded atom method (EAM) potential to model the atomic interaction with different compositions. The results showed evidence of the metallic glass formation induced by the split occurring in the second peak of the radial distribution function (RDF) curves implying both Ti and Al atoms. The common neighbor analysis (CNA) method confirmed the presence of the icosahedral clusters with a maximum amount observed for an alloy with 75 pct of Al. Analysis of coordination numbers (CNs) indicated that the total CNs are nearly unchanged in these systems. Finally, Voronoi tessellation analyses (VTA) showed a higher value of the number of icosahedral units at Ti25Al75 composition. This specific composition represents a nearby peritectic point localized at a low melting point in the Ti-Al binary phase diagram. The glass forming ability (GFA) becomes important when the fraction of Al increases by forming and connecting "icosahedral-like" clusters (12-coordinated <0, 0, 12, 0> and 13-coordinated <0, 1, 10, 2>) and by playing a main role in the structure stability of the Ti-Al MGs.

Atomic Scale Investigation of Structural Properties and Glass Forming Ability of Ti100- x Al x Metallic Glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tahiri, M.; Hasnaoui, A.; Sbiaai, K.

2018-06-01

In this work, we employed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study Ti-Al metallic glasses (MGs) using the embedded atom method (EAM) potential to model the atomic interaction with different compositions. The results showed evidence of the metallic glass formation induced by the split occurring in the second peak of the radial distribution function (RDF) curves implying both Ti and Al atoms. The common neighbor analysis (CNA) method confirmed the presence of the icosahedral clusters with a maximum amount observed for an alloy with 75 pct of Al. Analysis of coordination numbers (CNs) indicated that the total CNs are nearly unchanged in these systems. Finally, Voronoi tessellation analyses (VTA) showed a higher value of the number of icosahedral units at Ti25Al75 composition. This specific composition represents a nearby peritectic point localized at a low melting point in the Ti-Al binary phase diagram. The glass forming ability (GFA) becomes important when the fraction of Al increases by forming and connecting "icosahedral-like" clusters (12-coordinated <0, 0, 12, 0> and 13-coordinated <0, 1, 10, 2>) and by playing a main role in the structure stability of the Ti-Al MGs.

The growth of high-Al-content InAlGaN quaternary alloys by RF-MBE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, B. Z.; Wang, X. L.; Wang, X. Y.; Guo, L. C.; Wang, X. H.; Xiao, H. L.; Liu, H. X.

2007-02-01

High-Al-content InxAlyGa1-x-yN (x = 1-10%, y = 34-45%) quaternary alloys were grown on sapphire by radio-frequency plasma-excited molecular beam epitaxy. Rutherford back-scattering spectrometry, high resolution x-ray diffraction and cathodoluminescence were used to characterize the InAlGaN alloys. The experimental results show that InAlGaN with an appropriate Al/In ratio (near 4.7, which is a lattice-match to the GaN under-layer) has better crystal and optical quality than the InAlGaN alloys whose Al/In ratios are far from 4.7. Some cracks and V-defects occur in high-Al/In-ratio InAlGaN alloys. In the CL image, the cracks and V-defect regions are the emission-enhanced regions.

Stoichiometry dependence of potential screening at La ( 1 - δ ) Al ( 1 + δ ) O 3 / SrTiO 3 interfaces

DOE PAGES

Weiland, Conan; Sterbinsky, George E.; Rumaiz, Abdul K.; ...

2015-04-03

Hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) and variable kinetic energy x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (VKE-XPS) analyses have been performed on ten-unit-cell-thick La (1-δ)Al (1+δ)O₃ films, with La:Al ratios of 1.1, 1.0, and 0.9, deposited on SrTiO₃. Only Al-rich films are known to have a conductive interface. VKE-XPS, coupled with maximum entropy analysis, shows significant differences in the compositional depth profile among the Al-rich, La-rich, and stoichiometric films: significant La enrichment at the interface is observed in the La-rich and stoichiometric films, while the Al-rich film shows little to no intermixing. Additionally, the La-rich and stoichiometric films show a high concentration of Almore » at the surface, which is not observed in the Al-rich film. HAXPES valence band (VB) analysis shows a broadening of the VB for the Al-rich sample relative to the stoichiometric and La-rich samples. This broadening is consistent with an electric field across the Al-rich film. These results are consistent with a defect-driven electronic reconstruction.« less

Preparation, deformation, and failure of functional Al-Sn and Al-Sn-Pb nanocrystalline alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noskova, N. I.; Vil'Danova, N. F.; Filippov, Yu. I.; Churbaev, R. V.; Pereturina, I. A.; Korshunov, L. G.; Korznikov, A. V.

2006-12-01

Changes in the structure, hardness, mechanical properties, and friction coefficient of Al-30% Sn, Al-15% Sn-25% Pb, and Al-5% Sn-35% Pb (wt %) alloys subjected to severe plastic deformation by equal-channel angular pressing (with a force of 40 tonne) and by shear at a pressure of 5 GPa have been studied. The transition into the nanocrystalline state was shown to occur at different degrees of plastic deformation. The hardness exhibits nonmonotonic variations, namely, first it increases and subsequently decreases. The friction coefficient of the Al-30% Sn, Al-15% Sn-25% Pb, and Al-5% Sn-35% Pb alloys quenched from the melt was found to be 0.33; the friction coefficients of these alloys in the submicrocrystalline state (after equal-channel angular pressing) equal 0.24, 0.32, and 0.35, respectively. The effect of disintegration into nano-sized powders was found to occur in the Al-15% Sn-25% Pb, and Al-5% Sn-35% Pb alloys after severe plastic deformation to ɛ = 6.4 and subsequent short-time holding.

One-dimensional nanowires of pseudoboehmite (aluminum oxyhydroxide γ-AlOOH)

PubMed Central

Iijima, Sumio; Yumura, Takashi; Liu, Zheng

2016-01-01

We report the discovery of a 1D crystalline structure of aluminum oxyhydroxide. It was found in a commercial product of fibrous pseudoboehmite (PB), γ-AlOOH, synthesized easily with low cost. The thinnest fiber found was a ribbon-like structure of only two layers of an Al–O octahedral double sheet having a submicrometer length along its c axis and 0.68-nm thickness along its b axis. This thickness is only slightly larger than half of the lattice parameter of the b-axis unit cell of the boehmite crystal (b/2 = 0.61 nm). Moreover, interlayer splittings having an average width of 1 nm inside the fibrous PB are found. These wider interlayer spaces may have intercalation of water, which is suggested by density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The fibers appear to grow as almost isolated individual filaments in aqueous Al-hydroxide sols and the growth direction of fibrous PB is always along its c axis. PMID:27708158

Exploring variability of teaching & supervision at clinical clerkship teaching sites

PubMed Central

Naeem, Naghma; Elzubeir, Margaret; Al-Houqani, Mohammad; Ahmed, Luai Awad

2018-01-01

Objective: To explore undergraduate medical students’ perception of variation in teaching and supervision at different clinical teaching sites. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, UAE during 2017. Four clinical teaching sites affiliated with CMHS were evaluated namely Shaikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Ambulatory Care Clinics (AC), Tawam Hospital (TH) and Al-Ain Hospital (AH). An online questionnaire was administered to year five and six students. Results: The response rate was 84.4%. Overall perception of the students about their clinical clerkship experience was positive. SKMC was rated as the best teaching site with mean rating of 3.79±0.97-4.79±0.43. The highest rated item was clinical teacher’s promotion of critical thinking in students while the lowest rated item was the opportunity to take responsibility for patient care. Ambulatory Care site had a mean rating of 2.33±1.23-4.13±1.19. The highest rated item at this site was the clinical teacher encouraging students to ask questions and participate actively. At Tawam Hospital, the mean ratings ranged between 2.65±1.64-4.31±0.86 with highest rated item being ability of the students to see cases with positive clinical findings. At the Al-Ain Hospital, the mean rating was in the range of 2.79±1.45-3.81±1.11. The item rated highest here was the ability of students to see cases with positive clinical findings. The lowest rated item at all three sites was the availability of on-call rooms and lockers. Significant variability was seen across training sites in the clinical teacher’s ability to act as professional role models, the opportunity for students to apply their previous knowledge to patient care and to independently assess patients before discussion with teachers. Conclusion: This study tool highlights variation in clinical teaching and supervision at four clinical teaching sites. It provides

Exploring variability of teaching & supervision at clinical clerkship teaching sites.

PubMed

Naeem, Naghma; Elzubeir, Margaret; Al-Houqani, Mohammad; Ahmed, Luai Awad

2018-01-01

To explore undergraduate medical students' perception of variation in teaching and supervision at different clinical teaching sites. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, UAE during 2017. Four clinical teaching sites affiliated with CMHS were evaluated namely Shaikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Ambulatory Care Clinics (AC), Tawam Hospital (TH) and Al-Ain Hospital (AH). An online questionnaire was administered to year five and six students. The response rate was 84.4%. Overall perception of the students about their clinical clerkship experience was positive. SKMC was rated as the best teaching site with mean rating of 3.79±0.97-4.79±0.43. The highest rated item was clinical teacher's promotion of critical thinking in students while the lowest rated item was the opportunity to take responsibility for patient care. Ambulatory Care site had a mean rating of 2.33±1.23-4.13±1.19. The highest rated item at this site was the clinical teacher encouraging students to ask questions and participate actively. At Tawam Hospital, the mean ratings ranged between 2.65±1.64-4.31±0.86 with highest rated item being ability of the students to see cases with positive clinical findings. At the Al-Ain Hospital, the mean rating was in the range of 2.79±1.45-3.81±1.11. The item rated highest here was the ability of students to see cases with positive clinical findings. The lowest rated item at all three sites was the availability of on-call rooms and lockers. Significant variability was seen across training sites in the clinical teacher's ability to act as professional role models, the opportunity for students to apply their previous knowledge to patient care and to independently assess patients before discussion with teachers. This study tool highlights variation in clinical teaching and supervision at four clinical teaching sites. It provides specific, actionable information which can be

Temperature dependence of the dielectric response of anodized Al-Al2O3-metal capacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hickmott, T. W.

2003-03-01

The temperature dependence of capacitance, CM, and conductance, GM, of Al-Al2O3-metal capacitors with Cu, Ag, and Au electrodes has been measured between 100 and 340 K at seven frequencies between 10 kHz and 1 MHz. Al2O3 films between 15 and 64 nm thick were formed by anodizing evaporated Al films in borate-glycol or borate-H2O electrolyte. The interface capacitance at the Al2O3-metal interface, CI, which is in series with the capacitance CD due to the Al2O3 dielectric, is determined from plots of 1/CM versus insulator thickness. CI is not fixed for a given metal-insulator interface but depends on the vacuum system used to deposit the metal electrode. CI is nearly temperature independent. When CI is taken into account the dielectric constant of Al2O3 determined from capacitance measurements is ˜8.3 at 295 K. The dielectric constant does not depend on anodizing electrolyte, insulator thickness, metal electrode, deposition conditions for the metal electrode or measurement frequency. By contrast, GM of Al-Al2O3-metal capacitors depends on both the deposition conditions of the metal and on the metal. For Al-Al2O3-Cu capacitors, GM is larger for capacitors with large values of 1/CI that result when Cu is evaporated in an oil-pumped vacuum system. For Al-Al2O3-Ag capacitors, GM does not depend on the Ag deposition conditions.

Polarization and Fowler-Nordheim tunneling in anodized Al-Al2O3-Au diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hickmott, T. W.

2000-06-01

Polarization in anodic Al2O3 films is measured by using quasi-dc current-voltage (I-V) curves of Al-Al2O3-Au diodes. A reproducible polarization state is established by applying a negative voltage to the Au electrode of a rectifying Al-Al2O3-Au diode. The difference between subsequent I-V curves with Au positive is a measure of polarization in the sample. The magnitude of polarization charge in Al2O3 depends on the anodizing electrolyte. Al2O3 films formed in H2O-based electrolytes have approximately ten times the polarization charge of Al2O3 films formed in ethylene glycol-based electrolyte. Anodizing conditions that produce greater polarizing charge in anodic Al2O3 result in voltage-time curves during anodization under galvanostatic conditions that are nonlinear. Anodic films with greater polarizing charge also have a greater apparent interface capacitance which is independent of Al2O3 thickness. I-V curves of Al-Al2O3-Au diodes for increasing voltage are dominated by polarization. I-V curves for decreasing voltage are reproducible and parallel but depend on the maximum current and voltage reached during the measurement. There is no single current corresponding to a given voltage. I-V curves for decreasing voltage are analyzed assuming that the conduction mechanism is Fowler-Nordheim (FN) tunneling. There is a qualitative difference between the FN tunneling parameters for Al2O3 films formed in H2O-based electrolytes and those formed in ethylene glycol-based electrolyte. For the former the value of the exponential term in the FN analysis increases as the value of maximum voltage and current in an I-V characteristic increases, while the value of the pre-exponential term is nearly constant. For the latter, the exponential term is nearly constant as maximum voltage and current increase, but the pre-exponential term decreases by about 5 decades. Thus polarization charge incorporated during formation of anodized Al2O3 strongly affects the formation of the insulating

From Snow to Hill to ALS: An epidemiological odyssey in search of ALS causation.

PubMed

Armon, Carmel

2018-05-21

Establishing mechanisms of disease causation in neurodegenerative diseases has long seemed to be beyond the pale of traditional epidemiological tools. Establishing a plausible mechanism for initiation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has appeared a particularly elusive goal. This review shows that a likely mechanism for ALS initiation may be inferred by applying classical methods of epidemiological inference. Advances in characterizing the biology of ALS suggest that most cases of ALS are cortically-generated, part of the ALS-FTD spectrum, with focal onset and spread by contiguity within the motor super-network. Evidence-based methods identified the most credible exogenous risk factor - smoking. AB Hill's nine viewpoints to inferring causation from association were invoked. The most likely mechanism consistent with smoking being a risk factor for ALS was inferred: cumulative DNA damage, akin to cumulative somatic mutations in carcinogenesis. Focal onset supports the concept that these changes, occurring in a single cell, may trigger the cascade leading to clinical ALS. The plausibility of this mechanism was affirmed by its coherence/consistency with other observations in sporadic, familial and western Pacific ALS. Application of traditional epidemiological reasoning suggests that cumulative DNA damage may contribute to disease onset in ALS. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study design and protocol for a theory-based behavioral intervention focusing on maintenance of weight loss: the Maintenance After Initiation of Nutrition TrAINing (MAINTAIN) study.

PubMed

Voils, Corrine I; Gierisch, Jennifer M; Olsen, Maren K; Maciejewski, Matthew L; Grubber, Janet; McVay, Megan A; Strauss, Jennifer L; Bolton, Jamiyla; Gaillard, Leslie; Strawbridge, Elizabeth; Yancy, William S

2014-09-01

Obesity is a significant public health problem. Although various lifestyle approaches are effective for inducing significant weight loss, few effective behavioral weight maintenance strategies have been identified. It has been proposed that behavior maintenance is a distinct state that involves different psychological processes and behavioral skills than initial behavior change. Previously, we created a conceptual model that distinguishes behavior initiation from maintenance. This model was used to generate Maintenance After Initiation of Nutrition TrAINing (MAINTAIN), an intervention to enhance weight loss maintenance following initiation. The effectiveness of MAINTAIN is being evaluated in an ongoing trial, the rationale and procedures of which are reported herein. Veterans aged ≤ 75 with body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m(2) participate in a 16-week, group-based weight loss program. Participants who lose ≥ 4 kg by the end of 16 weeks (target n = 230) are randomized 1:1 to receive (a) usual care for 56 weeks or (b) MAINTAIN, a theoretically-informed weight loss maintenance intervention for 40 weeks, followed by 16 weeks of no intervention contact. MAINTAIN involves 3 in-person group visits that transition to 8 individualized telephone calls with decreasing contact frequency. MAINTAIN focuses on satisfaction with outcomes, weight self-monitoring, relapse prevention, and social support. We hypothesize that, compared to usual care, MAINTAIN will result in at least 3.5 kg less regain and better relative levels of caloric intake and physical activity over 56 weeks, and that it will be cost-effective. If effective, MAINTAIN could serve as a model for redesigning existing weight loss programs. NCT01357551. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Three-Dimensional FIB/EBSD Characterization of Irradiated HfAl3-Al Composite

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

Hua, Zilong; Guillen, Donna Post; Harris, William

2016-09-01

A thermal neutron absorbing material, comprised of 28.4 vol% HfAl3 in an Al matrix, was developed to serve as a conductively cooled thermal neutron filter to enable fast flux materials and fuels testing in a pressurized water reactor. In order to observe the microstructural change of the HfAl3-Al composite due to neutron irradiation, an EBSD-FIB characterization approach is developed and presented in this paper. Using the focused ion beam (FIB), the sample was fabricated to 25µm × 25µm × 20 µm and mounted on the grid. A series of operations were carried out repetitively on the sample top surface tomore » prepare it for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). First, a ~100-nm layer was removed by high voltage FIB milling. Then, several cleaning passes were performed on the newly exposed surface using low voltage FIB milling to improve the SEM image quality. Last, the surface was scanned by Electron Backscattering Diffraction (EBSD) to obtain the two-dimensional image. After 50 to 100 two-dimensional images were collected, the images were stacked to reconstruct a three-dimensional model using DREAM.3D software. Two such reconstructed three-dimensional models were obtained from samples of the original and post-irradiation HfAl3-Al composite respectively, from which the most significant microstructural change caused by neutron irradiation apparently is the size reduction of both HfAl3 and Al grains. The possible reason is the thermal expansion and related thermal strain from the thermal neutron absorption. This technique can be applied to three-dimensional microstructure characterization of irradiated materials.« less

Mowafak Al-Jassim | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Mowafak Al-Jassim Photo of Mowafak Al-Jassim Mowafak Al-Jassim Group Research Manager III-Materials researcher and advancing to a principal scientist and a technical manager. His research group has contributed numerous international conferences. Research Interests His research interests include the multiscale

Coercivity Recovery Effect of Sm-Fe-Cu-Al Alloy on Sm2Fe17N3 Magnet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otogawa, Kohei; Asahi, Toru; Jinno, Miho; Yamaguchi, Wataru; Takagi, Kenta; Kwon, Hansang

2018-03-01

The potential of a Sm-Fe-Cu-Al binder for improvement of the magnetic properties of Sm2Fe17N3 was examined. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation of a Sm-Fe-Cu-Al alloy-bonded Sm2Fe17N3 magnet which showed high coercivity revealed that the Sm-Fe-Cu-Al alloy had an effect of removing the surface oxide layer of the Sm2 Fe17N3 grains. However, the Sm-Fe-Cu-Al binder was contaminated by carbon and nitrogen, which originated from the organic solvent used as the milling medium during pulverization. To prevent carbon and nitrogen contamination, the Sm-Fe- Cu-Al alloy was added directly on the surface of the Sm2Fe17N3 grains by sputtering. Comparing the recovered coercivity per unit amount of the added binder the uncontaminated binder-coated sample had a higher coercivity recovery effect than the milled binder-added sample. These results suggested that sufficient addition of the contamination-free Sm-Fe-Cu-Al binder has the possibility to reduce the amount of binder necessary to produce a high coercive Sm2Fe17N3 magnet.

CuAlO2 and CuAl2O4 thin films obtained by stacking Cu and Al films using physical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castillo-Hernández, G.; Mayén-Hernández, S.; Castaño-Tostado, E.; DeMoure-Flores, F.; Campos-González, E.; Martínez-Alonso, C.; Santos-Cruz, J.

2018-06-01

CuAlO2 and CuAl2O4 thin films were synthesized by the deposition of the precursor metals using the physical vapor deposition technique and subsequent annealing. Annealing was carried out for 4-6 h in open and nitrogen atmospheres respectively at temperatures of 900-1000 °C with control of heating and cooling ramps. The band gap measurements ranged from 3.3 to 4.5 eV. Electrical properties were measured using the van der Pauw technique. The preferred orientations of CuAlO2 and CuAl2O4 were found to be along the (1 1 2) and (3 1 1) planes, respectively. The phase percentages were quantified using a Rietveld refinement simulation and the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy indicated that the composition is very close to the stoichiometry of CuAlO2 samples and with excess of aluminum and deficiency of copper for CuAl2O4 respectively. High resolution transmission electron microscopy identified the principal planes in CuAlO2 and in CuAl2O4. Higher purities were achieved in nitrogen atmosphere with the control of the cooling ramps.

An Unusual Inverted Saline Microbial Mat Community in an Interdune Sabkha in the Rub' al Khali (the Empty Quarter), United Arab Emirates

PubMed Central

McKay, Christopher P.; Rask, Jon C.; Detweiler, Angela M.; Bebout, Brad M.; Everroad, R. Craig; Lee, Jackson Z.; Chanton, Jeffrey P.; Mayer, Marisa H.; Caraballo, Adrian A. L.; Kapili, Bennett; Al-Awar, Meshgan; Al-Farraj, Asma

2016-01-01

Salt flats (sabkha) are a recognized habitat for microbial life in desert environments and as analogs of habitats for possible life on Mars. Here we report on the physical setting and microbiology of interdune sabkhas among the large dunes in the Rub' al Khali (the Empty Quarter) in Liwa Oasis, United Arab Emirates. The salt flats, composed of gypsum and halite, are moistened by relatively fresh ground water. The result is a salinity gradient that is inverted compared to most salt flat communities with the hypersaline layer at the top and freshwater layers below. We describe and characterize a rich photosynthetically-based microbial ecosystem that is protected from the arid outside environment by a translucent salt crust. Gases collected from sediments under shallow ponds in the sabkha contain methane in concentrations as high as 3400 ppm. The salt crust could preserve biomarkers and other evidence for life in the salt after it dries out. Chloride-filled depressions have been identified on Mars and although surface flow of water is unlikely on Mars today, ground water is possible. Such a near surface system with modern groundwater flowing under ancient salt deposits could be present on Mars and could be accessed by surface rovers. PMID:26982497

Data supporting Al-Abed et al., Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2016,

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Data files representing each of the Figures and Tables published in Al-Abed et al., Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2016,3, 593. The data file names identify the Figure or Table and each file contains an internal set of data definitionsThis dataset is associated with the following publication:Al-Abed, S.R., J. Virkutyte, J. Ortenzio , R.M. McCarrick, L. Degn, R. Zucker , N. Coates , K. Cleveland, H. Ma, S. Diamond, K. Dreher , and W. Boyes. Environmental aging alters AI(OH)3 coating of TiO2 nanoparticles enhancing their photocatalytic and phototoxicity activities. Environmental Science: Nano. RSC Publishing, Cambridge, UK, N/A, (2016).

The Genyornis Egg: Response to Miller et al.'s commentary on Grellet-Tinner et al., 2016

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grellet-Tinner, Gerald; Spooner, Nigel A.; Handley, Warren D.; Worthy, Trevor H.

2017-04-01

Williams (1981) and Williams and Rich (1991) attributed Australian Quaternary fossil eggshell that differed from that of emu Dromaius novaehollandiae to the extinct bird Genyornis newtoni without any osteological or embryonic support. Such association by proximity or abundance mirrors the case of the mistaken association of oviraptor eggs to Protoceratops in the 1920's by Andrews (Grellet-Tinner and Makovicky, 2006). No other candidate species was considered, and this attribution has been unchallenged and followed by everyone thereafter. Much research has been done on this Australian eggshell, with one result being that the extinction of the parent of this eggshell is the most well documented for a taxon in Australia (e.g., Miller et al., 1999, 2005). Grellet-Tinner et al. (2016) raised several problems with the identity of the eggshell Williams (1981) attributed to Genyornis newtoni and suggested that extinct megapodes of the genus Progura were the more likely layer of this eggshell type, therein referred to as ;putative Genyornis oological material; (PGOM). Miller et al. (2017) challenged our hypothesis stating that ;Based on the dimensions of the reconstructed Spooner Egg,Grellet-Tinner et al. (2016)argue that PGOM is too small for a bird with the body mass estimated for Genyornis (168-275 kg) … …[and] …. None of the additional PGOM observations reported byGrellet-Tinner et al. (2016)are inconsistent with a Genyornis parent;. Here we take the opportunity to respond to their critique, the basis of which resolves into a few points, which we address in turn.

Alumovesuvianite, Ca19Al(Al,Mg)12Si18O69(OH)9, a new vesuvianite-group member from the Jeffrey mine, asbestos, Estrie region, Québec, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panikorovskii, Taras L.; Chukanov, Nikita V.; Aksenov, Sergey M.; Mazur, Anton S.; Avdontseva, Evgenia Yu; Shilovskikh, Vladimir V.; Krivovichev, Sergey V.

2017-12-01

Alumovesuvianite (IMA 2016-014), ideally Ca19Al(Al,Mg)12Si18O69(OH)9, is a new vesuvianite-group member found in the rodingite zone at the contact of a gabbroid rock with host serpentinite in the abandoned Jeffrey mine, Asbestos, Estrie Region, Québec, Canada. It occurs as prismatic tetragonal crystals up to 4 × 4 × 6 mm3 in size encrusting walls of cavities in a granular diopside. Associated minerals are diopside, grossular and prehnite. Single crystals of alumovesuvianite are transparent colorless or light pink with a vitreous lustre. The dominant crystal forms are {100}, {110}, {210}, {111}, {101} and {001}. The Mohs hardness is 6.5. The specific gravitiy is D meas = 3.31(1) g/cm3 and D calc = 3.36 g/cm3, respectively. The mineral is optically uniaxial (-), ω = 1.725(2), ɛ = 1.722(2). The chemical composition, determined by SEM-WDS (wavelength-dispersive spectroscopy on a scanning electron microscope; all oxides except H2O) and TG (thermogravimety; H2O) analysis, is: SiO2 37.1 wt%, Al2O3 18.8 wt%, CaO 36.6 wt%, MgO 2.48 wt%, Mn2O3 0.67 wt%, Fe2O3 0.22 wt%, H2O 2.61 wt%, total 98.5 wt%. The empirical formula based on 19 Ca atoms per formula unit and taking into account the MAS-NMR (magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance) data, is: Ca19.00(Al0.92Fe3+ 0.08)Σ1.00(Al9.83Mg1.80Mn3+ 0.25)Σ11.88Si17.98O69.16(OH)8.44. The most intense IR absorption bands lie in the ranges 412-609, 897-1024, and 3051-3671 cm-1. The eight strongest lines of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern are ( I-d(Å)- hkl): 22-2.96-004, 100-2.761-432, 61-2.612-224, 25-2.593-600, 20-1.7658-831, 20-1.6672-734, 21-1.6247-912, and 22-1.3443-880. Alumovesuvianite is tetragonal, space group P4/ n, unit-cell parameters refined from the powder data are a = 15.5603(5) Å, c = 11.8467(4) Å, V = 2868.3(4) Å3, Z = 2. The crystal structure has been refined to R 1 = 0.036 for 3098 unique observed reflections with | F o| ≥ 4σ F . The structure refinement provides the < Y1A-O > bond length of 1

Valley segments, stream reaches, and channel units [Chapter 2

Treesearch

Peter A. Bisson; David R. Montgomery; John M. Buffington

2006-01-01

Valley segments, stream reaches, and channel units are three hierarchically nested subdivisions of the drainage network (Frissell et al. 1986), falling in size between landscapes and watersheds (see Chapter 1) and individual point measurements made along the stream network (Table 2.1; also see Chapters 3 and 4). These three subdivisions compose the habitat for large,...

Two-Phase (TiAl+TiCrAl) Coating Alloys for Titanium Aluminides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brady, Michael P. (Inventor); Smialek, James L. (Inventor); Brindley, William J. (Inventor)

1998-01-01

A coating for protecting titanium aluminide alloys, including the TiAl gamma + Ti3Al (alpha(sub 2)) class, from oxidative attack and interstitial embrittlement at temperatures up to at least 1000 C. is disclosed. This protective coating consists essentially of titanium, aluminum. and chromium in the following approximate atomic ratio: Ti(41.5-34.5)Al(49-53)Cr(9.5-12.5)

Expression of interest: transcriptomics and the designation of conservation units.

PubMed

Hansen, Michael M

2010-05-01

An important task within conservation genetics consists in defining intraspecific conservation units. Most conceptual frameworks involve two steps: (i) identifying demographically independent units, and (ii) evaluating their degree of adaptive divergence. Whereas a plethora of methods are available for delineating genetic population structure, assessment of functional genetic divergence remains a challenge. In this issue, Tymchuk et al. (2010) study Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) populations using both microsatellite markers and analysis of global gene expression. They show that important gene expression differences exist that can be interpreted in the context of different ecological conditions experienced by the populations, along with the populations' histories. This demonstrates an important potential role of transcriptomics for designating conservation units.

Structural and optical properties of the naked and passivated Al{sub 5}Au{sub 5} bimetallic nanoclusters

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

Grande-Aztatzi, Rafael; Formoso, Elena; Matxain, Jon M.

The structural and optical properties of both the naked and passivated bimetallic Al{sub 5}Au{sub 5} nanoclusters have been analyzed based on data obtained from ab initio density functional theory and quantum molecular dynamics simulations. It has been found that the Al{sub 5}Au{sub 5} nanocluster possesses a hollow shaped minimum energy structure with segregated Al and Au layered domains, the former representing the electrophilic domain and the latter the nucleophilic domain. In particular, it has been shown that alkali metal cations attach in the nucleophilic domain and hop from one Au site to the next one in the picoseconds time scale,more » while anions are bound tightly to the Al atoms of the electrophilic domain. Simulating annealing studies are very suggestive of the proneness of the nanocluster towards coalescence into large cluster units, when the cluster is left unprotected by appropriate ligands. Further passivation studies with NaF salt suggest, nonetheless, the possibility of the isolation of the Al{sub 5}Au{sub 5} cluster in molten salts or ionic liquids.« less

Choline and Cystine Deficient Diets in Animal Models with Hepatocellular Injury: Evaluation of Oxidative Stress and Expression of RAGE, TNF-α, and IL-1β.

PubMed

Santos, Juliana Célia F; de Araújo, Orlando R P; Valentim, Iara B; de Andrade, Kívia Queiroz; Moura, Fabiana Andréa; Smaniotto, Salete; dos Santos, John Marques; Gasparotto, Juciano; Gelain, Daniel P; Goulart, Marília O F

2015-01-01

This study aims to evaluate the effects of diets deficient in choline and/or cystine on hepatocellular injury in animal models (young male Wistar rats, aged 21 days), by monitoring some of the oxidative stress biomarkers and the expression of RAGE, TNF-α, and IL-1β. The animals were divided into 6 groups (n = 10) and submitted to different diets over 30 days: AIN-93 diet (standard, St), AIN-93 choline deficient (CD) diet and AIN-93 choline and cystine deficient (CCD) diet, in the pellet (pl) and powder (pw) diet forms. Independently of the diet form, AIN-93 diet already led to hepatic steatosis and CD/CCD diets provoked hepatic damage. The increase of lipid peroxidation, represented by the evaluation of thiobarbituric acid reactive species, associated with the decrease of levels of antioxidant enzymes, were the parameters with higher significance toward redox profile in this model of hepatic injury. Regarding inflammation, in relation to TNF-α, higher levels were evidenced in CD(pl), while, for IL-1β, no significant alteration was detected. RAGE expression was practically the same in all groups, with exception of CCD(pw) versus CCD(pl). These results together confirm that AIN-93 causes hepatic steatosis and choline and/or cysteine deficiencies produce important hepatic injury associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory profiles.

Insects intercepted on Solid Wood Packing Materials at United States Ports-of-Entry: 1985-1998

Treesearch

Robert A. Haack; Joseph F. Cavey

2000-01-01

Estimates of the total number of exotic (non-indigenous) organisms that are now established in the United States(US), range from 4,500 (US Congress1993) to more than 50,000 (Pimentel et al. 2000), of which more than 400 are insects that feed on trees and shrubs and another 20 are disease organisms of trees(Haack and Byler 1993, Mattson et al. 1994, Niemela and Mattson...

Market-Based Approaches toward the Development of Urban Forest Carbon Projects in the United States

Treesearch

Neelam C. Poudyal; Jacek P. Siry; J. M. Bowker

2012-01-01

The United States has observed unprecedented urban growth over the last few decades. Nowak et al. (2005) noted that between 1990 and 2000, the share of urban land area in the nation increased from 2.5% to 3.1%. Existing urban areas in the U.S. maintain average tree coverage of 27% (Nowak et al. 2001), and consist of millions of trees along streets and in parks,...

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP): An Al Qaeda Affiliate Case Study

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-10-01

Underwear Bombing ” and an unsuccessful 2010 plan to put parcel bombs on U.S.-bound airplanes. AQAP also seeks to inspire “lone jihad” attacks in the... bomb -maker,5 and Sudanese national Ibrahim al-Qosi, a former bookkeeper for Osama Bin Laden.6 Below the emir are regional commanders and heads of...5 “Profile: Al-Qaeda ‘ Bomb Maker’ Ibrahim al-Asiri,” BBC News, July 4, 2014, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-11662143. See also al-Asiri

Novel AlInN/GaN integrated circuits operating up to 500 °C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaska, R.; Gaevski, M.; Jain, R.; Deng, J.; Islam, M.; Simin, G.; Shur, M.

2015-11-01

High electron concentration in 2DEG channel of AlInN/GaN devices is remarkably stable over a broad temperature range, enabling device operation above 500 °C. The developed IC technology is based on three key elements: (1) exceptional quality AlInN/GaN heterostructure with very high carrier concentration and mobility enables IC fast operation in a broad temperature range; (2) heterostructure field effect transistor approach t provides fully planar IC structure which is easy to scale and to combine with the other high temperature electronic components; (3) fabrication advancements including novel metallization scheme and high-K passivation/gate dielectrics enable high temperature operation. The feasibility of the developed technology was confirmed by fabrication and testing of the high temperature inverter and differential amplifier ICs using AlInN/GaN heterostructures. The developed ICs showed stable performance with unit-gain bandwidth above 1 MHz and internal response time 45 ns at temperatures as high as 500 °C.

Transformation to Ni5Al3 in a 63.0 at. pct Ni-Al alloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khadkikar, P. S.; Locci, I. E.; Vedula, K.; Michal, G. M.

1993-01-01

Microstructures of 63 at. pct P/M Ni-Al alloys with a composition close to the stoichiometry of the Ni5Al3 phase were investigated using homogenized and quenched specimens aged at low temperatures for various times. Results of analyses of XRD data and electron microscopy observations were used for quantitative phase analysis, performed to calculate the (NiAl + Ni5Al3)/Ni5Al3 phase boundary locations. The measured lattice parameters of Ni5Al3 phase formed at 823, 873, and 923 K indicated an increase in tetragonality of the phase with increasing nickel content.

Screw dislocation-induced growth spirals as emissive exciton localization centers in Al-rich AlGaN/AlN quantum wells

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

Funato, Mitsuru, E-mail: funato@kuee.kyoto-u.ac.jp; Banal, Ryan G.; Kawakami, Yoichi

2015-11-15

Screw dislocations in Al-rich AlGaN/AlN quantum wells cause growth spirals with an enhanced Ga incorporation, which create potential minima. Although screw dislocations and their surrounding potential minima suggest non-radiative recombination processes within growth spirals, in reality, screw dislocations are not major non-radiative sinks for carriers. Consequently, carriers localized within growth spirals recombine radiatively without being captured by non-radiative recombination centers, resulting in intense emissions from growth spirals.

Formation of Al3Ti/Mg composite by powder metallurgy of Mg-Al-Ti system.

PubMed

Yang, Zi R; Qi Wang, Shu; Cui, Xiang H; Zhao, Yu T; Gao, Ming J; Wei, Min X

2008-07-01

An in situ titanium trialuminide (Al 3 Ti)-particle-reinforced magnesium matrix composite has been successfully fabricated by the powder metallurgy of a Mg-Al-Ti system. The reaction processes and formation mechanism for synthesizing the composite were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), x-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Al 3 Ti particles are found to be synthesized in situ in the Mg alloy matrix. During the reaction sintering of the Mg-Al-Ti system, Al 3 Ti particles are formed through the reaction of liquid Al with as-dissolved Ti around the Ti particles. The formed intermetallic particles accumulate at the original sites of the Ti particles. As sintering time increases, the accumulated intermetallic particles disperse and reach a relatively homogeneous distribution in the matrix. It is found that the reaction process of the Mg-Al-Ti system is almost the same as that of the Al-Ti system. Mg also acts as a catalytic agent and a diluent in the reactions and shifts the reactions of Al and Ti to lower temperatures. An additional amount of Al is required for eliminating residual Ti and solid-solution strengthening of the Mg matrix.

33 CFR 334.782 - SUPSHIP Bath Maine Detachment Mobile at AUSTAL, USA, Mobile, AL; restricted area.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false SUPSHIP Bath Maine Detachment... REGULATIONS § 334.782 SUPSHIP Bath Maine Detachment Mobile at AUSTAL, USA, Mobile, AL; restricted area. (a... local military or Naval authority, vessels of the United States Coast Guard, and local or state law...

33 CFR 334.782 - SUPSHIP Bath Maine Detachment Mobile at AUSTAL, USA, Mobile, AL; restricted area.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false SUPSHIP Bath Maine Detachment... REGULATIONS § 334.782 SUPSHIP Bath Maine Detachment Mobile at AUSTAL, USA, Mobile, AL; restricted area. (a... local military or Naval authority, vessels of the United States Coast Guard, and local or state law...

Retention Patterns for Army National Guard Units Attending the National Training Center

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-04-01

which are more difficult, Table 2.1 NTC ROUNDOUT BATTALION SCHEDULE ARNG UNIT STATE DATES 1-108 AR GA 9-22 September 󈨗 2-136 INF (M) MN 19 April-8 May...1984 1-121 INF (M) GA 3-22 October 󈨘 2-121 INF (M) GA 18 March-6 April 󈨙 2-152 AR AL 1-20 June 󈨙 2-120 INF (M) NC 26 June-15 July 󈨙 3-156 INF...roundout unit to the 24th Infantry Division headquartered at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Elements of the unit are located in Tifton , Valdosta, Fitzgerald and

Evidence from x-ray and neutron powder diffraction patterns that the so-called icosahedral and decagonal quasicrystals of MnAl(6) and other alloys are twinned cubic crystals.

PubMed

Pauling, L

1987-06-01

It is shown that the x-ray powder diffraction patterns of rapidly quenched MnAl(6) and Mg(32)(Al,Zn)(49) and the neutron powder diffraction pattern of MnAl(6) are compatible with the proposed 820-atom primitive cubic structure [Pauling, L. (1987) Phys. Rev. Lett. 58, 365-368]. The values found for the edge of the unit cube are 23.365 A (x-ray) and 23.416 A (neutron) for MnAl(6) and 24.313 A (x-ray) for Mg(32)(Al,Zn)(49).